Paul Murphy
Ceist:153. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the abolition of mandatory retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39913/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Policies
Ceisteanna (153)
Freagraí scríofa
The Commission on Pensions was established on foot of a 2020 Programme for Government commitment. As part of its work, the Pensions Commission was asked to consider the issue of retirement ages in private employment contracts that are set below the State Pension age. The report of the Commission was published in October 2021.
The option of abolishing mandatory retirement ages entirely was considered by the Pensions Commission. Following their extensive deliberations and examination of a number of options to address the issue of contractual retirement ages, the Pensions Commission decided against the option.
Ultimately their final recommendation, which was accepted by Government, was to introduce measures to align mandatory retirement ages in employment contracts with the State Pension age, age 66.
Complete abolition of any mandatory retirement age exceeds the scope of current Government policy. It would impose a potentially substantial burden on employers, by restricting their ability to plan their workforces, including succession planning and providing promotional opportunities. It would also run counter to recent case law.
In March 2024, Government approved the drafting of the Employment (Restriction of Certain Mandatory Retirement Ages) Bill 2024, which will implement the Pension Commission's specific recommendation.
The purpose of the Bill is to align mandatory retirement ages in employment contracts with the State Pension age, age 66, where an employee does not consent to the mandatory retirement age. This element of consent reflects the fact that many employees may want to retire at the contractual retirement age. The Bill is a priority for publication during the Autumn term.
Redundancy Payments
Ceisteanna (154)
Seán Haughey
Ceist:154. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will raise the 20-year-old cap on statutory redundancy payments in order to synchronise them with current wage levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39924/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Redundancy Payments Act 1967 sets out the formula for calculating the minimum redundancy payment which must be made to eligible employees when they are made redundant by their employer. This is referred to as “statutory redundancy”, and it is a lump sum payment based on an employee’s pay and length of service. An eligible employee is entitled to two weeks' pay for every year of service plus one additional week's pay. Weekly pay is capped at €600 per week for the purposes of the calculation.
The Redundancy Payments Act 1979 Act provides that, when setting a weekly pay cap for redundancy payments, the Minister must take into account any changes in the average earnings of workers in the transportable goods industries as recorded by the Central Statistics Office. Any regulations are subject to the consent of the Minister for Finance.
I acknowledge the weekly cap has not been increased since 2005. There are no immediate plans for an increase, but my officials are keeping this matter under active review. A number of factors must also be carefully balanced in any consideration of an increase to the €600 ceiling. These include the rights of employees to a reasonable redundancy payment while also taking account of the potential increased costs to some businesses. Consultation with other Government Departments, employer and employee representative groups and other relevant stakeholders would also be required.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (155)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:155. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide a breakdown of the number of businesses in each local authority that have been approved for the increased costs of business grant; the total amount allocated in each local authority area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39952/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Increased Cost of Business Scheme has successfully paid out €243m to almost 75,000 SMEs right around the country, including over 38,000 SMEs in the retail and hospitality sector. The ICOB scheme is now closed to registrations.
The information you requested is the up to date information as at 7th October, the value of total payments includes double payments to hospitality, retail and beauty sectors.
