Written Answers Nos. 172-195
172. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the bodies under the aegis of his Department in which his Department provides in excess of €1 million funding per annum to these bodies; the public funding received by these bodies; the bodies in which 50% or more of its income comes from public sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50113/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible thereafter.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
173. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for a review of educational needs and facilities in view of the projected population increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50131/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, 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.
The demographic data for school planning areas nationwide is being reviewed by my Department to take account of updated child benefit data and updated enrolment data. It is anticipated that these exercises will be concluded shortly.
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.
Once it has been established that a new school, primary or post-primary, is required to meet the demographic need in a school planning area, a separate process is conducted to establish who will run the school. It is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons, to apply for patronage of a new school under the patronage process. Parental preferences for each patron, together with the extent of diversity currently available in the area, are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of this process. The process is fair, transparent and open to all patrons, patron bodies and prospective patrons to apply for patronage of any planned new school under this process.
174. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools; the number of secondary schools; the number of full-time physical education inspectors for both primary and second level schools nationally; the budget allocation for physical education inspections, including inspector salary bands, in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50133/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the school year 2016/17, there were 3,250 primary and 711 second-level schools aided by the Department of Education and Skills. Within the Inspectorate, there are fifty-three primary and fifty-four post-primary inspectors engaged in the inspection of schools. All primary inspectors are generalists who are competent to evaluate all eleven subjects on the Primary School Curriculum (1999), including Physical Education. Post-primary inspectors, while recruited as subject specialists, are competent to evaluate the quality of teaching and learning in all contexts at second level. Among the inspectors at post-primary level, there are two specialist inspectors of Physical Education.
There is no specific budget allocated for physical education inspections.
Salary bands for primary and post-primary inspectors are contained in the table.
EURO Payscales for Inspectorate Grade
|
EURO Payscales for Inspectorate Grades from 01/01/10 to 30/06/13 |
Post-Primary/Primary Inspector |
€ 53,984 |
€ 56,326 |
€ 58,654 |
€ 60,963 |
€ 63,867 |
€ 68,210 |
|
|
€ 72,097 |
€ 76,036 |
€ 79,238 |
€ 81,720 (LSI 1) |
€ 84,195 (LSI 2) |
||||
|
Post-Primary/Primary Inspector (PPC)* |
€ 56,789 |
€ 59,246 |
€ 61,701 |
€ 64,128 |
€ 67,142 |
€ 71,671 |
||
|
€ 75,760 |
€ 79,912 |
€ 83,281 |
€ 85,884 (LSI 1) |
€88,494 (LSI 2) |
||||
|
EURO Payscales for Inspectorate Grades from 01/07/13 to 31/03/17 |
Post-Primary/Primary Inspector |
€ 53,984 |
€ 56,326 |
€ 58,654 |
€ 60,963 |
€ 63,867 |
€ 65,000 |
|
|
€ 68,132 |
€ 71,854 |
€ 74,880 |
€ 77,182 |
€ 79,459 |
||||
|
Post-Primary/Primary Inspector (PPC) |
€ 51,110 |
€ 54,426 |
€ 56,789 |
€ 59,246 |
€ 61,701 |
€ 64,128 |
€ 65,000 |
|
|
€ 67,729 |
€ 71,593 |
€ 75,517 |
€ 78,619 |
€ 81,013 |
€83,414 |
|||
|
EURO Payscales for Inspectorate Grades from 01/04/17 onwards |
Primary / Post Primary |
€ 54,984 |
€ 57,326 |
€ 59,654 |
€ 61,963 |
€ 64,867 |
€ 66,605 |
|
|
€ 70,115 |
€ 73,945 |
€ 77,059 |
€ 79,451 |
€ 81,827 |
||||
|
Primary / Post Primary (PPC) |
€52,110 |
€55,426 |
€ 57,789 |
€ 60,246 |
€ 62,701 |
€ 65,128 |
€ 66,071 |
|
|
€ 69,700 |
€73,677 |
€ 77,715 |
€ 80,950 |
€ 83,449 |
€ 85,954 |
*Personal pension contribution
175. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools and second level schools that have been visited by a physical education inspector in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and the powers the physical education inspector has to enforce recommendations made regarding the provision of school physical education following a review. [50134/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary school inspectors are not recruited as subject specialists. Primary inspectors evaluate Physical Education lessons in the course of a wide range of evaluation models.
