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Wednesday, 24 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 371-392

Departmental Offices

Questions (371)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

371. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Defence the facilities available in his Department to facilitate breastfeeding breaks in accordance with WHO guidelines of two years for women in the workplace and as part of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9367/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department strictly adheres to the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, including the associated Regulations which provide for the protection of mothers who are breastfeeding.

My Department has offices in Newbridge, Galway, Roscrea and Dublin. On request, suitable facilities are provided for breastfeeding in the workplace. These arrangements are in place to support a mother who is breastfeeding her child who is entitled, without loss of pay, to one hour off from work each day as a breastfeeding break, where breastfeeding facilities are provided. Alternatively, the mother is entitled to a reduction of her working hours of one hour each day.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (372)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

372. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of serving members of the Defence Forces who have received a Covid-19 vaccination by base or barracks, and rank, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9401/21]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020. It sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The allocation strategy is a living document which can be modified by Government based on further information or changes in vaccine supply.

I am advised that the Defence Forces have established a vaccine prioritisation which is in line with the national allocation strategy. Initial vaccination priority is for Defence Forces personnel who are providing front line support to the Health Service Executive (HSE) and National Ambulance Service (NAS), in the national efforts to combat COVID-19.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic Defence Forces personnel have been working alongside HSE and NAS front line workers to provide significant resources in testing, contact tracing, patient transfer, emergency ambulance cover, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and testing kit delivery and non-clinical support to a number of Long Term Residential Care settings. As the national effort shifts towards the vaccine rollout programme the Defence Forces will continue to provide quality support with the provision of vaccinators and planning and logistic supports to the national effort.

The Military Authorities have advised that as of 22 February 2021, a total of 561 Defence Forces personnel have received at least one dose of vaccine. This number reflects the significant contribution that the Defence Forces provides to the HSE and NAS on a daily basis and is a recognition of the front line activities that our personnel continue to undertake.

Ministerial Advisers

Questions (373)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

373. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the names and contact details for each special adviser requested for appointment by him, in tabular form. [9592/21]

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Written answers

Mr. Chris Donoghue and Ms. Laura McGonigle have been appointed as Special Advisers to me, as both Minister for Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs, and are employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs. My Office will contact the Deputy directly with contact details. They can also be contacted by telephone at the Department of Defence on 045 492000.

Departmental Staff

Questions (374)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

374. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff employed in his Department, by gender and by Civil Service salary scale, in tabular form. [9657/21]

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Written answers

The following table provides details of the number of civil servants employed in my Department by gender and grade as at 15 February, 2021. Salary scales applicable are determined by the date of appointment to the grade of each individual and different scales apply to established employees appointed on or after 6 April 1995, paying the Class A rate of PRSI contribution and making an employee contribution in respect of personal superannuation benefits. Salary scales are available on the Government's website gov.ie.

Grade

Total Numbers

Male

Female

Secretary General

1

0

1

Assistant Secretary

3

3

0

Director

1

0

1

Principal

20

13

7

Assistant Principal

49

25

24

Professional Accountant

2

0

2

Legal Advisor

1

0

1

Higher Executive Officer

81

26

55

Administrative Officer

6

3

3

Executive Officer

105

22

83

Clerical Officer

92

17

75

Storekeeper

1

1

0

Head Services Officer

1

1

0

Services Officer/Cleaner

9

7

2

Total Staff

373

118

255

Departmental Reviews

Questions (375)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

375. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Defence the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9679/21]

View answer

Written answers

The following table provides details of live studies, reviews and research being undertaken by my Department, or commissioned by me as Minister for Defence. It also includes the scheduled completion dates.

Activity

Details

Scheduled date of completion

Live Study

Project 88 under the White Paper is a Defence funding study to capture in a new way the expected long-term costs of meeting Ireland's Defence requirements using a ten year planning horizon linked to the proposed new framework of fixed cycle reviews.

