Cathal Crowe
Ceist:169. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the cost of expanding the present mental health counselling pilots to include 1,000 additional pupils. [38588/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMental Health Services
Ceisteanna (169)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all children. In June 2023 I launched a €5 million pilot of counselling and wellbeing supports in primary schools in selected counties. This Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot is in addition to the range of mental health and wellbeing supports already being provided by my Department and the excellent work already happening in schools in relation to wellbeing promotion. These supports include Cineáltas, the Departments’ Action Plan on Bullying, support from Oide (the teacher professional learning service) and support for schools from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). These services and supports supplement the wellbeing and mental health supports and services provided by the HSE throughout the country for primary school aged children.
The Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot has two strands. Strand 1 sees direct counselling supports being provided to primary schools for the first time. My Department has set up county panels of pre-approved private counsellors to provide one-to-one counselling in primary schools in counties Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan and Tipperary.
Participating schools have been allocated blocks of up to six counselling sessions (per child) for a small number of children in the school. The sessions are book-ended by a pre and post session meeting with parents/legal guardians and relevant school staff. Parents and school staff are seen as key agents of change in a child’s life and are part of the intervention with the child and will be guided and encouraged to support the child at home and at school on an ongoing basis. The cost of a block of counselling, which is 8 sessions in total per individual child is €640. The cost of extending Strand 1 of the counselling pilot to an additional 1,000 pupils would be €640,000.
Last week, my Department issued the new allocations to schools for the 2024/2025 school year. For this school year, 1,015 blocks of counselling have been allocated to schools across the pilot counties, which will provide a block of counselling to 1,015 children in these counties.
Strand 2 of the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot sees the establishment of Education Wellbeing Teams to support schools in cluster areas in Cork, Carlow, Dublin 7 and Dublin 16. Twenty Education Wellbeing Practitioners are working under the direction and supervision of lead NEPS psychologists. The Wellbeing Team is an innovative approach to provide enhanced in-school support. The Wellbeing Practitioners support the schools to strengthen their whole school preventative approach to promoting wellbeing and mental health, in line with the Department Wellbeing Policy. They provide psycho-educational support for parents, school staff and pupils and preventative evidence-based interventions to prevent mild and emerging social and emotional difficulties.
A dedicated webpage with information for parents, information for counsellors and information for schools is also available on www.gov.ie/en/publication/61be8-counselling-in-primary-schools-pilot-cps-p-2023-2025/.
It is not possible to include all children and all schools in the pilot. Through this existing pilot and subsequent evaluation we are confident that we will gather valuable learning that will inform future policy and provision in this area.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (170)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:170. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of cost of increasing the PME incentive scheme by €2,000. [38589/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ensuring 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.
Budget 2024 introduced several measures reflecting this Government’s commitment to ongoing investment in the education system to address teacher supply issues. Included was 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.
The estimated annual cost to the Exchequer of increasing the PME scheme payment for each eligible teacher by €2,000 would be approximately €4 million.
School Curriculum
Ceisteanna (171)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:171. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education her plans to provide modern foreign language education at primary level. [38590/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following extensive research and consultation in preparation for the redevelopment of the Primary Curriculum, modern foreign languages (MFL) will be introduced as part of the Primary Language Curriculum/Curaclam Teanga na Bunscoile (PLC/CTB) on a phased basis for 3rd to 6th classes from September 2025. The NCCA consulted on the Draft Primary Curriculum Specification on MFL from March to June 2024. This specification is available on the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) website: ncca.ie/en/primary/primary-developments/language/.
For stage 3 (3rd and 4thclasses), the focus will be on language awareness, which is already part of the PLC/CTB, but additional focus will now be placed on foreign languages. This will progress to a language competence model in stage 4 (5th and 6th classes). The Department is working with its partners, including Oide and Post Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI), in planning for this introduction. This includes plans for teacher professional learning and language upskilling. The Department will be communicating with schools in relation to plans to support the roll out of the new Primary Curriculum, including MFL in the coming weeks and months.
In advance of the introduction of the MFL component of the PLC/CTB, Post Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI) has been managing a 10-week foreign languages sampler module for primary schools on behalf of the Department. Over 1,400 primary schools have applied to participate in this “Say Yes to Languages ” programme in 2024/25 (Year 4 of the project). The response to the sampler module over the last three years has been enormously positive from parents, pupils and teachers. This sampler programme lays the groundwork for the introduction of the MFL as part of the PLC/CTB specification.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (172)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:172. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the cost of hiring an additional special needs assistant; and the cost of hiring an additional special education teacher. [38591/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The approximate annual cost at entry of an additional full-time SNA including provision for employer PRSI and substitution costs is €39,990.
