Tuesday, 16 Jun 2020

School Transport

Ceisteanna (176)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

176. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if school transport will be provided for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10582/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (John Halligan)

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

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

In the current school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, are 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 €219m in 2019.

Last autumn I announced a review of the School Transport Scheme with a view to ensuring funds are being spent in the most effective way to meet the objectives of the scheme. The terms of reference and scope of the review have been finalised and a cross-departmental steering group led by my Department established.

A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.

All school transport services are reviewed over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application and payment process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who complete the application and payment process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.

Further information on the School Transport Scheme is available on the Department’s website at www.education.ie.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (177)

James Browne

Ceist:

177. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the entitlement of a person (details supplied) to a supplementary panel place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10569/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

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.

The arrangements for panel access for fixed term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers for the 2020/21 school year are set out in Department Circular 0064/2019.

Teachers must meet all the published criteria in order to access the Supplementary Panel for the 2020/21 school year.

Special Educational Needs Staff

Ceisteanna (178)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

178. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application by a school (details supplied) for a SNA will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10575/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Schools have been notified of the arrangements for the allocation of SNA support in respect of students in mainstream classes for 2020/21. The arrangements include the following provisions:

- 2019/20 mainstream class SNA allocations will be frozen, from the date of issue of Circular 0030/2020, and will automatically roll over into the 2020/21 school year. This means that no school will receive an allocation less than that which they have on the date of issue of this Circular and existing SNAs currently in standard SNA posts can continue in these posts for the next school year in the normal way.

- Schools may apply to the NCSE for additionality where they can demonstrate that the current allocation does not meet additional care needs within the mainstream classes in the school. Applications for additionality arising from significant new or emerging additional care needs, which cannot be catered within existing allocations, will be dealt with by way of an exceptional review process.

- A diagnosis of a disability, or a psychological or other professional report, will not be necessary for this process.

- The role of the SNA to support the care needs of students in mainstream classes, as set out in Circular 0030/2014, remains unchanged.

It is expected that schools will review and reprioritise the deployment of SNAs within mainstream settings and allocate resources to ensure those with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support. Providing access to SNA support continues to be based on primary care needs as outlined in DES Circular 0030/2014.

Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.

My Department does not have a role in determining SNA allocations for schools.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (179)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

179. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a person (details supplied) will be reimbursed for their school travel allowance for the 2018-19 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10593/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (John Halligan)

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills. The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

In the current school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, are 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 €219m in 2019.

I am pleased to advise that the child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs. Bus Éireann has confirmed that transport commenced for this pupil on 23 October 2018 for the 2018/19 school year.

In the circumstances, the Department is prepared to offer a ‘Special Transport Grant’ towards the cost of making private transport arrangements until the commencement of the school transport service on 23 October 2018 and in this regard, School Transport Section will liaise directly with the family regarding this arrangement.

Teacher Training

Ceisteanna (180)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

180. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he has received communications from an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the maintenance of experienced directors for education support centres; if he will constructively engage with the organisation on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10613/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Education Centres are statutory bodies recognised under Section 37 of the Education Act (1998) and are managed by local voluntary Management Committees which are elected annually.

My Department arranges for the secondment of teachers from their teaching posts for the purpose of developing and providing CPD for teachers and for the appointment as Directors of Education Support Centres (ESC's). While on secondment, teachers retain their school post, the terms and conditions that apply to teachers and receive their salary and a secondment allowance which are met in full by my Department.

Section 37(6) of the Act makes provision to make regulations relating to a number of matters in Education Centres such as the appointment of management committees, funding, staffing, provision of information to the Department & other operational matters.

In September 2017, Regulation 394 for the appointment and secondment of directors of Education Centres was introduced.

The regulations make provision for an annual Ministerial approval of the secondment of teachers to the role of Director of an Education Centre, subject to a maximum of 5 years on secondment whether those years were as a Director or otherwise. The Regulations provide a legal basis which offers clarity and certainty in the application of public policy and as I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, there is no discretion in their application which would allow for a derogation beyond the 5 year limit set out in the Regulations.

The timeframes outlined in the Regulations are important and are designed to ensure there is sufficient time for Management Committees to run competitions where necessary, and for school boards of management to release teachers and appoint replacements. The overall aim is to ensure that new Directors and their replacement teachers are in place in good time for the start of the following school year.

