Written Answers Nos. 80-94
80. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures in place to promote the physical sciences such as physics and chemistry at leaving certificate level, including gender bias that may occur in subject availability and selection; if he is satisfied that an adequate number of teachers have degrees in the core subject being taught; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44817/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to building upon our provision of STEM education in primary, post-primary and third level education in order to ensure that we have the graduates to fulfil the existing and growing needs in STEM. Innovation 2020 - the Government’s five-year strategy on research and development, science and technology, has the goal of making Ireland a Global Innovation Leader, and by so doing, ensuring a strong and sustainable economy.
My Department's Action Plan for Education for 2016-2019 and the National Skills Strategy contain a clear commitment to supporting and developing STEM.
The STEM Education in the Irish School System report published in November of last year by the STEM Education Review Group presents a detailed examination of the provision of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education in Ireland. It focussed on schools and on the necessary capacity building required to achieve a step-change in outcomes for learners that will benefit our society and the economy.
The recommendations proposed by the STEM Education Review Group, of which I prioritised 21 for implementation, are consistent with many existing and planned initiatives. One of these priority actions is the development of a STEM Education Policy Statement and Implementation Plan. The policy statement which will be published shortly will provide a national focus on STEM education in our early years settings and schools to ensure we have an engaged society and a highly skilled workforce in place.
Within our school system, STEM education is growing, while new initiatives will continue to support greater participation and improved performance in STEM. My Department is committed to curricular reform in relation to STEM, for example
- Introduction of computer science subject at senior cycle, on a phased basis, starting in September 2018
- Introduction of new Science Syllabus for Junior Cycle in September 2016
- Junior Cycle Mathematics specification to be published in 2017 and implemented in 2018
- Three new Leaving Certificate specifications for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics approved on a provisional basis, pending the implementation of a trial of the assessment arrangements outlined in the specifications. This trial is taking place in Q4 2017, led by the National Council for Curriculum and
- Assessment and the State Examinations Commission.
- Development of a new primary mathematics curriculum which will include coding and support all children in the development of algorithmic and computational thinking.
Female participation in STEM remains an area for concern. There are significant gender differences in the selection of STEM subjects at leaving Certificate. However, while girls studied STEM in fewer numbers than boys in the Leaving Certificate they performed at the same level if not better than their peers. It is hoped that the encouraging trends in Maths, Biology and Chemistry will continue, and that we will see an increase in the numbers of girls taking the Higher Level paper in Physics, Engineering and the technology subjects.
The Action Plan for Education commits as one of the priority actions to addressing the gender imbalance in relation to STEM. The issue of gender balance within STEM will be addressed within the STEM Education Policy Statement. In addition continued support by my Department of initiatives and programmes which promote female participation in STEM at primary and post-primary school such as I-Wish and the Smart Futures initiative, managed by Science Foundation Ireland which promotes STEM-related careers to both males and females. We are committed to working to remove the obstacles which have so far served to limit the involvement of young women in the STEM area.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012). In accordance with my Department’s Circular 31/2011, each person appointed to a teaching post must, as far as possible, be registered with the Teaching Council, and have qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which s/he is to be employed. Schools/ ETBs do not report to my Department on the qualifications of teachers employed by them.
81. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to reinstate support for student primary school teachers that are attending mandatory Gaeltacht courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45008/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision to stop the Gaeltacht placement grants was taken during the economic crisis when, unfortunately, very difficult decisions had to be made to stabilise the nation's finances. Priority was given to protecting resources for front line education services as far as possible, which remains particularly challenging with rising numbers of school-going children. My Department does not have the funding available to restore this support.
It should be noted that, to assist with the costs of the Gaeltacht placement, students qualifying for a 100% fee grant, or who would have qualified for a full fee grant but for the Free Fees Schemes can apply for a field trip grant towards travel and accommodation costs , subject to the normal terms and conditions of the student grant scheme. Apart from this, in circumstances of particular need, students may apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. Information in relation to this fund is available through the Access Officer in each third level institution.
82. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools being audited or investigated for fire safety or building regulation breach issues; the number of these built by a company (details supplied); if a college (details supplied) built by the company is lying idle; if so, the reason; if he will provide all information possible within sub judice as to the nature of the legal action under way regarding the college; and if, in view of these issues, he is of the view that the company should receive public contracts in the future. [44820/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that my Department is committed to undertaking a complete audit of all school buildings constructed by the company to which he refers.
These audits are a proactive measure being taken, following on from consultation with stakeholders, to satisfy the Department that there are no further issues with school buildings constructed by that company.
It is anticipated that it will take approximately 6 months to complete this number of audits. However, in each case, the Department will require an early report from the Fire Safety Consultants conducting the audit if any issue of significant concern is discovered.
Further to this and as previously announced, my Department is in the process of commissioning fire safety audits of a representative sample of up to 25 schools constructed over the last 20 years. It is important to note that the selection of a school to be included in the sample for this audit in no way means that the Department has concerns about that particular school.
Regarding the timeline for this sample audit, it is expected to be concluded by January 2018. The tender for the appointment of fire safety consultants is nearing completion and following the issue of feedback letters to the successful and unsuccessful tenderers appointments will be made to commence the individual fire safety audits in November.
It is expected that the first set of Fire Safety Audit Reports will be provided to the Department by the end of December 2017.
The College to which the deputy refers is now the subject of Court proceedings initiated by the OPW. In the circumstances, the Department is unable to comment on the project or the case other than to say that the building was closed in June 2014.
Regulation 57 of the EU Directive on Public Procurement sets out the circumstances in which a contracting authority may exclude a tenderer from participation in a procurement procedure. The Regulation sets quite a high bar in identifying the grounds under which a tenderer may be excluded. This includes 8(c) where the contracting authority can demonstrate, by appropriate means, that the tenderer is guilty of grave professional misconduct, which renders its integrity questionable; 8(g) where the tenderer has shown significant or persistent deficiencies in the performance of a substantive requirement under a prior public contract, which led to early termination of that prior contract, damages or other comparable sanctions.
Any such exclusion would be open to legal challenge by the excluded tenderer.
It should also be noted that Regulation 57(20) specifies that the power to exclude a tenderer shall not be exercisable where 3 or more years have elapsed since the date that the tenderer was in the situation giving rise to the relevant discretionary exclusion ground
83. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being taken to address the anomalies within SUSI regarding the 45 km rule which is creating unfair outcomes for persons who should be able to access funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45001/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current qualifying distance of 45km for the higher non-adjacent rate of student grant, takes into account a reasonable radius within which students may commute on a daily basis.
The measurement of the distances relating to the award of adjacent or non-adjacent rates of student grant is a matter for the relevant grant awarding authority. The distance measurement for student grant rates is governed by Article 27(3)(a) and (b) of the Student Grant Scheme 2017. This provides that the relevant distance will be measured in line with agreed guidelines.
The guidelines require that the shortest most direct route between the applicant's normal residence and the institution being attended should apply. In determining the shortest most direct route, the relevant awarding authority shall establish:
• the method for measuring a route; and
• the factors to be taken into account in establishing and measuring a route.
SUSI has progressively introduced a number of measures that are intended to make the Student Grant Scheme more efficient for students. One of these measures is the introduction of Eircode which has helped to reduce processing times for applicants.
However, the actual calculation of distance from a student's home to college has not changed from previous years, and SUSI continues to use google maps to calculate distance.
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 may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe. Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie
84. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools to be commenced in 2016 and 2017, by county under the school building programme; the number school buildings that were commenced to date in 2017; the amount of capital funding assigned for school buildings in 2016 and 2017; the amount of this capital funding that has been spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45085/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to provide in the attachment the list of schools scheduled to commence in 2016 and 2017 as requested by the Deputy.
To date in 2017 a total of 25 large scale projects have commenced construction and these are in addition to the 67 large scale projects that were under construction at the start of the year.
Capital expenditure on large scale projects amounted to almost €334m in 2016 and the position in 2017 is that expenditure to 19th October amounts to over €277m from an indicative allocation of €338m.
