Patricia Ryan
Ceist:243. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education if she will take steps to ensure a place in primary school for a child (details supplied). [24022/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Admissions
Ceisteanna (243)
Freagraí scríofa
In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an admissions policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. Under the provisions of the Act, school admission policies are approved by the Patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. The school’s admissions policy is published on the school’s website. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in that area.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
All schools must clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. My Department does not seek to intervene in the selection criterion that is applied by schools.
Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal where a board of management, or a person acting on behalf of the board of management (normally the school principal) refuses to admit a student to a school. Where the decision to refuse admission is due to the school being oversubscribed, a review of the decision by the board of management must be sought in the first instance. Following a review it is open to the parent to appeal to the independent appeals committee.
Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. TESS can be contacted at 01-7718500 (tessinfo@tusla.ie) for assistance. More information is available on their website on the following link: www.tusla.ie/tess/tess-ews/.
School Funding
Ceisteanna (244)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:244. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) will be able to access a grant; when the next round of grants will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24040/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The first phase of the Schools Photovoltaic (PV) Programme launched in November 2023 to over 1600 schools.
It will provide eligible schools with 6 kWp of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.
The scheme will be funded from the Government’s Climate Action Fund, in line with the Government’s recognition that taking action on climate change is central to Ireland’s social and economic development.
The scheme will assist schools in reducing their energy costs and their carbon footprint as part of the response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Plan targets for the schools sector.
The solar PV panels in schools will also be connected to the electricity grid, so that the schools can generate income by powering other homes and businesses with clean energy when schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays.
The Schools Photovoltaic (PV) programme is being rolled out on a phased basis. Schools in the following areas were invited to participate in the first phase: Co. Clare, Co. Donegal, Dublin City Council area, Co. Galway, Co. Kerry, Co. Kilkenny, Co. Leitrim, Co. Limerick, Co. Offaly, Co. Waterford and Co. Wicklow.
Counties in the first phase were selected to obtain a good geographical spread including a balance of rural, urban, island, Gaeltacht schools in all regions of the country, as well as targeting counties that have not benefitted from other recent Department of Education climate related initiatives.
It is intended that all remaining eligible schools across the country will have the opportunity to apply to the scheme by end 2024, including the school to which the Deputy refers.
The phasing of the programme will ensure a managed and steady flow of work for solar PV contractors. The data gathered during the first phase will also allow for any improvements in the design of the scheme to be implemented in the next phase.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (245)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:245. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if a school bus service can be provided for an area in County Kildare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24050/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children are being transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. This figure includes over 135,000 children on mainstream services, 19,800 on children with special educational needs, and 6,800 children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine.
Children are eligible for transport at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest education centre/post primary school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Any children who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
Temporary Alleviation Measures are in place for the 2024/2025 school year, these measures mean that transport will be provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and, who applied for school transport by the 26th April 2024 and pay for a ticket/enter medical card details by the 7th June 2024.
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.
In cases where the Department is satisfied that the nearest/next nearest schools are full, eligibility for school transport will be determined based on the distance the pupil resides from their next nearest school having regard to ethos and language.
The closing date for new applications was 26th April 2024. The closing date for payment/entering medical details for tickets for the 2024/25 school year is Friday 7th June 2024. It is only after this time that Bus Éireann will know how many applications have been received and paid for. At that point, services will be planned for the upcoming school year.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (246)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:246. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the up-to-date position regarding an application for a school bus ticket by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24051/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Under the current terms of the scheme, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. Any children who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
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 and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.
In cases where families have applied to attend their nearest school in regards to ethos and language and have been advised by the school authorities that it is full, the Department will consider if the pupil is eligible to the next nearest school. While the closest school(s) may be full to capacity at present, each family must supply the documents mentioned below, to School Transport Section;
• Evidence that an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school.
• A letter from the school authorities confirming that the school was full.
• A copy of the decision reached following an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998. The Act provides for an appeal by a parent to the Secretary General of the Department where a Board of Management of a school has refused to enrol a child.
School Transport can be contacted at school_transport@education.gov.ie.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is attending their second nearest school. Bus Éireann has also advised that they have received an application and payment for this pupil.
