Written Answers Nos. 374-393
374. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 456 of 5 February 2025, for a status update on her Department’s efforts to secure the necessary statutory approvals for the development of the permanent buildings for a school (details supplied); if she will provide further updates relating to the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13879/25]
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. Between projects currently under construction and projects moving to construction in the coming months, 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 Programme for Government recognises the importance of strong capital investment in the school building programme and supporting this with enhanced allocations through the NDP process.
The project for the school referred to by the Deputy will form part of a campus project to be delivered under my Department's ADAPT 4 Programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Integrated Project Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning, to Tender and Construction.
The ADAPT 4 Programme will be led by Integrated Project Teams (IPT’s), consisting of highly skilled and experienced design professionals, architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors and various other consultants to deliver the projects. AECOM as the Programme Manager are overseeing the procurement and appointment of the IPTs, which is nearing completion.
Once the IPTs have been appointed, design work can commence as part of Stage 1 of the project. Applications for statutory approvals are made at Stage 2 (b) of Architectural Planning (Detailed Design).
My Department will keep the school and their patron body informed of the progression of this shared educational campus and will continue to liaise in relation to interim accommodation pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.
375. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education when a contractor will be appointed for a school (details supplied); when works will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13881/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers is part of a school campus project at Kilbride, Co. Wicklow. It has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).
The brief for the project includes the provision of a new 16 classroom primary school with a 2 classroom SEN base.
The project was authorised by the Department to proceed to Stage 3 (tender stage) in November 2024 and KWETB confirmed in January 2025 that the project had gone to Tender. When this stage is concluded, the project will progress to construction in due course.
It is not possible at this time to give a date for completion of the project. However, KWETB will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it fully informed of all progress.
The Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that this project - as for all projects on our school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the public Infrastructure Guidelines.
The current status of all projects is listed on a county-by-county basis at www.gov.ie, and this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
376. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education the status of the works required for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13891/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications have developed a jointly funded school sector decarbonisation pathfinder programme. It is administered by the Planning and Building Unit in my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in partnership with devolved delivery support from Limerick and Clare Education Training Board, and Longford and Westmeath Education Training Board.
This pathfinder programme is facilitating research on a range of typical retrofit options for schools, which will be tried and tested. It is providing valuable development information for a solution driven delivery strategy which will be founded on a solid evidence base that has proven the robustness and scalability of renewable solutions within the school sector.
The school to which the Deputy refers is included in a Regional Fabric Bundle strand of the Pathfinder 2025 programme. The works proposed are energy related and include upgrades such as attic and wall insulation as well as upgrades to the flat roofs to bring them up to current building regulations.
The option remains open to the school in question to submit an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for any immediately required measures to address any health and safety concerns relating to the school building. The purpose of the EWS is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS), or in this case the Pathfinder 2025 programme.
377. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the status of an application regarding a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13899/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraApplications relating to the provision of funding for issues relating to an existing school building can fall under a number of different delivery mechanisms including, most frequently, the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) and the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS).
The purpose of the EWS is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the SWS.
The purpose of the 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.
In the case of the school in question it should be noted that a number of EWS and SWS projects have been applied for in recent years, and all of these projects have been approved and completed in full. An outstanding renovation project for this school has not been readily identified but officials in my Department will engage with the school in this regard.
378. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of new ASD classes delivered in Galway post-primary schools in 2023 and 2024, in tabular form. [13902/25]
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.
Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 336 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year, 12 of these are in Galway, 8 at primary level and 4 at post-primary level. This will add to the 3,336 special classes, 2,339 at primary level and 997 at post primary level, currently in operation around the country.
