Michael Ring
Question:460. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the amount her Department has paid for advertising, features and so on in a magazine (details supplied). [9571/22]
View answerDepartmental Advertising
Questions (460)
Written answers
The Department has not engaged in any advertising or features with the magazine referenced.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (461)
Alan Kelly
Question:461. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education when she will ensure that there are ASD units in primary schools in Clonmel, the largest town in county Tipperary. [9589/22]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is very cognisant of special education needs (SEN) accommodation requirements across the country including the Clonmel school planning area. My Department generally includes a SEN Base in all new schools, as well as replacement school buildings and extensions. My Department also funds the provision of additional accommodation, or the reconfiguration of existing accommodation, where a new special class is sanctioned by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The NCSE has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive. This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
In deciding where to establish a special class in an area, the NCSE takes account of the current and projected demand and the available school accommodation both current and planned. The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements. When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to accommodate the class under the Additional School Accommodation scheme.
My Department has no current applications on hand for SEN class accommodation from the school planning area in question. There are currently 6 special educational needs (SEN) classes in the Clonmel school planning area.
School Staff
Questions (462)
Catherine Connolly
Question:462. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the status of discussions with school secretaries regarding pensions, conditions and pay equality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9645/22]
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 and caretakers. 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. Subject to agreement on all elements of the claim, 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 also offered to improve the conditions for School Secretaries with regard to sick leave, annual leave and maternity provisions for this cohort of staff.
Further dialogue has taken place between the parties on these issues since 13 September with the aim of reaching an overall agreement. The talks continue, most recently at a meeting at the WRC on 26 January; the parties are to meet again later this week, following reflection on the matters discussed at that meeting.
I welcome the continued engagement between the parties and I encourage all stakeholders to focus on finalising an agreement.
Broadband Infrastructure
Questions (463)
Brendan Howlin
Question:463. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education when the long-promised fibre optic broadband service will be provided for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9660/22]
View answerWritten answers
The delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.
My Department operates the Schools Broadband Programme at an annual cost of some €13m, providing broadband connectivity to schools through a range of technologies at the best available connectivity based on local infrastructure. The school referred to by the Deputy is currently on 12 Mb wireless broadband connection, which is a dedicated service to the school.
The school was included in a recent tender to put in place a new contract for broadband services and was awarded to a provider of high speed broadband. That provider has advised that work is continuing on the installation of the service to the school, with the pre-installation works now completed. The provider will be in contact with the school directly in due course to organise the final connection in the school.
As the Deputy will be aware the Department is obliged to adhere to procurement regulations, and must engage with the selected providers on the DES Framework of Providers of Broadband Services through a tender process to award services. This is the basis on which all state-funding is utilised to ensure transparency and equal treatment for all schools and providers, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
School Curriculum
Questions (464)
Richard Bruton
Question:464. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education her plans to extend the uptake of computer science as a leaving certificate option in as many schools as possible; if there is a team working on developing requirements in terms of equipment and the upskilling of staff needed to deliver same; the extent to which Ireland’s base of leading-edge information and communications technology companies are playing a role in the planning and delivery of these ambitions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9666/22]
View answerWritten answers
The new subject of Leaving Certificate Computer Science (LCCS) was introduced on a phased basis to 40 schools in September 2018. From September 2020, LCCS was available to schools nationally as a full optional subject. The numbers of schools offering the subject is growing. There are currently approximately 145 schools across the country offering this subject to their students.
The approach to the provision of the subject by schools has been informed by the valuable learning gathered from the phased introduction of the subject since September 2018.
Uniquely, this also included a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Discover funded research project to track the development of progress of teachers of the subject during the first two years of the subject rollout. A Department led group was formed to assist in, and have oversight of, this research study and its findings.
The introduction of this new subject to schools is supported by a Leaving Certificate Computer Science Support Framework. This framework represents a collaboration between the Department of Education, IBEC, the Computers in Education Society of Ireland (CESI), the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), the Irish Universities Association (IUA), higher education institutions, Ibec, the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA) and SOLAS.
The framework puts in place key actions to promote a broad take-up of the subject at both ordinary and higher level. There is a focus on actions to support greater female participation and greater participation amongst students who would not have traditionally considered subjects like Computer Science for the Leaving Certificate.
For schools who are considering the introduction of LCCS onto their curriculum an “Expression of Interest” process is currently being carried out by the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) to ascertain teachers’ professional learning needs so as to support the effective delivery of the new subject in schools.
