Catherine Murphy
Question:265. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date on which the ERO for the security industry will commence. [22742/24]
View answerEmployment Rights
Questions (265)
Written answers
On the 25th August 2023, the then Minister for Business Employment and Retail signed the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the Security Sector which came into force on 4th September 2023. The ERO provided for a wage increase to €12.90 per hour from that date. The full details of the ERO are available here: enterprise.gov.ie/en/legislation/si-no-424-of-2023.html
Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) are independent in their functions. If a JLC adopts proposals for an ERO for a sector, it will submit them to the Labour Court for consideration. The Labour Court will then make a decision on the adoption of the proposals. If the Court decides to adopt the proposals, a copy will be presented to me and, if I consider it appropriate to do so, I will make an ERO giving effect to the proposals.
I have not received a proposal from the Labour Court in relation to a new ERO for the Security Sector. Should the Labour Court submit such a proposal, I will give it due and timely consideration.
Employment Rights
Questions (266)
Steven Matthews
Question:266. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the new draft employment regulation order for security officers; if he is concerned about the impact any delays are having on those who work in this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22755/24]
View answerWritten answers
On the 25th August 2023, the then Minister for Business Employment and Retail signed the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the Security Sector which came into force on 4th September 2023. The ERO provided for a wage increase to €12.90 per hour from that date. The full details of the ERO are available here: enterprise.gov.ie/en/legislation/si-no-424-of-2023.html
Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) are independent in their functions. If a JLC adopts proposals for an ERO for a sector, it will submit them to the Labour Court for consideration. The Labour Court will then make a decision on the adoption of the proposals. If the Court decides to adopt the proposals, a copy will be presented to me and, if I consider it appropriate to do so, I will make an ERO giving effect to the proposals.
I have not received a proposal from the Labour Court in relation to a new ERO for the Security Sector. Should the Labour Court submit such a proposal, I will give it due and timely consideration.
Employment Rights
Questions (267)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:267. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the employment regulation order for security officers will be signed and enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22862/24]
View answerWritten answers
On the 25th August 2023, the then Minister for Business Employment and Retail signed the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) for the Security Sector which came into force on 4th September 2023. The ERO provided for a wage increase to €12.90 per hour from that date. The full details of the ERO are available here: enterprise.gov.ie/en/legislation/si-no-424-of-2023.html
Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) are independent in their functions. If a JLC adopts proposals for an ERO for a sector, it will submit them to the Labour Court for consideration. The Labour Court will then make a decision on the adoption of the proposals. If the Court decides to adopt the proposals, a copy will be presented to me and, if I consider it appropriate to do so, I will make an ERO giving effect to the proposals.
I have not received a proposal from the Labour Court in relation to a new ERO for the Security Sector. Should the Labour Court submit such a proposal, I will give it due and timely consideration.
Business Supports
Questions (268, 269)
Brendan Smith
Question:268. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if additional measures will be implemented to assist small-scale manufacturing, small-scale hospitality and small-scale retail to meet increased business costs that have occurred over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22748/24]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:269. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if additional measures will be implemented to assist small and medium enterprises to meet increased business costs that have occurred over recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22747/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together.
Over the last number of years, we have seen a significant increase in inflationary pressures, most pointedly in the form of energy price inflation – which is a significant input cost for firms across a range of sectors. However, I welcome the latest data from the CSO’s Wholesale Price Index, which continues to show a moderation in input prices. For March 2024, the index for wholesale electricity prices was 40.3% lower than in March 2023, while producer prices for food products were 9.1% lower, and wholesale prices for construction products were 0.3% lower.
This Government has adopted an active approach in supporting the SME sector throughout the period of increased costs. Over the two-year period prior to Budget 2024 a total of €12 billion was provided in cost of living and doing business supports, comprising a mix of permanent and one-off measures (most significantly, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme). Budget 2024 also saw the announcement of several further measures, including a €257 million package for the Increased Cost of Business Scheme, the extension of the 9% VAT reduction for gas and electricity until the 31st of October 2024, the extension of the temporary excise rate reductions applying to auto diesel, petrol and marked gas oil until the 31st of March 2024, and an increase in VAT registration thresholds for SMEs to €40,000 for services and €80,000 for goods.
