Written Answers Nos. 646-665
646. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education in view of the shortage of primary teachers, if initiatives have been considered to make it easier to attract suitable people from other professions, i.e., supporting the fees for the PME or by establishing special bridging courses under Springboard or under the human capital initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35369/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
There are now more teachers than ever working in the Irish education system. In March 2024 there were 74,145.9 FTE (full time equivalent) equating to 78,646 teachers employed.
There are less than 1% resignations in the Primary sector every year and 1.6% in Post Primary. The number of teachers who retired over the past number of years has varied, with 932 in 2013 and 1,074 in 2023.
A range of measures have been introduced leading to
an increase of 20% in Initial Teacher Education graduates (student teachers) between 2018 and 2023, and a 29% increase in the number registered with the Teaching Council since 2017,
an increase of 13.3% in the number of teaching posts allocated to primary schools between 2017/18 and 2023/24.
There are a number of providers of both the Professional Master of Education (PME) programmes and undergraduate programmes that provide pathways to becoming a teacher. These different programmes may be suitable for persons wishing to upskill or change career to become a teacher. Any initial teacher education programme must meet the benchmark established in Céim – Standards for Initial Teacher Education (ITE). Céim sets out the requirements that all ITE programmes in Ireland must meet in order to gain accreditation from the Teaching Council. It is also a benchmark for anybody seeking to register as a teacher in Ireland.
Budget 2024 introduced several measures reflecting this Government’s commitment to ongoing investment in the education system to address teacher supply issues. Key initiatives include a new bursary-type, fee refund scheme for teachers graduating with a PME (professional master of education) in 2024. This €2,000 payment will be made in 2025 to eligible primary and post-primary teachers. The purpose of this scheme is to encourage newly qualified teachers who have completed a PME in 2024 to take up teaching roles.
This will recognise the costs that PME students incur when completing their initial teacher education, assist them with these costs and encourage suitable candidates to consider a career in teaching.
Teaching is an attractive career choice:
Over 3,700 newly qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council in 2023 with over 122,000 now on the register.
Analysis of CAO applications spanning from 2017 to 2024 indicates a sustained and robust demand for undergraduate teaching programmes. On average, 6% of first preference applications during the period from 2017 to 2024 were for either primary or post-primary teaching programmes.
The new pay deal will mean that teachers’ starting salary will increase to €46,000 rising to a maximum of €85,000 per year which compares well internationally.
Ireland’s education system is performing strongly, something that is supported by recent international testing. That is a tribute to the professionalism and dedication of our teachers. We need to continue to support our schools and maintain the high standards that have helped get us to where we are.
The Department will continue to engage closely with education stakeholders to develop further innovative measures to address teacher supply issues.
647. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a teacher shortage in a school (details supplied); the actions she will take to work with school management to address these concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35380/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
There are now more teachers than ever working in the Irish education system. In March 2024 there were 74,145.9 FTE (full time equivalent) equating to 78,646 teachers employed.
There are less than 1% resignations in the Primary sector every year and 1.6% in Post Primary. The number of teachers who retired over the past number of years has varied, with 932 in 2013 and 1,074 in 2023.
Measures introduced have led to
an increase of 20% in Initial Teacher Education graduates (student teachers) between 2018 and 2023, and a 29% increase in the number registered with the Teaching Council since 2017,
a 16.7% increase in the number of teaching posts allocated to post-primary, and an increase of 13.3% allocated to primary between 2017/18 and 2023/24.
Budget 2024 introduced several measures reflecting this Government’s commitment to ongoing investment in the education system to address teacher supply issues. Key initiatives include:
a new bursary-type, fee refund scheme for teachers graduating with a PME (professional master of education) in 2024. This €2,000 payment will be made in 2025 to eligible primary and post-primary teachers. The purpose of this scheme is to encourage newly qualified teachers who have completed a PME in 2024 to take up teaching roles.
Expansion of upskilling programmes, free to teachers, aimed at increasing the number of qualified teachers in high-demand subjects and reducing out-of-field teaching. New programmes in Irish, French, politics & society, and computer science will complement existing programmes in maths, physics, and Spanish.
The new Irish upskilling programme will be delivered to post-primary teachers (over two intakes) starting in late 2024, available at no cost to eligible teachers.
Trinity College Dublin will deliver the new Irish upskilling programme for post-primary teachers starting in late 2024. The programme will be open to registered post-primary teachers irrespective of employment status who are not already registered in the subject of Irish.
