Written Answers Nos. 141-160
141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the upgrading of equipment such as aircraft, sea-going vessels and transport vehicles continues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4891/21]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, including overseas deployments.
The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects which will be progressed over five years. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas. The current position regarding the major equipment platform projects is as follows.
The mid-life upgrade of the Army’s fleet of 80 General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) Mowag Piranha III armoured personnel carrier vehicles is well underway. This programme is on-going and continues to command significant resources and commitment of effort. The vehicle, which is the backbone of Defence Forces armoured capability, has been well proven in all its roles since the first vehicles were introduced in 2001. By end-2020, some 47 vehicles have been upgraded including modernisation of protection systems and weapons. The overall programme is due to be completed by 2023. In addition, an order for 28 Armoured Utility Vehicles AUVs was recently placed with Centigon, a French company, and these will provide a level of protected mobility between the levels of soft-skinned light transport and heavier armoured vehicles. Delivery of these vehicles is expected to complete in 2021.
With regard to Defence Forces communications systems, there is continued investment in the development of suitable network enabled communications in order to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex operational environment. In July of 2020 a tender competition was commenced for the supply of Software Defined Radios to the Defence Forces and the competition is currently underway. The scope of the project consists of two main requirements; Personal Soldier Radios and Multi-Band Handheld, Manpack, Vehicular and Airborne radios. Given the complexity of the requirements, the procurement process is expected to be comprehensive in nature with the first radios not expected to enter service before 2023.
There is also continuous investment in the non-armoured vehicle fleet. In 2019, a contract was signed with Toyota Ireland for the replacement of the Army's fleet of 3/4 tonne 4X4 vehicles, the first of which entered service in early 2020. In March of last year, a tender process was completed for the supply of one hundred and twenty (120) new 4X4 Troop Carrying Vehicles, with the award of a contract to Westward Scania, based in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. The first vehicles are scheduled for delivery in Q1 2021 with delivery of all 120 vehicles concluding by 2023. Funding is provided on an on-going basis for the required maintenance of vehicles in the military transport fleet, both at home and overseas.
A step change in military air-based capability is being achieved through the delivery into serivce of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. While nominally a replacement for the Cessna, the new aircraft move capabilities considerably ahead of the previous level. The original order of three aircraft which were delivered in September 2020 was augmented on an urgent basis by an additional aircraft delivered in April 2020 to enhance fixed wing capacity to meet demands arising from Covid-19. The PC-12 has proven itself an effective and versatile asset.
The White Paper also provides for the replacement of the CASA 235s with consideration to be given to their replacement with larger more capable aircraft which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was entered into with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023.
The White Paper on Defence also sets out an ambitious programme of capital investment in the Naval Service including the mid-life refit and upgrade of the P50 class vessels, LÉ Róisín and LÉ Niamh, as well as, in due course, the replacement of LÉ Eithne. The P50 mid-life upgrade programme is well underway. The replacement of the flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel (MRV) is the next scheduled component of the White Paper fleet investment programme. Projects for other vessel replacement will be considered over the life-time of the White Paper in the context of overall capability development and funding and the Equipment Development Plan (EDP) process. The EDP outlines that the MRV project is in the planning ongoing stage with an indicative timeframe for progression from the current year through to 2024.
The examples given, whilst not exhaustive, demonstrate my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available. In accordance with the National Development Plan, the capital allocation for Defence was increased to €113 million for 2020, an increase of €7 million. The National Development Plan provides for a total of €541 million for Defence over the period 2018-2022. Budget 2021 provides for a further increased gross allocation to €131m in the defence capital budget in respect of equipment and barracks infrastructure. This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and builds on the significant investment programme over recent years.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.
142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces can be deployed to deal with issues such as administration and vaccination associated with Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4892/21]
View answerWhilst the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is made available for deployments, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the Defence Forces contribution to the whole-of-Government COVID-19 response. It has the authority to draw together, in a joint manner, the contribution of all of the elements of the Defence Forces – Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, Reserve, etc. This was provided for in a Defence Forces Regulation signed by and under the authority of the Minister for Defence.
The Defence Forces Joint Task Force is based in McKee Barracks and its priority from the beginning has been to provide support to the HSE, while retaining, at all times, a contingent capacity to provide Aid to the Civil Power support.
