Oireachtas Members' Questions: Covid-19 - Answers Due: Monday, 27 April 2020
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Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19 Answers Due: Monday, 27 April 2020
Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 3
2. State Examinations Questions ................................................................... 4
2.1. Approach to State Examinations 4
2.2. Approach to State Examinations – Guidance to Teachers 6
2.3. Examination Fees 6
2.4. Impact on Admissions to Tertiary Courses 7
2.5. Junior Cycle 8
2.6. State Examinations Logistics 8
2.7. Schedule 11
3. Schools Sector Questions ........................................................................ 13
3.1. Capital Programme 13
3.2. Continuity of Learning 13
3.3. Special Educational Needs Provision 15
3.4. Wellbeing 15
3.5. Resources in Irish 17
3.6. Technology and broadband access 17
3.7. School Meals 19
3.8. School Transport 21
3.9. School Transport – Providers 21
3.10. Staff Relations 22
3.11. Re-opening of Primary Schools 23
4. Tertiary Sector Questions ......................................................................... 25
4.1. Accommodation 25
4.2. Admissions 26
4.3. Admissions – HPAT 27
4.4. Tertiary Level Fees 28
4.5. Covid Payment to Apprentices 29
4.6. Extensions to CAO/SUSI/HEAR/DARE Deadlines & SUSI Eligibility 29
4.7. Term Commencement 30
5. Vulnerable Persons/Disadvantage Questions ......................................... 31
5.1. Addressing Disadvantage 31
6. International Students Questions............................................................. 34
6.1. International students in Ireland 34
6.2. Irish Students Abroad 35
7. Transfers .................................................................................................... 37
7.1. Transfers received from other Departments 37
7.2. Transferred to other Departments 37
——
2Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19 1. Introduction The Oireachtas has put in place a new and interim process whereby Covid-19 related queries can be submitted by TDs on a weekly basis and forwarded to Departments for reply in lieu of the Parliamentary Question process which has been temporarily suspended. The Minister’s responses to queries received will be presented in a single document for circulation to all Deputies and for publication on the Department’s website subsequently. This document is the third of the weekly response documents prepared under the revised question system and relates to questions submitted by April 21st in accordance with agreed arrangements. It has been prepared within particular constraints, namely in a context of significantly increased demands, in circumstances where Departmental officials are having to work remotely without access to offices and files and against a background where the Department itself has had to redeploy staff to meet crisis-related pressures in other parts of the public service. Similar and related questions have been grouped for answer to allow this response document to be as concise as possible whilst also addressing each question received. Section 7 sets out, for information, any questions received or forwarded on transfer from or to another Minister\Department. The Department also maintains a special page on its website for updates on matters related to Covid-19: https://www.education.ie/en/The-Department/Announcements/information-for- schools-preschools-and-third-level-institutions-on-the-coronavirus.html All major announcements are also available on the Department’s website in the “What’s New” section on the Department’s homepage (when issued) and also in the Press release section of the website for older items. —— 3
Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
2. State Examinations Questions
2.1. Approach to State Examinations
No. Question TD
3.36 Can the Department explain the rationale for moving ahead with Cian
written exams instead of using predictive grades? I’ve been O'Callaghan
contacted by many students concerned that the limitations
necessarily imposed are affecting their ability to perform at their
best in the State exams. (List provided)
3.73 Can you please ask the Minister for Education to explain why Sean Fleming
they did not make arrangements for the Leaving Certificate to
(go) ahead close to the normal dates in view of the fact that
many people suggested it would have been logistically feasible
to accommodate the Leaving Certificate with some social
distancing if the students could be accommodated in a variety of
halls and rooms throughout schools or in other locations owned
by the State if needs be.
3.74 To ask the Minister for Education to outline the reasons why they Sean Fleming
decided to proceed with the Leaving Certificate this year and not
to have it cancelled as requested by some individuals.
3.138 To ask the Minster for Education and Skills has he developed a Donnchadh Ó
contingency Plan in the event that the NPHET decides that the Laoghaire
leaving cert cannot proceed in July and August and to outline
what this plan would entail?
3.145 To ask the Minister if his department has responded to any Donnchadh Ó
proposals regarding estimated grades made to his Department Laoghaire
for the leaving cert in the context of the Public Health
Emergency, to outline such a response and to give the position
of the Department on Estimated grades
3.169 To ask the Minister for Education & Skills if his department has Donnchadh Ó
responded to any proposals regarding estimated grades made to Laoghaire
his Department for the leaving cert in the context of the Public
Health Emergency, to outline such a response and to give the
position of the Department on Estimated grades
3.382 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he considered and Catherine
looked into the possibility of instituting a predicted-grades Martin
system as alternative to the Leaving Certificate exams prior to
announcing their postponement; why he decided not to
implement this option; and if he will make a statement on the
matter.
——
4Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
3.397 Will the Taoiseach form a cabinet sub-committee to start Thomas
planning the return to school of Leaving Cert students only on Pringle
5th May with all teachers necessary to ensure they can have
four weeks of classes and sit the Leaving Cert, as scheduled,
from 3rd June, all while adhering to physical distancing
recommendations? (transferred from the Department of the
Taoiseach)
2.1.1 Response
On 10th April I announced a series of changes to the 2020 State Examinations as part of
measures to respond to Covid-19. This included postponement of the written Leaving
Certificate examinations until late July or early August and the replacement of the Junior Cycle
state examinations with school-based exams to be held early in the new school year. The
dates for some Leaving Certificate practical examinations were also put back to late July/early
August, while the dates for submission of certain project work and coursework was put back
to just before the start of the rescheduled written examinations. These postponements and
rescheduling also applied to elements of the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) and Leaving
Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP).
