Written Answers Nos. 189-205
189. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if there is a limited number of NEPS assessments available to each school; if so, the number; if the number of available assessments will be increased to ensure all students who require an assessment can access one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42146/24]
View answerMy Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides psychological support to all primary, post-primary, and special 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
Where a school does not have an assigned psychologist due to a vacancy, a psychologist from the local NEPS team undertakes the role of advisory psychologist to respond to queries that the school may have. These schools continue to have access to Critical Incident response, advisory support, and the Support and Development Service delivered by their local NEPS office. Individual student casework can be accessed via the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
NEPS does not operate waiting lists. In common with other psychological services and best international practice, NEPS operates on a consultative model of service. NEPS psychologists work with schools using a problem-solving model to help schools identify need and interventions to support those needs. Under this model, NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum-based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties. This model means that pupils do not need a psychological assessment or a diagnosis of a disability in order to access additional support in school.
The NEPS casework service involves the provision of a psychological service for a student, with the psychologist working with the student, teachers and parents, and other professionals if appropriate, to identify need and plan for intervention to support the student in school. Schools prioritise those students with most need. NEPS support is broader than the allocation of assessments and that the number of assessments carried out by an assigned psychologist for a school is not fixed. Additional supports for children with special educational needs are embedded in all primary and post primary schools. Schools allocate their Special Education Teaching and SNA supports based on need in the school setting, so that those with highest level of need can access the highest level of support within the school in a timely manner.
With regard to the allocation of schools, each NEPS psychologist is assigned a number of schools in their geographical area based on a weighting process which takes into account enrolment numbers, school designation (primary/post-primary/special), DEIS status, gender mix and number of special classes.
It may be of interest to the Deputy that, in relation to workforce planning for the recruitment of educational psychologists, my department has been actively exploring opportunities to increase the numbers of suitably qualified staff to strengthen the response to the educational psychological needs of children and young people in recognised primary and post-primary schools across the country. Since January 2023, NEPS has supported bursaries for Trainee Educational Psychologists who are enrolled in the University College Dublin Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Mary Immaculate College Limerick’s Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology. Those in receipt of a bursary commit to joining NEPS upon graduation. There are over 60 Trainee Educational Psychologists in receipt of a bursary who are expected to join NEPS upon graduation, with an additional 14 awarded bursaries in September 2024, bringing the total to 74.
Additionally, the Public Appointments Service commenced a recruitment campaign for Educational Psychologists at the end of 2023 and successful candidates from that panel are currently taking up positions in NEPS. It is expected that a further recruitment competition will be commenced by the Public Appointments Service early in 2025 and planning for this competition is already underway within the Department.
It may also be of interest to the Deputy that, further to the service outlined above, NEPS is leading on the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot. The pilot has two Strands. Strand 1 is the provision of one-to-one counselling to support a small number of children in all primary schools in counties Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan and Tipperary. Strand 2 of the pilot is the establishment of a new type of support to schools from Education Well-being Teams and the introduction of Education Well-being Practitioners to support clusters of schools in Cork, Carlow, Dublin 7 and Dublin 16.
190. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the options available to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42148/24]
View answerMy Department provides funding via the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The SWS operates on a multi-annual basis for categories of works such as roof works, window replacement, mechanical, electrical works and external works which could include the provision or upgrade of car parking spaces and was last opened for applications in 2019.
My Department is leading an ambitious sustainability agenda and has progressed a wide array of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings. It is a priority for Government to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious climate agenda and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes targets around the decarbonisation of Ireland’s public buildings.
As part of it’s planning, Department officials are considering and planning for the next phases of the summer works programme and the opportunities this may create to support the sustainability agenda. In this regard, it is envisaged at this stage that, a multi-annual SWS with a focus on climate action and energy conservation will be the focus for the next summer works scheme to be opened for applications. The arrangements and timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course.
191. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the reason a discretionary school bus seat was revoked for a student (details supplied). [42160/24]
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 who operate the school transport section on behalf of the Department of Section have advised that the pupil of whom the Deputy refers is not eligible for transport as they are attending their third nearest Post Primary Centre.
Bus Éireann further advise that an application for transport was received on time for the 24/25 School Year but no payment has been received to date for this pupil and the existing service is now operating at capacity,
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.
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.