Regular turnover of seconded teachers is now an established practice with teachers returning to enrich their schools so the investment in their skills is not lost. Since 2017, 16 Education Centres have successfully recruited new Directors and the work of the Centres has not been negatively affected with each Centre confirming to my Department that the newly appointed Director has performed satisfactorily.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (181)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

181. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the imminent and significant challenges facing the school transport scheme and its administration in 2020; his plans for administering the scheme in terms of transporting pupils to and from school while prioritising pupil safety and implementing social distancing; the action taken within his Department to date in order to meet the significant health and safety challenges posed in administering the scheme in 2020 due to the pandemic; if his officials have held discussions with Bus Éireann in respect of the points outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10616/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills (John Halligan)

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills.

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

In the current school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, are 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 €219m in 2019.

Last autumn I announced a review of the School Transport Scheme with a view to ensuring funds are being spent in the most effective way to meet the objectives of the scheme. The terms of reference and scope of the review have been finalised and a cross-departmental steering group led by my Department established.

The decision taken by the Government to close schools with effect from 13th March 2020 was taken in the interest of protecting our pupils, their families, teachers and those members of the wider community and is one of the many measures taken to support efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.

On the 1st May 2020, the Taoiseach announced as part of the “Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business” that schools will commence opening on a phased basis at the beginning of the 2020/2021 academic year.

The Department is currently working with the education partners and relevant stakeholders in planning for this phased re-opening which will be based on public health advice and which will put the best interests of our school population first.

The operation of school transport services in September 2020 will be informed by the outcome of this planning for re-opening schools.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (182)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

182. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties facing newly qualified teachers in the probational period prior to Covid-19 who have been informed that online teaching work during the lockdown will not be counted by the Teaching Council towards the probational period and as such is not awarding diplomas to newly qualified teachers; and the measures he will take to ensure the careers of newly qualified teachers do not suffer as a result of same. [10618/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Teaching Council is the statutory body with responsibility for professional standards at all stages of the teaching career. It has established standards for post-qualification professional practice, as set out in Droichead, the integrated professional induction framework for newly qualified primary and post-primary teachers.

Due to Covid-19 and the unprecedented situation of school closures, the Teaching Council has announced revised arrangements which provide additional flexibility to support newly qualified teachers (NQTs) engaging in Droichead in 2019/2020 to complete the process. These arrangements balance the core principles of the policy which is the school based supportive process coupled with engagement in additional professional learning activities.

The Council has made a significant concession for NQTs who had not completed the full Droichead process within the minimum period of time by 12 March. This includes the recognition of all elements of Droichead which have been completed up to that date i.e. additional professional learning activities, observations, professional conversations, cluster meetings, Taisce (the professional learning portfolio) and days/hours taught. In normal circumstances this would not be the position.

The Council has also clarified that any time spent engaging in Droichead after 12 March can be included in verification of the Droichead process. This includes remote teaching and learning, professional discussions and online observations.

Droichead as a process is not simply about teaching time. From a professional standards point of view, it requires the agreement of the NQT and the Professional Support Team in the school that a quality induction process has occurred over the minimum period of time specified.

While I understand that the Council has communicated with all NQTs and schools affected, further details of the revised arrangements can be found at www.teachingcouncil.ie.

State Examinations

Ceisteanna (183)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

183. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether teachers no longer employed in a school cannot be expected to assist with predicted grades in that school (details supplied); his views on whether it is inappropriate for former employees to be contacted by former employers requesting them to perform unpaid work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10619/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I published detailed guidance for schools on the operation of the calculated grades process on 21 May. The guidance was developed following extensive consultation with representatives of teachers, principals and school management authorities.

The guidance document sets out procedures if there is not sufficient evidence available in the school on which to base a sound estimate, such as the case of a student who is new to a school or where there has been a new or substitute teacher.

In such cases, the principal should contact the previous school the student attended to ascertain whether additional information can be made available to support the process, or consider whether the assistance of the previous teacher can be made available. For instance, it would be anticipated that a recently retired teacher, a teacher on approved leave or others who may still be contactable by the school, may be willing to cooperate with this process in whatever way they can in the best interests of the students in these circumstances. However, former teachers cannot be obliged to participate in this process. It is also recognised that there may be cases where there is no access to the previous teacher for a variety of reasons. In such a case, arrangements should be made for assistance for the new teacher, whether that be from the principal or another experienced teacher in the school. Whatever can be done to ensure the best available estimates in the circumstances should be done.

