Written Answers Nos. 109-133
109. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason tenderers for building projects are being requested to provide a quotation for possible Covid-19 related disruptions and compliance on building projects in view of the fact the rules and regulations regarding Covid-19 are changing constantly according to changes in the suppression of the illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12706/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that, in consideration of the challenges that the Return to Work Safely Protocol introduces to certain construction operations, the Office of Government Procurement last week published guidance for those Employers that are currently party to a standard form Public Works Contract (PWC) in relation to the implementation, by contractors, of the measures associated with meeting the requirements of the Protocol on construction sites.
In anticipation of this guidance, the Department has, over recent weeks, been engaging with a small number of contractors on projects where a Letter of Intent had issued prior to the shutdown to determine what, if any, additional costs are likely to arise when contracts are awarded on those projects.
110. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a building project application by a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [12712/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department received an application, for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation scheme, from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. Once the application has been assessed, the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.
111. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if remedial work at a school (details supplied) will be expedited to facilitate provision for children with special needs for the area. [12724/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that works under the Fire Remediation Programme have commenced recently in the school to which he refers. The plan is that these works will cease at the end of July in all schools, whether the works are completed or not, to enable schools to plan for reopening following the Summer holidays. It is open to the school to host the Summer provision programme during the month of August.
112. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the reopening of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12725/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 its students, teachers and providers.
My Department has been engaging with the representatives bodies of English language education providers across a range of issues over the course of the Covid-19 outbreak to date. This includes the body of which the provider in question is a member. These engagements have included discussions and information exchanges surrounding the reopening of this sector.
The timeline and arrangements for the safe re-opening of English language education providers is guided by public health advice and by the Government's Roadmap for the gradual lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. Following its re-phasing, the re-opening of all adult education facilities is now part of Phase 3 of the Roadmap, which allows these facilities to re-open from 29 June.
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 further engage with the provider representative bodies within the English language education sector in relation to their detailed plans for the wider re-opening of their premises and as they seek to provide greater clarity for their member providers. 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 are undertaken as part of their development and implementation. 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 inform these plans, supplemented by any guidance issued by the Department for the tertiary education sector when available. This 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 inform this process.
113. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the emergency school works application made by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12727/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the revised Emergency Works Application submitted has been approved and the school has been given permission to tender for a consultant in that respect. As this is a devolved project, it is now a matter for the school authority to progress the project.
114. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding third-level accommodation fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12740/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe national co-ordination group for tertiary education is meeting on a regular basis to consider key issues impacting the tertiary sector, including arrangements for re-opening institutions. These arrangements will be dependent on public health advice, and will be communicated to learners as soon as possible.
Refund or cancellation policies in student accommodation should be set out in the license agreement signed at the beginning of the academic year. While I would hope that accommodation providers would show flexibility to students in the current times, agreements between students and accommodation providers are a private matter, and neither I nor my Department have any remit to issue instructions in relation to the private rental market.
115. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding the summer provision 2020; if contact will be made with the person to discuss the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12741/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a programme for children with complex special educational needs.
The programme is a significant expansion on the July Provision programme of previous years with the eligibility criteria widened to include approximately 9,000 additional primary aged children with complex needs.
The programme aims to ensure, in so far as possible, that these children 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 complex special educational needs.
The eligibility criteria includes the following categories of children:
1. Pupils with a diagnosis of Autism
2. Pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties
3. Any child in special school or a special class in a Primary 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
Funding for summer provision is not available to in respect of children who are not covered by the programme criteria. A child must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria.
If a Parent is in doubt about their child’s eligibility, they should consult their child’s school or contact my Department. Contact details are available on my Departments website https://www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/summerprovision/summer-education-programme-2020.html
My Department has responded to the email referenced by the Deputy.
116. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding returning to full-time education in September 2020. [12744/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 12 June, 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 overriding objective of the plan is to protect the health of staff and students while promoting the educational and development needs of children.
