Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:574. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a roadmap will be provided regarding the reopening of all schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15092/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCovid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (574, 575)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:575. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the system her Department is applying for secondary schools regarding social distancing (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15093/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 575 together.
On Wednesday 1 July 2020, I welcomed the publication of interim public health advice for the safe re-opening of schools in late August/ September. This interim health advice sets out the key public health requirements that will be required for a safe full reopening of schools and the measures that will be required to achieve this.
Receipt of public health advice will underpin ongoing engagements with education partners and stakeholders in terms of planning and providing guidance for schools in relation to logistical and curricular arrangements and wellbeing. The advice also sets out the requirements for physical distancing measures in a school setting and how this should be implemented. The advice also contains important measures required for infection prevention and control to ensure a full return to school is safe for children and staff.
My Department’s ongoing work with education partners and other key stakeholders on guidance for re-opening schools is aimed at reducing the burden on schools at a local level by providing central guidance and supports to the greatest extent possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (576)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:576. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department will examine the possibility of using additional space available locally to ensure all children can return to school in September 2020 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15094/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There has been a lot of engagement between my Department and stakeholders in relation to re-opening in September and this engagement is on-going. My Department’s number one priority, and the wider school sector is to reopen our schools as fully, normally and safely as possible at the start of the new school year. The Department and stakeholders are collectively focused on working through the detail on what the return to school will look like for all schools. The public health guidance is clear that we must maximise the space within the classroom to facilitate the pupils in the classroom and maximise the space within the existing school building in the first instance.
The range of school settings presents both opportunities and challenges. Flexibility and agility in how we respond is key. My Department is working through with school managers, leaders and staff on how best they can be supported to not only open schools but to ensure they remain open.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (577)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:577. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the operation of school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15095/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 2019/20 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €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.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (578)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:578. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the construction of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15112/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy has been assigned for delivery under my Department's Design and Build Programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning and construction. The project is currently in the Architectural Planning phase with site surveys completed. A pre-planning meeting that had been scheduled for 13th March 2020 was cancelled due to Covid-19.
When planning is secured, the project will proceed to tender and construction.
Pending the delivery of the permanent accommodation the Patron Body has been advised that the Department will be providing interim start-up accommodation on the campus of Notre Dame school for the school to open in September 2020.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (579)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:579. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status on the construction of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15113/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy has been assigned for delivery under my Department's Design and Build Programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning and construction. The project is currently in early Architectural Planning. The next milestone in the progression of the project will be the preparation of the planning application. In advance of the submission of the planning application, the school will be invited to review the plans. Once all statutory approvals have been secured, the project will proceed to tender and construction stages.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (580)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:580. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status on the construction of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15114/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Planning permission for the school building project referred to by the Deputy was granted by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on the 13th June 2019 subject to 18 no. conditions. Two of these conditions relating to the provision of a public greenway were subsequently the subject of a first party appeal by my Department to An Bord Pleanála. The decision of An Bord Pleanála overturning these two conditions was received on the 4th February 2020. The ABP decision has facilitated the progression to the next stage ie tender and construction. The current position is that tender documents are being prepared and when these are finalised in the coming months the project will then be in a position to go to tender with a bundle of projects.
Construction is underway for the installation of temporary accommodation on the permanent school site for September 2020.
Erasmus+ Programme
Ceisteanna (581)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:581. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of Irish students who participated in the Erasmus+ programme in each of the years 2015 to 2019, inclusive, and to date in 2020; the countries that the students studied in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15117/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Higher Education Erasmus Programme Moblilites:
There were a total of 18,258 students (see following tables) from Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on Erasmus mobility between 2015/16 and 2019/20 academic years to KA103 Programme Countries and KA107 Partner Countries. Of this figure, 3936 students from Irish HEIs went on an Erasmus mobility in 2019/20, an increase of 23.34% since 2015. The top destination countries for Irish students participating in Erasmus are France, Spain, Germany and the UK. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, complete data for the 2020 academic year is not yet available. My Department provides funding for up to 4400 higher education student mobilities per year.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) and School Erasmus Programme Mobilities:
There were an overall total of 9,026 outgoing students on Erasmus mobilites in the field of Vocational Education and Training together with Schools between 2015 and 2020.
