Written Answers Nos. 59-78
59. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the decision making bodies responsible for the allocation of the funds from the music industry stimulus package; the decision-making methodology used in deciding upon the successful applicants; the amounts awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40629/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Music Industry Stimulus Package of €1.7 million is being managed on behalf of my Department by the music resource organisation, First Music Contact (FMC).
I am advised that all applications received by the deadline were checked for eligibility in the first instance and that all eligible applications were considered by a team of expert panellists. Panellists were required to confirm that they had no conflict of interest in any applications. Panellists who declared a conflict of interest were excluded from that applicants’ adjudication. The panel chair was independent and non-voting.
For the song writing camps and album release applications, two separate sets of 4 expert panellists considered the applications individually. Each panel of 4 then met to agree on scores for all eligible applications and recommend awards.
For recording applications, given the large volume involved, different music genres were initially considered by four separate sets of two expert panellists. The full panel of 8 then met to agree on scores for all eligible applications and recommend awards. The standard of applications was very high and all successful applicants to this fund received maximum scores of 20 out of 20.
Applications were assessed in a competitive context and with consideration of all supporting material. All applications were assessed against criteria of:
a) artistic merit which focused on the applicant’s previous practice as well as on the viability of the proposal
b) how well the applicant met the objectives of the Stimulus Fund
c) track record which the applicant demonstrated through the CVs and other supporting material submitted and
d) details of their proposed activity under the scheme for which they applied.
Full criteria for each scheme are outlined on the FMC website https://www.firstmusiccontact.com.
60. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the process through which a company (details supplied) was selected to be the public relations company assigned to work with successful applicants of the music industry stimulus package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40630/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe digital music distribution company named is based in Dublin. I understand that it is the only company of its kind in Ireland available to the independent music sector which delivers songs to radio, press and industry from one portal.
When releasing music, it is important that artists are able to distribute as widely as possible. Distribution has a significant cost but is recognised as a vital cog in stimulating activity in the sector. Accordingly, I understand that First Music Contact, who is managing the Music Industry Stimulus Package on behalf of the Department, negotiated a favourable reduced rate with the company on behalf of all successful applicants to ensure wide distribution of the supported album releases.
61. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to run a further fund similar in scope to the music industry stimulus package from the €50 million fund for the non-funded live entertainment sector arising from budget 2021; if she will use the same bodies involved in awarding monies of the stimulus package; if she will alter the manner in which applications are deemed successful and the parameters used to assess who can apply and the amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40631/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe response to the Music Industry Stimulus Package was far in excess of what was anticipated, which reflects both the strength of the music industry in Ireland as well as the current need for support in the absence of live performance income. Before advancing the planning of a further Music Industry Stimulus Package for 2021, an assessment will be carried on the operation of this year's pilot schemes to inform how best to support the music industry in 2021 and beyond.
62. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an bhfuil deontais ar fáil chun obair athchóirithe a dhéanamh ar theach stairiúil (sonraí iniata); agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [40765/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs tríd Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga mo Roinne a chuirtear cúnamh caipitil airgid ar fáil do choistí agus eagraíochtaí cáilithe Gaeltachta chun áiseanna pobail, teanga agus caitheamh aimsire a fhorbairt nó a athchóiriú.
Tuigtear dom nach bhfuil aon iarratas faighte ag mo Roinn i leith an togra atá faoi chaibidil sa chás seo. I gcás go bhfaighfí a leithéid, ní call a rá go scrúdófaí an t-iarratas sin faoi réir gnáthchritéir an chláir.
Ní gá dom a rá ach an oiread go mbeidh feidhmeannaigh na Roinne ar fáil chun pé comhairle agus treoir is gá leis a chur ar fáil i gcás go bhfuil iarratas á bheartú.
63. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to introduce limits on grazing platform stocking rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40698/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, SI No. 605 of 2017, as amended, sets out the requirements for farmers in the current Nitrates Action Programme (NAP). This includes measures that must be undertaken by farmers at various grassland stocking rates.
