Written Answers Nos. 213-227
213. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Brendan Smith den Aire Oideachais na bearta a chuirfidh sí i bhfeidhm maidir le líon na múinteoirí a fheabhsú do ghaelcholáistí agus gaelscoileanna, agus an gcuirfidh sí níos mó tacaíochta ar fáil i dtaca leis sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [30771/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRéimse gníomhaíochta tosaíochta don Rialtas is ea a chinntiú gur dearfach atá eispéireas gach linbh ar scoil agus go bhfuil múinteoirí cáilithe gafa ar fáil chun cabhrú leo ina gcuid foghlama.
Tá Buiséad 2024 ina léiriú ar an tiomantas atá ag an Rialtas seo d’infheistíocht leanúnach a dhéanamh sa chóras oideachais trí bhearta éagsúla:
• Scéim aisíocaíochta do chostais mháistir ghairmiúil san oideachas a thabhairt isteach do mhúinteoirí nuacháilithe a bhainfidh céim amach sa bhliain 2024. Is féidir le múinteoirí incháilithe íocaíocht is fiú suas le €2,000 a fháil, rud atá le híoc sa bhliain 2025.
• Cláir uasoiliúna a leathnú, ar cláir iad atá ar fáil saor in aisce do mhúinteoirí agus a bhfuil mar aidhm leo méadú a dhéanamh ar an líon múinteoirí cáilithe in ábhair ardéilimh. Comhlánófar cláir nua i nGaeilge, Fraincis, polaitíocht agus an tsochaí agus eolaíocht ríomhaireachta na cláir atá ann cheana i matamaitic, fisic agus Spáinnis. Tosóidh Coláiste na Tríonóide, Baile Átha Cliath, ar chlár nua uasoiliúna Gaeilge a sholáthar do mhúinteoirí iar-bhunscoile ag deireadh na bliana 2024, ar clár é a bheidh ar fáil saor in aisce do mhúinteoirí incháilithe.
I dteannta na mbeart sin, d’fhorbair mé, mar Aire, tionscnaimh bhreise atá ceaptha chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar dhúshláin a bhaineann leis an soláthar múinteoirí. Áirítear iad seo a leanas leis na tionscnaimh sin:
• 610 n-áit bhreise a cheadú ar chláir oideachais tosaigh múinteoirí do leibhéal na bunscoile thar na blianta acadúla 2023/24 agus 2024/25.
• Solúbthacht a chinntiú i gcláir oideachais tosaigh múinteoirí chun múinteoirí faoi oiliúint a cheadú tacaíocht a thabhairt do scoileanna. Cláraíodh breis agus 2,700 múinteoir faoi oiliúint leis an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta faoi Bhealach 5 sa bhliain 2023, agus iad ag tabhairt tacaíocht luachmhar teagaisc ionaid. Tá 3,700 múinteoir faoi oiliúint cláraithe faoi Bhealach 5 faoi láthair, an líon is airde riamh.
• Leantar le gairm an teagaisc a chur chun cinn tríd an bhfeachtas ‘Déanann an Teagasc Athrú ó Bhonn’, agus spreagadh á thabhairt do dhaltaí gairm a shaothrú sa teagasc. Úsáidtear na meáin dhigiteacha, an raidió agus na meáin físe mar chuid den fheachtas, agus gabhann leathanach Gréasáin tiomnaithe ag www.gov.ie/teachingtransforms leis
Is rogha tharraingteach ghairme é an teagasc go fóill.
• Tháinig méadú 14% ar an líon uaireanta a roghnaíodh an teagasc iar-bhunscoile mar chúrsa céadrogha CAO sa bhliain 2023. Tá sé sin de bhreis ar an méadú 9% a chonacthas ina leith sin sa bhliain 2022. Tháinig méadú ar an líon uaireanta a roghnaíodh an teagasc bunscoile mar chúrsa CAO faoin dáta deiridh i mí Feabhra 2024. Bhí méadú foriomlán 10% ann ar an líon uaireanta a roghnaíodh an teagasc bunscoile mar chúrsa, agus méadú 2% ag teacht ar an líon uaireanta a roghnaíodh mar chúrsa céadrogha é ó bhí an bhliain 2023 ann.
