Jack Wall
Ceist:272. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a person (details supplied) will qualify for a student grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7922/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraStudent Grant Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (272)
Freagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter in the first instance for the awarding authority. The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application in relation to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant. For student grants purposes, a student may be assessed as an independent student if he/she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved post leaving certificate course or an approved higher education course or of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous 1 October. Otherwise he/she would continue to be assessed on the basis of his/her parents' income. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the appeals officer in SUSI. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by SUSI, and remains of the view that SUSI has not interpreted the scheme correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf.
School Textbooks Rental Scheme
Ceisteanna (273)
Helen McEntee
Ceist:273. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) in County Meath will be included in the book rental scheme grant, in view of the fact that the parents and the school provided funding for a book rental scheme which has impacted greatly on the schools financial resources; if he will reconsider this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7932/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department will continue to provide a book grant as usual to all primary schools. This grant, can be utilised for the purposes of updating or expanding a school's existing book rental scheme. I want to commend all schools that have used it to help build up book rental schemes over the years. Their efforts mean that the high costs of school books is being significantly reduced for parents. At my request, the National Parents' Council surveyed the views of their members in relation to currently operating book rental schemes. Parents have reported that where book rental schemes operate, they are open to all parents in 95% of cases, and that the cost per child is under €40 per year in a considerable majority of schools. Perhaps most tellingly, the survey has found that 93% of parents believe that book rental schemes help with the costs of educating a child. Ensuring that book rental schemes are available to all parents must therefore clearly be our aim. I understand that it feels unfair to those schools who have invested time and money to establish such schemes, that they now cannot benefit from the additional funding which was secured as part of the Budget. Of course it is unfair, but equally, the status quo was deeply unfair on many parents. The parents who had no access whatsoever to book rental schemes needed more support. With the limited funding available, I believe that targeting this funding - to make sure that every parent in Ireland has access to some level of a book rental scheme - was the greatest good that could be achieved. The Department is contacting primary schools that do not currently operate a book rental scheme to advise them of the application process. The school referred to by the Deputy indicated in the Primary School Census 2013 that they currently operate a book rental/loan scheme and will not therefore qualify for funding.
Departmental Bodies Establishment
Ceisteanna (274)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:274. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will list any new organisations or agencies established in his Department since 9 March 2011; the role and functions and the annual operating budget for these organisations and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7942/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
For the Deputies information no new agencies were established by my Department since March 2011, however under the Public Service Reform plan, the following were identified for rationalisation or merger and since March 2011 the following actions have taken place. The Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology and Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences were merged in March 2012 to form the Irish Research Council (IRC). The IRC has been established as a sub-board of the Higher Education Authority (HEA). http://www.irc.ie. Under the provisions of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), the Higher Education Training Awards Council (HETAC) and the Further Education Training Awards Council (FETAC) were amalgamated to form a new agency, the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) on the 6th November, 2012. http://www.qqi.ie. Under the provisions of the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 the Vocational Education Committee (VEC) system was reconfigured, with the number of further education bodies being reduced from 33 to 16. In addition, under the provisions of the Further Education and Training Act 2013 FÁS was dissolved in October 2013, with a new training authority, An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna (SOLAS) being created with responsibility for funding, planning and co-ordinating training and further education programmes. http://www.solas.ie. Following the enactment of the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Act 2012, the Education Finance Board was dissolved and in March 2013 and establish the Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board (CaraNua). This body will be funded from the contributions of the religious congregations offered in response to the request for additional contributions, following the publication of the Ryan Report. http://www.caranua.ie. The Deputy will be aware that information on budgets is available in annual reports and other documents published by the agencies above and the role and functions are set out on the websites.
Parent and Student Charter
Ceisteanna (275)
Ciara Conway
Ceist:275. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on the proposed creation of a parent and student charter; when the discussion paper that is being prepared on the matter will be published; when he expects the charter to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7958/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, I am committed to providing for a Parent and Student Charter. My Department is currently examining the legislative changes that could provide the statutory underpinning of such a charter and enable the detailed development of the charter in discussion with the relevant stakeholders, including parents and students. It remains my intention to publish my plans during the remainder of the current school year.
