Written Answers Nos. 392-413
392. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the terms of reference for the review examining issues relating to rape, sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6192/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth my Department and I have engaged extensively in recent months with all key stakeholders on the Terms of Reference for the Independent Review, established to examine issues relating to sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces.
The Terms of Reference, approved by Cabinet on 25 January 2022, were published on 1 February 2022, on Gov.ie
www.gov.ie/en/publication/d978a-dignity-and-equality-in-the-workplace-the-defence-forces-an-independent-review/
The overall aims of the Independent Review are to: -
- Advise on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective.
- Independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
- Provide recommendations and guidance on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
This Independent Review is seen as a critical and vital next step to ensure that the workplace for serving members of the Defence Forces is safe, where there is zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour and where we learn from historical experiences.
In addition, the Review Group have been specifically asked to advise on whether further work is required to examine issues of an historical nature and to make any recommendations regarding how this might be pursued.
The Review Group will provide me with an interim report after six months. A final report is expected within 12 months. I will bring the Final Review Report to Government, who may consider any further bodies of work that might be necessary, taking into account the findings of the Independent Review Group. Thereafter, I intend to make the Final Review Report public
I wish to reiterate my commitment and that of the Secretary General and Chief of Staff, to ensure that every member of the Defence Forces, can carry out their duties in a safe and respectful workplace based on dignity, equality and zero-tolerance for any kind of unacceptable behaviour.
393. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of Defence Forces personnel on overseas service at the end of January 2022, by rank. [6200/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 1st February, 2022, Ireland is contributing 567 personnel to 9 different missions throughout the world and also to a range of international organisations and National representations.
The number of personnel serving overseas by rank is outlined in the following table.
|
Rank - Officers |
Number |
Rank - Enlisted Personnel |
Number |
|
Brigadier General |
2 |
Sergeant Major |
6 |
|
Colonel |
8 |
Battalion Quarter Master Sergeant |
3 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
26 |
Company Sergeant |
16 |
|
Commandant |
36 |
Company Quarter Master Sergeant |
15 |
|
Captain |
39 |
Sergeant |
65 |
|
Lieutenant |
17 |
Corporal |
109 |
|
Private |
222 |
There are also two chaplains serving overseas. In addition Major General Maureen O’Brien is serving on secondment to the United Nations following her appointment by the UN as Deputy Military Advisor in the Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations.
394. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence if he will be travelling abroad for St. Patrick’s week 2022 on official visits; and if so, the location he is scheduled to visit. [6228/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is in the process of finalising the programme to mark St Patrick’s Day around the world. This will include a programme of visits by ministers that will be approved by the Government early this month, and which will be made public immediately afterwards.
395. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on his Department’s input to the feasibility study currently being undertaken on the future use of Cathal Brugha Barracks, Dublin; when this study will be published; and the engagement his Department has had with the Land Development Agency and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on this issue. [6429/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has secured funding, under the Housing For All implementation fund, to engage consultants to carry out a cost-benefit analysis and feasibility study in relation to the viability of relocating Cathal Brugha Barracks to another city centre location or location on the outskirts of Dublin City.
It should be noted that this is an exploratory exercise, the purpose of which is to allow for the identification of all the implications and practicalities of such a possible relocation. The completion of the study will facilitate an informed debate on the feasibility, costs and indeed the practicality of a relocation of DF operations from Cathal Brugha Barracks.
My Department, together with the Defence Forces, is now developing a tender proposal and will go to the market in the coming weeks. This study will compromise three fundamental aspects :
- Consideration of Whole Life Cycle Costs and Benefits– including new land acquisition costs and provision of a new build Barracks;
- Assessment of the operational and security implications and risks associated with a relocation;
- Determination as to the feasibility of relocating incorporating internal comparators as to how other States manage the threats & risks to their capital infrastructure.
This project should take some 9 to 12 months to complete and all relevant Stakeholders will be briefed as this project progress.
396. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Defence the progress made at addressing the serious concerns arising from the experiences of some members of the Defence Forces in particular women serving and retired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6537/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, following Cabinet approval, an Independent Review Group has been established, under the Chair of Ms. Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon, to examine issues relating to sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination in the Defence Forces.
