Written Answers Nos. 279-300
281. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the sense checks that are in place for legislation to minimise the impact on SMEs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13059/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government is clear in setting out the importance of SMEs to our economy. Developing Ireland's enterprise base will remain a key priority and we will strive to reduce costs, administrative burdens and bureaucracy for businesses. As Minister, I will be putting a particular focus on simplification and burden reduction.
The SME Test is a tool that encourages policymakers across Government to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate. Through the SME Test, we are driving home the importance of the “think small first” principle and scrutinising new legislation, policies and initiatives to ensure that SMEs are not disproportionately impacted.
In September 2024, the Government agreed that initiatives to minimise the regulatory burden on SMEs would be introduced which would:
(a) rigorously apply the new SME Test across Government Departments,
(b) seek to extend application of the Test to the wider public service and regulatory bodies, and,
(c) consult with business to identify additional areas across Departments/Agencies where the regulatory burden could be reduced, and additionally, that Departments would be asked to report back to Government with the aim of reducing the regulatory burden on business.
Updated SME Test Guidelines were developed by my officials and these have been issued to all Departments. Departments are now obliged to publish SME Tests on their websites.
My Department and the Department of the Taoiseach have recently engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with business representative groups. Officials have gathered their feedback on the most problematic areas of administrative and regulatory burdens currently faced by their members. This feedback is helping to inform the approach to commitments in the Programme for Government around reducing administrative burdens.
282. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the representations he has made to the European Commission regarding ensuring the potential exposure of Irish whiskey to US tariffs is reduced; and if they, in recent months, have sought that whiskey not be an item included in the EU's retaliatory tariffs. [13144/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the operational aspects of the transfer of particular files and functions regarding trade policy will be managed between my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade over the coming period, this matter is one that I am updated regularly on.
The Government regrets the US Administration’s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium from the EU and other trade partners. It leaves the EU with no choice but to take the necessary and proportionate action to defend the interests of Irish and European businesses, workers and citizens.
We want to avoid a series of escalating tit-for tat tariffs. They are economically counterproductive and would disrupt deeply integrated supply chains, which benefit businesses and employers on both sides of the Atlantic.
There are, of course, sectoral specific risks as we have seen with the threats of potential retaliatory tariffs on European spirits and beverages. The Irish agrifood sector is one of our most important indigenous sectors and Irish Whiskey and other beverages are a key part of that sector. Close coordination with the European Commission will be essential in the period ahead.
My officials are engaging very actively with the Commission and other EU Member States on what is a very serious and evolving situation. The Government has made our concerns clearly know to the EU. The Tánaiste spoke with Commissioner Šefčovič last week and is in close contact with EU Trade Ministers. We know that the EU stands ready to find a negotiated solution with the US. Its countermeasures can be reversed at any time if such a solution is found.
Ireland remains committed to the principles of free and open trade, which have underpinned our economic success. Free and open trade brings economic opportunities, creates well-paid jobs and fosters innovation. It builds economic resilience within a strong, rules-based international trading system and that message is one that we need to advocate for.
283. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has examined the issue of file padding in the workplace, where employers fabricate or exaggerate disciplinary records to justify dismissal, demotion, or other adverse actions; if such practices will be recognised as a form of workplace harassment; if legislative measures are being considered to prevent and penalise such conduct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13153/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has a comprehensive body of employment, equality, and industrial relations legislation, which offers the same protections to all employees legally employed under a contract of employment. All employers, regardless of sector, are responsible for ensuring that their employees receive all the protections afforded them under employment legislation.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, facilitation, and advisory services.
Individuals who consider their employment rights have been infringed may refer a complaint to the WRC for adjudication. Further information on employment rights and how to lodge a complaint with the WRC can be accessed at www.workplacerelations.ie.
284. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of instant payment notifications issued since they were introduced in June 2023 each year to the CRO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13163/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Companies Registration Office is not familiar with the “instant payment notifications” referred to by the Deputy. I will endeavour to provide a more substantive response if the Deputy can provide clarification on the information being sought.
285. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total number of companies that have registered their beneficial ownership with the CRO; the percentage share of registered companies that have registered their beneficial ownership; the number and percentage of industrial and provident societies which had registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13164/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Register of Beneficial Ownership of Companies and Industrial and Provident Societies (RBO) was set up under the European Union (Anti-Money Laundering: Beneficial Ownership of Corporate Entities) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 110 of 2019) in accordance with EU anti money laundering legislation. Companies, incorporated under the Companies Act 2014, and societies, registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1893, are required to register certain information with the RBO in respect of their beneficial owners.