The closing date for payment/entering medical details for tickets for the 2024/25 school year is Friday, 7 June 2024. It is only after this time that Bus Éireann will know how many applications have been received and paid for. At that point, services will be planned for the upcoming school year.
School Textbooks
Ceisteanna (247)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:247. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education the reason the funding awarded for schoolbooks was reduced to €80 per pupil from €96 in 2023; the savings to her Department from this reduction; if schools are allowed to pass on higher costs to parents; if she plans to reduce it further; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24053/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In Budget 2024 over €47 million was allocated to continue implementation of the schoolbooks scheme at primary level. On the 8th May I announced details of year 2 of the Primary Schoolbooks Scheme which provides at a minimum free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks to pupils in recognised primary and special schools. More than 563,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools will continue to benefit from this scheme.
Revised guidance for the 2024/25 school year was published on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes and has issued to schools.
As the scheme is now implemented in every recognised primary and special school it is expected that schools have used the funding provided in the 2023/24 school year to purchase stocks of schoolbooks and other classroom resources. Many of these items are now available to schools for reuse in the 2024/25 school year and in future school years. The funding allocated to the scheme in the 2024/25 school year takes account of this.
Schools will receive €80 per pupil enrolled as of September 2023. It is open to schools to look at their requirements and plan their budget across each of the years collectively. They may choose to spend more than €80 per pupil in one class and in turn, spend less than that per pupil in another class. In other words, while schools will receive the money at the same per capita rate for all pupils they can choose to spread that expenditure differently across the years depending on the requirements. Special schools that have students enrolled in Junior Cycle programmes will receive funding at the Junior Cycle per capita rate set out under the new Junior Cycle Schoolbooks Scheme.
The main aim of the scheme is to eliminate the cost of schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks for parents/guardians. The schoolbook funding is ring-fenced for these items and, where funding permits, additional classroom resources. The cost for any school-based activity, such as swimming lessons or class trips, is not considered a legitimate expense under the Primary Schoolbooks Scheme. As outlined to schools in the published guidance it is recognised, that, in some schools, the total book grant provided may not be sufficient to cover the costs of all related classroom resources and therefore certain charges may be legitimately requested from a parent. If, in Year 2, schools are unable to cover the cost of all additional classroom resources from within the grant funding, they must communicate with parents/guardians and inform them where related classroom resources cannot be provided under the scheme setting out what items are required or what items will be provided by any charge levied on parents under the schoolbook scheme.
As part of the on-going evaluation of the scheme, all schools will be asked to provide data on their expenditure in order to inform the guidance, implementation, costs and efficiency of the scheme for future years.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (248)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress in recent months in respect of the provision of extra classroom accommodation/spaces at a school (details supplied), with particular reference to the time by which she can anticipate the completion of the school in line with specification; and when she expects this accommodation to be completed and made available. [24112/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The large scale capital project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 3 - Tender Action and Award.
The authorisation to issue the Letter of Intent for the Completion Works contract issued in April 2024, as per procurement rules, there is a standstill period, following which, should the completion works contractor accept, a Letter of Acceptance can issue. Only when the Letter of Acceptance has issued is there a contract in place to enable construction to commence and all the contract terms and conditions apply.
Once the completion works contractor has been appointed, it is expected that it will take approximately 15 months to complete the project.
The provision of extra classroom accommodation as referenced by the Deputy is also to be provided under the completion works contract by the contractor.
School Admissions
Ceisteanna (249)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the efforts in hand to ensure that all students in Kill secure a school place in September 2024, in view of the fact that a number of primary school children have so far been refused a place for the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24113/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
It is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not always be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
• Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
• School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
• Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
• External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:
• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
• Provision of a new school or schools.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
There are currently a number of active projects at primary level in the Naas School Planning Areas which will increase local capacity. The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
My Department will continue to keep the school place requirements in Kill, as with other areas across the country, under review.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (250)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she is satisfied that all primary and second level school places required for September 2024 are available throughout County Kildare, including but not limited to, Prosperous, Clane, Naas, Maynooth, Leixlip, Celbridge, Kilcock and Straffan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24114/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for my Department.