The wide range of supports that the Defence Forces have provided to the HSE, as coordinated by the Joint Task Force during the COVID-19 crisis include:
- operation of the COVID-19 testing centre at the Aviva stadium;
- support for contact tracing efforts;
- transportation by the Air Corps of COVID-19 tests to Germany;
- collection of PPE from more than 260 cargo flights and the ongoing storage and distribution of this PPE to various HSE sites;
- support for HSE testing efforts including through deployment of Naval Service vessels to Dublin, Cork and Galway;
- PPE training to workers at Cork and Waterford harbours by Naval service personnel;
- provision of tentage and marshalling support at various HSE testing sites around the country;
- transportation of patients for testing;
- assistance with the fit out of temporary facilities for the HSE (for example, the HSE facilities at City West and the University of Limerick);
- production and assembly of PPE using 3D printing facilities; and
- the use of lands at Ballymullen Barracks as a COVID-19 testing facility and contact tracing hub
- more recently the Defence Forces have provided administrative and non clinical supports to the HSE at a number of residential care homes.
In addition to supporting the HSE, the Defence Forces have also provided a broad range of supports to other Departments and Agencies Provision of this support was also coordinated by the Joint Task Force. Examples include:
- Support has been provided to the National Ambulance Service through Defence Forces ambulance and crew supports along with tele-triage supports.
- Support to the Office of Government Procurement through assistance with storage and distribution of PPE.
- Support to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government through the use of lands at Sarsfields Barracks for the location of one of the National Temporary Body Storage Facilities. The Defence Forces were also on standby to provide support if required at the Dublin based National Temporary Body Storage Facility at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
The Defence Forces are represented on the High Level Task Force for Covid-19 Vaccination.
The Defence Forces have already provided, and are ready to provide further, transportation and logistical supports to the HSE in the rollout of the Covid 19 vaccination programme.
A number of Defence Forces Medical Officers have completed the HSE vaccination training for the MODERNA & PFIZER vaccines and were involved in dispensing vaccinations recently at three centres, Cork, Dublin and Portlaoise and a number of Long Term Residential Care settings.
The Defence Forces have also developed a training protocol for other Defence Forces doctors, nurses and qualified medics so that they too will be able to participate in dispensing vaccinations, if requested to do so by the HSE.
With regard to vaccination of Defence Forces personnel, subject to the availability of the vaccine and in line with the national vaccination prioritisation list, where the Defence Forces have frontline staff working alongside the HSE, these DF personnel will be vaccinated in tandem with the HSE personnel.
143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish troops currently deployed overseas; the extent of requests for further deployment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4893/21]
View answerAs of 5 January 2021, Ireland is contributing 586 personnel to 10 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 350 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 138 personnel.
The UNIFIL mission in Lebanon continues to represent Ireland's largest overseas deployment and on 15 May 2020 the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNIFIL for a further 12 month period. Irish troops are currently serving as part of a joint Irish-Polish Battalion in UNIFIL.
In relation to UNDOF, Defence Forces personnel are currently based in Camp Faouar on the Syrian side of the area of separation. On 12 June 2020, the Government approved the continued participation of the Defence Forces in UNDOF for a 12 month period up to June 2021.
Other missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the EU Training Mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) with 20 personnel; MINUSMA, the UN authorised operation in Mali with 14 personnel, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO) in Israel and Syria with 11 personnel, the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) with one (1) person, the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina with five (5) personnel, the NATO-led international security presence (KFOR) in Kosovo with 13 personnel and the EU Naval mission (Operation Irini) with three (3) personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments at UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE headquarters.
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. With regard to any future deployments of Defence Forces personnel overseas, Ireland receives requests from time to time in relation to participation in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 139.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which the levels of pay and conditions in the Defence Forces as identified previously are in the course of resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4895/21]
View answerSimilar to other sectors in the public service, the pay of Permanent Defence Force personnel was reduced as one of the measures to assist in stabilising national finances during the financial crisis.
Pay is being restored to members of the Defence Forces and other public servants in accordance with public sector pay agreements. A 2% increase on annualised salaries was implemented from 1 October 2020. The pay scales of all public servants (including members of the Defence Forces), earning under €70,000 per annum have been restored to the levels in place prior to the introduction of the Financial Emergency in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation. The restoration of the 5% cut in allowances imposed under FEMPI was also restored from 1 October 2020.