My Department, in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection, has also assessed the cumulative impact of recent and forthcoming changes to working conditions. Reflecting the findings of this assessment, a range of measures are being brought forward to assist businesses in adjusting to the costs associated with these changes, as well as more generally to improve the cost competitiveness of firms. These include:
• Ensuring that the employer PRSI threshold is explicitly considered as part of the Low Pay Commission deliberations and is reviewed on each occasion that the minimum wage is increased;
• Increasing the employer PRSI threshold from €441 to €496 with effect from 1 October 2024, which will ensure that employers with employees earning the weekly equivalent of the national minimum wage will pay the lower rate of employer PRSI rate of 8.8%;
• Reopening the Increased Cost of Business Scheme for another 14 days and launching a second phase of the Scheme targeted at businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors;
• Doubling the Innovation Grant Scheme from €5,000 to €10,000;
• Increasing the maximum amount available under the Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme to €10,000 and reducing the business contribution rate from 50% to 25%;
• Widening the eligibility for the Trading Online Voucher, extending it to all sectors up to 50 employees, modernise eligible expenditure and doubling the grant to €5,000;
• Increasing the lending limit for Microfinance Ireland loans to €50,000 from €25,000;
• Widening the eligibility for the Digital for Business Consultancy Scheme and extending it to all sectors with up to 50 employees;
• Launching a new ‘Ireland’s Best Entrepreneur Programme’ to encourage entrepreneurship and start-ups in under-represented groups;
• Launching the new online National Enterprise Hub for SMEs to access information on the wide range of Government business supports;
• Implementing an enhanced ‘SME Test’ by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in conjunction with the Department of An Taoiseach;
• Reviewing ESRI research on the impact of Statutory Sick Leave before deciding on any further increase; and,
• Reviewing the proposed Roadmap for Increasing Minimum Annual Remuneration Thresholds for Employment Permits.
Aside from these newly announced measures, I would also emphasise the continued support my Department and its agencies provides to the SME sector, with a full range of programmes aimed at aiding those firms to develop and grow. As set out in the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, ‘our vision is for Irish-based enterprise to succeed through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity, delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods – the recently announced measures reflect this.
Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 268.
EU Regulations
Questions (270)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:270. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if own-resource income generated and spent by Enterprise Ireland is excluded from EU state aid rules. [22918/24]
View answerWritten answers
State Aid rules do apply to own resource income generated and spent by Enterprise Ireland.
State Bodies
Questions (271)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:271. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the own-resource income generated by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in 2023; the amount each was sanctioned to retain; and the amount that was remitted to the Exchequer as an extra Exchequer receipt, by agency, in tabular form. [22920/24]
View answerWritten answers
Agencies under the aegis of my Department, including Enterprise Ireland (EI) and IDA Ireland (IDA), can generate own resource income (ORI) and also receive sanction to retain an agreed amount. In 2023, figures for the ORI generated, sanctioned for retention, and amounts due to be remitted to Exchequer for both EI and IDA, are outlined in the tables below. Figures for generation of ORI and remittance are in draft form and will be verified after upcoming audit.
|
2023 |
The amount of own resource income generated by EI in 2023 |
The amount EI was sanctioned to retain |
The amount that was remitted to the Exchequer as an extra Exchequer receipt |
|
2023 |
The amount of own resource income generated by EI in 2023 |
The amount EI was sanctioned to retain |
The amount that was remitted to the Exchequer as an extra Exchequer receipt |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
€83.818m |
€96.881m* |
€0.358m due to be remitted to Exchequer |
|
2023 |
The amount of own resource income generated by IDA in 2023 |
The amount IDA was sanctioned to retain |
The amount that was remitted to the Exchequer as an extra Exchequer receipt |
|
2023 |
The amount of own resource income generated by IDA in 2023 |
The amount IDA was sanctioned to retain |
The amount that was remitted to the Exchequer as an extra Exchequer receipt |
|
IDA |
€25.116m |
€60.922m** |
No remittance due for 2023. |
*Sanctioned ORI amount of €96.881m for Enterprise Ireland includes €13.421m of 2022 year-end closing balances.
