Louise O'Reilly
Question:439. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the submission of a planning application for two autism spectrum disorder classrooms in a school (details supplied). [9300/22]
View answerSchool Facilities
Questions (439)
Written answers
In April 2019 grant approval was given to build a four-Classroom ASD Base at Skerries Educate Together National School under the Additional Accommodation scheme for 2019. Given the large scale of the project the Department sought the involvement of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) to assist the school with the appointment of a design team.
In January 2020, DDLETB contacted the Department and confirmed that it could no longer assist with this project and a design team had not been procured up to this point. The Department then requested Louth Meath Education and Training Board (LMLETB) to take over the role of procuring for the Design Team. LMETB agreed, and through its involvement, a design team was appointed in September 2020.
To meet the school's immediate needs further grant approval was given in February 2021 for the school to rent a temporary accommodation unit while the project progresses. The school submitted a stage report in November 2021. This is currently under review by my Department's Technical Team. A full report will issue to the School Authorities when this review is complete and the school should engage with its Design Team regarding progression of the project at that point.
At present it is too early in the process to provide a timeline for completion of the project.
School Funding
Questions (440)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:440. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she will consider the request from a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9316/22]
View answerWritten answers
Managing ventilation is just one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe. Updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools was provided at the end of May following the work of an expert group that carefully considered the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19. 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 November 2021.
To provide 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, was issued in December 2021. 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. Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor work grant or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements where the minor work grant does not cover the full cost of the works required. As noted in Circular Letter 0065/2021 “Enhanced Minor Works Grant Funding for Primary Schools Exceptional Minor Works Grant Funding for Post Primary Schools with a particular focus on supporting enhanced ventilation” Scoil Mhuire Shankill may apply for additional funding through the Emergency Works Scheme, which is available at gov.ie/en/circular/97829-emergency-works-grant-scheme-migration-to-on-line-applications-and-minor-revisions-of-scheme/
Scoil Mhuire, Shankill received an original allocation of 9 CO2 monitors in 2021. The school were also approved for an additional 6 CO2 monitors by email on the 19th of January 2022. This brings their total allocation to 15 CO2 monitors, which exceeds the number of classrooms in the school by one unit, which can be used at their discretion in an auxiliary room.
The public health guidance for schools operating during Covid-19 includes some important general recommendations about ventilation practices in schools.
Schools are urged to:
- Consider if room ventilation especially in classrooms, break rooms and canteens can be improved without causing discomfort.
- Ensure that, wherever possible, doors and windows are open to increase natural ventilation.
- Increase air flow and ventilation weather permitting
The over-arching approach for schools should be to have windows open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use (e.g. during break-times or lunch-times and also at the end of each school day) and partially open when classrooms are in use.
It is worth noting that windows do not need to be open as wide in windy/colder weather in order to achieve the same level of airflow into the classroom. Opening windows fully for a short period at the end of each school day avoids the need to do the same again before the start of classes in the morning and further assists in managing comfort levels in the classroom in the mornings (partially opened windows should enable good ventilation to be achieved when classrooms are occupied).This will assist in managing comfort levels and also heating costs during periods of colder weather.
It may also be of assistance to know that the Department has ensured that centrally negotiated rates are available to schools for electricity and bulk heating fuels. These rates are available through existing frameworks sourced by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). OGP has run competitions specifically for Schools at a national level and the Schools Procurement Unit and the Department has communicated with schools and school management bodies informing them of the options available to them through these national arrangements. Information on how to avail of these arrangements is available via the Schools Procurement Unit website, www.spu.ie.
Question No. 441 answered with Question No. 421.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (442)
Denise Mitchell
Question:442. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education her plans to announce the SNA allocation for the academic year beginning September 2022 before May 2022; if her Department is considering a mechanism to apply for additional resources in the middle of the academic year in circumstances in which a school takes in students with additional levels of need; if the National Council for Special Education is resourced adequately to deal with exceptional reviews in a timely fashion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9333/22]
View answerWritten answers
In light of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the introduction of the new Frontloaded Allocation Model for SNAs for students in mainstream classes in primary and post -primary schools was deferred for a further year to the beginning of the 2022/23 school year.
