Written Answers Nos. 402-422
402. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) will be considered for funding for additional accommodation given the fact that it has recently become a co-educational school and additional space is required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54056/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department received an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. A decision on this application has issued to the school authority.
The purpose of the 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. When the application was assessed, it was noted that there are currently classrooms in use by third parties. The onus is on the Board of Management and the Patron to ensure that there is sufficient accommodation to meet the school’s long-term projected enrolment and any development which may arise in the area. In that regard, where additional accommodation is required at the school in the future, any accommodation used for purposes other than primary school provision must revert to mainstream use as soon as the need arises. The use of classrooms for teaching and learning is the priority for the school. The Department do not provide funding for additional accommodation when there are available classrooms within the school building.
403. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) will be considered for additional special educational needs accommodation in view of the fact that there is large demand for such places in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54057/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department received an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. In June 2020, my Department approved capital funding to re-configure an existing space within the school building to accommodate a two class Special Education Unit (SEN).
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
The school authorities have been advised that any further SEN accommodation must be based on special education provision sanctioned by the NCSE. Should further classes be sanctioned in the future, it is open to the school authority to make an application for additional accommodation through the ASA scheme which is available at www.education.ie.
404. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the plans that are in place to ensure that a school (details supplied) can cater for the growing school going population in the area; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that school is currently oversubscribed and has no additional classrooms to cater for non-mainstream students; if her Department has made any provision for school expansion or special classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54086/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy, that my Department has no current record of receiving an application for additional accommodation from the school in question.
It is open to the school authority to make an application for additional accommodation through the 'Additional School Accommodation scheme (ASA)' which is available at www.gov.ie.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
405. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the reason a NEPS psychologist (details supplied) will not be replaced while they are out on maternity leave; if it is planned to review this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54094/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools. This involves direct support in the event of a critical incident, access to national and regional support and development work to build school capacity to support students, access to a NEPS psychologist for responses to queries arising, and access to individual pupil casework where there is need via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
NEPS, in common with many other psychological services and best international practice, has adopted a consultative model of service. The focus is on empowering teachers to intervene effectively with pupils whose needs range from mild to severe and transient to enduring. Psychologists use a problem solving and solution oriented consultative approach to maximise positive outcomes for these pupils. NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties. Teachers may consult their NEPS psychologist should they need to at this stage in the process. Only in the event of a failure to make reasonable progress, in spite of the school's best efforts in consultation with NEPS, will a psychologist become involved with an individual child for intensive intervention or assessment.
This system allows psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It is important to note also that under the Special Education Teacher allocation model, a NEPS assessment is not required for students to access learning supports.
In relation to the school to which the Deputy refers in this instance the assigned NEPS psychologist is currently on maternity leave. The school, however, continues to have access to NEPS for critical incident support, for regional support and development service and also to a NEPS psychologist for responses to queries, through the local NEPS office. In relation to a casework service, the school may access a casework service, where there is need, via psychologists on the SCPA panel. The local NEPS office is available to discuss any other requirements the school may have. Schools are free to contact the NEPS Regional Office with such queries, at Victoria Place, Eyre Square, Galway Tel (0761) 108831.
406. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if her Department has an application system in place to enable schools to apply for HEPA air filtration systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54148/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s ventilation guidance for schools is very clear and practical on the steps to be taken by all schools to manage ventilation levels.
Managing ventilation is just one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe. Updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools was provided at the end of May following the work of an expert group that carefully considered the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19.
A copy of the guidance is published on the Gov.ie website.
The over-arching approach in the guidance is for schools to have windows open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use and partially open when classrooms are in use.
The guidance outlines that Carbon Dioxide (CO2) monitors can play a part in providing a useful general indication that areas/rooms may not be adequately ventilated. They can enable occupants to become familiar with the impacts of activities, outdoor weather and window openings on levels of good ventilation. Over 35,000 CO2 monitors have been distributed to schools across the country at a cost of circa €4 million. The provision of portable CO2 monitors provides schools with the flexibility to focus their use to those rooms where most beneficial to inform strategies for optimising ventilation in the school.
A dedicated team has been established in the Department to support schools that may have concerns about ventilation.
Officers are also available to contact schools where required, walking through the steps the schools should take to deploy good ventilation practices etc.
Where it is not possible for a school to access the expertise of an engineer or architect, and where necessary, a technical assessment to assist the school can be facilitated through the Department.
Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor work grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis.
