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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 15 Jan 2019

Written Answers Nos. 369-388

Gaelcholáistí Issues

Ceisteanna (369)

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

369. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is still his plan that the north County Kildare Gaelcholáiste will open in September 2019 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1344/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Maynooth Community College opened in 2014 with an Irish-medium Aonad and it was stated that should the Aonad demonstrate sufficient viability after four years from its date of establishment, a Gaelcholáiste would be established. As the Deputy will be aware, Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (ETB) and An Foras Pátrúnachta had been working through the practical arrangements necessary to facilitate the establishment of a new Gaelcholáiste.

My Department received correspondence from both of these parties in December 2018 and is considering same in the context of the establishment of a new Gaelcholáiste. The Department is conscious of timelines for the establishment of a new school and of the need to provide parents in the area with certainty and intends to confirm arrangements for this coming September very shortly.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (370)

Eugene Murphy

Ceist:

370. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that a school (details supplied) retains its third mainstream classroom teacher in September 2019 due to extenuating circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1347/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Staffing arrangements for the 2019/20 school year are currently being finalised and will be published on my Department's website next month. At that stage, schools will be able to establish their staffing for the coming school year and submit a staffing appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board.

Student Universal Support Ireland Administration

Ceisteanna (371)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

371. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address concerns (details supplied) with regard to Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1446/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department will provide circa €440m for measures to help people to access further and higher education in 2019.

The Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding (Cassells Report) clearly outlines the funding challenges in the higher education sector and offers a number of potential policy approaches for consideration. In order to build a political consensus regarding a future approach to funding the higher Education Sector the then Minister for Education and Skills referred the expert group report on future funding of higher education to the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Skills for their consideration. The Committee requested that the Department undertake an economic examination of the three policy options proposed by the expert group to assist the Committee in forming its view of the most appropriate option.

In Q4 2018, my Department applied to the European Commission Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP) which provides tailor-made support to all EU countries for their institutional, administrative and growth-enhancing reforms to carry out the analysis of the three policy options identified by the Expert Group. Formal decision-making by the European Commission on projects that have been successful in obtaining supporting is expected by end-February 2019.

Having this evaluation undertaken through the Commission’s Structural Reform Support Programme will provide the type of international expertise, analysis, and objectivity that would be beneficial to a major evaluation of this nature.

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. Changes to the Student Support Act 2011 are also proposed under the Government’s Brexit Contingency Action Plan; to ensure that eligible students attending colleges in the UK and eligible UK nationals studying here, continue to receive grant support.

It is anticipated that the Student Grant Scheme and Student Support Regulations for the 2019/20 academic year will be published in early April 2019. Students attending college in the academic year 2019/20 will be required to submit their grant application to SUSI (via www.susi.ie) to have their eligibility for grant assistance assessed.

Third-level students who are experiencing exceptional financial need, can also apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.

Tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners at www.revenue.ie.

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Ceisteanna (372)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

372. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna an bhfuil sé i gceist aige casadh le heagraíocht (sonraí tugtha) chun cúrsaí oideachais trí Ghaeilge a phlé go ginearálta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [1453/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Bheinn breá sásta cruinniú a bheith agam leis an eagraíocht seo chun oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge a phlé leo.

Féadann siad dul i dteagmháil le m'oifig chun na socruithe cuí a dhéanamh chuige seo.

Oideachas Gaeilge

Ceisteanna (373)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

373. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén fáth nach bhfuil an deontas do scoileanna Lán-Ghaeilge atá á íoc le scoileanna deonacha amháin á íoc freisin le scoileanna atá faoi chúram na gColáistí Oideachais agus Oiliúna, na bPobalscoileanna agus na Scoileanna Cuimsitheacha agus atá ag múineadh trí Ghaeilge (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [1454/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Sna socruithe cistiúcháin atá déanta ag an Roinn le haghaidh meánscoileanna deonacha, scoileanna cuimsitheacha agus pobail agus le haghaidh scoileanna agus coláistí na mBord Oideachais agus Oiliúna (BOO) léirítear na socruithe éagsúla bainistíochta agus úinéireachta a bhaineann le scoileanna an dara leibhéil.

