Bernard Durkan
Question:321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41571/24]
View answerSchool Transport
Questions (321)
Written answers
The 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.
I am pleased to advise that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme. However, Bus Éireann has advised that there is no existing service available to accommodate the child referred.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Since there is currently no existing school transport service available, School Transport Section has offered a Special Transport Grant (STG) to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements.
School Transport Section of my Department has engaged with the family and officials are awaiting information from the family in relation to their application for transport.
Bus Éireann carry out a procurement tender competition for any new service in line with procurement guidelines and, 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.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (322)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:322. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education if consideration is being given to introducing extra time in second-level examinations for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning difficulties (details supplied). [41574/24]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Budget 2025
Questions (323)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:323. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a breakdown of the €1.3 billion funding allocated to her Department under Budget 2025; if any funding has been allocated to the school completion programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41575/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy that Budget 2025 provides an increase of €712 million in core current funding to my Department's Vote, as well as over €360 million in core capital funding. An additional €120 million is also being provided as part of Cost of Living supports and €140 million in Ukraine related supports. These additional funds build on significant increases in recent budgets and further enhance the investment in Ireland’s primary and post-primary education system. The significant increased investment is the largest Education budget in the history of the state and reflects the government’s commitment to a quality inclusive school system and improved learning outcomes for every student.
The School Completion Programme (SCP) is one of the key supports under my Department's DEIS programme. SCP is a targeted programme of support for primary and post-primary children and young people who have been identified as potentially at risk of early school leaving. Since I took over responsibility for the School Completion Programme in 2021, the annual funding for SCP has risen by 32% to €34 million. The 2025 Revised Estimates will be published later this year reflecting the outcomes of Budget 2025 for my Department and this process will inform next year's allocation of expenditure across various programmes, including the SCP.
The key features of Budget 2025 include:
• Some €51 million funding to extend the free schoolbooks scheme to students in transition and senior cycle years, meaning it will now support 940,000 pupils and students in primary, special and post-primary schools in the free scheme.
• Significant increase in school funding with state funding per pupil – known as the capitation rate – increasing from €200 to €224 per student in primary schools and from €345 to €386 per student in post-primary schools. This 12 per cent increase to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs will cost €30 million.
• An additional €45 million in cost of living supports for all primary, special and post-primary schools in the free scheme to help them deal with increased costs.
• An additional 768 special education teachers and 1,600 special needs assistants (SNAs) to support children across mainstream, special classes and special schools. This is the highest ever number of SNAs allocated and so in 2025 we will have over 23,000 in our education system. This is in recognition of the growing needs of children across all settings. In total there will be over 44,000 dedicated staff to support children with special educational needs in our schools.
• A new wellbeing initiative designed to support schools to implement bans on the use of mobile phones by post-primary school students during the school day, building on the success of the ‘Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free’ initiative.
• A package of measures to ensure that our schools continue to have a supply of excellent teachers, including a bursary for student teachers to increase the number of qualified Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths teachers in post-primary schools, and continued funding for free upskilling courses for teachers in high-demand subject areas.
• Additional funding to tackle educational disadvantage, with more educational supports available for children in alternative school settings and the roll-out of the Traveller and Roma Education Strategy.
• Over €50 million in additional funding for the School Transport Scheme to provide more places for children with special educational needs and to cover bus contractor costs.
• Reduced school transport scheme fees are being kept in place for families next year. They will remain at €50 for primary students, €75 for post-primary students and €125 for a family ticket.
• Funding for the roll out of school transport pilot projects and to increase the Special Transport grant rate.
• An additional 1,000 school posts of responsibility allocated to assist the leadership and management in schools commencing in the 2025/26 school year.
• Increased funding will be provided for Senior Cycle Redevelopment and the new Primary Curriculum.
• Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate students will be exempted again from the usual exam fees of over €100 next summer.
• The capital budget will increase by over €360 million compared to the original NDP allocation for 2024 to €1.3 billion in 2025. This will support around 350 building projects that are currently at construction and over 200 other projects proceeding to construction during 2025 and early 2026. Under Project Ireland 2040 some €6 billion will be invested in the education sector over the period 2021-2025.