The overall aims of the Independent Review are to: -
- Advise on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective.
- Independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
- Provide recommendations and guidance on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.
This Independent Review is seen as a critical and vital next step to ensure that the workplace for serving members of the Defence Forces is safe, where there is zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour and where we learn from historical experiences.
My Department and I have engaged extensively in recent months on the Terms of Reference, with the Women of Honour Group and with other stakeholders, including both serving and former members of the Defence Forces, the Representative Associations, PDFORRA, RACO and RDFRA and with a second group representing former members - the Men and Women of Honour Group. The Terms of Reference for the Review, as approved by Cabinet, have been published on Gov.ie www.gov.ie/en/publication/d978a-dignity-and-equality-in-the-workplace-the-defence-forces-an-independent-review/
These engagements have brought serious issues to my attention, which indicate that it is not just a historic issue. Regrettably, incidents of alleged unacceptable behaviour are still continuing to occur. Current and former members of the Defence Forces have been clear that the culture that is pervading, and the application of those policies, systems and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behaviour have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well. Accordingly, I am strongly aware of the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of serving Defence Forces members.
In addition, the Review Group have been specifically asked to advise on whether further work is required to examine issues of an historical nature and to make any recommendations regarding how this might be pursued.
The Review Group will provide me with an interim report after six months. A final report is expected within 12 months. I will bring the Final Review Report to Government, who may consider any further bodies of work that might be necessary, taking into account the findings of the Independent Review Group. Thereafter, I intend to make the Final Review Report public.
I wish to reiterate my commitment and that of the Secretary General and Chief of Staff, to ensure that every member of the Defence Forces, can carry out their duties in a safe and respectful workplace based on dignity, equality and zero-tolerance for any kind of unacceptable behaviour.
397. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the average pay per hour worked for SNAs working in primary schools and in post-primary schools, respectively; and the number of hours worked over the course of one school year by SNAs in primary schools and in post-primary schools, respectively [5839/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoards of Management of schools are the direct employers of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). My Department provides Paymaster support to schools.
SNAs can be contracted to work up to a maximum of 39 hours per week and are usually contracted to work for a school year which begins on 1st September and finishes the following 31st August. As such, SNAs are paid on the basis of an annual salary scale, as opposed to an hourly rate of pay. The salary scale applicable to SNAs is determined by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Increments are awarded after each year of satisfactory service in an approved post as an SNA in a recognised school. The current salary scales for SNAs are set out in DE Circular 0055/2021.
In some cases, where a contacted SNA is absent from school, a substitute will be employed to cover the absence. That substitute is paid an hourly rate of pay which is €15.03 if they were appointed after 1st January 2011.
398. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if her Department will put financial supports in place for students undertaking a course at a college (details supplied) who are unable to access the usual Gaeltacht grants and are struggling to meet costs. [5847/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.
Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints. The rate of student grant for 2022 has been set at an average of €750. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly course in 2022. This grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes. This is in line with normal practice for other grant payments per students qualifying requirements.
399. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if it will be ensured that there are no further delays in finalising the pay and conditions for school secretaries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5864/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool secretaries 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 with school management bodies have been engaging with Fórsa on a claim on terms and conditions for grant-funded school secretaries and caretakers. 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 were identified, and a phased approach is being taken to the development of proposals.
Following intensive discussions at the WRC on 13th September 2021, there was 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 on a pro rata basis according to a secretary’s current working pattern. The 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.
Further dialogue has taken place between the parties on these issues since 13 September with the aim of reaching an overall agreement. The talks continue, most recently at a meeting at the WRC on 26 January; the parties are to meet again later this month, following reflection on the matters discussed at that meeting.
I welcome the continued engagement between the parties and I encourage all stakeholders to focus on finalising an agreement.
400. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education if, as part of the review of school transport, her Department will consider allowing national school children to receive transport to their parish school as their second school of choice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5887/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
Under the terms of the Department's Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest school as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
My Department commenced a review of the School Transport Scheme in February 2021. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately.
Following commencement of this review the Steering Group presented me with an initial interim report on eligibility with an examination of issues for mainstream pupils relating to the nearest and next nearest school. Following consideration of this report, I approved the extension of temporary alleviation measures in the current school year for transport for post-primary students who are otherwise eligible for school transport and have applied and paid on time but are attending their second nearest school.
