Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 524-549

Schools Building Projects

Questions (524)

Alan Farrell

Question:

524. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the project planned for a school (details supplied). [14700/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I would like to inform the Deputy that the school in question was awarded funding under my Department's Summer Works Scheme. I am also pleased to inform the Deputy that approval has been given to the school authority to appoint a contractor to carry out the works in question following receipt of a tender report from the school. An increase in funding was allowed in that respect to reflect inflationary increases arising from the lapse in time since the original application was submitted.

As this is a devolved project it is a matter for the school authority to progress the works.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (525)

Alan Farrell

Question:

525. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are plans to accommodate funding for science PhD students whose studies were delayed due to Covid-19 (details supplied); and if the funding will be extended to ensure they can complete their work. [14701/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

On 13 March 2020, the Irish Research Council, in partnership with the Health Research Board and Science Foundation Ireland, issued a joint funders statement to address issues being faced by grant awardees during the Covid-19 pandemic. This was followed by the establishment of a group comprising the main competitive research funders and performers and the HEA, which provides a strong forum for dialogue on a range of issues.

The Department understands that flexibility is being offered by the research funding bodies to researchers such as considering proposals to reallocate costs within project awards, the provision of extensions for those directly impacted in terms of access to laboratories at this time, the possibility to review work packages within individual awards etc. All parties are seeking to work through the current situation in a way that safeguards our Research, Development and Innovation system to the maximum extent possible and to address the specific concerns regarding researchers on contracts that are linked to research funding awards. It is considered that an approach which deals with issues on a case-by-case basis is the most appropriate at this time and one that ensures the specific circumstances that arise in particular cases can be addressed effectively. In relation to costed extensions, the Department understands that a number of research funders are working proactively with their grant holders in this regard.

Health and safety is the paramount driver and the return of researchers is being managed appropriately at a local level given the very specific needs of different types of research and the closeness to completion of some projects, for example, for doctoral students and industry contracts, with oversight from the Heads of Research to ensure consistency and fairness in the approaches being taken.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (526)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

526. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which the grant scheme for parents of children included in the July provision to help with transport costs will operate; when the scheme will be available for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14712/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

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 €219 million in 2019.

With regard to transport arrangements for the Summer Programme my Department will provide grant funding to support parents with the cost of transport arrangements for those children who are eligible for school transport and who have been approved to participate in the school based Summer Programme.

Schools are required to identify children who are on a School Transport service or who are in receipt of a grant. School Transport Section will be in contact with schools and families in regard to the arrangements for payment.

Grant payment is based on the distance that a family reside from their child’s school of attendance. The calculation is based on four trips per day (home to school and school to home, morning and afternoon) multiplied by the number of days a child attends school for the programme. The current rate of grant is 39.12 cent per kilometre for the first 6,437 kilometres travelled and 21.22 per kilometre for each kilometre travelled thereafter.

Third Level Admissions

Questions (527)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

527. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if provisions are being made for applicants to the CAO for undergraduate medicine who completed the leaving certificate in previous years (details supplied); if there is a reduction in international students taking up course offers on undergraduate medicine programmes; if the places can be made available to EU applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14715/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The system whereby calculated grades are generated includes a process of national standardisation in which marks and rankings submitted by schools will be examined and may be adjusted using statistical methods to ensure a common national standard is applied. Profiles of achievement at Leaving Certificate level over the last three years will be used as part of this process and this will help ensure that the grades issued remain in line with national performance standards over time. Nonetheless, there will be fluctuations in CAO points this year, as there are every year, which will depend on the volume of applications, the number of applicants who meet the entry requirements and the grades received by applicants.

In light of the current public health circumstances, it is difficult to predict the expected international student numbers for next academic year. Much depends on unfolding events such as all available national and international public health advice, particularly in respect of international travel for programmes where a physical presence in Ireland is needed.

Higher education institutions are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs including admissions procedures. The CAO processes applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on behalf of the HEIs. Decisions on admissions, including the number of places offered, are made by the HEIs which then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. Neither I nor my Department have any role in the operation of the CAO.

