Batt O'Keeffe - Recent appearances (From KildareStreet.com) http://www.kildarestreet.com/mp/?pid=12 en-gb KildareStreet.com, mprss.php script 2010-03-05T15:03:52+00:00 School Accommodation | Written Answers http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2010-03-04.646.0&m=677#g648.0.r The overall policy goal of my Department is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population and... The overall policy goal of my Department is to ensure the highest standard of permanent accommodation for all schools. However, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population and competing pressure on the capital budget available to my Department, it is necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet the accommodation needs of schools.

The policy of my Department on renting prefabricated accommodation in individual cases depends on a number of factors including:

- Whether the school has permanent recognition or is provisionally recognised. Many schools when first established are given provisional recognition and only obtain permanent recognition when they have proved that they are viable.

- If the need is deemed short term, the policy is generally to approve temporary rental of accommodation. For example, a school may require a temporary building while it is awaiting the completion of construction of a permanent building.

- Immediacy of requirement. In some cases, a school needs accommodation at very short notice and this can only be provided through temporary accommodation. In the past, that was provided by means of either rental or purchase of prefabricated buildings or the rental of other temporary accommodation such as local halls. Following an analysis of the break-even point, at which purchase of prefabs becomes a more economical option, the Department now operates a policy of providing schools with the option of purchasing prefabs outright or providing a new build with the funding available where it is expected that the school will require the extra accommodation for more than three years.

During 2009, 222 schools have been approved funding for the purchase of prefabricated classrooms, with the option of building a permanent rooms. 68 of the approved schools have indicated to my Department that they intend purchasing prefabs and 94 intend to use the grant-aid to build a permanent room. The remaining schools have not yet indicated their preference.

These policies will reduce the usage of temporary accommodation and, particularly, the incidence of long term rental of prefabs.

In 2009, expenditure on the rental of temporary accommodation fell significantly to €39m, a saving of €14m over 2008. This is a clear indication of my success in tackling this area of expenditure. Only 20 new rental contracts started in 2009 compared to over 288 in 2008. Furthermore, the number of schools who are renting temporary accommodation has reduced by almost 10% in 2009 and I intend to make further reductions in 2010.

I will forward to the Deputy for his information a list of the 790 schools in question, with details of annual rental costs for temporary prefabricated accommodation.

Most of these schools would have applications for either minor or major capital works. Information on individual school projects on the Capital Building Programme is available on my Department’s website at www.education.gov.ie.

]]> 2010-03-04T00:00:00+00:00 Further Education | Written Answers http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2010-03-04.642.0&m=677#g644.0.r As the Deputy is aware, the downturn in the construction sector has resulted in a significant fall off in the numbers of apprentices being recruited nationally. The number of FÃS registered... As the Deputy is aware, the downturn in the construction sector has resulted in a significant fall off in the numbers of apprentices being recruited nationally. The number of FÁS registered apprentices requiring education and training has dropped from 8,300 in 2006 to 1,535 in 2009, a reduction of more than 80%.

Construction related trades have been particularly affected. The Higher Education Authority has consulted widely with individual institutions on the impact of the reduction in these numbers on the level of apprenticeship provision in the education sector. Having regard to the inputs received, and to enable the necessary reductions in education provision for the construction and related trades to be implemented on an objective basis across the country, an independent evaluation panel was established to advise the HEA in relation to the appropriate levels of provision which should be maintained within the education sector having regard to likely future demand to 2014.

Following completion of this process each educational institution was informed of the proposed allocations of apprentice provision as recommended by the evaluation panel. These reductions are due to be implemented on a phased basis over the period to 2014. With regard to the Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) Programme, there are 31,688 places available nationwide, including an additional 1,500 places made available in April 2009 as part of the Supplementary budget. Most of these places are allocated to Vocational Education Committees (VECs) on an annual basis following an application process. It is then a matter for VECs to allocate those places to their colleges and institutions.

Each application for an increase in capped numbers is examined by my Department on its merits, taking into account current and previous allocations, current and previous demand and uptake, the overall places available and the overall demand from VECs generally. The application process for the 2010/2011 academic year is ongoing. Any application from a VEC for additional places will be considered on its own merits, taking into account all relevant circumstances.

