Written Answers Nos. 334-353
341. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will facilitate representations to his office from MLAs and MPs, on behalf of their constituents in the North of Ireland on Irish passport applications on a similar basis to TDs and Senators in this State, to reflect the reality that they represent Irish citizens also and the high volume of passport applications from Irish citizens in the North of Ireland. [26503/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraElected representatives of Irish citizens, including those from Northern Ireland, can make formal representations to me in relation to passport applications by submitting enquiries directly to my office.
It is important to note that this channel does not function as a means of expediting passport applications.
In each case raised by an elected representative, the Passport Service reviews the application in question. However, applications can only be expedited in cases of genuine emergency such as a need for urgent medical treatment overseas or the death of a family member abroad. Such applications are expedited through the Travel Emergency service.
In cases where the estimated issue-by date has passed and all required supporting documents have been submitted, the Passport Service will prioritise the application to ensure that no further delay is experienced.
Passport applicants can also track the status of their passport application online via the Passport Tracker which is available on my Department's website - www.dfa.ie/passporttracking/. The information on the tracker has recently been upgraded, and is an excellent guide as to where an application is in the system.
348. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of women and ethnic minorities in the Defence Forces, Naval Service and Air Corps in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [26143/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe military authorities have advised that they do not collect details pertaining to the ethnicity of recruits to the Defence Forces. Potential applicants from alll ethnic backgrounds are included in the target demographic that the Defence Forces seek to reach in regular recutiment campaigns.
The female strengths of the Defence Forces, broken down by the Branches within the Permanent Defence Force [PDF] and the Reserve Defence Force [RDF]), are set out in the table below:
|
Year |
2021 |
2022* |
|
Army |
488 |
478 |
|
Air Corps |
39 |
39 |
|
Naval Service |
71 |
69 |
|
PDF Female (Whole-time Equivalent) Strength |
598 |
586 |
*As at 30th April 2022
The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation. In addition, in the context of the White Paper on Defence, a specific project is ongoing to conduct a survey to identify any impediments to the advancement of women in the Permanent Defence Force.
349. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the number of investigations, internal or external, commissioned by his Department into instances in which Departmental documents or information was leaked to the media, which were commissioned or conducted in each of the past ten years and to date in 2022; the nature of such leaks and investigations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26333/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere were no circumstances nor requirements which led to the commissioning of investigations, internal or external by my Department during the period in question into instances in which Departmental documents or information was leaked to the media.
350. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 145 of 12 May 2022, if the supports to special schools in line with the agreed English as an additional language allocation in circumstances in which there is a recognised level of need extends to students from countries other than Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25660/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department will consider any such application from all schools, including special schools. Supports will be provided where a need has been established.
351. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a document on her website which states that subjects such as laundry, needlework and cookery are for girls; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this undermines the role of females in society; if she plans to change these rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25682/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the aim of my Department that every child has access to equitable education and that each learner irrespective of background feels safe and happy in the school environment, at every stage.
I acknowledge that much of the language in the document referred to by the Deputy – the Rules for National Schools which was published in 1965 is outdated, unacceptable and does not reflect this ambition. This document has been superseded by other more recent documentation.
The Department and education sector more broadly continue to engage in work to ensure that Ireland’s curricular framework is modern and fit-for-purpose. For example, the 1999 Primary Curriculum is undergoing review and redevelopment, led by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). The consultation on the Draft Primary Curriculum Framework closed on February 28th, 2022. Feedback from teachers, school leaders, parents/guardians, children and national stakeholder groups during the consultation will play an important role in finalising the details within the Primary Curriculum Framework. Upon completion in early 2023, this framework will then guide the NCCA’s work in developing a specification for each curriculum area. A timeline for the introduction of the redeveloped curriculum will be set out by the Department of Education.
On 29 March I announced ambitious plans for a reimagined Senior Cycle of education for post-primary students – Equity and Excellence for All: where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience.
This new approach will enable students to follow a broad curriculum, develop their interests and skills and participate in a final assessment process consistent with international best practice, which will support them in their next phase of life whether that’s third level, further education and training, apprenticeships or the world of work.
The redeveloped Senior Cycle will include the development of new subjects and revised curricula for all existing subjects, which will be informed by the views of students and teachers in a co-creation process. These will include a significant emphasis on additional assessment components outside of the traditional final written exams.
352. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if she will advise on a summer-provision query (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25683/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarlier this month, the Government announced the Summer Programme to allow all primary and post-primary schools to offer a summer programme for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage.
The total funding available to provide summer programmes this year is up to €40 million.
The programme was developed following extensive engagement with education stakeholders, parent and disability advocacy groups.
The Special Class and Special School Programme is open to all pupils attending special classes and special schools. In addition, children who are commencing in a special class or or special school in September 2022 are also eligible to participate in the Special Class and Special School Programme. For a student who is commencing in a special school or special class in September 2023, they would be able to avail of the summer programme in the summer of 2023.
The Primary Inclusion Programme is open to pupils who have complex needs and those who are most at risk of educational disadvantage.
Children who meet the eligibility criteria and are entering primary school in September 2022 are also eligible for the Primary Inclusion Programme. Again for a student who is commencing in a school in September 2023, they would be able to avail of the summer programme in the summer of 2023.
353. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) can apply for summer works scheme 2022, after being refused emergency works for the urgent replacement of windows; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25684/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Summer Works Scheme operates on a multi-annual basis to enable planned upgrading works to be undertaken at schools including in respect of windows.
The bulk of the categories of works on the existing multi-annual scheme have been approved. The next opportunity for the school to apply will be when a new multi-annual summer works scheme is announced and opened for new applications. Schools will be advised of the arrangements for this in due course.