Wider considerations relating to operation of the scheme are now taking place in the next phase of the review which is currently underway. The Steering Group will continue to report to me on an interim basis as the review progresses.
401. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education when she plans to publish the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5891/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, between 2016 and 2020 the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) undertook an extensive review of senior cycle programmes and vocational pathways. The NCCA’s Advisory Report on the Senior Cycle has been submitted to my Department for consideration.
The Advisory Report maps out, in broad terms, an ambitious programme of work, which would enable the development and construction of the components that would make up a Framework for Senior Cycle and will involve further ongoing stakeholder engagement and consultation.
I am aware of the desire in the education community and more generally, including the Deputy's personal interest in the matter, that the NCCA Advisory Report be published but we must first complete our consideration of the Report. I am currently focusing on what the implementation of the Report would involve and what we can do to best ensure the further evolution of Senior Cycle. My officials and I have been considering the Report carefully, with a view to delivering a Senior Cycle programme that meets the needs of the students of today and the future, and the Report will be published once those considerations are complete.
402. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education her plans for the leaving certificate in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5892/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recent weeks, I have attended a meeting with the Advisory Group on State Examinations, which has representatives of students, parents, teachers, school managerial bodies, the further and higher education sector, and the State Examinations Commission. Following on from this meeting, I met with the members of the advisory group on a bilateral basis and also had further engagement with each of them thereafter. I have listened carefully to what each of these stakeholders has had to say and examined each of their points.
Following consideration of this matter by Government , I announced on 1st February the decision: to operate an examinations approach for Leaving Certificate in 2022, with significant further adjustments to the examinations; and to provide students with a commitment that the overall results of Leaving Certificate 2022 will not be lower than in 2021. As the Deputy may be aware, it would not have been possible to run Accredited Grades in the same manner as last year, as Junior Cycle data was unavailable for 25% of our students.
The further extensive changes I have announced to the examination papers, over and above those announced in August 2021, mean that candidates: have greater choice in the papers; have less questions to answer; and still have the same amount of time as in a normal year to complete the examination. For example, in mathematics on each paper, instead of having to answer all ten questions, candidates will only have to answer six.
This is in addition to previously announced changes, such as the running of the Leaving Certificate Oral Examinations and Music Practical over the first week of the Easter Break.
Timeframes for certain assessment elements of the Leaving Certificate Applied examinations have also been pushed out. Schools were also reminded of the flexibilities regarding the dates for completion and authentication of examination Coursework.
I have also confirmed that Junior Cycle examinations will take place this summer. Adjustments to the assessment arrangements for Junior Cycle were published in August 2021 and provide for more teaching time in schools. They include a reduction in the number of Classroom Based Assessments to be completed, the removal of the requirement to complete Assessment Tasks, and adjustments to the requirements in coursework and practical performance tests.
I believe that the decision announced will provide Leaving Certificate students of 2022 with an opportunity for their learning and attainment at the end of their post-primary education to be assessed, and will enable them to progress to the next stage of their lives. It also provides the certainty and clarity in this matter that had been requested by schools and parents.
403. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the requests to increase the capacity in a school (details supplied) to allow for dual streaming across all year groups and the immediate requirement for more accommodation for the forthcoming school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5931/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department received a request for a change of status from the school in question from a single stream fully vertical, co-educational school to a two stream, fully vertical co-educational school from September 2022.
As part of the assessment process, my Department has taken into account the demographic projections and current capacity for the Greystones school planning area. These projections indicate that there is already significant additional capacity available and that an increase from a one stream to a two stream status for the school in question is not warranted. In addition to other schools, the school planning area includes a new 24 classroom multi denominational primary school with substantial current capacity for additional enrolments.
My Department has received an application from this school under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme. This is currently being assessed and a decision will be communicated to the school shortly.
404. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the requests made by the school management in a school (details supplied) seeking an urgent review of its SNA allocation to accurately reflect the needs of students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5933/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.
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.
In light of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the introduction of the new Frontloaded Allocation Model for SNAs for students in mainstream classes in primary and post -primary schools is to be deferred for a further year to the beginning of the 2022/23 school year.