Special Educational Needs Staff

Ceisteanna (184)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

184. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider increasing the number of special needs assistants for schools in view of the expected increases in mental health and development needs of school children due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10624/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

Budget 2020 has provided for 1,064 additional SNAs posts, for allocation in 2020, which will bring the total number of SNA posts in schools to over 17,000 in 2020, an increase of over 60% since 2011.

Schools have been notified of the arrangements for the allocation of SNA support in respect of students in mainstream classes for 2020/21. The arrangements include the following provisions:

- 2019/20 mainstream class SNA allocations will be frozen, from the date of issue of Circular 0030/2020, and will automatically roll over into the 2020/21 school year. This means that no school will receive an allocation less than that which they have on the date of issue of this Circular and existing SNAs currently in standard SNA posts can continue in these posts for the next school year in the normal way.

- Schools may apply to the NCSE for additionality where they can demonstrate that the current allocation does not meet additional care needs within the mainstream classes in the school. Applications for additionality arising from significant new or emerging additional care needs, which cannot be catered within existing allocations, will be dealt with by way of an exceptional review process.

- A diagnosis of a disability, or a psychological or other professional report, will not be necessary for this process.

- The role of the SNA to support the care needs of students in mainstream classes, as set out in Circular 0030/2014, remains unchanged.

It is expected that schools will review and reprioritise the deployment of SNAs within mainstream settings and allocate resources to ensure those with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support. Providing access to SNA support continues to be based on primary care needs as outlined in DES Circular 0030/2014.

Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.

Applications for an Exceptional Review received after 22 May 2020 will continue to be processed once all other applications have been completed.

The exceptional review process for mainstream allocations will be available to schools throughout the 2020/21 school year.

Summer Works Scheme

Ceisteanna (185)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

185. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will review the decision to refuse a school (details supplied) under the summer works scheme. [10625/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I can confirm that the school in question submitted an application for capital funding under my Department's multi-annual Summer Works Scheme (SWS) 2020 onwards for Fabric Defects (Category 9).

In late 2019, I announced details of the schools that will receive funding in Summer 2020 in respect of applications submitted for "Life Safety Systems projects" (Category 1).

Commensurate with the level of funding set aside for the Scheme, applications are being assessed on a top down basis in accordance with the prioritisation criteria outlined in the Circular accompanying the Scheme. In this regard, applications submitted for other works/categories will be considered under future rounds of the Summer Works Scheme.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (186)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

186. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Question No. 178 of 27 May 2020, the status of the July provision for 2020; if clarity will be provided on same; if concerns regarding same will be allayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10644/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department has published details of a summer programme for children with special educational needs enrolled in special schools, special classes and mainstream classes. The programme incorporates some aspects of the July Provision of previous years.

Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education, is a significantly expanded programme for children with complex special educational needs which aims to re-establish the child’s relationships and connection with school and their peers as a basis for learning and participation and to help the child to re-engage in learning and social activities and help them adapt to new routines and changes. The programme aims to ensure, in so far as possible, that the child can reintegrate/transition into their planned education setting for the next school year with their peers. In-school or home-based supports by teachers and SNAs will help to prevent regression among children with special needs.

The eligibility criteria has been widened to include the following categories of children:

- Pupils with a diagnosis of Autism

- Pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties

- Any child in a special class or special school

- Children transitioning into a special class or special school from early year’s settings

- Pupils in primary school mainstream classes who present with the following disabilities:

- Children with Down syndrome

- Children who are Deaf or most severe hard of hearing

- Children who are blind or have a most severe visual impairment

- Children who have a moderate general learning disability

- Children with severe emotional behavioural difficulties

All special schools and primary schools with special classes are invited to provide the school based summer provision for their students. This programme will run for a minimum of two weeks and can extend up to four weeks where the schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants are willing to participate.

Home-based provision will be available where a child’s local school is not providing a programme or does not have the capacity to accommodate a child in a planned programme this year. In this situation my Department will provide grant funding towards the engagement by Parents of a registered teacher / SNA to provide home based support for 10 hours a week for 4 weeks.

The programme will be reliant on schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) choosing to participate on a voluntary basis.

A dedicated online registration system for families of children with special needs to access Summer Provision is now available on Gov.ie/summerprovision.

Parents are asked to register their participation online, providing some outline information of the extent of their participation in the programme e.g. number of weeks.

Once registered, the parent is then free to plan and organise the programme for their child by consulting with the child’s school and securing the services of a teacher or SNA.

I also announced a programme for DEIS schools for this Summer.

