Written Answers Nos. 300-320
301. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for funding will be approved for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22642/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that an application for funding has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. My Department sought additional information from the school relating to the matter. When this information has been received and considered my Department will be in further contact with the school.
302. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which a qualified special needs assistants and Montessori teachers can be placed on the relevant panels for employment in their area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22679/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn regard to Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), the supplementary assignment arrangements for SNAs were established on foot of proposals brought forward by the Labour Relations Commission when the Haddington Road Agreement was being agreed. These supplementary assignment arrangements for SNAs continue to operate under the Lansdowne Road Agreement, and both unions representing SNAs, namely SIPTU and IMPACT, have signed up to that agreement. As set out in the LRC proposals, the supplementary assignment arrangements for SNAs only apply to current SNAs who are notified that they are to be made redundant. Accordingly, the purpose of these arrangements is to facilitate eligible SNAs who are being made redundant by one employer in filling SNA vacancies that may become available in another school/ETB.
Once an SNA with a minimum of one year's service (service in a substitute capacity i.e. covering for maternity leave, sick leave, career breaks, job-sharing etc. does not count) is notified by his/her employer that s/he is to be made redundant then s/he shall be deemed to be a member of a supplementary assignment panel for SNAs. The detailed supplementary assignment arrangements for SNAs for the 2016/2017 school year are set out in Departmental Circular 0035/2016 which issued on 20 May 2016 and which is available on the Department's website at the following address:
http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0035_2016.pdf
The operation of this panel is described and outlined in Circular 0035/2016 and it is designed to be as flexible as possible which enables all eligible SNAs, who have the requisite Panel Form 1 completed by their former employer, to apply for any SNA position that is advertised by a school or an ETB with no sectorial, diocesan or geographical limitations imposed. It does not work on a list basis. Every eligible SNA will remain on the panel for two years with a view to getting further employment. If they are not successful over that period of time in obtaining a further SNA position then they will be eligible for a redundancy payment. Furthermore, an SNA may opt out of this supplementary assignment panel at any point in time triggering the processing of his/her redundancy payment in line with the terms set out in the SNA redundancy scheme (DES Circular 58/06) or any revision of same that is applicable at that time.
It is important to note that when an employer has a vacancy to fill, they must undertake the recruitment process in accordance with the provisions outlined in Circular 0035/2016. My Department has set up a dedicated e-mail address to deal with all queries in relation to the SNA Supplementary Assignment Panel and any queries in respect of the operation of the Panel can be directed to this dedicated e-mail address: snasupplementpanel@education.gov.ie.
In regard to Montessori teachers, the supplementary panel application process for eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers for the 2016/17 school year is set out in Circular 0058/2015 which is available on my Department's website.
Since 2006, the Teaching Council is the body with statutory responsibility and authority for regulation of the teaching profession, including the registration of teachers under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015.
Under the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2009, Regulation 3 (Montessori and other categories), graduates with certain Montessori qualifications (Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) are allowed to be registered as teachers to teach in certain restricted settings in recognised schools.
Lengthening and reconfiguring the programmes of initial teacher education is a key component of the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011-2020. These changes were incorporated into the Teaching Council's Policy Paper on the Continuum of Teacher Education, which set the criteria for providers of initial teacher education.
The position is that, since the end of the 2012/13 school year, the Supplementary Special National Panel is being phased out and no new applications are being accepted. This decision by my Department reflects the wider availability of primary teachers who are qualified to work in all settings, which was not the case when this panel was originally set up.
Since 2012, the Teaching Council has responsibility for determining policy, procedures and criteria for the induction and probation of newly qualified teachers. Droichead which is the enhanced model of induction for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) developed by the Council is being phased in at present and will be the only recognised route of induction for all new teachers from September 2018. In the meantime, NQTs in mainstream settings may complete probation through external evaluation conducted by my Department's inspectors. However, completion of the induction/probation process in special education settings can only be achieved through the Droichead process.
Arrangements for the Supplementary Panel will be reviewed with the relevant education stakeholders later this year to determine what adjustment, if any, is required for the 2017/18 school year.
303. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to place a school (details supplied) in Roslyn Park national learning network, Beech Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4, which his Department is in negotiations to purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22682/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra305. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of sites currently being considered for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22684/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 305 together.