In order to minimise disruption for schools and to provide for continuity of allocations the following arrangements were made for the allocation of Special Needs Assistants for mainstream classes for the 2021/22 school year:
- Existing mainstream class SNA allocations in schools on 30 April 2021 were maintained and automatically rolled over into the 2021/22 school year. - No school received an allocation less than that which they had on 30 April 2021.
- SNAs in mainstream settings continued in post for the current school year in the normal way.
- As in previous years, 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
The NCSE have published the SNA allocations on their website www.ncse.ie.
SNA allocations for special classes and special schools are not affected by this arrangement.
Circular 0029/2021 has been published and advises schools of the arrangements for the allocation of SNAs for the 2021/22 school year.
Provisions set out in Circular 0030/2020 has been extended for the 2021/22 school year.
Circulars 29/2021 and 30/2020 are available on the Gov.ie website. www.gov.ie/en/circulars/?organisation=department-of-education
The NCSE have confirmed that on 28/01/2022 it received from the school an SNA Exceptional Review application through its online portal. The application was responded to by an NCSE official. The application will be examined and an outcome issued to the school by the NCSE in due course.
405. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire den Aire Oideachais cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ar an athbhreithniú ar chóras na ndíolúintí ó staidéar ar an nGaeilge a gheall an tAire Oideachais i Lúnasa 2019; an bhfuil sí ag cloí leis an tagairt i gCiorclán 0053/2019, lch. 7, go ndéanfar athbhreithniú tosaigh ar fhorfheidhmiú an chiorcláin tar éis an chéad dá bhliain dá chur i bhfeidhm agus go tréimhsiúil ina dhiaidh sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5951/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra407. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire den Aire Oideachais i bhfianaise na bhfigiúr a nochtadh san athbhreithniú ar chóras na ndíolúintí ó staidéar ar an nGaeilge, an féidir leí seasamh leis an ráiteas i gCiorclán 0053/2019 Níor cheart díolúine a dheonú ach amháin i gcúinsí eisceachtúla; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5953/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra409. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire den Aire Oideachais cén pleananna atá ag a Roinn cúrsaí Gaeilge a chur ar fáil do dhaltaí scoláirí a fuair a gcuid oideachais iasmuigh den Stát le nach mbeadh orthu díolúine ó staidéar ar an nGaeilge a lorg; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra410. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire den Aire Oideachais cathain a fhoilseoidh sí an fhianaise thaighde atá mar bhunús do bhronnadh díolúintí ó staidéar ar an nGaeilge; agus an aontaíonn sí nach bhfuil an cur chuige ag teacht le beartais chuimsitheacha na Roinne Oideachais; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5956/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 405, 407, 409 and 410 together.
Tá sé i gceist agam PQ 5951, 5953, 5955 & 5956 a thógáil le chéile.
Is féidir liom a dheimhniú don Teachta, de réir mhír 7 de chiorclán 0052/2019 (Bunscoileanna) agus mír 8 de chiorclán 0053/2019 (Iar-bhunscoileanna), ina ndeirtear go ndéanfar “athbhreithniú tosaigh ar fhorfheidhmiú an Chiorcláin tar éis an chéad dá bhliain dá chur i bhfeidhm agus go tréimhsiúil ina dhiaidh sin ”, go bhfuil tús curtha ag an Roinn le hathbhreithniú dá leithéid agus go bhfuil an t-athbhreithniú seo ag céim luath.
Beidh an Teachta ar an eolas gur tháinig Ciorcláin 0052/2019 agus 0053/2019 in ionad ciorcláin roimhe sin a rialaíonn díolúine do scoláirí ó staidéar na Gaeilge agus a chuireann treoir ar fáil do scoileanna nuair a bhíonn iarratais ar dhíolúine á mbreithniú acu ó thús na bliana acadúla 2019. Bhí na ciorcláin bunaithe ar thaighde a rinne Cigireacht na Roinne Oideachais agus ar phróiseas comhairliúcháin poiblí ónar tháinig líon freagairtí nach bhfacthas a leithéid cheana, le 11,109 duine aonair ag roinnt a dtuairimí i suirbhé ar líne agus 24 eagraíocht agus 125 duine aonair ag soláthar aighneachtaí i scríbhinn.
