Results 10,641-10,660 of 20,049 for speaker:Norma Foley

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: -----and various different initiatives we have working towards acknowledging that different situations demand different solutions, remedies or whatever and recognising there is a uniqueness within our own situation. On the State Examinations Commission specifically and reasonable accommodations, irrespective of whatever the health condition may be, at the end of every running of the...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: Is the Deputy referring to the New Brunswick model?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: As regards summer provision, I have already stated that there has been a substantial increase in schools taking up the summer provision programme. It is not enough and I would be the first to say that. I also clearly articulated that we are looking at a variety of models of best practice internationally, and even going beyond that to see what other types of resources we can put in place to...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: Absolutely.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: The Deputy referred to an assessment for SNAs. I made it clear that there is no assessment for SNAs. There is an appeals system for every aspect of the education sector. The appeals system adjudicates the needs of the school and student. It is an independent mechanism and is afforded across a variety of different aspects of education. There is very much forward planning when it comes...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I articulated the view that it is the job of the NCSE to work with parents to alleviate stress and any challenge that they might face, and to make accessing supports, classes or whatever more seamless. I was very clear in what I said.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I cannot disagree with any of the points made by the Deputy. We have made enormous strides in terms of technology over a long period but particularly in the last couple of years. We have seen the enormous benefits. If we are to follow through and build on that, we need to take the next step. The State Examinations Commission is charged with conducting examinations and has ultimate...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: To be fair, they have raised that with me previously, which I acknowledge.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: In terms of school transport, children with additional needs are entitled to the school transport system. Where the system is readily available, it is made available. Where there is a particular challenge, alternative arrangements can be put in place with regard to access to a taxi or other means to get them to school. They are entitled to that. More than €289 million has been made...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: The point that I made about the new model from the NCSE is that there are new additional supports. The professional development service for teachers, PDST, already engages with schools. In terms of supports, I have said from the very beginning, in advance of any special classes being set up, that the provision is there for two SNAs and one teacher for six students, and that is automatic. ...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: Significant supports have been provided to schools with additional hours - class hours specifically - for schools to distribute as they saw fit. The emphasis was on reintegrating children into the school system, supporting schools in what they felt would meet the needs of students. In excess of €52 million was expended in that respect. For some, it was additional to teaching hours,...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I thank Deputy Tully. On her first point about disability and autism training, I absolutely see where she is coming from. I spent long enough teaching to appreciate the importance of giving confidence, and confidence will only come when people feel they have the familiarity and training in it. Regarding the Teaching Council, inclusive education is now part of the initial teacher training...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I will start with the last question regarding school transport. The waiving of school transport fees was introduced as a cost-of-living measure. This time last year over 103,000 children in mainstream education were availing of it. Presently 124,000 tickets are available free of charge to families. That is an increase of over 20% of children availing of the school transport system. That...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: The review of the Act is ongoing. It is our expectation that it will be completed in early 2023. There is a body of work ongoing in that regard and as Deputy Canney has said, it is the appropriate time to review it with a child-centred and child access approach at its centre. The review should be completed in early to mid-2023.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I thank the Senator. On the learning needs of all pupils and meeting the pupils at the place that you find them, I could not agree more. That fits in with the point the Senator raised as regards initial teacher education and what that involves in terms of inclusive education. That specifically involves meeting the learning needs of each individual student and meeting them at the place that...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I thank the Chair. I have already outlined I am very committed to expanding summer provision to the widest of its capacity. I appreciate the Chair has a particular interest in that. There is significant interest and commitment at this committee regarding the expansion of summer provision. As I said, a body of work is under way to see how we can improve and enhance it even more for next...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters: Education and the UNCRPD: Discussion (Resumed) (20 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: For sure. I apologise to Deputy Canney. I should have referenced that myself. It is the absolute objective that the closer we can bring transport to a child's immediate home, the better. A body is work is there. We are coming from a base that did not always provide for that transport, but it is the objective. It can be seen from the way we are growing the special classes that we are...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Facilities (15 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together. In Ireland, all migrant children, including children of international protection applicants, children of migrant workers and unaccompanied minors, can access primary and post-primary education in a manner similar to Irish nationals, until they have reached the age of 18 years. It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Building Projects (15 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: The joint major building project for the schools referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme. ADAPT is an acronym which stands for the "Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering". The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Building Projects (15 Sep 2022)

Norma Foley: The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects. The NDFA is currently undertaking the process of appointment of multi-disciplinary technical advisors (design teams) for these projects. Thereafter, it will ensure that the project progresses to design stage, obtains the...