Written Answers Nos. 365-82
365. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide a progress report from her Department on the efforts to secure a site of adequate dimensions in Buncrana in County Donegal, to facilitate a three-school campus for schools (details supplied); and if she will allocate the necessary funding for this project to proceed. [35202/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware a technical inspection of a significant number of potential site options for the school accommodation to which he refers has been conducted by officials from my Department working with officials from Donegal County Council.
My officials are currently considering the findings of this assessment and, with the assistance of the Local Authority, are clarifying technical issues raised with a view to ensuring that a preferred site option can be advanced as soon as possible.
The Deputy will appreciate the importance of a thorough appraisal of site options in order to ensure the achievement of value for money. The complexity of the issues associated with the development of the site options under consideration, combined with competing demands on my Department's resources has meant that the appraisal has not been finalised. Once all options have been fully appraised, my officials will advance the acquisition of a preferred site for the school accommodation.
366. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there are official connections, structures or integrated service provisions between cross-Border educational organisations such as the education and training boards and local enterprise offices and their northern counterparts; and if any of the universities provide outreach courses in the Border areas. [35209/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the Education and Training Boards, Donegal, Monaghan, and Sligo VECs/ETBs participated, along with the Southern Regional College NI, and the former Educational Guidance Service for Adults, NI in the Deaf Community Infrastructure Development (DCID) Project (2011-13), which was funded by Interreg. The Project's purposes were to provide information sessions for the public around deaf awareness and sign language training for tutors and for the public.
Donegal ETB formed part of a project board, established with representatives from Catholic Maintained Schools/Western Education and Library Board (CCMS/WELB) to consider the potential for a pilot cross-border education project involving St Mary's High School, Brollagh and post-primary schools in Donegal.
Donegal ETB has worked with the Western Education and Library Board, Omagh, as part of a project examining cross-border student flows involving the Department of Education and Skills, Letterkenny IT (LYIT), SOLAS, and HEA. Also, Donegal ETB informally facilitated a Cross Border ICT Sharing Group with counterparts in Northern Ireland.
Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board has a Memorandum of Understanding with Stranmillis University College to deliver a degree in Early Childhood Education. The students are registered students of Stranmillis. Tuition is delivered using video conferencing technology and a County Monaghan-based tutor.
Senior management of Louth & Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) have met with counterparts in the Southern Regional College, to explore the possibilities for collaborative working/partnership activities in the area of further education and training provision.
LMETB participation in EU funded Peace programmes has entailed cross-border meetings, workshops and shared activities with groups of learners/course participants, to facilitate networking, breaking down of perceived barriers and sharing of cultural heritage.
With regard to higher education, Letterkenny IT, IT Sligo and Dundalk IT are the most active higher-education institutions (HEIs) in terms of cross-border co-operation, while some other HEIs undertake outreach activity in the border region.
Letterkenny IT has partnered with the University of Ulster to provide a joint Masters programme in Innovation Management in the Public Service and also is engaged in developing the North West Gateway Strategic Alliance (NWGSA) proposal which is aimed at developing closer collaboration between LYIT and the University of Ulster. LYIT has also partnered with the North West Regional College in Derry to deliver programmes, and engages in outreach activity with several schools in Northern Ireland. Another major project is the joint proposal by LYIT and the Northern Ireland Science Park to develop a North West Regional Science Park (NWRSP), based in Derry. LYIT also has a collaborative agreement in place with Cavan Institute.
Sligo IT's main cross border link is in the delivery of three Biomedical Science degrees in conjunction with the University of Ulster, which are aimed at hospital laboratory staff as well as biopharmaceutical industry personnel primarily in Ireland and the UK. In addition, the Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies (CREST) project operates across a network of educational institutions including South West College, Cavan Innovation and Technology Centre, IT Sligo, and Dumfries & Galloway College in Scotland and has been set up to provide expertise and a range of facilities to help entrepreneurs and SMEs to bring innovative sustainable ideas from concept to reality. The project is supported by the EU's INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special European Union Programmes Board (SEUPB), with matching funding provided by Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation.
Dundalk IT is a key partner in the North East Further and Higher Education Alliance which involves close links between the institute and regional further education providers, allowing for outreach activity to be better targeted and for increased access, transfer and progression between further and higher education in the North East region. The Regional Development Centre (RDC) at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) was established in 1989 to act as the commercially-oriented interface between DkIT and the industrial, commercial and business life of the region and has had a long history in working on a cross-border basis with University Partners in Northern Ireland including the University of Ulster and Queen's University Belfast on economic development projects. DkIT also collaborates closely with those institutions on a range of research projects.
St Angela's College Sligo has now merged with NUIG and is used as a regional outreach centre by NUIG, alongside the delivery of its own courses.