|
Local Authority |
Businesses approvals to date |
Total Value of Payments to date |
|
Carlow County Council |
1100 |
€3,422,921 |
|
Cavan County Council |
1352 |
€2,946,935 |
|
Clare County Council |
2228 |
€6,126,895 |
|
Cork City Council |
3602 |
€14,371,195 |
|
Cork County Council |
5528 |
€15,067,159 |
|
Donegal County Council |
2521 |
€7,368,640 |
|
Dublin City Council |
8490 |
€35,555,533 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
2543 |
€10,792,340 |
|
Fingal County Council |
2842 |
€11,042,084 |
|
Galway City Council |
2006 |
€7,698,686 |
|
Galway County Council |
2065 |
€5,959,114 |
|
Kerry County Council |
2399 |
€7,924,721 |
|
Kildare County Council |
3056 |
€9,951,677 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
1588 |
€4,308,010 |
|
Laois County Council |
1023 |
€3,096,157 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
519 |
€1,150,237 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
3685 |
€11,488,271 |
|
Longford County Council |
859 |
€2,077,215 |
|
Louth County Council |
2349 |
€7,279,240 |
|
Mayo County Council |
2599 |
€8,063,123 |
|
Meath County Council |
2693 |
€7,487,266 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
1369 |
€3,159,648 |
|
Offaly County Council |
1067 |
€2,503,902 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
1058 |
€2,605,579 |
|
Sligo County Council |
1063 |
€3,082,456 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
3372 |
€13,876,730 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
2998 |
€7,353,736 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
2251 |
€7,268,680 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
1592 |
€4,542,745 |
|
Wexford County Council |
2846 |
€8,921,401 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
2290 |
€6,492,145 |
|
Totals |
74,953 |
€242,984,442 |
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (156)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:156. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount expended by IDA Ireland on external legal fees associated with freedom of information cases in each of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and to date in 2024, in tabular form, to include service provider name (details supplied). [39967/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table below outlines the expenditure in the past five years by the IDA Ireland on external legal fees for an FOI case concerning the release of a client survey to Byrne Wallace LLP:
|
Client Survey - FOI |
|
|
2020 |
€4,308.69 |
|
2021 |
€16,736.52 |
|
2022 |
€8,398.71 |
|
2023 |
€48,562.41 |
|
2024 |
€11,165.94 |
|
Total |
€89,172.27 |
The table below outlines the expenditure in the past five years by the IDA Ireland on external legal fees to McCann Fitzgerald LLP for an FOI case concerning a land deal in Co. Louth:
|
Land in Louth - FOI |
|
|
2020 |
€0 |
|
2021 |
€0 |
|
2022 |
€5,658.00 |
|
2023 |
€76.437.17 |
|
2024 |
€0 |
|
Total |
€82,095.17 |
I can confirm that IDA Ireland did not abandon the client survey case. In this instance IDA Ireland appealed a decision of the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) to the High Court. The matter was listed for hearing in January 2023. The matter was settled, with a High Court Order being made that the decision of the OIC be set aside and the matter remitted to the OIC, to be assigned to a different OIC investigator. No order was made as to costs in the case, with each side bearing their own legal costs. The legal costs figure set out above in respect of this matter includes the costs of this High Court appeal.
Any appeal made by IDA Ireland has been taken based on exemptions provided for within the FOI legislation. These exemptions provide protection for matters such as commercially sensitive information, personal information or protection for the financial and economic interests of the State.
Appeals of OIC decisions must be made through the High Court. As such, in the instance that an FOI Decision is being appealed by IDA Ireland, the agency will seek external legal advice.
Finally, the IDA has noted the comments made by the Information Commissioner in his ‘Annual Report 2023’ regarding the growing occurrence of FOI bodies who appear to be contracting out their decision-making functions to external legal advisers. However, as the Deputy is aware, the law relating to Freedom of Information is a specialised area of law, requiring detailed knowledge of the governing legislation, the relevant legal principles, the relevant Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) decisions and the relevant court decisions. Both because of the specialised nature of the legal issues involved, and the existing workload of its internal solicitors, IDA has relied on its panel of external law firms to advise the Agency in relation to these FOI requests.
As with all resourcing issues, this matter is kept under review by the Executive and Board of the IDA.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (157)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:157. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when businesses that have not received the second payment of the increased cost of business scheme can expect to receive it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39986/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB) has successfully paid out €243m to date to almost 75,000 SMEs right around the country, including over 38,000 SMEs in the retail and hospitality sector. The ICOB scheme is now closed to registrations.
Eligible businesses in the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors were granted a second payment under the Scheme. Local Authorities are continuing to make payments to businesses and all payments to remaining eligible businesses will be made over the coming weeks. A business who is still waiting should contact their Local Authority directly for an update on payment times.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (158)
Colm Burke
Ceist:158. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration would be given to the provision of additional financial supports for small businesses in the health and safety sector, given that, while the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland loans assist many businesses, the interest rates have increased, leading to a demand for alternative financial supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40077/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Government is committed to helping businesses by providing a range of targeted interventions and supports.
As well as loans provided through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, loans are available through Microfinance Ireland. Microfinance Ireland provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market by lending to business that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders. It provides loans of €2,000 up to €50,000 to businesses that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by commercial lenders and applies interest rate charges for its lending which are not reflective of its credit risk.
