Written Answers Nos. 291-310
291. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education the position regarding an application for an additional post-primary school in County Laois (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36286/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question had submitted an application for capital funding, under my Department's Additional School Accommodation Scheme.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area.
In the context of making most effective use of our capital allocation, and mindful of climate action goals, Department officials are working to make sure that all school accommodation capacity is being maximised.
The consideration of the accommodation requirements for the school in question forms part of the Planning and Building Unit’s overall assessment of it's work programme and priorities in the context of available capital funding.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.9 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 900 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
The Department’s overall approach is to ensure that available capacity is maximised to the greatest extent possible as part of its consideration of applications for additional accommodation. Additionally, the Department is working to ensure that projects in the pipeline for planning and delivery are focused on maximising their alignment with overall capacity requirements.
The main focus of the Department’s capital funding over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs.
The Department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects our fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.
The application from the school in question is currently being considered by my officials. Once the assessment process has been finalised the school authority will be notified of the decision directly.
292. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the number of post primary schools that require iPads or tablets as part of their school policy; the financial supports that are available for parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36298/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDecisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications been fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made.
Schools, in conjunction with parents, are responsible for decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements. As such, the Department does not gather the data referred to.
Oide- Technology in Education (formally the PDST-TIE) offers advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools.
I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to costs of digital technology, including tablets, and my Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs. In 2017 a circular letter issued to schools with measures to be adopted to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs including such ICT devices. assets.gov.ie/12695/2045e7ccec684f72b55d93930e45372c.pdf.
This circular also instructed schools to consult with parents and their school community on the issue of ensuring costs are reasonable for parents, and how to avoid costs acting as a barrier. This circular specified that wherever possible, generic rather than branded items should be specified (e.g. uniform, clothing, IT tablets, sports equipment etc.).
It is the responsibility of each individual school to select the resources, if any, that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and my Department do not endorse or recommend particular materials. This includes text books, e-Books etc.
Back-to-school costs can be a burden for many families. Removing the cost of schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks in primary schools from the start of the 2023/24 school year has been shown to be a huge step in addressing the cost of sending children to school. €47 million is allocated in 2024 to continue implementation of the schoolbooks scheme at primary level. Further funding of over €67 million is allocated to provide free schoolbooks and classroom resources for Junior Cycle students in recognised post-primary schools in the free scheme for the 2024/25 school year. This will benefit approximately 212,000 Junior Cycle students and add to the 563,000 pupils in primary and special schools who benefited from this initiative in the current school year.
The Digital Strategy for Schools 2027, which builds on the progress made under the previous Digital Strategy, will be underpinned by an investment of some €200m included in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 providing continuity of funding following the €210m that issued to schools to support the previous strategy. Two tranches of ICT Grant funding under the Digital Strategy to 2027 has issued to schools from the NDP commitment. This funding issued directly to schools as schools are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way. This can include the purchase of ICT devices such as tablets, hybrid devices, or laptops.
In addition, the Department as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) under Next Generation EU funding facility, issued a once-off grant of €50 million in December 2021 to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme in order to support those learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide,
This funding issued directly to schools as they were best placed to determine the needs of their own students and have autonomy to do so, within the criteria applying to this funding. This can include establishing schemes to loan devices to students, and this also applies to Digital Strategy Grant funding.
293. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the status of the building of an extension at a school (details supplied). [36303/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the departments pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide 8 general classrooms (1 prefab replacement), 1 Science lab with prep area, 1 DCG room, 1 Music room, 1 SET room, 1 textiles room, 1 Construction room with prep area (prefab replacement), 1 GP Dining (prefab replacement) and a 2 classroom Special Education Needs (SEN) base.
The project was devolved for delivery to Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB).
I can confirm that this project received my departments approval to go to Stage 2a (detailed design) of the architectural planning design process in January 2024. This stage must include the development of the design along with an accurate cost plan which best meets the design as agreed at Stage 1.
Once the Stage 2a submission is submitted and reviewed by my Department, the next step for the Design Team will be to obtain the statutory planning approvals. When these are in place, tender and construction stages will follow.
It is now a matter for LWETB and the school authority to progress this very important project to the next stage.
294. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the details of the selection process for the energy retrofit pathfinder programme; the criteria a school must meet to qualify for this programme; and if a school (details supplied) will be included in the next phase of upgrades. [36304/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications have developed a jointly funded school sector decarbonisation pathfinder programme. It is administered by the Planning and Building Unit in my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in partnership with devolved delivery support from Limerick and Clare Education Training Board, and Longford and Westmeath Education Training Board.
The general principles and approach to school selection includes; schools who comply with their annual reporting obligations to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) with respect to their annual energy usage under the Energy Monitoring and Reporting scheme and secondly schools that demonstrate a strong and holistic commitment to energy management practices through participation in the Energy in Education website portal and advice programme that is operated by the SEAI and my Department.
The programme selection also seeks to enable various cross sections of school types and sizes, energy consumption profiles and different elements of construction type and heritage/ conservation requirements where specific learnings are being targeted.
The pathfinder programme is generally delivered in line with the above considerations and not on an application basis. Schools who wish to be considered should ensure that they are meeting their Energy Monitoring and Reporting requirements and also participating in the Energy in Education Programme.
This Pathfinder programme is paving the way for, and informing, a much larger national decarbonisation school sector programme.
The pathfinder programme is a great example of collaboration ensuring the deployment of new design approaches and technologies are introduced to the school sector on an evidence-based approach. This programme continues to assist my Department to explore options and test various solutions for decarbonised energy efficiency solutions in our broad range of school building types.
It is facilitating research on a range of typical retrofit options for schools, which will be tried and tested. It is providing valuable development information for a solution driven delivery strategy which will be founded on a solid evidence base that has proven the robustness and scalability of renewable solutions within the school sector.
Each school undergoes a comprehensive assessment to ensure that the measures are suitable for that school and will deliver value to both the school and learnings for the national retrofit programme.
The works typically involves upgrades to the building fabric including wall and roof insulation, doors and windows, air tightness improvements, LED lighting and heating upgrades as well as renewable technologies.
This pathfinder programme has completed work to date in 56 schools across Ireland with 26 schools ongoing at various stages of the process.
A Building Energy Rating (BER) of B is the targeted energy rating for all schools included in the programme.
295. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if there is a review due to take place to update the Primary School Assessment Kit, in view of the fact that there is an increasingly diverse range of languages in schools since its last update in 2006. [36324/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has adapted to the dynamic landscape of student enrolment. This has been particularly effective in the context of the pace and volume of newly arrived students fleeing the war in Ukraine and the ongoing increase in students, who require EAL supports to fully access the curriculum.
The Department has prioritised enhancing English as an Additional Language (EAL) support, recognising the critical role of language proficiency in successful integration and academic achievement. Schools are advised that the assessment of these pupils should be within a three-month period prior to that application date for EAL supports. There are presently over 1700 posts allocated to almost 2000 schools providing support in this area.
As part of the continuum of assessment practices, teachers of children and young people for whom English is an additional language (EAL) are advised to assess pupils’ language proficiency development using an assessment tool that is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). Assessments aligned with the CEFR place children and young people on a scale ranging from A1 (most basic) to C3 (native speaker fluency) across the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
The Primary School Assessment Kit (PSAK), developed by Integrated Ireland Languages and Training (IILT), a not for profit campus company of Trinity College Dublin which has ceased to trade, is the only assessment tool at primary school level aligned to the CEFR. Primary schools are advised to administer the PSAK as part of the continuum of assessment. The department’s ongoing work in this area is focused on how EAL provision can be supported, including the continuum of assessment practices and improvement of assessment tools for children and young people at school level. A review to update the kit is not planned for at this time.
296. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the schools scheduled for divestment, as of 2024, 2025 and 2026, in tabular form. [36325/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government reflects the Government’s objective of continuing to expand the plurality of schools to reflect the full breadth of society. It sets out that “students of all religions and none should have access to education, regardless of their belief system”.
The Programme for Government commitments in this area include: To achieve the target of at least 400 multi-denominational primary schools by 2030, to improve parental choice; To expand and prioritise the transfer of viable schools to Community National Schools; and to work with communities to ensure the provision of clear, non-partisan information on the preparation for, and the consequences of, the divestment process and to respond to queries raised.
There are 172 primary schools with a multi-denominational or inter-denominational ethos.
