Hanafin, MaryTuesday, 8 November 2005 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
Page of 512
|
Priority Questions - Inquiry into Child Abuse.
Was asked: the implications for her Department arising from the recent publication of the Ferns Report; the steps she intends to take in regard to these implications; and if she will make a statement on the matt...
The Ferns Report made for some very disturbing reading because it detailed the stark reality of the abuse suffered by children and young people and the lack of support and assistance they received at ...
A school needs to ensure that anybody who has unsupervised access to children is suitable to have that access. Clear guidelines have been sent to all schools to cover working with and protecting child...
The Deputy asked about a non-Garda employment related register, so to speak. We are looking at this from a cross-departmental point of view, with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and...
Priority Questions - Stay Safe Programme.
Was asked: if she will make the Stay Safe programme compulsory in view of the Ferns Report and the need to ensure that children are empowered to deal with inappropriate behaviour; and if she will make a statemen...
Child protection and the implementation of the Stay Safe programme for all children in every primary school are priorities for my Department. The Stay Safe programme, also known as the child abuse pre...
I agree it is a very valuable programme and it is desirable that all schools would agree to have it implemented. As I noted, it is not just a programme administered between the classroom teacher and t...
I understand that teachers are very positive about the programme. The schools in which it has not been implemented are those where parents have objected to it. The reasons included a dislike of the em...
Priority Questions - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding the site acquisition for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; if her attention has been drawn to the need for a permanent school building; if her attention has further be...
My Department has been actively pursuing the acquisition of a suitable site to facilitate the construction of a permanent building for the school referred to by the Deputy. Nine sites were initially u...
While the issues of the VEC and illiteracy do not pertain to the question in hand, the VEC in County Mayo was given its allocation and I am surprised it would choose to allow the most vulnerable to su...
It is up to the VEC to work within the resources it has been given. The Minister of State, Deputy de Valera, already spoke to this matter on the Adjournment Debate. The resources have been provided an...
Priority Questions - School Discipline.
Was asked: the steps she will take to improve student behaviour at second level; if, in this context she will also tackle the problem of bullying in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The task force on student behaviour will complete a final report, including recommendations later this year. In its interim report, the task force recognises that the most important feature of its wor...
A misunderstanding seems to exist among schools in terms of the trend over recent years in the results of appeals under section 29. When these appeals were first made, a significant number undoubtedly...
The task force is examining the effectiveness of the strategies being employed at present because good practices are in place throughout the country which can be built upon and used by others. The tas...
Priority Questions - Physical Education Facilities.
Was asked: her response to calls from the National Heart Alliance for schools to play a crucial role in terms of promoting a healthy diet and adequate physical exercise for children; if she will reintroduce the ...
Our schools promote, support and encourage healthy eating and physical exercise in a range of ways. Physical education is part of the curriculum at primary and at post-primary level and plays a key ro...
There are two significant ways of dealing with this issue, one of which is the provision of facilities. In all major extensions and new school buildings, particularly at second level, state-of-the-art...
I recently launched, with the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Deputy Coughlan, a fruit and vegetable initiative in a primary school in Brunswick Street. The aim of the initiative is to encourage yo...
Other Questions - State Examinations.
Was asked: when standardised testing at primary level will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Standardised testing on a systematic basis has great potential to enhance the quality of teaching and learning for our students at classroom level and to provide valuable information for parents about...
I cannot see information from standardised testing being used in any way on the release of information. Information from standardised testing should be used for the benefit of children as learners and...
I understand that approximately 90% of primary schools are already using some form of testing. We are aiming to ensure that teachers will use the test for the benefit of children, teachers and parents...
One of the benefits of putting in place in every school in the country special needs resource learning support teachers is that these facilities are now in place. By having these tests, teachers will ...
Other Questions - School Curriculum.
Was asked: the way in which Irish music, dance and culture is catered for in the primary school curriculum; if same is being implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
There is a major emphasis in the primary school curriculum on our Irish culture, including music and dance. Pupils are encouraged to develop an awareness of Irish customs and traditions and to deepen ...
As I do in Irish dance.
It has been a great pleasure for me over the past year or so to visit more than 200 schools. I am usually impressed by the emphasis being put on dance, singing and the Irish language. While one will g...
We would not have mapping of the areas involved. That is obviously a wider cultural issue for the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. One may not think that my constituency of Dún Laoghaire, former...
I agree with the Deputy. It has no bearing on the position of the school or the socioeconomic breakdown of the school as to what type of culture is taught or the involvement of the children. However, ...
Other Questions - Physical Education Facilities.
Was asked: the grants available to primary schools to purchase physical education equipment; the moneys allocated under any such grant scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department fully recognises the key role of physical exercise within the school environment and continues to respond to the need to improve PE facilities. The provision of such facilities is an int...
Their waking hours.
I appreciate where the Deputy is coming from. Despite the fact that we are spending almost €500 million this year, stand-alone PE halls are still only a priority four. When one weighs up the needs thr...
I have had a number of discussions with and good co-operation from my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy O’Donoghue. In some local areas there is good co-operation between spo...
Obviously there are issues to be resolved about management and who is responsible for insurance, cleaning and so on. These issues are being examined.
Other Questions - Sexual Offences.
Was asked: her views on claims made by the One in Four group that abuser clerics had an extremely high level of access to national schools which allowed them to take children from the schools and abuse them.
The involvement of priests with national schools has generally been in the role of chairperson of the board of management or as visiting priest assisting a class teacher in the provision of religious ...
Any information on the Dublin archdiocese will be provided to the commission and we are co-operating fully to ensure that any factual information we have will be handed over. While I am not aware of d...
I have spoken to Marie Therese O’Loughlin and have indicated to her that unfortunately I am not in a position to add that mother and baby home to the Schedule because the State did not have any inspec...
The Deputy gave the reasons we cannot hand over that documentation. Normally documentation would be supplied after 30 years. However, because it is in use by the redress board we cannot hand it over. ...
Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage.
Amendment put.
Voted No
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: if she will review the catchment boundaries for school transport services; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: when school catchment boundaries will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 164 together. Catchment boundaries have their origins in the establishment of free post-primary education in the late 1960s and were determined following consu...
Written Answers - School Curriculum.
Was asked: her views on introducing driver education into the post-primary curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The question of introducing a road safety and driver education syllabus into schools has been examined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, NCCA, on foot of a report from a task grou...
Written Answers - Youth Services.
Was asked: if she will increase the funding available for youth work; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The financial allocation in the main funding line for the youth work sector in 2005 represents an 18% increase in funding over 2004 and brings that financial provision to €33.889 million in 2005. This...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: if she will meet with a person (details supplied) currently on hunger strike outside Dáil Éireann in protest at her refusal to include the Morning Star mother and baby unit as an institution for consi...
Was asked: if additional institutions will be added to the schedule of the Residential Institutions Redress Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if she has met with a person (details supplied) with regard to the inclusion of the Morning Star home under the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Board; and if she will make a statement on...
Was asked: the reason the Morning Star home has not been included under the schedule of the Residential Institutions Redress Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if the Morning Star home will be added to the schedule for the Residential Institutions Redress Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 122, 129, 153 and 198 together. As the Deputy is aware, the Residential Institutions Redress Act provides that the Minister may, by order, include in the Schedule...