The report also sets out in brief the contingencies that must be considered during the coming period in the context of Covid-19. My Department is engaging with the education partners and other key stakeholders on working through these contingencies in detail and on the development of guidance and supports for the reopening of schools to ensure that the return to school is safe for children and staff.
117. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied); when a decision will be made on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12745/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department recently received an application, for capital funding, from the school referred to by the Deputy. This application is currently under assessment and my Department has been in contact with the school authorities requesting additional information. Once this information is received and the assessment complete, a decision will issue to the school authority directly.
118. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that require temporary accommodation for September 2020; the number finding it difficult to find suitable accommodation; the number at primary and post-primary level and by patronage; the number that have confirmed availability of temporary accommodation units in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12750/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Planning and Building Unit is working closely with school authorities and patron bodies to ensure that contingency arrangements are in place, where necessary, if a school building project is not completed in time for the start of new school year as a result of delays caused by Covid. This work is on-going and it is envisaged that all issues will be addressed prior to the start of the new school year.
119. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has received a proposal from a body in relation to school transport providers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12754/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra146. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration will be given to a proposal from an organisation (details supplied) in order to boost the school transport sector. [12945/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the proposal presented by an organisation (details supplied) regarding school transport providers; and if she will engage with the organisation and respond to its proposals. [13101/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra215. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills if proposals by a federation (details supplied) will be reviewed and addressed in relation to school transport services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13422/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
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.
Following the decision to close schools in March in an effort to conatin the spread of Covid 19, and in light of the exceptional circumstances, it was agreed that school transport contractors operating on the School Transport Scheme would continue to be paid at 50% while schools remained closed in the current school year. My Department is not in a position to provide funding for private bus contractors not contracted to operate on the Department’s School Transport Scheme.
With regard to extending the age of vehicles operating School Transport services, Bus Éireann sets the standard it requires in relation to services operating as part of the School Transport Scheme. In the interest of maintaining the highest standards of safety it is not permitted to operate any bus older than 20 years on school transport services. This standard applies to both vehicles operated by Bus Éireann and those procured from private operators. There are no plans at present to change the current age profile of vehicles operating services as part of the School Transport Scheme.
With regard to the extension of the retirement age of School Bus Drivers it is Bus Éireann company policy that normal retirement age for all Bus Éireann staff is currently 66 years. However Bus Éireann Part-time School Bus Drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate service as part of the School Transport scheme may continue to perform in the role provided they hold the requisite licence and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70. This policy and criteria is applied to all drivers who provide school transport services on behalf of Bus Éireann equally. As the policy has already been reviewed to extend the retirement age from 66 to 70, there are no plans to have this age limit extended at present.
120. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to allow preschool children starting primary school in September 2020 to attend the July provision this summer; if there is a similar programme in place for preschool children transitioning to primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12757/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills if one-to-one tutor time under the July provision programme will be provided to children in 2020, particularly one with a dual diagnosis of Down's syndrome and autism and serious medical heart and lung underlying issues, meaning they cannot attend a school for the programme; if there are additional supports in place to support such children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13148/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to extend the July provision to children in the junior cycle of secondary school including children with Down syndrome; if there are such supports in place to help parents and children make up for the lost time in school due to Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13369/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a programme for children with complex special educational needs.
The programme is a significant expansion on the July Provision programme of previous years with the eligibility criteria widened to include approximately 9,000 additional primary aged children with complex needs.
The programme aims to ensure, in so far as possible, that these children 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 complex special educational needs.
The eligibility criteria includes the following categories of children:
1. Pupils with a diagnosis of Autism
2. Pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties
3. Any child in special school or a special class in a Primary 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
Funding for summer provision is not available to in respect of children who are not covered by the programme criteria. A child must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria.
If a Parent is in doubt about their child’s eligibility, they should consult their child’s school or contact my Department. Contact details are available on my Departments website https://www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/summerprovision/summer-education-programme-2020.html .
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 complex 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 guidance on my Departments website.
Full information on summer provision and its various strands, including guidance information for parents, is available at Gov.ie/summerprovision.