In addition, the Centre for Cross Border Studies, based in Armagh, has strong representation from both Irish and Northern Irish universities.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have primary responsibility for the delivery of State support to the indigenous micro-enterprise sector and provide financial assistance, soft supports and a signposting and referral service for micro and small business at the local level. The LEOs in the border counties participate actively with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in a number of educational initiatives designed to assist the micro-enterprise sector across Northern Ireland and the six border counties.
LEO Cavan has been active for a number of years in conjunction with Cavan Innovation and Technology Centre (CITC) in partnering with Ulster University and South West College in delivering a range of outreach programmes in Cavan, such as 'Higher Attainment Through Cross Border Hubs' (HATCH), funded by the INTERREG IVA programme. The programme was targeted at up-skilling persons affected by the downturn in the construction sector, migrant workers, and promoting female entrepreneurship. LEO Cavan partnered with CITC in collaboration with the Business Institute of University of Ulster, and South West College, Omagh and Enniskillen. As a follow on to the HATCH project, CITC is involved with Ulster University in planning the delivery of a second BSc Hons in Management Practice on an outreach basis, which is expected to commence in January 2016. Other examples of cross border programmes between the LEOs and their counterparts in Northern Ireland are available through www.localenterprise.ie.
367. Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will clarify the issue on a special needs assistant in a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35213/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education reviews the provision of Special Needs Assistants to schools on an annual basis. The allocation for the school in question was reduced by one post for the 2015/2016 school year.
The senior SNA in the school retained her post when the allocation of Special Need Assistants was reduced and the post of the most junior SNA in the school was made redundant. Circulars 59/2006 and 58/2006 relate to the seniority of Special Needs Assistants and set out how staff are selected when a post is made redundant. There is no provision for voluntary redundancy in the redundancy scheme.
Where a post has been made redundant, the post holder may choose to remain on the SNA panel for up to two years or may be eligible to apply for redundancy under the terms of circular 58/2006.
The school management authority has been in contact with my Department and the position in regard to selection for redundancy in accordance with the terms of the Circular referenced has been outlined in correspondence with the school.
368. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the financial supports available for schools to assist students with special needs; if supports are available for materials, adaptations, etc; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35221/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that some €1.37 billion will be spent in support of children with Special Educational Needs this year, which represents approximately 15% of my Department's budget.
This provides for a range of supports and services including additional learning and resource teaching support, Special Needs Assistant support, special transport arrangements, building adaptations, enhanced capitation, funding for the purchase of specialised equipment, services of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), enhanced levels of capitation in Special schools and Special Classes and additional teacher training.
The policy of my Department is that children with special educational needs should be included where possible and appropriate in mainstream placements with additional supports provided. In circumstances where children with special educational need require more specialised interventions, special school or special class places are also available.
A range of supports have been provided for schools which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs in order to ensure that, wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an appropriate education.
We now have a higher level of Resource Teaching and SNA support than ever before.
I recently announced that an additional 610 Special Needs Assistant posts are being provided for this year. This will ensure that every child with an assessed need has access to SNA support, in keeping with the Government's commitment in this regard.
I also announced provision for an additional 480 Resource Teachers, 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, the NCSE has established over 150 new Special Classes in the 2015/16 school year, which means there are now over 1,000 special classes attached to mainstream schools catering for children with special educational needs.
This Government's continued investment in education will ensure that children with special educational needs can continue to participate in education and be supported in a manner appropriate to their needs. We have been resolutely committed to protecting, and in some instances increasing, the level of investment being made to support children with special educational needs at a time when there has been a requirement to make expenditure reductions across a range of areas. It is an area of spending which has been prioritised above most other areas by this Government, despite the enormous pressures on all areas of public spending.
369. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that special needs students who require the use of memory sticks and universal serial bus memory sticks to complete State examinations are charged for the costs of these; her plans to eliminate this charge; if she has discussed the issue with the State Examinations Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35222/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
The State Examinations Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the Certificate examinations. Full details of the scheme are available for downloading from their website:
www.examinations.ie/candidates/reasonableaccommodations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
370. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to resolve an issue (details supplied) regarding Education Centre directors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35273/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through the Education Centres and Support Services engages teachers on a full time basis annually for the provision of continuing professional development (CPD) through secondment from their schools. These secondments are subject to annual review. The arrangements provide flexibility and ensure that the in-service needs of teachers and other support priorities of the school system can be met within the resources available. Having teachers with relevant and recent teaching experience and expertise is a key requirement for the role. It is a condition therefore that the maximum length of time that a teacher may be on secondment is five years, following which they return to their teaching roles in their schools. In this way, their expertise and knowledge is not lost to the system. Each Education Centre has a management committee and staff which ensures continuity at a local level. The teacher secondment arrangements were disseminated extensively so the necessary planning could take place at all levels including education centres, support services, school boards of management and individual teacher. Accordingly, there are no plans to change this policy on teacher secondments.
