Oireachtas Members' Questions: Covid-19 - Answers Due: Tuesday, 5 May 2020 - Department of ...
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Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19 Answers Due: Tuesday, 5 May 2020
Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
Contents
1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 3
2. State Examinations Questions ................................................................... 4
2.1. Approach to State Examinations 4
2.2. State Examinations Logistics 5
2.3. Examination Fees 10
2.4. Impact on Admissions to Tertiary Courses 12
2.5. Junior Cycle 12
3. Schools Sector Questions ........................................................................ 14
3.1. Capital Programme 14
3.2. Continuity of Learning 15
3.3. Special Educational Needs Provision 17
3.4. Technology and broadband access 19
3.5. School Transport – Tickets, Providers & Special Education provision 20
3.6. Staff Relations – SNA Redeployment 22
3.7. Staff Relations – School Secretaries 24
3.8. Staff Relations – Recruitment 24
3.9. Wellbeing 25
3.10. Re-opening of Schools 26
3.11. School Meals 28
3.12. School Tours 29
3.13. Repeating years at primary level 29
3.14. Sixth Class Students 30
4. Tertiary Sector Questions ......................................................................... 32
4.1. Accommodation 32
4.2. Tertiary Level Assessment 34
4.3. Tertiary Admissions and Funding 35
4.4. Student Supports 37
4.5. Extensions to HEAR/DARE deadlines 38
5. Vulnerable Persons/Disadvantage ........................................................... 39
5.1. Educational Disadvantage 39
6. International Study & Students Issues .................................................... 41
6.1. Irish Students Abroad 41
6.2. English Language Students 42
7. Transfers .................................................................................................... 44
7.1. Transferred to other Departments 44
——
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 fourth of the weekly response documents prepared under the revised question system. 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
4.214 To ask the Minster for Education and Skills to provide the Mary Lou Mc
National Public Health Emergency Team advice which guided Donald
the Government’s announcement that it could potentially start
the Leaving Certificate examinations on July 29th.
4.442 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he is satisfied that Thomas Byrne
the delayed Leaving Certificate will maintain the standards of
openness, fairness and integrity of the exams process and the
public health and educational evidence on which he has based
this position.
4.546 To ask the Minister for Education if predicted grades been Stephen
entirely ruled out in determination of final Leaving Certificate Donnelly
marks?
4.595 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether he still Éamon Ó Cuív
intends going ahead with the leaving certificate at the end of July
early August as a result of Covid-19; whether arrangements
have been finalised with teachers about returning to school for
the period leading up to the exams; whether his department
have examined the possibility of using predictive grades based
on a students school record to date or a mix of predictive grades
and leaving certificate results as a fairer system; whether he is
aware that a lot of pupils are anxious and feeling under pressure
as a result of the lack of school attendance since the 13th of
March and the deferment of the leaving certificate starting dates;
and if he will make a statement on the matter.
4.618 Will the Minister please reconsider his position re practicals, Norma Foley
course work and projects. If students of Irish, foreign languages
and music are to be awarded 100% for the oral/practical element
of their courses the same amnesty should be extended to other
subjects with a similar element.
4.885 To ask the Minister for Education will he now agree to cancel the Richard Boyd
Leaving Cert and instead establish an alternative certification Barrett
arrangement to remove the stress and uncertainty from leaving
cert students and to allow them to proceed with their future lives
in the autumn and to make a statement on the matter.
——
4Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
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 a decision to postpone the written Leaving
Certificate examinations until later in the summer and a commitment to confirm by early June
that, subject to health advice then available, the examinations would be held in late July or
early August. The announcement of 10 April also included that the Junior Cycle state
examinations would be replaced 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 were
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 that will be taken in relation to rescheduling the Leaving Certificate examinations
will be based on current health advice and will put the best interests of students first. The
welfare of students and that of their families is front and centre in all decision making.
As part of planning for the State examinations, I have also established an advisory group of
stakeholders, including representatives of students, parents, teachers, the management and
leadership of schools, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the State
Examinations Commission, and officials of my Department, including the National Educational
Psychological Service. A representative of the Higher Education Authority is also attending all
meetings of the Advisory Group. This group is providing important advice to me that assists
me and the State Examinations Commission in decision-making about the examinations. I
wish to acknowledge the positive engagement with unions, management bodies, the further
education and training and higher education sectors on all of the issues involved.
