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Tuesday, 21 May 2019

Written Answers Nos. 239-257

Special Educational Needs Staff Contracts

Ceisteanna (239)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

239. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the person or body who will provide the training to help SNAs deliver additional services (details supplied); and if SNAs will be issued with new contracts, to cover them to deliver these services, before the start of the SNA pilot scheme as part of the new inclusion model. [21425/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 27th March I announced the trialling of the School Inclusion Model – a new model of support for students with special educational and additional care needs.

The School Inclusion Model, supported by €4.75m funding allocated in Budget 2019, aims to build schools’ capacity to include children with additional needs and to provide other supports for pupils.

The achievement of better education and life outcomes for all children including those with special needs is a key element of Government policy. In 2019, over €1.87 billion will be invested in Special Education, nearly one fifth of the overall Education budget, and up 49% since 2011.

Seventy-five schools, both primary and post-primary, in Kildare, Wicklow and South Dublin have been invited to participate in this new package of education and health supports to be piloted and evaluated in the 2019/20 school year.

One feature of the School Inclusion Model is the continuation of the In-school Therapy Demonstration Project which provides access to therapy supports for schools and students on a tiered basis delivered by qualified speech and language and occupational therapists.

Another element of the pilot is an enhanced Regional Support Team for schools in the pilot, under the auspices of the National Council for Special Education, which will include speech and language and occupational therapists.

As set out in my Department’s Circular 0030/2014, while it is appropriate for SNAs to assist students to access therapy support in school, or to assist a therapist in providing support for a child or assist the child to perform therapy tasks directed by a therapist, SNAs are not responsible for the management or provision of therapy services in view of the particular skillset required to deliver therapeutic interventions.

Special Educational Needs Staff

Ceisteanna (240)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

240. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a circular will be issued to all schools with a clearly defined list of SNA duties for holiday periods in view of the difficulties posed to SNAs throughout the month of June and at other times throughout the year when a school may not be open and they may end up having to complete tasks not related to their job. [21426/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The position on working hours for SNAs is that there are no nationally set working hours for full-time SNAs. In this regard, the contractual position in respect of the working hours of SNAs is as outlined in their contracts of employment which were agreed with the school management authorities and the relevant Trade Unions representing SNAs (FÓRSA and SIPTU) prior to their introduction in 2005. The working week for SNAs is defined in paragraph 2.5 of their contract as follows: "You will be required to work normal classroom hours including class break periods and in addition to attend before and after school in order to help with the preparation and tidying up of classrooms, reception and dispersal of children etc. The hours of work will normally be from [xxxx] to [xxxx] daily during term time."

This standard contract has been designed to be flexible to cater for the different spectrum of working hours across all the various schools including primary, post-primary and special schools. No set hours were agreed but instead, full-time SNAs are expected to work for the normal school hours in the school that they are working in, and in addition to be available for a period of time before and after school in order to help with reception and dispersal of children and preparation and tidying up of classrooms etc. These times are set locally by the school management and will vary from school to school depending on the requirements of the school.

In addition, all SNAs were required to be available for a number of days at the start and finish of each school term not exceeding 12 in total. Under the Croke Park Agreement it was agreed to introduce greater flexibility to the use of these 12 days. These 12 days now equate to 72 hours (pro-rata for part-time SNAs) to be used by schools as an additional bank of hours to be utilised and delivered outside of normal school opening hours and/or the normal school year.

The contract for Special Needs Assistants in the post primary sector (link below) specifically requires that SNAs are required to work the month of June on examinations and work appropriate to the grade including training. This was agreed with the Unions representing SNAs (FÓRSA and SIPTU) when the contract was devised in 2005. This condition of service places a clear onus and obligation on the SNA to attend at their place of work and be available for work during the month of June.

It is a matter for school management as their employer to determine the precise work that is to be completed by SNAs during the month of June. The utilisation of this period is not specifically for examinations or training purposes only, although these are two of the purposes for which the period of work can be utilised.

Link to the SNA Contract of Employment for the Post Primary sector:

Department of Education and Skills Circular SNA 12/05 (Post-Primary) http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/sna12_05.pdf

This contract of employment is augmented by all of the relevant Departmental Circulars governing Special Needs Assistants which detail the standardised terms and conditions of employment for SNAs. These Circulars are amended and new Circulars are issued by the Minister for Education and Skills from time to time.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (241)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

241. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of applications for works submitted by a school (details supplied). [21438/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The delivery of a replacement building for the school referred to by the Deputy has been devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).