The overall number of approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) places is set at its current level because there is a continuing requirement to plan and control numbers and to manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and provision. For the academic year 2008/2009, the VEC concerned had 2,048 approved PLC places. In the initial allocation for 2009/2010, the VEC received an additional 28 places and then of the additional 1,500 announced in April 2009, the VEC received an additional 75 places, bringing their total allocation for 2009/2010 to 2,151.

]]> 2010-03-04T00:00:00+00:00 Higher Education Grants | Written Answers http://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2010-03-04.638.0&m=677#g640.0.r The Deputy will be aware that the current difficult economic circumstances have necessitated tough choices to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In these... The Deputy will be aware that the current difficult economic circumstances have necessitated tough choices to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In these circumstances, from September 2010, as announced in the Budget, all new applicants who are in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) and the VTOS allowances for those pursuing PLC courses will be ineligible for student maintenance grants. The cost of the student services charge and any fees payable to colleges will continue to be met for eligible students by the Exchequer on their behalf.

Students currently in receipt of the BTEA or VTOS allowances and the maintenance grant will continue to be eligible for both payments for the duration of their current course provided they continue to meet the terms and conditions of the relevant grant schemes. Students progressing to a new course with effect from 2010/11 will no longer be eligible for student maintenance grants but can apply for assistance towards the cost of the student services charge and any fees payable.

It was decided to discontinue the practice of allowing students to hold both the BTEA or VTOS allowance and a student maintenance grant simultaneously as this represents a duplication of income support payments.

This measure was recommended in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. The estimated saving for the 2010 financial year was €4m with a full financial year saving of some €35m in 2012.

]]> 2010-03-04T00:00:00+00:00 Leaving Certificate Gaeilge. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.517.0&m=677#g519.6 The need to promote greater proficiency in spoken Irish has been identified in a number of research reports in recent years. My Department has therefore taken a number of initiatives to ensure... The need to promote greater proficiency in spoken Irish has been identified in a number of research reports in recent years. My Department has therefore taken a number of initiatives to ensure that students develop greater fluency in oral Irish during the course of their primary and second level education. In order to motivate students to focus on spoken Irish, a more prominent role has been given to oral Irish in the second level syllabuses and examinations. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment was asked to consider the implications of increased marks for the oral examinations for the allocation of marks for other aspects of the Irish syllabus and examinations.

I have recently received recommendations from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment with regard to the revised leaving certificate course for Gaeilge. The courses in question, which relate to ordinary level and higher level, will be introduced in schools in September 2010 and will be examined for the first time in the leaving certificate examination 2012.

Recommendations have also been received about changes to the assessment of Gaeilge and adjustments to various components of the examinations, including the oral examination that is common to both higher level and ordinary level courses.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House The recommendations take account of the changes in the proportion of marks for the leaving certificate oral Irish examination outlined in Circular Letter 0042/2007 and recommend consequential adjustments in the allocation of marks for the written components of the examination. A circular letter providing details of the changes to the Gaeilge leaving certificate syllabuses and assessment will be issued to schools in the next two weeks.

