Written Answers Nos. 261-280
262. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of a general employment permit application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40973/24]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that they have checked the new Employment Permit applications received, and that the Employment Permit application in respect of the person concerned in the details supplied was only submitted to them on the 4th of October 2024 and was placed in the processing queue on the 7th of October 2024.
All applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. As of Tuesday the 8th of October 2024, the Employment Permits Section are processing new applications in respect of standard employers which were received on the 28th of August 2024.
The Employment Permits processing times are updated on a weekly basis at the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/
There is also an Online Status Update Enquiry - where details on a particular application can be found on the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Status-Form/
It should also be noted that there is a dedicated mailbox available to answer TD queries in respect of Employment Permit applications on tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie
263. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment regarding work permits for the homecare sector, the number of work permit applications received since the scheme opened in January 2023; the number of work permits issued; the number of applications returned at initial applications pre-check stage; the number of other applications rejected; the number of applications currently in processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41141/24]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of the Department informs me that as of 09/10/2024 the number Employment Permit applications received in respect of the homecare sector since the scheme opened in January 2023 currently stands at 1149. Of this number, 1073 have been issued, 51 were refused, 7 were withdrawn and 1 is currently being processed. There were also 17 appeals.
It is estimated that 141 applications in respect of the home-care sector are awaiting processing. It should be noted that as these applications have not yet been processed, this figure is an estimate based on the job title supplied in the application. The number of applications in respect of this role returned at pre-check is estimated to be 144.
264. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff that worked in his Department’s communications and press office in each of the years 2019 to 2024; and the grade of each staff member. [41159/24]
View answerThe below table shows the number of staff that worked in my Department’s communications and press office in each of the years 2019 to 2024; and the grade of each staff member.
|
Year |
Number of Staff |
Grade of each staff |
|
2019 |
12 |
1 x PO 2 x AP2 x HEO4 x EO3 x CO |
|
2020 |
14 |
1 x PO 2 x AP3 x HEO4 x EO 3 x CO |
|
2021 |
12 |
1 x PO2 x AP3 x HEO5 x EO1 x CO |
|
2022 |
13 |
1 x PO3 x AP2 x HEO5 x EO 1 x CO |
|
2023 |
13 |
1 x PO3 x AP5 x HEO 3 x EO |
|
2024 |
12 |
1 x PO3 x AP5 x HEO2 x EO1 x CO |
265. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the frequency and duration of the publicity, marketing or advertising campaigns conducted by his Department to date in 2024; the purpose of these campaigns; the cost of these campaigns; and the agencies that conducted these campaigns, in tabular form. [41177/24]
View answerMy department has conducted five paid advertising campaigns to date in 2024.
The purpose and cost of these campaigns, along with the agencies that conducted the campaigns are set out in the table attached.
266. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline possible State aid funding for businesses which face pressures following the no-reduction decision on VAT taken in Budget 2025 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41298/24]
View answerAs part of Budget 2025, I announced the Power Up Grant which builds on the success of the Increased Cost of Business Scheme. This scheme is for businesses in the hospitality, retail and beauty sectors who received a second payment of the ICOB grant. These businesses are now in line to receive a €4,000 Power Up Grant once they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
As was the case with ICOB, a business must be rates compliant, however, a business in a performing payment plan agreed by the local authority may be deemed to be compliant. This is a matter for the relevant local authority as they are best placed to understand the specific circumstances in relation to any arrears.
Under Power Up, it is also intended that businesses who became rateable in 2024 may be eligible. Officials in my Department are currently working on final details and implementation of the new scheme.
The Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB) which was open this year has successfully paid out over €243m to date to almost 75,000 SMEs right around the country, including over 38,000 SMEs in the retail and hospitality sector.
As the Deputy will be aware, any changes to the VAT rate are a decision for the Minister for Finance as part of the Budget process. While the 13.5% VAT rate applied to the Hospitality sector remained unchanged following the Budget, there were a number of enterprise tax measures announced in Budget 2025 which may be of relevance to businesses operating in the sector. These include:
• Changes to the CGT Retirement Relief to support intergenerational transfers;
• Raising the VAT registration threshold to €85,000 for goods and €42,500 for services;
• Enhancements to the Small Company Start Up Relief;
• Increasing the Small Benefit Exemption Limit to €1,500, and the number of benefits allowable from 2 to 5 annually;
• A €125 increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit.
267. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rationale for Ireland’s vote in support of EU tariffs on Chinese EV imports, noting the tariffs may results in increased prices for certain popular and affordable models of EVs as well as the reduction in the number EV lines imported into Ireland from China, with the potential to disincentivise the transition to EVs. [41420/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may know, votes on trade defence issues at the EU are confidential. The vote followed a thorough investigation by the Commission, in which it had concluded that the battery electric vehicle (BEV) value chain in China benefits from unfair subsidisation. At the vote of the Trade Defence Instruments Committee on 4 October, the European Commission’s proposal to impose definitive countervailing duties on imports of BEVs from China obtained the necessary support from EU Member States for the adoption of tariffs.
The Government recognises the potential benefits of Chinese BEVs for consumers and businesses in Ireland and the EU, including in supporting progress towards our important climate targets, and we sincerely welcome that consultations are continuing between the EU and China to explore alternative, WTO-compatible solutions to find a mutually agreed solution to this case.
In terms of the impact of the countervailing duties on the Irish BEV market, it is unclear at this stage. The Government is continuing to monitor the impact of this development on the BEV market in Ireland.
The Government has committed significant funding to support zero and low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund, the Shared Island Fund, and the EU Just Transition Fund.
Almost €116m has been allocated in 2024 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles which includes funding for BEV grants and BEV charging infrastructure. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all.
There are a number of existing financial supports, including Government grants and tax relief measures, available for consumers to continue to support the transition to electric vehicles. These and related infrastructure supports will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enable the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
268. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports which will be made available for businesses in Cork which were affected by recent flooding; and when they will be open for application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41559/24]
View answerOn the 10th of October 2024, this Department opened the Emergency Humanitarian Support Scheme for small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations who are unable to secure flood insurance and have been affected by recent flooding in County Cork.
The scheme will go some way in assisting businesses, who through no fault of their own, were unable to secure flood insurance, to put right the damage caused by the recent flood and help to ensure they get back up and running as quickly as possible.
As with similar flooding events in the past, the Irish Red Cross will administer and make payments under the Scheme on behalf of my department. Application forms for support are available to download on the Irish Red Cross website: www.redcross.ie.
The scheme is a humanitarian support payment towards the costs of returning small businesses, sporting, voluntary and community premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant. The scheme will not provide a contribution to loss of earnings or loss of business goodwill.
This financial support is targeted at small businesses (up to 20 employees), sports clubs and community and voluntary organisations and will have two stages:
1. The first stage will commence immediately and will provide a contribution of up to €5,000, depending on the scale of damage incurred. It is anticipated that this will meet the needs of the majority of those affected.
2. In the event that the premises has incurred significant damages above €5,000, businesses can apply for additional financial support, following an assessment by the Irish Red Cross. The total level of support available for both stages combined is capped at €20,000.
269. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the international events and engagements he has attended at which members of the media were also in attendance as part of the Government delegation, since the formation of the Government; the media organisation they represented; the cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41599/24]
View answerI can confirm that during my time as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, no media representative has travelled with me as part of a Government Delegation. I can also confirm that, since the formation of the Government, no media representative has travelled with the respective Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment as part of a Government Delegation.
270. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost to provide solar panels on every school roof. [40921/24]
View answerThe first phase of the Schools Photovoltaic (PV) Programme launched in November 2023 to over 1600 schools.
It will provide eligible schools with 6 kWp of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.
Since the launch of the first phase of the Schools PV Programme late last year, my Department has had a very positive response to the scheme, with over 1500 schools engaging with the programme through our School Hub.
Funding approval has been provided to more than 1,100 schools and we are seeing the impacts today as PV panels are being installed on school roofs around the country.
This has been a really positive response in terms of applications for solar panels from schools. It offers an opportunity for schools to reduce their carbon emissions and to reduce their energy costs.
As well as the obvious financial and climate benefits, it is expected that the visibility of the solar panels on schools will also deliver the added benefit of encouraging discussion and uptake of the technology in the wider community.
