Tuesday, 27 Jun 2017

Written Answers Nos. 220 - 238

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (220)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

220. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the case of a person (details supplied) can be considered by the redress scheme; and if he will expedite this matter. [29742/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Residential Institutions Redress Scheme was established under the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 to administer a redress scheme to persons who as children were abused in any of 139 scheduled institutions. Awards under the scheme were made following applications from and evidence provided by the survivors, including evidence of having been a resident in one or more of these institutions and evidence of injury arising out of abuse suffered while in residence.

The original closing date for applications was 16 December 2005. The Act allowed the Residential Institutions Redress Board to accept applications after that date in exceptional circumstances. The Board's power to accept late application submissions ceased on 16 September 2011 in accordance with the provisions of the Residential Institutions Redress (Amendment) Act 2011. The September 2011 date was almost 6 years after the original closing date.

While the redress scheme has been closed since September 2011, victims of abuse, like other injured persons, may bring personal injury cases for compensation through the courts for the injuries and loss they have suffered.

Schools Property

Ceisteanna (221)

Maria Bailey

Ceist:

221. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to his meeting with a delegation from a school (details supplied) on 6 June 2017, if he has received an update from the congregation of Christian Brothers on the sale of playing pitches at the college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29743/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

In early May, the Christian Brothers congregation wrote to me on the wider issue of the transfer of ownership of its playing fields to the Edmund Rice Schools Trust, ERST.

The correspondence also noted the proposal to dispose of part of the lands used by the school to which the Deputy refers and it states that contracts have already been signed with a developer.

My Department has written to the congregation on the matter of the disposal concerned, seeking clarification on a number of points, including whether the land in question is now the subject of a legally-binding agreement with a developer. The congregation have advised that they will reply to my Department in the coming weeks.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (222)

Maria Bailey

Ceist:

222. Deputy Maria Bailey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has considered the potential increase in numbers at a school (details supplied) due to new housing developments in the neighbourhood; if there are the necessary buildings and land in place to accommodate the school, including the special needs unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29744/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that a major building project for the school in question is due to be completed shortly (this will provide capacity for in excess of 570 pupils approx.). The project also includes a special needs unit.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (223)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

223. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the details and county location of capital projects announced by his Department in March, April, May and to date in June 2017. [29780/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Details of the capital projects approved by my Department between the dates requested are available on my Department's website www.education.ie. They can be found under "schools and colleges - services - school buildings" and then separately under Summer Works Scheme 2016/2017, Additional Accommodation and Emergency Works.

On 3 May last, I announced the 438 projects proceeding this year under the Summer Works Scheme listing those projects on the website at that time. Additional accommodation and emergency works projects are approved on an on-going basis and the list of approved projects is updated weekly on the website to reflect this position.

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (224, 225, 226, 227)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

224. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Civil Service clerical officers in full-time employment in his Department as of 31 May 2017 by county, in tabular form. [29847/17]

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

225. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of full-time Civil Service clerical officers in his Department who either retired, resigned or were promoted from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017, by county, in tabular form. [29863/17]

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

226. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of full-time Civil Service clerical officer appointments made in his Department from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017 by county, in tabular form. [29887/17]

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

227. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of temporary Civil Service clerical officer appointments made in his Department from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017 by county, in tabular form. [29905/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 to 227, inclusive, together.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tabular statements.

Civil service clerical officers in permanent employment in my Department as of 31 May 2017 by county

Area	Nos.
Cavan	1
Cork	3
Donegal	1
Dublin	58
Galway	1
Kerry	1
Kildare	1
Limerick	2
Louth	1
Mayo	1
Meath	2
Offaly	39
Sligo	2
Waterford	1
Westmeath	193
Wexford	1

Permanent civil service clerical officers in my Department that have either retired, resigned or been promoted from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017 by county:

Retirements

Area	Nos.
Dublin	5
Kildare	1
Offaly	2
Westmeath	6

Resignations

Area	Nos.
Dublin	4
Westmeath	4

Promotions

Area	Nos.
Dublin	15
Offaly	10
Westmeath	33

Permanent civil service clerical officer appointments made in my Department from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017 by county:

Area	Nos.
Dublin	20
Galway	1
Westmeath	55

Temporary civil service clerical officer appointments made in my Department from 1 January 2015 to 31 May 2017 by county:

Area	Nos.
Dublin	7
Kerry	1
Meath	1
Offaly	5
Westmeath	91

Scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge

Ceisteanna (228)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

228. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cad iad na costais bhreise a bhaineann le scoil lán-Bhéarla a iompú ina scoil lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh de limistéar na Gaeltachta. [29983/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Is é an príomhchostas a bheadh i gceist chun scoil lán-Bhéarla a iompú ina scoil lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh de limistéar na Gaeltachta ná tacaí breise a chur ar fáil don fhoireann teagaisc chun seachadadh curaclaim ar ardcháilíocht a bhaint amach i gcomhthéacs lán-Ghaeilge. Bheadh éagsúlacht ann ó scoil go scoil ag brath ar an leibhéil inniúlachta agus taithí sa scoil.

