Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:380. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education for an update on the pay review for bus escorts; when the review will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44139/24]
View answerSchool Staff
Questions (380)
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.
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.
There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.
The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay. The Board of Management/ETB are responsible for the employment of the School Transport Escort.
It is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school.
A review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately. As a recommended action arising from the review, the Department committed to continuing the comprehensive analysis of matters as they relate to the escort's pay, and the information provided to schools as the employer of the escort.
The work underway by School Transport Section regarding the employment of School Bus Escorts has been completed and an information pack has issued to schools.
The commitment to review pay rates for Bus Escorts has also been completed in full for 2024. A circular issued to schools on Monday 04 November 2024 to advise that the rate of pay for escorts has been set at €15.20 per hour from 01 October 2024.
School Funding
Questions (381)
Holly Cairns
Question:381. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if her Department is engaging with a school (details supplied), and the steps being taken to ensure future funding of the school. [44142/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department along with the Government is committed to supporting the provision of appropriate education to children with disabilities. Budget 2025 provides for a record level of investment in special education with €2.9 billion of my Department’s overall budget allocated for special education. This represents 6% or a €159 million increase on the 2024 provision.
School funding is provided by way of capitation which is intended to contribute to the day-to-day running costs of schools and is used to meet the cost of items such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general upkeep in schools. The current standard rate of capitation grant is €200 per pupil in primary schools. However, enhanced capitation rates are payable in respect of pupils attending special schools and special classes attached to mainstream schools. These enhanced rates are to assist with the extra costs associated with running classrooms with a small number of pupils receiving specialist provision. Enhanced rates of capitation for special educational needs are inclusive of the mainstream rate of €200, are based on the pupil’s additional needs, and vary from €512 to €986 per pupil. Scoil Mochua received a total of €67,519 in capitation funding for the 2023/2024 school year. A mainstream school with similar enrolments would receive €13,773.
In addition to these grants, €45 million in cost-of-living supports will issue in 2024, to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. This additional funding announced in Budget 2025 is designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. Special rates for electricity and heating have been negotiated for schools. There is support available in relation to accessing a group insurance scheme for special schools by liaising with the relevant management body, the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2025 over €30 million was secured as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This represents an increase of approximately 12% on current standard rates and enhanced rates. This increase is on top of the approximately 9.2% increase from last year’s budget.
School staff such as teachers and special needs assistants are paid directly by the Department of Education, and ancillary staff are paid either directly by the Department or through a specific grant paid to school. The Department funds 11 teaching posts and 36.5 SNA posts in the school. For this school year 2024/2025 the school was allocated a new Administrative Deputy Principal and an additional 9 post-primary teaching hours per week. The school also have an additional 15 part-time specialist teaching hours.
The Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by the department to supplement the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children with more complex learning needs who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment. In total €41,150 has been provided to the school for assistive technology over the previous three-year period.
A school can also apply for specialised furniture or equipment for pupils with special educational needs who are enrolled in the school. This includes furniture for a particular child's postural and toileting needs which assists the students in managing their day to day needs and facilitates their access to the curriculum.
A major building project that will provide a new school building for Scoil Mochua is currently being advanced. The project has been devolved for delivery to the Central Remedial Clinic. The project is currently at detailed design stage, of the architectural planning design process.
Scoil Mochua will continue to receive enhanced levels of support from the Department in line with other special schools providing for the equivalent level of special educational needs.
The Department remains available to work with the school and school patron on any issues they have in relation to funding needs.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (382)
Mattie McGrath
Question:382. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education for an update on a planned extension for a school (details supplied). [44145/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question has submitted an application for capital funding, under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority 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.
For 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools and 300 additional special school places.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department of Education’s total allocation for 2023.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. The Department and the NCSE are working closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process to ensure a targeted approach to meet demand for special needs placements ahead of each new school-year and is committed to delivering an inclusive educational environment for all pupils. The Department and the NCSE continue to work closely in planning for the delivery of new places required to meet forecasted demand. The forward planning for special education includes a new circular letter 0080/2024 on following: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/307240/e9d91698-f60e-40e1-acd4-0fc630d3d104.pdf#page=null, setting out new measures to support the forward planning of special education provision. This was issued in early October by the Department to all schools, following intensive stakeholder engagement.