Written Answers - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: the timeframe for the allocation of the €40 million to be provided under the DEIS; the amount which will be provided for 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, the new action plan for educational inclusion, which I launched last May, aims to ensure that the educational needs of children and young people fr...
Written Answers - Medical Education.
Was asked: her plans for increasing the number of Irish medical graduates; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy may be aware, a working group on undergraduate medical education and training recently completed a review of the organisation and delivery of medical training and education in Ireland. I...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: her views on whether some second level schools appear to be referring a large number of students with special educational needs to other schools in their locality; and if she will make a statement on ...
Was asked: if regulations will be introduced to ensure that schools are not permitted to cherry-pick students; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the action she intends to take to ensure that all post-primary schools welcome and support children with special educational needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the action she intends to take to end the practice of special needs students being referred on to other schools by certain schools resulting in huge disparities between these schools in the amount of ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 127, 130 and 165 together. I am aware that some second level schools do not appear to be doing as much as they could to ensure that students with special needs ar...
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: the progress to date on providing school transport for students living in the Raheen, Mungret and Clarina areas of Limerick who attend a college (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will ...
I have considered the case referred to by the Deputy. The key consideration in this matter is that the present arrangement obtaining in this case is contrary to the provisions of the post-primary scho...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: the 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 applicati...
Was asked: her Department’s estimate of the cost of payments of compensation by Residential Institutions Redress Board to persons who suffered institutional abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 148 together. The Residential Institutions Redress Board is an independent body established under statute in December 2002 to provide financial redress to pers...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the percentage of children with special needs attending non-fee paying schools in designated disadvantaged areas compared with those attending non-fee paying schools in other areas on a school basis.
The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled by officials of my Department for the 2004-05 school year and will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
Was asked: her views on the OECD country background report for Ireland, Attracting, Developing and Retaining Effective Teachers, which indicates that Ireland has a problem with the training of classroom teachers...
There is no doubt that given the increasing number of children with special needs now availing of the opportunity of a mainstream second level education, there is a need to ensure sufficient training ...
Written Answers - School Evaluation.
Was asked: the position with regard to the release of information regarding the way in which schools operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I have decided to provide more information, for parents in particular, about our schools in a way that ensures a fair and comprehensive picture of all the different activities in a school. As I have s...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: if she has identified the extent to which a reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary level can benefit the future education and employment prospects of a child; if sufficient study has been und...
Was asked: if she has studied the results of high pupil-teacher ratios and the likely damage to the pupil in terms of access to further education and employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 677 together. The Government commitment to reduce class size in junior classes clearly accepts the benefits of class size reductions for younger pupils. The in...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: her plans to allow mother and baby homes to be covered by the redress board; if there are alternative investigations that could be set up; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her plans to allow mother and baby homes to be covered by the redress board; if there are alternative investigations that could be set up; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 569 together. The Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 provides a statutory scheme of financial redress for persons who, as children, were abused while in...
Written Answers - Teaching Qualifications.
Was asked: if she will reform the entry requirements for teacher training in order that Irish is brought into line with English and mathematics; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department specifies the minimum academic requirements for entry to primary teacher training courses provided in the colleges of education. As part of these requirements, all candidates, including ...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the number of teachers in second level schools in counties Cavan and Monaghan who must to teach more than 30 children in individual classrooms; if she is satisfied that teachers can deal with more tha...
Teacher allocations for second level schools are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules relating to recognised pupil enrolment. In general a ratio of 1...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: when she intends to provide a second adult to the 20 one-teacher schools currently in operation here.
Was asked: her views on the health and safety concerns expressed by the one-teacher support group; if she will address their concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her plans to deal with safety issues in one-teacher schools (details supplied).
Was asked: her views on the appointment of a classroom assistant to the 20 remaining one-teacher schools throughout the country from a health and safety perspective to provide for various emergency contingencies...
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are 20 one-teacher schools here at present; if her attention has further been drawn to the recent establishment of the one-teacher school support...
Was asked: if each of the 20 one-teacher schools here will be authorised to employ another adult to guarantee the health and safety of the pupils in these schools.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the establishment of an organisation (details supplied); and her plans to alleviate the difficulties being encountered by teachers and pupils in such schools.
Was asked: if provision can or will be made for an extra teacher or classroom assistant for all one-teacher schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 139, 566, 610, 619, 626, 635 and 703 together. The mainstream teacher allocation of all primary schools, including one-teacher schools, is determined by reference...
Written Answers - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: the extra funding she will provide under the DEIS proposals to the schoolbooks for needy pupils grant scheme; when extra funds will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The new action plan for educational inclusion, DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, aims to ensure that the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communitie...
Written Answers - Bullying in Schools.
Was asked: the steps being undertaken to address the incidence of bullying at primary and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is a central part of the social, personal and health education, SPHE, curriculum. SPHE is now ...
Written Answers - Literacy Levels.
Was asked: if the improved support for pupils with low attainment levels of literacy and numeracy planned for the DEIS action plan will be provided in 2006; if they will be linked to standardised testing; and if...
The new action plan for educational inclusion, DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, aims to ensure that the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communitie...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: the activity taking place in each of the properties transferred here under the indemnity agreement with religious congregations; if any of these properties are not currently in use; and if she will ma...
Was asked: the money and properties that have been transferred under the indemnity agreement with religious congregations; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 189 together. Under the terms of the indemnity agreement reached with the religious congregations, the property contribution of the congregations is divided in...
Written Answers - Teaching Profession.
Was asked: the initiatives being taken by her to encourage a greater number of males to enter teaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the decreasing numbers of males entering the teaching profession, and it is an issue that is of concern to me. I believe that it is important to attract more men into teaching for a numb...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the state of progress of the Middletown centre of excellence for autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department and the Department of Education in Northern Ireland are jointly engaged in the development of the Middletown centre for autism in County Armagh. Both Departments have jointly funded the ...
Written Answers - School Curriculum.
Was asked: if any reviews have been carried out of transition year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The transition year programme is a one-year optional programme, taken by some 24,000 students annually, which provides a bridge between junior and senior cycle. Its aim is to promote the personal, soc...
Written Answers - School Meals.
Was asked: the reason her Department has not provided schools with guidelines on the types of foods that are available on school premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Schools are privately managed institutions which, although funded by the State, enjoy a large degree of autonomy. It is, therefore, primarily a matter for each school to devise policies around the typ...
Written Answers - School Curriculum.
Was asked: her plans to introduce a single science subject for the leaving certificate to encourage more students to follow the science route at third level.
There are five leaving certificate science subjects, each of which is offered at higher and ordinary levels. This range of subjects is necessary to ensure that courses are available in the different b...
Written Answers - Psychological Service.
Was asked: the number of secondary schools which have access to the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the number of primary schools which have access to the National Educational Psychological Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 170 together. All primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments for their pupils, either directly through National Educational Psyc...
Written Answers - Stay Safe Programme.
Was asked: the percentage of primary schools which have implemented the Stay Safe programme; the number of times this should be carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the number of schools here offering the Stay Safe programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the number of primary schools which do not offer the Stay Safe programme; the reasons these schools do not offer the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 149, 183 and 192 together. Child protection and the implementation of the stay safe programme for all children in every primary school are priorities for my Department...
