Written Answers Nos. 246-265
250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the structures within the Defence Forces for dealing with complaints such as bullying or sexual harassment; the extent to which he is satisfied that such structures are working satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47429/21]
View answerAll members of the Defence Forces, both male and female, have the right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity and to carry out their duties free from any form of sexual harassment, harassment or bullying. Unacceptable forms of behaviour are not tolerated in the Defence Forces and where there are allegations of offences having been committed, investigations will be initiated by the appropriate authorities.
The Defence Forces policies and procedures regarding interpersonal relationships and unacceptable behaviour are outlined in Defence Forces Administrative Instruction A7. Complaints of unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour are dealt with by the military chain of command either through the legal/disciplinary process or by administrative action. Administrative instruction A7, Chapter 1, 'Interpersonal Relationships in the Defence Forces" is the Defence Forces' policy document which deals with sexual harassment, harassment and bullying. I am advised by the military authorities that these complaints are dealt with at different levels, either by way of an informal approach or formal process. Specially trained Designated Contact Persons (DCPs) are available to assist complainants. The formal procedure requires that a complaint is made in writing.
Chapter 2 of Administrative Instruction A7 provides another formal mechanism for individuals, under Section 114 (1) and 114 (2) of the Defence Act, 1954, to seek redress of wrongs or to make a complaint. Complaints may be submitted orally or in writing to the complainants Commanding Officer, or in the case where they feel themselves wronged by their Commanding Officer, may complain to the Chief of Staff. Notifications are sent to my office and the office of Ombudsman for the Defence Forces formally when any Chapter 2 complaint is submitted and of its subsequent outcome.
Under this mechanism there exists further recourse for the complaint to be referred to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces for review and recommendation if appropriate. As the Deputy will be aware, the Ombudsman is entirely independent in carrying out his functions in line with the provisions of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces Act, 2004, and his final report, which may include a recommendation on each complaint, is submitted to me for determination.
I am further advised that in the event that a complaint of a criminal nature is reported, I understand that the standard procedure is that the matter is investigated immediately by the Military Police. Where allegations of serious criminal incidents among serving members are brought to the attention of the Military Police, they are traditionally passed to An Garda Síochána for their consideration and investigation who have the lawful authority, skills and resources to investigate such matters.
The Deputy will be aware that earlier this week I met with participants from the Women of Honour group and with a group of serving female members of the Defence Forces, where I had the opportunity to listen carefully to their experiences, in what were very informative meetings. It is clear that there are very strong views that the culture that is pervading, and the application of the current policies, systems and procedures in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well. I have given my commitment that the serious issues they have raised, will be addressed.
You will also be aware of the actions being taken to establish an Independent Review, which will be undertaken by external, independent and unbiased experts. The Review will examine the effectiveness of current policies and procedures dealing with workplace issues, such as dignity, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination. The terms of the Review, which are in the process of being finalised, are being reviewed in light of recent meetings with the Women of Honour group and with serving female personnel. Further engagement with the Women of Honour Group on the Terms of the Review is proposed. In addition engagement with other stakeholders, including with the Representative Associations, is also scheduled, and will additionally inform the terms.
I can assure the Deputy that I, as Minister, working closely with the Chief of Staff, and the Secretary General, am committed to providing a safe place of work for all employees in the Defence Organisation, both male and female. All individuals have a right to be treated with respect, equality and dignity in the workplace, and to carry out their duties free from any form of bullying, gender discrimination, or any form of harassment and to reach their full potential.
251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of complaints made by victims of any form of abuse within the Defence Forces over the past ten years to date; the extent to which such complaints were dealt with to the satisfaction of all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47430/21]
View answer254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of complaints made within the Defence Forces in respect of bullying or harassment of a sexual nature or otherwise that were resolved to the satisfaction of the complainants in each of the past ten years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47433/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 254 together.
