Written Answers Nos. 383-402
383. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence the number of Exchequer-funded projects over €1 billion overseen by his Department; the expected rise in cost in both numerical amount and percentage terms in tabular form, and delays as result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24306/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently no Exchequer funded projects of over €1 billion overseen by the Department of Defence.
384. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the number of Bus Éireann buses servicing a school run (details supplied); the number of pickups along the route; and when those who do not have a service will be able to avail of one. [23503/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
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.
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.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that there are currently 6 school transport services with a total of 11 pick-up-points which operate to this school from the areas referred to by the Deputy.
Bus Éireann have further confirmed that all eligible pupils who applied and paid on time have been issued with school transport tickets.
385. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education if the distinction between concessionary and eligible students regarding school transport will be removed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23511/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education.
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.
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.
Under the terms of the Department's School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometers (Primary) or 4.8 kilometres (Post Primary) from and are attending their nearest school/education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who have complete the application and payment process on time are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis and are facilitated where spare seats exits after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann allocates tickets using an agreed selection process.
Concessionary transport may vary from year to year and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s primary or post primary school education cycle. The provision of a seat on a concessionary basis in a given year does not confer any continuing entitlement for that user in following years as concessionary places are entirely contingent on there being spare seats once eligible users are provided for.
As the Deputy may be aware, a Review of the School Transport Scheme was announced by my predecessor in October 2019. Given the current evolving situation with Covid-19 the proposed review has been delayed. I propose to convene the Steering Group shortly and to agree and supplement revised terms of reference to reflect the Programme for Government including identifying recommendations for the scheme to provide better value and a better service for students, including those with special educational needs, and examining issues such as the nearest or next-nearest school.
386. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if her attention and that of NPHET and the HSE have been drawn to the fact that the exchange of teenage school students from other European states continues to be facilitated by secondary schools here despite Covid-19 restrictions on travel and household gatherings; if they have approved that secondary schools should continue such exchange programmes; the number of students associated with the programmes; and the measures her Department, NPHET and the HSE have taken to reduce the risk of travel-related infection from the international exchange programmes. [23546/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Erasmus+ programme, there are up to 8 Post Primary schools that were awarded grants for this activity 2020. These projects are up to 36 months in duration and can begin from 1September 2020. Schools involved in School Exchange Partnerships (KA229) have been informed by the European Commission recommends that schools should commence project activities through online and virtual activities using the eTwinning platform.
Léargas, as the National Agency with responsibility for delivery of Erasmus + programme in post-primary schools, have a dedicated area on their website detailing the measures to be followed by schools. These measures are informed by the latest advice from all public health authority sources, as well as travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs as appropriate.
It is also posssible that student exchanges may take place outside the Erasmus + framework. In these cases, it is a requirement for anyone coming into Ireland, from locations other than those with a rating of ‘normal precautions’ (“green”), to restrict their movements for 14 days. This means staying indoors in one location and avoiding contact with other people and social situations as much as possible.
The school has a duty of care to all of its pupils and staff members. If a school has reasonable grounds for believing that its duty of care toward its staff and pupils is being undermined in circumstances where a person – staff member or pupil - has not observed the mandatory requirement to restrict movements for 14 days following return from a non-green list country, it is reasonable for the school to refuse access to the pupil or staff member during this period.
387. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the guidelines and requirements by which Bus Éireann is bound when providing school transport with regard to distance to pickup points; the routes deemed acceptable; the alteration of services provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23846/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. 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.
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.
Bus Éireann plans and manages the countrywide network of school transport scheme services on behalf of my Department and in this regard they are responsible for the planning for provision of new services, route itineraries and for the scheduling of services.
Under the terms of the Department's School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria (3.2km at primary and 4.8km at post-primary) and are attending their nearest school as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time have been accommodated on school transport services for the 2020/2021 school year. Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis and are facilitated where spare seats exits after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann allocates tickets using an agreed selection process.
388. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education when Bus Éireann will commence refunding unsuccessful school transport ticket applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24010/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. 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.
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.
The closing date for payment for the 2020/2021 school year was Tuesday 4th August 2020. All children who are eligible for school transport and who applied and paid by the deadline have been accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis and are facilitated where spare seats exits after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann allocates tickets using an agreed selection process. Bus Éireann has already issued refunds to a number of ineligible children who were unsuccessful in acquiring a ticket on services that are operating to capacity at present.
The School Transport Scheme Family Portal was temporarily closed for applications and payments on the 20th August 2020. This temporary closure was necessary to complete the work required to issue tickets to families who at that time remained due to be allocated a ticket for school transport services for the 2020/2021 school year.