The loan term is typically three years for working capital purposes and can be extended to five years for capital expenditures. Interest rates range from between 5.5% for clients of Local Enterprise Offices and other partners to 6.5% for direct applications. Microfinance Ireland also provides post approval mentoring services to its borrowers through the Local Enterprise Office Network.
Information on these loans and other alternative types of financial supports is available on the National Enterprise Hub (NEH) which I launched in July. This Hub provides business owners with a centralised signposting service for over 180 Government supports. It is a free service that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to access and avail of supports such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors.
The NEH includes access to a team of expert advisors through a dedicated phone line, live chat and email. These advisors will help to diagnose the needs of the individual business, directing them to the appropriate available supports or indeed put them in direct contact with the relevant agency. www.neh.gov.ie
The Government is dedicated to backing businesses and will continue to work closely with SMEs by supporting their growth.
Business Supports
Ceisteanna (159)
Colm Burke
Ceist:159. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration would be given by his Department to implement regular consultation with small local businesses to target specific challenges and needs that they face, as this would ensure the creation of relevant and effective support measures for said businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40078/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department consults with small businesses on a regular basis and through a variety of existing fora. I am acutely aware of the specific challenges these small businesses face and my Department and this Government have continued to introduce relevant and effective measures to support them.
I chair the SME and Entrepreneurship Taskforce, whose membership includes entrepreneurs, business leaders and other individuals uniquely positioned to contribute to a long-term vision for the SME sector.
The SME and Entrepreneurship Growth Plan, developed by that Taskforce, sets out a wide range of recommendations with long-term strategic relevance for SMEs and entrepreneurs, including measures to assist companies to start up, scale up, enhance their digital and green capabilities, and increase export activity.
There has been significant progress on implementation of the priorities, particularly given the challenging economic environment over the past number of years. The Taskforce meets quarterly and brings annual progress reports to government.
The Taskforce priorities for 2024 are as follows: Access to Finance (including funding and insurance), Digital Transformation, Increasing first time exporters & Enhanced assistance for high-potential businesses, SME Management Skills, Reducing the regulatory burden for SMEs & Cost of doing business, Delivery of the National Enterprise Hub, Ireland’s climate ambitions, and Inclusive entrepreneurship.
My Department also hosts the Enterprise Forum to discuss enterprise policy implications arising from emerging national and international challenges, with a particular focus on capturing the views, concerns, and suggestions of the enterprise sector. The Enterprise Forum meets quarterly and includes (amongst others) SME representative bodies.
In addition, there is a structured approach to consulting with retail businesses of all sizes including small businesses, through the Retail Forum. Membership of the Retail Forum includes retailers and retail representative bodies, public sector and academic bodies.
The Government is keenly aware of the impact of rising costs on the retail sector. This issue and others are brought to the attention of the Minister for Business, Employment and Retail regularly by retail representative bodies.
The Retail Forum, chaired by the Minister for Business, Employment and Retail, meets on a quarterly basis. It is a platform where key issues of relevance to the retail sector can be discussed, with a view to identifying practical actions which could be taken by government, or by industry itself, to support the sector with particular emphasis on achieving sustainable jobs growth in the sector.
Current priorities for the Retail Forum include supporting it to deal with the impacts of the rising cost of doing business, retail crime, the responsibilities imposed by EU legislation and the challenges and opportunities arising from the green and digital transitions.
State Bodies
Ceisteanna (160)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:160. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of WTE vacancies, by job title, at the Corporate Enforcement Authority as of 1 October 2024; the estimated full-year cost of filling each of the vacancies; and the timeframe in which each of the vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [40132/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Corporate Enforcement Authority has a full civilian staff complement of 72 WTEs. As at 1 October 2024 there were 14 civilian vacancies and the details of each are set out in tabular form below.
