Written Answers Nos. 853-869
853. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education if there are grants available to schools that wish to install solar panels for energy generation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2429/22]
View answerI would like to inform the Deputy that my Department is at the forefront of design with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification.
Schools that are designed and built in accordance with the Departments Schools technical guidance documents must achieve an A3 Building Energy Rating and have typically up to 20% higher energy and carbon performance than required by the current Building Regulations, along with 10% of primary energy provided via photovoltaics and infrastructure provision for electric vehicle charging.
All new technologies and approaches are tested to ensure compatibility with school design and operational requirements. Successful and repeatable results are then incorporated into all new school designs and refurbishments.
My Department’s Technical Guidance Documents set the benchmark for sustainable design in school buildings with a clear focus on energy efficiency and they are based on solid energy research projects. The Departments policy is supported by a strong research programme with fifty three research projects at various stages including its joint SEAI partnership energy website project www.energyineducation.ie.
Solar PV is also funded for schools that are having their electrical installations replaced under the Summer Works Scheme etc.
My Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are involved in an energy efficient retrofit pathfinder scheme for schools. The outcome of the pathfinder will be to create an accurate and scalable model for energy efficient retrofits of schools across Ireland. A deep energy retrofit programme for schools built prior to 2008 is included in the NDP and the wider role of solar PV will be considered in that context.
854. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the number of schools that availed of the once-off minor work grants to purchase and install high-efficiency particulate air filters to date in tabular form. [2466/22]
View answerMy Department announced additional support in the context of Covid-19 the payment of a minor works grant totalling €45m for primary schools and special schools, plus a once-off Covid-19 minor works funding of €17m for post-primary schools.
The payment of these grants to schools gives them the opportunity to undertake any minor works including ventilation improvements at school level as a matter of priority and as expeditiously as possible. The minor works grant funding provides good flexibility to address issues at local school level and to take a targeted approach. The grant was paid directly into the school bank account so schools did not need to apply to the Department for approval to carry out works or to purchase items to improve ventilation.
Managing ventilation is one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe.
The Expert Group note in its own report that very good advice is contained in the Department of Education’s Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools.
They also note that it must be emphasised that ventilation should be delivered as part of a layered strategy of protective measures to control the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Along with these preventative actions, ventilation further reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools.
The over-arching approach in the guidance is for schools to have windows open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use and partially open when classrooms are in use.
The Departments Guidance is clear that where the recommended measures in the Practical Steps and poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners may be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available. This is line with Expert Group guidance which identifies that in areas with poor ventilation that structural interventions and measures to increase natural ventilation should be completed. Where such structural interventions or measures are not possible in the short term, that consideration should be given to using stand-alone HEPA filter devices in poorly ventilated spaces pending the completion of structural interventions.
The updated guidance for schools is also fully in line with the most recent guidance on non-healthcare building ventilation during COVID-19, published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre on 18th November 2021.
There is no one solution that fits all scenarios, each school requires bespoke analysis and an appropriate ventilation solution matched to the specific room size and volume. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs in line with the Department’s Guidance. In this context the requirements for each school will be determined locally by schools, who may get specific advice/assistance of a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect on the appropriate measures they should take for enhancing ventilation.
855. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education the standard processing time for route 1 to 4 registration applications with the Teaching Council; if she is satisfied with the timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2468/22]
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 registers teachers in line with the requirements set out in the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016.
There are currently 112,000 teachers registered with the Council under four routes of registration; Primary, Post-Primary, Further Education and Route 4 Other.
- For teachers who qualified within Ireland, the registration process may take up to 6-8 weeks from receipt of complete application and depending on the time of year and taking into account peak processing periods. If all requirements are met, including Garda vetting, and fit and proper person requirements, the registration process may be completed in less than the 6-8 week timeframe outlined. This is clearly set out in the guidance notes for applicants for registration. Annually approximately 1,300 standard applications for registration are processed.