Significant demographic growth in the Dublin South City Centre area has led to the need to acquire suitable permanent sites for schools. Focussed efforts to secure sites in this area have been ongoing for some time. The school to which the Deputy refers is currently in temporary accommodation. It is one of a number of schools which have been announced to serve the Dublin South City area. There are 2 new schools to open in 2018, a new primary school to serve the Dublin South City Centre areas of Dublin 2, 4 and 6 and a new post-primary school to serve the areas of Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 8. Sites will also be required to accommodate schools to serve future residential development in the area.
Officials in my Department have identified a number of potentially suitable permanent sites for school accommodation in the South Dublin City area and are in discussions with the vendors of these sites. Due to commercial sensitivities it is not possible to provide further details at this time.
The exact configuration of schools to be provided on individual sites has not yet been finalised. A decision in relation to which school will be located on a specific site will ultimately be made in the context of the overall portfolio of sites acquired, the feasibility of development of individual sites and the timelines for acquisition, planning permission and development.
304. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to build a new school on the Poolbeg Peninsula, Ringsend, Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22683/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Government has designated the western part of the Poolbeg peninsula as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). The proposed guiding principles for this are set out in the Draft Dublin City Development Plan where Poolbeg West is identified as a Strategic Development and Regeneration Area (SDRA). The Draft Plan provides for the location of two school sites within the SDRA. Public Consultation on the Draft Plan is currently ongoing.
Subject to the finalisation of the Dublin City Development Plan, the Department will consider the school sites within the SDRA in the context of school accommodation requirements in the South City area.
306. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has a provision for sign language interpreters to be in attendance at parent-teacher meetings where there is a requirement for parents or guardians to avail of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22686/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. Responsibility for facilitating a school's communication with parents rests with the Board of Management, the arrangements for which can be organised locally at school level.
Boards of Management are advised to consult with the Irish Deaf Society or other related organisations in this area, which may be in position to offer support and guidance around the availability and cost of an interpreter in order to facilitate parents or guardians who may require such assistance in order to attend parent teacher meetings.
307. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will take steps to ensure funding is provided for vital and necessary mechanical and electrical services for a primary school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22710/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department provided significant funding to the school in question last September to construct four mainstream classrooms and ancillary accommodation. I understand that planning permission has been granted for this development. The school has recently sought further funding for additional works. The request is currently being considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authority when this process has been completed.
308. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of politically appointed staff working in his Department, including the names, roles and salaries of each staff member; in the case of special advisers, their qualifications and experience relevant to their roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22730/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following tables outline the details requested by the Deputy and the current ministerial appointees at the Department of Education & Skills together with their salaries/rates of pay.
Richard Bruton, T.D.
Minister for Education and Skills
|
Name |
Grade |
Remuneration |
Qualifications |
|
*Conor Quinn |
Special Adviser |
Barrister at Law Degree 2009 Masters Degree 2006 B.A. Hons 2005 |
|
|
*Patrick Cluskey |
Special Adviser |
Bachelor of Laws Degree 2008 Bachelor of Arts Degree (Law, Economics) 2007 |
|
|
Sarah O Neill |
Parliamentary Assist |
See scale below |
N/A |
|
Sean Divilly |
Civilian Driver |
€631.75p.w. |
N/A |
|
John Murray |
Civilian Driver |
€631.75p.w. |
N/A |
*Positions not yet formally sanctioned by Government but both salaries will be within the pay scales as laid down by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
John Halligan, T.D.
Minister of State
|
Name |
Grade |
Remuneration |
Qualifications |
|
Edward Cunningham |
Civilian Driver |
€665.00p.w.* |
N/A |
|
Gerard O Brien |
Civilian Driver |
€665.00p.w.* |
N/A |
The drivers appointed to assist Mr. John Halligan with his official duties are members of the new Civil Service Pension which is a contributory scheme. Therefore, they qualify for remuneration at a higher weekly rate.
Parliamentary Assistant Pay Scale
|
Point |
Revised Rate at 01/09/08 |
Annual |
|
1 |
€787.50 |
€41,091.75 |
|
2 |
€818.01 |
€42,683.76 |
|
3 |
€849.43 |
€44,323.26 |
|
4 |
€870.37 |
€45,415.91 |
|
5 |
€892.26 |
€46,558.13 |
|
6 |
€919.38 |
€47,973.25 |
|
NMAX |
€946.32 |
€49,378.98 |
|
LSI 1 |
€973.34 |
€50,788.88 |
|
LSI 2 |
€1,000.38 |
€52,199.83 |
309. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special education needs organisers yearly by county in each of the years 2012 to 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22741/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra310. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools with special needs assistants organised by special education needs organisers yearly by county in each of the years 2012 to 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22742/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra311. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to restore the number of special education needs organisers to 2009 levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22743/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 309 to 311, inclusive, together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of Special Needs Organisers (SENOs), for fulfilling the functions of the Council within a designated area in relation to the identification of and delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with disabilities.