The decision to postpone the Leaving Certificate examinations was taken as part of measures
to respond to Covid-19, on foot of updated advice from the National Public Health Emergency
Team (NPHET).
All decisions taken in relation to rescheduling exams are based on current health advice and
put the best interests of students first. The welfare of students and that of their families is front
and centre in all decision making.
The decision to replace the Junior Cycle state examinations with school-based examinations
took account of the need to prioritise the running of the Leaving Certificate examinations and
the possible need, for social distancing reasons, to make as much space available in schools
for students sitting the Leaving Certificate examinations.
The revised Leaving Certificate examination timetable will be confirmed by the State
Examinations Commission (SEC) in early June.
The final arrangements for the examinations, the examination centres, social distancing and
other measures will be determined by the SEC on foot of public health advice in June. I
consider the holding of these examinations at a later date to be the fairest way of assessing
students and giving them certification of achievement in school and a pathway to higher and
further education and training, apprenticeship or work.
It is my intention to allow at least two weeks of class time, for students to prepare with their
teachers in school, before the Leaving Certificate examinations begin.
I wish to acknowledge the positive engagement with unions, management bodies, the further
education and training and higher education sectors on all of these issues. The Department
has created an advisory group of stakeholders to assist in planning for the revised State
Examinations, taking account of public health advice.
——
5Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
The group has met on a number of occasions and is considering a wide range of issues in
relation to running the examinations. The membership includes representatives of students,
parents, teachers, school leadership and management bodies, the State Examinations
Commission, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the National Educational
Psychological Service and the Department.
2.2. Approach to State Examinations – Guidance to
Teachers
No. Question TD
3.157 To ask the Minister for education whether specific guidance will Donnchadh Ó
be offered to teachers regarding how to proceed in the teaching Laoghaire
of leaving cert students, in the context of a change landscape of
exams, papers, and timescales, and when such guidance will be
provided
2.2.1 Response
Teachers and schools have been working to ensure that students will be enabled to prepare
for July/August exams and have been using many innovative ways to support students in their
learning. The Department has been working with other stakeholders to put in place a range of
supports for schools and teachers engaged in distance learning.
A series of guidance notes to support schools in how to effectively support and engage with
their students continues to be compiled to address challenges in providing programmes of
continued learning in the current context and work is underway to provide guidance to schools
about how best to use digital and other solutions to provide ongoing learning for students at
this time.
Guidance for schools on continuity of learning issued on 2nd April and are available at:
https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Information/guidance-on-continuity-of-
schooling.pdf
The Department has created an advisory group of stakeholders, including teachers, to assist
in planning for the revised State Examinations. The group will consider a wide range of issues
in relation to running the examinations.
2.3. Examination Fees
No. Question TD
3.141 To ask the Minister for education will he now consider waiving Donnchadh Ó
the fee on the Junior and Leaving Cert Laoghaire
——
6Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
2.3.1 Response
Given that the Junior Cycle final examinations due to take place in June will be replaced by
later school-based examinations and assessments, fees for Junior Cycle examinations will not
now be charged by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). Fees already paid in respect
of those examinations will be refunded by the SEC.
In regard to the Leaving Certificate fee I will continue to keep this under review.
The closing date for payment of the fee is being extended until after the exams are complete
and the results are to be issued. The initial closing date was 30th April.
If a student or their parents/guardians have a full medical card, an exemption from paying the
exam fees can be claimed. The State Examinations Commission will extend the period for the
acceptance of valid medical cards in order to claim exemption from examination fees to the
time of issue of the examination results. This will allow parents, guardians or candidates who
may now become entitled to a medical card, as a result of unexpectedly becoming
unemployed or other change of circumstances, to provide details of the HSE approved medical
card to the SEC for the purposes of the fee alleviation scheme.
If the exam fee has been paid and students become eligible for the fee alleviation scheme,
then the SEC will refund the money paid.
2.4. Impact on Admissions to Tertiary Courses
No. Question TD
3.15 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills in light of the Marian Harkin
COVID-19 restrictions, a decision has been made to cancel all
Oral exams in the Leaving Certificate and award 100% of the
marks to all students, given that a small minority of students do
not take any languages other than English, how does the
Minister propose to equalise, in some way, the results so that
these students are not disadvantaged in accessing college
courses. Details Supplied. (I received representations from the
parent of two children with dyslexia, who because of their
condition are unable to take languages are being put at a
disadvantage when it comes to points for college)
2.4.1 Response
The Minister previously announced that the Leaving Certificate oral language examinations
would be cancelled and candidates awarded 100% for these components. This was
considered the best and fairest decision that could be taken at that time. In deciding to award
full marks for the oral component of the Leaving Certificate language subjects, it was noted
that students taking these subjects in general perform very well in the oral component.
——
7Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
Consequently, it is not anticipated that any inflation in overall marks for language subjects and
therefore in CAO awarded points will significantly impact on the points necessary for students
to secure third level places through the CAO system for the coming year.
2.5. Junior Cycle
No. Question TD
3.37 Can the department explain the rationale of cancelling the 2020 Cian
Junior Certificate instead of postponing it to next year during O'Callaghan
Transition year? (concern that students will miss out on the
valuable opportunity of experiencing this important State Exam
in advance of their future Leaving Cert sitting).