In order to minimise disruption for schools, in the current circumstances, and to provide for continuity of allocations, the following arrangements for the allocation of Special Needs Assistants for mainstream classes for the 2021/22 school year were announced:
- Existing mainstream class SNA allocations in schools on 30 April 2021 were maintained and automatically rolled over into the 2021/22 school year.
- No school received an allocation less than that which they had on 30 April 2021.
- SNAs currently in mainstream settings can continue in post for the 2021/22 school year in the normal way.
- Priority consideration was given by the NCSE to applications for increased support for the 2021/22 school year. In particular, applications from schools with no SNAs and developing schools were prioritised with determinations made before 30 June. Other applications were processed in order of date received.
- As in previous years, where circumstances change during the course of the 2021/22 school year that materially increase the level of care need in a school to the extent that the school can clearly demonstrate that it cannot be met within the existing SNA allocation, the school may apply to the NCSE for a review. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website, ncse.ie/for-schools. The NCSE published SNA allocations on their website, www.ncse.ie.
SNA allocations for special classes and special schools are not affected by this arrangement.
Circular 0029/2021 advised schools of the arrangements for the allocation of SNAs for the 2021/22 school year.
Provisions set out in Circular 0030/2020 were extended for the 2021/22 school year.
Circular 0029/2021 and Circular 0030/2020 are available on the Department's website.
Departmental Data
Questions (443)
Chris Andrews
Question:443. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education the number of children in primary level education in Dublin 1, 2, 4, 6 and 6W; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9346/22]
View answerWritten answers
The requested information is set out in the table.
|
Academic Year |
Post Code |
Enrolment in Mainstream Schools |
Enrolment in Special Schools |
Total |
|
2020-2021 |
D1 |
1933 |
192 |
2125 |
|
2020-2021 |
D2 |
306 |
99 |
405 |
|
2020-2021 |
D4 |
2762 |
76 |
2838 |
|
2020-2021 |
D6 |
2789 |
60 |
2849 |
|
2020-2021 |
D6W |
3458 |
19 |
3477 |
|
Total |
11248 |
446 |
11694 |
Note: Figures are taken from the Primary Online Database and are for those pupils enrolled in schools located in Dublin 1, 2, 4, 6 & 6W for the academic year 2020-2021, the last year we have final enrolment figures for.
School Facilities
Questions (444)
Mattie McGrath
Question:444. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education when funding will be approved for an ASD unit at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delays in finalising the funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9393/22]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers to was approved funding under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme to build a 2-classroom SEN Base.
I can confirm that my Department has received a Stage 1/2A report from the school. This report is currently being reviewed by officials in my Department. A decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this review has been completed.
Food Safety
Questions (445)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:445. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education the steps being taken to form and implement a coherent training programme for teachers in preschools, primary and secondary schools to care for children with life-threating food allergies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9400/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Board of Management of each school is responsible for the care and safety of all pupils. It is important that the school management authority requests parents to ensure that the school is made aware of any medical condition suffered by any pupils attending. Where the school is aware of potential difficulties that may arise as a consequence of a medical condition suffered by one or more pupils, it may be possible for the management authorities, working in conjunction with parents, teachers and children to put preventative measures in place to lessen the possibility of any difficulties arising or to ensure that, if a pupil suffers from an illness requiring, for example, the administration of medication, that appropriate treatment is available.
The administration of medicines in primary schools is the subject of an agreement between the Irish National Teachers Organisation and the organisation representing school management at primary level. While this agreement specifies that no teacher can be required to administer medicine or drugs to pupils, it also sets out procedures that must be followed where a teacher or teachers agree to do so. The position is that either the parents of the child should make themselves available to administer medication as required, or where they wish the staff in the school to administer it, they should indemnify the school.
My Department cannot direct any member of the Board of Management or the teaching staff of the school to administer medical treatment to pupils, action and procedures which are normally carried out by medical professionals such as doctors and nurses.
