Dempsey, NoelWednesday, 30 June 2004 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
Page of 173
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Priority Questions - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the number of schools which have made applications to his Department for refurbishment works or new accommodation which are not listed on his Department’s school building programme; and if he will mak...
This year’s school building programme of €388 million will deliver in excess of 260 significant school building projects at primary and post-primary level. In excess of 200 of these will commence on s...
The Deputy will appreciate that with approximately 3,200 primary schools and 700 post-primary schools, it would not be possible for me to keep track of all the schools in the building programme or to ...
In the past every school that wrote a letter to the Department seeking inclusion in the building programme was regarded as being on that programme. As a result, the building section of the Department ...
The biggest frustration for schools was being in the building programme for a good number of years and not getting anywhere. Like other Deputies, I could cite schools in my constituency which were 20 ...
Priority Questions - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: his plans for special needs assistants in national schools in the context of his announcement of 18 June 2004 and of circular SP ED 09/04; if there are changes in the way in which the special needs as...
Schools which have applied for special needs assistant support will be advised of the outcome of their applications as soon as possible in advance of the next school year. Account is being taken of ex...
This question deals with special needs assistants and a later question deals with resource teachers. I understand the difficulties schools might have in both cases and I would have liked to have been ...
The decision will be made as soon as possible in advance of the next school year. Over the next few weeks, schools will be told about their allocations for the school year 2004-05. They will know thei...
Priority Questions - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the new measures he proposes to introduce to reduce pupil-teacher ratios in schools; if his priority and emphasis will be on schools located in officially designated disadvantaged areas; the pupil-tea...
Significant improvements have been made in the pupil teacher ratio at both primary and post-primary levels in recent years. The overall pupil teacher ratio at primary level has fallen from 22.2:1 in t...
There are 600 plus teaching posts for primary schools in disadvantaged areas. That can be broken down to 312 designated disadvantaged primary schools which will continue to have over 290 concessionary...
Priority Questions - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if all outstanding applications for special educational resources will be dealt with before the beginning of the 2004-05 academic year and the current backlog cleared; and if he will make a statement ...
It is my intention that all applications for special educational resources received by 30 June 2004 will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year. Applications for resource t...
I am confident the students in the schools will receive the service they require under the new model. That is not to state that every school will have the same level of resources as previously. It is ...
It could not be less than they are getting at present because the system as it stands would equate to approximately 1:175 or 1:200. It is in that range, though I am not saying it was done that way. A ...
Priority Questions - School Accommodation.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of national schools have been told by his Department to use their physical education hall as a classroom; if he will reverse this policy in vi...
I wish to make clear that the policy of my Department is to provide for the delivery of a broad and balanced physical education curriculum at primary and post-primary levels. The position on facilitie...
I would prefer if schools did not have to use general purpose rooms, rather than PE halls, as classrooms. I do not want that to happen but I am aware that it has occurred and I queried the practice in...
If I had the money originally to do so that is what I would have done. I am not in favour of what we had to do but we had to do it to stay within our financial limits. Each subhead of the capital buil...
Other Questions - Third Level Grants.
Was asked: the progress made to date by the interdepartmental group considering new arrangements for means testing of third level grant applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There is no formal interdepartmental group considering new arrangements for means testing of third level grant applicants. In accordance with the commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government, I in...
The timescale is the lifetime of this Government. I am a little wary of being definitive in regard to timescales given the different bodies and organisations which will be involved in discussions. I c...
Other Questions - State Examinations.
Was asked: if he will consider giving students who, due to illness, family bereavement or other such genuine reason miss sitting for a subject or subjects in their leaving certificate examinations, the opportuni...
On foot of a Government decision, I formally established the State Examinations Commission on 6 March 2003. The commission now has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the cert...
I do not disagree with the Deputy in regard to the trauma involved if something happens. I had experience of it in this year’s leaving certificate in the case of two young people I knew. One young per...
When the then Minister originally announced the appeals system for the leaving certificate, it caused consternation throughout the system, yet it has worked pretty well. I will bear the Deputy’s point...
Other Questions - Pre-School Education.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed at a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Education and Science at the lack of co-ordination in the provision of pre-school education in v...
Responsibilities for early childhood education and care are divided among a number of Departments and agencies. My Department has responsibilities in the education area and the Department of Justice, ...
On the Deputy’s last point, we are not that low on the scale in many respects. In most other European countries, the primary school starting age is six, whereas here it is four. Almost 50% of our four...
Not necessarily, but my point is valid and worth remembering. I can get the figures for the Deputy. I accept her main point, however, that early intervention, particularly in disadvantaged areas, is e...
