Written Answers Nos. 377-396
377. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 346 of 16 November 2021, the considerations her Department has made in relation to the school's accommodation needs for the 2022-2023 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57441/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm that my Department is aware of the accommodation needs of the school referred to by the Deputy for the 2022/2023 academic year. My Department will be considering the options available and will be liaising with the school's patron as part of this process.
378. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education the plans she has to review the rates awarded for assistive technology in view of the Departmental cap on funding for laptops; if consideration is given to the need to ensure funding is provided for laptops that support the possible future software needs of students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52517/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes. Equipment is provided under this scheme for children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the school’s existing IT provision.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of Special Education Needs Officers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for assistive technology support.
Schools make applications directly to the SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions. Professional reports (from psychologists or occupational therapists, for example) must be submitted by the school along with the application. These reports must have a recent and comprehensive professional assessment of the nature and extent of disability, and outline that the equipment is essential for the pupil to access the curriculum.
Equipment may only be provided where medical and/or other professional reports outline that the degree of communicative disability is such that this equipment is essential to allow the pupil to access education and set out how the equipment will provide for this.
The type of equipment provided under the assistive technology scheme is varied, and includes audiological supports for students with hearing impairment, braille equipment for children with visual impairment, and computer equipment with associated modified software for students with physical or severe communicative disabilities.
Communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions, or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, that have a general application outside of school, which are normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and which are provided for through the HSE Aids and Appliances scheme are not provided for under this scheme.
SENOs review the application and professional reports, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. A recommendation is then made to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department decides on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
In the majority of applications €550.00 is the maximum amount of grant payable by my Department for a Laptop as this level of grant aid is sufficient for most assistive technology educational software in Primary and Post Primary schools. However in exceptional cases my officials can grant in excess of this amount. Such cases can arise when a pupil may need high level visual aids such as magnifying reading devices and braille equipment, or a pupil may have a high level of need with mobility.
It is open to parents to contact SENOs directly to discuss their child’s special educational needs, using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/seno-contact-list
It is anticipated that work in relation to reviewing the assistive technology scheme will commence in 2022.
379. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education her plans for the construction of a new school on a site (details supplied) in Dublin 13 which already has planning permission for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57459/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe building project for the post-primary school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme.
On June 14th 2021, this project was included in a bundle of projects which were tendered to a newly established Design & Build Contractors Framework. The tenders were returned on October 27th 2021 and are currently being assessed by my Department's Project Manager and Design Team.
It is anticipated that a contractor will be appointed in Quarter 1, 2022.
380. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education if she will report on progress in relation to the issue of the terms and conditions of school secretaries and caretakers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57461/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool secretaries and caretakers are valued members of our school communities and my Department is fully aware of the vitally important role played by them in the running of our schools.
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.
The Department previously fully implemented and funded the 2015 recommendations of an independent arbitrator for 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. Fórsa trade union has tabled a follow-on claim and officials from the Department and school management bodies have been engaging with Fórsa on the issues. On the 27th of October 2020, under the auspices of the WRC, an understanding was agreed on a pathway to progress the issues. Several key strands have been identified, and a phased approach is being taken to the development of proposals.
Following intensive discussions at the WRC on 13 September, there has been significant progress in this dispute. Subject to agreement on all elements of the claim, the Department has offered to move School Secretaries’ pay rates to a scale which is aligned with the Clerical Officer Grade III pay scale within education and training boards on a pro rata basis with an effective date of implementation for these new pay arrangements of 1 September 2021. Pay rates will be pro rata according to a secretary’s current working pattern. The assimilation of School Secretaries to the CO Grade III pay scale will require further dialogue between the parties and further engagement is taking place at present to allow this to be finalised. My Department has also offered to improve the conditions for School Secretaries with regard to sick leave, annual leave and maternity provisions for this cohort of staff and engagement has begun on this element.
While there is agreement in principle to take the same approach to the consideration of appropriate pay and conditions of grant funded caretakers there remains a deficit of data on working terms and conditions of such staff. When the final package for secretaries has been agreed and an implementation plan in place for schools and DE, that intensive engagement will begin on regularising the pay and conditions of grant funded caretakers.
I welcomed the deferral of the action scheduled for Wednesday 15th September and I encourage all parties to focus on finalising an agreement.
381. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education the position in relation to planning for the 2022 State exams; if consideration has been given to providing a predictive grades option; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57462/21]
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.
382. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the number of children that are currently awaiting assistive technology from 0 to 6, 6 to 12, 12 to 18 and more than 18 months by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57467/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
All equipment provided under this scheme support children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology/specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support.
In order to qualify for equipment under the assistive technology scheme, a student must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the student to access the curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.
Schools make applications directly to the SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
Although equipment is sanctioned under the Assistive Technology scheme for use by particular students, it is the property of the school, and the school’s management authority is responsible for maintenance, repair, and insurance of the equipment.
The Assistive Technology application is made directly to the Local Special Education Needs Organiser in the NCSE, and, it is the responsibility of each individual school to purchase the equipment after the grant is sanctioned. My Department does not hold a record of the average wait time from start of application to the time a student receives their assistive technology, however i can confirm that 3,370 applications have been forwarded from the NCSE since January 2021 to date, with 350 applications currently on hand. In addition, all applications for audiology supports for children with hearing impairment and equipment to assist children with visual impairment are fully up to date and there are currently none outstanding.
In relation to the specific wait times requested from date of application, I have referred to the NCSE for their direct reply.
383. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education her plans to adapt or alter the 2022 leaving certificate exam grading options in view of the previous disruptions experienced throughout their senior cycle and which is still ongoing (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57486/21]
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.
384. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to bus drivers’ concerns in relation to 100% capacity on school buses given the increase in transmission of Covid-19; if additional resources will be put in place to support and protect bus drivers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57496/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2020/21 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
Planning for school transport scheme services for the 2021/22 school year proceeded on the basis that the public health measures in place as schools closed at the end of the last school year would remain as the term began in this new school year. This included the operation of post-primary services at 50% capacity, in addition to hygiene measures and the wearing of masks on-board. The Department has kept this position under review as the vaccination programme for children on post-primary services was rolled out and as the lifting of restrictions on public transport services proceeded.
In line with the lifting of restrictions on public transport, and with effect from the return of schools following the October mid-term break, implementation commenced for post-primary school transport services to resume operating at 100% capacity. This process will take a period of time to re-organise and re-schedule services and communications will be issued to families regarding any revised arrangements.
All other measures relating to hygiene, pre-assigned seating, cleaning and the wearing of masks by post-primary students will remain in place subject to further review.
My Department continues to provide funding for all additional hygiene measures required on school transport services.
385. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education when the National Council for Special Education is expected to issue a decision on an application to establishment of an ASD classroom at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57517/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
Next year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing additional teaching and care supports for children with special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.
The NCSE through their network of SENOs (Special Educational Needs Organisers) are currently engaged in a process of establishing new classes for the 2022/2023 school year and beyond. They are looking at local information in relation to projected demand for future special class places.
The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at:
ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
As the query refers to an individual school, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
386. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the policy of her Department in relation to classroom size in primary schools; the minimum size of classroom permitted relative to the number of students in the class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57536/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has in place detailed design guidelines for Primary & Post Primary School Accommodation. These guidelines, are available on my Department's web-site at gov.ie/en/publication/7e515-technical-guidance-documents. In primary schools, a mainstream classroom of 80m² in area is provided in the design of new school buildings and extensions to existing buildings. At post primary level, specifications vary with the purpose of the classroom.
The 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.
The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. The second half of the National Development Plan will see an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock.
Schools can also avail of funding in respect of their accommodation under the Annual Minor Works Grant or the Summer Works Scheme.
The configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level. My Department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account, for example, classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment etc.
Under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to seek to make further progress in reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools.
At primary level, the annual staffing schedule determines the allocation of teachers to schools. The current allocation is on an average ratio of 1 classroom teacher for every 25 pupils. Budget 2022 has implemented a further 1 point reduction for the 2022/23 school year so that primary schools will be allocated teaching posts on an average basis of 1 classroom teacher for every 24 pupils in September 2022. Lower thresholds apply to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools.
This Budget measure has brought the teacher allocation ratio in all primary schools to the lowest ever seen at primary level. This is the second successive Budget which has seen an improvement in allocation of teachers to primary schools.
The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratio shows an improved ratio of teachers to pupils from 16:1 to 14.5:1 at primary level when comparing the 2015/16 school year to the 2020/21 school year. This compares favourably with the OECD pupil teacher ratio which is 1:15. In the same period the staffing schedule improved from 28:1 to 25:1 for this school year.