The combined figures presented for VET and schools include completed and approved mobility projects shown per country for years up to 2018 and projects for 2018-2020 are still ongoing. For the years 2019 to 2020 the figures for schools are presented by country. However, due to a change in group countries from 2019 onwards, the VET figures for years 2019 and 2020 are categorised into country groups 1,2 and 3.
The 2020 figures for school mobilities are for Irish led projects which are unconfirmed as the European Commission’s Central Clearing process remains to be finalised. The 2020 figures for foreign-led projects with Irish partners will not be available until August 2020.
Due to COVID-19, the European Commission is also supportive of virtual mobilities for the coming academic year. Irish HEIs are examining how best to manage mobilities for the 20/21 year as many partners across the EU seek to defer physical movement of students for the immediate future.
Erasmus+ Programme
Ceisteanna (582)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:582. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students who participated in the Erasmus+ programme in each of the years 2015 to 2019, inclusive, and to date in 2020 here; the countries that the students came from; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15118/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Higher Education Institutions Erasmus Mobilities:
There were a total of 39,837 international students (see following table) to Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on Erasmus mobility between 2015/16 and 2019/20 academic years from KA103 Programme Countries and KA107 Partner Countries. Of this figure 7456 international Erasmus students carried out mobility in Ireland in 2019/20, representing a 12% decrease on the previous year. The top sending countries to Ireland are France, Spain, Germany, Italy and the UK. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, complete data for the 2020 academic year is not yet available, however an increase to the confirmed mobilities is expected.
In relation to incoming international student mobilities in the fields of school exchange partnerships and VET mobility projects, due to the nature of the EU reporting format this information is unavailable.
Youth Services
Ceisteanna (583)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:583. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider providing mediation services from her Department to help resolve a dispute (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15134/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Kerry ETB made a decision to deliver the Youthreach programme directly from 1 January 2019 and this transition has now taken place. While the Department had a role in relation to issues such as ETB staffing and pension implications and lease arrangements, it is a matter for Kerry ETB to engage on any cost liability to KDYS arising out of the process.
As a public body, Kerry ETB would be expected to follow the arrangements set out in DPER circular 17/2007 in relation to any potential mediation between the two organisations and any settlement of financial matters. The guidelines set out in the circular do not envisage a role for third parties beyond the mediator appointed to undertake the process.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (584)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:584. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the three dyslexic schools in Dublin will not be closing. [15135/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no plans to close the schools referred to by the Deputy.
In September 2018, the NCSE was requested to develop policy advice on the educational provision that should be in place for students educated in special schools and classes and to make recommendations on the provision required to enable them achieve better outcomes.
It was agreed that the report would be completed and submitted to the Minister in 2020.
The NCSE was also requested to provide a progress report which was submitted on 5 November 2019.
The progress report provides an overview on the evolution of special education policy and provision in Ireland together with some preliminary analysis of emerging themes from a review of research literature and consultations with parents, teacher unions and education representative bodies, students, advocacy groups; school visits and relevant Government Departments and bodies. The Progress Report does not draw any definitive conclusions and the preliminary findings are tentative.
The NCSE is also examining implications following ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2018. Article 24(2) of this convention obliges states, inter alia, to ensure that children can access an inclusive, quality and free education on an equal basis with others in the communities in which they live.
The NCSE is currently engaged in a public consultation with parents, students, people with disabilities, educators and other educational partners and stakeholders. The consultation focuses on how best to move forward in the education of students currently being educated in special schools and classes. Special reading schools for pupils with dyslexia are included in this process.
Following this public consultation and further deliberations by NCSE, the policy advice will be finalised and submitted to the Minister by December 2020.
It is important to note that at this stage, the NCSE has not made any recommendations regarding the future of any special school.