The estimated full-year cost of a special education teacher is €72,270 per annum within a primary setting and €73,270 in a post-primary setting. This includes provision for related substitution costs and employer PRSI.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (173)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:173. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the cost of expanding the summer programme to include more schools and more students. [38592/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Summer Programme is currently underpinned by funding of €40m. As in previous years, all of the funding is utilised to meet the needs of our most vulnerable children.
All schools have an opportunity to run a programme over the summer months for those children who need it the most. In doing so, these children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting.
The main priority of the Summer Programme is that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.
Since 2019, the Summer Programme has gone from strength to strength. In 2023, more than 1,400 schools and 50,000 children took part in the Summer Programme. This is compared to the more than 300 schools and 13,000 children who took part in 2019. This upward trend continued in 2024 resulting in an increase of 20% more schools (or 1,700) having participated in the Summer Programme, showing that the measures that have been introduced are an effective incentivisation for schools.
The Summer Programme is reliant on schools and their staff choosing to participate on a voluntary basis. To this end, the Department will continue to engage with management bodies, schools and parents with a view to encouraging even more schools and more children to participate in the programme going forward.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (174)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:174. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the number of additional special classes that will be required at primary and post-primary in each of the next five years; and the estimated cost of providing these. [38593/24]
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.
The NCSE has the 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 3,335 - 2,338 at primary level and 997 at post-primary level.
The NCSE will be undertaking planning visits to almost 800 schools during term 1 of this school year to assist with the forward planning of special class provision for the 2025/26 school year.
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.
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. My department communicated in October 2022 to all post-primary schools of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 2 to 4 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
Over 400 new special classes were provided for the start of this school year and it is estimated that a similar number of new classes will be required annually over the next few years.
The cost of establishing these classes will depend on the schools existing accommodation however, to resource a class with one teacher and two special needs assistants in primary schools the estimated cost is €152,250 and 1.5 teachers and two special needs assistants in post primary €189,885 per annum.
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 (175, 176)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:175. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the cost of hiring an additional home-school liaison co-ordinator. [38594/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCathal Crowe
Ceist:176. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the number of schools presently in receipt of home school liaison co-ordinator hours. [38595/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
My Department provides a wide range of supports to all schools, DEIS and non-DEIS, to support the inclusion of all students and address barriers to students achieving their potential.
Supplementing the universal supports available to all schools, the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Programme is the key policy initiative of my Department to address concentrated educational disadvantage at school level in a targeted and equitable way across the primary and post-primary sector.In March 2022, I announced the single largest expansion of the DEIS programme. This benefited 361 schools. 1 in 4 students and 30% of schools are now included in the DEIS programme.The Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) scheme is one of the key supports provided under the DEIS programme. The HSCL scheme seeks to promote partnership between parents, teachers and community family support services, with a view to supporting improved attendance, participation and retention. A HSCL Coordinator is a teacher from a participating school who is released from teaching duties, for a maximum of five years, in order to work intensively with, and support, parents and guardians. The overarching goal of the HSCL Coordinator is to improve educational outcomes for children through their work with the key adults in the child’s life. The HSCL scheme is a school-based intervention provided to address the needs of children and young people and their families in disadvantaged areas through acknowledging and developing the role of the parent as prime educator. This is achieved through targeting the families of students most at risk of educational disadvantage and putting in place a range of appropriate support interventions.Currently, all DEIS Urban Primary and all DEIS Post Primary schools are included in the HSCL Scheme. The scheme serves 682 schools and is delivered by 528 full-time HSCL Coordinators, assigned to HSCL duties either in individual schools or clusters of schools, catering for approximately 207,000 children and young people.
In addition to the above, a pilot project to support Traveller and Roma pupils, under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy, is in operation in 4 locations with 1 HSCL Coordinator assigned in each location. A further 10 HSCL Coordinators are employed under Dormant Accounts funding to support attendance, participation and retention among Traveller and Roma students, across 14 non-DEIS post-primary schools.