The programme will be provided in a flexible and innovative manner to enable broad participation, accommodating teachers in both full and part-time roles, as well as those situated across the country and will be delivered in a way that enables participants to engage in new learning experiences across face-to-face, online and practice-based learning.
Funding will support two cycles (two intakes) of the programme and is expected to cater for over 100 teachers. On graduation from the programme participants will be able to register to teach Irish at the highest level in post-primary education.
In addition to these recently introduced measures, as Minister I have developed further initiatives to address teacher supply challenges, including:
increasing the number of student teachers who can provide substitute cover; over 3,700 were registered to substitute in June 2024, up from 2,700 that were registered in the previous school year.
increasing the pool of teachers available to undertake substitute work, through the continued suspension of the usual limits on career break and job-sharing schemes and the continuation of the teaching hours’ extension scheme in post-primary schools to 2024/25 school year.
encouraging retired teachers to work as substitute teachers; in the 2023/24 school year, over 1,700 retired teachers provided substitute cover, an increase of 12% on the previous year.
the Teaching Transforms campaign continues to promote the teaching profession and encourage students to follow a career in teaching. Promotion campaigns have been developed to coincide with the CAO closing date and change of mind deadline in recent years.
Teaching is an attractive career choice:
Over 3,700 newly qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council in 2023 with over 122,000 now on the register.
Analysis of CAO applications spanning from 2017 to 2024 indicates a sustained and robust demand for undergraduate teaching programmes. On average, 6% of first preference applications during the period from 2017 to 2024 were for either primary or post-primary teaching programmes.
The new pay deal will mean that teachers’ starting salary will increase to €46,000 rising to a maximum of €85,000 per year which compares well internationally.
Ireland’s education system is performing strongly, something that is supported by recent international testing. That is a tribute to the professionalism and dedication of our teachers. We need to continue to support our schools and maintain the high standards that have helped get us to where we are.
The Department will continue to engage closely with education stakeholders to develop further innovative measures to address teacher supply issues.
648. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the actions she is taking to address the concerns of Gaelscoileanna at second level regarding the challenges in the recruitment of teachers who can teach through Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35382/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
There are now more teachers than ever working in the Irish education system. In March 2024 there were 74,145.9 FTE (full time equivalent) equating to 78,646 teachers employed.
There are less than 1% resignations in the Primary sector every year and 1.6% in Post Primary. The number of teachers who retired over the past number of years has varied, with 932 in 2013 and 1,074 in 2023.
Measures introduced have led to:
• an increase of 20% in Initial Teacher Education graduates (student teachers) between 2018 and 2023, and a 29% increase in the number registered with the Teaching Council since 2017,
• a 16.7% increase in the number of teaching posts allocated to post-primary, and an increase of 13.3% allocated to primary between 2017/18 and 2023/24.
Budget 2024 introduced several measures reflecting this Government’s commitment to ongoing investment in the education system to address teacher supply issues. Key initiatives include:
• a new bursary-type, fee refund scheme for teachers graduating with a PME (professional master of education) in 2024. This €2,000 payment will be made in 2025 to eligible primary and post-primary teachers. The purpose of this scheme is to encourage newly qualified teachers who have completed a PME in 2024 to take up teaching roles.
• Expansion of upskilling programs, free to teachers, aimed at increasing the number of qualified teachers in high-demand subjects and reducing out-of-field teaching. New programs in Irish, French, politics & society, and computer science will complement existing programs in maths, physics, and Spanish.
• The new Irish upskilling programme will be delivered to post-primary teachers (over two intakes) starting in late 2024, available at no cost to eligible teachers.
• Trinity College Dublin will deliver the new Irish upskilling program for post-primary teachers starting in late 2024. The programme will be open to registered post-primary teachers irrespective of employment status who are not already registered in the subject of Irish.
• The programme will be provided in a flexible and innovative manner to enable broad participation, accommodating teachers in both full and part-time roles, as well as those situated across the country and will be delivered in a way that enables participants to engage in new learning experiences across face-to-face, online and practice-based learning.
• Funding will support two cycles (two intakes) of the programme and is expected to cater for over 100 teachers. On graduation from the programme participants will be able to register to teach Irish at the highest level in post-primary education.
In addition to these recently introduced measures, as Minister I have developed further initiatives to address teacher supply challenges, including:
• increasing the number of student teachers who can provide substitute cover; over 3,700 were registered to substitute in June 2024, up from 2,700 that were registered in the previous school year.
• increasing the pool of teachers available to undertake substitute work, through the continued suspension of the usual limits on career break and job-sharing schemes and the continuation of the teaching hours’ extension scheme in post-primary schools to 2024/25 school year.
