Declan Breathnach
Ceist:165. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he is taking to ensure that redress that is owed is paid by the church (details supplied). [36587/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraResidential Institutions Redress Scheme
Ceisteanna (165)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department has responsibility for the management of the State's response to residential institutional child abuse. This includes the coordination of the engagement with religious congregations that managed many of the residential institutions involved, particularly in relation to the receipt of contributions towards the very substantial costs incurred by the State in responding to the abuse that took place.
Costs in excess of some €1.4 billion have been incurred by the State in responding to residential institutional child abuse and to date, congregations have offered to contribute some €481 million towards these costs. These offers have been made under the legally binding 2002 Indemnity Agreement and under the additional voluntary offers made by a number of congregations in 2009 in the aftermath of the publication of the Ryan Report. Contributions of cash, property and counselling services amounting to €227 million have been received from the congregations under the two rounds. My Department is continuing to pursue the completion of the outstanding offers.
A detailed summary of the current position in regard to the contributions made by religious congregations is set out in the update at the link which was provided to the Public Accounts Committee at the end of July and which is also published on my Department's website.
Responsibility for criminal investigations of abuse in any setting is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
Ministerial Advisers Data
Ceisteanna (166)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:166. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the political advisers being used by senior and junior Ministers in his Department since the commencement of this Government; the commencement dates of the employment of each; and the cessation dates of same employment in cases in which that applies. [36696/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are currently five special advisers engaged at my Department. The following tabular statement gives details of the Ministers concerned, the name of the appointees, the date they took up duty and where appropriate, the date they ceased employment. In accordance with the terms of the Ethics Acts a copy of their respective contracts of employment have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas and as such can be viewed by the Deputy.
Richard Bruton, T.D.
Minister for Education & Skills
|
Special Adviser |
Start Date |
End Date |
|
Conor Quinn |
7th May 2016 |
23rd Sept 2017 |
|
Patrick Cluskey |
30th May 2016 |
N/A |
|
Sarah O Neill |
25th Sept 2017 |
N/A |
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, T.D.
Minister of State.
|
Special Adviser |
Start Date |
End Date |
|
Roy Dooney |
14th June 2017 |
N/A |
|
Lynda McQuaid |
25th July 2017 |
N/A |
John Halligan, T.D.
Minister of State.
|
Special Adviser |
Start Date |
End Date |
|
Michelle Clancy |
14th Nov 2016 |
N/A |
School Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (167)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:167. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a special transport service will be provided for a person (details supplied). [37007/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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.
Transport has commenced for the child referred to by the Deputy.
School Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (168)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:168. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a special transport service will be provided for a person (details supplied). [37008/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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.
Transport has commenced for the child referred to by the Deputy.
School Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (169)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:169. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school transport service will be provided for persons (details supplied). [37009/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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.
Bus Éireann has advised that the family in question did not submit their payment details for the 2018/19 school year on time and the service is now operating to capacity.
School Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (170)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:170. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if school transport will be provided for a person (details supplied). [37010/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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.
Bus Éireann has advised that a ticket for a school transport service will issue to the child in question within the next few days.
Schools Site Acquisitions
Ceisteanna (171)
Joan Burton
Ceist:171. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a site has been identified for a school (details supplied); when parents will be informed of the site location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37032/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, a project to deliver permanent accommodation for the school to which she refers is included in my Department’s Capital programme.
Officials in my Department continue to liaise with officials in Fingal County Council in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable location for the school in question and have identified a preferred site option within the relevant school planning areas. Negotiations with the landowner in respect of this proposed acquisition are currently ongoing.
In the interim the school will be accommodated from September 2018 at the former Institute of Horology property, Mill Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 on a temporary basis.
Due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions generally, the Deputy will appreciate that I am not in a position to provide further details in relation to the permanent site for the school at this time but I can confirm that the school patron is being kept appraised of developments in respect of the site acquisition process.
Schools Building Projects Status
Ceisteanna (172)
Niall Collins
Ceist:172. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the school community at a school (details supplied) with regard to progress towards permanent buildings to replace the prefabs now on site; if the matter will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37056/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an early stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(a) - Developed Design. During this stage, the agreed preferred design is fully developed in preparation for seeking statutory approvals and with accurate cost plans.
The Design Team for this school is currently preparing Stage 2(a) documentation. Upon receipt of this submission, my Department will review the design and costings and, if satisfactory, the school can be approved to progress to the next stage.
On completion, this project will provide a new permanent build 24-classroom school for the Senior School and an extension and refurbishment to provide a 24-classroom school for the Junior School with an interlinked GP Room. This major building project is included on my Department's 6-year construction program 2016 - 2021.
School Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (173)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:173. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a child (details supplied) who has provided documentary evidence that there is no place for the child at the nearest school will not be provided transport to the closest school which can accommodate the child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37065/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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.