Written Answers - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: the standardised approach to identification of disadvantage planned under the DEIS action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
A key element of DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, the new action plan for educational inclusion, is the putting in place of a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvan...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: if she is satisfied with the interview processes that are used to fill vacant positions at second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if complaints have been made to her with regard to the interview processes used for the filling of positions at second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 190 together. The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill vacancies in an individual second level school is a matter for the relevant school authority....
Written Answers - Education Welfare Service.
Was asked: the average caseload per officer at the National Educational Welfare Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The general functions of the board are to ens...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: her timescale for reducing class size at both primary and post-primary level to EU norms; when she will implement the undertaking in An Agreed Programme for Government that the average size of classes...
Was asked: the timescale for the reduction of infant class sizes to 15 per teacher in accordance with international best practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the amended timescale for the achievement of the programme for Government commitment to reduce class sizes for all children under nine years of age to 20:1 in accordance with best European practice; a...
Was asked: the progress which has been made to reduce pupil-teacher ratios in line with best practice in other European countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if further improvements will be made in the pupil-teacher ratio at primary or second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154, 624, 625, 676 and 679 together. Since 1997, the Government has dramatically increased the number of teachers in schools. At primary level more then 4,500 addition...
Written Answers - School Curriculum.
Was asked: the number of schools offering relationships and sexuality education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
All recognised primary and post-primary schools are required to offer relationships and sexuality education, RSE. It is an integral part of the social, personal and health education, SPHE, curriculum ...
Written Answers - Multi-Denominational Schools.
Was asked: the level of funding made available to Educate Together to advance multi-denominational teaching here; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if €500,000 will be provided to Educate Together in order that it can fulfil the role in the absence of the State doing so, of providing inter-denominational education at primary level; and if she wil...
Was asked: her plans to provide core funding to a group (details supplied); her views on the increasing demand among persons here for education of this type; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156, 178 and 596 together. The level of funding that my Department provides to Educate Together as a school management body is on a par with that provided to Foras Pat...
Written Answers - Computerisation Programme.
Was asked: the support available to schools to implement information technology programmes and to use broadband; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The provision of broadband connectivity is one of a number of facets of my Department’s ICT initiative which aims to integrate information and communications technology into teaching and learning in f...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when the number of bundles of schools to be offered to the market as part of the latest PPP school building announcement will be known; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: when the latest round of PPP school projects will go to market; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 171 together. On 29 September 2005 I announced plans for the provision of 23 new post-primary and four primary schools through public private partnership procu...
Written Answers - Early Childhood Education.
Was asked: if she has been in contact with the CDI concerning its initiative A Place for Children: Tallaght West; and the Department which will be co-ordinating the Government’s response to same.
I met Ms Katherine Zappone, the project leader of the childhood development initiative in Tallaght earlier this year. The regional office of my Department in Tallaght also participated in the consulta...
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: the degree to which she proposes to address the issue of overcrowded classrooms at primary and second level schools throughout the country with particular reference to those schools most seriously ove...
The Government has invested in the largest school building programme in the history of the State. Between 1998 and the end of 2004, almost €2 billion was invested in school buildings and in the region...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many primary schools with high numbers of children with special learning needs have lost teachers as a result of the introduction of the weighted syste...
As the Deputy is aware, the general allocation of learning support-resource teachers, LS-RTs, is intended to cater for children with learning support and high incidence special educational needs. The ...
Written Answers - Third Level Qualifications.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to proposals from universities here to reduce bachelor of engineering programmes to a three-year degree and provide a two-year masters programme as a follow-on; and if ...
I am aware of ongoing discussions regarding the structure of engineering degrees. I understand that this has been taking place in the context of changing professional standards as well as the Bologna ...
Written Answers - Teaching Qualifications.
Was asked: if exceptions can be made to the basic requirements for posts in the VEC sector which would allow for the recruitment of a person who does not meet the basic requirements for any given position; and i...
Was asked: if candidates for posts in the VEC sector, who claim relevant qualification for any given post, are subject to having their qualifications examined or scrutinised prior to appointment; and if she will...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 176 together. The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching vacancies that arise in the VEC sector is a matter for the relevant VEC. It a matter...
Written Answers - Teaching Profession.
Was asked: the number of males entering primary level teaching for the most recent year for which statistics are available; the number entering primary level teaching; and if she will make a statement on the mat...
In the current school year, of the 1,749 permanent and temporary qualified teachers appointed for the first time at primary level, 189 were male. I am aware of the decreasing numbers of males entering...
Written Answers - Departmental Projects.
Was asked: the renewable energy research projects funded by her Department over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am arranging for the information requested by the Deputy to be collated and it will be sent to the Deputy shortly.
Written Answers - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: when the new integrated school support programme will be introduced; when she will announce which schools will be included in the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The new action plan for educational inclusion, DEIS, delivering equality of opportunity in schools, which will be introduced on a phased basis starting during the current school year, aims to ensure t...
Written Answers - School Discipline.
Was asked: if funding will be provided in budget 2006 to implement proposals expected from the task force on student behaviour in second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: when the task force on student behaviour will deliver its final report; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 207 together. The task force on student behaviour will complete a final report, including recommendations, later this year. In its interim report, the task for...
Written Answers - Physical Education Facilities.
Was asked: the number of primary schools which have a sports facility on-site or access to a sports facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The information in the format requested by the Deputy is not readily available. However, in relation to PE facilities in primary schools generally, the PE curriculum has been designed on the basis tha...
Written Answers - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: if the drop-out rate from schools in poorer areas is a crisis; and the way in which she proposes to address same.
Was asked: the efforts she is taking to address educational disadvantage, in particular in relation to the high school drop-out rates; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 180 together. Given the clear link between early school leaving and continued socio-economic disadvantage in adult life, the Government is determined to do all...
Written Answers - Post-Primary Education.
Was asked: her views on the fact that for Ireland to fulfil the requirements of the Lisbon Agenda, increased resources are needed for post-primary schools in order that they can reduce their class sizes and prov...
The strategic goal set at the Lisbon European Council in March 2000 is to make the European Union the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic...
Written Answers - Garda Vetting Procedures.
Was asked: the categories of workers within the educational system that are vetted by the Garda with regard to the risk of child abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: when teachers and other school staff will be subject to vetting procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her views on whether all school board of management members should be subject to vetting before appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175, 195 and 197 together. Ensuring the protection, health and welfare of children is a key concern for the Government, for parents, for agencies that work with childr...
Written Answers - Road Accident Investigations.
Was asked: when the Bus Éireann report on the school bus crash in County Meath will be published; if she will support the giving of as much information to the families of those who died or were injured as would ...
My Department has been informed by Bus Éireann that the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, has requested that the publication of the report of the committee of inquiry set up by Bus Éireann to inve...
Written Answers - Multi-Denominational Schools.
Was asked: the number of multi-denominational primary and secondary schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The number of primary multi-denominational schools established in this country to date is 39. At post-primary level, the requirement for multi-denominational education is met through the State’s netwo...
Written Answers - Child Protection.
Was asked: if her Department monitors the implementation of the Department of Education and Science child protection guidelines for post-primary schools to ensure that they are implemented in all post primary sc...
The child protection guidelines for post-primary schools were drawn up following a consultation process with the education partners. The guidelines are based on children first, the national guidelines...
