Woods, Michael J.Wednesday, 7 March 2001 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
Page of 206
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Order of Business.
The Deputy would want to look the other way also.
Priority Questions. - Schools Funding.
Was asked: if he will implement the Blackstock reports on the funding of secondary schools, which were published by his Department in August 1998 and June 1999.
To complete my reply, I assure the Deputy that it is my intention that the recommendations of the steering group on the funding of second level schools will inform policy on future school funding. We ...
We are in the process of implementing them. We have provided considerable additional funds and we will continue to do so. I meant to congratulate Deputy Creed on becoming spokesman on education for th...
I appreciate there is a big gap to be bridged but it is on its way to being bridged.
Priority Questions. - Career Guidance and Counselling Services.
Was asked: if, in view of the recent report on the high non-completion rates within the universities and the indications of even higher such rates within the institutes of technology, he will give urgent attenti...
In the current school year the allocation to second level schools in respect of guidance and counselling is of the order of 580 whole-time teacher equivalents. I recently announced that 50 additional ...
I am sure the Deputy is aware that I recently allocated an additional 50 posts for guidance and counselling. Therefore, in relation to inadequate provision, that is an additional 50 guidance counsello...
As the audit has shown that certain students are not getting the support they should get, it will be done in a more targeted way. That is what we want to do and I am sure it is what the Deputy would ...
As resources are made available to me I will continue towards the target. While doing so, I will take into consideration what I find on the way. If an independent audit indicates certain needs then I ...
As soon as I can.
I have just appointed 50 extra. Look at the Deputy's party's record. He will not find anyone appointing 50 extra. Ask Deputy Browne who is behind him.
Priority Questions. - State Examinations.
Was asked: if he has satisfied himself that the leaving and junior certificate examinations can proceed uninterrupted; the contingency plans the Department has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on ...
Before dealing with the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I want to briefly say that the position on the ASTI dispute is that the Labour Court was asked by the Labour Relations Commission at the en...
I agree with the Deputy that it is important to give a clear signal to parents. I have repeatedly done that and given my commitment that we will do everything in our power to have the exams held. Last...
I do not know if the person—
I understand but let us be clear. Why cast a slur on someone because of age?
That is what the Deputy is doing. I say that because I do not agree with it. Some of the brightest and best people we have are of a considerable age. In attempting to find someone for a job we often h...
That is a very good question and it may be reviewed now that there are so many jobs. I do not know of the case the Deputy raised but if he gives me the information, I will check it out. If there is su...
I do not say the Deputy is but someone has fed this to him. I assure the Deputies that the exams will be held and their integrity maintained. We do not want to go through that process. We prefer the m...
Priority Questions. - Legal Actions.
Was asked: the number of legal challenges taken against the State since 1993, alleging failure of the State to comply with the terms of the 1993 Supreme Court ruling in the O'Donoghue case; the reason the State ...
I say at the outset that the State fully complied with the High Court judgment in the O'Donoghue case and did so without any delay following delivery of the judgment. The Deputy's question may relate ...
Deputy Farrelly refers to my statement which states: I have a duty and a responsibility to invite the Supreme Court to decide on the constitutionality of certain aspects of the High Court judgment on ...
The matter has to be clarified for future purposes.
Perhaps I will discuss that with the Deputy afterwards as I cannot interfere with the work of the Supreme Court. He should understand that, as far as I am concerned, Jamie Sinnott will be looked after...
Unfortunately, the judgment might expose the State to the possibility of claims for compensatory primary education from any person of any age who considers that they received inadequate primary educat...
Priority Questions. - Access to Third Level Education.
Was asked: if he has taken action following the completion by the action group on access to third level education of its report; the plans he has to implement its recommendations; and if he will substantially in...
I appointed an action group on access to third level education last September to consider the development of a co-ordinated framework to promote access by students from three target groups. The group ...
In 1997 the funds applied here amounted to £191 million. Last year they amounted to £248 million, and they are being further increased.
Grants for disadvantaged students will be improved. We will base our approach on the work of the commission, and we have £95 million with which to do it. We asked the commission to look at this and we...
Other Questions. - School Staffing.
Was asked: if his Department is in a position to monitor the number of qualified teachers at second level who are leaving the profession to pursue alternative career options; and if so, the trends in this regard...
Teachers in second level schools are employed by the authorities of the schools concerned. In the case of secondary, community and comprehensive schools, the relevant school authority notifies my Depa...
I would be happy to have a broad-based commission on education and learning along the lines suggested by Deputy Creed. Nationally it is time we had such an approach. However, I do not want to interfer...
We are in a different era now. There are approximately 767 second level teachers on career breaks for family and other reasons, and there are people filling in on a temporary basis in those cases. App...
I do not have the figures which were requested. I will see what more can be done along the lines suggested by Deputy Shortall. I do not have the information available at the moment.