• Funding for the expansion of the Active School Flag programme in primary schools to increase the number of flags awarded and progress from pilot phase to a full roll-out of the post-primary programme.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (324)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:324. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education to provide a full update on her Department's plans to expand and build new primary and secondary schools to cater for the rapid expansion on the north side of Drogheda, in particular in the area of the northern cross route infrastructure which has led to the construction of thousands of new homes; the number of school-going children that are projected by the council and her Department with reference to the local area plan North Drogheda Environs Masterplan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41580/24]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that requirements for school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including CSO Census data, Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, my Department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from Local Authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
The department also conducts granular analysis below the level of a school planning area, particularly where a school planning area encompasses both high growth urban settlement areas and a more rural hinterland.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through: • Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,• Provision of a new school or schools.
New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place.
If additional accommodation is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post primary schools, new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600-1,000 students and must be co-educational. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to Gaelcholáistí, having regard to the alternative of establishing an Irish-medium unit (Aonad) in an English-medium school.
There are 3 primary projects planned in Drogheda town:
Marymount NS (Roll No: 19215C) – Brief: 24 Mainstream Classrooms plus provision for Special Education Needs. Stage 3. Stage 3 is the instruction for the project to proceed to tender.
Sandpit NS (Roll No: 18045V) – Brief: 2x Special education classroom. Extension Stage 1: Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authorities, will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief.
St Pauls Senior NS (Roll No: 19678T) – Brief: 7x Mainstream classrooms, UAWC, 2x Special education tuition rooms. Extension. Stage 1.
There are 5 post-primary projects planned in Drogheda town:
St Mary’s Diocesan School (Roll No: 63841E) – Brief: 4x Mainstream classrooms:1x Construction studies room:1x Technology studies room:1x shared prep area:1x WC:1x Special education tuition classroom:1x Standard toilets. Extension and refurbishment. Stage 1.
St Olivers Community College (Roll No: 7176C) – Brief: 15x Mainstream classrooms:10x Special education tuition classrooms:6x Science lab /prep area/store:2x Music rooms:3x DCG rooms:1x Textiles room:1x Home economics room:3x Construction/ Technology rooms:4x Special education classrooms:1x Library:1x PE hall. Extension. Stage 1.
St Joseph’s CBS Drogheda (Roll No: 63840C) – Brief: 4x Special education classrooms. Extension. Stage 1.
Sacred Heart Secondary (Roll No: 63860i) – Brief: 1x Home economics 1x Multimedia 1x Science laboratory & prep area 1x Art room & project store 1x Engineering room & prep area & project store, 1x Special education tuition room 4x Special education classrooms & Staff room, staff WC student WC. Extension and refurbishment. Stage 1.
There is also a significant post primary school project at an advanced stage of architectural planning, Stage 2(b) Detailed Design, which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Cert and Disability Access Cert and the preparation of tender documents to deliver a new 1,000 pupil school in Drogheda to accommodate Drogheda Educate Together Secondary School . This will also include a 6 classroom base special education needs facility within the school
When completed, these projects will cater for the demand for school places in the area.
Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The zoning of lands for any purpose is a matter for the Local Authority. The Department will continue to liaise with Louth County Council in respect of their County Development Plan and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across the Drogheda area.
School Enrolments
Questions (325)
Mark Ward
Question:325. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education to guarantee if a child (details supplied) can be considered for a school placement. [41581/24]
View answerWritten answers
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs and has advised my department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) has been in contact with the child's parent.
Where a parent’s preferred school may not have a vacancy to meet the specific needs of a child, supports such as free transport are provided to ensure children can access another local placement most suitable to the child’s need. The SENO has provided information in relation to other special schools in the local area and provided information and advice on other options available.
Over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year and over 300 special school places have been provided. Parents seeking special class or special school placement for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally, local SENOs remain available to provide advice and support as required.
My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
National Educational Psychological Service
Questions (326)
Mark Ward
Question:326. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if a child (details supplied) can be considered for a NEPS assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41583/24]
View answerWritten answers
I refer to Deputy Ward’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.
In relation to the child referred to, the parents or guardians should discuss any 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 the NEPS Psychologist assigned to the school.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (327)
David Stanton
Question:327. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education if guidelines exist with respect to the provision of lifts in multi-level new school builds for wheelchair users and for those with a disability; if so, what these guidelines are; if she is satisfied that these guidelines are being adhered to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41589/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has in place detailed design guidelines for primary and post-primary schools. These guidelines, which are available on my Department's web-site, include guidance for the provision of lifts in multi-level new school builds for wheelchair users and for those with a disability.
The General Design Guidelines for Schools - Primary & Post-Primary (TGD– 020) includes guidance for design consultants appointed with the responsibility to adhering to these guidelines and other statutory obligations.
In addition all new school projects are to be designed and constructed in accordance with the Building Regulations TGD Part M – Access & Use and with a granted Disability Access Certificate (DAC), which is a statutory approval.