Where the above measures have been undertaken, and poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners may be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available. There is no one solution that fits all scenarios, each application requires bespoke analysis and selection of the appropriate unit(s) matched to the specific room size and volume. If, following consultation with a supplier a school feels that its individual space may require specific technical specialist advice then the assistance of a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect can be sought.
407. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if her Department has undertaken a review of all temporary accommodation agreements for schools that have been in operation for more than five years to identify and prioritise areas to commence construction of school premises to ensure value-for-money is achieved in the long-term as per recommendations set out in the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts examination of the 2018 and 2019 Appropriation Accounts for Vote 26 – Education and Skills published February 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54153/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra408. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if her Department has undertaken a review of all temporary accommodation agreements for schools that have been in operation for more than five years to identify and prioritise areas to commence construction of school premises; if the review process will be completed by year end 2021; if a copy of the findings will be made available to the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts as per recommendations set out in the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts examination of the 2018 and 2019 Appropriation Accounts for Vote 26 – Education and Skills published February 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54154/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is currently undertaking a case by case assessment of the long-term accommodation requirements of all schools that were identified as having rented prefabricated accommodation. This assessment is informed by my Department’s most recent national demographic analysis. It is my intention to complete this assessment in the current year and to provide an update to the Public Accounts Committee on the outcome of this process.
Many of these schools are already part of the pipeline of projects under the school building programme and their prefab accommodation will be addressed as part of these projects. Maximising the opportunities to achieve value for money involves matching, as best as possible, the accommodation requirement with the appropriate accommodation solution. This is relevant for all accommodation projects progressed by the Department.
There are approximately 1,200 school building projects within the current pipeline across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction - most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025. The progression and completion of these projects will make further inroads on the replacement of temporary prefabricated accommodation with knock-on savings on the rental budget.
While it is the policy of my Department to ensure a high standard of permanent accommodation for all schools, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population over the last decade or more it is sometimes necessary to make use of temporary accommodation to meet the accommodation needs of schools. Furthermore, it may also be necessary to make use of temporary rented accommodation when an immediate or short term need arises. For example, a school may require a temporary building in circumstances where a major school construction project is planned. Such temporary accommodation is removed when the major project concerned is completed. The length of time it is necessary to make use of temporary rented accommodation will vary from project to project.
I can, however, confirm that my Department is taking an integrated approach to prefab replacement through the replacement of prefabs as part of all large-scale projects. In addition, since mid-2018 all schools approved for additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional Accommodation Scheme are having their necessary prefabs replaced as part of their additional accommodation project. This integrated approach helps to streamline the delivery of projects for schools.
409. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if her Department will consider conducting a re-evaluation of all current school extension proposals to ensure that consideration is given to projected intake at schools over the next decade as per recommendations set out in the Oireachtas Committee of Public Accounts examination of the 2018 and 2019 Appropriation Accounts for Vote 26 – Education and Skills published February 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54155/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
In considering applications, my Department analyses the relevant demographic data in a way that takes account of the significant local and regional variations in demographic trends and enrolment projections across 314 school planning areas (SPAs).
Using school planning area boundaries within my Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS) allows data within those boundaries, including data for enrolments in schools, child benefit and other relevant data to be added to the mapping information, grouped and analysed.
The school planning areas are used in the demographic exercise as a basis for the assessment of areas of growth and to inform recommendations on both applications under the ASA scheme and for the establishment of any new schools required in that school planning area. In urban areas, in particular, data relating to adjacent school planning areas is also used to inform our consideration of requirements.
410. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education when the Education Indicators Report 2021 intended for publication in Q1 2021 will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54160/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe indicators report is published annually, in Q4 each year and the 2021 report is due to be published on time. It will be the third iteration of the report and will report on education indicators up to the 2020 / 2021 academic year.
411. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education the reason the scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations does not provide comprehension assistance to students who have been assessed as requiring assistance by her Department’s educational psychologists; and the supports that are in place to support students with this form of dyslexia in junior certificate examinations. [54224/21]
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.
412. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education if she plans to review the State Examinations Commission reasonable accommodation at the certificate examinations scheme; if she will amend the scheme to allow readers to explain the meanings of words or phrases to students who struggle with reading comprehension due to dyslexia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54225/21]
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.
413. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education further to correspondence (details supplied), if there are plans to use a statutory instrument to amend the scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations to be more inclusive of students with word processing difficulties. [54226/21]
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.
414. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the cost of providing a HEPA air filtration device for every primary school, secondary school and special school classroom. [54228/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra415. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the cost of purchasing one HEPA air filtration device for use in a school setting. [54229/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra416. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the cost of providing one HEPA air filtration device between every two classrooms. [54230/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 414 to 416, inclusive, together.