I can inform the Deputy that the NDFA has started preparations for the appointment of a design team for the project.  This appointment will be a key first step in the design and construction stages.  While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.

School Admissions

Ceisteanna (242)

Michael Harty

Ceist:

242. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the lack of places for secondary school students in Ennis for the academic year 2019-2020 will be investigated and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21452/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department understands that post primary schools in Ennis have made offers of school places and some of those offers have yet to accepted. In addition, students may have applied to and been offered places in a number of schools and have yet to accept or decline these offers or have accepted a place in more than one school.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Education (Admission to Schools) Act was signed into law by the President on 18th July 2018.  The overall objective of the Act is to provide a new framework for school enrolment that is designed to ensure that every child is treated fairly and that the way in which schools decide on applications for admission is structured, fair and transparent.

Section 66 of the Act, which was commenced on the 3rd October 2018 and is now operational, relates to Co-operation of Boards. It provides for schools, for the purposes of facilitating the efficient admission of students, to share information with each other in respect of applications received, offers made and offers accepted. However, it is a matter for each school to decide whether they wish to share these details with the other schools for the purposes of efficiently processing applications for admission in an area.

It is open to any of the post primary schools in Ennis to submit an application to the Department for interim temporary accommodation should this be required to meet an immediate enrolment need.

An extension at Ennis Community College to cater for projected demographic growth in the area is due to commence on site shortly and when completed, will provide capacity for an additional 200 students.

School Transport Provision

Ceisteanna (243)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

243. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 333 of 8 May 2019, if a transport solution will be provided for pupils based on the fact that there is no room in the local schools and the nearest schools are in Kilkenny city; if he will provide a report on the findings of his Department relative to the matter and the dilemma being faced by parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21454/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department.

There are currently over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually. The purpose of the 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 general children are eligible for school transport if they meet the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school. 

In cases where the Department is satisfied that the nearest school is full, eligibility for school transport will be determined based on the distance that children reside from their next nearest school having regard to ethos and language.  Further information in this regard is available on my Department's website www.education.ie.

The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.

Teacher Redeployment

Ceisteanna (244)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

244. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status regarding the inclusion of a person (details supplied) on the supplementary panel for primary teaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21473/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers to other schools that have vacancies. Thereafter, schools are required under the panel arrangements to fill permanent vacancies from supplementary panels comprised of eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers.

 Arrangements for panel access for fixed-term (temporary), substitute and part-time teachers to the Supplementary Redeployment Panel for the 2019/20 school year are set out in Circular 0078/2018 which is available on the Department website.

 Applicants must meet all of the published criteria in order to gain access to the Supplementary Redeployment Panel.

 The teacher referred to by the Deputy failed to meet the criteria and is therefore ineligible to be included on the Supplementary Redeployment Panel.

 In relation to the query on the teacher's progression on the salary scale, an increment is awarded on the completion of 183 days substitute work but the teacher cannot progress to the next point on the salary scale any earlier than the the anniversary of their previous increment date.

School Enrolments

Ceisteanna (245)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

245. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 340 of 8 May 2019, if two places will be provided at a school (details supplied) for two children whose parents have already received written confirmation of offers of places; if both offers will be honoured in view of the fact the letters were issued by the school following consultation with the special education section of his Department; if the consultation between the school and the special education section took place; if two of the four places available out of 12 will be reserved for the two children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21474/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances is a matter for the schools themselves. 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. Under section 15 (2) (d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to publish its enrolment policy.

The enrolment of a child in a school is a matter, in the first instance, for the parents of the child and then a matter for the school/ Board of Management having regard to their own enrolment/admissions policy.

My Department has no role in making decisions in these matters.

However, practical help and advice is available throughout the country from the NCSE’s team of locally based Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) who are available to assist and advise parents. They also support and advise schools in this area.

The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), in consultation with the relevant education partners, is responsible for identifying the need for and sanctioning the resourcing of special classes and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.

The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.

