Written Answers Nos. 944-963
945. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the number of representations that she has received from Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas in the month of August, specifically related to school transport; and the number of representations resolved in tabular form. [43600/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last 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.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
School Transport ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
The School Transport Section is receiving a large volume of queries from families and from Members of the Oireachtas. These queries are varied and often complex in nature and require additional information to be sought from Bus Éireann.
Our records indicate that over 250 Representations have been received from Members of the Oireachtas for the attention of School Transport Section in August. Referrals have been made to Bus Éireann where a more detailed report is needed in order to resolve the query. A significant number of replies have issued or will issue in the coming days. School Transport Section are continuing to reply to these representations.
946. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the new building for a school (details supplied); when she expects planning permission to be applied for; when the school will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43610/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently completing Stage 2(b) of Architectural Planning – Detailed Design, which involves the production of a complex and detailed set of tender documents and an accurate pre-tender cost check by the Design Team, in accordance with my Department's Technical Guidance Documents, Building Regulations and Public Works Procurement procedures.
The Design Team recently received the final grant of permission from Dublin City Council in relation to Planning Permission for the revised Right of Way.
Officials from my Department are in constant contact with the school’s Design Team and their current revised estimated date for submission of Stage 2(b) to my Department is mid-September 2022.
Upon receipt, review and approval of the Stage 2(b) submission, the school and its design team will be advised regarding of progression of the project to Stage 3 - Tender Action.
947. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education the annual rent paid for the existing premises of a school (details supplied) located on Parnell Square. [43611/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a project is in train to deliver a new school building for the school to which she refers. This project is currently at Stage 2b. The school is operating in rental accommodation pending completion of this project.
My Department seeks to maximise Value for Money in all rental arrangements and works to ensure that the best possible price is negotiated. In that context, the disclosure of information about current rental agreements can compromise the achievement of VfM in current and future negotiations. For that that reason of commercial sensitivity, my Department is not in a position to provide information regarding the annual rental costs for the school at this point in time.
948. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when school bus tickets will issue to two siblings (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43616/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last 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.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that while this family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport under the terms of the school transport scheme, they were successful in obtaining seats on a school transport service. I am pleased to advise that the children referred were issued a ticket on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year.
949. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education if school transport for a child (details supplied) will be reinstated. [43621/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
I am pleased that Bus Éireann have confirmed that the pupil referred to by the Deputy has been on a School Transport service since 1st September 2022.
950. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education the assistance that her Department can provide in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) whereby colleges in Scotland and England will not honour offers of placement in first year of the 2022/2023 academic year due to the delayed Leaving Certificate results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43627/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor students applying to universities abroad, in particular the EU and the UK, there were some instances where these universities were seeking to have results much earlier than the Leaving Certificate 2022 results date of 2 September. I wrote to my counterparts across Europe in July asking for their assistance in ensuring students were facilitated, and my Department also engaged directly with universities in relation to students who were in contact looking for assistance.
I understand that the person in question did contact my Department in relation to the University of Glasgow and the University of Bristol and I am pleased to say that following intervention from my Department, both universities agreed to extend their deadline past 31 August.
The person in question has recently informed my Department that both universities had been in touch confirming the extension of their deadline past 31 August.
951. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if a local school place can be accommodated for a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43639/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Where a board of management make a decision to refuse admission, a parent/guardian can appeal that decision under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, and an independent appeals committee will be appointed to consider the appeal
A section 29 appeal must be made no later than 63 calendar days from the date of the school’s decision to refuse admission. It is important to note that if you have been refused admission due to the school being oversubscribed, and you wish to appeal this decision you must firstly make a written request to the school seeking a review of the board of management’s decision. This request for a review to the board of management is time bound and must be made within 21 calendar days from the date of the decision by the school to refuse admission to your child.
There has been significant capital investment by my Department providing additional capacity at primary schools in the Kilcock School Planning area.
The Kilcock School Planning Area is served by 9 primary schools and the following projects are ongoing or recently completed:
- A major capital project for St. Joseph’s NS Kilcock (RN 16706G) was recently completed in 2021 - New 16-classroom school building plus SEN
A number of other projects are ongoing under our Additional School Accommodation Programme including
RN 17821L St Marys, Enfield – currently at Stage 4 - to provide 3 SEN (Special Education Needs) class base
RN 18051Q COOLE NS, Kilcock – Stage 4 – 1 x 80m2 Mainstream Classroom (MCR) additionality
RN 18650P Newbawn NS, Enfield – Stage 4 – 4 x 80m2 prefab replacement, 1 x 15m2 Set prefab replacement & 1 x 15m2 SET additional.