Student Accommodation
Ceisteanna (585)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:585. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will consider a waiver for student accommodation for those beginning third level in September 2020 in view of the fact that some colleges may be delayed in resuming on campus in order to assist parents and students with accommodation costs for September; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15145/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Student accommodation licence terms including cost, duration, refund and cancellation policies should be set out in the licence 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.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (586)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:586. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will urgently review and reform tendering criteria for new school building projects in view of the fact the current criteria effectively lock out many localised but capable building contractors as turnover requirements for previous years are set unrealistically high; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15156/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
For small works using the Short Form of Contract, PWCF6, (under €1m) the average annual turnover over the previous three years must be not less than 1.5 times the sum tendered for the project. These projects would be tendered under an Open Procedure where the contractor can decide in advance whether they can meet the minimum standards specified in the Declaration of Suitability for Contractors for Small Works (Open Procedure Only.
As projects under €1m in value would have relatively short durations and a contractor of modest size could complete two or more of these in a year, average annual turnover of 1.5 times the tendered sum is not considered a high threshold.
For projects with an estimated cost over €1m in value, turnover levels are calculated in accordance with the Department’s website guidance note.
The Guidance provides that for School building projects with an estimated cost over €1m turnover levels should be in the range 100% to 150% of the annualised turnover of the estimated capital value of the project. The actual percentage applied, within this range, should relate to the complexity of the project and should be based on the table below. In selecting the appropriate percentage within the sub-ranges below it is recommended that consideration should be given to the degree of complexity.
This guidance note is in accordance with central guidance on turnover from the Office of Government Procurement and relates the turnover requirement to the complexity of the project. My Department does not consider that a review or change of turnover levels is required.
|
Project type |
Multiplier |
|
|
1 |
New build primary school projects on a green field sites with relatively clear access and limited complication with regard to site levels, site services, traffic management, etc. |
100% to 115% |
|
2 |
Primary school projects comprising extensions to existing accommodation and/or alterations / refurbishment to existing accommodation in a live school environment; Post-primary school projects comprising complete new build on green field sites or extensions to existing accommodation and/or alterations / refurbishment to existing accommodation in a live school environment. |
115% to 135% |
|
3 |
Primary or post-primary school projects on brown field sites comprising extensions to existing accommodation and/or alterations / refurbishment to existing accommodation in a live school environment and incorporating protected structures; Primary or post-primary school projects, new builds or extensions, on restricted urban sites. |
135% to 150% |
Third Level Institutions
Ceisteanna (587)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:587. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education and Skills when funding committed to third level institutions for counselling services in 2020 will be allocated to ensure students have swift access to mental health supports particularly in the aftermath of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15181/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All higher education institutions are required to put in place appropriate student services, which can fall under a number of headings, particularly ‘Welfare and Guidance’, which includes counselling services and health promotion. In Budget 2020 funding of €2 million was provided by the Government for student mental health and wellbeing initiatives in the higher education sector. This will enhance the capacity of institutions, by supplementing the funding that the institutions already invest in the provision of these services to students. Each higher education institution will benefit from the additional funding, and I understand that the HEA has advised the higher education institutions in this regard.
In addition, a National Framework on Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention was developed by a working group, which included representatives from the HEA, USI, National Office of Suicide Prevention, Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education in Ireland, the HSE as well as from my Department. It is expected that the Framework will be published in the coming weeks, thus providing an invaluable resource to the third-level institutions.
Third Level Admissions
Ceisteanna (588)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:588. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps she will take to improve access to higher education for members of the Traveller community. [15184/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Equity of access to higher education is a national priority for the Department and indeed, the Government. The third National Access Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (2015-2021) (NAP) sets out the Departments current strategy to address underrepresentation in higher education by groups identified in the plan. The NAP identifies Irish Travellers as one of the target groups that are currently being under-represented in higher education. A progress review of NAP published in 2018 which extended the lifetime of the current plan to 2021, showed that while increases are evident in participation in Irish Travellers, there remains a significant challenge in achieving the target in respect of the Traveller target group. Even though the realisation of targets is proving difficult, evidence has shown that the number of Irish Travellers accessing higher education has increased from 35 (2012/2013) to 61 (2017/2018); a 74% increase since the commencement of this NAP.