The School Transport Scheme Family Portal has now re-opened. However, parents/guardians making an application/payment at this time for the 2020/2021 school year are reminded that the closing date for payments for the 20/21 school year was Tuesday 4th August 2020. While it is possible to submit a payment, payments made at this time are now late. Late applicants and/or families who pay late are not guaranteed a seat and will only be allocated a seat if capacity is available once seats are allocated to those families who applied and paid on time for transport services for the 2020/2021 school year.
In addition, payments for Post-Primary seats completed or made after 4th August 2020 can only be considered when 50% capacity, required by new Covid-19 public health guidelines, is achieved on each route.
In the event of not securing a ticket where no capacity exists, or on cancellation, a full refund will be issued.
389. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if there will be a review of the prohibition on persons over 70 years of age driving school buses; if she will consider the absence of legislation on health checks for public service drivers as a contributor to the rule; if the matter will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24033/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. 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.
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.
It is Bus Éireann policy that the normal retirement age for all staff is currently 66 years. Bus Éireann part-time school bus drivers and drivers nominated by private operators as school bus drivers may continue to perform this role, subject to completing an annual medical examination up to the retirement age of 70 years.
This criteria is applied to all drivers who provide services as part of the School transport scheme that is operated by Bus Éireann, on behalf of the Department of Education. As this age limit has been examined previously and the retirement age extended to 70 years, there are no plans to extend this limit further at this point in time.
390. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the status of measures being put in place to improve pay and conditions for school secretaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23268/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the very important work done by these staff, and the other support staff in the running of our schools.
In recognition of this, I have put special arrangements in place for the coming school year whereby schools will be funded to employ a replacement secretary or caretaker in the event that staff who are at very high risk of contracting serious illness from COVID-19 cannot work from the school premises. Furthermore, as part of a range of measures to support schools for a full re-opening at the commencement of the 2020/21 school year, the Employment Assistance Scheme (EAS) has been extended to all school staff including secretaries. The EAS provides advice to employees on a range of issues including wellbeing, legal, financial, bereavement, conflict, and mediation. I have met with Fórsa, who represent many of the secretaries working in schools.
Schemes were initiated in 1978 and 1979 for the employment of clerical officers and caretakers in schools. The schemes were withdrawn completely in 2008. These schemes have been superseded by the capitation grant schemes. The current grant scheme was agreed in the context of the Programme for Economic and Social Progress, published in 1991.
The majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools now receive assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services under these grant schemes. It is a matter for each individual school to decide how best to apply the grant funding to suit its particular needs. Where a school uses the grant funding for caretaking or secretarial purposes, any staff taken on to support those functions are employees of individual schools. Specific responsibility for terms of employment rests with the school.
On foot of a Chairman’s Note to the Lansdowne Road Agreement, my Department engaged with the Unions representing school secretaries and caretakers, including through an independent arbitration process in 2015. The Arbitrator recommended a cumulative pay increase of 10% between 2016 and 2019 for staff and that a minimum hourly pay rate of €13 be phased in over that period. This arbitration agreement covered the period up to 31 December 2019.
The arbitration agreement was designed to be of greatest benefit to lower-paid secretaries and caretakers. For example, a secretary or caretaker who was paid the then minimum wage of €8.65 per hour in 2015 prior to the arbitration has from 1 January 2019, been paid €13 per hour which is a 50% increase in that individual’s hourly pay.
The increases recommended by the Arbitrator are binding and must be applied by all schools who employ staff to whom the Arbitrator’s recommendation applies.
A survey of Secretaries and Caretakers undertaken in 2019 identified some schools that are non-compliant with the provisions of the 2015 Arbitration Agreement, and my Department has contacted these schools to remind them of their obligations under the agreement, as implemented through various circulars. The links below will bring you to the most recent circulars in respect of the pay increases under the 2015 Arbitration Agreement.
https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0076_2018.pdf
https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0077_2018.pdf
In May last year Fórsa trade union tabled a follow-on claim from the 2015 pay agreement. Officials from my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and School Management Bodies are in discussions with Fórsa under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission.
391. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the additional immediate supports that will be provided for the students of a school (details supplied) while a building is being sourced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23269/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that my Department has approved the provision of funding, under the Additional Accommodation Scheme, to provide for prefabricated accommodation for Dun Laoghaire Educate Together (and Red Door Special School) to meet the short to medium term accommodation needs of both schools and the pupils concerned at their current location. Some issues during the tendering process led to delays in the delivery of this project to the extent that it was not going to be completed in time to allow Dun Laoghaire Educate Together to open there for September.