• encouraging retired teachers to work as substitute teachers; in the 2023/24 school year, over 1,700 retired teachers provided substitute cover, an increase of 12% on the previous year.
• the Teaching Transforms campaign continues to promote the teaching profession and encourage students to follow a career in teaching. Promotion campaigns have been developed to coincide with the CAO closing date and change of mind deadline in recent years.
Teaching is an attractive career choice:
• Over 3,700 newly qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council in 2023 with over 122,000 now on the register.
• Analysis of CAO applications spanning from 2017 to 2024 indicates a sustained and robust demand for undergraduate teaching programmes. On average, 6% of first preference applications during the period from 2017 to 2024 were for either primary or post-primary teaching programmes.
• The new pay deal will mean that teachers’ starting salary will increase to €46,000 rising to a maximum of €85,000 per year which compares well internationally.
Ireland’s education system is performing strongly, something that is supported by recent international testing. That is a tribute to the professionalism and dedication of our teachers. We need to continue to support our schools and maintain the high standards that have helped get us to where we are.
The Department will continue to engage closely with education stakeholders to develop further innovative measures to address teacher supply issues.
649. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport can be provided to a pupil in County Mayo (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35412/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were 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.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Parents of children wishing to avail of school transport services are required to apply on-line to Bus Éireann’s website at buseireann.ie/schooltransport .
The closing date for new applications for the school year 2024/25 was 26 April 2024 and the closing date for payment was 7 June 2024.
Families may still apply for school transport following this date, but if the application or payment is late they may not secure a seat on a service and will not be considered for a remote area grant.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Bus Eireann has advised, that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, has not made an application for school transport for the 2024/25 school year. The pupil is not eligible for school transport and the service is operating to capacity.
650. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when a school (details supplied) that has planning permission and is in urgent need of replacement, will be allowed to go to tender for a new school on the same site; the reason for the delay with this urgent project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35413/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning - Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, where the design team secure all statutory approvals and prepare the suite of tender documents.
The Stage 2(b) Submission has recently been received in my Department and upon review, comments will issue from my Department for the Design Teams attention.
The Design Team will then be requested to confirm to my Department in writing that their tender documents are in order and comply with all current Building and Procurement regulatory guidelines, and Department Technical Guidance documents, before the project is eligible to progress to tender stage.
Department officials will keep the school authority informed in relation to project progression.
651. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction an extended school transport service in west County Sligo to facilitate twenty-four children attending their local secondary school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35430/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were 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.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Bus Eireann has advised that the children from the area referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme as it is not their nearest post primary school/centre.
Bus Éireann further advise that there is no service available from the area in question to the school referred to by the Deputy and the nearest pick up point is approx. 8kms to 11kms away.
There is a bus operating from this area carrying 33 pupils including 7 of the pupils referenced by the Deputy. This service is now operating to capacity.
652. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education if officials from her Department will respond directly to a school (details supplied) which submitted an engineer’s report to her Department highlighting defective blocks over three years ago. [35431/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of the issue relating to defective blocks affecting some schools including the one to which the Deputy refers. Officials within my Departments Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) are currently working with colleagues in the technical area to examine the wider issue and are currently preparing a report on the issue with a view to informing next steps for the affected schools.
653. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education for an update on a school (details supplied); if retention planning permission is required on the new school building project in light of the time expired since planning was originally secured; if this retention application has been submitted and-or assessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35458/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra654. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education for an update on a school (details supplied); if the new school building project will proceed to tender in Q3 2024, as previously indicated; for an update from the design team in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35459/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 653 and 654 together.
The project for the school referred to by the Deputy currently has planning permission and will, along with a number of other projects with planning permission, be brought to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of my Department’s Project Manager. The process of appointing the Design Team from my Department’s Frameworks of Consultants was completed in September 2023 and the project is now progressing through design development stages.
Projects are subject to relevant due diligence by my Department at each stage in the process, within the context of overall programme and budgetary parameters. The project for the school referred to the Deputy is anticipated to progress to tender in Q4 2024.
Planning permission for the school referred to by the Deputy was granted on the 04/11/2020. In the event that an extension to the current planning permission is required, my Department's project manager will arrange for the preparation of the necessary documentation for same in due course.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school and patron body in relation to interim accommodation requirements and provide any updates in relation to progress on the school building project.
655. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the way an individual who has no choice but to avail of the home tuition grant scheme due to a lack of suitable school places in their area can avail of the free education scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35465/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Home Tuition Grant Scheme is a short-term measure available to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school.