However a quota applies to the intake of EU students to medical education. Thereafter, the number of places allocated to non-EU students is a matter for the individual HEI concerned with the availability of clinical placements being an important factor in this regard.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (528)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

528. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a child (details supplied) will be allowed to engage in the summer scheme for children with disabilities. [14729/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Summer Provision is aimed at helping children with complex needs prepare for a return to education, particularly after the health restrictions that have been in place over recent months. As work continues on planning for the re-opening of schools, it is important that we take measures help the prevention of regression among these children in terms of their education and social interactions. Based on the information provided by the Deputy it appears that the child in question is eligible for summer provision.

The eligibility criteria for summer provision includes children in the following categories:

1. Pupils with a diagnosis of Autism

2. Pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties

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

4. Children transitioning into a special class from early years settings to primary school

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

The Government has also approved the inclusion of children with Down Syndrome who are attending post primary school in the home-based strand of the Programme.

Children with the listed disabilities entering primary school next September are also eligible for the programme.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (529, 640)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

529. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a clear and consistent approach for the resumption of third level education will be ensured for students (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14730/20]

Verona Murphy

Question:

640. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if guidance will be provided to third level students and their families regarding when guidelines relating to the reopening of third level institutions will be forthcoming to allow students to plan accommodation and travel needs properly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15626/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 529 and 640 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.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (530)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

530. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has responsibility for SUSI. [14737/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Student Grant Scheme is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), a business unit of City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB).

The CDETB was appointed as the awarding authority for the student grant scheme in 2012. It is accountable to the Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for matters pertaining to the student grant scheme.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (531)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

531. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills the person or body with responsibility for SUSI. [14738/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Student Grant Scheme is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), a business unit of City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB).

The CDETB was appointed as the awarding authority for the student grant scheme in 2012. It is accountable to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for matters pertaining to the student grant scheme.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (532, 533, 534, 535)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

532. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has responsibility for Science Foundation Ireland and the funding lines of same. [14739/20]

Seán Sherlock

Question:

533. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills the Minister with responsibility for Science Foundation Ireland. [14740/20]

Seán Sherlock

Question:

534. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has responsibility for the Irish Research Council. [14741/20]

Seán Sherlock

Question:

535. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills the Minister with responsibility for the Irish Research Council. [14742/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 535 to 535, inclusive, together.

Following the making of the relevant legislative orders both the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland will come under the remit of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

In 2020 Science Foundation Ireland was allocated total funding of €211.56 million, comprising €12.65 million in current funding and €198.91 million in capital funding.

School Transport

Questions (536)

Noel Grealish

Question:

536. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if refunds will be given for school transport which was paid in advance for the 2019-20 academic year; if school transport costs will be reduced for the forthcoming academic year in view of the fact that school transport was paid for but not used after 12 March 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14752/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

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 €219 million in 2019.

The decision taken by the Government to close schools with effect from 13th March 2020 was taken in the interest of protecting our pupils, their families, teachers and those members of the wider community and is one of the many measures taken to support efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Given that the school transport services have not been available to children from 13 March, it was decided that at the end of the current school year a refund for that period of closure will be issued to parents. My Department has been engaging with Bus Éireann in developing a plan for facilitating these refunds and I can confirm that refunds will be issued directly to all entitled family account holders.

The refunds process has commenced and refunds to those families who paid by cheque issued during the week commencing 29 June. With regard to families who paid by card, Bus Éireann is emailing all families due to receive a refund to advise them of arrangements. Further details on the refunds process is available at https://www.buseireann.ie/SchoolRefunds.

School Transport

Questions (537)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

537. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of refunds for school transport. [14779/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

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 €219 million in 2019..

The decision taken by the Government to close schools with effect from 13th March 2020 was taken in the interest of protecting our pupils, their families, teachers and those members of the wider community and is one of the many measures taken to support efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Given that the school transport services have not been available to children from 13 March, it was decided that at the end of the current school year a refund for that period of closure will be issued to parents. My Department has been engaging with Bus Éireann in developing a plan for facilitating these refunds and I can confirm that refunds will be issued directly to all entitled family account holders.

The refunds process has commenced and refunds to those families who paid by cheque issued during the week commencing 29th June. With regard to families who paid by card, Bus Éireann is emailing all families due to receive a refund to advise them of arrangements. Further details on the refunds process is available at https://www.buseireann.ie/SchoolRefunds.