Therefore, the school authority in Dun Laoghaire Educate Together worked closely with officials in my Department with a view to providing interim solutions to meet the needs of the school pending completion of this project. In that context, it was agreed that an existing building – a Dublin Dun Laoghaire ETB building on Eblana Avenue – would be refurbished with a view to facilitating its use for that purpose. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this work was completed last week and the building is now in use by the school.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that the Blackrock Education Centre kindly agreed to facilitate the opening of the school on 1st September at its premises for the few extra days that the works on the Eblana building took.
392. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the details of the public health protocols that are applicable to private service providers of the school transport system; if the services can operate at full capacity in order to transport pupils to and from school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23271/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. 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.
Based on the public health advice published in early July, my Department has been planning for School Transport Scheme services for the 2020/2021 school year to fully operate, but with additional measures and hygiene requirements in place. The Department has been engaging intensively with Bus Éireann in regard to the logistics for the safe operation of School Transport Scheme services for the 2020/2021 school year. Funding has been provided to private transport providers who are contracted by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department to operate the School Transport Scheme services order to meet these requirements.
Updated health advice was received from NPHET on the 18th August, which impacts on the operation of post-primary school transport services. This advice stated that for secondary school students on school transport, strict distancing should be ensured in line with that on public transport along with the wearing of face coverings.
The Department is engaging with Bus Éireann in respect of these plans, in order to implement measures so that any services that can operate from the start of the school year at 50% capacity will do so and over the coming period all other post-primary transport services will be re-organised and additional services will be provided as required to allow for physical distancing.
Commercial contractors who provide transport for schools on a private hire or commercial basis but who are not contracted by Bus Éireann to operate on the Department’s School Transport Scheme do not fall under the remit of the Department of Education. However, the Department has reminded schools and other stakeholders that public health advice is best practice on these services also.
393. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of opening an ASD unit in a primary school. [23342/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the cost of providing an SEN base in a primary school will depend on the scope, scale and complexity of the project. While the Department has a baseline costing which it applies to SEN bases, the final cost of same will vary depending on these and other factors.
394. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of opening an ASD unit in a secondary school. [23343/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the cost of providing an SEN base in a secondary school will depend on the scope, scale and complexity of the project. While the Department has a baseline costing which it applies to SEN bases, the final cost of same will vary depending on these and other factors.
395. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education the status of an application for school transport by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23346/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education.
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.
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.
Under the terms of the Department's Post-Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest school/education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time have been accommodated on school transport services for the 2020/21 school year where such services are in operation.
Bus Éireann, who operate school transport on behalf of my Department, has advised that the children referred to by the Deputy are eligible for school transport under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme. However, only part payment was made by the closing date of payments for school transport and tickets were not issued.
Bus Éireann has also advised that the remainder of the payment has now been received and that there are seats available and tickets will issue in due course.
396. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education if she will make available a place in a special school for a child (details supplied) which would meet the child's additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23360/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that every child has a suitable school placement is a key objective of this Department. Significant resources are allocated each year to ensure that appropriate supports are available for children with special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide; has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents; and seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special education placements.
The NCSE is planning a further expansion of special class and special school places nationally, including Cork, to meet identified need for this school-year and beyond. This process is ongoing.
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school. My Department works closely with the NCSE in this regard.
The NCSE has advised that they have experienced difficulties in securing special school placements in certain areas in Co Cork, but that they are continuing to work as a matter of urgency in accommodating students who require such placements.
The NCSE's local Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise both schools and the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: https://ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
In circumstances, where no placement is available for a child with special educational needs, the Department can provide Home Tuition grant funding towards the provision of 20 hours home tuition per week as an interim measure until the NCSE confirms that a placement is available.
Home Tuition will not however be available where a school placement has been identified by the NCSE. Similarly, failure to enrol a child in school will not give rise to eligibility under this scheme.
The NCSE has confirmed that a placement has been secured for this child in a special school. I am also assured that the local SENO will continue to engage with the family and the school concerned to ensure that the child's needs are addressed.
397. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education when places on a school bus will be provided for persons (details supplied); and if the issues associated with the places and service will be resolved as soon as possible. [23374/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
In the current school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, are transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €219m in 2019.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application and payment process on time have be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Bus Eireann has confirmed that part payment for tickets for the children referred to by the Deputy was received on the 5th August 2020 for the 2020/2021 school year and as such their payment is late.
Payments for Post-Primary seats completed or made after 4th August 2020 will be only considered when 50% capacity, required by new Covid19 public health guidelines, is achieved on each route. In the event of not securing a ticket where no capacity exists, or on cancellation, a full refund will be issued.
