Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:255. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to invest further in capitation grants for primary schools. [23497/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapitation Grants
Ceisteanna (255)
Freagraí scríofa
I recognise the need to improve capitation funding for schools having regard to the reductions that were necessary over recent years.
Restoring capitation funding as resources permit is one of the actions included in the Action Plan for Education.
Budget 2018 marked the second year of major reinvestment in the education sector, as we continue to implement the Action Plan for Education, which has the central aim to make the Irish Education and Training service the best in Europe within a decade. In 2018, the budget for the Department of Education increased by €554 million to over €10 billion. Through budget 2017 and Budget 2018, we are now investing €1 billion more in education.
The process is underway for restoring grant funding that is used by schools to fund the salaries of ancillary staff. The ancillary grant was increased by €6 in 2016, €5 in 2017 and €5 in 2018, in order to enable primary schools to implement the arbitration salary increase for grant funded school secretaries and caretakers and to also implement the restoration of salary for cleaners arising from the unwinding of FEMPI legislation.
Summer Works Scheme
Ceisteanna (256)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:256. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans for a new summer works scheme; the proposed expenditure for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23586/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Summer Works Scheme is designed to allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings. This scheme is additional to other capital funding schemes that are operated by the Department such as the additional accommodation scheme, Emergency Works scheme i.e. for projects of such urgency that they would prevent some or all of the school from opening, and Minor Works schemes.
The Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is a multi-annual Scheme. Over 1,650 schools, nearly 50% of schools, applied for inclusion under the current round of the scheme which reflects a very high demand.
To date, almost €80 million has been approved under the current round of the Scheme, in respect of 635 school projects, 464 primary and 171 post-primary schools, for gas, electrical upgrades, mechanical, sanitation and roof improvement works.. Details of the successful school applicants, are published on the Department's website www.education.ie.
In relation to the Summer Works Scheme 2018, over €25 million will be spent on summer works projects in 2018. This expenditure will enable the remaining approved improvement works for 178 schools nationwide to be completed. These works will be carried out by the schools themselves on a devolved basis mainly over the summer months, so the disruption to students, teachers and other school staff will be kept to a minimum.
Furthermore, the Department intends to engage with the relevant education partners in relation to giving schools a better lead-in period for planning and delivering projects under the summer works scheme from 2019 onwards. While the Summer Works Scheme is hugely successful in enabling small scale refurbishment works to be done on a devolved basis, the Department considers that the operation of the scheme could be improved by providing a better lead-in period for schools rather than in Quarter 2 as in previous years. This will also help ensure that works done under the Summer Works Scheme fit better with any wider refurbishment/energy retrofit plans that may be done at schools under the increased funding provided in the National Development Plan. The engagement with education partners will commence shortly and will assist in developing a better timeline for the planning and delivery of summer works projects for 2019 onwards.
Summer Works Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (257)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:257. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the necessary upgrading or provision of play areas at primary schools will be included in the categories of necessary works eligible for funding under the summer works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23587/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Summer Works Scheme is designed to allow schools to carry out small and medium scale building works that will improve and upgrade existing school buildings. This scheme is additional to other capital funding schemes that are operated by the Department such as the additional accommodation scheme, Emergency Works scheme i.e. for projects of such urgency that they would prevent some or all of the school from opening, and Minor Works schemes.
There are 10 categories of works under the Summer Works Scheme, agreed with the education partners some years ago. I can confirm that the upgrade/provision of play areas is included under Category 10, i.e. external environment projects.
The Department intends to engage with the relevant education partners in relation to giving schools a better lead-in period for planning and delivering projects under the summer works scheme from 2019 onwards. While the Summer Works Scheme is hugely successful in enabling small scale refurbishment works to be done on a devolved basis, the Department considers that the operation of the scheme could be improved by providing a better lead-in period for schools rather than in Quarter 2 as in previous years. This will also help ensure that works done under the Summer Works Scheme fit better with any wider refurbishment/energy retrofit plans that may be done at schools under the increased funding provided in the National Development Plan. The engagement with education partners will commence shortly and will assist in developing a better timeline for the planning and delivery of summer works projects for 2019 onwards.
