Written Answers Nos. 144-168
144. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline, since the announcement on 3 July 2024 regarding the quota of 150 general employment permits for the role of sea fisher, the number of applications for these permits that have been made by vessel-owner employers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38857/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new quota of 150 General Employment Permits for the role of sea fisher was introduced on 3 July 2024 to address skills shortages in the Irish fishing fleet.
The Employment Permits Section of the Department informs me that up to 25th September 2024 there has been one application received in respect of the role of Sea Fisher, received on 27th August.
All applications for Employment Permits are processed in date order. The current processing date in respect of new General Employment Permits is 21st August 2024. It is therefore expected that this application will be processed shortly.
145. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in relation to the announcement on 3 July 2024 regarding the quota of 150 general employment permits for the role of sea fisher, the criteria for eligible vessels upon which fishers can be recruited match that of the former atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38858/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs announced by Minister Higgins on 3 July 2024, a quota was extended for Sea Fishers in the Irish fishing fleet, transitioning from the previous Atypical Working Scheme provided by the Department of Justice. I can confirm that under the Employment Permits System, the criteria for the role of Sea Fisher in the Irish fishing fleet differ from what was required under the Atypical Working Scheme. Employment permits for sea fishers are not limited by vessel length, nor does the exclusion of the categories mentioned in the details supplied apply. All segments of sea fishing activities are eligible, and in most instances are required, to hold an employment permit for non-EEA Sea Fishers once the other necessary criteria have been met. These criteria include meeting the role description of a Sea Fisher, however, this is not restricted by the segment of the Irish Fishing Fleet in question.
An interdepartmental working group oversaw the transition of the role of sea fishers in the Irish fleet into the employment permits system. This working group held meetings with the sector, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consult on the role. Based on this consultation, the working group concluded that the criteria for eligible vessels for which fishers can be recruited would not migrate from the Atypical Working Scheme to the employment permit system and that all sectors of sea fishing would be eligible for an employment permit.
Since the introduction of the quota for sea fishers, my Department has hosted information sessions for the sector to help guide this transition and inform them of the criteria they are now subject to. Further information on the criteria for this role is also available on my Department's website, and my officials are prepared to provide further clarification when needed.
146. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration has been given to pre-Budget 2025 submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38871/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank Deputy O’Dowd for raising this matter and I acknowledge the Pre-Budget Submission provided by Chambers Ireland. The Chambers Ireland Pre-Budget Submission focused on the following issues, around which a range of measures have been proposed:
• Productivity and Competitivenes
• Housing and Planning
• Energy and Decarbonisation
• Workplace and Skills
As part of the preparatory process, my officials and I have had continuous engagement with a range of stakeholders, including Chambers Ireland. My officials met with Chambers Ireland in July to discuss their submission. The matters raised by them (and others) on a range of areas, including enterprise taxation, informed the approach that my Department is taking to Budget 2025.
This includes my Department’s Pre-Budget Submission to the Department of Finance. This was provided to the Department of Finance in July and my officials have maintained an ongoing engagement with officials from the Department of Finance. My focus remains on rewarding work, assisting Irish enterprises with the current uncertain business environment, and on stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship. These concerns are reflected in the proposals I have put forward.
I would also acknowledge that the overall Budgetary package will have to be considered in light of the fiscal parameters set out in the Summer Economic Statement, noting that Budget 2025 will deliver an overall package of €8.3 billion, of which taxation measures will amount to €1.4 billion. Ultimately, any changes to tax policy are a decision for the Minister for Finance
147. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he received an employer’s permit application (details supplied); and when it is expected that a decision will be made on same. [39028/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that an application for a General Employment Permit for the person concerned in the details supplied was received on 17th September 2024. On 18th September 2024 the application was formally accepted and placed in the processing queue.
Applications for employment permits are dealt with in date order. As of 26th September 2024, the Employment Permits Section are processing new applications in respect of standard employers which were received on 21st August 2024.