The Department’s ventilation guidance for schools is very clear and practical on the steps to be taken by all schools to manage ventilation levels.
Managing ventilation is just one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe. Updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools was provided at the end of May following the work of an expert group that carefully considered the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19. A copy of the guidance is published on the Gov.ie website.
The over-arching approach in the guidance is for schools to have windows open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use and partially open when classrooms are in use.
The guidance outlines that Carbon Dioxide (CO2) monitors can play a part in providing a useful general indication that areas/rooms may not be adequately ventilated. They can enable occupants to become familiar with the impacts of activities, outdoor weather and window openings on levels of good ventilation. The provision of portable CO2 monitors provides schools with the flexibility to focus their use to those rooms where most beneficial to inform strategies for optimising ventilation in the school.
Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor work grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis. It is important to bear in mind there is no one remedy that fits all circumstances, each requires an evaluation to determine the appropriate solution specific to the school.
A dedicated team has been established in the Department to support schools that may have concerns about ventilation.
Where it is not possible for a school to access the expertise of an engineer or architect, and where necessary, a technical assessment to assist the school can be facilitated through the Department.
Where the above measures have been undertaken, and poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners may be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available. There is no one solution that fits all scenarios, each application requires bespoke analysis and selection of the appropriate unit(s) matched to the specific room size and volume. If, following consultation with a supplier a school feels that its individual space may require specific technical specialist advice then the assistance of a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect can be sought.
417. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education her plans for a new school building at a school (details suppled); if sanction will be given to the school to provide another first year class for the 2022-2023 academic school year given the demand for post-primary school places in this locality and the lack of post-primary school places in this school planning area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54256/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a major building project to construct permanent accommodation for the school in question is included in the Department’s school building programme. When constructed, the new school will provide accommodation for 1,000 pupils and will also include a special education needs base. The building project is currently at Stage 3 of the architectural planning process (tender action).
My Department has engaged with the Patron of the school in relation to the first year pupil intake for the 2022/2023 academic year and the school has confirmed that the first year intake for 2022/2023 will be 96 pupils.
My Department is satisfied that this intake, together with the capacity in the existing post primary schools in the school planning area (SPA), will be sufficient to cater for first year pupil demand in the SPA.
418. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Education if she will address the matters raised in correspondence by person (details supplied) regarding the July provision programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54263/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this year, the Department announced the provision of a significantly expanded summer education programmes for pupils with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage, as a COVID-19 pandemic response measure for summer 2021.
Teachers and SNAs who were employed in the school based programme were paid on or before 7th October.
As in previous years, a home-based programme was provided for eligible pupils where there was no place on a school programme for them. The eligibility criteria was widened significantly this year.
A total of 12,129 claims were received of which 9,229 claims will have been paid out by the 11 November. The remainder will be paid in the next payroll run on 25 November.
Claims are processed and paid when all outstanding queries are fully resolved.
419. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the way in which a school can put its name forward for consideration as a possible candidate for the SEAI schools energy retrofit pathfinder programme. [54272/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to inform the Deputy that the School Energy Retrofit Pathfinder Programme is jointly funded by the Department of Education and Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Planning and Building Unit in the Department of Education.
This programme continues to assist the Department to identify and test solutions for decarbonised energy efficiency solutions in our schools, to support the Climate Action Plan. It is paving the way for, and informing, an accurate and scalable model for a large national schools’ programme for the energy retrofit of schools built prior to 2008 as included in the National Development Plan.
This collaborative programme is facilitating research on a range of typical retrofit options, which will have been tried and tested. It is providing valuable development information for a solution driven delivery strategy which will be founded on a solid evidence base that has proven the robustness and scalability of renewable solutions within the schools’ sector.
The programme selection also seeks to enable various cross sections of school types and sizes, energy consumption profiles and different elements of construction type and heritage/ conservation requirements where specific learnings are being targeted. The general principles and approach to school selection include schools meeting Energy Monitoring and Reporting requirements and demonstrating a strong and holistic commitment to energy management practices through participation in the Energy in Education Programme.
The pathfinder programme is thus delivered through a broad assessment in line with the above considerations.
420. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the position regarding school building and expansion projects in east County Cork due to a shortage of school places to meet the high demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54275/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a number of building projects planned and in train to ensure sufficient capacity is in place to meet the need for post primary school places in East Cork.
These projects are being progressed through the School Building Programme and through the Additional School Accommodation Programme (ASA Scheme). Progress on the projects on both programmes can be tracked on the Department's website at www.education.ie.