March 2021

Live Study

Curragh Plains Consultancy

September 2021

Review

Review of Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) Service (White Paper Project 16)

March 2022

Review

Review of the circumstances into the retirement of Donal de Róiste

Ongoing

Review

Review of Recruitment Practices and Process

March 2021

Review

Review of high level command and control in the Defence Forces (Project 26)

December 2021

Review

Review to identify options to ensure the longer term sustainability of ATC services provided by the Air Corps in Baldonnel

June 2021

Research

The Defence Organisation are currently in the progress of establishing a Research, technology and Innovation (RTI) unit. The establishment of the unit will be on a phased basis, where the first phase commenced in January 2021. This phase will see the unit in conjunction with Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) run an innovation challenge. This challenge will enable research, development and innovation activities to respond to and contribute to the capability needs of the Defence Organisation.

Phase one is due to be completed by August 2022.

Defence Forces Medical Services

Questions (376)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

376. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of vacant paramedic and advanced paramedic posts in the Defence Forces Medical Corps; and when these posts will be filled. [9763/21]

View answer

Written answers

Defence Forces Regulation CS4 and its accompanying Administrative Instructions provide for the organisation and numerical establishment of Defence Forces Units. There are no appointments for Paramedics or Advanced Paramedics within the CS4 establishment of the Central Medical Unit (CMU).

There is work ongoing to define the future requirements for such positions and to regularise these posts within the CS4 establishment.

Defence Forces Properties

Questions (377)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

377. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the capital works that were carried out at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, and Collins Barracks, Cork, in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; and the estimated cost of each project. [9764/21]

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Written answers

The Defence Forces Built Infrastructural Programme 2020-2025 was published in January 2020. This Programme, which is a 5 year plan, provides a blueprint for investment in the Defence Forces built infrastructure over a multi-annual timeframe. Over the course of the programme it is projected that some €145m will be allocated to ensure programme delivery.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the following Capital works projects at Sarsfield and Collins Barracks are at various stages of progression:

Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick

Project

Estimated Cost

Project Commenced

Limerick Gym

€3,268,277.80

2020– works ongoing

Collins Barracks, Cork

Project

Estimated Cost

Project Commenced

PSS Centre

€364,273.71

2020– works ongoing

Block 5 - Heating upgrade (heat pump)

€105,702.55

2020 -works substantially complete

Storage shed - Transport Company

€54,071.40

2019- works substantially complete

The Deputy may also wish to note that my Department has allocated in the region of €10m this year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This devolved budget is a regular feature of the Delegated functions assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.

Air Corps

Questions (378)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

378. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the cost of aircraft (details supplied) due to come into the Air Corps fleet in 2023; and if the costs have been paid to date. [9765/21]

View answer

Written answers

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects by means of a five-year rolling plan. The EDP 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 the 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 White Paper provides for the replacement of the two CASA 235 maritime patrol aircraft 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 cost of the contract including ancillary support is €222.1m inclusive of VAT. Stage payments totalling €116.8m inclusive of VAT have been paid to date. The project is progressing well.

This significant investment in maritime patrol aircraft is an example which demonstrates my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available. Investment under the National Development Plan (NDP) continues to increase. Budget 2021 provides for a further increased gross NDP 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, including the Air Corps 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.

Defence Forces Personnel

Questions (379)

Martin Browne

Question:

379. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Defence the establishment figures for grades 5 and 6 technicians in the communication and information service corps of the Defence Forces; and the number of grade 5 and 6 technician positions in the corps not filled. [9779/21]

View answer

Written answers

For reasons of operational security, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the disposition and specifics of the Defence Forces' Communication and Information Service (CIS).

Defence Forces Deployment

Questions (380)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

380. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Army Ranger Wing deployed with the German armed forces in Mali engaged in military conflict in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9847/21]

View answer

Written answers

Government and Dáil approval was received in June 2019 for the deployment of a contingent of the Permanent Defence Forces to participate in the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in MALI (MINUSMA).