Written Answers - Teachers’ Remuneration.
Was asked: the yearly cost of paying teachers’ salaries in fee-paying post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The cost of salaries and allowances paid to teachers in fee-paying post-primary schools for the 2004-05 school year was €89,612,639. The State has traditionally paid the salaries of teachers in fee-pa...
Written Answers - Education Welfare Service.
Was asked: if she will report on the current roll-out of educational welfare officers; when the full complement of 300 will be employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
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 - Post-Primary Education.
Was asked: if all second level schools will produce an annual school report detailing their activities under a broad range of headings; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if all second level schools will be mandated to produce an annual school report including information on a wide range of topics including exam results; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 196 together. There is no requirement for second level schools to produce such a report. However, the Education Act 1998 requires the board of management of a ...
Written Answers - Education Schemes.
Was asked: if she has satisfied herself with the support given to young mothers to stay in school or return to education.
My Department provides for home tuition to be made available to pupils who are absent from school during the later stages of pregnancy or immediately following the birth of a baby when attendance may ...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the fact that solicitors charged fees to their clients on top of the costs paid by the Residential Institution Redress Board in advance of the publicity in recent we...
Section 27 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 provides that all reasonable legal costs and other costs associated with the preparation and presentation of an application to the board wil...
Written Answers - Youth Services.
Was asked: the level of funding allocated to the national youth work development plan; the level of funding estimated to implement the plan in full; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The national youth work development plan, together with the Youth Work Act 2001, provides a framework for youth work in Ireland. The plan identifies four main goals and proposes 50 action points to ac...
Written Answers - Education Welfare Service.
Was asked: if a significant increase in funding will be provided to the National Educational Welfare Board in order that it can fulfil its mandate throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the ...
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 - Third Level Education.
Was asked: the number of recommendations from the OECD report on higher education here that she intends to actively prioritise over the coming 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The OECD review of Irish higher education makes a series of far-reaching recommendations for reform and development of the sector, against the backdrop of the crucial role which has been identified fo...
Written Answers - Post-Primary Education.
Was asked: if substantial extra funding will be provided to raise the amount spent on post-primary education from the current position of 21 out of 27 OECD countries; and if she will make a statement on the matt...
The OECD report referred to by the Deputy examines changes in expenditure since the mid-1990s. It shows that public expenditure on education in Ireland has increased substantially between 1995 and 200...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: if there was a reduction in the amount of money spent by the State on court cases relating to education provision for children with special needs in 2005 in comparison to the €10 million spent for suc...
To date in 2005 my Department has spent a total of approximately €907,000 on legal costs and settlements associated with court cases relating to educational provision for children with special needs c...
Written Answers - School Management.
Was asked: the percentage of primary school boards of management under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Church that are chaired by a priest; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The appointment of the chairperson of the board of management of a primary school is a matter for the patron of the school. The appointment must be made in accordance with the procedures set out in th...
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: the number of concessionary students being carried on the school transport system; the number carried last year; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The number of concessionary pupils currently being carried on school transport is 6,557. This figure may fluctuate from time to time. The numbers carried at the end of September 2004 was 6,900. On con...
Written Answers - Languages Programme.
Was asked: her plans to provide for the teaching of languages other than English or Irish in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Modern European languages are currently taught in 394, or 12%, of our primary schools as part of an initiative that was introduced by my Department in September 1998. The aims of this initiative inclu...
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: if it is her Department’s policy to refund money paid for school transport where they have been told they are outside the catchment area, when in fact they are within it; and the number of such cases.
Bus Éireann administers the school transport services on behalf of my Department. School bus routes are organised on a local basis by 11 regional Bus Éireann offices. Payments for school transport tic...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the number of primary teachers in counties Cavan and Monaghan which have 30 or more children in their classes; if she has satisfied herself that a teacher can deal with classes of up to 40 and yet giv...
The most recent data on class size available to my Department shows that, in the 2004-05 school year, of the 322 ordinary classes in primary schools in Cavan, 44 classes had 30 or more pupils and of t...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: her views on the expenditure of €45 million on 51 sites for new schools in the past five and a half years; her proposals to reduce the cost of sites for educational purposes for the future; and if she...
The purchase of new school sites is underpinned by a thorough assessment of the need for new educational facilities at primary and post-primary level in any given area. In general, where the need for ...
Written Answers - School Inspector Reports.
Was asked: if her Department will sanction the release of school inspector reports on all schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I announced some time ago that in the future reports arising from the inspection of schools and centres of education will be published. Consultations have been held with the educational partners and d...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the evaluation her Department has carried out in advance of her announcement of the public private partnership school building programme, on the cost effectiveness and lessons to be learned from the s...
My Department has conducted a rolling review, evaluation and monitoring process of the first school bundle PPP project from project delivery through the first three years of the operation phase. This ...
Written Answers - Sport and Recreational Development.
Was asked: her plans to introduce dual use sports facilities in conjunction with local communities to encourage more participation in sport, especially by girls; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
My Department provides funding for physical education halls, general purpose rooms and outdoor play areas in schools as part of the schools’ capital investment programme. General purpose rooms at prim...
Written Answers - Youth Services.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to the National Youth Council of Ireland campaign for an allocation of €10 million to progress the implementation of the national youth work development plan; if her at...
I am aware of the National Youth Council of Ireland’s current campaign for the allocation of additional funding for the development of youth work in Ireland, including the further implementation of th...
Written Answers - Early Childhood Education.
Was asked: if early childhood resources and services to children on the northside of Dublin will be targeted; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Early education in Ireland covers the period from birth to six years. At present, almost all five year olds and half of four year olds attend junior infant and senior infant classes in primary schools...
Written Answers - Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.
Was asked: the reason an award agreed with the Residential Institutions Redress Board by a person (details supplied) has not yet issued from the solicitor; and if she will ensure that payment issues immediately.
The Residential Institutions Redress Board is independent in the performance of its functions in accordance with the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 and my Department is not a p...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the timescale for the delivery of the recently announced PPP programme of school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
On 29 September 2005 I announced plans for the provision of 23 new post-primary and four primary schools through public private partnership procurement in the period 2005 to 2009. This is one of the m...
Was asked: if the new school building planning model launched in January 2004 is intended to be the sole basis on which capital funding decisions are made by her Department in the future; if the recommendations ...
The recommendations in my Department’s area development plans will form a vital framework in which future decisions about school planning in an area will be made. Progress on individual recommendation...
Was asked: her plans to provide three primary and a possible second level school in the proposed Dundalk south west local area plan.
My Department received correspondence from Dundalk Town Council with regard to a proposed development plan for the south west sector of Dundalk. This correspondence outlined proposals for the developm...
Was asked: the correspondence she has received and sent, and the meetings which were held, about schools provision in the Drogheda northern environs plan.
Louth County Council has appointed consultants to draw up a master plan for three new residential neighbourhoods as identified under the local area plan for the north Drogheda environs 2004. My Depart...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the number of primary school students in County Louth who are in classes of 30 or more; and if this is an increase on 2004.
In the 2004-05 school year a total of 3,754 primary school pupils — provisional figure — were taught in classes of 30 or more pupils in County Louth. The 2005-06 census of primary schools has commence...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: further to Parliamentary Question No. 1309 of 28 September 2005, if a decision has been made in respect of a higher education grant for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will ma...
