David Stanton » Education and Skills http://stanton.ie David Stanton Fri, 18 May 2012 16:15:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 Youth Work Act http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/youth-work-act/ http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/youth-work-act/#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:41:49 +0000 admin http://stanton.ie/?p=384

QUESTION NO: 192 addressed to the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. Andrews)for WRITTEN ANSWER on 10/07/2008

* To ask the Minister for Health and Children her proposals with regard to the transfer of youth work responsibilities from the Department of Education and Science to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. David Stanton T.D.

REPLY.

It is proposed that the responsibility for the following programmes and services will be transferred to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Youth Services Grant Scheme

Special Projects for Youth Scheme

Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (Round 1)

Youth Information Centres

Local Youth Club Grant Scheme

Gaisce – the President’s Award, and

A number of other youth and youth related programmes and services such as the

National Youth Arts Programme and the National Youth Health Programme.

These programmes and services, valued at approx €52m, are currently being administered by the Department of Education and Science, and it is hoped to have the Transfer of Function Order signed and the transfer of funding in place in the coming months. The Department of Health and Children has commenced making administrative provision for the transfer of staff from the Department of Education and Science to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF – Round 2) develops youth facilities (including sport & recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. By attracting young people into these facilities and activities, it aims to divert them away from the dangers of substance misuse. The Fund’s target group is 10 -21 year olds who are “at risk” due to factors such as family circumstances, educational disadvantage or involvement in crime/substance misuse. Over €150m has been allocated to date to support a broad range of services and projects under the Fund.

A draft Order transferring the YPFSF (Round 2) to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) is currently being prepared by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The draft Order will then be submitted to the Department of Finance who will bring a Memorandum to Government transferring functions from both the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Department of Education and Science to the OMCYA.

The location of all these youth programmes within the one overall policy framework of the OMCYA should facilitate the development of a more strategic approach to youth affairs across the country.

Uimhir:696

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if the responsibility for youth services as outlined in Sections 9, 13 and 19 of the Youth Work Act 2001 is to be transferred to the vocational education committees; if so, when these sections are to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 10th July, 2008. Reference Number: 28934/08

Freagra

Minister of State for the Department of Education and Science (Barry Andrews, T.D.)Section 1 of the Youth Work Act, 2001 provides for sections to be commenced at different stages. Sections 2-7, 17, 18 and 24 have been commenced to date.

A sub-committee of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC), representative of both statutory and voluntary sectors as well as of my Department, has been progressing the groundwork, including the development of detailed guidelines and procedures, which are vital for the further coherent implementation of the Act. The work of NYWAC continues in this regard.

Significant progress has been made since 2006 in the roll out of the Act at local level. A structure for the resourcing of VECs to carry out the functions set out for them under the Youth Work Act, 2001 was agreed between my Department and the Irish Vocational Education Association (on behalf of the 33 VECs) in July 2006. This structure provided for the appointment of a number of Youth Officers (21.5 posts) to be shared by 25 VECs and outlined the salary scale and functions of the posts. In addition, existing posts in the remaining eight VECs were re-desingated as Youth Officer posts.

I will determine further sections of the Act for implementation, having regard to the advice of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee, as the necessary procedures are finalised and as resources permit.

Uimhir: 399, * For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 4th March, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science the sections of the Youth Work Act 2001 that have been enacted; the timescale for the implementation of the remaining sections of the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister of State for the Department of Education and Science (Seán Haughey, T.D.)

Section 1 of the Youth Work Act, 2001 provides for sections to be commenced at different stages. Sections 2-7, 17, 18 and 24 have been commenced to date.

A sub-committee of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee (NYWAC), representative of both statutory and voluntary sectors as well as of my Department, has been progressing the groundwork, including the development of detailed guidelines and procedures, which are vital for the further coherent implementation of the Act. The work of this sub-committee is continuing.

Significant progress has been made since 2006 in the roll out of the Act at local level. A structure for the resourcing of VECs to carry out the functions set out for them under the Youth Work Act, 2001 was agreed between my Department and the Irish Vocational Education Association (on behalf of the 33 VECs) in July 2006. This structure provided for the appointment of a number of Youth Officers (21.5 posts) to be shared by 25 VECs and outlined the salary scale and functions of the posts. In addition, existing posts in the remaining eight VECs were re-desingated as Youth Officer posts.