Full information on summer provision and its various strands, including guidance information for parents, is available at Gov.ie/summerprovision.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (187)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

187. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter regarding a school (details supplied) losing a teacher in September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10645/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

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 includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board will next consider appeals for the 2020/21 school year later this month.

School Equipment

Ceisteanna (188)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

188. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the two mechanisms for aggregate purchase orders for laptops for schools under centralised bulk provisioning processes under way in his Department; if schools have received equipment through this process to date; the number and type of equipment received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10647/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

To support schools in prioritising the continuity of teaching and learning during the period of school closure due to public health restrictions following the issue of €50m in ICT grant funding, my Department advised schools of the direct drawdown mechanisms for the purchase of laptops. Schools were informed that HEAnet would operate an aggregated order process on its Single Provider Framework with Dell, while Datapac would also do so through a Single Provider Framework with HP. Both of these Frameworks have been established from the OGP Framework of Providers of Laptops.

This was intended to enable laptop orders from schools to be prioritised, given current supply chain issues in the market. Schools are not obliged to use these mechanisms, they are intended to support those schools who determine laptops are required for their circumstances at this time.

These mechanisms are managed and operated by HEAnet and Datapac respectively, and as such, my Department does not have access to or responsibility for the data requested.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (189)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

189. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the scheme being developed to replace the July provision in 2020; if it will commence in July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10648/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

My Department has published details of a summer programme for children with special educational needs enrolled in special schools, special classes and mainstream classes. The programme incorporates some aspects of the July Provision of previous years.

Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education, is a significantly expanded programme for children with complex special educational needs which aims to re-establish the child’s relationships and connection with school and their peers as a basis for learning and participation and to help the child to re-engage in learning and social activities and help them adapt to new routines and changes. The programme aims to ensure, in so far as possible, that the child can reintegrate/transition into their planned education setting for the next school year with their peers. In-school or home-based supports by teachers and SNAs will help to prevent regression among children with special needs.

The eligibility criteria has been widened to include the following categories of children:

1. Pupils with a diagnosis of Autism

2. Pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties

3. Any child in a special class or special school

4. Children transitioning into a special class or special school from early year’s settings

5. Pupils in primary school mainstream classes who present with the following disabilities:

- Children with Down syndrome

- Children who are Deaf or most severe hard of hearing

- Children who are blind or have a most severe visual impairment

- Children who have a moderate general learning disability

- Children with severe emotional behavioural difficulties

All special schools and primary schools with special classes are invited to provide the school based summer provision for their students. This programme will run for a minimum of two weeks and can extend up to four weeks where the schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants are willing to participate.

Home-based provision will be available where a child’s local school is not providing a programme or does not have the capacity to accommodate a child in a planned programme this year. In this situation my Department will provide grant funding towards the engagement by Parents of a registered teacher/SNA to provide home based support for 10 hours a week for 4 weeks.

The programme will be reliant on schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) choosing to participate on a voluntary basis.

A dedicated online registration system for families of children with special needs to access Summer Provision is now available on Gov.ie/summerprovision.

Parents are asked to register their participation online, providing some outline information of the extent of their participation in the programme e.g. number of weeks.

Once registered, the parent is then free to plan and organise the programme for their child by consulting with the child’s school and securing the services of a teacher or SNA.

I also announced a programme for DEIS schools for this Summer.

Full information on summer provision and its various strands, including guidance information for parents, is available at Gov.ie/summerprovision.

Third Level Education

Ceisteanna (190)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

190. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated loss in funding for higher education institutions, research funding through institutions and loss in income from student accommodation likely in 2020 and 2021 for universities, institutes of technology, further education colleges and English language schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10649/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

As part of the collaborative response to this pandemic with key tertiary education stakeholders, the Department has established working groups composed of experts to assess and respond to the impacts of Covid 19 across the Sector. These working groups members are reviewing immediate operations, medium term contingency planning and the review of specific and acute needs within Tertiary Education as well as the English Language Education sector. This process continues to facilitate the provision of key information from stakeholders, that will inform immediate and medium term actions to respond to the rapidly changing circumstances.

Mitigating the impact for Higher Education Providers and safeguarding that capacity against the backdrop of the broader economic crisis is a priority. By ensuring that core provision is maintained and in particular by assessing the level of financial vulnerability that may threaten the viability of any specific institution, the Department, the HEA and representative bodies can work together to respond to this crisis.

