Written Answers Nos. 146-165
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if the IAA will provide figures for assistance received by passengers with restricted mobility since 2019; the proportion of this assistance that was pre-notified; the proportion of the total passengers using Irish airports who receive assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27814/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport how frequent and in-depth the disability awareness training for public-facing airport and airline staff is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27815/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
Irish airports and air carriers must comply with European Union Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility ("PRM") when travelling by air (“Regulation 1107”). The objective of this Regulation is to ensure “high and equivalent levels of protection and assistance throughout the Member States and to ensure that economic agents operate under harmonised conditions in a single market.” The Irish Aviation Authority ("IAA”) is the National Enforcement Body for Regulation 1107.
I am informed by the IAA that the statistics the Deputy has sought are an operational matter for each individual airport. The provision of disability awareness training is also an operational matter for each individual airport and air carrier. In respect of the State Airports, I have, therefore, forwarded these question to the Shannon Airport Group and to daa (who have statutory responsibility for the management and operation of Dublin and Cork and Shannon Airports) for direct reply. If a response is not received within ten days, please contact my private office.
148. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to increase the level of regulation of lifetime loan products provided by companies (details supplied) to prevent them charging punitive interests rates which results in borrowers who fall into arrears risking losing their homes. [27648/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Bank advises that the company referred to by the Deputy is authorised by it as a retail credit firm (RCF) and that RCFs are required to comply with all the relevant requirements of financial services legislation, including the regulatory requirements set out in the Central Bank's existing codes of conduct and regulations. These include:
• the Consumer Protection Code 2012,
• the Code of Conduct for Mortgage Arrears 2013,
• the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 (Section 48) (Lending to Small and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises) Regulations 2015 (SME Regulations),
• the Fitness and Probity Regime,
• the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 (Section 48(1)) Minimum Competency Regulations 2017, and
• the Minimum Competency Code 2017.
The Central Bank also advises that the Consumer Protection Code 2012 sets out a number of specific requirements, which relate to advertising, warnings, suitability and the provision of information, that specifically apply to lifetime mortgages. These requirements mean that prior to offering, recommending, arranging or providing a lifetime mortgage to a personal consumer, a regulated entity must inform the personal consumer of the consequences of purchasing a lifetime mortgage and the consumer must be provided with the following:
• the circumstances in which the loan will have to be repaid;
• details of the interest rate that will be charged;
• an explanation of the impact of the rolling up of the interest over the duration of the loan;
• an indication of the amount required to repay the loan at maturity;
• the effect on any existing mortgage;
• an indication of the likely early redemption costs which would be incurred if the loan was redeemed on the third and fifth anniversary of the loan and at five yearly intervals thereafter.
Any documents received by a consumer and any advertisements for lifetime mortgages must contain relevant warnings as outlined in the Consumer Protection Code and in addition, a consumer must be made aware of the importance of seeking independent legal advice regarding the taking a lifetime mortgage.
In addition, RCFs must comply with the Authorisation Requirements and Standards for RCFs. These Standards require that RCFs must be able to demonstrate that they are in a position to conduct their affairs in a manner that ensures the best interests of their customers are protected.
However, neither the Central Bank nor I as Minister for Finance have a statutory role in approving the interest rates that mortgage lenders charge on their loans. Decisions in relation to mortgage lending are commercial decisions for lenders themselves. There are many factors affecting the decisions of lenders when setting their lending rates such as the costs of offering the loan, including funding costs.
However, the Central Bank has advised that it expects that all regulated entities take a consumer-focused approach in respect of any decision that affects their customers (existing and new) and communicate clearly, effectively, and in a timely manner with all customers.
149. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in light of Dublin City Council’s new ‘Delivering for Dublin Agreement’ which contains a commitment to expand the Dublin Bikes network, if his department will consider expansion of the scheme to the interior of Phoenix Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27766/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is happy to engage with Dublin City Council on its new ‘Delivering for Dublin Agreement’ which was recently published. The Phoenix Park is one of the largest recreational urban spaces in any European city, which is actively used by walkers and cyclists. The Office of Public Works was the first organisation in the greater Dublin area to introduce bicycles for hire through its cycling concessions, located at the Parkgate Street entrance to the Phoenix Park. The concessionaire offers a variety of bicycles including adult and kids’ bikes, tandem bikes, bikes with carriages, accessible and electric bikes. This service is available 7 days a week, throughout the year.