In relation to support for pre-school children the Department of Children and Youth Affairs launched a dedicated campaign and website to supports transition called “Lets Get Ready” which has received a positive response so far.
This resource has been prepared jointly with my Department. It is universal in scope, and is aimed at children returning to pre-school as well as children returning to or transitioning to school.
Information on the site is at a level for all to understand and include a section called ‘Ready for Everyone’ to specifically support transitions for children with special / additional needs.
The website, which is being updated and reviewed by the DCYA based on the feedback from various sources, is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/74b0d-ready-for-everyone.
121. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the possibility of allowing a tax credit or tax allowance for teachers to buy digital technology to assist in remote learning will be examined. [12775/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraResources to support the transition to distant learning have been developed by the Department's support service, the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) and are available at https://www.pdst.ie/DistanceLearning. Scoilnet the Department’s educational portal has open access to a wide variety of resources and information developed by various services including: the PDST, Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT), the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), the National Council for Special Education. These resources can all be accessed at https://www.scoilnet.ie/support/. Scoilnet also provides open access to extensive educational resources including Worldbook Online, at www.scoilnet.ie.
My Department is continuing to engage with the education partners on planning arrangements for the reopening of schools in accordance with the measures included in the national roadmap for reopening society and all decisions on how schools are to reopen will be informed by relevant public health advice.
As you will be aware policy for provision of tax credits or tax allowances including for the purchase of digital devices does not fall to the remit of my Department. Therefore it is not possible for me to say if such approaches will be adopted.
122. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the criteria to attend the summer schemes for children with disabilities is amenable to each child’s individual needs. [12777/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a programme for children with complex special educational needs.
The programme is a significant expansion on the July Provision programme of previous years with the eligibility criteria widened to include approximately 9,000 additional primary aged children with complex needs.
To date 231 schools have indicated that they intend to run a school based programme involving approximately 3,700 children. 9,781 families have registered for the home based summer programme involving 9,820 children.
In-school or home-based supports by teachers and SNAs will help to prevent regression among children with complex special educational needs.
The eligibility criteria includes the following categories of children:
1. Pupils with a diagnosis of Autism
2. Pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties
3. Any child in special school or a special class in a Primary 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
Funding for summer provision is not available to in respect of children who are not covered by the programme criteria. A child must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria.
If a Parent is in doubt about their child’s eligibility, they should consult their child’s school or contact my Department. Contact details are available on my Departments website https://www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/summerprovision/summer-education-programme-2020.html .
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.
A dedicated online registration system for families of children with complex 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 guidance on my Departments website.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has published information to assist Parents in sourcing the services or a Tutor or SNA for the 2020 Summer Provision The information is available on the NSCE website at https://ncse.ie/information-for-parents-on-private-home-tutor-services-advertising-platforms-for-the-2020-summer-provision-scheme.
A programme for DEIS schools for this Summer was also announced.
Full information on summer provision and its various strands, including guidance information for parents, is available at Gov.ie/summerprovision.
123. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will review the selection processes regarding SUSI applications in view of the effects from the recent Covid-19 pandemic on employment (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12783/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the 2020/21 academic year, student grant applications will be assessed based on gross income from all sources for the period 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019.
However, if a student or party to their application experiences a change in circumstances that is not a temporary change and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, they can apply to have their application assessed under the change in circumstances provision of the relevant Student Grant Scheme.
The income of all parties to the application will be assessed or reassessed on the current year (2020) and they may also be asked to provide evidence of the current year’s (2020) income. SUSI also requires confirmation that the change is not a temporary change and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Following such a review, the applicant may fall within the thresholds to become eligible for grant assistance or be entitled to an increased rate of grant or the special rate of grant.