Officials from the student support unit of my Department have been in contact with AMI Milltown to seek clarification on the precise qualification that students are awarded at the end of second year, ...
Written Answers - Institutes of Technology.
Was asked: the number of whole time equivalent students in the institutes of technology and regional technical colleges, including Dublin Institute of Technology, in 1990, 1995, 2000 and to date; the number of a...
Details of WTE students, academic and administrative staff for the years requested are set out in the table. The most recent data available for 2005 are from the 2004-05 academic year. Details of admi...
Was asked: the proportion of the teaching space in each of the institutes of technology and Dublin Institute of Technology currently housed in temporary or prefabricated buildings; and if she will make a stateme...
My Department does not have direct access to details relating to the configuration of accommodation at the various institutes of technology, including Dublin Institute of Technology. Accordingly, the ...
Written Answers - Irish Language.
Was asked: the expenditure by her Department on providing services through the Irish language in each of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004; and the breakdown of the expenditure under training, translation, advertisi...
My Department has always been conscious of its remit to actively support the Irish language. We have a customer base that expects a service through Irish and we provide for Irish versions of applicati...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if she has received the stage two submission in connection with the required phase two extension to a school (details supplied); and if further progress on this project will be sanctioned.
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. A stage 2 submission has not yet been received. My Department’s officials wrote to the sch...
Written Answers - Site Acquisitions.
Was asked: the number of times compulsory purchase orders have been used in the past 20 years to acquire sites for national schools and the details of same.
My Department is not legally in a position to acquire sites for schools by way of compulsory purchase orders. The use of such orders is a matter for local authorities. It may have been the case that s...
Written Answers - Psychological Service.
Was asked: further to Question No. 1295 of 28 September 2005 and her views regarding psychologists and public sector numbers, if she is re-abandoning the promise of her predecessor that all schools would have a...
All primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments for their pupils, either directly through National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, psychologists or through the s...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the reason it took three months to examine the stage 3 submission in respect of the required extension to a school (details supplied); if she has received the response to further information in respec...
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The school in question was listed in my announcement of April this year as a project to pr...
Was asked: when the building project for a school (details supplied) will go to tender; and when work will commence on the new school.
On 6 May 2005 my Department gave devolved authority for the project in question to proceed to tender and construction. This project went to tender at the end of September and my Department is currentl...
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: the present position regarding the progressing of the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare.
As part of the 2003 pilot initiative for the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €100,000 was sanctioned to enable the management authorities of the school to which the Deput...
Was asked: the position regarding the provision of additional accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare.
The school planning section of my Department has received an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been asse...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if the tender report regarding the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare has been received in her Department; when the tender will be awarded; and the length of time for ...
Responsibility for the progression to tender and construction of the project at this school has been devolved to the school authority, County Kildare VEC. Tenders have been received within the approve...
Was asked: the position on the provision of a permanent school building for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare.
The school planning section of the Department of Education and Science has received an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school in question. The application ha...
Was asked: when architectural planning for the required eight classroom extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is expected to be completed.
The board of management of the school in question has recently submitted a programme of works outlining that the architectural planning phase of the extension project will be completed by mid-May 2006...
Was asked: the position on the provision of a permanent building for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare.
The school planning section of the Department of Education and Science has received an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school in question. The application ha...
Was asked: when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be fully operational.
The construction of a new national school in Naas is well under way. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2005.
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: the status of an application for a school extension (details supplied) in County Carlow; when a decision will be made in the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The school in question submitted an application to the Department of Education and Science for extra accommodation under the scheme for the provision of additional classroom accommodation 2006. The cl...
Written Answers - Governance of Universities.
Was asked: if a board of governors should have meetings at a third level college without student representations; and if she will clarify this situation regarding the 1997 Education Act.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the 1997 Universities Act. Chapter II of the 1997 Universities Act refers to the governance of universities and, specifically, section 18 relates to the functions ...
Written Answers - School Transport.
Was asked: if her Department has received a submission for funding for the extension of a school bus service (details supplied) in County Kerry; if she will provide the necessary funding for this proposal; and i...
The Department of Education and Science has recently conveyed its decision to the relevant transport liaison officer. Under the terms of the post-primary school transport scheme, routes are planned so...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the status of an application for two classrooms, a general practitioners room, physical education facility, an office and store at a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; when a decision will ...
The school planning section of the Department of Education and Science has received an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school in question. The application ha...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: if a maximum grant from Carlow Vocational Educational Committee will be approved in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow.
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to the Department of Education and Science except, in exceptional...
Written Answers - Educational Disadvantage.
Was asked: when the results of a survey of educational disadvantage in primary schools conducted by the Education Research Centre in June 2005 will be available; if the results of the survey will be used to allo...
Delivering equality of opportunity in schools, DEIS, the new action plan for educational inclusion, which will be introduced on a phased basis, starting during the current school year, aims to ensure ...
Written Answers - Institutes of Technology.
Was asked: her proposals to assist institutes of technology in making Ireland a centre of excellence in e-learning; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In April 2005, I announced Government approval for the establishment of a multi-annual strategic innovation fund, which aims to encourage reform and capacity building within the higher education secto...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: the number of career guidance councillors here; and the number and percentage of second level schools which do not have a career guidance teacher.
The Department of Education and Science makes a specific ex quota allocation of teaching posts in respect of guidance to schools in the second level system. This allocation is based on the pupil enrol...
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: if correspondence (details supplied) has been received by her Department; when the school mentioned in the correspondence will be approved in order to proceed with the building of a gym and canteen fa...
The correspondence in question has been received by the Department of Education and Science. An initial application for additional accommodation, to include several specialist rooms, an administration...
Written Answers - Education Funding.
Was asked: her proposals to address the deficits in the funding of second level education (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter.
There have been significant improvements in the level of funding for second level schools in recent years. In addition to the increases in the standard per capita grant that now stands at €286 per pup...
Written Answers - Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachais Gaeilge.
Was asked: when work commenced on the development of the issue of the specific rationale and function of the Ionad Náisiúnta/Baile Mhúirne; the progress which has been made to date in 2005; the precise contribut...
The process of clarifying the specific rationale and function of the proposed Ionad Náisiúnta Oideachais Gaeilge in Baile Mhúirne is ongoing. It necessarily involves An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltac...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the class size in each primary school in County Clare for 2003-2004 and for 2004-2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the pupil-teacher ratio in each primary school in County Clare for 2003-2004 and for 2004-2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 602 together. The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in the Department of Education and Science. If the Deputy would like information...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to a redundancy at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the redundancy; if this person will be reinstated; and if she will make a statement o...
Since 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education, through its network of locally based special education needs organisers, is responsible for processing any application for additional ...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: her plans to reduce pupil-teacher ratios in order that it does not take an additional 32 pupils to go from a three to a four-teacher school, an additional 34 pupils to go from a four to a five-teacher...
Was asked: her views on whether pupil-teacher ratios which vary between 30:1 and 34:1 for schools with teachers numbering between three and six is acceptable in view of the fact that the curriculum is premised o...
Was asked: her views on whether the higher pupil-teacher ratios being applied to schools with teachers numbering between three and five is discriminatory against smaller, usually rural-based schools; and if she ...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 604 to 606, inclusive, together. The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous scho...