In partnership with the Minister For Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, I have recently launched a public consultation on the 5th review of Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme. This review is being led by the Nitrates Expert Group, which includes scientific experts from my own Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Teagasc and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Nitrates Expert Group will assess the available information, including public submissions, water quality monitoring data and the most up to date scientific evidence, and will advise my Department on the measures that should be included in the next NAP. A comprehensive list of topics for consideration has been included in the current public consultation document and these will form the basis for the review.
At this early stage of the review process, no decisions have been made on any measures that may be included in the next NAP, including placing any limits on grazing platform stocking rates.
A copy of the public consultation is available on my Department’s website at www.housing.gov.ie.
64. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if advice has been given by his Department to the Housing Agency or local authorities regarding establishing whether successful applicants for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme are being required to provide proof that they are not in receipt of the employment wage subsidy scheme before being able to draw down their mortgages. [40551/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme remains open for business. All local authorities are receiving and processing RIHL applications and are incorporating increased flexibility to accommodate applicants during the COVID 19 Pandemic.
As is the case with any lender, local authorities must lend mortgages on a prudent basis, taking into account the most recent income and employment data available. This is both for the protection of the lender and the borrower, in particular to seek to ensure that borrowers are not left with unsustainable debt burdens, as a mortgage is a long-term commitment. It would not be appropriate to lend when there is an identifiable risk that the person’s income and ability to pay might not return to the level required to support the borrowing requested.
Where such persons are approved for a RIHL loan, draw down would not commence until their unsupported income post TWSS has returned to the level specified in the original application for a period of time, usually up to three months. This is line with the requirement to lend prudently.
This is not a blanket ban. Local authorities can use their judgement and knowledge of local employers to advance loans to applicants before the end of this three-month period, where appropriate. This also applies to the successor scheme the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). There are further exceptions to this approach. In the case of a joint application where only one party is on TWSS or EWSS, the application can also proceed to drawdown if repayment capacity can be assured based on the other person’s income. For applicants whose post-TWSS/EWSS income is lower (e.g. due to reduced hours) than stated on their application, their application can be re-assessed to determine the most appropriate borrowing amount for them.
In addition, persons currently on the TWSS/EWSS can continue to apply for a RIHL mortgage based on their pre-TWSS/EWSS Income. This will provide clarity to applicants regarding their eligibility for the loan amount and will enable them to commence the property search.
In relation to proof required to support applications, local authorities have been advised to request confirmation from applicants as to whether their wages are currently supported by the EWSS. Furthermore, as the EWSS is operationally paid to the employer and does not neccessarily appear on employee pay slips; local authorities have also been advised to take the necessary steps to secure appropriate written confirmation from the employer on whether an applicant’s wages are supported by the EWSS and to advise applicants of this requirement.
65. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding indoor physical education classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40742/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPhysical activity (PE) is important and students should be encouraged to participate in PE in schools.
My Department has published guidance for practical subjects in Post Primary Schools, including guidance for PE. This guidance is based on Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance for the return to sports activities for children and adolescents. The guidance provides that, where practical, PE lessons should take place outdoors. If this is not possible, the external PE hall doors should be opened. Face coverings do not have to be worn outdoors. Indoors where physical distancing is not possible, face coverings should be worn by post primary students and staff.
66. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the timeline for a tender to be published (details supplied). [40517/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme which tenders to pre-established frameworks of D&B contractors.
My Department is currently in the process of establishing a Framework of Design and Build Contractors to which Design and Build projects can be tendered. Once this framework is established, it is intended that this project will be tendered as soon as possible thereafter.
Until such a time as the framework is established a definitive timeline for tender is not available
67. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education her plans to provide funding for replacement dispensing units to schools impacted by the recall of a sanitiser (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40536/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdditional funding will be provided to schools who had to purchase necessary supplies, including replacement dispenser units from an alternative supplier following a recall notice issued by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine in respect of the product ViraPro hand sanitiser.
