Results 681-700 of 1,021,861 for in 'Dáil debates' OR speaker:Marie Louise O'Donnell in 'Committee meetings'

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Teaching Qualifications (28 May 2024)

Sorca Clarke: I ask the Minister to provide an alternative for teachers who completed their teaching qualifications in England to complete their induction period in Ireland, as was done under the Covid-19 amendment regulation.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Teaching Qualifications (28 May 2024)

Norma Foley: Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001 to 2015, the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland, including the registration of teachers in the State. The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession and it promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. The...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Teaching Qualifications (28 May 2024)

Sorca Clarke: I hear what the Minister is saying but that is going to ring hollow with many people who want to come and work as teachers here and who have qualified in England. My understanding is that some of the work currently ongoing is actually in regard to teachers who may go to the Middle East for a number of years before coming back, although that too is a welcome step. At the moment, we have an...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Teaching Qualifications (28 May 2024)

Norma Foley: For the record, we have 1 million students, 4,000 schools and more than 100,000 staff in place, the highest number of staff ever in place. We have the lowest pupil-teacher ratio that we have ever had at a ratio of 23:1. In each of the 3,000 special classes, there are six pupils, one teacher and two SNAs, which is a very low ratio, as is right and correct. We have never had as many staff in...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Teaching Qualifications (28 May 2024)

Sorca Clarke: This is a Covid amendment regulation. In the more than four years since Covid sadly landed on these shores, as it did across the rest of the world, what engagement has the Department had on an ongoing basis with the Teaching Council in this regard? Clearly, an issue was identified and addressed at that point in time and that regulation was put in place, but the Minister spoke of a statutory...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Teaching Qualifications (28 May 2024)

Norma Foley: As I said in my previous reply, through engagement with the Teaching Council on this matter, I can advise and will advise again that the council is considering any further amendment to provide for the completion of induction in Ireland for overseas-qualified teachers in the context of its legislative framework, including relevant EU legislation. I again say to the Deputy that teachers are...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Seán Canney: 2. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress being made in the provision of additional accommodation for a school to deal with the additional demand for places in first year next September and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23813/24]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Seán Canney: I ask the Minister for an update on what is happening with Clarin College, Athenry, and the proposed additional accommodation that will be required to meet the demand of first-year students coming this September. I understand that Presentation College, Athenry, is also under severe pressure and that more than 60 students have been left on a waiting list to get into first year. It is urgent....

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Norma Foley: I assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post-primary levels, including children and young people with special educational needs, is a priority for the Department. Since 2020, as I have previously outlined to the Deputy opposite, my Department has invested approximately €4.8 billion in our schools throughout...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Seán Canney: At the outset, I must acknowledge that huge investment has gone into education facilities right across the county. The Minister was down there for the opening of the school we are discussing, as well as for that of Presentation College, Athenry. The problem is that there seems to be very short-sighted planning. I am not saying this about the Minister but am making a general comment. I say...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Norma Foley: I thank the Deputy. I concede that construction on some of these projects began in 2018.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Seán Canney: Yes.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Norma Foley: Since that time, we have seen an incredible influx of additional students coming from other places around the world, but also coming specifically into the area. I know these schools. I have visited and seen them. They are excellent schools that are doing great work and they deliver excellence in education every day. Some €150 million has been invested in Galway. There will be...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Seán Canney: I take it from the Minister’s last remarks that these children will be accommodated next September in Athenry and that this will happen in Clarin College. That is most welcome. The parents need to know that is going to happen. The Minister mentioned the school principals, who work together in co-operation. They are there to produce the finest education they can. In fairness, the...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: School Accommodation (28 May 2024)

Norma Foley: I thank the Deputy. I will conclude by saying that the sharing of data has been really helpful. It has indicated that there has been a cross-duplication of applications which have been submitted to a number of schools. The Deputy has already referenced those that are coming into the area from outside. As regards the specific Athenry-Oranmore local electoral area, between 2017 and 2022...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Special Educational Needs (28 May 2024)

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Special Educational Needs (28 May 2024)

Sorca Clarke: 3. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children with special educational needs who are currently without a school place. [23804/24]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Special Educational Needs (28 May 2024)

Sorca Clarke: How many children with special educational needs are currently without a school place?

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Special Educational Needs (28 May 2024)

Hildegarde Naughton: I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. I understand that it is an anxious time for parents who are seeking a school place for their children. I reassure the Deputy that this Government is determined to do all it can to help families that are seeking a special educational placement for their child. My Department is working closely with the National Council for Special...