3.387 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if Junior Certificate Catherine
students will receive an official SEC certificate in recognition of Martin
their completion of education up to the Junior Certificate
standard, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
2.5.1 Response
The decision to replace the Junior Cycle state examinations with school-based examinations
took account of the need to prioritise the running of the Leaving Certificate examinations and
the possible need, for social distancing reasons, to make as much space available in schools
for students sitting the Leaving Certificate examinations.
An advisory group of stakeholders is assisting my Department in relation to contingency
planning for all elements of the state examinations for 2020, including issues concerning
Junior Cycle Assessment. These discussions on Junior Cycle will continue when the group
meets again later this week.
2.6. State Examinations Logistics
No. Question TD
3.139 To ask the Minster for Education and Skills in the context of the Donnchadh Ó
now delayed Leaving Cert; will the minister outline the Laoghaire
preparation that is taking place, for example are additional
venues being booked, additional invigilators being recruited, and
persons involved in correcting of papers being recruited.
——
8Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
3.140 To ask the Minister for Education how many students will be Donnchadh Ó
expected to attend a single exam venue in the delayed leaving Laoghaire
cert
3.142 To ask the Minister for education, whether provision will be Donnchadh Ó
made for students who are meant to be cocooning can take the Laoghaire
paper without being in the presence of other students, or what
provision will be made for them.
3.147 To ask the Minister for Education what provision will now exist in Donnchadh Ó
the context of the delayed leaving cert, for appeals of results Laoghaire
3.150B To ask the Minister for education what provision or account for Donnchadh Ó
the very adverse circumstances facing students will be taken in Laoghaire
the marking of leaving certificates this year
3.151 To ask the Minister for education how it is proposed that a Donnchadh Ó
person who is symptomatic of covid 19 or who has tested Laoghaire
positive, will now sit the leaving cert
3.152 To ask the Minister for education how it is proposed that a Donnchadh Ó
person who is bereaved or ill during the leaving cert can be Laoghaire
facilitated with a retest this year given the deferral and tighter
timeframe.
3.154 To ask the Minister for education whether any appeals process Donnchadh Ó
will exist for students in the leaving cert this year. Laoghaire
3.155 Will the Minister for education endeavour to apply social Donnchadh Ó
distancing during the leaving cert, including invigilators, scribes, Laoghaire
other exam participants and so on
3.156 To ask the Minister for education if changes to the papers are Donnchadh Ó
anticipated for the deferred leaving cert, including whether Laoghaire
shorter papers will be considered, or any other measures to take
in to account the truncated school year
3.357 Please see below correspondence from a Leaving Cert student Alan Farrell
living in my constituency. He has raised a great number of
queries. Any feedback I can pass along to him would be greatly
appreciated. (details supplied by email)
3.372 Will all schools and examination centres receive additional Richard Boyd
sanitisation to limit the spread of potential covid 19 clusters? Barrett
3.384 To ask the Minister for Education how he intends to enforce the Catherine
two week period of school for Leaving Cert students, particularly Martin
given that some students may be recovering from Covid-19 or
——
9Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
may be quarantining due to close contact with a confirmed case,
and if he would make a statement on the matter.
3.386 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how the Department Catherine
of Education intends to adequately staff exam invigilators, Martin
examiners, scribes and exam readers for the Leaving Certificate
exams given the close proximity of the exams to the start of the
2020-2021 academic year, and how he will logistically enforce
the social distancing guidelines, specifically in relation to
students who require special accommodations, and if he will
make a statement on the matter.
3.532 To ask the minister for Education and Skills if Leaving Certificate Róisín Shortall
students who have been bereaved in the run up to their
examinations or forced to self-isolate due to COVID-19 during
their examinations will be given the opportunity to sit their exams
at a later date (as was done in 2019)?
3.534 To ask the Minister how long he plans for Leaving Certificate Róisín Shortall
students to return for school for in order to prepare for their
examinations, considering concerns that the proposed two
weeks would not be sufficient?
3.535 To ask the Minister will immuno-compromised Leaving Róisín Shortall
Certificate students will be treated when sitting their exams, and
if plans are being made to employ additional invigilators to
facilitate these students sitting their exams in isolation from
others?
3.538 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the application for Róisín Shortall
invigilators of leaving certificate examinations will be opened to
non-teachers this year, in light of the fact that many university
invigilators may become available this year?
2.6.1 Response
Decisions on how the Leaving Certificate examinations will be run will be based on the advice
of the Department of Health’s public health experts. Guidance in this regard will issue to
schools and to candidates.
The SEC will be working with the school stakeholders to put in place safeguards in schools at
examinations time in order to minimise the risk of infection to candidates, superintendents and
other school staff, acting at all times on public health advice in the best interests of all involved.
It is likely that some students may be unable to attend examination centres on health grounds,
as they may be ill or in quarantine or isolation. The SEC and the Department are considering
appropriate alternative arrangements so that candidates in this situation are not
disadvantaged compared to their peers.
——
10Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
The intention is that Leaving Cert students will return to school at least two weeks before the
exams begin. This will give students two weeks class time, face to face with their teachers, to
settle back in to the school, to prepare for the exams and to help mitigate the educational loss
suffered by them over the period of missed schooling. The dates for submission of certain
project work and coursework was also put back to just before the start of the rescheduled
written examinations.