There are currently 169 special classes in County Galway, 103 in primary and 66 at post-primary level. Twelve autism classes were sanctioned by the NCSE in post-primary schools in Galway for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 school years.
|
Post-Primary autism classes sanctioned for September 2023 |
5 |
|
Post-Primary autism classes sanctioned for September 2024 |
7 |
Provision is provided to meet confirmed demand and the NCSE continue to engage intensely with schools and school patron bodies to confirm where further classes are required to ensure there is adequate provision at a local level for students who require specialist provision. This ensures students are not travelling long distances in order to access an education befitting of their needs. As the NCSE progress the sanctioning of special 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.
My department works closely with the NCSE on the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. It is aware that demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
In October 2022, my department wrote to all post-primary schools requesting that each school begin planning to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school. Last year my department issued a circular to all schools setting out new measures to support the forward planning of special education provision. Included in this circular was a reminder of the need for post primary schools to continue planning for this level of provision.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
379. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when her Department expects refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) to be completed. [13903/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for a roof works project.
The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS).
The school's EWS application was not fully completed and the school was asked to provide the omitted information in order to complete the application and allow the EWS team to make an assessment.
Once this information has been received the EWS team will review the revised application and will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
380. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the amount of funding her Department provided to a school (details supplied) in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13904/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe amount of funding provided to Ardscoil La Salle, Dublin 5 by my Department for the years in question was:
|
Period |
2025 to date |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Amount |
€132,696.84 |
€553,127.37 |
€313,762.08 |
381. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of WTE educational welfare officers based in Clare in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13905/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla Education Support Service (TESS) is under the remit of my Department. TESS operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention. TESS has three strands, namely the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS) and the two school support services; the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) scheme and the School Completion Programme (SCP). The three TESS strands work together collaboratively with schools, parents and guardians and other relevant services to achieve the best educational outcomes for children and young people.
The primary role of the EWS is to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a certain minimum education; to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education.
Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) are based throughout the country and work with children, young people and their families who are experiencing difficulty with school attendance; this is done through, home visits, educational welfare conferences and collaboratively working with different agencies. The main priority of the work is around the welfare of children and young people to ensure that concerns around attendance are addressed before attendance becomes a crisis issue.
The table below shows the number of WTE EWOs based in Co Clare from 2023 to 2025.
|
Year |
County - Clare |
|
2023 |
2 WTE Educational Welfare Officers |
|
2024 |
2 WTE Educational Welfare Officers |
|
2025 |
3 WTE Educational Welfare Officers |
382. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when her Department expects refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) to be completed. [13906/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe large scale capital project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of Architectural planning Stage 4 – Construction.
It is estimated that the extension/refurbishment works will be complete in quarter 2, 2025.
383. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how many vacancies for special education needs organiser posts that exist in the Louth area; and when will those posts be filled, in tabular form. [13907/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recent years, the NCSE has undergone a significant transformational change. This has which included a restructuring of the organisation and a 67% increase in its workforce, which combine to provide an increased and responsive support within communities.
At local level, the NCSE has doubled the number of support teams available to parents and schools, throughout the country, from a 10 team structure to a 20 team structure. All special educational needs organisers (SENO) grades are now assigned on a county basis and undertake caseloads associated with that county only, on a reduced caseload basis. In County Louth, there are four SENOs assigned to the county, all four appointments are filled.
To support these staff, additional administrative staff have also been allocated and this allows SENOs to concentrate on working directly with schools and families. This will allow for an integrated community-based service which is conducive to the development of key relationships between NCSE staff, parents, and schools in the provision of services to students with special educational needs.
The additional SENOs, additional administrative support and revised caseload allocations contribute to a comprehensive level of localised cover. Contact details for all SENOs, including the details of specific areas in Louth they cover, are available on the NCSE website.
384. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when her Department expects refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) to be completed. [13908/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers is devolved for delivery to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB).
The brief for this project comprises of the development of a new purpose-built, 25 classroom school for pupils with special educational needs.
The project is currently at Stage 3 (tender stage) of the architectural design process. The Design Team are currently following the procurement procedures for the appointment of the contractor for the project.