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Questions (538)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

538. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén chaoi a mbíonn scoláire a tógadh sa Ghaeltacht cáilithe do cheann de na háiteanna a bhíonn coinnithe do scoláire Gaeltachta sna cúrsaí céime d’ábhar oidí bunscoile de bharr gur cuireadh deireadh le Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge sa bhliain 2010; an bhfuil malairt teiste ann dóibh siúd atá ag cónaí sa Ghaeltacht ó shin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [14788/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Is eol dom go bhfuil an Teachta ag tagairt don soláthar fadbhunaithe atá ann trínar féidir suas le 10% d’áiteanna ar chlár na Céime Baitsiléir Oideachais (B.Ed) bunscoile sna ceithre Institiúid Ardoideachais bunscoile atá maoinithe ag an stát a chur in áirithe d’iarrthóirí a bhfuil cónaí orthu sa Ghaeltacht ainmnithe go hoifigiúil agus arb í an Ghaeilge gnáththeanga an bhaile dóibh.

Faoi láthair, is iad na critéir roghnúcháin chun incháilitheacht iarrthóra don bhealach iontrála sin chun teagaisc a mheas ná go bhfuil seoladh baile an iarrthóra i gceantar Gaeltachta agus go raibh an teaghlach ag fáil deontais roimhe sin faoin Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge (SLG).

I gcásanna nach raibh teaghlach iarrthóra ag fáil deontais Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge roimhe sin ach a bhfuil cónaí air nó uirthi i gceantar Gaeltachta, tabharfar cuireadh don iarrthóir chun agallaimh a dhéanamh chun a fháil amach an í Gaeilge teanga an bhaile.

Is mian liom a chur in iúl don Teachta go bhfuil athbhreithniú á dhéanamh ag mo Roinn ar na critéir agus ar an bpróiseas roghnúcháin don bhealach iontrála áirithe sin chun teagaisc, lenar cuimsíodh comhairliúchán leis na páirtithe leasmhara ábhartha. Tuigim go bhfuil an t-athbhreithniú sin beagnach tugtha chun críche agus déanfar fógra a luaithe a bheidh an próiseas críochnaithe.

Is é príomhaidhm an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta (2017-2022) soláthar múinteoirí nua-cháilithe a bhfuil an inniúlacht acu meánoideachas ardchaighdeáin trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar i scoileanna, go háirithe i suíomhanna scoile Gaeltachta.

Chun oibriú i dtreo chuspóir an Pholasaí a bhaint amach, d’fhonn soláthar múinteoirí a bhfuil an inniúlacht acu oideachas ardchaighdeáin Gaeilge a sholáthar i scoileanna, d’fhógair mo Roinn go seachadfaí dhá chlár nua oideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge do mhúinteoirí lena n-áirítear clár B.Ed. um Oiliúint Tosaigh Múinteoirí (teagasc bunscoile) agus Máistreacht ar Oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta, a sheachadfaidh suas le 60 áit nua d’Oideachas Múinteoirí trí Ghaeilge gach bliain.

English Version

I am aware that the Deputy is referring to the long standing provision which exists whereby up to 10% of places on the primary Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) Degree programme in the four state funded primary Higher Education Institutions may be reserved for candidates who reside in the officially designated Gaeltacht and the normal language of whose home is Irish.

Currently, the selection criteria for assessing a candidates eligibility for this entry route to teaching is that the candidate’s home address is in a Gaeltacht area and that the household was previously in receipt of a grant under the Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge (SLG).

In instances where a candidate’s household were not previously in receipt of a Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge but reside in a Gaeltacht area, the candidate will be invited to interview to establish if the language of home is Irish.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has been reviewing the criteria and selection process for this particular entry route to teaching, which has included consultation with the relevant stakeholders. I understand that this review is near completion and an announcement will be made as soon as the process is complete.

A key aim of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education (2017-2022) is to increase the supply of newly-qualified teachers with the competence to deliver high quality Irish-medium education in schools, particularly in Gaeltacht school settings.