• Bhí 4,271 iarratas céadrogha ann ar chláir theagaisc fochéime sa bhliain 2024, ar threocht í a bhí ag teacht, tríd is tríd, lena bhfacthas le blianta beaga anuas. Tugtar le fios in anailís ar iarratais CAO a rinneadh ón mbliain 2017 go dtí an bhliain 2024 gur ann d’éileamh marthanach láidir ar chláir theagaisc fochéime. Ar an meán, ba le cláir theagaisc bunscoile nó le cláir theagaisc iar-bhunscoile a bhain 6% de na hiarratais chéadrogha uile a rinneadh ón mbliain 2017 go dtí an bhliain 2024. Rud sonrach, ba sa raon idir 2.9% agus 3.8% a bhí an céatadán d’iarratais chéadrogha a rinneadh ar chláir theagaisc bunscoile fochéime. Ba sa raon idir 2.4% agus 2.9% a bhí an céatadán d’iarratais chéadrogha a rinneadh ar chláir theagaisc iar-bhunscoile fochéime.
• Léirítear i gcóimheas na n-iarratas céadrogha a rinneadh ar chúrsaí leibhéal 8 trí CAO sa bhliain 2022 go raibh 1.5 iarratasóir ann ar gach áit oideachais. B’airde an t-éileamh ar áiteanna i gcúrsaí bunscoile (2) ná an t-éileamh ar áiteanna i gcúrsaí iar-bhunscoile (1.5). Is airde an t-éileamh ar oideachas tosaigh múinteoirí bunscoile ná é sin sna réimsí uile seachas míochaine (3.5) agus tréidliacht (5.2).
• Mar thoradh ar an mbeart nua pá, ar vótáil gach ceann de na trí cheardchumann múinteoirí ina fhabhar, méadófar tuarastal tosaigh múinteoirí go €46,000, agus é ag méadú go €85,000 ar a mhéad in aghaidh na bliana. Is tuarastal maith é sin, i gcomparáid le figiúirí idirnáisiúnta. Beidh an pá tosaigh €46,000 cothrom le méadú €20,000, beagnach, ar rátaí na bliana 2011.
• Chláraigh breis agus 3,700 múinteoir nuacháilithe leis an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta sa bhliain 2023, agus níos mó ná 122,000 múinteoir ar chlár na Comhairle Múinteoireachta anois.
Ina theannta sin, chistigh mo Roinn raon gníomhartha oideachais múinteoirí faoin bPolasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta chun cur leis an líon múinteoirí atá ar fáil chun teagasc go héifeachtach trí mheán na Gaeilge.
• Bunaíodh clár Baitsiléara san Oideachas trí mheán na Gaeilge (bunscoil) in Institiúid Oideachais Marino sa bhliain 2019. Soláthraítear cistiú do 30 áit nua gach bliain. Tógadh cohórt de 56 mhac léinn isteach sa bhliain 2023, agus é sin á dhéanamh ar bhonn eisceachtúil mar chuid den phlean cuimsitheach atá i bhfeidhm ag mo Roinn chun tacú leis an soláthar múinteoirí. Bhain an chéad chohórt de 34 mhac léinn céim amach ón gclár i mí na Samhna 2023. Dámhadh conradh nua d’Institiúid Oideachais Marino sa bhliain 2023 chun an clár Baitsiléara san Oideachas a sholáthar do chúig chohórt eile.
• Tá cistiú á sholáthar do chlár Máistreachta san Oideachas Lán-Ghaeilge agus Gaeltachta ó bhí an bhliain 2018 ann. Is clár foghlama cumaisc é. Bhí an cúrsa sin á sholáthar i gColáiste Mhuire gan Smál ó bhí an bhliain 2018 ann. I mí an Mhárta 2023, dámhadh do Choláiste na Tríonóide, Baile Átha Cliath, an conradh le haghaidh leanúint den chúrsa, agus tosaíodh é i mí Mheán Fómhair 2023. Tá 26 mhac léinn cláraithe ar an gcúrsa i gColáiste na Tríonóide don bhliain acadúil 2023/24.
• Tá beirt mhúinteoirí ar iasacht agus sparánachtaí ón gComhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta á gcur ar fáil chun tacú leis an Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe ó bhí an bhliain 2017 ann.