It is not possible at this juncture to give a definitive timeline for completion of the project. However, WWETB will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
385. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of WTE educational welfare officers based in Cavan in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13909/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla Education Support Service (TESS) is under the remit of my Department. TESS operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention.
TESS has three strands, namely the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS) and the two school support services; the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) scheme and the School Completion Programme (SCP). The three TESS strands work together collaboratively with schools, parents and guardians and other relevant services to achieve the best educational outcomes for children and young people.
The primary role of the EWS is to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a certain minimum education; to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education.
Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) are based throughout the country and work with children, young people and their families who are experiencing difficulty with school attendance; this is done through, home visits, educational welfare conferences and collaboratively working with different agencies. The main priority of the work is around the welfare of children and young people to ensure that concerns around attendance are addressed before attendance becomes a crisis issue.
The table below shows the number of WTE EWOs in Co. Cavan from 2023 to 2025.
|
Year |
County - Cavan |
|
2023 |
2.5 WTE Educational Welfare Officers |
|
2024 |
2.5 WTE Educational Welfare Officers |
|
2025 |
2.5 WTE Educational Welfare Officers |
386. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of DEIS schools in Kerry; and the location of name of those schools, in tabular form. [13910/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 37 DEIS Primary Schools in Co Kerry:
|
School Name |
County |
||
|
MUIRE GAN SMAL |
Old Chapel Lane |
Castleisland |
Kerry |
|
St Johns Parochial School |
Ashe Street |
Tralee |
Kerry |
|
S N Mhuire na mBraithre |
Clounalour |
Tralee |
Kerry |
|
HOLY FAMILY |
Balloonagh |
Tralee |
Kerry |
|
LISTOWEL PRESENTATION PRIMARY |
Ballybunion Road |
Listowel |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Mhuire |
Tobar Mui Doire |
Traili |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Na Mbraithre |
An Daingean |
Co Chiarrai |
Kerry |
|
S N An Chroi Naofa |
Traighli |
Co Chiarrai |
Kerry |
|
NAOMH CHARTHAIGH |
College Road |
Castleisland |
Kerry |
|
Realt na Maidne |
Listowel |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail |
Lios Tuathail |
Co Chiarrai |
Kerry |
|
Tralee Educate Together |
Collis Sandes House |
Killeen Oakpark |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Eoin |
Tahilla |
Sneem |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Naomh Micheal |
SNeem |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
S N Muire Gan Smal |
Na Corra |
Cathair Saibhin |
Kerry |
|
S N MHUIRE DE LOURDES |
The Village |
Lixnaw |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Bhreanainn |
Portmagee |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Realt Na Mara |
Killorglin |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
Douglas National School |
Killorglin |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
Lyre A Crompane N S |
Listowel |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
Curraheen Mxd N S |
Glenbeigh |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Naisiunta Eirc |
Baile An Mhoraigh |
Baile Na Ngall |
Kerry |
|
Boheshill Mxd |
Glencar |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
Kiltallagh N S |
Kiltallagh |
Castlemaine |
Kerry |
|
S N AN LEANA MHOIR |
Lenamore |
Ballylongford |
Kerry |
|
Freastogail Mhuire Mxd |
Killahan |
Abbeydorney |
Kerry |
|
SCOIL MHUIRE GAN SMAL |
Ballinageragh |
Lixnaw |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Mhuire |
Sc Mhuire BroSNach |
Tra Li |
Kerry |
|
S N Gleann Beithe |
Glenbeigh |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
TARBERT NATIONAL SCHOOL |
Chapel Street |
Tarbert |
Kerry |
|
SCOIL NAOMH IOSEF |
Ballyheigue |
Tralee |
Kerry |
|
S N CILLIN LIATH |
Máistir Gaoithe |
Cill Airne |
Kerry |
|
S N Dar Earca |
Ballyhearney |
Valentia |
Kerry |
|
S N Oilibhear Naofa |
Ballylongford |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
Cahirciveen National School |
O’Connell Street |
Cahirciveen |
Kerry |
|
Scoil Iosagain |
Church Road |
Ballybunion |
Kerry |
|
Ballyduff National School |
Ballyduff |
Tralee |
Kerry |
There are 5 DEIS Post-Primary schools in Co Kerry.
