Written Answers Nos. 99-110
99. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being put in place to ensure the CAO application process receives all official transcripts from students seeking to study medicine on time in circumstances in which transcripts will only be received by students on 14 August 2020, the hard copies of which must be physically with the CAO by 17 August 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16149/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra104. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps being put in place to ensure the CAO application process receives all official transcripts from students seeking to study medicine on time in circumstances in which transcripts will be received by students on 14 July 2020 the hard copies of which must be physically with the CAO by 17 July 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16225/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 104 together.
The Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are governed by the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technologies Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. Within the meaning of these Acts, higher education institutions are autonomous with regard to management of their academic affairs including admissions procedures. The CAO process applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on behalf of the HEIs. Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates.
As such, neither I nor my Department has any role in relation to the operation of the CAO. Queries on these processes should be sent directly to the CAO, contact details for which can be found on their website www.cao.ie
100. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the number of teachers in primary schools for the 2020-21 school year will not be reduced in view of the fact this is not the time to reduce teachers due to social distancing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16153/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very conscious of the staffing schedule and the need to prioritise teacher allocations in primary schools given their vital role in communities around the country. I am looking at how best to make further progress in reducing the primary teacher ratio in the context of the Programme for Government implementation.
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. 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. Details of the staffing arrangements are set out in Circular 18/2020, which is available on the Department website.
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.
101. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) has a larger number of pupils with additional needs this year and that the increase in the number of SNAs allocated to the school does not match the increase in pupils with additional needs; if she will provide sufficient SNAs to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16181/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews. My Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations.
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 rollover 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.
- 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 as a first step 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.
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.
The exceptional review process for mainstream allocations will be available to schools throughout the 2020/21 school year.
Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.
102. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way in which a registered educational and membership body here can be awarded chartered status and confer individual charter status to its members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16215/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no role in awarding or conferring chartered status on a registered educational or membership body. I am advised that this is not a title typically conferred by the Irish State but has historically been awarded by the relevant authorities in the UK.
103. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education and Skills if clarity will be provided to third level students regarding the return to third level institutions in autumn 2020; if courses will to be based on campus, online or blended learning; and if it is the latter, the advice that will be issued regarding student accommodation. [16223/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo assist with the development of plans for the re-opening and operation of higher education in an environment that may require social distancing and other public health requirements, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is engaging with relevant stakeholders from the higher education sector. The importance of informing students of arrangements for the new semester in a timely manner forms part of these discussions and all those involved are committed to this. This work is ongoing, and it is hoped that a communication for the sector will be published in the coming weeks.
However Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous institutions and are entitled to regulate their own academic affairs and administrative processes. Decisions on how courses will operate will be made by each institution, and arrangements will vary between institutions and between courses. The HEIs will communicate the arrangements for the new academic year to students as soon as these arrangements have been finalised. Questions on arrangements for a specific institution or course should be directed to the institution in question.
In relation to student accommodation, license terms including cost, duration, refund and cancellation policies should be set out in the 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
105. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Skills the timeframe for the completion of the new DEIS identification model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16227/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in the final stages of refinement of the new DEIS identification model, based on school enrolment data and the latest data available from Census 2016 using the HP Deprivation Index. A detailed quality analysis of the data has been carried out by members of the DEIS Technical Group which contains officials from my Department and the Educational Research Centre. The work of this group is at an advanced stage and a consultation process with education stakeholder representatives on the technical aspect of this model has commenced. It is envisaged that this will then provide the basis for development of a DEIS resource allocation system to match resources to identified need.
106. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education and Skills if assurances will be provided to parents and staff of four special schools, in particular a school (details supplied) that caters exclusively for children with specific reading difficulties such as dyslexia. [16239/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere 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.
107. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when applications will be opened for the enterprise support grant for small businesses; and the location in which the application form will be accessible. [16151/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Enterprise Support Grant is being extended to assist eligible self-employed recipients who are exiting the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment scheme after 25th June 2020 to re-start their business. A once-off grant will be awarded for 80% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €1,000 covering vouched costs associated with re-opening a business which was closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The grant will be available to self-employed individuals who satisfy the scheme conditions including, employing fewer than 10 people, having an annual turnover of less than €1 million and not being liable for commercial rates. This grant is available for micro enterprises that are not eligible for other similar COVID business re-start grants from other Government Departments.
Funding of €12 million has been provided for this grant and my Department is developing the systems to put this grant into effect and will communicate how to apply for the grant over the coming weeks.
I trust that this clarifies the position at this time.
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for an invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16162/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27 May 2020. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that these were received by that Office on 29 June 2020 and referred to an Appeals Officer on 8 July 2020. The Appeals Officer dealing with this case will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required and if Covid-19 restrictions allow, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
109. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if persons who turn 66 years of age before the completion of the review by the commission on pensions will be entitled to receive a State pension under the policy; and if it will be the case that once awarded a pension these persons will not be affected by a change to the pension age. [16175/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2011 provided for increases to the State pension age to make the State pension system more sustainable as life expectancy increases. This began in January 2014 with the abolition of the State Pension (Transition). This measure standardised the State pension age for all at 66 years. The legislation currently provides for increases to the State pension age - to 67 in 2021 and further to 68 in 2028.
The new Programme for Government “Our Shared Future” states that the planned increase in the State pension age next year will be deferred. This will require amendment to primary legislation and the Government will bring in the necessary legislation later this year.
Furthermore, a Commission on Pensions will be established to examine sustainability and eligibility issues in relation to State pensions and the Social Insurance Fund. The Commission is to report to Government by June 2021 on options including the qualifying age, contribution rates, total contributions and eligibility requirements. The Government will take action, having regard to the recommendations of the Commission, within six months. Pending the Commission’s report and any subsequent Government decisions on its recommendations, it is intended that the State pension age will remain at 66 years.
I hope this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
110. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a PPS number will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16179/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the Department has no record of an application for a Personal Public Services Number (PPSN) in respect of this individual.
In the event that this person already had a PPSN prior to their residency in the UK, they can confirm their PPSN by calling my Department at 00 353 71 967 2616.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
