Written Answers Nos. 487-501
487. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress in analysing demographic data to determine where additional school accommodation will be required; the basis upon which certain areas will be prioritised for the allocation of additional accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3877/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has recently completed a nationwide demographic exercise to determine where additional primary school accommodation might be needed from 2015 onwards. I will announce the details of any new schools arising out of this exercise in due course. A corresponding exercise at post-primary level is currently under way.
Funding under my Department's five-year construction plan is focussed 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 accommodate increasing pupil numbers. This involves prioritising school building projects in areas where the demographic demand exceeds the level of accommodation available.
488. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to correspondence sent to her by a person (details supplied) regarding the home tutorial scheme dated 6 October 2014; if she will respond to this correspondence; her views that the home tuition scheme was operated in a consistent and equitable manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3879/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe correspondence referred to by the Deputy was answered directly on 28 November 2014 and a further comprehensive response issued in respect of the matters raised on 12 December 2014. The correspondent has since acknowledged that the responses were received and has again written to my Department addressing matters raised in the response of 12 December 2014.
In previous correspondence the matters raised were fully addressed and explained to the correspondent. I am satisfied that the Home Tuition scheme was at all times operated in a consistent and equitable manner by my Department.
My Department has maintained a consistent position in relation to the development of group arrangements and direct payment arrangements for home tuition and that the scheme is operated in a consistent and equitable manner.
489. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 534 and 535 of 20 January 2015 regarding the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied), if she will confirm that funding will be allocated by her Department to provide these facilities, which are currently unavailable at the schools, as CEIST personnel have stated that her Department will be funding these facilities and CEIST will not be funding them; if an independent assessment of this site selection process has been carried out by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3888/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that the Patron of the schools to which he refers has determined that the new amalgamated school should be located on the site and buildings of one of the schools in question. In reaching this decision, the Patron and schools had available to them an independent technical report that reviewed the curricular capacity of both school buildings and sites. Whilst deficits of accommodation in both buildings were identified, the report recommended that one of the school buildings was the location that "requires the least amount of re-modelling of the existing structure and has the potential for expansion to accommodate a combined curriculum and additional teaching spaces". The Patron has advised my Department that they accept the report's recommendation.
To support the amalgamation process, it is understood that a Steering Group is being established that will have nominees of parents, teachers and members of the Boards of Management of both schools. It is also envisaged that from September next, both schools will cooperate closely in terms of curricular provision. The Patron is continuing to engage with my Department in relation to the process including the need for additional accommodation.
490. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she has become aware of school enrolment difficulties at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare and other locations throughout the country; if she will investigate the means that may be found to address the issue in the short term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3898/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the matter of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the patron/managerial authority of those schools.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is in contact with the patron of the three schools in the area in question, including the school to which the Deputy refers, in relation to enrolments for the forthcoming school year. My Department understands that the Patron is consulting directly with the schools concerned relating to the enrolment matters raised. My Department will continue to liaise with the Patron, who has ultimate responsibility for the governance and management of the schools concerned.
My Department's Five Year Construction Plan outlines the major school projects, including those for the area in question, that are scheduled to commence construction over the duration of the Plan. These projects have been prioritised on the basis of meeting demographic needs to ensure that every child will have access to a physical school place.
My Department continuously analyses demographic trends and enrolments in all areas to ensure that any additional accommodation needs are addressed in a timely manner.
491. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to address the issue of school enrolment difficulties throughout the country with particular references to areas experiencing demographic fluctuations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3899/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra502. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she remains satisfied that the current school building programme remains adequate to meet primary and second level accommodation requirements at all schools throughout County Kildare; her plans to deal with any exceptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3910/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 491 and 502 together.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department's Five Year Construction Plan announced in March 2012, together with the schools announced in June 2013 under the Government's "investment in Infrastructure & Jobs" package and the schools included in the 2015 construction programme, details the major school projects, including those for County Kildare, that will commence construction over the duration of my Department's €2 billion capital investment programme (2012-2016). The primary aim at the core of my Department's construction programme is focussed 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.
In addition, my Department considers applications on an ongoing basis from individual schools for funding to meet an immediate accommodation requirement because of increased enrolments and where an additional teacher is being appointed.
My Department continuously analyses demographic trends and enrolments in all areas to ensure that any additional accommodation needs are addressed in a timely manner.
The current status of all projects on the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.education.ie and this is updated regularly throughout the year.
492. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she can meet or enhance the school building programme at primary and second level with particular reference to locations of increased population; if she has identified such pressure areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3900/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has recently completed a nationwide demographic exercise to determine where additional primary school accommodation might be needed from 2015 onwards. I will announce the details of any new schools arising out of this exercise in due course. A corresponding exercise at post-primary level is currently underway.
Funding under my Department's five-year construction plan is focussed 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 accommodate increasing pupil numbers. This involves prioritising school building projects in areas where the demographic demand exceeds the level of accommodation available.
493. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she expects pupil-teacher ratios and class sizes to improve in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3901/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra500. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she has identified areas throughout the country currently experiencing class sizes in excess of the national average; if she has in mind a particular strategy to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3908/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 493 and 500 together.
My focus in Budget 2015 was on obtaining the additional funding that was necessary to provide for demographic growth. The last Budget included an increase in spending on education for the first time in recent years, amounting to additional funding of €60m during 2015.
This funding will be used to provide 1,700 additional teachers and SNAs for our schools, as well as to fund prioritised reforms, such as implementation of the literacy and numeracy strategy, reform of junior cycle, and the introduction of education focussed pre-school inspections. It was not possible to also secure the funding which would have been required to change the staffing schedule for primary schools.