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.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
192. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on a list of schools (details supplied). [42218/24]
View answerThe position on individual projects within the overall school building pipeline of projects evolves all the time and the current status of all projects including those projects referenced by the Deputy are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. This information is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
Since 2020, the department has invested in the region of €5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 950 schools building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 350 other projects, which includes 36 new school buildings. These 350 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.5bn. 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.
Notwithstanding this level of investment, it is also important to note that all individual projects form part of a larger programme. The Department must manage the wider programme within the context of available resources, including funding parameters. In doing so, the Department targets and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects the Department’s fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child. The main focus of the Department’s capital funding over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs. The overall position with regard to potential modernisation and replacement of existing school infrastructure will be kept under review as capital funding allocations for future years are clarified.
193. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education to incorporate a physical exercise hall into the planned school building project at a school in Cork (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42243/24]
View answerThe 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 5 Classroom SEN base, 2 Science labs with shared preparation area, 1 Construction studies room with preparation area, 1 Project store, 2 Design Communications and Graphics rooms, 1 Textiles room, 1 Home Economics room and 1 staffroom. The project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.
My department received a stage 1 architectural design report, which is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. Once this review is complete my department will be in touch with the school authority on how best to progress this important project.
The purpose of the ASA 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 by available accommodation at other schools in the area. A request for a PE Hall does not come within the remit of the ASA scheme.
Since 2020, the department has invested in the region of €5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 950 schools building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 350 other projects, which includes 36 new school buildings. These 350 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.5bn
A future strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock will have different strands and will include a PE build and modernisation programme which will enable students in post-primary schools to have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision, particularly also in the context of the roll-out of PE as a leaving-certificate subject. Enhanced and modernised PE facilities will also provide important amenities for local communities.
However, the main focus of the Department’s capital funding over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs.
The Department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects the Department’s fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.
The overall position with regard to potential modernisation and replacement of existing school infrastructure will be kept under review as capital funding allocations for future years are clarified.
194. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education to provide details of all social enterprise organisations or bodies funded by her Department in each year from 2021 to date in 2024; the amount allocated in funding to each during this time period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42268/24]
View answerThe funding allocated to my Department, as set down in the annual Estimates, is used to meet costs associated with the provision of educational services in our schools and for various related functions. The allocation is used primarily to fund the salaries of teaching and non-teaching school staff, the development of school infrastructure, capitation funding for the ongoing running costs of schools, the payment of pensions to retired school staff, the costs associated with the school transport scheme and the general administration costs of my Department.
Funding is also provided to enable the Department to make grant payments to Education and Training Boards to meet costs associated with the provision of certain educational services and to the various agencies and bodies that come under the aegis of my Department. Funding is also allocated for a range of programmes and initiatives.
The annual Appropriation Account for my Department's Vote provides detailed information regarding expenditure and receipts for the year.
In the course of its work, my Department makes a significant number of payments every year. Such payments are made to individuals and organisations both by way of grants and also for the provision of goods and services to it. The financial management system that records the payments does not record whether the recipients have Social Enterprise Organisation (SEO) status and as such it is not possible to provide an accurate and complete list of total expenditure to SEO’s.
In those circumstances, it would not be possible without utilising very significant staff resources to search for, identify and retrieve the information sought. If the Deputy wishes to obtain further information regarding specific SEO’s I will arrange for this information to be provided.
195. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the plans in place for the Blanchardstown Mulhuddart school area to ensure there are enough primary school places to accommodate the new developments in both Churchfields and Hollywoodrath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42288/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for my Department.
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.
While my Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in some areas, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
• Duplication of applications
• School of choice
• Single sex schools
• External draw
Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, my Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity and identifies any requirement for additional provision.
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.
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.
As the Deputy is aware my Department is delivering school accommodation on a site at Hollywoodrath which will be used in the first instance as decant accommodation for two primary schools in the area while they are being remediated/retrofitted. Subsequently, this accommodation will be available to assist in addressing any additional school capacity requirements that may emerge in the area.
The Department will continue to liaise with Local Authorities in respect of their County Development Plans and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas.
196. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the details of the expenditure on new school buildings, and the refurbishment of existing buildings, since 27 June 2020; the number of projects completed; the number of projects currently in construction; the number of projects currently in design, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42294/24]
View answerSince 2020, my department has invested 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.
The Department announced earlier this year that close to 90 projects, including 28 new school buildings, have been 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.
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.
The key drivers of capital investment in the schools sector include:
• demographic growth, particularly at post primary level
• increased demand for special educational needs provision
• alignment of school place provision with new housing development
• climate action objectives including deep energy retrofit.
