Sorca Clarke
Ceist:199. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of autism and special education class spaces currently in County Leitrim. [37845/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecial Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (199)
Freagraí scríofa
Enabling 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 bringing the total number of special classes nationwide to 3,333 - 2,337 at primary level and 996 at post-primary level.
Of these, 4 are in Leitrim - 3 at primary and 1 at post-primary, bringing the total number of special classes in Co. Leitrim to 31, 16 at primary level and 15 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these are autism classes which have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents and can provide details on schools with available special educational places. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (200)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:200. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of WTE special educational needs organisers currently in place in County Wexford. [37846/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following the allocation of an additional €13 million for the expansion of services within the NCSE, the NCSE has examined the various roles and responsibilities within the organisation. This has culminated in a workforce & organisational plan underpinning the recruitment of extra staff and guiding the transformational change in the NCSE structure, to provide more direct and responsive focus within the community.
At local level, the NCSE is increasing the number of support teams available to parents and schools, throughout the country, from a 10 team structure to a 20 team structure. All SENO grades are now assigned on a county basis and will undertake caseloads associated with that county only, and on a reduced caseload basis. To support these staff, there will be more administrative staff to allow SENOs concentrate on working directly with schools and families. This will allow for an integrated community-based service which is conducive to the development of key relationships between NCSE staff, parents, and schools in the provision of services to students.
In Wexford, there are 4 SENOs assigned to the county, all of which are in place. The additional administrative support and revised caseload allocations in addition to the SENOs will provide comprehensive cover for county Wexford. Contact details for all SENOs, together with the area of Wexford which they cover, are available on the NCSE website.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (201)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:201. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education to provide a list of schools in County Laois that applied for STEM grants in 2023. [37847/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can advise the Deputy that the number of applications received from the County Laois was 51, with the details of the schools as follows:
|
Roll No |
Name |
Address |
County |
DEIS |
Pri/Post |
Language |
|
00895W |
Ballinakill NS |
Ballinakill, Co Laois, R32 TX38 |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
07183W |
St. Josephs GNS |
Davitt Road, Mountmellick |
Laois |
Y |
Primary |
E |
|
07442U |
St. Josephs NS |
Borris-in-Ossory |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
07636K |
St. Fintan’s BNS |
New Line Rd, Mountrath |
Laois |
Y |
Primary |
E |
|
12231L |
Rushall NS |
Pike of Rushall, Mountrath, |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
12692B |
Killadooley NS |
Ballybrophy, Portlaoise, |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
13173F |
Paddock NS |
Paddock, Mountrath |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
13643Q |
Emo NS |
Portlaoise, Co. Laois, |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
13741Q |
Rath NS |
Ballybrittas |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
14260F |
Abbeyleix South NS |
Ballacoola Rd, Abbeyleix |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
15537E |
Ballyfin NS / SN Baile Finn |
Knocknakearn, Ballyfin |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
15556I |
Presentation PS |
Station Road, Portarlington, |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
15562D |
Cloch an tSionnaigh NS |
Clough, Ballacolla, |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
15933M |
Camross NS |
Portlaoise |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
16070K |
Scoil Phádraig Naofa |
Davitt Road, Mountmellick, |
Laois |
Y |
Primary |
E |
|
16667W |
Tobar an Leinn |
Raheen, Moutnrath |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
17064U |
St. Patrick’s N.S |
Ballylinan, Athy, |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
17271C |
Mayo NS |
Mayo, Crettylard |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
17295Q |
Scoil Náisiúnta na Rinne |
Maoil an Chóirne, Rinn Ua gCuanach, |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
G |
|
17441B |
Scoil Mhuire, Wolfhill NS |
Wolfhill, via Athy, Co Laois. |
Laois |
Y |
Primary |
E |
|
17555Q |
Newtown NS |
Newtown, Crettyard, |
Laois |
Y |
Primary |
E |
|
17617M |
Scoil Chomhghain Naofa |
Killeshin |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
17695J |
Knock NS |
Abbeyleix |
Laois |
Y |
Primary |
E |
|
17827A |
Scoil Phádraig |
Canal Rd., Portarlington |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
17883K |
Muire Naofa |
Clonaslee |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
18014K |
The Swan NS |
The Swan, |
Laois |
Y |
Primary |
E |
|
18150S |
The Heath NS |
The Heath |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
18203N |
Sandy Lane NS |
Cooltederry, Portarlington |
Laois |
N |
Primary |
E |
|
18294T |
Barnashrone NS |
Barnashrone, Mountmellick |
Laois |
Y |
Primary |
E |
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (202)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:202. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD classrooms available to children with special needs attending national schools in the Dublin 4 area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37853/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enabling 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 bringing the total number of special classes nationwide to 3,335 - 2,338 at primary level and 997 at post-primary level.