Where a child requires adult assistance to assist in the administration of medicine and where the extent of assistance required would overly disrupt normal teaching time, SNA support may be allocated for this purpose.
It is a matter for the Board of Management to ensure that SNAs are in a position to effectively meet the care needs of pupils for whom SNA support has been allocated in the school, when appointing an SNA.
Where specific training is required to meet the needs of an individual pupil, it is recommended that the school liaise with child’s parents to obtain the necessary guidance and training to enable the SNA to meet the care needs of the pupil in an appropriate manner. It is a matter for individual school authorities to make such arrangements locally.
Early years services are also required to have a Policy on the Administration of Medication which should include details of procedures to be followed in a medical emergency, including an allergic reaction.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (446)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:446. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education the status of a project (details supplied); the level of Government engagement with the project; her plans for the continuity of Irish medium education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9401/22]
View answerWritten answers
The provision of Irish-medium education is a priority for my Department and this Government, and we share a strong commitment to increasing the number of Irish-medium places available and providing suitable accommodation in this regard.
As the Deputy may be aware, in early 2021 I approved a proposal for a new satellite model of Irish-medium post-primary provision to be piloted in Dundalk. The model involves a satellite/Dundalk-based campus of An Foras Pátrúnachta’s Balbriggan Gaelcholáiste – Coláiste Ghlór na Mara.
This pilot offers parents in Dundalk a new choice for Irish-medium provision, in addition to existing provision provided by schools in the area. The learning from the pilot may assist in the potential development of an enduring policy/approach for the application of this model elsewhere, subject to successful review.
The patron of Coláiste Ghlór na Mara deferred the opening of the Dundalk campus from September 2021 to September 2022. Putting in place the necessary accommodation arrangements for September 2022 has been devolved to the school patron.
The Department is also continuing to support the existing Aonad at Coláiste Chú Chulainn to ensure continuity of provision for the students enrolled.
Education Policy
Questions (447)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:447. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education her plans for primary education in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9402/22]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that 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), using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, 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 most recent analysis undertaken by my Department projects that over 76% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level have stable or decreasing projected enrolments for the period to 2025, whereas some 88% of the school planning areas at post-primary level are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2028, with most expected to reach a peak in the next two or three years.
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.
The following projects are included for Capital funding on my Department’s School Building Programme:
01554B- Baile an Phusta NS Ardee. Project ON SITE to provide new 6 C/R extension to include retention and refurbishment of existing 6 C/R School.
18936K-St Itas Special School, Drogheda Project at STAGE 1( Preliminary Design) to provide 20 Classrooms Special School – Campus Project with St Marys Special School.
19214A-St Marys Special School, Drogheda, Project at STAGE 1 to provide 17 Classroom Special School – Campus Project with St Ita’s Special School (RN 18936K).
19215C-SN Ard Mhuire, Marymount. Project at STAGE 2b (Detailed Design) to provide a 24 Classroom school(co-ed fully vertical).
20171P-Ardee ETNS. Project at STAGE 3 (Tender Stage) to provide an 8 Classroom School with 2 SEN Base.
20259G-St Francis NS, Blackrock. PROJECT BRIEF STAGE. Project is to expand school to provide an 8 C/R extension plus 2 SEN Base to an existing 8 C/R school delivered in 2013.
Details of projects ongoing or recently completed are updated regularly on my Department’s website, www.education.ie.
The requirement for additional school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments, existing school capacity and residential development activity. Additionally, my Department will continue to liaise with Louth County Council in respect of their Development Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across the county.
Education Policy
Questions (448)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:448. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education her plans for secondary education in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9403/22]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that 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), using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, 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 most recent analysis undertaken by my Department projects that over 76% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level have stable or decreasing projected enrolments for the period to 2025, whereas some 88% of the school planning areas at post-primary level are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2028, with most expected to reach a peak in the next two or three years.
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.
As the Deputy may be aware, since April 2018 the Government has announced 47 new schools to be established over a four year period (2019 - 2022) including one new post primary school (1,000 pupils) to serve the Laytown and Drogheda school planning areas (Regional Solution). This school was established in 2019 under the patronage of Educate Together.
