Thursday, 1 May 2025

Written Answers Nos. 228-247

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (228)

Ken O'Flynn

Ceist:

228. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education her Department’s position on secondary schools requiring parents to purchase iPads or specific digital devices, particularly in light of the roll-out of the free schoolbooks scheme; the guidance or oversight her Department provides to ensure that families are not subjected to undue financial pressure due to school-imposed digital learning policies; if she will consider conducting a review of digital learning policies in secondary schools where families are required to purchase iPads or similar devices; if her Department will explore providing funding or subsidies to support families in these cases, especially where such devices are used in lieu of traditional textbooks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21822/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day to day management of schools. Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications being fully considered by the Boards of Managements before a decision is made.

Schools, in conjunction with parents, are responsible for decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements.

Oide-Technology in Education (the area within my department's support service for teachers specialising in digital technology in teaching and learning, formerly PDST-TiE) offer advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools.

It is the responsibility of each individual school to select the resources, if any, that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and my Department do not endorse or recommend particular materials or resources. This includes text books, e-Books, digital devices and so on.

I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to costs of digital technology, including tablets, and my Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs. As referenced, in 2017, a circular letter issued to schools with measures to be adopted to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs including such ICT devices.  https://assets.gov.ie/12695/2045e7ccec684f72b55d93930e45372c.pdf

That circular also instructed schools to consult with parents and their school community on the issue of ensuring costs are reasonable for parents, and how to avoid costs acting as a barrier. This circular specified that wherever possible, generic rather than branded items should be specified (e.g. uniform, clothing, IT tablets, sports equipment etc.).

The OGP and HEAnet, as well as my Department, have established framework of providers of digital devices including tablets, pcs and laptops, with appropriate specifications, agreed pricing, and levels of service, as well as providing framework management. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.

Back-to-school costs can be a burden for many families. Removing the cost of schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks in primary schools from the start of the 2023/24 school year has been shown to be a huge step in addressing the cost of sending children to school. €47 million is allocated in 2024 to continue implementation of the schoolbooks scheme at primary level. Further funding of over €67 million is allocated to provide free schoolbooks and classroom resources for Junior Cycle students in recognised post-primary schools in the free scheme for the 2024/25 school year. This will benefit approximately 212,000 Junior Cycle students and add to the 563,000 pupils in primary and special schools who benefited from this initiative in the current school year. 

The Digital Strategy for Schools 2027, which builds on the progress made under the previous Digital Strategy, is underpinned by an investment of some €200m included in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 providing continuity of funding following the €210m that issued to schools to support the previous strategy. To date, €100m in ICT Grant funding under the Digital Strategy to 2027 has issued to schools from the NDP commitment. The funding issues directly to schools as schools are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in accordance with their digital learning planning. This can include the purchase of ICT devices such as tablets, hybrid devices, or laptops, and the implementation of loan schemes for same if needed.

Education and Training Boards

Ceisteanna (229)

Joanna Byrne

Ceist:

229. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the LMETB headquarters plans for Drogheda; when the project is expected to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21844/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved for delivery to Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB). 

The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural planning process. This stage involves obtaining all statutory approvals, preparing a set of fully detailed Tender documents, and preparing an accurate pre-tender cost plan.

My Department manages the progression of the existing pipeline of projects within available budgets and in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines. As for all capital projects of this nature, this project is subject to the due diligence required under the Public Infrastructure Guidelines.

Once approved, the project will progress onwards to tender stage and to construction in due course.

At this juncture, it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project however my Department will continue to engage with LMETB to progress this important project.

School Funding

Ceisteanna (230)

Tony McCormack

Ceist:

230. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Education the way in which a school (details supplied) is expected to pay for essential caretaking services for the school if this funding is not made available by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21847/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The Ancillary Services Grant is payable to recognised primary schools and special schools in the Free Education Scheme. The grant is intended to cater for the cost of employing Secretarial and Caretaking staff. It is up to the BOM to allocate this funding as per their priorities. As per Circular 0040/2009 the capitation grant provided for general running costs and the ancillary services grant provided for Secretarial and Caretaking services may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.

After Forsa accepted the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement about salaries and leave for grant-funded school secretaries, the secretaries who accepted the agreement were added to the Department of Education’s payroll from September 2023. Because of this, the ancillary-related grant funding has been updated, since schools are no longer paying these salaries directly.

From January to August 2025, grant funding will be reduced based on the salaries schools paid to grant-funded secretaries before they agreed to the new terms and conditions. Schools have given the Department the salary information, and this is now being used to reduce the ancillary-related grant funding.

To date we have issued correspondence to schools with details of the arrangements for: September to December 2023, January to August 2024, September to December 2024 and January to August 2025.

Since the 2023/24 school year, schools have been paid the usual ancillary/SSSF grant amount, minus the amount that schools previously paid to grant-funded secretaries prior to their acceptance of the new terms and conditions. Schools should be in no way disadvantaged by this as the grant is reduced only by the amount that they previously paid to their secretaries.