My Department has issued over €250m under the ICT grant directly to schools since 2016, which underpins the implementation of the embedding of digital technologies in all classroom and school activity, and supports the building of digital skills in the student population. As outlined in the circulars accompanying this grant, this funding can assist schools in the implementation of STEM subjects, of new and revised subject specifications at Junior and Senior Cycle, and the changes to the primary curriculum, where the use of digital technologies enables the delivery of same.
Partnership with business and industry in sustaining the growth of Computer Science is central to the operation of this Framework. Business and industry can contribute to enhancing opportunities for students to access high-quality information and experience in relation to careers in Computer Science. These take the form of school visits by relevant personnel, input to careers evenings, participation in co-curricular and extracurricular events. Engagement of business and industry representatives with teachers of computer science through buddy systems, teacher internships etc. will also be hugely important.
All of these supports have been designed to ensure there is capacity within the system for long-term, sustainable growth of Leaving Certificate Computer Science.
State Examinations
Questions (465)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:465. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if she will act to ensure that a student (details supplied) receives their State examinations certificate of completion of junior certificate for 2020 from their school. [9731/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, the former Minister for Education and Skills announced in April 2020 that the Junior Cycle examinations, scheduled for June 2020, would be cancelled due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In lieu of examinations, revised arrangements were announced whereby the work and achievement of third year students would be recognised with (i) a written report from their school on their learning achievements in each subject, short course and/or priority learning unit and (ii) a state certificate of completion from the Department of Education.
The Junior Cycle Certificates of Completion were issued to schools for all Junior Cycle third year students for the year 2020 on Thursday 13th May 2021. Schools were asked to check, download and distribute the certificates to their own students. The deadline for schools to make changes was 21st June 2021 and the deadline for schools to download the certificates was 24th June 2021.
As the Certificates of Completion were processed and distributed through the schools, my Department advises to contact the school in the first instance when looking for a copy of the certificate.
Officials from my Department have been in touch with the parties in question and I understand the matter has been resolved.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (466, 467, 468, 469)
Holly Cairns
Question:466. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if the decision to close the early intervention class in a school (details supplied) will be reversed. [9732/22]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:467. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the reason for the phasing out of early intervention ASD classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9733/22]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:468. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the details of her meetings with student organisations, school children parents’ organisations, teachers' unions, unions representing other school staff and disability organisations concerning the phasing out early intervention classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9734/22]
View answerHolly Cairns
Question:469. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the list of each national school in which early intervention ASD classes have been closed or are scheduled to be closed since 1 January 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9735/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 466 to 469, inclusive, together.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
This year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing additional teaching and care supports for children with special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.
It is important also to point out that the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides up to two years of preschool within the eligible age rate, without charge. The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), introduced in 2016, enables the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities/additional needs in the ECCE Programme. The goal of AIM is to create a more inclusive environment in preschools, so all children, regardless of ability, can benefit from quality early learning and care. A diagnosis of autism (or other disabilities/additional needs) is not required to access AIM supports. However, preschool children with a diagnosis are generally supported in mainstream preschools with additional supports provided through AIM where required.
NCSE sanctions the establishment of special classes, including ASD Early Intervention (EI) classes where there is an identified need. I understand that, on occasion, EI classes are re-designated as school-age special classes to reflect the changing age-profile of students, the changing needs in an area and in order to ensure a continuation of support for students in the EI class who require a special class placement.
The school referenced by the Deputy currently has two ASD special classes and one Early Intervention class which opened in September 2020.
At that time, the school agreed that while the class would open as an Early Intervention ASD class, it would be re-designated as an additional primary ASD class from September 2022 to meet the projected demand for places in the area.
This additional special class would cater for the students enrolled in the Early Intervention class should they continue to require a special class place for their primary education at that time.
I also understand that earlier this month, the school engaged with the NCSE regarding the emerging need for the retention of the Early Intervention class in the school and requested that the class be retained.
This request is being considered by the NCSE as a matter of urgency and a meeting has been arranged with the school to review the level of need in the area and the capacity of the school to meet the need.
A decision will be made very quickly on the matter.
I can assure the Deputy that the NCSE will take account of the overall need in the area and the provision required to meet that need.
