Written Answers Nos. 112-131
113. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education the reason a child (details supplied) is being denied access to July summer provision; the reason a school is not being afforded flexibility in order to provide the child with July summer provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26542/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the 2024 Summer Programme were published on the 21st March 2024. Funding of €40m is available and, as in previous years, all of the funding is utilised to meet the needs of our most vulnerable children.
All schools have an opportunity to run a programme over the summer months for those children who need it the most. These children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting.
The main priority again in 2024 is that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.
Where a school is not running a Summer Programme or a place on a school-based programme is unavailable, the Home-based programme is available for pupils with complex special educational needs.
In relation to the school that the Deputy refers to, this school has registered to run the School-based Summer Programme in 2024. The Department’s records also indicate that an application for the Home-Based Summer Programme for the child concerned was made by the school and was sanctioned by my Department on the 10th June 2024. Under the Home-based Summer Programme, the child has been approved for 10 hours of tuition or care support per week for 4 weeks.
Decisions regarding which children should participate in the school-based provision or the home-based provision is a matter for the school, having due regard to the eligibility criteria and the resources applied for. It should be noted that schools have considerable flexibility in terms of staffing, such as recruiting staff who are not teachers or SNAs, to assist them in supporting the children in their school.
A Department helpline is available for schools and parents at 090 648 4292 to address any specific queries regarding this year’s Summer Programme. Queries concerning the school-based scheme can be directed to the schoolsummerprogramme@education.gov.ie. Queries concerning the Home-based scheme can be directed to the homebasedsummerprogram@education.gov.ie .
114. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education when incremental credit and back pay will be issued to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26552/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that payment will issue to the individual concerned on 4th July 2024, together with any arrears due.
115. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 290 of 30 April 2024, if the planning application for a school (details supplied) has been submitted to Fingal County Council. [26560/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build Programme and will deliver a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
The Planning Permission application was submitted to Fingal County Council on 17th June 2024.
It is not possible to provide a time-frame for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
My Department will continue to keep the school and its patron body updated as the project progresses.
116. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil dualgais reachtúla ar Bhoird Oideachais agus Oiliúna chun tacaíocht a chur ar fáil do ghrúpaí pobail atá ag fáil maoiniú stáit cheana, sa chaoi go mbeidh siad in ann níos mó ranganna Gaeilge a chur ar fáil mar chuid d’oideachas pobail, agus ranganna Gaeilge a chur ar fáil iad féin mar chuid d’oideachas pobail; an leagfaidh sí an reachtaíocht iomchuí amach; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [26561/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra“Is ceist don Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta é tacaíocht a sholáthar d’oideachas pobail. Cuirfidh mo Roinn ceist an Teachta ar aird an Aire sin.”
117. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 12 June 2024, the position regarding the two lots outlined for Project Boyne; the order in which these lots will be commenced; which schools are allocated to each lot; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26575/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, and further to the response provided previously on 12 June the six large scale projects being delivered for Project Boyne will be delivered across schools in counties Carlow, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) on a devolved basis for the Department.These school building projects are flagship projects in their area and will provide new and modernised high-quality permanent facilities catering for over 5,750.students. This will transform the education infrastructure for these school communities both now and in the decades ahead, enabling students to benefit from purpose-built state of the art facilities.The Department has issued authorisation to NDFA for the completion of the remaining work on the preparation of tender documents required for public procurement of building contractors for all six schools for the end of the year.Given the scale of the 6 projects involved the procurement strategy involves this being done for the end of the year through two bundles. One bundle involves Coláiste Chraobh Abhann in Kilcoole, Cross and Passion College in Kilcullen and the Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge. The other bundle involves the Franciscan College in Gormanston, Presentation De La Salle College in Bagenalstown and St. Mary’s College in Naas. Both bundles are very important projects for delivery and the procurement strategy is aimed at delivering these flagship projects in an effective and efficient manner that reflects the scale of investment involved. The NDFA will be engaging directly with the individual schools in regards to progressing these very important projects.The status of all projects in the pipeline, including those at tender stage, is set out by County at (www.gov.ie) and is updated on a regular basis. The delivery of these projects builds on the very good progress we are making in providing new and modernised facilities at schools throughout the country under the rollout of the Government’s National Development Plan.
118. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education the current position of the additional building application for a school (details supplied), with consideration of the length of time this project has been in process; when she expects Department officials to decide on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26583/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide 1 mainstream classroom and 1 SET room with a connecting corridor.
The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority. A Stage 3 (tender report) has been received by my department which is currently being reviewed. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall ASA program.
Upon completion of this review process my Department officials will communicate with the school authority regarding the next steps to advance this significant project.
119. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education when a response will be issued from her Department to the submitted main contractor tender report and authorising the design team to issue the letter of acceptance to the contractor for the new school build for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26585/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra120. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education when the design team will receive a response from her Department to the reserved specialist tender report, issued on 26 September 2023, in order to complete the reserved specialist tender process for the new school build for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26586/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.