Was asked: her views on whether the current most favourable pupil-teacher ratio of 29:1 for primary schools is excessively high; the pupil-teacher ratio regarded as optimal; the timetable she envisages for achie...
Was asked: the average primary school class size here in the school year 2004-05; the average primary school class size in County Clare for that period; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the primary school pupil-teacher ratio here in the school year 2004-05; the primary school pupil-teacher ratio in County Clare for that period; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 607 to 609, inclusive, together. The average class size for pupils in ordinary classes in ordinary schools in County Clare for the 2004-05 school year was 23.1 and the...
Written Answers - Company Closures.
Was asked: the position regarding the guarantee to the effect that her Department will continue to support the research functions previously discharged by ITE; if so, the position regarding the current status of...
Was asked: the position regarding the progress on the liquidation of ITE/the Linguistics Institute of Ireland; when same will conclude in view of the fact that the liquidation process has taken almost two years;...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 611 and 612 together. At an extraordinary general meeting of ITE, held on 18 July 2003, the company agreed to initiate a process of voluntary liquidation. This decisio...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if a senior official of her Department will be assigned to sort out difficulties in respect of the proposed building project at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; the views of staff, pupils and...
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The school in question was listed in my announcement of April this year as a project to pr...
Written Answers - Grant Payments.
Was asked: if a special grant will be made available to Tallaght Youth Service to allow Foróige and Youth Club progress to provide a youth club premises in Tallaght east; and the assurances and support which wou...
My Department deals with the non-formal education of Ireland’s young people and provides support by way of financial and other assistance to those organisations providing youth work programmes and ser...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress made in relation to a new school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The school referred to by the Deputy has made an application for capital funding towards the provision of additional accommodation. An upward trend in enrolments in recent years necessitated a review ...
Was asked: her views on the provision of funding to secure an additional portakabin for a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork which is overcrowded and already using a number of portakabins; and if h...
My Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding towards a permanent extension from the school referred to by the Deputy. In order to make a full assessment of the application additio...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the number of special needs assistants attached to each school in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The total number of special needs assistants employed to meet the needs of specified children in primary, voluntary, secondary and community and comprehensive schools in County Kerry is 209. Following...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the number of students at second level who are in classes of more than 30; the number of classes from 25 to 30 and the number of classes from 20 to 25; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The specific information requested in relation to class size at post primary is not readily available within my Department. However, in relation to teacher allocations for second level schools the fol...
Written Answers - Adult Education.
Was asked: the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in receipt of an EU pension was denied access to a VTOS course in County Mayo two weeks after commencing the course.
To be eligible for VTOS a person must be in receipt of a specified payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. A dependent spouse of someone in receipt of such a payment may also apply t...
Written Answers - Gender Equity.
Was asked: her proposals to achieve gender equity in education and universal primary education as undertaken in the millennium development goals for ending world poverty; and if she will make a statement on the ...
The first millennium development goal to which the Deputy refers concerns the elimination of gender disparity in primary and secondary education. I am committed to promoting and sustaining full compli...
Written Answers - Bunscoileanna sa Ghaeltacht.
Was asked: an bhfuil a fhios aici nach bhfuil ach 106 as 139 de na bunscoileanna sa Ghaeltacht ag múineadh go hiomlán trí Ghaeilge, an raibh cainteanna aici leis an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta,...
Léiríonn na tuarascálacha a deineadh ar oideachas Gaeltachta le blianta anuas go bhfuil éirithe leis an Stát córas bunoideachais agus iar-bhunoideachais trí mheán na Gaeilge a chruthú sa Ghaeltacht, a...
Written Answers - School Curriculum.
Was asked: if it would be beneficial to have an element of volunteerism placed in the curriculum for transition year students in schools here; the best way to put volunteering into schools and colleges; and if s...
I am aware of the recent Oireachtas joint committee report on volunteers and volunteering in Ireland which recommends that transition year should strongly promote projects which involve a core element...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: when a person can be allocated special needs assistance of 12.5 hours; if the allocation is for the full term or can the hours be changed at any time during the period of the term; if there can be a r...
The Deputy will be aware that with effect from 1 January 2005, the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has taken over responsibility for processing resource applications for children with di...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be sanctioned for a higher education grant payment.
The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases,...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the strategies employed by her for reducing class sizes in primary schools; the average class sizes in schools in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
In the 2003-2004 school year the average class size in ordinary classes in ordinary primary schools in Tipperary North was 22.8 while in Tipperary South the average was 23.0. Significant improvements ...
Written Answers - Multi-Denominational Schools.
Was asked: her views on the recent submission from Educate Together regarding the future development of multi-denominational education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The level of funding that my Department provides to Educate Together as a school management body is on a par with that provided to Foras Patrúnachta na Scoileanna Lánghaeilge, the Church of Ireland Bo...
Written Answers - Appointments to State Boards.
Was asked: the number of persons with disabilities she has appointed to State boards under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Appointments to State boards are in the first instance subject to the relevant legislation. The overriding requirement in the appointment process is that nominees will have the capacity to contribute ...
Written Answers - Decentralisation Programme.
Was asked: the number of applications in each grade that has been received from civil servants wishing to decentralise to Athlone; the number of positions at each grade required to facilitate the decentralisatio...
Approximately 102.5 whole-time equivalent posts are scheduled to decentralise to Athlone under the Government’s decentralisation programme. I am enclosing for the information of the Deputy a breakdown...
Written Answers - Higher Education Grants.
Was asked: the position in relation to a lone parent (details supplied).
My Department funds three means-tested maintenance grant schemes for third level education students in respect of attendance on approved courses in approved third level institutions and one maintenanc...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: the facilities, services and special centres of education which are available to children with dyslexia; her views on the institution in Belfast (details supplied); if there is a similar body here or ...
The provision of resources to address the learning difficulties of children with low levels of achievement in reading has been given a very high priority by my Department. As the Deputy is aware, my D...
Written Answers - Youth Services.
Was asked: the effect the cap on public sector employee numbers is having on the implementation of the Youth Work Act 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The Youth Work Act 2001, provides a legal framework for the provision of youth work programmes and services to be organised by the Minister for Education and Science, the vocational education committe...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: the number in tabular form of primary teachers, permanent and temporary, on a county basis in employment on 30 September 2004 and 30 September 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department.
Written Answers - Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.
Was asked: her plans to increase the non-pay budget for VTOS programmes in view of the fact that it has not been increased since 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The question of providing for increases in the VTOS non-pay budget will be considered in the light of the Estimates provision for 2006 for further education. It should be noted that my Department has ...
Written Answers - Youthreach Programme.
Was asked: her plans to increase the non-pay budget for Youthreach in view of the fact that it has not been increased since 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The question of providing for increases in the Youthreach general non-pay budget will be considered in the light of the Estimates provision for 2006 for further education. It should be noted that my D...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: the procedures by which school principals and school teachers are appointed to primary schools; the respective roles of her Department and of the patron in the procedures; and if she will make a state...
The board of management of a school is primarily responsible for the recruitment and appointment of teachers. A principal is appointed by open competition. With effect from 31 May 2005, a primary scho...
Written Answers - School Management.
