Written Answers Nos. 413-438
413. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current position with regard to accommodation requirements at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40113/20]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to has been approved for a project under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2019. This project will provide for three mainstream classrooms with en-suite WCs.
I can advise the Deputy that this project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority and is currently at pre-tender stage. A pre-tender report has been received by my Department and is currently under review.
414. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current position with regard to the provision of the new school at Newtown, Enfield, County Kildare; the degree to which the project has been impeded by Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40114/20]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to has been approved for a project under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2018. This project will provide for four mainstream classrooms, two SET rooms and an Assisted User WC.
I can advise the Deputy that this project was approved to go to Construction in June 2020 and is currently onsite. My Department has not received any correspondence from the school to indicate that the project has been delayed by the current Covid-19 restrictions.
415. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which all required extra facilities at a school (details supplied) have been provided to date or are in course thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40115/20]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no record of receiving an application for additional accommodation from the school in question.
My Department's capital investment programme provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for existing schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified. All school capital projects that have been approved, by my Department, under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA), may be viewed on my Department’s website, https://www.gov.ie/en/service/563cae-additional-accommodation-scheme/#additional-accommodation-scheme which is updated regularly.
416. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which facilities required at a school (details supplied) are being provided for in line with requirements as set out by the school authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40116/20]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question has been approved capital funding in 2020, for additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). This approval will provide for 1 additional mainstream classroom and 1 Special Education Teaching room. The current project brief was agreed with the school authority prior to initiation.
417. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which the facilities required at a school (details supplied) have been provided in line with the wishes of the school authorities to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40117/20]
View answerA grant for the school to which the Deputy refers was approved in 2015 under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme. This grant was provided to enable the Board of Management to provide a mainstream classroom, three resource rooms and a WC for assisted users.
The project went to construction in 2017 and was completed in 2018. The full grant has been paid to the school.
My Department is not in receipt of any further requests from this school for enhanced provision.
418. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current position in regard to outstanding requirements at a school (details supplied) in line with the proposals set out by the school authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40118/20]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to has been approved for a project under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2015. This project will provide for two mainstream classrooms with en-suite WC and a General Purpose room.
This project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority and is currently onsite. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school has informed my Department that the estimated completion date for this project is in December 2020.
419. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the degree to which primary, post-primary and Gaelscoil requirements and-or additional facilities required are provided for in Leixlip, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40119/20]
View answer420. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress to date or in hand in meeting the school place, replacement of facilities, new school requirements and special needs provision at primary and post-primary levels in Straffan, County Kildare; the extent to which each project is on target in line with projections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40125/20]
View answer444. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the school replacement, extension or upgrade requests submitted by each of the various school authorities throughout north County Kildare at primary and second levels in respect of which construction progress is in hand, is planned for an early date or is awaiting attention; when it is expected that each of the projects will be concluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40465/20]
View answer445. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which adequate classroom accommodation remains available at primary and second level schools nationally with reference to those areas of concentrated population and high pupil-teacher ratios; if she is satisfied that deficiencies in space can be adequately provided for in the short-term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40466/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 419, 420, 444 and 445 together.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (GIS). The GIS uses data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Department's own school enrolment databases, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise.
The process has been strengthened this year through three specific initiatives:
1. enhanced engagement with local authorities in relation to the information on residential development incorporated in the analysis process;
2. additional engagement with patron bodies in relation to their local knowledge on school place requirements. Education and Training Boards, Diocesan offices and national patron bodies such as Educate Together, An Foras Pátrúnachta etc. can also be an important source of local knowledge. This will add to information also provided to the Department by local authorities or individual schools.
3. utilising the information gleaned from schools under the national inventory of school capacity completed by individual schools last year as part of POD, P-POD returns process.
Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
Under project Ireland 2040, my Department continues to make progress to increase the infrastructural capacity in the schools sector, in order to meet demographic and other demands.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, including projects in County Kildare may be viewed on my Department's website, www.education.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, including accommodation for pupils with special educational needs, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need, has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. Details of schools listed on this programme (Additional Accommodation Scheme) can be found on my Department's website www.education.ie and this information is also updated regularly.
Where capacity issues arise it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school there are not available to all pupils
- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
Until these issues are discussed with the relevant school authorities the true extent of any capacity issue will only become known.
Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department is engaging with patron bodies, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming year(s) which may necessitate action.
421. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Education if the difficulties facing the school transport system under the current circumstances will be acknowledged; if she is satisfied that the public school transport system is running as planned and that all Covid-19 protocols required of transport providers are being adhered to; if the additional payments sought by bus operators for cleaning and sanitising have been agreed and sanctioned by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40126/20]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. 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.
Based on the public health advice published in early July, and the updated advice received from the HPSC on 7th August and from NPHET on the 18th August, the Department has been planning for School Transport Scheme services for the 2020/2021 school year to fully operate, but with additional measures and hygiene requirements in place and with the rolling implementation of measures on post-primary services as required to provide physical distancing, using 50 per cent of passenger capacity. The implementation of 50% capacity has been put in place where possible over the last number of weeks and over the coming weeks, Bus Éireann will be implementing 50% capacity on a rolling basis as soon as it is possible to do so on all remaining routes.
Government has agreed to provide the necessary funding to ensure that full implementation of the public health recommendation is achieved as quickly as possible on all post-primary services, including Special Educational Needs post-primary transport services.
Bus Éireann and the Department of Education have put in place measures to support infection prevention and control on primary and post-primary services. The Department has also issued detailed information and guidance to parents and children on the operation of school transport services for the 2020/2021 school year. Measures include all post-primary students wearing masks, all bus drivers and bus escorts receiving PPE where necessary, as well as funding to support additional cleaning and hygiene measures, including the provision of sanitiser on all buses. Seating plans with pre-assigned seating are also in place on all routes, with children sitting next to their siblings or classmates where possible which reduces interaction on school transport services.
422. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Education the placement numbers for special needs assistants and special education needs organisers, SENOs, prior to and following the announcement of the recently announced investment in new placement numbers in schools (details supplied) by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40127/20]
View answerIn relation to information requested by the Deputy please see information set out below:
Budget 2021 provided for an additional 990 special needs assistants (SNAs) which brings the total provision to 18,014 for 2021. These posts will be allocated to primary, post primary and special schools.
The total number of SNAs available has increased by over 70% since 2011, from 10,575 in 2011, to over 18,000 available for allocation in 2021.
The current number of SENOs is 72.
Statistical information relating to SNA allocations is published on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.
423. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education her plans to address long waiting lists for school places in Monasterevin and Kildare town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40138/20]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional post-primary school places in a number of school planning areas including Monasterevin and Kildare town.
Where capacity issues arise it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school there are not available to all pupils
- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
Until these issues are discussed with the relevant school authorities the true extent of any capacity issue will only become known.
Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department is engaging with patron bodies, including in the areas in question, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming year(s) which may necessitate action.
424. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education the status of and her position regarding the leaving cert results appeals process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31358/20]
View answerThe 2020 Leaving Certificate Calculated Grades appeals process has concluded and the appeal outcomes were made available to students on 16 October through the Calculated Grades Student Portal.
In the processing of the appeals, a total of 33,301 individual subject records belonging to 12,216 students were reviewed. This number excludes students who initially entered for an appeal but later withdrew their application.
As a result of the process, a total of 18 increased grades were awarded to 18 individual students. Eleven of these were upgrades following an appeal by the student. A further seven grades were upgraded following quality assurance checks as part of the appeals process which involved checks on the documentation submitted by schools; the entry of that data on to the schools' data collection system; and the subsequent transmission of the data through the various IT systems used in the generation of calculated grades.
The appeals process was a process review focussed on looking for errors in the transmission and processing of student data through the process. It was not possible to appeal the information (estimated percentage mark or rank order) provided by the school. Due to the nature of the Calculated Grades system the professional judgement of the school was outside of the appeals process. The design of the statistical model and the application of the national standardisation process was also outside of the scope of the appeals process.
The CAO were also notified of changes to students’ results on 16 October. Candidates who are eligible for a new offer as a result of the upgraded mark received following the appeals process will be contacted as soon as possible.
Students unhappy with the outcome of the above process could invoke a separate process to have their appeal reviewed by independent Appeals Scrutineers. These scrutineers are independent of my Department. The independent Appeals Scrutineers will check to ensure the correct procedures were followed throughout the appeals process. The scrutineers will have access to the records and documentation considered in the appeals process.
425. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education the status of school bus transport both in terms of ensuring all students have access to the services in addition to meeting the 50% capacity level advised by NPHET; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35806/20]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. 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.
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. Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8kms from and are attending their nearest Post Primary School/Education Centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time have been accommodated on school transport services for the 2020/21 school year where such services are in operation.
The Department has been engaging intensively with Bus Éireann in regard to the logistics for the safe operation of School Transport Scheme services for the 2020/2021 school year on all school transport scheme services.
