Written Answers Nos. 61-82
61. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of teaching posts at primary level that were unfilled in the Dublin area, 2024/2025 school year; the number of teaching days where no teacher was appointed in the Dublin area, 2024/2025 school year; the number of these unfilled posts in the Dublin area that were in schools in the DEIS scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50616/25]
View answerThis Government is committed to ensuring that every child has a positive school experience, with access to qualified and engaged teachers who are dedicated to supporting their learning.
Like many sectors, recruitment challenges exist in the education sector, especially in urban areas. While most teaching positions are filled, some schools face significant recruitment challenges.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers for teaching positions is managed by individual school authorities. There are over 3,000 individual school authorities that manage recruitment independently of the Department.
While my Department does not collate data from individual schools on unused allocated posts or the number of teaching days where no teacher was appointed, the number of unused allocated teaching posts is available. The most recent analysis of the teacher payroll shows that, as of March 2025, there were 10,051.5 primary teaching allocated posts in County Dublin. Of these, 544.5 (5.4%) were unfilled. There were 3,854.5 allocated posts in DEIS schools which are included in the number of primary allocated posts above with 250.6 (6.5%) of these allocated posts unfilled.
Nationally the number of unfilled allocated primary teaching posts according to the March analysis was 1,228 (3.1%). This analysis has been taken at a point in time of the relevant data, and schools continually recruit throughout the year.
To support schools to address such issues, the Government has implemented several measures that have led to:
• An increase of 20% in initial teacher education graduates (student teachers)?between 2018 and 2023.
• A record number of registered teachers; the Teaching Council reported 94,928 teachers registered in the 2016/17 school year increasing to 122,743 teachers registered in 2023/24. Currently, the Teacher Council have reported that there are over 126,000 on the register representing a 33% increase in the number of teachers registered between 2017 and now.
• The highest number of teachers employed. Recent data showed there were over 79,000 qualified teachers employed in Ireland with over 43,000 at primary level including special schools.
• The rate of resignation and retirement is very low by any standard and is consistent with previous years.
I recently announced new teacher supply measures including a measure to assist teachers to gain permanent roles more quickly. Additionally, the Teaching Council is to streamline the registration process for teachers who qualified outside of Ireland. There has been significant investment in measures to support schools to recruit teachers, including:
• introducing the PME fee refund scheme,
• encouraging retired teachers to work as substitute teachers,
• facilitating those teachers on career break, or jobsharing to work as substitute teachers,
• developing, with the support of the Irish Primary Principals Network, educationposts.ie, a service to support schools’ recruitment efforts, and
• promoting the teaching profession through the Teaching Transforms campaign.
These measures reflect my commitment to ongoing investment in the education system. My Department invests over €180 million annually to provide additional supports to almost 1,200 schools in the DEIS programme which supports approximately 260,000 students. A new DEIS Plan will be published in 2025. This plan will focus on improving the opportunities and achievement levels of children at risk of educational disadvantage, developing more innovative approaches to tackling educational disadvantage, and working towards a more flexible system of supports to ensure that a school can receive the right support at the right time. Any future expansion of the programme, and overall allocation of resources to schools to tackle educational disadvantage, will be considered within the context of the DEIS plan and availability of resources.
My Department frequently consults and engages closely with stakeholders on issues such as teacher supply through industrial relations forums, sectoral meetings, and direct discussions with teacher unions. I am considering further measures to strengthen the teaching workforce and ensure that schools have the support needed to provide an excellent education for every student.
62. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Youth f the tender process has concluded at a school (details supplied); if so, if sufficient qualifying contractors were identified; if the evaluation of tender submissions has been completed; if so, the outcome; if a preferred contractor has been formally appointed; if not, when this expected will take place; if the project remains on schedule to commence construction in Q1 and Q2 2026, as previously stated by her school visit in May 2025; and if a public or written notice will be issued regarding the appointment of the successful contractor and confirmation of the project timeline. [50619/25]
View answer67. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth when she expects the tender process to begin for the construction of a school (details supplied); to confirm that the project remains on schedule to commence construction in Q1/Q2 of 2026, as confirmed by the Minister in May 2025; if her Department will issue a public notice regarding the appointment of a successful contractor; if she will provide a preliminary project outline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50714/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 67 together.