- Each summer the Teaching Council offers a fast-track newly qualified teacher (NQT) registration process for those that graduate from accredited teacher education programmes. This process generally ensures that all NQTs are registered appropriately within 2-4 weeks of receipt of their official results from the Higher Education Institutions. The Council registers between 3,200- 3,600 teachers via this process annually.
- Where a person has obtained their teaching qualifications in another Member State of the EU, Directive 2005/36/EC, as amended, applies. This Directive governs the recognition of professional qualifications across Member States. Where a person has obtained their teaching qualifications and is eligible to practice the profession in another Member State, they may apply to the Teaching Council to seek recognition of their qualifications in accordance with the provisions of the Directive. Assessment of qualifications to determine that they are comparable to accredited qualifications in Ireland may take approximately twelve weeks from the date of receipt of all requested documentation, in accordance with the EU Directive timelines. Applicants must also meet standard registration requirements in relation to character reference, garda vetting and overseas police clearances. This timeframe correlates with registration processes offered by other professional regulatory bodies both nationally and internationally. Approximately 600 teachers are registered via the qualifications assessment process annually.
It should be noted that where a complete application is submitted and fit and proper person requirements including garda vetting/police clearance are met registration is often completed faster than the standard registration timelines set out above.
856. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education if she will report on a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2489/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department received an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school authority referred to. A decision on this application has recently issued to the school authority.
Based on this decision, my Department will be engaging further with the school authorities to progress the delivery of this major project.
857. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the status of progress on a building project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2522/22]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB).
My Department understands that the design team is preparing the Stage 1 report (preliminary design) and it is nearing completion.
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, WWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
858. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the number of students who have registered for the leaving certificate in 2022; the number of these students who sat their junior certificate in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2523/22]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission 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.
859. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if she will consider allowing leaving certificate students a choice between calculated grades and written exams; and if not, the reason for same. [2530/22]
View answerI am very much aware of the disruption experienced by students who are due to take their Leaving Certificate examinations in 2022. It is welcomed, that schools have reopened at the normal time after the Christmas holidays and that students are now back in school.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC), working with my Department, has put in place a number of measures to seek to take account of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Adjustments to the assessment arrangements for the 2022 state examinations that were announced in August 2021 were designed to take account both of the disruption to learning experienced by students in the early part of 2021, as well as providing for some possible further disruption in 2021/22. The adjustments ensure that the overall structure of the examinations remains intact but allows for greater choice for students.
Revised arrangements for Leaving Certificate Oral Examinations in Irish and the Modern Foreign Languages and the practical performance tests in Leaving Certificate Music were announced last month. These examinations will take place outside of school time over the first week of the school Easter holidays. By moving these examinations to the Easter holidays, the State Examinations Commission aims to minimise disruption to teaching and learning, especially for those candidates preparing for their examinations, as this change will limit teacher absence from schools.
The State Examinations Commission recently provided some further information to schools regarding aspects of the 2022 state examinations in light of the disruption caused by Covid-19. This included postponing commencement of assessment of the Leaving Certificate Applied February Tasks, from 31 January to 14 February. Schools were also reminded of the flexibility which is available regarding the dates for completion and authentication of Coursework for Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle candidates.
An alternative set of Leaving Certificate examinations will be run in 2022, shortly after the conclusion of the main set of examinations, for students who are unable to sit the main set of examinations for various reasons, including Covid-19 illness, bereavement or serious illness.
As has been the case for the 2020 and 2021 state examinations, all planning for the 2022 Examinations will be guided by the prevailing public health advice and will have regard for the wellbeing of our students.
My Department will continue to engage with all partners in education on all matters relating to Leaving Certificate 2022 examinations. A meeting of the Advisory Group on State Examinations is planned for later this week. The group includes representatives of students, parents, teachers and school leaders, as well as representatives from the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Higher Education and my Department.
860. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if the review on mask wearing in school settings has concluded; when the updated guidance on mask wearing in school settings will be published; and if she has considered the use of FFP2 masks for school staff. [2531/22]
View answerMore than €158 million of additional capitation funding has been made available to primary and post primary schools to provide for Cleaning, PPE and hand hygiene, Enhanced Supervision and employment of an Aide for the school year 2020/21. My Department has committed to ensuring that the full range of measures necessary to allow schools operate safely in the Covid-19 environment will continue to be available for the 2021/22 school year and has provided a further €109 million to date for Terms 1 and 2 of the 2021/22 school year. This represents a total of €267 million to date of which €122 million is for PPE and hand hygiene. Schools may use this funding to provide PPE for their staff.
Schools have been advised of the latest NPHET advice around mask wearing where it is acknowledged that significant protection is afforded by cloth face-coverings but that some people may prefer to wear higher grade medical or respirator masks which offer more protection. Details of suppliers and codes on the PPE procurement framework for these masks have been provided to schools by the Department should they wish to avail of these masks. Schools have been asked to make medical grade or respirator masks available to staff who would prefer these masks. The HSPC have also been requested by the Department to update their advice on face masks in schools.
861. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the status of the meetings of the stakeholders group on State examinations. [2532/22]
View answerThe Advisory Group on planning for State Examinations last met on 20th December 2021, it is due to meet again later this week to further discuss state examinations 2022. There has also been separate engagement with individual members of this group.
The group includes representatives of students, parents, teachers and school leaders, as well as representatives from the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Higher Education and my Department.
Minutes of previous meetings of the Advisory Group are available on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/3b986-advisory-group-on-planning-for-state-examinations-2021-meetings-documentation/
863. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the progress of the consultation on DEIS following the announcement of expansion of DEIS funding in budget 2022. [2534/22]
View answerDuring the process to refine the DEIS identification model, and as is general practice in the Department, my Department has consulted with education partners (school management and national parent representative bodies and unions) on the technical aspects of the refinement of the DEIS identification model.
In advance of the implementation of the refined DEIS identification model, there will be further engagement with relevant stakeholders. The purpose is to ensure that, as far as possible, the refined DEIS identification model can provide an objective and independent means of identifying schools serving high concentrations of pupils at risk of educational disadvantage and also to ensure there is a full understanding of the refined model and its potential application.
864. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the timeline for the expansion of DEIS as included as a measure in budget 2022; when public consultation will open; and when the additional schools can expect to be designated DEIS status. [2535/22]
View answerBudget 2022 has provided for an allocation of €18million for 2022 and €32million for 2023 to extend the DEIS programme to further schools with the highest levels of disadvantage. This represents an increase of over 20% in funding for the DEIS programme and will enable an expansion in 2022 to additional schools.
This package follows an extensive body of work which has been under taken by the DEIS technical group in relation to the development of a model to identify the concentrated levels of disadvantage of schools. The refined DEIS ID model is an objective, statistics based process, based on school enrolment data and data available from Census 2016 under the HP Deprivation Index. It is important to note that there is no application process for the DEIS programme and all schools will be considered under the refined DEIS model when it is applied.
In advance of the implementation of the refined DEIS identification model, there will be further engagement with relevant stakeholders. The purpose is to ensure that, as far as possible, the refined DEIS identification model can provide an objective and independent means of identifying schools serving high concentrations of pupils at risk of educational disadvantage and also to ensure there is a full understanding of the refined model and its potential application.
865. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to ensure the safety of students and staff special schools and classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2580/22]
View answerThroughout the pandemic and over the Christmas period, my Department continued to engage with the public health authorities and the education stakeholders in relation to the public health advice and the implementation of important infection prevention and control measures in schools so that they can continue to operate safely during Covid-19.
Schools are continuing to operate in line with their Covid-19 Response Plans, which set out a range of mitigation measures focused on keeping Covid-19 out of schools and reducing the risk of the spread of infection in schools. These measures have worked very effectively to prevent and control Covid-19 in schools and to protect students, their parents and school staff.