At second level, post-primary inspectors visit Physical Education lessons within a number of inspection models. Specialist post-primary inspectors of Physical Education also conduct focused inspections of Physical Education and a number of follow-through inspections of Physical Education. In the years 2013-2017, 61 subject inspections and follow-through inspections of Physical Education were completed (2013: 17; 2014: 19; 2015: 6; 2016: 7; to date in 2017: 12).
Inspectors make recommendations arising from their evaluation of provision in a school. It is the responsibility of the Board of Management of a school to ensure that recommendations are addressed. Where recommendations relate to matters which are mandatory, and where a school does not address such matters, the Schools Division of the Department may follow-up with the Board or Patron of the school to ensure that the matter is addressed. The Inspectorate does not have powers to enforce recommendations made in inspection reports.
176. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the funding made available to all primary and second level schools for the purchase of physical education related equipment in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the number of requests for physical education related funding in each of these years from primary and second level schools in each year, by type of equipment requests; and the budget allocation for physical education related equipment available in his department in each of these years. [50135/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not available in the format requested.
My Department provides in excess of €21m each year toward the provision of furniture and equipment including PE equipment in primary and post-primary schools. Where my Department provided a GP room in a primary school or a sports hall in a post-primary school as part of a building project, the equipment provided forms part on the overall furniture and equipment grant to that school and the cost of PE equipment is not identified separately.
Furthermore it is open to primary schools to purchase PE equipment under their minor works grant allocation.
The types of PE equipment provided in primary schools are bar boxes, balancing benches, gymnastic mats, and climbing unit consisting of large trestles, small trestle, horizontal poles and ladders. In the post-primary sector my Department funds appropriate equipment for a fitness suite consisting of exercise bicycles, treadmills, rowing machine, and elliptical trainers as well general PE equipment.
177. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the 77 apprenticeships proposed to the Apprenticeship Council in its second call for new apprenticeships, in tabular form; the names of the shortlisted proposals that will be developed; the rationale for their selection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50136/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key commitment for this year set out in our Action Plan to Expand Apprenticeship and Traineeship 2016-2020 was the issuing of a second call for apprenticeship proposals to refresh the pipeline of proposals already established through the first call. The second call closed on the 1st September with 77 proposals received from a range of sectors and occupations.
Since the call closed, the Apprenticeship Council has evaluated and scored proposals against a set of published criteria which was published in conjunction with the second call. The evaluation process and criteria are available at http://www.apprenticeship.ie/en/apprentice/Shared%20Documents/Guidance_document.pdf . The Council is expected to report to me shortly on proposals that are recommended for development and details of these will be published in December.
I understand that the Council does not intend to publish details of proposals that are not recommended for development.
178. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the schools in the Dublin 8, 10 and 12 areas that have an autism spectrum disorder, ASD unit (details supplied). [50178/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to ensuring that all children with Special Educational Needs, including those with autism, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.
Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, delivered by fully qualified professional teachers, with the support of Special Needs Assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.
ASD Early intervention classes are available for children aged 3-5 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Early intervention classes are intended to provide early support for children with ASD before they start school.
Following early intervention children will attend a mainstream class unless there is professional guidance that they require a special class or a placement in a special school.
The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), in consultation with the relevant education partners, is responsible for the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
There are currently 130 ASD Early Intervention, of which 18 are located in Dublin City and County, including 4 classes in the area referred to by the Deputy.
Where there is no Early Intervention placement available, my Department will consider applications under the Home Tuition Grant Scheme, where a student can receive up to 20 hours home tuition per week as an interim measure until a placement becomes available.