The 2024 average salary costs (inc. Employer PRSI) for primary and post-primary teachers are outlined in the table below:
|
Primary Teacher |
Post Primary Teacher |
||
|
Excl ER PRSI |
Incl ER PRSI |
Excl ER PRSI |
Incl ER PRSI |
|
€65,670 |
€72,090 |
€64,070 |
€70,140 |
Notes:
1. The figures above are based on expenditure in 2023 and the average public sector numbers in Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 2023
2. The values include substitution costs.
Question No. 176 answered with Question No. 175.
School Textbooks
Ceisteanna (177)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:177. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the cost of expanding the free schoolbooks scheme to all remaining students. [38596/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for Education, I believe it is crucially important that children and young people are actively supported to access education in its fullest forms. This Government recognises that the cost of preparing children for school each September can be a cause of financial difficulty and worry for many Irish families.
As part of Budget 2024, I announced a major investment of over €115 million to continue the provision of free schoolbooks to pupils in recognised primary schools and special schools for the second year and to introduce the first year of the a new scheme for students enrolled in Junior Cycle programmes in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. This was a landmark moment in Irish education and one that furthered our goal to provide free education for all and ensure that every child can benefit from free education.
The introduction of this measure directly addressed our commitment under the Programme for Government to commence a free schoolbooks scheme pilot in September 2020 and expand the scheme to schools nationwide, as resources allow.
More than 214,000 students enrolled in approximately 670 post-primary schools, and over 65 special schools, are benefiting from the new Junior Cycle Schoolbooks Scheme this year.
The grant for this scheme is based on the previous year’s validated enrolment figures which, for the 2024/25 school year, is the number of students that were enrolled in Junior Cycle for the previous 2023/24 school year.
The Junior Cycle school book grant funding for the 2024/25 academic year, totalling over €67 million was paid directly to all post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme in March, to allow schools implement the scheme in time for the start of the 2024/25 school year. Post-primary schools have also received the existing book grant, which has been in place for a number of years, for students in Senior Cycle years for the 2024/25 school year.
As Minister for Education, I am acutely aware of the various costs faced by families upon the return of their children to school each September and am confident that this new provision has significantly reduced the back-to-school financial burden for many families. However, I have always made it known that it is my intention that the scheme should be expanded to include Senior Cycle years in future years as resources allow.
The extension of the free schoolbook scheme to Senior Cycle students is being considered as part of budget negotiations and therefore this information is deemed budget confidential. On this basis we are unable to provide this information at present.
Schools Refurbishment
Ceisteanna (178)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:178. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the amount that has been spent on the summer works programme since 2020. [38597/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, the purpose of the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, 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 for categories of works such as roof works, window replacement, mechanical and electrical works, external works etc. and was last opened for applications in 2019.
Since 2020 my department has provided funding to the value of €181m under the Summer works scheme to schools. The below table sets out the funding provided under the Summer Works Scheme for the years 2020 to date as per the Deputy's request:
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 (YTD) |
Total Spend (2020 to Date) |
|
€29,561,495 |
€34,595,306 |
€55,970,104 |
€45,961,955 |
€14,686,048 |
€180,774,908 |
School Facilities
Ceisteanna (179)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:179. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the scheme to install solar panels for schools; the number of applications that have been received and processed to date; if work has commenced or been completed on any school; the estimated average cost to install solar panels per school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38600/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The first phase of the Schools Photovoltaic (PV) Programme launched in November 2023 to over 1600 schools.
It will provide eligible schools with 6 kWp of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.
Since the launch of the first phase of the Schools PV Programme late last year, my Department has had a very positive response to the scheme, with over 1500 schools engaging with the programme through our School Hub.
Funding approval has been provided to more than 1,100 schools and we are seeing the impacts today as PV panels are being installed on school roofs around the country.
This has been a really positive response in terms of applications for solar panels from schools. It offers an opportunity for schools to reduce their carbon emissions and to reduce their energy costs.
As well as the obvious financial and climate benefits, it is expected that the visibility of the solar panels on schools will also deliver the added benefit of encouraging discussion and uptake of the technology in the wider community.
To date, of the 1500 schools who responded, approximately 1140 schools have contracts in place and approximately 850 schools have so far confirmed their PV has been installation.
As an ongoing active delivery programme financial details are not being released at this time.
Education Schemes
Ceisteanna (180)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:180. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the number of students who will participate in the bringing live arts to students and teachers programme in the 2024-2025 academic year. [38618/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A total of 425 BLAST residencies were awarded for the 2024-2025 school year. While the number of students participating per school is not collected routinely, it can be estimated from the data gathered from a selection of schools during evaluation that more than 13,500 students are participating in the programme in the current school year.