I intend to produce a document on disadvantage generally. Some of the existing schemes overlap while others leave gaps. The Early Start programme will be dealt with in the context of that policy docum...
Other Questions - Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse.
Was asked: the legislative changes sought by the investigation committee of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse; if it is intended to agree to the amendments sought; and if he will make a statement on the...
Following the appointment of Mr. Justice Seán Ryan as chairperson designate of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, the Government requested that he carry out his own independent review of the ...
The question of provision for a single member division of the committee was raised in Mr. Justice Ryan’s report and the Department will make provision for it. However, if I recall correctly, the judge...
Other Questions - Bullying in Schools.
Was asked: when the research work being undertaken by Mater Dei into the incidence of homophobic bullying in schools will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department’s gender equality unit, as part of its remit, supports research on the nine grounds of equality as delineated in the Equal Status Act 2000. The research work referred to by the Deputy is...
The groups to which the Deputy referred are not the only ones which have done work on bullying in schools. The Deputy may be aware of another in the North Eastern Health Board area. I do not know if t...
If the Deputy brings to my attention a school that is not doing so, I will undertake to pursue the matter with the school concerned. However, such cases have not been brought to my attention. I accept...
Other Questions - Pre-School Services.
Was asked: when he proposes to reach the target of 90% pre-school participation by 2010 contained in the Barcelona agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Barcelona conclusions of the European Council of 16 and 17 March 2002 state that member states should remove disincentives to the female labour force and strive, in line with national patterns of ...
Just because we are talking about disadvantage and reviewing it, does not mean every scheme in place is suspended or the money withdrawn. We are still spending at least €0.5 billion on various schemes...
There has been a traditional reluctance in the Department of Education and Science to look at education for the age group from 0-4 because it has a grave fear of being lumbered with the education of c...
Private Members’ Business - Disabled Person’s Grant Scheme: Motion (Resumed).
Amendment put.
Voted Yes
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The pupil teacher ratio at primary level has improved significantly in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 18.0:1 in the 2002-03 school year. The projected rat...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: the progress made to date with regard to his Department’s consideration of the list of properties to be transferred by religious institutions to the State under the deed of indemnity signed on 5 June ...
The indemnity agreement provided that the property contribution of the congregations was to be divided into two separate and distinct schedules of properties: (a) properties to be transferred from the...
Written Answers - Students in Part-Time Employment.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the recent ESRI report which found that the number of second level students working part-time had doubled in recent years and that such students receive lower exam g...
The Department of Education and Science is funding the ESRI study, “At work in school: Part-time Employment among Second-level Students”. In May 2004, my Department organised a seminar for researchers...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the arrangements that are in place for providing assistance to children with dyslexia when at school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Children with dyslexia have, up to now, generally been catered for on an integrated basis in ordinary primary schools where they can be supported by the learning support teacher service or the resourc...
Was asked: when the considerable backlog of applications for special educational resources will be cleared; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is my intention that all applications for special educational resources received by 30 June 2004 will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004-05 school year. Applications for resource t...
Written Answers - Inservice Training.
Was asked: if he plans to increase the level of inservice training for the new syllabi for history and geography, which will be introduced in the 2004-05 school year for examination in the 2006 leaving certifica...
The first phase of the delivery of inservice training to teachers for the revised leaving certificate history and geography syllabi took place in the period February to March 2004. In excess of 1,300 ...
Written Answers - Teaching Council.
Was asked: the progress which has been made in his plans to establish a teaching council; the timescale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Plans for the establishment of the teaching council are at an advanced stage. I have recently announced the appointment of Ms Áine Lawler as first director of the council and it is anticipated that sh...
Written Answers - School Curriculum.
Was asked: when he expects to receive the report of the National Council for Curriculum Assessment on the leaving certificate and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: when the review of the existing transition year and senior cycle will be completed and if future deliberations will examine the possibility of adding elements of the transition year into three-month m...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 141 together. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has carried out a comprehensive public consultation process on the future direction of senior c...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if his Department provides assistance to parents towards the cost of extracurricular classes and workshops for children with dyslexia; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties in terms of c...
My Department has provided annual funding of €63,500 to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland since 1999. This funding has helped the association to operate an information service for members and the pu...
Written Answers - Physical Education Facilities.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to claims by the INTO that primary schools are not geared up for the introduction of a new physical education programme; the steps he intends to take to address this si...
A new physical education, PE, curriculum is being introduced into primary schools as part of the primary curriculum. It is planned that the new PE curriculum will be in place for the start of the 2006...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that his recently announced proposals to address the special needs teaching requirements in primary schools fall dramatically short of current and anticipat...