Public Health continue to advise that the two most important actions to prevent the introduction and spread of Covid-19 (and other respiratory viruses) is by ensuring that no-one with new onset symptoms attend school, and that all recommended infection prevention and control measures are in place in line with the school Covid-19 Response Plans.
The Covid-19 capitation grant continues to be the mechanism through which funding will be provided for school costs related to the implementation of infection prevention and control measures. More than €158 million of additional capitation funding has been made available to primary and post primary schools to provide for cleaning, PPE and hand hygiene, enhanced supervision and employment of an aide for the school year 2020/21. The Department of Education has committed to ensuring that the full range of measures necessary to allow schools operate safely in the Covid-19 environment will continue to be available for the 2021/22 school year and has provided a further €109 million to date for Terms 1 and 2 of the 2021/22 school year.
Where a positive case occurs in a special educational setting (special schools and special classes), Public Health will undertake a public health risk assessment. The purpose of this public risk assessment is to identify the appropriate next steps in the best interests of all of the children in these settings. This is in recognition that within these settings there is a higher probability that there are children with medical vulnerabilities and children who may have greater difficulties with infection prevention and control measures. However, the clear principle from a public health perspective is that children with no symptoms should continue to attend school or childcare wherever possible.
My Department will continue to work closely with public health officials and the education stakeholders as part of ongoing engagements for the safe operation of schools during Covid-19.
866. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education her engagement with a group (details supplied) in relation to leaving and junior certificate examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2581/22]
View answerI am very aware of the disruption experienced by students who are due to take their Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations in 2022. Engagement on these issues by my Department has included contacts with the Irish Second Level Students' Union.
Adjustments to the assessment arrangements for the 2022 state examinations that were announced in August 2021 were designed to take account both of the disruption to learning experienced by students in the early part of 2021, as well as providing for some possible further disruption in 2021/22. The adjustments ensure that the overall structure of the examinations remains intact but allows for greater choice for students.
Revised arrangements for Leaving Certificate Oral Examinations in Irish and the Modern Foreign Languages and the practical performance tests in Leaving Certificate Music were announced last month. These examinations will take place outside of school time over the first week of the school Easter holidays. By moving these examinations to the Easter holidays, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) aims to minimise disruption to teaching and learning, especially for those candidates preparing for their examinations, as this change will limit teacher absence from schools.
The State Examinations Commission recently provided some further information to schools regarding aspects of the 2022 state examinations in light of the disruption caused by Covid-19. This included postponing commencement of assessment of the Leaving Certificate Applied February Tasks, from 31 January to 14 February. Schools were also reminded of the flexibility which is available regarding the dates for completion and authentication of Coursework for Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle candidates.
An alternative set of Leaving Certificate examinations will be run in 2022, shortly after the conclusion of the main set of examinations, for students who are unable to sit the main set of examinations for various reasons, including Covid-19 illness, bereavement or serious illness.
As has been the case for the 2020 and 2021 state examinations, all planning for the 2022 Examinations will be guided by the prevailing public health advice.
My Department will continue to engage with all partners in education on all matters relating to Leaving Certificate 2022 examinations. A meeting of the Advisory Group on State Examinations is planned for later this week. The group includes representatives of students, who are represented by the Irish Second Level Students' Union, parents, teachers and school leaders, as well as representatives from the State Examinations Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, Higher Education and my Department.
867. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education her views on permitting leaving certificate examinations and assessment in 2022 to use a hybrid model similar to 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2582/22]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission 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.
869. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if she will assist a person (details supplied) accessing appropriate secondary school education in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2585/22]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government
The State currently spends in excess of 25% of its annual education and training budget (€9.2 Billion) on making additional provision for children with special educational needs.
This includes funding for a wide range of schemes and supports including special classes, special school places, SNAs and teachers.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. The NCSE through the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), is available to support both families and schools regarding a suitable placement.
My Department works in close collaboration with the NCSE to ensure that the necessary provision is put in place on a timely basis throughout the country.
As the query refers to an individual placement case, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