For historical reasons, most primary schools are State-aided parish schools, with the local Bishop as patron. It is recognised, including by the Catholic patrons, that more diverse provision is required to cater for our changing society.
The Department of Education’s ‘Schools Reconfiguration for diversity process’ supports the transfer of schools from denominational patrons to multi-denominational patrons in response to the wishes of local school communities. This process has been developed in order to accelerate the delivery of multi-denominational schools.
A significant amount of work has been done by my Department on the scope, logistics and practical arrangements for a survey of primary school communities. It is intended that the online, school-specific survey will ask parents and guardians of children currently in primary school and parents and guardians of children who have not yet started primary school their preferences on important aspects of school provision and choice, including demand for a multi-denominational ethos. It is intended that school staff and Board of Management members will also have an opportunity to complete a survey.
The Government’s goal remains to establish a strong process, that has the support of patrons and local communities, and which will enable us to continue to increase the number of multi-denominational primary schools across the country.
297. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she is considering some financial support for schools that seek to implement a no-phones policy during the school day, in view of the fact that the implementation of such a policy in a school in Dublin Bay north cost an aggregate of €20,000 to obtain the technology to implement the policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36337/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I recently issued a letter, instructing schools to implement a ban on the use of mobile phones during the school day, both in primary and post-primary schools.
This policy approach is based on the growing concerns expressed about the impact of the use of mobile phones during the school day, including the potential for distraction during class time, the risk of accessing inappropriate content and cyberbullying, and the potential for decreased social interaction with peers.
It is recognised that many schools already have well-developed and managed policies in place in this area currently and this initiative will build on that foundation. I commend schools for the time and attention given to this in recent years. In some schools, there will be no material change, whereas for other schools this ban provides a supportive framework to enable them to implement specific and consistent policies.
This initiative also builds on the guidelines “Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free” announced last year, containing practical advice and suggestions to support parents and Parent Associations wishing to develop voluntary codes regarding smartphone use among primary school children and can be accessed online here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ece25-keeping-childhood-smartphone-free/.
In implementing the ban on the use of personal mobile phones during the school day, schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents. This should include consideration as to the practicalities of enforcing the ban, including the specific mechanisms to do so,. however it should be noted that there are schools using a variety of approaches currently, not limited to the approach suggested. The Department cannot endorse particular solutions, and schools are best placed to determine how best to support the ban for their own circumstance and community.
The Digital Strategy for Schools 2027, which builds on the progress made under the previous Digital Strategy, is underpinned by an investment of some €200m included in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 providing continuity of funding following the €210m that issued to schools to support the previous strategy. ICT Grants of €100m have issued to schools under this commitment. This funding issued directly to schools as schools are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way.
298. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction an additional school bus from Upper Glanmire to a school (details supplied). [36346/24]
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 km from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. 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 Éireann has advised there are currently four services operating to the school in question for the 2024/25 school year, carrying a total of 160 pupils. This figure is made up of 87 eligible, 11 TAMs and 62 concessionary pupils.
Concessionary pupils who have missed out on selection in the agreed selection process are attending their 3rd, 4th or 5th closest Post Primary Centre. All paid on time, eligible and TAMs pupils have already been catered for with existing capacity for 2024/25 School year.
299. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction an additional school bus from Glenville to Fermoy. [36347/24]
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 km from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. 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.
Matters relating to transport for children in the area referred to by the Deputy are being explored by my Department and further information will be available shortly.
300. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the public protests that have been held in Ardmore, County Waterford, calling on her to take urgent action in relation to school transport for secondary school students whose only option currently is to meet a bus on the very busy N25 road; if she has reviewed the transport provision for these students, having regard to their safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36362/24]
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 km from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. 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.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes on behalf of the Department. Safety of children travelling on the school transport services is of paramount importance to the Department and to Bus Éireann. Due to an increase in volume of activity at the pick up point in question Bus Éireann has advised that is currently is being reviewed. Any change in transport arrangements will be advised directly to families.
301. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if there is any scope for a scheme that would allow fully vetted PE instructors to run programmes in fundamental movement in primary schools; and if local primary schools can access any funding from the Government aside from their capitation funding allocation to run such programmes. [36364/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department and its support services continue to work to support all schools and teachers to deliver the full breadth and balance of the curriculum. Physical Education is a core part of the curriculum at primary level which seeks to satisfy the physical needs of the child through a consistent and comprehensive experience of movement and play that challenges the child to realise his or her individual physical potential.