Of these, 70 are in Dublin - 48 at primary and 22 at post-primary, bringing the total number of special classes in Co. Dublin to 602, 454 at primary level and 148 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these are autism classes which have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6.
At primary school level in the Dublin 4 area, there are 5 autism special classes for the 2024/25 school year. This includes 1 autism special class newly established for the 2024/25 school year.
Details of these 5 classes are:
|
School Roll Number |
School Name |
Class Type |
|
11894I |
Scoil Mhuire |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
|
15995L |
Canon O Hanlon Memorial N S |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
|
19727G |
St Marys Central N S |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders (New for 2024/25) |
|
20441S |
Shellybanks Educate Together NS |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
|
20441S |
Shellybanks Educate Together NS |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents and can provide details on schools with available special educational places. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (203)
David Stanton
Ceist:203. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education the optimal figure of enrolment her Department has in place for second-level schools in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37888/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
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.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
With regard to the optimum size of post-primary schools, where the Department is establishing a new school in response to demographic demand, the projected enrolment capacity would be a minimum of 600 students. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to Gaelcholáistí.
For existing schools, their optimum size is dependent on local circumstances including demographics and capacity requirements in the area, the size of existing schools, and their potential to expand. Schools must also consider the needs of their own student cohort and school community, including around the programmes it offers, and subject options. Ultimately, it is a matter for each school’s Board of Management to set its Admissions Policy and the number of places it is making available in its annual Admissions Notice.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (204)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:204. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will allow a late application for the 2024 Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (details supplied). [37385/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The application period for the 2024 Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund [LSSIF] Programme closed on 1 July 2024 and the terms and conditions of the LSSIF made it clear that no late applications could be accepted. By that date 96 applications were submitted by Local Authorities and/or National Governing Bodies of Sport and valid applications are now being assessed by my officials. It is intended to make announcements in that regard by the end of October
While the very high level of demand for this second round of the LSSIF strongly suggests that a future round will be required, any decisions on the timing of such a round will depend on the funding available and the pace of drawdown from rounds 1 and 2.
Irish Language
Ceisteanna (205)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:205. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will support measures to deliver additional funding for the Irish language and Gaeltacht, including an additional €16.5 million for Údarás na Gaeltachta and Roinn na Gaeltachta for investment and supports in the Gaeltacht, an additional €14.5 million for Foras na Gaeilge and Roinn na Gaeltachta for investment and supports outside of the Gaeltacht, and an additional €26 million for TG4; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37510/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the annual Budget and Estimates process provides each Department with the opportunity to seek funds to meet its spending obligations and policy priorities. Accordingly, as Minister of State with responsibility for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht, I am engaging closely with the 2025 Budgetary process on behalf of the sectors for which I have responsibility in order to maximise the financial resources available to my Department and the various agencies, organisations and schemes funded by it within, of course, the overall budgetary parameters laid out by Government in respect of Budget 2025.
Freedom of Information
Ceisteanna (206)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:206. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total number of freedom of information requests submitted to her Department in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37605/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Total FOI Requests Received |
FOI Requests Refused |
|
2022 |
163 |
41 |
|
2023 |
236 |
42 |
|
2024 (to 19 September) |
170 |
37 |
I am advised that the majority of requests that were refused were done so on the basis that the records being sought did not exist in my Department. Such requests were deemed as refused on administrative grounds in accordance with Section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014.
Culture Policy
Ceisteanna (207)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:207. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a funding stream is available for local, smaller-scale theatrical productions, such as Christmas pantomimes, and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37617/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Arts Act 2003, the Arts Council has primary responsibility for the development of the arts in Ireland. The Arts Council's commitment to the arts is provided for in its 10-years investment Strategy - Making Great Art Work.
Arts participation is a core value across all areas of the Arts Council's work and it is committed to increasing public engagement in the arts in Ireland. The Council provides financial support to a number of initiatives aimed at increasing public access, participation and engagement in the arts.
In addition the Arts Council invests funding in a range of developmental projects including Creative Schools, Creative Places, Creative Europe and Culture Night, and towards the Arts Council’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plans. For example, Culture Night, in collaboration with RTÉ creates opportunities for artists at all levels. Details of all these programmes are available on the Arts Council's website.