As the Deputy's question relates to the availability of placements in a particular area, it has been referred to the NCSE for their direct reply. 

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (246)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

246. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position in relation to an education campus development (details supplied) in County Cork; the position in relation to planning permission for the project; the stage of the project; the timeline for its overall development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21502/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under the Department’s Design & Build programme. 

The project is currently at advanced architectural planning which includes the preparation of the planning application.  The Design & Build Project Management Team lodged Planning permission on 2nd May 2019.

 The timeframe for delivery of the school will be dependent on the grant of planning permission. Once planning permission is secured a tender competition to appoint a building contractor will be required. The schools Boards of Management will be kept informed of progress by Department officials throughout.

Summer Works Scheme Eligibility

Ceisteanna (247)

James Lawless

Ceist:

247. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Skills if school works and repairs qualify for the summer works scheme; and if not, the funding options available. [21507/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I wish to advise the Deputy that the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is designed to allow School Authorities, on a devolved funding basis, carry out necessary improvement and refurbishment works to existing school facilities.

The SWS is currently open for applications and will remain open until 30th June 2019.  Full details on the types of refurbishment works that shcools may apply for under SWS is available on my Department's website www.education.ie.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Ceisteanna (248)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

248. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school place will be sourced for a child (details supplied). [21510/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), an independent agency of my Department, is responsible for planning, coordinating and advising on education provision for children with special educational needs.

The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.

The NCSE team of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs), who are locally based, is available to assist and advise parents whose children have special needs. 

Parents/Guardians who may need advice or are experiencing difficulties in locating a school placement should contact their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) who can assist in identifying an appropriate educational placement for their child, using the contact details available at http://ncse.ie/seno-contact-list.

The NCSE works in collaboration with the Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency which is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child or can offer assistance where a child is out of school. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at http://www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/

As the matter raised by the Deputy refers to a particular child, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be forwarded to the National Council for Special Education for their attention and direct reply.

Insurance Costs

Ceisteanna (249)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which his attention has been drawn to dramatic increases in insurance premiums affecting special needs and other schools, the result of which can only be closure, in view of the extent of the insurance premium increase, in some cases up to 300%; the specific steps he will take to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21522/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is aware of issues relating to rising insurance costs in some special schools which have been brought to my Department’s attention, through correspondence received from a number of special schools, and through discussions with the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE).

Officials from my Department are working as a matter of urgency with NABMSE and other relevant government departments, including the State Claims Agency, to seek a resolution to the issue of increased insurance costs in special schools. 

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (250)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

250. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the project is on course for 2021; if new or replacement prefab accommodation is being provided in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21535/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The project for the school in County Kildare to which the Deputy refers has been devolved to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) for delivery.

Tenders have been invited from the shortlisted contractors and the closing date for receipt of tenders is 7th June 2019.  Once the tender process has been completed, construction can be expected to begin on site.  At this point, it is not possible to provide an exact and accurate timeline for completion of the project.

In the interim period, my Department has approved the provision of additional temporary accommodation for the school for September 2019. The installation of this accommodation has been devolved to KWETB for delivery.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (251)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

251. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount spent in fees to companies (details supplied) by his Department in each of the years 2011 to 2018. [21578/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The following table outlines the details of the amount paid in fees to the four companies in each of the years 2011 to 2018, as indicated on my Department's Financial Management System.

 

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

PwC

 € 64,704.80

 €       -  

 €        -  

 €        -  

 €  14,800.00

 €  11,245.19

 €    8,160.00

 €         -  

ERNST & YOUNG

 €     -  

 €       -  

 €        -  

 €        -  

 € 110,086.40

 €        -  

 €          -  

 € 413,665.65

DELOITTE

 € 11,029.02

 € 13,889.26

 € 12,121.63

 € 99,317.75

 € 199,135.31

 € 134,734.89

 € 237,805.77

 € 282,663.94

KPMG

 €    -  

 €      -  

 €        -  

 €        -    

 €        -  

 €        -  

 €          -  

 €         -  

TOTAL

 € 75,733.82

 € 13,889.26

 € 12,121.63

 € 99,317.75

 € 324,021.71

 € 145,980.08

 € 245,965.77

 € 696,329.59

School Transport Availability

Ceisteanna (252)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

252. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there is funding available to assist with the transportation of children from economically disadvantaged areas with low school completion levels who live just under the necessary distance for regular bus transportation. [21635/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.