|
School Name |
County |
||
|
Killarney Community College |
New Road |
Killarney |
Kerry |
|
Community College Killorglin |
Killorglin |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
Listowel Community College |
Listowel |
Co. Kerry |
Kerry |
|
Causeway Comprehensive School |
Causeway |
Tralee |
Kerry |
|
Coláiste Gleann Lí Post Primary School |
Clash |
Tralee |
Kerry |
The full list of all DEIS schools is available at: www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/4018ea-deis-delivering-equality-of-opportunity-in-schools/#deis-schools-2024-2025
387. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education how many staff members were employed to support the School Completion Programme in Donegal in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13911/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Completion Programme (SCP) is funded by my department via Tulsa Education Support Service (TESS) and is a central element of the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme, a 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.
TESS have operational responsibility for the SCP, with local projects operating under the management and direction of a Local Management Committee (LMC). The LMC is responsible for the oversight of the project delivery at local level, including the use of project resources, employment of staff, and accountability for public funds.
I am committed to ensuring a continued focus on tackling educational disadvantage and early school leaving , and that the needs of the children and young people participating in this programme are met.
TESS have advised of the staffing level as sought by the Deputy, and the tabular statement at the following link contains the information for the years requested.
388. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the projected number of junior infant enrolments in County Kilkenny for September 2025 and 2026, in tabular form. [13912/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease find the requested data at the link below. The most recent demographic projections for junior infants for 2025 and 2026 in school planning areas in and partially located in County Kilkenny.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system, using data from a range of sources, including CSO census data, child benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
389. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the amount of funding her Department provided to a school (details supplied) in 2023, 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [13913/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe amount of funding provided to St Paul's Special School, Dublin 9 by my Department for the years in question was:
|
Period |
2025 to date |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Total Amount Paid |
€37,270.80 |
€296,926.58 |
€332,636.50 |
390. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13939/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. The Report of the Scoping Inquiry made a number of further recommendations and a high level Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) has been convened to examine those recommendations 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 is considering the issues arising from the recommendations of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry and will advise on both the recommendations and the terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation. It is working in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. The Group is due to report to the Minister for Education in the coming weeks.
391. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if consideration is being given to holding a Commission of Investigation into historical physical abuse in schools here; if this will be included in the terms of reference, for example, of the Commission of Investigation arising from the recommendations of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13940/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department takes child protection very seriously and considers that the protection and welfare of children is a fundamental responsibility of all involved in the care and education of children. Since the introduction of a revised primary school curriculum in 1970 and the total prohibition of use of corporal punishment from 1 February 1982 child protection requirements and procedures in schools have been introduced and strengthened on a number of occasions.
The Children First Act 2015 and the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, promote the protection of children from abuse and neglect. They set out what individuals and organisations need to do to keep children safe and how to deal with concerns about a child’s safety or welfare.
Following the publication of the Children First Guidance in 2017, new Child Protection procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools, were published. The procedures are based on Children First and provide detailed direction to school management and staff on the identification of and response to child protection concerns. The procedures include reporting procedures, oversight measures and the introduction of child protection and safeguarding inspections.
In 2021 the Department engaged an independent reviewer to carry out a High-Level Independent Review of the Department of Education’s Current Child Protection Policies and Processes. The review examined the policies and processes that the Department has in place for the protection and safeguarding of children and young people. The aim of the review was to identify any existing or potential gaps, risks or areas for improvement and to make recommendations for improvements both short and long term. The procedures were updated in August 2023 and the Department is continuing to implement the recommendations contained in the report which includes the publication of updated Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools early in 2025.
The obligations and responsibilities which arise from the procedures have been taken very seriously by schools since their implementation and there is a very strong culture of child protection across the school sector.
