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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 22 Oct 2019

Written Answers Nos. 215-239

School Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (215)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

215. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the urgent measures he is taking to arrange accommodation for all displaced students and staff at a school (details supplied); and his plans to urgently reconstruct the damaged property. [43404/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware the school in question was completely destroyed by fire last Wednesday 16th October and has remained closed since. The school is due to re-open on the 4th November 2019 (after mid-term break) in two local schools.

I visited with the school last Wednesday the morning of the fire and met with the Principal, representatives of the patron, some members of staff and some parents. My Department is providing every assistance to the school community during this difficult time and the immediate focus is getting the school back in operation on the 4th November.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Ceisteanna (216)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

216. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the actions he is taking to ensure that children on the autism spectrum for whom a place in a special class attached to a mainstream school is required can access such a place locally, particularly in County Limerick; if he will use his powers to insist that such provision is available within a reasonable distance of the homes of such children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43405/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs.

This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where the NCSE identifies need, including in County Limerick.

It is open to any school to make application to the NCSE to establish a class where a need has been identified in their area. My Department is not involved in considering applications from individual schools.

The NCSE have well established structures to ensure that advance planning is in place so that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.

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 will also approach individual schools in the area to discuss the matter with a view to finding the optimal location in terms of convenience and sustainability.

The NCSE team of locally based Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise schools to plan for special class provision and to address issues in provision that may arise from time in time at local levels. 

Guidelines for Boards of Management and Principals of Primary and Post Primary schools contain information on setting up and organising special classes, including information on resources which may be provided to schools to establish special classes are available to download from www.ncse.ie.

Normally, special classes are established with the full cooperation of the schools in areas where they are required

However there are some parts of the country where the Council faced challenges in getting schools and their Patrons to voluntarily agree to provide special class or school places.

As Minister I have a power under Section 37A of the Education Act 1998 to direct a school to provide additional provision where all reasonable efforts have failed.

The legislation was used for the first time back in April in respect of the Dublin 15 area.

As Minister, I would much prefer that schools provide places for children in their community.  Where this is not the case, I am prepared to use the legislation to ensure that children can access a suitable education. 

In Co. Limerick, there are currently 5 special schools and 57 special classes in mainstream schools, including 5 ASD Early Intervention classes, 28 primary ASD classes, and 16 ASD post primary ASD classes.

As the Deputy's question relates to the NCSE planning for special class provision in a particular area, I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

School Staff Appeals Mechanism

Ceisteanna (217)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

217. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an appeal by a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43424/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 30th September.

The staffing process includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board.  The school referred to by the Deputy was granted a staffing appeal post, on a provisional basis pending confirmation of enrolments on 30th September 2019.

As the school did not achieve the required enrolment, the post will be suppressed with effect from 25th October.  The school has been notified in this regard. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board  operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

DES Circulars 0007/2019 for primary schools provide details of how the allocations of Special Education Teachers have been updated for schools from September 2019, based on updated profile data.  All schools have now received revised allocations for September 2019. Under the allocation model, schools have been provided with a total allocation for special education needs support based on their school profile.

The school referred to by the Deputy has 20 special education teaching hours, or 0.8 of a special education teacher post, for an enrolment of 83 pupils at the time the profile was developed.

Both this Department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) are committed to ensuring that all schools are treated equally and fairly in the manner in which their school profiles have been calculated.  An appeal process in relation to the calculation of the allocations was made available earlier this year and additional allocations are also provided to schools which achieve developing post status.  A process is also available where schools can seek a review of their allocations, including the utilisation of their allocations, in circumstances where a school considers that very exceptional circumstances have arisen subsequent to the development of the profile.  This appeal process is available at:  https://ncse.ie/review-of-special-education-teacher-supports-where-there-are-exceptional-circumstances-or-needs-arising-in-a-school-2

I am satisfied that there are in place a number of processes which can review the special education teacher allocation for schools where necessary.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Ceisteanna (218, 219, 220)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

218. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be an increase in the places available in an ASD unit (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43434/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

219. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be an increase in the places available in an ASD unit (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43435/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

220. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if there will be an increase in the places available in an ASD unit (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43436/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 to 220, inclusive, together.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs.

This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where the NCSE identifies need, including in County Kildare.