2016 Projects
|
County |
Roll Number |
School Name and Address |
School Type |
|
Carlow |
70420R |
Tyndall College Campus |
Post Primary |
|
Cavan |
08490N |
St Clares Primary School, Cavan Town |
Primary |
|
Cavan |
19439B |
Holy Family SS, Cootehill |
Special School |
|
Cavan |
76313A |
Kingscourt Post Primary |
Post Primary |
|
Clare |
16908S |
Sixmilebridge NS |
Primary |
|
Cork |
14839P |
Clondrohid NS, Macroom |
Primary |
|
Cork |
19415K |
Scoil An Athar Tadhg, Carrignavar |
Primary |
|
Cork |
19433M |
Holy Family Special School, Charleville |
Special School |
|
Donegal |
18625Q |
Scoil Choilmcille, Letterkenny |
Primary |
|
Donegal |
19313C |
Glenswilly NS, Letterkenny |
Primary |
|
Dublin 8 |
07546J |
Goldenbridge Convent, Dublin 8 |
Primary |
|
Dublin 3 |
13815T |
Howth Rd Mxd NS, Clontarf, Dublin 3 |
Primary |
|
Dublin 20 |
19032R |
Stewarts Hospital Special School, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 |
Special School |
|
Co. Dublin |
19542R |
St. Thomas JNS, Lucan, Co. Dublin |
Primary |
|
Co. Dublin |
19676P |
Scoil Aine NS, Lucan, Co. Dublin |
Primary |
|
Co. Dublin |
19865S |
Archbishop Ryan Junior NS, Lucan, Co Dublin |
Primary |
|
Dublin 1 |
19926M |
Bunscoil Coláiste Mhuire, 4 Cearnóg Pharnell, BAC 1 |
Primary |
|
Co. Dublin |
20187H |
Archbishop Ryan Senior NS, Lucan, Co Dublin |
Primary |
|
Dublin 15 |
20392I |
Pelletstown ETNS, Dublin 15 |
Primary |
|
Dublin 7 |
20453C |
Cabra NS, Dublin 7 |
Primary |
|
Co. Dublin |
60263V |
St. Joseph's College, Lucan, Co. Dublin |
Post Primary |
|
Co. Dublin |
70080T |
Lucan CC, Esker Drive, Lucan, Co Dublin |
Post Primary |
|
Dublin 13 |
76085N |
Coláiste Lán Ghaeilge An Ghráinseach (C. Reachrann), Donaghmede, BAC 13 |
Post Primary |
|
Dublin 24 |
76293U |
Kingswood Post Primary, Tallaght, Dublin 24 |
Post Primary |
2016 Projects
|
County |
Roll Number |
School Name & Address |
School Type |
|
Co. Dublin |
91301D |
Holy Family Community School , Rathcoole, Co Dublin |
Post Primary |
|
Dublin 15 |
18778S |
SN Naomh Mochta, Clonsilla |
Primary |
|
Co. Dublin |
19456B |
Brackenstown Junior NS (St Cronans JNS) |
Primary |
|
Co. Dublin |
19535U |
Brackenstown Senior NS (St Cronans SNS) |
Primary |
|
Dublin 15 |
19545A 19636D |
Corduff NS (St Patricks Jnr & Snr) Dublin 15 |
Primary |
|
Co. Dublin |
19660A |
Rush NS |
Primary |
|
Co. Dublin |
68082L |
Coláiste Glór na Mara, Balbriggan |
Post Primary |
|
Co. Dublin |
68262N |
Bremore ET Post Primary School, Balbriggan |
Post Primary |
|
Galway |
12954F |
SN Bhride Lackagh, Turloughmore |
Primary |
|
Galway |
17444H |
SN Seosamh Naofa, Carrabane, Athenry |
Primary |
|
Galway |
17807R |
SN Cathair Geal |
Primary |
|
Galway |
18746F |
SN Muine Mhea, Monivea, Athenry |
Primary |
|
Galway |
20042E |
Scoil an Chroi Naofa, Ballinasloe |
Primary |
|
Galway |
20061I |
Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha, Community Centre, Sr an Easbaig, Tuam |
Primary |
|
Galway |
68285C |
Our Lady's College, Newtownsmith |
Post Primary |
|
Kerry |
18247K |
SN Mhuire na mBraithre, Tralee |
Primary |
|
Kildare |
16706G |
St Joseph's BNS, Kilcock |
Primary |
|
Kildare |
18288B |
Scoil Mhichil Naofa, Athy |
Primary |
|
Kildare |
19796C |
St Patrick's BNS, Clane |
Primary |
|
Kildare |
20428D |
Gaelscoil Mhic Aodha, Kildare Town |
Primary |
|
Kildare |
61720D |