Please see requested details below:
|
|
2020 to date |
|
As at 30/09/2024 |
|
PBU Expenditure |
€5 Billion |
Number of projects currently in construction |
350 |
|
Number of projects completed |
950 |
Circa Number of projects at Design & Planning Stages |
300 |
.
197. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if a UP80 form can be completed for a person in County Mayo (details supplied) in view of the very negative impact on this person’s financial situation due to the delay in same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42299/24]
View answerI wish to confirm that the Department of Social Protection form referred to by the Deputy has been completed and returned to the teacher concerned.
198. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education if a child with scoliosis (details supplied) will be offered school transport. [42310/24]
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.
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.
Bus Éireann advise that while this pupil is eligible for transport, their application was received late for the 2024/25 year. The service was already full and is operating to capacity.
Special transport arrangements on medical grounds may be considered by the Department. An application form is available at:
[www.gov.ie/en/form/school-transport-application-for-school-transport-on-medical-grounds/]
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent of the efforts to date to find a second level school place for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42338/24]
View answerMy Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, the parent of the student, or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, may appeal a decision of this school to refuse admission. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(i) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due to the school being oversubscribed. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(ii) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due a reason other than the school being oversubscribed.
The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO).
A Senior Educational Welfare Officer (SEWO) has contacted the parent and has confirmed that the student has a school place and is attending a school in West Dublin.
The SEWO has advised this parent that there are closer schools to where she is residing and sent them applications re same, however the parent has advised that they would rather send the student to his current school until a place becomes available in her locality. The SEWO advised the parent of current pressures on school places in North Kildare as this parent seems to remain hopeful of a place in the school of their choosing. The parent was advised that TESS cannot compel a school to enrol her son when the school is full. The parent was advised that schools are starting to accept application forms this month for school places for the school year 2025/2026 and the parent to apply using the official application form.
200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if and when it might be possible to find a school place for the child of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42340/24]
View answerMy Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, the parent of the student, or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, may appeal a decision of this school to refuse admission. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(i) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due to the school being oversubscribed. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(ii) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due a reason other than the school being oversubscribed.
The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). The EWS confirmed on 17 October 2024 that the child mentioned in this pq is not known to Tusla Education Support Services (TESS).
An Educational Welfare Officer will send a parental referral form to the family address provided. Where a school has no places available the Educational Welfare Service cannot compel a school to enrol a child. There are significant shortages of school places in North Kildare currently, therefore all families living in this area are advised to apply to as many schools as possible, both within the local area and further afield.
The EWS are aware that there is an acute shortage of Transition Year places available in North Kildare currently. TESS are working closely with the Department of Education on this issue.
201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if a school place can be found at junior infants level for the child of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42346/24]
View answerMy Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, the parent of the student, or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, may appeal a decision of this school to refuse admission. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(i) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due to the school being oversubscribed. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(ii) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due a reason other than the school being oversubscribed.
The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). The EWS contacted the parent in this case on Tuesday 15th October 2024. The parental referral was completed over the phone and an Education Welfare Officer will be allocated. This parent was also advised of a number of schools that she could consider applying to.
202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education whether it might be possible to offer transport to school for the school of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42349/24]
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 through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Bus Éireann are required to tender services in line with procurement guidelines and are responsible for the allocating and Garda vetting clearance of a contractor to operate this service.
Bus Éireann has advised that a contract for a service for the child referred to by the Deputy has now been awarded, and the service will commence once the documentation and Garda vetting clearance are in order.
In such circumstances where there is no existing suitable service available to meet a child's needs, and while Bus Éireann are in the process of establishing the service for the child referred, the Department will offer an Interim Special Transport Grant (STG) to families of eligible children towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This is based on the number of days attended from the date of application until a suitable service becomes available. The family of the child referred will be contacted in the coming days in this regard.
203. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the new National Archive Advisory Council will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42242/24]
View answerThe National Archives Advisory Council (NAAC) is established under the National Archives Act 1986, to advise me on archives and their use by the public. The NAAC’s primary function is to be a voice and national platform for records and archival issues. It is not a governing board, but primarily focused on advocacy and awareness raising.
The NAAC consists of a Chair and 11 members, at least two of whom must be members of the Irish Manuscripts Commission and not less than two archivists who are not employed by the National Archives.
The appointment of a Chair and Council members is under consideration and will be progressed in due course.
204. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide details of all social enterprise organisations or bodies funded by her Department in each year from 2021 to date in 2024; the amount allocated in funding to each during this time period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42281/24]
View answerResponsibility for the coordination of the implementation of the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland is primarily a matter for the Department of Rural and Community Development.
I am advised that Údarás na Gaeltachta, which comes under the aegis of my Department, funds a network of 33 community development organisations that operate as social enterprises. The following is a breakdown of the operational grants provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta for these organisations from 2021 to 2024.
|
Name of Social Enterprise or Body |
Amount Allocated in Funding 2021 |
Amount Allocated in Funding 2022 |
Amount Allocated in Funding 2023 |
Amount Allocated in Funding 2024 |
|
Donegal |
||||
|
Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo |
€123,300 |
€137,000.00 |
€143,850.00 |
€148,537.50 |
|
Comharchumann Thoraí Teo |
€120,500 |
€135,000.00 |
€141,750.00 |
€146,437.50 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair Teo. |
€85,034 |
€101,000.00 |
€106,050.00 |
€110,737.50 |
|
Comharchumann na nOileán Beag Teo. |
€41,220 |
€52,000.00 |
€54,600.00 |
€59,287.50 |
|
Lár Chomhairle Paróiste Gleann Cholm Cille CTR |
€66,210 |
€77,000.00 |
€80,850.00 |
€85,537.50 |
|
Céim Aniar CTR |
€73,540 |
€82,000.00 |
€86,100.00 |
€90,787.50 |
|
Pobal Eascarrach CTR |
€62,240 |
€79,000.00 |
€82,950.00 |
€87,637.50 |
|
Forbairt Eachla CTR |
€60,110 |
€59,960.00 |
€60,000.00 |
€64,687.50 |
|
Fánaid – Feidhmiú le tosú in 2020 |
€42,000 |
€50,000.00 |
€52,500.00 |
€57,187.50 |
|
Mayo |
||||
|
Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla CTR |
€91,410 |
€98,500.00 |
€103,425.00 |
€108,112.50 |
|
Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo |
€57,320 |
€67,000.00 |
€70,350.00 |
€75,037.50 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile Eachléim Teo. |
€80,530 |
€92,000.00 |
€96,600.00 |
€101,287.50 |
|
Coiste Cultúr Teanga & Forbartha T.M.E Teo |
€70,250 |
€81,000.00 |
€85,050.00 |
€89,737.50 |
|
Galway |
||||
|
Comhar Caomhán Teo. |
€116,230 |
€136,000.00 |
€142,800.00 |
€147,487.50 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo. |
€136,210 |
€152,000.00 |
€159,600.00 |
€164,287.50 |
|
Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teo. |
€81,820 |
€95,000.00 |
€99,750.00 |
€104,437.50 |
|
Comharchumann Shailearna Teo. |
€86,520 |
€97,000.00 |
€101,850.00 |
€106,537.50 |
|
Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán CTR |
€83,250 |
€98,000.00 |
€102,900.00 |
€107,587.50 |
|
Comharchumann Sliogéisc Chonamara Teo |
€40,000 |
€50,000.00 |
€52,500.00 |
€57,187.50 |
|
Forbairt Chonamara Láir Teo |
€85,300 |
€101,000.00 |
€106,050.00 |
€110,737.50 |
|
Comharchumann Mhic Dara Teo. |
€88,000 |
€107,000.00 |
€112,350.00 |
€117,037.50 |
|
Comhlacht Forbartha An Spidéil CTR |
€55,000 |
€56,350.00 |
€72,150.00 |
€76,837.50 |
|
Forbairt Pobail Mhaigh Cuilinn CTR |
€58,000 |
€63,000.00 |
€66,150.00 |
€70,837.50 |
|
Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin CTR |
€117,580 |
€136,000.00 |
€142,800.00 |
€147,487.50 |
|
Comhar Chuigéil (Leitir Mealláin) Teo |
€57,200 |
€76,000.00 |
€79,800.00 |
€84,487.50 |
|
Meath |
||||
|
Comharchumann Ráth Chairn Teo. |
€83,720 |
€98,000.00 |
€102,900.00 |
€107,587.50 |
|
Kerry |
||||
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Léith Triúigh Teo. |
€76,800 |
€91,000.00 |
€95,550.00 |
€100,237.50 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne Teo. |
€102,300 |
€118,000.00 |
€123,900.00 |
€128,587.50 |
|
Comhchoiste Ghaeltachtaí Chiarraí Theas CTR |
€111,400 |
€92,000.00 |
€96,600.00 |
€101,287.50 |
|
Forbairt na Dromada Teo. |
€71,220 |
€81,000.00 |
€85,050.00 |
€89,737.50 |
|
Cork & Waterford |
||||
|
Comharchumann Chléire Teo. |
€131,800 |
€141,000.00 |
€148,050.00 |
€152,737.50 |
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí Teo. |
€77,120 |
€93,000.00 |
€97,650.00 |
€102,337.50 |
|
Comhlucht Forbartha na Déise CTR |
€80,500 |
€98,190.00 |
€103,100.00 |
€107,787.50 |
Additional project-specific Social Enterprise supports were introduced by Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2023, a capital support fund and a project development fund supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development. In 2023, a total of €144,283 was allocated in funding under the capital support fund and €34,920 was allocated under the project development fund.