The information sought by the Deputy could not be collated within the time available and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces currently deployed overseas; the extent of any future deployments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47432/21]
View answerAs of 2 September 2021, Ireland is contributing 574 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) with 349 personnel and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria with 134 personnel. Ireland also contributes observers and staff to various United Nations and OSCE missions and personnel to staff appointments and Representative/Liaison Offices at the UN, EU, NATO/PfP and OSCE.
Ireland has always been a strong supporter of the United Nations and UN Peacekeeping. Our commitment and support for the primary role of the United Nations, in the maintenance of international peace and security, is expressed in Ireland's long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. This commitment is also expressed in our engagement in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
The Department of Defence constantly reviews the deployment of Defence Forces personnel overseas. Ireland receives requests from time to time in relation to participating in various missions and these are considered on a case-by-case basis. The changing nature of demands and potential future mission profiles need to be considered in the context of assets and capabilities which can be made available by the Defence Forces for overseas deployment, given existing operational demands at home and overseas.
Full details of all personnel currently serving in missions overseas are listed in the following tabular statement.
MEMBERS OF THE PERMANENT DEFENCE FORCE SERVING OVERSEAS AS OF 2 September 2021
|
UN MISSIONS |
|
|
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) HQ UNIFIL 118th Infantry Battalion UNIFIL Sector West HQ |
9 336 4 |
|
UNTSO (United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation) Israel & Syria |
11 |
|
MINUSMA (United Nations mission in MALI) |
14 |
|
MONUSCO (United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic of the Congo) |
3 |
|
UNDOF (COS Staff/FHQ Staff - Camp Faouar - Bravo side) UNDOF 63rd Infantry Group (Camp Faouar - Bravo side) |
8 126 |
|
TOTAL |
511 |
|
UN MANDATED MISSIONS |
|
|
EUFOR (EU-led Operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina) |
5 |
|
EUTM Mali (EU-led Training Mission) |
20 |
|
KFOR (International Security Presence in Kosovo) HQ |
13 |
|
Naval Service EU Mission (Op Irini HQ) |
3 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONNEL SERVING WITH UN MISSIONS |
552 |
|
ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE (OSCE) |
|
|
Staff Officer, High Level Planning Group, Vienna |
1 |
|
EU MILITARY STAFF |
|
|
Brussels |
4 |
|
MILITARY REPRESENTATIVES/ADVISERS/STAFF |
|
|
Military Adviser, Permanent Mission to UN, New York |
3* |
|
Military Adviser, Irish Delegation to OSCE, Vienna |
1 |
|
Military Representative in PSC Delegation (Brussels) |
8 |
|
Liaison Office of Ireland, NATO/PfP (Brussels) |
3 |
|
EU OHQ Operation Althea, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
Irish Liaison Officer to SHAPE & Military Co-Op Division, Mons, Belgium |
1 |
|
TOTAL NUMBER OF DEFENCE FORCES PERSONNEL SERVING OVERSEAS |
574 |
* Includes Major General Maureen O'Brien serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations
255. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if discussions are expected regarding physical education becoming an optional exam leaving certificate subject in all secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47204/21]
View answerAt Senior Cycle, PE is currently available through both the optional examinable subject, Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE) and the non-examinable Senior Cycle Physical Education (SCPE) Framework.
The examinable LCPE subject was introduced to 64 schools as part of the phase 1 introduction of the subject from September 2018. From September 2020, any school that wishes to offer LCPE is able to do so. 194 schools have opted to offer the subject for the first time from this date. LCPE is designed to be taught in a minimum of 180 hours across 5th and 6th year.
A Framework for Senior Cycle Physical Education (SCPE) has been published by my Department and is designed to support teachers in planning quality learning in Physical Education for all students in Senior Cycle. The non-examinable Framework will assist schools in designing a physical education programme for senior cycle students, including students who do or do not elect to take Physical Education as a subject for their Leaving Certificate examination. From September 2020, the new Framework replaced the existing guidelines for PE at senior cycle. All students in Senior Cycle should be studying SCPE. However, if a student is studying the optional LCPE specification, they are not required to also study the SCPE Framework, although this is not prohibited.
256. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education the current position on the new school building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47274/21]
View answerMy Department has taken the decision not to pursue the original proposal to meet the long term accommodation needs of the school in question. An alternative proposal will be progressed and due to sensitivities involved, it is not possible to comment further at this time.
257. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the demand for a non-denominational, co-educational secondary school in the Killester, Raheny and Clontarf school planning area; if she will examine the possibility of providing such a school; if Educate Together can be considered for patronage of any new secondary school in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47283/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be 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, utilising data from a range of sources including information on planned and current residential development, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
The level of demand volume across school planning areas with an increasing net requirement ranges from small to medium increases that are likely to be accommodated by existing schools through to significant projected growth that may require additional provision.
Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
My Department's most recent projections do not indicate significant increases in school place requirements at post primary level in the Killester_Raheny_Clontarf school planning area. Nevertheless, my Department will continue to work to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in the area to meet school place demand and will keep the requirements in Killester_Raheny_Clontarf, as with all other school planning areas, under review.
Should it be decided in the future, based on demographic analysis, that a new school is required, a patronage process would be conducted to determine the patronage of the school. Parental preferences in relation to patronage and language of instruction (Irish or English) from parents of children who reside in the school planning areas concerned, together with the extent of diversity of provision in these areas (including Irish-medium provision), are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of such processes.
258. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education when the rate of pay of a person (details supplied) will be regarded by her Department for teaching services within a school from September 2020 to May 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47285/21]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the person referred to in this question has recently had the date of registration for their post primary qualification level updated by the Teaching Council.
An amendment will be made to the teachers service record, as soon as possible, in order to reflect this, and to regrade the service referred to as teaching services. The teacher concerned has been informed that this process is currently underway.
259. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if statistical information will be provided in relation to the school transport scheme by county in tabular form (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47307/21]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 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.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time for the 2021/22 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. In addition, all post-primary pupils who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and who have applied and paid on time will be accommodated on school transport services. This arrangement is in place for current school year pending completion of the full review of the School Transport Scheme.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and are offered seats where capacity exists after all eligible children have been catered for.
Bus Éireann has confirmed that to date some 104,900 pupils have been issued tickets for the School Transport Scheme. This number is continuing to change as tickets continue to be allocated to pupils where capacity is available. The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available, however, School Transport Section of my Department will revert directly to the Deputy with this information when it is available.
260. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education the details of the review of the school transport scheme in particular available details on a review of the concessionary ticket process; the terms of reference that are available on the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47308/21]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/2021 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time for the 2021/22 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. In addition all post-primary pupils who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and who have applied and paid on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. This arrangement is in place for current school year pending completion of the full review of the School Transport Scheme.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and are offered seats where capacity exists after all eligible children have been catered for.
My Department commenced a review of the School Transport Scheme in February 2021. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately. The review encompasses the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs and the Primary and Post-Primary School Transport Schemes in terms of how each element of the schemes currently operate, to include eligibility criteria, trends, costs and cost drivers, and overall effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the schemes. The review will also examine the potential for integration of different strands of the scheme and a more co-ordinated approach with other Government Departments that also use transport services.
Following commencement of this review the Steering Group recently presented me with an initial interim report on eligibility with an examination of issues for mainstream pupils relating to the nearest and next nearest school. Following consideration of this report, I approved the extension of temporary alleviation measures for transport for post-primary students who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and have applied and paid on time.
Wider considerations relating to operation of the scheme will take place in the next phase of the review which is now underway. The Steering Group will continue to report to me on an interim basis as the review progresses, with a view to presenting a final report with recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme.
261. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education if she will reinstate the funding to primary schools to stock their libraries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47327/21]
View answer262. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if she will restore the school library fund; if her attention has been drawn to the disadvantage caused by the scrapping of the scheme in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47347/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 261 and 262 together.
An arrangement was made through An Chomhairle Leabharlanna in 1971, whereby the local authority librarians would provide services for schools. At that time my Department made a grant available for this purpose based on the number of pupils enrolled in primary schools in the local authority areas.