In relation to the provision of school places for children in Tipperary with additional needs please I can advise that the department engages intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2025/26 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland. This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs. This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.
Since 2020 over 50 school building projects have been completed in special schools delivering over circa. 220 new classrooms and over 760 new classrooms for SEN provision have been built in mainstream schools.
I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department is currently assessing options with a view to identifying the optimum solution for the long-term accommodation needs of the school. In this regard the Department approved the provision of modular accommodation of 4 classrooms for Scoil Aonghusa to cater for immediate needs. This project has since been completed.
The Department has had on-going engagement with this school with a site visit by the Department's Professional Technical team carried out.
My officials will continue to engage with the school as part of the assessment process for the school’s longer-term accommodation needs with a view to making the most appropriate provision possible for the school and for its current and future students.
I would like to assure the Deputy are working to get a decision communicated to the school as soon as possible.
School Transport
Questions (383)
James O'Connor
Question:383. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if approval will be given for a school transport grant for a special needs student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44157/24]
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.
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.
Officials in the School Transport Section of my Department have contacted the parent referred to by the Deputy to confirm eligibility for the Special Transport Grant effective from the date they signed the application, on 23 September 2024.
School Staff
Questions (384)
Pauline Tully
Question:384. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education if the decision to remove a teacher from a school (details supplied) can be immediately reversed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44165/24]
View answerWritten answers
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing arrangements includes an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain published criteria.
The school referred to by the Deputy was successful in their appeal to the March meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board and was informed that the additional post was provisional on the school achieving an enrolment of 78 on 30 September 2024. The school did not achieve the required enrolment and so the school was informed that the post would be suppressed at the end of October, in accordance with the arrangements for provisional posts set out in the primary staffing arrangements.
The school submitted a further appeal to the October meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board but the appeal was deemed ineligible as the school’s appeal did not meet the eligibility criteria for appeal. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
The primary staffing schedule is a long-standing feature of the primary allocation system which ensures fairness and transparency in the allocation of mainstream class teachers across our primary schools. It is an important feature of the primary schedule that staffing levels remain aligned with actual student numbers in schools. The staffing appeals process is in place to allow schools the opportunity to appeal their teacher allocation, ensuring fairness and consistency.
School Accommodation
Questions (385)
Matt Carthy
Question:385. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 607 of 9 September 2024, the number of students attending the autism unit in a school (details supplied) in the years 2019 to date, by year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44182/24]
View answerWritten answers
The requested information is set out in the table, data provided is for academic years 2019-2023, 2023 being the latest year we have final enrolment data.
Please note data is taken from the Primary Online Database for pupils enrolled in an ASD class as per the census date, 30th September, for each academic year.
Over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned nationwide by the National Council for Special Education for this school year. This brings to 3,338 the number of special classes in the country, 2,340 at primary level and 998 at post-primary level. 7 of these new special classed will open in Co. Monaghan. This brings to 54 the total number of special classes in Co. Monaghan for the 2024/25 school year.
|
Academic Year (Enrolment) |
Roll Number |
Official Name |
County Description |
Class Type Description |
Enrolment per Return |
|
2019 |
20337A |
Edenmore N.S. |
Monaghan |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) |
6 |
|
2020 |
20337A |
Edenmore N.S. |
Monaghan |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) |
6 |
|
2021 |
20337A |
Edenmore N.S. |
Monaghan |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) |
5 |
|
2022 |
20337A |
Edenmore N.S. |
Monaghan |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) |
6 |
|
|
20337A |
Edenmore N.S. |
Monaghan |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) |
5 |
Note: Data supplied is from the Primary Online Database and is for pupils enrolled as of the Census date. 30th of September for each year.
Question No. 386 answered with Question No. 37.
Question No. 387 answered with Question No. 37.