Education Schemes
Ceisteanna (181)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:181. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of expanding the bringing live arts to students and teachers programme to benefit ten more schools. [38620/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers Programme, known as BLAST, aims to provide pupils in schools all over the country, time and the space to work with a professional artist/creative practitioner on imaginative, creative and fun projects.
BLAST is a key Department of Education initiative of the Creative Youth Plan 2023-2027 which aims to foster creativity in schools focus and to provide young people with opportunities to learn and develop the key skills and competencies of collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
BLAST residencies are designed and developed between the artist/creative practitioner, teacher, students and the school community under the coordination of the 21 full-time Education Support Centres Ireland (ESCI) network.
Schools and YouthReach centres apply for a BLAST Residency via a centralised online application link which will be processed by their local full-time ESC. The programme is nationally coordinated by the National Arts in Education office, Tralee Education Support Centre. BLAST applications are assessed by the local ESC. Applications will be assessed and scored against the following criteria: Previous ESCI creative youth application success, Benefits to teaching and learning, Capacity and commitment, Children and young peoples' participation in decision making and Supporting access to creativity.
Creative practitioners on the BLAST Register of Artists and Creative Practitioners have been trained and have engaged in school residencies under the Teacher-Artist Partnership+ (TAP+) professional development initiative which is approved and led by the Department of Education. In March of this year, I was delighted to confirm that. with the funding available, 425 schools were successful in their application to participate in the BLAST programme 2024/2025.
An artist's fee of €1,100 is paid per school residency, and administration costs also arise in managing, delivering and overseeing the BLAST programme. Accordingly, it is estimated that a cost of €12,000 would be required to expand the BLAST programme to benefit 10 additional schools above the 425 successful applications selected this year, including an indicative amount for administration costs.
School Funding
Ceisteanna (182)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:182. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of doubling the transition year grant. [38623/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Transition Year holds an important place in the programme for Senior Cycle Redevelopment and is highly regarded as a valuable year for students that offers opportunities for life skills, personal, social and academic development, and experience of adult and working life.
All schools design their own Transition Year programmes within set guidelines to suit the needs and interests of their students. This allows schools to work with local resources, employers, and Further Education providers, for example, to create tailored experiences for students. As such, a range of factors affect the cost of the programme, and these factors will vary from school to school in line with the design of the programme.
Recently, I have approved a new Transition Year Programme Statement which provides a framework for schools to develop their own Transition Year programmes, ensuring the best possible Transition Year learning experience for students. Schools will audit their Transition Year programmes this year ahead of the introduction of the Programme Statement in the 2025/2026 school year.
Currently, the Transition Year Grant which is paid to non-fee charging voluntary secondary schools, community and comprehensive schools and schools in the ETB sector in addition to capitation payments. The Transition Year Grant is paid on a per capita basis – therefore it increases or decreases in line with the number of actual participants in a given year when compared with other years.
Since its introduction, the popularity and uptake of Transition Year has increased significantly to the point where it is now offered in almost every post-primary school. The number of students entering Transition Year has been continued to rise in recent years, with the latest figures showing that over 58,000 students entered Transition Year in school year 2023/24, representing just over 80% of the number of third year students in the previous school year.
As a result of this increase in participation in Transition Year, the amount of TY grant funding provided by my Department has risen from approximately €3.1 million in 2014 to €5.1 million in 2024.
Transition Year is also supported through the payment of teachers’ salaries and the provision of capital funding to schools.
The rate for the Transition Year Grant in the 2023/2024 school year was €95 per student. 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 post-primary schools from September 2024. This brings the rate of the Transition Year Grant to the pre-2011 level of €100 per student in post-primary schools.
Therefore, the estimated cost of doubling the Transition Year Grant rate would be an additional €5.4 million approximately.
I am committed, as part of Senior Cycle Redevelopment, to ensuring that in the future, every student in every school who wishes to participate in the programme will have the opportunity to do so.?I and my officials will continue to examine the additional resources that will need to be made available to schools in order to facilitate this.
State Examinations
Ceisteanna (183)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:183. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on plans for the introduction of extra time as a reasonable accommodation for dyslexic students in State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38631/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (184, 199)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:184. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the number of children with additional or special needs in each county that are waiting enrolment in a school; the number therein waiting enrolment at primary or secondary level, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38635/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:199. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of children with special needs who are yet to secure a school place for the school year 2024-2025, per county. [38771/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 199 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.