The Employment Permits processing times are updated on a weekly basis at the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates/
There is also an Online Status Update Enquiry - where details on a particular application can be found on the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Status-Form/
148. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 258 of 18 September 2024, and further to reports of arms being illegally trafficked through Ireland bound for Israel, his views on whether ‘sure as possible’ checks are sufficient to ensure that any dual-use export licence which has been granted to a consignee based in Israel does not result in goods or services being provided to a person or company whose activities either directly or indirectly support or contribute to Israel’s ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39029/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is the National Competent Authority with responsibility for Export Controls, including Controls on defence-related exports and exports of Dual-Use goods. Controls on the export of Dual-use items are administered by my Department, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/821 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting up a Union regime for the control of exports, brokering, technical assistance, transit and transfer of dual-use items. The EU dual-use regulation has direct effect across the EU. The recently commenced Control of Exports Act 2023 streamlines and strengthens the existing Irish export control framework, replacing the Control of Exports Act 2008, and provides for effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties for infringements of the regulation’s provisions.
Any exporter intending to export a Dual-use item outside the EU must engage with my Department. Exporters must have internal compliance procedures and do adequate due diligence on their customers to ensure they meet the requirements set out in the dual use regulation. Each export licence application, including those indicating an end destination in Israel, are carefully considered by my officials in accordance with criteria set out within the relevant dual-use and military EU and National Regulations and with Ireland’s international obligations and responsibilities as members of non-proliferation regimes and export control arrangements.
On receipt of an application for an export licence, my officials carry out a thorough risk assessment and evaluate all available information. This assessment includes a series of checks (including consultations with technical experts where relevant) to ensure, as far as possible, that the item to be exported will be used by the stated end-user for the stated end-use and will not be used for illicit purposes. As part of the application, the exporter must provide an end-user certificate, which is a declaration from the end-user that the goods will be used for the intended purpose. A false declaration is an offence. As part of their assessment, my officials seek the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs in respect of all applications for export licences, including those destined for Israeli end users. Both my own Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs review all dual-use export licence applications against the eight assessment criteria set out in Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP.
If there are any concerns that the goods being exported will be used for a military end-use or if the exporter does not provide enough information on the intended end-use for my officials to make an informed decision, the application for a licence is denied. Investigations are undertaken where there is a potential breach of the Dual Use Regulation. Providing false or misleading information or being reckless as to whether it is false, or misleading is an offence under the Control of Exports Act 2023. It is worth noting that the vast majority of dual-use goods exported from Ireland, including to Israel, are mainstream business ICT products, both hardware and software (networking, data storage, cybersecurity etc) that are categorised as Dual-use items as a consequence of the fact that they incorporate strong encryption for ICT security purposes.
In applying export controls in a robust and transparent way, the Department ensures that legitimate business transactions by reputable Irish traders are not damaged in any way while also ensuring that exports of controlled goods are thoroughly risk assessed in the context of ongoing conflicts, diversion of goods and humanitarian considerations.
149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the contact he or any Minister in his Department have had with any minister or official in the government of Israel since January 2014; the nature of these contacts, the purpose of these contacts; if a record was kept; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39068/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being collated by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
150. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he, his special advisory teams, or senior officials have consulted with, received briefings or sought advice from an external communications expert or communications consultancy company, or a public relations or public affairs company, in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; the costs associated with those interactions; the names of those that have been engaged with; the subject matter or topics the engagements related to, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39130/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not incurred any costs associated with external communications experts, communications consultancies or public relations companies from 2022 to date; and consequently has not engaged any third party companies to provide same.
151. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education when a child (details supplied) will have their cognitive assessment and educational assessment completed. [39120/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides psychological support to all primary, post-primary, and special schools.