Average class sizes improved from 24.9 to 23.3 in the same period. The most recent budget announcement will continue the positive trend of improving class sizes for this school year, and statistics on this will be published later in the year.
387. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire den Aire Oideachais cathain a chuirfidh sí tús leis an athbhreithniú ar an gcóras nua díolúintí ó staidéar na Gaeilge a gealladh tar éis dhá bhliain d’fheidhmiú an chórais sin i scoileanna; cé mhéad díolúine a ceadaíodh sna blianta 2020, 2019 agus 2018; an dtabharfadh sí eolas ar na cúiseanna a bronnadh na díolúintí sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [57569/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI gcomhréir leis an ngealltanas atá sna ciorcláin maidir le díolúintí ó staidéar na Gaeilge (0052/2019 bunscoil agus 0053/2019 iar-bhunscoil), tá an obair phleanála ar bun ar athbhreithniú tosaigh ar fheidhmiú na gciorclán.
Is iad seo a leanas líon na ndíolúintí ó staidéar na Gaeilge a rinne scoileanna taifeadadh orthu ar na bunachair sonraí Bunscoileanna agus Iar-bhunscoileanna.
Bunscoileanna: 2,117 i 2020, 1,524 i 2019 agus 3,838 i 2018.
Iar-bhunscoileanna: 11,098 i 2020, 12,059 i 2019 agus 10,539 i 2018.
Bronntar díolúintí ar scoláirí a chláraíonn ón iasacht agus ar scoláirí a bhfuil deacrachtaí foghlama suntasacha agus leanúnacha acu.
388. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire den Aire Oideachais cé mhéad ball foirne breise atá sí le cur ar fáil chun an beartas oideachais lán-Ghaeilge a chur le chéile; an féidir léi a dheimhniú nach mbeidh cur i bhfeidhm an bheartais oideachais sa Ghaeltacht thíos leis ó thaobh acmhainní foirne agus acmhainní eile de, agus a Roinn ag tabhairt faoin mbeartas oideachais lán-Ghaeilge a chur le chéile; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [57570/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagra
Tá obair phleanála ar siúl, faoi stiúir an Aonaid um Oideachas Gaeltachta i gcomhar le rannóga eile na Roinne Oideachais, ar fhorbairt polasaí don oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht. Tá luach ar leith ag baint leis an taithí atá faighte le maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar chur i bhfeidhm an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta i bhforbairt an pholasaí nua seo.
Is cur chuige comhoibritheach atá á ghlacadh ag an Roinn chuige seo chun tarraingt ar scileanna, eispéiris agus nósanna imeachta gach rannóg a bhfuil baint acu le gnéithe éagsúla den soláthar oideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge.
Tá an Roinn tiomanta do chur i bhfeidhm leanúnach rathúil an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta agus do chur chun cinn an oideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge sa chóras oideachais. Déanfar an polasaí nua don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht a fhorbairt ag an am céanna le cur i bhfeidhm an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta agus comhthreomhar leis.
***
Planning work, led by the Gaeltacht Education Unit, in conjunction with other sections of the Department of Education, is underway on the development of a policy for Irish-medium education outside the Gaeltacht. The experience in overseeing the implementation of the policy on Gaeltacht Education is of particular value in the development of this new policy.
The Department is adopting a collaborative approach to this end to draw on the skills, experiences and procedures of all sections involved in various aspects of Irish-medium educational provision.
The Department is committed to the continued successful implementation of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education and the promotion of Irish-medium education in the education system. The new policy on Irish-medium education outside the Gaeltacht will be developed at the same time as and in parallel with the implementation of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education.
389. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire den Aire Oideachais cathain a chuirfidh sí tús le comhairliúchán chun beartas iomlán maidir leis an nGaeilge ón réamhscoil go dtí an tríú leibhéal a chur le chéile, faoi mar a gheall a páirtí féin i rith an olltoghcháin in 2020 agus faoi mar atá luaite sa Chlár Rialtais; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [57571/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagra
Leanann mo Roinn ar aghaidh ag forbairt Polasaí nua d’oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge lasmuigh de cheantair Ghaeltachta atá aitheanta mar ghníomh tosaíochta chun cuspóirí na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge agus Chlár an Rialtais a bhaint amach chun soláthar oideachais don Ghaeilge a neartú. Leanfar le cur i bhfeidhm ghníomhartha an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta.