Late applicants and/or families who pay late are not guaranteed a seat and will only be allocated a seat if capacity is available once seats are allocated to those families who applied and paid on time for transport services for the 2020/2021 school year.
At present the existing post primary service is operating to capacity and there are no seats available.
Bus Éireann has confirmed that there is capacity on the primary service for which this family applied and that a ticket for the primary pupil will be issued in due course.
398. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education the status of an application by a school (details supplied) for urgent funding to replace or repair a leaking roof over several classrooms; if Covid-19 funding will also be provided to cover another area in the school to accommodate classes; and if same will be expedited. [23375/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the school in question has been asked to submit a revised application for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme as the scope of its original application falls outside the scope of that scheme. The school has also been informed that the Department will consider the rental of accommodation to assist in the management of Covid-19.
399. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if school transport for three pupils attending the ASD unit at a school (details supplied) will be approved immediately; and the reason for the delay. [23424/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability.
In general, children with special educational needs are eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest school that is resourced to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
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.
The service to cater for the three pupils referred to by the Deputy commenced on the 14th September 2020.
400. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the steps she has taken to ensure that the texts studied at second level are inclusive of Travellers and persons of colour; if advice has been sought from Travellers, persons of colour and other minority groups on the content of the curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23436/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe curriculum, at both primary and post primary level, is considered to be for all learners regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic background, gender or orientation. It is the aim of my Department that every child has access to equitable education and that each learner feels safe and happy in the school environment, at every stage.
At primary level, the current curriculum acknowledges the importance of a balanced and informed awareness of the diversity of peoples and environments in the world. Such an awareness helps children to understand the world and contributes to their personal and social development as citizens of a global community. The curriculum promotes tolerance and respect for diversity in both the school and the community. The Primary Curriculum is currently complemented by Guidelines on Traveller Education in Primary Schools (DES, 2002) and Intercultural Education in the Primary School (NCCA, 2005). These guidelines promote an intercultural approach in the classroom and provide practical examples of how intercultural themes, including Traveller culture, can be accommodated through the various curriculum areas. They aim to contribute to the development of a shared ability and sense of responsibility to protect for each other the right to be different and to live free from discrimination.
The National Council for Curriculum Assessment, (NCCA), is currently in the process of redesigning and redeveloping the primary curriculum and through an ongoing public consultation is providing an opportunity to all stakeholders to consider how it may be restructured. Inclusive education and diversity is one of eight overarching principles of the draft PC framework and provides for equity of opportunity and participation in children’s learning. Inclusive education celebrates diversity and responds to the uniqueness of every child.
While the Department prescribes curricula and syllabuses for implementation in primary schools, it does not endorse any textbooks for use in schools. Neither does the Department have any involvement in the publication of such textbooks, beyond informing publishers in a timely fashion about the introduction of any new syllabus.
At post primary level, schools have the autonomy to determine which textbooks and/or resources to use in order to best aid the delivery of the curriculum, however there some prescribed texts for English at both junior and senior cycle. A diverse range of authors, including poets and playwrights, is included in the prescribed lists of texts. The texts referred to are not compulsory, but are options on a wider list of prescribed texts. Which text is used in a school remains at the discretion of that school.
A variety of factors influence the selection of prescribed texts, including the aspiration to achieve social and cultural diversity and inclusivity, the age appropriateness of texts, the merit of the text on grounds of excellence, as well as practical factors, such as availability and cost. As prescribed lists are developed from year to year, additional factors come to the fore and influence the choices made. Contemporary issues and world events also impact on prescription. It is the intention that prescribed texts for both Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate English are diverse and inclusive, and meet the needs of teachers and students. Current and previous text lists offer many opportunities to explore issues relating to racism and inclusion/exclusion of particular groups in society. Achieving a balanced list remains a challenging and worthwhile endeavour and work continues to create a broadly balanced, diverse and inclusive list every year.
As part of this Department’s ongoing curricular reform, issues in relation to inclusivity/diversity etc. will be considered as part of the ongoing reviews in relation to the curriculum at both primary and post-primary level.
The NCCA is also in the process of conduction a review of senior cycle. The NCCA commenced the review in late 2016. As part of the first phase of the review the NCCA conducted international research on senior cycle in a number of other jurisdictions. The report of this research was published in February 2018. From September 2018, the NCCA engaged with a cohort of schools as well as hosted a series of national seminars. This was followed by a wider public consultation. This phase of consultation was informed by two important NCCA documents, an Interim report of review of Senior Cycle Education and accompanying Senior Cycle Review Consultation Document. The Interim Report on the review brings together the discussions held during the review in schools, at the national seminars and the national and international research on senior cycle, while the Senior Cycle Consultation document outlines the emerging areas for further consideration in senior cycle. Elements of the review are examining how senior cycle can be inclusive to students from all backgrounds. The NCCA are now considering the findings to date and are working to produce an advisory report.