MINUSMA was established under the provisions of Chapter VII of the UN Charter and by Security Council resolution 2100 (25 April 2013) to support political processes in that country and to carry out a number of security-related tasks in support of the population. The current mandate is in place until 30 June 2021, with a focus on Security Sector Reform, Protection of Civilians, constitutional reform, implementation of the peace agreement (Algiers Peace Agreement 2015), and the participation of women (UNSCR 1325) across all elements of society and government.

The Defence Forces participation in MINUSMA commenced in September 2019 with the deployment of an Army Ranger Wing Special Operations Task Unit with the German-led Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Task Force. The ARW deploy as a team to carry out surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations as part of the larger intelligence surveillance reconnaissance company. The Special Operations Task Unit utilises technology via unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs, and human sources, that is, personnel on the ground engaging with local people, to gather intelligence for the UN mission. The ARW are supporting this effort by providing personnel to undertake these tasks.

Currently, there are 2 officers deployed in MINUSMA Force Headquarters in Bamako and an additional 12 personnel, including members of the Army Ranger Wing, deployed with the German Armed Forces at Camp Castor in GAO, Mali. All deployed personnel are embedded with the larger German company and are carrying out assigned tasks in accordance with the mission mandate.

Specific details of the deployment and operations of the ARW are subject to normal operational security reporting restrictions and are not disclosed for operational security reasons.

Defence Forces Remuneration

Questions (381)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

381. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Naval Service that qualify for the naval personnel tax credit in 2020. [9853/21]

View answer

Written answers

It is presumed that the Deputy is referring to the number of personnel qualifying for the Sea Going Naval Personnel Tax Credit in 2021 by reference to the preceding year of assessment i.e. 2020.

In order to assist with administration of the credit, the relevant details of the individuals who may qualify in respect of 2020 have been sought from the Naval Service by my Department. Once received, the information will be forwarded to the Revenue Commissioners. Entitlement to the tax credit in question is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners to determine.

Defence Forces Deployment

Questions (382)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

382. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel who spent between 70 and 79 days at sea in 2020, in tabular form. [9854/21]

View answer

Written answers

The military authorities have advised me that the data requested by the Deputy is not readily accessible as they do not capture data in this manner.

I can confirm that the number of personnel who have claimed Patrol Duty Allowance to date (22/2/21) in the band requested for 2020 is as follows:

No. of Patrol days at sea 2020

No. of officers

No. of enlisted personnel

Total

70-79

3

24

27

Defence Forces Review

Questions (383)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

383. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence if the Commission on the Defence Forces will consider the reinstatement of the 4th Western Brigade to Custume Barracks in Athlone. [9877/21]

View answer

Written answers

Following Government approval for the establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020, the Commission was tasked with undertaking a comprehensive review of the Defence Forces with a mandate to report within 12 months. The Government also approved the Terms of Reference and the membership of the Commission. As part of a broader consultation process, the Commission has launched its website and has invited submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its Terms of Reference.

The Commission has been established as an independent body, and while it is a matter entirely for the Commission, I understand that further discussions and consultations are planned with Defence Forces personnel of all ranks and the Commission will also be engaging with other key stakeholder groups. The Commission’s overall approach will be guided and informed by both the White Paper on Defence 2015 and the White Paper Update 2019, which set out Ireland’s extant Defence Policy, including the current Security Environment Assessment, as set out in the White Paper Update.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (384)

Holly Cairns

Question:

384. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence when serving members of the Defence Forces stationed in and outside Ireland, respectively, will receive the Covid-19 vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9980/21]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Department of Health, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020. It sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination.

I am advised that the Defence Forces has established vaccine prioritisation which is in line with this national allocation strategy. Initial vaccination priority is for Defence Force personnel who are providing front line support to the Health Service Executive (HSE) and National Ambulance Service in the national effort to combat COVID-19.

Personnel selected for overseas service will fall into a prioritised grouping, and will be vaccinated in line with the national allocation strategy and the Defence Forces prioritisation list, subject to availability of the vaccine which is coordinated through the HSE.