Tá obair ar siúl i mo Roinn faoi láthair chun polasaí nua a fhorbairt don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht. Cuirfidh an polasaí sin le héachtaí an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta. Agus an polasaí á fhorbairt aici, tá sé mar aidhm ag an Roinn, i measc nithe eile, scrúdú a dhéanamh ar an dóigh ar féidir an soláthar múinteoirí agus an soláthar ball foirne eile a bhfuil ardchaighdeán Gaeilge acu a mhéadú chun freastal ar an éileamh i suíomhanna oideachais lán-Ghaeilge.
214. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when a project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage, in view of the urgent need to provide this much-needed accommodation as this application has been under consideration for a long time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30817/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved a school building project under the Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for 1 Engineering Room with Prep Room, 1 Construction Prep/Store area & 1 Home Economics Room. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority.
In the first quarter of 2023, department officials approved the project to progress to Stage 2b. My department now awaits a post planning (developed design) Stage 2b report from the school. Once received it will be reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.
It is now a matter for the school authority and the design team to progress this very important project to the next stage.
215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education to indicate the steps being taken by her Department to better manage data on busy school transport routes to ensure that all places allocated are being utilised and being reassigned; in the event that they are not, to ensure that all school transport offered is being utilised to its highest capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30843/24]
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.
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.
With regard to ticket usage, it is recognised that all pupils issued with tickets will not travel every morning and every evening. In addition, certain after school activities may also result in pupils not travelling on certain days. Bus Éireann organises for vehicles to be full to capacity with tickets based on applications received and based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. For safety reasons, it is not possible to issue additional tickets over and above the seating capacity of the vehicle which could result in a potential overload situation arising and all pupils not being carried on the service.
The Department of Education is currently progressing a number of technological improvements to the School Transport Scheme, including the planned introduction of eTicketing. Not only will eTickets replace the current printed paper tickets but eTicketing will provide accurate information on ticket utilisation, which is currently not readily available.
216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the total number of school places required at primary and second level in Celbridge, County Kildare with particular reference to the needs emerging in September; if the three-school project is advancing at appropriate pace to meet all of the requirements, including replacement for a school (details supplied); if it is anticipated that adequate spaces will be made available by September; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30844/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 those with special educational needs, is an absolute priority for my Department.
More than €280 million has been invested in school infrastructure in County Kildare since 2020 alone, reflecting a strong focus on alignment of school place availability with the significant residential development across the county. This investment includes recently completed new school buildings in Maynooth and Naas. Additionally, further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned, including in Prosperous, Kilcock, Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Naas and Clane.
The project for the school to which the Deputy refers 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 brief for this project comprises of the development of a new purpose-built, 26 classroom school for pupils with special educational needs. The project is at Stage 1 of the architectural design process. The process of appointing the design team was completed in Q1 2024. The design team are currently progressing the site surveys in preparation of the Stage 1 report. I’m pleased to inform you that the sale closed for the acquisition of the site at Donaghcumper in late Q2 2024. The NDFA have and will continue to engage directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress.
I recently announced the progression of the “Project Boyne” bundle of six large-scale school building projects to tender this year, under a programme devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency. Three of the six projects are for County Kildare schools, namely Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen; Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge; and St Mary’s College, Naas.
Where expedited delivery of school accommodation is required, my Department also utilises its Modular Accommodation Framework. This is particularly beneficial in the context of the significant growth in requirements for provision for children with special educational needs.
In addition, a key focus of the Department is the utilisation of existing accommodation at schools to provide facilities for special classes. This approach also supports accelerated delivery and ensures that provision is well integrated within the mainstream school accommodation.
There are currently some 20 modular and reconfiguration projects ongoing across County Kildare to meet school place requirements.
Nationally, Ireland has been experiencing growth in overall post primary enrolments and this is projected to continue in many parts of the country for the next number of years before beginning to decline. However, there is significant regional and local variation in enrolment trends and projections, with residential construction activity one of the most significant influencing factors. This means that, as enrolments nationally begin to decline, we can still expect to see increasing demand at primary and post primary level in particular towns and areas. This is fully factored into my Department’s data analysis and strategic planning approach, including for Co Kildare.