NEPS provides access for all schools to:
• Psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident
• A casework service for individual students where there is a need for intensive consultation and assessment via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA)
• A school staff Support and Development Service, to build school capability to provide a comprehensive continuum of support in schools
• Ongoing access to advice and support for schools
The Continuum of Support is the framework developed by NEPS for schools to identify, plan and provide support for those children who experience difficulties with their learning. It is advisable for parents to discuss their concerns with the school principal with a view to seeking the involvement of NEPS.
www.gov.ie/en/collection/97aa18-national-educational-psychological-service-neps-resources-and-public/#special-educational-needs .
152. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the status of a new school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38485/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project referred to, is devolved to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB) for delivery.
The project is currently at Stage 2b. The planning permission for the project was granted subject to a number of conditions, one of which was to complete an agreement in relation to wayleaves required on the site. Discussions have been ongoing between KWETB and the Design Team with local developers. I’m pleased to inform you that progress has recently been made in relation to the wayleave agreement.
A revised cost plan incorporating additional measures being added to the project was requested as part of the Stage 2B. Once the revised Stage 2b report is received, reviewed and approved by the Department, the next stage will be to tender for the contractor.
It is not possible at this time to give a date for the commencement of the tender stage, but KWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress in this respect.
153. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education for an update on a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38486/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department received an application under the Additional Schools’ Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question which included a request for a new GP hall.
I am pleased to confirm to the Deputy that funding was approved for the school in question, under the ASA Scheme in 2022, for the provision of modular accommodation comprising 1x mainstream classroom, a HSCL room, a staffroom and staff toilets.
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 by available accommodation at other schools in the area. A request for a GP hall does not come within the remit of the ASA scheme and the school authority were advised of this decision.
I wish to advise the Deputy, that investment and expenditure on GP rooms/PE Halls is an element of the overall expenditure and investment in the School Building Programme. The provision of GP rooms and PE Halls, at primary and post primary level respectively, and outdoor hard play areas form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings or where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school.
Almost 80% of the post primary schools that made 2020 Annual Schools Returns have indicated to the Department that they have a PE Hall. A further 10% have indicated that they have access to a nearby PE Hall and 5% more have projects in train that will deliver a new PE Hall. Practically all schools have outdoor play areas and many schools use adjacent local facilities, including community halls, public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.
The main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level, and for provision to meet the needs of children with special educational needs. The Deputy will appreciate that the immediate priority of my Department is providing the required new and replacement school places each year, to ensure that every child has a school place, including the thousands of children who are newly arrived to this country.
Under Project Ireland 2040 the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. There will be a rolling 5 year funding envelope which will be updated annually for the period 2026 to 2030 within the Government’s overall NDP funding envelope of €136 billion in exchequer capital (€165 billion total capital including non-Exchequer) that will facilitate building a modern and sustainable school infrastructure.
This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland. The strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock will have different strands and will include a PE build and modernisation programme which will enable students in post-primary schools to have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision, particularly also in the context of the roll-out of PE as a leaving-certificate subject. Enhanced and modernised PE facilities will also provide important amenities for local communities.
My Department will continue to work to ensure that capital investment in our schools is targeted in the most efficient and effective way to support schools in meeting the education needs of their students and communities.
Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
154. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education when funding will be provided to a school (details supplied) to allow for the building of a long-planned ASD classroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38499/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question has submitted an application for capital funding, under my department's Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for extra accommodation to provide special education needs classroom's.
The purpose of the Additional Schools' Accommodation 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.
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.
Officials from my Department have been engaging with the school Patron regarding additional building space for the school in question. The Patron has recently submitted further information to my officials and the application from the school is currently being considered. Once the assessment process has been finalised the school authority will be notified of the decision directly.
155. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if she can provide details of any forthcoming ASD units; the units under development in planning for any primary schools in Rush or surrounding areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38511/24]
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.
The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
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 3,336 - 2,338 at primary level and 998 at post-primary level.