The large scale capital project for the school referred to by the Deputy is the provision of a new 600 pupil school building including all associated ancillary accommodation.
My Department previously advised a new grant of planning was received in December 2023, with a number of conditions attached. Decarbonisation measures were included in a revised project scope in line with Climate Action objectives.
The design team have finalised the pre-tender checks and documents and a report was recently received and is currently under review by department officials.
In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
My department is now preparing an NDP implementation plan which is due for publication later in the Autumn. This plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
63. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of students with special needs without school places, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50705/25]
View answer64. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of students with special needs who have been offered school places but have been unable to take them up due to a lack of resources in the schools involved, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50706/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 64 together.
This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
This year the NCSE sanctioned 407 new special classes bringing to 3,741 the number of special classes in our schools. There are new classes in every county in Ireland and with the number of special classes doubling in the last five years, this now means that there are more classes than ever ensuring greater numbers of children can access places in their local school.
These new classes combined with 300 new special school places brings to 2,700 the number of new school places for children with special educational needs for the 2025/26 school year.
The NCSE report that almost 3,300 verified notifications were received by it before the mid-February timeline on behalf of children and young people seeking a special class or special school place for the 2025/2026 school year.
On the basis of providing 2,700 new places and there being an estimated 1,200 places available in special classes and special schools through the normal annual movement of students from junior to senior primary schools, from primary to post-primary and finishing post-primary and special schools, there was sufficient capacity available to meet the level of need known to the NCSE.
The NCSE advise that they continue to work with a very small number of families in Dublin to access available places.
In relation to the provision of accommodation for special education, this year, the approach taken was to maximise the use of existing accommodation in schools to ensure new special classes could open as quickly as possible for the 2025/26 school year. The NCSE also prioritised schools which did not have an existing special class. This has ensured that 80% of the new classes sanctioned are in schools with available accommodation.
Where schools require modular accommodation for new special classes, these projects are being fast-tracked by my department to deliver this accommodation as early as possible. In a small number of instances where a delay in new special class accommodation is expected such as where new modular classrooms are being provided, contingency arrangements are being made with the relevant schools with the support of the NCSE.
It is important to highlight that these schools have been allocated and recruited the teaching staff and special needs assistants (SNAs) for new special classes. These staff are available to support families and students.
Many of the children enrolling in new special classes are already mainstream students in the school and this particularly the case in Dublin where a significant number of the children taking up new special class places are students already attending the school. The NCSE indicate that many schools are using alternative accommodation in the school to host students. Many students are remaining in their existing early years or primary school setting for a short number of weeks until their new special class is available. Where there are no contingency arrangements possible, home tuition can be provided.
65. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she examine the case for extra accommodation raised in correspondence (details supplied); if she will provide an update on this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50707/25]
View answerI can confirm that my department is in receipt of an application for funding under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question. The application was received in September 2025 and sought accommodation in the form of a Music room, Textiles room, Design and Computer Graphics room, Multimedia room and a Science lab and Prep area.
The purpose of my department’s ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by available accommodation at other schools in the area.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question was approved a traditional build project for a Home economics room, an Engineering room and prep area, and a Construction studies prep area and this project is currently at stage 2b. In addition the school was approved two modular Mainstream classrooms in 2023 and this project is now complete.
I can advise the Deputy that the school also submitted an application under the ASA scheme in February 2025 for special class accommodation and a replacement mainstream classroom. The school had requested that this accommodation be added to their traditional build project however given the delays this would have entailed the school agreed to allow its stage 2b project proceed and to have its accommodation needs reviewed at a later stage. The school was advised, as an interim measure, that they could apply for funding to reconfigure current accommodation for a special class.
The school’s applications for additional accommodation are currently being considered and the school will be contacted directly once a decision has been made. I can only seek to assure you that we will advance this matter as quickly as possible and that we are very conscious that where additional accommodation is required, a significant lead-in time is necessary for a variety of reasons.
66. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of a school bus ticket application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50712/25]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Eligible children who complete the application process and pay or enter their medical card details on time will get a seat on a school bus service, if a service is available. Children who are not eligible for school transport but complete the application and pay or enter their medical card details on time will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated. These spare seats are called concessionary seats.