Mar chéad chéim, bunaíodh grúpa oibre ionrannach laistigh de mo Roinn i mí Mheán Fómhair 2021 chun an obair seo a chur chun cinn.
Ceann de na chéad tascanna atá idir lámha ag an ngrúpa oibre ná creatlach comhairliúcháin a fhorbairt chun plé fairsing a spreagadh ó na páirtithe leasmhara, a chuirfidh bonn eolais faoi fhorbairt an pholasaí nua. Déanfar athbhreithniú ar litríocht ábhartha náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta a choimisiúnú mar chuid den phróiseas chomh maith.
Bunófar Coiste Stiúrtha sar i bhfad le páirtithe leasmhara ábhartha chun an próiseas forbartha polasaí a stiúradh agus a threorú, agus le cinntiú go gcuirtear tuairimí na bpáirtithe leasmhara san áireamh.
***
My Department continues to advance the development of a new Policy for Irish-medium education outside of Gaeltacht areas as a priority action to meet the objectives of the 20-Year Strategy for Irish and the Programme for Government to strengthen educational provision for Irish. The implementation of the actions in the Policy on Gaeltacht Education is ongoing.
An intradepartmental working group was established in my Department in September 2021 to progress the development of a new policy on Irish-medium education.
One of the initial tasks that is being carried out by the Working Group is the development of a consultation framework to encourage and promote wide-ranging stakeholder engagement to inform the policy development process. The policy development process will also include a review of relevant national and international literature.
A Steering Committee will be established in the near future with relevant stakeholder membership to guide the policy development process and to ensure that key stakeholder interests are considered.
390. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current and or expected position in relation to the various school building projects at primary and second-level in respect of Maynooth, County Kildare; the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project; the current position in regard to the various developments; the extent to which any or all are interdependent on external issues; when she expects the requirements current or expected to be met in full; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57575/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland. This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs. This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.
Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress 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. There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible. During the period 2018 to 2020 526 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). These projects delivered in excess of 48,000 school places. 16 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 13 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. There are currently 6 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Maynooth school planning area.
Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Maynooth School Planning Area
|
Roll No. |
School Name |
Project Type |
Current Stage |
|
00779U |
Presentation Girls NS |
Extension |
Stage 1 |
|
17341U |
Maynooth Boys NS |
New School |
Stage 4 |
|
20527F |
Gaelscoil Ruairí |
New School |
Stage 2B |
|
76554W |
Gaelcholaiste Maigh Nuad |
Refurbishment |
Stage 1 |
|
76193Q |
Maynooth Community College |
New School (Campus Project) |
Stage 4 |
|
70700A |
Maynooth Post Primary |
New School (Campus Project) |
Stage 4 |
Presentation Girls NS, Roll Number 00779U.
The stage 1 report was received in September and is currently under review by the Department’s Professional and Technical section.
The building project for Maynooth BNS, Roll Number 17341U is a new 24 classroom school (replacement school to include an additional 5 classrooms) and 2 classrooms for special education. Construction commenced on site in December 2020 and current completion date is July 2022.
Gaelcholaiste Maigh Nuad, Roll Number 76554W. A project has recently been devolved under the Additional Accommodation Scheme (ASA) 2021 to Kildare & Wicklow Education & Training Board (KWETB) for refurbishment works to the old Maynooth Post-Primary School, to facilitate a Science Lab, Woodwork Room and Economics Room. The Department authorised KWETB to appoint a Consultant for this project in September 2021.
The building project for Gaelscoil Ruairí, Roll Number 20527F is being delivered under the Department’s Design and Build Programme. The final grant of planning was received at the end of July 2021. The Department’s Project Manager with their Design Team has commenced the preparation of tender documentation for the project. Once this stage is complete the project will then proceed to tender stage.
The projects for Maynooth campus (Maynooth Community College & Maynooth Post Primary) were devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). The schools were delivered as part of a campus development. The campus project is now substantially complete.
The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.
391. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current and or expected position in relation to the various school building projects at primary and second-level in respect of Kilcock, County Kildare; the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project; the current position in regard to the various developments; the extent to which any or all are interdependent on external issues; when she expects the requirements current or expected to be met in full; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57576/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.
This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs. This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.
Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress 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.
There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.
During the period 2018 to 2020 526 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). These projects delivered in excess of 48,000 school places. 16 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 13 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects.
There are currently 5 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Kilcock school planning area.
Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Kilcock School Planning Area
|
Roll No. |
School Name |
School Type |
Project Type |
Current Stage |
|
19897I |
Scoil Uí Riada |
Primary |
Extension |
Stage 2a |
|
18650P |
Newtown NS |
Primary |
Extension |
Stage 4 |
|
18666H |
Tiermohan NS |
Primary |
Extension |
Stage 4 |
|
61691B |
Scoil Dara |
Post Primary |
Extension |
Stage 1 |
|
76595N |
Enfield Community College |
Post Primary |
New School |
Stage 2b |
Scoil Uí Ríada, Roll Number 19897I. This project was approved to planning stage 2a on 07/04/2021. It is currently the responsibility of the Board of Management of the school to progress the project.
Newtown NS, Roll Number 18650P. The project was approved to planning stage on 07/04/2021. It is currently the responsibility of the Board of Management of the school to progress the project. This project is currently onsite and nearing completion.
Tiermohan NS, Roll Number 18666H. This project is currently onsite and nearing completion. This project is currently onsite.
Scoil Dara, Roll Number 61691B. Technical Comments have issued to the school regarding the submitted stage 1 report. It is currently the responsibility of the Board of Management of the school to progress the project.
The building project for Enfield Community College, Roll Number 76595N is being delivered under the Department’s Design and Build Programme. The decision to grant planning permission by the Local Authority, which was received in July, was subject to 18 conditions. The Project Manager with their Design Team have commenced the preparation of tender documentation for the project. Once this stage is complete the project will then proceed to tender stage.
The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.
392. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current and or expected position in relation to the various school building projects at primary and second-level in respect of Leixlip, County Kildare; the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project; the current position in regard to the various developments; the extent to which any or all are interdependent on external issues; when she expects the requirements current or expected to be met in full; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57577/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.
This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs. This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.
Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress 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.
There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.
During the period 2018 to 2020 526 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). These projects delivered in excess of 48,000 school places. 16 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 13 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects.
There are currently 2 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Leixlip school planning area.
Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Leixlip School Planning Area
|
Roll No. |
School Name |
School Type |
Current Stage |
Project Type |
|
20526D |
Leixlip ETNS |
Primary |
New School |
Project Brief |
|
70691C |
Confey Community College |
Post Primary |
Extension |
Stage 1 |
The project associated with Confey Community College, Roll Number 70691C is at Stage 1. It is currently the responsibility of the School Authority to progress the project.
The project associated with Leixip ETNS, Roll Number 20526D is at project brief stage. A site is also required to construct a permanent school building for the school.
The Department has the following application under the Additional Schools Accommodation scheme for Scoil Bhride, Leixlip, Roll number 19407L. The application received is for Special Education Needs accommodation and is currently under assessment.
The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.
393. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she remains satisfied that children and teachers are safely and adequately protected from Covid-19 throughout the winter months; the extent to which air purification can be used throughout schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57578/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraManaging 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. Over 35,000 monitors have been dispatched to schools nationwide.
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.
394. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which her Department continues to respond expeditiously to requests for new schools or extensions to existing schools at primary and second-level throughout the country including County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57579/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. There will be a rolling 5 year funding envelope which will be updated annually for the period 2026 to 2030 within the Government’s overall NDP funding envelope of €136 billion in exchequer capital (€165 billion total capital including non-Exchequer) and will facilitate building a modern and sustainable school infrastructure.
This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.
During the period 2018 to 2020, 526 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). These projects delivered in excess of 48,000 school places. 16 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 13 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects.
A further 13 projects are currently on site, eight at primary level and five at post primary. 35 projects are at various stages of planning and design.
The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages. It should be noted that at individual project level, Design Teams are required to provide a delivery programme to school authorities and to keep them updated on progress of their projects including through the provision of monthly progress reports.
395. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which special needs placements remain available at primary and post-primary schools throughout County Kildare; the adequacy of such provision at the present time; the extent to which she anticipates an increase in the level of such places in the course of 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57580/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion.