In terms of cycling and accessibility more generally, the OPW is committed to supporting active travels measures in the park and has undertaken considerable work on this front over the past number of years. The Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options study was published in 2021 and this included a number of recommendations including improving walking and cycling routes within the Phoenix Park and links into and out of the Park. Subsequent to the Transport and Mobility Study, the draft Parking Strategy looked specifically at approaches to parking within the Phoenix Park with a strong emphasis on pedestrians, cyclists and those with mobility issues who are reliant on their cars in order to access the park. Some of the key actions arising from the draft Parking Strategy are an increase in cycle parking provision, cycle hire and the introduction of accessible cycle parking, across the park.
There are a number of bike share services already in operation in Dublin such as Dublin Bikes, Bleeper and Moby among others. Dublin Bikes for example, already has stations nearby at Heuston Station, Seán Heuston Bridge and Parkgate Street. There are no plans currently to install further bike share infrastructure inside the Phoenix Park, given that there is currently an extensive range of bikes available for all abilities within the Park. It should also be noted that the Phoenix Park is an Archaeological Complex and there is no electricity lines across large parts of the park which makes installing certain types of infrastructure challenging. The users of the bike share schemes regularly tour the extensive bike network within the Phoenix Park and OPW is delighted to engage with DCC on their Dublin Bike Scheme.
150. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to examine the fullest possible extent to which all measures can offset the impact of meeting such targets on industry, sector by sector, with particular reference to the need to avoid permanent damage to the economy, while at the same time meeting the targets, in the context of meeting carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27808/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is pro-actively integrating climate action into all aspects of the Department and its agencies’ activities, and engaging with all businesses in Ireland, from microbusinesses to large corporates, about the many opportunities for decarbonisation.
The White Paper on Enterprise highlighted the need for an integrated approach to enterprise policy that aligns our growth with decarbonising our businesses. This is key to Ireland’s future competitiveness and the long-term health of our economy; doing the work now can successfully position Ireland seize the opportunities ahead, and underpin a prosperous transition to a low-carbon economy.
My Department has just published a Roadmap for the Decarbonisation of Industrial Heat. It outlines the necessary trajectory to meet our binding industry decarbonisation targets. The Roadmap sets out the key policy interventions to decarbonise heat use by industry, including the supports available to companies, the regulations to promote decarbonisation, and the enabling measure that will facilitate the transition.
A similar roadmap for decarbonising commercial buildings will be published this summer.
Reaching our decarbonisation targets will require businesses to make investments in new processes, shifting away from those that rely on fossil fuels and other unsustainable practices. These investments are necessary and unavoidable, so it is better to move early and decisively.
The state will support these investments through our enterprise development agencies. We are working with them more closely than ever to ensure decarbonisation happens in a way that improves the competitiveness and resilience of our economy, rather than harms it. The incentives that we provide for businesses to ‘go green’ will be a combination of grant aid, policy support, taxation measures, linking efficiency, productivity and profitability with the sustainable business models that deliver on our shared ambition to decarbonise.
Thousands of businesses are already being supported through the Green Transition Fund, SEAI energy programmes, SkillNet Ireland training, the LEO Green for Business programme, and a range of other advisory, training and grant aid offerings.
My Department, and key state agencies, will continue working to ensure that all businesses in Ireland are activated and engaged in the green transition and the broader sustainability agenda. This will be a crucial component of ensuring Ireland’s economy remains competitive, resilience and sustainable as we progress towards our target to be net zero by 2050.
151. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will consider an additional accommodation application made by a school (details supplied). [27632/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the school in question was approved a brief of accommodation to deliver 1x Science Lab & prep area: 1x Tech Graphics/DCG room & tech prep, 1x Construction Studies & project store and 1x Music and toilets. This is currently at stage 2b with the Departments delivery area.
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department has very recently received a further application under the Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question for a PE hall and mainstream accommodation.
Investment and expenditure on PE Halls is an element of the overall School Building Programme. The provision of GP rooms and PE Halls, at primary and post primary level respectively, and outdoor hard play areas, form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings. This is also the case where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school.
