Thursday, 11 Mar 2021

Written Answers Nos. 100-119

State Examinations

Questions (100)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

100. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the reason the leaving certificate guidance issued by her Department at the beginning of March 2021 requested that teachers will demonstrate that no two students are placed on the same estimated percentage mark leaving teachers to continue to put students in a ranked order in 2021 in view of the fact that assurances were given that students would not be ranked within their classes in 2021; and the further reason it is not possible for two students to be given the same mark. [13604/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

On 17 February, I confirmed that Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations will proceed and students will also have the option of applying for grades accredited by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), to be known as SEC-Accredited Grades.

This decision ensures for every student a method to assess their learning and attainment at the end of their post-primary education and to progress to higher and further education, and the world of work.

Under the SEC-Accredited Grades process, students will have the opportunity to opt to receive an SEC-Accredited Grade. They can also opt to sit the Leaving Certificate Examination. Students will opt into these processes on a subject by subject basis. Where students opt for SEC-Accredited Grades and the examinations they will be credited with the better of their results from the two processes, on a subject by subject basis.

The Guide to State Examinations and Accredited Grades for Leaving Certificate 2021, published on 25 February, states that subject teachers will need to demonstrate that no two students are placed on the same estimated percentage mark, up to two decimal places. This is a requirement of the in school alignment process. However, it is intended that teachers will not be required to explicitly rank students in a numeric order of merit as part of this process, as was the case in relation to the operation of the Calculated Grades model in 2020. Furthermore, consideration is also being given to addressing the rankorder issue, if possible, in legislation to be brought forward by the Minister.

Schools Site Acquisitions

Questions (101)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

101. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the status of plans to provide a new building for a school (details supplied); if a site has been agreed; if so, the name and location of same; and when construction will commence. [13608/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As previously advised to the Deputy, my Department is committed to the provision of a new school building for the school in question. A new site is required to faciliate this and my Department is considering a potential option. It is not possible at this point to indicate a timeline for the construction of a new school building.

My Department is currently liaising with the school authority in the context of support that can be offered to the school to assist with its interim accommodation needs. The school has also made arrangements to access additional interim accommodation in the building adjoining the school.

Education Policy

Questions (102)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

102. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if her Department has given consideration to additional first year classes being added to secondary schools in an area (details supplied) given the high number of students currently on waiting lists for the academic year beginning in September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13630/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (GIS). The GIS uses data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Department's own school enrolment databases, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise.

The process has been strengthened this year through three specific initiatives:

(1) enhanced engagement with local authorities in relation to the information on residential development incorporated in the analysis process;

(ii) additional engagement with patron bodies in relation to their local knowledge on school place requirements. Education and Training Boards, Diocesan offices and national patron bodies such as Educate Together, An Foras Pátrúnachta etc. can also be an important source of local knowledge. This will add to information also provided to the Department by local authorities or individual schools.

(iii) utilising the information gleaned from schools under the national inventory of school capacity completed by individual schools last year as part of POD, P-POD returns process.

Similar to the process adopted for September 2020 readiness, the Department will be engaging further with patron bodies, including for the area in question in advance of identifying specific September 2021 capacity pressure points priorities which will necessitate specific action.

In a ‘regular’ year, addressing the increase demands for school places, whilst challenging, is manageable – generally through utilisation of existing spare capacity within schools, rental, temporary accommodation or other short term measures pending the delivery of permanent accommodation.

Education Policy

Questions (103)

Denise Mitchell

Question:

103. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education when the review of the need for school places for areas (details supplied) will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13632/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As the Deputy is aware, in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit, school enrolment data and information regarding residential development to identify where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.

As had been previously indicated to the Deputy, my Department is currently working on an updated demographic exercise to assess needs for the coming years across the country, including in the areas to which she refers. This work is not yet finalised but is nearing completion.

School Funding

Questions (104)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

104. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Education the number of schools that have applied to the school capital grants scheme; the number of schools that have been granted funding under the scheme for works on a physical education or gym hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13650/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I wish to advise the Deputy that the provision of PE Halls form part of the accommodation brief for all newly established schools. These facilities may also form part of the overall accommodation brief for major capital extensions to existing schools. Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website, www.education.ie and this information is updated regularly. All applications approved under my Department's additional accommodation scheme (ASA) is also available on the Department's website.