The table below outlines the location of autism classes in the Rush & Lusk school planning area.
|
School Roll No. |
School Name |
New Class |
Sch Type |
Class Type |
|
19624T |
Scoil Nais Caitriona / St. Catherine's N. S. |
Primary |
Autism |
|
|
19624T |
Scoil Nais Caitriona / St. Catherine's N. S. |
Primary |
Autism |
|
|
19624T |
Scoil Nais Caitriona / St. Catherine's N. S. |
Primary |
Autism |
|
|
20176C |
Rush Lusk Educate Together National School |
Primary |
Autism |
|
|
20176C |
Rush Lusk Educate Together National School |
Primary |
Autism |
|
|
60343T |
St. Joseph's Secondary School |
New for 2024/25 |
Post Primary |
Autism |
|
76213T |
Lusk Community College |
Post Primary |
Autism |
|
|
76213T |
Lusk Community College |
Post Primary |
Autism |
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning for new special classes and additional special school places. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements, a review of school accommodation needs and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
My department and the NCSE identify the need for special educational provision with consideration to demographical and statistical data and in regard to an areas existing school provision and future capability. The information held on the department's Geographical Information System (GIS), particularly in relation to student demographics, is a key component when forecasting the need for additional special class and special school places. My department and the NCSE have also undertaken analysis of the trends in special class and special school provision over recent years by county and local school planning area.
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.
The number of SENOs has increased from 65 to 120 at the start of this school year and the NCSE plan to undertake almost 800 school planning visits through September and October. These visits will consider the forward planning of special education provision for the 2025/26 school year.
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.
156. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education the status of a school (details supplied) moving to a permanent location. [38512/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build Programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction. The project will deliver a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
The Planning Permission application was submitted to Fingal County Council on 17th June 2024.
A Request for Further Information (RFI) was recently issued by the local authority, and a response is being prepared by my Department’s Project Manager.
It is not possible to provide a time-frame for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
My Department will continue to keep the school and its patron body updated as the project progresses.
157. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the review of allocated time for students with dyslexia doing the Junior and Leaving Certificate (details supplied); the steps she will take to engage with the State Examinations Commission to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38515/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the state examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
158. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to assist with the reduced play area at a school (details supplied) due to extensions and a growing school population in the area; if the current situation regarding inadequate parking spaces and resulting safety issues at the school will be noted; and if the case will be urgently reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38555/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy, that my Department is not in receipt of a current application from the school in question, for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or the requirement for a new class for pupils with special education needs has been identified by the NCSE, and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes.
The Board of Management is responsible for the management of a school on behalf of the patron(s). Individual school authorities are responsible for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care, including traffic management measures within school property.
The issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools on public roads, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter, for the relevant Local Authority. Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools to ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children.
As part of it’s planning for 2024 and beyond, Department officials are working on the arrangements for the next phases of the summer works programme. It is envisaged at this stage that, a new Multi-Annual Summer Works Scheme (SWS) with a focus on climate action and energy conservation. Schools will be notified of the details of the SWS in due course.
The purpose of the SWS is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works which, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The SWS operates on a multi-annual basis and was last opened for applications in 2019.
It will be open to the school in question to apply for funding under the Summer Works Scheme when this is available.
159. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education the provisions in place for students of national schools with dyslexia, given that class sizes are expanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38572/24]
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 me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
It is my department’s policy, in accordance with the principles of inclusive education, that students with additional learning needs are supported in mainstream classes along with their peers, with additional supports provided as necessary.
My department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools, which have enrolled students with special educational needs in order to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an appropriate education.
My department has invested considerably in ensuring that all recognised mainstream schools have been allocated additional special education teaching resources to support them in providing optimal learning experiences for children with special educational needs, including students with a specific learning disability such as dyslexia.
Provision for students is governed by the continuum of support and a range of guidance documents, resources and training opportunities is available to schools to inform their approaches in meeting the needs of students with special educational needs. The most significant of these resources are the over 14,600 special education teachers who are employed in schools to provide additional support for children with special educational needs, including dyslexia.