It is the position of the Department of Education that all qualified primary teachers are qualified to teach the full spectrum of the Primary Curriculum including Physical Education. Primary teachers undertake elements of physical education as part of their teacher training. Oide, the Department-funded teacher education support service, offers extensive professional learning and resources to support the professional learning of Primary Teachers.
In particular, Oide has provided a suite of supports to teachers to implement the fundamental movement skills' programme, Move Well, Move Often, since its launch in 2017. This programme complements the teaching of the Physical Education Curriculum at primary level and aims to provide a range of tools to support teachers in teaching skills such as running, throwing, catching and jumping to all children. In 2023-2024, Oide provided professional learning opportunities to teachers in the teaching of gymnastics and games. These professional learning opportunities focus on how Physical Education contributes to pupils' movement competency and overall wellbeing.
The new Primary Curriculum Framework (PCF) published on 9 March 2023 will guide the development of the specifications for each of the curriculum areas. The development of the Wellbeing specification, which is to include Physical Education, is underway and will be completed for introduction into schools in the 2025/2026 school year. To support this, Oide are currently developing a professional learning framework which will be made available to all schools for the rollout of the new Wellbeing specification.
For information, my Department is committed to providing funding to all recognised schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation and ancillary funding as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities. The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €200 per pupil in primary schools.
In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was issued in October 2023, to support all recognised schools in the free education scheme. This funding was the first tranche of an overall additional €60 million funding announced as part of Budget 2024 measures designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. A further €40 million in funding was delivered in early 2024.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2024 I was pleased to have secured €21 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This supports a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools from September 2024. This brings the basic rate of capitation grant to the pre-2011 level of €200 per pupil in primary schools and €345 per student in post-primary schools. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard and the relevant enhanced capitation rates.
302. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education her plans to address concerns raised by parents regarding the weight of school bags for pupils attending national and secondary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36419/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the board of management (board) is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. The board manages the school on behalf of the patron and for the benefit of the students and their parents, therefore queries regarding the weight of school bags are a matter for the board of each individual school.
The Department is aware that positive action has been taken by many schools on the issue of heavy school bags. Actions consist of a range of measures, including the arrangement of the timetable into double class periods, active liaison with parents and the co-ordination of homework by subject teachers.
The use of digital resources by teachers and students in schools is increasing. While conventional textbooks are still widely used, a number of schools have introduced or are considering introducing e-books and other digital resources to enhance students' work in school and at home.
As every school is different in terms of (i) location; (ii) physical layout (iii) available space within the school; and (iv) student numbers, boards of management themselves are best placed to decide on the appropriate reconfigurations / operational changes necessary in their own schools with regard to a multitude of situations including but not limited to the weight of school bags. Ultimately it is a matter for each individual school to determine which particular measures are most suited to its individual circumstances.
Concerns regarding the weight of school bags should be discussed with the school principal in the first instance. It, at that point, the parent remains dissatisfied with the response given by the school principal. it is open to raise the matter with the chairperson of the board of management by writing to the chairperson at the school address, marking the envelope ‘private and confidential’ and for the attention of the chairperson.
303. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if the requirement for school transport for a student (details supplied) will be reviewed given their circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36424/24]
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 the 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 km from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. 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 have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme and subject to a number of conditions:
The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport as they are attending their fifth nearest post primary centre.
Bus Éireann further advise they were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary school transport ticket for the 2024/25 school year, and services in the area are full to capacity.
304. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when the provision of extra accommodation will be approved for a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in making a decision on the school’s application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36427/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the school referred to have been approved funding under my departments Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for 2 mainstream classrooms, 4 special education tuition rooms and conversion works for 2 special education classrooms.
The school also received approval for funding under my Departments Modular Accommodation Programme for the provision of 1 special education classroom and 1 mainstream classroom which is currently occupied on site.
In relation to the traditional building project, I can confirm that an initial preliminary design for the project was submitted to my Department by the school’s design team for review. The design submitted included works that were not sanctioned by my Department. Officials from my Department were in communication with the school authority requesting clarification on these issues. The school were informed at that stage, that in order to proceed with this project based on the design submitted they would need to submit a new application to Schools Capital Appraisal Section ensuring to increase the scope of the project to incorporate the additional items they require.