|
Job Title |
WTE Vacancy |
Estimated full-year cost of filling each of the vacancies |
Estimated timeframe in which each of the vacancies will be filled |
Additional commentary |
|
Director of Digital Investigations & Analytics |
1 |
127,576 |
End Q4 2024 - Q1 2025 |
Position filled by way of acting up for 6 months (July 2024 until Jan 2025).A competition to fill the permanent post is due to be advertised in October 2024. |
|
Senior ICT Manager |
1 |
96,705 |
End Q4 2024 - Q1 2025 |
The closing date for competition to fill permanent post was 23rd September 2024.Interviews are scheduled for 10th,11th and 14th October 2024. |
|
Senior Legal Advisor |
4 |
386,822 |
End Q4 2024 - Q1 2025 |
A procurement process is being conducted for an RFT for Recruitment Services for Legal Professionals.Contracts are due to be signed on the 9th October 2024 for successful tenderer.Recruitment for Legal Advisors will then commence.Booklet for permanent position currently under final review. |
|
HLE |
2 |
140,351 |
Q1 2025 |
Procurement process conducted for an RFT for Recruitment Services for Legal Professionals.Contracts due to be signed on the 9th October 2024 for successful tenderer.Recruitment for Higher Legal Executive can then commence. |
|
HEO |
4 |
280,702 |
Q4 2024 |
These roles are subject to PAS drawdown panel.Roles submitted to PAS May & July 2024.Status update from PAS - New competition - panel expected in October will be used to fill some existing vacancies. Further interviews to be scheduled. |
|
EO ICT |
1 |
51,952 |
Q4 2024 |
This role is subject to PAS drawdown panel.The role submitted to PAS Jan 2024 and is due to be filled shortly with a candidate in the clearance process. |
|
CO |
1 |
41,254 |
2025 |
This role is subject to PAS drawdown panel.The role submitted to PAS 3rd Oct 2024. |
|
Total |
14 |
1,125,363 |
|
Notes |
• Costs are assumed at one year at the mid-point of the relevant scale plus Employers PRSI estimated at 10%. There is no pension cost included.
• In addition to the above, the CEA has sanction for one temporary Senior Project Manager for the duration of the project estimated as lasting 2 years - Cost = 96,705. The secondment has been advertised with a closing date of the 9th October 2024.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (161)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:161. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will clarify whether travel expenses are provided for in the Payment Of Wages Act 1991. [40162/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Statutory and contractual employment terms apply in relation to the payment of wages. Failure to pay all or part of the wages due to an employee is considered an unlawful deduction and a complaint can be made under the Payment of Wages Act 1991.
The Payment of Wages Act 1991 establishes a range of rights for all employees in relation to payment of wages. The Act regulates how wages and salaries are paid and what deductions may be made from same. Under this Act, an employer is not permitted to make deductions from an employee's wages unless the deduction is authorised under the contract of employment, required by statute or is made with the prior written consent of the employee. Under the Payment of Wages Act 1991, an employer is allowed to make the following deductions from an employee’s wage:
• Any deduction required or authorised by law (for example, PAYE or PRSI)
• Any deduction authorised by the term of an employee's contract (for example, pension contributions or particular till shortages)
• Any deduction agreed to in writing in advance by the employee (for example, a health insurance subscription or sports and social club membership)
Special restrictions are placed on employers in relation to deductions (or the receipt of payments) from wages, which -
• arise from any act or omission of the employee, or
• are in respect of the supply to the employee by the employer of goods or services which are necessary to the employment.
Any deduction (or payment) from wages of these kinds must satisfy the following conditions -
• the deduction (or payment to the employer) must be provided for in the contract of employment in a term whether express or implied and, if express, whether oral or in writing
• the amount of the deduction (or payment to the employer) from wages must be fair and reasonable having regard to all the circumstances including the amount of the wages of the employee,
• the employee must be given at some time prior to the act or omission, or the provision of the goods or services, written details of the terms in the contract of employment governing the deduction (or payment to the employer) from wages. When a written contract exists, a copy of the term of the contract which provides for the deduction or payment must be given to the employee. In any other case, the employee must be given written notice of the existence and effect of the term.
• the employee must be given particulars in writing of the act or omission and the amount of the deduction (or payment) at least one week before the deduction (or payment) is made,
• the deduction (or payment) must be made no later than 6 months after the act or omission became known to the employer. However, if a series of deductions (or payments) are to be made in respect of a particular act or omission, the first deduction (or payment) in the series must be made within the 6 month period.
