Written Answers Nos. 86-106
86. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in northern Sudan which is a consequence of recent flooding; if the State has plans to render humanitarian relief via Irish Aid to the effected flood victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32181/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that recent floods have seriously affected large parts of Sudan. On 4 September, the Transitional Government of Sudan declared a three-month State of Emergency and appealed for international assistance with regards to water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter and health care. UN Agencies have reported 155 fatalities. More than 875,000 people have been affected, including 150,000 refugees.
Ireland has provided development and humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people for many years. Since 2012, Irish humanitarian funding to Sudan has exceeded €33 million. So far this year, Ireland has contributed €3.7 million to humanitarian relief efforts in Sudan, including €3 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund and €700,000 to Irish NGOs working in the country, including Trócaire, Concern, GOAL and World Vision.
Ireland's contribution to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund is the fifth largest from 13 donors who collectively have sent €52 million in humanitarian assistance to Sudan this year. To date, €34 million has been allocated to life-saving humanitarian projects, including the recent floods. A further €5.6 million for flood response projects has just been agreed.
Other humanitarian needs have arisen due to a polio outbreak now affecting four Sudanese States and three neighbouring countries. Plans are in place to allocate funding to cover the urgent polio vaccination campaign in Sudan, also using the Sudan Humanitarian Fund.
Ireland also contributes €10 million each year to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund - a pool of standby funding available for rapid response by UN Agencies to support humanitarian action. This year over €10 million has been provided from this fund to support humanitarian needs in Sudan.
Additionally, Ireland contributes to the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations which committed over €60 million to Sudan in 2020 and recently increased its contribution, specifically to address floods, by €1.1 Million.
My officials are looking actively, in conjunction with the Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi (which is accredited to Sudan), at additional supports.
87. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Defence if he has considered the possibility of the Air Corps providing helicopter air sea rescue services as part of a national tender soon to be published; if his attention has been drawn to the proposed costs of €70 million per annum; if he has considered either solely or in discussion with the Department of Transport, the capital assets required or those available to the Defence Forces to commit to such a proposal; if a cost benefit analysis been considered by his Department or of the Department of Transport to allow the Army and Air Corps services engage on such a proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32094/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2004 the Irish Coast Guard has had overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue domain. The Irish Coast Guard fall under the remit of the Minister for Transport. From within the Defence Organisation, both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations on an “as available” basis. A Service Level Agreement is in place setting out their roles and responsibilities in this regard.
The current contract for the Search and Rescue Helicopter service is between the Minister of Transport and a civil helicopter operation, CHC Ireland DAC. The contract commenced on 1st July 2012 for a period of 10 years, with an option to extend for a further 3 years.
A SAR Aviation Steering Group has been set up under the auspices of the Department of Transport and led by the Irish Coast Guard to manage the procurement of the next SAR aviation service. Personnel from my Department and members of the Air Corps are key stakeholder members of the
Steering Group progressing this contract.
I would like to confirm that the Defence Organisation is supportive of the Department of Transport’s programme to put in place the Next Generation Search and Rescue Contract. A strategic assessment and preliminary appraisal document in line with the Public Service Code was agreed by the Steering Group and brought to Government for information in July this year. This included an appraisal of various service delivery options, including where the state assumed full responsibility for the service, either through the Air Corps or a dedicated IRCG Aviation Branch. Both were ruled out for a variety of reasons but notably the risks to the state and questions around potential affordability and deliverability.
88. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 1 October 2020, if a response will issue to the number of redress of wrongs for which a decision is outstanding; the date of submission of each; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32144/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile it was not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy at the time within the given timeframe, I am now in a position to do so.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that as of 20 October, there are currently 22 Redress of Wrongs (ROW) cases active within the Defence Forces as the table below illustrates:
|
Location of Total Active ROWs within the Defence Forces |
|
|
2 Brigade (2 BDE) |
8 |
|
Air Corps (AC) |
5 |
|
Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) |
1 |
|
Naval Service (NS) |
2 |
|
Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC) |
6 |
|
Total |
22 |
The following tables provide a breakdown of the status of the 22 active cases listed above within each of their current locations.
Of the 22 cases currently active, I understand that 4 reside with the Chief of Staff (COS).