I believe that my approach to promoting spoken Irish is entirely consistent with the Government’s statement on the Irish language 2006 where the Government’s policy to increase the knowledge and use of the Irish language as a community language was clearly stated. In addition to increasing the proportion of marks for oral assessment in State examinations, my Department has provided seminars and in-school supports to assist teachers of Irish in adopting new methods to support the increased emphasis on the teaching of oral Irish. The support service for Irish began the implementation of this support programme in October 2007 to promote a significant shift in emphasis towards Irish as a spoken language, to enable students to communicate and interact in a spontaneous way and to promote Irish as an everyday spoken language in schools.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Inquiry into Child Abuse. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.509.0&m=677#g515.2 At the start of this process it was the view of all Members that the public should be the final arbiter with regard to the offers the congregations would make. In that regard, the Government... At the start of this process it was the view of all Members that the public should be the final arbiter with regard to the offers the congregations would make. In that regard, the Government will, having taken a decision and discussed it with both parties, allow the public to be the arbiter. It would be inappropriate for the Government to interfere with regard to making recommendations as to what should happen in Ferns or to interfere in church matters in general. Therefore, I will refrain from making any such comment. I am conscious the public will decide the adequacy or otherwise of the offer that has been made by the congregations.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Inquiry into Child Abuse. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.509.0&m=677#g513.2 I am very conscious of the recommendations made to me by the Deputy, but unfortunately the issue is still under consideration by the Government. I made it clear previously that we are duty bound... I am very conscious of the recommendations made to me by the Deputy, but unfortunately the issue is still under consideration by the Government. I made it clear previously that we are duty bound to make the congregations aware of the Government’s thinking and to communicate our decision to the survivors. We hope to have those meetings shortly. I will take cognisance of the recommendation made by the Deputy.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Inquiry into Child Abuse. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.509.0&m=677#g511.2 The Government has been considering the report of the panel appointed to assess the statements of resources submitted by the 18 religious congregations that were party to the 2002 indemnity... The Government has been considering the report of the panel appointed to assess the statements of resources submitted by the 18 religious congregations that were party to the 2002 indemnity agreement, together with the offers of contributions from the congregations following the call for them to make further substantial contributions by way of reparation in view of the Ryan report. From the outset, the Government has made clear that these contributions need to be capable of being assessed by the public for their significance by reference to the full resources available to the congregations and in the context of the costs of well in excess of €1 billion incurred by the State. In this context, the panel was appointed to assess the statements of resources submitted by the congregations and report to Government as to the adequacy of these statements as a basis for assessing the congregations’ resources. It is expected to publish the panel’s report and details of the offers from the congregations before Easter. In advance of publication it is proposed to meet representatives of the former residents and with the congregations.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g507.2 -----and that is agreed. We have asked the school to engage with the NCSE. We are prepared to get NEPS to examine and categorise those children properly in order that they are provided with the... -----and that is agreed. We have asked the school to engage with the NCSE. We are prepared to get NEPS to examine and categorise those children properly in order that they are provided with the proper and necessary supports they are due.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g505.3 The pupil-teacher ratio for children who have moderate general learning disability is 8:1. The pupil-teacher ratio for children who have mild general learning disability is 11:1 and the... The pupil-teacher ratio for children who have moderate general learning disability is 8:1. The pupil-teacher ratio for children who have mild general learning disability is 11:1 and the Department accepts 9:1.

I am equally concerned about those children. I am equally concerned that they get the proper supports in the proper environment and that all necessary support is in place for them. There are 23 children in the school who have not been assessed as having special needs. We have arranged for the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, to carry out an analysis of the needs of those children-----

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g503.2 The pupil-teacher ratio for children who have autism is 6:1. The pupil-teacher ratio for children who have autism is 6:1.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g499.2 It is important that children are placed appropriately. It is important that children are placed appropriately.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g497.2 It is important I get the facts on the record. It is important I get the facts on the record.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g495.5 Some of the other students did not have any assessed special educational need. The school has 89 pupils with a staffing of an administrative principal, 15 teachers, four teachers who provide... Some of the other students did not have any assessed special educational need. The school has 89 pupils with a staffing of an administrative principal, 15 teachers, four teachers who provide special subject hours and 17 special needs assistants. In 2002-03, there were 122 pupils and the school had one teacher extra with the same number of SNAs. Even though there has been a drop in the number of pupils, the school has maintained the number of SNAs.

The fall in enrolment together with the large number of children who do not meet the official criteria for the school means that the current staffing of the school is excessive. The NCSE advised the school on 19 February last that four SNA posts would be suppressed. It has alerted the school to the possibility that a further four SNA posts will be suppressed with effect from 2 April.

None the less, it is anxious to work with the school to support the children with ASD and moderate GLD. For example, if the school were to open a class for children with autism, this would need one teacher and two SNAs.