It is open to any school to make application to the NCSE to establish a class where a need has been identified in their area. My Department is not involved in considering applications from individual schools.

The NCSE have well established structures to ensure that advance planning is in place so that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.

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 will also approach individual schools in the area to discuss the matter with a view to finding the optimal location in terms of convenience and sustainability.

The NCSE team of locally based Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise schools to plan for special class provision and to address issues in provision that may arise from time in time at local levels. 

Guidelines for Boards of Management and Principals of Primary and Post Primary schools contain information on setting up and organising special classes, including information on resources which may be provided to schools to establish special classes are available to download from www.ncse.ie.

In Co. Kildare, there are currently 4 special schools and 77 special classes in mainstream schools, including 6 ASD Early Intervention classes, 48 primary ASD classes and 16 ASD post primary ASD classes.

As the Deputy's question relates to the NCSE planning for special class provision in a particular area, I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the NCSE, for their attention and direct reply.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (221)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

221. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding is available for technology for children with disabilities who are home schooled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43441/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The purpose of my Department’s Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department's Circular 0010/2013, is to provide grant-aid to schools to allow them to purchase the type of specialist equipment which has been recommended by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) as being essential for students who have been diagnosed as having a serious physical disability and/or sensory or communicative disability to the extent that their ability to communicate through the medium of speech or writing is materially curtailed.

When sanctioning such equipment, it must be clear that existing equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs without unduly depriving other children of access to the equipment and without such equipment it will not be possible for the students with serious physical and/or sensory/communicative disabilities to access the school curriculum.

The recommendation of the NCSE is based on accompanying professional reports, as necessary from relevant professionals, such as Educational Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists etc.

The circular also outlines the type of equipment that is not provided under the scheme including communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions, or equipment that is not specifically required as essential for school educational access.

Although equipment is sanctioned under the Assistive Technology scheme for use by particular students, it is the property of the school, and the school’s management authority is responsible for maintenance, repair, and insurance of the equipment.

My Department provides for the education of children through the provision of recognised schools. Recognised schools must fulfil a number of conditions regarding curriculum, inspection and other matters.

The Irish constitution recognises the family as the primary educator of the child and defines duties and responsibilities for parents and the State in the education of children.

Section 14 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 makes provision for parents to educate their children in places other than recognised schools, such as in the home or in non-recognised schools.

Children who are educated at home or who attend a non-recognised schools - must be registered with the Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency by their parents/guardians.

Parents must ensure their child receives a certain minimum education. There are detailed Guidelines on the Assessment of Education in places other than recognised schools. The guidelines provide a working definition of “a certain minimum education”. They describe home-based education and offer guidance on how it may be assessed. They also cover the legal background of home education.

Where parents choose to educate their children in places other than recognised schools they have made a decision not to avail of recognised schools.

They are not eligible to avail of resources which they may have accessed through enrolment in a recognised school and are not eligible to apply for Assistive Technology from my Department.

Responsibility for home schooling matters resides with my colleague, the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs.

Education and Training Boards Administration

Ceisteanna (222)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

222. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter regarding modules on a course (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43445/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Officials in my Department have made enquiries on the matter with Kerry ETB.

Kerry ETB has indicated that the individual in question is not currently registered on any Kerry ETB full time or part time course in health care support.  I understand that the individual has completed several courses with Kerry ETB leading to component awards which were scheduled by Kerry ETB as stand-alone individual courses. Kerry ETB has scheduled part time courses leading to a component award related to the Healthcare Major Award for which any prospective learner may apply.

School Transport Expenditure

Ceisteanna (223)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

223. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter regarding school transport (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43467/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department.  In the 2018/2019 school year over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €200m in 2018.

The 1975 Summary of Accounting Arrangements form the basis of the payment to Bus Éireann for the operation of the School Transport Scheme.  In this regard, the Department reimburses Bus Éireann for a range of costs incurred in the operation and administration of the scheme.   Such reimbursement to Bus Éireann is on a cost recovery basis.

 The Bus Éireann audited accounts are available on my Department's website.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Ceisteanna (224)

James Browne

Ceist:

224. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to the EAL teaching support appeal (details supplied) by a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43480/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Special Education Teaching allocation provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile and also encompasses the Language Support (EAL) allocation that schools were allocated in previous years.  