Question No. 388 answered with Question No. 37.
School Funding
Questions (389)
Niamh Smyth
Question:389. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education to review and revoke the decision to remove the 15 hours of EAL in the primary school (details supplied). [44203/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Department has adapted to the dynamic landscape of student enrolment. This has been particularly effective in the context of the pace and volume of newly arrived students fleeing the war in Ukraine and the ongoing increase in students, who require EAL supports to fully access the curriculum. The Department has prioritised enhancing English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, recognising the critical role of language proficiency in successful integration and academic achievement.
The Department’s Inspectorate report Meeting Additional Language Needs: Whole-school and Classroom Approaches for Inclusive Language Learning outlines the best practice approaches in the teaching and learning of EAL involving mainstream teachers. The report underscores the importance of English language provision for educational equity and well-being and applauds schools for promoting diversity and belonging. The Department will use its recommendations to enhance learning experiences across all schools.
All schools are advised in the first instance to review whether the needs of newly enrolled pupils can be met from within existing allocations. Language supports are also included through the Special Education Teaching (SET) which encompasses an element of Language (EAL) support allocation. Under this SET model, schools are front-loaded with resources to provide support immediately to those pupils who need it without delay.
The Department's policies enable flexible resource allocation to ensure that the resources follow children in the event of them changing schools. Schools may also apply for further language support by an application process during the school year, should their circumstances change. These supports to schools, based on application process, are provided for new-entrant pupils (i.e., pupils arrived in the country in the last 2 years with an EAL requirement).
Similar to previous years, supports may also be provided for schools with a high concentration of pupils that are not classified as new-entrant pupils but who have an EAL need i.e., those pupils with less than 3 years EAL support and register less than B1 in an English proficiency test.
The school referred to, St Catherine's Infant School, was provisionally granted 2 temporary EAL posts for the 2024/25 school year, based on their projected enrolment of new-entrant pupils. This was a provisional allocation pending confirmation of the enrolment on 30th September. As the schools confirmed enrolment of newly arrived pupils had not reached the projected figures, St Catherine's Infant School had their EAL allocation reduced to 1 temporary post and 10 part time language support hours per week for 2024/25.
The school submitted an appeal to the October meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Board has upheld 1 temporary post and 10 part time language support hours per week for 2024/25 based on confirmed enrolments. The school has been notified of this decision.
Schools are advised to notify the Department of changes in enrolment throughout the 2024/25 academic year in respect of language support for new entrants and this sanction will be reviewed.
State Examinations
Questions (390)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:390. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if the current arrangement for sraithpictiúir in the Leaving Certificate Irish oral exam, whereby 10 pictures are required to be learned for assessment, will remain in place for academic year 2026 (details supplied), or if it will return to the 20 picture assessment as was the requirement pre 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44218/24]
View answerWritten answers
The sraitheanna pictiúr, or picture sequences, are a component of the common Irish Oral test for Higher Level and Ordinary Level candidates, with the Oral test accounting for 40% of the overall marks for Leaving Cert Irish.
In response to issues highlighted in National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) research about the sraitheanna pictiúr and the conversational elements of the Oral Irish exam, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) introduced adjustments to the structure of the Common Oral examination for the 2020 exams and thereafter. These aim to create greater opportunity for candidate-examiner interaction and so give the candidate scope to display their competence while keeping a balance between the different parts of the oral exam. Note that the oral examinations did not take place in 2020 as a result of the pandemic.
Since then there have been adjustments to assessment arrangements in light of the pandemic’s impact on teaching and learning. These adjustments have been made with due regard for the principles of equity, fairness and integrity, in relation to student-to-student, subject-to-subject, and year-to-year comparisons. They include a reduction in the number of sraitheanna pictiúr, from 20 to 10.
On 17 April 2024, I confirmed that adjustments will be made to the assessment arrangements due to sit State examinations 2025. These adjustments will be the same as that applied to State examinations in 2023 and 2024 but updated as relevant.
