Written Answers Nos. 311-330
311. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if additional funding will be made available to post-primary schools to enable them to implement the mobile-phone ban, through the purchase of locked phone pouch solutions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36470/24]
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 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.
312. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education if she has received a pre-budget 2025 submission from an organisation (details supplied); her views on the three key objectives contained therein; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36473/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver recent years, additional resources have been made available to our schools, including through the delivery of thousands of extra teaching and Special Needs Assistant posts, increased capitation in schools, enhanced supports for school leadership, reduced class sizes, actions to assist teacher supply and free school books in primary schools and junior cycle post primary to help reduce the school costs for families.
My aim for Budget 2025 is to continue to deliver on the priorities outlined in the Programme for Government and to continue to support the students, staff and families in the education sector.
In the lead up to the Budget, my Department receives a number of pre-budget submissions from a range of different stakeholders in the education sector, including INTO, and from organisations involved in other areas of public policy. As in previous years, relevant submissions continue to be reviewed and they will inform the specific budgetary priorities that I will be seeking to achieve in Budget 2025. As I am sure the Deputy appreciates, it would not be appropriate for me to outline any more specific plans at this stage of the budgetary process.
313. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education the number of teacher vacancies at both primary and secondary level, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36474/24]
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.The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for individual school authorities, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012). In that regard, there are more than 3,700 individual employers (boards of management of primary schools and post-primary schools, as well as ETBs). My Department does not currently have data on the number of teacher vacancies at both primary and secondary level as schools are continuing to recruit. My Department intends to finalise an updated version of a technical report “Developing a Teacher Supply and Demand Model for Ireland” setting out the demand projections for teachers at both primary and post-primary over the coming years. 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
1. 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, and
2. 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:
1. 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.
2. 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. Trinity College Dublin will deliver the new Irish upskilling programme for post-primary teachers starting in late 2024.
In addition to these recently introduced measures, as Minister I have developed further initiatives to address teacher supply challenges, including:
1. at primary level, 610 additional places on initial teacher education programmes were approved,
2. newly qualified teachers (NQTs) employed in primary schools can complete the Droichead process while employed on a Supply Panel or Principal Release Time Post,
3. 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,
4. 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,
5. 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, and
6. 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:
1. Over 3,700 newly qualified teachers registered with the Teaching Council in 2023 with over 122,000 now on the register.
2. 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.
3. 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.
314. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education if she will instruct schools (details supplied) to open ASD units, as they have the space to do so and there is a severe lack of ASD units in these catchment areas. [36490/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided. Over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the 2024/25 school year meaning there is now over 3,300 special classes nationwide.
The NCSE has advised that they are aware of future need for special classes in the area and will visit schools with the potential to expand over the course of the school year. Engagement with all schools with available capacity will form the planning process for the 2025/26 school year and beyond.
While it may not be possible to expand accommodation in all schools due to site restrictions, in such cases schools with students enrolled with special educational needs are provided additional supports such as special need assistants (SNAs). The NCSE can also arrange tailored visits from their special educational needs advisors if required.
For the 2024/25 school year one new special class has been sanctioned in the area and resources have been allocated, in addition, there are a number of places in a local primary school for students seeking enrolment into second class or above. The NCSE is confident that through the provision of these classes and vacancies in existing classes there is sufficient places to meet the needs of all children known to them for the 2024/25 school year.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE’s website.
The department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
315. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education the reason for the delay in two schools (details supplied) opening their ASD units, given that four and a half years have passed since both schools were granted autism classes in 2020, with no sign of the autism classes being opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36491/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Project referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the department’s pipeline of school buildings in June 2021 to provide a four Classroom Special Educational Needs (SEN) base, a General purpose room and Ancillary under the department‘s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.
I can confirm that this project received my departments approval to go to planning in Q1 of 2024 and the department awaits a post planning (developed design) report from the school for review.
The delays have been primarily due to the timing required for the appointment of a design team, the subsequent development of the design and the necessary review of the project from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.
My department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on this much needed project. It is now within the remit of the school authority to progress this project accordingly.
316. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the estimated annual cost of increasing the capitation grants for both primary and post primary schools by 10%. [36498/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary 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 funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for cases where a secretary is now paid from my Department’s payroll as per circular 36/2022.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €200 per pupil in primary schools and €345 per student in post-primary schools.
Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation grant on the basis of having 60 pupils.
In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was issued in October 2023, to support all recognised primary and post-primary 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 am 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 standard 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 will also be paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard rates and the relevant enhanced rates.
I am aware that costs and funding can pose a very real problem for schools, and the Department of Education is constantly working to address this matter, and to enhance the financial and other supports available to schools.
While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future Budget negotiations or fiscal parameters agreed by Government, the Department of Education will continue to seek and prioritise the funding required to meet the ongoing costs of running schools.
The estimated annual cost of a 10% increase in the Capitation grant rates would be €10.6 million for primary schools and €14 million for post-primary schools.
317. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if a new recruitment campaign for Irish sign language specialist classroom support will be launched in Q4 of 2024. [36499/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) are responsible for the delivery of the Irish Sign Language SCS scheme.
The NCSE ran a specific competition in Q2/Q3 2024 for the purpose of filling identified vacancies, which could not be filled by the existing panel, in Cork and in Mayo. Both positions were filled and 2 applicants were also placed on panels for these areas.
At present the NCSE do not intend to launch another recruitment campaign in Q4 of 2024 and the existing panel will remain in place.
The first phase of the scheme is about ensuring that the available skilled resources are harnessed and focused where they are needed the most. The ISL Specialist Classroom Support (SCS) have completed their first academic year in school. Both schools and parents in each case have expressed their satisfaction with the resource provided.
The review of this phase will inform us on how best to develop the scheme further.
318. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education when it is intended to commence construction works for ASD classrooms at two schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36532/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Project referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the department’s pipeline of school buildings to provide a four Classroom Special Educational Needs (SEN) base, a General purpose room and Ancillary under the department‘s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme.
The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.
I can confirm that this project received my departments approval to go to planning in Q1 of 2024 and the department awaits a post planning (developed design) report from the school for review.
At this early stage, it is not possible to predict when a significant school building project of this nature will go to construction, nor when it will be completed, as progress depends upon many contingent factors that can arise.
My department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on this much needed project.
319. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36554/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school project to which the Deputy refers, has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects.
The brief for this project is to provide a new build 24-classroom primary school with a 2-class SEN base.
The project commenced on site in October 2023 and has a current expected completion date of Q1 2026.
The NDFA are engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
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.
320. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works will be completed at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36555/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school project to which the Deputy refers, has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects.
The project commenced on site in October 2023 and has a current expected completion date of Q2 2026.
On completion, this project will provide a new school building to accommodate a long term projected enrolment of 1,000 pupils and will include a 2-class SEN base.
The NDFA are engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
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.
321. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on the demand from school transport escorts for fair pay and conditions, to reflect the importance of their work for young people with disabilities and their families. [36576/24]
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.
There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay. The Board of Management/ETB are responsible for the employment of the School Transport Escort.
It is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school. The School Transport Section in the Department are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of matters as they relate to the escort and the information provided to schools. An information pack for schools is at the final stages of completion and will be reviewed and updated regularly. As part of this comprehensive review the terms of employment and rate of pay for school bus escorts are also being examined.
A review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately. As part of this review one of the actions outlined is that pay rates for School Bus Escorts is to be reviewed in full by the end of 2024.
322. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if there are any current or upcoming schemes that provide funding for the employment of additional cleaners in primary and post-primary schools, specifically for positions requiring 15 to 20 hours per week (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36578/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary 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 funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for cases where a secretary is now paid from my Department’s payroll as per circular 36/2022.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €200 per pupil in primary schools and €345 per student in post-primary schools.
Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation grant on the basis of having 60 pupils.
In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was issued in October 2023, to support all recognised primary and post-primary 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 am 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 standard 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 will also be paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard rates and the relevant enhanced rates.
More than €400.7 million of additional Covid-19 Capitation grant funding has been made available to recognised primary and post-primary schools to provide for the implementation of infection prevention and control measures to reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19 to date.
Schools have been reminded that the Covid-19 Capitation payment was a temporary measure and is kept under review. Any potential resumption of Covid-19 capitation grants will be determined by the prevailing public health advice at any time.
Schools are not permitted to spend or retain monies allocated from the Covid-19 grant for any upkeep or maintenance in the school.
I am aware that costs and funding can pose a very real problem for schools, and the Department of Education is constantly working to address this matter, and to enhance the financial and other supports available to schools.