In Budget 2024, I provided a record €134m funding for the Arts Council in recognition of the transformational impact of this funding and to support the sector.
A network of cultural infrastructure exists throughout the country with the majority in the ownership of local authorities. Annual support, including programming and revenue supports, is provided to arts centres by local authorities and the Arts Council. Arts centres are where artists and audiences meet and this is a key part of the Arts Council strategy to invest in public engagement. My Department focuses on providing capital grant funding to assist and maintain these arts and cultural facilities. Funding is administered through applications received for specific grant schemes.
Within my Department, there are a number of measures in place to support the arts at amateur and professional levels and include:
• Annual funding is provided to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture.
• In 2024, €7.6m which is the highest level of funding for Culture Ireland since its establishment will support more Irish artists to launch and develop their careers on an international stage.
• The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is a three year, €105m scheme, involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers nationwide.
• Increased funding for the Safe to Create Programme, including Minding Creative Minds, that supports all artists and creatives.
• A new pilot capital support scheme for Arts, Culture and the Night Time Economy will support development of vibrant late night arts and culture scenes in Irish cities, towns and villages as well as additional capital to assist in the provision of building and equipment needs, artists’ workspaces, and adapting facilities to reduce energy needs and carbon footprints.
• The Music Capital Scheme managed by Music Network provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians.
• Creative Ireland Programme funding in 2023 is supporting the delivery of a number of creative projects nationwide including ones in County Kildare.
• Funding is provided for cultural events such as St Patrick’s Festival, Other Voices, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann that in turns helps to sustain the arts at all levels.
• In collaboration with the local authorities, Fáilte Ireland's regional festival scheme is available to local community festivals.
• A small-scale local festivals and summer schools scheme designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools that are not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies. The maximum funding available under this scheme is capped at €5,000.
• Tourism Ireland works with many festivals to provide exposure for them in key markets oversea.
• Some funding programmes within the Broadcasting and Gaeltacht areas also serve to promote many artists and creative talents from across the music sectors.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (208)
Robert Troy
Ceist:208. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the equipment-only element of a sports capital grant application can be approved for a club (details supplied). [37758/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that Moate Golf Club has been allocated €40,000 as part of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme). The grant was awarded under the largest-ever single investment in sport in Ireland with over €230 million allocated to 1,996 separate projects across the country.
Officials in my Department will be writing to the club in the coming weeks outlining how its application was assessed. If the club feels that the Department made an error in the assessment of the application it can appeal the Department's decision.
EU Funding
Ceisteanna (209)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:209. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the projects and programmes with her Department which have been allocated funding under the EU's Recovery and Resilience Programme; the funds drawn down to date in each instance; the profiled drawdown in each of the forthcoming years of the programme; the steps she is taking to ensure that projects and programmes are completed within the specified timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37796/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department in its current configuration was established in September 2020. I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not been allocated funding under the EU's Recovery and Resilience Programme in that period.
Irish Language
Ceisteanna (210)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:210. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will allocate €1.2 million to fund a radio station (details supplied) to secure an FM licence and increase funding for TG4, to support the Irish language and its promotion among young people, as requested by an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37939/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2022, the former Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (now Coimisiún na Meán), together with Foras na Gaeilge, commissioned a research project to ascertain the level of interest in a youth focused Irish language radio station.
There were two separate phases to the research project. Firstly, the views of a national representative sample of 15 to 34 year olds were sought regarding their interest in and openness to listening to an Irish language station. The second element was to ascertain the views of Irish language speaking communities regarding their audio and media habits, the type of audio content (both English and Irish) that they engaged with, and perceived gaps in Irish language content provision.The resulting report, published in February 2023, found that on a national level the youth market is highly engaged with audio content and radio is still the leading format among audio content providers. However, the target audience of 15 to 34 year olds is becoming increasingly non-linear as they move to digital content consumption and content such as podcasts.
Coimisiún na Meán are currently undertaking a feasibility study on a potential Irish Language Youth Radio Service. This will include, but will not be limited to, identifying cost-effective models and options for the potential establishment and provision of said service, as well as the necessary related sectoral impact and public value assessments.
As I have previously stated, I would like to see this type of service being put in place, if possible. However, it would not be appropriate for me to pre-empt the outcome of this ongoing process. It is also important to note that any such new service would require the appropriate licence. Coimisiún na Meán, as the independent broadcasting regulator, is solely responsible for the licensing of independent radio broadcasting services in Ireland. As such this is a process in which in which I, as Minister, have no role.