In 2019, d’fhoilsigh Cigireacht na Roinne Oideachais Tuarascáil Taighde: Athbhreithniú ar Bheartas agus Cleachtas maidir le Díolúintí ó Staidéar na Gaeilge www.gov.ie/pdf/30515/ in 2019 mar aon leis an Tuarascáil ar an gComhairliúchán Poiblí ar dhíolúintí ó bheith ag déanamh staidéir ar an nGaeilge www.gov.ie/pdf/47023/ and agus tá an da dhoiciméad ar fáil go fóill don phobal.
Bhí Ciorcláin 0052/2019 agus 0053/2019 bunaithe freisin ar pholasaí na Roinne ar riachtanais speisialta oideachais agus ar fhoghlaim teangacha. Tá athbhreithniú cuimsitheach déanta le blianta beaga anuas ar churaclaim Gaeilge na bunscoile agus na hiar-bhunscoile. Tar éis taighde fairsing agus próisis chomhairliúcháin láidre a dhéanamh, tugadh isteach, ó Mheán Fómhair 2019, Curaclam Teanga na Bunscoile/Primary Language Curriculum (CTB/PLC) nua do gach céim sa bhunscoil. Is curaclam teanga comhtháite é an CTB/PLC agus is do mhúinteoirí é a bhfuil leanaí de gach cumas i ngach comhthéacs scoile – scoileanna atá ag feidhmiú trí mheán an Bhéarla, scoileanna Gaeltachta, scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge agus scoileanna speisialta – faoina gcúram. Aithníonn agus tacaíonn an curaclam le rannpháirtíocht daltaí le Gaeilge agus Béarla ag céimeanna agus luasanna éagsúla le linn a dturas foghlama teanga. Soláthraíonn na Contanaim Dul Chun Cinn i gCuraclam Teanga na Bunscoile creat do mhúinteoirí chun céim forbartha teanga an dalta a aithint agus chun idirghabhálacha a phleanáil a thacaíonn le forbairt scileanna agus inniúlachtaí teanga Gaeilge agus Béarla ar bhealach comhtháite, ina gcruthaítear naisc trasna agus laistigh de na teangacha agus ina n-éascaítear aistriú scileanna idir teangacha. Don chéad uair, in 2017, tugadh isteach sonraíochtaí idirdhealaithe (T1 agus T2) don Ghaeilge sa tSraith Shóisearach. Cruthaíonn cur chuige na dtorthaí foghlama atá leagtha amach sa CTB agus i sonraíochtaí na sraithe sóisearaí an-solúbthacht ar fad chun tacú le cur chuige idirdhealaithe i leith forbairt scileanna Gaeilge gach dalta lena n-áirítear iad siúd a chláraíonn ó thar lear. Níl aon phleananna ag an am seo chun aon soláthar eile curaclaim a dhéanamh don Ghaeilge. In ainneoin sin, aithnítear sna Ciorcláin go mbíonn cúinsí eisceachtúla ann inar féidir díolúine ó staidéar na Gaeilge a dheonú do scoláire. Tá na cúinsí eisceachtúla sin leagtha amach i Mír 2.2 den Chiorclán ábhartha.
Mar a tharlaíonn nuair a thugtar isteach aon athrú curaclaim, rinneadh cláir forbartha gairmiúla fairsinge agus leanúnacha a fhorbairt chun tacú le múinteoirí an CTB agus na sonraíochtaí nua do Ghaeilge na Sraithe Sóisearaí a chur i bhfeidhm. Déanann seirbhísí tacaíochta múinteoirí na roinne aiseolas a éileamh ó mhúinteoirí ar bhonn leanúnach lena chinntiú go bhfreastalaítear ar na riachtanais forbartha gairmiúla atá acu.
Ar aon dul le polasaithe eile na roinne i réimse riachtanais speisialta oideachais, tá na ciorcláin ar dheonú díolúintí ó staidéar na Gaeilge tar éis bogadh ó shamhail dhiagnóiseach catagóiriúil chuig samhail riachtanais-bhunaithe. Mar shampla, ní gá anois tuairisc shíceolaíoch nó triail éirime a chur ar fáil agus ní hiad tuarascálacha seachtracha ná tástálacha an príomhdhoiciméad tacaíochta chun díolúine ó staidéar na Gaeilge a dheonú atá mar chúram don scoil.
406. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire den Aire Oideachais maidir le daltaí bunscoile agus scoláirí iar-bhunscoileanna a mbíonn deacrachtaí suntasacha foghlama leanúnacha acu, cad iad na staitisticí do líon na ndíolúintí in 2019-2020 agus 2020-2021 i gcomparáid leis na blianta 2016-2019; cén tionchar a bhí ag na critéir nua ar na figiúirí sin agus ar an gcritéar Scór Caighdeánaithe ar thástáil scoite sa Léitheoireacht Focal, sa Léamhthuiscint nó sa Litriú a bheith bainte amach ag/faoi bhun an 10ú peircintíl go háirithe; agus cé mhéad díolúintí a bronnadh de bharr toradh amháin ar thástáil scoite na Léitheoireachta Focal, na Léamhthuisceana nó an Litrithe. [5952/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra408. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire den Aire Oideachais i bhfianaise na bhfigiúr a nochtadh san athbhreithniú ar chóras na ndíolúintí ó staidéar ar an nGaeilge, an dóigh leí go bhfuil cur chuige oideachais cuimsitheach á chur i bhfeidhm sna scoileanna maidir le rochtain a thabhairt do gach dalta scoláire ar fhoghlaim na Gaeilge de réir a chumais féin nó a cumais féin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [5954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 408 together.
Tá sé i gceist agam PQ 5952 agus 5954 a thógáil le chéile.
Tá na curaclaim Ghaeilge ag an mbunleibhéal agus ag an iar-bhunleibhéal ann do gach scoláire. Ina ainneoin sin, glactar leis go mbíonn cúinsí eisceachtúla ann ina bhféadfadh scoileanna breathnú maidir le díolúine ó staidéar na Gaeilge a dheonú agus tá na cúinsí eisceachtúla sin leagtha amach i Mír 2.2 de na Ciorcláin ábhartha. Tacaítear le scoileanna teacht ar chinneadh trí na nósanna imeachta maidir le díolúintí ó staidéar na Gaeilge a dheonú atá leagtha amach i Mír 2.3 den Chiorclán ábhartha agus atá mionsonraithe sna Treoirlínte a ghabhann leis sin. Caithfidh scoileanna faisnéis staitistiúil a sholáthar don roinn maidir leis an líon agus na forais ar a ndéantar díolúintí a dheonú trí úsáid a bhaint as as an mBunachar Sonraí Ar Líne do Bhunscoileanna (POD) nó as an mBunachar Sonraí Ar Líne d’Iar-bhunscoileana (P-POD) de réir mar is cuí. Tá sé tábhachtach a thabhairt faoi deara nach bhfuil scór gnóthachtála litearthachta i Léamh Focal, Léamhthuiscint nó Litriú ag an 10ú peircintíl, nó faoina bhun sin, ach ar cheann de na critéir a chaithfear a chomhlíonadh nuair a bhíonn iarratais i gceist faoi fhomhír 2.2.c. den chiorclán ábhartha. Ina theannta sin, caithfidh daltaí a bheith i rang a dó ar a laghad agus deacrachtaí suntasacha leanúnacha foghlama a bheith acu in ainneoin fáil a bheith acu ar chur chuige idirdhealaithe i leith foghlaim na teanga agus na litearthachta thar thréimhse ama.