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 Advisory Group reviewed the
options for the Junior Cycle and on Wednesday 29th April I met with the members of the
Advisory Group following their review of the Junior Cycle to discuss their recommendations.
Last week, I announced revised arrangements in relation to this year’s Junior Cycle. Under
these arrangements students will receive a State Certificate from the Department of Education
and Skills in autumn 2020, certifying that they have completed lower secondary education and
listing the subjects, short courses and/or priority learning units studied by the student as
appropriate.
Students will also receive a written report from their school on their learning achievements in
each subject, short course and/or priority learning unit as appropriate, as soon as possible
after the end of the current school year.
Intensive work has been underway at the State Examinations Commission and within my
Department to plan for the delivery of the Leaving Certificate examinations in July/August 2020
and the advisory group has also been considering these issues at twice-weekly meetings.
——
5Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
The final arrangements for the Leaving Certificate examinations, including the examination
timetable, arrangements at the examination centres, social distancing and other measures,
and arrangements for course work and practical examinations, will be determined by the SEC
on foot of public health advice prior to the end of the first week in June. The SEC also has the
responsibility to ensure that the high standards of the validity and reliability of the examinations
are maintained.
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. My Department, in
conjunction with representatives of school management and other stakeholders, is examining
the various logistical requirements involved in allowing this return to school by Leaving
Certificate students, to take place safely.
My Department is also looking at options in relation to contingency arrangements and these
will be considered by the advisory group. It is not appropriate to rule any option out given the
uncertainty around the pandemic and the associated health advice.
I am also acutely aware of the stress experienced by students as a result of the Covid-19
pandemic and in particular the stresses that have arisen for students preparing for the state
examinations. The National Educational Psychological Service has collaborated with the HSE,
following intensive engagement with the Irish Secondary Students’ Union (ISSU) to put in
place a comprehensive range of supports for students, details of which are available on the
gov.ie website.
2.2. State Examinations Logistics
No. Question TD
4.022 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to give a detailed Aodhán Ó
timetable as to when the Leaving Certificate examinations are to Ríordáin
begin, when they are due to be completed, what time period is
being allocated for their correction and for any potential
appeals and will he make a statement on the matter?
4.216 To ask the Minister for Education what supports are currently or Sorca Clarke
are being put in place to support Leaving Cert students with
additional learning support needs such as dyslexia and
dyscalculia.
4.327 To ask the Minister for Education the plans for students from Paul Murphy
outside of Ireland who attend boarding schools in Ireland. How
will they be able to complete the Leaving Certificate if they are
unable to return to Ireland?
4.331 What measures at exam time will be put in place for Leaving Cian
Cert students who live with family members who are at a high O'Callaghan
risk if they are infected with Covid 19?
4.350 To ask the Minister for Education to provide the secondary Frank Feighan
principals of my Constituency with some clarity in relation to how
the Leaving Cert exams might take place later this year with
——
6Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
regards to what will physically be needed to be in place and
when does he expect to be able to provide them with a draft plan
on how this will work in reality?
4.411 To ask the Minister for Education to outline what Cathal Crowe
contingency plans his department have in place to cater for
Leaving Cert students, who on medical advice have been
'cocooning', to sit their examinations later on this year.
4.412 To ask the Minister for Education if the school transport service Aindrias
will operate during the period timetabled for Leaving Certificate Moynihan
examinations.
4.436 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will make James Browne
provisions for people registered to re-sit leaving cert Irish exams
this year but are living abroad at the moment and may not be
able to secure flights owing to the pandemic.
4.459 Please see below correspondence I have received from a Jack
constituent seeking clarification on the supports and assistance Chambers
that will be available in this summer’s Leaving Certificate exams
to students with disabilities and if the supports available in
previous years will be available this year. Please examine the
correspondence and queries outlined below and provide
responses to the queries. (Details supplied)
4.485 To ask the minister when results of the Leaving Cert will be Pa Daly
available as some students who intend to take up a place in a
university abroad need to have their results before 1st
September.