The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. The second half of the NDP (from 2023 onwards) will see an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock. This will include a PE Hall build and modernisation programme to ensure that ##students in all post-primary schools have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision.

The immediate priority of my Department is providing new and replacement school places each year, to ensure that every child has a school place.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (105, 106, 107)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

105. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the provisions that will be put in place to ensure that children in emergency or homeless accommodation whose families may find it difficult to facilitate a home tutor can still take part in the summer provision programme. [13682/21]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

106. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the details of the planning that has taken place to date for 2021 summer provision programme. [13683/21]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

107. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if she will consider putting together a centralised database of teachers and special needs assistants who are willing to provide tuition for families as part of the summer provision programme in order to prevent issues that occur each year with families struggling to find a tutor. [13684/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 to 107, inclusive, together.

A significantly expanded Summer Programme was provided in 2020 for children with the complex needs as a discrete response to Covid-19. The programme included a number of strands and options from which parents could choose, involving either in-school, or home-based supports by teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to help to prevent regression among children with SEN.

The programme's aim was to support children to reintegrate/transition into their planned education setting for the 2020/21 school year with their peers.

Over 14,000 children participated in the special education summer programmes developed by the Department including 3,881 in the school based programme, 9,716 in the home based programme and 450 families in the HSE programme.

The NCSE provided information for Parents on how to source a Teacher or SNA where parents cannot source one through their schools. Support could also be accessed through Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN).

My Department is progressing work on proposals for this years Summer Provision scheme which will be influenced by the current public health emergency. These proposals will be developed based on engagement and consultation with the education partners. The issues raised by the Deputy will be considered as part of this work.

I will make an announcement on this in due course.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (108)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

108. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if a copy will be provided of the public health advice from NPHET on the phased return of the various year groups back into school buildings; if this advice made specific reference to the leaving certificate year group sixth years.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13687/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The Government has always been guided by public health advice in relation to what is safe in 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. Schools have put significant infection prevention control measures in place to reduce the risk of coronavirus being transmitted to/within the school and significant funding of almost €650 million has been put in place by my Department to fund Covid-19 related measures, including funding for PPE, sanitation and additional cleaning etc.

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.

State Examinations

Questions (109)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

109. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if those who will leave school in June 2021 after the junior cycle will be furnished with State certification of completion of this qualification to allow them to progress with their future careers. [13688/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

Following a Government decision on 17 February, I confirmed that the Junior Cycle examinations will not be run in 2021. Guidance and further information relating to the Junior Cycle of 2021 has now been published by my Department and is available at http://www.gov.ie/JuniorCycle.

These guidelines include details on the alternative form of certification designed to meet the current exceptional circumstances. A state certificate of completion of the Junior Cycle from my Department will be issued stating students have completed their Junior Cycle programme of study. In addition to this certificate, a school report detailing the learning achievements through the Junior Cycle programme should be issued to students by their schools. Further details are available in the guidelines.

This decision follows intensive engagement with education stakeholders bilaterally and through the Planning for State Examinations 2021 Advisory Group and sub-group. The Advisory Group, which was initially constituted in April 2020, includes representatives of students, parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority and my Department, including the National Educational Psychological Service.

This year, my Department issued letters of completion to any candidates who requested them to facilitate entry into an apprenticeship programme. Similar accommodations will be made for the class of 2021.

My Department will continue to engage with SOLAS and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on the issue of apprenticeship eligibility.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (110)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

110. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if she has considered the use of half-days or alternating days attendance when first and fourth year students return to school on 12 April 2021; and the reason this has not been advised. [13689/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The Government has always been guided by public health advice in relation to what is safe in schools. The Department of Health and the HSE have reaffirmed that schools in themselves are low risk environments and that a gradual phased reopening can occur at this time. Public health has reviewed the measures put in place to ensure safe operation of schools and is satisfied that these infection prevention and control measures, when implemented correctly and adhered to, will keep the school community safe during this period.

Intensive engagement and input from education partners representing parents, students, unions, management bodies and principal networks on the plans for the phased reopening of schools has been ongoing.

It is recognised by all of the partners that remote teaching and learning is difficult for all and the return of all children at the earliest opportunity remains a high priority for Government in line with public health advice.

