Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:274. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will approve funding in respect of a school (details supplied). [16581/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Accommodation
Ceisteanna (274)
Freagraí scríofa
I can confirm that my Department received an application from the school to which the Deputy refers for a major capital project which included a request for significant additional accommodation.
My Department is currently considering the application concerned and will shortly be in contact with the school authority.
Educational Disadvantage
Ceisteanna (275)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:275. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills to set out the details of the matrix used and the results allocated to the matrix when determining the eligibility of a school (details supplied) for DEIS status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16605/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
DEIS Plan 2017 provides for a new identification model for assessment of a school's level of disadvantage using centrally held data.
The key data sources include the DES Primary Online Database (POD) and Post-Primary Online (PPOD) Databases as populated by schools and the CSO Small Area of Population (SAP) data from the National Census of Population 2011 as represented by the Pobal HP Deprivation Index (HP Index). Variables used in the compilation of the HP Index include those related to demographic growth, dependency ratios, education levels, single parent rate, overcrowding, social class, occupation and unemployment rates. This data is combined with pupil data, anonymised and aggregated to small area, to provide information on the relative level of concentrated disadvantage present in the pupil cohort of individual schools. This data is applied uniformly across all schools in the country.
Schools which have not been included, including the school referred to by the Deputy, are those which have not been identified as having the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage amongst their pupil cohort, under the new identification process, which is fair, objective and has been uniformly applied.
However, as noted in the DEIS Plan, the implementation of a new objective central data-based model of identifying levels of disadvantage within school populations will be followed by a further programme of work to create a more dynamic model where levels of resource more accurately follow the levels of need identified by that model. Once this work has been completed, consideration will be given to extending DEIS supports to a further group of schools as resources permit.
Speech and Language Therapy Provision
Ceisteanna (276)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:276. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will grant a speech and language teacher to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16647/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to introduce a new in-school Speech and Language Therapy service, creating stronger linkages between parents, teachers and SLTs. The programme also commits to bring the number of SLTs up to 1,102 (a 25% increase).
The Programme for a Partnership Government also contains a commitment to examine the adequacy of the present policies and provision, and their scope for improvement, particularly in relation to speech and language difficulties and early intervention.
As Speech and Language Therapists are currently employed by the Health Service Executive (HSE), officials at my Department are currently engaging with colleagues in the Department of Health and the HSE to develop a plan for the implementation of this commitment. The implementation plan will identify the actions to be taken and the specific timeframe for the delivery of this commitment.
In the interim my Department continues to provide an extensive range of supports for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD).
This includes provision for the establishment of special classes for pupils with SSLD in primary schools.
Applications to establish such classes are considered by the school's assigned Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) and those meeting the criteria for establishment are approved by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The criteria for enrolment in a Special Class for pupils with SSLD is set out in my Department's Circular 0038/2007.
Pupils who are not enrolled in a special class for SSLD and who meet the criteria for Specific Speech and Language Disorder, as outlined in my Department's Circular, may qualify for additional teaching support where he/she is enrolled in mainstream school.
Pupils with mild speech and language difficulties may qualify for supplementary teaching support from within the school's general allocation of learning support/teaching support. It is a matter for individual schools to use their professional judgement to identify pupils who will receive this support and to use the resources available to the school to intervene at the appropriate level with such pupils.
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Ceisteanna (277)
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:277. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is his Department's policy to include provision for an autism spectrum disorder unit or units in all new primary and secondary school building projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16650/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for organising and planning provision for children with special educational needs, including establishing special classes in mainstream primary and post primary schools.
It is general practice to include a Special Needs Unit in the accommodation brief for new primary and post schools, unless local circumstances indicate that it will not be required or where site conditions preclude construction.
Education and Training Boards Places
Ceisteanna (278)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:278. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the reason a person (details supplied) who applied for a course was refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16652/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The course in question is run by Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB). I have made arrangements for Kerry ETB to contact the Deputy directly on the matter.
Education and Training Boards Funding
Ceisteanna (279)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:279. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the amount of other non-pay budget granted to County Cavan VEC and County Monaghan VEC for the years 2012 and 2013; and the ONP budget allocated to Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16658/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following table displays the combined total non-pay allocation approved for Co. Cavan and Co. Monaghan Vocation Education Committees for the years 2012 and 2013; and the non-pay allocation to Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board in the subsequent years 2014 to 2016. The 2017 figure is the initial allocation to the ETB.
|
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
€2,749,335 |
€1,841,265 |
€2,341,716 |
€2,357,054 (inclusive of additional funding provided by the Department and end of 2015) |
€2,770,799 (inclusive of additional funding provided by the Department and end of 2016) |
€2,394,394 |
Since 2013 the ETBs have experienced reductions in their Schools and Head Office ONP allocation. A key factor in relation to funding pressures has been the impact of various budget measures introduced in 2013. The context for such budget measures was the need to reduce Government expenditure so that the country’s finances could be stabilised and brought back to affordable levels.
The improvements in the economy have now started to result in some improvements in the funding levels for the ETB sector. The first step in this regard was the additional once-off funding that was provided to this sector in 2015 and 2016.
Education and Training Boards Funding
Ceisteanna (280)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:280. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the rationale for the allocation of the other non-pay budget to Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board, CMETB, in view of the fact that student numbers at second level have not diminished and services traditionally provided across the ETB have in fact greatly increased owing to the vast numbers of the community availing of these services due to the recession. [16659/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A key factor in relation to funding pressures has been the impact of various budget measures over recent years. With regards to the current year ONP funding (2017) and the rationale used, this has been calculated taking into account student enrolment numbers and head office costs. The 2017 initial allocation is higher than the initial 2016 allocation by over €150,000.
