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Wednesday, 24 Feb 2021

Written Answers Nos. 481-502

School Transport

Questions (481, 482, 483)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

481. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if the review of the school transport scheme will take into consideration the next nearest school to a pupil in order to account for those who cannot attend their nearest school due to capacity issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10227/21]

View answer

Cathal Crowe

Question:

482. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if the review of the school transport scheme will re-examine the rule by which only numbers of eligible pupils and not concessionary ones are taken into consideration when a particular route is put out to tender. [10228/21]

View answer

Cathal Crowe

Question:

483. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if the review of the school transport scheme will invite contributions by regional school transport managers of Bus Éireann. [10229/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 481 to 483, inclusive, together.

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 113,100 children, including over 14,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

In October 2019, my predecessor announced a review of the school transport scheme with a view to taking a fresh look at the service and its broader effectiveness and sustainability. Given the evolving situation with Covid-19 the work of the Steering Group had been delayed. However, an initial meeting of the Steering Group was held on the 11th of February in order to recommence the process, which will continue over the coming period. The review is being conducted to ensure that the school transport is fit for purpose and that it serves students and their families adequately.

This review will also build on the proposals in the Programme for Government as they relate to school transport, including examining the options to reduce car journeys and assessing how the School Transport Scheme can work in liaison with the Safe Routes to Schools Programme; examining the options for providing a better value and a better service for students, including and examining issues such as the nearest or next-nearest school.

Other issues under consideration include the efficiency of the service and to also examine potential scope for a more co-ordinated approach involving other Government departments involved in transport services.

It is intended that the review will invite contributions by regional school transport managers of Bus Éireann.

School Transport

Questions (484)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

484. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the vast difference in cost, grants will be made available to parents of pupils who are not attending a school in which they can access the school transport scheme and must avail of regular public transport. [10230/21]

View answer

Written answers

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 113,100 children, including over 14,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.

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 my Department's School Transport Schemes children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national or reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by my 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.

An eligible child for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.

The grant amount is distance related and is payable annually at a fixed daily rate, to each eligible family, regardless of the number of children from the same family, travelling to a particular school.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann allocates tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.

Question No. 485 answered with Question No. 390.

Teacher Training

Questions (486, 497)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

486. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education the steps being taken to ensure students undertaking teaching training courses at a college (details supplied) are not forced to pay extortionate fees for an alternative language learning course replacing the mandatory Gaeltacht immersion course due to Covid-19 restrictions in 2021; and if she will meet the affected students to address their concerns. [10237/21]

View answer

Duncan Smith

Question:

497. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will engage with a college (details supplied) to ensure that students attending the college will not be charged exorbitant fees to attend mandatory Gaeltacht training courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10353/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 497 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 4weeks). 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.

I can confirm that officials in my Department continue to be available to meet with the College referred to by the Deputy on this matter if required.

State Examinations

Questions (487)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

487. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education her plans to extend the reasonable accommodations at State examinations scheme to make particular provision for students with epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10275/21]

View answer

Written answers

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Question No. 488 answered with Question No. 390.

Teacher Training

Questions (489, 503, 509)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

489. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will review State supports available to student teachers studying in private colleges, in particular their ineligibility for the Gaeltacht placement grant to complete Irish language training in the Gaeltacht. [10278/21]

View answer

Neale Richmond

Question:

503. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education if she has considered allowing students of private colleges to avail of supports such as the Gaeltacht grant, fees refund scheme, student assistant fund and the SUSI grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10374/21]

View answer

Marian Harkin

Question:

509. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education the reason students at a college (details supplied) are excluded from various Stated-funded student supports; if she will reconsider this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10414/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 489, 503 and 509 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.

In relation to other grant schemes, this is a matter for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Question No. 490 answered with Question No. 390.

School Enrolments

Questions (491)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

491. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to increase the number of secondary school places in north Dublin in order to deal with the unprecedented length of waiting lists for secondary school places across the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10311/21]

View answer

Written answers

I 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 school planning areas in North Dublin.

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, they 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 patrons in North Dublin, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming year(s) which may necessitate action including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions. 

Question No. 492 answered with Question No. 390.
Question No. 493 answered with Question No. 393.
Question No. 494 answered with Question No. 390.
Question No. 495 answered with Question No. 393.
Question No. 496 answered with Question No. 390.
Question No. 497 answered with Question No. 486.

School Enrolments

Questions (498)

John Brady

Question:

498. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the contingency plans that will be made for the 170 to 190 students who are currently without a secondary school place in the Greystones and Kilcoole areas in County Wicklow; when it is anticipated that these students will be offered a secondary school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10359/21]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, the Department recently met with the principals of the post primary schools in the areas in question to ascertain the actual number of pupils in the school planning area who have not received an offer of a school place for September 2021.

The Department is satisfied that accommodation solutions can be put in place to meet these requirements and is currently engaging with the school's patron bodies in relation to increasing their intake for September 2021 and future years.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (499)

John Brady

Question:

499. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the process and average timeframe from the appointment of a design team to the completion once a project has been referred to the National Development Finance Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10360/21]

View answer

Written answers

The projects to which the Deputy refers have to complete the five stages of architectural planning involved in the delivery of all major school projects. The length of time it takes to get through these stages will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and complexity of the relevant project. Critically, it is also dependent on how well progress is made through the statutory approvals process.

It is too early at this stage of the architectural planning process to provide an accurate timeframe as to how long the projects in question will take to deliver. I can inform the Deputy, however, that all seven of the schools included in Project Nore, one of the bundles of projects in the NDFA programme, had completed Stage 1 of this process by October 2020 in circumstances where the design team was appointed in April 2020. This is an excellent outcome in terms of the timeframes for completion of this stage of the process given the number and complexity of the projects in question.

Project Nore is currently in the final stages of the Stage 2A process which is further excellent progress.

Question No. 500 answered with Question No. 393.

State Examinations

Questions (501)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

501. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education her plans to allow for the reopening of public and private study centres that provide study time in the evenings for leaving certificate students to coincide with reopening of schools for leaving certificate students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10372/21]

View answer

Written answers

The full re-opening of our schools for all students remains a top priority for Government and my Department is focussing on the safe return of all pupils and students to school on a phased basis beginning in March.

Guidelines on undertaking private activities outside of recognised schools are not a matter for this Department.

Ireland is currently at Level 5 of the Governments Living with Covid framework, further details in relation to specific sectors are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2dc71-level-5/.

Question No. 502 answered with Question No. 466.
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