With regard to special education provision, I can confirm that fourteen new special classes – ten at primary and four at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the National Council for Special Education for opening across Kildare in the 2024/2025 school year. The Department continues to work with the NCSE in relation to the short-term requirements for special class and special school places and also the more strategic and longer-term requirements.
In addition, a new special school will open in Co Kildare in the coming school year, one of four to be established around the country in 2024/2025.
It is important to note that enrolment pressures may not necessarily be as a result of school place deficits in a town or area, but may be driven by factors such as duplication of applications, applications from outside the local area, and school of choice factors. My Department’s priority and responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, meet the school place need.
That said, it is acknowledged that enrolment pressures have arisen in some specific areas. My Department has been working very closely with patrons, management bodies and schools to work solutions in the small number of cases where additional places are required for the coming school year.
I want to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work to ensure a school place for every child in Celbridge, and across the rest of the country, including by advancing required school building projects.
217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she anticipates an adequate provision of school places at primary and second level in Leixlip, County Kildare, by September; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30845/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 those with special educational needs, is an absolute priority for my Department.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.9 billion in our schools, involving the completion of over 900 school building projects. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These projects involve a total State investment of over €1.2 billion. This is a record level of investment in school buildings.
More than €280 million has been invested in school infrastructure in County Kildare since 2020 alone, reflecting a strong focus on alignment of school place availability with the significant residential development across the county. This investment includes recently completed new school buildings in Maynooth and Naas. Additionally, further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned, including in Prosperous, Kilcock, Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Naas and Clane.
I recently announced the progression of the “Project Boyne” bundle of six large-scale school building projects to tender this year, under a programme devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency. Three of the six projects are for County Kildare schools, namely Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen; Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge; and St Mary’s College, Naas.
Where expedited delivery of school accommodation is required, my Department also utilises its Modular Accommodation Framework. This is particularly beneficial in the context of the significant growth in requirements for provision for children with special educational needs.
In addition, a key focus of the Department is the utilisation of existing accommodation at schools to provide facilities for special classes. This approach also supports accelerated delivery and ensures that provision is well integrated within the mainstream school accommodation.
There are currently some 20 modular and reconfiguration projects ongoing across County Kildare to meet school place requirements.
Nationally, Ireland has been experiencing growth in overall post primary enrolments and this is projected to continue in many parts of the country for the next number of years before beginning to decline. However, there is significant regional and local variation in enrolment trends and projections, with residential construction activity one of the most significant influencing factors. This means that, as enrolments nationally begin to decline, we can still expect to see increasing demand at primary and post primary level in particular towns and areas. This is fully factored into my Department’s data analysis and strategic planning approach, including for Co Kildare.
It is important to note that enrolment pressures may not necessarily be as a result of school place deficits in a town or area, but may be driven by factors such as duplication of applications, applications from outside the local area, and school of choice factors. My Department’s priority and responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, meet the school place need.
That said, it is acknowledged that enrolment pressures have arisen in some specific areas. My Department has been working very closely with patrons, management bodies and schools to work solutions in the small number of cases where additional places are required for the coming school year.
I want to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work to ensure a school place for every child in Leixlip, and across the rest of the country, including by advancing required school building projects.
218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education to indicate the extent to which she is satisfied that all school placement requirements, both primary and second level in Maynooth, County Kildare can be met by September next, if new catchment areas are proposed to meet the requirements of those who fall between catchment areas for the purpose of placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30846/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education to indicate the extent to which she is satisfied that all school placement requirements, both primary and second level in Maynooth, County Kildare can be met by September next, if new catchment areas are proposed to meet the requirements of those who fall between catchment areas for the purpose of placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30846/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 Maynooth. 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 Maynooth School Planning Area.
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 is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified. To date, additional 1st year places have been made available in Maynooth which has ensured there is sufficient capacity for September 2024 to meet the needs of all the local children.
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.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.9 billion in our schools, involving the completion of over 900 school building projects. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These projects involve a total State investment of over €1.2 billion. This is a record level of investment in school buildings.
More than €280 million has been invested in school infrastructure in County Kildare since 2020 alone, reflecting a strong focus on alignment of school place availability with the significant residential development across the county. This investment includes recently completed new school buildings in Maynooth and Naas. Additionally, further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned, including in Prosperous, Kilcock, Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Naas and Clane.