Based on the public health advice published in early July, and the updated advice received from the HPSC on 7th August and from NPHET on the 18th August, the Department has been planning for School Transport Scheme services for the 2020/2021 school year to fully operate, but with additional measures and hygiene requirements in place and with the rolling implementation of measures on post-primary services as required to provide physical distancing, using 50% of passenger capacity. The implementation of 50% capacity has been put in place where possible over the last number of weeks and over the coming weeks, Bus Éireann will be implementing 50% capacity on a rolling basis as soon as it is possible to do so on all remaining routes.
Government has agreed to provide the necessary funding to ensure that full implementation of the public health recommendation is achieved as quickly as possible on all post-primary services, including Special Educational Needs post-primary transport services.
426. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when an application for additional permanent accommodation at a school (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage in view of the urgent need to upgrade existing accommodation and provide new accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40178/20]
View answerI can confirm that my Department is in receipt of applications for capital funding from the school referred to by the Deputy. Officials have been in contact with the school authority in order to progress the application. On completion of the assessment process the school authority will be contacted directly.
427. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a schedule of all consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms her Department has engaged to carry out work its behalf in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; if she will summarise the work they were engaged to do and the full costs of the engagements; if disputes over costs ensued; if they were resolved with or without sanctions and or financial penalties and or withholding of funds; and if contracts are subject to legal challenge or mediation. [40207/20]
View answerMy Department publishes reports on consultancy costs after each calendar year on www.education.ie. Tables showing the returns for consultancy costs for 2018 and 2019 are attached. A return for 2020 will be compiled after the end of the accounting period.
Details in respect of accountancy, legal, project management and IT companies, are not immediately available but are being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in due course.
Where they arise, disputes over costs can be resolved informally or through legal challenge and/or the services of a mediator.
428. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 704 of 3 November 2020, if she will respond to correspondence regarding the urgent need for emergency funding on behalf of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40226/20]
View answerI would like to inform the Deputy that the school in question have recently submitted an appeal as advised in my previous answer of the 3rd of November and this is currently being dealt with by the Emergency Works Team.
429. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the lack of ASD units in Limerick schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40231/20]
View answerMy Department's policy is to provide for the inclusive education of autistic students in mainstream schools to the greatest extent possible.
Autism is a spectrum condition, so some autistic students require relatively little support in school and are largely independent in their learning, while others require significant levels of support.
There is therefore not one preferred educational approach for autistic students, rather there is a range of provision, sometimes described as a continuum, which takes into account the assessed educational needs of individual students.
All students with special educational needs are served by this continuum of provision ranging from full-time enrolment in classes in mainstream schools with or without additional supports, to a special class in a mainstream school to full-time enrolment in special schools.
This continuum is supported by significant investment by Government, €2bn or 20% of the total education spend. This funds the provision of additional teachers, special needs assistants and other supports required to enable children with special needs to access education.
The National Council for Special Education is responsible for planning and coordinating local education provision and school placements for children with special needs for the whole country.
NCSE has advised that there are currently 64 classes supporting autistic students operating in mainstream schools in Limerick. These classes provide for up to 360 specialist places in mainstream schools based in a total of 41 Primary Schools and 23 Post Primary schools. 13 of these classes are new for the 2020/2021 school year. In addition, 188 autistic students are supported within 5 Special Schools in Limerick.
Taking a range of demographic factors into consideration, it is anticipated that additional places may be required in Limerick to cater for likely future demand in the city and county. The NCSE, through its network of local SENOs, will continue to engage with the local schools to establish additional classes as required.
A list of all special classes, including classes opened for September 2020, is available on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie
430. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in building new schools (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the plans in place to cope with increased need for school places in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40262/20]
View answerThe building projects referred to by the Deputy are at an advanced stage of the tender process to appoint a building Contractor. Both projects are being delivered under my Department's Design & Build programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Management team to progress the project through the stages of architectural planning, tendering and construction.
The tender process which is currently underway for 8 major school building projects, including the new schools identified, will establish a framework of Design & Build Contractors to which other school building projects will be tendered over the next two years.
This is one of the largest and most complex tender exercises undertaken by the Department and as such has taken somewhat longer than was originally anticipated. It commenced in December 2019 and will be concluded in Quarter 1 of 2021 with the award of Contracts for the eight schools. Construction on all eight schools is expected to commence before the end of Quarter 1 2021.