Further temporary Language Support is also provided, as necessary, to schools that have high concentrations of pupils that require language (EAL) support. At primary level, these allocations are made on the basis of appeals by schools to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board.

The Primary Staffing Appeals Board has allocated 1 fixed-term EAL post to the school referred to by the Deputy, for the 2019/20 school year.  The school has been notified in this regard.  The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Special Educational Needs Service Provision

Ceisteanna (225)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

225. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 25 June 2019 (details supplied), when a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43487/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for allocating a quantum of Special Needs Assistant (SNA) support for each school annually taking into account the assessed care needs of children qualifying for SNA support enrolled in the school.  

The NCSE allocates SNA support to schools in accordance with the criteria set out in Department Circular 0030/2014, which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, in order that students who have care needs can access SNA support as and when it is needed.  

In considering applications for SNA support for individual pupils, the NCSE take account of the pupils' needs and consider the resources available to the school to identify whether additionality is needed or whether the school might reasonably be expected to meet the needs of the pupils from its current level of resources.

SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource.

SNA allocations to all schools can change from year to year as children with care needs leave the school, as new children with care needs enrol in a school and as children develop more independent living skills and their care needs diminish over time.

The NCSE Appeals Process may be invoked by a parent or a school where it is considered that a child was not granted access to SNA support because the requirements outlined in Circular 0030/2014 were not complied with.  Schools may also appeal a decision, where the school considers that the NCSE, in applying Department policy, has not allocated the appropriate level of SNA support to the school to meet the special educational and/or care needs of the children concerned.

Where a school has received its allocation of SNA support for 2019/20, but wishes new enrolments or assessments to be considered, which were not taken into account when the initial allocation was made, they may continue to make applications to the NCSE.

As this question relates to a particular child, I have referred the question to the NCSE for their direct reply. I do not have a role in making determinations in individual cases.

School Transport Review

Ceisteanna (226)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

226. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school transport scheme application by a person (details supplied) that has been ongoing for more than a month will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43508/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.  In the 2018/2019 school year over 117,500 children, including over 13,000 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €200m in 2018. 

Under the terms of the Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school transport where they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be 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.

I am pleased to advise that following the recent change of address the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of the above scheme and Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil will commence transport on the 21st of October.  Bus Éireann has confirmed that they have been in contact with the family in regard to the arrangements.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Ceisteanna (227)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

227. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated first and full-year cost of reinstating the pre-2012 pupil teacher ratio in two, three and four teacher primary schools following Budget 2020 changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43539/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I understand the importance of small schools and I hosted a Small Schools Symposium in June attended by CPSMA, Church of Ireland Board of Education, Gaeloideachas, National Association of Board of Management in Special Education, An Foras Pátrúnachta, Educate Together, Muslim Primary Education Board, Education and Training Boards Ireland, Laois and Offaly ETB, INTO, IPPN,NPC,NCCA, Centre for School Leadership,DES, Association of Trustee Catholic Schools, TUI, Catholic Education-An-Irish Schools Trust CEIST and DRCD to discuss issues of concern to small schools. Securing the future of small schools is a priority for me as Minister for Education and Skills.  

Budget 2020 has provided for improved teacher staffing levels for schools with four teachers or less.  This measure will see a more favourable pupil teacher ratio in small schools from September 2020.  This improved schedule will apply in two, three and four teacher schools and ensure one less pupil is required to retain/recruit a teacher.

This builds on measures in previous budgets which has seen improvements in the appointment and retention thresholds for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th classroom teacher and more favourable enrolment thresholds for one teacher schools situated 8km or more from the nearest school of the same type of patronage and/or language of instruction.

Small schools have also benefitted from the 1 point improvement to the primary staffing schedule for all schools implemented in 2016 and again in 2018.  The staffing schedule at primary level currently operates on a general average of 26 pupils to every 1 teacher which is historically the lowest ever allocation ratio at primary level.

In addition, the staffing process includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, including a specific appeal measure for small schools, to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board.

Taking the Budget 2020 improvement to the staffing of small schools into account and the current level of enrolments in schools,  the estimated cost of restoring the staffing schedule for small schools to pre-2012 levels would be approximately €2.6 million per annum.

Special Educational Needs Staff Data

Ceisteanna (228)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

228. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of special needs assistants required to complete the roll-out of the new school inclusion model; if the posts have been provided for in budget 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43544/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Budget 2020 provided for an additional 1064 Special Needs Assistants for schools next year.

