Written Answers Nos. 346-359
346. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education the amount of the additional €62 million in funding for providing HEPA filters to schools under the minor works grants announced in December 2021 was drawn down for that purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9714/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraManaging ventilation is one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe.
Updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools was provided in 2021 following the work of an expert group that carefully considered the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19.
The updated guidance for schools is also fully in line with the most recent guidance on non-healthcare building ventilation during COVID-19, published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in January 2022 and general advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in non-healthcare settings published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in May 2022.
The Expert Group established by the Minister for Health note, in its report published in April 2021, that very good advice is contained in the Department of Education’s Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools. They also note that it must be emphasised that ventilation should be delivered as part of a layered strategy of protective measures to control the spread of viruses. Along with these preventative actions, ventilation further reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools.
The Expert Group guidance outlines that Carbon Dioxide (CO2) monitors can play a part in providing a useful general indication that areas/rooms may not be adequately ventilated. My Department have funded and delivered in excess of 42,000 monitors to schools nationwide at a cost of over €4 million.
The Expert Group guidance also identifies that in areas with poor ventilation, structural interventions and measures to increase natural ventilation should be completed and if not possible in the short term, that consideration should be given to using stand-alone HEPA filter devices in poorly ventilated spaces pending the completion of structural interventions.
As noted in my Department’s Guidance where the recommended measures in the Practical Steps have been considered and poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners may be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available.
To provide additional support in the context of Covid-19 the payment of a minor works grant totalling €45m for primary schools and special schools, plus a once-off Covid-19 minor works funding of €17m for post-primary schools, was issued in December 2021. Schools used this money for a variety of purposes, including investment in ventilation systems. However the Department does not hold information in this regard.
Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise the minor work grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis. A dedicated team has been established in the Department to support schools that may have concerns about ventilation.
To date 35 schools have applied for additional funding under the emergency works scheme to assist with ventilation. Of these, 24 have been approved, 2 were incorrectly classified as ventilation-related and assessed separately, 7 were rejected as the application form was not fully completed and 2 are waiting for the schools to revert with further information. None of these applications were for the funding of HEPA filters and contact was made with each of the schools who had applications rejected to advise them how best to proceed.
In conclusion, my Department is fully aware of the importance of good ventilation in schools. Our approach, as part of a layered strategy of protective measures to control the spread of the virus, is fully consistent with the Expert Group recommendations on good practices, the use of portable CO2 monitors and the targeted deployment of HEPA air filter devices where necessary for poorly ventilated areas. However, it is important to note that air cleaners do not remove CO2. The best way to reduce CO2 levels in a room is to dilute it with fresh air.
347. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education where the administrators of a school (details supplied) can direct their concerns regarding ongoing developments at the school site, including the refurbishment of the septic tank to foster further construction onsite. [9744/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials from my Department's Planning and Building Unit (PBU) have recently been in contact with the Principal of the school referred to by the Deputy with suggestions for moving forward.
The PBU will continue to liaise with the school and provide all advice and assistance required in this regard.
348. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education given that the Teaching Council has now invited teachers who qualified outside of Ireland to register with them with a view to teaching in Ireland, and given that most of these teachers will not have the required H4 in Leaving Certificate Irish, if she will intervene to direct the Teaching Council to allow mature students who have high grades in ordinary level Irish to complete a PME (Professional Masters in Education) while at the same time upskilling their Irish to the required level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9771/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department specifies the minimum entry requirements in the core subjects: Irish, English and Mathematics for entry into primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes to ensure that primary teachers have the capacity to lead in these significant areas of student learning. The current Leaving Certificate entry requirement is a H4 in Irish.
All candidates, including school leavers, mature students and university graduates must hold the required level of Leaving Certificate Irish, English or Mathematics or an approved equivalent for entry into primary ITE programmes.
In the case of a student wishing to enter a postgraduate programme and who does not meet the minimum entry requirement in Irish, English or Mathematics, it is open to the person to repeat the Leaving Certificate Examination or pursue a course of study leading to one of the alternative qualifications in the subject(s) concerned as outlined in recently published Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) Entry Requirements and Procedures for 2023. Link: gov.ie - How to qualify as a primary teacher (www.gov.ie).
349. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if she will outline how the subjects of mathematics, physics and Spanish were chosen for giving upskilling to registered post-primary teachers to teach these subjects; if she will indicate the other subjects that are under consideration in respect of this initiative for future funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9773/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018, my Department established a Steering Group on Teacher Supply to facilitate multi-agency engagement and to lead on a coordinated programme of actions to support the supply of teachers. Arising from the work of this Group and its various substructures, the Teacher Supply Action Plan was published in November 2018.
The Action Plan called for the development of upskilling programmes in targeted subject areas for existing teachers, and following a request from my Department, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) issued a funding call to initial teacher education (ITE) providers for upskilling programmes in mathematics, physics and Spanish in late 2019. These were identified by the Steering Group as among the most challenging subjects in terms of teacher recruitment. Following the successful completion of the funding call, these programmes commenced in January 2021.
Upskilling programmes are provided over two years on a part-time basis. They are free of cost to participants. The first cohort of participants, approximately 170 teachers, completed these programmes in 2022 and some 300 teachers are due to graduate in 2023. My Department has agreed to extend funding in 2023 and to provide for additional capacity.
Funding for these programmes was put in place following a competitive call to all initial teacher education providers for proposals. It is intended to commence an upskilling programme in Irish in 2023/24 and consideration will be given to programmes in other subjects, which are yet to be determined. The allocation of funding for any future programmes will be dependent on a competitive process for potential providers.
350. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if and when a school place can be facilitated in the case of the son of a person (details supplied), who has not been offered a place in his local school due to oversubscription, but whose sibling attends the school; if all efforts can be made to ensure that this child is not without a school place for September 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9796/23]
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.
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.
Scoil Bhride is located in the Naas School Planning area. While my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in Naas School Planning area , it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
My Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues across school planning areas through ongoing discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities.
This close engagement will allow my Department to identify at an early stage particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.
351. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm that where a school (details supplied), that currently has 162 pupils on its roll, had 160 at the beginning of the school year, and where it is estimated that it will have 174 pupils in the school year commencing September 2023, it will not now lose a teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9806/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
For the 2023/24 school year, the staffing schedule for primary schools has been improved by one point and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 23 pupils which is a historical low ratio. Lower thresholds apply to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Information on the appeals process and application forms are available in Circular 0006/2023.
352. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education her views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to the increase in Gaeltacht fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9821/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are four state-funded higher education institutions (HEIs) providing primary initial teacher education (ITE) and one independent private provider of primary ITE.
The 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 2023 has been set at an average of €815. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly course in 2023. This grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes.
353. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a breakdown of funding for drug and alcohol addiction services from all sources for each county for the years 2018 to 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9850/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is working along with other Government Departments and agencies to support the full implementation of the national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery 2017-2025 and is leading on a number of actions to build the skills, knowledge and resilience and well-being in all of our children so they are equipped to deal with the challenges they face and to enable them to achieve their full potential and be the best they can be.
I am not in a position to provide a breakdown of funding from sources other than my Department. The breakdown of funding for drug and alcohol addiction services provided by my Department for the period 2018 to 2022 is set out below.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
|
County |
Dublin |
Dublin |
Dublin |
Dublin |
Dublin |
|
Amount |
€416,000.91 |
€402,123.80 |
€338,701.46 |
€209,180.91 |
€221,731.51 |
354. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the position of the 26 children in Limerick who did not receive an offer of a secondary school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9881/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has been in close engagement with Limerick Education Centre and school patrons and is aware of the evolving situation with respect to first year places in Limerick for September 2023, including the additional places that were being made available across schools in the city to address the school place needs.
My Department is aware that 26 students have not yet received an offer of a place in post primary school in Limerick for September 2023. Schools in Limerick City have already increased their available places by over 100, including 44 additional places made available in recent weeks. It is expected that some students who have been offered places instead accept places in other non-city schools. It is likely that this will free up places that will meet the needs of some or all of the students currently without a place.