The Contractors tendering for these schools have recently been reporting some difficulties in receiving information from supply chains and have encountered resourcing pressures due to the “ongoing disruption caused to working practices and team interaction by the current Level 5 Coronavirus Restrictions”. This has resulted in requests for extensions of time to the tender return date. There have also been other requests for extensions of time to deal with complex technical issues arising from requirements in the tender documents including requirements for phased delivery of some of the schools.
The Department has considered all of the extension of time requests and has agreed to some.
Department officials have met with the both patron bodies to discuss the school’s ongoing interim accommodation requirements together with their further interim accommodation requirements for the 2021/22 school year.
431. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education if there are funds that schools can avail of to allow participation in digital initiatives in partnership with private enterprise over and above standard funding lines so that opportunities for innovation can be seized. [40314/20]
View answerAs part of the implementation of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 -Enhancing Teaching, Learning and Assessment, the Department of Education has to date provided €160m of grant aid to schools for ICT Infrastructure. A further €50m will issue over the next week to schools, representing the full commitment of €210m over the period of the Strategy. This ICT grant funding issues directly to schools and schools are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way. In the context of the current public health crisis this funding can be focussed on assisting schools to address ICT needs including devices, software and other ICT solutions to support the provision of remote learning.
Schools are also expected to have a Digital Learning Plan in place, with this funding intended to support that, and in that context, innovative projects aligned with a school's Digital Learning Plan can be supported.
Under the Digital Strategy for Schools, my Department is operating a School Excellence Fund Digital & STEM programme, through which schools are supported to collaborate on innovative projects with funding, substitution and cpd. This programme is now in its third and final year, with some 40 projects comprising 200 schools underway. Schools can involve industry partners and third level institutions in these projects.
It should be noted that where schools are utilising funding provided by the exchequer, procurement and financial procedures must be adhered to as outlined in the circular on the ICT Grant Scheme published on the Department website.
My Department also collaborates with colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on their School Digital Champion programme. The programme is an initiative which aims to motivate, encourage and support schools in embracing digital technology.
Separately, and through the Schools Broadband Access Programme, the Department provides for improved ICT infrastructure for the supply of internet connectivity for all recognised primary and post primary schools and some 98% of schools avail of this service.
Finally, you may wish to note also that in November 2019 my Department launched guidelines to help schools and industry build deeper ties in relation to STEM subjects. Guidelines for developing STEM School – Business/Industry Partnerships is a resource to support schools and businesses and enterprise to kick-start engagement and develop long-lasting and sustainable partnerships. The guidelines were developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Science Foundation Ireland, the IDA, IBEC, American Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Ireland. The guidelines are available at: https://www.education.ie/en/The-Education-System/STEM-Education-Policy/stem-partnerships.html.
432. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education her plans to ensure schools are complying with section 62(7)(n) of the Education Act 1998 obliging schools to publish an admission policy outlining arrangements for students who do not want to attend religious instruction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40371/20]
View answerIn 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 Acts, 1998-2018.
On 14th January 2020 a number of sections of the Admission to Schools act were commenced introducing new laws around admission to schools which became operational on 1 February 2020. These provisions including the requirement for schools to set out arrangements for students that do not wish to attend religious instruction, apply to the admission processes for the 2021/2022 school year onwards. Circular 7/2020, (Commencement of Certain Sections of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018) requires each school authority to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the act and to have in place the necessary policy, procedures and practices to ensure compliance with it.
Under the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, all schools are required to have drafted new admissions policies, which have been approved by the patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. The newly revised school’s admissions policy is published on the schools website.
The manner in which any school ensures that the right to opt out of religion classes is upheld is a matter for the school concerned. Each individual school must determine the particular arrangements which are most appropriate in its individual circumstances having regard to local issues such as available space, supervision requirements and how the school concerned organises classes etc.
433. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education if a Teaching Council registration will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40372/20]
View answerUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
The Teaching Council inform me that the application of the person referred to by the Deputy has been successfully concluded, with registration in effect from the 06th of November 2020. Should the individual have any queries regarding their registration I would advise they liaise directly with the Teaching Council.
434. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education the reason some special needs assistants are not performing catheterisation at some schools as per circular 30/2014 being supported by their union and contrary to the Department of Health, which says the procedure does not need to be carried out by trained medical personnel (details supplied); the provisions in place in schools in which SNAs are not currently performing the procedure in circumstances in which a legal basis exists for them to do so as per the circular and a Labour Court ruling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40376/20]
View answerSpecial Needs Assistants (SNAs) carry out very important care functions for children with care needs in the school. The purpose of their role is to enable children with significant care needs to attend school and participate in school activities to the maximum possible extent. The aim of the role is to address the immediate care needs of the student and encourage their independence. Over time, some students do become more independent and self-autonomous in personal care matters.