Almost 95% of the post primary schools that made 2020 Annual Schools Returns have indicated to the Department that they either have a PE Hall, access to a nearby PE Hall, or a project in train that will deliver a new PE Hall. Practically all schools have outdoor play areas and many schools use adjacent local facilities, including community halls, public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by available accommodation at other schools in the area. A request for a PE Hall does not come within the remit of the ASA scheme.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.8 billion in schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
A future strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock will have different strands and will include a PE build and modernisation programme which will enable students in post-primary schools to have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision, particularly also in the context of the roll-out of PE as a leaving-certificate subject. Enhanced and modernised PE facilities will also provide important amenities for local communities.
However, the main focus of the Department’s capital funding over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs.
The Department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects the Department’s fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.
The overall position with regard to potential modernisation and replacement of existing school infrastructure will be kept under review as capital funding allocations for future years are clarified.
I can advise the Deputy that the school's application for mainstream accommodation is currently under assessment. Once the assessment process is complete the school authority will be contacted directly.
152. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 23 May 2024, if the rental accommodation which has been sourced has ‘the connection of the necessary utilities” in place; when her Department plans to have a permanent resolution for the schools; and the reason it has taken this long to start construction given her Department’s awareness of the issues caused to both schools by the lack of space (details supplied). [27660/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that rental accommodation had been approved by my Department for the school in question. The rental company are due to connect the necessary utilities and carry out final checks before the accommodation can be used by the school. The school authorities are working with the accommodation provider on these matters and my officials have been informed that this is taking place imminently. This accommodation will then be available for the 24/25 school year.
Furthermore, officials from my Department's Professional and Technical Section have visited the school in question and the school which they are currently sharing accommodation with, in order to consider a solution that can be put in place for the needs of both schools. The Department hopes to resolve this matter for the benefit of both schools as soon as possible and will remain in contact with the school authorities of both schools in relation to this matter.
I can assure the Deputy that the consideration of the accommodation requirements for the school in question forms part of the Planning and Building Unit’s overall assessment of its work programme and priorities in the context of available capital funding.
The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my Department and my officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider School Planning Area for future years.
153. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 12 June 2024, if she will review the application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27688/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Remote Area Boarding Grant scheme is to give students who are disadvantaged because of their remoteness from schools an opportunity to attend school on the same basis as students not so disadvantaged.
The terms of this scheme are set out in Circular 16/2016 which is published on my Department’s website at - www.gov.ie/en/circular/14bf3da700a54567a821513272945bd1/.
As per the circular above, the pupil “must be resident 4.8 km or more from a second-level school where suitable free second-level education is available and more than 3.2 km from a pick-up point on a transport service to such a school; and must be unable to obtain a place in a suitable second-level school within 25 km of his/her normal place of residence & should provide written confirmation of same”.
The case referred to by the Deputy was examined by Bus Éireann who operate the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department. Bus Éireann provided the incorrect nearest school details which was a primary school. Officials in my Department resubmitted the request for a revised report based on the correct school details of the post primary school. The revised report containing the correct post primary school details has been received. The confirmation from Bus Éireann confirms that the distance from home to the nearest second level school providing instruction through Irish is 20.2km which is under the distance criteria of 25km as outlined in the above circular. The pupil’s parents will shortly be informed of the decision.
The applicant may be eligible for the Remote Area Grant. 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.
154. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 01 May 2024, the communications between the design team of the ongoing additional school accommodation project and a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27689/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that formal approval was issued to an ongoing ASA project nearby allowing them to utilise an adjacent department-owned land for traffic management associated with that school and the school in question. This is a very positive step forward for the future of both projects, which should assist in terms of alleviating significant planning concerns identified at pre-planning stage by Fingal County Council.
The Design team of the ongoing ASA project have been advised to liaise with the school in question regarding this.
My department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on the project.
155. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 01 May 2024, the plans for the adjacent Department owned site referenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27690/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that formal approval was issued to an ongoing ASA project nearby allowing them to utilise an adjacent department-owned land for traffic management associated with that school and the school in question. This is a very positive step forward for the future of both projects, which should assist in terms of alleviating significant planning concerns identified at pre-planning stage by Fingal County Council.
The Design team of the ongoing ASA project have been advised to liaise with the school in question regarding this.
My department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on the project.
156. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if children from Balbriggan with an autism diagnosis who are not accommodated in an ASD unit in Balbriggan can apply to be admitted to an ASD unit in Meath or Louth; if she will provide details of all available ASD units for the Balbriggan area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27695/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that this is an anxious time for parents who are seeking a school place for their child for September and I would like to assure the Deputy that this government is determined to alleviate the pressures faced by parents when seeking a special educational placement.
My department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places, work which is close to finalisation for the 2024/25 school year.
If a parent wishes to apply for a special school place outside of their local area the NCSE will support and advise parents in doing so. However, the NCSE will continue to support the families of children in the Balbriggan area, who are seeking a local placements for September.
381 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year, 267 at primary and 114 at post primary level. Of these, 57 are in Dublin, this brings the overall number of classes in the county to 591. The vast majority of these are autism classes. A list of sanctioned classes is available on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes
The NCSE expect to confirm some additional classes shortly to ensure that a sufficient level of provision is available. The NCSE is confident that through the provision of these new classes and vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of all children known to them for September 2024.
I referenced earlier that this government is committed to alleviating the pressures faced by parents seeking a special educational placement.
Significant additional resources and funding of €13 million have been allocated to the NCSE to allow for the expansion of its services, which will bolster the level of service and provide effective structures to relieve pressure on parents.
This funding has allowed for, among other things, a significant increase in the number of SENOs which will increase from 73 to 120 by next September. These SENOs will work closely with children, their families and schools on the ground in order to provide the necessary supports.
Additional administrative support staff, team managers and other professionals are also being employed to allow SENOs concentrate on working directly with schools and families.
Legislation also provides for the NCSE to have a greater role in the admission of children with special educational needs. This is something that would require significant engagement with the education partners and it is something my department and the NCSE is examining
157. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the position regarding co-educational schools in a location (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27702/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware the decision making authority for any change of status is the Patron/Trustees of the schools, and this is subject to the approval of my Department.
Any proposed change involves extensive consultation 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 has received correspondence from the patrons of the Sacred Heart School, Westport requesting a change of status from all girls to co-educational. This application has now been assessed and I wish to confirm that my Department approves the change of status for the Sacred Heart School to become co-educational from 1st September 2025. Accordingly, Department records will be changed to reflect same
158. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education the reason she has not given sanction for a pre-fab classroom to facilitate the autism class on the grounds of a school (details supplied), for which there is sufficient space; and to confirm if the delay is due to historic payment issues by her Department to the contractor. [27735/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that rental accommodation had been approved by my Department for the school in question. The rental company are due to connect the necessary utilities and carry out final checks before the accommodation can be used by the school. The school authorities are working with the accommodation provider on these matters and my officials have been informed that this is taking place imminently. This accommodation will then be available for the 24/25 school year.
I can assure the Deputy that the necessary funding has been provided by my Department and the school authorities are in receipt of same. This will allow them to progress with the rental accommodation for the upcoming school year.
The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my Department and my officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider School Planning Area for future years.
159. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education the reason advertisements are being broadcast on radio encouraging survivors of industrial schools to ring an organisation (details supplied), and on doing so, no support is provided given the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 has not been passed; if he will correct this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27737/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in June 2023 Government approved the delivery of a package of ongoing supports to survivors of abuse in residential institutions, including supports relating to health, education and advocacy. The development of this package of supports was informed by a consultation process with survivors and survivor groups, including a survivor-led Consultative Forum.
The report of the Consultative Forum noted the difficulties many survivors experience in engaging with and accessing public services, and identified a clear need for information, support and advocacy services for survivors to assist them in engaging with and accessing relevant existing services and supports.
In November 2023 the Department entered into a grant funding arrangement with Sage Advocacy, an independent advocacy organisation with a strong track record in providing advocacy supports to vulnerable adults, older people and healthcare patients, to develop such a service for survivors. Sage has recruited a number of staff to deliver this service, including Regional Advocates who are based around the country. These Regional Advocates are already engaging directly with relevant service providers on behalf of individual survivors, in areas such as social protection, housing and health.
Sage Advocacy is currently implementing an outreach and communications plan to raise awareness of the availability of the service. As well as engaging directly with survivors, survivor groups and other relevant stakeholders, this includes radio advertising.