The completed school building project is also certified on completion by the Assigned Certifier & Builder as in compliance with the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations as part of adhering to above.
School Transport
Questions (328)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:328. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will engage with Bus Éireann regarding school transport for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41591/24]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
The pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible under the terms of the scheme and approval was given by the School Transport Section of my Department to Bus Éireann to establish a new service.
I am pleased to advise that this service commenced on 10 October 2024.
In such circumstances where there no existing suitable service was available to meet a child's needs, and while Bus Éireann were in the process of sourcing a dedicated service, the Department offers a Special Transport Grant (STG). The grant is intended to assist towards the cost of making private transport arrangements and is based on the number of days attended from the date of application until a suitable dedicated specialised service becomes available. The family have been contacted with the details of the grant.
Official Engagements
Questions (329)
Matt Carthy
Question:329. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the international events and engagements she 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [41598/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy that since the formation of the Government, no media have accompanied any Minister for Education at any international events or engagements.
School Accommodation
Questions (330)
Michael Creed
Question:330. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if she can confirm receipt of a Stage 1 report in respect of a major extension ASA project at a school in County Cork (details supplied); the interim measures contemplated by her to deal with the absence of any SEN provision in the school catchment area for post primary students whilst this project is being progressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41637/24]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter the department’s pipeline of projects under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme. The project will provide 7 General Classrooms, 5 SET rooms, 2 Art rooms/2 Project stores, 1 Music room, 1 Multimedia room, 1 Textiles room and 2 classroom Special Education Needs (SEN) base. In addition, approval has been granted for two general classrooms under the department's Modular Framework.
The project was devolved for delivery to Cork Educational and Training Board and my department received the initial architectural design report (stage 1) in Q3 2024, which is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the public Infrastructure Guidelines. The Deputy will appreciate that all projects, including this one, undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the public Infrastructure Guidelines. Furthermore, managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall programme. Once this review is complete, my department will be in touch with the delivery body on how best to progress this important project.
Since 2020, my department has invested in over €5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 950 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 350 other projects, which includes 37 new school buildings. These 350 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.5bn. Between projects currently under construction and projects moving to construction in this latest phase, investments by the Department of Education are adding over 550,000 square metres of new and modernised capacity to our school estate. 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. My department has recently released details of new measures to support the forward planning for special education provision. This includes new streamlined arrangements to support the repurposing of existing accommodation to facilitate opening new special classes for September 2025 and is available in circular 0080/2024 at gov.ie.
Departmental Funding
Questions (331)
Niamh Smyth
Question:331. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if the case of a school (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41642/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department is aware of this case.
The Department has a responsibility to ensure that overpayments of exchequer funding are recouped and that all schools are treated fairly.
A response will issue to the Deputy shortly.
School Transport
Questions (332)
Michael Ring
Question:332. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if a school transport pick-up point could be changed to address safety concerns (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41645/24]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms 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.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible child having to travel more than 3.2 kms to or from a pick-up/set down point. Routes are planned on the basis of the locations of children who are eligible for school transport only.
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that children are brought safely to and collected safely from Bus Éireann designated pick up and set down points. Home pick-up is not a feature of the School Transport Scheme.
As the Deputy is aware, Bus Eireann has advised that the pupil, to whom the Deputy refers, is not eligible for school transport as they are not attending their nearest school. They have also confirmed that the family reside 2.3km from home to the pick-up point. This pick-up point has been deemed safe by the service supervisor and contractor. The pick-up point is not at the crossroads as mentioned this service travels further up the road to carry out the pick-up and turn around.
Changes to the School Transport Schemes, including the 'Closed School Rule (CSR)', were announced in Budget 2011 and derived from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the Scheme.
From the commencement of the 2011/12 school year the distance eligibility criterion of 3.2 kilometres was applied nationally to all children travelling under the primary school transport scheme, including those travelling under the CSR.
The second element of the change which took effect from the commencement of the 2012/13 school year applied only in the case of children commencing their primary education from that date.
This meant that from that year, school transport eligibility for all pupils newly entering national schools was determined by reference to the nearest national school, having regard to ethos and language. Existing eligible primary pupils availing of transport under the CSR will retain transport eligibility only for the duration of their schooling from the 2012/2013 school year, provided the requisite distance was met.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (333)
Thomas Gould
Question:333. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the reason a school (details supplied) is not suitable for the major capital works scheme. [41648/24]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to confirm to the Deputy, that all applications from schools for major capital works must be considered in the context of capacity requirements and climate action commitments. The priority of the Department continues to be the provision of required additional school places to meet demographic requirements as well as for children with special educational needs.