I will determine further sections of the Act for implementation, having regard to the advice of the National Youth Work Advisory Committee, as the necessary procedures are finalised and as resources permit.

]]> http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/youth-work-act/feed/ 0 Special Needs http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/special-needs/ http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/special-needs/#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:40:56 +0000 admin http://stanton.ie/?p=382

Uimhir: 58

To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number and location of schools that will be affected by the recently announced cutbacks to special needs classes; the number of children with special educational needs who are to be moved to mainstream classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. -David Stanton.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 26th February, 2009. Reference Number:, 7959/09

Freagra

Minister Batt O’Keeffe

There will be no pupil with a special educational need who will be without access to a special needs teacher as a result of my Department’s decision to apply the normal rules which govern the appointment and retention of teachers to special classes for pupils with a mild general learning disability.

The Deputies will be aware that all primary schools have been allocated additional teaching resources to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including mild general learning disability (MGLD). All primary schools were given these additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model of learning support/resource teaching introduced in 2005. Schools can decide how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils. Most pupils with a MGLD are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.

The Deputies will be aware that allocations to schools typically increase or decrease depending on pupil enrolment. In the case of classes for MGLD the normal pupil teacher ratio that applies is 11:1. My Department however allows for a small reduction in this number and permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. In the case of 128 classes in 119 schools, the number of pupils dropped below this minimum. These schools therefore are no longer entitled to the teaching posts in these classes.

There are currently 534 pupils enrolled in these classes. It is not possible to give a precise cost of the posts concerned due to the varying salary costs of the teachers in question. However, it is estimated to be in the region of €6.8m.

In 2005 when the General Allocation Model was introduced, schools with additional teachers in classes for MGLD were allowed to retain the teachers for these classes. Effectively, these schools received a double allocation. The number of these special classes has decreased over the years and schools have integrated the children into age-appropriate mainstream classes.

All of the other primary schools in the country who do not have classes for children with MGLD cater for these pupils from within the General Allocation Model.

I have requested that information concerning the names and locations of the schools is forwarded to the Deputy.

Uimhir:47

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 21 May 2008, the number of additional educational psychologists recruited to implement the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; the number of educational psychologists employed by his Department each year since 2004 to date in 2008 respectively; the conclusions of his Department’s review of the scheme for commissioning private assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 3rd July, 2008.

Reference Number: 26310/08

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Batt O’Keeffe, T.D.)

As the Deputy will be aware all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved and paid for by NEPS.

I can inform the Deputy that the number of educational psychologists employed by my Department for each year from 2004 to 2008 is as follows:

2004 – 128,

2005 – 123,

2006 – 127,

2007 – 138.

The figure currently stands at 137.

In the current year under the terms of the T 2016 agreement my Department is committed to the expansion of psychologist numbers in the NEPS service to 169 and again in 2009 to 200. In this connection and following a national recruitment competition organised by the Public Appointments Service, a panel of suitable candidates has been has been formed. Currently some 33 panellists have been offered specific appointments within the NEPS regional structure, some 30 have accepted the post offered and of these 13 have passed through the requisite Garda vetting process and are finalising arrangements with my Department’s Personnel Section. This process will continue until the available posts are filled.

It is envisaged in this regard that the new recruits will be in place by the commencement of the new academic year in the order of the commitment as outlined above. Additionally it is envisaged that the undertaking in respect of 2009, a further 31 posts, panellists will be processed through this system to commence employment in the service early in the new calendar year.

Further expansion or reorganisation of the service, including the SCPA (Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments) is being considered in the wider context of my Departments response to the full implementation of the EPSEN Act. In this regard my Department is now at an advanced stage in finalising proposals to facilitate implementation of the remaining sections of the Act, including the provisions in respect of assessment and individual education plans (IEPs). The time taken to finalise proposals reflects the complexities involved, the need for consultation across the wide range of people and sectors involved, the need to align with the requirements of the Disability Act, 2005 and define how the Health Service Executive (HSE) and NCSE will work together under both acts.

My Department’s priority is to ensure that the necessary training, guidance and supports are in place to facilitate the commencement of the remaining sections of the Act. It must also be acknowledged that, during this necessary period of preparation and planning for the roll-out of the EPSEN Act, my Department continues to expand capacity and services for students with special educational needs across the schools network through the work of the National Council for Special Education.