Maoinítear meánscoileanna deonacha i scéim an tSaoroideachais, atá faoi úinéireacht agus bhainistíocht phríobháideach, trí dheontais per capita. Íoctar deontas per capita breise le scoileanna in earnáil na meánscoileanna deonacha ina múintear trí Ghaeilge go hiomlán nó i bpáirt. Ní hé seo an modh maoinithe áfach, a bhaineann le hearnálacha na scoileanna Pobail agus Cuimsitheacha ná le scoileanna na mBord Oideachais agus Oiliúna. I gcás na hEarnála Pobail agus Cuimsithí cuireann an Roinn maoiniú ar fáil ar bhonn buiséid atá bunaithe go príomha ar líon na scoláirí. Lena chois sin glactar san áireamh fachtóirí breise a athraíonn ó scoil go chéile, fachtóirí ar nós bail na bhfoirgneamh, méid na scoile srl.

Déantar leithdháiltí ar na BOO ar bhonn buiséid i ndáil le costais ardoifige agus costais eile lena n-áirítear iad siúd a bhaineann le scoileanna. Tugtar a lán neamhspleáchas do Bhoird Oideachais agus Oiliúna maidir le bainistiú agus leithreasú a gcuid buiséad agus tá cead ag gach BOO a chuid leithdháiltí a dháileadh amach de réir na dtosaíochtaí atá aige agus de réir a chuid riachtanas. Ní mór saincheisteanna maidir le maoiniú i dtaobh scoile ar leith a bhainistiú ó bhuiséad an Bhoid Oideachais agus Oiliúna lena mbaineann. Ní chuireann an Roinn leithdháiltí maoinithe ar leataobh do scoileanna aonair in earnáil na mBord Oideachais agus Oiliúna.

Tuigeann an Teachtaire Dála áfach go bhfuil tuilleadh feabhsuithe fógartha i mBuiséad 2019 sa mhéid go gcuirfear maoiniú caipitlíocha méadaithe ar fáil don earnáil scoile i gcomhair na scoilbhliana 2019/20 agus sna buiséid neamh-íoc san in earnáil na mBord Oideachais agus Oiliúna.

PQ 1454 2019 – Bi-lingual grant

The funding arrangements made by the Department for voluntary secondary, comprehensive and community and ETB schools and colleges reflect the different management and ownership arrangements that apply to schools at second level.

Voluntary secondary schools, in the Free Education scheme, which are privately owned and managed, are funded by way of per capita grants. An additional per capita grant is paid to schools in the voluntary secondary sector in which instruction is through the medium of Irish in full or in part. However, this is not the method of funding that applies to the Community and Comprehensive or the ETB sectors. In the case of the Community and Comprehensive Sector the Department provides funding on a budget basis that is based mainly on pupil numbers, but also takes into account additional factors which vary from school to school such as condition of buildings, size of school etc.

The ETB allocations are made on a budget basis in respect of head office and other costs, including those relating to schools. ETBs are given a high level of autonomy in the management and appropriation of their budgets and each ETB is allowed to distribute its allocations in line with its priorities and perceptions of need. Any funding issues for an individual school have to be managed from within the relevant ETB’s budget. The Department does not earmark funding allocations for individual schools in the ETB sector.

However, the Deputy is aware of the further improvements announced in the 2019 Budget which will see increased capitation funding for the school sector for the 2019/20 school year and in the non-pay budgets in the ETB sector.

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (374)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

374. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of secondary schools that do not have access to high speed broadband. [1513/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.

All post-primary schools and some special schools are now on high speed broadband through the Department's High Speed Broadband Programme, managed by HEAnet.

The need to improve broadband connectivity to primary schools is recognised in the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020, and 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.

The policy of my Department through the Schools Broadband Access Programme is to offer the best quality connectivity to all schools in line with the technical solutions available in the market and within financial constraints. Currently investment of some €15m is allocated annually for the provision of internet connectivity to schools. As the deputy is no doubt aware broadband capacity can vary across geographical locations and is dependent on local infrastructure which can impact on the service that can be provided in individual schools.

The Department reviews the availability and quality of services and upgrades schools under the programme when the opportunity arises, in line with contractual and budgetary requirements. Currently, over 1,400 primary schools have been awarded download speeds of 30Mbps or greater (the baseline download speed required under the National Broadband Plan). This represents more than one third of all primary schools which is a significant improvement in recent years, given that less than 100 primary schools were on those speeds in 2012. Further schools are likely to be upgraded to those speeds in 2018, through EIR's 300K Rural Deployment commitment and industry provision.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (375)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

375. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; if a response to the correspondence has issued to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1559/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My officials have advised that no such correspondence has been received in my Department to date. If the Deputy wishes to supply any further information regarding the matter I will be happy to make enquiries.