In general, Children with Special Educational Needs are eligible for school transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is resourced to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers. The child in question is not attending his nearest school and is therefore not eligible for school transport under the terms of the Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs. The child's parents have been advised of this decision and have been requested to submit any additional information that they may wish to have considered in relation to their application.
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
Teacher Supply
Ceisteanna (174)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:174. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the difficulties faced by primary schools in hiring qualified substitute teachers to cover teacher absences as expressed by parents, teachers and school management bodies; the steps he is taking to deal with the difficulties; his plans to establish a number of panels of substitute teachers even on a pilot basis in a number of areas initially in order to give schools and children certainty regarding continuity of education at times of teacher absence; his further plans to include north County Wicklow, in which difficulties in employing substitute teachers are indicated in the coverage of a substitute teacher panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37079/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the last two years we have hired 5,000 additional new teachers. It is the case that many teachers who would have been available to carry out substitution work are now gaining permanent and long term contracts.
I am aware of reports that some schools are experiencing difficulties in finding substitute teachers. In order to ease the situation, in the last school year I suspended the limits that teachers on career break can work as substitutes. Schools were also reminded that, in considering career break applications, the needs of pupils should take precedence and they must take account of the availability of appropriate qualified replacement teachers.
As the Deputy is aware, earlier this year I established the Teacher Supply Steering Group, which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department. The Group is considering the issues that relate to teacher supply, including: initial teacher education policy, provision, funding and support; data/research requirements; policies and arrangements for schools and teachers that impact on teacher mobility/supply; and promotion of the teaching profession.
The Steering Group is supported by a number of working groups which are looking in more detail at the issues under these broad headings. The matter of supply panels is part of that consideration. In addition, officials of my Department are engaging directly with the teacher unions. As part of that engagement, the supply panel issue was the subject of an initial discussion with INTO and it is intended to have a follow up meeting on the matter with the union in the near future.
Special Educational Needs Staff
Ceisteanna (175)
Robert Troy
Ceist:175. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if all persons who previously qualified for the role of SNA will automatically qualify for the new inclusion support assistant role; his plans to provide training for persons who previously worked as an SNA to assist them in taking up these roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37109/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The current entry level qualification for Special Needs Assistants is set out in my department's circular 0021/2011 which requires a FETAC level 3 major qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications, OR a minimum of three grade Ds in the Junior Certificate, OR the Equivalent. This remains unchanged.
The Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme which set out to ensure that the Scheme is achieving the best outcomes possible for children with special educational needs was published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in May this year.
The Review recommends the development of a national training programme at FETAC level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications for existing and new SNAs, recognising the fundamental importance of building schools' capacity to meet students' additional care needs.
In response to the Review, I have undertaken to develop proposals for the implementation of the NCSE's recommendations and to return to Government following engagement with the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Health, with a proposed implementation plan to include governance and accountability framework and detailed costings of proposals.
School Transport Provision
Ceisteanna (176)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:176. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an extra bus will be provided to ensure pupils (details supplied) remain at a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37136/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
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.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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.
Children are generally eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application process on time have been issued with tickets for the service operating into the school in question; this service is operating to capacity for the 2018/19 school year.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Under the terms of the scheme, routes will not be extended or altered, 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 as no additional State cost will be incurred in covering the cost of providing school transport for children who are not eligible.
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (177)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:177. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) will be allocated an extra teaching post for sixth year. [37139/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Teacher allocations to all schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. The criteria for the allocation of posts are communicated to school managements annually and are available on the Department website.
The key factors for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level are the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the 30 September in the previous year.
The staffing arrangements also include an appeals mechanism for schools to submit an appeal under certain criteria to the Independent Appeals Board.
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(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012). The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities.
Schools Building Projects Applications
Ceisteanna (178)
Robert Troy
Ceist:178. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application for essential school building works for a school (details supplied) will be expedited. [37177/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware that a building project for the school in question is included in my Department's 6 year Construction Programme.
The project brief is currently being finalised and my Department will continue to liaise directly with the school authority relating to the current status of the project.
Schools Refurbishment
Ceisteanna (179)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:179. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date for the commencement of works at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37178/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that works commenced on site at the Holy Family School in Cootehill, Co. Cavan in June 2018. The project is expected to take approximately 27 months to complete.
Student Grant Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (180)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a review will be carried out of the level of higher education grant awarded in the case of a person (details supplied); if contact will be made with the person to bring this matter to a conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37190/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications.This service complements the established channels provided by SUSI which include online application tracking, a dedicated website, a telephone helpdesk, email and social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at oireachtas@susi.ie. Staff in SUSI are responding to email queries within a matter of days.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (181)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:181. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the NCSE is now able to instruct a school at second level to provide a place for a child with special needs if the NCSE is of the view that the school in question is the most appropriate environment for the child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37194/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 was passed by the Oireachtas on 10 July 2018 and signed by the President on 18 July 2018.