The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann advise that the family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for transport as they reside 4.3km to their nearest post primary centre, which is under the distance criteria. They were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary ticket for the 2025/26 school year and the service is operating to capacity.
As the Deputy has mentioned that one of the children has special needs, I wish to draw your attention to the school transport scheme for pupils with Special Educational Needs.
Under the terms of this scheme, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) in the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). 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. Applications for this scheme are accepted all year around. If the parent wishes to pursue an application, they should contact their school in the first instance.
68. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of sanctioned autism classes in Dublin bay north as of September 2025; her plans to open additional sanctioned autism classes; the reasons a request (details supplied), submitted late in 2024, to open two additional autism classes has not yet been sanctioned by the NCS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50717/25]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the national agency with responsibility for the provision of special education places. For the 2025/26 school year the NCSE sanctioned 407 new special classes, bringing to 3,741 the number of special classes in our schools. Combined with 300 new special school places this has created 2,700 new school places for children with special educational needs.
Of the new special classes 103 are in Dublin, 81 at primary and 22 at post primary level. This brings to 705 the number of special classes currently in operation in the county. There are also 42 special schools in County Dublin with approximately 2,700 students enrolled. Two of the five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year recently opened in Lucan and Belmayne.
The NCSE has assured me that this new provision when added to the existing provision has meet known demand for the 2025/26 school year, however, the NCSE continue to engage with a small number of families in County Dublin to avail of available special class places. A list of schools with special classes; broken down by location and class designation is available on the NCSE website: https://ncse.ie/special-classes. The NCSE advise that the school referred to by the deputy has 3 special classes, 2 of which are designated for children with autism.
In order to ensure new special classes can open as quickly as possible the NCSE prioritise working with medium and larger primary schools who do not already have a special class and have available accommodation to accommodate new special class. This approach maximises the use of existing space which can be reconfigured efficiently while also ensuring that new provision continues to be established. It also increases number of schools with special classes providing parents with greater choice and reducing the distances that some children are travelling to access a special class place.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning going forward and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child. An earlier date of 1 October has been set in which parents must do so.
This notification will provide the NCSE with valuable information as to which children will continue to require a special class as they progress to post-primary level and details on students who require a place for the first time. The earlier date will allow for earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, and it is the aim of the NCSE to sanction the majority of new special classes by 31 December 2025.
Parents can make initial contact, submit reports and provide consent forms directly via the NCSE’s website (ncse.ie/notify-ncse-special-class-special-school), emailing parentsnotify@ncse.ie, or calling 01 603 3346.
69. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update regarding the provision of an autism unit and extension in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50724/25]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no current record of receiving an application for additional accommodation from the school in question.
The purpose of my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (or ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by available accommodation at other schools in the area.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school (primary or post-primary), school authorities can apply to my Department for capital funding to repurpose an existing space within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). ASA application forms are available on my Department’s website, www.education.ie. Should the school in question receive a sanction from the NCSE for a special class they can apply as set out above to repurpose space or for additional accommodation.
Over the last two years, my Department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special education placements ahead of each new school year.
My Department continues to work with the NCSE in relation to the short-term requirements for special class and special school places and also the more strategic and longer-term requirements.
70. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth if consideration will be given to changing the date of return for all schools from summer holidays to the beginning of September as such a move will extend the tourist season and will be a major boost to businesses across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50733/25]
View answerThe scheduling of the school holiday periods during the school year is agreed between the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and my department for the purposes of standardising breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term. This is important to ensure certainty for the school community about the dates of school holidays. The department’s policy on the agreed standardised school breaks is set out in Circular 0072/2022 (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/standardisation-of-the-school-year-in-respect-of-primary-post-primary-schools-for-the-years-202324-202425-and-202526/) titled “Standardisation of the School Year in respect of Primary & Post-Primary Schools for the years 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26”. As set out in Circular 0072/2022 (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/standardisation-of-the-school-year-in-respect-of-primary-post-primary-schools-for-the-years-202324-202425-and-202526/), it is not a requirement that the commencement or end of the school year at primary or post-primary level should be standardised. It is the responsibility of the board of management of a school to ensure that primary and special schools are open for tuition for all pupils for a minimum of 182 school days, and that post-primary schools are open for tuition for a minimum of 166 days for all students.