4.459 Please see below correspondence I have received from a Jack
constituent seeking clarification on the supports and assistance Chambers
that will be available in this summer’s Leaving Certificate exams
to students with disabilities and if the supports available in
previous years will be available this year. Please examine the
correspondence and queries outlined below and provide
responses to the queries. (Details supplied)
4.543 To ask the Minister for Education how social distancing will be Stephen
implemented in schools during exams and teaching time. Donnelly
4.544 To ask the Minister for Education What is the plan for the 2 Stephen
weeks of teaching in July? Donnelly
4.545 To ask the Minister for Education What happens if there is a Stephen
case of corona virus either in the 2 weeks teaching before the Donnelly
exams or during the exams themselves?
——
7Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
4.546 To ask the Minister for Education how students with special Stephen
educational needs will be supported in completing their Leaving Donnelly
Cert exams under current restrictions.
4.602 Chun a iarraidh den Aire Oideachais agus Scileanna cén socrú Éamon Ó Cuív
atá i gceist a dhéanamh maidir leis an Ard-teist a reachtáil ar na
scoileanna ar na hoileáin amach ón gcósta de bharr géarchéim
Covid-19, cén socrú a dhéanfar freisin do na scoláirí ó áiteanna
éagsúla ar fud na tíre a bhíonn ag freastal ar na scoileanna seo
ar scoláireachtaí; cén áit a dhéanfaidh siadsan an scrúdú
ardteiste mar nach bhfuil cead ag daoine ó taobh amuigh de na
hoileáin dul chuig na hoileáin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina
thaobh.
4.621 Will the Minister please advise how the two hour rule 're Covid Norma Foley
19 Stay Safe measures will be implemented for the duration of
Leaving Cert examinations. Many exam papers require far in
excess of two/ three hours. Are exam papers to be cut short?
When will such information be available?
4.622 To ask the Minister what provision is being made for students Norma Foley
who were not in a position to complete study of Leaving Cert
courses due to inability to participate in remote learning
initiatives. Will this issue be recognised and compensated for in
the awarding of results? How exactly could this be done in a fair
manner for all students? Please advise.
4.623 Will the Minister advise when he anticipates information will be Norma Foley
available to schools so that plans can be put in place 're the
organisation of state exams and timetabling for the new school
year. Are principals being included in discussions re the logistics
of same?
4.625 Will the Minister confirm what exactly are the plans for the two Norma Foley
week return to school prior to the commencement of Leaving
Cert. How exactly will social distancing be managed in a class of
25 students with one subject teacher? Have principals been
notified of how school will operate so that plans can be put in
place?
4.634 To ask the Minister to confirm what measures are in place re Norma Foley
exam papers. The reality is such that from printing to delivery to
distribution to students there are myriad hands handling the
papers. How safe is this with regard to Covid 19 stay safe
measures? What measures can be put in place to
guarantee absence of risk to all involved?
4.637 Will students and supervisors be required to wear ppe for the Norma Foley
duration of the Leaving Cert exams? Has the Dept made
——
8Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
provision for the sourcing and delivery of such equipment to
schools in advance of commencement of exams?
4.641 Will the Minister confirm how exactly the recruitment of exam Norma Foley
supervisors will be managed? Will it be a centralised process or
a local process? How are the following to be managed in the
midst of a pandemic...advertising/ interviewing/
appointments/training/ Garda vetting etc? Please advise.
4.770 To ask the Minister for Education if he can provide further Donnchadh Ó
updates on specific arrangements which were described in Laoghaire
answers received on the 27th April, regarding students who
would not be in a position to attend an exam in the ordinary
manner, because they have a vulnerable medical situation or are
cocooning, and what arrangements that might involve
4.772 To ask the Minister for Education for an update regarding the Donnchadh Ó
LCA and LCVP programme, and whether oral examinations and Laoghaire
practical examinations will take place
4.773 To ask the Minister for Education for an outline of how he Donnchadh Ó
believes that project component of examinations such as the Laoghaire
Construction Studies can be completed in a safe and socially
distant way, including cleaning of equipment
4.880 To ask the Minister for Education when it is proposed to finalise Brendan Smith
all arrangements for the Leaving Certificate 2020 Examinations
and if he will make a statement on the matter.
2.2.1. Response
Beidh na cinntí maidir le reáchtáil na scrúduithe Ardteistiméireachta bunaithe ar an
gcomhairle ó shaineolaithe sláinte na Roinne Sláinte. Eiseofar Treoir chuig scoileanna agus
na hiarratasóirí maidir leis seo.