When commenced, the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, should make it easier for parents to more easily access local schools and to enrol their children in a school that meets their needs. The Act will require schools to be fair and transparent in deciding how to prioritise children for admission to the school.
Among the measures included in the Act are measures to:
- Address a situation where a child (with special educational needs or otherwise) cannot find a school place, by providing for the National Council for Special Education or Tusla (Child and Family Agency) to designate a school place for the child.
- Provide, following a process of consultation, a power for the Minister to direct a school to make additional provision in respect of children with special educational needs (i.e. open a special class or classes), where the National Council for Special Education has identified a need for such provision within an area.
In relation to commencement of the various sections of the Act my Department has sought the advice of the Office of the Attorney General (AGO) in respect of which sections can be commenced immediately. Other sections will require regulations and procedures to be drafted following consultation with the Education Partners before they can be commenced.
The commencement of the Act remains a priority and I will consider which sections of the Act can be commenced and appropriate timelines, following advice from the AGO in this regard.
Teaching Qualifications
Ceisteanna (182)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:182. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the Teaching Council of Ireland does not recognise a person (details supplied) in County Cork as a qualified Gaeilge teacher; the steps the person must take to achieve such recognition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37198/18]
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 contact the Teaching Council in relation to becoming recognised as a qualified Gaeilge teacher, and they will outline the steps necessary to achieve this.
Special Educational Needs Service Provision
Ceisteanna (183)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:183. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason no funding is available to establish ASD special classes in secondary schools but funding for similar classes in primary schools can amount to €682 per student; the steps he will take to correct this imbalance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37212/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Capitation funding is intended to contribute towards the cost of heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep and general teaching aids required in schools.
The primary school capitation grant is €170 per pupil, subject to a minimum grant equivalent to 60 pupils. Enhanced rates are payable to Special Schools and Special Classes attached to mainstream primary schools, the rates are determined by the special education needs category of the class. The enhanced capitation rate for primary ASD special classes is €840 per pupil (inclusive of the mainstream rate of €170).
The funding arrangements made by my Department for second level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second-level system. At the core of all arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding.
The standard per capita grant for voluntary secondary schools is €296 per pupil. At Post Primary level, an enhanced capitation rate of €190 per pupil is currently only paid in respect of pupils enrolled in special classes for mild or moderate general learning disability.
The Deputy may be aware that the National Council for Special Education’s Policy Advice on Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (2016) included a recommendation to extend the enhanced level of capitation grant to post-primary schools with special classes on the same basis as primary schools to assist them with the increased running costs associated with these classes.
My Department has convened an Implementation Group with representatives of the NCSE, NEPS, the Inspectorate and representatives from other Departments and agencies to ensure that the Report’s recommendations are fully and appropriately considered.
While a number of the recommendations have already been partially or substantially implemented, work is planned on the implementation of the remaining recommendations.
I have asked my officials to prepare a progress report setting out expected timeframes for full implementation and I expect that report in the coming weeks.
School Admissions
Ceisteanna (184)
James Browne
Ceist:184. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 will come into effect for secondary school admissions in September 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37230/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Education (Admission to Schools) Bill 2016 which was passed by the Oireachtas on 4 July 2018, was signed into law by the President on 18 July 2018.
In relation to commencement of the various sections of the Act my Department has sought the advice of the Office of the Attorney General (AGO) in respect of which sections can be commenced immediately. Other sections will require regulations and procedures to be drafted following consultation with the Education Partners before they can be commenced.
The commencement of the Act remains a priority and I will consider which sections of the Act can be commenced and appropriate timelines, following advice from the AGO in this regard.
School Curriculum
Ceisteanna (185)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:185. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the implementation of the circular relating to the ability of students to opt out of religion classes in education and training board schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37235/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Earlier this year I published Circular 13/2018 which set out a new approach to the arrangements for religious instruction and worship in certain post-primary schools in recognition of the changed composition of the student body now attending those schools.
The circular required these schools to consult with parents to ascertain their wishes in relation to opting out of religious worship or instruction before the start of the school year.
The circular acknowledged that the new arrangements had to take account of timetabling arrangements, including those already made for Junior and Senior Cycle, and in particular choices already made by existing students. Full implementation of the circular had to take account of all of these factors in a school.
In addition the circular sought to ensure that there was clarity for parents in individual schools where there is any practice of including religious instruction or worship during classes set for the delivery of the state curriculum in religious education.
The Department has met with interested parties who contacted the Department before the summer holiday period on this issue and will continue to have further discussions now that the new school year has started.
These meetings were in relation to clarifications sought. The Department has been clear that all Education and Training Board (ETB) and Community Post Primary schools are expected to carry out the provisions in the circular.