The Department is required to manage the allocated capital funding across all schools in the country. The Department’s approach is to maximise the usage of existing capacity in schools and, in tandem with this, to manage the progression of the existing pipeline of projects within available budgets and in line with the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines.
This allows the Department to keep a strong focus on the provision of additional capacity to cater for demographics, new housing developments and the rollout of additional special classes for children with additional needs. This approach reflects the Department’s fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.
The pace of delivery of additional residential development in school planning areas, along with updated enrolment data and demographic data will be kept under review and this will inform the timing of school requirements. My Department will continue to liaise with the Local Authorities in respect to the projected completion of planned residential developments.
My Department are currently examining demographic requirements in Mallow, including in the context of current and planned residential development activity. The school's application for capital funding will be considered in this context.
Departmental Staff
Questions (334)
Catherine Murphy
Question:334. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of staff that worked in her Department’s communications and press office in each of the years 2019 to 2024; and the grade of each staff member. [41171/24]
View answerWritten answers
There are currently 11 officers assigned to the Communications and Press Office team in this Department.
Since the formation of this Department in September 2020, a total of 21 officers have spent some time assigned to the Communications and Press Office team.
This team is responsible for informing the public about the Department’s programmes and progress against the Statement of Strategy, for media response and wider media relations, event organisation, social and digital media, co-ordination of briefing material, media services, communications-related training, and internal communications within the Department.
The table below sets out the number of staff that served in each grade since September 2020. Due to staff turnover, more than one officer in a grade may have been assigned to a post within a year.
|
Staff Grades |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
|
CLERICAL OFFICER |
1 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
2 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
3 |
|
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
1 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
|
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER (Acting) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
PRINCIPAL |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
TCO |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
6 |
9 |
15 |
15 |
13 |
Departmental Advertising
Questions (335)
Catherine Murphy
Question:335. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the frequency and duration of the publicity, marketing or advertising campaigns conducted by her 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. [41189/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department ran a number of advertising campaigns this year as part of its overall drive to effectively communicate with the public and stakeholders, which is essential in achieving its goals.
To this end, paid advertising is used to promote a wide range of schemes and programmes operated under the auspices of the Department, and to support engagement and consultation with citizens and communities across Ireland. From time to time, advertisements have also been used to highlight job opportunities in agencies under the remit of the Department.
At all times value for money is a critical consideration.
The tables below set out the relevant information.
Publicity, marketing or advertising campaigns conducted by D/TCAGSM to date in 2024
|
Purpose of campaign |
Cost (incl.VAT) |
Frequency/ Duration of campaign |
Media buying agency that conducted campaign |
|
Campaign to highlight a public consultation that was part of the review of free-to-air sporting events. |
€96,740.25 |
In February 2024, the Department placed advertisements across a range of national, regional and local radio, totalling 112 slots, as well as one-day promotions across national, regional and local newspapers |
Mediavest Ltd* |
|
To request tenders for the review of the Advanced Irish Language Skills Initiative, and for recommendations on the design and operation of the Initiative until 2030. |
€3,810.54 |
In February 2024, advertisements for this campaign were placed on Tuairisc.ie and Irishtimes.com |
Mediavest Ltd* |
|
To advertise an Irish Language competition for Oifigeach Logainmneacha (Placenames Officer) |
€1,105.77 |
In June/July this year, the Department advertised this competition on Tuairisc.ie. The vacancy was also advertised on Peig.ie, however, there was no cost to place the job vacancy on this website. |
Mediavest Ltd* |
|
Cruinniú na nÓg 2024 campaign |
€350,133 |
See note below** |
See note below** |
|
Advertisement of an internship scheme |
€2,152.50 |
22-31 May, 2024 |
The campaign was conducted by the Ionad Barr Feabhas located at the University of Galway in conjunction with the department. The campaign was to run the department’s internship scheme which is a scheme that provides opportunities for Irish speaking graduates to do work placements in the areas of translation and proofreading in the institutions of the European Union. |
|
An advertising campaign in respect of the National Archives exhibition, Society & State: Ireland Through Its Records |
€12,300 |
15-28 July, 2024 |
Payment was made directly to RTE, not an ad agency. |
* Mediavest Ltd, rebranded as Spark Foundry, is covered by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) Framework for Media Buying Services for Public Information Notices and Recruitment Advertising.