My Department has recently approved grant under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA) for the following schools:
- St Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill, (62140P) is an all girls’ post primary school with an enrolment of 792 for the 2020/2021 school year. My Department has approved additional accommodation to the school to facilitate the school's expansion to cater for 1,000 pupils. The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.
- Christian Brothers' Secondary School Midleton (62360G) is an all-boys' post primary school with an enrolment of 880 pupils for the 2020/21 school year. An application for additional accommodation has been received and my Department is liaising with the school in this regard.
- St Mary’s High School, Midleton (62380M) is an all girls’ post primary school with an enrolment of 736 pupils for the 2020/2021 school year. My Department has approved additional accommodation to the school to facilitate the school’s expansion to cater for 750 pupils.
- Pobailscoil na Trionóide, Youghal, (91513S) is a co-educational post primary school with an enrolment of 988 pupils for the 2020/2021 school year. A devolved grant has been approved to the school to facilitate the school’s expansion to cater for 1,200 pupils. The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.
- Coláiste Mhuire, Cobh (62180E) is a co-educational school which had an enrolment of 657 pupils for the 2020/2021 school year. A devolved grant has been approved to facilitate the school’s expansion to cater for 700 pupils.
The following projects are included on the School Building Programme:
Carrigtwohill Community College (R/N 76333G) – construction of a new 1,000 pupil school as part of a campus development. The Department has also approved further additional interim accommodation for the 2022/2023 school year pending provision of the new school. The award of the building contract to the successful Contractor is anticipated in Quarter 1 of 2022. Once a Contractor has been appointed, my Department will keep the school informed of the construction programme underpinning the contract.
Carrignafoy Community College Cobh - A building project to expand this school's capacity to 600 pupils is at the early stages of architectural planning and the project is being delivered by the patron, Cork ETB.
In addition, a building project that will provide capacity for 1,000 pupils was completed recently at St. Colman's Community College, Midleton. The school had an enrolment of 778 pupils in 2020/21.
421. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education if there are plans to recommence testing and contact tracing in primary schools; if there are plans to provide schools with air filtrations systems; if antigen tests will be introduced in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54280/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, the Department of Health and Public Health continue to work closely to support schools to operate safely during Covid-19 has been to follow and implement public health advice. The approach to antigen setting in education settings, including in schools will be informed by public health advice.
The Minister for Health is considering recommendations made in relation to the public health response in the schools setting. These include the recommendation that consideration be given to how recently published European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) guidance “Contact tracing in the European Union: public health management of persons, including healthcare workers, who had contact with COVID-19 cases – fourth update” should be integrated into existing public health response in the schools setting. The Department of Education will continue to engage and assist with any public health-led initiative in the schools sector in this regard.
My Department’s ventilation guidance for schools is very clear and practical on the steps to be taken by all schools to manage ventilation levels. Updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools was provided following the work of an expert group that carefully considered the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19. A copy of the guidance is published on the Gov.ie website. The over-arching approach in the guidance is for schools to have windows open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use and partially open when classrooms are in use.
The guidance outlines that Carbon Dioxide (CO2) monitors can play a part in providing a useful general indication that areas/rooms may not be adequately ventilated. They can enable occupants to become familiar with the impacts of activities, outdoor weather and window openings on levels of good ventilation. Over 35,000 CO2 monitors at a cost of circa €4million have been distributed to schools across the county. The provision of portable CO2 monitors provides schools with the flexibility to focus their use to those rooms where most beneficial to inform strategies for optimising ventilation in the school.
A dedicated team has been established in the Department to support schools that may have concerns about ventilation and are available to contact schools where required, walking through the steps the schools should take to deploy good ventilation practices etc. Where it is not possible for a school to access the expertise of an engineer or architect, and where necessary, a technical assessment to assist the school can be facilitated through the Department. Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor work grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis.
Where the above measures have been undertaken, and poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners may be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available. There is no one solution that fits all scenarios, each application requires bespoke analysis and selection of the appropriate unit(s) matched to the specific room size and volume. If, following consultation with a supplier a school feels that its individual space may require specific technical specialist advice then the assistance of a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect can be sought.
422. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education if parents will be notified when there is a positive Covid-19 case in their child’s classroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54281/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe approach to supporting schools to operate safely during Covid-19 has been to follow and implement public health advice.
Public Health do not recommend that schools tell parents of other children that there has been a case of Covid-19 within a class or group within a school where follow up testing it not recommended. From a public health perspective there is no clinical need for information to be shared with contacts of cases. Any sharing of health data is therefore not being undertaken on the advice of Public Health.