I am satisfied that the new weighted model of teacher allocation for pupils with special educational and learning support needs teaching will significantly improve the level of service provided for su...
Written Answers - Bullying in Schools.
Was asked: the guidelines which exist for principals and boards of management to deal with allegations of bullying of pupils by teachers; the mechanism which exists for parents to appeal if they have not satisfi...
The investigation of complaints against teachers is a matter in the first instance for school authorities. The normal procedures provide for a complaint to be brought to the attention of the principal...
Written Answers - State Examinations.
Was asked: if he will make a statement on the implications of the fall in numbers sitting the leaving certificate in 2004.
At this stage, the data available for the 2004 leaving certificate reflect the numbers who entered for the examination rather than the number who actually sat the examination. Nevertheless the data si...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when he proposes to address the serious problem of the large number of schools throughout the country needing extensions, refurbishment or replacement of deficient facilities or buildings, with partic...
Since coming into office, the Government has continuously increased capital funding for educational infrastructure. Since 1997, and to the end of the current year, in excess of €2 billion will have be...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: when he intends to introduce regulations adding to the list of institutions included under the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
At present, 128 institutions are listed on the Schedule to the Residential Institutions Redress Act. Section 4 of the Act enables additional institutions that are identified as reformatory schools, in...
Written Answers - Early School Leavers.
Was asked: the number of students who leave school without completing the leaving certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The most recently published analysis by my Department of retention rates at second level was released in August 2003. The report indicates that of those pupils who commenced the junior cycle programme...
Written Answers - Vetting of Staff.
Was asked: the vetting procedures in place for non-teaching staff employed in schools; if he plans improvements in this area, especially in view of the findings of the inquiry in Britain into the Soham murders; ...
Was asked: the position with regard to the introduction of vetting procedures in primary and secondary schools for teachers and all other staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 135 together. Ensuring the protection, health and welfare of children in schools is a key concern for me, parents, schools and society generally. At present, t...
Written Answers - Bullying in Schools.
Was asked: the guidelines which exist regarding bullying amongst students in schools, including the way in which allegations of bullying and substantiated bullying are to be addressed; and if he will make a stat...
Individual school management authorities are responsible for implementing effective policies to counter bullying in schools. In 1993, my Department issued “Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour”...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to new figures produced by the INTO showing that average class sizes in some parts of the country can be as high as 27; his views on whether this level is satisfactory;...
I am aware of the figures referred to by the INTO. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level in recent years. The ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 ...
Written Answers - Admission to Schools.
Was asked: when he will introduce regulations governing admission to schools under the Education Act 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department has recently received from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government a draft set of regulations which are intended to govern admission to schools under the Education Act ...
Written Answers - Voice Damage.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed that widespread damage may have been done to the voices of primary teachers as a result of teaching duties that may leave the State exposed to cla...
There is little information available to indicate how prevalent voice problems may be among the general teaching profession in Ireland. The issue has not been highlighted previously by any of the inte...
Written Answers - Third Level Fees.
Was asked: if he will review the policy whereby a person with a higher level academic qualification, such as a Ph.D, cannot qualify for free fees to study for a higher diploma in education in order to teach at s...
Under the terms of the free fees initiative my Department meets the tuition fees of eligible students. The main conditions are that students must be first-time undergraduates and hold EU nationality o...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the pupil-teacher ratio in schools which are designated as disadvantaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With regard to staffing provision for disadvantage at primary level, a range of existing additional supports will continue to be provided in 2004-05. These supports will involve the provision of over ...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the widespread disquiet and concern among teachers at the manner in which he announced his approval of an additional 350 teaching posts for special needs, without pr...
In circular 24/03, which issued to all schools in September 2003, my Department stated its intention to engage in discussions with representative interests with a view to developing a weighted system ...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the pupil-teacher ratio at secondary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The pupil-teacher ratio at second level has improved significantly in recent years. The ratio fell from 16:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 13.6:1 in the 2002-03 school year and 13.48 :1 for the 2003-0...
Written Answers - State Examinations.
Was asked: the arrangements for the marking of papers from the leaving certificate examinations; if a sufficient number of appropriately qualified persons have been found to mark the papers; if it is intended to...
On foot of a Government decision, I formally established the State Examinations Commission on 6 March 2003. The commission now has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the cert...
Written Answers - Student Councils.
Was asked: the progress made to date by the working group to promote student councils in post-primary schools; when he expects the working group to publish a report on the issue; and if he will make a statement ...
The working group on student councils, which is chaired by the National Children’s Office and is representative of students and all the partners in education, was set up to encourage the establishment...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he has plans to upgrade the science facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Clare in the interest of the educational safety of the students.