As of 8th March 2025, 279,897 companies (88.5% of those on the Register of Companies) and 701 industrial and provident societies (74.6% of those on the Register of Friendly Societies) had registered their beneficial ownership details with the RBO.
286. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans to increase the number of work permits for HGV mechanics beyond the quota of 200, as set out under Statutory Instrument No. 680/2023, considering the cap has already been exceeded and no further permits can be issued until further action is taken by the Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13165/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permit applications for HGV mechanics that were refused by his Department since the quota of 200 permits, as set out under Statutory Instrument No. 680/2023, was reached; his views on whether there are now sufficient numbers of HGV mechanics in Ireland without the need to increase the quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13166/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra288. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if applications for work permits for HGV mechanics who were refused due to the quota of 200, as set out under Statutory Instrument No. 680/2023, being reached can be accepted in a future round of work permits without the employer having to re-enter the 28-day advertising period and the 90-day deadline to get the applications submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13167/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 286 to 288, inclusive, together.
Ireland operates a managed, vacancy-led employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. This approach complements the primary policy objective of Government to upskill the resident population at all levels. Where specific skills prove difficult to source within the European Economic Area (EEA), and where the recruitment for such skills may benefit the State’s economic or social development, the employment permits system enables Ireland to supplement our domestic skills and labour supply by permitting the recruitment of nationals from outside Ireland and the EEA.
One of the methods used to ensure that skills cannot be found in the EEA is the Labour Market Needs Test (LMNT), which first advertises a role to those already in the local and EEA labour markets before an application can be made for an employment permit. The LMNT underpins the Government’s employment creation objectives by requiring employers in the State to hire in a balanced manner from the local labour market and ensures that the State complies with EU Union preference obligations.
Under the rules of the LMNT, the advertisement must be reissued if the initial posting occurred more than 90 days before the application for an employment permit is made. This requirement is set out in the Employment Permits Act 2024 and ensures that the labour market is regularly tested to ensure there is no local or EEA labour available. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the employment permit not being issued.
The employment permits system is managed through the operation of two Occupations Lists: the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL), which identifies critical occupations for which there is a shortage in the EEA and the Ineligible Occupations List (IOL), which identifies occupations for which there is a sufficient labour pool within the EEA. The Occupations Lists undergo periodic evidence-based reviews which involve a public/stakeholder consultation. These reviews are informed by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, SOLAS Skills and Labour Market Research Unit and the Economic Migration Policy Interdepartmental Group which is chaired by my department and includes representatives from a number of relevant policy departments. Outside of the formal review process, my department accepts submissions for amendments to the Occupations Lists at any time, with support from the relevant department with policy responsibility.
My department has been aware of difficulties experienced by employers in the motor industry in recent years and received submissions regarding the same in the 2023 Review of the Occupations List. To assist the sector, it was decided to grant access to General Employment Permits (GEPs) to the role of HGV/bus mechanic under a quota of 200 permits. The quota system is designed to sustainably integrate this new source of workers into the labour market and to test the labour market needs. This quota has now expired and officials from my Department have been in contact with the Department of Transport regarding this matter.
Following the expiry of the quota, 8 applications for new employment permits have been refused.
Typically, quotas are not automatically extended when they are exhausted. Further engagement from the sector is generally required. Where a sector wishes to have a quota extended, or a role fully removed from the ineligible occupations list (i.e. not subject to a quota), the sector should make an evidenced-based submission that demonstrates a continuing need for access to employment permits for the role. This should be supported by the department with lead responsibility for the sector, in this case the Department of Transport. This submission can be done within a formal review of the Occupational Lists - which is planned for later this year - or at any time outside of a formal review.
This Department welcomes submissions from sectors experiencing labour shortages. Officials from my Department will engage constructively with any submission made.
289. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of exemptions approved under the Companies Act 2014 for designated activity companies and companies limited by guarantee to not include the company-type suffix from the end of the company name under each category of exemption, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13173/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled by the Companies Registration Office and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
290. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of any secondments from consulting firms to his Department since 2020; the consulting firms involved; the purpose of the secondment; the durations of the secondments; who paid the salary of the individual seconded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13180/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been no secondments from consulting firms to my Department since 2020.
291. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if journalists have access to beneficial ownership records held by the companies registration office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13205/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra292. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications for information on the beneficial ownership of a company or industrial and provident society for each year for which data is available, by non-State bodies or individuals; the number of applications accepted and rejected, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13207/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 together.
The Central Register of Beneficial Ownership of Companies and Industrial and Provident Societies (RBO) was set up under the European Union (Anti-Money Laundering: Beneficial Ownership of Corporate Entities) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 110 of 2019) and contains information regarding the beneficial ownership of entities registered under the Companies Act 2014; and societies, registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1893-2021. There are currently three levels of access to the RBO: unrestricted, restricted and legitimate interest.
Access to such beneficial ownership information is available on an unrestricted basis to competent authorities (including a member of An Garda Síochána, an officer of the Minister for Justice and Equality, a member or member of staff of the Property Services Regulatory Authority, the Law Society of Ireland, the General Council of the Bar of Ireland and designated accountancy bodies).
Restricted access is currently available to designated persons who are required to identify and verify customers and beneficial ownership prior to forming a business relationship or carrying out an occasional transaction (including credit institutions, financial institutions, auditors, external accountants’ property service providers, casinos). Designated persons may access certain personal information about beneficial owners (name, nationality and country of residence of each beneficial owner of the entity) and a statement of the interest held, or the control exercised by each beneficial owner. A designated person must complete a Declaration Form indicating the basis on which they qualify as a designated person to search the register. The RBO then creates an account which the designated person can use to search the register.
Restricted access was previously also available to the general public. In November 2022, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled, in Joined Cases C-37/20 and C-601/20, that a provision of the EU anti-money-laundering directive, under which information on the beneficial ownership of corporate and other legal entities, held in central registers, must be provided to the general public, was invalid.
To ensure compliance with the CJEU judgement, the European Union (Anti-Money Laundering: Beneficial Ownership of Corporate Entities) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 308 of 2023) amended the 2019 Regulations to provide that restricted access may be provided to persons who can demonstrate a "legitimate interest". In summary, a person must justify access to the RBO by demonstrating that the requester is engaged in the prevention, detection or investigation of money laundering and/or terrorist financing offences. In addition, the person must demonstrate that the entity which is the subject of the access request is connected with persons convicted (whether in the State or elsewhere) of an offence consisting of money laundering or terrorist financing, or that the entity holds assets in a high-risk third country. Journalists may apply to the RBO for restricted access on this basis.
The table below provides the number of beneficial ownership reports provided by the RBO to persons with restricted access:
|
Year |
No. of beneficial ownership reports |
|
2019 |
2,213 |
|
2020 |
13,009 |
|
2021 |
59,322 |
|
2022 |
151,641 |
|
2023 |
130,596 |
|
2024 |
156,252* |
*Provisional figures.
The RBO received only one request by a person with a legitimate interest in 2024 and this was refused as the person did not meet the criteria provided for in the Regulations.
293. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the status of payments made by Microfinance Ireland to farmers; the number, value and breakdown of payments made to farmers through Microfinance Ireland; the timeline of disbursements; the counties involved; and the types of farming enterprises supported from 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025, by county, in tabular form. [13215/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMicrofinance Ireland provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market, lending to businesses 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.
There is wide regional spread of loans across the country with 78% of loans approved in 2024 to microenterprises outside Dublin. Microfinance Ireland also provides post approval mentoring services to its borrowers through the Local Enterprise Office Network.
In recent years Microfinance Ireland (MFI) were providing loans under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework which ceased in December 2023, thereafter the applicable State Aid Framework for any qualifying finance agreement is the De Minimis Regulations. To ensure that MFI meet European Union agriculture state aid requirements requires new legal arrangements for data sharing between MFI and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Work is advancing between that Department, my Department and MFI, to put these new arrangements in place as soon as possible.