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.
The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs and is working intensely with a small number of schools where additional capacity was established over the summer period in North Dublin to ensure that admission processes are completed and that any remaining places created are offered to students without delay. The NCSE continue to update families on this work on a regular basis.
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.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (185)
Joe O'Brien
Ceist:185. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Education if she will consider the establishment of a dedicated school transport service that picks up students in Ballyboughal village (details supplied). [38662/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Parents of children wishing to avail of school transport services are required to apply on-line to Bus Éireann’s website at buseireann.ie/schooltransport.
The closing date for new applications for the school year 2024/25 was 26 April 2024 and the closing date for payment was 07 June 2024.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Bus Éireann has advised that pupils home addresses in the area in question would determine their eligibility to the school reference by the Deputy. In general pupils residing in this area are not eligible for transport as they reside nearer to another post primary centre.
Bus Éireann has also confirmed that currently there is one mainstream service which is a 53 seat vehicle operating to the school in question and the nearest pickup point is approximately 3.6 km from where these pupils reside. This service accommodates Mainstream eligible pupils, Temporary Alleviation pupils and mainstream concessionary pupils on board. It is not possible to extend the service any closer to the area in question due to time constraints as this service also operates a mainstream primary school transport service with the same vehicle.
The Bus Éireann Local Area Inspector has reviewed the existing pickup point and has deemed this pickup point as safe. Regarding the existing pickup point, the road is not considered to be any more dangerous than other approach roads to pickup points in use throughout the country. There is an onus of responsibility on parents/guardians to arrange to bring their children to and from the pickup point of a school bus service, taking whatever safety precautions they consider sufficient in doing so, and accompanying the children to ensure their safety and allay any concern, if necessary.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (186)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:186. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be accommodated for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38664/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2023/24 school year over 163,800 children, including over 136,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 20,200 pupils with special educational needs, and 7,400 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Over 140,000 mainstream tickets have issued for the 2024/2025 school year, which is already 3% more than the total tickets issued for the full 2023/2024 school year.
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 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 have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme and subject to a number of conditions:
The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport as they are attending their fifth nearest post primary centre.
Bus Éireann further advise they were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary school transport ticket for the 2024/25 school year, and services in the area are full to capacity.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (187, 198, 213)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:187. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the works at a school (details supplied); the expected completion date for the construction works; the timeline on which the school will be opened fully; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38679/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:198. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education for an update on the new building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38757/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Seán Haughey
Ceist:213. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education when a permanent school building will be provided for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38957/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187, 198 and 213 together.
The large scale capital project at the school is for the provision of a new 600 pupil school and ancillary accommodation. The project is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.
The original grant of planning expired in December 2022, but due to changes to the Planning Acts in September 2021, it was no longer possible to apply for an extension to the planning permission for the main building project and a new application was required. The new planning permission application was lodged, and subsequently granted in December 2023, with a number of conditions attached.
The Design Team are examining the implications of these conditions along with reviewing technical design information in relation to statutory and current technical design guidance.
My Department’s planning and building unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of overall requirements. The large scale capital project remains a priority for delivery.
My Department officials will be in contact with the School authority when the Design Team complete their review.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (188)
David Stanton
Ceist:188. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that transport is provided to a student with additional needs attending a special school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38684/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
I am pleased to advise that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible under the terms of the scheme and approval has been given by the School Transport Section of my Department to Bus Éireann to establish a new service.
Bus Éireann have tendered this service in line with procurement guidelines and are in the process of allocating a contractor to operate this service. Once a contractor has been sourced, the service will commence. Bus Éireann will liaise with families directly with regard to this matter at that stage.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore apply for the interim Special Transport Grant. This is paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place. It is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements that the family had to put in place during that time. The family have been contacted directly by School Transport Section, and have been offered this grant.
Teacher Training
Ceisteanna (189)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:189. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will waive fees for the master's course to teach in secondary school in the immediate as part of Budget 2025, given the teacher shortage; and her views on whether this should be done as part of a process to make all education free. [38693/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is acknowledged that there are challenges around the availability of teachers at present and the Department’s ongoing approach is to continue to develop innovative measures to improve the availability of teachers.