Caithfidh scoileanna gach díolúine a dheonaítear ó staidéar na Gaeilge a chlárú ar an mbunachar sonraí ábhartha ar líne lena n-áirítear iad siúd inar roghnaigh dalta gan díolúine a deonaíodh i scoilbhliain ar leith a fheidhmiú. Dá bhrí sin níl staitisticí ar fáil maidir le líon na ndíolúintí atá á bhfeidhmiú faoi láthair. Ina theannta sin, toisc go bhfuil na sonraí ag brath ar ionchur go díreach ó na scoileanna, déanann an roinn na staitisticí a mheas mar staitisticí sealadacha go dtí go ndeimhnítear iad. Níltear ag súil le staitisticí deimhnithe don scoilbhliain 2020/21 go dtí samhradh 2022.
|
Díolúintí cláraithe ar bhunachair shonraí na roinne: |
2016/17 |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
|
An Líon Iomlán Díolúintí a deonaíodh ar bhonn RSO (Bunscoileanna) |
2954 |
3212 |
3153 |
1313 |
1863 |
|
An Líon Iomlán Díolúintí a deonaíodh ar bhonn RSO (Iar-Bhunscoileanna) |
4,099 |
4,919 |
5,074 |
6,026 |
6,249 |
Tá sé tábhachtach a thabhairt faoi deara gurb é cuspóir POD agus P-POD ná faisnéis staitistiúil a bhunú ar scoileanna seachas ar dhaltaí. Ní úsáidtear é chun dul chun cinn dalta aonair tríd an gcóras oideachais a rianú. Dá bhrí sin, cuimsíonn na staitisticí ar dhíolúintí a deonaíodh in iar-bhunscoileanna, mar atá cláraithe ar an P-POD, díolúintí a deonaíodh do dhaltaí sa bhunscoil agus a cláraíodh an bhliain a bhí na daltaí ag dul isteach san iar-bhunscoil. Mar sin, d’fhéadfadh go mbeadh díolúine cláraithe faoi dhó sna sonraí thuas agus d’fhéadfadh díolúintí a cláraíodh ar an P-POD do na blianta tar éis fhoilsiú chiorcláin 2019 a bheith deonaithe faoin sean-chiorclán 12/96 do Bhunscoileanna.
I gcomhthéacs na n-uimhreacha thuas, is léir go raibh laghdú suntasach ar líon na ndíolúintí a deonaíodh ar bhonn riachtanais speisialta oideachais ag leibhéal na bunscoile sna blianta acadúla 2019/20 agus 2020/21 agus is cosúil gur tháinig méadú ar an líon díolúintí a deonaíodh ag an iar-bhunleibhéal. Níl sé soiléir go fóill cad iad na tosca cúiseacha a bhfuil tionchar acu ar na staitisticí seo agus beidh siad á mbreithniú ag an Roinn i gcomhthéacs an athbhreithnithe nuair a bheidh staitisticí 2020/21 bailíochtaithe go hiomlán.
411. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when final approval will issue to a school (details supplied) to enable additional accommodation works to commence; the up-to-date position of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6019/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was granted funding under my Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme 2020. A Stage 1/2A report was submitted in January 2022 and is currently being reviewed by my Department's Professional & Technical team.
Following completion of this review, my Department will revert to the school with a view to progressing the project through the stages of architectural planning and on to the tender and construction stages.
412. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the status of discussions for pay equality, pensions and improved conditions for school secretaries; and when these talks are expected to resume. [6024/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool secretaries 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 with school management bodies have been engaging with Fórsa on a claim on terms and conditions for grant-funded school secretaries and caretakers. 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 were identified, and a phased approach is being taken to the development of proposals.
Following intensive discussions at the WRC on 13th September 2021, there was 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 on a pro rata basis according to a secretary’s current working pattern. The 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.
Further dialogue has taken place between the parties on these issues since 13 September with the aim of reaching an overall agreement. The talks continue, most recently at a meeting at the WRC on 26 January; the parties are to meet again later this month, following reflection on the matters discussed at that meeting.
I welcome the continued engagement between the parties and I encourage all stakeholders to focus on finalising an agreement.
413. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the agencies under the remit of her Department; the amount that has been spent on all Covid-19-related consultancy contracts by her Department and agencies under her remit in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; the amount paid for each consultant; and the reason for the consultancy. [6034/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation in relation to consultancy expenditure by my Department is compiled annually and published online at www.gov.ie/en/collection/department-of-education-and-skills-expenditure-on-consultancy/ The data in respect of 2021 will be compiled in the 1st quarter of 2022 and will be published online as soon as it is available.
In 2020, consultancy expenditure totalling €1,694 was incurred in relation to the Department’s response to COVID-19.
The information sought by the Deputy in regard to the bodies under the aegis of my Department is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