Grant aid of €3,500 per science laboratory was available to all schools at post-primary level to enable them provide the revised science syllabus for the junior certificate examination. In addition, f...
Written Answers - School Management.
Was asked: the progress made to date with regard to the revision of all legal instruments regarding comprehensive schools to provide for the inclusion of parent and teacher representatives on boards; and if he w...
My Department has been working for a number of years with all the interested parties on the inclusion of parent and teacher representatives on boards of management of comprehensive schools. Agreement ...
Written Answers - Political Briefing Packs.
Was asked: the amount to be repaid to his Department by Fianna Fáil in respect of the production of party political briefing packs; the breakdown of the costs incurred in the production of these packs; and if he...
The documents referred to were packs containing information on different aspects of the Government education policy. The amount to be repaid to the Department of Education and Science by Fianna Fáil i...
Written Answers - Inspection Reports.
Was asked: if the recent ruling of the High Court has resulted in the release of school inspectors’ reports to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Section 44(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 provides that effect cannot be given to a decision to release records following an appeals process until the possibility of further appeal has ceas...
Written Answers - School Curriculum.
Was asked: the action he intends to take to address the uptake of science in second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A range of actions are being taken to promote an increased uptake of science in second level schools, in line with the recommendations in the report of the task force on the physical sciences. In part...
Written Answers - Streaming of Students.
Was asked: his intentions to end the practice of streaming of first-year pupils in second level schools, following the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; if he has seen the NCCA report...
The report by ESRI/NCCA examines the experiences of students in their first year at post-primary school. It shows that although students have both positive and negative feelings about moving to a new ...
Written Answers - Vandalism in Schools.
Was asked: the measures he is taking to tackle the problem of vandalism affecting some primary schools in Dublin.
Individual school authorities are responsible for making adequate security arrangements at schools. The summer works scheme is the appropriate mechanism for schools to make an application for grant ai...
Written Answers - Vocational Education Committees.
Was asked: the funding that will be made available to vocational education committees to provide child care services for the academic year 2004-05; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department provides funding to VECs to assist towards the child care expenses of participants in VTOS, youthreach and senior Traveller centre programmes. The financial provision for child care assi...
Written Answers - School Placement.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that more than 1,000 children have been refused access to non-denominational Educate Together schools due to capacity problems; if he intends to take steps ...
My Department does not have information about the situation to which the Deputy refers. The schools involved should bring the matter to the attention of my officials. In December 2002, the new schools...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: the position with regard to the work of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Government has accepted the recommendations in Mr. Justice Ryan’s report, published in January of this year, for legislative amendments to the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act 2000. My D...
Written Answers - School Discipline.
Was asked: the steps he intends to take to assist teachers to deal with the growing problem of indiscipline in schools, especially at second level, particularly in view of a recent ASTI survey showing that 54% o...
I am aware of the survey, conducted by the ASTI, referred to by the Deputy. It is important that, while acknowledging that student discipline is an issue in schools, we do not talk this up to being a ...
Written Answers - School Absenteeism.
Was asked: if he will make a statement on the progress to date of the National Education Welfare Board.
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework pr...
Written Answers - Substance Abuse.
Was asked: the measures he has taken to address the serious issue of alcohol abuse among the student population.
I am aware of the concerns expressed by teachers and parents regarding the issue of alcohol abuse among the student population. While education has a role in addressing the problem of the misuse of su...
Written Answers - Third Level Education.
Was asked: the proposals to change the system of entry to medical schools in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
On 24 September 2003, together with my colleague the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, I announced details of the membership and terms of reference for a working group on undergraduate ...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress made to date in meeting the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government that every school building should attain modern set standards; and if he will make a statement on the ma...
In line with the commitment to tackle sub-standard school accommodation outlined in An Agreed Programme for Government, the level of capital investment in schools has progressively increased since 199...
Written Answers - Post-Leaving Certificate Courses.
Was asked: the way in which the enrolment capacity for colleges of further education and PLC courses will be set for the 2004-05 academic year and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There is a range of course options available in the further and higher education sectors for young people who wish to continue their studies after second level or, in the case of adults, who wish to r...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed that many small schools may lose out under the terms of his announcement of 18 June 2004 regarding the new special needs allocation system; the nu...
Was asked: the main features of his announcement of 18 June 2004 regarding the new special needs allocation system; if it is intended to have an appeals system for schools with a number of special needs children...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129 and 153 together. In circular 24/03, the Department stated its intention to engage in discussions with representative interests with a view to developing a weighte...
Written Answers - Physical Education Facilities.
Was asked: if there are plans to carry out an audit of physical education and sports facilities in schools with a view to carrying out substantial improvements in view of the recent INTO survey and increasing le...