Defence Forces Properties

Questions (385)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

385. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the nature of the ongoing works at the Curragh Camp, County Kildare; the cost of same; the works planned in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10340/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Military Authorities of the following projects at the DFTC Curragh Camp that are at various stages of progression:

Project

Estimated Cost

Project Status

Range Upgrade and Installation of Automated Marking System

€2m

Commenced - Works Ongoing

New Cadet School HQ (Refurbish Old Guard room Pearse Bks)

€2.5m

To Commence Quarter 3 2021

Plunkett Block 1 ACS locker room facility

€0.3m

To Commence 2021

Ceannt 1 Block fire protection & ablution upgrade

€0.3m

To Commence 2021

Cadets Mess fire proofing upgrade

€0.28m

To Commence 2021

Sleeping Accommodation - emergency lighting Phase 1

€0.25m

To Commence 2021

The Deputy may also wish to note that my Department has allocated in the region of €10m this year to the Defence Forces for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of its building stock. This devolved budget is a regular feature of the Delegated functions assigned to the Defence Forces by my Department. The individual prioritisation of specific projects to be carried out is solely a matter for the Defence Forces in keeping with the delegated nature of this budget.

Defence Forces Medical Services

Questions (386)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

386. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to address the inequality between officers and enlisted personnel in terms of healthcare provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10341/21]

View answer

Written answers

At present, a wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) at State expense. These include: an annual medical examination, sick parades, attendance at GP surgery outside of sick parade and out of hours GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, mental health services provided by a psychiatrist and two psychologists, in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges, routine dental treatment, and the provision of overseas medical services including global comprehensive medical insurance in the case of Defence Forces personnel assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts.

Commissioned Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service can avail of private consultant appointments and diagnostic tests, and private/semi-private hospital treatment dependent on rank.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to "ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do". A Working Group has been established to bring forward proposals on this matter and report back to me during 2021.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (387)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

387. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the amount his Department has expended to date regarding awareness raising campaigns of Covid-19 in national newspapers, regional newspapers, national radio, regional and local radio stations and across social media platforms; and the amount committed to expend under any current contracts or agreements with same in tabular form. [10467/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has had no expenditure regarding awareness raising campaigns of Covid-19 in national newspapers, regional newspapers, national radio, regional and local radio stations and across social media platforms.

Defence Forces Allowances

Questions (388)

Duncan Smith

Question:

388. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 352 of 3 February 2021, the amount paid for travel allowances to the RDF in each of the past five years; the number of members of the RDF who qualified for such payments in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10488/21]

View answer

Written answers

In line with Defence Force Regulation R5, the governing Regulation for the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve, and the provisions for pay and allowances as set out in Defence Force Regulation S.3, travel allowances totalling €698.96 were paid to 3 members of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) on foot of claims made in 2016.

Of the past five years, 2016 is the only relevant year in which travel allowances were claimed by members of the RDF.

Defence Forces Reserve

Questions (389)

Duncan Smith

Question:

389. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 3 February 2021, the dates on which skill surveys of the RDF were conducted having regard to the 2015 White Paper; the number who responded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10489/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Government recognises the importance of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) in contributing to Ireland's defence capability. The 2015 White Paper on Defence is clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the RDF.

The White Paper acknowledges that there may be professional skills that on occasion may not be readily available in the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and outlines an intention to harness specialist skills that members of the Reserve may have to better support the PDF.

A Skills Survey of the RDF has been undertaken by the Defence Forces which provides an overview of the range of skills available within the Reserve. The Skills Survey was conducted from February to April 2015 and throughout October 2016. The target population was all active members of the RDF who reported for training during the two survey periods, both Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve. A total of 874 responses were received, 700 in 2015 and a further 174 in 2016, which correlated to 67% of the target population.

A Workforce Planning project is underway which will identify skills gaps in the PDF and identify appropriate measures to address any such gaps. The skills survey undertaken of the RDF will assist in identifying possible options to address gaps. Options to underpin the engagement of RDF members will be identified as the various stages of this work unfold.