With regard to funding for TG4, the broadcaster has been provided with substantial additional resources under my term as Minister, with a total increase of €19.8m in funding being provided over the lifetime of this Government thus far. This is a 53% increase on the level of funding TG4 had in 2020.
Part of the additional funding provided to TG4 in 2023 and 2024 was to support the launch of Cúla4, a dedicated Irish language children's channel. The service, which began operations in September last year, provides a children’s news service, entertainment and education content, drama and Irish animation. Discussions on annual funding allocations for 2025 are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to comment prior to the Budget.
Artists' Remuneration
Ceisteanna (211)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:211. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will commit to the retention, extension, and expansion of the basic income for artists scheme in Budget 2025, to ensure continued support for artists and the cultural sector (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37953/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Basic Income for the Arts pilot was a key policy objective for me. Since becoming Minister, I have been determined to focus on supporting professional arts practice and demonstrating to artists that they are valued, that their work is appreciated and that the contribution they make to enhancing all of our lives is understood.
Accordingly, in line with that commitment to supporting artists, in the last four years since Budget 2020:
• funding for the Culture programme in my Department has grown by over 90%
• funding for the Arts Council has grown by 68%
• funding for Screen Ireland has grown by 88%
• funding for Culture Ireland has grown 65%
• funding of €105 million is in place for the Basic Income for the Arts Research Programme
• funding for National Cultural Institutions has increased by over 50%
• we are supporting the provision of new artist workspaces in Dublin City and elsewhere
As the pilot is still ongoing, it is too early for Government to make a decision on next steps. However, I ensured that the pilot is underpinned by a robust research programme which will provide a clear evidence base for future decisions in relation to the pilot. I have stated previously that while there is no Government decision yet, I am in favour of the pilot being expanded.
Arts Policy
Ceisteanna (212)
Michael Lowry
Ceist:212. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will increase funding for youth theatres at a local level in Budget 2025, to support the development of youth theatre activities and the holistic growth of young people in communities across Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37955/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Primary support for the arts, including theatre, is delivered by the Arts Council, funding for which has increased steadily in recent years and reached a record €134 million in 2024. The Arts Council, which is independent in its funding decisions under the Arts Act 2003, operates within a published ten-year strategic framework entitled Making Great Art Work. The Arts Council supports and develops youth theatre in Ireland through grant funding, project awards, support to individual artists, and support to venues. Further details can be accessed on the Arts Council’s decisions database which gives a listing of 2008–2023 Arts Council funding decisions as follows; www.artscouncil.ie/funding-decisions/
Since 2017, the all-of government Creative Ireland Programme, led by my Department, has sought to enable individuals realise their full creative potential. Extended to 2027, the Programme includes the Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027, supporting innovative programmes to embed creativity into the heart of young people’s lives.
Between 2017 and 2024, over €450,000 was allocated by my Department to Youth Theatre Ireland to invest in developing:
• The establishment of a Special Projects Officer role to progress youth theatre development and training;
• An Employee Assistance Programme for young people and leaders in youth theatre;
• A local partnership model for youth theatre development;
• Enhanced youth theatre recruitment through a national campaign and roadshow;
• Accredited training for leaders;
• Seed funding and establishment of youth theatres in underserved areas;
• Support for youth theatres to re-open and re-engage members post COVID-19;
• A Wellbeing Programme for leaders and participants;
• Support for the National Youth Theatre.
Further details on the impact of this funding is available here: www.creativeireland.gov.ie/app/uploads/2023/10/Youth-Theatre-Ireland-2019-2022-Report.pdf
Creative Youth will continue to support drama and theatre activities for young people across the island of Ireland under a number of the Nurture Fund and Shared Island projects throughout 2025, and the work of the Local Creative Youth Partnerships based in 7 Education and Training Boards.
Under Creative Ireland’s Creative Communities initiative, annual funding is provided to local authorities’ Culture and Creativity Teams to implement their individual Culture and Creativity Strategies 2023-2027. Many of the teams allocate funding to support local theatre companies and venues, including youth theatres. In addition, since 2022 the Creative Communities delivery of Cruinniú na nÓg has supported Youth Theatre Ireland’s taster workshops to encourage the participation of young people in local communities.
Youth theatre funding provided by local authority arts programmes is subject of the annual budgetary process, as well as to the internal procedures of local authorities for the allocation of the annual budget.