In addition to supporting survivors and advocating on their behalf to ensure access to existing services, Sage Advocacy will also inform survivors of the additional supports to be provided under the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024, subject to enactment of the legislation, and support them in accessing those services.
160. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education the average age cohort of those who should benefit from the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024; the number of survivors seeking educational opportunities as a support; her views on whether this is the best support to be offered to older people who are seeking secure income and comfort in their homes rather than going back to education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27738/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in June 2023 Government approved the delivery of a package of ongoing supports to survivors of abuse in residential institutions, including supports relating to health, education and advocacy. The development of this package of supports was informed by a consultation process with survivors and survivor groups, including a survivor-led Consultative Forum.
The report of the Consultative Forum noted that survivors considered that the education which they had received while resident in institutions was very poor, and identified supports for survivors to pursue education as being of benefit. The Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 provides for the establishment of a new scheme involving the payment of cash grants ranging from €500 to €2,000 per year, depending on the level and duration of the course, to survivors who are engaging in, or who wish to continue to engage in, further and higher education.
Survivors will only be required to demonstrate that they have registered for a course and have paid whatever fees apply. They will be free to spend the grant as they see fit to support their studies, whether to purchase a laptop, fund travel costs or purchase necessary materials.
This scheme will also ensure that survivors are not required to pay the Student Contribution Charge where this would otherwise apply.
These grants will be additional to the wide range of enhanced supports which is in place for those seeking to engage in further and higher education, including the Free Fees Initiative, the SUSI Student Grant Scheme and the Back to Education Allowance, as well as initiatives such as Springboard.
With regard to the age profile of survivors, the Bill provides that these education supports will be made available to survivors who received an award of redress from the Residential Institutions Redress Board, or a similar court award or settlement. As the Deputy will be aware, the Redress Board operated on a confidential basis and therefore my Department does not have detailed information or data relating to those who will be eligible.
However, based on an actuarial study undertaken on behalf of Caranua in 2015, and utilising CSO data to estimate the survivor population at 1 January 2024, it is estimated that approximately 10,000 survivors would be eligible for these supports, and that the majority of those survivors are over the age of 65.
161. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education her plans for the 61 properties handed over to the State from religious orders; how these will be used to benefit and support survivors of industrial schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27739/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraContributions from the 18 religious congregations have been made under two distinct rounds – the legally binding 2002 Indemnity Agreement, and the 2009 Voluntary Offers.
Under the 2002 Agreement, the transfers of 58 of the 60 properties are now complete. These properties were transferred to a range of recipients, including the Department of Education, the HSE, local authorities and community and voluntary organisations. The two remaining transfers, one to the Department and the other to the HSE, are progressing, and the properties are in use by the intended State recipient.
Under the 2009 Voluntary Offers, 17 of the 18 properties offered by the congregations and accepted for transfer to the State have now fully transferred. These properties were transferred to the Department of Education, the HSE and local authorities. The transfer of the one remaining property, which is to the HSE, is progressing.
The transfer of these properties forms part of the overall contribution of the congregations towards the cost of the State’s response to the issue of historical abuse in residential institutions. This response has, to date, involved expenditure of approximately €1.5bn, including direct redress payments and other supports for survivors amounting to approximately €1.1bn.
162. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education when the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 will move to Committee stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27740/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Committee Stage for the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 took place on Wednesday 21 June 2024.
163. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén cháilíocht Ghaeilge atá ag teastáil do phoist mar phríomhoidí i nGaelcholáistí agus i nGaelscoileanna a bhfuil Aonad Gaeilge iontu; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27748/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs faoin údarás scoile aonair atá sé múinteoirí a earcú agus a cheapadh chun poist mhúinteoireachta a líonadh, faoi réir nósanna imeachta a comhaontaíodh faoi Alt 24(3) den Acht Oideachais 1998 (arna leasú leis an Acht Oideachais (Leasú), 2012).
De réir Imlitir 0031/2011 na Roinne, ceanglaítear ar scoileanna múinteoirí atá cáilithe agus cláraithe go cuí a fhostú. Tá na critéir incháilitheachta do phost an Phríomhoide i scoil leagtha amach i gCiorcláin PPT 05/02, PPT 06/02 agus PP07/02 a deir "Beidh ar iarrthóirí atá le ceapadh i bpost an Phríomhoide nó an Leas-Phríomhoide seirbhís teagaisc lánaimseartha cúig bliana ar a laghad nó a chomhionann a bheith acu".