The expectation is that the school year will normally commence during the week in which the 1st of September falls. However, a school year may commence in the week prior to that in which 1st of September falls in circumstances where otherwise it would not be practicable for the school to meet the overall requirement of a minimum of 166 at post-primary level or 182 days at primary level and in such a case, the school should ensure that the date of commencement is as close as possible to the 1st of September.
The department will be reviewing Circular 0072/2022 year which will set out the dates of the standardised breaks for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 school years.
71. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a school transport route has been sanctioned (details supplied); if she is aware the service is not being provided; the reason for delay; when clear information and a full service for this school will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50802/25]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes on behalf of the Department. Safety of children travelling on school transport services is of paramount importance to the Department and to Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible child having to travel more than 3.2 km to or from a pick-up/set down point or to have travel and waiting times in excess of 1.5 hours per day. Routes are planned on the basis of the locations of children who are eligible for school transport only.
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that children are brought safely to and collected safely from Bus Éireann designated pick up and set down points.
Bus Éireann has advised that the service referred to by the Deputy commenced on the 27 August 2025.
A number of pupils on this route have to travel approximately 2km from home to their closest pick-up point which has been deemed safe.
Should the families wish to provide the GPS coordinates that were provided to them for a pick-up point, this can be looked into further.
This information can be submitted to the School Transport Section of the Department at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/school-transport/#school-transport-customer-contact-form.
72. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason construction works of the new school building at a school (details supplied) is currently paused; when she expects construction to restart; when she expects the project to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50821/25]
View answerI can confirm that my Department is not in receipt of an application for additional school accommodation (ASA) from the school in question.
73. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for a detailed update on school works (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50829/25]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to has just recently completed Stage 2(a) of Architectural Planning – Developed Design, where the preferred design option is developed to a stage where the project can be fully cost planned, and prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
The brief for this project is 12 Mainstream Classrooms plus 1 Speech & Language Classes along with 3x Special education classrooms and all associated site works.
The Department has reviewed the Stage 2(a) Submission. The Stage 2(a) Stakeholders meeting between the School Authorities, Design Team, Project Manager, and the Department, was held in November 2024. The meeting concluded with a request for the Design Team to submit a Stage 2(a) Addendum report addressing issues raised by the Department at the meeting.
The Department have received and are currently reviewing the Stage 2(a) Addendum report which is almost completed.
In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
My department is now preparing an NDP implementation plan which is due for publication later in the Autumn. This plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
74. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide all pieces of correspondence between her Department and a school (details supplied) in relation to ongoing application for building works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50830/25]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to has just recently completed Stage 2(a) of Architectural Planning – Developed Design, where the preferred design option is developed to a stage where the project can be fully cost planned, and prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
The brief for this project is 12 Mainstream Classrooms plus 1 Speech & Language Classes along with 3x Special education classrooms and all associated site works.
The Department has reviewed the Stage 2(a) Submission. The Stage 2(a) Stakeholders meeting between the School Authorities, Design Team, Project Manager, and the Department, was held in November 2024. The meeting concluded with a request for the Design Team to submit a Stage 2(a) Addendum report addressing issues raised by the Department at the meeting.
The Department have received and are currently reviewing the Stage 2(a) Addendum report which is almost completed.
In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
My department is now preparing an NDP implementation plan which is due for publication later in the Autumn. This plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
The attached request is voluminous in nature but if there is a particular query that the Deputy wishes to enquire about then I can arrange for an update to be provided to the Deputy.
75. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the way in which his Department is working with other agencies to improve broadband in County Meath, in view of the fact this is essential for enterprise growth for the county and for bordering counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50683/25]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
I have been advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that over 17,120 premises are now passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and 17,568 available to order/pre-order in County Meath, with over 6,000 premises now connected. A further circa 3,880 premises in County Meath will be passed by NBI’s high speed fibre broadband by the end of the contract.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Meath can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries. It should be noted that NBI provide this information for County Meath based on NBI deployment areas rather than exact county boundaries.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
76. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the harm to the environment caused by the Asian hornet; and if he will instruct his Department to investigate the issue and ensure the population of this invasive species is under control. [50686/25]
View answerI refer to my reply to Question No. 664 of 17 September and Question No. 1176 of 8 September which set out the position regarding the Asian Hornet.