Detail on the adjusted assessment arrangements for every subject/module descriptor in the Leaving Certificate Established, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and Junior Cycle programmes were issued to schools on 18 September 2024, and schools were asked to ensure that all students were made aware of these changes.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (391)
Matt Carthy
Question:391. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 561 of 9 September 2024, the current status regarding the proposed permanent extension at a school (details supplied); the expected timeframe for completion of this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44233/24]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter the department’s pipeline for a project under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project will provide 4 classroom Special Education Needs base, 2 Special Education Tuition rooms, 1 music room, 1 science laboratory and preparation area, 2 technology rooms and 1 preparation area, a general purpose hall and a conversion to provide science laboratory, art room and textiles room.
The school authority is being assisted by Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board in the delivery of this project.
The Stage 2a report was received by my Department and evaluated from both technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, approval to Stage 2b (approval to planning) of the architectural design process had been issued to Cavan and Monaghan ETB in June 2024.
My department is now awaiting submission of the post planning approval Stage 2b architectural report for review. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
At this stage, it is not possible to predict when a significant school building project of this nature will go to construction, nor when it will be completed, as progress depends upon many contingent factors that can arise.
My department will continue to engage with Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board to provide practical advice and assistance on the project.
Education and Training Boards
Questions (392)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:392. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education for an update on the implementation of the job evaluation scheme in education and training boards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44246/24]
View answerWritten answers
My department provides each of the sixteen Education and Training Boards (ETBs) with an administrative staffing allocation to support its schools, colleges, head office and other centres of education. In providing these supports, it is the responsibility of each ETB to recruit and manage staffing levels within this allocation and to deploy staff to specific roles in accordance with the priorities and needs as identified by the ETB.
There is no external job evaluation scheme in place for such staff in ETBs. However, a claim seeking the introduction of such a scheme has been raised at the ETB Industrial Relations Forum, which will, like any additional scheme with potential cost implications, be carefully examined by my department, in consultation with ETBs and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform as appropriate.
Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge
Questions (393)
Sorca Clarke
Question:393. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sorca Clarke den Aire Oideachais cén fáth ar fágadh Gaelscoileanna ar nós Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh in Iarthar Bhéal Feirste amach as Scéim RAISE, atá páirtmhaoinithe ag Tionscnamh an Oileáin Chomhroinnte, agus 60% de dhaltaí na scoile ag fáil béilí scoile saor in aisce. [44272/24]
View answerWritten answers
Is togra de chuid na Roinne Oideachais i dTuaisceart Éireann é Clár RAISE i dTuaisceart Éireann. Tá sé deartha le tacú le cur i bhfeidhm na gcinntí agus na moltaí a bhaineann le míbhuntáiste oideachais atá sa tuarascáil "A Fair Start (Tús Cothrom)" a d'ullmhaigh Painéal Saineolaithe i dTuaisceart Éireann agus a d'fhaomh Feidhmeannacht Thuaisceart Éireann in 2021.
Is clár píolótach é atá deartha le tús a chur le roinnt beart a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn céimneach leis an gcur chuige ceantarbhunaithe a chur san áireamh atá dírithe ar phobail agus ar scoileanna i gceantair faoi mhíbhuntáiste i dTuaisceart Éireann. Is faoin Roinn Oideachais i dTuaisceart Éireann polasaithe agus cláir oideachais i dTuaisceart Éireann a dhearadh agus a chur i bhfeidhm.
Tuigim nár cuireadh aon mhaoiniú ar fáil go fóill d'aon phobail ná scoileanna faoin togra seo.
The RAISE Programme in Northern Ireland is an initiative of the Department of Education in Northern Ireland. It is designed to support the implementation of the findings and recommendations on educational disadvantage contained in the “A Fair Start” report, prepared by an Expert Panel in Northern Ireland and endorsed by the Northern Ireland Executive in 2021.
It is a pilot programme designed to start the roll-out of some measures to take a locality-based approach focused on communities and schools in areas of disadvantage in NI. The design and implementation of education policies and programmes in NI are a matter for the Department of Education in Northern Ireland.