Various initiatives under the strands of The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) funding aimed at increasing Traveller participation will assist in the realisation of the target and enhance understanding of the barriers that exist in respect of access to higher education by Traveller students. All PATH initiatives will support increased participation by Travellers however there are some dedicated entirely to this target group. This includes Marino Institute of Education TOBAR project) (PATH1): Travellers Accessing Initial Teacher Education. This project focuses on targeting increased Traveller participation in Initial Teacher Education at primary level through engagement with Traveller community groups and targeted post primary schools, the provision of direct entry places and continuous support for Travellers who have been identified as aspiring to become a primary school teacher. There are two strands, B.Ed. Route and a direct entry (PME) and Continuous support. 7 Traveller students registered on the Tobar programme as on 30 September 2019. Traveller Awareness Training has been rolled out in some PME courses. Eight School workshops and specific meetings with 2—25 students and families.
Under PATH 2, 10 Irish Travellers have received 1916 Bursaries in the 2017/2018 academic year and a further 13 Travellers received a 1916 Bursary in 2018/19. 2019/2020 figures are not confirmed at this stage however indications are that this figure has further increased.
PATH 3 supports the development of regional clusters of HEIs to build capacity to support a regional approach to Access policy and initiatives. A number of specific Traveller projects are being supported – including the Travellers in Education project led by the South Cluster of HEIs which is promoting a whole-school approach to addressing Traveller participation needs.
The PATH fund was confirmed as a permanent fund in 2020 and has a current investment envelope of €30.9 million over the period 2016 to 2022, across the three strands.
While it is hoped that the numerous initiatives under the strands of The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) funding aimed at increasing Traveller participation will assist in the realisation of the target and enhance understanding of the barriers that exist in respect of access to higher education by Traveller students, it was considered that a specific action plan would bring a particular focus of attention on the on-going issue of underrepresentation of Travellers in HE.
The Action Plan for Traveller Participation in Higher Education 2019-2021 was published in November 2019. The overall objective of the Plan is to advance Traveller participation in higher education within the context of approaches on retention and transition of Travellers across the education spectrum. The Department is working closely with the HEA, Traveller Groups and other implementation partners to ensure roll-out of the Actions.
The Department is currently engaged in ongoing consultation with Traveller representative groups since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department took part in a Forum on Traveller Transfers into Tertiary Education organised by Pavee Point and the National Travellers Women Forum on 27th May, 2020 and a subsequent round table discussion with access offices in Higher Education Institutions which considered the Forum Report on Monday, 29 June 2020.
Special Educational Needs Staff
Ceisteanna (589)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:589. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if guidance will be provided for special needs assistants in circumstances in which school staff are required to adhere to the 1 m to 2 m social distancing rule but this is not feasible while providing personal care to students with special needs; if guidance will be provided on the way in which the spread of Covid-19 can be prevented in circumstances in which a special needs assistant provides personal care to more than one student; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15196/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On Wednesday 1 July 2020, I welcomed the publication of interim public health advice for the safe re-opening of schools in late August/ September. This interim health advice sets out the key public health requirements that will be required for a safe full reopening of schools and the measures that will be required to achieve this.
Receipt of public health advice will underpin ongoing engagements with education partners and stakeholders in terms of planning and providing guidance for schools in relation to logistical, curricular and wellbeing arrangements. The advice also sets out the requirements for physical distancing measures in a school setting and how this should be implemented. The advice also contains important measures required for infection prevention and control to ensure a full return to school is safe for children and staff.
My Department’s ongoing work with education partners and other key stakeholders on guidance for re-opening schools is aimed at reducing the burden on schools at a local level by providing central guidance and supports to the greatest extent possible by the end of July in order to allow time for schools to implement the necessary arrangements locally.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (590)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:590. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the new school building for a school (details supplied); if the site for the new school has been secured; if not, the stage this is at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15198/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is committed to providing a permanent accommodation solution for the school referred to.