My Department is aware of pressures for primary and post primary school places for the 2024/25 school year in North Kildare. As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across areas of known enrolment pressure including the School Planning Areas of Maynooth, Naas, Celbridge, and Prosperous-Clane. Leixlip School Planning Area was not included in this new process for 2024.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department has continued to work with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified. To date additional Post-Primary places have been made available in Maynooth, Prosperous-Clane and Celbridge. Additional primary places have also been made available in Kilcock following consultation last year.
This close engagement with schools and patrons will also allow my Department to identify particular further capacity requirements for the forthcoming years and put any required solutions in place - beyond those that are already in train - to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. In that context, while some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. My Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place. This includes engagement in areas which were not included in the more detailed data sharing arrangements for 2024/25. As part of this engagement with patrons, my Department is also collaboratively planning towards 2025/26 and future years, as part of forward planning generally.
The picture in relation to school place requirements is very dynamic, noting that children may also move into an area during the course of the school year (including from overseas). This is a particular issue in parts of the country where expansion of residential development has been contributing to mid-year demand for places. Nevertheless, My Department will continue to engage with Patrons and school authorities to ensure that every child in the Kildare area will receive a school place.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (251)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which emergency measures are being taken to ensure the availability of the adequate number of school places at primary and second level in September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24115/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
While there can be enrolment pressures in some areas, it is important to note sometimes this may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by factors such as duplications of applications, and applications from outside the local area.
Notwithstanding this, in some areas there can be an underlying requirement for additional school places. In that context, as part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission is being shared with my Department by post-primary schools across areas of enrolment pressure.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements. In the majority of areas, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department is working with schools and patrons and additional places have already been made available in some areas. Further additional provision will be made where a need is identified.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. In that context, while some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place.
There are one million learners across 4,000 primary and post-primary schools around the country. Growth in overall post primary enrolments is projected to continue in many parts of the country. However, first year enrolments nationally are expected to have peaked in the current school year and will begin to decline.
Nevertheless, due to strong residential construction and planning activity, we can expect to see increasing demand in particular towns and areas. This is full factored into my Department’s forward planning approach, which includes extensive engagement with local authorities.
In the area of special education, the National Council for Special Education has forecast continued significant growth in the requirements for special classes at post primary level. My Department is working towards the provision of an average of four special classes in every post primary school.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students across the country for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (252)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Prosperous, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary and post-primary levels, with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24116/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area. As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across areas of known enrolment pressure including the School Planning Areas of Maynooth, Naas, Celbridge, Newbridge, Naas, Kildare and Prosperous_Clane.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department has worked with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified. To date, of the above School Planning Areas, additional 1st year places have been made available in Prosperous _Clane, Maynooth and Celbridge which has ensured there is sufficient capacity for September 2024 to meet the needs of all the local children. The Department has also been made aware of existing capacity within Naas, and has had positive engagement from a patron regarding the provision of additional first year places if the existing capacity is not sufficient. The Department also continues to engage with patrons to ensure all children in the Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area are provided with a school place, further to additional places that have already been made available in Prosperous.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. In that context, while some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place. This includes engagement in areas which were not included in the more detailed data sharing arrangements for 2024/25. As part of this engagement with patrons, the Department is also collaboratively planning towards 2025/26 and future years, as part of forward planning generally.
The Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years. Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for the North Kildare area.
A number of further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned in Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area. The project to provide for 1,000 pupils at St. Farnan’s is currently at Stage 2b and the project at Scoil Mhuire is to provide additional classrooms, 2 science labs, 5 mainstream classrooms and 4 classroom SEN base is at Stage 1.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on the Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The picture in relation to school place requirements is very dynamic, noting that children may also move into an area during the course of the school year (including from overseas). This is a particular issue in parts of the country where expansion of residential development has been contributing to mid-year demand for places.
The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including preschool provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).
Department officials will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (253)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress to date in 2024 in the provision of a new school building (details supplied), in view of the fact that the current premises was only intended to be temporary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24117/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide a 16 classroom primary school with a 2 classroom SEN base.
The project has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a bundled school building programme. The school will be delivered as part of a campus development at Donaghcumper, Celbridge.
The project is currently at Stage 1 of the architectural design process. The process of appointing the design team was recently completed in Q1 2024. The design team will now take the project through the various stages of design and architectural planning.
It is not possible to provide a timeline for the project at this early stage.