Was asked: the process whereby chairpersons of boards of management of primary schools are appointed; the role of her Department in these appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Under section 14 of the Education Act 1998 it is the duty of a patron, for the purposes of ensuring that a recognised school is managed in a spirit of partnership, to appoint, where practicable, a boa...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if the funding allocated to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be increased under the building programme in order that the full needs of the school can be provided for; and if she wi...
As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €440,000 was sanctioned to enable the management authorities of the school in question to provide addition...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: her plans for the expansion of resource teaching facilities here; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
There has been enormous progress made over recent years in increasing the number of teachers in our schools who are specifically dedicated to providing education for children with special educational ...
Was asked: the extent to which she intends to expand or improve remedial teaching services here; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her proposals to increase the number of resource, remedial or other special needs teachers at various schools throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her plans to increase the number of special needs assistants at primary or second level throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 644, 680 and 681 together. There has been enormous progress made over recent years in increasing the number of teachers in our schools who are specifically dedicated t...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position with regard to completion of an expansion at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a new eight classroom building for the school in question has just been completed.
Written Answers - Psychological Service.
Was asked: the requirement and the availability of child psychological services at primary and second level schools throughout County Kildare; if same will be increased at an early date; and if she will make a s...
The position remains as detailed in my reply to Question No. 497 of 11 October 2005. Any increase in staffing for NEPS must be considered in the context of the Government policy on staffing numbers.
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding the completion of an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position regarding the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 647 and 661 together. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the extension at the school in question will be completed shortly.
Was asked: if a classroom extension at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare is on target; when same is likely to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The extension at the school to which the Deputy refers was completed earlier this year.
Was asked: the position regarding whether an extension, ancillary accommodation and an autistic unit are on target for completion at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statemen...
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction is well under way on the extension at the school in question. The project is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2006.
Was asked: the position regarding the application for extra facilities urgently required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when phase two is likely to progress; and if she will make a statement o...
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. A stage two submission has not yet been received. My Department’s officials wrote to the s...
Was asked: the progress regarding the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position regarding extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if the project will be advanced in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position regarding extra facilities urgently required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare.
Was asked: the position regarding extra facilities urgently required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare.
Was asked: the position regarding the application for extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is likely to progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: when he expects to be in a position to provide extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if new temporary prefabs will be provided in 2005 to replace the existing one...
Was asked: the position regarding extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position regarding proposals to improve accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the position regarding extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she expects the project to advance in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare with a view to the elimination of the use of temporary accommodation in the future; and...
Was asked: the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: her plans to meet the accommodation requirements as set out by the school authorities (details supplied) in County Kildare; when she expects the project to proceed; and if she will make a statement on...
Was asked: when a decision will be made to progress an application for major capital funding which has been assessed by her Department regarding a college (details supplied) in County Kildare; when same is likel...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 651, 654, 673, 690, 693, 697, 700, 701, 704, 711, 717, 728 and 731 together. The school planning section of my Department has received applications for major capital f...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the pupil-teacher ratio at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans to increase same; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on the 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, which is issued annually to al...
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: the progress relating to the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
An extension was completed at this school in 2003 and there are no plans at present to provide further accommodation at the school.
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding an application for provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The school in question was listed in my announcement of April this year as a project to pr...
Was asked: the position regarding the completion of an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the position relating to the further eight classroom extensions and ancillary accommodation to b...
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction of the seven classroom extension has just been completed. The school was also included in my recent announcement of schools to commence architectura...
Was asked: if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, having regard to demographic trends and the need for adequate forward planning to ensu...
Was asked: the progress regarding the provision of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, having regard to the need for adequate forward planning to ensure necessary steps are ...
Was asked: her proposals for the future of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if extra improvements or facilities are likely in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare having regard to demographic trends and the need for adequate forward planning to ensur...
Was asked: if extra facilities will be offered to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 657, 670, 672, 709, 716 and 719 together. My Department has not received applications for capital funding from the management authorities of the schools to which he re...
Was asked: the position regarding extension projects at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. Officials from my Department visited the school in question in June of this year to carry ...
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: her plans to meet all primary and second level school place requirements in the Naas, Sallins, and Kill areas of County Kildare, in view of the increase in population and the timeframe involved; and i...
Was asked: the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Kildare regarding relocation of a school to extend its capacity to 1,000 pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 659 and 687 together. I am aware that Sallins, Naas and Kill, like many areas located within close proximity to Dublin, continue to experience population growth, a pos...
Written Answers - School Accommodation and Staffing.
Was asked: the extent to which she has examined the requirement for remedial, resource and special needs teachers throughout County Kildare at both primary and second level; her plans to respond to these require...
Was asked: the extent to which she will be in a position to meet the requirements in terms of accommodation, staff, remedial, resource or special needs teachers and classroom assistants in each of the schools, p...
Was asked: the extent to which she will be in a position to meet the requirements in terms of accommodation, staff, remedial, resource or special needs teachers and classrooms assistants in each of the schools, ...
Was asked: the extent to which she will be in a position to meet the requirements in terms of accommodation, staff, remedial, resource or special needs teachers and classroom assistants in each of the schools, p...
Was asked: the extent to which she will be in a position to meet the requirements in terms of accommodation, staff, remedial, resource or special needs teachers and classroom assistants in each of the schools, p...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 660 and 666 to 669, inclusive, together. Since 1997, the Government has dramatically increased the number of teachers in our schools. At primary level, more than 4,500...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: if she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, having regard to demographic trends and the need for adequate forward planning to ensu...
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction work is well under way on an extension to the school in question. The extension is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2006.
Was asked: the position regarding an extension project at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that, on 16 March 2005, my Department gave devolved authority for the project in question to proceed to tender and construction. This project went to tender in Septem...
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: if she is satisfied 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 ongoing maint...
Responsibility for the maintenance of schools is a matter for the managerial authorities. My Department issued each school with a maintenance manual in 1998 and boards were exhorted to adopt a proacti...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the number of schools in County Kildare where pupils or students are accommodated in prefabricated classrooms; her plans to replace such structures with permanent accommodation; and if she will make a...
The information the Deputy requests is not readily available. However, all applications on hand for major capital funding from schools in the Kildare area have been assessed in accordance with the pub...
Was asked: if extra facilities will be offered to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The school in question was listed in my announcement of April this year as a project to pr...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the pupil-teacher ratio and class size at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; her plans to increase same; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by applying the enrolment of the school on 30 September of the previous school year to a staffing schedule, which is issued annually to all pr...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress in the past six months on the identification of a site and provision of a new primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; the precise stage of the negotiations; if these issues w...
The property management section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department on site acquisitions generally, is continuing to explore all possibilities in the acquisition of a ...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: if she has identified the primary or second level schools throughout the country which have the highest pupil-teacher ratio; her plans to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the ma...
Was asked: the highest and lowest pupil-teacher ratios in respect of primary schools throughout County Kildare; the average for the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 678 and 729 together. The information regarding the pupil-teacher ratio in individual schools is not readily available in my Department. Since 1997, the Government has...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the extent to which she intends to accelerate the schools building programme with a view to replacement or extension in keeping with modern best practice; and if she will make a statement on the matte...
Was asked: the 20 primary or post-primary schools throughout the country deemed to have the most urgent cases in respect of which submissions are with her Department for the provision of extra facilities or fund...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 682 and 730 together. The school planning section of my Department is responsible for planning the provision of suitable cost effective accommodation both in response ...