As part of the assessment of the financial impact on the HE sector, significant work has been undertaken by the stakeholder group chaired by the Higher Education Authority in consultation with the IUA and other representative bodies to collect information on the increased costs and projected income losses advised by HEIs arising from the crisis, based on an agreed set of assumptions.

In order to mitigate the risk for the viability of individual institutions, my Department is engaging closely with the HEA to provide specific and granular institutional-level detail essential to assess the risk of institutional failure as a means to safeguard future recovery for the sector as a whole. Following consultation with higher education providers and representative bodies, the HEA has now completed a template of required detail and has submitted this very recently to my Department. My officials will now consider and analyse the data provided.

Further Education and Training Institutes are funded from the Exchequer and National Training Fund and do not have private income from sources such as student accommodation, therefore a significant loss of income is not estimated within this sector.

Furthermore my Department has met with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to discuss the potential impact of COVID on the Tertiary Education Sector and the issue has also been highlighted at Government.

The Tertiary Education sector is a key element of the economy’s economic and social infrastructure which also has a crucial role in supporting economic and social recovery. The provision of additional financial support to support Tertiary Education to ensure that it can contribute fully to economic recovery and to meeting priority skill needs will be examined in the context of overall expenditure management and budgetary policy in the forthcoming period and also in light of the future Programme for Government priorities and commitments.

Responsibility for national Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) policy and for the primary competitive funding streams for public investment in research in higher education research resides with the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI). I understand that there is continuing positive engagement between all of the key research funding bodies and the representative bodies for the Higher Education sector. Consistent with similar approaches being adopted by the EU and many other international funders, flexibility is being offered in terms of considering proposals to reallocate costs within project awards, the provision of extensions for those directly impacted in terms of access to labs at this time and the possibility to review work packages within individual awards. The research funding bodies have published FAQ documents linked to the specifics of their own programmes, which provide further detail on the flexibility that they will offer to grant holders at this time. Furthermore, steps being taken under the Government’s Roadmap for Re-opening Society and Business should play an important role in reversing the business disruption experienced in research activities.

It is difficult to predict the demand for student accommodation for the next academic year, and therefore difficult to predict the loss of income from student accommodation which may be faced by third level institutions. Much depends on unfolding events such as all available national and international public health advice, particularly in respect of the extent to which students will be physically present in their institutions. My Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and any loss of income from student accommodation will form part of the overall financial context in which the provision of additional financial support to the third-level education system will be examined.

The vast majority of provision in the English language education (ELE) sector is undertaken by private companies and my Department would not have figures available for ELE schools. However officials are actively engaging with ELE providers and representatives through the Covid Response Working Group to identify and mitigate issues which have arisen as a result of the pandemic.

My Department will continue to engage actively with all key stakeholders to ensure the innovation and sustainable operation of the tertiary education system is safeguarded in light of its importance for the recovery of the economy overall.

English Language Training Organisations

Ceisteanna (191)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

191. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the method by which teachers and students are being consulted on plans to reopen English language schools; his views on whether they should be consulted with regarding plans for reopening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10650/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I am aware of the challenges that are being encountered in the English language education sector and the substantial impact that the Covid-19 outbreak has had on students, teachers and providers in this sector.

The timeline and arrangements for the safe re-opening of English language education providers will be guided by public health advice applicable at a given time. The roadmap for the gradual lifting of the current Covid-19 restrictions has set out a number of phases with the re-opening of the wider education system contained in the later phases to coincide broadly with the beginning of the new academic year.

While my Department will not be issuing guidelines specifically for the re-opening of the English language education sector, guidance to assist the tertiary education sector more generally in planning for reopening is being prepared at present and will be available shortly. My Department will engage with provider representatives within the English language education sector as they develop more detailed plans for the re-opening of their premises on this basis. It is to be expected that ensuring the health and safety of staff and students will be central to the provider's plans and that necessary consultations will be undertaken as part of their development. It is anticipated that the "Return to Work Safely Protocol" recently published jointly by the Department of Health and the Department of Enterprise, Business & Innovation, and designed to support measures being put in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace will be used to inform these plans, supplemented by any guidance issued by the Department for the tertiary sector. The protocol envisions close engagement between staff and their employers during the planning, development and implementation of these new workplace measures. The experience of the re-opening of educational facilities in other areas and jurisdictions will also be relevant.