The large-scale capital project for the Campus including the school referred to by the Deputy, is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which will be delivered under the National Development Plan (NDP) as part of Project Ireland 2040 framework.
The project brief includes the phased construction of two 16 classroom primary schools with a PE hall for the post primary school on a shared campus.
The tender process was undertaken, and a contractor identified. The authorisation to issue the Letter of Intent was issued on 3rd May 2024. The next steps for the project will be the completion of the reserved specialist tender report review and the progression to Stage 4 – Construction.
When the project commences on site there will be an estimated contract duration of 20 months.
My Department will update the school authorities when there is a further update on the progression of the major project.
121. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education the action her Department is taking to assist a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26607/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school under reference in Fermoy was established in 2018 under the patronage divestment process.
Prior to the establishment of the new school in 2018 under the patronage divesting process, the Department and Educate Together, as school patron, agreed that given the accommodation available at the property and the need to accommodate some Further Education and Training services from the property, the school would be established as a four-classroom school and that the school would maintain this configuration in the accommodation in the former Technical School unless an existing school building was freed up for use in the area.
As part of this engagement, the Department outlined to the school patron the importance of enrolments being managed within the available accommodation in a sustainable way and that this would be communicated to the school Board of Management so that parents could be fully informed and in order to manage expectations. However, the school has taken the decision to accept a significant increase in enrolments from 52 in the 2022/2023 school year to 85 in the 2023/2024 school year.
Officials in the Department of Education have been engaging with the school patron, Educate Together, in respect of the current and future needs of the school. A technical visit by the Department was undertaken recently, the results of which will be reviewed by the department and discussed with the school's patron.
The Department of Education engages closely with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
Any school, who opens a special class is to be commended. For the academic year 24/25, it may not be possible or appropriate to open new special classes in every school who expresses an interest or who has expressed a prior interest in opening a new class. In addition, some classes may not be needed for the coming school year but can remain an option if need arises in later years.
In general, demographics are falling at primary level and this trend is due to continue. The key factor for prioritisation is to ensure that every child has a school place. In practical terms this means there is a strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity in the school system as much as possible and adding additional capacity as needed. In this regard, the re-purposing of any existing spare classroom accommodation in relevant schools helps to facilitate the early establishment of special classes. The scope to achieve this is more common at primary level where national demographics have peaked and are reducing significantly over the short to medium term (albeit local and regional demographic pressures continue with housing rollout). There are less opportunities for utilising spare classroom accommodation at post-primary level given the continued upward position on overall demographics combined with the need to significantly scale up provision of special classes to an average of 4 special classes in each post-primary school.
The Department’s Modular Accommodation Programme is an important mechanism for facilitating accelerated delivery of necessary additional capacity – including in relation to special classes. However, as part of maximising existing capacity and managing within budgetary parameters this is targeted at schools where there is no existing capacity in the general area to facilitate the establishment of urgently required special classes.
The Department works closely with the NCSE to ensure there is good coordination and alignment so that existing capacity is maximised as much as possible in relation to the establishment of new special classes.
Schools’ support for the establishment of special classes is most welcome. Where additional accommodation is indicated as being required, an analysis of both student demand and available accommodation in an area is required. In this regard, the Department is working very closely with the NCSE to ensure that this required analysis is thoroughly explored with a view to providing the most immediate and cost effective accommodation solutions for the establishment of new special classes for the 2024/25 school year.
In some instances this analysis is complete and the appropriate accommodation solutions are being advanced. In the remaining cases, the outcome of the analysis is nearing completion and schools will be advised accordingly. Your local SENO will continue to engage with you regarding the position and timing of the establishment of your previously sanctioned new class.
The role of my Department is to ensure that all schools in an area can, between them, cater to school place requirements in that area. The broader position in the Fermoy School Planning Area is that demographics at primary level are declining and will steadily decrease for the foreseeable future.
122. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26609/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the 2024 Summer Programme were published on the 21st March 2024. This builds on the successful summer programmes of the last three years. The full funding of €40m is available and, as in previous years, all of the funding is utilised to meet the needs of our most vulnerable children.
All schools have an opportunity to run a programme over the summer months for those children who need it the most so that these children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting.
The main priority again in 2024 is that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.
The Home-based programme is also available for pupils with complex special educational needs in circumstances where their school is not running a Summer Programme or a place on a school-based programme is unavailable. Details of the Home-based programme, including full details on the eligibility criteria, were issued to schools directly on the 29th May 2024 and has been published on www.gov.ie/summerprogramme .
It is a matter for individual schools to assess whether a child meets the eligibility criteria as set out in the terms and conditions of the school or home-based provision being applied for. If the school determines that the child does not meet the eligibility criteria, there are no alternative ways in which parent can access the Summer Programme.
A Department helpline is available for schools and parents at 090 648 4292 to address any specific queries regarding year’s Summer Programme. Queries concerning the school-based scheme can be directed to the schoolsummerprogramme@education.gov.ie. Queries concerning the Home-based scheme can be directed to the homebasedsummerprogram@education.gov.ie .
The Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally regarding pupils' education. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's present or future educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie .
123. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education the current status of the proposed merger of two primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26633/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my department has received a request from the patron of the schools under reference for the amalgamation of the two schools.
As the Deputy will be aware the decision making authority for school amalgamations belongs to the patron or trustees of a school, and this is subject to the approval of the Minister for Education. Any proposed change involves extensive negotiations at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system.
My department is currently reviewing the amalgamation proposal. This process is nearing completion. My officials are awaiting confirmation of school details from the Patron before official approval can be issued by my Department.
124. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education the status of a staffing appeal by a school (details supplied) based on an increase in numbers during the school year which brings the school over the threshold for an extra staff member; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26634/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
The appeal submitted by the school referred to by the Deputy has been deemed ineligible by the Appeals Board, as the grounds of the appeal did not meet the appeal criteria published in Circular 0011/2024. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
125. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the last time that the remote area grant for students from islands who have to travel to the mainland for education was increased; the present rate of the grant; whether she is considering increasing this grant in view of the large increase in the cost of lodgings and travel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26635/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 km from and are attending their nearest national school having regard to ethos and language.
At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
An eligible child for whom no transport service is available may, following an application for transport within prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.
The grant amount is distance related and is payable annually at a fixed daily rate, to each eligible family, regardless of the number of children from the same family, travelling to a particular school.
The rate of the Remote Area Grant was examined as part of the recent review of the School Transport Scheme and it was recommended that there should be no change to the current rate of this grant.
126. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if additional funding can be allocated to a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26637/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide 1 Classroom SEN Base and 1 SET room under the 2019 Additional School Accommodation Scheme.
The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority. A Stage 3 (tender report) has been received by my Department which is currently being reviewed. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, current market costs along with any additional costs will form part of this review process.
Upon completion of this review process my Department officials will communicate with the school authority regarding the next steps to advance this significant project.
127. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the pay review for school bus escorts; the reason this was not carried out as part of the general public service review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26648/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the reason pay for bus escorts was not reviewed at the same time as the minimum wage and public service pay reviews. [26651/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
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.There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort, where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and set the rate of pay.
Under the provisions of the Education Act, 1998 the Board of Management is the authority charged with the direct governance of a recognised school. The Board manages the school on behalf of the patron.
The employment of a School Transport Escort is sanctioned by the School Transport Section of the Department. The Escort is then employed by the School Board of Management or the relevant Education and Training Board (“ETB”) whichever is applicable.
It is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school. The School Transport Section in the Department are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of matters as they relate to the escort and the information provided to schools. An information pack for schools is being developed and will be reviewed and updated regularly. As part of this comprehensive review the terms of employment and rate of pay for school bus escorts are also being examined.
The new public service agreement provides for pay increase to public servants covered by the Unions who have signed up to the agreement, subject to compliance with sectoral action plans and industrial peace provisions of the agreement. The increase does not apply beyond public servants and therefore grant funded school staff such as caretakers, bus escorts and cleaners employed directly by schools are not comprehended by the agreement.
Bus Escorts do not fall under the recent pay deal mentioned above, however, the Department of Education will continue to keep the rates of pay of bus escorts under review.
As the Deputy is aware a review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately. As part of this review one of the actions outlined is that pay rates for School Bus Escorts is to be reviewed in full by the end of 2024. My Department is currently working through this action.
129. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 173 of 14 February 2024, if she will confirm when this review will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26661/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort, where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay.Under the Education Act 1998, the Principal/Board of Management is responsible for the operation of the school and is the employer of the School Transport Escort and therefore responsible for all employment matters relating to their School Transport Escort.It is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school. The School Transport Section in the Department are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of matters as they relate to the escort and the information provided to schools. An information pack for schools is being developed and will be reviewed and updated regularly. As part of this comprehensive review the terms of employment and rate of pay for school bus escorts are also being examined, and the Department will continue to keep the rates under review.As the Deputy is aware a review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately. As part of this review one of the actions outlined is that pay rates for School Bus Escorts is to be reviewed in full by the end of 2024. My Department is currently working through this action.
130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if all options are being examined with a view to ensuring safe access and egress for children attending a school (details supplied); if the provisions already in place meet the highest standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26683/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she is satisfied that health and safety provisions are adequately observed at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26684/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools on public roads, such as road crossings, road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter , for the relevant Local Authority.
Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools to ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children. My Department has no function in this matter.
In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care.
My Department will examine existing traffic management and safety at a school grounds where we are looking a wider building project or as part of a planning application for an extension at a school. It is also open for a school authority to look for funding to improve traffic safety on school grounds through applying under a future summer works scheme.
In relation to the health and safety concerns mentioned by the Deputy, the Emergency Works Scheme is available to provide for unforeseen emergencies that impact on school buildings. An emergency is a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. The scheme does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
Applications for funding under the scheme must serve one or both of these purposes and meet the criteria for funding as set out in the relevant circular, 0068/2020, and its appendices. All relevant and supporting information in relation to such an Emergency Works Grant Scheme application must be provided in order to support a claim for emergency grant aid.