Student Support Schemes
Ceisteanna (186)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:186. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is an appeal option available to a person (details supplied) regarding the refusal of a remote boarding grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37237/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An appeal in relation to the refusal of a grant under the terms of the Remote Area Boarding Grant Scheme was received by my Department in relation to the individual concerned.
The Remote Area Boarding Grant Scheme provides for the payment of grants in respect of students whose normal place of residence is outside the range of public transport services to a school providing suitable free second-level education. The criteria is set out in Circular 0016/2016 which is published on the Department’s website at https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0016_2016.pdf.
The application was reviewed by my Department and I regret to state that having regard to the documentation provided and the terms of Circular 0016/2016 the appeal was refused.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland Administration
Ceisteanna (187)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:187. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a QQI fee waiver for not-for-profit community and voluntary sector education groups that are currently expected to pay the same fees as for-profit education businesses will be considered (details supplied). [37250/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 requires that quality assurance underpins the relationship between QQI and the providers with which it engages. This applies to providers operating in the areas of further or higher education and training. QQI is undertaking a re-engagement process with its legacy providers, the purpose of which is to renew this relationship and to ensure that providers have in place fit for purpose quality assurance arrangements that serve the needs of learners. This is essential in order to ensure that all education and training activities meet appropriate quality standards and meet the learning objectives of participants.
QQI, unlike other awarding bodies, does not provide programmes and related assessment methodologies to providers. Instead, providers who engage with QQI must have their own capacity to design programmes and assessment methodologies based on awards standards set down by QQI and linked to the National Framework of Qualifications. Through the process of re-engagement, legacy providers will have the opportunity to demonstrate that they have this capacity and equally importantly, that it is sustainable in the long-term. This will help underpin the credibility and reputation of the education and training opportunities across the broader spectrum of the further education and training sector and contribute to the further development of the appropriate pathways through that system. Important considerations that arise in that regard relate, for example, to the capacity that providers will be required to put in place to ensure that the infrastructure required to develop and deliver programmes are consistent with national standards and facilitate the assessment of the achievement of stated learning objectives by learners.
QQI has worked closely with stakeholders from the Community and Voluntary Sector to identify appropriate solutions that balance the need to continue to facilitate this sector’s education providers to support hard-to-reach learners, with the responsibility to ensure that all providers that engage with QQI are equipped to meet the same robust quality assurance standards.
The policy informing QQI's fee structure has been subject to extensive consultation and provides that the application of fees will be consistent, transparent and equitable. It is also important that it reflects the amount and complexity of the work undertaken by QQI. The level of fees to be applied for the purposes of re-engagement has been subject to extensive deliberation to ensure that they are consistent with this policy and are applied equitably. It was determined during this process that it would not be possible to develop a fee waiver scheme which would be fair, equitable, objective and justifiable given the diversity of providers in this sector. On that basis, a range of fees have been formally approved for this purpose and were published by QQI in July of this year.
School Accommodation Provision
Ceisteanna (188)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:188. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application by a school (details supplied) for additional accommodation is still under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37259/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an application to my Department for a PE Hall.
The Deputy will be aware that under the National Development Plan (NDP), increased funding has been provided for the school sector capital investment programme. 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 post primary schools.
The announcement on 14 September last of the €11.9 billion investment in education as part of Project Ireland 2040 referred to the commitment to a PE Hall build and modernisation programme in post primary schools, starting in the second half of the Project Ireland 2040 period. The application from the school referred to by the Deputy remains available to be considered in this context.
Under the Ireland Project 2040, €8.4 billion will be invested (compared to €4.9 billion in the previous decade) in primary and post primary school buildings.
School Transport Data
Ceisteanna (189, 190, 191, 192)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:189. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of places made available to persons in County Louth for the school transport scheme for the 2018 new school term. [37266/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGerry Adams
Ceist:190. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of applications received from persons in County Louth for places on the school transport scheme for the 2018 new school term; and the number of applicants successfully awarded a place on the scheme. [37267/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGerry Adams
Ceist:191. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of persons in County Louth who were unsuccessful in their applications for the school transport scheme for the 2018 new school term. [37268/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGerry Adams
Ceist:192. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children in County Louth without a place on the school transport scheme despite being deemed successful in their application for the 2018 new school term. [37269/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 to 192, inclusive, together.
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
In the 2017/18 school year over 117,000 children, including over 12,000 children with special educational needs, were 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.
Bus Éireann has advised that 1,648 children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application process on time have been issued with tickets for school transport in County Louth for the 2018/19 school year.
A total of 97 children who are eligible for school transport were not issued tickets as they did not complete the application process on time.
In addition, 457 children who are not eligible for school transport but who completed the application process on time were issued tickets for school transport where spare seats were available; 18 children who were not eligible and who completed the application process on time were not allocated tickets as services are operating to capacity.
The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.