As referenced above, ASD EI classes are generally re-designated, not closed. The number of active ASD EI classes in each of the school years from 2015/2016 to date is detailed in the following table.
|
School Year |
Early Intervention |
|
2015/16 |
118 |
|
2016/17 |
127 |
|
2017/18 |
130 |
|
2018/19 |
129 |
|
2019/20 |
132 |
|
2020/21 |
135 |
|
2021/22 |
132 |
Both my Department and the NCSE are always grateful to schools who express a willingness to open a special class to meet the educational needs of students in their local communities.
The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs.
Information on the location of EI classes is available on the NCSE website.
Question No. 467 answered with Question No. 466.
Question No. 468 answered with Question No. 466.
Question No. 469 answered with Question No. 466.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (470)
Holly Cairns
Question:470. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if she plans to remove the mask mandate for children in national schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9736/22]
View answerWritten answers
On 17th February 2022, NPHET reviewed the remaining public health measures including the infection prevention control measures and restrictions in school settings. The Government has accepted the recommendations of the NPHET to remove remaining restrictions relating to mask-wearing and physical distancing in schools with effect from Monday 28th February.
While it will no longer be a requirement for staff or pupils to wear a mask in school, staff and pupils can continue to wear a mask if they wish to do so on a personal basis and schools should continue to make masks available on request to staff or pupils as they are currently doing.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (471)
Chris Andrews
Question:471. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education the reason there is no secondary school for the three inner-city primary schools (details supplied); if this is due to the lack of a site; the process for these primary schools to secure a secondary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9739/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, the schools to which he refers are in the Dublin_8 school planning area, which has five post primary schools.
In general, parents exercise choice regarding which school to apply to and where the school has places, the pupil should be admitted.
However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. This may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. The selection process, procedures and enrolment policy are the responsibility of the individual school authorities.
My Department has approved extension projects at two post primary schools in the Dublin_8 school planning area, including additional provision for pupils with special education needs.
In addition Sandymount ETSS RN 68305F was established as a regional solution to service Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8. The school will ultimately cater for 1,000 pupils with an enrolment of 216 in 2021. Although outside the school planning area, the newly established Harold's Cross ETSS is proximate to the schools referenced and a project to deliver a 1,000 pupil building for this school is in train.
Overall, under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.
This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs. This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.
Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.
The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages.
Departmental Data
Questions (472)
Gary Gannon
Question:472. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the number of students registered in 1st, 4th and 6th class across all primary schools in Ireland in 2021. [9759/22]
View answerWritten answers
We are not yet in a position to publish enrolments by standard for 2021. We will publish this detail along with the final enrolments for 2021-22 in June 2022.
Please find as follows requested information for academic year 2020-21 the last year we have such data available for.
|
2020 |
||
|
Academic Year |
Standard Description |
Enrolment per Return |
|
2020-2021 |
Junior Infants |
63,427 |
|
2020-2021 |
Senior Infants |
65,931 |
|
2020-2021 |
First Class |
66,932 |
|
2020-2021 |
Second Class |
67,359 |
|
2020-2021 |
Third Class |
68,213 |
|
2020-2021 |
Fourth Class |
70,930 |
|
2020-2021 |
Fifth Class |
71,160 |
|
2020-2021 |
Sixth Class |
71,541 |
|
Grand Total |
545,493 |
|
Note: Figures are taken from the Primary Online Database and are for mainstream pupils enrolled in a mainstream standard as of the Primary Census Date 30th September 2020.
Site Acquisitions
Questions (473)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:473. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education her plans for an interim site for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9770/22]
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 (474)
Seán Sherlock
Question:474. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if a letter of intent has been issued for a project in a school (details supplied); and if so, the details of same. [9778/22]
View answerWritten answers
The project referred to by the Deputy has reached commencement of the final contract award stage of the tender process. The assessment of tenders has concluded and the Letter of Intent (LOI) issued on the 15th February 2022 to the preferred tenderer.
This allows the preferred tenderer to put in place the Bond, Insurances, and confirmations of all legal arrangements required under the Contract.
Following receipt of all the necessary documentation, the Department will be in a position to issue the Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which will allow the contractor to mobilise on site.
My Department will advise the school authorities when the Letter of Acceptance issues. Once a Contractor has been appointed, my Department will keep the school informed of the construction programme underpinning the contract.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (475)
Seán Sherlock
Question:475. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if a letter of intent has been issued for a project in a school (details supplied); and if so, the details of same. [9779/22]
View answerWritten answers
The project referred to by the Deputy has reached commencement of the final contract award stage of the tender process. The assessment of tenders has concluded and the Letter of Intent (LOI) issued on the 15th February 2022 to the preferred tenderer.