No decision has been taken on teacher posts. Falling enrolments would be one of the factors to be considered in this context. However, any change in the profile of the pupils-----

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g493.2 -----that five of the pupils had ASD and seven of the pupils had a moderate general learning disability. -----that five of the pupils had ASD and seven of the pupils had a moderate general learning disability.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g491.2 It is important for me to set out the position with the school. It is a special school and it is supposed to be catering for mild general learning disability. There are now 89 pupils enrolled.... It is important for me to set out the position with the school. It is a special school and it is supposed to be catering for mild general learning disability. There are now 89 pupils enrolled. When the NCSE undertook its review in the school, it discovered that 23 of the pupils did not have a mild general learning disability-----

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g489.7 The Deputy will also be aware that the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers, SENOs, is at present carrying out a review on the allocation of SNAs in schools... The Deputy will also be aware that the NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers, SENOs, is at present carrying out a review on the allocation of SNAs in schools with a view to ensuring the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. This exercise may result in the identification of surplus posts which are in the system and which do not meet the current criteria, such as posts that have been retained when a pupil’s care needs have diminished or where the pupil has left. At the same time the NCSE is allocating additional posts where the criteria are met.

The current review relates to SNA posts. No decision has been taken on teacher posts. Falling enrolments would be one of the factors to be considered in this context. However, any change in the profile of the pupils being enrolled in special schools will also be taken into account.

In the case of the school in question, the NCSE is committed to engaging with the school authorities and all other relevant State agencies to manage the situation in the short term and to ensure a sound basis for staff levels in the interest of pupils. The NCSE is also arranging to meet parents individually in consultation with the school authorities.

This process is ongoing. A meeting took place on Friday last, 26 February, between the NCSE and the school authorities. Without prejudice to the allocation role of the NCSE, officials from my Department also attended this meeting. The NCSE is working constructively with the school authorities to resolve any outstanding matters. It is important that all schools work constructively with the NCSE on any staffing issues. It is not appropriate for my Department to intervene in the allocation process.

The Deputy is fully aware that I have prioritised the provision of special education supports to schools. This is a key Government policy. However, this does not mean that resources, allocated in response to various historical factors, are retained in schools ad infinitum. At a time of constrained resources, it is essential we ensure public resources, both staff and other resources, are deployed as effectively as possible. Resources left in an area that are not in accordance with criteria mean public resources are not available for another deserving area.

I am sure the Deputy shares my concern to ensure there is a consistent application of policy in the allocation of special needs supports throughout the country. This is all that is happening at present. I assure the Deputy that supports will continue to be made available to schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for such support and children with special educational needs will continue to have access to an appropriate education in line with my Department’s policy.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g487.2 The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in the support of... The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in the support of pupils with special educational needs in mainstream and special schools.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g485.2 I have piloted 22 schools and I have indicated clearly to the NCSE that where there are difficulties, because this is emotionally charged and parents are genuinely concerned, to meet through the... I have piloted 22 schools and I have indicated clearly to the NCSE that where there are difficulties, because this is emotionally charged and parents are genuinely concerned, to meet through the school with parents whose children would be affected. That is important.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g483.2 It is important that a proper appeals system is in place. It is important that a proper appeals system is in place.

]]> 2010-03-04T04:00:00+00:00 Special Educational Needs. | Dáil debates http://www.kildarestreet.com/debates/?id=2010-03-04.464.0&m=677#g481.4 The Deputy indicated I am hiding behind the NCSE. This Parliament established the National Council for Special Education as an independent body. The Minister should not interfere in the... The Deputy indicated I am hiding behind the NCSE. This Parliament established the National Council for Special Education as an independent body. The Minister should not interfere in the operations of the council, which has a job to do. Criteria have been laid down for determining whether a child requires a special needs assistant. The scheme is demand led and if a child meets the criteria, a special needs assistant is provided. If a child with special needs moves on, the SNA post should be vacated. I am glad the Deputy concurs with me in that regard.

In certain circumstances, a child with special needs will no longer require the same level of support. We are trying to train children with special needs to cope with independent living. Thankfully, many hundreds of them now live independently as a result of the support they received. Needs will, therefore, diminish.

The Deputy asked about consultation with parents. I have made clear that the National Council for Special Education is prepared to discuss with schools the set up in a school and the appropriateness of the placement of children with special needs in the school. The council is also prepared to talk to parents. In response to the next question, which has been tabled by the Deputy and relates to a specific school, I will outline in greater detail what is being done in the school in question.

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