Parents/Guardians who may need advice or are experiencing difficulties in locating a school placement should contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) who can assist in identifying an appropriate educational placement for their child. Contact details are available on www.ncse.ie.
Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs, including those in the area to which the Deputy has referred are available on www.ncse.ie in county order, and with new classes identified.
179. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to relocate a Youthreach project in Coolock, Dublin 17 and Dublin 5; and the steps he is taking to ensure that all children throughout an area (details supplied) complete their second level education. [50225/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the sale of the former St. John of God School in Kilmore Road, Artane, the Youthreach project was temporarily moved by City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB) to premises in Whitehall, while efforts were made to identify suitable alternative accommodation in the Coolock area.
Earlier this month, Youthreach staff and students moved from the Whitehall premises to a temporary facility in Finglas because of health and safety concerns.
CDETB has been actively seeking permanent premises in the Coolock area for over 18 months. It is considering a number of possible options and is examining renovation costs. It is committed to the return of the Youthreach programme to the area as soon as possible.
In the meantime, CDETB are seeking alternative temporary premises closer to the Coolock area with a view to moving staff and students as soon as possible. I have asked CDETB to keep me informed of developments.
180. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of primary schools enrolled for the 2016-2017 academic year here; the number of secondary schools enrolled for the 2016-2017 academic year here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50261/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the 2016/2017 academic year there were 3,115 primary schools and 711 post-primary schools. Further information on these is available on the Department's website at the following link: https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Data-on-Individual-Schools/.
181. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of secondary students in receipt of home tuition as a result of being expelled from a second level school and no other school being willing to accept them as pupils; the regional breakdown of this provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50265/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides grant funding under a number of Home Tuition Schemes. One of the Home Tuition schemes caters for children who are temporarily without a school place. The purpose of this No School Place (NSP) Home Tuition Scheme is to grant funding for the provision of home tuition to children for whom a school placement is being sought.
The Educational Welfare Service (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. A parent applying for funding under this Home Tuition Scheme must make the application through their local Educational Welfare Officer in the EWS.
At the present time, in the current school term, funding for home tuition support has been approved for 46 post-primary students who have been permanently expelled from school. My Department does not collate these statistics by region.
182. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress made to date in providing a school (details supplied) in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50266/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, 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. It is anticipated that these exercises will be concluded shortly.
A range of areas nationwide are experiencing increased demographic pressure and will be kept under review by my Department. Galway City is one of these areas. This review takes account of updated enrolment and child benefit data and also the impact of existing and planned capacity increases to existing schools in the area. Notwithstanding that the Galway City area, including environs, is an area defined as a demographic growth area, it is also an area where certain schools are experiencing a decline in pupil numbers.
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.
With regard to demand for particular models of school provision, it should be noted that the patronage process for new schools is a separate process. This process is run after it has been decided that a new school is required. Parental preferences are central to this process and prospective patrons are required to provide evidence of demand for their particular school model and medium of instruction. These expressions of interest are required to be from parents of primary school children eligible for enrolment in the first five years of the establishment of a proposed new post-primary school. The process is fair, transparent and open to all patrons, patron bodies and prospective patrons to apply for patronage of any planned new school under this process.
183. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of additional school accommodation for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question has been approved funding under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme to provide 1 SET classroom. The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.
184. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the broadband speeds provided to a school (details supplied); if his Department is investigating options to improve broadband provision to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50282/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough the Schools Broadband Access Programme the Department provides for the supply of internet connectivity for recognised primary and post primary schools. All post-primary schools and some special schools are now included in the 100Mbps programme.
Significant improvement has been made in recent years with the number of primary schools on broadband speeds of greater than 30mbs having increased from less than 100 in 2012 to over 1000 by the end of 2017. In Wicklow in 2012, no primary school had access to broadband speeds of 30mbs or greater, now some 30 primary schools in Wicklow have access to broadband speeds of 30mbs or greater.