Safety is paramount in our schools, and all provision within schools will continue according to public health advice developed for educational settings. 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 next Monday, with the last group of post primary students set to return to school after the Easter Break.

State Examinations

Questions (111)

Neale Richmond

Question:

111. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education if she has engaged with the State Examinations Commission on the extension of an application for external candidates for the leaving certificate given that the Commission has confirmed that over 100 students did not register in time and are not being offered a late registration option; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13695/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

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.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (112)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

112. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the entry criteria for language classes for children with severe speech, language and communication needs has not been reviewed since 2005; if she will engage with an association (details supplied) that has called for an end to the two year cap on placements in language classes; and if she will review the entry criteria for language classes. [13704/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

My Department provides an extensive range of supports for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD). This includes provision for the establishment of special classes for pupils with SSLD in primary schools.

A total of 63 SSLD special classes in mainstream primary schools have been provided for the 2020/2021 school year. This compares to 60 such special classes in 2011/12. In the period 2011 to 2020, the number of SSLD special classes has ranged from 60 - 65, depending on need.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, including applications to establish special classes for SSLD. Applications meeting the criteria for establishment are approved by the NCSE.

The opening and retention of SSLD special classes is, however, contingent on the Health Service Executive (HSE) being in a position to provide speech and language therapy to the students in the class. The availability and provision of speech and language therapy is the responsibility of the HSE.

The enrolment of pupils in SSLD special classes is managed locally by an Admissions & Discharges Committee, comprising the Speech and Language Therapy Manager, Speech and Language Therapist, Class Teacher and Principal.

Students who are not enrolled in a special class for SSLD and who meet the SSLD criteria, as outlined in Circular 0038/2007, may qualify for additional Special Education Teaching support; as may students with mild speech and language difficulties. It is a matter for individual schools to use their professional judgement to identify pupils who will receive this support and to use the resources available to the school to intervene at the appropriate level with such students. My Department is not directly involved in these decisions.

As outlined in Circular 0038/2007, eligible pupils may spend up to two years in SSLD classes.

The NCSE is currently developing Policy Advice on Special Classes and Special Schools, which is now due to be completed by year end. My Department, in conjunction with the NCSE is also considering the existing definition of Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD). As this work develops, my Department will be happy to consult with the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists in relation to the criteria for the scheme.

State Examinations

Questions (113)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

113. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to ensure that students attending Gaelcholáistí who complete their leaving certificate through Irish are not disadvantaged as a result, particularly in the Irish exam; and if assurances will be given that these students will not be unfairly downgraded in their Irish exam. [13721/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

On 17 February, I confirmed that Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations will proceed and students will also have the option of applying for grades accredited by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), to be known as SEC-Accredited Grades. It is assumed the Deputy’s question refers to students who are completing their leaving certificate through Irish and who will opt to apply for SEC-Accredited Grades.

The Government decision ensures for every student a method to assess their learning and attainment at the end of their post-primary education and to progress to higher and further education, and the world of work.

Under the SEC-Accredited Grades process, students will have the opportunity to opt to receive an SEC-Accredited Grade. They can also opt to sit the Leaving Certificate Examination. Students will opt into these processes on a subject by subject basis. Where students opt for SEC-Accredited Grades and the examinations they will be credited with the better of their results from the two processes, on a subject by subject basis.

The Guide to State Examinations and Accredited Grades for Leaving Certificate 2021, published on 25 February, includes information on how the SEC-Accredited Grades process will operate in relation to students who are completing their leaving certificate through Irish and who have opted to apply for SEC-Accredited Grades. Teachers will be asked to provide an estimate of the student’s likely mark in each subject on the assumption that the bonus that is applicable for answering the written paper through Irish is included in the estimate. It is anticipated that most teachers who are teaching through Irish will have internalised and taken account of the impact of the bonus when making their initial judgements, so that no explicit calculation of the bonus will be needed. The full detail of the standardisation model for SEC-Accredited Grades will be determined in conjunction with the contractor engaged to assist in this process.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (114)

Duncan Smith

Question:

114. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the number of specific special schools by region; the number of students on waiting lists for special schools by region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13738/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government. The Department of Education will spend approximately €2 Billion or over 20% of its total educational budget in 2021 on making additional provision for children with special educational needs this year.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. It has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents. NCSE seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special education placements.