St Pauls' Secondary School, Monasterevin |
Post Primary |
|
Limerick |
19336O |
Scoil Phoil Naofa, Dooradoyle, Limerick |
Primary |
|
Limerick |
19931F |
Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy |
Primary |
|
Longford |
14386E |
Stonepark NS, Stonepark |
Primary |
|
Louth |
01554B |
Baile an Phusta NS, Ardee |
Primary |
|
Louth |
14069P |
Dun Dealgan NS, Dundalk |
Primary |
|
Louth |
16208N |
Termonfeckin Mixed NS |
Primary |
Table cont
2017 Projects
|
County |
Roll Number |
School Name & Address |
School Type |
|
Clare |
16677C |
CBS NS, Ennis |
Primary |
|
Clare |
19559L |
Scoil Chriost Ri, Ennis |
Primary |
|
Clare |
20245S |
Ennistymon NS |
Primary |
|
Clare |
70830N |
Ennis Community College, Ennis |
Post Primary |
|
Clare |
91518F |
Ennistymon Post Primary |
Post Primary |
|
Cork |
00467B |
Ballinspittle NS |
Primary |
|
Cork |
13779S |
Dromahane NS, Mallow |
Primary |
|
Cork |
20025E |
Gaelscoil Droichead Na Bandan |
Primary |
|
Cork |
20399W |
Scoil Chroi Iosa, Blarney |
Primary |
|
Cork |
20413N |
Douglas/Rochestown Educate Together |
Primary |
|
Cork |
20442U |
Scoil Chliodhna CNS, Carrigtwohill |
Primary |
|
Cork |
62090D |
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, Blarney |
Post Primary |
|
Cork |
62460K |
St Francis College, Rochestown |
Post Primary |
|
Cork |
70950A |
Clonakilty Community College |
Post Primary |
|
Donegal |
19927O |
Scoil Mhuire B & C, Stranorlar |
Primary |
|
Donegal |
19967D |
Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana |
Primary |
|
Donegal |
76084L |
Moville Community College |
Post Primary |
|
Dublin 6 |
18671A |
St Michaels House Special School, Rathgar, Dublin 6 |
Special School |
|
Co Dublin |
18863J |
Benincasa Special School, Blackrock |
Special School |
|
Dublin 4 |
19727G |
St Mary's Central NS, Belmount Avenue, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 |
Primary |
|
Dublin 22 |
19855P |
Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
Primary |
|
Dublin 22 |
19991A |
Gaelscoil na Camóige, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 |
Primary |
|
Dublin 7 |
20131D |
Grangegorman ETNS, Dublin 7 |
Primary |
|
Dublin 7 |
20152L |
North Dublin Muslim Sch, c/o St Joseph's School for the Deaf, Navan Rd, Dublin 7 |
Primary |
2017 Projects
|
County |
Roll Number |
School Name and Address |
School Type |
|
Dublin 1 |
20228S 11776C |
St. Laurence O'Toole Girls NS and St. Laurence O'Toole Junior Boys NS, Dublin 1 |
Primary |
|
Dublin 4 |
20441S |
Shellybanks ET, Simmonscourt Road, Dublin 4 |
Primary |
|
Dublin 9 |
60700R |
Scoil Chaitriona, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 |
Post Primary |
|
Dublin 9 |
91344V |
Rosmini Community School, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 |
Post Primary |
|
Dublin 8 |
TBD |
New Children's Hospital, St James's, Dublin 8 |
Special School |
|
Dublin 2 |
TBD |
New Primary School - Dublin South City Centre (D2 D4 & D6), Harcourt Terrace, Dublin 2 |
Primary |
|
Co Dublin |
20176C |
Rush & Lusk ETNS, Rathmore Rd, Lusk |
Primary |
|
Co Dublin |
20334R |
Gaelscoil Ros Eo, c/o St Maur's GAA, Rush |
Primary |
|
Co Dublin |
70010V |
Balbriggan Community College, Co Dublin |
Post Primary |
|
Galway |
17280D |
SN Baile Atha Na Riogh, Athenry |
Primary |
|
Galway |
20070J |
Rosedale Special School, Renmore |
Special School |