Yes.
Other Questions. - Task Force on Dyslexia.
Was asked: when he expects to receive a report from the Special Task Force on Dyslexia; the timescale given for the deliberations; when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter...
Was asked: the position on the work of the dyslexia task force; if his Department has identified the number of children and adults who need special education for dyslexia; the number of submissions received by t...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 66 together.
I agree the response is wide and that it indicates a much higher interest in the issue than people might have anticipated. One of the reasons I set up the task force was to ascertain the problems not ...
I referred the task force to the report and I would not be too far wrong if I said it was examining it. It was also probably sent to the Deputy.
The Deputy can be happy that the task force is looking at the results and systems and trying to make whatever assessment can be made at this time. The task force is doing only a snap-shop at present. ...
I specifically allowed an extra 20 minutes last year. One might say students with dyslexia needed the extra 20 minutes from the point of view of equality, but from the point of view of integrity all s...
There is big difference between the views on the percentages. Departmental officials will say the figure is up to 4%, while people in the associations will say it is up to 10%. Prior to Christmas I st...
Some groups are providing a service to children—
Let me answer, please. We are assisting the groups which provide a service to children. The question of funding is being considered by the task force and I will examine this issue when I receive its r...
The approach being taken is to increase the number of remedial teachers with a view to identifying the problem at the earliest possible time. There is also a question of getting the assessments. The i...
The service had 50 people but the number is being increased to 100 and later will be increased to 125 so it will have an impact. Another question has been tabled on that matter today. I asked the Min...
Other Questions. - School Guidelines.
Was asked: the directions given by his Department to individual schools in respect of accessing information pertaining to a child's well being in cases where both parents are living apart, if he can confirm that...
My Department has not issued directions to schools in relation to access to information about the progress of individual children in situations where their parents may not be living together as the pa...
I will look at the position in relation to guidelines. These guidelines cannot be imposed straight across the board because in many cases the court will have made a judgment. It may be for the protect...
A number of cases have arisen. I said earlier I would look at the guidelines and how they should apply. There have been a number of cases recently where directions have been given to schools, for exam...
I am happy to review the position and if adequate guidelines do not exist to have some issued. Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
Written Answers. - State Examinations.
Was asked: the qualifications of persons he has in mind in his contingency plans for correction of leaving certificate scripts; the background of these persons in education; and if he is satisfied with the abili...
I have already made it clear in responding to Deputy Creed's priority question that I consider it incumbent on me as Minister to safeguard the examinations and to that end I have had my Department con...
Written Answers. - Third Level Students.
Was asked: if he will commission consultants to undertake a detailed analysis of the reasons so many students leave college prior to completion of their courses, in light of the recent Higher Education Authority...
Was asked: the steps he will take in response to the recently published study of non-completion in undergraduate university courses; the timescale in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Teachers' Pay.
Was asked: the way in which he believes the concept of benchmarking will operate in the context of a further review of teachers' pay.
The establishment of the public service benchmarking body was agreed as an integral part of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness arrangements on public service pay. It has been agreed between the...
Written Answers. - Third Level Institutions.
Was asked: if he will give details of the ongoing discussions between his Department and the Department of Finance arising from the Government decision of April 1997 to establish a third level campus in Skibbere...
As I indicated to the Deputy in response to a parliamentary question on 1 February last, the position in relation to Skibbereen is being examined in the context of my plans to strengthen the education...
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the financial difficulties experienced by those schools which are not covered by the National Educational Psychological Service due to the cost of privately arrangin...
There are 80 psychologists serving with the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. This reflects a welcome expansion as 30 of these have been appointed since the beginning of September 2000...
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if he will establish the long promised advisory committee on education for the deaf; and if he will ensure a strong representation of the deaf community among the members; and if he will make a statem...
My Department is finalising details of the proposed terms of reference and composition of the advisory committee on the education of the hearing impaired. The intention is that this committee, which w...
Was asked: the extent to which psychological and or other special needs teaching services are available in all schools; the degree to which such services are adequate to meet demands; the extent to which it is i...
The National Educational Psychological Service is being developed as a dedicated agency to provide an educational psychological service to all primary and post primary schools. This service currently ...
Written Answers. - Commission on Teaching.
Was asked: if he will outline the progress to date in the establishment of a commission on teaching, having regard to his commitment of 1 February 2001; the outstanding issues to be dealt with; and when he expec...
There has been no formal announcement on the establishment of a commission on teaching. However, I have indicated that I would favour a commission on education and learning for life which would have a...
Written Answers. - Asbestos in School Buildings.
Was asked: his views on the slow rate of progress in resolving the issue of asbestos in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the estimated cost of removing asbestos from school buildings; the amount which has been provided in the estimates in 2001 in this respect; the timescale envisaged for the completion of the work; and ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 87 together.
Written Answers. - National Maritime College.
