Written Answers Nos. 339-344
339. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the assessment of a report for a school (details supplied); and if her Department can confirm that the revised documentation submitted by the school was reviewed distinct from the first documentation submitted. [67780/26]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for the provision of one Mainstream Classroom, one Special Education Teaching (SET) room and one Special Educational Needs (SEN) room. The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The school initially submitted a Stage 1/2a Report that extended beyond the scope of works approved by the Department. As a result, the school was requested to submit a revised report aligned with the approved project scope.
The revised Stage 1/2a Report has since been received and reviewed in accordance with the Department's Infrastructure Guidelines, taking into account the priorities and funding framework set out under the National Development Plan. Following this review, a further request for information and clarification issued to the school.
The school has responded to this request and the matters raised are currently being considered by the Department as part of the ongoing review process.
340. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) project at a school (details supplied); and if she will address the fact that this vital project has successfully cleared Stage 2b (Detailed Design & Planning) and attained full planning permission for 2 mainstream classrooms, 1 SEN Base, and a multi-purpose playing pitch, yet has been excluded from the immediate National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2027 priority list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67835/26]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved funding under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for the provision of 2 mainstream classrooms and 1 SEN base.
The project was approved to proceed to planning in October 2023. The school subsequently submitted a Stage 2b (Detailed Design and Planning) report in June 2026, which is currently being reviewed by the Department from both a technical and cost perspective.
At the time projects were being considered for progression under the initial National Development Plan (NDP) 2026-2027 priorities, this project had not yet completed the Stage 2b process and was therefore not at the same level of readiness as projects which had already advanced through the required planning and design stages.
The Stage 2b submission is currently being assessed in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines. As with all projects, detailed due diligence is required to ensure compliance with approved scope, cost, and technical requirements. The project's progression will also be considered in the context of the National Development Plan prioritisation framework and available capital funding.
Once the Department's review of the Stage 2b documentation has been completed, the school will be advised of the outcome and the next steps for the project.
341. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she will engage with an organisation (details supplied) regarding the policy on incremental credits; and whether it adequately assesses past experience of teaching abroad. [67983/26]
View answerThe criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the Department of Education’s Circular 10/2001 for Primary teachers, and Circulars 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers. These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of prior teaching service, including overseas teaching service, both within and outside the EU and/or relevant non-teaching service.
There is no contractual entitlement to incremental credit; applicants must submit a fully completed incremental credit application to have prior service assessed. An award of incremental credit is based on the incremental credit application submitted to either the Department or to an ETB.
Teaching service given outside the Republic of Ireland by a qualified teacher in a school or college must be deemed to be equivalent to teaching service given in a primary or post primary school in the Republic of Ireland. This includes teaching service given in a public or private secondary school abroad.
Where the service/school satisfies the criteria set out in the circulars to have service at that school recognised for incremental credit, an award of incremental credit can be made, and the applicant will progress on the incremental pay scale in line with the incremental credit awarded. Whereas a teacher whose service is deemed not to satisfy the eligibility criteria for an award of incremental credit will remain at the relevant point on the incremental salary scale.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers were agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) and are subject to review by way of an incremental credit committee, which is a sub-committee of the TCC and which meets on an ongoing basis. Any changes to the criteria must be agreed through the established mechanism in place.
The Teaching Council is not a party to the TCC and does not have any role in the administration of the policy or criteria relating to the award of incremental credit to teachers under the relevant Department circulars.
342. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will give the go ahead for the addition of the construction of an extension and a safe car park at a school (details supplied). [67981/26]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department's pipeline of school building projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme. The project will provide seven mainstream classrooms (prefab replacement), two special education tuition (SET) rooms, one staffroom and ancillary accommodation. This project also includes an Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) project involving structural works to the school's junior building.
With regard to the proposed extension and car parking works, the Stage 2b report has been submitted to the Department and is currently under review.
All aspects of the project, including the proposed car parking and traffic management measures reflected in the planning permission, will be considered as part of the Stage 2b assessment process and in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Any decision regarding the progression of the project will be made following completion of that assessment and in the context of available funding, project scope, cost compliance, and National Development Plan prioritisation requirements.
344. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next round of Sports Capital Grant Funding will be open for applications. [67832/26]
View answerMy Department is currently preparing for the next round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), which I expect to open soon. A new online grant management system for CSFF, SPRAOI, will go live on Monday 28 September and any clubs that are not already registered with the Department may do so from that date.
Terms and conditions for the next CSFF round, and when SPRAOI will open for new applications, will be confirmed next week.