My Department recognises that it may be necessary from time to time to allow some flexibility to the five year policy whereby a small number of Directors would remain on secondment for a limited additional period. This provides continuity in management, planning and leadership and retention of expertise. Following consultations between officials in my Department and the Directors some alleviation was agreed to allow a number of Directors to serve beyond the five years for a limited period.
My Department will provide support to any Management Committee in the recruitment process for a Director where required and appropriate continuous professional development support can be provided to facilitate Directors return to school should that be requested.
371. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount that Student Universal Support Ireland pays to Irish third level degree students attending public and private universities and colleges in the United Kingdom, in each of the years 2013 to date in 2015. [35275/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder my Department's student grant scheme, eligible students may receive funding provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution as defined in the scheme.
Maintenance grants are available for undergraduate students pursuing approved third level courses in other E.U. Member States, where they meet the student grants scheme criteria. Fee grants are not available for those students.
An approved undergraduate course includes a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU Member State.
The following table details the amount that SUSI paid to student grant applicants pursuing undergraduate courses in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15 academic years. Figures for the 2015/16 academic year are not yet available. Amount paid by SUSI to students attending approved courses in the UK.
|
Academic Year |
Amount Paid |
|
2012/13 |
€2,014,947 |
|
2013/14 |
€3,351,427 |
|
2014/15 |
€4,538,250 |
372. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to provide an Educate Together national school in Dublin 6 and Dublin 6W; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35276/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in February of this year, I announced that seven new primary schools would be opening in 2015 and 2016. The areas where schools will be opening in 2016 are Cabra/Phibsborough/Dublin 7; Goatstown/Stillorgan, Dublin; and Drumcondra/Marino/Dublin 1. It is hoped to proceed with the patronage determination process for these schools later this year or early in 2016.
My Department is currently reviewing the latest demographic data for the Dublin 6/Dublin 6W areas to assess where additional provision may be required at primary level post 2016.
Where new schools are to be established, the Department runs an open patronage determination process to decide who will operate the new schools. It is open to all patrons and prospective patrons, including Educate Together, to apply under this process.
373. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will confirm that the bus route for a school (details supplied) in County Longford and a school in County Westmeath will not be separated, and will continue as a joint bus route into the future. [35341/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
In general, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
The service referred to by the Deputy is operating for the 2015/16 school year. However, Bus Éireann review all school transport services over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
374. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans regarding the commencement of all sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; if she will provide a list of the sections of the Act which have been implemented fully to date, and the sections which remain to be commenced; the expected timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35360/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra375. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans regarding the full commencement of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, in particular the sections dealing with individual education plans and the establishment and functions of the special educational appeals board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35361/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 375 together.
A number of sections of the EPSEN Act have been commenced, including those establishing the National Council for Special Education and those promoting an inclusive approach to education of children.
Specifically, the following sections have been commenced - 1, 2, 14(1)(a), 14(1)(c), 14(2) to 14(4), 19 to 37, 40 to 53. The remaining sections of the EPSEN Act have not yet been commenced.
In light of the very difficult economic situation and the significant costs involved in fully implementing the EPSEN Act, the previous Government deferred the full implementation of Act.
At present, all schools are encouraged to use Education Plans. The Departmental Inspectorates' advice is that the majority of schools are now using some form of individual education planning for children with special needs. In line with Circular 30/2014, schools are required to put in place a Personal Pupil Plan including a care plan for all pupils availing of SNA support.
As the role of the Special Education Appeals Board, as provided for in the EPSEN Act, was intended to provide for appeals in relations to the implementation of the other statutory provisions under the Act, the Appeals Board would only be required to become operative in the event of the other sections of the Act being commenced.
While awaiting the full implementation of the EPSEN Act, the NCSE has published a number of policy advice papers which make recommendations aimed at developing a better or more effective alternative to the current resource allocation model, and which aims to move the system towards ultimate implementation of the EPSEN Act.
These reports include the NCSE policy advice on Support Students with Special Educational Needs in Schools (2013) and The Report of the Working Group on a Proposed New Model for Allocating Teaching Resources for pupils with Special Educational Needs (2014).
It is therefore intended to bring into effect many of the good ideas contained in the EPSEN Act, on a non-statutory basis initially, through policy developments across a range of areas, in conjunction with NCSE policy advice.
376. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide the extra funding required to complete the building of a new extension for a school (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35363/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March, 2014 the school referred to by the Deputy was sanctioned a devolved grant under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme.