Uimhir:104

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No’s 62 and 63 of 13 November 2007, when the Special Education Appeals Board will be operational; if he has concluded developing proposals for the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; when he expects the Act to be implemented in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 21st May, 2008.

Reference Number: 19971/08

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Batt O’Keeffe, T.D.)

As the Deputy will be aware, a number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 have been commenced, principally those establishing the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and those promoting an inclusive approach to the education of children with special needs. Specifically, the following sections have been commenced-  1, 2, 14(1)(a), 14(1)(c), 14(2) to 14(4), 19 to 37, 40 to 53.

The Special Education Appeals Board (SEAB) was established in April 2007, under section 36 of the EPSEN Act 2004, to hear and determine appeals pursuant to a number of sections of the Act. The Board comprises a Chairperson and two ordinary members, each of whom have a special interest in, or knowledge of, education and in particular the education of persons with special educational needs. The Board is continuing to identify the resources and processes it will need to put in place to ensure that it will be ready to fulfil its role once the relevant sections of the Act are commenced. As part of the associated extensive research process the board is being supported by a research consultancy group.

When the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, 2004 was enacted it was recognised that implementation would require a considerable change agenda, in order to further develop and support inclusive schools as the cornerstone of special education needs provision.

The National Council for Special Education was required under the Act to make a report on the implementation of the Act. Following consideration of the issues raised in the Council’s implementation plan, and the consultations to date with the Education Partners, it is envisaged that the five year timeframe to 2010 acknowledged in the legislation is the appropriate period in which to implement the provisions of the Act in full.

My Department is now at an advanced stage in finalising proposals on this basis to facilitate implementation of the remaining sections, including the provisions in respect of assessment and individual education plans (IEP). The time taken to finalise proposals reflects the complexities involved, the need for consultation across the wide range of people and sectors involved, the need to align with the requirements of the Disability Act, 2005 and define how the Health Service Executive (HSE) and NCSE will work together under both acts.

A Cross-Sectoral Team, comprising representatives from my Department, the Department of Health and Children, the NCSE and the HSE, is currently developing operational protocols to outline how the two sectors will interact in accordance with the legislative framework. All parties are approaching this work with a view to determining how the assessment of need and education/health planning process can be aligned in the best interests of people with disabilities and their families. It is envisaged that these protocols will be finalised shortly.

As the EPSEN Act does not provide for phased commencement by age cohort the education sector must be in a position to provide the required services to all children before the relevant provisions are commenced. My Department’s priority, therefore, is to ensure that the necessary training, guidance and supports are in place to facilitate the commencement of the remaining sections of the Act.

In parallel with these processes, my Department has also advanced a number of

areas relevant to the implementation of EPSEN:

• Proposals for pre-school services developed

• Establishment of the Standards Body

• Recruitment of additional staff for the Council and staffing review of the NCSE

• Appointment of Chairperson and members to the Special Education Appeals Board

• Recruitment of educational psychologists

• Review of the scheme for commissioning private assessments

• Publication of agreed standards for assessment

• Contributing to assessments under the Disability Act

It must also be acknowledged that, during this necessary period of preparation and planning for the roll-out of the EPSEN Act, my Department continues to expand capacity and services for students with special educational needs across the schools network through the work of the National Council for Special Education.

Uimhir:449

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 62 and 63 of 13 November 2007, the progress the National Council for Special Education has made in the compilation of data in relation to the number  of children with special educational needs in schools and the number of children who have been allocated resources; the details of their findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 20th May, 2008.

Reference Number: 19940/08

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Batt O’Keeffe, T.D.)As the Deputy will be aware, The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE also has a research function and part of this remit is to advise my Department on policy matters upon undertaking appropriate research and analysis.

My officials have been in contact with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) regarding the compilation of data in relation to the number of children with special educational needs in schools and the number of children who have been allocated resources and have been advised that the work in compiling this data is ongoing. The NCSE hope to have this work completed by the end of the year.

Uimhir:285, * For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 6th February, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department funds or organises speech therapy for children with disabilities including those with Downs Syndrome in primary and second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

My Department does not fund or organise speech therapy for children with disabilities within the school system.

As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of therapy services, including speech therapy for people with disabilities, is a matter for the Health Services Executive (HSE) and funding is provided to the HSE for such purposes.