Home tuition is provided as an interim measure only for children for whom a placement in a recognised school is not currently available and should not be regarded as an optional alternative to a school placement. Aspects of the scheme differ, depending on the reason for the application.
The Department of Education operates four categories of home tuition:
Home tuition for children with special educational needs and on medical grounds. See: www.gov.ie/en/service/d15f58-home-tuition/#home-tuition-for-children-with-special-educational-needs-and-medical-grounds
Maternity-related absences. See: www.gov.ie/en/service/d15f58-home-tuition/#home-tuition-for-students-on-maternity-related-absences
No School Place (NSP) Home Tuition Scheme. See: www.gov.ie/en/service/d15f58-home-tuition/#home-tuition-for-children-with-no-school-placensp
Children in Care (CIC) Home Tuition Scheme. See: www.gov.ie/en/service/d15f58-home-tuition/#home-tuition-for-children-in-carecic
There are a variety of reasons why a child may be without a school place such as children moving school mid-year, family relocating, expulsion, children receiving a place further away than they can travel to. The Home Tuition Scheme is a short-term measure until a solution is put in place.
The Educational Welfare Service is part of Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) and operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation, and retention.
A referral for a child without a school place is prioritised by the Educational Welfare Service and an Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) is assigned immediately to support families who are in this situation.
Application forms for the home tuition scheme for children who are temporarily without a school place, who are without an offer of a school place and who are actively seeking a school placement in a recognised school, are available from the local Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) or the appointed social worker. The Educational Welfare Service can assist a family when applying for home tuition if the child is without a school placement. Home tutors are engaged by the parents/guardian of the child who is to receive tuition and the tutor has no contractual relationship with the Department of Education.
656. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the number of new-build special schools planned to be built in the Dublin mid-west area; their current stages of development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35466/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is currently one special school in architectural planning in Dublin mid-west area which is Scoil Mochua Clondalkin Dublin 22. This school has a project to provide a new 12-classroom building and is at stage 2a of architectural planning process. This stage includes includes developing the design and accurately cost planning the options agreed with the Client to a stage where the project is fully cost planned and can be prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
There has also been a new 28-classroom building recently completed for Stewart's Hospital Special School, Palmerstown, Dublin 20.
My Department will continue to engage with National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to plan for special school capacity requirements across the country, including in the Dublin Mid-West area
657. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the number of new-build schools planned to be built in the Dublin mid-west area; the number of those that have an ASD class planned; the number of ASD places there will be; their current stages of development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35467/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs requested by the Deputy, the following link shows the number of schools with major building projects planned to be built in Dublin mid-west including details of the number of Special Education Needs (SEN) classes currently included as part of the project. Each project's current stage in the architectural planning process is also included in the table.
Given the growing requirements for special class provision, my Department is examining opportunities to increase the special class accommodation that is included as part of planned projects, where appropriate.
My Department will also continue to monitor the demographics for the Dublin Mid-west area regarding future educational requirements and engage with National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to plan for special school and special class capacity requirements across the country, including in the Dublin Mid-West area.
658. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education when a date is to be set for a stage 2A meeting between primary schools on the Navan road, D7 (details supplied), to progress their proposed new school buildings on their shared campus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35484/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current position in respect of the joint major building project referred to by the Deputy is as follows;
The updated Stage 2(a) submission was received in the Department on the 3rd July 2024.
The Department's Professional and Technical Team will review the submission as quickly as possible having regard also to the many other projects they have to manage for progression through the Department's pipeline. Once the P&T team are satisfied that the report is satisfactory, a date for the end of Stage 2a Stakeholders meeting will be arranged. Stage 2a – Developed Design - is a crucial element of the architectural planning process as it is at this stage that the design is developed to a stage where it can be fully cost planned and prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
The Department are committed to providing guidance and assistance to the Design Team and the 3 schools in progressing this project through architectural planning, to a point where it can apply for all statutory approvals, including planning permission.
Department officials will keep the school authorities updated on progress and next steps, including the arrangements for the Stage 2(a) stakeholders meeting.
659. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) will move to construction phase of works. [35489/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).
The brief includes the provision of a new 32-classroom primary school and increased 5 SEN base.
The project was recently approved by my Department to proceed to tender stage. When this stage is concluded, the project will progress to construction in due course. The Department will continue to work closely with LCETB and its Design Team in this regard.