Under the current programme the Department continually reviews the availability of services and upgrades schools where the opportunity arises, in line with contractual and budgetary requirements. A recent drawdown from the Framework of Providers of Broadband Services saw some 1,100 primary schools awarded download speeds of 30Mbps or greater (the baseline download speed required under the National Broadband Plan). Some 900 of those schools have now been connected with the balance to be in place by the end of 2017.
The policy of this Department is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with the technical solutions available in the market and financial constraints. Broadband capacity can vary due to geographical location and local infrastructure, and thus impact on the service that can be provided.
The need to improve broadband connectivity to primary schools is recognised in the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, and as noted access to high speed broadband is one of the indicators identified in the Digital Strategy Action Plan. An interdepartmental working group has been established to determine how best to address broadband connectivity to primary schools in collaboration with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, in the context of the National Broadband Plan and the Intervention Strategy, and proposed industry provision.
In the case of the school referred to be the Deputy, the Schools Broadband Service Desk and the current Service Provider have reviewed the service provided, and they advise that the school is on the best broadband solution available at present. The school is included in the National Broadband Plan Intervention area (NBP), the Government sponsored programme to deliver high speed broadband to homes and businesses across Ireland.
185. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of funding of additional accommodation for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50283/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the school in question submitted an application to my Department for capital funding to construct a General Purpose (GP) Room.
The application was considered in the context of the very significant challenges facing my Department in prioritising available capital funding for essential mainstream classrooms to meet the demand for extra school places and in cases where additional teachers have been appointed. In the circumstances, my Department advised the school that it is not in a position to provide funding for a GP Room at this time.
186. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of 12 to 18 year old children, by town; the number of those children in the first year of secondary school; and the number of secondary school places per town. [50284/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy on pupil statistics is not available broken down by town. The number of 12 to 18 year old post primary students, and the number of these students in first year, is available in the table, broken down by local authority area. The information given is from the 2016/2017 academic year, which is the latest year for which data is available.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not hold information in respect of post primary school places per town, as requested. In order to plan for school provision, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and 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.
We have doubled the number of additional school places being provided at both primary and post primary level from 8,900 additional places in 2010 to 18,000 additional school places in 2017.
|
Age |
|||||||||
|
Local Authority |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
18 |
Total |
Of which First Years |
|
Carlow County Council |
331 |
996 |
966 |
933 |
910 |
825 |
481 |
5,442 |
1,019 |
|
Cavan County Council |
322 |
948 |
921 |
957 |
893 |
823 |
320 |
5,184 |
1,015 |
|
Clare County Council |
443 |
1,476 |
1,549 |
1,538 |
1,417 |
1,330 |
429 |
8,182 |
1,503 |
|
Cork City Council |
671 |
1,879 |
1,908 |
1,984 |
1,878 |
1,700 |
1,129 |
11,149 |
1,962 |
|
Cork County Council |
1,395 |
5,054 |
5,283 |
5,080 |
