Written Answers Nos. 441-473
441. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of WTE enforcement lawyers and forensic accountants employed by Corporate Enforcement Authority as of 1 January 2023 and 9 January 2025, in tabular form. [1413/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to ensuring that the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) is appropriately resourced, both in terms of the human resources and financial supports required.
Budget 2025 included a budget increase for the CEA which included an increase to its pay allocation for the hiring of additional specialist staff identified in the CEA’s assessment of its requirements to carry out its statutory functions.
The CEA currently has an approved staff complement of 89. This includes 73 civil servants (of which 9 are either Senior Legal Advisors or Senior Forensic Accountants in situ) and 16 are seconded members of An Garda Síochána (AGS).
Set out in tabular format below is the number of WTE Senior Legal Advisors and Senior Forensic Accounts employed by Corporate Enforcement Authority as of 1 January 2023 and 9 January 2025.
|
Role |
1 January 2023 |
9 January 2025 |
|
Senior Enforcement Lawyers / Senior Legal Advisors |
2 |
2 |
|
Senior Forensic Accountants |
7 |
7 |
442. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of vacant WTE posts, by job title at Enterprise Ireland as of 9 January 2025; the estimated full year costs of filling each of the vacancies; and the expected timeframe for when each of those vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [1414/25]
View answerThe following is a breakdown of current vacancies in Enterprise Ireland, along with the estimated full year cost of filing each and the time frame for the filling of each.
|
Job Title |
Number of vacant positions as at 09.01.25 |
Expected timeframe for filling vacancies |
Full Year Salary Cost (per vacancy) * |
|
Ireland Based & Expat Posts |
|
|
|
|
Executive Assistant |
9.5 |
Q1/Q2 2025 |
€26,304 |
|
Assistant IT Specialist |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€30,233 |
|
Administrator/Assistant Executive |
4 |
Q1/Q2 2025 |
€30,233 |
|
Executive, Regions, Entrepreneurship & Local Enterprise |
2 |
Q1 2025 |
€50,501 |
|
Executive, People & Transformation |
3 |
Q2 2025 |
€50,501 |
|
Executive, Client Solutions |
2 |
Q2 2025 |
€50,501 |
|
Executive, Strategy Delivery |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€50,501 |
|
Executive, Financial Performance & Reporting |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€50,501 |
|
Executive, Global Markets Ireland & Events |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€50,501 |
|
Legal Adviser |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€50,501 |
|
IT Specialist |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€50,501 |
|
Senior Executive, Regions, Entrepreneurship & Local Enterprise |
5 |
Q2 2025 |
€79,086 |
|
Senior Executive, Client Advisor/Solutions |
4 |
Q2 2025 |
€79,086 |
|
Senior Executive, Research, Innovation & Infrastructure |
4 |
Q2 2025 |
€79,086 |
|
Senior Executive, People & Transformation |
2 |
Q2 2025 |
€79,086 |
|
Senior Investment Adviser |
3 |
Q1/Q2 2025 |
€79,086 |
|
Senior Legal Adviser |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€79,086 |
|
Senior IT Specialist |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€79,086 |
|
Senior Market Adviser, Boston (Expat) |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€79,086 |
|
Overseas Manager, Brussels (Expat) |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€79,086 |
|
Department Manager, Service Delivery Transformation |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€102,913 |
|
Department Manager, Risk Management |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
€102,913 |
|
Department Manager, People Ireland |
1 |
Q1 2025 |
€102,913 |
|
Divisional Manager, Client Solutions |
1 |
Q1 2025 |
€163,209 |
|
Overseas Local Posts |
|
|
|
|
Executive Assistant - Riyadh |
0.5 |
Q1 2025 |
SAR51,607 |
|
Assistant Market Adviser – Brazil |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
BRL127,773 |
|
Market Adviser - Stockholm |
1 |
Q1 2025 |
SEK558,046 |
|
Market Adviser – New York |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
USD113,418 |
|
Senior Market Adviser, Riyadh |
2 |
Q2 2025 |
SAR360,719 |
|
Senior Market Adviser, London |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
GBP70,059 |
|
Senior Market Adviser - Zurich |
1 |
Q1 2025 |
CHF146,725 |
|
Senior Market Adviser – New York |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
USD141,859 |
|
Senior Market Adviser - Amsterdam |
2 |
Q1/Q2 2025 |
€81,880 |
|
Senior Market Adviser - Munich |
1 |
Q1 2025 |
€100,231 |
|
Senior Market Adviser - Canada |
1 |
Q2 2025 |
CAD120,662 |
*Full Year Salary Cost is based on recruitment at the minimum point of the current relevant salary scale and does not include employers PRSI.
443. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants available for a business start-up (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1455/25]
View answerI would recommend that the promoter of this business contact a business advisor in the Cavan Local Enterprise Office (LEO) to discuss their business plans. The LEO in Cavan plays an extremely important role at local level, as part of a supportive ecosystem, providing their services to small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and contributing to jobs growth within towns and communities across the county. The LEO provides a signposting service for all government supports available to small businesses and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies.
LEO Cavan offers a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it is a new start up or growing an existing business there are programmes that are suitable for anyone exploring self-employment as an option or for those who are currently operating a business and wish to learn more. It would perhaps benefit this individual to seek the advice of a LEO Business Mentor or participate in the LEO Start Your Own Business (SYOB) programme.