RN 18650P Newbawn NS, Enfield – Stage 1 – 2 SEN class base
RN 18666H Tiermohan NS – Stage 4 – 3 x 80m2 MCR prefab replacement
RN 18887A St Joseph’s NS Kilcock – Complete – 1 x 80m2 MCR
RN 19897I Scoil Úi Riada, Kilcock – Stage 2a – 4 x 80m2 MCR additional, 1 x 15m2 SET additional, 3 x 80m2 prefab replacement & 2 x 15m2 SET replacement.
In addition, Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) the Educational Welfare Service is the legal body which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school placement for their child. Contact details for TESS are available at the following link www.tusla.ie/tess/get-in-touch/ or by email at tessinfo@tusla.ie
952. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport can be provided to children (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43649/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last 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.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria. Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th July.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that children living in the area referred to by the Deputy are not eligible to the schools referred to by the Deputy under the terms of the school transport scheme. Bus Éireann also advise that all pupils from the area referred to by the Deputy who applied for school transport to the schools referred to by the Deputy have been accommodated on school transport services for the 2022/23 school year.
953. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if a bus will be provided for a specific transport run (details supplied) in 2022; if so, when the transport service will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43650/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last 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.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann has advised that all eligible children who have completed the application process on time have been accommodated on a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
954. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided for a pupil (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43652/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the school transport scheme however, they were successful in obtaining a seat on a school transport service. I am pleased to advise that the child referred was issued a ticket on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year.
955. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the steps that a family (details supplied) must take in cases in which there is no school bus place for their children. [43662/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. 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.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
School Transport ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann are processing applications and issuing tickets as soon as extra buses and drivers are sourced and become available to provide transport for the higher numbers qualifying for the service.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria. Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th July.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
956. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the status of an appeal (details supplied). [43663/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
In addition, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school. Families who normally would pay an annual ticket charge will not be charged a fee for their school bus ticket for the 2022/23 school.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.
On 6th July 2022, an appeal in respect of this application for school transport was lodged with the School Transport Appeals Board. The Board will liaise directly with the appellant when the appeal is due for consideration.
957. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made in recent weeks in respect of a school (details supplied) and the school's current and future accommodation requirements, the result of consideration of the options study by her Department; if delivery timeframes have been confirmed; if a better interim solution has been found given health and safety concerns raised; if every effort can be made to move this project forward at an early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43664/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, it is intended that the permanent accommodation needs of the school will be met in a former post-primary school building which is in the ownership of the school patron. In order to ensure that optimal use is made of this property, and in support of the achievement of Value for Money, the patron of the school appointed a consultant to undertake an Options Study of the property concerned.
The Options Study report has been received in my Department from the patron Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) and is currently being assessed. It is my Department's intention to contact KWETB regarding the matter in the near future.
In the meantime, my Department approved a grant in 2021 to facilitate refurbishment works in the former post-primary school building to provide for additional specialist rooms of a science lab, woodwork and home-economics for Gaelcholaiste Maigh Nuad. The project was devolved to KWETB for delivery. My Department understands that the project has now been completed and will be available to the school for the new school year.
958. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to serious concerns raised by Irish language teachers in relation to the new Junior Certificate course; if a review of the curriculum is proposed that would include feedback from relevant stakeholders including teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43666/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra961. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the number of formal complaints received by her Department from teachers or school principals in relation to the new Irish Junior Certificate course particularly in relation to the lack of emphasis placed on the oral aspect of the examination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43671/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 958 and 961 together.
With effect since 2017, as part of the Framework for Junior Cycle, Junior Cycle provision for Irish in post-primary schools and settings comprises two new specifications. The L1 (Language 1, in Irish, Teanga 1) specification is targeted at students in Irish-medium schools and students in English-medium schools who learn one or more subjects (apart from Irish) through the medium of Irish. The L2 (Language 2, Teanga 2) specification is targeted at other students in English-medium schools.
The new specifications (both L1 and L2) have a strong emphasis on oral language. This is particularly highlighted in the main strand of the specifications – Communicative Competence. This strand places an enhanced emphasis on Irish as the language of learning and communication in classrooms as well as an emphasis on the skills required to communicate effectively with other users of the language. Communication, opportunities for use and interaction are central to classroom tasks.
The assessment of these skills forms an integral component of the overall language learning experience and occurs in a number of ways. As well as the completion of tasks where students use and demonstrate their oral language skills to achieve specific learning outcomes, their oral language skills are also formally assessed through the two new Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs). The second Classroom-Based Assessment in particular is entirely based on students’ oral language competence. The CBA is linked to ongoing classroom exchanges and represents a more authentic reflection of students’ interests and competence levels in Irish. Importantly, the oral skills of all students are now assessed in classroom-based assessments and formally reported upon in each students’ Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement. Unlike the previous reporting format in which candidates receive one overall grade based on their achievement in Irish in the Junior Certificate, whether they undertake the optional oral or not, the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement allows students’ achievement in the CBAs to be recorded independently of the result in the state-certified examination.