**ORI amount of €60.922m for IDA Ireland includes €0.422m at bank at year-end 2022.
National Standards Authority of Ireland
Questions (272)
Ged Nash
Question:272. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on a matter (details supplied); if he is satisfied the agency referenced is sufficiently staffed and has sufficient senior staff who have the necessary qualifications staff to fulfil the agency’s regulatory and industry-facing role in respect of a key industrial sector; the steps his Department and the agency concerned have taken to address high senior staff turnover and attrition rates at the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22921/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am satisfied that the agency concerned continues to have the appropriate staff and expertise to discharge its functions to the highest standards. The agency continues to proactively address the recruitment of high calibre senior management staff, with extremely specialist, much sought after skillsets, while remaining within current public sector pay policy.
The staffing needs of the agency concerned are being successfully addressed, including by being augmented by the recent appointment of a highly experienced Director in the relevant division, coupled with the current recruitment of a further two highly specialised senior management posts. The aforementioned posts are being appointed in order to continue to provide a robust and resilient management structure. These appointments will serve to future proof the agency’s overall expertise and structure, while providing a potential talent pipeline for existing staff to aspire to, further strengthening the agency’s corporate knowledge and memory, its ability to work with enterprise in this highly important sector, and its continued compliance with its regulatory requirements.
In summary, my Department will continue to work closely with the agency to actively assist it, and to ensure that this important section of the agency’s operations continues to exercise its functions to the highest standard in this key economic sector.
Legislative Process
Questions (273)
Pauline Tully
Question:273. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current status of the companies (corporate governance, enforcement and regulatory provisions) Bill; and when the Bill will move to the next Stage. [22953/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Bill 2024 will amend and enhance the Companies Act 2014 (the 2014 Act). The General Scheme of the Bill was developed following extensive consultation and engagement with stakeholders and includes provisions amending the 2014 Act primarily in the areas of corporate governance, company law enforcement and supervision, company law administration and corporate insolvency.
The Bill contains two key provisions for business, amendment of the audit exemption regime for small and micro companies and a provision allowing companies and industrial and provident societies with the option to hold virtual meeting. It also implements recommendations of the Company Law Review Group around corporate governance and the regulation of receivers. In addition, the Bill aims to ensure that the statutory authorities established under the Act, the Companies Registration Office (CRO), the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) and the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) have appropriate legislative tools to effectively undertake their statutory functions and includes amendments aimed at enhancing the power of the bodies, streamlining procedures, delivering efficiencies and strengthening oversight.
On 5th March 2024, the General Scheme of the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Bill 2024 was approved for priority drafting and publication of the General Scheme. The Bill was subsequently included on the Government’s list for priority publication in the summer session. On 20th March, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment concluded its pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme. The Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.
School Accommodation
Questions (274)
Michael Lowry
Question:274. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the assistance being offered to a school (details supplied); when will this school be provided with an update and funding for these reconfiguration works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22341/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question has submitted an application for capital funding, under my department's Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for extra accommodation to provide for one special education needs classroom.
The purpose of the Additional Schools' Accommodation scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area.
At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or the requirement for a new class for pupils with special education needs has been identified by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes. The capacity at other schools in the area is also considered as part of the assessment of any accommodation needs.
In general, demographics are falling at primary level and this trend is due to continue. Therefore the Department of Education in conjunction with the National Council for Special Education considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing spare accommodation capacity in National Schools within a general area in the first instance. This consideration is prior to the establishment of any additional special class that may require additional accommodation e.g. modular accommodation.
This approach can enable a special class to be established more quickly for the coming academic year as it is not bound by the provision of additional accommodation. This then means that the educational needs of children who require a specialist placement can be met at more easily. It may also allow for the earlier re-configuration of existing accommodation to occur in a more streamlined and efficient manner.
This overall approach is consistent with the Department’s commitment to supporting the educational needs of children who require specialist placements while at the same time meeting the requirements of the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines.
Schools’ support for the establishment of special classes is most welcome. Where additional accommodation is indicated as being required, an analysis of both student demand and available accommodation in an area is required. In this regard, the Department is working very closely with the NCSE to ensure that this required analysis is thoroughly explored with a view to providing the most immediate and cost effective accommodation solutions for the establishment of new special classes for the 2024/25 school year.
Officials in my Department have been engaging with the school in recent weeks. A proposed brief letter was issued to the school and the Department has received confirmation of agreement to the proposed brief. Officials in my Department will continue to engage with the school in the coming weeks regarding the brief of accommodation.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (275)
Niall Collins
Question:275. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education for an update on a school project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22342/24]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school in question under the Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of my Department’s ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
The main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. However, my Department is working towards an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock, with particular focus on climate action goals.