School Curriculum

Ceisteanna (229)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

229. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools in County Kildare in which the new leaving certificate subject of computer science will be implemented in September 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29986/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department has established a steering group to oversee the phased implementation of Leaving Certificate Computer Science from September 2018. Schools will be invited to apply to participate in the first phase of implementation in the autumn of this year.

School Curriculum

Ceisteanna (230)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

230. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding being made available to schools to set up the new leaving certificate subject of computer science in September 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29987/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department is committed to curricular reform in relation to STEM. The introduction of computer science subject at senior cycle in September 2018 is an example of this commitment. My Department has established a steering group to oversee the phased implementation of Leaving Certificate Computer Science from September 2018. This group will look at the precise level of supports which will be required to meet the requirements from the specification, which is due to be sent out for consultation this week by the NCCA.

Schools will be invited to apply to participate in the first phase of implementation in the autumn of this year. All schools, offering the new subject will have access to a programme of significant professional development support. Schools will also be able to use the funding available under the ICT Infrastructure grant to support teaching and learning, which can include specific curriculum supports, including Leaving Certificate Computer Science, in due course.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (231)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

231. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department can refuse to sanction home tuition to children with special needs in a situation in which the parents have on the advice of the professional team supporting the child declined a place in an early intervention class due to its unsuitability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29988/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the body responsible for organising and planning provision for children with Special Educational Needs, including establishing ASD early intervention classes and special classes in mainstream primary and post primary schools.

There are currently 126 Early Intervention classes for children with ASD in recognised primary and special schools. Early Intervention classes are supported with a pupil–teacher ratio of 6:1 and also have Special Needs Assistant support normally amounting to 2 SNAs for a class of 6 children.

Children between 3 and 4 years of age with an ASD diagnosis and children over 4 years of age with an ASD diagnosis and a recommendation for an early intervention placement (who will not reach the age of 6 during the school year) can enrol in these early intervention settings.

Where such a placement is not available the Home Tuition Grant Scheme can provide funding towards a compensatory educational service for children until a placement becomes available.

Home Tuition is an interim measure only for children for whom an Early Intervention placement in a recognised school is not available and should not be regarded as an optional alternative to a school placement. Home Tuition will not be available where a placement has been identified by the NCSE. Similarly, failure to enrol a child in a school placement at any point during the academic year will not give rise to eligibility under this scheme or the July Provision Grant Scheme.

It is not the role of diagnosing professionals to recommend Home Tuition as an alternative to a school placement. Such recommendations will not be taken into consideration when determining an application.

Parents/guardians who may need advice or to discuss supports available for their child should contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) with contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Junior Cycle Reform

Ceisteanna (232)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

232. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for an evaluation of the full first set of results for English in the new JCSA; his plans to consider if the new approach is adequately examining the curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30001/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

In line with the new Framework for Junior Cycle 2015, new specifications for all subjects are being introduced on a phased basis between 2014 and 2019. Once each subject specification has been experienced by a cohort of students across the three year span of their Junior Cycle, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) will conduct an interim review to monitor enactment of the specification in schools.

The Deputy will be aware that English was the first subject to be introduced as part of the new Framework, with the subject being introduced to first year students in September 2014. These students sat the Junior Cycle State examination in English earlier this month, with the indications being that the examination was well received by students and teachers. The NCCA is currently planning for the review of English.

Departmental Agencies Board Appointments

Ceisteanna (233)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

233. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of vacancies on the Higher Education Authority board; the duration of these vacancies; the process by which these vacancies will be filled; the timeframe for this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30020/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The HEA Board currently comprises a Chairperson and 12 ordinary members. This includes two members who were reappointed to the Board on 20 June.

The Minister is also inviting expressions of interest, through the Public Appointments Service, for a further two academic members. This application process is currently underway and the closing date for expressions of interest is 7 July.

Once these positions are filled, the Board of the HEA will comprise a Chair and 7 academic and 7 non-academic members. This satisfies the minimum number of Board members statutorily provided for under the HEA Act, 1971.