If an employee believes that their employer has made an unlawful deduction from their pay, then they may refer a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission. Complaints should be made using the online complaint form available on workplacerelations.ie. A complaint must be brought within 6 months of the date of the deduction. The time limit may be extended for up to a further 6 months, but only where there is a reasonable cause which prevented the person from bringing the complaint in the normal time limit.
Budget 2025
Ceisteanna (162)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:162. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports and grants in Budget 2025 for a business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40174/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The funding secured in Budget 2025 for the Local Enterprise Offices will allow the 31 LEOs to continue deliver their mandate, as set out in the LEO Policy Statement, and their critical work in promoting entrepreneurship and start-ups all over the country.
This Budget provision will support the wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes available through the LEOs. These are tailored to meet specific business requirements, whether it is a new start up or growing an existing business, there are programmes that are suitable for all small businesses. The funding will also enable the LEOs to help businesses become more competitive through programmes like Green for Business, Lean, and Digital for Business as well as funding streams such as the Energy Efficiency Grant and Grow Digital.
I would recommend that anyone starting their own business enquire about the’ Start Your Own Business’ (SYOB) Programme, which assists participants in assessing their business idea, its viability and then making an informed decision on whether to proceed or take a step back. The programme is designed to guide participants through the various aspects of business and business planning with no prior business knowledge necessary.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (163)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:163. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide a breakdown of the amount expended by his Department on consultancies in 2023 and to date in 2024; the company engaged; and the nature of the work conducted by the consultancy on his Department’s behalf, in tabular form. [40211/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department considers engaging consultancy services in cases where there is not the necessary expertise to deliver a project in-house, in cases where an external assessment is deemed essential, or in cases where a project must be completed within a short time scale, and although the expertise or experience may be available in-house, performing the task would involve a prohibitive opportunity cost. My Department complies with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's guidelines for engagements of consultants by the civil service, having regard to public procurement guidelines.
The amount spent by my Department on consultancies; which I’ve taken to include reports, surveys, and audit services paid under my Department’s AD7 Consultancy Budget, in 2023 and to date in 2024 is set out in tabular form in the attached. I have also included ICT consultancy services for completeness.
Irish Language
Ceisteanna (164)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:164. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the number of schools in Gaeltacht areas that are now required to teach English as a first language; the number of teaching hours devoted to this; the impact this is having on the normal functioning of these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39788/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
With regard to the Department of Education's language policy for Gaeltacht schools, the Department promotes and supports the use of Irish as a first language in these schools through its Policy on Gaeltacht Education.
The main aim of this Policy is to further strengthen Irish-medium educational provision in Gaeltacht language-planning areas.
The Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme is the cornerstone of the policy. It gives schools in the language planning areas the opportunity to seek official recognition as Gaeltacht Schools. Schools must meet specific language-based criteria in order to achieve recognition.
102 primary schools and 29 post-primary schools are participating in the Scheme in the 2024/25 school year. Over 120 of these schools have achieved recognition to date. My Department is organising a number of events this month to celebrate their achievements.
There are 29 primary schools within the Gaeltacht language-planning areas that are currently not participating in the Scheme. The NCCA provides suggested time allocations to assist these teachers and schools in their work with the curriculum, including suggested time allocations for language 1 and language 2.
Teacher Training
Ceisteanna (165, 167)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:165. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if she gave permission for all of the content that was delivered on the SPHE teacher training in DCU from February 2023 to 2024; the reason she believes that there should be no values attached to teaching of SPHE. [39620/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPeadar Tóibín
Ceist:167. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if she has given permission for students to be told by teachers that confidentiality should exist over what is said in classrooms on SPHE discussions; and if she understands that children should be allowed to discuss with their parents what happens in the classroom. [39622/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 167 together.
The Deputy may be aware that a new Junior Cycle SPHE specification was introduced in schools for those entering first year in September 2023, and in September of this year, an updated SPHE curriculum for Senior Cycle has been made available for schools to introduce by September 2027 for students entering fifth year.
The Junior Cycle specification was the first to be updated. The new Junior Cycle SPHE specification was introduced in schools for those entering first year in September 2023. The aim of the course is to build students’ self-awareness and positive self-worth; to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will support them to lead fulfilling and healthy lives; empower them to create, nurture and maintain respectful and loving relationships with self and others; and enhance their capacity to contribute positively to society.