Since 2012, the overall grant has reduced slightly. This is to be expected as grant rates decreased in line with national budgetary cuts while enrolments in Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) have remained static. The context for such budget measures was the need to reduce Government expenditure so that the country’s finances could be stabilised and brought back to affordable levels.
The improvements in the economy have now started to result in some improvements in the funding levels for the ETB sector. The first step in this regard was the additional once-off funding that was provided to this sector in 2015 and 2016. CMETB received additional funding in the amount of €121,951 in 2015 and €443,000 towards the end of 2016.
The ONP grant is provided for the general running costs of schools and head office. SOLAS is the national agency with responsibility for the development and provision of further education and training which is responsive to the needs of learners and the requirements of a changing economy. Funding for initiatives provided in response to the local employment and economic situation is primarily routed through SOLAS.
School Equipment
Ceisteanna (281)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:281. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills to provide details of the number of schools that provide a choice for pupils between books and tablets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision to use tablet devices is a matter for the Board of Management of each school. Where the introduction of new technology is planned, there should be consultation with members of the school community including parents. The cost and other implications must be fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made. It is a matter for each individual school to determine which particular measures are most suited to its individual circumstances and to how the school concerned organises teaching and learning. The Department does not gather information on the uptake of tablet devices in schools.
An advice sheet on the adoption of tablets in schools is available on the PDST-Technology in Education (PDST-TIE) website, detailing what tablets can offer a school, educational considerations, purchasing considerations and software.
As part of the new Digital Strategy for Schools my Department will provide advice on ICT equipment and digital learning tools that are best suited to support learning and teaching in schools. €210 m will be allocated over the period of the Strategy, with the first tranche of €30 m already distributed to schools in respect of the 2016-2017 school year. Work on the implementation of the Strategy is now underway.
Youthreach Programme Staff
Ceisteanna (282, 283)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:282. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills if revised pay scales and allowances for persons recruited to certain direct entry grades are applicable to the position of Youthreach resource persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16748/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:283. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills to provide details of the circulars for revised pay scales and allowances for persons recruited to direct entry grades and if the circulars are applicable to the position of Youthreach resource persons from 2010 to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16749/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.
The circulars for revised pay rates and allowances for persons recruited to the direct entry grades applicable to the position of Youthreach Resource Persons from 2010 to date in 2017 are:
Circular 27/2017 -Revision of Salaries In Respect Of All Staff Other Than Teachers and SNAs Employed by ETBs with Effect from 1 April 2017.
Circular 83/2015 - Revision of Salaries in Respect Of Adult Education Guidance Information Officers and Youthreach Resource Persons Employed by ETBs with Effect from 01 January 2016.
Circular 55/2014 - Implementation of Clause 2.31 of the Haddington Road Agreement - revised pay scales and allowances for persons recruited to certain direct entry grades - Revised Salary Scales and Allowances for Adult Education Guidance Counsellors and Co-Ordinators, Adult Education Guidance Information Officers, Adult Literacy Organisers, Community Education Facilitators, Psychologists (City and Co. Dublin VECs) and Youthreach Resource Persons.
Circular 13/2014 - Application of sections 2.24 and 2.25 of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013 – 2016 (Haddington Road Agreement) – Education and Training Boards.
Circular 55/2011 - Revised salary scales and allowances for the application of 10% reduction in pay rates and fixed allowances to persons recruited to direct entry (recruitment) grades in the Education Sector with effect from 1 January 2011 for Adult Education Guidance Counsellors and Co-Ordinators, Adult Education Guidance Information Officers, Adult Literacy Organisers, Community Education Facilitators, Psychologists (City and Co. Dublin VECs) and Youthreach Resource Persons.
Revised payscales and allowances for persons recruited to certain direct entry grades resulting from the implementation of Government Decisions, FEMPI legislation and various National Pay Agreements, and as set out in these circulars, are applicable to the position of Youthreach Resource Persons.
Gaelcholáistí Issues
Ceisteanna (284)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:284. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline his plans to provide County Kildare with more Gaelcholáiste spaces (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16760/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following the most recent demographic exercises carried out by my Department, the new post-primary schools required to cater for increased demographic demand up to 2018 were announced.
As part of that announcement, and in view of the continued support for an independent Gaelcholáiste, it was confirmed that a Gaelcholáiste to serve the North Kildare area will open in 2019, subject to the continued viability of the Irish-medium Aonad at Maynooth Community College.
My Department will continue to work closely with Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board and An Foras Pátrúnachta in relation to the establishment of the Gaelcholáiste.
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (285)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:285. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the status of the progression of phase 2 of a college (details supplied); the timeline for the delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16771/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The project to which the Deputy refers was authorised to proceed to tender in October 2016.
The Design Team is currently finalising a shortlist of contractors who will be invited to tender for the project.
Subject to no issues arising it is anticipated that construction could commence in the Summer of 2017 and the project is scheduled to take approximately 18 months to complete.
Summer Works Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (286)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:286. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide funding to a school (details supplied) for a new roof and to a school (details supplied) for the necessary maintenance works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16772/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of a Category 6 application (roof works) and a Category 3 application (mechanical works) under the Summer Works Scheme (2016-2017) respectively from the schools to which he refers.
Nearly 50% of schools have applied for inclusion under the scheme which reflects a very high demand. Details of successful school applicants in respect of Categories 1 and 2 were announced in April last and are published on my Department’s website www.education.ie. Assessment of valid projects in further categories is now being undertaken by my Department, subject to the overall availability of funding, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the scheme as outlined in Circular Letter (0055/2015), which may be accessed on my Department's website. The applications from the two schools in question are available to be considered in this context.