Budget 2024 contained a range of measures that demonstrated the Department’s commitment to continued investment in our education system. In addition to numerous actions taken in recent years to address teacher supply, a number of specific, targeted measures will be introduced with the new funding provided, including a PME fee refund scheme, which was launched in September 2024.
This PME fee refund scheme has been introduced for newly qualified teachers graduating in 2024. Those newly qualified teachers who graduate with a PME will, subject to some conditions, be eligible for an incentive payment of up to €2,000. This incentive payment will be paid to eligible primary and post-primary teachers in 2025.
This scheme will assist schools that experience recruitment challenges and recognises the costs that PME students incur when completing their initial teacher education. The aim of the incentive is to encourage more suitable candidates to consider a career in teaching and to encourage NQTs with PMEs to take up teaching roles in Ireland after graduating.
Further details of this scheme can accessed here: www.gov.ie/en/circular/b389b-professional-master-of-education-pme-fee-refund-scheme/ .
There are also a number of student grants and other financial supports available to students who are registered in the four State-funded HEIs. More information on this can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/0595a4-e/ .
Decisions regarding whether third level education should be free to all students are not a matter for my Department.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (190)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:190. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education following the scoping inquiry into sexual abuse in schools, if she will provide a list of organisations that offer support to survivors, per county. [38708/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A number of organisations and agencies provide support to survivors of childhood sexual abuse, and information about those agencies was provided with the Report to participants in the Scoping Inquiry's trauma-informed survivor engagement process.
Information on support agencies for survivors of sexual abuse is also available on the Scoping Inquiry website and my Department has engaged with One in Four, the specialist charity supporting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, to ensure that support is available. My Department has also engaged with the HSE in relation to supports available and that information has been sent to survivors and is also available on the website. These services are generally provided on a national basis, with some organisations having regional or local services which can be contacted directly, or to which survivors can be directed if they contact a national phone number or email address. A list of organisations is set out below.
Support for Survivors in Ireland
Support for those who have experienced sexual abuse is available from a number of agencies listed below. If you are unsure about what type of support you need, speaking to your GP is advised.
One in Four
One in Four provides support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Phone: +353 1 662 4070
Email: info@oneinfour.ie
Website: www.oneinfour.ie
National Counselling Service
The HSE’s National Counselling Service provides a professional, confidential counselling and psychotherapy service to people age 18 or older who experienced childhood abuse. Access to the service can be made by self-referral or referral by a GP.
The service is available in all HSE Health Regions. Contact information varies depending on your location in Ireland but contact details for each local area can be found at www2.hse.ie/mental-health/services-support/ncs/self-referral/ .
Connect Counselling
Connect Counselling is a HSE telephone counselling and support service for adults who have experienced childhood abuse. It is staffed by qualified counsellors and is available Wednesday to Sunday evenings from 5pm-9pm.
Republic of Ireland: Freephone 1800 477 477
Northern Ireland and UK: 00800 477 477 77
Outside ROI and UK: 00353 (0)1 865 7495
Website: www.connectcounselling.ie .
Rape Crisis Centre
Offering a free and confidential listening and support service for anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted, sexually harassed or sexually abused at any time in their lives.