I understand that no funding has yet been provided to any communities or schools under this initiative.
Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge
Questions (394)
Sorca Clarke
Question:394. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Sorca Clarke den Aire Oideachais cad é an t-ionchur a bhí ag an Aire Oideachais Norma Ní Fhoghlú maidir le déantús agus critéir na scéime, agus maidir le roghnú na scoileanna féin, i Scéim RAISE atá i bhfeidhm ó thuaidh, agus cad é an tosaíocht a ceanglaíodh le haghaidh Gaelscoileanna a chomhlíonann na príomh-chritéir maidir le bochtanas. [44273/24]
View answerWritten answers
Is togra de chuid na Roinne Oideachais i dTuaisceart Éireann é Clár RAISE i dTuaisceart Éireann. Tá sé deartha le tacú le cur i bhfeidhm na gcinntí agus na moltaí a bhaineann le míbhuntáiste oideachais atá sa tuarascáil "A Fair Start (Tús Cothrom)" a d'ullmhaigh Painéal Saineolaithe i dTuaisceart Éireann agus a d'fhaomh Feidhmeannacht Thuaisceart Éireann in 2021.
Is clár píolótach é atá deartha le tús a chur le roinnt beart a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn céimneach leis an gcur chuige ceantarbhunaithe a chur san áireamh atá dírithe ar phobail agus ar scoileanna i gceantair faoi mhíbhuntáiste i dTuaisceart Éireann. Is faoin Roinn Oideachais i dTuaisceart Éireann polasaithe agus cláir oideachais i dTuaisceart Éireann a dhearadh agus a chur i bhfeidhm.
Tuigim nár cuireadh aon mhaoiniú ar fáil go fóill d'aon phobail ná scoileanna faoin togra seo.
English version
The RAISE Programme in Northern Ireland is an initiative of the Department of Education in Northern Ireland. It is designed to support the implementation of the findings and recommendations on educational disadvantage contained in the “A Fair Start” report, prepared by an Expert Panel in Northern Ireland and endorsed by the Northern Ireland Executive in 2021.
It is a pilot programme designed to start the rollout of some measures to take a locality-based approach focused on communities and schools in areas of disadvantage in NI. The design and implementation of education policies and programmes in NI are a matter for the Department of Education in Northern Ireland.
I understand that no funding has yet been provided to any communities or schools under this initiative.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (395)
Niall Collins
Question:395. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education for an update on a proposed ASD class for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44295/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Project referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for the provision of 3 Classroom Special Education Needs Base. This project has been devolved to the delivery body Limerick Clare ETB.
In Q2 ,2023 upon completion of a Stage 1 review, combined comments issued to Limerick Clare ETB outlining issues with the cost and design on this submission. A revised Stage 1 submission was requested, and the Design Team were advised that it was necessary for them to take into consideration the comments of my Department officials when preparing this revised report.
In Q4 2023 my Department received a revised Stage 1 submission however, the revised design was not in keeping with my Departments guidelines. Additional comprehensive comments issued to the Limerick Clare ETB with guidance for the Design Team to revisit this element of the report and resubmit a revised Stage 1 report.
It is now with Limerick Clare ETB and the Design Team to progress this project in line with my Departments guidelines.
Departmental Staff
Questions (396)
Carol Nolan
Question:396. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the number of civil servants, by grade, in her Department who were on a career break in 2023 and 2024; the number of those who in 2023 and 2024 were on a career break of five years or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44299/24]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy, is as follows, at the end of December 2023, 30 staff were on career break, with 4 more than 5 years. Where staff are more than 5 years, my department engages with them to determine if they are returning or resigning.
|
Grade |
Number on Career Break |
|
Clerical Officer |
8 |
|
Executive Officer |
6 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
5 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Accountant |
1 |
|
Psychologist |
7 |
|
Inspector |
1 |
In 2024, to date, there are 25 staff on career break, with 3 more than 5 years.