Summer Works Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (276)
Robert Dowds
Ceist:276. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be available to schools for summer works programmes in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7962/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer the Deputy to my announcement on 7 November last relating to the allocation of almost €70 million for school improvements. Over €28 million is being made available as a once-off payment to primary schools as part of the Minor Works Grant scheme and this grant was furnished to the schools in November 2013. Another €40 million will be allocated under the Summer Works Scheme 2014 which is being re-introduced to fund the improvement and upgrading of existing school buildings. Funding from the Scheme will allow eligible schools to carry out small and medium scale building works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings. Commensurate with the level of funding available for the Summer Works Scheme, applications are currently being assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the governing Circular Letter for the Scheme. This Circular Letter (59/2013) is available on my Department's website www.education.ie. It is my intention to publish a list of successful applicants in early 2014.
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Ceisteanna (277, 278)
Clare Daly
Ceist:277. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will confirm or deny that a report was done for the National Council for Special Education and his Department pre-2005, since the assumption is that they have used some guideline or report to base their recommendations based on the working hours of the 4,000 schools in the country, since his Department was responsible for the generation of the report, which has been used under appendix 5 of Sp. Ed. 01/05, since the NCSE did not have such information, or had come into effect. [7974/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:278. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the name of report used by his Department and the National Council for Special Education for creating Sp. Ed. 01/05, appendix 5, or request the NCSE to release the report which it used as the guideline based on the working hours of the 4,000 schools in the country, under the Freedom of Information Act; and if not, if he will provide a valid reason for same. [7975/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 278 together.
The Deputy raises two matters in her questions and I would like to deal with each in turn.
Firstly, the allocation of SNA resources to schools is not a matter for this Department but is instead an independent function carried out by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), who are responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including resource teaching and SNA support as well as the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required.
The number of SNAs employed in a school depends on the allocation given to the school by the NCSE, based on its assessment of the special educational needs of pupils in the school.
If the Deputy requires further information regarding the methodology around the allocation of SNA resources to schools then her query should more appropriately be directed to the NCSE. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) does not have a role in setting the contractual hours of work of SNAs.
Secondly, in relation to working hours for SNAs I wish to confirm that no report was prepared for the Department regarding the working hours of Special Needs Assistants prior to the introduction of Circular Sp. Ed. 01/05.
The contractual position in respect of the working hours of SNAs is as outlined in their contracts of employment which were agreed with the school management authorities and the relevant Trade Unions representing SNAs (IMPACT and SIPTU) prior to their introduction in 2005. Links to the SNA Contracts of Employment are as follows:Department of Education and Skills Circular SNA 12/05 (Post-Primary) http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/sna12_05.pdf Department of Education and Skills Circular SNA 15/05 (Primary) http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Popular-forms/SNA-15-05-Contract-Form.pdf.
This contract of employment is augmented by all of the relevant Departmental Circulars governing Special Needs Assistants which detail the standardised terms and conditions of employment for SNAs. These Circulars are amended and new Circulars are issued by the Minister for Education and Skills from time to time.
The position regarding the working hours of full-time SNAs is as outlined in these standard SNA contracts of employment. In that context, the standard SNA contract has been designed to be flexible to cater for the different spectrum of working hours across all the various schools including primary, post-primary and special schools. No set hours were agreed but instead full-time SNAs are expected to work for the normal school hours in the school that they are working in, and in addition to be available for a period of time before and after school in order to help with reception and dispersal of children and preparation and tidying up of classrooms etc. These times are set locally by the school management and will vary from school to school depending on the requirements of the school.