Was asked: when the national seafarers' college will be established and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following a Government decision in May 2000, approval was given for the establishment of a national maritime college in Ringaskiddy, County Cork, using the public-private partnership model. The nation...
Written Answers. - Early Childhood Education.
Was asked: if he will report on the action which he has taken consequent to the publication of the White Paper on early childhood education; if it is his intention to establish and fund a full pre-school sector;...
The White Paper on early childhood education, Ready to Learn, sets out a comprehensive strategy for the development of early childhood education for all children aged from birth to six years. Followin...
Written Answers. - Primary Principals Network Survey.
Was asked: his response to the recent survey by the Irish Primary Principals Network which showed that, on average, there were only 3.5 applicants for every post of principal in 2000; his views on the reasons fo...
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the reluctance among staff in the primary school sector to apply for posts of principal and deputy principal as outlined in a recent survey by the Irish Primary Prin...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 76 together. The post of school principal is of critical importance in the management of primary education. I appreciate that the many new developments in prima...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: the plans his Department has to meet the demands for a more liberal approach for school transport in rural areas.
The school transport scheme was established in 1967. The scheme was basically designed to cater for children in rural areas, who, if living a long distance from school, might otherwise have difficulty...
Was asked: the plans he has to respond to the recent report which identifies 40 national schools as unsuitable for habitation; and the further plans he has to allow fast tracking of the planning process in these...
Was asked: his response to the 40 primary schools recently identified by the Irish National Teachers Organisation which pose serious health and safety risks; and the proposals he has to deal with these as a matt...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 50 together. Significant progress has been made by this Government over the past three years in eliminating substandard schools. Since taking office, this Gover...
Written Answers. - National Assessment Centre.
Was asked: if he will report on the severe difficulties in the National Assessment Centre where management complain with regard to their inability to carry out assessments due to the number of beds inappropriate...
I take it the Deputy is referring to St. Michael's Remand and Assessment Centre, Kildonan Road, Finglas now known as the National Remand and Assessment Centre. The centre is certified as a place of de...
Written Answers. - Schools Funding.
Was asked: the plans he has to implement the Blackstock Report on the funding of voluntary secondary schools; and the rationale for continuing with a funding system which discriminates against the voluntary sect...
As the Deputy is aware, the report of the steering group on the funding of second level schools, that had available to it the report of a technical working group, represents a comprehensive review of ...
Written Answers. - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: in respect of the new programme to tackle educational disadvantage, the reason he has not set any targets for dealing with this problem; if he will do so in order to effectively eliminate this problem...
When I became Minister for Education and Science, I set the tackling of educational disadvantage as a priority and it is my intention to provide additional resources at all levels of education to tack...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: if he will provide a detailed report on the efforts his Department has made to provide a school transport service to Gaelscoil Inse Chór.
Following an examination of the case it has been decided to provide a school transport service to Gaelscoil Inse Chór. Bus Éireann has been informed of the position and a service will be put in place ...
Written Answers. - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: his views on INTO concerns with regard to the inadequacy of the new programme in tackling educational disadvantage; the developments to date in funding and resourcing the large number of schools who d...
The new programme, Giving Children An Even Break, costing £26 million over three years involves the creation of 204 new primary teacher posts and the allocation of substantial additional funding to pa...
Written Answers. - Juvenile Offenders.
Was asked: the plans he has for the development of additional secure places for the detention of offending juveniles; his proposals for recruiting qualified staff; and the time scale intended.
My Department has responsibility for five centres, which provide residential accommodation for children up to the age of 16 who are placed on remand or sentenced to detention by the courts.
Written Answers. - Post-Primary Education Scheme.
Was asked: the plans his Department has to correct anomalies that exist in national and secondary school catchment areas throughout the country.
For the purposes of the post-primary education scheme, the country is divided into catchment areas, each of which has its own post primary education centre. Originally, catchment areas were determined...
Written Answers. - Third Level Institutions.
Was asked: if he will give details of the drop-out rates for adult education in third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Two studies of non-completion in third level institutions have recently been completed by the Educational Research Centre. The report relating to the university sector, a study of non-completion in un...
Written Answers. - In-Service Training.
Was asked: his views on the availability on demand or otherwise of in-service training for remedial and resource teachers especially in the area of mathematics and dyslexia; and if he will ensure that such skill...
As is the case in relation to the provision of teacher training generally, my Department must be concerned to ensure that the maximum benefits are gained from the training resources provided. The pro...
Written Answers. - Physical Education.
Was asked: if he will review the points requirement for entry into the physical education faculty at the University of Limerick, given that 18 of those who graduated in 2000 did not pursue a teaching career in p...
The points level required for any specific course is determined by the number of applications for the course, the points received by the applicants and the number of places available on the course. Th...
Written Answers. - Departmental Working Groups.