In this regard, a suitable site has been identified to accommodate a permanent school building for the school. My Department continues to work closely with officials from Monaghan County Council under the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the acquisition of the site.
As the site acquisition process is complex, it is not possible to give a definitive timeframe for the completion of the acquisition. Once this acquisition process is complete, the project for the provision of a new permanent building will be progressed into the architectural planning process without delay.
Schools Refurbishment
Ceisteanna (591)
Michael Ring
Ceist:591. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Skills when approval will be issued for works sanctioned for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15208/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased to inform the Deputy, with respect to the project at the school to which he refers, that approval was given to the school authority last week to appoint a contractor to carry out these works. As this is a devolved project it is a matter for the school authority to progress them.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland
Ceisteanna (592)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:592. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the fact that an organisation (details supplied) provides chainsaw and arboricultural qualifications to a much higher standard than that which is available here at present yet are not recognised here; her further views on the UK-based qualifications recognised here that fall under the jurisdiction of UK courts and may not align to the European qualifications framework after Brexit; and her views on the speedy approval and recognition of the qualifications here in line with the co-operation agreement between Quality and Qualifications Ireland and the Education Bureau of Hong Kong. [15212/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the statutory body with responsibility for developing, promoting and maintaining the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
In line with the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012, the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) currently recognises the qualifications of Irish awarding bodies including Universities, Institutes of Technology, Technological Universities, QQI and the State Examination Commission. Following the enactment of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Act 2019, QQI’s powers in this regard will be expanded to broaden the number and types of qualifications that can be included in the NFQ. This amending legislation, when commenced, will facilitate the inclusion of the qualifications of other awarding bodies including international, professional and UK awarding bodies. When commenced, such awarding body may choose to apply to QQI to have their qualifications, such as those in question, included in the Framework.
Currently, NARIC Ireland, hosted by QQI, provides recognition advice on foreign academic qualifications. This service provides comparability statements for a substantial number of qualifications from a wide range of countries aimed at assisting understanding of these qualifications in the context of the Irish education and training system. In addition to assisting the qualification holder, these statements can also help employers, funding agencies and education and training institutions to determine if an applicant holds the academic qualifications for a particular job, funding or course. These statements are available to download free of charge from its website at http://www.naric.ie.
The cooperation agreement between QQI and the Education Bureau of Hong Kong has facilitated an international level-to-level comparison exercise between the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (HKQF) and the NFQ which has utilised European Qualification Framework as a reference guide. This work is aimed at enhancing the transparency of qualifications systems in Hong Kong and Ireland by showing how both frameworks relate to each other at system levels. While this supports the portability of qualifications between the jurisdictions and would facilitate the recognition process, it does not align nor recognise individual qualifications in their own right.
While the UK is departing the EU, it has recently competed a referencing of its Qualifications Frameworks to the European Qualifications Framework. QQI collaborates closely with its UK counterparts on both bi-lateral and international initiatives that promote the transparency, recognition and mobility of qualifications between both jurisdictions and this work will continue post-Brexit. The qualifications authorities in the UK and Ireland have agreed the correspondence between qualifications frameworks in operation across the jurisdictions. This has resulted in a joint publication, Qualifications can cross Boundaries, which indicates the level of a UK qualification within the Irish NFQ.
Residential Institutions
Ceisteanna (593)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:593. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to present an action plan to execute the judgment in a case (details supplied); her further plans to ensure a formal scheme of redress to survivors of day school abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15215/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland submits bi-annual Action Plans to the relevant Committee of Ministers which is responsible for supervising the implementation of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. To date 11 Action Plans have submitted and a further one will be submitted later this year.
As you are aware, the ex gratia scheme was established on foot of the specific circumstances arising from and in response to the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) relating to Louise O'Keeffe.
The Department undertook a review of the scheme in response to a determination by the Independent Assessor, Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill that one of the criteria for eligibility is incompatible with the ECtHR judgement. The Independent Assessor’s decision can be accessed in full at the Department's website.