The specifications are available on the NCCA’s website www.curriculumonline.ie. The NCCA has also published a toolkit of resources which includes guidance for the teaching of SPHE. One of the resources deals with ground rules for how the SPHE class will work together, taking into account respect for people’s privacy, establishing appropriate boundaries and child protection and safeguarding.
There is no suggestion that students should be asked not to discuss SPHE teaching and learning with their parents, who are the primary educators of their children. In the NCCA’s Presentation for Parents on Junior Cycle SPHE, which is published on www.ncca.ie, it is noted that conversations between parents and students are really important and that topics covered in the SPHE class can often provide an opportunity for parents to open up conversations on SPHE-related matters.
To build teacher capacity in the teaching of SPHE, in 2022, I announced the provision of a Graduate Diploma in Social, Personal and Health Education and Relationships and Sexuality Education SPHE/RSE for post-primary teachers to be provided by DCU.
The DCU programme was developed following a tendering process and is fully academically accredited through DCU’s quality assurance processes for any new programme. DCU has extensive experience and expertise in the field of teacher education, including, specifically, personnel with significant research experience in SPHE/RSE.
This programme is the first of its kind in Ireland and offers post-primary teachers the opportunity to upskill in this very important subject area, something that has been called for by teacher representative groups.
The teaching of SPHE/RSE is a complex endeavour given the breadth and perceived sensitivities of the topics addressed. The programme developed by DCU offers the integrity of an evidence-based approach, grounded in models of good practice, delivered by a core team of highly qualified teacher educators with leadership and expertise in SPHE/RSE pedagogy, nationally and internationally recognised researchers and experienced blended learning designs. It should be noted that there is a distinction between material which is provided to teachers as part of their training and which should be provided to students, and that no sexually explicit or graphic material should be used in classrooms.
Teacher Training
Ceisteanna (166)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:166. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if she has given permission for the OIDE Toolkit to be used in schools; if she supports the idea that students should avoid heteronormative language; if she has given permission for training to be given to SPHE teachers that they should introduce themselves to students using their personal pronouns; if she has given permission for teaching to be delivered in SPHE on the basis of gender affirmation rather than science; if her Department has conducted any study into the damaged caused to children by gender affirmation ideology; if so, to provide examples of this research; and if she realises that most European countries are reversing from the ideology of gender affirmation on the basis of the damage it does to children. [39621/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In regard to the curriculum itself, this is considered to be for all learners regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic background, gender or orientation. It is the aim of my Department that every child has access to equitable education, and that each learner feels safe and happy in an inclusive and welcoming school environment, at every stage.
In regard to the toolkit referenced by the Deputy, I take it that this is the online toolkit of resources published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. These have been created in direct response to teachers’ request for support for classroom teaching of SPHE, and there are three online toolkits – one for primary, one for junior cycle and one for senior cycle teachers. All three are available on www.curriculumonline.ie . These resources are carefully selected for Irish classrooms and mapped out according to the age and stage of learners.
Teachers may choose to avail of these resources if they so wish. They are advised to judge the relevance and appropriateness of each resource in the context of their students’ unique needs, stage of development and school context. Some of the resources are listed as background reading for teachers and others are listed as for use in the classroom. No inappropriate graphic or explicit material should ever be used in a classroom setting.
Question No. 167 answered with Question No. 165.
School Curriculum
Ceisteanna (168)
Verona Murphy
Ceist:168. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she is fully aware of the explicit content of learning in the new Junior Cycle SPHE course; if she is in agreement with the learning content around relationships and sexuality; if she deems the entire content to be age appropriate for 12-14-year-old children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39625/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The new Junior Cycle SPHE specification was introduced in schools for those entering first year in September 2023.
The aim of the course is to build students’ self-awareness and positive self-worth; to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will support them to lead fulfilling and healthy lives; empower them to create, nurture and maintain respectful and loving relationships with self and others; and enhance their capacity to contribute positively to society.
The specification consists of four strands: Understanding Myself and Others; Making Healthy Choices; Relationship and Sexuality; and Emotional Wellbeing.
Teaching and learning is age and stage appropriate, based on research and informed by the extensive consultation.