Schools that were impacted by this issue will also be provided with funding for an aide for two days.
My Department is currently working through the details of this funding requirement and will be in a position to issue funding to those schools shortly.
68. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education her Department's strategy to ensuring there are enough secondary school places in the rapidly expanding town of Trim, County Meath; the plans in place to extend existing secondary schools and to build new schools in the town; the time frame for proposed plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40546/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional post-primary school places in a number of school planning areas including school planning areas in County Meath.
Where capacity issues arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school there are not available to all pupils
- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
Until these issues are discussed with the relevant school authorities, the true extent of any capacity issue will only become known.
Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department is engaging with patron bodies, including those in County Meath, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming year(s) which may necessitate action.
69. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if, before taking up a teaching position in Ireland having qualified in another country, it is a requirement to have completed the NQT year in the country of qualification. [40553/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise that the Teaching Council has statutory responsibility for registering qualified teachers in addition to establishing procedures for induction processes.
Fully qualified teachers who have qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply for registration with the Teaching Council. All applications from teachers who qualified abroad are processed in line with the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
A person deemed to be a fully qualified teacher has completed a recognised teacher education qualification and any required programme of induction/period of post-qualification employment in the country in which they qualified and can provide an official letter from the relevant teacher registration body/Competent Authority or Ministry of Education confirming recognition as a fully qualified teacher in the State/ country.
Due to the exceptional circumstances presented by the Covid-19 emergency, the Teaching Council accepted applications from primary and post-primary teachers, up to 30 October 2020, who had qualified outside of Ireland but who had not completed the required period of induction in the country in which they qualified.
I recommend that you make contact directly with the Teaching Council. They are best placed to work through your options as tailored advice can only be given when the full details are known. Queries to the Council may be sent by email conditions@teachingcouncil.ie and please ensure to include your full name and Teaching Council registration number.
70. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education her plans to revisit the absence of oral Irish in the 2020 leaving certificate given some students who are competent at oral Irish are being disadvantaged.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40569/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission (SEC) 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.
71. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 232 of 9 April 2019, the progress on the regularisation of terms and conditions of adult education tutors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40578/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPolicy on Further Education and Training is a matter for the Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The Labour Court has made a recommendation in relation to a claim brought by SIPTU and TUI in respect of regularising the terms and conditions of Adult Education Tutors employed by Education and Training Boards. This recommendation is under consideration by officials in my Department, the Department of Further Policy on Further Education and Training is a matter for the Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The Labour Court has made a recommendation in relation to a claim brought by SIPTU and TUI in respect of regularising the terms and conditions of Adult Education Tutors and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
72. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the status of works needed for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40591/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project for the school referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.
The major building project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2b – Detailed Design, which includes securing Planning Permission, Fire Certificate and Disability Access Certificate and the preparation of tender documents.
The Design Team are currently completing a prequalification process in order to produce a shortlist of building contractors.
An enabling works process must be completed prior to the project progressing to Stage 3- Tender. Those enabling works are being carried out in conjunction with the ESB.
Upon completion of both the pre-qualification process and the enabling works, my Department will contact the Board of Management in relation to the progression of the major project to Stage 3 - Tender.
73. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the reason there is a reduction in SNA activity in a school; and if she will examine matters raised in correspondence (details supplied). [40600/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the correspondence referred to by the Deputy.
The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews. The Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations. Accordingly, the question has been referred to the NCSE for direct reply.
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.
It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
Schools were notified of the arrangements for the allocation of SNA support in respect of students in mainstream classes for the current school year. The arrangements include the following provisions:
- 2019/20 mainstream class SNA allocations were frozen, from the date of issue of Circular 0030/2020, and have automatically rolled over into the current school year. This means that no school received an allocation less than that which they have on the date of issue of the Circular and existing SNAs currently in standard SNA posts were allowed to continue in these posts for the current school year in the normal way.
- A diagnosis of a disability, or a psychological or other professional report, was not 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 would 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, are dealt with by way of the exceptional review process.