These new arrangements provide a greater opportunity for students to develop their oral language proficiency skills.
My Department remains committed to encouraging the use of spoken Irish. The development of the new curriculum specifications for Irish at Junior Cycle was informed by research and extensive consultation with the education partners including practising teachers and students. Extensive continuing professional development (CPD) provided to teachers is complemented by a range of other supports. The new approach gives better recognition to the development of students’ oral competence, including their ability to speak Irish, over the three-years of Junior Cycle.
As is the case with all of the specifications developed under the Junior Cycle Framework, the NCCA reviews the enactment of subject specification by conducting interim reviews once each subject specification has been experienced across the three-year span of their Junior Cycle. The purpose of such reviews is to capture feedback from teachers, students and stakeholders on their experiences of the new specifications.
In February 2021, the NCCA opened a public consultation on draft L1 and L2 specifications for Leaving Certificate (established) Irish. In response to subsequent stakeholder requests, the NCCA extended the timeline for this consultation and also undertook to conduct and early enactment review of the specifications for Junior Cycle Irish. Accordingly, the NCCA commissioned Dublin City University to conduct this review which I am advised is expected to be completed later this year. The draft report, will in due course, be presented to NCCA Council for consideration.
959. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the details of the way that the new Junior Certificate Irish curriculum was designed; if any Irish language teachers were included as a stakeholder group; the other persons who were part of the course design; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43668/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Curriculum and Assessment’s (NCCA) development of subject specifications is carried out by representative development groups. The Subject Development Group (Meitheal Forbartha) for Junior Cycle Irish comprised a range of key stakeholders with expertise and experience in the learning, teaching and assessment of Irish, including practising teachers of Irish. The development group consisted of representatives from the teacher unions, management bodies, An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG), Comhar na Múinteoirí Gaeilge (the Irish Teachers Subject Association at the time), the National Parents Council Post-Primary, my Department and the State Examinations Commission.
In developing subject specifications for Junior Cycle Irish, the development group had an effective interface with the teaching profession, the realities of classrooms and schools and the views of the education partners generally. Development group members ensured that the views/policy of the nominating body were part of discussions on the development of the specifications, as they were drafted.
An important element of the development process was a public consultation. Feedback was sought in 2015 on a common specification for Junior Cycle Irish, from teachers, students, educational and Irish language stakeholders as well as the general public through online surveys, a consultation event, submissions and focus groups with second level students and students from various Initial Teacher Education contexts. 38% of respondents to the online surveys identified themselves specifically as múinteoirí Gaeilge at post-primary level. A key theme that emerged in the feedback from the consultation was the demand for differentiated specifications L1 and L2 for Junior Cycle Irish leading to the development of the current Language 1 (L1) and Language 2 (L2) specifications.
While NCCA Council is responsible for the approval of all curriculum and assessment advice, its decision-making is informed by deliberations at Board level. Boards review each draft subject specification and consultation report in the context of wider work in that sector, discuss significant issues as they emerge and, as appropriate, respond to themes emerging from consultations. It is in this context that a decision was made not to proceed with a common subject specification for Junior Cycle Irish, as previously planned, but to create two separate specifications, one (L1) which would cater to the needs of native speakers and learners of Irish in Gaeltacht schools and students in the Irish-medium sector Gaelcholáistí and Irish-medium units more generally, and a second (L2) aimed at students who use the Irish language as a second language mainly in schools which operate through the medium of English.
The L1 and L2 specifications for Junior Cycle Irish were introduced in schools in 2017 as part of Phase 3 of the roll out of the Framework for Junior Cycle. All students who started Junior Cycle from Autumn 2017 onwards are learning Irish as laid out in these new specifications. However, due to the impact of the Covid19 pandemic on teaching and learning in 2020, 2021 and 2022, no cohort of students has yet experienced these specifications as envisaged.
Responding to requests received from stakeholders through the recent consultation on draft specifications L1 and L2 for Leaving Certificate Irish, NCCA Council decided to undertake a review of the early implementation of Irish, L1 and L2, in Junior Cycle. This review will provide an opportunity for teachers and students to share their insights, experiences and views on the implementation of Junior Cycle Irish specifications to date. A report on the early implementation of Irish, L1 and L2, in Junior Cycle is currently being finalised by NCCA and will be published in the coming months.
960. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that her Department puts in place a much-needed one-to-one SNA for a school (details supplied). [43669/22]
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 and the school should liaise with the NCSE directly in the event that additional supports are required. My Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations. Accordingly your correspondence has been forwarded to the NCSE for direct reply.