** The remit of the Creative Ireland Programme is to inspire and transform people, places and communities through creativity. Therefore, engagement with people and communities across Ireland is essential to the successful operation of the programme. As part of this, a specific campaign is undertaken for Cruinniú na nÓg, the national day of creativity for children and young people. The campaign is aimed at young people, parents and carers to ensure that the opportunity for participation by children and young people is maximised. With over 1,300 events held across all 31 Local Authorities in 2024, the campaign was designed around key national messages across all media channels, as well as tailored regional and local content around the bespoke activities taking place at specific locations. The use of regional press and radio is particularly important for effective engagement with local communities and supporting the diversity and inclusiveness of Cruinniú na nÓg. The 2024 event saw expansion of events and activities designed for hard to reach and seldom heard groups, children and young people from the islands as well as events for young people as part of the Night Time Economy Strategy.
Graphic design assets for the programme along with a targeted programme of press advertising was developed with Detail Design Studio. Cruinniú na nÓg broadcast partners, RTE, created the TV and radio advertising and also supported the event with advertising across their TV, radio and social media channels at no monetary cost to the Department, as part of the partnership agreement. Creative Ireland worked with agency PHD to design the targeted media campaign across all channels, including social media, and with Thinkhouse to support the digital element.
Departmental Funding
Questions (336)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:336. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current and capital funding allocations in 2024 and 2025 for initiatives (details supplied), in tabular form. [41254/24]
View answerWritten answers
Toisc go bhfuil an t-eolas atá á lorg ag an Teachta fairsing, ní féidir é a chur ar fáil laistigh den fhráma ama atá ceadaithe. Seolfar an méid atá iarrtha ar aghaidh nuair a bheidh sé ar fáil chuig an Teachta de réir na h-amlínte atá leagtha síoa sna Buan-Orduithe.
Due to the broad nature of the information requested by the Deputy, it is not possible to compile same by 15th October 2024. Accordingly, the relevant information will be forwarded to the Deputy within the timescale set out in the Standing Orders of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Election Expenditure
Questions (337)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:337. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the cost of the last Údarás na Gaeltachta election held. [41255/24]
View answerWritten answers
The cost of elections to Údarás na Gaeltachta which were last held in 2005, amounted to just over €375,000. This figure is exclusive of associated administration costs which amounted to an additional c.€120,000.
Gaeltacht Policy
Questions (338)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:338. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the cost of restoring the scéim na bóithre in Gaeltacht areas. [41256/24]
View answerWritten answers
As is the case with the rest of the country, responsibility for road maintenance in Gaeltacht areas lies with the relevant local authorities. In this context, my Department has no plans to restore Scéim na mBóithre Áise in Gaeltacht areas and, accordingly, no costings in respect of its restoration have been prepared.
Sports Funding
Questions (339)
Niamh Smyth
Question:339. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the sports capital grant will be payable to club (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41291/24]
View answerWritten answers
The club referred to by the Deputy has been provisionally allocated funding for the 2023 round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formally the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme). The club has been in contact with the Department and has been advised of the steps required in relation to securing formal approval.
Once formal approval has been secured, the grantee can then proceed to engage with the approved suppliers and subsequently seek reimbursement from the Department for any relevant expenditure incurred.
Broadcasting Sector
Questions (340, 341)
Ivana Bacik
Question:340. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department maintains a policy on ensuring that residents of Northern Ireland have equal access to Irish sporting events, including by way of broadcasting; and if she has discussed the matter with her counterpart in the British Government. [41326/24]
View answerIvana Bacik
Question:341. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if Coimisiún na Meán has a role in ensuring access by residents of Northern Ireland to broadcasting of sporting events by Irish broadcasters; and, if not, her plans to transfer such powers to it. [41327/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.
While I recognise the potential impact on viewers in Northern Ireland, at an operational level the acquisition of sports rights and the geographical areas in which they are broadcast is a commercial matter for the relevant sporting bodies, which usually provide broadcasting licences on an exclusive territorial basis. Neither I nor my Department have a role in these commercial arrangements.
The Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act 2022 allowed for the establishment of Coimisiún na Meán and provides for the powers and functions of An Coimisiún. As the independent media regulation body of the Republic of Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán has no remit over commercial arrangements regarding sporting rights, nor over matters relating to broadcasting in the UK.
While decisions on the coverage of sporting events are a matter for rights holders and broadcasters, I would encourage sports rights holders and relevant broadcasters to have in place suitable arrangements to ensure Northern Ireland residents can continue to access sports coverage from the Republic. I have also asked my officials to discuss this matter with their counterparts in the UK Government.