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.
Under the Education Act 1998, the question of enrolment policy in individual schools, including the setting of catchment areas, is the responsibility of the Board of Management on behalf of the school patron. The 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. The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 requires schools to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied. Living in a particular catchment area is one criteria that a school may apply. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. The Department does not intervene in the criteria set by a school.
Department officials will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the Maynooth School Planning Area for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of school place provision at primary and second level in Kilcock, County Kildare, with particular reference to meeting such requirement by September next; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30847/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 those with special educational needs, is an absolute priority for my Department.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.9 billion in our schools, involving the completion of over 900 school building projects. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These projects involve a total State investment of over €1.2 billion. This is a record level of investment in school buildings.
More than €280 million has been invested in school infrastructure in County Kildare since 2020 alone, reflecting a strong focus on alignment of school place availability with the significant residential development across the county. This investment includes recently completed new school buildings in Maynooth and Naas. Additionally, further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned, including in Prosperous, Kilcock, Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Naas and Clane.
I recently announced the progression of the “Project Boyne” bundle of six large-scale school building projects to tender this year, under a programme devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency. Three of the six projects are for County Kildare schools, namely Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen; Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge; and St Mary’s College, Naas.
Where expedited delivery of school accommodation is required, my Department also utilises its Modular Accommodation Framework. This is particularly beneficial in the context of the significant growth in requirements for provision for children with special educational needs.
In addition, a key focus of the Department is the utilisation of existing accommodation at schools to provide facilities for special classes. This approach also supports accelerated delivery and ensures that provision is well integrated within the mainstream school accommodation.
There are currently some 20 modular and reconfiguration projects ongoing across County Kildare to meet school place requirements.
Nationally, Ireland has been experiencing growth in overall post primary enrolments and this is projected to continue in many parts of the country for the next number of years before beginning to decline. However, there is significant regional and local variation in enrolment trends and projections, with residential construction activity one of the most significant influencing factors. This means that, as enrolments nationally begin to decline, we can still expect to see increasing demand at primary and post primary level in particular towns and areas. This is fully factored into my Department’s data analysis and strategic planning approach, including for Co Kildare.
It is important to note that enrolment pressures may not necessarily be as a result of school place deficits in a town or area, but may be driven by factors such as duplication of applications, applications from outside the local area, and school of choice factors. My Department’s priority and responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, meet the school place need.
That said, it is acknowledged that enrolment pressures have arisen in some specific areas. My Department has been working very closely with patrons, management bodies and schools to work solutions in the small number of cases where additional places are required for the coming school year.
I want to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work to ensure a school place for every child in Kilcock, and across the rest of the country, including by advancing required school building projects.
221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education to indicate the extent to which she is satisfied regarding the adequacy of school places at primary and second level in Clane, County Kildare with particular reference to the need to cater for a rapidly expanding population; if she is satisfied that such requirements can be met in full by September next; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30848/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 those with special educational needs, is an absolute priority for my Department.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.9 billion in our schools, involving the completion of over 900 school building projects. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These projects involve a total State investment of over €1.2 billion. This is a record level of investment in school buildings.
More than €280 million has been invested in school infrastructure in County Kildare since 2020 alone, reflecting a strong focus on alignment of school place availability with the significant residential development across the county. This investment includes recently completed new school buildings in Maynooth and Naas. Additionally, further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned, including in Prosperous, Kilcock, Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Naas and Clane.
I recently announced the progression of the “Project Boyne” bundle of six large-scale school building projects to tender this year, under a programme devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency. Three of the six projects are for County Kildare schools, namely Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen; Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge; and St Mary’s College, Naas.
Where expedited delivery of school accommodation is required, my Department also utilises its Modular Accommodation Framework. This is particularly beneficial in the context of the significant growth in requirements for provision for children with special educational needs.
In addition, a key focus of the Department is the utilisation of existing accommodation at schools to provide facilities for special classes. This approach also supports accelerated delivery and ensures that provision is well integrated within the mainstream school accommodation.