To date, of the 1500 schools who responded, approximately 1140 schools have contracts in place and approximately 920 schools have so far confirmed their PV has been installed
As an ongoing active delivery programme financial details are not being released at this time.
271. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the enrolment numbers for a school (details supplied) in each of the years 2018 to 2024, in tabular form. [40933/24]
View answerPlease find attached requested data.
Please note enrolment data is taken from the Post-Primary Online Database. All enrolments are as per the census date, the 30th of September, in each academic year. The enrolments for 2024/25 will available after the October returns.
272. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if her Department will provide extra time for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning difficulties in second level examinations to ensure students reach their full potential; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40936/24]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the state examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
273. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she has any plans to extend the parental leave scheme to allow it to be taken in blocks of less than seven days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40942/24]
View answerThe purpose of Parental Leave is to allow a teacher a period of unpaid leave to care for their child.
In line with the provisions of the Parental Leave Act (as amended), a teacher may avail of Parental Leave in blocks of at least one week up to a maximum of 26 weeks. Each period of Parental Leave must be a minimum duration of 7 consecutive days including weekends, school closures and days on which a teacher is not timetabled for attendance occurring within that period.
In certain circumstances a teacher may avail of Parental Leave in the form of individual days where a child has particular medical problems that require the attendance of a parent with the child at hospital, clinic or therapeutic appointment on a regular basis. In such circumstances, certification from the hospital or clinic in respect of the absence must be submitted to the employer and retained on the teacher's personnel file.
The Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) forms part of the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers, the purpose of which is to provide a forum for claims and proposals relating to the salary, and other terms & conditions of service for teachers.
The Council is comprised of representatives from the Teacher Unions, the School Management Bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education. The TCC is independently chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
The terms and conditions of teachers employed in State funded teaching posts are formulated at TCC. The current entitlement for Parental Leave for teachers, as detailed in the Department's Circular Letter 0054/2019, exists by virtue of a collective agreement at TCC. It is not currently planned to make any additional amendments to the terms of the Parental Leave Scheme for teachers as set out in Circular 0054/2019 and Information Note TC/IN 0010/2023.
274. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 24 September 2024, the reason why a person (details supplied) has still not been provided with school transport five weeks into the school year; when the family will be contacted with an update by the relevant departments; when transport will be provided in order for the person to attend school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40946/24]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
Bus Éireann has reported that unfortunately, for a small number of families assigned to Special Educational Needs transport services, difficulties have arisen in some localities with a small number of contracted services.
The pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible under the terms of the scheme and Bus Éireann have tendered this service in line with procurement guidelines and are in the process of prioritising to source a contractor to operate this service. Once a contractor has been sourced, the service will commence. Bus Éireann will liaise with families directly with regard to this matter at that stage.
Bus Éireann School Transport team is working intensively to ensure that transport arrangements are put in place as soon as possible. A Special Transport Interim Grant has been offered to families of children with special educational needs who, following the application process, are eligible under the terms of the school transport scheme and were awaiting a School Transport service to be put in place.
The interim grant is offered from the date of application to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until a transport service is ready to commence. Further information on the Special Transport Interim Grant can be found at: gov.ie/schooltransport.
Work is continuing in order to resolve this matter and Bus Éireann are committed to providing transport as quickly as is possible.
Bus Éireann has put in place a dedicated customer care call centre to assist families specifically with School Transport queries during the busy summer period. Families that have queries can contact the call centre on: LoCall 0818 919 910. Operating hours are usually 09.00 – 17.00 Monday to Friday.
Families can also contact Bus Éireann by submitting a query via the following link Customer Care - Bus Éireann - School Transport.
275. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to review a school bus ticket application for a person (details supplied); the reasons that this applicant, who had a concessionary ticket last year, is still on a waiting list for a concessionary ticket for this school year on a route number; when this child can expect to be issued with a school bus ticket; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40948/24]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Bus Eireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they are attending their fifth nearest Post Primary Centre. While an application and payment was received on time for this pupil for the 2024/25 school year they were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2024/25 school year and that the service is currently operating to capacity.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
276. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education her plans for a closed former school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40962/24]
View answerThe property referred to by the Deputy is not in my ownership and is not currently being used as a school.
Enquiries about its future use should be directed to the property owner in the first instance.
277. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the process through which parents can access an assessment for their child through the National Educational Psychological Service. [40970/24]
View answerI refer to Deputy Ó Broin’s question on the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). NEPS is the psychological service of the Department of Education and provides educational psychology support to all primary, post-primary, and special schools. NEPS is a schools-based service and each NEPS psychologist is assigned to a group of schools.
NEPS provides access for all schools to:
• Psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident
• A casework service for individual students where there is a need for intensive consultation and assessment via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA)
• A school staff Support and Development Service, to build school capability to provide a comprehensive continuum of support in schools
• Ongoing access to advice and support for schools
The focus of the NEPS service is on empowering teachers to intervene effectively with children and young people whose needs range from mild to severe, and transient to enduring. NEPS encourages schools to implement a Continuum of Support, with each school taking responsibility for providing universal and preventative approaches, as well as early assessment, educational planning and intervention where the need arises. Children do not require a psychological assessment or a diagnosis in order to access additional support at school.
Direct NEPS involvement is managed through the Casework Service for individual children and young people. If, following evidence-informed support and intervention, the school has concerns that a child is still experiencing significant difficulty, the school may request the direct involvement of the NEPS psychologist. Children can only be prioritised for direct NEPS involvement by the school principal, or by a staff member designated by the principal. A request for involvement is accepted from the school principal in consultation with the psychologist. When deciding who to prioritise for involvement with NEPS, school principals consider those students who present with the greatest level of need, in that particular school context. The focus of the NEPS Casework Service is to use a consultative, problem-solving approach to promote better understanding of the child or young person’s strengths and needs, to suggest interventions that may be helpful to include in the Student Support Plan, and to assist schools to implement, monitor and review those interventions. This work is done in partnership with school staff, parents and the child or young person themselves.
Where a parent has concerns about their child’s progress, they should discuss their concerns with the school principal and/or teachers in their child’s school to further explore how their child may be supported through the Continuum of Support process described above, and if appropriate, through the direct involvement of a NEPS Psychologist.
278. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on a new build for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41004/24]
View answerSince 2020, the Department of Education has invested around €5 billion in schools throughout the country. Around 950 school building projects have been completed and 350 other projects are under construction, which includes 37 new school buildings. These 350 project currently at construction involves a total state investment of over €1.5 billion.
The Department announced earlier in the year that close to 90 projects, including 28 new school buildings, would be authorised to proceed from tender stage to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation.
This is a record level of investment in school buildings. It will expand the number of school places, significantly increase provision for special education and upgrade and modernise our school infrastructure. The impact of this will be felt in communities right around the country.
The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will provide a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation for children with special educational needs as part of a shared educational campus.
It is intended that the project will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning, to Tender and Construction.
The Project Manager was appointed in Q3 2023 and is in the process of preparing documentation for the tender process for the appointment of multi-disciplinary design team consultants.
It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
My Department will keep the school and their patron body informed of the progression of this campus project and will continue to liaise in relation to interim accommodation pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.
279. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will visit a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41008/24]
View answerThe large scale capital project at the school is for the provision of a new 600 pupil school and ancillary accommodation. The project is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.
The original grant of planning expired in December 2022, but due to changes to the Planning Acts in September 2021, it was no longer possible to apply for an extension to the planning permission for the main building project and a new application was required. The new planning permission application was lodged, and subsequently granted in December 2023, with a number of conditions attached.
The Design Team are examining the implications of these conditions along with reviewing technical design information in relation to statutory and current technical design guidance.
The large scale capital project remains a priority for delivery.
My Department officials will be in contact with the School authority when the Design Team complete their review.
280. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 1 October 2024, the reason it appears a new route has not been considered in light of the fact that well over ten names of relevant students have been put forward to her Department already. [41048/24]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Bus Éireann has advised that the distance from the pupils home addresses to school in the area in question determine their eligibility to the school reference by the Deputy.
Bus Éireann has also reported that, in general pupils residing in this area are not eligible for transport as they reside nearer to another post primary centre. Consideration in these cases would not be given to establishing a new service under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme.
Families of individual pupils may however, wish to contact their local Bus Éireann office in order to obtain confirmation as to a pupil's eligibility under to Post Primary School Transport Scheme.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 km from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