Capitation Grants
Ceisteanna (258)
Seamus Healy
Ceist:258. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to restore and increase the capitation grants to primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23591/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I recognise the need to improve capitation funding for schools having regard to the reductions that were necessary over recent years.
Restoring capitation funding as resources permit is one of the actions included in the Action Plan for Education.
Budget 2018 marked the second year of major reinvestment in the education sector, as we continue to implement the Action Plan for Education, which has the central aim to make the Irish Education and Training service the best in Europe within a decade. In 2018, the budget for the Department of Education increased by €554 million to over €10 billion. Through budget 2017 and Budget 2018, we are now investing €1 billion more in education.
The process is underway for restoring grant funding that is used by schools to fund the salaries of ancillary staff. The ancillary grant was increased by €6 in 2016, €5 in 2017 and €5 in 2018, in order to enable primary schools to implement the arbitration salary increase for grant funded school secretaries and caretakers and to also implement the restoration of salary for cleaners arising from the unwinding of FEMPI legislation.
Third Level Courses Availability
Ceisteanna (259)
Seamus Healy
Ceist:259. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the courses that are available at the LIT campus, Clonmel for the coming academic year; the courses that have been withdrawn from LIT Campus, Clonmel for the coming academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23596/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The course that are available at LIT Clonmel Campus for the Academic Year 2018/19 are -
CAO Listed Courses
LC502 Game Art & Design (Level 8)
LC517 Creative Media and Design (Level 8)
LC518 Digital Animation Production (Level 8)
LC504 Creative Media and Design (Level 7)
LC515 Digital Animation Production (Level 7)
LC516 Game Art and Design Production (Level 7)
Direct Entry Courses
LC514 Creative Media and Design (Level 6)
Flexible Learning Courses
Diploma in Quality Management (Part 1)
Diploma in Quality Management (Part 2)
Certificate in Transport Safety Management
H.Dip. in Business Management (New)
H.Dip. in Digital Marketing (New)
Certificate in 3D Animation & Visual Effects (New)
There are two courses withdrawn from LIT Clonmel Campus for 2018/19, as demand for these programmes has been declining year on year for a number of years.
LC513 Business (Level 8)
LC501 Business (Level 7).
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Ceisteanna (260)
Seamus Healy
Ceist:260. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will restore the SNA position and hours for a school (details supplied) and the autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit in the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23597/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating a quantum of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support for each school annually taking into account the assessed care needs of children qualifying for SNA support enrolled in the school.
The NCSE allocates SNA support to schools in accordance with the criteria set out in Department Circular 0030/2014, which is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie, in order that students who have care needs can access SNA support as and when it is needed. The Department’s policy is to ensure that every child who is assessed as needing SNA support will receive access to such support.
In considering applications for SNA supports for individual pupils, the SENOs take account of the pupils' needs and consider the resources available to the school to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the pupils from its current level of resources. SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource.
SNA allocations to all schools can change from year to year as children with care needs leave the school, as new children with care needs enrol in a school and as children develop more independent living skills and their care needs diminish over time.
I was very pleased to announce on Friday 18 May that 800 additional Special Needs Assistants will be allocated for the beginning of the next school year, with a further 140 expected to be allocated by the end of the year.
I was also pleased that the announcement was in keeping with the commitment made last year to inform schools of the September 2018 allocation before the end of May. In making this announcement at this time the Department is providing certainty to schools, parents and of course SNA's in relation to the posts that will be in place for the coming school year.
By the end of this year, there will be a total of 15,000 Special Needs Assistants working in our schools, a 42% increase on 2011. The National Council for Special Education notified the schools of their SNA allocations on Friday last and the details of these allocations are now published and available on their website.