The military authorities have additionally advised that the internal Redress of Wrongs (ROW) process continues to be a dynamic one, in that a complaint submitted, can be investigated and a decision is made at Brigade (BDE)/Formation (Fmn) level. However, the internal process also provides that the complainant can re-enter the process subsequent to this first decision and may request for the complaint to be forwarded to the next higher authority for consideration.
|
2 BDE |
|
|
|
Date of Complaint |
Current Location of ROW |
Current Status |
|
06/11/2019 |
BDE |
ROW was submitted overseas in Nov 2019 and not communicated to 2 Bde until Jul 2020. Ruling currently being prepared. |
|
01/07/2020 |
BDE |
This complex case requires further investigation involving retired members of the DF and the Investigating Officer (IO) requested an extension |
|
14/08/2020 |
BDE |
Ruling currently being prepared. |
|
14/08/2020 |
BDE |
Ruling currently being prepared. |
|
20/08/2020 |
BDE |
Further clarification sought from Investigating Officer (IO) before ruling is prepared for General Officer Commanding (GOC). |
|
01/09/2020 |
BDE |
GOC actioning resolution prior to ruling. Ruling currently being prepared. |
|
08/09/2020 |
BDE |
Further clarification sought from IO before ruling is prepared for GOC. |
|
15/09/2020 |
BDE |
IO currently investigating |
|
Air Corps |
|
|
|
Date of Complaint |
Current Location of ROW |
Current Status |
|
23/09/2020 |
Bde/Formation |
Military Investigating Officer (MIO) investigation ongoing |
|
06/10/2020 |
Bde/Formation |
MIO investigation ongoing |
|
07/10/2020 |
Bde/Formation |
MIO investigation ongoing |
|
25/09/2020 |
Bde/Formation |
MIO investigation ongoing |
|
01/01/2020 |
Bde/Formation |
MIO investigation ongoing |
|
Defence Forces Head Quarters |
|
|
|
Date of Complaint |
Current Location of ROW |
Current Status |
|
12/03/2020 |
Bde/Formation |
MIO Investigation ongoing |
|
Naval Service |
|
|
|
Date of Complaint |
Current Location of ROW |
Current Status |
|
21/05/2020 |
With Chief of Staff (COS) |
File sent to COS 25/8/20 |
|
16/06/2020 |
Bde/Formation |
MIO investigation ongoing |
Defence Forces Training Centre
|
Date of Complaint |
Current Location of ROW |
Current Status |
|
17-Jul-20 |
BDE |
Referred to COS 11 Aug 20 |
|
03-Sep-20 |
BDE |
MIO investigation Ongoing |
|
10-Aug-20 |
BDE |
MIO investigation Ongoing |
|
31-Jul-20 |
BDE |
MIO investigation Ongoing |
|
17-Jul-20 |
COS |
Currently under consideration by COS |
|
09-Jun-20 |
COS |
Final Submissions by Complainant due 26 Oct 2020 |
A complaint made under the ROW system that cannot be resolved internally may then be sent to the Office of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (ODF) for independent investigation.
89. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 166 of 8 October 2020, if an organisation of his Department will be provided in view that the website provided in the response only goes to assistant secretary level. [32159/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the previous reply to the Deputy and the website referenced whodoeswhat.gov.ie. If one clicks on my Department listing on that site, it provides an initial organisation chart of the Management Board. However, by clicking on each individual Board member, the Principals and those directly reporting to that member are shown. Therefore, the details as outlined in my previous reply are available on that site.
90. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the complex legal, operational and management concerns in relation to an organisation affiliation to a representative body (details supplied); if he or his Department have outlined these concerns in detail to the organisation; if it responded to the concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32184/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2017, the European Committee of Social Rights, in a non- binding ruling, found that Ireland was in violation of the European Social Charter in respect of the right to organise, that is to affiliate to certain organisations, and the right to negotiate collective agreements. It found that Ireland was not in violation of the Charter in respect of the prohibition of the right of military personnel to strike.
The European Committee of Social Rights, in arriving at its decision, took into an account a statement made in the complaint which claimed that ICTU had stated that “PDFORRA could be affiliated to ICTU with whatever conditions the Government deemed necessary”.
Defence management (civil and military) have engaged in discussions with the Permanent Defence Force representative associations and ICTU regarding the practicalities of a Defence Forces representative association forming association/affiliation with ICTU. These discussions encompassed matters of concern to all parties.
As this matter is now subject to litigation, it would not be appropriate to comment further.
91. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made in acquiring a site for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [32086/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project for Gaelscoil an Chaisleain is included in my Department's capital programme.
Officials in my Department continue to liaise with officials in Cork City Council and other relevant parties in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable site for the school.