The lending breakdown to farmers is as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Loans |
Value of loans |
|
2020 |
41 |
950,600 |
|
2021 |
29 |
558,300 |
|
2022 |
14 |
255,024 |
|
2023 |
14 |
225,000 |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
|
To date 2025 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total |
98 |
1,988,924 |
|
Types of Farming Enterprises |
Number of Loans |
Value of Loans |
|
Growing of cereals (except rice), leguminous crops and oil seeds |
2 |
32,000 |
|
Growing of vegetables and melons, roots and tubers |
10 |
146,074 |
|
Growing of other tree and bush fruits and nuts |
1 |
15,000 |
|
Plant propagation |
2 |
30,000 |
|
Raising of dairy cattle |
18 |
412,750 |
|
Raising of other cattle and buffaloes |
16 |
289,000 |
|
Raising of horses and other equines |
5 |
128,000 |
|
Raising of sheep and goats |
4 |
61,100 |
|
Raising of poultry |
4 |
100,000 |
|
Raising of other animals |
2 |
40,000 |
|
Mixed farming |
11 |
220,000 |
|
Support activities for crop production |
2 |
65,000 |
|
Support activities for animal production |
9 |
138,000 |
|
Silviculture and other forestry activities |
2 |
75,000 |
|
Logging |
1 |
9,000 |
|
Support services to forestry |
1 |
25,000 |
|
Marine fishing |
2 |
66,000 |
|
Freshwater fishing |
1 |
10,000 |
|
Marine aquaculture |
5 |
127,000 |
|
Total |
98 |
1,988,924 |
|
County |
Number of Loans |
Value of loans |
|
Cavan |
2 |
35,000 |
|
Clare |
4 |
88,500 |
|
Cork |
9 |
203,000 |
|
Donegal |
14 |
279,600 |
|
Dublin |
3 |
39,274 |
|
Galway |
5 |
107,000 |
|
Kerry |
6 |
72,000 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
27,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
101,000 |
|
Laois |
2 |
40,000 |
|
Leitrim |
2 |
46,000 |
|
Limerick |
3 |
35,000 |
|
Louth |
5 |
83,500 |
|
Mayo |
7 |
158,300 |
|
Meath |
2 |
28,000 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
50,000 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
65,000 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
25,000 |
|
Sligo |
3 |
32,000 |
|
Tipperary |
5 |
114,000 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
48,250 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
25,000 |
|
Wexford |
8 |
211,500 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
75,000 |
|
Total |
98 |
1,988,924 |
294. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding opportunities for social enterprises for the circular economy; to outline the application processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13247/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile policy responsibility for social enterprises lies with the Department of Rural and Community Development, my Department, through the White Paper on Enterprise, recognises social enterprises as an important and growing part of Ireland’s enterprise ecosystem. Social enterprises contribute to our communities by creating jobs, stimulating local economic activity, supporting social, economic and environmental issues and are recognised as an integral part of Ireland’s broad enterprise policy landscape.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) Policy Statement 2024 – 2030 outlines the schemes, programmes and grants that are available through the LEO network and emphasises availability of supports in the areas of Lean, Green and Digital available to a broader range of businesses, regardless of size or sector - including social enterprises.
Among these schemes is the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG), which supports the investment in technologies and equipment identified in a Green for Business; GreenStart or a SEAI Energy Audit. The aim of the scheme is to reduce the impact of enterprises on the environment thereby increasing the agility and resilience of these businesses.
In 2024, changes were made to the EEG to increase the available funding to a maximum of €10,000 and the contribution rate from Government to 75%. The eligible expenditure was also broadened to include circular economy systems and opened this up to all small businesses regardless of sector. This includes social enterprises, provided they meet the scheme eligibility criteria.
295. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding opportunities available for a community horse project; to outline the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13248/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment does not provide funding for initiatives such as this. This may be a matter for the Department of Rural and Community Development.
296. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department, or any agency under his Department’s remit, have, since 1 November 2024, entered any contract in respect of a hotel (details supplied) or have had any discussions, or received any offers, in respect of using this premises for any reason; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13275/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department and relevant Agencies have no records of any contract, discussions or offers in respect of the Glencarn Hotel within the time period specified.
297. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Education the funding provided for capital projects for schools in County Tipperary from 2021 to date in 2025, in tabular form. [12958/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2020, my department has invested over €5.8 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 1,300 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes new school buildings, some of which are being delivered in phases. These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.5 billion.
In April 2024 the department announced that close to 90 projects, including 28 new school buildings, would be authorised to proceed from tender stage to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total, around €800 million is being invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation.
Between projects currently under construction and projects moving to construction in this latest phase, investments by the Department of Education are adding over 600,000 square metres of new and modernised capacity to our school estate.
This is a record level of investment in school buildings. It will expand the number of school places, significantly increase provision for special education and upgrade and modernise our school infrastructure. The impact of this will be felt in communities right around the country.