The NDFA have and will continue to engage directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (254)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she expects to be in a position to address issues of teacher shortages at all primary and or second-level schools throughout the country, with particular reference to the need for locums; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24118/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ensuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
Budget 2024 reflects this Government’s commitment to ongoing investment in the education system through various measures:
• Introduction of a professional master’s of education incentive scheme for newly qualified teachers graduating in 2024. Eligible teachers can receive an incentive payment of up to €2,000, to be paid in 2025.
• Expansion of upskilling programs, free to teachers, aimed at increasing the number of qualified teachers in high-demand subjects and reducing out-of-field teaching. New programs in Irish, French, politics & society, and computer science will complement existing programs in maths, physics, and Spanish. Trinity College Dublin will deliver a new Irish upskilling program for post-primary teachers starting in late 2024, available at no cost to eligible teachers.
• Provision of an additional 1,000 posts of responsibility in the school system for the 2024/25 school year, recognising the vital role of school leaders in enhancing educational outcomes by fostering a positive school environment and empowering educators and learners within their communities.
In addition to these recently introduced measures, as Minister I have developed further initiatives to address teacher supply challenges, including:
• Approving 610 additional places on initial teacher education programs for primary level over the academic years 2023/24 and 2024/25.
• For primary schools, substitute teacher supply panels are also in place. For the 2023/24 school year, 590 substitute teacher supply posts have been allocated to 166 panels, covering nearly 2,900 schools. This scheme provides substitute cover for teachers employed in primary schools who are absent on short-term leave.
• Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) employed in primary schools will from 14 November 2023 be able to apply to the Teaching Council to complete the Droichead process while employed on a Supply Panel or Principal Release Time Post. The measure has been extended to the end of the 2024/2025 school year. This measure increases the attractiveness of these posts to NQTs, and supports primary schools to provide substitute cover.
• Ensuring flexibility in initial teacher education programs to allow student teachers to support schools, with over 2,700 registered under Route 5 with the Teaching Council in 2023, providing valuable substitute teaching support. Currently there are 3,600 registered under Route 5, the highest number ever.
• Encouraging retired teachers to provide substitute cover, resulting in a significant increase of 49% in teaching days provided between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 school years. A new communications campaign began earlier this year to encourage retired teachers to return to teaching.
• The 50 day pension abatement waiver, for retirees returning to work, has been extended for a further two years to the end of 2025.
• Reduction of restrictions on job-sharing teachers and those on career breaks from working as substitutes.
• Post-primary teachers can provide up to 35 additional hours of substitute cover per term in the subject they are qualified to teach. This scheme provides post-primary schools with an alternative means of sourcing appropriately qualified substitute teaching cover to support teaching and learning in schools.
• The Teaching Transforms campaign continues to promote the teaching profession encouraging students to follow a career in teaching. The campaign uses digital, radio and video media, and is supported by a dedicated webpage, www.gov.ie/teachingtransforms.
The measures in the primary sector have contributed to the lowest-ever teacher allocation ratio in primary schools, with a 10% reduction in the average student-per-teacher ratio between 2017 and 2023.
Teaching remains an attractive career choice.
• CAO first preference choices for post-primary teaching increased in 2023 by 14%, in addition to a 9% increase in 2022. CAO preferences for primary teaching showed increases at the closing date in February 2024 with overall mentions up 10% and first preferences increasing by 2% from 2023.
• In 2024, there were 4,271 first preference applications for undergraduate teaching programmes, showing a trend largely consistent with recent years. Analysis of CAO applications spanning from 2017 to 2024 indicates a sustained and robust demand for undergraduate teaching programmes. On average, 6% of first preference applications during the period from 2017 to 2024 were for either primary or post-primary teaching programmes. Specifically, the percentage of first preference applications for undergraduate primary teaching programmes ranged between 2.9% and 3.8%, while those for post-primary undergraduate programmes ranged between 2.4% and 2.9%.
• The ratio of first preference applications through the CAO for level 8 courses in 2022 shows that there were 1.5 applicants per place for education, with a higher demand for primary courses (2) than for post-primary places (1.5). The demand for primary ITE is higher than for all fields except for medicine (3.5) and veterinary medicine (5.2)
• The new pay deal, with all three teacher unions having voted in favour of, will mean that teachers’ starting salary will increase to €46,000 rising to a maximum of €85,000 per year which compares well internationally. Starting pay of €46,000 will be almost €20,000 higher than the 2011 rates.