Coordinated efforts were undertaken to deal with the immediate threat posed by the arrival of Asian Hornet. Medium-term actions will be carefully developed pending the outcome of this first phase where eradication is the key objective.
The immediate threat has now been managed, however our teams are continuing to follow up on every reported sighting. At this point in time, the efforts of all those involved are focused on restricting the extent of the introduction and on putting monitoring in place to prevent the further spread of the species in the Cork area.
77. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the policy position in relation to planning permission for farmers, and arming families who wish to build a home on their farm holding, in order to allow them to reside closer to their work and maintain the viability of their farming enterprise; if his Department has considered the particular challenges faced by farm families in securing planning permission in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50563/25]
View answer78. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures that are in place to stop any landlords raising management charges to effectively raise the rent of their tenants outside of the RPZ mechanism. [50620/25]
View answerI propose to take Question No77 and Question No78 together.
Rural Housing Guidelines were last issued in 2005 as Ministerial Guidelines under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. These Guidelines provide that people who are an intrinsic part of the rural community, on the basis of an economic or social need, should be facilitated in all rural areas. In areas under strong urban influence, the policy is to direct urban generated housing into cities, towns and villages. In a rural area suffering persistent and substantial population decline, the policy is to accommodate anyone wishing to build a house, subject to normal planning and environmental considerations.
Since the publication of the current Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines in 2005 (which continue to have effect in addition to subsequent clarifications and national policy changes in the National Planning Framework) there have been important changes to our planning system. Most notably, obligations under European Directives and international agreements relating to the management and protection of the environment and adapting to and mitigating climate change have become more central to the operation of the planning system.
Updated Rural Housing Guidelines are currently being considered by my Department. The updated guidelines will expand on the high level spatial planning policy of the Revised National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular on National Policy Objective (NPO) 28 which relates to rural housing. This objective makes a clear policy distinction between rural areas under urban influence (i.e. areas within the commuter catchment of cities, large towns and centres of employment) on the one hand, and structurally weaker rural areas where population levels may be low or declining, on the other. NPO 28 is also aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social or economic need are to be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
The draft Rural Housing Guidelines will set out relevant planning criteria to be applied in local authority development plans for rural housing, based on the high level policy framework set by the NPF. The guidelines will continue to allow county development plans to provide for housing in the countryside based on the considerations detailed in NPO 28 of the NPF, and will also highlight the need to manage development in certain areas, such as the areas around cities and larger towns and environmentally sensitive areas, in order to avoid over-development.
While planning policy is a national, as opposed to an EU competence, due care is being taken to ensure the updated guidelines will not operate to conflict with fundamental EU freedoms, comply with EU environmental legislative requirements and have due regard to decisions of the European Court of Justice. The draft planning guidelines will address these complex environmental and legal issues, while also providing a framework for the sustainable management of housing in rural areas.
In June 2023, the process of revising the NPF (2018) commenced, and following approval by Government and both Houses of the Oireachtas, the Revised NPF came into effect from 30 April 2025. The finalised revised NPF reflects the significant policy changes and other factors that have taken place since 2018, allowing the updated policy approach to be integrated into the planning system.
The NPF objectives together with the 2005 Guidelines, enable planning authorities to prepare and adopt local development plan policies for one-off housing in rural areas.
When making a decision in relation to an application for permission, a planning authority is restricted to considering the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, regard being had to, inter alia, the provisions of the development plan and any relevant Ministerial guidelines, including the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines (2005) which remain in effect.
79. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will overhaul the modus operandi of community welfare officers in order that they revert to holding assistance clinics in local communities, rather than being centrally based in Department offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50519/25]
View answerThe delivery of crucial and locally based community welfare services to meet the challenges and the needs of people across the country is a priority for me and for my Department. The Community Welfare Service (CWS) continues to provide a flexible service to meet the different needs of people, who may find themselves in a financially difficult or vulnerable situation. It is important that this service is easily accessible and responsive to our client’s needs.