Uimhir:1073, * For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 30th January, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science the budget available for each year since 2002 respectively under the equipment for use by students with disabilities in second level schools with a list of the equipment covered by the scheme; the amount expended under this scheme for each year since 2002 respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

My Department provides for a scheme of grants towards the purchase of equipment for the use of students in second-level schools who have been diagnosed as having serious physical and/or communicative disabilities of a degree which makes ordinary communication through speech and/or writing impossible for them.

The purpose of the grant-aid is to provide the students in question with equipment of direct educational benefit to them. Examples of such equipment include laptop computers, desktop computers, word processors, tape recorders, software, tapes, braillers, audiology equipment etc.

Following the establishment of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), all applications for assistive technology are submitted by school management to the Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) with assigned responsibility for the school. The SENO examines applications and makes a recommendation to my Department.

The annual amount expended on equipment for students with disabilities in second-level schools since 2002 is as follows:

  • 2002 – €474,127.99
  • 2003 – €469,810.71
  • 2004 – €385,224.46
  • 2005 – €406,171.30
  • 2006 – €501,075.36
  • 2007 – €542,967.83

Uimhir:1075* For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 30th January, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has begun a value for money and policy review of special needs provision in schools with details of the terms of reference of this review; if not, when she expects this review to begin; when the review is expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has recently commenced a value for money and policy review of the special needs assistant scheme. The terms of reference are currently being considered and are expected to be finalised shortly. I will arrange for a copy of the agreed terms of reference to be sent to the Deputy in due course. It is expected that the review will be completed during 2009.

]]> http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/special-needs/feed/ 0 Autism & ABA http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/autism-aba/ http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/autism-aba/#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:40:07 +0000 admin http://stanton.ie/?p=380

Uimhir:587

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if there has been a review of educational provision for people affected with all types of autistic spectrum disorders including Aspergers at pre-school, primary, secondary and third level; when this took place; the findings of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

* For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 6th May, 2009. Reference Number: 17551/09

Freagra

Minister Batt O’Keeffe

There have been many reports and reviews conducted worldwide on educational provision for children and young adults with autism.

In its October 2001 report, the Task Force on Autism made many recommendations concerning broad educational provision for children on the autistic spectrum from pre-school through to third level. These recommendations provided a basis for the development of educational services and supports for children with autism including the establishment of a range of options for children with autism spectrum disorders, training for teachers in autism-specific approaches and interventions and early educational intervention. In responding to the recommendations, my Department has given priority to implementing the core legislative and structural measures required to underpin service development and delivery.

The Task Force on Autism in Northern Ireland published in April 2002 consulted widely with professionals, reviewed a wide range of literature on autism and invited experts on autism to address the group. It found preference for no single approach but concludes that single methods by themselves may not address effectively the triad of impairments associated with ASD. It concluded that the interventions should be child-centred rather than method-centred and should address the observed and unique needs of the child and any variation in these which occurs over time and across settings and situations.

My Department’s Inspectorate carried out an Evaluation of Educational Provision for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) which was published in 2006. The report describes an evaluation of the education that is provided for children with ASD in a variety of settings nationwide. The elements of good practice identified during the evaluation process and in the literature review form the basis for the report’s recommendations.

This report makes a number of recommendations including:

- all children with ASDs be provided with a broad and relevant curriculum that addresses the triad of impairments, accommodates the special educational needs of the child, attends to developmental and adaptive needs, addresses the management of behaviour and provides curricular experiences that are concerned with the holistic development of each child;

- those involved in implementing learning and teaching programmes for children with ASDs should have a recognised teaching qualification.

My Department continues to keep relevant international research under review.

Uimhir:407, 408, * For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 4th March, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to her comments in Dáil Éireann on 13 February 2008 regarding her Department’s policy on the conversion of existing pilot ABA schools into special schools, the details of what this change in status from pilot scheme to special school entails; if a school (details supplied) in County Cork has applied for this conversion; if it has been converted to a special school; if not the progress in relation to this change in status; and if she will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to her Department’s policy on the conversion of existing pilot ABA schools into special schools, the details of what this change in status from pilot scheme to special school entails; and if she will make a statement on the matter.-David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

I propose to take questions 407 & 408 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to the long-term funding for the centres that are currently in the ABA pilot programme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable the Department to support them as primary schools for children with autism. The issue is being actively progressed and my Department officials have met with the IAA on several occasions to advance this matter.

The centre in question has formally applied for special school status and officials in my Department are progressing this directly with them. Special school status means that the centre in question will operate as a recognised school with all the associated terms and benefits of being a school – including school structure, staffing and management and access to current and capital funding on an on-going basis.