I can confirm contracts for sale have now been signed, conditional on the landowner providing required infrastructure upgrades to serve the site. My Department has been advised that these infrastructure upgrades are programmed to be completed by the end of July 2022. The location of the permanent site (circa 11 acres in size) will incorporate the current temporary site at Mill Road, Drogheda at which the school is located.
The school building project will be delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme. The project will proceed into early architectural planning which involves site surveys, school design stages and the preparation of statutory applications. A pre planning meeting will be arranged with the local authority in advance of preparing a Planning Application. Once statutory approvals have been secured, the project will proceed to tender and construction stages.
The following extension projects are also included for Capital funding under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA):
St Mary's Diocesan School, Sacred Heart Secondary School, De La Salle College, St Vincent's Secondary School, St Oliver's Community College and Ardee Community School. Details of projects ongoing or recently completed are updated regularly on my Department’s website, www.education.ie, or www.gov.ie.
The requirement for additional school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments, existing school capacity and residential development activity. Additionally, my Department will continue to liaise with Louth County Council in respect of their Development Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across the county.
Energy Prices
Questions (449)
Paul Donnelly
Question:449. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education the current energy costs for schools across the State. [9408/22]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Schools that are designed and built in accordance with the Department’s schools technical guidance documents have been achieving A3 Building Energy Ratings since 2009 with current schools typically achieving up to 20% higher 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. The Departments policy is supported by a strong research programme with fifty three research projects at various stages including the energy website, www.energyineducation.ie, which is a joint partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
In the interest of sustainability, it is critical that renewable applications are properly suited to the schools needs so as to reduce energy costs and carbon and not just applied for the sake of having renewables. It is also critical that we minimise the demand for energy before we invest in renewable energy applications. This has been assisted in previous years with the wall and attic insulation programme and the water conservation programme.
My Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications established a jointly funded pathfinder programme with the SEAI, testing and demonstrating energy efficiency and decarbonisation retrofit approaches. This pathfinder is a great example of collaboration ensuring the deployment of new design approaches and technologies are introduced to the educational environment on an evidence based approach.
This Pathfinder programme is paving the way for, and informing, a much larger national schools’ programme for the energy retrofit of schools built prior to 2008 as included in the National Development Plan. It is facilitating research on a range of typical retrofit options, which will have been tried and tested. It is providing valuable development information for a solution driven delivery strategy which will be founded on a solid evidence base that has proven the robustness and scalability of renewable solutions within the schools’ sector.
The longer-term outcome of the pathfinder will be to create an accurate and scalable model for energy efficient retrofits of schools across Ireland. The deep energy retrofit programme for schools built prior to 2008 is due to be rolled out as included in the National Development Plan.
The pathfinder programme has retrofitted 41 schools across Ireland to date with work on an additional 9 schools added in 2021 underway. 2022 sees six additional schools undergoing deep retrofit to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B with renewable heating systems. Each school undergoes a comprehensive assessment to ensure that the measures are suitable for that school and will deliver value to both the school and learnings for the national retrofit programme.
The Energy in Education website portal and advice programme (Joint programme between SEAI and Dept. of Education) also assists schools reduce their energy consumption and empowers participating schools and pupils to learn the benefits of sustainability. www.energyineducation.ie. Typically savings of between 5 to 10% are identified through low and no cost measures, while some schools participating have identified potential savings of up to 15 % or more.
Furthermore my Department provides capitation funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme. The main grant is the capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating costs.
The SEAI Annual Report 2021 on Public Sector Energy Efficiency Performance published this month notes reporting compliance for schools for 2020 was 76% and the total energy spend of schools and ETBs that reported was €34 Million, this represents approximately 6% of total public sector energy consumption reported.