 Provision is therefore made for up to 17,014 Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts to be allocated to primary, post primary and special schools in 2020.

This additionality will support the extended roll out of the new School Inclusion Model and ensure that students with additional needs get the right supports at the right time as well as supporting the provision of up to 1,300 new special class places.

The provision of 1064 SNA posts for 2020 significantly increases the current provision for up to 15950 SNA posts to be allocated to schools in 2019.

The number of SNAs in the school system has increased by almost 50%, from 10,575 in 2011 to over 15,900 at present.

Provision for 17,014 SNAs represents an increase of 60% since 2011.

School Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (229)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

229. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide alternative accommodation to the pupils of a school (details supplied). [43545/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware the school in question was completely destroyed by fire last Wednesday 16th October and has remained closed since. The school is due to re-open on the 4th November 2019 (after mid-term break) in two local schools.

I visited with the school last Wednesday the morning of the fire and met with the Principal, representatives of the patron, some members of staff and some parents. My Department is providing every assistance to the school community during this difficult time and the immediate focus is getting the school back in operation on the 4th November.

School Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (230)

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

230. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure alternative accommodation and associated facilities will be provided as soon as possible for a school (details supplied) following a serious fire on 16 October 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43560/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware the school in question was completely destroyed by fire last Wednesday 16th October and has remained closed since. The school is due to re-open on the 4th November 2019 (after mid-term break) in two local schools.

I visited with the school last Wednesday the morning of the fire and met with the Principal, representatives of the patron, some members of staff and some parents. My Department is providing every assistance to the school community during this difficult time and the immediate focus is getting the school back in operation on the 4th November.

Schools Building Projects Status

Ceisteanna (231)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

231. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the construction of a permanent building for a school (details supplied); the reason for the delay in progressing the project in view of the fact that planning permission was granted in December 2018 and construction is not due to commence until quarter 2 of 2020 and in further view of the fact that the school has been more than 20 years without a permanent building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43561/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The procurement process for a bundle of projects is due to commence in the coming weeks with the publication of a contract notice to determine a short-list of interested contractors.  The permanent building for the school referred to by the Deputy is part of this bundle of projects.

The procurement process (and the associated tendering to short-listed contractors) for this bundle of projects will be ongoing during Q4 2019 and Q1 2020.

It is anticipated that construction of this school building project will commence in Q2 2020.

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (232)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

232. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a family (details supplied) will be assisted to have an appropriate assessment for their child carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43562/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can inform the Deputy that my Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) has not extended service to special schools who traditionally received multi-disciplinary services, including psychology from HSE services or bodies funded by the HSE. I understand that such services are provided, in the school to which the Deputy refers in his question, by the COPE Foundation.

I would therefore advise that the parents of the child concerned pursue the matter of his assessment with COPE.

Technological Universities

Ceisteanna (233)

Willie Penrose

Ceist:

233. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received an application from Athlone Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology to come together to form a new technological university for the region pursuant to the Technological University Act 2018; when a decision will be made thereon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43619/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the provisions of the Technological Universities Act 2018 two or more applicant institutes may jointly apply to the Minister for Education and Skills for an order establishing a technological university (TU). In order to make such an application the applicant institutes must meet the relevant eligibility criteria stipulated in Section 28 of the 2018 Act.

Last week Athlone IT and Limerick IT  announced that they were forming a TU development consortium following meetings of their respective governing  bodies.

On 17 October 2019, I announced the allocation of €14.25m in funding under the HEA 2019 call for submissions for higher education landscape restructuring, consolidation and collaborative projects.  The majority of this funding, some €11.8 million, is aimed at supporting the creation and expansion of TUs, including an  allocation of Euros 2m which has been made to AIT and LIT to develop their proposals to establish a TU.  All such funding allocations will be disbursed by the HEA subject to requisite conditionality on a case by case project basis and will be subject to ongoing monitoring, reporting and evaluation by the Authority in line with stipulated timelines and milestones.