Uimhir: 353, * For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 26th February, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position, views or opinions, of the National Council for Special Education on the provision of applied behavioural analysis education for autistic children; if she will outline same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

The National Council for Special Education has not submitted any advice to me in relation to the provision of applied behavioural analysis.

However, the Task Force on Autism advised that that my Department makes available a range of approaches a range of resources to meet the unique needs of each student with an ASD in all school settings. Advice received from international experts on autism, the National Educational Psychological Service and the inspectorate supports this approach, and autism societies in other countries also caution against relying on just one intervention. By enabling children in special classes to have access to a range of methodologies, including ABA, the Government is doing what we are advised is in the best interests of such children.

My Department supports the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use. Children in special classes have the benefit of fully-qualified teachers trained in educating and developing children generally and who have access to additional training in autism-specific approaches, including ABA. The level of such training available to teachers has significantly improved in recent years and is a major priority for the Government. Children in special classes in mainstream schools also have the option, where possible and appropriate, of full or partial integration into mainstream classes and of interaction with other pupils.

In excess of 277 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level and the National Council for Special Education will continue to establish more such classes where the need arises.

At primary level there is a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants (SNAs). Extra assistants are provided where the children need them. An individual child can have access to full-time support from an individual SNA if he or she needs one.

For further information contact: David Stanton, TD,
Constituency Office, 29 St Mary’s Road, Midleton, Co. Cork. Tel: 021 4632867, Fax: 021 4621133

]]> http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/autism-aba/feed/ 0 Schools in East Cork http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/schools-in-east-cork/ http://stanton.ie/2010/03/23/schools-in-east-cork/#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:39:00 +0000 admin http://stanton.ie/?p=377 Uimhir:213

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application for emergency funding in order to carry out essential repairs on a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

*For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 23rd April, 2009. Reference Number: 16072/09

Freagra

Minister Batt O’Keeffe

The school referred to by the Deputy submitted two applications for emergency funding to my Department in 2009. The first application relating to funding for special needs pupils has been approved and the school informed accordingly. The second application for works relating to roof repairs, heating upgrade, art room and toilet refurbishment is under consideration and the school management will be informed of the outcome in due course.

Uimhir:381

To ask the Minister for Education and Science his Department’s expenditure on rent for the current building and prefabs for a school (details supplied) in County Cork each year since its establishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 7th April, 2009. Reference Number: 14485/09

Freagra

Minister Batt O’Keeffe

The Deputy will be aware that demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. The overall policy goal is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population, the necessity to put additional accommodation in place in a short time frame, and competing pressure on the capital budget available to my Department, it is necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet accommodation needs in some circumstances.

Details for the school (MIdleton Gaelscoil) referred to by the Deputy are given in the attached tabular statement.

Prefab Building/Land Total for year

1999

 N/A €4,230.77 €4,230.77

2000

 NA €13,343.42 €13,343.42

2001

 N/A €16,079.96 €16,079.96

2002

 N/A €20,160.00 €20,160.00

2003

 N/A €40,000.00 €40,000.00

2004

 NA €63,333.32 €63,333.32

2005

 N/A €72,666.64 €72,666.64

2006

 €4,298.51 €78,000.00 €82,298.51

2007

 €18,572.50 €85,333.33 €103,905.83

2008

 €41,890.20 €89,000.00 €130,890.20

2009

 €34,920.60 €46,500.00 €81,420.60

Uimhir:13

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has conducted research into the projected enrolment requirements for second level schools in Midleton, County Cork for the next six to eight years; if he will make these figures available; his plans to increase the number of second level school places in Midleton in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the  matter. – David Stanton.

For ORAL answer on Thursday, 26th February, 2009. Reference Number: 7958/09

Freagra

Minister Batt O’Keeffe

The Forward Planning Section of my Department is currently identifying areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards. This involves detailed consideration of factors such as population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. As a matter of course, there is on-going liaison between my Department and local authorities to establish the location scale and pace of any proposed major housing developments and their possible implications for school provision.

As part of the Middleton Special Local Area Plan, the Local Authority has, on advice from my Department, made appropriate zonings for primary and post primary schools to meet the future educational requirements of the area.

Having analysed the demographic statistics in the Midleton area, my Department has found that there is no requirement for a new post-primary school in the short term based on current primary school enrolments. However, my Department is keeping the situation under review, including a proposal for the future development of up to 2,500 houses in the area.