My Department has also ensured that centrally negotiated rates are available to schools for electricity and bulk heating fuels. These rates are available through existing frameworks sourced by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). OGP has run competitions specifically for Schools at a national level and the Schools Procurement Unit and the Department has communicated with schools and school management bodies informing them of the options available to them through these national arrangements. Information on how to avail of these arrangements is available via the Schools Procurement Unit website, www.spu.ie.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (450)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:450. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Education the status of the proposed, permanent new building for a school (details supplied); the timeframe for the completion of the proposed extension for the school approved under the additional school accommodation scheme in 2021; if the works will, as proposed, include a sensory garden and a new SEN unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9411/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, responsibility for delivering the project in question has been devolved to Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB). The Department of Education originally approved the construction of a stand-alone extension of just over 4,000m2 in area to include a 2-classroom SEN Base. Some works to the existing building were also included in this approval.
A number of significant issues have unfortunately arisen, including delays in obtaining statutory consents from the local authority and delays to the finalisation of the detailed design process for the project, as it was originally approved.
Based on a report provided by DDLETB, it was agreed following a meeting between my Department and DDLETB that the project should be redesigned.
My Department is currently in the process of reviewing next steps in the progression of the project but it is anticipated that DDLETB will shortly be approved to proceed with the appointment of a Design Team to progress the redesign of the buildings, obtain the necessary statutory planning permissions and move the project onward to construction in due course.
As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for completion.
Pending completion of the main building project, the Department has approved the provision of a Home Economics Room, an Art Room, and a Toilet Block. through the Department’s Framework of Modular Accommodation Providers. This project is currently underway and will be in situ for September 2022. The school has put contingency arrangements in place to make best use of existing accommodation until the modular accommodation is ready to be occupied.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (451)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:451. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her Department’s new model of SNA allocation to schools has still not been rolled out fully and that principals have been advised to wait and see what allocation they receive in May 2022 and then apply for an exceptional review; when the new mode; of allocation will be rolled out; the actions she is taking to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9413/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
Where circumstances change during the course of the 2021/22 school year that materially increase the level of care need in a school to the extent that the school can clearly demonstrate that it cannot be met within the existing SNA allocation, the school may apply to the NCSE for a review. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website, ncse.ie/for-schools.
All stakeholders will be advised when the SNA allocation process has been completed and this will be done in line with previous years in May.
Public Sector Pensions
Questions (452)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:452. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education if a pension will be provided to school secretaries such as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9414/22]
View answerWritten answers
School secretaries are valued members of our school communities and my Department is fully aware of the vitally important role played by them in the running of our schools.
The majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools receive assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services under grant schemes. Where a school employs a staff member to support those functions those staff are employees of individual schools and responsibility for terms of employment rests with the school.
The Department with school management bodies have been engaging with Fórsa on a claim on terms and conditions for grant-funded school secretaries. On the 27th of October 2020, under the auspices of the WRC, an understanding was agreed on a pathway to progress the issues. Several key strands were identified, and a phased approach is being taken to the development of proposals.
Following intensive discussions at the WRC on 13th September 2021, there was significant progress in this dispute. The Department has offered to move School Secretaries’ pay rates to a scale which is aligned with the Clerical Officer Grade III pay scale, on a pro rata basis according to a secretary’s current working pattern. The Department has additionally offered to improve the conditions for School Secretaries with regard to sick leave, annual leave and maternity provisions. These offers are subject to agreement on all elements of the claim. Engagement is continuing, with the aim of reaching an overall agreement: the most recent formal talks took place at a meeting at the WRC on 26 January, and the parties are to meet again later this week, following reflection on the matters discussed at that meeting.
Public servant status and the associated access to a public service pension scheme is not a part of the current offer. As previously set out in the joint statement following the WRC engagement in May 2021, the final element of the claim in respect of public service status is acknowledged by all parties to be more complex and will require more detailed analysis and consideration following the conclusion of current discussions.
I welcome the continued engagement between the parties and I encourage all stakeholders to focus on finalising an agreement
Special Educational Needs
Questions (453)
Mark Ward
Question:453. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the number of places that are available for children with ASD in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9435/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that this school opened for the 2021/22 school year in response to the significant demand for special school places in the local area.
The current capacity of the school is for 36 students with the majority of students now attending. Arrangements are in place for the remaining students to be transitioned into the school now that the recruitment of staff has been completed. A further increase in enrolment is planned for the 2022/2023 school year, following completion of the necessary building works.