Subsequently, officials from Schools Capital Appraisal Section have recently been in contact with the school authority and clarified the original approved scope of works and a brief has been agreed with the school. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.9 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 900 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 30 new school buildings. These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
I also 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.
305. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education the details of any lands owned by her Department in the vicinity of a school campus (details supplied); her plans for the future use of these lands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36435/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department can confirm that it owns a 1.9 acre site across the road from the main campus referred to by the deputy. The potential future use of this piece of land is being considered by this department in the context of educational requirements in the area.
Once my department has fully determined the requirements in this area we will be in a position to confirm the plans for this land.
306. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education to examine the case of a child (details supplied) awaiting approval for education assistive technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36445/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.
The primary school did not make an assistive technology application regarding this pupil. The school has verified that, as per the circular, the school had adequate IT resources to meet the needs of this student in their primary school and therefore, did not apply for extra resources.
As the student has entered a post-primary school, it is open to the post-primary school to apply for Assistive Technology as per the circular.
307. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the number of qualified teachers employed in all primary and second level schools, respectively, on 1 January in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36448/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of qualified teachers employed in all primary and post primary schools (excluding ETBs), as of June 30th each year, for the past ten years can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c97fbd-teacher-statistics/#number-of-teachers-by-gender-appointed-to-teaching-posts.
Further commentary and information is available in the statistical bulletin which can be found here:
www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/302847/680bf2d0-b00f-4139-853f-246e198e706d.pdf#page=null.
308. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the number of students enrolled in all primary and second level schools, on 1 January, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36449/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease find attached requested data.
Please note the department publishes enrolment data based on the census date, 30th September in a given year. It is not possible to provide enrolments for a date other than the census date.
|
Year |
Primary |
Special Schools |
Post-primary |
Total |
|
2019 |
559,365 |
8,351 |
371,450 |
939,166 |
|
2020 |
553,003 |
8,408 |
379,184 |
940,595 |
|
2021 |
546,106 |
8,682 |
391,698 |
946,486 |
|
2022 |
549,198 |
8,945 |
406,392 |
964,535 |
|
2023 |
546,758 |
9,326 |
416,575 |
972,659 |
Note: enrolment data is taken from the primary and post-primary databases and are for pupils enrolled as per the census date, 30th September in each year.
309. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the number of qualified teachers who were on career breaks from primary and second level schools, respectively on 1 January, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36450/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation on the numbers of Career Breaks availed of by teachers in primary and post primary schools (excluding those employed in schools operated by Education and Training Boards) since the 2019/2020 school year is attached. This information is also available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c97fbd-teacher-statistics/#breakdown-of-career-break-by-year-sector-and-gender.
The terms and conditions of the Career Break Scheme for teachers are contained in my Department’s Circular Letter 54/2019 (Chapter 7).
As per the terms of Circular Letter 54/2019 (Chapter 7) a Career Break must commence at the start of a school year. Therefore the data supplied is expressed in school years.
Breakdown of Career Break by year and sector
|
Year |
Primary Teachers |
Post Primary Teachers* |
Overall Total |
|
2023/2024 |
2731 |
883 |
3614 |
|
2022/2023 |
2361 |
792 |
3153 |
|
2021/2022 |
1798 |
577 |
2375 |
|
2020/2021 |
1639 |
546 |
2185 |
|
2019/2020 |
2075 |
663 |
2738 |
* This information excludes Education and Training Boards (ETBs)
310. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the number of special needs assistants employed in primary and second level schools on 1 January, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36451/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of special needs assistants (SNAs). Allocations are provided to schools on the basis of the school's overall profile of need.
As of the end of June 2024 there were over 21,000 SNAs allocated to schools nationwide. The total number of whole time equivalent SNA posts allocated as of 31 Dec of each of the specified years is provided in the following table.
|
Year |
Total WTE SNA posts |
|
2023 |
20,788 |
|
2022 |
19,169 |
|
2021 |
18,004 |
|
2020 |
17,032 |
|
2019 |
15,948 |
The board of management, as the employer, is responsible for filling the vacancy and the decision on whether to employ a full time SNA to fill a full-time post or to employ an equivalent number of part time SNAs rests with the employer.