The NCSE Appeals Process may be invoked by a parent or a school where it is considered that a child was not granted access to SNA support on the grounds that Department policy was not met in accordance with Circular 0030/2014.
Schools may also appeal a decision, where the school considers that the NCSE, in applying Department policy, has not allocated the appropriate level of SNA supports to the school to meet the special educational and/or care needs of the children concerned.
Where a school has received its allocation of SNA support for 2018/19, but wishes new enrolments or assessments to be considered, which were not taken into account when the initial allocation was made, they may continue to make applications to the NCSE. The closing date for receipt of any appeals in regard to SNA allocations is Friday, 28th September 2018.
ASD special classes are resourced to cater for six pupils with complex educational needs arising from their diagnosis of autism and as such are staffed with a reduced PTR (6:1 Primary and 6:1.5 Post Primary) and two Special Needs Assistants. Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs are available on www.ncse.ie in county order.
The consideration of professional reports is an integral part of determining the extent of supports to be provided for pupils with special educational needs. In making allocations to schools, the NCSE takes into account the assessed individual needs of all children with identified needs who are currently enrolled in the school.
The NCSE have confirmed that there are no plans to remove the ASD unit from this school.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (261)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:261. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if, when viewing the application by a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for an extra teacher, cognisance will be taken of the fact that the school has an ASD unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23606/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 also includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for consideration by the Appeals Board at its May 2018 meeting under the Small Schools criteria. The appeal was provisionally approved by the Appeals Board pending confirmation of the actual enrolments in September 2018.
The school has been notified of the outcome of the appeal. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (262)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:262. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the concerns of persons in regard to the impact that a SNA reduction will have on a child (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23607/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) for allocating a quantum of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support for each school annually taking into account the assessed care needs of children qualifying for SNA support enrolled in the school.
The NCSE allocates SNA support to schools in accordance with the criteria set out in Department Circular 0030/2014, which is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie, in order that students who have care needs can access SNA support as and when it is needed. The Department’s policy is to ensure that every child who is assessed as needing SNA support will receive access to such support.
In considering applications for SNA supports for individual pupils, the SENOs take account of the pupils' needs and consider the resources available to the school to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the pupils from its current level of resources. SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource.
SNA allocations to all schools can change from year to year as children with care needs leave the school, as new children with care needs enrol in a school and as children develop more independent living skills and their care needs diminish over time.
I was very pleased to announce on Friday 18 May that 800 additional Special Needs Assistants will be allocated for the beginning of the next school year, with a further 140 expected to be allocated by the end of the year.
I was also pleased that the announcement was in keeping with the commitment made last year to inform schools of the September 2018 allocation before the end of May. In making this announcement at this time the Department is providing certainty to schools, parents and of course SNA's in relation to the posts that will be in place for the coming school year.
By the end of this year, there will be a total of 15,000 Special Needs Assistants working in our schools, a 42% increase on 2011. The National Council for Special Education notified the schools of their SNA allocations on Friday last and the details of these allocations are now published and available on their website.
The NCSE Appeals Process may be invoked by a parent or a school where it is considered that a child was not granted access to SNA support on the grounds that Department policy was not met in accordance with Circular 0030/2014.
Schools may also appeal a decision, where the school considers that the NCSE, in applying Department policy, has not allocated the appropriate level of SNA supports to the school to meet the special educational and/or care needs of the children concerned.
Where a school has received its allocation of SNA support for 2018/19, but wishes new enrolments or assessments to be considered, which were not taken into account when the initial allocation was made, they may continue to make applications to the NCSE. The closing date for receipt of any appeals in regard to SNA allocations is Friday, 28th September 2018.
As this question relates to an individual child I have referred the question to the NCSE for their direct reply.
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (263)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress to date in the facilitation of an extension for a school (details supplied) with particular reference to demographic demand in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23625/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's Capital Programme (2016-2021) continues to address the challenges posed by the significant bulge in pupil enrolments going through our schools. This has seen a significant expansion in the rate of provision of new school places. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed through the architectural planning process, including those schools in County Kildare. The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, if required, for schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. My Department has received an application for capital funding from the primary school referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy. The application will be considered and a decision will be conveyed to the school authorities as soon as the assessment process has been completed.