Officials from my Department are currently reviewing a building conditions report on the Convent building. Once this review is finalised the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.
School Accommodation
Questions (276)
Frankie Feighan
Question:276. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Education if her Department has received an application from a school in County Sligo (details supplied) for the provision of an extension to facilitate additional classrooms; and when the school will hear back from her Department. [22356/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
Since 2020 my Department has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, including the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
The purpose of my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (or ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area.
At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or the requirement for a new class for pupils with special education needs has been identified by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes. The capacity at other schools in the area is also considered as part of the assessment of any accommodation needs.
The application from the school in question is currently being considered by my officials. Once the assessment process has been finalised the school authority will be notified of the decision directly.
Teaching Qualifications
Questions (277)
Catherine Murphy
Question:277. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the number of post-primary teachers qualified per subject in each of the years of 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [22377/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016.
The Council registers teachers under five routes of registration namely, Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher.
The minimum registration requirements for each route are set out in the Schedule of the Regulations. In line with the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations 2016, candidates have to fulfil the Teaching Council’s Curricular Subject Requirements for at least one post-primary subject in order to be eligible to be registered as a teacher at post-primary under Route 2.
The following table represents the number of post primary teachers registered per subject as of this date. Note that teachers are only required to register one subject, however it is open to teachers to register for more than one subject, depending on their qualification, and equally teachers may hold qualifications in more than the one subject registered.
|
Subject |
No. Registered Teachers |
|
Accounting |
534 |
|
Accounting (Business Studies) |
2094 |
|
Agricultural Economics |
3 |
|
Agricultural Science |
1130 |
|
Ancient Greek |
8 |
|
Applied Mathematics |
582 |
|
Art (including Crafts) |
1892 |
|
Biology |
1724 |
|
Biology (Science) |
3370 |
|
Business |
1657 |
|
Business (Business Studies |
3504 |
|
Business Studies (Junior Cycle |
1122 |
|
Chemistry |
774 |
|
Chemistry (Science) |
1950 |
|
Classical Studies |
452 |
|
Computer Science |
103 |
|
Computer Studies (IT or ICT) |
596 |
|
Construction Studies (Technology & M.T.W.) |
1790 |
|
CSPE (Civic Social and Political Education) |
1099 |
|
DCG (Technical Graphics) |
1974 |
|
Economics |
522 |
|
Economics (Business Studies) |
3053 |
|
Engineering (Metalwork/Technology) |
945 |
|
English |
9991 |
|
French |
3358 |
|
Geography |
4835 |
|
Geography (Environmental & Social Studies) |
1982 |
|
German |
1471 |
|
History |
5688 |
|
History (Environmental & Social Studies) |
2112 |
|
Home Economics |
2071 |
|
Irish |
6023 |
|
Italian |
246 |
|
Japanese |
16 |
|
Latin |
106 |
|
Lithuanian |
1 |
|
Mandarin Chinese |
13 |
|
Mathematics |
7184 |
|
Music |
2160 |
|
Physical Education |
3470 |
|
Physics |
444 |
|
Physics & Chemistry |
39 |
|
Physics (Science) |
1048 |
|
Physics and Chemistry (Science) |
12 |
|
Polish |
8 |
|
Politics & Society |
252 |
|
Portuguese |
2 |
|
Religious Education |
4575 |
|
Russian |
29 |
|
Spanish |
1244 |
|
SPHE |
107 |
|
Technical Drawing |
793 |
|
Technology |
447 |
Education Welfare Service
Questions (278)
Catherine Murphy
Question:278. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the number of WTE educational welfare officers based in County Wicklow in each of the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [22378/24]
View answerWritten answers
In line with the arrangements set out as part of the current Government formation, since January 2021 Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is under the remit of my Department.
TESS has three strands namely the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS) and the two school support services, the Home School Community Liaison Scheme and the School Completion Programme. The three TESS strands work together collaboratively with schools, families and other relevant services to achieve the best educational outcomes for children and young people.
The EWS operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention. This is a statutory service and its primary role is to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a certain minimum education; to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education. Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) work with families and children in a child-centered way to overcome barriers to their school attendance, participation and retention. They also work closely with schools, educational support services and other agencies to support school attendance and resolve attendance problems for the benefit of children and families.