In addition, all SNAs were required to be available for a number of days at the start and finish of each school term not exceeding 12 in total. Under the Croke Park Agreement it was agreed to introduce greater flexibility to the use of these 12 days. These 12 days now equate to 72 hours (pro-rata for part-time SNAs) to be used by schools as an additional bank of hours to be utilised and delivered outside of normal school opening hours and/or the normal school year.
SNAs who are employed in a part-time capacity are paid a pro-rata amount dependent upon their level of hours of employment. Part-time SNAs are paid on the agreed divisor rate for pay purposes for part-time SNAs which is 32 hours. I should point out that this divisor was agreed with both of the Trade Unions (IMPACT and SIPTU) that represent SNAs.
Furthermore, the issue of appropriate working hours for all public servants was one of the key aspects of the set of proposals for a public service agreement which were put forward by the Labour Relations Commission and which now form the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016 (the Haddington Road Agreement). The specific text of the Haddington Road Agreement relating to working hours for SNAs is as follows: "SPECIAL NEEDS ASSISTANTS HOURS. Under the terms of the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014, discussions took place that led to agreement on changed attendance arrangements for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) that give schools the option of an additional two hours working time per week from each Special Needs Assistant. Under the terms of this Agreement on increased working hours in the Public Service, the available requirements in schools for additional hours for SNAs is quite limited. Given issues such as the duration of the school day and operation hours, and the specific availability of individual SNAs the details of the utilisation of any additional requirements should be the subject of further discussions. These new attendance arrangements, allied to the provisions outlined in the above paragraph should be the subject of a review by the LRC in advance of the 2013/2014 school year, involving the Department of Education and Skills and IMPACT/SIPTU, in order to assess if the additional hours are being utilised in the most effective and appropriate manner and in order to achieve agreement on any changes deemed necessary in terms of the arrangement agreed for teachers.
This will constitute the liability on Special Needs Assistants in respect of working hours for the purposes of this extension to the Public Service Agreement."
Student Grant Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (279)
Nicky McFadden
Ceist:279. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a student grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be approved in view of the fact that the applicant has provided proof of independent residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7976/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter in the first instance for the awarding authority.
For student grants purposes, a student may be assessed as an independent student if he/she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved post leaving certificate course or an approved higher education course or of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous 1 October. Otherwise he/she would continue to be assessed on the basis of his/her parents' income.
Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that the student referred to by the Deputy was unable to provide sufficient proof of independent residency. The onus is on the grant applicant to provide the necessary documentary evidence as proof of independent residency to the relevant grant awarding authority.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application in relation to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the appeals officer in SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (280)
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:280. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills when it is anticipated that construction work will begin on school projects (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7986/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The project to which the Deputy refers is advancing through the tender process. It is anticipated that the tender process will be completed and a contractor appointed in the second quarter of 2014.
School Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (281)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the availability of school transport for the child of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8026/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Bus Éireann has advised that the child in question is currently availing of school transport and they are not aware of any issues regarding the level of service provided.
School Staffing
Ceisteanna (282)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:282. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for the immediate allocation of two assistant principal posts to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8126/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
When the moratorium on the filling of posts of responsibility was introduced the Government exempted Principal and Deputy Principal posts in all primary and post-primary schools and these posts continue to be replaced in the normal manner. Limited alleviation was introduced for schools that are acutely affected by the impact of the moratorium at Assistant Principal level. The alleviation arrangements at primary level are focused on schools with an enrolment of at least 400 pupils and which have a reduction of at least 3 posts of responsibility at Assistant Principal level. Circular 0004/2014 which has recently been placed on the Department website sets out the limited alleviation arrangements in place.