For that reason, Community Welfare Officers (CWOs) are on site daily in over 50 locations across the country where they are available to be seen without an appointment, during business hours, Monday to Friday. In addition to meeting people in Intreo Centres and DSP offices, CWOs can facilitate an appointment within a short time of a person requiring such a meeting, at a mutually agreed location, including at the person's home or indeed where facilities are in place, at their local Social Welfare Branch Office. These arrangements ensure people who need a service have comprehensive options for accessing the service in person.
While local face-to-face engagement with people continues to be a cornerstone of the community welfare service, it is important to mention that a person does not need to meet with a CWO to make an application and any person who needs to access the CWS can call the National CWS freephone number at 0818 60 70 80, to make an appointment or to speak directly to a CWO. A person can speak with a CWO over the phone if they do not wish to travel to meet with a CWO in person. There is a high uptake of this service which allows people to have their needs met without the requirement to travel.
A person can make an application for Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) by completing a SWA1 form which is available in all Intreo Centres and Social Welfare Branch Offices. This form can also be requested by calling freephone 0818 60 70 80 or at this link www.eforms.gov.ie/en/forms/5. The completed application form together with any supporting documentation can be returned directly to my Department where the claim will be processed quickly.
As you may be aware, a person can also now apply online for an Additional Needs Payment (ANP) via www.MyWelfare.ie. This service means that there is no requirement for a person to travel to make a claim if that is their preference.
Where it is clear that a person has an urgent or immediate need, every effort is made to ensure that the claim is processed on the same day. CWOs are very experienced and can generally assess when a case is so urgent that it requires an immediate response. They have the facility to issue an immediate manual cheque payment to clients and many clients who present to see a CWOs in person, or who organise an appointment, receive a payment at the time that they are seen.
In light of a number of representations, I will keep this matter under review.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
80. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if his Department has any metrics for tracking wastage in the hot school meals programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50520/25]
View answerThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
Under the School Meals Programme, the primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Programme in their school including handling the procurement process.
As the primary relationship is between the school and supplier my department does not have data in relation to food waste. All suppliers have a meal cancellation policy.
In terms of packaging and waste, under tender documentation, and as stipulated by the Schools Procurement’s Unit, the school meal supplier is responsible for operating policies which progressively address environmental considerations such as waste and packaging. Depending on the school size and school meal requirements, the school will decide on the method and logistics that best meets their needs in line with environmental standards.
In addition, under tender documentation requirements, the school is committed to the principles of environmental management in its activities, and it encourages the implementation of sustainability principles in its procurement practices. The supplier should make all reasonable efforts to minimise adverse environmental impact in the methods of services delivery and in materials used. My department does not collect details of the amount of additional waste from school meals. This is handled at school level in line with the relevant contract.
Under the Programme for Government, I will continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and ensure that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, the reduction of food waste and the use of recyclable packaging.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
81. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection his Department’s processes in terms of purchasing Irish produce for schools under the national procurement thresholds; and to outline the economic value of Irish beef purchased by schools through his Department in the past five years. [50621/25]
View answerThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
Under the School Meals Programme, the primary relationship is between the school and supplier. My department provides the funding for the meals directly to the school and it is the responsibility of each school board to administer the Programme in their school, including handling the procurement process. All schools who wish to avail of funding under the programme are responsible for choosing their schools meals supplier on the open market, in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with public procurement rules. These rules clearly define the successful tenderer’s responsibilities and obligations.
Under EU laws, and as reflected in public procurement rules, it cannot be specified that food must originate from a particular country. That would be in breach of EU single market rules.
Under the Programme for Government, I will continue to expand and improve the Free Hot School Meals programme and that suppliers adhere to robust guidelines on the nutritional value of meals, the dietary requirements of students, the reduction of food waste and the use of recyclable packaging.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
82. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Social Protection the budget allocation for the school meals programme in 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [50639/25]
View answerThe objective of the School Meals Programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
The budget allocation for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 years are shown below.
|
Year |
Budget Allocation |
|
2023 |
€108.9m |
|
2024 |
€190.1m |
|
2025 |
€300m |
I trust this clarifies the matter.