Agus iad ag gníomhú ar chomhairle sláinte poiblí ar mhaithe le gach éinne atá bainteach
leis, beidh Coimisiún na Scrúduithe Stáit (CSS) ag obair leis na páirtithe leasmhara chun
bearta cosanta a chur in áit ag am na scrúduithe chun riosca ionfhabhtuithe na n-iarratasóirí,
na bhfeitheoirí agus foirne eile scoile a íodlaghdú.
Tá sé i gceist go bhfillfidh na scoláirí Ardteistiméireachta ar scoil dhá sheachtain ar a laghad
sula dtosnóidh na scrúduithe. Tabharfaidh sé sin coicís do na scoláirí socrú ar ais ar scoil, ar
aghaidh a chéile sna ranganna lena múinteoirí, ionas gur féidir leo ullmhúchán a dhéanamh
do na scrúduithe, agus an caillteanas oideachasúil a d’fhulaing na scoláirí le linn na tréimhe
inar chaill siad amach ar an scolaíocht, a mhaolú.
Tá imscrúdú á dhéanamh anois ar shaincheisteanna éagsúla a bhaineann leis an bplean
teagmhais do na scrúduithe stáit 2020, ag an ngrúpa comhairliúcháin de pháirithe leasmhara
——
9Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19 a bunaíodh chun cabhrú le mo Roinn-se. Tá an grúpa tar éis bualadh lena chéile arís agus arís eile agus tá cruinnithe breise pleanáilte. Decisions regarding how the rescheduled Leaving Certificate examinations will be run will be based on current health advice and will put the best interests of students first. Intensive work has been underway at the State Examinations Commission and within my Department to plan for the delivery of the Leaving Certificate examinations in July/August 2020. As part of planning for the State examinations, I have also established an advisory group of stakeholders, including representatives of students, parents, teachers, the management and leadership of schools, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the State Examinations Commission, and officials of my Department, including the National Educational Psychological Service. A representative of the Higher Education Authority is also attending all meetings of the Advisory Group. This group is providing important advice to me that assists me and the State Examinations Commission in decision-making about the examinations. I wish to acknowledge the positive engagement with unions, management bodies, the further education and training and higher education sectors on all of the issues involved. I met with this group last week to discuss their recommendations regarding the Junior Cycle and look forward to meeting them shortly regarding their discussions on the arrangements for the Leaving Cert. State Examinations Commission has also engaged with the management authorities of schools to examine the many practical and logistical challenges that would arise in the running of the examinations. The final arrangements for the Leaving Certificate examinations, including the examination timetable, arrangements at the examination centres, social distancing and other measures, and arrangements for course work and practical examinations, will be determined by the SEC on foot of public health advice prior to the end of the first week in June. Guidance in this regard will be issued to schools and to candidates. Students with special educational needs can have special arrangements made for them while sitting the examinations, through the scheme of reasonable accommodation operated by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). This can include the provision to undertake the examination in a special examination centre. 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, or because they have had to return abroad to their family homes. The SEC and the Department are considering appropriate alternative arrangements or contingencies so that candidates in this situation are not disadvantaged compared to their peers. 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 were also put back to just before the start of the rescheduled written examinations. My Department, in conjunction with representatives of school —— 10
Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
management and other stakeholders, is examining the various logistical requirements around
the return to school by Leaving Certificate students.
The revised Leaving Certificate examination timetable will be confirmed by the State
Examinations Commission (SEC) in early June. I recently announced that these examinations
would commence on 29th July. I acknowledge that running the examinations will be very
challenging for all involved and my Department is also looking at options in relation to
contingency arrangements. These will also be considered by the advisory group. It is not
appropriate to rule any option out given the uncertainty around the pandemic and the
associated health advice.
2.3. Examination Fees
No. Question TD
4.023 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what consideration Aodhán Ó
has been given to waive the examination fee for this year's Ríordáin
Leaving Certificate examinations and his views regarding a
waiver?
4.417 To ask the Minister for Education if he will advise why the repeat Peter Burke
leaving certificate exam fees are €301 as opposed to standard
leaving certificate fees of €116.