The Council employs SENOs to provide a nationwide system of local services. Locally based SENOs consult widely with parents/guardians, teachers, health care professionals, school authorities, HSE and other relevant government agencies.
There are currently 80 employees in the SENO grades in the NCSE. These include 1 Senior SENO Manager, 9 Senior SENOs and 69 SENOs.
I have arranged for NCSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to information requested relating to the number of SENOs by county. The number of schools with SNAs organised by SENOs is available on the NCSEs website at www.NCSE.ie. The number of SENO posts from 2012 to 2016 is included in the attached document.
Since 2014, the number of SENO posts has increased from 67 to 69 while the NCSE's SENO management structure was strengthened in 2014, with the creation of a new professional post of Senior SENO Manager to directly manage the SENO grades. The NCSE are currently in the process of filling a SENO position which will increase the total number of SENO posts to 81 in 2016.The Deputy may be aware that in 2015, the establishment of a new Inclusion Support Service within the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was announced to assist schools in supporting children with special education needs.
The service will include the Special Education Support Service (SESS), the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS) and the Visiting Teacher Service for children who are deaf/hard of hearing and for children who are blind/visually impaired (VTHVI service).
This change will mean that schools will receive a better and more integrated service from this new Inclusion Support Service.
I can advise that work is ongoing to transfer these services to the NCSE, who are currently recruiting, through the Public Appointments Service, a new Head of Service and Deputy Head of Service for the Visiting Teacher Service for young children and students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and to those who are Blind/Visually Impaired, their families and schools.
It is intended that the Inclusion Support Service will be operational before the end of the year. It is also intended, however, that the existing services will continue as normal as the new arrangements are put in place, with as little disruption as possible to service users, as progress is made to transfer these services to the NCSE.
My Department is currently in discussions with the NCSE relating to overall staffing requirements including SENO posts.
This Government is fully committed to ensuring that children with Special Educational Needs are fully and appropriately supported while they attend school.
I recently announced that from September next 12,900 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), at a total gross annual cost of €425 million will be available for allocation to primary and secondary schools. This is 860 more posts, or a 7% increase, in the number of posts over which were available last year. In total the number of SNA posts available has increased by almost 22% from 10,575 posts available in 2011.
There are currently over 11,800 Learning Support and Resource Teacher posts in mainstream primary and post primary schools providing additional teaching support to pupils with special educational needs.
In May of this year the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) allocated 7,015 Resource Teaching posts to mainstream schools for September 2016, which is an increase of approximately 9% over the number allocated at September 2015.
In total, 7,452 Resource Teacher posts will be available for allocation to schools for 2016/17, which represents an increase of 41% from 5,265 posts available in 2011.
In addition, approximately 150 new Special Classes will be opened for the 2016/17 school year, which means there will be over 1,150 special classes in place, compared to 548 special classes in 2011. Of these 1153 classes, there will be 237 post primary, 525 primary and 127 Early Intervention classes for children with autism, in mainstream schools.
The number of SENOS in 2012-2015 is set out in NCSE annual reports.
|
SENO |
SSENO |
Head Local Service |
Total |
|
|
2012 |
73 |
9 |
- |
82 |
|
2013 |
71 |
9 |
- |
80 |
|
2014 |
67 |
9 |
1 |
77 |
|
2015 |
69 |
9 |
1 |
79 |
|
2016 (current) |
69 |
9 |
1 |
80 |
312. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a FETAC level 5 course is considered an interruption in the five-year break in studies for a person (details supplied) who is applying for a student grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22758/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraArticle 13(6) is the relevant article in the 2016 student grant scheme providing for second chance students.Where a mature student previously attended but did not successfully complete a course and re - enters an approved course at PLC, undergraduate or postgraduate level in the relevant academic year, following a full 5 year break in studies, he/she shall be considered a "second chance student".
I understand that the student referred to by the Deputy did not meet the criteria for second chance student as he did not have a five year break.
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 Grants Appeals Board.
314. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills whether or not his Department has yet issued instructions to schools informing them of the arrangements for dealing with the data protection issues that may arise if FEMPI is applied to ASTI members in second level schools but not to TUI members; to describe what these arrangements will be. [22798/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published Circular 0045/2016 on 14 July 2016. The Circular notifies Managerial Authorities, Education and Training Boards and teachers of the arrangements for implementation of the Lansdowne Road Agreement in respect of post-primary teachers.