A number of site options have been identified and assessed. A potential preferred site option has been identified. Negotiations with the landowner in respect of this preferred site option to accommodate the school are under way. However, as the Deputy will appreciate, negotiations in respect of site acquisitions are, by their nature, sensitive and for that reason I am not in a position to provide further information at this time. I can assure the Deputy that all parties are working to bring matters to a conclusion at the earliest possible date and Department officials will continue to keep the relevant school authorities appraised of progress.
92. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education the date on which the results of the 2020 leaving certificate written exam results will be made available to exam candidates; if her attention has been drawn to the need to have the results available before the 2021 UCAS deadline for candidates that wish to apply to study in third-level in UK institutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32124/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
93. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education when a person (details supplied) will be contacted by the school transport section; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32135/20]
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 2019/20 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.
Decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education and Skills regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes may be appealed to the School Transport Appeals Board.
The School Transport Appeals Board is independent of my Department. Under the terms of reference of the Board, the Board determines appeals against decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education and Skills regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes.
The appeal to which the Deputy refers was lodged with the School Transport Appeals Board and the appeal in this case has been allowed by the Board.
Officials from my School Transport Section have issued correspondence to parents in this regard.
94. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education when a decision on a school transport case will be finalised (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32149/20]
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 Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8kms from and are attending their nearest Post Primary School/Education Centre as determined by the 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. The closing date for payment for the 2020/2021 school year was Tuesday 4th August 2020.
Bus Eireann has confirmed, that the family to whom the Deputy refers, is eligible for school transport as they are attending their nearest post primary school, however Bus Éireann has also confirmed that no payment for school transport for the 2020/2021 school year was received by the family in question.
The existing school transport service is currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present.
95. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if the case of a person (details supplied) can be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32150/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision to adopt a model of Calculated Grades by my Department was a direct result of COVID-19, which prevented the state from running the conventional Leaving Certificate Examinations. In the absence of these examinations, every effort has been made to make the system as fair as possible for as many students as possible.
The process of national standardisation, which forms a key part of the Calculated Grades process, was applied to the information provided by schools in order to ensure comparability between the standards applied by individual schools and the national standard. In order to be fair to the class of 2020, the teacher judgements made at the level of the school had to be adjusted so that a common national standard was applied. It was inherent to the system of calculated grades that school estimates would be subject to adjustment through this standardisations process.
These adjustments resulted in the school estimates of subject percentage marks staying the same or being revised upwards or downwards. The standardisation process operated on the premise that the school estimates should only be adjusted through the standardisation process where there was credible statistical evidence to justify changing them.
A standardising process happens every year and would have happened in 2020 had the Leaving Certificate examinations been run as normal. In the system of calculated grades, the standardisation process applied uniformly across all subject and levels and school types. The degree to which mark changes occurred related to the degree of over or underestimation in the school estimates for each subject and each level. This means that some students experienced mark changes from the school estimates but no changes to the grades based on the school estimates; while others will have experienced marks changes from the teacher estimates leading to grade changes in one or more of their subjects.
Following standardisation, the estimated percentage mark was converted to a calculated mark and subsequently, a calculated grade which was provided to students on 7 September. It is only at this point that students were awarded a grade.
Therefore, it is not accurate to state that student(s) were downgraded, or upgraded, through the standardisation process. Rather the grade that was awarded following the standardisation process is the grade for the 2020 Leaving Certificate (Calculated Grades).
The overall data on school estimated marks showed that there was a very significant rise in estimated grades against what would normally be achieved nationally. This level of grade increase based on the school estimates would have been unrealistic. For example, based on the school data, there would have been 13.8% H1 grades this year when in a normal year it is approximately 5.8%. Even with the standardisation process the rate of H1s this year is over 9%.
While some students will be disappointed at the results they have achieved, this is the case every year when the Leaving Certificate results are published. It may be more difficult for students to understand when they see the estimated mark from the school.
The appeals process for Calculated Grades was open to students who were disappointed with the Calculated Grades they received in one or more subjects. In addition, students had the option to register to sit the 2020 written Leaving Certificate exams due to commence on 16 November.
96. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the breakdown of all appeals for the leaving certificate, by county and a breakdown of the 18 appeals awarded higher grades, by county, in tabular form. [32161/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is arranging to update the national statistics for the 2020 Leaving Certificate (Calculated Grades) results issued on the 7 September with the revisions to these grades which resulted from the coding error which led to revised grades being issued to some students on the 3 October and with the outcomes of the appeals process. When the revised data set is published, a full gender breakdown of the national data will be provided at that time.
97. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if the locations for written leaving certificate 2020 have been secured and agreed. [32162/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
98. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education her plans for the written exam of leaving certificate in the event of raised levels under the living with Covid-19 roadmap. [32163/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
The SEC is continuing with plans to hold the postponed 2020 Leaving Certificate examinations in November 2020. The examinations will be run by the SEC across the school network and will adhere to all public health requirements. No decision has been made to change these arrangements.
The Government has stated that schools will remain open during the Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, which will facilitate the holding of the examinations.
Some 2,900 candidates have applied to sit the November examinations, together with a small number of adult learners and early school leavers who will sit Junior Cycle examinations.
Schools will be provided with extra supports to allow the examinations to be held safely, including funding for sanitising and cleaning materials.
As part of its contingency planning process for the examinations the SEC included a contingency that, should the November examinations have to be cancelled for public health reasons, they could be held in parallel with the Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations in June 2021. The candidates in question, however, would be sitting the 2020 examinations, based on 2020 examination papers. It should be noted that no decision had been taken in relation to these contingency plans. The SEC’s clear plan and intention, and that of Government, is that the examinations will proceed as planned in November, with schools provided with the required supports to allow the examinations to be held.
In addition, the CAO arrangements that were in place for candidates sitting the November examinations would remain in place if these examinations were postponed, i.e. candidates who receive an improved CAO offer on foot of their results of the postponed exams, will also receive a deferred college offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year.
99. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if moneys for a project (details supplied) have been ringfenced within the capital budget. [32164/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that planning permission has been secured for the project and the Departments Project Management team are currently working on the preparation of the tender documents for the tender and appointment of a Contractor.
Funding for the schools capital programme under Project Ireland 2040 remains in place, and the school referred to by the Deputy remains part of the schools capital programme
100. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if funding for a project (details supplied) has been ring-fenced within the capital budget. [32165/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an initial grant of planning permission has been received.
Funding for the schools capital programme under Project Ireland 2040 remains in place, and the school referred to remains part of the schools capital programme
101. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if the commitment will be reaffirmed not to reduce teacher numbers in schools for the lifetime of schools (details supplied); the number of teachers that will be provided in each school in the cluster for the forthcoming academic years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32179/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria used for the allocation of teaching posts is published annually on the Department website. The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location.
There is no change to the staffing of the schools concerned for the 2020/21 school year.
The staffing schedule for primary schools for the 2020/21 school year is currently at its lowest ever level with 1 teacher to 26 pupils.
I was delighted to announce a further 1 point reduction in Budget 2021. The staffing schedule for the 2021/22 academic year now stands at 1 teacher for every 25 pupils. This measure will help ensure better teacher retention in primary schools while also ensuring that less pupils are required to retain or recruit a teacher.
The unique challenges facing Gaeltacht schools and their importance in the maintenance of Irish as the main language of Gaeltacht communities is recognised. To support the delivery of high quality Irish-medium education in Gaeltacht schools, the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme was launched in 2017 as part of the overall implementation of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education 2017-2022. A package of additional targeted supports has been provided to schools in the Scheme since September 2018 including:
- access to an annual grant of €1200 grant for the purchase of Irish-medium teaching resources
- additional Irish-language support teaching hours based on school enrolment
- additional continuing professional development for teachers, delivered by COGG
- additional Inspectorate support via advisory visits to support schools in meeting their targets in the implementation of Irish-language-based criteria.
Schools in the Scheme are permitted to form clusters to create temporary full-time posts by combining part-time Irish language support hours. Since 2019, schools in the Scheme have also had the option to combine part-time Irish language support hours with special education teaching hours to create temporary full-time posts, provided that the teachers selected had a high level of proficiency in the Irish language and an understanding of immersion education, so that they could fulfil the roles, as appropriate. The terms of the operation of the Scheme are set out annually in Circulars which are published on the Department’s website and disseminated to schools located in Gaeltacht language-planning areas. The most recent Circular relating to the operation of the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme in primary schools located in Gaeltacht areas during the 2020/21 school year is Circular 0010/2020. The operation of the Scheme in schools must also take place in accordance with the provisions of Department advice and circulars relating to COVID-19.
102. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education further to previous requests from this Deputy, if she will include the much-needed new primary school for Waterville, County Kerry in the new capital programme; her views on the fact that the existing building is totally unsuitable for modern educational purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32180/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application, from the school in question, for major capital works comprising of a new school building.
Under the National Development Plan (NDP), increased funding has been provided for the school sector capital investment programme. This funding allows for a continued focus on the provision of new permanent school places to keep pace with demographic demand and also provides for an additional focus on the refurbishment of existing school buildings, starting in the second half of Project Ireland 2040 period. The school authority's application will be considered under the Project Ireland 2040 capital envelope. The school authorities were notified of this position by my officials.
Should the school authority consider that it does not have sufficient capacity, in terms of mainstream teaching accommodation, it is open to them to apply for accommodation under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme, details of which are available on my Department's website www.education.ie. The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
103. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education when the repeat leaving certificate exams will take place; the contingency plans that will come into force if Covid-19 restrictions come into force which preclude the current intended course of action from taking place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32191/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
The SEC is continuing with plans to hold the postponed 2020 Leaving Certificate examinations in November 2020. The examinations will be run by the SEC across the school network and will adhere to all public health requirements. No decision has been made to change these arrangements.
The Government has stated that schools will remain open during the Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, which will facilitate the holding of the examinations.
Some 2,900 candidates have applied to sit the November examinations, together with a small number of adult learners and early school leavers who will sit Junior Cycle examinations.
Schools will be provided with extra supports to allow the examinations to be held safely, including funding for sanitising and cleaning materials.
As part of its contingency planning process for the examinations the SEC included a contingency that, should the November examinations have to be cancelled for public health reasons, they could be held in parallel with the Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations in June 2021. The candidates in question, however, would be sitting the 2020 examinations, based on 2020 examination papers. It should be noted that no decision had been taken in relation to these contingency plans. The SEC’s clear plan and intention, and that of Government, is that the examinations will proceed as planned in November, with schools provided with the required supports to allow the examinations to be held.
In addition, the CAO arrangements that were in place for candidates sitting the November examinations would remain in place if these examinations were postponed, i.e. candidates who receive an improved CAO offer on foot of their results of the postponed exams, will also receive a deferred college offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year.
104. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the progress in acquiring a site for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [32211/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project for Gaelscoil an Chaisleain is included in my Department's capital programme. Officials in my Department continue to liaise with officials in Cork City Council in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable site for the school.
A potential site option has been identified and discussions are ongoing with the landowner with a view to acquiring this site.
While a site acquisition process is underway, and given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
105. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the procedures followed by schools in relation to tracing close contacts of a confirmed case of Covid-19 in the school when a member of staff or student tests positive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32229/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if there have been changes to the tracing of close contacts, including the definition of a close contact in the case of a positive case of Covid-19 in both primary and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32230/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 106 together.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the HSE have published guidance for managing potential cases of COVID-19 in educational settings, which includes the testing strategy within schools. All schools were provided with the HSE document titled: “Schools Pathway for Covid-19, the Public Health approach”, setting out the approach to managing isolated confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the school community, and also the principles that will underpin the management of outbreaks or potential outbreaks and the aligned testing strategy within an educational facility. There has been no change to the definition of close contact in the school setting.
COVID-19 testing, and the broader public health response to COVID-19 infections in a school is led and managed by the local HSE Public Health team. All decisions as to appropriate actions following a confirmed case or outbreak will be made by their teams in the context of a full Public Health Risk Assessment procedure. This involves the HSE Department of Public Health liaising directly with the designated school contact, usually the school principal.
My Department is working closely with the HSE Department of Public Health to ensure that public health measures are acted upon speedily by schools and areas of concerns raised by schools are addressed. As part of this close collaboration, the HSE Department of Public Health are in the process of establishing school focused teams in their respective public health areas to further assist schools while risk assessment are being conducted and to provide assistance and guidance to schools in instances where members of the school community may be a suspected or confirmed case.
This is an important measure of reassurance and support for schools on their return from mid-term break. In the interim My Department will liaise with individual schools in the event of a suspect or confirmed outbreak to ensure that Public Health teams are alerted so that appropriate follow up action is taken.
My Department will also continue to work with the HSE Department of Public Health to ensure that testing is prioritised for those close contacts within the school community of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
It is important to note that the experience of public health to date is that transmission rates of Covid-19 in schools are low, much lower than the rate currently in the community. This is a result of the effectiveness of the public health guidelines for schools and the successful implementation and adherence of all in the school community to the guidelines.