4.432 To ask the Minister for Education if the deferred payment of Cathal Crowe
Leaving Cert examination fees announced by his department will
also apply to cases where students are repeating the Leaving
Certificate.
4.433 To ask the Minister for Education if there will be any reduction in Cathal Crowe
the fees charged to repeat Leaving Certificate students?
4.532 Will the Minister waive the fee for this year’s Leaving Certificate Stephen
exam? Donnelly
2.3.1. Response
Given that the Junior Cycle final examinations due to take place in June will not take place,
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 Leaving Certificate 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
——
11Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
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
4.121 To ask the Minister for Education when cancelling the practical Catherine
exams for languages, resulting in some students having Murphy
elevated grades, he considered the impact on those with a
language exemption, some on the grounds of disability, would
be adversely affected with respect to CAO points when no
similar exemption applies to other practical subjects which are
normally completed under classroom supervision which is now
not possible; how he intends to deal with this and will he make a
statement on the matter.
4.781 To ask the Minister for Education with the decision to cancel oral Donnchadh Ó
and practical exams at Leaving Cert and to give all students full Laoghaire
marks, how will this impact those reapplying to the CAO on
previous years' points which may be significantly lower than
those sitting their exams this year.
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.
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
4.617 Will the Minister make a clear statement re the Junior Certificate. Norma Foley
In the interest of student wellbeing can he confirm that students
will complete their Junior Cert cycle on the 29th May 2020 and
——
12Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
further confirm each student will be awarded a state certificate
of completion without grades following completion.
4.771 To ask the Minister for Education whether he is concerned that a Donnchadh Ó
cohort of students may now leave school without an official state Laoghaire
certified examination qualification due to the change in format of
the Junior Certificate, that some schools are opting out, and that
it is in any event not a state certified examination any longer
2.5.1. Response
I announced revised arrangements for this year’s Junior Cycle on 29 April that the Junior Cycle
State Examinations will not run this year.
The Advisory Group reviewed the options for the Junior Cycle and on Wednesday 29th April I
met with the members of the Advisory Group following their review of the Junior Cycle to
discuss their recommendations.
Under the revised arrangements and in light of the exceptional circumstances presented by
the COVID-19 pandemic, the work and achievement of third year Junior Cycle students will
be recognised with a state certificate of completion from my Department, to be issued in the
autumn. As soon as possible after the end of the current school year, students will also receive
a written school report on their learning achievements in each subject, short course and/or
priority learning unit, as appropriate.
The Certificate of Completion from the Department will confirm the student’s completion of the
Junior Cycle programme of study, including the list of subjects, short courses and/or priority
learning units studied and the level at which the subject was studied.
Schools are being given autonomy to decide whether to run school-based assessments and
what form they take. Options to consider include school-designed examinations, tasks,
projects, assignments, essay style questions, presentations, or other tasks agreed at a local
level. Guidance for schools on reporting to students and parents, developed with the advice
of the advisory group of stakeholders, will be published by the Department. Further advice in
relation to assessment options for schools will be issued by the Department.
The State Examinations Commission is also being asked to put in place specific arrangements
for adult learners to give them an opportunity to take final Junior Cycle examinations for which
they are entered in autumn 2020. The specific dates of the examinations in autumn 2020 will
be determined as soon as possible. These examinations will only be available to students who
meet the specific qualifying criteria.
——
13Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
3. Schools Sector Questions
3.1. Capital Programme
No. Question TD
4.220 To ask the Minister for Education when will school building Pat Buckley
projects start again and in particular when will the long delayed
school extension at St Colman’s Community College, Midleton
be completed?
4.221 To ask the Minister for Education when will the newly proposed Pat Buckley
schools in Carrigtohill, East Cork be completed and how long will
it be delayed for because of Covid-19.
4.351 To ask the Minister for Education if large scale capital Frank Feighan
infrastructure projects such as the new building extension at
Summerhill College in Sligo and other classroom infrastructure
projects in my Constituency such as the ASD unit at Abbey
Community College in Boyle, which were announced by the
Department last year will still be able to commence construction
next year and if the funding will be in place to ensure these types
of projects nationwide will be able to develop despite the
financial realities for the State due to COVID19?
4.542 To ask the Minister if building works on new schools and school Stephen
extensions is being considered as being deemed essential Donnelly
works?