I wish to advise the Deputy of my recent announcement regarding the establishment of 42 new schools over the next four years (2019 to 2022). This announcement follows nationwide demographic exercises carried out by the Department into the future need for primary and post-primary schools across the country and the 4-year horizon will enable increased lead-in times for planning and delivery of the necessary infrastructure.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has set out on its website at www.education.ie - Building Works, the current status of building projects and this is updated regularly.
State Examinations Fees
Ceisteanna (264)
John McGuinness
Ceist:264. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the rationale for the decision to more than double the fee to repeat the leaving certificate examination to €116; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23632/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you
Teaching Qualifications
Ceisteanna (265)
John McGuinness
Ceist:265. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the educational qualifications achieved by a person (details supplied) in the UK have not been recognised here; his views on whether there is a need to review the criteria for recognising such qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23633/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the statutory body with responsibility for the registration of teachers.
The person to whom the Deputy refers is advised to continue to liaise directly with the Teaching Council in relation to meeting the requirements for registration.
School Transport Appeals
Ceisteanna (266, 267)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:266. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills the annual cost of running and maintaining the school transport appeals board; the value of payments to staff and all associated staff in each of the years 2015 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23646/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBobby Aylward
Ceist:267. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of appeals granted by the school transport appeals board in each of the years 2015 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23647/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 266 and 267 together.
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
Currently over 116,000 children, including almost 12,000 children with special educational needs, are being transported in over 4,500 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually at a total cost of almost €190 million in 2017.
The School Transport Appeals Board is independent of my Department. Under the terms of reference of the Board, the Board determines appeals against decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education and Skills regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes.
I can advise that since 2015, 558 appeals were made to the Board, none of which were upheld. However, a number of appeals were referred by the Board to my Department's School Transport Section for clarification and/or further consideration arising from additional information which came to light during the appeals process.
Payments to the Appeals Board Members were as follows:
2015: €14,500
2016: €15,800
2017: €29,400.
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Ceisteanna (268)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:268. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a planned specialist autism unit at a school (details supplied) will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23665/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department approved funding to the school in question to undertake re-configuration works within the school building to provide accommodation for pupils with special educational needs. The project has been devolved to the Board of Management for delivery.
The school has since sought funding for additional works and this request is currently being considered by my Department. A decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this process has been concluded.
Student Universal Support Ireland
Ceisteanna (269)
Joan Burton
Ceist:269. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the report underway in respect of the SUSI grant is due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23671/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding (Cassells Report) which was published in July 2016, clearly outlines the funding challenges in the higher education sector and offers a number of potential policy approaches for consideration.
As committed to in the Programme for Government, I referred the Cassell's Report to the Oireachtas Education Committee to review its recommendations and outline a proposed funding plan for the sector, as part of the process of building political consensus around the most appropriate means of ensuring a sustainable funding model for the future.
In January 2018, 18 months after publication of the Report, my Department received a request from the Oireachtas Committee for the Department to carry out a comprehensive economic evaluation of each of the recommendations put forward in the Report. I have agreed to this request. My Department and I are currently considering the most appropriate means of undertaking the economic examination of each of the proposed policy options presented in the Report to assist the Committee and to ensure that a sustainable funding model for Higher Education is developed to support the realisation of the economy’s growth potential.
Policy decisions in relation to the Student Grant Scheme will be considered in the wider context of the Cassells Report, however, the statutory based Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations continue to be reviewed annually by my Department, following consultation with various stakeholders.
The Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations for the 2018/19 academic year, were published on 28 March 2018. SUSI's online grant application system opened on 5 April 2018.