The SYOB programme guides clients through the various aspects of business and business planning. It highlights the importance of planning ahead when setting up a new venture. Preparation is the single most important thing you can do to ensure that a fledging business gets off the ground and continues flying. The objective of the SYOB is to assist clients in honestly assessing their business idea, its viability and help them decide if they should proceed or take a step back.
LEOs can provide direct financial grant assistance to small businesses in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. These grants cannot be provided to businesses in areas such as personal services, local retail, or local professional services as it may give rise to displacement of businesses in the locality.
For small businesses who are having difficulty securing loans from banks or other commercial lenders, LEO Mentors can assist with applications to Micro-Finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not for profit lender that offers small business loans of up to €50,000 (unsecured). Loans for commercially viable proposals can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their Local Enterprise Office, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged.
LEOs also provide consultancy and funding in the areas of Lean, Green and Digital which are available to a broader range of locally traded businesses. These schemes are focused on providing capital to established businesses to assist in implementation of recommendations to digitalise or decarbonise a business. These schemes will also enhance the productivity and improve the competitiveness of small businesses.
The Deputy will also be aware of the National Enterprise Hub (NEH) which provides a centralised signposting service for over 230 Government supports. This excellent resource is available to all small business owners and can provide information and a point of contact to relevant government bodies.
444. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the work his Department is engaging in regarding the planned closure of a facility (details supplied); if he or any agency under the aegis of his Department have identified alternative sources of employment for site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1515/25]
View answerFollowing the announcement by Cardinal Health of its intention to cease operations at the Tullamore site in March 2026, IDA Ireland has been actively engaged with the company, including meetings with Tullamore leadership on-site, and meetings with senior corporate leaders and is actively exploring all avenues of opportunity for the site and employees impacted as a result of the announcement. IDA is also partnering with local agencies, to support the impacted employees. There is an established process of coordinated engagement by support agencies at a local level to provide supports to employees in consultation with the company. The types of supports/initiatives provided by local agencies has been communicated to the site leadership and may include some of the following:
• Outplacement employment support services and potential training opportunities may be provided/facilitated by the company and/or other providers (ETBs/Skillnet, etc..) to support impacted employees.
• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the employees on the site; and when individuals will be available, which can be shared with other potential employers.
• Recruitment opportunities through identification and connection with other employers who may be hiring across the locality and wider region.
• Marketing of the property solution, when appropriate through agents appointed by the company, and by IDA Ireland through its global office network.
• Information sessions by the Department of Social Protection's Intreo Office to impacted employees on social welfare services and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.
• Identification and provision of training and further education opportunities for employees e.g. ETBs; Skillnet; Universities.
• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEO’s and Enterprise Ireland.
IDA Ireland and all relevant local agencies will continue to support and assist the impacted employees. All stakeholders are conscious that the company continues to operate with a significant workforce and that job losses will happen on a phased basis whilst the site remains operational until March 2026.
445. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department can intervene in issues with the governance of friendly societies; and whether his Department can compel the society’s officers to adhere to its registered rules and ensure the society is run in the best interests of its members, many of whom are vulnerable. [1530/25]
View answerMy Department has no statutory powers to intervene on issues related to the governance of friendly societies.
The Registrar of Friendly Societies is a statutory role and is administratively independent in the exercise of this function. Section 68 of the Friendly Societies Act 1896 sets out that disputes in a friendly society are decided in manner directed by the rules of the society. Unless the rules of the society expressly forbid it, and if all parties to a dispute consent, the parties have the option to refer the dispute to the Registrar.
446. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to confirm when an appeals system for the power-up scheme will be established with businesses able to lodge appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1540/25]
View answerFollowing an extension to the original deadline, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme closed on 29th May 2024. The Power Up grant closed on 22nd November 2024 also following an extension to the original deadline. In total, over €400 million was paid out to small businesses under these schemes in 2024.
In order to get payments to businesses before the end of 2024, the Power Up grant was aligned with the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme. In order to have been eligible for the Power Up grant a business must be in the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors and must have categorised themselves as being in one of those sectors and received a second ICOB payment.
My Department is aware of issues that arose during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
447. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if an employment permit will be granted to a person (details supplied). [1675/25]
View answerThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that to date no employment permit application for the person concerned in the details supplied has been received. It should be noted that it is not permissible for a company to employ a non-EEA national without an employment permit.
Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. As of Thursday, 16 January 2025, the Employment Permits Section are processing new applications in respect of standard employers which were received on 16 December 2024.
The Employment Permits processing times are updated on a weekly basis at the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/
There is also an Online Status Update Enquiry - where details on a particular application can be found on the following link:enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Status-Form/
448. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he intends to re-open the Power Up grant; the number of businesses who were awarded funds under the scheme; if the number of applications met anticipated levels; the number of applicants from Tipperary; the number of refused applications; the reasons for refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1714/25]
View answerIn total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million to small businesses in 2024. Both schemes are now closed following extensions to the original closing dates. The ICOB scheme closed on 29th May 2024 and the Power Up grant closed on 22nd November 2024.
To date, over 39,000 businesses have received €156.7 million under the Power Up grant. This followed €244m that was paid to over 75,000 businesses under the ICOB scheme in 2024, including a double payment for businesses in the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors.
Specifically in relation to Tipperary, 1846 businesses registered for Power Up, with 1805 receiving the grant. There are a number of factors that would deem an business ineligible for the power up grant. For example, a business might not be classified in the hospitality, retail and beauty sectors or may not have received two ICOB payments. A business might also be in arrears in its rates payments or may not be the ratepayer for the property.