While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future Budget negotiations or fiscal parameters agreed by Government, the Department of Education will continue to seek and prioritise the funding required to meet the ongoing costs of running schools.
323. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the average number of primary and post-primary schools, respectively allocated to each educational psychologist employed in the National Educational Psychological Service. [36622/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra324. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a breakdown of the number of educational psychologists employed in the National Educational Psychological Service, per county, in tabular form. [36623/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra325. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 618 of 9 September 2024, the details of the opportunities her Department has been exploring to increase the number of suitably qualified staff. [36624/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 323, 324 and 325 together.
Following a recent reconfiguration, NEPS is structured upon six regional divisions, with 22 local offices each catering for schools in the immediate locale/catchment area. The NEPS Head Office is situated in the Department’s complex in Marlborough St. Dublin.
With regard to the allocation of schools, each NEPS psychologist is assigned a number of schools in their geographical area based on a weighting process which takes into account enrolment numbers, school designation (primary/post-primary/special), DEIS status, gender mix and number of special classes. This system is designed to provide equitable access to NEPS by accounting for the diversity of support needs across Irish schools. As such, there is variation across the service in the number of schools assigned to each NEPS psychologist. Depending on demographics, the number of schools an individual psychologist may be allocated on average can be within a range of 3 to 35.
With regard to the breakdown of educational psychologists across the country, the total number of Educational Psychologists currently employed in NEPS stands at 238 which is a whole-time equivalent of 232. Given the regional structure, an Educational Psychologist can be assigned schools in more than one county. The number of Educational Psychologists in each of the six regions is given below.
|
Region |
No. Educational Psychologists |
Counties |
|
Region 1 |
33 |
Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath |
|
Region 2 |
33 |
Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan |
|
Region 3 |
41 |
Dublin, Wicklow |
|
Region 4 |
45 |
Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford |
|
Region 5 |
46 |
Clare, Cork Kerry |
|
Region 6 |
39 |
Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo |
|
Head Office |
1 (Director) |
Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 |
|
TOTAL |
238 |
In relation to workforce planning for the recruitment of educational psychologists, my Department has been actively exploring opportunities to increase the numbers of suitably qualified staff to strengthen the response to the educational psychological needs of children and young people in recognised primary and post-primary schools across the country. Since January 2023, NEPS has supported bursaries for Trainee Educational Psychologists who are enrolled in the University College Dublin Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Mary Immaculate College Limerick’s Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology. Those in receipt of a bursary commit to joining NEPS upon graduation. There are over 60 Trainee Educational Psychologists in receipt of a bursary who are expected to join NEPS upon graduation, with an additional 14 to be awarded bursaries from September 2024, bringing the total to 74.
Additionally, the Public Appointments Service commenced a recruitment campaign for Educational Psychologists at the end of 2023 and successful candidates from that panel are currently taking up positions in NEPS. It is expected that a further recruitment competition will be commenced by the Public Appointments Service early in 2025 and planning for this competition is already underway within the Department.
It may be of interest to the Deputy that further to the service outlined above, NEPS is leading on the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot. The pilot has two Strands. Strand 1 is the provision of one-to-one counselling to support a small number of children in all primary schools in counties Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan and Tipperary. Strand 2 of the pilot is the establishment of a new type of support to schools from Education Wellbeing Teams and the introduction of Education Wellbeing Practitioners to support clusters of schools in Cork, Carlow, Dublin 7 and Dublin 16.
326. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of a Departmental report into lower than average leaving certificate results in a school (details supplied) that was conducted in the early 1980s; and if that report will be provided. [36652/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not aware of such a report. A search of records is underway and if such a report is found, I will respond to the Deputy accordingly.
327. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education further to the Government’s announcement of plans to ban mobile phones across all second-level schools, if she has considered the potential inadvertent consequences that such a ban may have on students living with diabetes who are users of a glucose monitoring device (details supplied); if an exception will be made for these pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36662/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my recent communication to schools regarding the implementation of a ban on the use of mobile phones during the school day, I recognised that schools are best placed to determine the specific approach and policy required to achieve a school day that is free from mobile phone use by students. I also asked that schools consult with their students and parents in developing the policy that is best suited to their own circumstances.
Schools have also been informed that the policy should provide for students who need access to their mobile phone during school hours for particular reasons and in accordance with existing policy, such as students with diabetes who might use continuous glucose monitoring linked to their mobile phone.