To work towards achieving the Policy’s objective of increasing the supply of teachers with the competence to deliver high quality Irish-medium education in schools, my Department announced the delivery of two new Irish-medium teacher education programmes including an Irish-medium B.Ed. Initial Teacher Education programme (primary teaching) and Masters on Irish-medium and Gaeltacht Education, which will deliver up to 60 new places for Teacher Education through Irish annually.

School Staff

Questions (539)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

539. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will give consideration to the measures outlined in correspondence in the case of a school (details supplied). [14790/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

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 criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department website. 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 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 school has been notified of this decision. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board is independent of the Department and its decision is final.

School Enrolments

Questions (540)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

540. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on a matter regarding a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14792/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

In relation to school admissions, 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 Admission to School’s Act 2018 . 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.

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, as in the case of Presentation Secondary School, Milltown, a selection process may be necessary. This 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.

A Board of Management may find it necessary to prioritise enrolment of children from particular areas or on the basis of some other criterion, including giving priority to applicants who have attended a particular primary school, commonly known as a feeder school. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves.

The question of enrolment in individual schools, including the setting of catchment areas, is the responsibility of the managerial authorities on behalf of the school Patron and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (541)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

541. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills when schools and parents will be notified of classroom configurations under the guidelines announced for physical distancing on the return to school. [14794/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Receipt of the public health advice for the reopening of schools and educational facilities on 1 July will underpin the important work of ongoing engagements with education partners and stakeholders in terms of planning and providing guidance for schools to ensure the return to school is safe for children and staff.

This guidance when fully developed will include templates that can be used by schools as a guide to reconfigure classrooms in line with the physical distancing requirements published in the interim public health advice. It is envisaged that this guidance will be finalised by the end of July in order to allow time for schools to implement the necessary arrangements locally.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (542)

Alan Kelly

Question:

542. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a copy of the Departmental briefings received by her and each Minister of State in her Department upon taking up each individual role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14801/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

In keeping with the established practice, a comprehensive briefing document was prepared in advance of my appointment by officials in the Department of Education and Skills which was then finalised following the Taoiseach's announcement that the previous Department of Education and Skills would have its responsibilities, together with certain responsibilities previously assigned to other Departments, assigned to two Ministers in the current Government.

The briefing document provided to me; and similar briefing provided to Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, at my Department, represents the first phase of briefing following our appointments and as briefings are continuing I do not propose to make the briefing document available at this time. The Deputy may wish to note that, again in accordance with established practice, the briefing document will be published on the Department's website in the coming weeks.

Summer Works Scheme

Questions (543)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

543. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a summer works scheme application will be granted due to the circumstances of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14814/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers applied for funding for the work in question under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme. As the scope of the works associated with this application were outside the terms of the scheme, this application was refused. I can also confirm that the mechanism for applying for funding for the full set of works of the nature described is my Department’s Summer Works Scheme and as such it is open to the school authority to apply for these works under a future Summer Works Scheme.

It remains open to the school to reapply for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme with a reduced scope of works to address those issues which might prevent the school or part thereof from opening.

Third Level Institutions

Questions (544)

Colm Burke

Question:

544. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if additional mental health funding will be provided for mental health services for third level institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14843/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

All higher education institutions are required to put in place appropriate student services, which can fall under a number of headings, particularly ‘Welfare and Guidance’, which includes counselling services and health promotion. In Budget 2020 funding of €2 million was provided by the Government for student mental health and wellbeing initiatives in the higher education sector. This will enhance the capacity of institutions, by supplementing the funding that the institutions already invest in the provision of these services to students. Each higher education institution will benefit from the additional funding, and I understand that the HEA has advised the higher education institutions in this regard.

In addition, a National Framework on Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention was developed by a working group, which included representatives from the HEA, USI, National Office of Suicide Prevention, Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education in Ireland, the HSE as well as from my Department. It is expected that the Framework will be published in the coming weeks, thus providing an invaluable resource to the third-level institutions.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (545)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

545. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the provision of education is considered an essential service. [14845/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I can assure that the Deputy that I am acutely aware of the essential role that education can play as a means of improving the lives of children and young people in Ireland. I have seen how the work of teachers and schools has the capacity to transform life outcomes for children and young people for the better.