My Department is aware of issues that arose during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
449. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to re-open the Power Up grant to applications from beauty salons; if so, if issues with the terms (details supplied) will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1715/25]
View answerFollowing an extension to the original deadline, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme closed on 29th May 2024. The Power Up grant closed on 22nd November 2024 also following an extension to the original deadline. In total, over €400 million was paid out to small businesses under these schemes in 2024.
In order to get payments to businesses as quickly as possible by the end of 2024, the Power Up grant was aligned with the ICOB scheme and a business must have received the second ICOB payment, which was open to the beauty sector, to be eligible for the Power Up grant.
My Department is aware of issues that arose during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
450. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to review correspondence (details supplied); if he will offer any advice on grants or supports open to this person in setting up their own business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1720/25]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Monaghan offers a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it is a new start up or growing an existing business there are programmes that are suitable for anyone exploring self-employment as an option or for those who are currently operating a business and wish to learn more.
The SYOB programme guides clients through the various aspects of business and business planning. It highlights the importance of planning ahead when setting up a new venture. Preparation is the single most important thing you can do to ensure that a fledging business gets off the ground and continues flying. The objective of the SYOB is to assist clients in honestly assessing their business idea, its viability and help them decide if they should proceed or take a step back. Subsequent to this the LEO Business advisors will be able to provide this individual with advice and guidance on the best next steps to take to get their business idea up and running.
LEOs can provide direct financial grant assistance to small businesses in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. These grants cannot be provided to businesses in areas such as personal services, local retail, or local professional services as it may give rise to displacement of businesses in the locality.
Small business loans are also available through Micro-Finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not for profit lender that offers small business loans of up to €50,000 (unsecured). Loans for commercially viable proposals can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their Local Enterprise Office, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged.
A business may also be able to avail of the Jobs Plus Scheme, available through the Department of Social Protection, which is an employer incentive which encourages and rewards employers who offer employment opportunities to individuals who are unemployed. It provides employers with two levels of payment: €7,500 or €10,000 over 18 months, with the level of payment depending on the age of the jobseeker and the length of time in receipt of a qualifying payment.
LEOs also provide consultancy and funding in the areas of Lean, Green and Digital which are available to a broader range of locally traded businesses. These schemes are focused on providing capital to established businesses to assist in implementation of recommendations to digitalise or decarbonise a business. These schemes will also enhance the productivity and improve the competitiveness of small businesses.
The Deputy will also be aware of the National Enterprise Hub (NEH) which provides a centralised signposting service for over 230 Government supports. This excellent resource is available to all small business owners and can provide information and a point of contact to relevant government bodies.
451. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA-supported jobs in each county at the end of 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1732/25]
View answerIDA Ireland achieved excellent results in 2024 with continued strong levels of investment and employment across the FDI sector, reporting a total of 234 investments with the potential to create 13,500 jobs over the next few years. 69 investments were from new name or first-time investors, strongly indicating Ireland’s ongoing attractiveness as an FDI location. Ireland cannot afford to be complacent about FDI and fundamental to delivering continued growth and success is a continued focus on competitiveness, agile policies and delivery of national infrastructure.
The number of IDA supported jobs by county, for 2024, is set out in the table below.
|
County |
Total IDA Supported Jobs 2024 |
|
Cavan |
950 |
|
Donegal |
5,196 |
|
Leitrim |
1,083 |
|
Monaghan |
258 |
|
Sligo |
2,902 |
|
Dublin |
137,082 |
|
Kildare |
10,617 |
|
Louth |
4,111 |
|
Meath |
3,047 |
|
Wicklow |
2,695 |
|
Clare |
6,041 |
|
Limerick |
16,068 |
|
Tipperary |
5,589 |
|
Laois |
145 |
|
Longford |
1,787 |
|
Offaly |
1,420 |
|
Westmeath |
4,693 |
|
Carlow |
1,474 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,460 |
|
Waterford |
9,040 |
|
Wexford |
3,606 |
|
Cork |
49,898 |
|
Kerry |
2,070 |
|
Galway |
24,118 |
|
Mayo |
5,541 |
|
Roscommon |
1,675 |
|
Total |
302,566 |
452. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland-supported jobs in each county at the end of 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1733/25]
View answerIt is hugely positive to see Enterprise Ireland (EI) supported companies recording jobs growth for the fourth year in a row despite what was a challenging year for some sectors of exporting Irish businesses. EI recently published its 2024 employment results which showed an increase to a record 234,454 jobs in supported companies, with 15,741 new jobs created, up 3% on the 2023 outturn. Employment increased across EI’s three core economic sectors - Technology & Services (+2%), Industrial and Life Sciences (+3%) and Food and Sustainability (+3%).
This growth translates into a net increase of 6,212 jobs created in 2024. Balanced regional development is being achieved in terms of both new jobs created by EI clients and total employment with 64% of new jobs regionally based and all nine regions recording jobs growth.