Learning outcomes over the three years of Junior Cycle range from communicating in a respectful and effective manner, to appreciating the importance of setting healthy boundaries, considering the impact of stress and techniques to manage day to day stresses, and learning outcomes dealing with alcohol, smoking and other addictive substances.
Sensitive topics such as the influence of pornography are also addressed but it is important to be clear that in this regard, key messages would be that pornography is not a good place to go to learn about sex, that it can be disturbing and even damaging for young people, and that it is incompatible with values of human dignity, respect and gender equality. No inappropriate graphic or explicit material should ever be used in a classroom setting.
The curriculum specification is published on curriculumonline.ie and I would urge all interested parties to view the full specification, including aim, rationale and learning outcomes, for themselves.
It should also be noted that, in accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act, 1998, parents have a right to have their children opt out of classes which are contrary to the conscience of the parent if they so wish.
School Curriculum
Ceisteanna (169)
Verona Murphy
Ceist:169. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Education the level of consultation with all stakeholders that is being undertaken in regard to the learning content to be included in 'My Wellbeing Journey 3 – second edition' of the new Junior Cycle SPHE course, due to be published in spring 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39626/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Curriculum specification and prescribed material for any subject are determined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) www.ncca.ie. It is the responsibility of each individual school to select the resources (other than prescribed material) that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum. Any concerns regarding material published in textbooks should be raised with the publisher themselves. The Department does not have any role in respect of the publication or selection or textbooks.
School Curriculum
Ceisteanna (170)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:170. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39627/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The new Junior Cycle SPHE specification was introduced in schools for those entering first year in September 2023.
I can assure the Deputy that the curriculum categorically does not expose children to graphic or explicit content.
The aim of the course is to build students’ self-awareness and positive self-worth; to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will support them to lead fulfilling and healthy lives; empower them to create, nurture and maintain respectful and loving relationships with self and others; and enhance their capacity to contribute positively to society.
The specification consists of four strands: Understanding Myself and Others; Making Healthy Choices; Relationship and Sexuality; and Emotional Wellbeing. Teaching and learning is age and stage appropriate, based on research and informed by the extensive consultation.
Learning outcomes over the three years of Junior Cycle range from communicating in a respectful and effective manner, to appreciating the importance of setting healthy boundaries, considering the impact of stress and techniques to manage day to day stresses, and learning outcomes dealing with alcohol, smoking and other addictive substances. Sensitive topics such as the influence of pornography are also addressed. It is important to be clear that in this regard, key messages would be that pornography is not a good place to go to learn about sex, that it can be disturbing and even damaging for young people, and that it is incompatible with values of human dignity, respect and gender equality.
The NCCA has also published a toolkit of resources which includes guidance for the teaching of SPHE. One of the resources deals with ground rules for how the SPHE class will work together, taking into account respect people’s privacy, establishing appropriate boundaries and child protection and safeguarding. There is no suggestion that students should be asked not to discuss SPHE teaching and learning with their parents, who are the primary educators of their children. Indeed, the NCCA’s Presentation for Parents on Junior Cycle SPHE, which is published on www.ncca.ie, notes that conversations between parents and students are really important and that topics covered in the SPHE class can often provide an opportunity for parents to open up conversations on SPHE-related matters.
The curriculum specification is published on curriculumonline.ie and I would urge all interested parties to view the full specification, including aim, rationale and learning outcomes, for themselves.
It should also be noted that, in accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act, 1998, parents have a right to have their children opt out of classes which are contrary to the conscience of the parent if they so wish.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (171)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if a school bus issue will be addressed for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39642/24]
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.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil to whom the Deputy refers is a mainstream eligible pupil and received a School Transport ticket on the 10th July 2024.
At present it is understood that this pupil is meeting the service at Brosna, which is 3.2km from their home. There is a closer pick up point at Knockane which is 0.6km from this pupils home which is the pick up point on their ticket.
Bus Éireann has advised that their local office will contact this family and advise them of the closer pick up point which is within guidelines under the post primary school transport scheme.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (172)
James O'Connor
Ceist:172. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the position regarding school transport for a student with special education needs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39720/24]
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.
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 sourcing 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 officials in School Transport Section, and have been offered this grant.