The current status of all projects is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
660. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) will be completed; and the estimated cost for these works. [35490/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe permanent school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme as a campus project. The project will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issued to the successful contractor on 19th July 2024, allowing the contractor to mobilise on site.
Interim Accommodation works to provide two additional classrooms for the school referred to by the Deputy are complete and were handed over to the school on 5th September. Further works to provide a toilet block and internal fitout works to existing accommodation are almost complete and are expected to be ready for handover to the school in the coming week, subject to receiving BCAR.
The estimated cost of the provision of the additional interim accommodation and fitout works is some €650,000.
My Department will continue to address the interim accommodation requirements for the school and will continue to keep the patron body and the school community updated as the project progresses.
661. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) will be completed; and the estimated cost for these works. [35491/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of Architectural planning Stage 4 – Construction.
It is estimated that the refurbishment works will be completed in early quarter 4, 2024 and as this is an integral part of the overall tender and the Contract awarded, it is not appropriate at this stage to provide the cost information requested by the Deputy.
662. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the funding provided for capital projects for schools in County Wexford from 2021 to date in 2024, in tabular form. [35492/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2020, the department has invested in the region of €5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 950 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 350 other projects, which includes 36 new school buildings. These 350 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.5bn.
The Department announced earlier in the year that close to 90 projects, including 28 new school buildings, would be authorised to proceed from tender stage to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total, around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation.
Between projects currently under construction and projects moving to construction in this latest phase, investments by the Department of Education are adding over 550,000 square metres of new and modernised capacity to our school estate.
This is a record level of investment in school buildings. It will expand the number of school places, significantly increase provision for special education and upgrade and modernise our school infrastructure. The impact of this will be felt in communities right around the country.
The key drivers of capital investment in the school sector include:
• demographic growth, particularly at post primary level
• increased demand for special educational needs provision
• alignment of school place provision with new housing development
• climate action objectives including deep energy retrofit.
Since 2021, over €100 million has been invested in Co. Wexford schools under the school building programme.
Between 2021 to date, 40 school building projects have been completed in Co. Wexford.
Currently there are 17 school building projects under construction in Co. Wexford.
There are also 45 school building projects (Large Scale/ASA/Modular) in Co. Wexford moving through the various stages of design, of which 5 are new school projects.
These projects are being delivered to ambitious timeframes, and the position on individual projects evolves all the time as they advance through various stages. The status of all projects is set out at (www.gov.ie). This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
The table below provides details of yearly investment in the School Building Programme in Co. Wexford from 2021 to date.
|
Capital Expenditure on School Building Projects in Co. Wexford |
|||
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
€19m |
€29m |
€32m |
€21m |
663. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) will be completed; and the estimated cost for these works. [35493/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe permanent school building project for the school is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme as a campus project and will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issued to the successful contractor on 19th July 2024, allowing the contractor to mobilise on site.
Works to provide an additional interim classroom for the school referred to by the Deputy are almost complete. It is expected that the new classroom will be ready for handover to the school in the coming week, subject to receiving BCAR.
The estimated cost of the additional classroom is some €300,000.
My Department will continue to address the interim accommodation requirements for the school and will continue to keep the patron body and the school updated as the campus building project progresses.
664. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if the text provided (details supplied) was approved by her Department; if she will ensure that textbooks used in Irish schools do not negatively stereotype Irish people or Irish culture; and the steps she will undertake to ensure that this does not happen again. [35509/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe curriculum, as approved by the Minister, at both primary and post primary level, is considered to be for all learners regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic background, gender or orientation. It is the aim of my department that every child has access to equitable education and that each learner feels safe and happy in the school environment, at every stage.
The Curriculum specification and prescribed material for any subject are determined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) www.ncca.ie. It should be noted that the material referenced by the Deputy was not contained within the curriculum or other material published by the department. It is the responsibility of each individual school to select the resources (other than prescribed material) that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum. Any concerns regarding material published in textbooks should be raised with the publisher themselves.
Following a recommendation from the NCCA Report on the Review of RSE in 2019, a portal site was developed by the NCCA where teachers can access SPHE/RSE teaching and learning resources. These online toolkits are published by the NCCA at curriculumonline.ie to provide supports for teachers in preparing for and teaching SPHE/RSE, and have been carefully selected to support planning for quality teaching and learning in SPHE linked to the current curriculum.
665. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the average class size of primary schools, by county and local authority area, in the 2023-2024 school year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35510/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requested data is set out at the following link.
Please note data is sourced from the mainstream class size tables for academic year 2023/24 and be found at the link below:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/class-size-information-at-individual-primary-school-level/