Enterprise Ireland surveys its portfolio of clients annually to collect employment data and the 2024 figures, per county, are outlined in the table below.
|
County |
2024 Total jobs |
|
Carlow |
3,714 |
|
Cavan |
6,681 |
|
Clare |
5,566 |
|
Cork |
26,026 |
|
Donegal |
3,684 |
|
Dublin |
79,111 |
|
Galway |
9,687 |
|
Kerry |
5,206 |
|
Kildare |
9,206 |
|
Kilkenny |
7,255 |
|
Laois |
2,060 |
|
Leitrim |
978 |
|
Limerick |
8,915 |
|
Longford |
2,511 |
|
Louth |
6,748 |
|
Mayo |
6,431 |
|
Meath |
9,034 |
|
Monaghan |
7,644 |
|
Offaly |
4,147 |
|
Roscommon |
1,515 |
|
Sligo |
2,377 |
|
Tipperary |
6,732 |
|
Waterford |
6,139 |
|
Westmeath |
3,269 |
|
Wexford |
5,943 |
|
Wicklow |
3,875 |
|
Grand Total |
234,454 |
453. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Local Enterprise Office-supported jobs in each county at the end of 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1734/25]
View answerThe Government is committed to backing businesses and will continue to work closely with small businesses to support their growth, help them to find new markets, create jobs and take on the twin challenges of decarbonisation and digitalisation. The Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) have a key role to play here.
The 2024 Annual Employment Survey of LEO clients once again show positive job creation across most of the Local Enterprise Offices.
LEO supported companies that received direct financial grant assistance created 7,104 new jobs in 2024 which saw a 7% increase in employment from 2023. There was a net employment gain of 2,459 for the year. Total employment in LEO supported businesses in 2024 was 39,541.
81% of the new jobs created by LEO companies in 2024 were located outside of Dublin. This shows again how vital the LEOs are to the development of our indigenous enterprises and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices.
The net jobs gain in employment by LEO Client companies of 2,459 accounts for any loses from company amalgamation, transfers from LEOs to Enterprise Ireland and those that ceased trading.
The figures accounted for in these results are only LEO clients that have received direct financial grant assistance from their LEO and does not include the number of small businesses and associated jobs that have received training, mentoring or other supports such as the Grow Digital Voucher, Green for Business, Lean for Business, Digital for Business and Energy Efficiency Grants (EEG).
The Local Enterprise Office Annual Employment Survey results for 2024 are set out in the table below:
|
County |
No. of Clients |
Total Jobs (FT + OT) |
Total Gains |
Net Jobs |
|
Carlow |
219 |
1,106 |
314 |
102 |
|
Cavan |
179 |
1,417 |
145 |
26 |
|
Clare |
228 |
1,364 |
227 |
82 |
|
Cork |
618 |
3,076 |
619 |
119 |
|
Donegal |
272 |
1,713 |
243 |
129 |
|
Dublin |
1,266 |
5,909 |
1,260 |
470 |
|
Galway |
258 |
1,356 |
218 |
111 |
|
Kerry |
238 |
1,104 |
156 |
-81 |
|
Kildare |
277 |
1,438 |
323 |
163 |
|
Kilkenny |
190 |
1,081 |
174 |
70 |
|
Laois |
145 |
800 |
141 |
29 |
|
Leitrim |
141 |
485 |
114 |
34 |
|
Limerick |
313 |
2,183 |
403 |
178 |
|
Longford |
258 |
1,379 |
201 |
38 |
|
Louth |
217 |
963 |
136 |
25 |
|
Mayo |
201 |
1,315 |
185 |
120 |
|
Meath |
259 |
1,455 |
253 |
74 |
|
Monaghan |
170 |
1,006 |
162 |
9 |
|
Offaly |
198 |
1,188 |
250 |
55 |
|
Roscommon |
164 |
1,038 |
153 |
91 |
|
Sligo |
189 |
1,021 |
145 |
73 |
|
Tipperary |
262 |
1,526 |
355 |
149 |
|
Waterford |
259 |
1,269 |
203 |
54 |
|
Westmeath |
272 |
1,737 |
288 |
178 |
|
Wexford |
225 |
1,945 |
329 |
163 |
|
Wicklow |
158 |
667 |
107 |
-2 |
|
Grand Total |
7,176 |
39,541 |
7,104 |
2,459 |
454. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the full address and Eircode of each property that is directly occupied by his Department where that address is located in Dublin, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1761/25]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment currently occupies the following properties
23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2, D02 TD30
Earlsfort Centre, Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2, D02 PW01
59 Dawson Street, Dublin 2, D02 FA36
455. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is intended to review the qualifying criteria for the power up grant and consider allowing some unsuccessful applicants to be reconsidered under new criteria (details supplied). [1792/25]
View answerThe criteria for the Power Up Grant were aligned with the Increased Cost of Business Scheme in order to get payments to businesses as quickly as possible by the end of 2024. Businesses that are tenants and received the second payment under the Increased Cost of Business Scheme could register as long as they are ratepayers.
It has been brought to my attention that some businesses have entered into arrangements with their landlords whereby the landlord pays the rates for their tenants. The legal position under section 4 of the Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 as well as the amendments introduced through the Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 is that tenants whose rent incorporates their rates obligation, which is remitted by the landlord, cannot be deemed to be ratepayers.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate and possibly counterproductive for me to attempt to interfere with existing commercial arrangements between small businesses and their landlords in the context of any business grant scheme.
456. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the status of payments made by Microfinance Ireland to farmers, detailing the number, value and breakdown of payments made to farmers through Microfinance Ireland; the timeline of disbursements; the counties involved; and the types of farming enterprises supported, in tabular form. [1799/25]
View answerMicrofinance Ireland(MFI) assists businesses with fewer than ten employees. It provides much-needed funding to help microenterprises meet payments for stock, working capital requirements and other overhead expenses through the provision of low-cost lending facilities. Microfinance Ireland provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market by lending to business that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders. In September 2024, MFI increased the permitted loan limit from €25k to €50k. The loan term is typically three years for working capital purposes and can be extended to five years for capital expenditures. Interest rates range from between 5.5% for clients of Local Enterprise Offices and other partners to 6.5% for direct applications. There is a wide regional spread of loans across the country with 78% of loans approved in 2023 to microenterprises outside Dublin.