Moreover, as part of Budget 2020 the Government announced  a new TU Transformation Fund of Euros 90m over the next three years to provide the state change in funding terms required in the development and establishment of both TU Dublin and consortia seeking to attain TU status.  This level of increased funding reflects the significance accorded the role of TUs in assisting in the delivery of national strategic priorities in relation to higher education access, the provision of research-informed teaching and learning, increasing regional development and socio-economic progress through the connectedness of TUs to their regions and their collaboration, deeply embedded and fostered with business, enterprise and local communities. This trebling of current levels of TU funding arises, inter alia, from work undertaken by an independently chaired high level working group, the TU Research Network, comprising TU Dublin, the TU development consortia, the Department, HEA and THEA.

It remains a matter for TU development consortium in the first instance to lead on the progression of their plans to the point where they are ready to submit an application to the Minister for Education and Skills in accordance with  the requirements of the 2018 Act.  When such an application has been made by Athlone IT and Limerick IT, it will be considered in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Technological Universities Act 2018.

Gaelcholáistí Issues

Ceisteanna (234)

Frank O'Rourke

Ceist:

234. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of a Gaelcholáiste to serve the north County Kildare area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43643/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In relation to the planned new Gaelcholáiste to which the Deputy refers, the school patron, Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board, had deferred the opening of this new school from September 2019 to September 2020 for operational reasons.

The ETB has indicated that a high number of expressions of interest for September 2020 have been received and that enrolment will commence in November 2019 for September 2020.   The ETB is currently in the process of advertising for a school Principal.

It is envisaged that the new Gaelcholáiste will be located on the current Maynooth Post Primary School/Maynooth Community College property, which will be coming available as these schools move to the Maynooth Education Campus.

Garda Recruitment

Ceisteanna (235)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

235. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the position regarding a person (details supplied) who was interviewed in January 2018 for appointment as a member of An Garda Síochána and has not been admitted to the force to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43017/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware the recruitment to An Garda Síochána is governed by the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) Regulations 2013. The Public Appointments Service (PAS), on behalf of the Garda Commissioner, manages the initial recruitment stages for selection of Garda Trainees with the final stages of the recruitment process in which candidates are vetted, complete a physical competency test and a medical examination, managed by the Commissioner. As Minister, I have no direct involvement in the matter.

The Deputy may find it helpful to be aware that An Garda Síochána has held six recruitment campaigns since December 2013, including the most recent recruitment campaign, which closed in April. I am informed by An Garda Síochána that there are approximately 46 applicants who are still being processed from the recruitment campaigns referenced by the Deputy.

Subject to final approval by An Garda Síochána, successful applicants from these campaigns are considered first for intakes into the Garda College, in accordance with the candidate's place on the Order of Merit. There is no set time frame for offers to applicants as this is dependent on their files being fully completed and the intake dates into the Garda College. All applicants remain on the panel until such time as they are offered a place in the Garda College, with the exception of those who are deemed unsuitable, fail the Medical or Physical Competence Test (PCT) or withdraw from the competition.

I would advise any candidate for a position as a Garda trainee to contact the PAS or the Garda Appointments Office, depending on the relevant stage of the application process, if they have any queries in relation to their application.

Central Statistics Office Data

Ceisteanna (236)

John Deasy

Ceist:

236. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on recently published figures collated by the CSO for the 12 months up 30 June 2019 indicating crime rates have increased markedly since the economic recovery compared to the period immediately after the crash; and the steps being taken to address this trend. [42956/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Deputy will be aware that the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistics agency, is responsible for the publication of recorded crime statistics.

Although it is clear that challenges remain, there is also a lot to welcome in the crime statistics published by the CSO for Q2 this year. Gardaí are achieving significant successes in a range of crime categories and should be commended for their efforts.

There has been a decrease of over 40% in the number of recorded homicide incidents in the second quarter of 2019, when compared to the same period in 2018. The CSO figures also identify a decrease of 9.8% in burglary and related offences at the end of Q2 2019, when compared to the same period last year. While the figures in relation to Theft offences were similar to the same period last year, incidents of ‘theft from person’ offences have decreased by 11%.

In regard to the increase in recorded incidents of fraud, deception and related incidents of 34.4% in Q2 2019 when compared to the same period in 2018, a range of measures are being taken to prevent and combat fraud, including insurance fraud. Gardaí are taking steps to ensure consistency in how reports of fraud are received, recorded and disseminated for investigation. Changes have also been made to the Pulse system to improve the quality and consistency of recording of insurance related crime.