In addition to the general round of pay increases awarded to public servants, members of the Permanent Defence Force have also benefitted from the implementation of a 10% increase in Military Service allowance and the restoration of specific Defence Forces allowances to rates that pertained prior to July 2013, as recommended by the Public Service Pay Commission. A Service Commitment Scheme for flying officers was also restored.
A sea going naval personnel tax credit of €1,270 was applied in the 2020 tax year for members of the Naval Service who served 80 days or more at sea on board a naval vessel in 2019. This tax credit has been extended for a further year and is increased to €1,500 for the 2021 tax year.
A new sea-going service commitment scheme which is aimed at retaining highly trained and experienced personnel and incentivising sea going duties has come into effect from 1 January 2021.
Negotiations on a new public service pay agreement were facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) towards the end of 2020. The WRC circulated proposals on a new collective agreement to all parties, including the PDF representative associations, on 11 December 2020 for consideration.
The Government is committed to addressing pay and conditions in the Defence Forces and this is reflected in the Programme for Government. In accordance with the Programme for Government a Commission on the Defence Forces has been established. Upon completion of the Commissions work, a permanent pay review body will be established, reflecting the unique nature of military service in the context of the public service.
147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the degree to which adequate staffing of aircraft and sea-going vessels remains available to ensure the meeting of emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4897/21]
View answerCovid-19 is impacting across all sectors, including the Defence Forces. I would like to acknowledge and commend the work of the whole organisation, including both the Naval Service and the Air Corps, in maintaining key operations, including the ability to respond to emergencies, in the face of unprecedented disruptions across many areas of Irish life at this time.
To date, Covid-19 transmission levels and case numbers among members of the Defence Forces are broadly in line with current general population averages. Earlier this month there was a direct impact on Naval Service and Air Corps normal operations as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In light of the outbreak of Covid-19 on a number of ships, in consultation with medical personnel and the HSE, Naval Service HQ are currently implementing a 'clean ship' policy which ensures that ships should be able to remain at sea for their full scheduled patrol.
In response to the recent impact of Covid-19 instances among Air Corps personnel, the Air Corps implemented a number of measures in order to safely continue with framework operations and maintaining aircraft at high readiness for various Maritime Defence and Security Operations, cargo and personnel transport and air ambulance as required.
148. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if a site has been identified for a school building project (details supplied); when it is expected to be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4544/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that officials in my Department have commenced the site identification process for the permanent location of the school referred to.
As the overall site acquisition process is at an early stage, the school will be established in interim accommodation until the permanent facility is developed.
The assessment of potential locations for interim accommodation has commenced in conjunction with the identification process for the permanent location.
149. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if the risk assessments and the NPHET advice declaring special education can be reopened safely will be published in the interest of public confidence; if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4586/21]
View answerThe Government has always been guided by public health advice in relation to the safe operation of schools. The CMO has made it very clear in his advices to Government which are published on gov.ie, that schools are safe environments, with very little evidence of transmission within schools, and that the majority of infections of children and adolescents occurs outside the school setting.
The decision to delay the reopening of schools was in recognition of the need to reduce societal activity and movement to curb the spread of the virus at a time where there was unprecedented levels of disease transmission in the community. This was not based on a changed assessment of the risks in relation to transmission levels in schools.
Public Health has consistently advised that schools are safe places for both students and staff because of the mitigation measures in place in our schools. Public Health have also stated that the new variants of the disease do not change the infection prevention and control measures required in schools. Schools have been supported by a funding package of €450m to put in place and maintain these key measures. Public Health advice is that compliance with these measures ensure that schools remain safe places for children and staff.
Following a setback last week to the planned partial reopening of schools, discussions are continuing between the Department of Education and education stakeholders to agree a plan for a phased return to in-school provision for children with special educational needs. This remains a high priority for all partners.
150. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education when a definitive response will issue on the sitting or other format of examination and assessment of the junior and leaving certificates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4587/21]
View answerMy Department is acutely aware of the challenges faced by students, teachers and families as a result of COVID-19. The pandemic has brought significant challenges to the education system, and I am acutely aware of the impacts that this has had on those students preparing to sit their final examinations.
The planning work underway in respect of the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle Examinations in 2021 is being assisted by an Advisory Group of key stakeholders which has met on a number of occasions in recent months. The advisory group has been convened to advise Government on all of the various issues arising in relation to the holding of the 2021 examinations, including public health considerations and appropriate contingency measures. The advisory group includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the SEC, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Education, including the National Educational Psychological Service.