Was asked: if he will act on the findings of the INTO survey on physical education in schools, which points to a real lack of facilities and resources; if the physical education and sports grant will be reinstat...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 151 together. A new physical education, PE, curriculum is being introduced into primary schools as part of the primary curriculum. It is planned that the new P...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the reason his Department will not meet travel expenses in the case of Irish sign language tutors, despite the fact that visiting tutors are paid such expenses.
The issue referred to by the Deputy was recently brought to the attention of my officials by the Irish Deaf Society and is currently being examined.
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the steps being taken to address the issue of overcrowding in school classes, particularly in view of recent figures from the INTO showing that over 40,000 pupils are being taught in classes of over 3...
Was asked: the progress made to date in meeting the commitment given in An Agreed Programme for Government that maximum class size guidelines will be introduced to ensure that the average size of classes for chi...
Was asked: the contacts he has had with the INTO since the annual conference with regard to the issue of class size.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132, 144 and 166 together. I have not had discussions with the INTO on the issue of class size since last April. Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-t...
Written Answers - School Planning.
Was asked: if discussions have taken place or are planned with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the need for school land to be set aside, at no cost to the State, in futu...
The process of assessing the need for new or additional educational facilities at primary or post-primary level in any given area entails consideration of all relevant factors, including enrolment and...
Written Answers - Adult Education.
Was asked: the provisions being made by his Department to support lifelong learning and adult literacy programmes in 2004-2005; the role his Department will play over the coming 12 months in the development of w...
The adult literacy service is organised by and delivered through the vocational education committees throughout the country. The service is resourced and managed by the VECs, with funding from my Depa...
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: the proposals he has to approve the lowest tender in regard to the replacement of windows in a primary school (details supplied) in County Waterford in order that the work may proceed; and if he will ...
The scope of works required at the school referred to by the Deputy is appropriate for consideration under the summer works scheme. While the school’s application under the summer works scheme for 200...
Written Answers - Post-Leaving Certificate Courses.
Was asked: if it is intended to lift the cap on the number of places under the post-leaving certificate courses; the number of places available in the 2003-04 academic year; the number that will be available in ...
There is a range of course options available in the further and higher education sectors for young people who wish to continue their studies after second level or, in the case of adults, who wish to r...
Written Answers - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: when he expects the review of initiatives to address educational disadvantage to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Since my appointment as Minister for Education and Science, I have made it clear that addressing educational disadvantage is my top priority. By ensuring that available educational resources are targe...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the plans he has to review Department circular SP ED 09/04; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
My Department issued circular SP ED 09/04 to all schools during the week commencing 21 June 2004. The purpose of this circular is to advise schools as to current progress regarding the development of ...
Was asked: when he envisages that the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003 will be fully implemented; if he will provide the necessary resources to see that the legislation may by imple...
Section 35 of the Bill provides that within 12 months of the enactment of the Bill I must make an order establishing the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. Section 23 of the Bill concerns t...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: the total number of persons who have made compensation applications to the Residential Institutions Redress Board at the latest date for which figures are available; the way in which the number of app...
The Residential Institutions Redress Board is an independent body established under the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002. Judge Sean O’Leary, a High Court Judge, is the chairpers...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the decision to reduce a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan from a two-teacher school to a one teacher school in September 2004; and if he will make a stat...
The staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year. This is in accordance with guidelines agreed between my Depa...
Written Answers - Departmental Surveys.
Was asked: if a survey has been carried out by his Department to identify the schools which are known to be targeted by drug pushers.
My Department has not carried out a survey for the purposes outlined in the Deputy’s question. However, in line with action 32 of the National Drugs Strategy 2001 to 2008, my Department arranged for t...
Written Answers - Institutes of Technology.
Was asked: if a study has been carried out into the viability of a third level institute of technology or college campus at Adamstown, Lucan; if such a study is planned; and if he will make a statement on the ma...
There are no plans at present to establish a third level institute in Lucan. The future development of higher education in the west Dublin area will be on the basis of the recommendations of the steer...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: his views on whether the ratios for the new general weighted system of allocation for special educational needs teaching resources are low enough; if additional posts to the existing 350 will be made ...
The differentiated system of weighted teacher allocation referred to in circular SP ED 09/04 is intended to recognise the evidence that factors such as disadvantage and gender have a bearing on the in...
Written Answers - Capitation Grants.
Was asked: his plans for funding mechanisms to be developed to ensure that all non-fee paying secondary schools will be funded on an equitable and transparent basis; if he will introduce common criteria and enti...
