Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made with the development of a new primary pupils database, a further education management system and the continuing development of the existing post-primary pupils database and student databases in higher education institutions, all using the PPS number; the status of same; the main logistic and financial considerations with respect to the databases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32895/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The development of a database for learners at all levels of education remains an important goal for my Department. It has not been possible to progress the development of the Learner Databases for students at Primary or Further Education levels at this time due to funding and staffing constraints. However, in recent years there have been a number of improvements to the Post-Primary Pupil Database (PPPDB). In 2008/09 all post-primary schools were enabled to submit information on student enrolments known as the October Returns, using the secure electronic network, esinet, which links schools with the Department. The esinet facility supports the On Line Claim System (OLCS) and allows each Primary, Voluntary Secondary, Community and Comprehensive school to record absences and submit claims online to the Department for the payment of substitute teachers and Special Needs Assistants. It also enables schools, including VEC schools, to submit their October Returns in an electronic format online.

The Higher Education Authority holds a Student Record System which applies to all students in aided colleges of higher education. The data held on this database enables analysis of detailed trends and population characteristics of the third level student population.

My Department is committed to the full application of the PPSN as a universal and unique pupil/student identifier subject to appropriate data protection procedures. Currently, the PPSN is used for almost all post-primary pupils. In the case of the Higher Education Authority's Student Record System, over 90% of new entrants to most publicly-funded third level institutions present with a PPSN at the point of registration.