Nevertheless, the Department is liaising with patrons and other stakeholders to confirm whether there is a requirement for additional provision for first year places in Limerick City for the 2023/24 school year. The options for addressing any requirements will be considered if such a need is identified. There will be further clarity on this in the coming weeks. Families can be assured that any necessary solution will be delivered so that all of the children currently without a place can be accommodated.
355. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education when his Department will complete their review of the Tender Assessment Report by Donegal Education and Training Board (DETB) so that the new school building project for a school (details supplied) can move to Stage 4 construction. [9883/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA major building project for the school in question has been devolved for delivery to Donegal Educational Training Board. The Supplementary Tender Report was submitted to the Department in recent weeks and is currently under review. The Department will make contact with Donegal ETB following completion of this review.
The Department's Planning and Building Unit is also currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with roll-out of school building projects to construction in 2023.
Key priorities for the Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The school referred to by the Deputy is among the many school accommodation needs across the country being considered as part of this process.
356. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a schedule of social media influencers and online personalities, television and or radio personalities engaged by her Department and bodies under her aegis in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; if she will include the fees expended, name of personality and campaign they were engaged on; and if she will also provide the key performance indicators in respect of their engagement [9895/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo social media influencers or online, television or radio personalities have been hired by my Department in 2021, 2022 or to date in 2023.
357. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she and her officials will ensure a school extension (details supplied) proceeds without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9914/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school in question under the Department's Additional Accommodation Scheme.
My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was achieved again in 2022 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.
There were circa. 180 school building projects delivered during 2022 and a further 273 school building projects remained under construction at the start of 2023 - most of which will be completed this year.
I am very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by the Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with roll-out of school building projects to construction in 2023.
Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The school to which the Deputy refers is among the many school accommodation needs across the country being considered as part of this process.
My Department’s overall approach is to ensure that available capacity is maximised to the greatest extent possible as part of its consideration of applications for additional accommodation. Additionally, my Department is working to ensure that projects in the pipeline for planning and delivery are focused on maximising their alignment with overall capacity requirements. Engagement with relevant patrons will be important in this regard. The medium to longer term trajectory on overall enrolments is also particularly relevant given that at national level, enrolments at primary are projected to reduce by circa. 100,000 over the next decade notwithstanding that there can be regional and local variations to this trajectory.
My Department will be in further contact with the school authorities in due course.
358. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the proposed capital works programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9943/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme from the schools in question.
My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was achieved again in 2022 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.
There were circa. 180 school building projects delivered during 2022 and a further 273 school building projects remained under construction at the start of 2023 - most of which will be completed this year.
I am very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by the Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with roll-out of school building projects to construction in 2023.
Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The schools to which the Deputy refers is among the many school accommodation needs across the country being considered as part of this process.
My Department’s overall approach is to ensure that available capacity is maximised to the greatest extent possible as part of its consideration of applications for additional accommodation. Additionally, my Department is working to ensure that projects in the pipeline for planning and delivery are focused on maximising their alignment with overall capacity requirements. Engagement with relevant patrons will be important in this regard. The medium to longer term trajectory on overall enrolments is also particularly relevant given that at national level, enrolments at primary are projected to reduce by circa. 100,000 over the next decade notwithstanding that there can be regional and local variations to this trajectory.
My Department will be in further contact with the school authorities in due course.
359. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will give a breakdown by gender of the pupils entering or leaving the Killester, Raheny and Clontarf school catchment area for secondary schooling for the 2021-2022 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10006/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the query from the deputy and advise that the table attached details the information requested.
|
School Planning Area |
Gender |
6th class pupils total |
6th class pupils that stay |
6th class pupils that leave |
Total First Years |
Pupils coming into SPA |
|
Killester_Raheny_Clontarf |
FEMALE |
257 |
192 |
65 |
421 |
229 |
|
Killester_Raheny_Clontarf |
MALE |
298 |
117 |
181 |
208 |
91 |
|
Total |
- |
555 |
309 |
246 |
629 |
320 |