Incidents of controlled drugs offences were up 16.5% when compared to the same period last year, continuing a trend seen in the CSO figures for Q1 2019. The upward trend in recorded incidents of controlled drug offences remains a cause for concern. The Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau leads in tackling all forms of drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs in Ireland. Collaboration at an inter-agency and international level remain key in tackling this issue.

There has been an increase of 9.2% in the number of reported sexual offences, representing a total of 3,286 incidents. This continues a trend seen since Q1 2015, where reported incidents have risen 54.9% from 2,086 incidents in Q1 2015 to 3,231 incidents in the year to Q1 2019. The Government is committed to preventing and addressing sexual crime in all its forms and we are working hard, on a whole-of-Government basis, to do so. I very much welcome the fact hat more victims are coming forward to Gardaí and I urge victims to continue to do so.

The laws surrounding sexual offences have been significantly strengthened in recent years and An Garda Síochána is continuously improving its specialist services to respond to the needs of victims. Ten Divisional Protective Service Units have already been established and similar units are being rolled out nationwide, with specially trained officers responsible for engagement with and interviewing of victims. These Units will support the delivery of a consistent, professional and sensitive approach to the investigation of sexual crime.

It is also incumbent on all of society to continue to examine behaviour and attitudes in relation to sexual crime. I launched ‘No Excuses’, a 3-year national awareness raising campaign on sexual harassment and sexual violence in May of this year, with the aim of increasing awareness of sexual violence and to bring about changes in societal attitudes.

The statistics released by the CSO further support the independent assessment of Garda performance by the Policing Authority, released in September 2019, which found that “almost all of the commitments in the policing plan aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime are on target”. That report also pointed to a ‘clear sense of pace, effort and direction’ in An Garda Síochána.

And finally, I would note that these results are being achieved at a time of record investment in An Garda Síochána. €1.76 billion has been allocated to the Garda Vote for 2019, as well as capital investment amounting to € 92 million this year. Furthermore, the allocation for 2020 is increasing by €122 million to an unprecedented total of €1.88 billion. The capital allocation to An Garda Síochána is also increasing by 26% to a total of €116.5 million.

We now have over 14,200 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 2,800 Garda staff. And the organisation is continuing to grow - a programme of accelerated recruitment is ongoing with a view to reaching 15,000 Gardaí in an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 by 2021. Taken together, this increased recruitment of Gardaí and civilian staff is leading to a real increase in Gardaí on the ground in our communities, where their training and policing expertise can be used to best effect in the interests of public safety.

Garda Retirements

Ceisteanna (237)

John Deasy

Ceist:

237. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí who have retired in each of the past three years; and the number of these that were before the compulsory age of retirement from the force. [42957/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Retirement of members of An Garda Síochána is governed by law, which sets the mandatory retirement age for all members at 60 years of age. Members of An Garda Síochána who joined prior to 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension at 50 years of age once they have served at least 30 years and those who joined on or after 1 April 2004 may retire on full pension at 55 years of age with 30 years service. Gardaí have the option of continuing to serve until they reach 60, subject to the Garda Commissioner being satisfied that they are fully competent and available to undertake their duties.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí who retired in the last three years is as set out in the following table.

2019* (as of 16/10/19)

2018

2017

181

218

226

I am further advised by the Commissioner that the number of Gardaí who retired before the compulsory age of retirement during the last three years is outlined in the following table. These figures include voluntary retirements and cost-neutral early retirements.

2019* (as of 16/10/19)

2018

2017

130

178

173

I am advised by the Garda authorities that projected departures are kept under continuous review and that the level of recruitment is adjusted as necessary in order to maintain the desired strength.

This Government is committed to ensuring a strong and visible police presence throughout the country in order to maintain and strengthen community engagement, provide reassurance to citizens and to deter crime. We currently have over 14,200 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 2,800 Garda staff. And as part of the Government’s plan to achieve an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 personnel by 2021, there is ongoing and increased recruitment both of new Gardaí as well as Garda staff.

As the Deputy will appreciate, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for carrying on and managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment and training of the members of An Garda Síochána.

Since the reopening of the Garda Training College in 2014, approximately 2,800 new Garda members have attested and been assigned to front-line policing duties in communities throughout the country. Another 200 probationer Gardaí are due to attest by the end of this year. In addition to recruitment of additional Gardaí, the Commissioner has committed to further civilianisation to fill critical skills gaps and enable the further redeployment of Gardaí to front line duties.