The information sought by the Deputy is contained in the table below.
|
County Wicklow |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
North Wicklow |
1 WTE |
1 WTE |
2 WTE |
|
South Wicklow |
1 WTE |
1 WTE |
1 WTE |
|
West Wicklow |
.5 WTE |
.5 WTE |
.5WTE |
|
Total |
2.5 WTE |
2.5 WTE |
3.5 WTE |
School Curriculum
Questions (279)
Paul Donnelly
Question:279. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education to report on the proposal to include the P-Tech learning pathways programme for inclusion in the curriculum; and if there is a timeline to report back on the proposal. [22384/24]
View answerWritten answers
In July 2016, the Government launched a major initiative for Dublin’s North East Inner City (NEIC) to oversee the long term, social and economic regeneration of the area. The Mulvey Report entitled “Dublin’s North East Inner City – Creating a Brighter Future” was published in February 2017 and made a number of recommendations. As part of this response, in November 2018 the P-TECH pilot programme was launched within post-primary schools in the NEIC.
The P-TECH pilot project is now in operation across five NEIC post-primary schools, with multiple partners supporting the programme. It is an education initiative that combines post-primary school with elements of further education and workplace experience. It requires a three-way partnership between a school, higher/further education institution and industry partner. It includes a structured workplace learning strand with mentoring, worksite visits, speakers, and project days. Whilst the acquisition of relevant IT skills in key areas are included in the course work, the model also seeks to encourage and develop students’ problem solving and creativity and places emphasis on teamwork, collaboration and communication skills. Students involved in the programme work towards the achievement of a “Special Purpose Award”, equivalent to 10 credits at QQI Level 6.
The P-TECH project is still a pilot programme funded by my Department. Just last month the first cohort of P-TECH students graduated with their P-TECH Special Purpose Awards. These students began their P-TECH journey back in 2019 when they were in second year in post-primary. This was a key milestone for these students and for the P-TECH pilot project as a whole. The P-TECH pilot project will continue in the five NEIC post-primary primary schools for the 2024/25 school year.
In 2022 I announced an ambitious redevelopment of Senior Cycle. This redevelopment programme is guided by the vision of a Senior Cycle that delivers “equity and excellence for all” and aims to ensure students experience Senior Cycle in a way that reflects who they are, their values and dispositions. We want to prepare students for their chosen pathway following post-primary school education. Under this redevelopment, specifications for all Leaving Certificate subjects and modules will be revised on an annual basis in groupings called “tranches.” By 2029, all Leaving Certificate subjects and modules will be revised.
School Staff
Questions (280)
Paul Donnelly
Question:280. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education the reason a person (details supplied) was refused a payment. [22392/24]
View answerWritten answers
The terms and conditions for the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault are contained in my Department’s circular letters for teachers special needs assistants (SNAs):
www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/12591/f6cbe8d1c76647eba5bc93602ee517e2.pdf#page=1
assets.gov.ie/12588/8cc8a7b60c584a00b4d50dc86875be96.pdf
They provide for special leave with pay (subject to specified limits) to a teacher or SNA who is unable to perform their duties due to a physical injury following an assault that happened in the course of their duties and during approved school activities.
The Leave available under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault is 3 months (92 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period. In exceptional cases, such as where a significant period of hospitalisation is required or in situations of a second or subsequent incident of assault, the leave may be extended for a further period not exceeding 3 months (91 days) at full pay, subject to an overall limit of 6 months (183 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period.
Under the criteria set out in the Circular's, an application for a leave of absence following an assault must be completed by the teacher/SNA concerned and their employer and forwarded by the employer to the Department/ETB within a week of the incident occurring. This period may be extended in exceptional circumstances but applications must be forwarded within a reasonable period.
A Leave of Absence following Assault ends on:
• The ceasing of the certification by a duly qualified medical practitioner of the physical injury; or
• the maximum leave limits available under this scheme being exhausted;
• or certification of fitness to return to duties.
A teacher/SNA who has exhausted the maximum period of paid leave under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault and who is still medically unfit to resume duty may avail of Leave under the Sick Leave Scheme, subject to the normal rules of that scheme.
Please note that with reference to the case details provided, the teacher's application for Leave under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault was not completed and forwarded to the Department within a reasonable period. As this application did not meet the terms and conditions of the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault, the teacher may avail of Leave under the Sick Leave Scheme, subject to the normal rules of that scheme.