At a meeting of the group last week, the ISSU presented its Report on the 2021 State Examinations and Return to School. Following this meeting, the group agreed that there would be an intensive set of engagements in respect of exploring further possible options for the examinations, having regard to the findings of the recent ISSU Report on the 2021 State Examinations. A number of these meetings are planned this week.
All partners are committed to acting in the interests and wellbeing of students, who are at the heart of this process.
From Monday 11 January 2021, all students, including Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle students, have been engaging in a programme of remote learning with their schools.
The public health restrictions which resulted in the original closure of schools in March 2020 highlighted the absolute necessity for schools to be agile in providing for continuity of schooling in the future. As a contingency measure against the possibility of partial or full school closures, my Department has already provided a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to mediate the curriculum safely for all pupils/students in a COVID-19 context. These are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool. This documentation has been complemented by Circular 0074/2020 (Communication/Teaching & Learning Platform) which requires all schools to have in place appropriate contingency measures to ensure that they are prepared to continue to support teaching and learning in the event of a partial or full closure of schools arising from Public Health advice.
Other documents published by my Department to support the return to school include ‘Guidance for Practical Subjects in Post-Primary Schools and Centres for Education’ and ‘Returning to school: Guidance on learning and school programmes for post primary school leaders and teachers’. These documents provide guidance for teachers and schools that is specific to each practical subject area, so that students can be facilitated to actively engage with their learning. All documentation published is available on www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
151. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of providing two additional guidance counsellor positions for schools with over 900 pupils. [4632/21]
View answerThere are 71 post primary schools with an enrolment of in excess of 900 pupils. The annual cost of providing 2 additional guidance counsellors to these schools is in the region of €7m.
152. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if an application for home tuition funding by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin has been approved; and when the family will be notified of the decision. [4643/21]
View answerThe purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children and young people who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school.
Home tuition is not an alternative to a school placement and is provided in very limited and specific circumstances. By its nature, it is intended to be a short term intervention.
I can advise the Deputy that an application for home tuition for the young person referred to in his question has been approved by Deportment and that an e mail issued to the Parent confirming the level of home tuition support available.
153. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education the supports that have been put in place to help children with special and additional needs through the period of school closures; the supports in place to assist children who are reliant upon having a routine and for whom online services are not sufficient or suitable; the plans being drawn up to address the level of regression many parents have drawn their attention to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4648/21]
View answerI am very disappointed that it was not possible to have in school teaching and learning for children with significant additional needs which was planned to commence last week until schools reopened fully. We know that many of these children find online learning very challenging. Over the past year, we have all seen how vital in-person education is for children with complex needs.
Recent weeks have seen intense and regular engagement with partners and family representative groups to seek a solution to our shared objective to support children with complex needs return to in-school learning, could be reached.
My Department sought to agree an approach balancing the need to support our most vulnerable children while addressing the issues raised by trade unions and school management bodies.
These included requests for clear messaging around public health to be given directly to their members by Public Health specialists, temporary arrangements during the current phase of reopening for high risk staff and for those experiencing childcare difficulties.
We continue to work with the primary teacher and SNA trade unions, INTO and FORSA and school management to see if there is a way to return to in school teaching and learning for these pupils as soon as possible.
Every effort is being made to resolve matters in a collaborative way so that children can return to school safely as soon as possible.
In the interim I am confident that schools will continue to make significant efforts to provide effective remote learning experiences for these children.
Updated Guidance on Continuity of Schooling: Supporting Pupils with Special Educational Needs (for mainstream primary and special schools and for post-primary schools) has been made available by my Department. This guidance is available at:
https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/National-Emergencies-Public-Health-Issues/guidance-continuity-of-schooling-supporting-students-with-sen-primary-pdf
https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/National-Emergencies-Public-Health-Issues/guidance-continuity-of-schooling-supporting-students-with-sen-post-primary.pdf
This revised guidance advises on how schools and teachers can support continuity in the learning of pupils with special educational needs during the school closures associated with COVID-19. The guidance builds on the key messages in a range of guidance materials which were issued to schools and centres for education as they were published. Specific guidance had previously been published by the Department to support schools in the context of remote teaching and learning in a Covid-19 context:
Guidance on Remote Learning in a COVID-19 Context: September – December 2020; https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a0bff-reopening-our-primary-and-special-schools/#additional-guidelines-and-procedures (Published October 2020)
This has been complemented by the Department of Education Circular Letter 0074/2020 in relation to the establishment of Digital Communication, Teaching and Learning Platforms: https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0074_2020.pdf
This guidance is intended to assist mainstream and special schools as they endeavour to support teaching and learning for pupils with special educational needs through remote teaching approaches. Key themes of the guidance include:
- The role of schools and teachers in engaging with pupils with SEN
- Teachers and school leaders working to support pupils with SEN
- Keeping in touch with parents and guardians
- Keeping pupils with SEN safe in the distance learning environment
- Resources for teachers
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is also communicating directly with schools on the range of supports available to special schools and schools with special classes, this includes a dedicated phone line which has been established for parents to get advice and support from SENOs. The SENO will provide support and advice to parents and where relevant provide specific resources e.g. behaviour strategies, NEPS well-being resources. If necessary, parents can book a subsequent appointment with the SENO assigned to their child’s school. This new phone number is 01 603 3456.
154. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén uair atá i gceist aici Beartas Náisiúnta um Oideachas lán-Ghaeilge a fhoilsiú mar atá geallta i gClár an Rialtais; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [4821/21]
View answerRinneadh an gealltanas i gClár an Rialtais 2020 – 2025 Ár dTodhchaí Le Chéile, chun polasaí cuimsitheach a sholáthar don Ghaeilge, i gcomhthéacs chur i bhfeidhm Straitéis 20-Bliain an Rialtais don Ghaeilge 2010-2030. Faoin Straitéis seo, tá dul chun cinn suntasach déanta ag mo Roinn ar chur i bhfeidhm an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta 2017-2022 agus leanfar leis an obair thábhachtach seo chun a chinntiú go bhfuil oideachas ar ardchaighdeán trí mheán na Gaeilge ar fáil do mhuintir na Gaeltachta. Déanfar an phleanáil a thabhairt chun cinn in 2021 polasaí a fhorbairt a bhaineann le hoideachas na Gaeilge.
155. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if school profiling will form part of grading for 2021 leaving certificate students. [4836/21]
View answerMy Department is acutely aware of the challenges faced by students, teachers and families as a result of COVID-19. The pandemic has brought significant challenges to the education system, and I am acutely aware of the impacts that this has had on those students preparing to sit their final examinations.
The planning work underway in respect of the Leaving Certificate Examinations in 2021 is being assisted by an Advisory Group of key stakeholders which has met on a number of occasions in recent months. The advisory group has been convened to advise Government on all of the various issues arising in relation to the holding of the 2021 examinations, including public health considerations and appropriate contingency measures. The advisory group includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the SEC, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Education, including the National Educational Psychological Service.
At a meeting of the group last week, the ISSU presented its Report on the 2021 State Examinations and Return to School. Following this meeting, the group agreed that there would be an intensive set of engagements in respect of exploring further possible options for the examinations, having regard to the findings of the recent ISSU Report on the 2021 State Examinations. A number of these meetings are planned this week.
All partners are committed to acting in the interests and wellbeing of students, who are at the heart of this process.
From Monday 11 January 2021, all students, including Leaving Certificate students, have been engaging in a programme of remote learning with their schools.
The public health restrictions which resulted in the original closure of schools in March 2020 highlighted the absolute necessity for schools to be agile in providing for continuity of schooling in the future. As a contingency measure against the possibility of partial or full school closures, my Department has already provided a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to mediate the curriculum safely for all pupils/students in a COVID-19 context. These are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool. This documentation has been complemented by Circular 0074/2020 (Communication/Teaching & Learning Platform) which requires all schools to have in place appropriate contingency measures to ensure that they are prepared to continue to support teaching and learning in the event of a partial or full closure of schools arising from Public Health advice.
Other documents published by my Department to support the return to school include ‘Guidance for Practical Subjects in Post-Primary Schools and Centres for Education’ and ‘Returning to school: Guidance on learning and school programmes for post primary school leaders and teachers’. These documents provide guidance for teachers and schools that is specific to each practical subject area, so that students can be facilitated to actively engage with their learning. All documentation published is available on www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
156. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education her plans in place to offer a counselling structure for students after they receive their leaving certificate results. [4837/21]
View answerSchools have always provided an important role in offering guidance and support to Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied students on results day. Guidance counsellors support students throughout 5th and 6th year in schools in relation to further and higher education options. In recognising the unique set of circumstances for the Leaving Certificate class of 2020 who receivedcalculated grades, schools were asked to put a number of measures in place to support students on the day of the issuing of calculated grades results in September 2020 and in the following number of days.