There are currently some 20 modular and reconfiguration projects ongoing across County Kildare to meet school place requirements. These projects include new school building projects at St Patrick’s Boys National School and at St Farnan's Post Primary School which is at planning stage. Extension projects are also in train at Scoil Mhuire Allenwood National School and Scoil Mhuire Community School which will increase capacity in the Prosperous_Clane school planning area.
Nationally, Ireland has been experiencing growth in overall post primary enrolments and this is projected to continue in many parts of the country for the next number of years before beginning to decline. However, there is significant regional and local variation in enrolment trends and projections, with residential construction activity one of the most significant influencing factors. This means that, as enrolments nationally begin to decline, we can still expect to see increasing demand at primary and post primary level in particular towns and areas. This is fully factored into my Department’s data analysis and strategic planning approach, including for Co Kildare.
It is important to note that enrolment pressures may not necessarily be as a result of school place deficits in a town or area, but may be driven by factors such as duplication of applications, applications from outside the local area, and school of choice factors. My Department’s priority and responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, meet the school place need.
That said, it is acknowledged that enrolment pressures have arisen in some specific areas. My Department has been working very closely with patrons, management bodies and schools to work solutions in the small number of cases where additional places are required for the coming school year.
I want to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work to ensure a school place for every child in the Prosperous_Clane school planning area, and across the rest of the country, including by advancing required school building projects.
222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current position in regard to replacement of accommodation and facilities for a school (details supplied); if she is satisfied that the need can be met within the anticipated deadline given the rapidly expanding population of the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30849/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).
It is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process. The planning application was lodged with Kildare County Council in Quarter 1 2024 but a Request for Further Information (RFI) has been issued; the Design Team along with KWETB is progressing through this request.
Subject to any further issues arising during the planning process, the project will proceed to tender and construction in due course.
KWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep them informed of the progress.
223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which adequate school places remain available at Straffan, County Kildare; if she is mindful of the expanding population and of the urgency to ensure the availability of sufficient such accommodation by September; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30850/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) 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. In addition, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements.
Straffan is located in the Celbridge School Planning area. Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, including the Celbridge School Planning Area, my Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity and identifies any requirement for additional provision. Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.
My Department is aware of pressures for 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 Celbridge School Planning Area.
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 is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified. To date, additional 1st year places have been made available in Celbridge which has ensured there is sufficient capacity for September 2024 to meet the needs of all the local children.
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.
These projects include recently completed 4 mainstream classroom extension at Straffan National School and an extension to provide 2 Special education classrooms and 4 Resource rooms buildings in Salesian College, Celbridge. Additionally, further a new school building project has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a bundled school building programmes. The schools 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 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.
Department officials will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the Celbridge School Planning Area, including Staffan, for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which an adequate number of school places remains available at Sallins, County Kildare; if she is mindful of the expanding population and of the urgency to ensure the availability of sufficient such accommodation by September; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30851/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 those with special educational needs, is an absolute priority for my Department.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.9 billion in our schools, involving the completion of over 900 school building projects. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These projects involve a total State investment of over €1.2 billion. This is a record level of investment in school buildings.
More than €280 million has been invested in school infrastructure in County Kildare since 2020 alone, reflecting a strong focus on alignment of school place availability with the significant residential development across the county. This investment includes recently completed new school buildings in Maynooth and Naas. Additionally, further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned, including in Prosperous, Kilcock, Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Naas and Clane.
I recently announced the progression of the “Project Boyne” bundle of six large-scale school building projects to tender this year, under a programme devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency. Three of the six projects are for County Kildare schools, namely Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen; Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge; and St Mary’s College, Naas.
Where expedited delivery of school accommodation is required, my Department also utilises its Modular Accommodation Framework. This is particularly beneficial in the context of the significant growth in requirements for provision for children with special educational needs.
In addition, a key focus of the Department is the utilisation of existing accommodation at schools to provide facilities for special classes. This approach also supports accelerated delivery and ensures that provision is well integrated within the mainstream school accommodation.
There are currently some 20 modular and reconfiguration projects ongoing across County Kildare to meet school place requirements.
Nationally, Ireland has been experiencing growth in overall post primary enrolments and this is projected to continue in many parts of the country for the next number of years before beginning to decline. However, there is significant regional and local variation in enrolment trends and projections, with residential construction activity one of the most significant influencing factors. This means that, as enrolments nationally begin to decline, we can still expect to see increasing demand at primary and post primary level in particular towns and areas. This is fully factored into my Department’s data analysis and strategic planning approach, including for Co Kildare.