The allocation of special education teachers allows schools to provide additional teaching support for all students who require such support and for schools to deploy resources based on each student’s individual learning need.
The NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports as required. The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year and where additional provision is required to support schools to meet the needs of children with special educational needs, it is planned and established to meet that need.
In addition, there are specialist educational supports provided by the National Educational Psychological Services (NEPS) and the NCSE to help schools provide an appropriate education for students with special educational needs.
Funding is also made available to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment such as computers and/or software to assist children with special educational needs, including children with a specific learning disability such as dyslexia. This is provided where relevant professionals recommend the equipment as being essential for the provision of education. Schools can apply to the NCSE, through their local SENO for such support.
It is important to note that all classroom teachers at primary level and subject teachers at post-primary level have responsibility for the progress of their students. Where necessary, additional support is provided by special education teachers. The majority of students with significant literacy difficulties currently receive additional teaching support from a special education teacher in a mainstream class. This is provided on the basis of the individual student’s learning need, identified in schools, as opposed to being based on a requirement for a child to have a diagnosis, or an assessment, of a particular disability. These supports are intended to provide students with the highest standard of education.
160. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education for an update on works on the extension of a school (details supplied) and the development of other schools on the site. [38573/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current position in respect of the joint major building project for St. John Bosco Boys JNS, St John Bosco SNS, and Mary Help of Christians GNS is as follows:
The updated Stage 2(a) submission was received from the Design Team in the Department on the 3rd July 2024, and is under review by the Department's Professional and Technical Team.
The Stage 2(a) Stakeholders meeting date is arranged for Wednesday 16th October, with representatives from the 3 schools Board of Management, the Design Team and Department officials invited to attend.
Stage 2a – Developed Design - is a crucial element of the architectural planning process as it is at this stage that the design is developed to a stage where it can be fully cost planned and prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
The Department are committed to progressing this project through architectural planning, to a point where it can apply for all statutory approvals, including planning permission.
Until the project design is at a stage where statutory approvals, planning permission, etc are secured by the Design Team, it will not be possible to provide an estimated onsite date.
161. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the planned extension for a school (details supplied); the actions she will take to ensure that there is no further delay to this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38574/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural process. The planning application was lodged with Wicklow County Council and full grant of planning permission has been received.When Stage 2b has been finalised and approved, the next stage is tendering for a contractor and then onwards to construction in due course.While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for the next and subsequent project stages, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress.
162. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education when special education classes will be opened in four Dublin 12 schools (details supplied); and to provide a response on each individual school, in tabular form. [38581/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra163. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education when the number of special education classes in a school (details supplied) will be expanded beyond its existing one class, given the feeder primary school currently has seven classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38582/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
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.
The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
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 3,336 - 2,338 at primary level and 998 at post-primary level. In Dublin 12, there are 25 primary special classes and 10 post primary special classes.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
In October 2022, my department wrote to all post-primary schools requesting that each school begin planning to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school. The department and the NCSE continue to have engagement with post-primary school management bodies in relation to the provision of special classes.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes. Local 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.
The number of SENOs has increased from 65 to 120 at the start of this school year and the NCSE plan to undertake almost 800 school planning visits through September and October. These visits will consider the forward planning of special education provision for the 2025/2026 school year.
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.
164. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the present allocation for the FUSE programme; and the number of schools and teachers benefitting at present. [38583/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying on 1st December 2022. Cineáltas is my Department’s whole-education approach to preventing and addressing bullying in schools.
Cineáltas is dedicated to the prevention and addressing of bullying, cyber bullying, racist bullying, gender identity bullying and sexual harassment, among other areas, in schools.
It is centred on a child right’s-based approach and provides a collective vision and clear roadmap for how the whole education community and society can work together to prevent and address bullying in our schools.
Cineáltas incorporates each of the nine components of UNESCO’s Whole Education Approach to prevent and address bullying. It is rooted in four key principles: prevention, support, oversight and community.