The NCCA has also been progressing work on the issue of the place of Traveller history and culture in the curriculum, from early years to senior cycle, in order to identify current opportunities for children and young people to encounter and learn about aspects of Traveller culture and history. As part of this process the Council has engaged directly with Traveller repreesentative bodies.
The Department will continue to address the areas such as cultural awareness through a suite of supports including the recently revised Stay Safe Programme and the provision of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to teachers at Primary and Post-Primary level and in initial teacher education. It will ensure that such programmes enable teachers to deal with teaching and learning needs of all students from all cultural backgrounds and provide support for pedagogical practices that promote inclusion.
401. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to develop inclusive and age-appropriate RSE and SPHE curricula across primary and post-primary levels, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships and making appropriate legislative changes if necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23441/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government states that this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) across primary and post-primary schools.
Access to RSE is an important right for students. Schools have a responsibility to provide for this vital aspect of education to young people. Importantly, a school’s RSE programme should be planned in consultation with parents.
The entire focus of RSE is on preparing young people for adult life, on emphasising the importance of respect for themselves and each other, developing healthy relationships, understanding the importance of consent and helping young people to develop and mature in a positive light. This will be done in a manner that is appropriate to the ages of children.
In April 2018, a review of RSE in schools was announced by the then Minister for Education and Skills Mr. Richard Bruton TD. The Minister asked the NCCA to undertake a review, not just of the content of the curriculum but of how it is taught in schools. The NCCA advises the Department and Minister in relation to the curriculum to be taught in schools.
The NCCA conducted a thorough and transparent review, and published its report, “Report on the Review of Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in primary and post-primary Schools” in December 2019.
The NCCA report makes a number of recommendations. This includes primarily the development of a single integrated curriculum for RSE and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) in schools. Work on updating or developing new specifications for SPHE/RSE will commence in the NCCA in 2021, beginning with a focus on Junior Cycle. This work will include engagement with all the key education stakeholders as well as a further process of public consultation before any new curriculum specifications are finalised.
The NCCA has established two development groups, one for primary and one for post-primary, to oversee the work in this area and support the development of guidance material for schools. These groups were unable to commence their work over recent months due to the COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings. However, meetings of these groups will convene from October and this will allow them to review significant work that has been progressed.
The NCCA is currently developing interim guidance for SPHE and RSE across primary and post-primary levels. These support materials will be made available in the form of an online toolkit. They will provide guidance on how the current curriculum can be approached in a more holistic way. The materials involved will be brought to the development groups from October. It is anticipated that some guidance materials will be published before the end of 2020 and that they will be supplemented incrementally during 2021.
The NCCA has worked collaboratively with the teacher professional development support services and other relevant groups in completing an audit of current teaching and learning resources relevant to SPHE/RSE and compiled a comprehensive resource list which will be published as part of the online toolkit for SPHE/RSE. This will provide a single, online access point for up-to-date resources.
Further recommendations in the report in relation to Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) regarding SPHE and RSE are being considered by the Department with a view to putting enhanced supports in place.
402. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education when an allowance for a person (details supplied) will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23460/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to my Department's records Mr. Foley's first date on the Department's payroll was as an unqualified teacher on 21 October 2010. His first date of qualified service following his registration with the Teaching Council as a post primary teacher was on 5 September 2012.
Following a review of qualification allowances as part of budget 2012 the result of which were notified to schools in Circular letter 0008/2013 and which is available on the Department's website it was decided that where a teacher was in receipt of qualified rate of pay on or before 4 December 2011 they would be eligible to apply for an additional qualification allowance in respect of qualifications that they held on that date or in respect of a qualification that they were actively undertaking on 5 December 2011 provided they remained registered on that course until its completion.
As my Department records indicate that his first date of qualified pay was on the 5 September 2012 the derogation to the general rule would not have applied to Mr. Foley.
Under the terms of the review no allowances can be paid in respect of a masters where the course of study commence after 5 December 2011. It is not clear when Mr. Foley commenced his masters degree as no formal application was received by my Department, and his masters details are not recorded on the Teaching Council Interface.
In accordance with Department Circulars 0051/2018 and 0083/2017 the deadline for applying for an additional qualification allowance has passed.
