Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:121. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the scheduled teachers' strike on junior certificate reforms. [3371/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIndustrial Disputes
Ceisteanna (121)
Freagraí scríofa
I have met with the Teacher Unions and also the other education partners on a number of occasions since my appointment as Minister last summer.
In November 2014, I tabled what I believe is a fair and reasonable proposal. The Unions did not accept my proposal but acknowledged that it was significant. After both teacher strikes, in December and last week, I noted that their strike action was disproportionate and unnecessary.
The current dispute will not be resolved on the picket line. It will be resolved, I believe, through dialogue.
In fact, at our latest meeting, on Wednesday 14th January, it was agreed that dialogue was the best way forward, yet the 22 January strike went ahead anyway.
Dr Padraic Travers, who is facilitating the discussions between the Unions and the Department, has contacted both sides and has proposed further talks to commence later this week.
I welcome this opportunity for further dialogue. My Department will engage in these talks in a constructive manner.
Question No. 122 answered orally.
Value for Money Reviews
Ceisteanna (123)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:123. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the value for money review of small rural schools will be published; the reason for the delay in doing so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3262/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The report of the value for money review of small primary schools will be published as soon as my Government colleagues and I have finalised our consideration of the report and its recommendations. I am not in a position to give a precise publication date at this time.
Educational Disadvantage
Ceisteanna (124)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:124. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to include schools built in disadvantaged areas after the commencement of the DEIS programme in the programme; when such schools are likely to be considered for addition to this programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3261/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My key priority at present in relation to educational disadvantage is to continue to maintain and prioritise resources for schools with the most concentrated levels of disadvantage. 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, the DEIS programme has been the subject of ongoing evaluation by both the Educational Research Centre and my Department's Inspectorate to assess its impact.
An overall report on the Learning from DEIS is also being prepared by the Economic and Social Research Institute which will draw together the main findings of research to date and provide advice to inform future policy to combat educational disadvantage, including DEIS. This report is currently being finalised and I expect to receive it in the coming weeks.
Questions Nos. 125 and 126 answered orally.
Language Schools
Ceisteanna (127)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:127. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has had discussions with the Department of Justice and Equality on the matter of the recent High Court ruling on English language schools; and if she will provide an update on this matter. [3351/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The judgment in relation to legal proceedings challenging some aspects of the planned reforms to international education was received on Tuesday 13th January, and since that point, I have been involved in a number of discussions on this matter.
The range of options that are available to progress the reforms in a manner consistent with the High Court decision and without prejudice to a possible appeal are being considered by the Department of Justice and Equality in close conjunction with my Department.
The Government is committed to maintaining Ireland's reputation as a high quality destination for international students and will continue to implement all necessary reforms to protect that reputation.
Site Acquisitions
Ceisteanna (128)
David Stanton
Ceist:128. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made on site acquisitions for the provision of two new primary schools (details supplied) in Midleton, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3348/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Carrigtwohill/ Midleton area is projected by my Department's Forward Planning section to undergo significant increases in educational demand in the coming years. In that context, projects to provide permanent buildings for Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann and Midleton Educate Together National School were included in the five year school building programme. In December I announced that the projects for these schools are expected to proceed to construction this year.
In line with the Memorandum of Understanding which formalises the local authorities' part in securing sites for educational use, my Department has worked with Cork County Council to identify suitable sites for these two schools. Sites have been identified and the conveyancing process is underway in both cases. In tandem with completion of the conveyancing process, the projects are being progressed under the Department's Design and Build programme. A project manager has been appointed and plans for the schools are underway.
School Guidance Counsellors
Ceisteanna (129)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:129. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is satisfied with the current system regarding guidance counselling services in second level schools, in view of the fact that since 2011 the guidance provision is managed from within the standard teacher allocation, requiring principals to use their individual discretion in balancing subject provision and guidance counselling needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3374/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision to provide for guidance from within the overall staffing allocation was a budget measure the alternative to which was to continue with a separate allocation for guidance and to reduce the general allocation. I believe that in a difficult time of reduced resources it was better to give schools flexibility in how best to use the available resources.
I do not believe there is any problem in having a system that includes guidance within having an overall allocation. That said, I am firmly of the belief that schools must use their allocations to support all of their students, including by offering appropriate guidance, counselling and pastoral care.
I believe that the change that is needed is to improve the general allocation of staff to our schools. 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. I am determined that education will be prioritised for further investment in future years, and I believe that increasing the staffing and funding of our schools should be priorities for such investment.
Schools Data
Ceisteanna (130)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:130. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will demonstrate the figures which her Department is relying on to determine forward planning in north Kildare, in particular with regard to achieving a balanced diversity of choice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3372/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The detailed data sought for the specific area in question are being compiled. I will arrange for the data to be sent to the Deputy directly.
In relation to overall school provision in that area the position is that with the addition of both planned and recently delivered infrastructural provision in the north Kildare area, the existing schools between them are expected to be able to cater for the overall level of demand for places. This may result in pupils not obtaining a place of first choice.