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.
It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
In relation to SNA support the NCSE have confirmed that the school has an allocation of SNA support to provide support for children with primary care needs.
The following arrangements for the allocation of SNA support in respect of students in mainstream classes for 2022/23 will apply:
a) The SNA allocations for mainstream classes in schools on 31st May 2022 will be maintained for 2022/23. This will provide greater certainty for schools.
b) A process for schools, whereby if they consider their SNA allocation is in excess of the required care needs, to engage with the NCSE. Schools should contact their local NCSE Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) to commence the process.
c) The exceptional review process undertaken by NCSE will remain in place throughout the 2022/23 school year, where schools can seek a review of their SNA allocations which will result in one of the following outcomes:
i. No change in the level of care need identified (and no change in the resultant SNA allocation);
ii. Increase in the level of care need identified (which if significant would see an increase in the SNA allocations to the schools) ;
iii. Decrease in level of care need identified in the school (which if significant would result in a reduction in SNA allocations as the care need could be managed with less resources than are currently allocated); In relation to outcome iii, the SNA allocation will be adjusted at the end of the relevant school term.
It is expected that schools will review and reprioritise the deployment of SNAs within mainstream settings and allocate resources to ensure those with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support. Providing access to SNA support continues to be based on primary care needs as outlined in DES Circular 0030/2014 circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/education/2014/30.pdf.
Following such a review and reprioritisation, it is expected that a small number of schools, e.g. developing schools, may not have a sufficient SNA allocation to meet the needs of their students. These schools can apply to the NCSE for an Exceptional Review of their allocation.
Detailed information on the NCSE Exceptional Review process is published on the NCSE website. ncse.ie/application-for-sna-exceptional-review.
The NCSE will endeavour to respond to all applications for Exceptional Review received as expediently as possible and in that regard, it will prioritise applications from schools with no current SNA allocation and developing schools. The Exceptional Review process for mainstream allocations will be available to schools throughout the 2022/23 school year.
The NCSE has developed an appeal mechanism for schools who are not satisfied with the outcome of the Exceptional Review. Local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) will provide information and clarification to schools on the outcome where requested. Where schools wish to appeal the outcome of the review, they must do so using the prescribed form provided by the NCSE ncse.ie/ncse-appeals-process
The NCSE have published the SNA allocations for the 2022/23 school year and they are available at ncse.ie/set-hours-and-sna-allocations
All schools have the contact details of their local SENO, and the SENO is available to offer assistance and advice to the school. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
962. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education if the restrictions imposed by Bus Éireann on part time school bus drivers and drivers nominated by private operators that are preventing those aged over 70 years working will be lifted to 75 years in view of the current shortage of drivers to allow those aged 70 years or over to continue to drive; if those over 70 years will be allowed to drive a Bus Éireann contracted bus if they undergo a yearly medical assessment and are deemed medically fit to do so; the additional efforts that are being made to fill the shortfall in drivers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43674/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
It is Bus Éireann company policy that normal retirement age for all Bus Éireann staff is currently 66 years. However Bus Éireann part-time School Bus Drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate service as part of the School Transport Scheme may continue to perform in the role provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70. This policy and criteria is applied to all drivers who provide school transport services on behalf of Bus Éireann equally.
Bus Éireann notes there is a change that from the age of 75, drivers must complete a medical report form signed by a registered medical practitioner, however this change does not apply to bus and truck driving licence holders, who still require a medical report on first issue and on renewal of licences every 5 years.
There is therefore no plan to increase the age limit further from 70 to 75 at this time for School Bus Drivers, however the matter will continue to be kept under review.
963. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if a response will issue to a matter raised by a person (details supplied) in correspondence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43675/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 27th May 2022, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) published updated ‘Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19 in relation to Special Leave with Pay for COVID-19 ‘. The DPER Guidance and FAQs apply to all civil and public service employees. My Department’s Circular Letter 0038/2022 titled ‘COVID-19: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updated Working Arrangements for Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in recognised Primary and Post Primary schools’ published on 8th June 2022 reflects this DPER directive.
From 1st July 2022, the COVID-19 Special Leave with Pay entitlement for school employees has changed. The maximum Special Leave With Pay entitlement is 7 consecutive days in any one instance, which is the current HSE stated self-isolation period. The terms and conditions of the Sick Leave Scheme will apply where an employee remains medically unfit for work immediately after the 7-day Special Leave With Pay period. From 1st July 2022, an employee already absent on extended COVID-19 Special Leave With Pay (28 continuous days or more) and who remains medically unfit for work from that date, the terms and conditions of the Sick Leave Scheme will apply.
The arrangements relating to the application of COVID-19 Special Leave With Pay are temporary and will be kept under regular review by DPER.