One of the actions under Cineáltas is to make the FUSE programme more widely available to schools. The FUSE programme is hosted by the Anti-Bullying Centre in Dublin City University.
By the end of the 23/24 school year, 384 primary schools and 551 post primary schools had registered for the programme.
At the start of the 24/25 school year, 46 primary schools and 150 post-primary schools have registered for the programme.
The FUSE programme currently has modules available from 4th class at primary to 2nd year at post-primary. Additional modules for 3rd class at primary and 3rd year at post-primary are currently being piloted and will be rolled out to all schools in January 2025.
I can confirm to the Deputy that €132,696.51 was spent by the Anti-Bullying Centre in 2023 for the provision and further development of the FUSE programme.
165. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the cost of reducing the primary pupil-teacher ratio by one point, two points, and three points. [38584/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the cost of reducing the primary pupil teacher ratio by .5 point; one point, and 1.5 points. [38585/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
At primary level, teachers are allocated to schools at an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils, the lowest level ever seen at primary level. DEIS Urban Band 1 schools receive an average allocation of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively.
Each 1 point reduction in the staffing schedule at primary level for DEIS and non-DEIS schools requires over 400 additional teaching posts, at a cost of approximately €7.5 million in the first year and in excess of €22.5 million per annum after that. The salary costings will rise in line with the Public Sector Pay Agreement 2024-2026. The estimated one-off capital cost of reducing the pupil teacher ratio by one point at primary level is circa €25 to €35 million. This estimated cost is based on certain assumptions regarding the number of new teaching posts generated and available accommodation capacity.
167. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the cost of establishing new Junior Certificate school library programmes in ten additional schools and in 50 additional schools. [38586/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) is a national programme sponsored by the Department of Education and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. Introduced in 1996, it is a social inclusion programme that is aimed at students who are identified as being at risk of being socially or academically isolated or at risk of early school leaving before the (then) Junior Certificate has been achieved.
Since its introduction, JCSP has expanded from 32 schools in 1996 to 240 schools in 2010. The programme expanded on a phased basis, to almost all post-primary schools participating in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) in 2010. The JCSP is also offered in Special Schools, Children Detention Schools, Traveller Training Centres and Youth Encounter Projects (YEP).
One of the initiatives under the JCSP is the JCSP Demonstration Library Project. School librarians work as part of a network of librarians in the JCSP Demonstration Library Project. Within the Demonstration Library Project, there are 32 professional librarians employed by the CDETB who are based in 30 schools that operate the library facility. They are managed by the Senior Librarian.
Librarians are responsible, together with key school staff, for drawing up and implementing library strategies to tackle the literacy difficulties experienced by many JCSP students. An important element of the JCSP is the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy which promotes a school approach and which incorporates the Library Demonstration Project.
In 2023, the JCSP programme received total funding of €3.6 million from the Department of Education. €2.1 million was in relation to salaries of the network of librarians in the JCSP programme and €1.5 million was provided for programme costs. To expand the programme to additional schools would involve the provision of a librarian in additional schools and this can be estimated as an indicative €650k for ten schools or €3.25m for 50 schools. In addition there are costs associated with other factors such as provision of the physical space, fixtures and fittings, IT facilities, librarian assistants, stock (physical and digital), national co-ordinator, professional development etc. In order to have accurate costings an evaluation would be required to include an assessment of the different school structures.
As part of the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle (2015), it was agreed to carry out a review of the JCSP and consider the extent to which the needs of students undertaking the JCSP are met through the Junior Cycle. Work is currently ongoing in this regard.
168. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the cost of increasing the rate of general capitation by 10%, 20% and 30%. [38587/24]
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 0036/2022.
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.
The estimated annual cost of a 20% increase in the Capitation grant rates would be €21.1 million for primary schools and €27.7 million for post-primary schools.
The estimated annual cost of a 30% increase in the Capitation grant rates would be €31.7 million for primary schools and €41.6 million for post-primary schools.