School Closures
Ceisteanna (270)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:270. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a request from parents, pupils and teaching staff to close a school (details supplied) on a phased basis over a year or more will be given consideration in view of the disruption that will be caused by its immediate closure; if he has been contacted by the Archdiocese of Dublin regarding the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23678/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There have been ongoing discussions and communication between the Archdiocese of Dublin and my Department regarding this matter. Following further very recent discussions, further consideration is being given to this issue.
Schools Data
Ceisteanna (271)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:271. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the name of each primary and secondary school in County Mayo that does not have a physical education hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23689/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not hold details relating to the information requested.
The Deputy will be aware that the government will increase the funding provided for the school sector's capital investment programme. Under the National Development Plan, this funding allows for a continued focus on the provision of new permanent school places to keep pace with demographic demand and also provides for an additional focus on the refurbishment of existing school buildings to include the building and modernisation of PE facilities in primary and post-primary schools.
School Curriculum
Ceisteanna (272)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:272. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the budget spent by his Department on the provision of music tuition for children in each of the past ten years. [23733/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is engaged in a range of activities around the provision of music tuition for children and young people.
Exact expenditure figures regarding the teaching of Music in primary and post-primary schools are not available, as funding is not allocated by my Department on a subject-by-subject basis. However, there is curricular provision for music at both primary and post-primary levels.
In primary schools, the music curriculum provides for pupils to develop an awareness of musical concepts. Music education forms part of the Arts Education curriculum area, comprising music, visual arts and drama, in respect of which a minimum of 3 hours tuition time per week is recommended, with 2 hours and 30 minutes for infant classes. Additionally, the primary curriculum allocates discretionary tuition time which may be spent on music.
In post-primary schools, the decision to offer music for junior and senior cycle lies with individual schools. Music at both junior and senior cycle consists of a series of interrelated musical activities aimed at developing performing, composing and listening skills.
Outside of the mainstream school curriculum for music, many initiatives and bodies are provided with funding by my Department who, at their discretion, may allocate funding to music education, or may allocate a portion of funding to music education for children.
For example, the Creative Engagement programme is managed by the NAPD (National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals). Each year projects are produced in schools under this programme, ranging from theatre and film through to sculpture and music. My Department is one of the sponsors of the programme with an annual contribution of €55,000.
My Department also provides funding to the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland. An annual payment of €60,000 has been made since 2014. The Orchestra was established in 1995 as a peace initiative and is composed of over 100 young musicians from all over Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Additionally, my Department funds Music Generation which was established in 2009, following philanthropic donations from U2 and the Ireland Funds. Following this, Music Generation established 11 Music Education Partnerships (MEPs) in 12 counties.
In 2014, my Department began funding Music Generation’s 11 MEPs. Funding increased in the following years as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2014 |
€300k |
|
2015 |
€1.39m |
|
2016 |
€2.4m |
|
2017 |
€2.485m |
|
2018 |
€2.485m |
In 2017, my Department committed to the expansion of Music Generation, with a further 9 MEPs being announced. These are initially to be funded with philanthropic funding, with my Department commencing funding when philanthropic funding ceases.
As part of Creative Youth, the plan for Pillar 1 of the Government’s Creative Ireland programme, Government has also committed to the national expansion of Music Generation by 2022.
My Department also established a Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary in 2016. The total amount available for award was €50,000 that year, which was increased to €100,000 in 2017. This increased amount has been retained for 2018.
Co-operation hours are teaching hours provided for a range of activities to a number of Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Though not all hours are used for the provision of music education for children, a significant portion of the hours allocated to each ETB are used for this purpose. The estimate of expenditure for each of the past 10 years is as follows:
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2008/09 |
€6.2m |
|
2009/10 |
€6.2m |
|
2010/11 |
€5.9m |
|
2011/12 |
€6.0m |
|
2012/13 |
€6.0m |
|
2013/14 |
€6.2m |
|
2014/15 |
€6.1m |
|
2015/16 |
€5.9m |
|
2016/17 |
€5.9m |
|
2017/18 |
€5.9m |