The work of the Independent Commission on the Defence Forces, established in line with the Programme for Government 2020, encompasses the role and contribution of the RDF, including its legislation; the regulations governing the RDF, the development of the First Line Reserve (FLR) and whether specialists from the RDF should be able to serve overseas.

Teacher Training

Questions (390, 462, 470, 471, 477, 480, 485, 488, 490, 492, 494, 496)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

390. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if educational supports will be extended to students in private teaching colleges (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10485/21]

View answer

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

462. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a matter regarding payment of fees (details supplied); if consideration will be given to making the grant available for this cohort of students given the impact Covid-19 has had on income levels; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10084/21]

View answer

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

470. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education the funding supports in place for trainee teachers of private colleges to attend their mandatory Gaeltacht placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10165/21]

View answer

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

471. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education the supports in place for trainee teachers of private colleges to attend their mandatory Gaeltacht placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10166/21]

View answer

Niamh Smyth

Question:

477. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will review correspondence (details supplied); the plans of her Department in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10184/21]

View answer

Brendan Howlin

Question:

480. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the differences in treatment between teacher education students attending colleges that are State supported and those that are not in relation to supports for Irish language training; her plans to address the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10226/21]

View answer

Alan Dillon

Question:

485. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education the plans in place to include the students of a college (details supplied) in the primary school Gaeltacht grant; the supports being put in place for students of private colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10234/21]

View answer

Réada Cronin

Question:

488. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the actions she will take to support future educators and students on the professional masters of education in primary teaching at a college (details supplied) who are excluded from the Gaeltacht and other grants allowed to their counterparts at State institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10277/21]

View answer

Niamh Smyth

Question:

490. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if the ineligibility of student teachers studying in private colleges to access the Gaeltacht placement grant to complete Irish language training in the Gaeltacht will be reviewed. [10279/21]

View answer

Catherine Murphy

Question:

492. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a petition regarding fees (details supplied); and her plans to address the core issues in respect of Gaeltacht fees. [10321/21]

View answer

Thomas Pringle

Question:

494. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if she will extend the Gaeltacht grant for student teachers of a college (details supplied) given that the course in 2021 will be a two-week online course from home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10323/21]

View answer

Catherine Connolly

Question:

496. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the compulsory immersive two-week Gaeltacht course for students of primary teaching will cost €1,300 per student in 2021 despite being held online; her plans for making this more affordable for students in both public and private colleges in view of the fact that many teaching students who would have relied in the past on part-time work to pay for this course can no longer do so due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10331/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 390, 462, 470, 471, 477, 480, 485, 488, 490, 492, 494 and 496 together.

The current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.

A number of GLPs due to take place in 2020 were postponed due to public health restrictions. Also, due to the uncertainties of how GLPs would happen, any scheduled placements were put on hold for the 2020/2021 academic year.

My Department has been working for some time with stakeholders, including the Teaching Council, the Higher Education Institutes (including the College referred to by the Deputy), the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and CONCOS (umbrella body for Gaeltacht Colleges), to develop contingency arrangements to allow for the completion of GLPs in the current academic year. An agreement has now been reached to proceed with the delivery of an online version of the course in 2021.

These contingency plans allow for all placements scheduled to take place this year, related to the 2020/21 academic year, along with those postponed from 2020. It will also ensure that any final year students have the opportunity to graduate as scheduled in summer 2021.

Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints. The rate of the re-introduced student grant for 2021 has been set at an average of €650. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly online course in 2021. The re-introduced grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes. This is in line with normal practice for other grant payments per students qualifying requirements.

In recent years, it is understood that students had paid an average of €750 for undertaking a fortnightly GLP in the Gaeltacht. This average cost has been in place for many years and included a contribution to cover accommodation costs associated with attending the course in the Gaeltacht. While the accommodation costs do not arise this year, it is acknowledged that Gaeltacht College providers do face a number of additional costs associated with the preparation, design and delivery of a new online programme. It should be noted that in normal circumstances, Gaeltacht householders who provide accommodation to trainee teachers attending recognised courses in Gaeltacht regions also qualify for a daily grant of €10 per night under the terms of Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge which is administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

It is the shared aim of all of the stakeholders involved that students experience a quality online programme. HEIs are currently working directly with their Gaeltacht College providers on implementing the practical and administrative arrangements for delivery of the GLP.