As the Deputy will be aware, differing funding arrangements have historically applied to the three sectors at second level. At the core of all arrangements is a reliance upon capitation as the princip...
Written Answers - Irish Sign Language.
Was asked: further to the Northern Ireland Office’s recent declaration that the British and Irish sign languages are redeemed as official languages, the support he will lend to the attempts of the Irish Deaf Soc...
Was asked: the resources in place within the education system for promotion of the Irish sign language.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 152 together. I wish to advise the Deputy that Irish sign language, ISL, has formal recognition in the Education Act 1998 and that my Department has given prac...
Written Answers - Teaching Qualifications.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the recent report presented to the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland that the shortage of Protestant teachers is being exacerbated by the requir...
On 15 July 2003, I signed the Church of Ireland College of Education order. The purpose of the order is to reserve 32 places in the first year of the Bachelor of Education degree course in the Church ...
Written Answers - Primary Teaching.
Was asked: the steps he intends to take to address the considerable imbalance between male and female applicants for the primary teaching profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Department has a primary education committee which is looking at the concerns about the numbers of males entering the primary teaching profession. I have asked the committee to make recommendation...
Written Answers - Student Accommodation.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the fact that guidelines issued in regard to section 50 accommodation for third level students results in discrimination against disabled students attending colleges...
In recognition of the difficulties third level students can experience in obtaining accommodation and following consultation with third level colleges, a special tax incentive was introduced to encour...
Written Answers - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: his Department’s plans to combat educational disadvantage before children start school; the extent to which his Department plans to become formally involved in preparing children during pre-school yea...
I recognise that high quality early education prior to entry into formal schooling can lead to lasting social benefits that persist throughout life, both for the individual and for society. Research a...
Written Answers - Psychological Service.
Was asked: the steps he is taking to reduce the long waiting period for primary and secondary school pupils in need of psychological assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Several actions have been taken by my Department that will have the effect of reducing waiting times for assessments. My Department has established the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS...
Written Answers - Third Level Fees.
Was asked: his views on the dispute relating to the application of fees for apprentices who attend institutes of technology for two phases of their apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In 2003, I received requests from a number of governing bodies of institutes of technology for approval to apply the student service charge to defray the costs of registration, examinations and studen...
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: when he expects the completion of the cost review of school transport; if he anticipates charges rising for the year 2004/05; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The review of the school transport scheme is being finalised within my Department. I am not yet in a position to say when deliberations on the report will be finally completed. While I have no immedia...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if the new schools advisory committee has received a submission from Educate Together drawing his attention to the considerable financial costs incurred in preparing an application for the building of...
The new schools advisory committee, which was established in 2002, assesses and makes recommendations to me on the applications for recognition of new schools. Its remit does not extend to the identif...
Written Answers - School Curriculum.
Was asked: the number of recommendations of the task force on the physical sciences that have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There were some 39 recommendations in the report of the task force on the physical sciences, with costed proposals totalling €244 million extra, of which €66.3 million is a recurring annual cost. Fund...
Written Answers - School Absenteeism.
Was asked: the number of prosecutions relating to school attendance since the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board on 1 December 2003; the number of such prosecutions in 2003 up to the establi...
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 became fully operational with effect from 5 July 2002. This Act provides for the repeal of the previous school attendance legislation under which responsibility for th...
Written Answers - Bullying in Schools.
Was asked: if he will introduce anti-bullying programmes in all schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Individual school management authorities are responsible for implementing effective policies to counter bullying in their schools. My Department has issued “Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour...
Written Answers - Early School Leavers.
Was asked: the steps being taken to address the high incidence of early school leaving in rural areas such as Donegal; if an additional third level facility or appropriate life skills programme will be considere...
My Department’s policy in regard to the retention of young people who are at risk of early school leaving is to support young people in school and to support schools to adapt to the needs of the young...
Written Answers - Third Level Fees.
Was asked: if there will be no reintroduction of third level fees or increase in registration fees for the 2004/2005 year.
The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and student services. These costs continue to be incurred by third level institutions. On the...
Written Answers - Vocational Education Committees.
Was asked: if a VEC centre (details supplied) in County Leitrim received funding in 2000 to 2004, inclusive, for adult training.
My Department gave financial support to County Leitrim VEC to defray general overhead costs for post-leaving certificate courses at the centre. The funding provided in recent years is as follows:
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: if he will consider making a subsidy available to persons (details supplied) in County Cork whose children attend an all Irish speaking school.
A number of families from the area receive grant aid towards the cost of transport for their children to the school. My Department is examining the possibility of establishing a service to facilitate ...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if a site was purchased for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and the planned timescale for its construction.