3.1.1. Response
In line with National Public Health announcements by Government, all construction sites in
relation to the Education Sector are now temporarily closed. The impacts around the closure
of these sites are currently being assessed.
A sustainable and flexible construction sector is crucial to the delivery of Project Ireland 2040
and the continued contribution of public investment to our economic well-being. The Office of
Government Procurement has published central guidance for managing the impact of Covid-
19 on construction projects and construction procurement arrangements. This guidance
provides a framework for dealing with the impact across the public sector including in respect
of the school building programme. Individual schools and Design Teams are being informed
accordingly and my Department is providing additional support through its responses to
queries etc.
While construction sites are currently closed, the pipeline of projects in design continues to be
progressed albeit in an online and remote working environment. The progression of this
pipeline will help smooth the impact of Covid-19 on the overall rollout of Project Ireland 2040
within the education sector.
——
14Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
My Department is also engaging with School Patrons and relevant schools in relation to
necessary school accommodation provision for the 2020/21 school year in light of any impact
of COVID-19 on project delivery timescales and develop and implement contingency
arrangements as required.
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. This engagement helps to ensure that planning applications for
schools are progressed as quickly as possible during this time.
My Department will continue to follow public health guidelines in relation to the remobilising of
the construction sector and what are deemed essential projects.
3.2. Continuity of Learning
No. Question TD
4.104 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills what assistance is Catherine
being provided to schools which have an additional burden of Connolly
posting out educational materials in circumstances where
students have difficulty accessing the internet; if he has met with
An Post to discuss facilitating such an arrangement; and if he
will make a statement on the matter.
4.217 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he recognises the Mairéad Farrell
extra financial burden incurred due to the requirement for
primary and secondary school teachers to send physical packs
and class work to pupils via An Post in cases where households
have limited or no access to broadband or are having difficulty
using the digital resources with children; if he will consider
provision of a Freepost allocation for teachers effective until
June 2020 so that there is no financial consideration attached to
the provision of appropriate educational materials; and if he will
make a statement on the matter.
4.330 To ask the Minister for Education to provide an update on what Jack
his department is doing to update the circular on primary and Chambers
secondary education to schools/teachers as the Covid 19
pandemic continues and schools remain closed?
4.445 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the process by Thomas Byrne
which the Department of Education is monitoring students who
do not engage with distance learning in the period for which
schools are closed.
4.563 To ask the Minister for Education and skills what measures will Roderic
be put in place to allow for additional educational supports for O’Gorman
——
15Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
students undertaking the Leaving Certificate in advance of 29th
July and will he make a statement on the matter?
4.564 To ask the Minister for Education and skills if direction has been Roderic
given to secondary schools around the country regarding the O’Gorman
level of educational support to be provided to 6th Year students
studying for the Leaving Certificate and has the Department
been specific regarding the type of education support (online,
provision and correction of written work, provision of notes, etc)
and will the Minister make a statement on the matter?
4.763 To ask the Minister for Education to explain what translation Aengus Ó
services for pupils who do not come from English speaking Snodaigh
homes during the Covid-19 crisis and especially those due to
undertake state examinations this summer
4.766 To ask the Minister for Education whether consideration is being Donnchadh Ó
given that those currently in fifth year will have next years work, Laoghaire
including the Leaving Cert, revised to reflect the difficulties they
have faced this year
3.2.1. Response
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 documents set out strategies for schools to use in engaging with pupils and
ensuring that there is continuity of learning for all learners. The role of Tusla Education Support
Services (TESS) is highlighted.
The guidance is informed by feedback from school surveys and prompted by a growing
demand in some schools 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.
——
16Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
The nature of distant learning has required schools to take on a range of approaches to
support their students. Schools and teachers have demonstrate great innovation in adapting
to the new situation. 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 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
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 for pupils of Gaeltacht schools and
Gaelscoileanna. These broadcasts are a supplement to the ongoing learning being provided
by teachers.
As part of the implementation of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 Enhancing
Teaching Learning and Assessment, funding of €210m for ICT Infrastructure will be distributed
to schools over the five years of the Strategy. €110m has issued over the lifetime of the
strategy to date. €50m is issuing now in the form of a grant payment to all eligible schools.