Higher Education Schemes

Ceisteanna (376)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

376. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Skills the measures being taken to promote equality of opportunity in higher education; the efforts being made to remove barriers to accessing higher education and to promote greater participation by those under-represented in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1560/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Access Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2015-2019 (NAP) was launched in December 2015, and it aims to ensure that the student body entering, participating in and completing higher education at all levels reflects the diversity and social mix of Ireland’s population. Irish Travellers are identified as a target group within the Plan.

To support the implementation of the National Access Plan (NAP), the Department of Education and Skills (DES) established the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) fund in 2016. Through PATH the Government committed more than €16 million over three years to increase access to higher education by the target groups identified in the NAP and will see many new initiatives emerge that will support greater levels of access and participation.

I recently published a Progress Review of the NAP in which it has been recommended that the terms of the National Access Plan be extended by two years to 2021. This is necessary to allow for the implementation of the Access Data Plan and to ensure that the targets for the new National Access Plan are set based on the new data. Sufficient time needs to be provided for baseline data to be collected and verified. An extension of the term would also enable initiative such as PATH to be more fully implemented and evaluated, and allow learning outcomes to be used to inform the next National Access Plan.

The Department also provides a suite of supports costing in the region of €400 million that are intended to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and other under-represented groups, to overcome financial barriers to accessing and completing Further and Higher Education. These supports include the student grants, the fund for students with disabilities, the student assistant fund and a number of bursary schemes.

The annual core grant allocation by the HEA to each higher education institution includes an access funding element which is based on the number of students from access target groups who are participating in each institution as derived from the return of annual student data by each institution to the HEA.

Summer Works Scheme

Ceisteanna (377)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

377. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount of funding allocated to a school (details supplied) under the most recent allocation of the summer works scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1567/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The school to which the Deputy refers has been granted funding under the most recent round of the Summer Works Scheme. The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority so it is now a matter for the Board of Management to advance the design and construction work.

With regard to the funding allocated, this is commercially sensitive until the tender process for a contractor for the project has been completed.

School Catchment Areas

Ceisteanna (378)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

378. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to request schools to provide information detailing individual school catchment areas for primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1569/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018.

My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

As the Deputy is aware the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, which was signed into law by the President on the 18th July 2018, is an important piece of legislation which will introduce a more parent-friendly, equitable and consistent approach to how school admissions policy operates for the almost 4,000 primary and post-primary schools in this country and a fair and balanced school admission process for all pupils.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (379)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

379. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of developments at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1593/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The major building project referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) – Detailed Design.

The pre-qualification process to select a shortlist of suitable contractors is now complete and the Design Team has also completed the necessary work to ensure the new school building is NZEB compliant.

The project is currently being progressed to tender stage.

A tender stage normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.

Schools Amalgamation

Ceisteanna (380)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

380. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the amalgamation of the national schools in Cahir, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1594/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to advise the Deputy that I understand the amalgamation process involving the schools, referred to, will be finalised with the delivery of the major school building project.

The building project will deliver a new 16 classroom primary school with special needs unit. The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural planning process - detailed design stage. The statutory consents including planning permission, disability access certificate and fire safety certificate have been granted.

The process of Pre-Qualification of contractors for the project in question is underway. The pre-qualification process culminates in the compilation of a shortlist of suitable candidates for each respective discipline. The project will then be progressed to tender stage which normally takes between 7 and 8 months to complete.

Schools Refurbishment

Ceisteanna (381)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

381. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the dilapidated condition of a school building (details supplied); the timeline for the planned refurbishment and extension to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1608/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, the project to which she refers has been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board. The pre-qualification process for the appointment of contractors is ongoing. It is not possible to say exactly when the project will proceed to tender at least until the pre-qualification process has been completed.

Education and Training Boards

Ceisteanna (382)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

382. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department has inspected the conditions at a school (details supplied) with regard to safety regulations for ventilation and access to fire exits. [1609/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware, a building project to provide improved accommodation for the school to which she refers has been devolved to the local Education and Training Board (ETB) for delivery. The ETB has advised my Department that the pre-qualification process for the appointment of contractors for the project is ongoing.

I wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is not aware of the specific matters to which she refers.

Schools Health and Safety

Ceisteanna (383)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

383. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that all school buildings in the Fingal area meet fire and safety regulations. [1610/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department initiated a programme of fire safety assessments in 55 schools in Quarter 4 of 2017. This involved 30 schools constructed by Western Building Systems under Design and Build contracts and a representative sample of 25 other schools constructed over the last 20 years. A number of schools in the Fingal area were included in this assessment process. Fire Safety Consultants have visited all 55 schools and Fire Safety Assessment reports have been received in my Department.