Further guidance is being developed and will be issued to schools in the coming weeks.
328. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Education the average timeline in years for the delivery of a new school in Ireland, from stage 1 to stage 5 and the final handover; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36695/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, there are five stages involved in the delivery of a new school building as part of the Pipeline of large scale school building projects. The stages reflect the requirements of the Capital Works Management Framework developed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Department’s Design Team Procedures set out the requirements to be followed at each stage in the process and the Department employs a rigorous and structured approach to permitting a project to move from one stage to the next. This includes robust interrogation of project scope, design and cost by Department delivery teams at each stage.
While many variables can influence the timescale of a project, the following are indicative timeframes for each of the core project stages:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Design (5-6 months) The Preliminary Design stage includes reviewing all information provided as part of the Project Brief. It also involves establishing and analysing all site factors and constraints which may impact on the project’s viability.
Stage 2a - Developed Design (9-12 months) includes development of the design and accurately cost planning the option agreed with the Client. This stage brings the project to the point of lodging for statutory approvals.
Stage 2b - Detailed Design (approx. 12 months, depending on planning complexity) includes obtaining all statutory approvals, preparing a set of fully detailed Tender documents, and preparing an accurate pre-tender cost plan. During the planning application, Requests for Further Information (RFI) from the Local Authority and possible third party appeals to An Bord Pleanála can considerably lengthen the process.
Stage 3 - Tender Action, Evaluation and Award (approx. 12 months). Large scale projects in excess of €5m are required to be ran through a two-stage tender process which firstly requires prequalification of contractors. Further to this, projects in excess of €10m require a reserved specialist process for the appointment of mechanical and electrical contractors. Written submission and authorisation is required to move from prequalification to full tender stage publication.
Projects in excess of €30m undergo a financial robustness check on all pre-qualified contractors. This process is managed by the National Treasury Management Agency Financial Advisory Unit on behalf of the Department.
On the completion of the examination of tenders, written authorisation from the Department must be obtained before issuing Letter of Intent and Letter of Acceptance. Once all the contract pre-conditions in the letter of intent have been met and the Department has given written authorisation to proceed to Contract, a letter of Acceptance can be issued. This forms the contract and is the date for the calculation of the Contract period.
Stage 4 – Construction (12 to 24 months). All members of the Design Team are collectively responsible for the effective management of the project in order to achieve its completion on time and within budget. The contract period is directly related to the size and complexities of the project.
Stage 5 - Handover of Works and Final Account (12 months minimum). The Design team individually and collectively are required to effectively manage the project, and with the co-operation of the contractor achieve a satisfactory standard of construction, and achieve Substantial Completion of all elements of the project by the Contract Section/Phase handover dates and overall Contract Completion.
The structured approach in place, ensures that approvals are provided on an incremental basis and that all design issues have been addressed prior to tendering (reducing potential conflicts and/or claims during the construction stage) and that costs and project scope are tightly controlled throughout project development.
It is important to note that projects are managed and advanced within the context of an overall building programme which must address many competing priorities. There are currently, in the region of 1,400 projects of various stages in the Department’s pipeline, €1.5 billion worth of projects under construction and a further €800m worth of projects confirmed to proceed from tender to construction during 2024 and early 2025. Individual projects must therefore be managed and progressed within the parameters of the overall building programme, including budgetary parameters.
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.
329. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education to review a school transport case (details supplied); if any seating has become free to accommodate this family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36730/24]
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.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.Bus Éireann have advised that the pupils to whom the Deputy refers, are not eligible for school transport as they do not meet the distance criteria of 3.2 kms. The family reside 2.0 kms from home to the school of attendance.Bus Éireann further advise that these pupils were not successful in obtaining concessionary tickets for the 2024/2025 school year as the service is operating to capacity.
330. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that at least 24 post primary students from the Ballymurn area in County Wexford have no direct bus provision to attend post primary schools in Wexford town; if the needs of the growing population in Ballymurn have been examined by her Department; if she plans to ensure that these students and many others to follow will be able to access a direct school bus service to Wexford town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36733/24]
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.
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.
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 pupils referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport as they are not attending their nearest post primary school/centre.
Bus Éireann further advise that no applications were made by families for school transport from the area referred by the Deputy for the 2024/25 school year and that there is no services operating to the post primary centre referred from the area referred.