In the context of the current public health crisis the funding can be focussed on assisting
schools to address ICT needs to support the provision of remote learning. This can include
the purchase of ICT devices that can be shared with students who do not have access to
devices, essential learning platforms and other ICT infrastructure to support the provision of
remote learning.
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.
3.3. Special Educational Needs Provision
No. Question TD
4.073 To ask the minister for Education given that In a normal Richard Boyd
academic year, July Provision is there to facilitate extra supports Barrett
to children with additional needs, including children with
ASD, intellectual and learning disabilities. What arrangements
has the Minister/Dept made in order to ensure these additional
and much needed supports are provided this year and what time
frame does the dept envisage the Provision being made? Will
——
17Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
July Provision be provided at a later time in the year? And, if not,
will children with additional needs who normally partake in July
Provision be given supports in a different mechanism/format to
ensure these children are not further disadvantaged by the
Covid 19 Pandemic?
4.114 To ask the Minister for Education & Skills the position in relation Michael
to July Provision for children with additional needs this year in McGrath
the context of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a
statement on the matter.
4.318 To ask the Minister for Education if July Provision is going ahead Peter Burke
this year, how a family can apply for July Provision if their son
has just been diagnosed with autism and is aged 3, and if he will
make a statement on the matter.
4.320 To ask the Minister for Education what services his department Peter Burke
and schools offers to those who have been diagnosed with
autism, if these services have been suspended during the
COVOD-109 crisis and if he will make a statement on the matter.
4.326 To ask the Minister for Education is “July provision” going ahead Paul Murphy
this summer given the coronavirus?
4.346 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether a case by Éamon Ó Cuív
case review will take place in relation to the decision to close all
schools because of the Covid-19 in relation to special schools
with very small numbers that cater for children with serious or
profound disabilities and where the lack of such schools is
putting severe strain on families due to the continuous and
intensive 24/7 support and services needed by these children;
whether special consideration will be given to allowing these
schools open partially or fully with strict health and safety
protocols because of these circumstances; and if he will make a
statement on the matter.
4.319 To ask the Minister for Education what ASD/ Early Intervention Peter Burke
preschools are available in the Mullingar area, if his department
are changing open days and admissions policies due to COVID-
19 and if he will make a statement on the matter.
4.646 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify the position Catherine
in relation to the July Provision Programme given the importance Connolly
of the programme; whether consideration has been given to
extending the closing date for applications; and if he will make a
statement on the matter.
——
18Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
3.3.1. Response
The timeline and arrangements for re-opening schools is being guided by the public health
advice applicable at a given time. An Taoiseach announced on Friday last, as part of the
roadmap to lifting current restrictions, that there would be a number of phases with the re-
opening of schools to be in the later phases in time for the new academic year. The
Department will engage with relevant stakeholders to assist with the development of
contingency plans for the operation of schools in an environment that may require social
distancing, hand washing arrangements etc. This work will be informed by guidance and
experience from other jurisdictions.
While it had been the Department’s intention to run the extended school year (ESY) scheme
– also known as the July Provision Scheme – this year if possible given the current school
closures and public health restrictions, and the Department is now reviewing this.
The Department is considering contingency measures, including changes to the format of the
scheme. Any changes will be communicated widely.
The decision to close schools was taken on foot of public health advice and no distinction was
made between different types of schools. The decision to reopen schools, including special
schools, will be done within the parameters of the public health advice.
3.4. Technology and broadband access
No. Question TD
4.153 Will the Department of Education follow best practice in other Cian
countries including the UK and provide laptops for O'Callaghan
disadvantaged students that need them; and especially for those
studying for the Leaving Cert?
4.215 To ask the Minister of Education what the qualifying criteria will Sorca Clarke
be put in place for schools to avail of the proposed multi-million-
euro ICT package in relation to DEIS schools, division between
primary and secondary schools, home schooled students, adult
learners, the prioritisation of same, if access to high quality
internet or broadband in the home will be covered by same and
who will be responsible for the purchasing of equipment, the
insurance of equipment and the setting of minimum and
maximum specification of equipment.
4.444 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills, in light of a recent Thomas Byrne
survey which indicated that one in five pupils do not have access
to quality broadband, the actions being taken by the Department
to monitor access to broadband and ICT equipment, the actions
taken to provide additional hotspots, dongles and other items
where appropriate to pupils, the actions taken to support schools
providing learning resources to students without access to the
internet where other options are not available and if he will make
a statement on the matter.