The Circular is available at http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0045_2016.pdf
315. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills whether or not his Department has undertaken any surveys asking parents and-or schools regarding the amount asked for annually in voluntary parental contributions; if his Department has any statistics on how reliant schools' budgets are, on parental contributions. [22799/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraApart from those recognised fee-charging second level schools, recognised primary and post primary schools are precluded from charging school fees. No charge may be made, in respect of instruction in any subject of the school curriculum or for recreation or other activities where all pupils are expected to take part.Voluntary contributions by parents are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition.
It is also permissible for a school to seek payments in respect of extra-curricular activities provided such activities are not obligatory and individual pupils can choose whether or not to participate. No charge may be made, however, in respect of instruction in any subject of the school curriculum or for recreation or other activities where all pupils are expected to take part.If parents have a concern that there is some compulsion regarding contributions in a school, they can bring the matter to the attention of my Department who will follow up with the school in question.
My Department has not surveyed schools in relation to voluntary contributions. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management, however their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Bill, which was approved by Government on 5th July 2016 and subsequently published, contains a provision prohibiting the charging of fees or seeking payment or contributions as part of the school admission process or for continued enrolment in the school.
I believe that schools need to be accountable to parents and we need greater levels of communication, engagement and transparency in how schools serve their communities. Better information for parents, including information in relation to the collection and use of voluntary contributions, is an issue that I will be looking at in the context of my Department's work on developing plans for a Parents' and Students' Charter.
My Department does not have any statistics on how reliant schools' budgets are on parental contributions, however Boards of Management should budget in such a way as to enable them to meet their commitments and their expenditure should not exceed their income.
316. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date for the next meeting with the Northern Ireland Minister for Education in sectorial format, as provided for in the North-South Ministerial Council; the issues to be discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22860/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn NSMC Education meeting is being arranged to take place in late September 2016 in Armagh. While an agenda for the meeting is not yet to hand it is expected to cover EU-related matters; educational underachievement; teacher qualifications; and school youth and teacher exchanges.
The NSMC Secretariat will shortly chair a joint working group meeting comprising officials of the Education Departments North and South at which the agenda and arrangements for the September meeting will be finalised.
317. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a decision is likely regarding the status of an application for funding for a school building project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22902/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has requested additional information from the school referred to by the Deputy relating to its funding application. When this is received and assessed, the application will be considered further.
318. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will send an inspector or official from the schools building unit to a school (details supplied) to view at first hand the work required to make the play area and footpaths around the school building safe; the reason only €26,000 was allocated to a project costing €96,000 and described by independent engineers as beyond urgent; if he considers the response to date as satisfactory given the health and safety issues involved for staff and pupils; and if he will provide the funding requested to complete all of the work urgently required and to protect the foundation of the school. [22903/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers applied under my Department's Emergency Works Grant Scheme (EWS) for works to the school grounds. However, the works requested do not fall within the scope of the EWS which is a limited fund for sudden and unforeseen emergencies that generally can be addressed by way of interim repairs.
The correct mechanism for works of this nature is my Department's Summer Works Scheme (SWS). Under this Scheme, schools are obliged to apply for the most urgently needed works at their school. Under the current SWS, the school in question applied for a mechanical upgrade.
Pending an SWS application, my Department offered the school funding to use on a prioritised basis to address the most urgent issues arising with its external environment. The school may also use its minor works grant to supplement the works.
As the school employed a Consultant to examine the works and provide a report with mandatory photographic evidence with its EWS application, I have no plans to ask an official to visit the site.
319. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of staff who entered the public service after 1 January 2011 in his Department and by year of entry to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23495/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table gives details of the number of staff at my Department that entered the public service since 1 January 2011 and the grades concerned:
|
Year |
Principal Officer |
Administrative Officer |
Executive Officer |
Clerical Officer |
Educational Psychologist |
Early Years Inspector |
Statistician |
|
2011 |
4 |
||||||
|
2012 |
1 |
||||||
|
2013 |
1 |
||||||
|
2014 |
3 |
2 |
|||||
|
2015 |
1 |
17 |
2 |
8 |
1 |
||
|
2016 |
1 |
2 |
30 |
320. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of implementing a pay increase to all those employed under the remit of his Department after 1 January 2011 of 2%, 4% and 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23507/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is currently being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded shortly.