The school’s overall need for accommodation will be considered in the context of a review of all projects, with a view to including it as part of a multi-annual schools building programme from 2005. D...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: the reason for the delay in introducing the 2004-2005 higher education grant scheme; its expected date of publication; and his views on whether it is beneficial to finalise it prior to the summer rece...
The grant scheme is administered by the local authorities under the aegis of my Department. Its terms and conditions are reviewed annually by my Department. They are revised as necessary and distribut...
Written Answers - School Completion Programme.
Was asked: if he will approve funding for a project (details supplied) in County Kilkenny.
The project is part of the Kilkenny school completion programme. Local management groups are required to assess the needs of marginalised educationally disadvantaged young people at local level. They ...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: when special educational resources will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
My Department received the school’s application for special education resources for the pupil. Applications for resource teacher support that were received between 15 February and 31 August 2003, incl...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: if he will extend the 30 June deadline set for school principals to apply for special needs assistants in view of the enormous difficulties they experienced; and the reason such short notice was given...
My Department has no plans to extend the deadline for the receipt of SER applications. This includes applications for special needs assistant support. The deadline covers applications received by my D...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: if further consideration was given to the issue raised in correspondence (details supplied) by the Let Our Voices Emerge organisation.
In April 2002 the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 was signed into law by the President. It provided for the establishment of the Residential Institutions Redress Board and the residential in...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: when his Department will sanction a classroom assistant with medical experience and a resource teacher for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
My Department allocates teacher posts and special needs assistant posts to second level schools and vocational education committees to cater for pupils with special educational needs. A school authori...
Was asked: about a special needs assistant for a person (details supplied) in County Cork.
My Department allocates teacher posts and special needs assistant posts to second level schools and VECs to cater for pupils with special educational needs. A school authority applies to my Department...
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: about extra facilities for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare.
My Department’s school planning section is considering an application for grant aid towards improvement works submitted by the school’s management authority. The school shall be contacted when a decis...
Was asked: about extra facilities for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare.
My Department’s school planning section has considered all of the applications for temporary accommodation for 2004. A list of successful applicants was published on my website www.education.ie. It wa...
Written Answers - Psychological Service.
Was asked: when he will provide full psychological assessments in line with requirements at primary and second level.
Was asked: when he will meet the psychological assessment requirements at primary and second level schools throughout County Kildare.
Was asked: when he will meet the psychological assessment requirements at primary and second level schools.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 to 207, inclusive, together. My Department is committed to providing a full educational psychological service to all schools. Over the past few years the National ...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if he intends to accelerate the school building programme in line with pressing requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Government is delivering on its commitment to provide modern facilities in schools and has progressively increased funding in recent years with an aggregate total of almost €2 billion since 1998, ...
Written Answers - Bullying in Schools.
Was asked: the number of incidents of school bullying reported in the past 12 months; the action taken arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Schools are not required to report incidents of bullying to my Department. It is the responsibility of individual school management authorities to implement effective policies to counter bullying in s...
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: when he expects to provide the necessary resources to carry out improvements, modernise and upgrade the top 100 primary schools throughout the country in need of such attention; and if he will make a ...
Was asked: when he expects to provide the necessary resources to carry out improvements, modernise and upgrade the top 100 second level schools throughout the country in need of such attention; and if he will ma...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together. When publishing the 2004 school building programme, I outlined that my strategy will be grounded in capital investment based on multi-annual allo...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: when he expects to meet the full requirement in respect of remedial, resource or special needs teaching in all primary schools throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It is my intention that all applications for special educational resources received by 30 June 2004 will be responded to before the commencement of the 2004/05 school year. Applications for resource t...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: his efforts to date to bring about a reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio with particular reference to densely populated urban settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The pupil-teacher ratio at primary and second levels has improved significantly in recent years. At primary level the ratio has fallen from 22.2:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 18.0:1 in the 2002-03 s...
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: the extent to which he has met or proposes to meet the requirement for extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare including special needs resources or structural improvements; a...
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the extension and refurbishment project for the school in question is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building progra...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the extent to which remedial, resource or special needs teaching requirements at primary and second level throughout County Kildare is deficient; if he has in mind proposals to address the issue in th...
My Department allocates teacher posts and special needs assistant posts to second level schools and vocational education committees to cater for pupils with special educational needs. Applications for...
Was asked: the degree to which he has met the requirements in respect of special needs teaching at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his intention to augment the situation; and if he will make a sta...
The school to which the Deputy refers has the services of two full-time resource teaching posts, one full-time learning support post and four special needs assistant posts. My Department has received ...
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: if his attention has been drawn to the serious lack of accommodation to meet the requirements of special needs, resource and other school classes at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if h...