Written Answers - Prefabricated Classrooms.
Was asked: the number of children taught in prefabricated classrooms in primary or second level throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The information is not readily available in the format requested by the Deputy. However, all applications received for major capital funding from schools throughout the country have been assessed in a...
Written Answers - Bullying In Schools.
Was asked: the number of incidents of school bullying reported in the past 12 months; if all were investigated; the action taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Individual school management authorities are not required to report to my Department on incidences of bullying. Therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. I ...
Written Answers - Special Educational Needs.
Was asked: her plans to improve facilities for children with special needs receiving mainstream education; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Enormous progress has been made on increasing the number of special needs assistants, SNAs, in our schools who specifically cater for children with special educational needs. Approximately 6,650 whole...
Written Answers - School Curriculum.
Was asked: the extent to which she proposes to encourage particular subjects at second level to ensure the availability of adequate graduates to meet requirements in the areas of medicine, engineering and the sc...
My Department actively encourages the uptake of science and technological subjects through an ongoing programme of curriculum reform and teacher in-service and by upgrading school facilities. A new sc...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position regarding completion of an extension at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The extension at the school to which the Deputy refers was completed in May 2005.
Was asked: the position on the provision of extra facilities at schools (details supplied) in Dublin 24; when the tender process will be completed and the timeframe for completion of project; and if she will mak...
The refurbishment and extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy is on site. Work commenced in October 2005 and is due to be completed in October 2006.
Was asked: the position regarding the provision of the extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when the project will advance to construction stage; and if she will make a stat...
Tenders have been received for the extension project at the school to which the Deputy refers. The design team for the school authority, the vocational education committee, is assessing the tenders. A...
Was asked: if and when funding will be sanctioned for the building and budget of a school (details supplied) in County Meath following information received by her Department some time ago; and if she will make a...
My Department is considering the question of the purchase of a site and temporary building for the school referred to by the Deputy. It is hoped to have the matter concluded as soon as possible.
Was asked: if permanent classroom facilities can be put in place for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare which has received temporary accommodation in 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matt...
An application for further additional accommodation has recently been received from the school in question and progress on this application will be considered in the context of the school building and...
Was asked: the position in relation to provision of an extension at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The school in question was listed in my announcement of April this year as a project to pr...
Written Answers - School Staffing.
Was asked: the position in relation to staffing requirements for a project (details supplied) in County Kildare for its double autistic unit; when same is likely to be up and running; and if she will make a stat...
As the Deputy is aware, it is proposed that a double autism unit will be established at the school in question. In this regard, appropriate classroom accommodation has been provided in the school for ...
Written Answers - Schools Refurbishment.
Was asked: the number of national schools in County Kildare which she intends to improve, extend and upgrade in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Was asked: the number of primary and second level schools here in respect of which she and her Department have received requests for the provision of extra facilities including refurbishment, extension or replac...
I propose to take Questions Nos. 698 and 710 together. The information the Deputy requests is not readily available, however, all applications on hand for major capital funding from schools in the Kil...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position in relation to provision of extra classrooms at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. A stage two submission has not yet been received. My Department’s officials wrote to the s...
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: if extra facilities will be offered to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare with a view to the elimination of the use of temporary accommodation in the future; and if she will make a statemen...
As part of the expansion of the devolved scheme for primary school building works, a grant of €250,000 was sanctioned to enable the management authorities of the school in question to provide addition...
Written Answers - Schools Recognition.
Was asked: if a decision regarding permanent school recognition has been made in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The school in question was granted permanent recognition effective from 1 September 2004. A letter to this effect issued to the school authority on 24 March 2005
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when the classroom extension at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will be completed; if same is on time; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction of the extension at the school in question has been completed.
Written Answers - Health and Safety Regulations.
Was asked: if her attention has been drawn to any potential breach of health and safety regulations due to overcrowding at various schools throughout County Kildare at either primary or second level; her plans t...
In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989, it is the responsibility of school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. Schools are obliged ...
Written Answers - Computerisation Programme.
Was asked: the extent to which broadband is available to primary and second level schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently engaged in the roll-out of broadband Internet connectivity to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. This project is being undertaken in pa...
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: if she has satisfied herself that adequate provision is being made to ensure the availability of sufficient permanent classroom space at both primary and secondary level to accommodate the population ...
It is assumed the Deputy is referring to the Kildare area. The Deputy will be aware of the significant interventions made by my Department at both primary and post-primary level in Kildare to ensure t...
Was asked: if extra facilities will be offered to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
An application for additional accommodation has been received from the school in question and progress on this application will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation pr...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: when works will commence at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare following grant allocated to County Kildare Vocational Educational Committee by her Department; and if she will make a stateme...
My Department is moving towards a model of devolving the responsibility of building projects to school management authorities where appropriate. The devolving of funding to local level will accommodat...
Was asked: the position regarding completion of school works at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; if same is still on schedule to complete by mid-2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the building works at the school to which he refers are still on schedule to be completed by mid-2006.
Written Answers - School Accommodation.
Was asked: if she has satisfied herself regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare having regard to the demographic trends and the need for adequate forward plan...
My Department has no record of the school in question. If the Deputy submits the roll number of the school to the school planning section of my Department, it will be happy to forward the information ...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the extent to which she intends to take action following completion of assessment of primary and second level educational needs in north Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy may be aware, following widespread local consultation, my Department recently published an area development plan for the N4-M4 corridor. This plan outlines my Department’s long-term educ...
Written Answers - Third Level Education.
Was asked: if research has been carried out to identify trends in third level education with particular reference to identifying subjects chosen by students which will enhance their employment prospects later; a...
The first Destination of Award Recipients in Higher Education report which is compiled by the Higher Education Authority contains details of, inter alia, the employment of graduates by reference to th...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the progress on the provision of the extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Responsibility for the progression to tender and construction of the project at this school has been devolved to the school authority, County Kildare VEC. I understand tenders have been received withi...
Was asked: the position regarding the provision of extra facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when a decision will be made to progress this matter in early date; and if she will make a st...
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The school in question was listed in my announcement of April this year as a project to pr...
Written Answers - Site Acquisitions.
Was asked: the position regarding site acquisition to meet requirements of alternative and new school facilities at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The property management section of the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department with regard to site acquisitions generally, has identified a possible site for the new national sch...
Written Answers - Science and Technology.
Was asked: if adequate provision is being made in terms of meeting the educational requirements in the areas of science and technology, with particular reference to the current and likely needs of industry in th...
Science and technology has a key role to play in supporting continued economic progress and development. Ireland is fortunate in the high number of students who have studied science and technology. OE...
Written Answers - Schools Building Projects.
Was asked: the position in relation to the provision of extra facilities required at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that on 6 May 2005 my Department gave devolved authority for the project in question to proceed to tender and construction. This project went to tender at the end of ...
Written Answers - Pupil-Teacher Ratio.
Was asked: the highest and lowest pupil-teacher ratios at second level in respect of second level schools throughout County Kildare; the average for the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Significant improvements have been made in the pupil-teacher ratio at second level in recent years. The pupil-teacher ratio has been reduced from 16:1 in the 1996-97 school year to 13.4:1 in the 2004-...
| Last Updated: 04/11/2010 03:29:15 |
Page of 512
|