My Department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) are working to increase the enrolment capacity in special schools. Throughout 2020 and 2021 the Department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special education placements ahead of each new school-year.
This approach is delivering with the number of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places at unprecedented levels.
I would like to reassure the Deputy that the local SENOs continue to be 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: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
Oideachas Gaeltachta
Questions (454)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:454. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais líon na mBunscoileanna Gaeltachta atá aitheanta faoin bPolasaí Oideachais Gaeltachta; an líon múinteoirí ranga atá i ngach scoil acu, briste síos de réir contae; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [9439/22]
View answerWritten answers
Tá liosta de bhunscoileanna, de réir contae, atá lonnaithe i limistéir pleanála teanga Ghaeltachta, le líon na múinteoirí ranga, ar fáil sa tábla EXCEL faoi iamh.
Tá 105 (80%) de na 132 bunscoil sa Ghaeltacht ag glacadh páirt sa Scéim Aitheantais Scoileanna Gaeltachta ó 2017 ar aghaidh agus tá na bunscoileanna seo ar an aistear chun na critéir theangabhunaithe faoin Scéim a chomhlíonadh d’fhonn cáilíocht an oideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge a threisiú.
Tá acmhainní breise curtha ar fáil do na bunscoileanna atá rannpháirteach sa Scéim Aitheantais, lena n-áirítear uaireanta tacaíochta teanga don Ghaeilge, chun tacú lena rannpháirtíocht ghníomhach sa Scéim chun na critéir theangabhunaithe a chomhlíonadh.
Tugtar deiseanna ar bhonn bliantúil do na 27 bunscoil eile i limistéir pleanála teanga Ghaeltachta nach bhfuil páirteach sa Scéim cheana féin páirt a ghlacadh tar éis dul i gcomhairle lena bpobal scoile áitiúil.
Tá an Scéim seo mar cheann de phríomhghníomhartha an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta 2017-2022.
Question:
To ask the Minister for Education the number of Gaeltacht primary schools recognised under the Policy on Gaeltacht Education; the number of classroom teachers in each school, broken down by county; and whether she will make a statement on the matter.
A list of primary schools by county located in Gaeltacht language-planning areas, with numbers of class teachers, is available in the attached EXCEL table.
105 (80%) of the 132 primary schools in the Gaeltacht have been participating in the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme since 2017 and these primary schools are on the journey to meet the language-based criteria under the Scheme in order to strengthen the quality of Irish-medium education.
Additional resources have been made available to primary schools participating in the Recognition Scheme, including language support hours for Irish, to support their active participation in the Scheme in meeting the language-based criteria.
The remaining 27 primary schools in Gaeltacht language-planning areas that are not already participating in the Scheme are given opportunities on an annual basis to participate following consultation with their local school community.
The Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme is one of the key actions of the Policy for Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022.
Education Welfare Service
Questions (455)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:455. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if the necessity for schools to make reports under the Education Welfare Act 2000 due to the absence of a student from school is still required in cases in which those absences were caused as a result of Covid-19 and the need to isolate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9490/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has provided guidance to schools in relation to the recording and reporting of COVID-19 related absences. COVID-19 related absences arising from students who have been requested to self-isolate by a medical professional or for students who feel unwell with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 must be recorded in accordance with the school’s normal procedures for the notification and recording of absences. However these COVID-19 related absences should be noted by the school as explained absences.
Notwithstanding the current COVID-19 related environment that schools are now operating in, the statutory requirements for reporting pupil absenteeism will continue as normal. In this respect the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 requires the principal of a recognised school to maintain records of the attendance or non-attendance on each school day of each student enrolled in that school which is reported to Tusla.
Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) receives notifications of all absences from school in line with the provisions of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000. TESS is very aware that some students will be absent for Covid-19-related reasons. Absences are reported to TESS as explained and unexplained, and together they make up the cumulative number of days marked absent. This has remained the reporting requirement throughout COVID-19 pandemic.