An allowance has been made for 2nd year Professional Masters in Education (PME) students (including students in the College referred to by the Deputy). Those 2nd year PME students who have not completed any GLP will now complete a 3 week online programme (had previously been required to complete 4 weeks). 2nd year PME students who have completed some of their required GLP will now be required to complete the remaining balance (up to a total requirement of 3 weeks) online. This particular allowance, approved by the Teaching Council’s Education Committee, recognised the significant timetabling issues facing 2nd year PME students in respect of school placement, the GLP and normal course work.

The College referred to by the Deputy is an independent private provider of ITE programmes. In relation to the cost of the online programme for students in the College referred to by the Deputy, my Department has recently responded to a proposal from that College confirming that both my Department and the Teaching Council has no issue with that College, working in collaboration with a Gaeltacht College(s) to provide an online programme based on the agreed syllabus for their own students and to negotiate and set the cost for undertaking that programme for their own students.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (391, 392, 420, 538, 539)

Réada Cronin

Question:

391. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the scientific and medical basis on which the safe reopening of schools is being planned while the State is recording high levels of infection and with the new UK variant being dominant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10511/21]

View answer

Réada Cronin

Question:

392. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if her Department has been liaising with the Department of Health regarding the safe reopening of schools; if it is the date or infection rate regarding the new UK Covid-19 variant dominant that is guiding the reopening decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10512/21]

View answer

Réada Cronin

Question:

420. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the frequency with which decisions on school closures are reviewed; if her Department is considering an alteration and extension of the school calendar in the context of the disruption due to the pandemic with the aim of maximising in-school presence and learning; if teachers will be prioritised for vaccination to facilitate reopening and continuous in-school learning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9610/21]

View answer

Réada Cronin

Question:

538. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the way the new UK Covid-19 variant is being assessed in her plans to reopen schools safely; if she will publish information in order to give parental and teacher comfort and public confidence in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10509/21]

View answer

Réada Cronin

Question:

539. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if, in her plan to reopen schools, she is regarding them as a separate virus ecosystem unrelated to their place and import within the community and to virus transmission rates therein; if not, if the reopening is being assessed in the wider community and viral context, particularly with the UK variant being dominant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10510/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 391, 392, 420, 538 and 539 together.

The Government has always been guided by public health advice in relation to what is safe in schools. Public health remain of the view that schools are low risk environments and that the infection prevention and control measures in place in school are effective but recognise there is an ongoing need to reduce societal activity and movement to curb the spread of the virus at this time.

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 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 almost €650 m to put in place and maintain these key infection control measures. Public Health advice is that compliance with these measures ensure that schools remain safe places for children and staff.

The vaccine protocol devised by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), is endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and signed up to by Government. The Department of Health have confirmed that those essential to Education are estimated at this time to be in the first one third of the population captured by the Vaccine Allocation Strategy. My Department has further engaged with the Department of Health requesting that consideration is given to school community as the vaccination programme is rolled out in order to accommodate front line school staff within the vaccination programme at the earliest possible opportunity.

My Department has developed a plan with the relevant education stakeholders for the phased return to in-school learning for children in primary, post-primary and special schools. From the 1 March the first four classes at primary level – junior and senior infants, first and second class – and final year Leaving Certificate students will return to school. This phase will also see a return to full attendance for children in special schools. This is in addition to the reopening of special schools on 11 February on a 50% attendance basis and all special classes reopened fully from 22 February.

The full re-opening of our schools for all students in line with public health advice remains a top priority for Government and my Department is focussing on the safe return of all remaining cohorts of pupils and students to school at the earliest opportunity in March, with the last group of post primary students set to return to school after the Easter Break.

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