4,930 |
4,588 |
2,846 |
29,176 |
5,228 |
|
Donegal County Council |
851 |
2,346 |
2,294 |
2,368 |
2,233 |
2,009 |
815 |
12,916 |
2,413 |
|
Dublin City Council |
2,410 |
5,039 |
5,295 |
5,176 |
4,992 |
4,706 |
2,150 |
29,768 |
5,308 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
1,004 |
2,558 |
2,465 |
2,620 |
2,393 |
2,339 |
1,299 |
14,678 |
2,589 |
|
Fingal County Council |
1,562 |
4,142 |
4,084 |
3,940 |
3,514 |
3,002 |
1,261 |
21,505 |
4,226 |
|
Galway City Council |
330 |
961 |
979 |
895 |
900 |
683 |
258 |
5,006 |
976 |
|
Galway County Council |
695 |
2,554 |
2,535 |
2,534 |
2,372 |
2,071 |
963 |
13,724 |
2,594 |
|
Kerry County Council |
539 |
1,869 |
1,994 |
1,984 |
1,866 |
1,646 |
589 |
10,487 |
2,001 |
|
Kildare County Council |
1,250 |
3,377 |
3,436 |
3,238 |
3,109 |
2,651 |
1,262 |
18,323 |
3,526 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
511 |
1,283 |
1,323 |
1,362 |
1,264 |
1,097 |
640 |
7,480 |
1,342 |
|
Laois County Council |
285 |
953 |
868 |
810 |
788 |
660 |
301 |
4,665 |
948 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
188 |
477 |
462 |
451 |
412 |
396 |
150 |
2,536 |
502 |
|
Limerick City Council |
478 |
1,182 |
1,177 |
1,171 |
1,155 |
1,062 |
528 |
6,753 |
1,169 |
|
Limerick County Council |
491 |
1,510 |
1,516 |
1,491 |
1,409 |
1,289 |
660 |
8,366 |
1,582 |
|
Longford County Council |
193 |
680 |
706 |
738 |
675 |
562 |
231 |
3,785 |
692 |
|
Louth County Council |
993 |
2,126 |
2,126 |
2,215 |
2,025 |
1,547 |
505 |
11,537 |
2,234 |
|
Mayo County Council |
488 |
1,710 |
1,775 |
1,769 |
1,749 |
1,611 |
965 |
10,067 |
1,754 |
|
Meath County Council |
903 |
2,702 |
2,709 |
2,670 |
2,495 |
2,018 |
737 |
14,234 |
2,798 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
406 |
876 |
901 |
926 |
915 |
906 |
404 |
5,334 |
885 |
|
Offaly County Council |
492 |
1,314 |
1,350 |
1,276 |
1,187 |
1,011 |
411 |
7,041 |
1,388 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
193 |
581 |
589 |
619 |
545 |
498 |
213 |
3,238 |
615 |
|
Sligo County Council |
331 |
849 |
867 |
870 |
795 |
724 |
330 |
4,766 |
846 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
1,843 |
3,944 |
3,949 |
3,871 |
3,668 |
2,895 |
1,331 |
21,501 |
4,058 |
|
Tipperary (NR) County Council |
373 |
1,157 |
1,135 |
1,176 |
1,287 |
1,067 |
590 |
6,785 |
1,166 |
|
Tipperary (SR) County Council |
389 |
1,129 |
1,088 |
1,174 |
1,124 |
1,057 |
471 |
6,432 |
1,139 |
|
Waterford City Council |
381 |
803 |
823 |
868 |
763 |
692 |
279 |
4,609 |
841 |
|
Waterford County Council |
293 |
746 |
798 |
745 |
737 |
657 |
299 |
4,275 |
767 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
509 |
1,492 |
1,549 |
1,589 |
1,479 |
1,330 |
532 |
8,480 |
1,540 |
|
Wexford County Council |
704 |
2,259 |
2,271 |
2,168 |
1,988 |
1,870 |
905 |
12,165 |
2,360 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
725 |
1,976 |
1,978 |
2,003 |
1,787 |
1,645 |
875 |
10,989 |
2,059 |
|
Total |
22,972 |
62,948 |
63,669 |
63,209 |
59,654 |
52,967 |
25,159 |
350,578 |
65,045 |
187. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of a permanent location for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50285/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department have been liaising with officials in Kildare County Council in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable permanent site for this school and this process is ongoing at present.
A number of potential site options were assessed and one of these site options is currently being progressed.
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.
188. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provision of a school building for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50287/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved funding under my Departments Prefab Replacement Initiative to replace temporary structures with permanent accommodation. The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority. The school recently applied to my Department for additional funding for an increased scope of works. This application is currently being assessed and the school authority will be notified of the outcome of its request as soon as possible.
189. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the absence of sufficient substitute teachers in the west Waterford area at both primary and secondary level; the measures his Department plans to deal with the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50323/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra190. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to shortages of suitably qualified substitute second level teachers for French, English and maths in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area; the measures his Department plans to deal with the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50324/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
I am pleased to have been in a position to significantly expand the recruitment of teachers at primary and post primary levels. Some 2,300 new teachers were recruited in 2016-2017 and 2,900 are being recruited in 2017-2018. The figure of 2,900 is 21% more than the number announced in budget 2017, so we have in fact been able to recruit more new teachers than we have announced. All of the 2016-2017 posts have been successfully filled and the process for filling the additional posts in the current year is almost complete. We are successfully filling the posts that we are making available.
However, I am aware that some schools have reported difficulties in recruiting substitute teachers at primary level and in certain subjects at post primary level, and I am committed to examining all possible means of addressing these issues.
Regarding issues around finding substitution at primary level, there are strong career opportunities in teaching and the number of permanent full-time positions are currently increasing at over 1,000 per year in 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. Due to the additional permanent positions being created, young teachers have greater opportunities to take on permanent positions, and as a result some schools may be experiencing issues in hiring teachers to fill temporary or substitute roles, which arise in schools for a number of reasons, including covering sick leave and career breaks.
At post primary level I have taken certain initiatives to address some of the supply pressures in particular subject areas. These include, as part of the implementation of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education, increasing from 2018/19 the number of places available on the existing Irish medium post primary initial teacher education programme in NUIG, to which I have granted two additional posts from September 2017. This measure will strengthen the Irish-language proficiency of newly qualified teachers across a range of subjects and, it is anticipated, also increase the supply of Irish language teachers. I have also increased from 85 to 101 the number of students admitted to St Angela’s, Sligo to follow the Home Economics ITE programme in the current year, with further expansions in future years being considered.
I have also undertaken measures to increase the pool of teachers available to schools in particular to fill short term vacancies. My Department informed all teachers retiring in 2017 that in order to remain eligible for employment in a state funded teaching post for a period of more than five consecutive days or to supervise the State examinations, a teacher must maintain his/her registration with the Teaching Council. My Department also increased the limits for employment while on career break at primary level to a maximum of 90 days in a school year. In addition, as a longer term measure, under my Department’s Gaeltacht Policy, an RFT is currently being developed for a new Irish-medium B.Ed. (primary teaching) ITE programme.
The Deputy will be aware of the report of the Technical Working Group on teacher supply, ‘Striking the Balance’ which, while focussing on the development of a model of primary teacher supply, outlined the work which will be required to establish a long term model of post-primary teacher supply. The Deputy will appreciate that there are difficulties in developing a reliable model of teacher supply, particularly at second level, and this was recognised in the work of the Teaching Council as teaching is competing with many other sectors for graduates in areas like Maths, Science, and Irish. The Teaching Council, which has an advisory role in this matter, recently convened a consultative forum on teacher supply with relevant stakeholders with the aim of producing teacher supply proposals and I look forward to seeing the report from this forum which will further inform our thinking in this matter.
I am currently reviewing with my Department other potential initiatives on teacher supply. In that context my Department has engaged with the HEA with a view to obtaining baseline data to support future policy decisions in this area. My Department also intends engaging with other stakeholders, including school management bodies, in this matter.
191. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the staffing appeal submitted by a school (details supplied) in County Cork will be reviewed; his views on whether the appeal criteria do not take enough consideration of the issues facing small schools and multigrade classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50357/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 schedule also 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 school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for consideration by the Appeals Board at its October meeting under the criteria of alleviating some of the pressure on class sizes at infants level. The appeal was refused by the Appeals Board on the basis that the grounds of the appeal did not warrant the allocation of an additional post for the 2017/18 school year. The school has been notified of the outcome of the appeal.
The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
Budget 2018 provides for an additional 1280 teaching posts in the 2018/19 school year. This includes a one point improvement in the staffing schedule in primary schools which brings the position to the most favourable ever seen at primary level.
These changes will come into effect in September 2018 for the 2018/19 school year.