The exceptional review process for mainstream allocations is available to schools throughout the current school year.
Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.
A school can appeal the outcome of an exceptional review and details of how to do this are here https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/GuidanceSchoolAppealing-Exceptional-Review-outcome.docx.
74. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education the status of the agreement with a union (details supplied) to put school secretaries under public service terms and conditions as they apply to school secretaries employed by her by February 2021. [40602/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am keenly aware of the vital role contributed by school secretaries within school communities and I recognise the very important work done by these staff, and the other support staff in the running of our schools. I have met with Fórsa, who represent many of the secretaries working in schools.
In recognition of their role, I have put special arrangements in place for this 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 on the school premises. I have also extended the Employee Assistance Service to all school staff including secretaries.
The majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools receive assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services under grant schemes. Where a school employs a staff member to support those functions those staff are employees of individual schools and responsibility for terms of employment rests with the school.
On foot of a Chairman’s Note to the Lansdowne Road Agreement, my Department implemented the 2015 recommendations of an independent arbitrator. The Arbitrator recommended a cumulative pay increase of 10% between 2016 and 2019 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 and has been fully implemented.
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.
Fórsa trade union has tabled a follow-on claim from the 2015 agreement. Officials from my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and School Management Bodies have been engaging with with Fórsa on the claim, most recently on 27th of October under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission.
At that meeting it was agreed that further discussions would be held under the auspices of the WRC with a view to assessing the individual elements comprising the totality of the union’s claims. It is noted that these WRC discussions are taking place within the context of recent Dáil comments concerning the regularisation of pay, conditions of employment and pension provision of School Secretaries and Caretakers.
I welcome and support the continued meaningful dialogue between the parties with a view to reaching an agreed outcome.
75. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if additional hours of home tuition will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40659/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school.
Under the medical strand of the scheme, grant aid is based on a range of between 2 and a maximum of 5 hours tuition per week for primary school students with the allocation determined by the level of attendance in the previous school year.
The Scheme provides for an appeal process regarding decisions made in the allocation of Home Tuition support.
In relation to the student referred to by the Deputy, my Department has reviewed the case and sanctioned the maximum level of 5 hours tuition per week from the 01 December 2020.
76. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the number of students who sat or were assessed for the agricultural science leaving certificate exam for each of the years 2015 to 2020, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40686/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission (SEC) 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.
77. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education the status of a Teaching Council number for a teacher (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40730/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Teaching Council Acts the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
It is a function of the Council under the Teaching Council Acts (s7(2)) to act as the competent authority for the recognition of qualifications obtained by a person who has applied under the Act for registration as a teacher. Teachers whose applications meet all the necessary requirements are registered by the Teaching Council under Section 31 of the Teaching Council Act and the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016.
I am informed that the Teaching Council has continued to receive an usually high volume of applications for registration throughout the autumn. All applications are queued for processing in date order to ensure equity of treatment. The processing timeframe for applications for registration is 6-8 weeks from receipt of a completed application, including required documentation.
I would advise that Ms O'Donoghue continue to liaise directly with the Teaching Council regarding her registration.
78. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 508 of 17 November 2020, if she has discretion to intervene in a manner such that no student would be put at a disadvantage given that the school year has started and that there is precedent in cases in which a school bus service was provided by a private provider in the north Cork area due to exceptional circumstances. [40740/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2019/2020 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.
With regard to the issue raised by the Deputy, my Department understands that this service is a privately operated service which is not part of the Department’s School Transport Scheme.
Health advice received from NPHET on the 18th August impacted 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.
Based on the public health advice the 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 including the rolling implementation of measures on post-primary services as required to provide physical distancing which is using 50 per cent of passenger capacity. Government has agreed to provide the necessary funding to ensure that full implementation of the public health recommendation of running buses for post-primary children is achieved as quickly as possible on the post-primary scheme and on the special educational needs scheme for post-primary children.
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.