The applicant can request a review by contacting the SUSI Support Desk at 0761 087 874 or emailing support@susi.ie.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists full-time and part-time students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to enable HEIs to support students during the COVID-19 situation.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
124. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Skills if payslips can be sent to teachers and other civil servants electronically instead of by post (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12793/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you know my Department operates one of the largest payrolls in the State, paying approximately 120,000 school employees per fortnight. The school employee payrolls are highly automated and have been subject to an unprecedented level of change over the past decade, to implement changes in public service terms and conditions, pay policy and PAYE Modernisation. My Department prioritises statutory and pay affecting changes in its work programme for enhancements annually. Changes also have to be considered in the context of existing contractual arrangements and technical infrastructure.
My Department has a legal obligation under Section 4 of the Payment of Wages Act to provide each school employee with a payslip.
It is intended to implement online payslips for school employees as part of an overall payroll upgrade project which will take a number of years to procure and implement. My Department is bound by EU and national procurement requirements in seeking to replace the existing system.
Electronic payslips are currently issued to Civil Servants within my Department.
125. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills the planned location for a permanent school premises (details supplied); the capacity it is planned to increase the school to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12794/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the school referenced by the Deputy was established in 2014 under the patronage divesting process.
The patronage divesting process intended that, in the relevant areas, schools could be opened where a school building became, or was due to become available as a result of an amalgamation/closure of an existing school.
A vacant former school building in the town is in the Minister’s ownership, having being transferred under the Redress process. The Department considers that there is scope for expanding the size of the school property on site and has been considering possibilities in this regard. The Department will contact the school patron when the Department’s considerations in this regard have been completed, at which point there should be clarity on the school’s size long-term.
In order to facilitate the opening of the school, its initial establishment, as with most new schools, has been in interim accommodation, pending the planned permanent school building being available for use.
126. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the July provision will be available to children with learning disabilities in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12800/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a programme for children with complex special educational needs.
The programme is a significant expansion on the July Provision programme of previous years with the eligibility criteria widened to include approximately 9,000 additional primary aged children with complex needs.
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.
My Department issued guidance to these schools to support management and staff in the delivery of summer programmes for children with special educational needs and those experiencing educational disadvantage as we continue to operate in line with public health advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This guidance includes information in respect of hand hygiene, physical distancing, use of PPE and a risk assessment template.
The programme is reliant on schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) choosing to participate on a voluntary basis.
It is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of the school having regard to the resources available whether or not it will participate in the programme.
To date 231 have indicated they intend to provide the school based summer provision.
Home-based provision is 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.
A dedicated online registration system for families of children with complex 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 school is free to plan and organise the programme in accordance with the guidance issued.
A programme for DEIS schools for this Summer was also announced.
Full information on summer provision and its various strands, including guidance information for parents, is available at Gov.ie/summerprovision
127. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address a matter regarding the summer programme for children in special education (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12806/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a programme for children with complex special educational needs.
The programme is a significant expansion on the July Provision programme of previous years with the eligibility criteria widened to include approximately 9,000 additional primary aged children with complex needs.
The programme aims to ensure, in so far as possible, that these children 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 complex special educational needs.
The eligibility criteria includes the following categories of children:
1. Pupils with a diagnosis of Autism
2. Pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties
3. Any child in special school or a special class in a Primary 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
Funding for summer provision is not available to in respect of children who are not covered by the programme criteria. A child must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria.
If a Parent is in doubt about their child’s eligibility, they should consult their child’s school or contact my Department. Contact details are available on my Departments website https://www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/summerprovision/summer-education-programme-2020.html.
128. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding schools losing teachers due to the pupil-teacher ratio; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12807/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 enrolment 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 as per the arrangements set out in Circular 18/2020 for the 2020/21 school year.
129. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a school (details supplied) will lose a teacher for the school year commencing in September 2020. [12810/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 appeal from the school submitted by the Deputy was considered by the Primary Staffing Appeals Board and deemed ineligible as the appeal did not meet the criteria published in Circular 18/2020. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board is independent of the Department and its decision is final.
130. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills the consultation that has taken place between her Department and the school bus transportation sector regarding school transport in September 2020; the dates of all correspondence in this regard; the issues discussed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12829/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills when Covid-19 guidelines for school transport services for the 2020-2021 academic year will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13171/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool 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.