Education and Training Boards Staff
Ceisteanna (283)
Joe Higgins
Ceist:283. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the contradiction between the reply to the parliamentary question (details supplied) where it was indicated that the maximum point on the pay scale at which resource persons were employed by the City of Dublin Education and Training Board was point three. [8143/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Officials in my Department contacted City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB) regarding the information supplied by them which was used to answer the previous Question. CDETB has now confirmed that an error was inadvertently made in responding to this request for information. The Deputy is correct is saying that 1 Resource Person was appointed at point 4 of the scale and not point 3 as previously stated. The response should have stated that since 2005 44 Youthreach Resource Persons have been appointed. 41 were appointed on Point 1 of the Youthreach Resource Persons payscale, 2 were appointed at Point 2 of the scale and 1 was appointed on Point 4 of the scale.
Parliamentary Questions
Ceisteanna (284)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:284. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 64, 65 and 66 of 5 February 2014, the date by which he expects to be in a position to provide the information; if there is a specific timeframe within which his Department undertakes to answer questions if it is unable to meet the normal parliamentary deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8178/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information sought by the Deputy issued on Monday 17 February.
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Ceisteanna (285)
Dara Murphy
Ceist:285. Deputy Dara Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding students' autism spectrum disorder, ASD, classes in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8185/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While my Department is aware of the Patron's proposals to merge three schools including the school to which he refers, I have not received any proposal from the Patron in the matter. The initiative for any amalgamation or re-organisation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Boards of Management and Patron. Any such proposal to amalgamate schools must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders and follow decisions taken at local level. The decision making authority for any amalgamation belongs to the Patron of a school, subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills. The Deputy will be aware that the establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country has been a key educational priority in recent years. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The NCSE met recently with the principals from the three schools in question in relation to the issue of an amalgamation with particular reference to the autism classes in the school. The SENO has also met with some of the parents concerned. The NCSE will continue to liaise with these schools on the concerns raised.
Schools Amalgamation
Ceisteanna (286)
Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:286. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will clarify a situation regarding schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8201/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While my Department is aware of the Patron's proposals to merge the schools concerned, I have not received any proposal from the Patron in the matter. My Department understands that the Patron is in ongoing discussions with the relevant stakeholders in the Ballyfermot area as part of its assessment as to future school accommodation needs in that regard. The decision making authority for any amalgamation belongs to the Patron of a school, subject to the approval of the Minister for Education and Skills. The initiative for any amalgamation or re-organisation may come from a variety of sources, such as parents, staff, Boards of Management and patron. Any such proposal to amalgamate schools must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders and follow decisions taken at local level. In that regard, any proposed changes must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of parents, teachers and local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.
School Staffing
Ceisteanna (287)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:287. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision to withdraw a legacy teaching post for the 2014-15 school year from a primary school (details supplied) in Cork city in view of the exceptional challenges the school is facing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8208/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The criteria used for the allocation of teachers to primary schools is published annually on the website of the Department of Education and Skills. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements for the 2014/15 school year (Circular 0007/2014) were published recently. As the teaching allocation to schools, including legacy posts, is enrolment based, it is this which determines whether schools gain or lose teaching posts from year to year. The school referred to by the Deputy will have its legacy post subsumed into its mainstream staffing from September 2014 as it saw an increase in enrolment sufficient to warrant an additional mainstream classroom teaching post for the 2014/15 school year. In addition, the school satisfies the criteria for the appointment of an Administrative Principal post, as laid out in Appendix B of Circular 0007/2014.
Home-School Liaison Scheme
Ceisteanna (288)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:288. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide details of the home school community liaison allocation to each of the second level schools in Dublin 9 and Dublin 11 areas. [8219/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the Action Plan for educational inclusion, is my Department's policy instrument to address educational disadvantage which focuses on addressing and prioritising the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from preschool through second-level education. All DEIS Urban primary and DEIS post primary schools are currently included in the Home School Community Liaison Scheme which is administered by the Educational Welfare service of the Child and Family Agency. There are 11 DEIS post primary schools located in the Dublin 9 and 11 areas. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the post primary schools in Dublin 9 and Dublin 11 included in the Home School Community Liaison Scheme is set out in the table.