The Fire Safety Consultants have engaged directly with the fire officers in their respective local authorities to advise of remedial works planned and underway. The fire officers have broadly welcomed the Department’s proactive approach to dealing with the issues highlighted and have indicated their acceptance of the course of action being followed, including the identified remediation works and the fact that the schools continue to be occupied on a day-to-day basis.

The assessments are intended to give a clear picture of whether there may be issues arising out of compliance with fire safety certificates in school buildings. The assessments focus on the conformance of the school building with relevant fire safety obligations, and where deemed necessary, on recommendations for remedial actions in order to satisfy those obligations. The reports identify various housekeeping, maintenance and remedial works to be addressed and the Department has engaged the services of KSN Project Managers with a full technical team including Architects, Engineers and Fire Safety Consultants, to organise and oversee any necessary remedial works. My Department has no reason to believe that there are issues with fire safety provisions in schools generally, including in the Fingal area. These additional steps are an added precaution being taken by my Department prompted by recent concerns in Ireland and abroad regarding fire safety in public buildings.

Energy Conservation

Ceisteanna (384)

John Curran

Ceist:

384. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools set to receive energy retrofits in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1613/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In the National Development Plan (2018-2027) €2.5bn is identified for the refurbishment and construction of schools. Part of this is intended for a deep energy retrofit of schools built prior to 2008.

My Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are currently involved in an energy efficiency retrofit pilot scheme for schools. The longer-term outcome of this scheme will be to create an accurate and scalable model for energy efficient retrofits of schools across the country.

This pilot commenced in 2017 when ten schools received energy retrofits. In 2018, six schools received retrofits. For 2019 we are hoping to expand this programme and expect to make an announcement in that respect shortly.

Energy Conservation Measures delivered to date include fabric (roofs, walls, glazing and doors), heating (boilers, controls, Building Management systems), and electrical (LED lighting and solar PV).

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (385)

John Curran

Ceist:

385. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress being made in providing a new school building for a school (details supplied); the timeline for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1618/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s 6 year Construction Programme.

A project brief is being finalised and the project will be delivered via the ADAPT programme. The ADAPT programme uses a professional external Project Manager to coordinate and drive the respective design teams on each project.

In this regard, a tender competition is in train to establish a Project Manager framework which is expected to be in place by early March. The formulation of tender documentation is underway and once the framework has been established a tender exercise will be carried out to appoint a Project Manager for this particular project.

All schools with projects on the ADAPT programme will be contacted shortly by my Department to provide an update on the status of their respective project. I wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is committed to providing a new school building for the school in question.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (386)

John Curran

Ceist:

386. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide a progress report on a new school building project for schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1619/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The major building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2b (Detailed Design). All statutory approvals have been secured.

The Stage 2(b) report was submitted to my Department in late September 2018 and following an initial review was deemed incomplete. The report has been returned to the Design Team for revision, along with guidance comments from my Department. The Design Team is currently completing work on a revised submission.

Upon receipt and review of the revised Stage 2(b) report, my Department will advise the Board of Management of the timeline for the progression of this project to tender and construction.

Schools Site Acquisitions

Ceisteanna (387)

John Curran

Ceist:

387. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made in identifying and securing a site for a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; if this project is now included on the schools building work programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1620/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently in the process of acquiring additional land owned by South Dublin County Council adjoining the site of this school. While a building project for this school is not on the current schools building works programme, the additional land offers the potential to enhance current facilities and support future development. There is ongoing engagement with officials from South Dublin County Council on this matter.

School Textbooks

Ceisteanna (388)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

388. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated amount it would cost in 2019 if the budget for the school books grant increased by 20%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1643/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The estimated cost of a 20% increase in the book grant for primary and post-primary schools is circa €20m.

The Department provides a book grant to all recognised primary and post primary schools within the Free Education Scheme in order to provide assistance for books including Book Rental Schemes.

Under this scheme, the Department provided funding of €16.7 million in 2018 to all of these schools. It is a matter for the Board of Management of each individual school to decide on its own policy in relation to the use of this funding in the school but they are expected to adopt a cost-conscious approach to the selection of books for use in their classes. The current arrangement relies on the local knowledge of the school in order to ensure a fair allocation of funds to those most in need. The arrangements in relation to this scheme are set out in Circular 0046/2013 which is published on the Department's website at http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0046_2013.pdf

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