Results 14,901-14,920 of 19,632 for speaker:Norma Foley

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Funding (26 May 2021)

Norma Foley: I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has already reviewed the charge order referred to and payment has issued to the school in this respect.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Curriculum (26 May 2021)

Norma Foley: Some curriculum specifications and the various syllabuses have specific curriculum content related to this topic. In subjects or modules where it is not specifically mentioned the topic of breastfeeding may occur during class conversation and through interactions with students. For example, from a nutritional aspect the subject of breastfeeding may come up in Post Primary Home Economics...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Irish Sign Language (26 May 2021)

Norma Foley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (the NCCA) is currently reviewing and redeveloping the Primary Curriculum Framework. The NCCA have had continued engagement with member’s of the deaf community in recent years and will continue this work in the context of the review and redevelopment of the Primary School...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: State Examinations (26 May 2021)

Norma Foley: The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Third Level Education (26 May 2021)

Norma Foley: Matters relating to arrangements for doctoral training for educational psychologists and counselling psychologists is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Transport (26 May 2021)

Norma Foley: School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020. The purpose of my...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Transport (26 May 2021)

Norma Foley: School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020. The purpose of my Department's...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Cybersecurity Policy (26 May 2021)

Norma Foley: For operational and security reasons, it is not appropriate to disclose details, including any budgetary matters, of my Department’s Cyber Security arrangements, or those of State Agencies under my remit. Any disclosure of information in relation to cyber security matters could assist malicious actors in identifying potential vulnerabilities and potentially compromise my...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Cybersecurity Policy (26 May 2021)

Norma Foley: For operational and security reasons, it is not appropriate to disclose details of my Department’s Cyber Security arrangements. Any disclosure of information in relation to cyber security matters could assist malicious actors in identifying potential vulnerabilities and potentially compromise my Department’s information security posture.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (26 May 2021)

Norma Foley: The position remains the same as previously advised on 13thMay 2021. My Department is currently finalising the arrangements to pay the third and final instalment for the 2020-2021 school year with a view to issuing same to schools shortly. The Deputy can be assured that my Department will notify schools as soon as these arrangements are finalised.

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Legislative Programme (25 May 2021)

Norma Foley: The Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019 completed all stages of the Seanad in late 2019. My Department is currently awaiting an order for Second Stage in the Dáil at which time the Bill will be read a second time and continue through the legislative process in that House. I support the overall aim of this legislation which is to improve the level of engagement between the...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Staff (25 May 2021)

Norma Foley: I am keenly aware of the vital contribution of secretaries and caretakers within school communities and I recognise the very important work done by these staff, and the other support staff in the running of our schools. In recognition of their role, I have put special arrangements in place for this school year whereby schools will be funded to employ a replacement secretary or caretaker...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Covid-19 Pandemic (25 May 2021)

Norma Foley: School COVID-19 Response Plans have been revised in line with the ‘Work Safely Protocol’ which reflects the Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2021-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19, in addition to public health advice to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in the school environment. One of the key messages to manage the risks of COVID-19 in school...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Admissions (25 May 2021)

Norma Foley: I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional post-primary school places in a number of school planning areas including Midleton and Carrigtwohill. Where capacity issues arise it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors: - Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Management (25 May 2021)

Norma Foley: In accordance with section 14 of the Education Act, 1998 it is the duty of a school patron, to appoint where practicable a board of management the composition of which is agreed between patrons of schools, national associations of parents, recognised school management organisations, recognised trade unions and staff associations representing teachers and the Minister. Under the existing...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Traveller Community (25 May 2021)

Norma Foley: My Department is in the process of planning for an independent assessment of the STAR pilot project, which was established as an education action in response to the National Traveller and ROMA Strategy (2017 – 2021). This research will focus on evaluating outcomes in each of the 4 pilot areas in which the pilot has been established. The findings of the research will inform future...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: State Examinations (25 May 2021)

Norma Foley: My Department is acutely aware of the disruption caused to students as a result of school closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. From 11 January 2021, all students, including students currently in second year and who are due to sit the Junior Cycle state examinations in 2022, engaged in a programme of remote learning with their schools. All students have now returned to school. ...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: Schools Building Projects (25 May 2021)

Norma Foley: Since the introduction of TGD-021-2 and TGD 021-3 in April 2014, the Department has undertaken a significant review exercise. During this consultation period, a number of stakeholders requested guidance regarding gender neutral sanitary facilities. The Inspectorate Division of the Department of Education reviewed the proposals contained within SDG-02-06, offering experienced views and...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Staff (25 May 2021)

Norma Foley: The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. For the 2021/22 school year, an improvement of...

Written Answers — Department of Education and Skills: School Staff (25 May 2021)

Norma Foley: The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally irrespective of location. For the 2021/22 school year, an improvement of...