The unprecedented funding of €1.882 billion provided to An Garda Síochána in Budget 2020 will also allow for the recruitment of up to 700 new Gardaí and additional Garda staff next year. The appropriate balance between Gardaí and Garda staff will be for the Garda Commissioner to determine, on the basis of operational need. The ongoing recruitment will provide the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí to deliver a visible, effective and responsive policing service nationwide.

Crime Data

Ceisteanna (238)

John Deasy

Ceist:

238. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a website (details supplied) ranks Ireland as high for persons using or dealing drugs in its index of international crime rates and also in terms of increasing crime over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42958/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware, the website referred to, numbeo.com, is a collaborative online database to which any person can input. It is not a source of official information or verified statistics.

In relation to crime statistics, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of the official recorded crime statistics.

I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána continues to prioritise tackling drugs and organised crime as a core focus of its work, including the continued disruption of the supply of all illicit drugs as a key priority.

Further, the resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached record levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. I am also pleased to have secured an overall increase of €122 million to increase An Garda Síochána's budget for 2020 to an unprecedented €1.882 billion for next year, which will also allow for the recruitment of up to 700 new Gardaí and additional Garda staff next year. We now have over 14,200 Gardaí nationwide, supported by over 2,800 Garda staff. A programme of accelerated recruitment is ongoing with a view to reaching 15,000 Gardaí in an overall Garda workforce of 21,000 by 2021. The ongoing recruitment will provide the Commissioner with the resources needed to deploy increasing numbers of Gardaí to deliver a visible, effective and responsive policing service nationwide.

Criminal Prosecutions Data

Ceisteanna (239)

John Deasy

Ceist:

239. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons convicted of various categories of knife crime in each of the years 2016 to 2018. [42959/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will appreciate, under the Courts Service Act 1998, management of the Courts is the responsibility of the Courts Service and I have no role in the matter. Section 4 (3) of the 1998 Act provides that the Courts Service is independent in the performance of its functions. The functions of the Courts Service include the provision of information on the courts system to the public.

I requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Courts Service. I am advised by the Courts Service that it does not have a separate code for the various categories of knife crime and that it is not possible to identify which cases involving assault with a deadly or offensive weapon may have involved a knife. I am further informed that the only statistics held by the Courts Service in relation to convictions for knife crime are for the possession of a flick knife which have been provided to me as set out in the following table.

Year

No. of convictions for possession of knife or other sharply pointed article

Number of Persons convicted

2016

429

390

2017

466

417

2018

548

482

More generally, I can assure they Deputy that a comprehensive and robust legal framework is in place with respect to knife crime, including heavy penalties for breaches of the law. Under the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, the maximum penalty for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority was increased from one to five years. An Garda Síochána also have an extended power of search without warrant, in relation to knives and offensive weapons.

I am further assured that An Garda Síochána continues to address knife crime through education and engagement with communities. I am advised that at an operational level, Gardaí pro-actively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour, including knife-related crime through the strategic deployment of Garda resources.

The Deputy may also be interested to note that the assault reduction strategy being introduced by An Garda Síochána under Operation Soteria uses Garda Síochána Analysis Service data to identify and target the primary locations where assaults are occurring. This will include a component targeting knife crimes in areas where it is shown to be relevant and necessary.

I can also inform the Deputy that an expert Steering Group is currently developing a new Youth Justice Strategy, including a review of the Children Act. The Steering Group commenced its work in February and has had a series of meetings during this year which will continue into next year.

The Group is tasked with advising and guiding the development of the new Strategy, including consideration of the full range of issues connected to children and young people at risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system, from early intervention and preventative work, including family support, diversion from crime, through to court processes and facilities, supervision of offenders, detention and reintegration and support post release. The intention is that we will have a draft Strategy for publication for public consultation by the end of this year, and that the Strategy will be finalised in the first half of 2020.

Strengthening and expanding the role of the Garda Youth Diversion projects and other community-based initiatives, including those working with the Probation Service, and bringing the full range of relevant interventions together in a coherent and holistic response to youth crime and as a support to diverting young people from crime and anti-social behaviour, including knife crime is a key priority for the new Strategy.

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