In addition, each year a Leaving Certificate student helpline, provided by the National Parents Council Post-Primary with the support of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and my Department, has been made available on results days and provides advice to students and parents regarding the examination results. The helpline is staffed by qualified guidance counsellors.
The helpline will again be operated next Tuesday, 2 February, when students who sat the postponed Leaving Certificate written examinations held in November and December 2020 will receive their results.
The helpline, at 1800 265 165, will be open from 14.00 on Tuesday 2 February, when the results are issued, until Friday evening 5 February.
Planning for Leaving Certificate 2021 is also underway and theissue of supports for students receiving their results forms a part of this planning.
In addition to the above supports my Department has also published a range of support documentation on www.gov.ie/backtoschool, including information on wellbeing supports for Leaving Certificate students. This includes a series of supports on managing wellbeing, coping with uncertainty and managing stress and anxiety, developed by the National Educational Psychological Service to support students. The webpage also containslinks to more individualised supportsfor students to access, should these be needed. MyDepartment worked with the Department of Health and the HSE to ensure the most appropriate services and resources are clearly signposted for students. E-mental health services are also madeavailable by the HSE and their funded service providers, including the Jigsaw Support Line and the support provided by spunout.ie.
157. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she will allow choice for 2021 leaving certificate students; if she will make her intentions known on plans for these students before the end of January 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4842/21]
View answerMy Department is acutely aware of the challenges faced by students, teachers and families as a result of COVID-19. The pandemic has brought significant challenges to the education system, and I am acutely aware of the impacts that this has had on those students preparing to sit their final examinations.
The planning work underway in respect of the Leaving Certificate Examinations in 2021 is being assisted by an Advisory Group of key stakeholders which has met on a number of occasions in recent months. The advisory group has been convened to advise Government on all of the various issues arising in relation to the holding of the 2021 examinations, including public health considerations and appropriate contingency measures. The advisory group includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the SEC, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Education, including the National Educational Psychological Service.
At a meeting of the group last week, the ISSU presented its Report on the 2021 State Examinations and Return to School. Following this meeting, the group agreed that there would be an intensive set of engagements in respect of exploring further possible options for the examinations, having regard to the findings of the recent ISSU Report on the 2021 State Examinations. A number of these meetings are planned this week.
All partners are committed to acting in the interests and wellbeing of students, who are at the heart of this process.
From Monday 11 January 2021, all students, including Leaving Certificate students, have been engaging in a programme of remote learning with their schools.
The public health restrictions which resulted in the original closure of schools in March 2020 highlighted the absolute necessity for schools to be agile in providing for continuity of schooling in the future. As a contingency measure against the possibility of partial or full school closures, my Department has already provided a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to mediate the curriculum safely for all pupils/students in a COVID-19 context. These are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool. This documentation has been complemented by Circular 0074/2020 (Communication/Teaching & Learning Platform) which requires all schools to have in place appropriate contingency measures to ensure that they are prepared to continue to support teaching and learning in the event of a partial or full closure of schools arising from Public Health advice.
Other documents published by my Department to support the return to school include ‘Guidance for Practical Subjects in Post-Primary Schools and Centres for Education’ and ‘Returning to school: Guidance on learning and school programmes for post primary school leaders and teachers’. These documents provide guidance for teachers and schools that is specific to each practical subject area, so that students can be facilitated to actively engage with their learning. All documentation published is available on www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
158. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the progress of the establishment of an ASD specific school in Dublin 12; and if this facility will be operational by September 2021. [4847/21]
View answerI am very pleased to have secured agreement to open a new special school at Scoil Colm. This is a much-needed development which will help to meet the demand for special school places in the area.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has identified that appropriate provision is currently required for approximately 40 special school places for students with autism and general learning disabilities in South Dublin.
This provision is required to be made available at the earliest possible date but no later than the beginning of the 2021/22 school-year.
While the initial provision of 40 placements is intended to provide for those students identified by the NCSE, it is also intended that any remaining placements will be made available to children in South Dublin with complex needs that require special school placement.
The NCSE will determine the staffing level for the school in line with normal procedures.
My Department will also consider whatever other supports are necessary to ensure the school is in a position to cater for the needs of these students upon enrolment.