|
Galway |
20211B |
Claregalway ETNS |
Primary |
|
Galway |
20330J |
St Oliver's Special School, Tuam |
Special School |
|
Kerry |
09260B |
Listellick NS, Tralee |
Primary |
|
Kerry |
70560K |
Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Trá Lí |
Post Primary |
|
Kildare |
15769C 16707I |
Scoil Eimhinn Naofa & St Peter's NS, Monasterevin |
Primary |
|
Kildare |
17341U |
Maynooth BNS |
Primary |
|
Kildare |
17872F |
St Conleth's/ St Mary's, Newbridge |
Primary |
|
Kildare |
17873H |
St Conleth's Infant school |
Primary |
|
Kildare |
19277B |
St Anne's Special Sch, Ballymany Cross, Curragh |
Special School |
|
Kildare |
76194S |
Naas Community College |
Post Primary |
|
Limerick |
20405O |
St. Mary's NS, Island Rd |
Primary |
|
Limerick |
64260M |
Laurel Hill Secondary School, Limerick City |
Post Primary |
|
Limerick |
76101I |
Gaelcholáiste, Luimní |
Post Primary |
|
Limerick |
81014R |
Crescent CS, Limerick City |
Post Primary |
2017 Projects
|
County |
Roll Number |
School Name and Address |
School Type |
|
Mayo |
07054L |
Scoil Naomh Bríd, Culleens |
Primary |
|
Mayo |
19375B |
St Brid's Special National School, Castlebar |
Special School |
|
Mayo |
64590K |
St. Joseph's Secondary School, Castlebar |
Post Primary |
|
Mayo |
76334I |
St. Joseph's Community College, Charlestown |
Post Primary |
|
Meath |
16100Q |
Mercy Convent NS, Navan |
Primary |
|
Meath |
20032B |
Dunboyne Junior NS |
Primary |
|
Meath |
20033D |
Dunboyne Senior NS |
Primary |
|
Meath |
20352S |
Ard Rí Community NS |
Primary |
|
Meath |
76196W |
De Lacy College, Ashbourne |
Post Primary |
|
Offaly |
17827A |
Scoil Phadraig, Portarlington |
Primary |
|
Offaly |
72540O |
Oaklands Community College, Edenderry |
Post Primary |
|
Tipperary |
10120P |
Sn Mhuire na Trocaire, Cahir |
Primary |
|
Tipperary |
20007C |
Gaelscoil Chluain Meala, Baile Gaelach |
Primary |
|
Waterford |
20116H |
Glor Na Mara, Tramore |
Primary |
|
Waterford |
65010R |
Newtown School, Waterford City |
Post Primary |
|
Waterford |
91509E |
Blackwater Community School, Lismore |
Post Primary |
|
Waterford |
64940L |
Waterpark College, Waterford City |
Post Primary |
|
Westmeath |
63221U |
Meán Scoil an Chlochair, Kilbeggan |
Post Primary |
|
Westmeath |
63280N |
St Finian's College, Mullingar |
Post Primary |
|
Wexford |
18280I |
St Joseph's BNS, Gorey |
Primary |
85. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the need for a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will advance plans for the school; if he will include the new school in the capital plan mid term review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44930/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that I am aware of the accommodation needs of the school referred to. I wish to advise that my Department met with representatives of this school in recent months. This meeting is part of a consultation process with post primary providers in Macroom to consider the options for meeting a projected increase in post primary places in the area over the coming years. The long term accommodation requirements of the school referred to were discussed in that context. It is anticipated that a further meeting will be held in the near future to consider proposals from the schools concerned on how to provide for an increasing post primary need.
86. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the review being undertaken by his Department on the demographics for a potential new second level school for south County Kildare based on inclusion as an area that merits further review following the last building programme announcement; the information that is being taken into account in this review; when a decision is likely to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45028/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. My Department uses a Geographical Information System (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. The GIS uses data from a range of sources, including the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and my Department's own databases. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
There are seven school planning areas within the South Kildare area, namely:
- Newbridge
- Kilcullen
- Monasterevin
- Kildare Town
- The Curragh
- Athy
- Castledermot
Following completion of the last demographic exercises, on 17th November 2015 the establishment of 4 primary schools and 9 post-primary schools to open in 2017 and 2018 was announced. As part of the announcement, it was stated that a range of areas nationwide are experiencing increased demographic pressure and would be kept under ongoing review by my Department. South Kildare was identified as one such area. These demographic exercises showed that, while the school planning areas in South Kildare were experiencing some demographic growth, it was considered that, with the addition of both significant planned and recently delivered infrastructural provision in areas in South Kildare, the existing schools would between them be able to cater for the overall level of demographic demand for post-primary school places.
The Programme of Capital Investment in Schools was announced in November 2015. St. Conleth’s Community College (Newbridge), Cross & Passion College, Kilcullen, St. Paul’s Secondary School, Monasterevin and Athy Community College located in the South Kildare region have projects listed to go to construction over the lifetime of the plan which will provide for a significant number of additional post-primary school places.
As with other school planning areas nationwide, the demographic data for the South Kildare school planning areas is being kept under ongoing review by my Department to take account of updated child benefit data and updated enrolment data. It is anticipated that decisions based on these exercises will be announced later in 2017.
87. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking with regard to the current school bus transport crisis in which the applications for concessionary seats is far exceeding the places being made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45005/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
During the 2016/17 school year almost 116,000 children, including some 12,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
The purpose of my Department's 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.
Children are generally eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only. Concessionary transport is subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and payment of the annual charge.
Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children who are not eligible for school transport and are travelling on a concessionary basis.
The terms of the School Transport Scheme are applied equitably on a national basis.
88. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the two-tier pay system in place for teachers will end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44857/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe public service agreements have allowed a programme of pay restoration for public servants to start. I have used this to negotiate substantial improvements in pay for new teachers. The agreement reached in September 2016 will see pay rises of between 15-22% (between €4600 and €6700) for new entrant teachers. The agreements also provide for earlier permanency for younger teachers, new promotion opportunities and new flexibilities in working hours.
The agreements have restored an estimated 75% of the difference in pay for more recently recruited teachers and deliver full equality at later points in the scale. This is substantial progress and strikes an equitable balance with other claims for funding on my Department, particularly needs such as enhanced service for children with special educational needs, for disadvantaged schools, for growing schools, for Higher Education and for apprenticeships.
In education, there is a well-established increment system. Teachers are not paid equally. For example, the pay scale for teachers appointed prior to 2011 ranges from €33,805 to €61,951 depending on the date that the individual began teaching. Part of the negotiation to date has secured a convergence of the scales of recruits at different periods.
I accept that the teacher unions have outstanding pay demands and that the new entrant deal does not travel the full distance that they set out to achieve. However, any further negotiation on new entrant pay cannot focus on just one sector. The recently concluded Public Service Agreement 2018-2020 includes a provision in relation to new entrants which states that an examination of the remaining salary scale issues in respect of post January 2011 recruits at entry grades covered by parties to the Agreement will be undertaken within 12 months of the commencement of the Agreement. An initial meeting on new entrant pay under this process took place on the 12th of October 2017.