DEIS Post Primary Schools located in Dublin 9 & 11 included in the HSCL Scheme - PQ 8219/14
|
RN: |
Sch Name |
Address |
HSCL Services for the 2013/14 school year |
||
|
91344V |
Rosmini Community School |
Grace Park Road |
Drumcondra |
Dublin 9 |
1 post (Not shared) |
|
81017A |
Trinity Comprehensive School |
Ballymun Road |
Dublin 9 |
Dublin 9 |
2 posts shared with Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna (20015B) |
|
70321P |
Margaret Aylward Community College |
The Thatch Road |
Whitehall |
Dublin 9 |
1 post (Not shared) |
|
70310K |
Plunkett College |
Swords Road |
Whitehall |
Dublin 9 |
1 post (Not shared) |
|
60400F |
St. Vincents C.B.S. |
Glasnevin |
Dublin 9 |
Dublin 9 |
1 post (Not shared) |
|
70180A |
Coláiste Eoin |
Cappagh Road |
Finglas West |
Dublin 11 |
1 post (Not shared) |
|
60852R |
Mater Christi |
Cappagh |
Finglas |
Dublin 11 |
1 post (Not shared) |
|
60741I |
St. Michaels Secondary School |
Wellmount Road |
Finglas |
Dublin 11 |
1 post (Not shared) |
|
60581M |
St. Kevins College |
Ballygall Rd East |
Finglas |
Dublin 11 |
1 post (Not shared) |
|
60571J |
Patrician College |
Deanstown Ave |
Finglas West |
Dublin 11 |
1 post (Not shared) |
|
60511O |
Beneavin De La Salle College |
Beneavin Road |
Finglas |
Dublin 11 |
1 post (Not shared) |
Summer Works Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (289)
John Halligan
Ceist:289. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason colleges of further education are not now eligible to apply to his Department for funding under Circular 59/2013; when and the reason their eligibility ceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8225/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In view of the funding constraints on my Department's capital budget and the anticipated level of demand for funding under the Summer Works 2014 scheme, it was necessary to prioritise applications from eligible primary and second-level schools under the scheme. However, in an emergency situation, it is open to Education and Training Boards to submit applications for funding for minor works on behalf of further education colleges and these will be considered in the light of competing demands and available resources.
School Enrolments Data
Ceisteanna (290)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:290. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the intake capacity of each primary school in Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth, Kilcock and Clane in 2014; the projected intake capacity of each of these schools in the next five years; if he is satisfied that projected population growth will be adequately catered for in the northern Kildare area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8255/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2012/13 enrolment in schools in the feeder areas to which the Deputy refers is contained in the attached table. 2013/14 enrolments are not yet available. The Deputy will be aware that the Five Year Construction Plan, that I announced on 9 March 2012, outlines the major school projects that will commence construction over the duration of the Plan. The primary aim at the core of the Five Year Plan is focused on meeting demographic demands to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place and that our school system is in a position to cope with increasing pupil numbers. The Plan provides for the following projects in the areas referred to by the Deputy:
- Celbridge: New school building for Ardclough National School and an extension project for the North Kildare Educate Together School.
- Celbridge: New school building for Scoil Naomh Pádraig
- Maynooth: New school building for Gael Scoil Uí Fiach
- Clane: Extension projects for St. Patrick's Boys National School and Scoil Náisiunta Bhride, Clane
- Kilcock: Extension project for St. Joseph's Boys National School, Kilcock
The current status of all projects, including the progress of the projects set out above, may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this will be updated regularly throughout the year.
The Forward Planning Section of my Department will continue to analyse demographic trends to determine the level of additional school provision which will be required into the future. School accommodation requirements in the areas referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered in this context.