There are currently over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres annually.

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Schemes is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

In general, children are eligible for school transport where they meet the distance criteria and are attending their nearest school. Children who are eligible for school transport and who hold valid Medical Cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge.

The terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.  

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Ceisteanna (253, 254)

John Brady

Ceist:

253. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of classes for children with special educational needs in Bray, County Wicklow; the nature of the classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21640/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brady

Ceist:

254. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide additional classes for children with special educational needs in Bray, County Wicklow; the timeline for additional classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21641/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.

Individual school boards of management are responsible for the establishment of special classes. It is open to any school to make application to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to establish a special class.

The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), in consultation with the relevant education partners, is responsible for identifying the need for and sanctioning the resourcing of special classes and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.

The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.

Since 2011, the number of special classes in mainstream schools has increased from 548 to 1,459 this year. Of these 1,196 special classes cater for students diagnosed with ASD.

Provision in special schools has increased from 6,848 placements in 2011 to 7,872 this year.

There are 3 special schools and 52 special classes attached to mainstream schools in Co. Wicklow. Of these, there are 45 ASD special classes attached to schools - 5 ASD early intervention classes, 30 ASD classes at primary level and 10 ASD classes at post-primary level.

In addition there are 4 classes at primary level and 1 class at post-primary level for Mild General Learning Disability, 1 Specific Speech and Language class at primary level and 1 Moderate General Learning Disability class at post-primary level. Details of all special classes are available on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie

In deciding where to establish a special class in an area, the NCSE take account of the current and projected demand and the available school accommodation both current and planned. In this regard, the SENO may approach individual schools to discuss the matter with a view to finding the optimal location in terms of convenience and sustainability. This process is ongoing and the NCSE are actively engaging with schools in relation to establishing special class and special school parliaments where there is an identified need for the 2019/2020 school year.

When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation.

Similarly, where special schools wish to expand provision, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to accommodate additional placements.

As the Deputy's question relates to special class and school placements in a specific area, I have forwarded it to the National Council for Special Education for direct reply.

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (255)

James Browne

Ceist:

255. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the construction of a new school (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the lack of an outdoor play area, indoor play area and toilet facilities at its premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21674/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm to the Deputy that Department officials are working to put a solution for the school's permanent accommodation in place at the earliest possible date. Unfortunately it is not possible to indicate a timeline for the confirmation of a location for the school but I can assure the Deputy that my Department is anxious to provide improved accommodation for the school as soon as it is possible to do so.

My Department will keep the school authority advised of developments.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Ceisteanna (256, 257)

James Browne

Ceist:

256. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the forecast demand process for an area (details supplied) for primary and post-primary special classes has noted a rise in the number of children seeking places for these classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21675/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

James Browne

Ceist:

257. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the attention of the NCSE and his Department have been drawn, for future reference, to indications of the willingness of schools to establish special classes there, including a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21676/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together.

Individual school boards of management are responsible for the establishment of special classes. It is open to any school to make application to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to establish a special class.

The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), in consultation with the relevant education partners, is responsible for identifying the need for and sanctioning the resourcing of special classes and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.

The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.

Since 2011, the number of special classes in mainstream schools has increased from 548 to 1,459 this year. Of these 1,196 special classes cater for students diagnosed with ASD.

Provision in special schools has increased from 6,848 placements in 2011 to 7,872 this year.

There are 2 special schools and 52 special classes attached to mainstream schools in Co. Wexford. Of these, 3 are ASD early intervention classes, 28 are primary ASD classes and 14 are post primary ASD classes.

In deciding where to establish a special class in an area, the NCSE take account of the current and projected demand and the available school accommodation both current and planned. In this regard, the SENO may approach individual schools to discuss the matter with a view to finding the optimal location in terms of convenience and sustainability. This process is ongoing and the NCSE are actively engaging with schools in relation to establishing special class and special school parliaments where there is an identified need for the 2019/2020 school year.

When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation.

Similarly, where special schools wish to expand provision, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to accommodate additional placements.

As the Deputy's question relates to special class and school placements in a specific area, I have forwarded it to the National Council for Special Education for direct reply.

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