Next year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing additional teaching and care supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes funding for a wide range of schemes and supports including special classes, special school places, SNAs and teachers.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
Currently there are 4 special schools in County Kildare. Of the 2,118 special classes that were operational for the start of the 2021/22 school year, 91 are in County Kildare (69 Primary and 22 Post Primary). 6 of these classes were newly established for the 2021/22 school year.
Through ongoing consultation with schools and parents at local level the NCSE is aware of students who will be seeking placement for the 22/23 academic year.
It is open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My Department works in close collaboration with the NCSE to ensure that the necessary provision is put in place on a timely basis throughout the country.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact their local SENO so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.
396. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which special needs requirements as set out by the relevant school authorities continue to be met in full at primary and second-level schools throughout the country including County Kildare; if particular delays are being experienced in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57581/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra410. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the number of special needs teachers and SNAs in all primary and second-level schools throughout County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57595/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 396 and 410 together.
The provision of education for children with special needs is an ongoing priority for Government. The numbers of special classes, special education teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are at unprecedented levels.
Very significant levels of financial provision are made to ensure that children with special educational needs, including those in Kildare, can be provided with an education appropriate to their needs.
The State currently spends in excess of 25% of its annual education and training budget (€9.2 Billion) on making additional provision for children with special educational needs.
This represents an increase of over 60% in total expenditure since 2011, at which point €1.247 Billion per annum was provided.
Since 2011, the number of special classes in mainstream schools has increased by almost 386% from 548 to 2,118 for the 2021/2022 school year. Of these 1,524 special classes are in primary schools.
Budget 2022 announced details of €9.2 billion in funding for education and includes funding for an additional 1,165 SNAs (in 2022) to provide support to children with special educational needs, which will bring the total number of SNAs to 19,169 at the end of December 2022. This represents an increase of 81% in the number of SNAs provided since 2011 at which point 10,575 SNAs were available.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide, including schools in Kildare. It has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents. NCSE seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special education placements.
NCSE is planning a further expansion of special class and special school places nationally, to meet identified need. This process is ongoing.
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialized provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.
Budget 2022 provides for an additional 360 special class teachers in 2022, which will provide for over 1,700 special class places. 126 special schools provide specialist education for approximately 7,500 pupils annually with over 1,400 teachers. Two new special schools have also opened recently, one in Dublin and one in Cork.
There are now over 13,600 Special Education Teachers allocated to mainstream primary and post primary schools.
This represents an increase of 40% in the total number of special education teachers allocated to schools since 2011, at which time 9,740 teachers were allocated.
Budget 2022 provides for the creation 980 new teaching posts in special education. This new investment is required to meet the needs of students with special educational needs enrolled in mainstream classes; students to be enrolled in new special classes and new special school places and the needs of new and developing schools.
The new allocation is broken down as follows:
- 620 of the new posts will provide additional support for children attending mainstream classes including new and expanding schools
- 360 posts will facilitate the opening of 287 new special classes providing over 1,700 new places in 2022 and 140 new special school places
A new model for allocating special education teachers in respect of students with special needs enrolled in mainstream classes was introduced in 2017. The Special Education Teacher allocation process provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile. The profile of each school takes account of enrolments and a number of other factors that are considered to be indicative of the level of need in each school. There is a commitment to update profiles on a regular basis with the last update being for the 2019/20 school.
In addition, there is a provision for schools to seek additionality through the Exceptional Needs Review process if there is a significant change in their level of need in between profile updates.
The additional 620 SET posts will be allocated to schools based on updated SET school profiles in 2022.
The criteria for qualification for mainstream school developing school posts are set out in the Primary and Post Primary School Staffing Schedule for the 2021/22 school year.
Schools who qualify for additional mainstream developing school posts in accordance with these criteria also qualify for additional Special Education Teaching Allocations to take account of this developing status.
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.
The allocation of 1,165 SNAs announced in Budget 2022 is to meet the care needs of pupils in 2022 and will enable the establishment of new special classes, creation of new places in special schools, support children in mainstream classes for the 2022/23 school year.
Where circumstances change during the course of the 2021/22 school year that materially increase the level of care need in a school to the extent that the school can clearly demonstrate that it cannot be met within the existing SNA allocation, the school may apply to the NCSE for a review. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website ncse.ie/for-schools
Circular 0029/2021 has been published and advises schools of the arrangements for the allocation of SNAs for the 2021/22 school year. SNA allocations for special classes and special schools are not affected by this arrangement.