It is important to note that enrolment pressures may not necessarily be as a result of school place deficits in a town or area, but may be driven by factors such as duplication of applications, applications from outside the local area, and school of choice factors. My Department’s priority and responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, meet the school place need.
That said, it is acknowledged that enrolment pressures have arisen in some specific areas. My Department has been working very closely with patrons, management bodies and schools to work solutions in the small number of cases where additional places are required for the coming school year.
I want to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work to ensure a school place for every child in Sallins, and across the rest of the country, including by advancing required school building projects.
225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if she remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of primary and second level school place provision throughout north Kildare, given the rapidly expanding population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30852/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 those with special educational needs, is an absolute priority for my Department.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.9 billion in our schools, involving the completion of over 900 school building projects. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These projects involve a total State investment of over €1.2 billion. This is a record level of investment in school buildings.
More than €280 million has been invested in school infrastructure in County Kildare since 2020 alone, reflecting a strong focus on alignment of school place availability with the significant residential development across the county. This investment includes recently completed new school buildings in Maynooth and Naas. Additionally, further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned, including in Prosperous, Kilcock, Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Naas and Clane.
I recently announced the progression of the “Project Boyne” bundle of six large-scale school building projects to tender this year, under a programme devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency. Three of the six projects are for County Kildare schools, namely Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen; Patrician Secondary School, Newbridge; and St Mary’s College, Naas.
Where expedited delivery of school accommodation is required, my Department also utilises its Modular Accommodation Framework. This is particularly beneficial in the context of the significant growth in requirements for provision for children with special educational needs.
In addition, a key focus of the Department is the utilisation of existing accommodation at schools to provide facilities for special classes. This approach also supports accelerated delivery and ensures that provision is well integrated within the mainstream school accommodation.
There are currently some 20 modular and reconfiguration projects ongoing across County Kildare to meet school place requirements.
Nationally, Ireland has been experiencing growth in overall post primary enrolments and this is projected to continue in many parts of the country for the next number of years before beginning to decline. However, there is significant regional and local variation in enrolment trends and projections, with residential construction activity one of the most significant influencing factors. This means that, as enrolments nationally begin to decline, we can still expect to see increasing demand at primary and post primary level in particular towns and areas. This is fully factored into my Department’s data analysis and strategic planning approach, including for Co Kildare.
It is important to note that enrolment pressures may not necessarily be as a result of school place deficits in a town or area, but may be driven by factors such as duplication of applications, applications from outside the local area, and school of choice factors. My Department’s priority and responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, meet the school place need.
That said, it is acknowledged that enrolment pressures have arisen in some specific areas. My Department has been working very closely with patrons, management bodies and schools to work solutions in the small number of cases where additional places are required for the coming school year.
I want to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work to ensure a school place for every child in North Kildare, and across the rest of the country, including by advancing required school building projects.
226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the actions bring taken to address the concerns of parents regarding their children's safety travelling to a school (details supplied), including the safety and limitations of the structure they are schooled in; the proposed timeline for providing a new school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30853/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the deputy that my department does not provide funding for the upgrade of traffic management or access to school sites outside of any works required as part of a wider school building project.
Individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care, including traffic management measures. The issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter that should be raised in the first instance with the relevant Local Authority. Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools and should ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children.
In relation to concerns over the school's existing accommodation, my department has been in contact with the school patron recently and it was confirmed that works are being carried out at present to resolve issues with the flooring in a temporary classroom and plumbing issues have also been resolved. It would be open to the school to apply to the Emergency Works Scheme if there are any further immediate accommodation issues.
As the Deputy will be aware, this school is due to get a new school building as part of a campus project including two other schools. A design team was appointed for this project in January 2024. The design team is currently procuring surveys and preparing the Stage 1 report for submission to the Department. At this stage in the architectural design process, prior to submission of a planning application, it is not possible to give a timeline for the delivery of project.
227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the efforts being made to ensure that all students in Kill, County Kildare, secure a school place in September 2024, given the number of refusals for primary school children so far for the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30854/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