Was asked: if he will report on the number of working groups, sub-committees, task forces and so on currently in existence within his Department; their role and composition in each case; and the time scale for e...
The following are the working groups currently in existence in my Department:
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: his views on the availability or otherwise of first aid kits in all school buses; and if any first aid training is available to or obligatory for school bus drivers.
My colleague, Deputy O'Dea, who has responsibility for school transport, announced in January that, as part of a number of improvements to the school transport scheme, it is intended that first aid k...
Written Answers. - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Was asked: the plans he has to provide additional funding for VTOS; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if he will provide additional funding to run and improve the VTOS.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 65 together. The vocational training opportunities scheme - VTOS – was established in 1989 with the objective of providing second-chance education and training ...
Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.
Was asked: if he will report on the staff complement of his Department with details of grades and responsibilities; his views on the adequacy of this provision; and the plans he has to increase staffing in view ...
A breakdown of the current staffing complement of my Department is set out in the following table. The total excludes staff assigned to the National Educational Psychological Service Agency and the Na...
Written Answers. - National Educational Welfare Board.
Was asked: the position on the establishment of the education welfare boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, provides for the establishment of a national educational welfare board and a nationwide educational welfare service with a view to ensuring that each child attends a...
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the proposals he has for a national centre for blind and visually impaired children; the meetings or discussions which he has had with the Religious Sisters of Charity in this regard; the estimated co...
A planning group was established by my Department to consider proposals for the development of a national centre of excellence for the visually impaired. The group, which reported to me and to the Min...
Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.
Was asked: the progress to date made under the IT 2000 initiative; the amount of money available for the initiative in 2000; and the amount of this money which has been spent.
The schools IT 2000 project was launched in November 1997 and, to the end of the year 2000, more than £40 million had been invested by the State in implementing the project. Some £20 million in additi...
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: the number of national schools in each county which have been refurbished and/or reconstructed or extended in each of the past four years; the number still awaiting attention in these categories; the ...
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. The compilation of this information would involve an inordinate amount of staff time. The general position is that my...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: his views on whether the time is opportune to review the posts of remedial and resource teachers in the context of a more focused approach to tackling educational disadvantage; and if he will consider...
While the remedial and resource teacher services can be of valuable assistance to some children suffering educational disadvantage, the services in question are not exclusively targeted on disadvantag...
Was asked: the steps he has taken to ensure that vacant positions for classroom assistants are filled in view of the important role these members of staff fulfil.
Responsibility for filling the positions in question rests with the authorities of the individual schools involved. I understand that, apart from the general problem of securing staff which is a featu...
Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the steps he will take to increase the number of primary teachers in order to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy may be aware that the Government has, since taking office, created an extra 1,875 teaching posts to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio and increase support for children with a disability or dis...
Written Answers. - Third Level Drop-out Rates.
Was asked: if he will report on the retention rates of first year students in the institutes of technology and the completion rates in each of these institutions; his views in this regard; and the proposals he h...
At the request of my Department, the council of directors of institutes of technology commissioned the Education Research Centre, Drumcondra, to undertake a comprehensive study on the issue of non-com...
Written Answers. - Psychological Service.
Was asked: the reason for the slow progress in developing the national educational psychological service.
The planning group established to prepare proposals for a national educational psychological service recommended, inter alia, in its September 1998 report, that the Minister for Education and Science ...
Written Answers. - Foot and Mouth Disease.
Was asked: the communication which has issued from his Department to each primary and secondary school regarding appropriate steps at individual school level to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.
An outbreak of foot and mouth disease has the potential to cause enormous economic damage to our agriculture and food processing sectors. It would have far reaching implications for our export markets...
Written Answers. - Schools Funding.
Was asked: if he will provide the same level of funding to the voluntary Catholic secondary schools as is given to their counterparts in the State system, such as vocational and comprehensive schools; the reason...
As the Deputy is aware, the report of the steering group on the funding of second level schools, that had available to it the report of a technical working group, represents a comprehensive review of ...
Written Answers. - Third Level Courses.
Was asked: if he will arrange urgent discussions with the Higher Education Authority to address the severe shortages of social workers and probation and welfare officers to significantly increase the intake into...
My Department has held discussions with the Department of Health and Children and the Higher Education Authority regarding the possibility of expanding the output of qualified social workers from the ...
Written Answers. - Schools Inspectorate.
Was asked: his views on the adequacy of the inspectorate service at primary and secondary levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There are 75 serving primary school inspectors and 66 serving post primary inspectors at this time, making a total of 141 serving members of the inspectorate. Eighteen inspectors were recruited within...
Written Answers. - Student Support Schemes.
Was asked: the plans he has to introduce a student loan scheme to ease the burden of part-time work on many third level students to bring Ireland into line with most European Union partners who already operate t...
I announced late last year that I was setting up a special project team to carry out a comprehensive review of every aspect of the maintenance grants and other student supports to ensure their relevan...