• Over 3,700 newly qualified teachers have registered with the Teaching Council in 2023, with over 122,000 now on the Teaching Council register.
The vast majority of sanctioned teacher positions are filled. The rate of resignation and retirement is very low by any standard and is consistent with previous years.
Ireland’s education system is performing strongly, something that is supported by recent international testing. That is a tribute to the professionalism and dedication of our teachers. We need to continue to support our schools and maintain the high standards that have helped get us to where we are.
My Department continues to engage closely with education stakeholders to develop further, innovative measures to address teacher supply issues.
Public Sector Pensions
Ceisteanna (255)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:255. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if a review will take place regarding the overpayment taken from the lump sum pension of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24121/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to inform the Deputy that an official from my the Payroll Division of my Department has reviewed the overpayment referred to in this case.
The review has found that the circumstances and value of the overpayment is correct. The person referred was notified in November 2020 of the value of the overpayment but no repayment plan agreement was put in place at the time.
As in line with my Department’s Circular 84/2015 on the recovery of overpayments, any outstanding monies owed at retirement will be deducted from a person’s pension benefits.
Details of the Circular on the recovery of overpayments can be found at www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/13002/fa74962edbe7444ba424a4f816ab8932.pdf#page=null.
Sports Organisations
Ceisteanna (256)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:256. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media his views with regard to a briefing (details supplied) which seeks to create a full time, sustainable football industry that benefits young people, society in general as well as the local and national economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23702/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Government funding for football is primarily aimed at supporting the delivery of programmes at local level, including programmes such as Football for All, Summer Soccer Schools and Late Night Leagues. Sport Ireland channels this funding through the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
Considerable additional financial support has been provided by the State for the development of football in Ireland, particularly via the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government and the FAI for the period 2020-2023. This provided for a package of funding of €5.8 million per annum to the FAI for the 2020-2023 period for football development. From that amount, €0.8 million was to be dedicated each year to programmes that underpin the development of the League of Ireland and the Women’s National League.
I have very recently received proposals from the FAI regarding funding support beyond the period of the MOU and in relation to the development of academies. These will be examined by my officials in consultation with Sport Ireland in the first instance.
The Government and Sport Ireland will continue to support the FAI in growing the game, in particular amongst young girls and boys and women. Participation is a key principle that must underpin grassroots sport and is one of the key tenets of the National Sports Policy. Investment in, and supports to, both grassroots clubs and national level clubs in the League of Ireland is important and our capital funding programmes are providing significant support on both fronts.
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Under the last round of the Programme alone, over €25 million was provided to football clubs around the country.
Assessment of the 3,210 applications received under the 2023 round of the SCEP is ongoing. Earlier this month I announced a record amount of over €26 million in equipment grants under this latest round. These allocations are in response to equipment-only applications which sporting organisations submitted. Over 900 sports groups were successful in their applications for various types of equipment which will be of practical benefit to multiple sports organisations, their members and athletes across Ireland.
136 of the equipment-only grants, totalling over €4.375 million were allocated in respect of football projects. These were primarily allocated directly to football clubs but also include three grants totalling over €830,000 to the FAI for regional and national projects.
Further allocations under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme, including those for capital works, and capital works tied with an equipment component, will be announced later.
Funding is also available from my Department under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). A new round of the LSSIF opened on 26 April. Assessment of applications, for funding of between €600,000 and €30m, will take into account population size, sustainability, reducing administrative overheads and ensuring that similar access is provided to accommodate access by men and women to LSSIF-funded facilities.
Sports Facilities
Ceisteanna (257)
Robert Troy
Ceist:257. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason it is taking so long to repair the lifts in the National Aquatic Centre (details supplied). [23993/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development and operation of facilities at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, including the National Aquatic Centre.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.