The Creative Ireland Programme, supported by my Department, funds a wide variety of bodies and organisations via its grant funding mechanisms. While some social enterprises may be in receipt of funding, the Creative Ireland Programme does not categorise the recipients of funding.
205. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide the monthly television license sales figures in respect of each month beginning with January 2022, including a breakdown of renewals, new license sales, and monthly totals, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42314/24]
View answerThe table below shows the monthly number of first time licence sales and renewals, as recorded by An Post, since January 2022.
|
MONTH |
Total Sales 2022 |
First Time |
Renewal |
Total Sales 2023 |
First Time |
Renewal |
Total Sales 2024 |
First Time |
Renewal |
|
January |
78,050 |
10,236 |
67,814 |
78,389 |
10,396 |
67,993 |
75,183 |
8,418 |
66,765 |
|
February |
70,648 |
9,244 |
61,404 |
71,891 |
10,072 |
61,819 |
61,601 |
6,932 |
54,669 |
|
March |
74,098 |
9,353 |
64,745 |
79,210 |
10,694 |
68,516 |
59,195 |
5,768 |
53,427 |
|
April |
73,942 |
9,706 |
64,236 |
68,795 |
8,723 |
60,072 |
64,566 |
6,091 |
58,475 |
|
May |
73,624 |
9,339 |
64,285 |
73,598 |
9,181 |
64,417 |
63,631 |
7,061 |
56,570 |
|
June |
75,067 |
9,020 |
66,047 |
73,421 |
9,009 |
64,412 |
58,612 |
6,373 |
52,239 |
|
July |
76,769 |
9,572 |
67,197 |
53,882 |
6,047 |
47,835 |
66,768 |
8,342 |
58,426 |
|
August |
77,736 |
9,471 |
68,265 |
54,664 |
4,882 |
49,782 |
64,799 |
8,056 |
56,743 |
|
September |
93,365 |
10,247 |
83,118 |
66,000 |
4,956 |
61,044 |
69,814 |
7,707 |
62,107 |
|
October |
94,905 |
9,957 |
84,948 |
67,722 |
4,725 |
62,997 |
|||
|
November |
87,750 |
11,098 |
76,652 |
72,248 |
7,076 |
65,172 |
|||
|
December |
71,970 |
8,708 |
63,262 |
64,458 |
5,985 |
58,473 |
The most recent data provided by An Post is for the period from 1st to 13th October 2024 inclusive which show that there were total sales of 25,937 comprising 22,779 renewals and 3,158 first time licences. This compares to 23,010 total sales for the corresponding period in 2023. As direct debits figures are collated monthly, these are not included in these October figures and will not be available until after month end.
TV licence figures can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/d5f84-tv-licence-sales/. These figures are updated weekly.
As the Deputy will be aware, in July of this year Government agreed to a multi-annual public funding arrangement for RTÉ, consisting of a combination of revenue from TV licence fees and Exchequer support. Key to Government's decision was the provision of multi-annual funding to provide certainty to RTÉ, enabling it to plan on a multi-annual basis for the delivery of its New Direction Statement of Strategy 2025-2029. As part of this decision, the current TV licence system will be retained, but underpinned by improvements in collection and compliance to maximise revenue generation in support of public service media content.
TV licence receipts support not only RTÉ but also the wider broadcasting and independent production sectors through the Sound and Vision Scheme. I continue to urge everyone who is required to do so, to purchase or renew their TV licence and enable the continuation of this important support for our public service media.