Primary Schools Celbridge Feeder Area
|
Roll No |
Name |
Jun Inf |
Sen Inf |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
Total 12/13 Enr |
|
13819E |
Primrose Hill Ns |
14 |
16 |
17 |
13 |
17 |
16 |
16 |
18 |
127 |
|
16566Q |
Scoil Brid |
88 |
59 |
54 |
58 |
61 |
78 |
76 |
69 |
543 |
|
17674B |
S N Aine Naofa |
29 |
30 |
29 |
38 |
39 |
26 |
31 |
27 |
249 |
|
18551N |
Scoil Na Mainistreach |
71 |
78 |
63 |
85 |
81 |
80 |
85 |
83 |
626 |
|
18644U |
Straffan N S |
33 |
34 |
27 |
30 |
30 |
26 |
31 |
22 |
233 |
|
19794V |
Aghards N S |
89 |
93 |
86 |
87 |
84 |
82 |
77 |
85 |
683 |
|
19995I |
North Kildare Educate Together NS |
28 |
29 |
29 |
28 |
24 |
29 |
29 |
30 |
226 |
|
20257C |
Scoil Naomh Padraig |
58 |
57 |
43 |
37 |
34 |
50 |
31 |
12 |
322 |
|
Total |
- |
410 |
396 |
348 |
376 |
370 |
387 |
376 |
346 |
3009 |
Primary Schools Maynooth Feeder Area
|
Roll No. |
Name |
Jnr Inf |
Snr Inf |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
Total 12/13 Enrol |
|
00779U |
Presentation Convent NS |
61 |
71 |
56 |
52 |
61 |
66 |
70 |
57 |
494 |
|
17341U |
Maynooth Boys NS |
60 |
60 |
52 |
54 |
67 |
79 |
61 |
57 |
490 |
|
17652O |
Scoil Oilibheir Naofa NS |
23 |
32 |
28 |
24 |
27 |
23 |
22 |
29 |
208 |
|
20058T |
GS Ui Fiach |
61 |
62 |
55 |
58 |
60 |
54 |
65 |
56 |
471 |
|
20292E |
Maynooth Educate Together NS |
27 |
30 |
36 |
19 |
20 |
16 |
19 |
8 |
175 |
|
Total |
232 |
255 |
487 |
207 |
235 |
442 |
237 |
207 |
444 |
Primary Schools Kilcock Feeder Area
|
Roll No |
Name |
Jun Inf |
Ser Inf |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
Total 12/13 Enr |
|
11976K |
Clochar Coca Naofa N S |
50 |
45 |
44 |
38 |
46 |
37 |
36 |
42 |
338 |
|
16706G |
St Josephs Bns |
43 |
34 |
30 |
28 |
49 |
41 |
46 |
22 |
293 |
|
17821L |
Scoil Nais Mhuire Naofa |
59 |
51 |
56 |
55 |
54 |
49 |
64 |
30 |
418 |
|
18051Q |
Coole N.S, |
26 |
16 |
15 |
15 |
14 |
11 |
15 |
11 |
123 |
|
18344I |
S N Mhuire |
17 |
13 |
12 |
11 |
19 |
8 |
16 |
11 |
107 |
|
18650P |
Newtown N S |
9 |
8 |
8 |
12 |
10 |
21 |
11 |
9 |
88 |
|
18666H |
S N Tir Mochain |
17 |
14 |
15 |
20 |
17 |
20 |
12 |
17 |
132 |
|
18887A |
Scoil Nais Maol Hosae |
8 |
9 |
6 |
9 |
9 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
61 |
|
19897I |
Gaelscoil Chill Coca |
66 |
63 |
63 |
56 |
61 |
54 |
49 |
58 |
470 |
|
Total |
295 |
253 |
249 |
244 |
279 |
247 |
256 |
207 |
2030 |
Primary Schools Clane Feeder Area
|
Roll No |
Name |
Jun Inf |
Ser Inf |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
6th |
Total 12/13 Enr |
|
12998C |
S N Cianog Naofa |
14 |
10 |
17 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
14 |
17 |
108 |
|
13902O |
Hewetsons N S |
14 |
9 |
14 |
11 |
13 |
12 |
8 |
9 |
90 |
|
16777G |
S N Naomh Mhuire |
9 |
14 |
6 |
18 |
8 |
15 |
8 |
7 |
85 |
|
16813H |
Allenwood B N S |
20 |
15 |
16 |
16 |
11 |
25 |
9 |
13 |
125 |
|
16845U |
Rathcoffey N S |
29 |
26 |
22 |
28 |
27 |
20 |
18 |
16 |
186 |
|
17995V |
S N Oilibhear Plunglead |
13 |
10 |
10 |
6 |
20 |
10 |
10 |
9 |
88 |
|
18073D |
S N Mhuire C |
21 |
18 |
12 |
21 |
11 |
17 |
12 |
10 |
122 |
|
18096P |
S N Coill Dubh |
18 |
14 |
17 |
17 |
21 |
16 |
19 |
11 |
133 |
|
18430B |
S N Baile Roibeaird |
28 |
35 |
27 |
28 |
37 |
29 |
15 |
23 |
222 |
|
18515J |
Prosperous N S |
63 |
65 |
61 |
62 |
56 |
64 |
71 |
66 |
508 |
|
19796C |
St Patricks B N S |
79 |
59 |
56 |
49 |
56 |
54 |
59 |
58 |
470 |
|
19797E |
Scoil Naisiunta Bhride |
56 |
53 |
54 |
47 |
56 |
53 |
60 |
43 |
422 |
|
Total |
- |
364 |
328 |
312 |
312 |
328 |
330 |
303 |
282 |
2559 |
Student Grant Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (291)