Daily school attendance data is collected and held at local school level and collected by Tusla at the aggregated level through the Annual Attendance Report (AAR) and, also at the student level through the Student Absence Report (SAR). Any child who misses 20 school days must be reported to Tusla by law, however this may not result in any intervention, particularly if the absences are explained. Where schools have a concern about a child’s attendance they are required to make a referral to TESS Education Welfare Service. TESS views all school attendance referrals from a child welfare perspective with the intention of finding solutions that will enable and support students to attend, participate and be retained in education.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (456)
Gary Gannon
Question:456. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if funding will be made available for the repair and replacement of five prefab buildings at a school (details supplied); and if a timeline for such works will be provided. [9561/22]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy, that my Department has no current record of receiving an application for additional accommodation for St. Ronan's National School, Deansrath, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.
It is open to the school authority to make an application for additional accommodation through the 'Additional School Accommodation scheme (ASA)', details of which are available at www.gov.ie.
I can confirm that my officials have been in touch with the school to provide the application forms required to make an application for such funding.
Site Acquisitions
Questions (457)
Gary Gannon
Question:457. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if a site designated for educational purposes as part of the new housing development of Kilcarbery, County Dublin is no longer required for such purposes; the rationale for this decision; if this decision is linked to the potential planned expansion of a school (details supplied); if so, if this expansion will be sufficient to meet the educational needs of the increased local population at Kilcarbery; and the timeline envisaged for such an expansion. [9562/22]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the planning for the new housing development at Kilcarbery, a site was identified in order to provide for a potential future school in the area.
As the Deputy may be aware, following a review of demographic requirements and planned residential devleopment, including that planned at Kilcarbery, a new primary school for the Clondalkin_D22 school planning area was announced in 2018. The proposed location for the school is a suitable Minister-owned site which is very close to the development. The school is not established yet as planned residential development has not proceeded at the pace anticipated. The situation is being kept under review and a decision on the timing of the establishment of this school will be made based on demographic requirements.
Requirements for additional education provision generally in the area also continue to be kept under review, as is the case in all school planning areas across the country.
The potential planned expansion of the school to which the Deputy refers is not linked to the new development at Kilcarbery though the capacity of all existing schools is included in my Department's consideration of school accommodation needs.
School Accommodation
Questions (458)
Gary Gannon
Question:458. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the contingency plan for a school (details supplied) in relation to alternative temporary accommodation for the beginning of the new school term in August 2022. [9563/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is engaged in discussions in respect of educational facilities in Galway City which can potentially provide school accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers for the next two school years from September 2022.
We are currently awaiting confirmation that this may be possible and are expecting to hear word in relation to same in the coming weeks. These discussions are at a sensitive stage.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (459)
Gary Gannon
Question:459. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the status of the progress of securing a permanent building for a school (details supplied); if discussions between her Department and Galway City and County Councils in relation to the acquisition of a permanent site have progressed; when it is expected that this school will be located on its permanent site and in its permanent building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9564/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department have been working closely with both Galway City Council and Galway County Council to identify and acquire a Permanent Site for the Galway Educate Together Secondary School under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding.
To date, following extensive site identification and assessment exercises, a number of permanent site options have been identified in both the East of the City and the County. Each of these site options were investigated by my Department in conjunction with officials from the Local Authorities. Unfortunately in the case of all options investigated so far, either the land could not be acquired from the landowner or the site was ultimately considered unfeasible to develop in the short term.
However, a couple of permanent site options have been identified that could be delivered in the medium term and officials in my Department are working closely with the respective Local Authorities to explore the deliverability of school facilities on these sites in the shortest possible timeframe.
In relation to the acquisition of permanent sites and as the Deputy will appreciate, the site acquisition process is very complex and subject to completion of successful negotiation and many conveyancing processes. Each acquisition is also very unique and dependant on multiple factors many which ##may be outside of the control of my Department. The Deputy will also appreciate the importance of conducting a thorough appraisal of site options before proceeding with an acquisition in order to obtain best value for the Exchequer.In this regard, it is not possible to give a specific timeframe for the completion of a permanent site acquisition.