Recently the school authority submitted an application for additional funding and my Department's Planning and Building Unit has request further information in respect of this application.
As soon as this information is received and considered the school authority will be informed of the outcome.
377. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Skills the role of the education training boards Ireland; the primary and post-primary schools operated and managed by each board; the new primary and post-primary schools established by each board; the funding allocated to education training boards Ireland for the maintenance of established schools under its remit, and the establishment of new schools in the years 2013 to date in 2015; the projected costs for the years to 2020, given increasing demographics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35364/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI take it that the Deputy is referring to the Education and Training Boards (ETBs). In the main, the role of ETBs is to establish and maintain recognised schools, centres for education and education or training facilities and to provide education and training in those settings.
Details of ETB Primary and Post-Primary schools are available on the Department's website - http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Data-on-Individual-Schools/Data-on-Individual-Schools.html.
A general and post primary grant to pay teachers, special needs assistants, administrative and maintenance staff, and for the day to day running of schools and head offices and for certain other programmes is the main source of funding for each of the 16 ETBs. The grant is divided between pay and non-pay.
Funding provided in recent years is set out below.* Pay: 2013: €710m 2014: €703m 2015 (initial allocation): €696m Non-pay: 2013: €58m**2014: €69m 2015 (initial allocation): €68m
Both pay and non-pay costs across all headings are funded by the Department as well as by receipts retained by the ETBs (e.g. retained superannuation contributions, and non-pay receipts).
Allocations for the years out to 2020 are not yet available and will be determined having regard to a range of factors including demographics, policy considerations and available resources.
* ETBs were established in 2013. Funding in respect of 2013 was allocated on a 12 month basis and based on the (former) VEC configuration.
**In 2013, the non-pay grant was reduced by €13.2 million, which took account of the capacity of VECs/ETBs to utilise cash balances on a once off basis.
378. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35383/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Education and Skills and the County and City Managers' Association (CCMA) in relation to the acquisition of sites has been in place since 2012. This MOU fosters increased levels of cooperation and formalises the Local Authorities' part in identifying and securing sites for educational use. A copy of this MOU, which sets out the respective roles of the local authority and the Department, is available on my Department's website.
Officials in the Department are working with officials from Tipperary County Council under the MOU in relation to the acquisition process for a suitable permanent site for the school to which the Deputy refers. I can confirm that officials from my Department have been in contact with the relevant senior officials in Tipperary County Council with regard to the school site in question and matters are being progressed.
379. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will recognise post-leaving certification courses in order that those attending these courses can receive the same support and assistance as other third level students (detailed supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35392/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2011 Budget provided for the introduction of a €200 annual Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) programme participant contribution. This was introduced at the start of the 2011/2012 academic year and the same charge has applied each year since then.
Full medical card holders, in their own right as well as their dependent children, those eligible under the student grant scheme and those in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) or Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) allowances are exempt from paying the contribution. QQI certification fees are also waived for those students.
Additional charges may also arise depending on the nature of the individual course, the need for class materials and equipment, as well as additional certification. As needs and courses vary across the sector, these are matters for the individual Education and Training Boards and course providers.
380. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will investigate, and provide, the reasons students (details supplied) have not been granted their higher education grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35398/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.
This service compliments the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter.
Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to 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.
381. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 has a special dedicated provision of a National Educational Psychological Service psychologist this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35406/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that my Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychology service to all primary and post primary schools through an assigned NEPS psychologist and in some cases through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA), full details of which are on the Department's website. Under this scheme schools can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved by NEPS, and NEPS will pay the psychologist the fees for this assessment directly.
The SCPA scheme is generally used within each NEPS region to provide service to schools where NEPS psychologist staff time is lost temporarily through maternity, parental or sick leave or in any hiatus prior to recruitment following the retirement or resignation of a staff member.
I understand that the school in question has been given access to the SCPA scheme for the current year in conjunction with access to an advisory service from NEPS personnel as needs arise.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
382. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to allow a substitute teacher to be appointed to cover extra personal vacation days in small schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35411/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraCircular Letter 37/1997 sets out the terms of the agreed scheme on Extra Personal Vacation (EPV) Days in Recognised Primary Schools. A teacher's entitlement to extra personal vacation (EPV) days is on the basis of attending approved summer courses to facilitate quality learning. The decision to approve such leave is a matter for the Board of Management of the school concerned. There is no substitute cover available for EPV days.
The terms and conditions of teachers employed in Oireachtas funded teaching posts are negotiated through the Teachers Conciliation Council and are of general application to all teachers appointed to such posts. The Council is composed of teacher representatives, school management, the Department of Education and Skills, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is chaired by an official of the Labour Relations Commission.