The timeline of payments:
|
Year |
Number of loans |
Sum of Disbursed Amount € |
|
2013 |
6 |
104,998 |
|
2014 |
5 |
76,498 |
|
2015 |
12 |
207,498 |
|
2016 |
24 |
352,050 |
|
2017 |
17 |
232,900 |
|
2018 |
10 |
132,000 |
|
2019 |
10 |
157,500 |
|
2020 |
41 |
950,600 |
|
2021 |
29 |
558,300 |
|
2022 |
14 |
255,024 |
|
2023 |
14 |
225,000 |
|
Grand Total |
182 |
3,252,368 |
By County:
|
County |
Number of loans |
Sum of Disbursed Amount € |
|
Cavan |
5 |
69,999 |
|
Clare |
10 |
176,000 |
|
Cork |
15 |
290,550 |
|
Donegal |
16 |
324,600 |
|
Dublin |
6 |
91,774 |
|
Galway |
10 |
193,500 |
|
Kerry |
8 |
107,99 |
|
Kildare |
5 |
82,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
8 |
105,999 |
|
Laois |
6 |
103,000 |
|
Leitrim |
6 |
105,999 |
|
Limerick |
8 |
110,000 |
|
Longford |
1 |
14,000 |
|
Louth |
8 |
133,499 |
|
Louth |
8 |
133,499 |
|
Mayo |
15 |
241,300 |
|
Meath |
3 |
43,000 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
55,000 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
80,000 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
52,499 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
78,900 |
|
Tipperary |
11 |
213,999 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
63,250 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
40,000 |
|
Wexford |
18 |
368,500 |
|
Wicklow |
3 |
90,000 |
|
Grand Total |
182 |
3,252,368 |
Types of farming enterprises supported:
|
Nace Heading |
Number of loans |
Sum of Disbursed amount € |
|
Growing of cereals, leguminous crops and oil seeds |
2 |
32,000 |
|
Growing vegetables and melons roots and tubers |
13 |
171,074 |
|
Growing of other tree bush fruits and nuts |
1 |
15,000 |
|
Growing of other perennial crops |
1 |
15,000 |
|
Plant propagation |
6 |
87,550 |
|
Raising of dairy cattle |
34 |
642,749 |
|
Raising of other cattle and buffaloes |
28 |
455,900 |
|
Raising of horses and other equines |
8 |
172,500 |
|
Raising of sheep and goats |
6 |
111,100 |
|
Raising of swine/pigs |
1 |
15,000 |
|
Raising of Poultry |
12 |
197,499 |
|
Raising of other animals |
3 |
55,000 |
|
Mixed Farming |
21 |
344,000 |
|
Support activities for crop production |
5 |
122,500 |
|
Support activities for animal production |
14 |
214,999 |
|
Silviculture and other forestry activities |
3 |
89,000 |
|
Logging |
6 |
114,498 |
|
Support services to forestry |
5 |
79,000 |
|
Marine fishing |
5 |
130,000 |
|
Freshwater fishing |
2 |
35,000 |
|
Marine aquaculture |
5 |
127,000 |
|
Fresh Water aquaculture |
1 |
25,000 |
|
Grand Total |
182 |
3,252,368 |
457. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide a schedule of all foreign travel undertaken by him and his accompanying officials in 2023 and 2024, including flight, hotel, transfers and other miscellaneous costs. [1858/25]
View answerThe table below provides a schedule of all foreign travel undertaken by me since my appointment as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 9th April 2024. The table also provides details in relation to those officials who accompanied me.
I would advise the Deputy that there were a number of foreign travel trips which were sponsored by agencies of my Department and in respect of which the costs associated with these trips were borne by the sponsoring Agency. Hotel costs are set out below where bookings have been made through my Department but also may be included in Travel and Subsistence claimed.
|
Dublin to Paris 01st to 03rd May 2024 |
|
Flight Cost |
Travel & Subsistence Claimed |
|
Minister |
€225.30 |
€316.50 |
|
|
|
Special Advisor |
€225.30 |
€316.50 |
|
|
Special Advisor |
€213.01 |
€316.50 |
|
|
Private Secretary |
€225.30 |
€316.50 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
€220.30 |
€0.00 |
|
Dublin to Brussels 29th to 30th May |
|
Flight Cost |
Hotel Cost |
Travel & Subsistence Claimed |
|
|
Minister |
€537.89 |
€308.24 |
€120.75 |
|
|
Special Advisor |
€526.89 |
€308.24 |
€120.75 |
|
|
Private Secretary |
€526.89 |
308.24 |
€120.75 |
|
|
Principal Officer |
€150.98 |
308.24 |
€120.75 |
|
USA East Coast Trade Mission 14th to 20th July |
|
Travel and Subsistence Claimed |
|
|
Minister |
€719.09 |
|
|
Special Advisor |
€729.70 |
|
|
Private Secretary |
€747.22 |
|
USA West Coast Trade Mission 22nd to 28th September |
|
Travel and Subsistence Claimed |
|
|
Special Advisor |
€779.42 |
|
|
Private Secretary |
€872.38 |
|
Dublin to London 08th to 09th October |
|
Flight Cost |
Travel and Subsistence Claimed |
|
|
Minister |
€200.59 |
€0.00 |
|
|
Special Advisor |
€195.59 |
€119.01 |
|
|
Private Secretary |
€195.59 |
€118.93 |
|
|
Assistant Secretary |
€146.63 |
€0.00 |
459. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a business (details supplied) was refused a business support grant; if he will review this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2025/25]
View answerBoth the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme and the Power Up grant were administered by local authorities on behalf of the Department and the Department is not involved in administering individual cases. Both the ICOB and Power Up schemes are now closed having paid out a total of over €400 million to SMEs right across the country.