The amount of the grant payable to each local authority was based on the number of primary pupils in the relevant area and amounted to €4.52 per pupil. The full year estimated cost of reinstating the library grant is circa €2.5m
As Minister for Education, I am very conscious of the importance of library services and the value of these in the context of the supports available to schools.
263. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Education the status of changes to curriculum and assessments for students taking Irish exams in cases in which they have been taught through Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47358/21]
View answerBuilding on provision at primary level, differentiated curricular provision for the subject Irish was introduced at Junior Cycle level in 2017. The L1/T1 specification for Junior Cycle Irish is targeted at students in Irish-medium schools and Aonaid, while the L2/T2 specification is aimed at students in English-medium schools where Irish is a second language.
At present, students in all schools follow the same syllabuses for Leaving Certificate (established) Irish. In February 2021, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) opened a public consultation on draft L1/T1 and L2/T2 specifications for new Leaving Certificate (established) Irish subject specifications. In planning and in designing the consultation process, the NCCA was mindful to take account of the very challenging circumstances facing teachers, students, school leaders, and their communities due to Covid-19. In response to stakeholder requests and in order to extend the opportunities for all those interested to engage with the process, this consultation is now scheduled to remain open until 30 November 2021. The current L1 and L2 Leaving Certificate specifications are draft documents and are therefore subject to change based on the outcome of the consultation process.
Once the consultation process closes, the NCCA will engage in an analysis of the findings. A report on the consultation will be prepared for NCCA Council and in due course will be presented to my Department for consideration.
264. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the number of applications pending for registration with the Teaching Council; the number of unqualified teachers who were paid by her Department at primary and secondary level in recent weeks; if credit scores regarding degrees only apply to graduates post-2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47368/21]
View answerUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
The figures they have provided show that there were approximately 1,279 applications for registration at various stages of processing at close of business Friday 24 September 2021.
The breakdown was as follows:
1. 115 received and queued for processing.
2. 303 in progress.
3. 674 awaiting missing documentation from applicant (to note, as advised in the Teaching Council information for registration, processing of the application cannot commence until all documentation is received).
4. 150 awaiting Garda vetting.
5. 37 final registration pending.
The Teaching Council inform me that this data is dynamic and subject to ongoing change.
The information that the Deputy requires in relation to the number of unqualified teachers who were paid by my Department at primary and secondary level in recent weeks, is not readily available. My officials will compile this information and provide it to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
The Teaching Council is responsible for the maintenance of the Register of Teachers in Ireland as set out in the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 in line with the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations (SI 444). The Schedule in the Regulations sets out the qualifications required for registration under four routes of registration; Primary, Post-primary, Further Education and Route 4 Other. The qualification requirements are expressed in European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) which represent learning based on defined learning outcomes and their associated workload. This is the international standard adopted across Europe by Higher Education Institutions ensuring the increased consistency and transparency of qualifications. Applicants for registration are required to hold (or gain) an accredited teacher education qualifications (TEQ) appropriate to their route of registration. In addition applicants for registration under Route 2 Post-primary are required to hold to appropriate qualification in a post-primary curricular subject. All requirements are expressed in ECTS credits. Where a qualification pre-dates the introduction of ECTS, the relevant Higher Education Institution is generally able to provide a statement of equivalency. The Registration Regulations 2016 apply to all teachers who are currently applying for registration irrespective of date of qualification.
Under section 30 of the Teaching Council Acts, a teacher in a recognised school is required to be registered with the Teaching Council in order to be paid from Oireachtas-voted funds.
Where a registered teacher is not available SI 32/2014 enables a school managerial authority to employ a person who is not registered as a teacher for up to five consecutive days.
265. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the status of an application for registration with the Teaching Council by a person (details supplied); when a final decision can be expected on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47369/21]
View answerUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
The Teaching Council inform me that the application of the person referred to by the Deputy has been processed, and is registered with effect from the 22nd of September 2021. Should the individual have any queries regarding their registration I would advise they liaise directly with the Teaching Council.