The Government's approach to restoring the economy has helped Ireland to return to a position where we are seeing economic growth. It is a continuing improvement in our economic growth over a sustained period that will enable us to move to a point where we can look again at providing for additional teacher resources in schools which could bring about an improvement in PTR, class size and support for classroom teachers.
494. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she continues to examine the case put forward by promoters in Leixlip, County Kildare, for the provision of a Gaelcholáiste in the area; her views on the need for this much sought after coláiste as put forward by the proposals in view of the increasing population in the area and the demand arising from the feeder schools (details supplied); if she will address these issues in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3902/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently examining the extent and location of additional post-primary places that will be needed on a nationwide basis from 2017 onwards. This will include an examination of the north Kildare area. A submission recently received from An Foras Pátrúnachta in relation to all-Irish provision in north Kildare will be taken into consideration as part of this examination.
In the meantime, my Department has clearly indicated that it is open to the idea of the establishment of an independent Gaelcholáiste for the north Kildare area. My Department has already committed to consider this if sufficient and viable demand for education through the medium of Irish in the Aonad in Maynooth is demonstrated over a four-year cycle.
495. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which efforts continue to be made to combat school bullying; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3903/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra501. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she has identified school areas or regions throughout the country in respect of which there appears to be greater incidents of school bullying; if any specific action has been taken or is required in such circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3909/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 501 together.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department published new anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools at the beginning of the 2013/14 school year.
The procedures are designed to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils. They include specific requirements in relation to the use of prevention and education strategies and the consistent investigation, follow up and recording of bullying behaviour.
There is no requirement that schools report incidents of bullying behaviour to my Department. The procedures however include important new oversight arrangements that involve the school Principal reporting regularly to the Board of Management and a requirement for the Board to undertake an annual review of the school's anti- bullying policy and its implementation. Confirmation that the annual review has been completed must be provided to the Parents' Association and published on the school website.
Arising from commitments made in the Action Plan on Bullying, my Department's Inspectorate is placing a stronger focus on the actions schools take to create a positive school culture and to prevent and tackle bullying. For example, parent and student questionnaires issued as part of whole school evaluations, include, since January 2014, additional questions to get a clearer picture of how the school deals with bullying. Furthermore, the Inspectorate's plan for 2015 provides for collaborative research to be conducted in a sample of primary and post-primary on how schools provide for pupils' wellbeing. This will culminate in a research report which will highlight best practice.
496. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which special needs teachers remain available to all schools throughout County Kildare in line with requirements; if any particular areas with requirements above the national average in this regard have been identified; her plans for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3904/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that all State-funded primary and post primary schools have been allocated additional resources, including additional teaching support, to provide for children with special educational needs enrolled in school.
As part of Budget 2015, I announced that an additional 480 Resource Teachers would be provided in 2015, to take into account increased demand and demographic growth and to ensure that children can continue to have access to additional supports in school. In addition, over 130 new Special Classes have been established for the 2014/15 school year.
These increases, building on increases which have already been provided in recent years, have ensured that we now have more special needs support teachers in our schools than ever before, and will ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to participate in education and be supported in a manner appropriate to their needs. It will also ensure that where particular demand arises, due to demographic growth or to increased need, that this demand can be met.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) also allocates resource teaching hours to schools for children who have been assessed within the low incidence, or more complex, category of special need, as defined by my Department's Circular Sp Ed 02/05.
The NCSE also sanctions the opening of special classes where such classes are required.
The NCSE operates within my Department's established criteria for the allocation of Special Education supports and the staffing resources available to my Department.
The NCSE will continue to plan and coordinate the provision of education and support services to ensure that the educational requirements of children with special needs can continue to be met in all areas.
Details of Resource Teaching and Special Class allocations for Co. Kildare for the current school year are available on the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) website, www.ncse.ie.
497. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which Student Universal Support Ireland continues to deal adequately with the administration of higher education grants; the number and nature of any cases outstanding in respect of previous years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3905/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSUSI has advised that it is fully up-to-date with the payment of all awarded grants that can be paid. SUSI has received 103,000 applications for the 2014/2015 academic year. Of these more than 100,000 applications have been finalised with over 72,000 grants awarded. The remaining applications will be finalised upon receipt of outstanding documentation from the applicants.
498. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which she continues to have ongoing dialogue with the teaching unions with a view to reaching agreement in respect of outstanding issues arising from the proposed reform of the junior certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3906/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraReform of the Junior Cycle is important and is a policy priority.
The current dispute with the teacher unions will only be resolved through meaningful negotiation. In fact, Dr. Pauric Travers has contacted the teacher unions and myself to propose further talks this week. I welcome this initiative and my Department will engage in these talks in a constructive manner.
499. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent of enquiries, section 29 appeals or other submissions received in connection with difficulties arising in respect of access and enrolment to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if cognisance continues to be taken of the wishes of the parents in the area in connection with their preferred options in regard to the proposed new second level school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3907/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, many representations have been received, and much consideration has been given to the matter to which the Deputy refers.
As previously outlined, for compelling educational reasons and to safeguard the integrity of the patronage determination process, both of the schools in question will operate as fully–vertical post-primary schools delivering both the junior and senior cycle. There is no change to this position.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Both schools operate under the same Patron who appointed a single Governing Authority to guarantee to Parents/Guardians and Students a fair and equitable enrolment policy for both schools and to ensure that the overall management of the campus will be as cohesive and effective as possible.
I understand from my officials that there are two section 29 appeals being processed in relation to refused enrolment to this school.