2.7. Schedule
No. Question TD
3.10 How will the pandemic affect the LCA examinations, including James Browne
the practical, oral and task examinations.
3.148 To ask the Minister for Education, upon what date the Leaving Donnchadh Ó
Cert will begin, and if this is not known when a decision will be Laoghaire
made
3.150 To ask the Minister for Education what date has now been given Donnchadh Ó
for practical and projects for the leaving cert due to the Laoghaire
postponed dates, and what access to schools will be provided
for these subjects
3.477 To ask the Minister for Education to confirm when the leaving Robert Troy
cert LCVP link modules exam will take place. I am aware it was
to go ahead on the first Wednesday in May however is it now
postponed with other exams until late July/Early August. Also
Are the fifth year LCA enterprise task and interview and the 6th
year personal reflection task postponed until the end of July/start
of August also, a statement pertaining to same would be
appreciated as students are looking for clarity
3.621 To ask the Minister for Education that given the Leaving Aindrias
Certificate practical coursework exam was on-going when Moynihan
schools closed on the 12 March and the finish date for this exam
work was 3 April, how is this time going to be made up to
complete this practical exam work and also prepare for both the
life drawing element of the exam (due to take place in school in
early May) and the art history element of the exam with
suggested class contact time with the art teacher before
the exam and if he will make a statement on the matter.
2.7.1 Response
On 10th April I announced a series of changes to the 2020 State Examinations as part of
measures to respond to Covid-19, including postponement of the Leaving Certificate written
examinations and of other practical, project and course work components of these
examinations. The decisions were taken based on advice from the National Public Health
Emergency Team (NPHET).
——
11Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19 Plans are being put in place for the postponed written Leaving Certificate examinations to be rescheduled to commence on 29th July, subject to public health advice. The deadline for submission of project work and course work across a number of subjects was put back to immediately prior to commencement of the rescheduled written examinations. A number of examination components of the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programmes (LCVP) were also rescheduled to take place in late July/early August, with an LCA Personal Reflection Task to be completed immediately prior to that period. The revised Leaving Certificate examination timetable will be confirmed by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) in early June. A number of issues relating to contingency planning for the 2020 state examinations are being examined by an advisory group of stakeholders which was set up to assist my Department. The group has met on a number of occasions and further meetings are planned. —— 12
Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
3. Schools Sector Questions
3.1. Capital Programme
No. Question TD
3.158 To ask the Minister for education whether he is aware if planning Darren O’
applications for new and temporary school buildings, including Rourke
special schools, have in any way been delayed or impacted by
the pandemic and its impact on the capacity of local authorities
3.1.1 Response
The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has provided flexibility to local
authorities to extend time periods for the operation of the planning process. Officials from my
Department have ongoing engagement with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local
Government and the Local Authorities in relation to housing, development plans and
planning applications for schools as we work through the impacts on our planning
applications as a result of Covid 19. This engagement will help to ensure that planning
applications for schools are progressed as efficiently as possible in this current period.
3.2. Continuity of Learning
No. Question TD
3.136 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline any Donnchadh Ó
metrics his Department has for the success or otherwise of Laoghaire
distance learning at post primary and primary level, his plan to
tackle this and to tackle the digital divide.
3.497 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what additional Catherine
measures he intends to introduce to ensure that the Leaving Martin
Certificate class of 2021 are not subjected to further disruption of
their coursework, particularly if there is a delay in returning to
school due to the postponement of this year’s exams, and if he
would make a statement on the matter.
3.537 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration can Róisín Shortall
be given to using a free-to-air service, such as Oireachtas TV,
as a teaching tool, to broadcast leaving certificate classes on a
daily basis, so that children who cannot access online classes,
due to lack of technology or low – income, can access classes,
as I understand that some teachers, in particular those who work
in DEIS areas, would be happy to consider volunteering as they
are anxious their students would not fall behind with their
——
13Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
Leaving Certificate studies and end up at an even worse
disadvantage?
3.2.1 Response
Whilst schools are closed until further notice it is not envisaged that classes will be scheduled
beyond the end of the normal school year with the exception of students who are preparing
for this year’s Leaving Certificate examinations as previously announced.
Since the announcement that schools would close and the extension of that closure, my
Department has made it clear that teachers and other staff in the education sector would
continue to work and to engage with their students. The Department has written to school
management and asked schools to put in place arrangements to continue the delivery of
education to students. A series of guidance notes to support schools in how to effectively
support and engage with their students continues to be compiled to address challenges in
providing programmes of continued learning in the current context.
Guidance on the continuity of schooling for primary and post-primary schools issued on
Thursday 2nd April. Further guidance issued on 22nd April with a particular focus on
supporting students with special educational needs and students at risk of educational
disadvantage. all guidance documents are available at: https://www.education.ie/en/covid-
19/#guidance
The guidance is informed by feedback from school surveys and prompted by a growing
demand in some schools who were seeking such guidance. The reaction from schools is that
this material is particularly useful as they navigate the challenges associated with the new
teaching and learning environment that has emerged through enforced closures of schools
during the public health crises.
The nature of distant learning has required schools to take on a range of approaches to
support their students. Many schools are using digital resources and remote teaching as well
as communicating with parents through email and digital apps to provide work for students.
The Department is aware that many post-primary schools are using e-platforms to enable their
teachers to provide work to students, particularly to students in examination classes, and to
enable students to complete tasks and tests for assessment.