——
19Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
No. Question TD
4.762 To ask the Minister for Education to provide clarify how schools Aengus Ó
should provide support to families with limited or no access to Snodaigh
technology during the Covid-19 crisis and if he has considered
allocating further additional funding in addition to his recent
announcement? E.G Under the GRANT SCHEME FOR ICT
Infrastructure – 2019/2020 A DEIS 1 Primary school with 250-
499 pupils will receive €1500
4.768 To ask the Minister for Education if he is seeking further funding Donnchadh Ó
to tackle the digital divide that has opened between students, Laoghaire
given the fact that it currently will only stretch to a limited number
of computers per school
3.4.1. 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.
As part of the implementation of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015-2020 Enhancing
Teaching Learning and Assessment, funding of €210m for ICT Infrastructure will be distributed
to schools over the five years of the Strategy. €110m has issued over the lifetime of the
strategy to date. €50m is issuing now in the form of a grant payment to all eligible schools.
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
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 has issued providing the details
governing the funding for the grant and the top-up funding.
Officials in my Department continue to liaise 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.
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 will continue to provide
guidance to schools about how best to use digital and other solutions to provide ongoing
learning for students at this time.
——
20Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
3.5. School Transport – Tickets, Providers & Special
Education provision
No. Question TD
4.029 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if families will Catherine
receive a refund in respect of fees paid for school transport for Connolly
the period of the closure of the schools, or if such monies will be
reallocated to the cost of next years' fees; and if he will make a
statement on the matter.
4.030 To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify the position Catherine
in relation to the payment of funds to school transport providers Connolly
since the closure of the schools; and if he will make a statement
on the matter
4.549 Will the Minister for Education, in conjunction with Bus Éireann, Cathal Crowe
partially refund primary and secondary school students who paid
or school bus services for the duration of the 2019 / 2020
academic year or will a system be put in place to ensure that
these service users are credited with several months of free
school bus travel in lieu in the 2020 / 2021 academic year?
4.639 To ask the Minister for Education if school transport application Seán Sherlock
deadlines have been amended for those families with children in
ASD units in view of the fact his Department did not amend the
deadline for school transport applications. Children with ASD
units typically require two signatures as part of their application,
usually from a SENO or principal, and naturally this is difficult to
obtain with the travel restrictions and physical distancing. Hence
the question if families of those in ASD units are being given
leeway by the Department or Bus Éireann so that they are not
penalised for transport for all of the next school year.
4.765 To ask the Minister for Education & Skills if he will ensure that all Matt Carthy
relevant families will be refunded school bus fees in respect of
the period of school closures due to Covid-19; and if he will
make a statement on the matter
3.5.1. 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.
School transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the
Department. In the current school year there are over 120,000 children availing of school
transport, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, at a cost of over €219
million in 2019. The purpose of the School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available
——
21Oireachtas Members’ Questions: Covid-19
resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their
nearest school.
Given that the school transport service has not been available to children for the last number
of weeks, I decided 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.
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 applied 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
decided that contractors will continue to be paid at 50% while schools are closed in the current
school year as a result of the public health restrictions.
While the closing date for applying for school transport for the upcoming school year was
Friday 24th April, applications for SEN transport are received and accepted on a year-round
basis. In addition, and in order to ensure continuity during this period of restrictions for the
benefit of children who require SEN Transport, my Department and the National Council for
Special Education have agreed a temporary process to allow for SEN Transport applications
to continue to be submitted at this time. The process replaces on a temporary basis the normal
process which heavily relies on the postal system with a process whereby applications may
be submitted and accepted via email. Information for parents/guardians is available on School
Transport Section of the Department’s website:
https://www.education.ie/en/Parents/Services/School-Transport/temporary-procedures-for-
sen-transport-applications.pdf
3.6. Staff Relations – SNA Redeployment
No. Question TD
4.021 To ask the Minister of Education and Skills if he will provide Aodhán Ó
clarity to Special Needs Assistants that they will not be Ríordáin
redeployed outside of the education setting over the course of
the COVID19 pandemic and will he make a statement on the
matter?
3.6.1. 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. The HSE has now finalised the details of a new service which SNAs
will provide during the school closure period.
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