My Department is also engaging with learner advocates as part of efforts to address student issues in this sector. This engagement will continue and my Department will keep the advocates informed of developments for the planned reopening of this sector.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (192)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

192. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the current health advice received by his Department on the need to provide two metres of social distancing in school settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10651/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

On Friday my Department published the report to Government “Planning for reopening schools in line with the Roadmap for reopening society and business”: https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/framework-for-reopening-and-operating-schools.html.

The report sets out the clear ambition to develop a sustainable plan to fully reopen schools at the start of the next school year in late August/September in line with normal timeframes.

The report also sets out in brief the contingencies, including the matter raised by the deputy that must be considered during the coming period in the context of Covid-19. A key component to reopening schools safely is the development of guidance in relation to infection prevention and control in schools.

These contingencies will be worked through in detail in the coming weeks with education partners and stakeholders to ensure that the return to school is safe for children and staff.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (193)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

193. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to ensure that in circumstances in which there is limited capacity within schools to facilitate a full cohort of students within the classroom, published plans will provide for the grouping of students by household within those that attend school on specific days (details supplied). [10652/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

On Friday my Department published the report to Government “Planning for reopening schools in line with the Roadmap for reopening society and business”: https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/framework-for-reopening-and-operating-schools.html.

The report sets out the clear ambition to develop a sustainable plan to fully reopen schools at the start of the next school year in late August/September in line with normal timeframes.

The report also sets out in brief the contingencies that must be considered during the coming period in the context of Covid-19. These contingencies will be worked through in detail in the coming weeks with education partners and stakeholders to ensure that the return to school is safe for children and staff, including those children and staff with underlying health conditions, in line with public health advice.

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (194)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

194. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if court actions reported on recently which relate to schools constructed by a company (details supplied) which have already been identified within the 42 schools previously identified relate to newly identified issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10653/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that the court actions reported on in the media recently relate to schools that are part of the Schools Remediation Programme and in which issues were identified in Autumn 2018.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (195)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

195. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of remediation works at schools built by a company (details supplied); if remediation works had been scheduled over the summer months; if works have been cancelled as a result of Covid-19; the projects cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10654/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I wish to advise the Deputy that in line with National Public Health announcements by Government, all construction sites in relation to the Education Sector ceased in March 2020 including those schools under the Schools Remediation Programme.

The construction sector commenced re-opening on a gradual and phased basis since Monday 18th May, this includes a number of school sites under the Schools Remediation Programme. There are currently 20 projects on site undergoing fire and structural remediation works and I can confirm that no projects under the Schools Remediation Programme have been cancelled as a result of Covid-19. It is too early however to speculate on how timelines of projects will be impacted as a result of Covid 19 working arrangements. Guidance and protocols have been published to enable contractors meet the public health requirements for re-opening of construction sites.

During 2019 and 2020 structural remediation works are being carried out on 22 schools and by the end of 2020 it is expected that planned structural remediation works will have been carried out in all of these schools. In addition, it is expected the priority phase 1 fire remediation will have carried out across all 40 schools. A procurement process is currently underway to appoint a contractor for the remaining 18 schools, including Ardgillan Community College.

The Department continues to liaise with School Patrons and School Principals in relation to progress and any impacts of COVID-19 on project delivery timescales.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (196)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

196. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on reductions in teacher numbers in certain schools in the context of the plan to reopen schools currently under development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10655/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

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 redeployment of all surplus permanent/CID holding teachers is the mechanism used to fill teaching posts and is key to the ability of the Department to manage within its payroll budget. The redeployment panels are currently transacting and schools are filling teaching vacancies for the 2020/21 school year.

The National Return to Work Safely Protocol will inform discussions with all education partners so that appropriate guidance for schools is developed and arrangements put in place in time for the new school year.

Emergency Works Scheme

Ceisteanna (197)

Frank Feighan

Ceist:

197. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application by a school (details supplied) for emergency works funding to build additional hygiene facilities for children at the school in view of the new requirements with regard to Covid-19 will be reconsidered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10667/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

I can confirm to the Deputy that an appeal against the refusal of an Emergency Works Scheme application was received by my Department and is currently being reviewed by the Emergency Works Team.

The school will be contacted directly once a decision has been made in that respect.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (198)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

198. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) will be permitted to retain its current teaching complement in view of the impact of the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10671/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

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 includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeals Board. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board will next consider appeals for the 2020/21 school year later this month.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (199)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

199. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the provisions being made for early intervention support in the home for children with additional needs who will be missing out on essential services, including the July provision, due to the fact they are preschool aged. [10675/20]