My Department is liaising with Cork County Council with regard to the timing of future developments and the decision as to when a new post-primary school will be required in Midleton will be based on the rate and pace of development and the feasibility of extending the current schools in the area.Progress on the development of additional schools together with any applications for capital funding from existing providers will be considered for progression in the context of my Department’s School Building and Modernisation programme.

Uimhir:1638

To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of times officials from his Department met with Cork County Council officials in 2008 in relation to the provision of new schools in the Midleton and east Cork area, in particular a new second level school; and if he will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 27th January, 2009.
Reference Number: 2456/09

FreagraMinister Batt O’Keeffe

Officials from the Forward Planning Section of the Department met with Cork County Council Officials once in 2008 to discuss general issues in relation to the Draft County Development Plan. However, the Forward Planning Section of the Department made submissions during 2008 to both the Draft County Development Plan and the Draft Midleton Area Development Plan which outlined the need for an additional post primary school in the area referred to by the Deputy should the population grow to the levels projected in the draft Plans. The Forward Planning Section will continue to liaise with the County Council in this regard.

Uimhir:141

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to a letter from this Deputy in relation to provision of funding for an extra prefabricated building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the progress that has been made in regard to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

* For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 3rd July, 2008.

Reference Number: 26366/08

Freagra

A reply to the letter to which the Deputy refers to has been forwarded to the Deputy’s office this week outlining the position in relation to funding for the school to which the Deputy refers to.

It is not possible on this occasion to fund the request for the extra accommodation, as sanction has not been given for the extra teacher for the school to which the Deputy refers to, for the coming school year.

It is of course open to the school to apply for funding in 2009, should sanction for the extra teacher be given, and a letter to this effect has issued to the school authorities.

Uimhir:32

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 97 of 9 April 2008, if his Department will accept the offer of a site for a new premises for a school (Gaelscoil, details supplied) in County Cork; if so, when he expects building works on the new school to begin; if not, his plans to rectify the current accommodation problems suffered by the school and its students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.For ORAL answer on Thursday, 3rd July, 2008.

Reference Number: 26309/08

FreagraMinister for Education and Science (Batt O’Keeffe, T.D.)

As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including the area to which the Deputy refers. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.

In this context, the status of all schools in the area referred to by the Deputy are being assessed. The school referred to by the Deputy is being included in this assessment.

On the matter of the offer of the new site, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that following a technical examination of the two acre site in question, my officials wrote to the local developer requesting contract documents. A reply is awaited.

As an interim measure while the school are awaiting their permanent building, my Department has sanctioned the rental of temporary premises and accommodation in order for the school to operate.

As is the case with all large capital projects currently on hand within the Unit, their progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Uimhir:309

To ask the Minister for Education and Science the forward planning that his Department has carried out in relation to provision of primary school places in Youghal, County Cork; the number of primary school pupils enrolled in the three primary schools in Youghal; the projected number that will be enrolled in each of the schools for each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 24th June, 2008.

Reference Number: 24379/08

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Batt O’Keeffe, T.D.)The number of primary school pupils enrolled in the three primary schools in Youghal for the current academic year is 796. Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.

Primary accommodation requirements in Youghal area will be considered in this context.

Uimhir:89 , For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 9th April, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has carried out an analysis into the projected number of students who will need to be accommodated in second level schools in east Cork over the next eight years; her plans to increase the number of places in second level schools in the short, medium and long term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.

Post-primary accommodation requirements in the east Cork area will be considered in this context.

Uimhir: 344, For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 8th April, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 13 March 2008, if her attention has been drawn to the need to supply extra accommodation to schools (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the fact that both schools are currently operating at full capacity and may have to refuse students entry in the next school year; the current enrolment of both schools; the current capacity of both schools; her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

- David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

As the Deputy may be aware, in 2007 a Developing Areas Unit was set up in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas including the area to which the Deputy refers. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.

In this context, the issue of primary and post-primary places in the area in question and the status of these projects in particular are currently being assessed. As is the case of all large capital projects currently on hand within the Developing Areas Unit, progression of these projects will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.

The current enrolments of the schools to which the Deputy refers are 540 and 474 respectively and both schools are operating at full capacity. Both schools have applied for additional accommodation to facilitate increased enrolments. Contact has been made with the school authorities in order to arrange the provision of additional temporary accommodation where possible for next September.