Tá An Teastas Gaeilge ag teastáil ó mhúinteoirí atá fostaithe in iar-bhunscoileanna Gaeltachta, múinteoirí atá fostaithe i scoileanna ina bhfuil an Ghaeilge mar ghnáth-theagasc teanga agus múinteoirí a mhúineann ábhar ar bith trí mheán na Gaeilge (seachas an Ghaeilge féin) in aon scoil. Is féidir eolas maidir leis na cáilíochtaí riachtanacha d'iar-bhunscoileanna a fháil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Roinne www.gov.ie (féach Iar-bhunoideachas Tosaigh Múinteoirí (OTM)). Tá líofacht sa Ghaeilge de dhíth chun múineadh i scoil lán-Ghaeilge agus tá sé de dhualgas ar phátrún agus ar bhord bainistíochta na scoile a chinntiú go bhfuil leibhéal sásúil Gaeilge ag iarrthóirí poist le múineadh i scoil lán-Ghaeilge.
164. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén cháilíocht Ghaeilge atá ag teastáil do phoist mhúinteoireachta i nGaelcholáistí agus i nGaelscoileanna dara leibhéal a bhfuil Aonad Gaeilge iontu; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [27749/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs faoin údarás scoile aonair atá sé múinteoirí a earcú agus a cheapadh chun poist mhúinteoireachta a líonadh, faoi réir nósanna imeachta a comhaontaíodh faoi Alt 24(3) den Acht Oideachais 1998 (arna leasú leis an Acht Oideachais (Leasú), 2012).
De réir Imlitir 0031/2011 na Roinne, ceanglaítear ar scoileanna múinteoirí atá cáilithe agus cláraithe go cuí a fhostú agus a chinntiú gur cheart fostaíocht a thairiscint do mhúinteoirí dífhostaithe de rogha orthu siúd atá éirithe as. Rinneadh na bearta seo in iarracht cur le deiseanna fostaíochta do mhúinteoirí dífhostaithe.
Tá An Teastas Gaeilge ag teastáil ó mhúinteoirí atá fostaithe in iar-bhunscoileanna Gaeltachta, múinteoirí atá fostaithe i scoileanna ina bhfuil an Ghaeilge mar ghnáth-theagasc teanga agus múinteoirí a mhúineann ábhar ar bith trí mheán na Gaeilge (seachas an Ghaeilge féin) in aon scoil. Is féidir eolas maidir leis na cáilíochtaí riachtanacha d'iar-bhunscoileanna a fháil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Roinne www.gov.ie (féach Iar-bhunoideachas Tosaigh Múinteoirí (OTM)). Tá líofacht sa Ghaeilge de dhíth chun múineadh i scoil lán-Ghaeilge agus tá sé de dhualgas ar phátrún agus ar bhord bainistíochta na scoile a chinntiú go bhfuil leibhéal sásúil Gaeilge ag iarrthóirí poist le múineadh i scoil lán-Ghaeilge.
165. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if her Department will conduct an audit on the gap between the number of children in north Tipperary moving from autism units in primary schools to secondary schools, given there are only two secondary schools in north Tipperary serving the 16 autism units in national schools, given the impending serious shortfall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27751/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
My department and the NCSE work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places, work which is close to finalisation for the 2024/25 school year.
For the 2024/25 school year 381 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE, 267 at primary and 114 at post primary level. Some small number of additional classes will be sanctioned shortly. Of the 381, 15 are in County Tipperary, 11 at primary level and 4 at post-primary. This brings the overall number of special classes in the county to 135. 55 are in post-primary settings and the vast majority are autism classes.
The NCSE is confident that through the provision of the new classes and vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of all children known to them for September 2024.
I have asked the NCSE to ensure any remaining classes are established as a matter of urgency and to keep all families seeking class places updated on an ongoing basis to ensure their children can access the provision to which they are entitled.
Looking forward, demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates.My department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary school management bodies in relation to the provision of special classes in these schools. In late 2022, my Department also wrote to all post-primary schools asking them to begin to prepare on average 4 special classes each over the next few years.