NCSE is planning a further expansion of special education places nationally, to meet identified need. This process is ongoing.

It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.

Notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some parts of the country where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.

Through better planning at both national and local level, it is my objective that specialist education places should come on stream to meet emerging demand on a timely basis. However, the active collaboration of school communities is essential in this regard.

I should clarify that the NCSE does not maintain waiting lists for schools. Boards of management of individual schools are responsible for such enrolment matters.

However, through ongoing consultation at local level, the NCSE is aware of those parents whose children will be seeking placement for the 2021/22 academic year, including mainstream placement with appropriate support, special class placement, Early Intervention and special school placement. The NCSE continues to work to identify any and all relevant suitable placements.

The NCSE's local Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise both schools and the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: https://ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.

The specific information requested by the Deputy on special schools is also available directly on the NCSE's website at www.ncse.ie.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (115)

Duncan Smith

Question:

115. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education when a permanent school will be built for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin as promised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13739/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As the Deputy is aware, my Department currently has site requirements for three schools in the area, including the school to which the Deputy refers. My Department has completed the acquisition of one site and is progressing the conveyancing of another site. While my Department had anticipated the early completion of the acquisition of the second site this acquisition remains to be finalised. Due to the commercial sensitivities involved it is not possible to comment further at this stage.

In tandem with the two acquisitions my Department is undertaking a technical assessment of both sites as to their suitability to meet the requirements of the schools involved. While this assessment is not yet completed, it is at an advanced stage. On the successful acquisition of both sites, the outcome of the assessment will inform the decision on the permanent location of the schools involved.

School Enrolments

Questions (116)

Duncan Smith

Question:

116. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the support available for parents who find themselves in the coming months with children who have not been accepted to any local secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13740/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

In relation to school enrolment generally, it is my Department's responsibility to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area.

It is a matter for parents to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. In schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary.

The selection process used by schools and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, it may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in their school of first choice.

Where a school is oversubscribed in a particular year, it is required to compile a waiting list of unsuccessful applicants for that year, and to fill any further places arising for that school year from that list.

A list of schools in each area can also be accessed on the Department’s website at the following link: https://www.education.ie/en/Find-a-School/.

The Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. TESS can be contacted at 01-7718500 for assistance. More information on school attendance is available on their website on the following link: https://www.tusla.ie/tess/tess-ews/.

For ease of reference I have provided a link to the relevant phone numbers for the Education Welfare Officers assigned to various areas around the country: https://www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/local-area-offices.

Education Policy

Questions (117)

John Paul Phelan

Question:

117. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education the definition of the title of a junior national school; the primary schools with such a title currently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13752/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I wish to advise the Deputy that the practical situation is that a junior national school is one that caters for the junior primary cycle, i.e. Junior Infants up to Second Class. There are 92 schools which have a maximum standard of up to second class.

DEIS Scheme

Questions (118)

Verona Murphy

Question:

118. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she plans to extend the reduction of teacher to pupil-ratio numbers in primary urban DEIS band 1 schools to include both primary rural DEIS schools and primary urban DEIS band 2 schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13753/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.

Budget 2021 provided for a one point improvement to the staffing schedule for September 2021 and introduces new retention levels for all schools.

I have also recently announced a further package of measures, including improved staffing and additional funding for the school completion programme to tackle educational disadvantage in DEIS schools and to assist those students with the highest levels of need to help them reach their potential.

The newly revised staffing schedule for the 2021/22 school year will be published shortly and it is at that stage that schools will be able to establish their staffing for the coming September.

School Transport

Questions (119)

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

119. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Education if concessionary school bus tickets can be retained by students (details supplied) for the coming school term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13788/21]

Written answers

Minister for Education

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 the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8kms from and are attending their nearest Post Primary School/Education Centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only. Concessionary transport is subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and payment, on time, of the annual charge. The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year, is not available on public scheduled services and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s education cycle.

Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets. Routes will not be extended or altered, additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis.

Bus Éireann has confirmed that the children to whom the Deputy refers are not eligible for school transport as they are not attending their nearest post primary school. They were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary ticket for the 2020/21 school year. At this stage Bus Éireann cannot confirm if this family will be successful in obtaining concessionary tickets for the 2021/2022 school year as the availability of concessionary transport varies from year to year.