This allows the preferred tenderer to put in place the Bond, Insurances, and confirmations of all legal arrangements required under the Contract.
Following receipt of all the necessary documentation, the Department will be in a position to issue the Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which will allow the contractor to mobilise on site.
My Department will advise the school authorities when the Letter of Acceptance issues. Once a Contractor has been appointed, my Department will keep the school informed of the construction programme underpinning the contract.
Education Policy
Questions (476)
Róisín Shortall
Question:476. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the steps being taken to increase the availability of multi or non-denominational secondary school places in Dublin 9 and 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9788/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department establishes and supports new schools where a demographic need for such a new school has been identified.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit 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.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
A patronage process is run after it has been decided, based on demographic analysis, that a new school is required. The New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG) is an external independent advisory group which was set up in 2011 to advise the Minister on the patronage of new schools. The patronage process is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons.
An Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) provides objective information to parents in the relevant school planning areas to assist them in making an informed choice about their preferred model of patronage and language of instruction for the new school. A prospective patron can choose the school(s) it wishes to apply for and complete an application form in that regard for each school, for submission to my Department. The Department provides details on the OPPS of the school(s) and the list of applicant patrons which have applied for patronage of the school(s). Parents access the OPPS website, which allows them to access the appropriate survey for their area, to input the details of the eligible child(ren) and to select their preferred patron and language of instruction (where applicable). Parental preferences from parents of children who reside in the school planning areas concerned, together with the extent of diversity currently available in these areas, are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of the process.
Following their consideration of my Department’s assessment reports, the NSEG submits a report with recommendations to me for consideration and final decision. The assessment reports and the NSEG recommendations for all such patronage processes are made available on my Department's website, www.education.ie, or www.gov.ie.
There are a number of Capital projects planned or underway in Dublin 9 and 11 the following are in Multi or Inter-denominational schools. Rosmini Community School, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, whose ethos is Inter- Denominational, the project is currently at Stage 3 (tender action, evaluation and award) to provide a long-term enrolment for 350 pupils plus a 2 SEN Base. Additionally, there is a Major capital project for Clonturk Community College, Whitehall, Dublin 9, whose ethos is Multi-Denominational, to provide a long-term enrolment for 1,000 pupils plus 4 SEN Base which is currently at project brief stage (determining the project brief and schedules of accommodation). In the interim, capital funding has also been approved for the provision of Modular Accommodation for 12 general classrooms and 6 specialist classrooms.
The requirement for additional school places is kept under on-going review. Additionally, my Department will continue to liaise with the local authority in respect of its review of their Development Plan with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements in the areas of Dublin 9 and 11.
State Examinations
Questions (477)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:477. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the detail of the way calculated grading was provided in 2021 for the 2,505 students who did not have junior certificate results for the purposes of standardisation. [9799/22]
View answerWritten answers
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded the Deputy's query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to the Deputy.
School Accommodation
Questions (478)
Seán Canney
Question:478. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of accommodation for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9810/22]
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 (479)
Michael Ring
Question:479. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when a master plan will be completed for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9817/22]
View answerWritten answers
The school referred to by the deputy has been approved funding under the Department's Additional School's Accommodation (ASA) Scheme.
Through close collaboration between the Department, the school and consultants engaged by the school to deliver this project, it has become clear that further works will be required and an overall master plan for these works is currently being worked through by Department officials. The school is being kept updated of all developments in this respect.
Interim measures are being put in place by the Department to address the most urgent issues of concern in the school ahead of the delivery of the permanent works. These measures are being implemented currently and the Department has been in regular contact with the school and its consultants to provide appropriate interim accommodation as expeditiously as possible.
School Staff
Questions (480)
Richard Bruton
Question:480. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education her Department’s approach to discussion at the Workplace Relations Commission on the pay and conditions for school secretaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9818/22]
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 and caretakers. 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. Subject to agreement on all elements of the claim, 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 also offered to improve the conditions for School Secretaries with regard to sick leave, annual leave and maternity provisions for this cohort of staff.
Further dialogue has taken place between the parties on these issues since 13 September with the aim of reaching an overall agreement. The talks continue, most recently at a meeting at the WRC on 26 January; the parties are to meet again later this week, following reflection on the matters discussed at that meeting.
I welcome the continued engagement between the parties and I encourage all stakeholders to focus on finalising an agreement.