The widespread recognition of the importance of education for our children and young people was reflected in the fact that, while it was not possible on public health grounds related to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic to have children travelling to and from school and congregating in school settings earlier this year, my Department worked with stakeholders to protect the continuity of teaching and learning in the system. My Department produced a suite of guidance documents for school authorities, teachers and parents, giving guidance on how online teaching and learning could operate to ensure that children could continue to learn. The documents are available on my Department’s website.

Since my appointment as Minister for Education, I have continued to work with my officials and with stakeholders in the sector to ensure that schools and other centres of learning will be able to open in the Autumn, in a way that is safe but that also ensures that the vital teaching and learning that goes on in our schools on a daily basis can continue in the interests of our learners.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (546)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

546. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to conduct research to ascertain the impact school closures have had on children and their families. [14846/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

Since schools closed in March 2020, a number of pieces of research on the experience of distance learning in schools have been carried out involving the Department’s Inspectorate, the National Parents’ Councils, school management and principals’ organisations and research bodies such as the Economic Social and Research Institute (ESRI), Maynooth University and Trinity College Dublin. This research has included surveys of school principals and parents as well as engagement with students. The research indicates that the experience of distance learning varied widely for students and was strongly dependent on factors such as access to devices and adequate broadband coverage. Students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and students with special educational needs appear to have been most affected by the shift to distance learning. This replicates the experience in other countries worldwide where the closure of schools due to Covid-19 has greatly interrupted students’ learning in general and particularly that of the most vulnerable students. A detailed analysis of the national and international research that has been published and other available data is underway within my Department and will inform guidance from the Department on the full re-opening of schools.

The key focus now is getting all schools to re-open from the beginning of September and to help students settle back into school and make progress in their learning with as much ease as possible. I am conscious of the need to avoid placing any additional burden on schools at this time, including additional work or disruption to learning that could arise from conducting further research surveys or testing in schools.

I am conscious, of course, of the need to monitor the successes that are achieved and challenges that will arise as schools resume working, so that policy, guidance and practical supports are adjusted as necessary. Circulars have issued to schools in late June, detailing how my Department's Inspectorate will be engaging with schools once they re-open: inspectors will be focussed on providing advisory and support sessions or visits for schools to assist in the resumption of schooling, and information arising from these engagements will be systematically analysed to provide feedback to my Department. This information and analyses will inform the provision of any further guidance and supports.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (547)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

547. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if standardised testing will be mandatory for schools in September 2020 to ascertain the impact of school closures on educational attainment. [14847/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department advised schools of its decision to cancel Standardised Testing for primary schools for the 2019/2020 school year in April of this year. The decision was taken at the time when there was uncertainty as to whether the schools would reopen again in the 2019/2020 school year.

The priority of my Department at the time was to support the learning and wellbeing of all our learners and this has not changed. On return to school the focus for teachers and the whole school community will be on settling the children and returning to normality in the classroom without the added pressure of having to undertake standardised tests. It is not envisaged by my Department that standardised tests of reading and Mathematics will be administered on the return to school.

I would note that Standardised Tests are but only one of a number of assessment tools that can be used to inform teaching and learning in primary schools. Consideration by teachers of the different assessment forms they might take to assess their pupils’ learning without placing any stress or pressure on the pupil to include teacher observation, questioning, tasks and pupil-teacher conferencing should be considered.

My Department will issue Return to School curriculum guidance in the coming weeks.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (548, 549)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

548. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills if children with additional needs will be subject to further school loss in September 2020 if social distancing is required of children. [14848/20]

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

549. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures which will be put in place to support children with complex needs and their families if a full return to school does not happen in September 2020. [14849/20]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 548 and 549 together.

On Wednesday 1 July 2020, I welcomed the publication of interim public health advice for the safe re-opening of schools in late August/ September. This interim health advice sets out the key public health requirements that will be required for a safe full reopening of schools and the measures that will be required to achieve this.

Receipt of public health advice will underpin ongoing engagements with education partners and stakeholders in terms of planning and providing guidance for schools in relation to logistical and curricular arrangements and wellbeing, including the issues raised by the Deputy. This guidance will also outline the important measures required for infection prevention and control to ensure a full return to school is safe for children and staff, including children with complex needs.