The detailed staffing arrangements including appeal process for 2018/19 will be set out in the staffing schedule Circular for the 2018/19 school year. The circular will be published early in 2018.
192. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of teaching principals in DEIS schools by local authority area; the cost of providing an administrative principal in these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50388/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of teaching principals in DEIS Urban Band 1 and DEIS Urban Band 2 schools nationally is 36. A breakdown of this figure is compiled on a by county basis.
The average salary per teaching post at primary level is €58,800.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the current School Support Programme provides for the appointment of an Administrative Principal on an enrolment of 116 pupils (81 pupils if operating a specialist autism unit) in DEIS Urban Band 1 schools and 144 pupils (114 pupils if operating a specialist autism unit) in a DEIS Urban Band 2 schools as opposed to an enrolment of 177 pupils in other mainstream schools.
The full list of supports and resources available to DEIS schools is available on my Department’s website at the following link https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Supporting-Information/Supports-to-DEIS-Schools.html
|
County: |
Schools with Teaching Principals - DEIS Band 1 |
Schools with Teaching Principals - DEIS Band 2 |
|
Cork |
0 |
1 |
|
Donegal |
3 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
9 |
2 |
|
Galway |
0 |
1 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
3 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
0 |
|
Laois |
2 |
0 |
|
Limerick |
4 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
1 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
0 |
2 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
1 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
0 |
|
Total: |
23 |
13 |
193. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Skills the public contracts between his Department and companies (details supplied) in each of the years 2011 to 2016; the value of each contract [50399/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has awarded six contracts in the period 2011 to 2016 of which five were to Deloitte and a single contract to Ernst and Young. The contract values and purpose of each contact are set out in the table;
|
Company |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
Purpose of contract |
|
Ernst and Young |
- |
- |
- |
- |
131,462.40 |
- |
Development of the business case for the ETB Finance Shared Service Project. |
|
Deloitte |
- |
- |
- |
93,172.50 |
- |
- |
Baseline business case preparation for the ETB Payroll Shared Services in 2014 |
|
Deloitte |
- |
- |
- |
- |
264,434.82 |
- |
Expert knowledge, implementation , advice and support for the ETB Payroll Shared Service project. |
|
Deloitte |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
18,450.00 |
Data Loss Prevention Audit Fee |
|
Deloitte |
- |
- |
- |
69,701.84 |
- |
- |
Audit Service as part of Erasmus+ Programme |
|
Deloitte |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
66,892.52 |
Audit Service as part of Erasmus+ Programme |
194. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 152 and 153 of 14 November 2017, the rationale for his inaction in view of the fact that an organisation (details supplied) and the CEO of a company have expressed concern regarding the matter and have asked that it be addressed; and his plans to take action regarding same. [50424/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdherence to appropriate copyright requirements is the responsibility of individual school management. The Department advises schools of their responsibilities in this regards and supports schools in developing policies to address such issues. The Department provides access to educational resources online via the Scoilnet portal, to ensure a wide range of relevant teaching resources are freely accessible for schools and teachers. No copyright issue arise in relation to such access.
No contact has been made with the Department by the entities referred to by the Deputy.
195. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding construction of a new Educate Together national school in Wexford town; if his Department has visited sites for possible construction of said school; if his Department has completed assessments of such sites; when his Department plans to make a selection of a site for the new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50429/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the project to which he refers was announced as part of my Department's Six Year Capital Programme in 2015.
Officials in my Department are working closely with officials from Wexford County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the acquisition of a suitable permanent location for Wexford Educate Together NS.
Preliminary technical assessments of identified site options have been completed and subsequent to the evaluation of these by Department and Local Authority officials a shortlist of preferred site options was selected. These shortlisted sites have been subject to a more comprehensive technical assessment and engagement with the relevant landowners has commenced. The selection of a preferred site option will be predicated on the outcome of these discussions with the landowners, and the school patron will be informed when the site acquisition process has been completed.