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:291. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway, was awarded the 100% adjacent rate maintenance grant plus 100% fees and has now been told that he is not entitled to fees for this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8256/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Officials in my Department have confirmed with Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) that a letter issued to the student referred to by the Deputy on 17 February 2014 advising that he must complete an equivalent period of study before being eligible to be considered for funding under the Student Grant Scheme. I understand that the student completed previous periods of study without receiving a qualification.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application in relation to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the appeals officer in SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board. The relevant appeal form is available to download from http://www.studentfinance.ie/downloads/1375344221/2013_SGAB_appeal_form.pdf
School Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (292)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:292. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the school bus at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry will make the pick up and drop off at a safer location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8283/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. My Department has requested Bus Éireann to examine the current pick up and set down points and to liaise with the families in question.
Teacher Training Provision
Ceisteanna (293, 294)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:293. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress on the plans to introduce a Gaeltacht scholarship scheme for primary school teachers to attend intensive Gaeilge courses in the Gaeltacht as envisaged in the 20-year strategy for the Irish language. [8320/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Kyne
Ceist:294. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to increase the portion of time spent by trainee teachers in the Gaeltacht. [8321/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.
An extended and reconceptualised Gaeltacht residency programme is now part of the overall ITE primary programme. The Gaeltacht residency programme has been lengthened to two periods of two weeks for all students who commenced the Bachelor of Education from 2012. Initial teacher education providers have responsibility for quality assuring the content, teaching and assessment of the Gaeltacht element of ITE programmes.
The 20 year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 -2030 contains a number of actions relating to improving the quality of Irish Teaching which need further consideration including the introduction of a Gaeltacht scholarship scheme for primary school teachers to attend intensive Gaeilge courses in the Gaeltacht. This Government is committed to supporting the overall thrust of 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and will deliver on the achievable goals and targets proposed.
Question No. 295 answered with Question No. 255.
Emergency Works Scheme Funding
Ceisteanna (296)
Martin Ferris
Ceist:296. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make funds available to repair storm damage to a school (details supplied) in County Kerry. [8359/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is open to the management authority of the school in question to apply for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme to have repair works carried out at their school and any application received will be considered. I understand that the school's insurers are funding to cost of repairs to the roof of the prefabs damaged in the recent storms. All school buildings that are not covered by state indemnity are required to adequately insure their school premises including insurance for storm damage. Accordingly, any damages caused would be a matter for schools' insurers.