Special Needs Assistants are employed by the individual school board of management but terms and conditions are set nationally.
The functions of SNAs are outlined in circulars which are published and updated on a regular basis in consultation with staff interests.
These functions include assistance with clothing, feeding, toileting and general hygiene and being mindful of health and safety needs of the pupil. Catheterisation comes within the toileting function. This position was confirmed in a Labour Court recommendation in September 2018.
Where training is required, this is matter for the school to arrange. Close liaison with the family is encouraged because parents will be very familiar with the care needs of their child and will have received training where this was required.
Where an SNA is not carrying out their care duties as requested by the school, then it is a matter for the school management authority to address. There are agreed disciplinary procedures in place should they be required.
435. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education the circular under which special needs assistants can insist on a two-to-one ratio of two SNAs per one child to assist with toileting in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40377/20]
View answerSpecial Needs Assistants (SNAs) are employed by the managerial authorities of individual schools or by Education and Training Boards (ETBs). The Board of Management/ETB is the SNA's employer and the recruitment and deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management, subject to Departmental guidelines.
Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support is provided specifically to assist recognised primary, post primary and special schools to cater for the care needs of students with disabilities with significant care needs.
My Department’s Circular 0030/2014 sets out details of the primary care needs for which SNA support will usually be provided and details the types of secondary care associated tasks which SNAs may often perform.
Schools are required to have a care plan for each student for whom SNA support is provided and the SNA role in supporting the student should be agreed with parents as part of the care plan.
Where specific training is required, the School Board of Management should liaise with the parent or Health Service Executive (HSE) as necessary.
With regard to how many SNAs or adults should be present when intimate care needs are being carried out, there is no requirement for two SNAs to be present. In this regard, there is a need to balance the requirement to ensure child protection procedures are adhered to and to preserve the dignity of the child involved.
436. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education the number of school transport scheme routes servicing the second level education sector in County Donegal that are operating at 50% capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40387/20]
View answer437. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education the number of school transport scheme routes servicing the second level education sector in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40388/20]
View answer438. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education when the 50% capacity will be implemented for the outstanding school transport scheme routes servicing the second level education sector in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40389/20]
View answer441. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education the status of the implementation of the 50% school transport capacity rule in County Donegal, particularly in the Milford catchment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40452/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 436 to 438, inclusive, and 441 together.
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. 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.
The Department has been engaging intensively with Bus Éireann in regard to the logistics for the safe operation of School Transport Scheme services for the 2020/2021 school year on all school transport scheme services - both Bus Éireann services and private contractor operator services.
Based on the public health advice published in early July, and the updated advice received from the HPSC on 7th August and from NPHET on the 18th August, the Department has been planning for School Transport Scheme services for the 2020/2021 school year to fully operate, but with additional measures and hygiene requirements in place and with the rolling implementation of measures on post-primary services as required to provide physical distancing, using 50 per cent of passenger capacity. The implementation of 50% capacity has been put in place where possible over the last number of weeks and over the coming weeks, Bus Éireann will be implementing 50% capacity on a rolling basis as soon as it is possible to do so on all remaining routes. Government has agreed to provide the necessary funding to ensure that full implementation of the public health recommendation is achieved as quickly as possible on all post-primary services, including Special Educational Needs post-primary transport services.
Bus Éireann and the Department of Education have put in place measures to support infection prevention and control on primary and post-primary services. The Department has also issued detailed information and guidance to parents and children on the operation of school transport services for the 2020/2021 school year. Measures include all post-primary students wearing masks, all bus drivers and bus escorts receiving PPE where necessary, as well as funding to support additional cleaning and hygiene measures, including the provision of sanitiser on all buses. Seating plans with pre-assigned seating are also in place on all routes, with children sitting next to their siblings or classmates where possible which reduces interaction on school transport services.
Bus Éireann has confirmed the details as requested in relation to the number of School Transport routes in County Donegal, including those operating at 50% capacity both in Milford and in County Donegal.
This information is this is set out in tabular format in the attached table.
|
Post Primary Routes |
Co Donegal |
Milford |
|
Total Number of Post Primary Routes |
201 |
26 |
|
Total Number of Post Primary Routes that have been 50% Socially Distanced |
136 |
17 |
|
Percentage of Post Primary routes that have been 50% Socially Distanced (%) |
68% |
65% |