I am satisfied that the Board of the HEA is functioning effectively. However, in general, I am in favour of keeping state boards as small as possible and I will be looking to provide, through future legislation, for a reduced minimum size of the HEA Board.

Cóimheas idir Daltaí agus Múinteoir

Ceisteanna (234)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

234. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an gcuirfidh sé múinteoir breise ar fáil do scoil (eolas breise thíos) an bhliain seo chugainn toisc go raibh go leor leanaí ar an rolla mí Mheán Fómhair seo caite. [30053/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Foilsítear go bliantúil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Roinne na critéir a úsáidtear i gcomhair leithdháileadh poist mhúinteoireachta. Is é sceideal foirne na scoilbhliana atá i gceist agus cláruithe daltaí ar an 30 Meán Fómhair roimhe sin an bhuntoisc a úsáidtear chun an leibhéal acmhainní foirne ag leibhéal scoil ar leith a sholáthraítear a shocrú.

Feidhmítear an sceideal foirne ar bhealach soiléir, trédhearcach agus caitear le gach scoil den chineál céanna go cothrom, beag beann ar an áit a bhfuil scoil suite.

Is é Príomhoide agus 24 múinteoir ranganna príomhshrutha an leibhéal foirne réamh-mheasta fadtéarmach (LTPS) don scoil ar thagair an Teachta di. D'fhonn freastal ar éileamh ar áiteanna scoile sa cheantar, ceadaíodh don scoil an 25ú múinteoir ranganna príomhshrutha a cheapadh i leith na bliana acadúla reatha. Le fógairt Gaelscoil nua ocht seomra ranga le freastal ar an gceantar, a oscolófar i Meán Fómhair 2017, cuirfear ar chumas na scoile atá i gceist a leibhéil foirne a athchothromú ar aon dul leis an LTPS atá socraithe agus a chinntiú nach rachadh an leibhéal foirne thar acmhainn an fhoirgnimh, scoil 24 seomra ranga.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (235)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

235. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an additional teacher to a school (details supplied) in view of the fact that it had the required number of students in September 2016 in accordance with the staffing schedule. [30054/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.

The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.

The long term projected staffing (LTPS) level for the school referred to by the Deputy is Principal plus 24 mainstream classroom teachers. In order to cater for a demand for school places in the area the school was allowed to appoint a 25th mainstream classroom teacher for the current academic year. With the announcement of a new eight classroom Gaelscoil to serve the area, opening in September 2017, this will allow the school in question to rebalance its staffing levels in line with the set LTPE, thereby ensuring that the staffing level would not exceed the capacity of the building, a 24 classroom school.

School Curriculum

Ceisteanna (236)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

236. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills when primary schools can expect the new mathematics curriculum which is currently under development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30056/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Development of the Primary Mathematics curriculum for Junior Infants to 2nd Class is underway by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). Consultation on the draft curriculum is due to take place in autumn 2017 with a finalised curriculum expected to be received in my Department in September 2018. Implementation in schools is scheduled to commence in September 2019 following extensive teacher professional development. It is intended that implementation of the curriculum for pupils in 3rd to 6th classes will take place the following year.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (237)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

237. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision to refuse an extra teacher for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30061/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.

The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.

The Staffing Schedule includes the provision where schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts on developing grounds. The staffing process includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. This process includes a provision in which schools that are not gaining an additional teaching post under the developing schools criterion can submit an appeal to the independent Appeals Board. This appeal criterion is targeted at those schools that make a significant contribution to the provision of school places and so assist the response to demographic growth within their area.

The Schools Building Unit of my department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places will arise. The GIS uses data from the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland and the Department of Social Protection, in addition to the Department’s own databases. With this information, the Department carries out nationwide demographic analyses at primary and post primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed.

The analysis of the school planning area, within which the school referred to is located, is not demonstrating a need for additional capacity. It is important that school size is monitored and that a balance is preserved among all schools in catchment areas to ensure that one school is not expanding at the expense of another school. My Department considers that there is sufficient capacity in the area to meet current demand. In that regard, an application for capital funding to providing additional mainstream classroom accommodation was not approved for the school in question.

Site Acquisitions

Ceisteanna (238)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

238. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made in identifying a site for the proposed new post-primary school under the patronage of an organisation (details supplied) that is due to open in the Castletroy Monaleen area of County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30062/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

A building project for the new post-primary school referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s current 6 year construction programme.

Officials from my Department have been working closely with Limerick City and County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding for the acquisition of school sites in order to identify and procure a suitable site for the school.

A number of potential site options have been identified and these are currently under consideration.

While a site acquisition process is underway, given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time. However, the patron of the school will be informed of the location as soon as it is possible to do so.