Resources to support the transition to distant learning are being provided by the Department
support service, the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), at
https://www.pdst.ie/DistanceLearning. Scoilnet the Department’s educational portal provides
access to a wide variety of resources and information developed by various services including:
the PDST, Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT), the National Educational Psychological Service
(NEPS), the National Council for Special Education. These resources can all be accessed at
https://www.scoilnet.ie/support/. Scoilnet also provides access to extensive educational
resources including Worldbook Online, at www.scoilnet.ie
RTÉ has developed the RTÉ Home School Hub, which is an additional support for parents
and primary school pupils. Pupils are able to watch, download and engage with curriculum-
based content, project work, and fun activities to keep them entertained and learning. The
——
14Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
presenters are bilingually qualified teachers, identified and engaged by RTE, and many
aspects of the programme are delivered in both English and Irish. In addition, TG4 has
launched “Cúla4ArScoil” to support learning at home. These broadcasts are a supplement to
the ongoing learning being provided by teachers.
The Department is also engaging with IBEC on the potential for companies to donate devices
and other supports to be targeted at disadvantage students who otherwise would not have a
device.
The Department will continue to work with the education partners to provide solutions in areas
where digital and remote learning options may not be possible, and work is underway to
provide guidance to schools about how best to use digital and other solutions to provide
ongoing learning for students at this time.
3.3. Special Educational Needs Provision
No. Question TD
3.4 Will the COVID-19 pandemic affect the provision of the regular James Browne
July provision for home tuition?
3.133 To ask the minister for Education and skills to outline any Donnchadh Ó
proposed or potential changes or extension to the July Laoghaire,
Education provision for children on the Autism Spectrum, and Claire Kerrane
whether consideration might be given to addition provision being
available throughout the summer break
3.3.1 Response
We want students to continue their education as far as possible and to progress. The
Department intends to run the extended school year (ESY) scheme – also known as the July
Provision Scheme – this year if possible given the current school closures. The Department,
in conjunction with the public health authorities, will keep the situation under ongoing review.
The Department is considering contingency measures, including changes to the format of the
scheme, should it prove necessary to delay the start of the scheme. Any changes will be
communicated widely.
3.4. Wellbeing
No. Question TD
3.149 To ask the Minister for Education what supports resources and Donnchadh Ó
counselling is being made to support students at a time when Laoghaire
they are deeply concerned and under severe pressure due to
the leaving cert postponement in particular in relation to their
mental health, and if a dedicated helpline will be set up?
——
15Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
3.379 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if extra provisions Catherine
will be put in place to ensure that the mental wellbeing of Martin
Leaving Cert students will be protected given the added stress of
the extended school year and the Covid-19 crisis, and if he
would make a statement on the matter.
3.4.1 Response
NEPS, the Department’s National Educational Psychological Service, has developed advice
and resources for keeping Children and Young People well during Covid-19. These resources
aim to support children and young people’s learning and wellbeing at this time. All of these
resources are aligned with the main messages from the Government and the HSE. These
resources include:
Advice to young people while schools are closed
Plan for the Day
Relaxation Techniques (including podcast)
Guide for Parents Supporting Children with Routines
Advice for parents and schools on talking to children and young people about Covid-
19
The resources are on the Department’s website. In addition the resources have been made
available by other organisations including the HSE, Professional Development Service for
Teachers (PDST), Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) and the National Centre for Guidance in
Education (NCGE). The resources will also be made available on Scoilnet.ie. Scoilnet is the
Department of Education and Skills’ official portal for Irish education.
The three key messages to young people at this time are:
1. Stay responsible and informed
2. Stay active and connected
3. Stay positive and calm
School closure and social/physical distancing are very challenging for our young people and
there are evidence-based strategies that children/young people can use, and can be helped
to use, in order to manage themselves, and their physical and mental health. NEPS advice is
built around building daily routines that include physical activity, social activity (on-line),
enjoyable/creative activity and schoolwork. Routines provide a sense of control and of
security and safety which are essential to support wellbeing at this time. We have included
this in our guidance.
Critical Incidents
NEPS is updating resources and reviewing its approach to supporting schools that experience
critical incidents. In addition NEPS is encouraging all schools to update their own critical
incident management plans.
Access to NEPS Psychologists
NEPS psychologists continue to be available to provide advice and support to school
principals, teachers and school communities. NEPS is proactively exploring a number of
——
16Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
innovative ways to continue to provide educational psychological services to school
communities at this time.
Supports for exam year students
NEPS will be developing a series of supports (podcasts/other resources) for exam year
students to support them as they prepare for their examinations during the unprecedented
Covid-19 situation. These will include information on managing their wellbeing, and managing
stress, anxiety and coping with uncertainty.
3.5. Resources in Irish
No. Question TD
3.446 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if online resource Catherine
materials, including mental health supports will be made Martin
available in Irish for students in gaelscoileanna, and if he will
make a statement on the matter.
3.5.1 Response
The Department of Education and Skills’ NEPS psychologists have developed advice and
some resources for young people to manage and stay well when schools are closed. These
resources are available in Irish on the Department’s website at
https://www.education.ie/ga/Scoileanna-Coláistí/Seirbhísí/An-tSeirbhís-Náisiúnta-
Síceolaíochta-Oideachais-NEPS-/follaine.html
NEPS psychologists have also developed guidance for parents supporting children to create
new routines at home. This resource is available in Irish on the Department’s website at
https://www.education.ie/ga/An-Roinn/Fogra%C3%AD/treoir-do-thuismitheoiri-chun-tacu-le-
leanai.pdf
In addition, TG4 has launched “Cúla4ArScoil” to support learning at home.