In order to get payments to businesses before the end of 2024, the Power Up grant was aligned with the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) scheme. A business must have received the second ICOB grant and be in the hospitality, retail and beauty sectors to qualify for the Power Up grant.
My Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in particular, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB. The Department is currently reviewing the issues that have arisen and will consider next steps in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities.
460. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide details of any public contracts in his Department provided to companies or individuals who do not pay tax in Ireland, including the names of the contractor, value of the contract and purpose of the contract, in tabular form. [2032/25]
View answerMy Department operates a devolved procurement function whereby each business unit and Office of the Department is responsible for the procurement of their own goods, services and related contracts, with corporate oversight via a Procurement Co-ordination Unit, headed at Principal Officer level.
The Offices of the Department include the Companies Registration Office (which incorporates the Registry of Friendly Societies and the Register of Beneficial Owners), the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, the Labour Court and the Workplace Relations Commission.
My officials are working to provide the Deputy with the information sought, to the fullest extent possible, on any public contracts my Department provided to companies or individuals who do not pay tax in Ireland, including the names of the contractor, value of the contract and purpose of the contract. These details will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible over the coming days.
461. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide details of any public contracts issued to a company (details supplied) over the last 10 years, including the value of the contract and the purpose of the contract, in tabular form. [2050/25]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has no records of any public contracts issued to the companies specified over the last 10 years.
462. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the balance of trade with China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2080/25]
View answerThe Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to Goods Exports and Imports. According to the CSO, China is Ireland's 5th largest trading partner, 5th largest goods export market and Ireland's 4th largest services export market.
In 5 years, from 2017 to 2022, the value of goods exports from Ireland to China almost trebled with an increase by 203% from €4.4bn to €13.2bn. The value of goods imports from China to Ireland more than trebled with an increase from €4.4bn in 2017 to €14.4bn in 2022.
In 2019-2021 Ireland enjoyed a goods trade surplus with China. However, in 2022, Ireland had goods trade deficit of €1.2 bn, with a substantial increase (+526%) in Irish imports of Organic Chemicals from China in that year.
In 2023, Goods exports to China at €8.9 billion, were -32% compared with 2022 and Goods imports at €10.8 billion, were -25% compared with 2022.
The latest data available, shows that in Jan – Oct 2024 Goods exports to China were +8% and Goods imports were + 21% compared with Jan – Oct 2023.
The CSO does not yet have data for our services imports from, and services exports to, China for 2023.
463. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education if she will increase provision to improve Gaeloideachas, including possible tax incentives for teachers who teach through Irish only in all-Irish medium schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2013/25]
View answerWork is currently underway in my Department to develop a new policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht. One of the key objectives of this policy, among other things, is examining how the supply of teachers and other staff with a high standard of Irish can be increased to meet demand in Irish-medium education settings.
In order to inform the development of the policy, a comprehensive public consultation process was conducted to gather the views of stakeholders, including young people, parents and guardians, education professionals, education stakeholders and Irish-language organisations. Sealbhú, a research centre in DCU, carried out an analysis of the information gathered throughout the consultation and a review of national and international literature.
The policy, together with an action plan, is currently being developed by officials of my Department. In developing the policy, my Department is drawing on the various reports prepared by Sealbhú, and on information shared by stakeholders in bilateral meetings and at a consultation event held in September 2024. This information is being considered in light of the existing provision for Irish-medium education and the estimated demand in the education system, questions in relation to teacher supply, as well as the department’s budgetary and legislative context.
In terms of the possible reintroduction of any allowance, additional amendments to Teacher Terms and Conditions, can only be achieved through engagement and collective bargaining agreements between the government and the public service unions.
The current pay agreement, Public Service Agreement 2024-2026 provides for a local bargaining process to deal with outstanding adjudications, commitments, recommendations, awards and claims which may include allowances.
Any further amendments to alter the allowances paid to teachers, whether “new entrant” or not, give rise to significant cost issues and should be part of engagement and collective agreements between unions and government.
Matters relating to tax incentives would be better answered by the Minister for Finance.
464. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on civil servant status for all current school secretaries. [46180/24]
View answerMy Department is providing a payroll service for school secretaries with effect from 1 September 2023. The provision of a payroll service is part of a package agreed with Fórsa, the trade union representing school secretaries, following a series of engagements at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and includes revised terms and conditions for secretaries.
The Agreement however, outlined within Circular 0036/2020 which has provided for revised salary and annual leave entitlements, did not grant school secretaries with civil servant status.
In the normal course, there are ongoing discussions with the public service unions on matters relating to pay agreements as well as general terms and conditions of employment. Any changes to the terms and conditions agreed under 0036/2022 can occur only under those processes and any such proposals would need to be considered in detail by the Department, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the relevant unions.
465. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education the number of civil servants in her Department, and in agencies under the aegis of her Department, who were on career break in 2023 or 2024, by month and grade, and by length of career break; the number of civil servants in her Department and in agencies under the aegis of her Department who were on career break for longer than five years or longer than six years in 2023 or 2024, by month, grade, and length of career break, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46187/24]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department is as follows:
At the end of December 2023, 28 staff were on career break. The details of which are provided in the table below.
|
Grade |
Number on Career Break |
1 Year |
2 Year |
3 Year |
4 Year |
5 Year |
5 Year+ |
|
Clerical Officer |
7 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Executive Officer |
5 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
5 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Accountant |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Psychologist |
7 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
Inspector |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
At the end of December 2024, 25 staff were on career break. The details of which are provided in the table below.
|
Grade |
Number on Career Break |
1 Year |
2 Year |
3 Year |
4 Year |
5 Year |
5 Year+ |
|
Clerical Officer |
5 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Executive Officer |
7 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
5 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Psychologist |
6 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Inspector |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Where staff are on a career break for more than 5 years, my Department engages with them to determine if they are returning or resigning.
The information requested by the Deputy regarding agencies under the aegis of my Department is not held by my Department.
If the Deputy wishes, he can make direct contact with this agencies, contact details of which are attached.
466. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education the number of vacancies, by month and by grade, in her Department, and in agencies under the aegis of her Department, in 2023 and 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46205/24]
View answerAs requested by the Deputy, the details of vacancies held with the Public Appointments Service by month and grade during 2023 and 2024 are outlined in the attached tabular statement. In addition, the department also used the civil service mobility scheme and internal/ open competitions to fill internal vacancies during this period.
My Department does not hold the vacancy information for the aegis bodies. Up to date contact details for bodies under the aegis of the department are provided in the attached.
467. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education to provide an assurance that no civil servant has had their career break extended beyond five years where there is a suitable vacancy in their home Department or agency; that, where a civil servant has had their career break extended beyond five years on account of there being no suitable vacancy in their home Department or agency, that they have been placed on a redeployment panel; that, where a civil servant has had their career break extended beyond six years, consideration has been given to facilitating them on a supernumerary basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46223/24]
View answerI wish to assure the Deputy that within my Department no civil servant had their career break extended beyond five years where there was a suitable vacancy within my Department.
Where staff are on a career break for more than 5 years, my Department engages with them to determine if they are returning or resigning.
468. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Education what immediate measures her Department will implement to ensure that all children in Youghal have access to reliable school bus services. [46250/24]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 172,500 children, are transported daily in approximately 7,900 vehicles across 10,300 routes to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. These daily trips cover over 100 million kilometres. this figure includes over 143,800 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 21,700 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs. Transport is also provided for children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and those residing in IPAS/EROC centres.
The total expenditure on the scheme in 2024 was €512m.
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.
Parents of children wishing to avail of school transport services are required to apply on-line to Bus Éireann’s website at www.buseireann.ie/apply-pay-for-school-transport
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
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.
Bus Éireann has advised that there are 8 post primary services operating in Youghal for the 2024/25 school year, catering for 315 pupils. There are also 9 services operating under the scheme for pupils with special educational needs.
The School Transport 2030 report, which was published in early 2024 marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. The recommended changes to the future operation of the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year.
As indicated at the time of the launch of the review, a number of pilots were being considered by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. As also indicated at the time of the launch of the review, it was intended that following closure of the application process for the 2025/2026 school year consideration would be given to further potential pilots.
A total of 14 pilot projects are underway this school year. These pilots are currently being evaluated and they will provide valuable insights into the impact of increased demand on the scheme, the potential for integrating public transport with school transport services, and opportunities to promote more sustainable modes of transport. The findings from the evaluation will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme.
Further information on plans for the 2025/2026 school year will be available shortly.
469. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Education her plans to address east Cork's infrastructure needs, such as school buses, in the coming years. [46252/24]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 172,500 children, are transported daily in approximately 7,900 vehicles across 10,300 routes to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. These daily trips cover over 100 million kilometres. This figure includes over 143,800 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 21,700 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs. Transport is also provided for children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and those residing in IPAS/EROC centres.
The total expenditure on the scheme in 2024 was €512m.
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.
Parents of children wishing to avail of school transport services are required to apply on-line to Bus Éireann’s website at www.buseireann.ie/apply-pay-for-school-transport
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
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.
Bus Éireann has provided the following information about school transport services in the East Cork region for the current school year.
In the East Cork area, consisting of Mallow, Fermoy, Mitchelstown and Youghal, there are 63 mainstream post-primary services and 6 mainstream primary services. There are also 43 services operating under the scheme for pupils with special educational needs to primary and post-primary schools in these areas.
The School Transport 2030 report, which was published in early 2024 marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. The recommended changes to the future operation of the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year.
As indicated at the time of the launch of the review, a number of pilots were being considered by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. As also indicated at the time of the launch of the review, it was intended that following closure of the application process for the 2025/2026 school year consideration would be given to further potential pilots.
A total of 14 pilot projects are underway this school year. These pilots are currently being evaluated and they will provide valuable insights into the impact of increased demand on the scheme, the potential for integrating public transport with school transport services, and opportunities to promote more sustainable modes of transport. The findings from the evaluation will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national roll out of a revised School Transport Scheme.
Further information on plans for the 2025/2026 school year will be available shortly.
470. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to address the urgent need for the building project at a school (details supplied); the reasons for the delay in progressing past stage 2A, apply for planning permission, and move to the tender and construction stages; the reason the interim modular accommodation granted in September 2022 was subsequently reduced, resulting in inadequate facilities for the current and projected student population; the timeline for the approval of progressing past stage 2A, the envisaged timeframe for the tender stage; the timeframe for construction to ensure the school can meet the needs of its students and families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46265/24]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the department's pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide 3 General Classrooms, 1 Graphics room, 2 Science labs with 1 Prep area, 1 Home Economics room, and a 2 Special Educational Needs (SEN) base. The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.