The school planning section of my Department has considered all applications for temporary accommodation. A list of successful applications is published on my Department’s website at www.education.ie....
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: his proposal for the provision of permanent facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The property management section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department in dealing with site acquisitions generally, is exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for A...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the stage of the development plan in respect of the provision of facilities in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the next stage and remaining stages in the process; the time s...
The planning section of my Department has not received any application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers.
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: if provision can be made for school transport on the 67 and 67A bus for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare.
A report on this case has been requested from Bus Éireann. The Deputy will be advised of the position when the report has been received and assessed.
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: his plans for the future development of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied for grant aid towards refurbishment works. All projects that are not going to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme are being re-...
Was asked: the developments to date in regard to the provision of a new primary school at Kill, County Kildare; the action or actions likely by the end of 2004 in this regard; and if he will make a statement on ...
The property management section of the OPW, which deals with site acquisitions on behalf of my Department, is exploring the possibility of acquiring a site for Kill national school, Kill, County Kilda...
Was asked: the extent of the facilities required or likely to be provided at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The school to which the Deputy refers has applied for an extension project. All projects not going to construction as part of the 2004 school building programme are being re-evaluated with a view to i...
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: when he expects to be in a position to provide the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare which was built to cater for 650 students but now caters for 811; his view...
A large scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is listed in section 9 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department’s website at www.education.ie. ...
Was asked: when he expects to be in a position to provide the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As I recently announced, over the remainder of this school year a new school planning model involving published draft area development plans will be piloted in five areas. Included in the pilot scheme...
Was asked: when it is expected to provide extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Provision was made for additional accommodation to be provided at the school to which the Deputy refers, as part of my announcement of an additional €30 million investment in school buildings. My Depa...
Written Answers - Asbestos Remediation Programme.
Was asked: when he expects to be in a position to provide funding to replace a roof at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare as same has been temporarily repaired; and if he will make a statement on the ...
In the circumstances that there may have been asbestos present in the roof of the school to which the Deputy refers the matter was referred to the health and safety unit in the Office of Public Works,...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position in regard to acquisition of a site and permanent structures for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The school to which the Deputy refers was granted provisional recognition by my Department, effective from 1 September 2002. The school authorities were advised at that time that the question of perma...
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: when he expects to be in a position to provide extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The school planning section in my Department has considered all applications for temporary accommodation for 2004. A list of successful applicants has been published on my Department’s website at www....
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position in regard to the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A large scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is listed in section 9 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department’s website at www.education.ie. ...
Was asked: the position in regard to the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The extension project for the school in question is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. The tendering process has been completed and the sch...
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: when he expects to be in a position to provide extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
An application for grant aid towards improvement works has been received from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers and is being examined by the school planning section of ...
Was asked: the position in regard to extra requirements and facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that provision was made for additional accommodation to be provided at the school to which he refers, as part of my announcement of an additional €30 million investme...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding negotiations between his Department and the authorities at the Kildare VEC about a school (details supplied) in County Kildare with particular reference to relocation of the sch...
The question of the relocation of St. Patrick’s post-primary school, Naas, County Kildare, to an alternative site is under examination in my Department at present. Discussions have been held with Coun...
Was asked: the position in regard to the provision of the extra permanent classrooms at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that provision was made for additional accommodation to be provided at the school to which he refers, as part of my announcement of an additional €30 million investme...
Was asked: the number of national schools in County Kildare which he intends to improve, extend and upgrade in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The school building programme for 2004 has been published and full details about individual projects, including those in County Kildare, are available on my Department’s website at www.education.ie. W...
Was asked: the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the extension project for the school in question is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. My Department...
Was asked: the position in regard to the provision of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The large scale building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is listed in section 8 of the 2004 school building programme which is published on my Department’s website at www.education.ie...
Was asked: the progress to date in regard to the provision of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; his predictions in this regard over the foreseeable future; and if he...
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the new school project for the school in question is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. The tenderin...
Was asked: the progress which has taken place or action proposed to address the accommodation issues at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the extension and refurbishment project for the school in question is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building progra...
Was asked: the progress he has achieved in acceding to the requests of the authorities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for the provision of extra facilities thereat; and if he will make a statem...
The school planning section of my Department has not received any application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers.
Was asked: the progress to date in regard to the provision of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the extension project for the school in question is listed for proceeding to tender and construction as part of the 2004 school building programme. The tendering...
Was asked: when he proposes to address the issue of extra accommodation requirements at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The 2004 building programme has been published and full details on individual projects are available on my Department’s website at www.education.ie. On the basis of the funding allocation and the comp...
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