|
Grade |
Number on Career Break |
|
Clerical Officer |
5 |
|
Executive Officer |
8 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
5 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
1 |
|
Psychologist |
5 |
|
Inspector |
1 |
Physical Education
Questions (397)
Seán Haughey
Question:397. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education the policy of her Department regarding the provision of physical education in post-primary schools; her views on the opening up of school buildings after school hours for the provision of sport and fitness sessions, particularly in areas of disadvantage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44314/24]
View answerWritten answers
There are two options for PE at Senior Cycle – Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE), which is an examinable subject and the Senior Cycle Physical Education (SCPE) framework which is non-examinable. The Senior Cycle Physical Education (SCPE) non-examination framework provides a flexible planning tool for physical education for all students in senior cycle. Oide, the new Integrated Teacher Education Support Service, was launched on the 1st of September 2023. It promotes the quality of teaching and learning through the provision of Teacher Professional Learning and support for our physical education teachers.
My Department supports and encourages the use of school buildings for community, sport and recreational use where feasible.
As the Deputy may be aware, the 'Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours' were published in June this year. The Procedures replaced the ‘Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours’ which had been in use prior to this.
The Procedures highlight the value and importance of school buildings and school sports facilities being used outside of school hours.
With respect to the use of school buildings by external groups and organisations, and the making of schools available for community, sport and recreational use, any decision on the use of school buildings and property is a matter for the property owner, taking into consideration the requirements of the school, students and staff. Also it is important that any proposed arrangement does not impede upon the future development of the school, given that the priority for schools is educational provision for its pupils.
School Staff
Questions (398)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:398. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 33 of 25 September 2024, if the analysis of the survey relating to school caretakers’ work pattern, terms and conditions has been completed and reviewed by her Department; if the Minister or her officials have or intend to engage with the relevant union representing school caretakers on foot of the survey; the indicative timeframe for any such engagement; if a report of the survey responses will be published by the Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44351/24]
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Under the February 2022 agreement the implementation of revised salary and annual leave entitlements for school secretaries is now fully operational, and lessons learned from that process are now playing a key role in the drafting and implementation of a similar deal to be offered to grant funded school caretakers. The Department committed, as part of the agreement, to ensuring that school caretakers will be afforded the opportunity to avail a similar package offered to school secretaries of revised salary and annual leave entitlements in the near future.
A survey was issued to schools for completion at the end of the 2023/24 school year. Work is still ongoing to analyse the data that has been gathered. This information will enable my officials to confirm their understanding of the current working patterns as well as terms and conditions of work for school caretakers. The Department are also actively in communication with Fórsa on this important matter, matters discussed have contributed to a clearer understanding of the variety of terms and conditions of employment that exist for caretakers in our schools.
Once work has been completed in assessing the information obtained from this initial survey the Department will then be in a position to progress this claim further.
School Accommodation
Questions (399)
Cathal Crowe
Question:399. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the additional accommodation application made by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44354/24]
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I can confirm to the Deputy, that following consultation with the school and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) a traditional building project for two Special education classrooms was approved in 2021 for the school in question under the Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of the Additional Schools' Accommodation (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 at other schools in the area.
The school have subsequently submitted a request to alter the proposed brief.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the 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.
In 2024, the department will spend over €2.7 billion on special education and further progress will be made in 2025 as an additional €159 million has been dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. Over a quarter of the entire education budget has been dedicated to special education in recent years. The main supports this funding provides for are special classes, SNAs and special education teachers.
The NCSE has advised that there are 3,337 special classes in operation nationwide for this school year. These classes can provide for over 21,000 students. 409 of these are new for the current school year – 289 at primary and 120 at post-primary level.
Over the last number of years, the department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient mainstream, special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,700 new special classes sanctioned and eleven new special schools established over the last number of years. The department engages intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places to ensure every child has a place in an educational setting best fitting their educational need. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2025/26 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary.
The alteration to the proposed brief is currently being considered and has been referred to the Department's Technical team for guidance.
Officials in my department are also currently engaging with the NCSE in relation to the accommodation requirements for these classes. The school will be contacted directly once this process is complete.
I can only seek to assure you that we will advance this matter as quickly as possible.