24-hour National Helpline: 1800 77 88 88
Email: counselling@rcc.ie (office hours)
The Rape Crisis Centre has 16 regional locations:
Regional Rape Crisis Centres Ireland
There are 16 regional rape crisis centres in Ireland. Listed by county as follows:
1. CarlowCarlow & South Leinster Rape Crisis & Counselling Centre 72 Tullow St. Carlow (Mon – Fri 9:30 – 17:00)Ph: 1800 727 737 Office: 059 913 3344Email: office@carlow-kildare-slrcc.ie Web: www.carlow-kildare-slrcc.ie
2. CorkSexual Violence Centre Cork5 Camden Place, Cork(Mon – Fri 9:00 – 17:00)Ph: 1800 496 496 Email: info@sexualviolence.ie Web: www.sexualviolence.ie
3. Donegal Donegal Sexual Abuse & RCC2A Grand Central Canal Rd, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal(Mon – Fri 9:00 – 17:00)Ph: 1800 448 844Email: info@donegalrapecrisis.ie Web: www.donegalrapecrisis.ie
4. DublinDublin Rape Crisis Centre 70 Lower Leeson St. Dublin 2 (24hr helpline, 7 days p/w, 365 days p/y)Ph: 1800 778 888Email: info@rcc.ie Web: www.drcc.ie/
5. Galway Galway Rape Crisis Centre The Lodge, Forster Court, Galway (Mon – Thurs 9:30 – 21:30, Fri 9:30 – 17:30)Ph: 1800 355 355Email: admingrcc@gmail.com Web: www.galwayrcc.ie
6. Kerry Kerry Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre 5 Greenview Terrace, Princes Quay, Tralee, Co. Kerry(Mon – Fri 9:00 – 17:00)Ph: 1800 633 333Email: kerryrapecrisis@krsac.com Web: www.krsac.com
7. Kilkenny Kilkenny Rape Crisis & Counselling Centre 1 Golf View Terrace, Kilkenny (Mon – Fri 9:00 – 17:00)Ph: 1800 478 478 Email: info@kasa.ie Web: www.kasa.ie
8. LimerickRape Crisis Midwest Phoenix House, Punch’s Cross, Rosbrien Rd, Limerick(Mon – Sat 9:00 – 17:00)Ph: 1800 311 511Email: info@rapecrisis.ie Web: www.rapecrisis.ie
9. Louth Rape Crisis Northeast Cherrywood, Counselling Centre, Jocelyn House, Jocelyn St. Townsparks, Dundalk, Co. Louth. A91 A03Y(Mon – Fri 9:00 – 17:00)Ph: 1800 212 122Email: info@rcne.ie Web: www.rcne.ie
10. Mayo Mayo Rape Crisis Centre Newtown, Castlebar, Co. Mayo (Mon – Thurs 9:00 – 17:00, Fri 9:00 – 13:00)Ph: 1800 234 900Email: info@mrcc.ie Web: www.mrcc.ie
11. Offaly Tullamore Rape Crisis Centre 4 Harbour View, Store St. Tullamore, Co. Offaly(Mon – Fri 10:00 – 17:00)Email: rapecrisiscentretullamore@gmail.com Web: Home | Tullamore Rape Crisis Centre
12. Sligo Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre Sligo, Leitrim & West Cavan (Mon – Fri 10:00 – 12:00)Ph: 1800 750 780Email: info@srcc.ie
Web: www.srcc.ie
13. TipperaryTipperary Rape Crisis Centre 20 Mary St. Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (Mon, Wed, Fri 9:00 – 17:00 / Tues 9:00 – 16:00 / Thurs 1:00 – 21:00)Ph: 1800 340 340 Email: info@trcc.ie
Web: www.trcc.ie
14. WaterfordWaterford Rape & Sexual Abuse Centre 2A Waterside, Waterford(Mon – Fri 9:30 – 17:30)Ph: 1800 296 296Email: info@waterfordsac.ie Web: www.waterfordsac.ie
15. Westmeath Athlone Midlands Rape Crisis Centre Suites 5 & 6, Townhouse Centre, St. Mary’s Place, Athlone, Co. Westmeath(Mon – Fri 10:00 – 13:00)Ph: 1800 306 600Email: info@amrcc.ie Web: www.amrcc.ie
16. WexfordWexford Rape Crisis Centre The Rocks, Maudlintown, Wexford. Y35 NF8A(Mon – Fri 9:30 – 17:00)Ph: 1800 330 033Email: support@wexfordrapecrisis.com Web: www.wexfordrapecrisis.com
An Garda Síochána
Child Sexual Abuse Freephone - 24-hour line for reporting a complaint of child sexual abuse: 1800 555 222
Complaints of sexual abuse can also be made in any local Garda station.
Samaritans
Samaritans is available for confidential, non-judgmental, listening support. You can call or email Samaritans anytime, day and night.
Freephone 116 123
Email jo@samaritans.ie
Visit www.samaritans.ie for more information
Pieta
Pieta provide counselling at their centres nationwide, and telephone support. Their services are for people who are at risk of suicide or self-harm, and for people who have been bereaved by suicide.
Freephone 1800 247 247 anytime, day or night
Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)
Visit www.pieta.ie for more information
Text About It
A free text service providing emotional support to anyone experiencing a crisis, through engagement in a text conversation with a trained and supervised volunteer.
Text HELLO to 50808 to start a conversation
Visit www.textaboutit.ie for more information
Mental Health Information
Visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie for information on how to mind your mental health, support others, or to find a service in your area. On the site you can find information on supports provided by HSE-funded organisations, including self-help, counselling, helplines and online supports. You can also call the HSE Your Mental Health Information Line on freephone 1800 111 888 for information on mental health services in your area. The Information Line is open anytime, day or night.