Written Answers. - Substance Misuse Prevention Programme.
Was asked: if he will report on the implementation of the On My Own Two Feet programme; the number of schools which are providing the programme; the annual funding which is provided for teacher training; and his...
On My Own Two Feet is a substance misuse prevention programme for second level schools. A total of 1,635 teachers from 522 schools were trained in the programme up to last year. This was a voluntary p...
Written Answers. - Industrial Relations.
Was asked: if he will meet the ASTI in relation to solving the pay dispute following the Labour Court recommendation.
The Labour Court, acting on an ad hoc basis, held a formal hearing on the issues in the ASTI dispute on 7 February at which it received both written and oral submissions from the ASTI and from the Dep...
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
Was asked: if he is satisfied that the quality of accommodation in primary and secondary schools is in accordance with standards available in other countries; if the standard and quality of these facilities are ...
All new school accommodation is designed according to the highest standards and is built in conformity with international best practice.
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the number of times officials from his Department are in a position to review pupil placements in special education facilities; the level of liaison and consultation that exists prior to placement wit...
Officials of my Department do not engage in reviewing individual pupil placements, but do monitor the quality of education in special education facilities on their visits to schools. Pupils with asses...
Written Answers. - Capitation Grants.
Was asked: if he has satisfied himself with the level of capitation grants available to primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Primary schools' running costs have been traditionally met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants and the local contribution. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operat...
Written Answers. - Literacy Levels.
Was asked: if he has set any targets for tacking the consistently high rates of literacy problems among school children; the specific measures he will implement to achieve these targets; and if he will make a st...
I am aware from successive national English reading surveys of fifth class pupils in primary schools that about 10% of these pupils have serious reading difficulties. I have already expressed my deep ...
Written Answers. - Irish Language Teaching.
Was asked: his views on the teaching of Irish at primary and second level; the reasons for the consistently poor examination results in this subject; and his views on the extent to which the course content and b...
The revised primary school curriculum (1999) includes a new curriculum for Irish. Of the 11 subjects on the primary curriculum, Irish is the only subject which has been totally rewritten. It reflects ...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if, in view of the very large number of schools awaiting approval for major capital works, he will outline the criteria used to prioritise these works; and if he will bring forward a business plan to ...
The building unit of my Department is currently processing more than 850 major primary and second level schools projects. This unprecedented number of projects in planning has been possible as a direc...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being caused for many primary school principals due to inadequate secretarial and caretaking supports; his views on the amount of time principals mu...
At primary level, my Department provides funding towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1978-79 scheme for the employment of school secre...
Written Answers. - Sinnott Judgment.
Was asked: the reason his Department is appealing the Sinnott decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The State's appeal to the Supreme Court in the case of Jamie Sinnott and the Minister for Education and Science, Ireland, and the Attorney General is pending and is expected to open at the end of next...
Written Answers. - School Funding.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the concerns among some schools with regard to their possible inability to implement education legislation such as the Education Welfare Act, 2000, due to inadequate...
Funding of schools at both primary and second level is structured on the basis of capitation grants with additional grants towards services such as caretaking and secretarial.
Written Answers. - School Evaluation.
Was asked: if he will report on the progress to date in introducing whole school evaluation; the preparedness of the inspectorate to undertake this work; and when he believes schools will be participating in thi...
Following the publication of the Report on the Whole School Evaluation (WSE) Pilot Project, a draft circular and criteria of evaluation for WSE were circulated to the education partners for their view...
Written Answers. - Compensation for Abuse.
Was asked: the proposals he has for the establishment of a compensation body for those who suffered abuse in institutions for which the State had regulatory or supervisory responsibility; and when he expects the...
The following are the main proposals for a compensation scheme for victims of abuse which have been agreed by the Government: (a) the scheme will compensate people who as children were victims of abus...
Written Answers. - Services for People with Disabilities.
Was asked: if he will make accelerated workplace and IT courses available to people with disabilities who are completing their education late and want to enter the workforce.
FÁS has recently assumed responsibility for the provision of advice, guidance and training services in relation to vocational-employment skills training at a variety of levels for people with disabili...
Written Answers. - School Principals.
Was asked: his views on the role of principals in the professional development of teachers; and if he will agree to representatives of both primary and secondary principals being included in the membership of th...
School principals can play an important role in the induction, probation, training and professional development of teachers. The role of principals in providing leadership and guidance to teachers an...
Written Answers. - RAPID Programme.
Was asked: if, in respect of the recently announced RAPID programme to tackle disadvantage in 25 designated areas, he will indicate the persons who will represent his Department on each of the co-ordinating comm...
Was asked: the role his Department will play in the RAPID programme; the amount of money available to the Department under RAPID; and if he will dedicate staff to assist the schools serving areas of greatest dis...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 92 together.