I can assure the Deputy that the necessary arrangements will be progressed as speedily as possible.
159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the proposals for holding the leaving certificate examination or the alternative in lieu thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4877/21]
View answerMy Department is acutely aware of the challenges faced by students, teachers and families as a result of COVID-19. The pandemic has brought significant challenges to the education system, and I am acutely aware of the impacts that this has had on those students preparing to sit their final examinations.
The planning work underway in respect of the Leaving Certificate Examinations in 2021 is being assisted by an Advisory Group of key stakeholders which has met on a number of occasions in recent months. The advisory group has been convened to advise Government on all of the various issues arising in relation to the holding of the 2021 examinations, including public health considerations and appropriate contingency measures. The advisory group includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the SEC, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Education, including the National Educational Psychological Service.
At a meeting of the group last week, the ISSU presented its Report on the 2021 State Examinations and Return to School. Following this meeting, the group agreed that there would be an intensive set of engagements in respect of exploring further possible options for the examinations, having regard to the findings of the recent ISSU Report on the 2021 State Examinations. A number of these meetings are planned this week.
All partners are committed to acting in the interests and wellbeing of students, who are at the heart of this process.
From Monday 11 January 2021, all students, including Leaving Certificate students, have been engaging in a programme of remote learning with their schools.
The public health restrictions which resulted in the original closure of schools in March 2020 highlighted the absolute necessity for schools to be agile in providing for continuity of schooling in the future. As a contingency measure against the possibility of partial or full school closures, my Department has already provided a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to mediate the curriculum safely for all pupils/students in a COVID-19 context. These are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool. This documentation has been complemented by Circular 0074/2020 (Communication/Teaching & Learning Platform) which requires all schools to have in place appropriate contingency measures to ensure that they are prepared to continue to support teaching and learning in the event of a partial or full closure of schools arising from Public Health advice.
Other documents published by my Department to support the return to school include ‘Guidance for Practical Subjects in Post-Primary Schools and Centres for Education’ and ‘Returning to school: Guidance on learning and school programmes for post primary school leaders and teachers’. These documents provide guidance for teachers and schools that is specific to each practical subject area, so that students can be facilitated to actively engage with their learning. All documentation published is available on www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the proposals for holding the junior certificate examination or the alternative in lieu thereof; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4878/21]
View answerMy Department is acutely aware of the challenges faced by students, teachers and families as a result of COVID-19. The pandemic has brought significant challenges to the education system, and I am acutely aware of the impacts that this has had on those students preparing to sit their final examinations.
The planning work underway in respect of the Junior Cycle Examinations in 2021 is being assisted by an Advisory Group of key stakeholders which has met on a number of occasions in recent months. The advisory group has been convened to advise Government on all of the various issues arising in relation to the holding of the 2021 examinations, including public health considerations and appropriate contingency measures. The advisory group includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the SEC, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Education, including the National Educational Psychological Service.
At a meeting of the group last week, the ISSU presented its Report on the 2021 State Examinations and Return to School. Following this meeting, the group agreed that there would be an intensive set of engagements in respect of exploring further possible options for the examinations, having regard to the findings of the recent ISSU Report on the 2021 State Examinations. A number of these meetings are planned this week.
All partners are committed to acting in the interests and wellbeing of students, who are at the heart of this process.
From Monday 11 January 2021, all students, including Junior Cycle students, have been engaging in a programme of remote learning with their schools.
The public health restrictions which resulted in the original closure of schools in March 2020 highlighted the absolute necessity for schools to be agile in providing for continuity of schooling in the future. As a contingency measure against the possibility of partial or full school closures, my Department has already provided a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to mediate the curriculum safely for all pupils/students in a COVID-19 context. These are available at www.gov.ie/backtoschool. This documentation has been complemented by Circular 0074/2020 (Communication/Teaching & Learning Platform) which requires all schools to have in place appropriate contingency measures to ensure that they are prepared to continue to support teaching and learning in the event of a partial or full closure of schools arising from Public Health advice.
Other documents published by my Department to support the return to school include ‘Guidance for Practical Subjects in Post-Primary Schools and Centres for Education’ and ‘Returning to school: Guidance on learning and school programmes for post primary school leaders and teachers’. These documents provide guidance for teachers and schools that is specific to each practical subject area, so that students can be facilitated to actively engage with their learning. All documentation published is available on www.gov.ie/backtoschool.