Údarás na Gaeltachta
Ceisteanna (258)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:258. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 295 of 29 March 2022, the details and total cost to date of the development constructed at the Údarás na Gaeltachta industrial estate at An Tulach, Baile na hAbhann, Indreabhán, Contae na Gaillimhe; the number of staff employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24006/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Údarás na Gaeltachta has informed me that the project at this industrial estate involved the design and construction of a new cell and gene therapy with clean room facility for Hi-Tech Health Laboratories within an existing building at Eastát Tionscail na Tulaigh. Údarás na Gaeltachta have stated that the facility has been licensed and meets all standards associated with Good Manufacturing Practice (G.M.P) and manufacturing processes. The premises has recently received Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) approval. A total of €2,993,334 has been spent on the development to date and there are 15 people employed in the premises.
EU Programmes
Ceisteanna (259)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:259. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline her Department’s commitment to the delivery of the EU Work Plan for Sport 2024-2027. [24046/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 14 May, I joined my European Union colleagues at a meeting of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council in Brussels. At that meeting, we approved a resolution on the EU’s Work Plan for Sport, which will apply from July 2024 until December 2027.
The EU Work Plan for Sport is the main sports policy document at EU level. It sets out the key priorities and strategic objectives to be pursued by the European Commission, the member states and the sports movement for the next three years.
This particular work plan is the fifth of its type and Ireland has fully supported its development. The plan was recently approved at the European Council for Sport under the Belgian Presidency.
The plan proposes a renewed priority and focus to be given to integrity and values in sport, the socioeconomic and sustainable dimensions of sport, and to encouraging greater participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity, across the EU.
All of these goals are well-aligned and reflected in Irish sports policy. My Department and Sport Ireland will continue to progress these policy objectives, ensuring that European and Irish sports policy work complement and support each other.
It is also pertinent to note that during the period of the work plan Ireland will assume the Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026.
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (260, 261, 292)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:260. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a report on the initiatives being taken to bring vacant properties back into use in Carlow; the number brought back into use in Carlow; the number of properties that applied for the vacant property scheme by town in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24204/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Marian Harkin
Ceist:261. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of Croí Cónaithe grants that have been approved in each Donegal local electoral area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24213/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarian Harkin
Ceist:292. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of Croí Cónaithe grants that have been approved for Donegal to date; the number of Croí Cónaithe grants that have been approved for each local electoral area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24049/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 260, 261 and 292 together.
Tackling vacancy is a key priority for this Government and Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. The Vacant Homes Action Plan Progress Report outlines the significant progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return vacant properties back into use as homes.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, launched July 2022, is a key measure in returning vacant and derelict properties back into use. A grant of up to €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000. The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is available to properties which have been vacant for 2 years.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which includes breakdowns by local authority. See gov.ie - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant statistics (www.gov.ie)
Another initiative under the Action Plan is the new CPO Activation Programme, launched by my Department in April 2023. The Programme provides for a proactive and systematic approach by local authorities to bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use.
Targets have been set for each local authority for the number of identified vacant and derelict properties to enter the Programme. Overall, there is a target of 4,000 properties entering the Activation Programme in 2023. Of these, a target of 400 has been set for properties to enter the compulsory acquisition process, where engagement with the owner has not resulted in the vacant or derelict property being brought back into use.
My Department set targets for each local authority, including Carlow County Council, on the number of properties to enter the Programme in 2023. My Department will report on the 2023 targets, and set new targets, in Q2 2024.
Question No. 261 answered with Question No. 260.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (262)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:262. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the progress made in respect of the review into the differential rent administered by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23553/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Housing Act 1966 provides for the charging of rent by local authorities on social housing tenancies. Rents are based on household income levels, with those on lower incomes paying lower rents. This system is known as the ‘differential rents’ system. It is a critical piece of State’s welfare apparatus, subsidising housing costs and supporting households who can’t meet their long-term accommodation needs from their own resources.
The system currently comprises 32 income-based schemes which differ across local authorities, with amounts charged and approaches to calculating rent varying considerably.
Housing for All commits to developing proposals to review the existing differential rent system and to provide for a standardised, national local authority social housing rent model. The objective is to develop and implement a model that provides the best blend between fairness, progressivity and sustainability.
My Department has completed an initial scoping exercise to determine the focus of the review. Further work has commenced to consider the practical application of such a scheme in the context of other reform package measures, as well as the broader circumstances of social housing funding programmes and the cost of living issues at this time.
Proposals will be submitted to me for my consideration in due course and any decision to implement a standardised national rents scheme will be considered thereafter, as appropriate.