The Department is not in a position to duplicate provision in such areas in light of the demand on a nationwide basis to provide some 152,000 extra school places to ensure that every child in the country has access to a physical school place in the coming years.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (131)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:131. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills if adequate funding will be provided to maximise the potential of the apprenticeship training centre in Mount Lucas, County Westmeath; the rent that is being paid to Bord na Móna for the property; the duration of the lease; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3341/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Construction Training Centre in Mount Lucas caters for construction plant training. There is currently a lease on the site for 9 years and 11 months at an annual cost of €10,000, exclusive of VAT. It is due to expire in September 2017.
The facility is the only recognised training centre in Ireland to test plant drivers for the equivalent UK certification, which means plant operators are certified as being competent both in Ireland and the UK to operate plant machinery.
The centre has recently set up a certification unit which processes construction skills certificates for Dublin and Midland counties. In excess of 2,000 learners were certified through this unit in 2014.
A proposal to convert Mount Lucas from a training facility to a national assessment centre for construction plant and related health and safety courses is under consideration and consultation is underway with relevant stakeholders.
Language Schools
Ceisteanna (132)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:132. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the action she will be taking following the recent court decision in relation to language schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3356/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The judgment in relation to legal proceedings challenging some aspects of the planned reforms to international education was received on Tuesday 13th January.
The range of options that are available to progress the reforms in a manner consistent with the High Court decision and without prejudice to a possible appeal are being considered by the Department of Justice and Equality in conjunction with my Department.
The Government is committed to maintaining Ireland's reputation as a high quality destination for international students and will continue to implement all necessary reforms to protect that reputation.
Teacher Training Provision
Ceisteanna (133)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:133. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of restoring the grant for student teachers' attendance at Gaeltacht courses; if she has carried out an assessment of the impact of this cut on the cost of teacher training to students; her vews on reinstating the grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3354/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Teaching Council is the statutory body that reviews and accredits programmes of initial teacher education. The Gaeltacht placement is a mandatory component of primary initial teacher education programmes and is governed by the Council's accreditation criteria, published in June 2011 (Initial Teacher Education: Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers) and which must be adhered to by all providers of primary initial teacher education providers.
I acknowledge that the funding of the Gaeltacht Placement is a significant cost to students and their families. However, there is special provision in place for students who experience hardship in meeting this cost. The decision to abolish the Gaeltacht Placement grants, from September 2012, has to be viewed in the context of the prevailing requirement to reduce costs and achieve efficiencies where possible. Priority was given to protecting resources for front line education services as far as possible in the coming years, which is especially challenging with rising numbers of school-going children.
The cost of restoring the grant for the 4 week placement would be circa €1m per annum. I am not in a position to reinstate the funding to this area.
Schools Building Projects Administration
Ceisteanna (134)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:134. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a cost benefit analysis has been carried out on the use of public private partnerships to build schools; the number of such projects in the future that will include the management and maintenance of schools; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3375/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Capital Appraisal Guidelines of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform require projects to be appraised. This involves validating need and consideration of possible solutions including, where appropriate, the PPP option.
To ensure value for money with PPPs, 4 tests are required to be undertaken during the procurement process. The determination of the Public Sector Benchmark (PSB) is the most crucial of these. The PSB provides a robust financial framework for the achievement of value for money. It is presented as the full estimated cost of delivering the project through conventional means. At the tender evaluation stage, the highest ranking bid is compared to the PSB. Tenders lower than the PSB are judged to deliver value for money. Higher tenders have to be looked at very carefully.
Apart from 6 school projects that are at invitation to negotiate (ITN) stage, there are no plans currently to proceed with further school PPPs.
Teachers' Remuneration
Ceisteanna (135)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:135. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will examine the pay conditions for new teachers and the lack of qualification allowances for new post-primary teachers; if she will discuss the wide disparities in teachers' incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3343/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Due to the worsening economic circumstances, the Government reduced the salaries and allowances payable to new entrants to public service recruitment grades (including teachers) by 10% from 1 January 2011 and required that new entrants would start on the first point of the applicable salary scale.
Subsequently, a public service-wide review of allowances took place in 2012, following which the Government decided among other measures to withdraw qualification allowances from new beneficiaries. However, the Government partially compensated for this by deciding that new entrant teachers would commence on a new salary scale which had a higher starting point than the old scale.
As part of the Haddington Road Agreement, revised payscales for post-1 January 2011 and post-1 February 2012 entrants to teaching were implemented with effect from 1 July 2013. The Agreement further provided that the salary imbalance between those who entered the public service since 2011 and those who entered before that date would be addressed. My Department therefore implemented a revised salary scale with effect from 1 November 2013 for teachers who entered between 1 January 2011 and 31 January 2012. Their maximum salary is now equal to that which applies for teachers who entered the profession prior to 2011.