The review of the ex-gratia scheme has yet to be concluded and no decisions are being made as to the eligibility or otherwise of individuals.
I am sure the Deputy will understand the complexity and sensitivity of the issues involved that require very careful deliberation before proposals can be finalised and brought to Government.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (594)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:594. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the employment service of a person (details supplied) will be included as pensionable service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15248/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to advise the Deputy that officials from the Pension Unit of my Department have contacted the person to whom he refers. In the absence of verification of service from this person’s employer, the management authority of the school, his request cannot be considered by the Department. In order for the Department of Education and Skills to determine if the period of employment can be made pensionable, in the first instance, it is a matter for the management authority of the employing school to verify this period of service. I wish to confirm that upon receipt of this verification, the person’s case will be reviewed and consideration given to whether or not this period of employment can be made pensionable.
Child Abuse
Ceisteanna (595)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:595. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a new redress scheme for victims of sexual abuse in primary schools will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15257/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Ex Gratia Scheme established in the wake of the ECtHR was set up to deal with a specific cohort – people who had discontinued proceedings in the domestic courts in the wake of a number of High Court judgments and the Supreme Court judgment in the LOK case.
The review is ongoing. The Department of Education is committed to reviewing the ex gratia scheme, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.
The issues involved are highly sensitive and complex and require very careful deliberation before proposals can be finalised and brought to Government. It is important to have a more complete awareness of the extent of the problem, the number of people who could potentially be involved the legal implications of any course of action, and an accurate estimate of likely costs before introducing any modifications to the scheme.
The Department has been criticised for not taking due account of these matters when establishing the residential institutional redress scheme. For example, the original estimates for the Residential Institutions were based on estimates drawn from known cases of litigations. The estimated figure of some 2,000 case ended up with in excess of 16,000 cases.
It is expected the review will be concluded in the coming months.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (596)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:596. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she has received recent correspondence regarding additional accommodation required for a school (details supplied); and the status of the matter. [15261/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that funding was approved under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2019 to enable the school in question to build one mainstream classroom, one WC for assisted users, five SET rooms and one Principal's office.
I can confirm that the project has been devolved for delivery to the School Authority and is currently at design stage. My Department recently agreed the professional fees for this project and it is now a matter for the Board of Management to advance it.
Teacher Training
Ceisteanna (597)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:597. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of restoring grants for student teachers' attendance at mandatory Gaeltacht courses. [15267/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Teaching Council is responsible for setting the standards for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes through the review and accreditation of all ITE programmes.
The Gaeltacht placement is a mandatory component of primary initial teacher education programmes, in accordance with the Teaching Council’s Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers of Initial Teacher Education.
The duration of the placement is a four week period broken into two separate blocks of two weeks.
The restoration of the Gaeltacht grant for students in State-funded primary initial teacher education (ITE) programmes with effect from the academic year 2020/21 was announced in Budget 2020. The estimated full year annual cost of restoring the grant is €1.8 million.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Ceisteanna (598)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:598. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of additional teachers required to reduce average size class at primary level from 24.3 pupils to 23.4. [15268/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Budget 2020 has provided for a budget of more than €11 billion for the Department of Education and Skills in 2020. This is the highest ever allocation to the sector and an increase of nearly €2 billion since 2016.
Teacher numbers at primary level have increased by almost 3,500 when comparing the 2015/16 school year with the current school year and this has led to a steady improvement in the pupil teacher ratio and average class size statistics during this period.
The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratio show an improved ratio of teachers to students from 16:1 to 15.2:1 at primary level when comparing the 2015/16 school year to the 2018/19 school year. Average class sizes at primary level improved from 24.9 to 24.3 in the same period.
The annual staffing schedule determines the allocation of teachers to schools. For the current school year, it operates on a general average of 26 pupils to every 1 teacher (26:1) which is historically the lowest ever allocation ratio at primary level.
Approximately 300 teaching posts would be required for each 1 point adjustment to the primary staffing schedule.