With regard to the re-opening of schools for the 2020/21 academic year, my Department is currently engaging intensively with Bus Éireann, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the National Transport Authority on the logistical considerations that arise from public health advice in planning for the reopening of schools. The operation of school transport services in September 2020 will be informed by the outcome of this planning for re-opening schools.
131. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will work with the Teaching Council to ensure that newly qualified teachers that were completing the Droichead programme are not disadvantaged by the sudden closure of schools in March 2020; if she will work with the Teaching Council to ensure that Droichead completion is accepted by the Teaching Council if principals are satisfied to sign off on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12831/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to ensure that newly-qualified teachers engaged in the Droichead process will be given credit by the Teaching Council for days that they have worked from home (details supplied). [13289/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
132. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address matters (details supplied) regarding the delivery of school meals during Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12838/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s decision on school meals was announced on Thursday March 26th and detailed guidelines issued to schools to help them operate the School Meals Programme amid the extended Covid-19 restrictions. The guidelines were also published on the Department’s website.
In general, schools participating in the School Meals Programme are funded to provide school meals and the sourcing of a food supplier for these meals is arranged by the schools.
Schools were asked to identify those pupils most in need and to contact parents to ask if they wished to avail of the service during the school closure period. Tusla Education Support Service staff liaised with Principals to ensure that children/families in need of the School Meals Programme were identified and supported. Schools were allowed to maintain the service during the Easter holidays in 2020 if they wished to do so.
Schools were asked to arrange a food package to be delivered to pupils. The type and range of food provided, as well as the method and logistics of supplying the food was decided by the individual schools.
A variety of delivery methods were available to schools. Some schools have availed of support available via TUSLA Education Support Service and others have availed of delivery arrangements via the local community and voluntary networks. Some food suppliers delivered directly to families and in some areas families collected the food packages directly from the school.
An Post agreed to facilitate delivery of non–perishable food packets on a complimentary basis for schools during the Covid 19 school closure period, where schools could not identify an alternative delivery method and within An Post capacity limits. The Department established a pre-booking system for schools who wished to use An Post and it has generally worked well. 85 to 100 schools have used this system.
To date, An Post have delivered over 17,000 food parcels to disadvantaged students since the schools closed up to the end of June 2020.
133. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports available to children with special educational needs whose usual school and summer camp is not partaking in the voluntary July programme and when no offer of home-based provision has been provided; if no provisions have been provided, if she will work towards the early opening of dedicated special needs schools such as a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12850/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published details of Summer Provision 2020 – Reconnecting with Education including a programme for children with complex special educational needs.
The programme is a significant expansion on the July Provision programme of previous years with the eligibility criteria widened to include approximately 9,000 additional primary aged children with complex needs.
All special schools and primary schools with special classes are invited to provide the school based summer provision for their students. This programme can run across the summer before the start of the new school year. Schools are free to run the prgraame for a mimum of 2 weeks and can extend up to four weeks from 29th June to August 21st where the schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants are willing to participate.
My Department issued guidance to these schools to support management and staff in the delivery of summer programmes for children with special educational needs and those experiencing educational disadvantage as we continue to operate in line with public health advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This guidance includes information in respect of hand hygiene, physical distancing, use of PPE and a risk assessment template.
The programme is reliant on schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) choosing to participate on a voluntary basis.
It is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of the school having regard to the resources available whether or not it will participate in the programme.
To date 231 have indicated they intend to provide the school based summer provision.
Home-based provision is 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.
A dedicated online registration system for families of children with complex 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 guidance on my Departments website.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has published information to assist Parents in sourcing the services or a Tutor or SNA for the 2020 Summer Provision The information is available on the NSCE website at https://ncse.ie/information-for-parents-on-private-home-tutor-services-advertising-platforms-for-the-2020-summer-provision-scheme.
A programme for DEIS schools for this Summer was also announced.
Full information on summer provision and its various strands, including guidance information for parents, is available at Gov.ie/summerprovision.