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: the plans he has to reform the school transport service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In January last, my colleague, Deputy O'Dea, the Minister of State with responsibility for school transport, announced a number of major improvements to the school transport scheme. These are the firs...
Written Answers. - Career Guidance.
Was asked: the plans he has in respect of the career guidance and counselling services in post primary schools; his views on whether the current allocation ratios severely restrict the effectiveness of this serv...
I have recently announced that 50 additional posts for guidance and counselling will be allocated to schools to develop innovative ways of enhancing guidance for students and to promote links between...
Written Answers. - Radon Gas Levels.
Was asked: the money allocated by his Department in each of the past two years to have remedial works carried out at primary and second level schools which had been identified as having high levels of radon gas;...
My Department commissioned the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland to conduct a survey of radon levels in primary and second level schools in 1998 for which an amount of £290,380 had been pai...
Written Answers. - VEC Allowances.
Was asked: if his Department has received a submission from the Irish Vocational Education Association in relation to allowances; when a decision is likely in the case; and if he will expedite the matter.
I understand the Deputy is referring to the submission made by the IVEA for the payment of a fee to VEC members who participate on VEC teacher selection boards. My Department is finalising this matter...
Written Answers. - School Sports Facilities.
Was asked: if his Department will consider maintaining its lands at Kingswood Heights, Tallaght in Dublin 24; for local schools to use these lands as playing pitches; and if he will now enter discussions with So...
The site referred to by the Deputy was acquired by my Department for the provision of a second level school. No final decision in relation to such a school has been taken. Pending a final decision in ...
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 41 of 1 February 2001, he will publish the recommendations of the planning group report of December 2000 on education for students with disabilities; and if h...
I assume the Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Question No. 20 of 1 February, 2001. The report of the planning group to which the Deputy refers is still under consideration in my Department. I hope...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: if satisfactory school bus arrangements are in place for St. Paul's Special School Beaumont, Dublin 9; the other issues that are under consideration for St. Paul's Special School; and if he will make ...
I understand that the school transport services to the school referred to by the Deputy are currently operating satisfactorily. I recently met with representatives of the school in question. The deleg...
Written Answers. - Schools IT Programme.
Was asked: the process for applications and the office to which applications should be delivered by primary and second level schools in the Dublin 3, 5 and 9 areas for financial assistance to improve and enhance...
I refer the Deputy to my previous reply on 1 February 2001, in which I outlined the ICT grants which are available from my Department to primary and post-primary schools. Under the Schools IT 2000 pro...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress made in acquiring a site and providing a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry.
The property management section of the Office of Public Works is acting on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally and is currently exploring the possibility of acquiring a ...
Was asked: the progress made with regard to a new school (details supplied) in County Kerry.
My Department has recently indicated to the management authorities of the school in question that it is proposing to appoint a design team to advise on the most efficient and cost-effective way of pro...
Written Answers. - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: when refurbishment work will be allowed to start at a second level school in County Galway (details supplied) which has been ongoing at planning stage for over three years; the details of the work to ...
Written Answers. - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the improvement in pupil-teacher ratio levels at primary level schools in County Galway; and if he will list the improvements in remedial hours available to schools as well as availability of resource...
Officials of my Department will collate the information requested by the Deputy and will forward it directly to him as soon as possible.
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: if he can, with the assistance of Bus Éireann and private contractors, establish the age of the oldest school bus in service in County Galway; the number of students transported by this bus; the dista...
The details sought by the Deputy have been requested from Bus Éireann. The Deputy will be informed of the position as soon as possible.
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when his Department will be in contact with the board of management and principal of Peterswell national school, County Galway, in relation to their application for an extension of this three teacher ...
My Department has received an application for additional accommodation from the board of management of Peterswell national school, County Galway. In order to assess the application, my Department's bu...
Written Answers. - Departmental Expenditure.
Was asked: the total advertising expenditure incurred by his Department and all State bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department for the year 2000; if he will specify each entity's expenditure on tele...
The total expenditure incurred directly by my Department on advertising for the year 2000 was £679,400. The expenditure on advertising by bodies under the aegis of my Department is not readily availab...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the status of the primary school planned to serve the developing Stepaside area in the parish of Sandyford; and if he will indicate the school year when the facility will be open to pupils.
A need has been identified for new primary school provision to meet the demand for school places arising from the significant housing development in the Stepaside area. The Archdiocese of Dublin has i...
Was asked: the plans he has in place to provide a secondary school for the developing area of Stepaside, County Dublin; and the current status of these plans.
My Department has reserved a site for a post-primary school in the Stepaside area, following detailed consultations with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. While a final decision on the need for a...
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Status.
Was asked: if he has received an application for funding under the disadvantaged status scheme in respect of Killaloe boys' national school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that last month I launched a major new programme, Giving Children An Even Break, to deal with educational disadvantage in primary schools. This programme will be run over a th...