3.6. Technology and broadband access
No. Question TD
3.160A To ask the Minister for Education what provisions have been but Martin Browne
in place to make allowances for students living in areas of
insufficient broadband coverage who now find themselves at a
disadvantage as a result of the lack of broadband infrastructure
——
17Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
and In light of the announcement that the leaving certificate
examinations will now be postponed to later in the summer
3.166 To ask the Minister for Education what his department is doing Martin Browne
for those Students in deprived areas and rural areas who don’t
have access to broadband and are unable to engage in online
courses and if the Minister will make a statement on the matter
3.351 To ask the Minister for Education what measures are being put Pádraig
in place for students that are studying for the Leaving Cert and O'Sullivan
have no access to laptop/computers to facilitate online/distance
learning; have no access to grinds due to limited financial
means; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
3.370 What procedures have been put in place for students with no Richard Boyd
access to a broadband/internet/laptops and are struggling within Barrett
a virtual learning environment?
3.380 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he intends to Catherine
provide sufficient internet access and extra online learning Martin
resources for Leaving Cert students; specifically disadvantaged
students who require extra support and students preparing to sit
their exams as Gaeilge, and if he would make a statement on
the matter.
3.456 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the arrangements Éamon Ó Cuív
being made to ensure a level playing pitch for those leaving
certificate students that do not have access to broadband within
2km of their homes in view of the closure of schools and the limit
on travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a
statement on the matter.
3.566 What efforts are being carried out during Covid-19 to address Jennifer
the Digital divide most evident in children who are currently Whitmore
outside of their normal school environment and whose families
may not have adequate access to hardware/software or have
limited internet data, all of which may negatively impact on
children’s ability to learn.
3.6.1 Response
Schools have been asked to be conscious of students who may not have access to online
facilities and to consider this actively in their responses. School buildings have been available
to staff who wished to access the facilities in order to provide online delivery, or essential
services, as long as this was in line with public health advice.
In addition to a €40 million fund to support technology in schools I announced a special €10
million fund to support the purchase of technology and devices for disadvantaged students on
——
18Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
guidelines. A total of €7 million additional funding will be provided in the post-primary sector
and €3 million in the primary sector. A circular to schools will be issued providing the details
governing the funding for the grant and the top-up funding.
Officials in my Department have liaised with colleagues in the DCCAE to raise the issue of
barriers to connectivity impacting access to remote learning. Minister Bruton has announced
a package of additional supports from the telecoms companies including that access to
healthcare and educational resource websites identified by the Government will be zero-rated
for all customers where technically feasible.
The Department is supporting a pilot initiative, under which Cisco and IBM are providing
support directly to schools to operate the WebEx platform. This facilitates schools, with no
alternative capability, with a collaborative platform to enable them engage with their students
and staff.
My Department is also engaging with IBEC on the potential for companies to donate devices
and other supports to be targeted at disadvantage students who otherwise would not have a
device.
The Department will continue to work with the education partners to provide solutions in areas
where digital and remote learning options may not be possible, and work is underway to
provide guidance to schools about how best to use digital and other solutions to provide
ongoing learning for students at this time.
3.7. School Meals
No. Question TD
3.131 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the supports being Donnchadh Ó
put in place to ensure that the School Completion Programme Laoghaire
and in particular the School Meals Programme is kept up amidst
the COVID-19 restrictions; if there has been clarity regarding the
capacity of an Post to deliver as a last resort, and if guidance
has been given to principals on how best and most effective to
ensure delivery of meals
3.164 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills, in view of the Sean Crowe,
COVID-19 Pandemic, can he outline how many schools in the Dessie Ellis
Dublin South West & Dublin North West Constituencies (that
have some of highest levels of poverty and deprivation in the
State) were unable to arrange deliveries of promised food
parcels through An Post; can he outline what new plans or
proposals have been circulated to schools; what new
arrangement, if any, have been put in place, following the failure
of An Post, supposedly because of volume, to deliver school
meals particularly in many urban areas
3.165 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills, in view of the Martin Kenny
COVID-19 Pandemic, can he outline how many schools across
——
19Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
the State were unable to arrange deliveries of promised food
parcels through An Post; can he outline what new plans or
proposals have been circulated to schools; what new
arrangement, if any, have been put in place, following the failure
of An Post, supposedly because of volume, to deliver particularly
in urban areas
3.167 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if the meals Dessie Ellis
provided for schools are going to continue and additionally how
these meals will reach the children concerned during this Covid-
19 crisis.
3.7.1 Response
The Government has issued schools with updated guidance to help them operate the School
Meals Programme amid the extended Covid-19 restrictions. Tusla Education Support Service
staff are liaising with Principals to ensure that children/families in need of the School Meals
Programme are identified and supported.
Schools have been asked to arrange a regular pack of provisions which can be delivered to
pupils. Schools have been provided with details of how to link into local community support
networks and An Post have agreed to facilitate delivery of non–perishable food packets.
The Government’s decision on school meals was announced on Thursday 26 March and
detailed guidelines are available on my Department’s website.