In 2021 the school agreed a brief to include the following accommodation in the form of a traditional build; 2 SEN classrooms, 3 general classrooms, 2 science labs + 1 prep area, 1 graphics room and 1 home economics room. In 2022 further funding under the ASA scheme was approved for modular accommodation consisting of 1 SEN classroom and 3 general classrooms to cater for the schools needs pending delivery of their traditional build.
However, in 2023, in agreement with the school, the brief for the modular accommodation was reduced to 1 SEN classroom and 1 general classroom as the school had accommodated general classrooms and a special education classroom within their current building on an interim basis. The revised brief for modular accommodation catered for their second SEN class opening in September 2023 and an additional general classroom.
The Stage 2a Report was recently received by my Department and is being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. Once this review has been completed the department will contact the school authorities with the outcome for the progression of this much needed project.
When the Stage 2a report submission is approved by my Department, the next step for the Design Team will be to obtain the statutory planning approvals and move the project onward to tender and construction in due course. At this early stage, it is not possible to predict when a significant school building project of this nature will go to construction as progress depends upon many contingent factors that can arise.
My Department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on this much needed project.
471. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education when a child (details supplied) will receive school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46281/24]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 172,500 children, are transported daily in approximately 7,900 vehicles across 10,300 routes daily to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. These daily trips cover over 100 million kilometres. This figure includes over 143,800 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 21,700 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs. Transport is also provided for children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and those residing in IPAS/EROC centres.
The total expenditure on the scheme in 2024 was €512m.
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 and a sanction has been sent by School Transport Section of my Department to Bus Éireann for the establishment of a new service.
Bus Éireann has tendered this service in line with procurement guidelines and are in the process of sourcing a contractor to operate this service. Once a contractor has been sourced, the service will commence. Bus Éireann will liaise with families directly with regard to this matter at that stage.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore apply for the Special Transport Grant. This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the school transport service is in place, and is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until services are finalised. The family has been contacted directly by School Transport Section with details of this grant.
472. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education to consider a special class or unit for ASD for a school (details supplied). [46282/24]
View answerAs you are aware enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for government. Thanks to considerable investment in special education in recent years 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 National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs. They have recently recruited additional special educational needs organisers (SENOs), advisors and team managers.
A total of 120 SENOs now operate nationwide, two of these are operating solely in County Westmeath. SENOs play an important role in ensuring there is adequate special educational provision within local areas and are currently visiting schools nationwide to conduct planning meetings. These visits are key in terms of forward planning for the 2025/26 school year. At primary level, the NCSE are focusing on medium to larger schools with no special class, or just one special class, to make further provision for the coming school year.
The NCSE continue to assess what additional provision is required in local areas and what schools have capacity to accommodate required provision. They will advise on the location of new special classes for the 2025/26 school year in the coming months.
Almost 1,700 classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE in the last 5 years, 11 new special schools have been established and many more expanded. For this school year alone over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned bringing the total number of special classes nationwide to 3,336.
69 of these classes are in County Westmeath, 10 are new for the 2024/25 school year, 7 at primary level and 3 at post-primary level. Budget 2025 provides funding for another 400 special classes and 300 special school places nationwide.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise parents and can provide details on schools with available special educational places. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website.
473. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the projected costs of reducing the staffing schedule for DEIS urban band 1 vertical schools to 16:1, DEIS urban band junior schools to 15:1, and DEIS urban band 1 senior schools to 19:1; and the cost for the 2025-26 school year, in tabular form. [46283/24]
View answerMy Department provided for a one point improvement in the staffing schedule for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools for the 2021/22 school year, a further 1 point improvement for 2022/23 and Budget 2023 brought in a further 1 point reduction from September 2023.
This means that since September 2023 the staffing schedule for DEIS Urban Band 1 vertical schools is 19:1, DEIS Urban Band 1 junior schools is 17:1 and DEIS Urban Band 1 senior schools is 21:1.
It is estimated that each 1 point improvement in the staffing schedule for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools, would require an additional 70 teaching posts. The cost for each additional post is approximately €55,570.
The mainstream staffing schedule applies to all DEIS Urban Band 2 and DEIS Rural schools. For the three consecutive years my Department have brought in a measure to reduce class sizes for all schools, including DEIS Urban Band 2 and DEIS Rural schools, by lowering the staffing schedule and bringing it to an historic low of 23:1.
Any further improvement in the staffing schedule must be considered in the context of the annual budgetary process.
My Department provides a wide range of supports to all schools, DEIS and non-DEIS, to support the inclusion of all students and address barriers to students achieving their potential.
Supplementing the universal supports available to all schools, the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Programme is a key policy initiative of my Department to address concentrated educational disadvantage at school level in a targeted and equitable way across the primary and post-primary sector.
My Department allocates €180 million annually to support schools in the DEIS programme. The programme now includes in the region of 1,200 schools and supports approximately 260,000 students. This means 1 in 4 of all students are now supported in the programme.
|
Urban Band 1 |
Current schedules |
Proposed schedules |
Net improvement |
Estimated additional posts |
Estimated cost |
|
306 |
21:1 (Senior) 17:1 (Junior) 19:1 (Vertical) |
19:1 (Senior) 15:1 (Junior) 16:1 (Vertical) |
2 2 3 |
161 (across all UB1) |
€8.94m |