Written Answers. - School Programmes.
Was asked: if he will confirm that the SMPP Walk Tall initiative and course for teachers and parents will continue beyond June 2001; if he will confirm continuation of the programme On My Own Two Feet in seconda...
The support programme for Walk Tall will have been delivered to all primary schools by June of this year. Ongoing provision in this area, related to substance misuse prevention, will be integrated in...
Written Answers. - School Transport.
Was asked: if he will provide school transport for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A report on this matter has been requested from Bus Éireann. The Deputy will be advised of the outcome as soon as the report has been received and assessed.
Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.
Was asked: if he will report on the work of the policy unit within his Department; the numbers of staff and their grades; the work which they have undertaken in each of the past three years; the work in which th...
The policy unit forms part of my Department's strategic policy directorate established early in 1999. The SPD also encompasses the legal services section, the freedom of information section, the stati...
Written Answers. - Second Level Fees.
Was asked: the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was charged £1,600 to participate in a second chance two year leaving certificate course in the VEC centre in Moydewell, County Kerry; and if he ...
At present tuition is generally free for participants on full-time programmes in further education and at higher education undergraduate level, while students on part-time programmes are charged fees....
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the reason for the extraordinarily long delay in purchasing a site to allow the amalgamation of two primary schools (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to proceed; and if he will make a statement on...
A preliminary site inspection has been carried out and a decision will be taken on the site purchase as quickly as possible. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.
Written Answers. - European Youth Parliament.
Was asked: if he will make funding available annually towards the costs of Ireland's participation in the European Youth Parliament in view of the fact that we are the only European country which does not suppor...
I have requested officials of my Department to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy. I will keep her informed of developments.
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if, in view of recent correspondence to his Department on behalf of Tarmon national school, County Roscommon, he will reduce the local contribution towards the new extension; and if he will make a sta...
Under the new funding arrangements for building projects introduced in January 1999, the amount of the local contribution for school extensions was reduced from 15% to 10%. In addition, the contributi...
Was asked: when funding will be approved for St. Patrick's boys' national school, Strokestown, County Roscommon, in view of a recent INTO report on its poor condition; and if he will make a statement on the matt...
My Department is currently considering the most efficient and cost effective way of providing improved accommodation at the school. In view of the large number of schools building projects currently b...
Written Answers. - State Examinations.
Was asked: if he will reverse the decision to annotate the certificates of students with specific learning difficulties who avail of arrangements such as answering on tape or availing of the services of a reader...
Inclusiveness and transparency are core principles underpinning the certificate examinations. Last year the examinations were made more inclusive by allowing a student, depending on his/her special ne...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when he will approve funding for Aughrim national school, County Roscommon, in view of a recent INTO report on the poor condition of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
At present architectural planning for improved accommodation at Aughrim national school, County Roscommon is under way.
Was asked: when he will approve funding for Ballyleague national school, County Roscommon, in view of a recent INTO report on the poor condition of the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department is currently considering the most efficient and cost effective way of providing improved accommodation at Ballyleague national school. In view of the large number of school building proj...
Was asked: his current proposals for the upgrading of facilities at Rathmore national school, Naas, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Architectural planning is progressing for the provision of a new eight classroom primary school at Rathmore, County Kildare. The school authorities will be kept informed of developments.
Was asked: the position in regard to the provision of permanent quality facilities at Scoil Uí Fhiach, Maynooth, County Kildare; the progress to date in regard to the provision of the facilities required; the va...
The project to provide temporary accommodation for Scoil Uí Fhiach, Maynooth, is currently at an advanced stage. The provision of permanent accommodation is dependent on the acquisition of a site. Unt...
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
Was asked: the extent to which primary school space and accommodation exists in Kill, County Kildare, to meet current and future requirements; his plans or proposals to meet the ongoing needs in terms of quality...
My Department has recently approved the provision of an additional temporary classroom to cater for the short-term needs at Kill national school. In addition, the property management section of the Of...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position in regard to the provision of permanent classrooms and facilities for the north Kildare school project at Ballymakealy, Celbridge, County Kildare; when it is expected that these facilitie...
Architectural planning for the provision of a new school for the north Kildare school project is progressing satisfactorily. It is not possible to say at this point when construction will commence. Th...
Was asked: the position in relation to the provision of permanent facilities at Scoil Uí Riada, Kilcock, County Kildare; the degree to which progress has been achieved in relation to the provision of a permanent...
Gaelscoil Uí Riada is currently accommodated in the former Christian Brothers monastery in Kilcock and it will remain at this location until a new building on an alternative site has been provided.
Was asked: the progress in the past 12 months in regard to the provision of the extra facilities promised at Scoil Dara, Kilcock, County Kildare; the extent to which the proposed or promised extra facilities are...