The School Meals Programme is under the remit of the Department of Employment Affairs
and Social Protection (DEASP) and it provides funding towards provision of food services for
disadvantaged school children through two schemes. In general, schools are funded to
provide school meals and the sourcing of a provider for these meals is arranged by the
schools. There are a variety of school meals providers throughout the country. There are a
small number of main suppliers who supply significant numbers of schools, and also some
smaller locally based providers.
The type and range of meals provided, as well as the method and logistics of supplying the
meals, are decided by the individual local groups and schools that operate the projects.
The current initiative is school led. Schools have been asked to identify those most in need
and to contact parents to ask if they wished to avail of the service during the school closure
period.
The Department is aware of issues which have arisen in relation to capacity at some An Post
offices where there were bulk deliveries by food suppliers for delivery via An Post. Due to
local demand it may not be possible for An Post to meet all of the demand in some areas. The
Department of Education and Skills is working with An Post to put in place a pre-booking
system. Schools have been notified of alternative options available and are encouraged to use
these where possible. Some schools have availed of support available via TUSLA Education
Support (School Completion Programme and Home School Community Liaison co-ordinators)
——
20Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
and others have availed of delivery arrangements via the local community and voluntary
networks. An Post will continue to provide assistance for schools on a complimentary basis
during the current crisis, within agreed limits, to supplement these arrangements where
needed.
3.8. School Transport
No. Question TD
3.159 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has considered Rose Conway
the possibility of off-setting school bus transport fees for Mar-Jun Walsh
2020 against fees for the 2020/2021 school year; and if he will
make a statement on the matter.
3.162 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what measures are Mairéad Farrell
being taken to alleviate financial pressures on parents who have
paid for School Transport, which is currently not being used due
to COVID 19, and if he will consider a refund or credit scheme
for the new academic year
3.574 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether it is Éamon Ó Cuív
intended to refund school transport fees paid by parents for
students attending primary and secondary schools for the period
from the 12th of March, the date on which schools closed, until
they open again or the end of summer term, whichever happens
first, as this is a major cost for parents for a service not provided;
and if he will make a statement on the matter.
3.8.1 Response
The decision taken by the Government to close schools with effect from 13th March 2020 was
taken in the interest of protecting our pupils, their families, teachers and the wider community
and is one of the many measures taken to support efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Given that the school transport service has not been available to children for the last number
of weeks, I announced last week in the Dáil that at the end of the school year, when the exact
impact in terms of numbers of weeks of school closure is known, a refund for that period of
closure will be issued to parents.
3.9. School Transport – Providers
No. Question TD
3.163 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to detail what Sean Crowe
supports have been given thus far to the providers of School
——
21Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
Transport and detail what further supports may be given during
the time the schools remain closed
3.9.1 Response
Following the initial announcement that schools would be closed from the 13th to the 29th
March to support efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19, and in light of the exceptional
circumstances, it was agreed that school transport contractors would be paid at the normal
rate for the period up to 29th March 2020.
It was decided that a payment of 50% would be afforded for the week commencing Monday
30th March until Friday 3rd April 2020. Thereafter, the normal arrangements apply for the
period of scheduled school closures associated with the Easter Holidays (6th April – 17th April
inclusive).
In light of the most recent announcement that schools will remain closed until further notice I
announced last week in the Dáil that contractors will continue to be paid at 50% while schools
are closed.
3.10. Staff Relations
No. Question TD
3.135 To ask the Minster for Education and Skills for a further update Donnchadh Ó
regarding the redeployment of SNAs; specifically, what role will Laoghaire
be provided, whether all work will be remote work, and what
options exist for SNAs with vulnerable relatives to not
participate.
3.483 To ask the Minister for Education if he will give clarity on the Jackie Cahill
deployment of SNAs during the Covid crisis.
3.10.1 Response
The Minister announced on 1st April a contingency plan for all Special Needs Assistants
(SNAs) to be available for a new temporary assignment scheme as part of the Government’s
response to Covid-19.
Since then, discussions have taken place between the Department, the HSE and Fórsa trade
union with a view to developing an appropriate way for SNAs to support their students and
families during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The HSE has now finalised the details of a new service
which SNAs will provide during the school closure period.
SNAs will be asked to provide support to those students in receipt of HSE Disability services
by way of remote working through the use of telephones, smart phones or laptops. They will
work under the guidance and direction of the child’s ‘key point of contact’ who will be a clinician
——
22Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
such as a speech and language therapist, psychologist or occupational therapist who is
familiar with the student and will explain what support each student and family might require..
The key point of contact will provide strategies for working with the child / family and will
signpost the SNA towards any resources required. Communication channels between the
school and the SNA will be facilitated where appropriate to ensure that SNAs can receive
guidance where educational issues arise during the course of the suite of supports being
provided by the HSE teams during this period.
SNAs will be matched with students, and wherever possible this will be their own allocated
student(s). If this is not possible, SNAs may then be matched to support children with whom
they are not familiar. Students and families requiring the greatest level of support will be
prioritised.
To ensure that SNAs receive appropriate support and have regular opportunities to engage
with the HSE’s multidisciplinary teams, SNAs will be able to access resources at the relevant
HSE or disability service premises and will be provided with a letter identifying them as an
essential worker to facilitate travel to these centres.
It is intended that the work of the SNAs will be underpinned by dedicated ICT supports.
Therefore, where the SNA prefers to work remotely or has an underlying health condition or
particular circumstances that impact on their ability to leave their home and has access to the
appropriate technology this can be facilitated with the agreement of the Service Manager and
key point of contact.