Any concern or allegation of a child protection nature received directly by staff in the Department is dealt with in accordance with the Department’s Procedures for responding to Child Protection Concerns which come to the attention of staff employed by the Department of Education. The Department does not investigate the concerns which come to its attention and ensures that the details of any concern reported to the Department, including reports which relate to historical abuse, are immediately passed on to the relevant authorities, that is, Tusla-the Child and Family Agency, An Garda Síochána and/or the school authorities as appropriate.
The report of the Scoping Inquiry indicates that a serious problem of sexual abuse appears to have existed in some schools and Government agreed that it is in the wider public interest that this be examined in more detail, which will be the objective of the Commission of Investigation. The Scoping Inquiry’s remit was to examine historical sexual abuse, and the report describes a considerable scale of such abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. While the report also contains accounts of physical violence, descriptions of physical assaults and a violent culture in some schools which facilitated and accompanied sexual abuse, it is clear that the primary focus of both the Scoping Inquiry and the Commission of Investigation it has recommended relate specifically to historical sexual abuse, rather than physical abuse.
The Department is keenly aware of the importance of immediate action on the issue of historical sexual abuse to survivors, as they have powerfully described in the report, and the need for the Commission to proceed as quickly as possible, on foot of the work done in the Scoping Inquiry. As such, its focus will be on historical sexual abuse.
392. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of children carried on school buses entirely comprising 'concessionary' tickets due to the change in school transport scheme policy (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13941/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 172,500 children, are transported daily in approximately 7,900 vehicles across 10,300 routes daily to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. These daily trips cover over 100 million kilometres. This figure includes over 143,800 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 21,700 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs. Transport is also provided for children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and those residing in IPAS/EROC centres.
The total expenditure on the scheme in 2024 was €512m.
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 current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 km from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 km 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.
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 is 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.
There was no downsizing of vehicles or reduction in capacity provided for the 24/25 school year. Capacity was provided for pupils who qualified for transport under the Temporary Alleviation Measures. There were 14,359 TAM pupils issued with tickets for the 24/25 school year with a further 31,143 concessionary pupils facilitated with tickets though allocation of spare seats on existing services.
The School Transport 2030 report, which was published in early 2024 marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. The recommended changes to the future operation of the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year.
As indicated at the time of the launch of the review, a number of pilots were being considered by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. As also indicated at the time of the launch of the review, it was intended that following closure of the application process for the 2024/2025 school year consideration would be given to further potential pilots. A total of 14 pilot projects are underway this school year.
These pilots are currently being evaluated and they will provide valuable insights into the impact of increased demand on the scheme, the potential for integrating public transport with school transport services, and opportunities to promote more sustainable modes of transport. The findings from the evaluation will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme.
Further information on plans for the 2025/2026 school year will be available shortly.
393. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the changes that were made to the school transport scheme in the 2024-2025 school year, including arising from the school transport review; the changes planned for the 2025-2026 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13942/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 172,500 children, are transported daily in approximately 7,900 vehicles across 10,300 routes to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. These daily trips cover over 100 million kilometres. This figure includes over 143,800 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 21,700 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs. Transport is also provided for children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and those residing in IPAS/EROC centres.
The total expenditure on the scheme in 2024 was €512m.
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 current 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.
The School Transport 2030 report, which was published in early 2024 marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. The recommended changes to the future operation of the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year.
As indicated at the time of the launch of the review, a number of pilots were being considered by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. As also indicated at the time of the launch of the review, it was intended that following closure of the application process for the 2024/2025 school year consideration would be given to further potential pilots.
A total of 14 pilot projects are underway this school year. These pilots are currently being evaluated and they will provide valuable insights into the impact of increased demand on the scheme, the potential for integrating public transport with school transport services, and opportunities to promote more sustainable modes of transport. The findings from the evaluation will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme.
Further information on plans for the 2025/2026 school year will be available shortly.