The key drivers of capital investment in the schools sector include:
• demographic growth, particularly at post primary level
• increased demand for special educational needs provision
• alignment of school place provision with new housing development
• climate action objectives including deep energy retrofit.
Since 2021, the total capital invested in Co. Tipperary schools is over €127m. Please see table below.
|
TOTAL CAPITAL SPEND |
2025 (to date) |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
|
TOTAL CAPITAL SPEND |
2025 (to date) |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
|
Tipperary |
€2.4m |
€44.3m |
€26.9m |
€27.7m |
€26.3m |
From 2021 to date, 59 school building projects have been completed in Co. Tipperary under the Large Scale and Additional Accommodation schemes, which also includes delivery through the Modular programme.
Currently there are 7 school building projects under construction in Co. Tipperary, of which 1 is a new school building project.
There are also 52 school building projects in Co. Tipperary moving through the various stages of design, of which 1 is a new school building project.
These projects are being delivered to ambitious timeframes and the position on individual projects evolves all the time as they advance through various stages. The status of all projects is set out at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/d73cb-building-works-for-the-construction-extension-and-refurbishment-of-schools/#school-building-projects-large-scale-additional-accommodation-scheme-current-status-lists
This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
298. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education in view of the commitment in Budget 2025 to provide for up to 400 additional new special classes for the 2025-2026 school year, if there is additional demand beyond 400 additional classes; if further financial provision will be made to provide additional classes if such are needed to ensure that every student with additional needs at primary and post primary level can be assured of a suitable school place for the coming school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12975/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
Through the accelerated provision of additional special class and special school places over recent years, there are now just over 28,000 students enrolled in special classes and special schools. Budget 2025 provides for an additional 2,700 specialist places, made up of 400 new special class and 300 additional special school places. On top of this, there will be over 1,000 places available through the normal annual movement of students progressing from primary to post-primary and students graduating from post-primary or special schools. There also remains special class vacancies in some areas of the country.
As you are aware, this year, an emphasis has been placed on the importance of parents contacting the NCSE as soon as possible when seeking a special educational placement. This requirement not only ensures that the NCSE can provide advice and support as required but also that they have the local knowledge to plan to ensure that adequate special education provision remains available at a local level.
The NCSE is confident that the new provision provided for in Budget 2025 when added to the existing provision will meet the known demand for the 2025/26 school year. Parents seeking a special educational placement should continue to contact the NCSE who will continue to provide advice and support as required.
Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 309 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 208 are at primary level and 101 are at post-primary level. This will add to the over 3,330 special classes currently in operation in the country.
Nationwide, the NCSE continue to engage intensely with schools and school patron bodies to confirm the location of the remaining classes. As the NCSE progress the sanctioning of these classes they will inform parents.
Where new special classes have been sanctioned, I would urge schools to progress the admission of students as soon as possible to ensure that the NCSE can continue to evaluate demand in local areas, sanction classes as required and assist parents in securing a school place.
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.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
299. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if a student entering a special class or an ASD unit in first year at second level will be guaranteed that placement for the duration of their education at second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12976/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential 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.
Placements in special education settings should be reviewed by schools, in consultation with parents, on an ongoing basis. My department is completing work on revised guidelines for schools on the review of special education placements.
Where a child or young person is moving from one special education setting to another, or from a special education setting to a mainstream setting and vice versa the NCSE at a local level is available to support this transition. Regard would need to be given to the relevant admission policies, admission process and waiting lists for the schools involved.
The enrolment of a student in a special class should be kept under continual review by the school, this is in recognition that a student’s learning needs may change over time. At a minimum, a review should take place once a year and include a careful examination of the student’s progress in achieving their learning targets. This ensures a student is continually being supported to meet their full potential in a setting that best meets their learning needs. At any stage where a student requires placement in a special educational setting the NCSE is available to support and advise on this transition.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential and are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
300. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Education the total number of copper communication lines within her Department currently in active operation and for which her Department is paying for on a monthly basis inclusive of ISDN, PTSN and copper-based lease lines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12982/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has 11 ISDN/PSTN lines and 41 DSL lines. The lines are predominantly in use in my Department's regional offices. The necessity for PSTN/ISDN and DSL technology is mainly due to the unavailability of fibre connections at these locations. Additionally, these lines are required for franking machines and lift services. However, with the continuous expansion of fibre availability, my Department is currently in the process of transitioning a number of our lines and intends to transition as many lines as possible to fibre/SIP connections.