Uimhir: 783, For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 2nd April, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if she or officials from her Department have approached Educate Together with a view to establishing a school in the east Cork area; her position in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

In the context of establishment of schools, the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) assesses all applications for new school recognition. The NSAC is an independent advisory group established to process applications for the recognition of new primary schools and to make recommendations to the Minister for Education and Science. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the outcome of all applications to NSAC, towards the end of April.

I am informed that Educate Together has applied to the NSAC to establish a school in East Cork, however, I’m not aware of any direct approach by my Department to Educate Together regarding the establishment of a school in the area referred to.

Uimhir 153, * For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 13th March, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has recently received letters from schools (details supplied) in County Cork regarding the need to provide an extension to both schools in the immediate term and to provide new buildings for both schools in the not too distant future; and if she will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

My Department has received correspondence from the schools to which the Deputy refers in regard to the need for additional accommodation. Progress on all applications for major capital works is being considered in the context of the Department’s multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Uimhir:159, * For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 6th March, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 28 February 2008, regarding the allocation of a band two rating to a school, the subdivision or subset in which the school has been included; her views on whether the school meets the criteria of band 1.1 rating; if not the criteria of band 1.1 the school does not meet; and if she will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

The application from the school to which the Deputy refers was assessed as a band 2.2. Band 2.2 constitutes a school with a deficit of mainstream accommodation which constitutes a substantial and significant proportion of the school’s overall accommodation needs, while the condition of the existing accommodation is adequate.

As the Deputy may be aware a Developing Areas Unit was set up in the Department of Education and Science to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas including Midleton. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.

In this context, the status of the project to which the Deputy refers will be re-assessed and banded according. The project will be considered in the context of the school building and modernisation programme.

Uimhir:161, * For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 28th February, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 21 February 2008, the band rating of the school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

The application from the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a Band 2 rating.

Uimhir: 354, * For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 26th February, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has received an application to extend a school (details supplied)in County Cork; the progress that has been made with same.- David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

The Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Uimhir: 187, * For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 21st February, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 2619 of 30 January 2008, the person who is carrying out the assessment of demographic trends and housing developments; when her Department expects to receive this information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band rating.

Assessment of demographic trends and housing developments are part of normal internal procedures carried out by the Department in processing an application. Progress on individual projects is considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme commensurate with the band rating assigned to it and the available financial resources.

Uimhir: 132, For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 20th February, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science when the application for an extension for a school (details supplied) in County Cork was first received by her Department; the progress that has been made in dealing with this application since it was made; and if she will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

The application from the school referred to by the Deputy was received in 2003 and has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale projects. The long term projected staffing figure has also been agreed. Further progression of this project will be considered in the context of my Department’s multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Uimhir: 160, For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 20th February, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made in the provision of a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork.- David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

The project to which the Deputy refers to is at early architectural planning. Officials from my Department have requested a Stage 2(a) submission; Developed Sketch Design, on receipt of a date for receipt of this submission a date for a review meeting will be arranged. Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department’s multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Uimhir: 283, 284, * For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 6th February, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No 1079 of 30 January 2008 the projected enrolment trends for the primary schools (details supplied) in east Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No 549 of 26 June 2007, the projected enrolment trends for second level schools (details supplied) in east Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter.-David Stanton.

Freagra

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

I propose to take questions 4234/08, 4235/08 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested is not readily available. However, if the Deputy has a query to a specific school officials from the Department’s Planning and Building Unit will be in a position to advise.

Uimhir: 2619, * For WRITTEN answer on Wednesday, 30th January, 2008.

To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has examined the possibility of financing the construction of a new Gaelscoil (details supplied) in Midleton, County Cork in view of the fact that a site is available and that the school has a pressing need for a new building; and if she will make a statement on the matter.- David Stanton.

Minister for Education and Science (Mary Hanafin, T.D.)

While an application for capital funding towards the provision of new school building has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy, the Deputy may be aware that the school authority and a private construction firm without the direct involvement of my Department were involved in an initiative to build a 16 classroom school on land owned by the developer at no cost to the school or the Department.

The Department has not been involved in the design of the school nor has capital funding been provided in respect of the project. However following a recent communication from the private construction firm I understand that the proposal to construct a new school is changed to an offer of a site.

In order to progress the application an assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required in order to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school’s accommodation needs will be based. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the required building project will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.

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