Results 2,881-2,900 of 13,291 for speaker:Joe McHugh

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Curriculum (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: The entire focus of Relationship and Sexuality Education is on preparing young people for adult life, on emphasising the importance of respect for themselves and each other, developing healthy relationships, understanding the importance of consent and helping young people to develop and mature in a positive light. Access to Relationship and Sexuality Education is an important right for...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Accommodation Provision (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 221 together. In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Curriculum (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: The entire focus of Relationship and Sexuality Education is on preparing young people for adult life, on emphasising the importance of respect for themselves and each other, developing healthy relationships, understanding the importance of consent and helping young people to develop and mature in a positive light. Access to Relationship and Sexuality Education is an important right for...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Accommodation Provision (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 229, inclusive, together. In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. Major new residential...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs Service Provision (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 235 together. The provision of education for children with special needs, including those with Autism, is an ongoing priority for Government. Currently, almost 20% of the total Education Vote or €1.9bn is invested in supporting children with special needs. Since 2011 investment in Special Education supports has increased by 50%, which is...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Accommodation Provision (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Building Projects Status (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: As the Deputy may be aware, a building project for the school to which he refers is included in my Department's school building programme to be delivered as part of the National Development Plan. My Department is continuing to engage with the school in this regard and details of the accommodation to be provided as part of the project are expected to be determined shortly. Officials...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Pupil-Teacher Ratio (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: In the current school year, the number of teachers employed in our schools have reached the highest ever level. Teacher numbers at primary level have increased by almost 3,500 when comparing the 2015/16 school year with the current school year. This builds on the Budget 2018 measure which provided a one point improvement in the staffing schedule in primary schools which brings the position...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Patronage (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: I can confirm to the Deputy that one primary school continues to serve its local community in Brannoxtown under new multi-denominational patronage. Since 2018, this school is operating as a Community National School under the patronage of Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. The school had previously been under Catholic patronage.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Catchment Areas (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Special Educational Needs Staff Data (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 239 and 240 together. In 2016, in the region of 12,900 Special Needs Assistant (SNA) posts were allocated to schools by the end of the year. This increased to 13,015 posts by the end of 2017. Funding provision for SNA posts, by way of the normal estimates/budget process, has been undertaken, on the basis of a Government decision, since Budget 2018. Budget...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Home Tuition Scheme (19 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 to 243, inclusive, together. The purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. Home tuition is not an alternative to a school placement and is provided in very limited and specific circumstances. By...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (14 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: I will be happy to get the detail on that individual case from the Deputy. At a wider level, I assure the House that we are looking at a new school inclusion model. This will enhance communication between the Department of Education and Skills, the HSE, and the Department of Health. A pilot scheme is up and running whereby speech and language therapists, occupational therapists,...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (14 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: Gabhaim buíochas as an cheist. Chonaic mé an ráiteas san Irish Times inné faoin imní atá ar na múinteoirí scoile uilig. Bhí mé i dteagmháil le mo chuid oifigí agus leis an State Examinations Commission, SEC. Dá mbeinn in ann solúbthacht ná cuidiú a chur ar fáil maidir leis an scéal sin faoin teastas...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (14 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: This issue with regard to south Dublin has been raised by a number of Deputies on all sides of the House. I assure the Deputy that we are conscious of the demand for places. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, has been in touch with many individual schools. I have decided to invoke my powers under the legislation for a second time. I invoked it in respect of Dublin 15 last...

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (14 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: The Minister of State, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, has been working hard and made a commitment in the area. I will be happy to speak to her and get her to revert directly to the Deputy on the issue.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (14 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. Officials of my Department and I met the chief executive and staff of the National Council for Special Education this week. I will ask them to look specifically at this matter in Dublin 12. I will be happy to revert to the Deputy when we receive an update.

Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation (14 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: I am happy to obtain the detail on the project and revert to the Deputy directly. I reassure him that there is a capital plan for 2020 and that capital funding increased from €740 million in 2018 by €200 million in 2019. Activity will continue apace, with €620 million to be spent on schools next year.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: School Accommodation Provision (14 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together. I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for additional accommodation from the school in question. I wish to advise the Deputy that the assessment process to determine the school’s permanent accommodation needs is nearing completion. The provision of any additional accommodation on the site...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: School Patronage (14 Nov 2019)

Joe McHugh: A patronage process is run after it has been decided, based on demographic analysis, that a new school is required.  This patronage process is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons. Parental preferences for each patron, from parents of children who reside in the school planning areas concerned, together with the extent of diversity currently available in these areas, are...