The Government also supports the gradual, negotiated repeal of the FEMPI legislation, having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.
New teachers will benefit from the extension to the LRA. On 1st January 2018 a newly qualified teacher straight out of college will start on €35,958. In October 2020, a newly qualified teacher straight out of college will start on €37,692.
89. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to deal with actual and potential school place shortages in Ashbourne and Dunshaughlin, County Meath. [44942/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Skills is building more schools and providing more school places than ever before. We have doubled the number of school places being provided from 8,900 in 2010 to 18,000 school places in 2017.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas. My Department uses a Geographical Information system (GIS) to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. The GIS uses data from a range of sources, including the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and my Department's own databases. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises at primary and post primary level to determine where additional school accommodation is needed.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, depending on the circumstances, be provided through either one, or a combination of the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools.
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
As with other school planning areas nationwide, the demographic data for the areas referred to by the Deputy is being kept under ongoing review by my Department to take account of updated child benefit data and updated enrolment data. It is anticipated that decisions on these exercises will be announced later in 2017.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department provided 2 new permanent 16 classroom primary schools in Ashbourne in 2016. At post-primary level, phase 1 of a post-primary school development for 1,000 pupils has recently been completed and phase 2 is currently in advanced architectural planning. In addition, a building project to provide further accommodation at an existing community school in Ashbourne is included in my Department's 6-year construction plan (2019-2021).
With regard to Dunshaughlin, an extension was completed in 2013 at Dunshaughlin Community College to provide additional student capacity.
90. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress and expected timeframe for the works to be completed on the former site of a school to facilitate the relocation of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44941/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra93. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the project to relocate a school (details supplied) in County Laois will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44940/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe final grant of planning permission was granted on 24th August 2017. Tender documents for this project are currently being prepared. When complete, the project will progress to tender. The project will thereafter proceed to construction, it is expected that construction will commence in early 2018.
91. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of eligible students who applied for the 2017/2018 school transport scheme that did not receive a seat; if he is satisfied that the current school transport scheme operated by Bus Éireann is delivering transport for all students eligible throughout Ireland in a fair and transparent manner; if his Department requests information from Bus Éireann on eligible students who have not received seats; if a contingency plan is in place for students who do not receive seats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45039/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
During the 2016/17 school year almost 116,000 children, including some 12,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 4,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.
Children are generally eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school.
Children for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within the prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements.
The closing date for receipt of school transport applications is generally the last Friday in April each year.
Bus Éireann has advised that the information requested will be forwarded to the Deputy this week.
94. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the projected yield in the budget for a 0.1% increase in the national training levy was significantly higher than that provided in responses to parliamentary questions and in the political party costings provided by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44708/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt was announced as part of Budget 2018 that from 1st January 2018 there will be a 0.1% increase, from 0.7% to 0.8%, in the National Training Fund Levy payable by employers in respect of reckonable earnings of employees in Class A and Class H employments. The net fiscal space generated by this increased revenue will be used to enhance investment in higher and further education and training.
Initial calculations were undertaken earlier in the year to develop costings of this measure. These were updated immediately prior to the Budget in order to reflect the latest available projections for employment and NTF receipts and to give the most up-to-date forecast of the yield for this measure in the budget.
The most up-to-date calculations indicate that the net amount available for expenditure, after taking account of additional Exchequer costs to provide for the levy increase for those in public sector employment, is €47.5 million in 2018.
The €47.5 million additional funding, together with an additional €17 million in Exchequer current funding, will be used to enhance investment in the higher and further education and training system. This will include providing for skills development programmes, apprenticeships and traineeships, access, demographic increases, innovation and performance funding and development of Technological Universities. This will build on the €36.5 million investment in higher education this year which was announced as part of Budget 2017.
I am introducing a series of reforms to the National Training Fund to respond to issues raised by employers during the consultation process on employer-exchequer investment in higher and further education and training. This includes an independent review of the National Training Fund, a greater say for employers in determining priorities of the NTF, a greater focus on transparency and evaluation, greater alignment of NTF spending with employer needs and more expenditure on skills programmes.