The stage 4-5, detailed design and bill of quantities, submission in respect of the proposed building works at Scoil Dara, Kilcock, County Kildare are currently being examined in the building unit of ...
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
Was asked: the degree to which current school places and facilities at primary and second level exist in Clane, County Kildare to meet requirements; the degree to which current or proposed facilities exist to fu...
I have been informed by my officials that there is sufficient classroom accommodation in the existing schools in Clane to meet current demand. Since the Deputy last raised the question of primary scho...
Written Answers. - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position in regard to the provision of extra facilities, identified as being urgently required at St. Patrick's post-primary school, Naas, County Kildare; the degree to which planned works meet in...
An extension of 1,097 mf7>2 for St. Patrick's post-primary school, Naas, and a refurbishment of the existing school had been agreed in principle with County Kildare Vocational Education Committee. Off...
Was asked: the current position in regard to the provision of extra facilities and places at St. Mary's college, Naas, County Kildare; the extent to which the full requirement is being met in the course of ongoi...
An extension project with a floor area of 1,372 mf7>2 at St. Mary's college, Naas, County Kildare has been completed. The overall accommodation will cater for an enrolment of 800 pupils which is consi...
Was asked: the position in regard to the provision of extra facilities required at Scoil Ignáid Rís, Naas, County Kildare; the full extent of the extra facilities now required and proposed; the expected completi...
My Department's planning and building unit has approved the stage 1, site suitability, briefing and site report, in relation to the proposed extension at Scoil Ignáid Rís, Naas, County Kildare. The sc...
Was asked: the position in relation to the extra facilities at Maynooth post-primary school, Maynooth, County Kildare; the full extent of the facilities now proposed; the expected completion date; and if he will...
My Department's planning and building unit is currently awaiting the submission of the stage 2, outline sketch scheme, documentation from County Kildare Vocational Education Committee in respect of th...
Written Answers. - State Examinations.
Was asked: the provisions currently in hand to provide for the smooth operation of junior and primary certificate examinations, including the checking and marking thereafter in 2001; if he will be in a position ...
I have already made it clear in the House that I consider it incumbent on me as Minister to safeguard the examinations. To that end I have had my Department continue to develop contingency plans for c...
Written Answers. - Industrial Relations.
Was asked: the progress achieved to date in regard to the amicable resolution of the dispute between his Department and the ASTI; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the extent to which he has examined and provided for the prospect of ongoing dialogue with teachers and educationalists generally, with a view to averting possible industrial action in the future and ...
Was asked: the plans he has to enter into negotiations jointly or separately, with the teaching unions, with a view to achieving industrial peace, continuity of the educational process and ongoing investment in ...
Was asked: the extent to which he has made provision to resolve finally and to the satisfaction of all concerned, the dispute with ASTI; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 to 241, inclusive, together. The Labour Court, acting on an ad hoc basis, held a formal hearing on the issues in the ASTI dispute on 9 February at which it receive...
Written Answers. - School Maintenance Programme.
Was asked: if he has satisfied himself that the school maintenance programme in respect of primary and second level schools is adequate to meet requirements, with particular reference to the need to ensure ongoi...
Ongoing responsibility for maintenance and refurbishment in schools rests with the school authorities, that is the manager of the school or the relevant VEC. Funding for this purpose is provided to sc...
Written Answers. - Schools Heating Systems.
Was asked: if all schools at primary and second level have a properly functioning central heating system; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is a matter for the managerial authorities of schools to apply to my Department for funding towards the cost of providing new heating systems where existing systems are no longer functioning adequa...
Written Answers. - School Accommodation.
Was asked: the number of schools at primary and secondary level which do not have classroom and teacher accommodation in accordance with modern standards, practices and requirements; and if he will make a statem...
While my Department has detailed information on a substantial number of individual schools, it does not have a comprehensive, readily accessible database of information in the format requested by the ...
Written Answers. - School Medical Examinations.
Was asked: if he is satisfied with the regularity of school medical examinations; the number of examinations received by each child at primary and second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department does not operate the schools medical examinations service. Therefore, I am not in a position to comment on the matters raised by the Deputy. It appears that these matters would be more a...
Written Answers. - School Staffing.
Was asked: the position in relation to the appointment of remedial or special needs teachers at primary and second level schools; the regions or counties now having an adequate quota of such teachers; the areas ...
Since September 1999 the remedial teaching service has been extended to all primary schools with a pupil-teacher ratio of 10:1 or above. Schools with lower pupil-teacher ratios may also seek remedial ...
Written Answers. - Outreach Centres.
Was asked: if he received an application from the Dublin Institute of Technology, to establish an outreach centre at Greystones, County Wicklow; if he will provide funding for the setting up of this establishmen...
I have recently received proposals from the Dublin Institute of Technology in relation to its wish to establish an outreach centre in Greystones, County Wicklow. I have also received correspondence fr...
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