Allowances payable to post-1 January 2011 entrants and such allowances as remain payable to post-1 February 2012 entrants were restored to pre-2011 levels as part of this measure.
Capitation Grants
Ceisteanna (136)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:136. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will restore the capitation grant for primary schools to its previous level to help the survival of these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3342/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. As I have mentioned in response to earlier questions, that increase has provided funding for 1,700 additional teachers and SNAs to be recruited for our schools, as well as funding important reforms. However, it was not possible to secure the funding which would be required to also increase the rates of capitation paid to our schools.
I am determined that education will be prioritised for further investment in future years, and I believe that increasing the staffing and funding of our schools should be priorities for such investment.
Physical Education
Ceisteanna (137)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:137. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details of the report Schools Fitness Challenge 2015 that shows that a high number of 15 to 16 year old boys show early onset of heart disease; the steps being taken to counter this; if sport and exercise for primary school children will be further promoted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2200/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Schools are contributing to the 'Healthy Ireland' agenda being led by the Department of Health and supported by my Department.
In my November 2014 proposal on junior cycle, Wellbeing is included as a compulsory element. It would include Physical Education; Social, Personal and Health Education; and Civic Social and Personal Education. The well being of our young people is as important as their academic achievements. With key skills and knowledge our students will be enabled to more confidently make healthier life choices.
The results of the last Lifeskills survey, published in January 2014, indicate that:
- The vast majority of primary schools meet the minimum requirement of 1 hour per week of P.E;
- 81% of primary and 96% of post primary schools are involved in sporting activities outside of school time and the vast majority encourage physical activity during break-times.
A total of 434 primary and 33 post primary schools have achieved an Active Schools Flag to date.
I will shortly be issuing guidance to all schools to encourage them to further promote healthy lifestyles, including promoting physical activity among their pupils.
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (138)
David Stanton
Ceist:138. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 177 of 2 October 2014, the further progress, in the provision of new schools in Carrigtwohill, County Cork specifically the new second level school (details supplied), the amalgamation of the two primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3347/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has been working very closely with officials from Cork County Council to secure suitable lands for the schools referred to by the Deputy. I can confirm that suitable lands have been identified and the conveyancing process in relation to their acquisition is underway.
In tandem with the completion of the conveyancing process, the project for the schools concerned is being progressed under my Department's Design and Build programme. A project manager has been appointed and a meeting will shortly be arranged with the school's patron to explain the Design & Build process and to outline next steps.
School Curriculum
Ceisteanna (139)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:139. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on having transition year used for a series of pre-mini apprenticeship courses allowing students to better explore their prospective further education choices before embarking on the course proper, thereby reducing the drop out rate and expenditure on uncompleted courses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3339/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Transition Year is intended to act as an educational bridge between junior and senior cycle. Its objective is to broaden the students' experience of second level education by providing them with a variety of opportunities, both academic and practical.
The precise content of any transition year programme is decided by each school. Their programmes typically include elements designed to expose students to new ways of learning, to enhancing their skills for further studies, for work and for life. This is achieved by providing students with access to work experience, project work, enterprise education and interventions such as Young Social Innovators.
Schools are entitled to include modules appropriate to the needs and interests of their students and related to the resources available to them, including work experience opportunities.
However, it would be a retrograde step to focus too closely on any one aspect at the expense of developing transferable skills and competences that students can bring to bear in making decisions relating to further education and their future careers.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (140)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:140. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views regarding Kildare Wicklow Education Training Board's failure to meet parents of pupils in a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, and its general lack of communication; if she will meet with parents of pupils in the school; and if she will ensure primary and post-primary students will not have to share a building. [3353/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board are facilitating the development of the school in question. The ETB engages with the principal and it is the function of the principal to engage with the parent body.
The school has relocated temporarily to the premises it is now occupying to allow repair works, caused by storm damage, to be carried out on its own school premises. These works are expected to be completed in May at which time the school will return to its own premises.
The building currently accommodating the school will then be vacated and will be used for the planned new post primary school that is due to open in September 2015.
My Department is currently assessing the long-term accommodation needs of the school referred to by the Deputy and is liaising with the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board in this regard.
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Ceisteanna (141)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:141. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way she proposes to address concerns that have been expressed regarding the school profiling element of the proposed new special needs model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3357/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The NCSE working group recommended the development of a new model for delivering teaching resources to schools to support students with special needs.
It recommended that a school's Special Needs Teaching allocation should be determined by a baseline component according to pupil numbers and a school's educational profile. This profile is to take account of the number of pupils with complex needs, the percentage of pupils performing below average in standardised tests and the social context and gender breakdown of the school.
Following consultations with education partners last summer, my Department has developed a new model which could be used to allocate Special Needs teachers to schools. The Department last week engaged in a further round of consultations with stakeholders in relation to the new model.
I am acutely conscious of the challenges faced by parents of students with special needs, and I believe that any new model must be implemented in a manner that is equitable, and best supports all children with special needs in our schools.