Additional Resources
The HSE funds and supports a number of organisations that provide support / clinical interventions at primary care level.
|
Service Name |
Services Offered |
|
Text About it |
The service provides immediate support for people going through mental health or emotional crisis. Text Hello to 50808 any time day or night |
|
MyMind.org |
Online and in-person counselling provider MyMind.org, scanner.topsec.com/?u=MyMind.org&d=1823&t=7b2c4f87f6f0a01762d8ae9aada9259e136c21cd provides counselling and psychotherapy. |
|
Turn2Me |
Online counselling provider Turn2Me, turn2me.ie/ provides counselling and psychotherapy. |
|
Pieta |
Provide Telephone and text-based support as well as counselling for people who are suicidal or engaging in self-harm.A person can Freephone 1800 247 247 every day 24 hours a day or Text HELP to 51444 - standard message rates apply |
|
Aware |
Support adults with depression and mood related conditions by offering free evidence-based programmes based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in their local communities |
As well as the services provided by and on behalf of the HSE, private mental health supports are also available.
|
Service Name |
Services Offered |
|
The Irish Council for Psychotherapy |
Has more than 1,500 psychotherapists registered. It represents a range of disciplines and approaches including Cognitive and Behavioural, Couple and Family, Humanistic and Integrative and Psychoanalytic Therapies. www.psychotherapycouncil.ie/find/ |
|
The Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy |
The largest Counselling and Psychotherapy Association in Ireland representing over 5,000 members. It provides a link between those who are looking for Counselling/Psychotherapy and those who provide Counselling/Psychotherapy. The IACP provide a free comprehensive online directory of all accredited IACP Counsellors/Psychotherapists in Ireland, see link below. They list accredited Counsellors/Psychotherapists in every county in Ireland The IACP also offer a Telephone Information Service providing information on all areas relating to Counselling and Psychotherapy: 01 230 3536, 9:30 am to 1 pm, Monday to Friday.www.iacp.ie/page/therapists?co=6&cat=11 |
|
The Psychological Society of Ireland |
The professional body for psychology and psychologists in Ireland. It represents approximately 4,600 members.www.psychologicalsociety.ie/pd/ |
School Admissions
Ceisteanna (191)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:191. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if a person will be assisted with a school placement (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38709/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The minimum registration requirements for each route are set out in the Regulations. The Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.
The Council assesses applications for registration to ensure that the qualifications meet the standard required of all applicants, to uphold the high standards our education system is known for. In assessing qualifications all requirements are applied equally and transparently to all and that is an important principle
The Teaching Council has confirmed that the person referred to by the Deputy in this query has submitted an application for registration with the Teaching Council in May 2024. The Council is currently liaising with the applicant with respect to outstanding documentation that is required to progress the application.
The individual referred to by the Deputy is advised to continue to liaise with the Teaching Council and follow any advice or guidance that they may give on the matter.
Further information that may be of help to the applicant can be found on the Teaching Council website Register to Teach | The Teaching Council .
Commissions of Investigation
Ceisteanna (192)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:192. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the establishment of the commission of investigation into historical sexual abuse in schools. [38711/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has accepted the recommendation to establish a Commission of Investigation which is the principal recommendation of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders. I have convened a high level Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) to examine the recommendations of the Report and to consider the terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation.
The IDG is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Education and its membership includes high-level representation from the Department of the Taoiseach, Department of Education, Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the Department of Justice. Representatives from other Departments and agencies can also be invited to assist the work of the IDG as necessary.
This Group will consider the issues arising from the recommendations of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry and advise on both the recommendations and the terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation. A further Memorandum will be brought to Government in due course.
Given the desire of Government to progress consideration of the recommendations of the Report as quickly as possible and in recognition of the importance of early action to survivors, the IDG will aim to complete its work as quickly as possible. The matters it has been asked to consider are complex and it is important to get the Terms of Reference of the Commission right, so that it is robust, has the necessary powers to compel witnesses and documents, and so that it can complete its work in a reasonable timeframe. The Group will need time to gather any additional information or expert advice that it may require, and to carry out its deliberations. It will report in due course.
State Examinations
Ceisteanna (193)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:193. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will instruct her Department to take urgent action ensuring the introduction of extra time for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties in Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38716/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.