The HSE will provide induction for all SNAs who are asked to participate in the new service.
Where possible they will ask SNAs to attend one of their offices to do this but where SNAs are
self-isolating, have underlying health conditions or have childcare or other caring
responsibilities, the induction can be done remotely.
The HSE are providing a dedicated IT platform which will allow the HSE to match SNAs to
children / families. This platform will also allow the SNA to log their interactions with the family
and to report on same. SNAs can use their own phone, tablet or laptop to carry out this work,
and access to appropriate resources and technology will also be available at the HSE /
disability premises.
At all times during this temporary assignment scheme the HSE will continue to comply with
contemporaneous public health advice provided by the National Public Health Emergency
Team.
3.11. Re-opening of Primary Schools
No. Question TD
3.607 To ask the Minister for Education & Skills what plans his Aodhán Ó
department has to reopen primary schools in June 2020, what Ríordáin
childcare provisions may be available to teachers in the event of
creches and other childcare facilities still being closed and will
he make a statement on the matter?
——
23Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
3.11.1 Response
All schools will remain closed until further notice. My Department is engaging on a continual
basis with the school management bodies and others, and meeting regularly via conference
call to deal with any emerging issues, including the question of how, or when, schools will re-
open. This will be done within the parameters of the public health advice and what is right for
society.
We will continue to review the impact of decisions taken in other countries to re-open schools
in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade.
The Taoiseach has said that we will set out the plan before May 5th as to how we might move
beyond the current restrictions. We will not act prematurely and we cannot jeopardise the huge
effort that everyone has made in recent weeks to flatten the curve. We cannot lose sight of
our primary objective and we must also minimise the risk of any second wave of infections.
——
24Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
4. Tertiary Sector Questions
4.1. Accommodation
No. Question TD
3.132 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline what steps Donnchadh Ó
he and his department are taking to ensure that 3rd level Laoghaire
students are refunded for accommodation costs from when the
institution closed for physical student attendance
3.134 To ask Minster for Education and Skills what actions Donnchadh Ó
his Department are taking to ensure deposits and rent are Laoghaire
refunded for accommodation that students are no longer using
and has he engaged with Universities and Institutes of
Technology to resolve this issue
3.161 To ask the Minister for Education to call on landlords in both the Mairead Farrell
university and private student accommodation sector to provide
refunds to students who have left their accommodation early due
to the Covid19 restrictions
3.170 To ask the Minister for Education & Skills if his Department has Donnchadh Ó
held discussions with the Minister for Housing regarding the Laoghaire
need for assistance for students who have Vacated private
rented student accommodation, and have not succeeded in
getting the deposit back or the rent halted, and to make a
statement on the matter
3.492 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills how, in light of the James Browne
pandemic, he/she intends to assist 2020/2021 third level
students who attend colleges such as UCD and normally sign
leases for private rented accommodation in May before the
colleges resume in September; and if he will make a statement
on the matter.
3.617 To ask the Minister to clarify the responsibilities of private Joan Collins
providers of student accommodation as a result of Covid-19.
These students, where told to leave their purpose built student
accommodation on the 17th of March and to make arrangement
to travel home, they had paid the rent up to June the 6th 2020.
These students resided in Point Campus student residency on
Mayor Street upper, Dublin 1. The company Host Student
housing Ltd & Host student Management (UK) ltd. They are not
refunding, these students, the rent from the March to 6th of
June. Some students have, on the back of the students Union,
making representations received their outstanding rent.
——
25Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
4.1.1 Response
The majority of students in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) have vacated their
accommodation. A limited number of students have opted to stay due to circumstances such
as vulnerable family members in the family home, difficulties to return to their home countries,
or ongoing medical placements. The universities have confirmed that these students will be
able to remain in their accommodation. My Department is working closely with the higher and
further education and training providers to estimate and assess the financial impact of COVID
19 on the sector.
Six of the seven universities (TCD, DCU, UCD, NUIG, UCC and MU) who own student
accommodation have confirmed that students who have vacated their accommodation will
receive pro-rata refunds of their accommodation fees. UL has informed students that they can
claim back their deposit, but that their accommodation fees will not be refunded. The
Department has engaged with UL on this issue to ask that it reconsiders its approach.
A number of reports have been received of private owners of PBSA refusing to refund
accommodation fees in cases where students have vacated their accommodation. The
Minister has indicted that he would like to see private providers of student accommodation
provide pro-rata refunds.
At the moment, where private PBSA remains open for students, refund and cancellation
policies are governed by the licences or contracts signed by the students. In other cases, the
students should engage with their accommodation provider in the first instance to see if an
arrangement can be reached in regard to a refund. If this is not possible, under the Residential
Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services
of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
4.2. Admissions
No. Question TD
3.137 To ask the Minster for Education and Skills, given the Donnchadh Ó
postponement of the leaving cert is now confirmed; what are the Laoghaire
implications of this for 3rd level admissions and what is the most
up to date information available regarding the ability that will
exist for Irish students to gain access to international institutions
including the UCAS system
3.150A To ask the Minister for education if a date is available for the first Donnchadh Ó
and second round of offers under the CAO system. Laoghaire
3.373 Is it possible for third level institutions to allocate places for Richard Boyd
2020/21 based on subject aptitude tests or through another Barrett
informed method which might allow students to complete a
foundation programme prior to the commencement of there
desired area of study for people who have completed their CAO
and if he will make a statement on this matter?
——
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