School Accommodation
Questions (281)
Holly Cairns
Question:281. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if the accommodation needs of the pupils and staff at a school (details supplied) will be reviewed; if she will meet with the school officials to discuss their concerns in relation to overcrowding; and to detail what steps her Department will take to ensure pupils and staff have adequate space. [22415/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy that Fermoy was one of the areas surveyed in 2012/13 under the patronage divesting process where there was sufficient parental demand supporting changes in school patronage (the areas surveyed were areas where demographics were not growing and therefore it was unlikely that a new multi-denominational school would be established for demographic reasons).
The policy on patronage divesting is to use existing educational infrastructure to facilitate provision of diversity in areas where there is no demographic imperative to establish new schools. The reason for this is that, of necessity, the focus of the schools capital programme is on the provision of additional school places at both primary and post-primary levels to ensure that every pupil can access a school place.
As part of the process of identifying a suitable accommodation solution which would facilitate the establishment of the school, the Department liaised with Cork Education and Training Board. In order to facilitate the establishment of the new school, the ETB agreed to the co-location of the Educate Together school at the former Technical School in Fermoy, together with some of the ETB’s Further Education and Training services.
Prior to the establishment of the new school in 2018 under the patronage divesting process, the Department and Educate Together as school patron agreed that given the accommodation available at the property and the need for the ETB to accommodate some Further Education and Training services from the property, the school would be established as a four-classroom school and that the school will maintain this configuration in the accommodation in the former Technical School unless an existing school building is freed up for use in the area. As part of this engagement, the Department outlined to the school patron the importance of enrolments being managed within the available accommodation in a sustainable way and that this would be communicated to the school Board of Management so that parents could be fully informed and in order to manage expectations.
Since 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, including the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places.
This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
In general, demographics have been falling at primary level and are due to continue to decrease.
Therefore the Department considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing spare accommodation capacity at primary level in the first instance, before considering any applications for further accommodation needs. This is in line with public spending requirements.
The Department continues to engage with the school’s patron in respect of queries raised regarding the school’s accommodation.
School Accommodation
Questions (282)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:282. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education her plans to support the expansion of a school (details supplied). [22427/24]
View answerWritten answers
Officials in my Department continue to liaise with officials in Dublin City Council on an ongoing basis in relation to the land swap for Gaelscoil Cholmcille and the planned residential developments in the area.
There is a good working relationship between the officials, supporting the provision of housing and the associated required school place provision.
Department officials also provide the patron body with regular updates, in that regard.
School Accommodation
Questions (283)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:283. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the communication she has had with Dublin City Council regarding a school (details supplied). [22428/24]
View answerWritten answers
Officials in my Department continue to liaise with officials in Dublin City Council on an ongoing basis in relation to the land swap for Gaelscoil Cholmcille and the planned residential developments in the area.
There is a good working relationship between the officials, supporting the provision of housing and the associated required school place provision.
Department officials also provide the patron body with regular updates, in that regard.
School Textbooks
Questions (284)
John Brady
Question:284. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education to outline the reasons the Department of Education has reduced the cost of the schoolbook scheme from €96 to €80 per pupil; if this will be reviewed by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22440/24]
View answerWritten answers
In 2024 over €47 million is allocated to continue implementation of the schoolbooks scheme at primary level. On the 8th May I announced details of year 2 of the Primary Schoolbooks Scheme which provides at a minimum free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks to pupils in recognised primary and special schools. More than 563,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools will continue to benefit from this scheme.
Revised guidance for the 2024/25 school year was published on my Department’s website, at www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes, and has issued to schools.
As the scheme is now implemented in every recognised primary and special school it is expected that schools have used the funding provided in the 2023/24 school year to purchase stocks of schoolbooks and other classroom resources. Many of these items are now available to schools for reuse in the 2024/25 school year and in future school years. The funding allocated to the scheme in the 2024/25 school year takes account of this.
Schools will receive €80 per pupil enrolled as of September 2023. Special schools that have students enrolled in Junior Cycle programmes will receive funding at the Junior Cycle per capita rate of €309 per student set out under the new Junior Cycle Schoolbooks Scheme, in respect of these students.
As part of the ongoing evaluation of the scheme, all schools will be asked to provide data on their expenditure in order to inform the guidance, implementation, costs and efficiency of the scheme for future years.