In some situations, the salaries of ancillary staff in a particular school may have been higher than the ancillary grant due to the school, and the school may have funded this difference via other revenue streams.

In situations where the salary that a school was paying their secretary was higher than the ancillary grant due to the school, prior to them being added to the Department of Education’s payroll, then the ancillary grant is reduced to NIL. This should not impact the school’s financial position.

For the specific school mentioned, the ancillary grant has been reduced to NIL as the salary the school was previously paying their secretary, prior to moving to the Department’s payroll, was higher than the ancillary grant available to the school prior to reductions being applied. The level of funding available to the school for ancillary staff, including their caretaker, has not changed as the school is no longer funding the salary of the secretary.

The rate of ancillary services grant has not decreased and continues to be paid based on the relevant enrolments in the school multiplied by the rates set out in Circular 0017/2021.

Education and Training Boards

Ceisteanna (231)

Micheál Carrigy

Ceist:

231. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Education for an update in relation to the live panel for administration post for the Board of Education; if a person (details supplied) is number seven on the panel and if the panel is due to finish in June 2025, if they will be called for a position. [21850/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

All open competitions are administered by Public Jobs, the Department of Education has no oversight of their panels and is therefore unable to answer this question. It would be more suitable being referred with the relevant information to Public Jobs. The candidate can reach Public Jobs through their messages Portal. 

School Staff

Ceisteanna (232)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

232. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if plans are being put in place for a school in cases in which a cleaner who is working can be paid during the holiday period instead of applying for Jobseeker’s; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21864/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Cleaners are valued members of our school communities who carry out work vital to the operation of our schools.

There are a number of employment arrangements in place for school cleaners, including those caretakers who were employed under a limited scheme introduced by the government of the time in 1978/1979, which was discontinued in 1985, and cleaners employed in ETB schools whose terms and conditions are governed by the appropriate ETB - these may also be employed as caretakers or general operatives.

The majority of primary and post-primary schools receive assistance to provide for cleaning services under grant schemes. Where a school employs a staff member to support those functions those staff members are employees of the individual schools and as such responsibility for terms of employment and their rate of pay rests with the school or Board of Management. The Department of Education does not play a role in the agreement of these terms of employment, nor do they set the rate of pay. In the cases where a school may be outsourcing necessary cleaning functions to a commercial cleaning company, the employer of those cleaners is the company itself and not the school: in such instances, terms of employment would rest with the company and not the school or the department.

At present there is no agreement in place to review the pay and terms of conditions of employment for school cleaners, although some individuals who perform cleaning duties within schools may be encapsulated within the current discussions on school caretakers, if they undertake those cleaning duties within their wider caretaking role. In the normal course, there are ongoing discussions with the public service unions on any and all matters relating to pay agreements.  Any review of changes to the employment of school cleaners or other pay mechanisms such as allowances, can occur only under those processes and any such proposals would need to be considered in detail by the Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the relevant unions.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (233)

Louis O'Hara

Ceist:

233. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education if an ASD class at primary school level will be provided in Gort, County Galway and surrounding areas given the lack of any such classes at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21865/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education (Deputy Michael Moynihan)

This 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. 

The NCSE actively encourage expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest. However, it is not always possible to open a special class in every school that expresses an interest.

When assessing the needs in the local area, the NCSE identify schools in the neighbouring vicinity with available special class vacancies or capacity and assess their capability with consideration to demographical and statistical data.

A particular focus has been placed on medium and larger primary schools with available accommodation and no existing special class to open a new special class for the 2025/26 school year. This ensures that classes can open quickly as existing accommodation can be reconfigured in a more streamlined and efficient manner. This focus will remain when planning for new provision for the 2026/27 school year. However, special classes have also been sanctioned by the NCSE in smaller schools, particularly in rural areas.

However, as in other years where schools have no available accommodation, particularly at post-primary level and there is known demand in a local area, my department will continue to provide additional classroom accommodation to provide necessary places.

Schools who have expressed an interest in opening a special class but have not received sanction will remain as potential options for future special classes.

Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 399 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these thirteen are in Galway, nine at primary and four at post primary level. This will add to the 169 special classes currently in operation in the county. In Gort, there are four special classes operating, one at primary level and three at post-primary level.

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 and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs. The NCSE will continue to monitor the need for another special class in the area going forward. 

Departmental Inquiries

Ceisteanna (234)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

234. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education the contact details in relation to a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21871/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education (Deputy Michael Moynihan)

I can confirm that officials from my department, who oversee the Irish Sign Language Tuition Scheme, have reached out to the Council of Irish Sign Language Teachers to make contact and offer assistance with their query.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (235)

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

235. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education the leave that teachers can avail of for reproductive matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21979/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Sick Leave may be granted to a teacher who is unable to perform their duties when absent for the purpose of obtaining medical related services provided such appointments could not have been arranged outside of regular working hours or working days.

The Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, which applies to teachers, is regulated by the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) Regulations 2014, SI 124 of 2014, as amended by the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) (Amendment) Regulations 2015, SI 384 of 2015 and the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, SI No. 407/2023. The Sick Leave Scheme for teachers is contained in my Department’s Circular Letter 0013/2024.   

Leave entitlements for public servants, including teachers, are determined by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. Under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998, the Minister for Education, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, is authorised to determine the terms and conditions of employment for teachers employed in approved teaching posts funded by monies provided by the Oireachtas. 

Currently, there is no legislative entitlement to specific leave for Reproductive Healthcare in Ireland and there is no overarching civil service or public sector policy in place. 

The Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021 was before Dáil Éireann during the last Government. This Bill has lapsed due to the change in Government, but if it had been enacted, it would have provided for a period of paid leave following miscarriage, or for the purpose of availing of reproductive healthcare. 

The recognition of a Leave Scheme for IVF treatment is a matter for Government as a whole and is not within the remit of the Department of Education at this time. 

Departmental Inquiries

Ceisteanna (236)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

236. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education for an update on the development of a new school application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21982/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme. 

The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Programme Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the design stages of architectural planning to Tender and Construction.  

The brief for this project is the development of a new 12 Classroom primary school with additional classrooms for pupils with Special Education needs, on a green-field site.  

The major building project is currently at Stage 2(a) of Architectural Planning – Developed Design, where the preferred agreed design option can be developed to a stage where the project is fully cost planned and the scheme can be prepared to lodge for statutory approvals with the local authority.

On receipt and review of the Stage 2(a) Submission from the Design Team, the Stage 2(a) Stakeholders meeting can then be arranged.  Following that meeting, the school authorities and design team will be advised regarding project progression.

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (237)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

237. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that a project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage without delay in view of the urgent need to have this much needed accommodation provided and also taking into account that this application has been ongoing for a considerable length of time and also the pressure on existing accommodation due to the continued increase in enrolment at this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21997/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The school to which the deputy refers was approved a school building project under the Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for 1 Engineering Room with Prep Room, 1 Construction Prep/Store Area & 1 Home Economics Room.   The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority. 

In the first quarter of 2023, department officials approved the project to progress to stage 2b.  My department now awaits a post planning (developed design) stage 2b report from the school. Once received all projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the public Infrastructure Guidelines.  Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall ASA program.

It is now within the remit of the school authority to progress this project accordingly.

School Facilities

Ceisteanna (238)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

238. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education the present status of an application for new facilities at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21998/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The school to which the Deputy refers was granted funding under my department's 2021 Additional Schools (ASA) Scheme to provide one home economics room, one engineering room and preparation area, and one construction preparation/store area.

The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by available accommodation at other schools in the area.  A request for a PE Hall does not fall within the remit of the ASA scheme. 

Since 2020, my department has invested over €5.9 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 1,350 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 610,000 square metres of new and modernised capacity to our school estate.

In County Cavan, alone from 2020 to date, the Department has invested €77.3 million in school infrastructure and completed 27 school building projects.

A future strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock will have different strands and will include a PE build and modernisation programme which will enable students in post-primary schools to have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision, particularly also in the context of the roll-out of PE as a leaving-certificate subject. Enhanced and modernised PE facilities will also provide important amenities for local communities.

However, the main focus of my department’s capital funding over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs. 

My department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places.  This reflects my department’s fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child. The overall position with regard to potential modernisation and replacement of existing school infrastructure will be kept under review as capital funding allocations for future years are clarified. 

School Facilities

Ceisteanna (239)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

239. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will approve an application to facilitate further essential developments at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21999/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I can confirm to the Deputy that my department is in receipt of a request for grant aid for a proposed land acquisition under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme from the school in question.

I am pleased to confirm that approval was given under the Department's Modular Framework for two special education classrooms and six mainstream classrooms and this project was delivered in 2023.  My department also recently provided funding for the refurbishment of an engineering room at the school in question.

The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.

Since 2020, my department has invested over €5.9 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 1,350 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 610,000 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 department previously 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 will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation. 

In County Cavan, alone from 2020 to date, the Department has invested €77.3 million in school infrastructure and completed 27 school building projects.

This significant investment is intended to allow us to move forward with certainty on modernising our school infrastructure with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.  The strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock will have different strands and will include a deep-energy retrofit programme in support of our 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Goals.

In order to plan for school place needs, my department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose.  Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my department's projections of school place requirements.

The school referred to is located in the Belturbet school planning area. My department's projections of post primary school places requirements in the Belturbet SPA indicate that enrolments at post primary level peaked in 2023.

As such I can confirm that the Department has no current plans for land acquisition for the school in question and Cavan-Monaghan ETB has been advised of the position.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (240)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

240. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on school transportation for a person (details supplied). [22008/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education (Deputy Michael Moynihan)

The 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 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.

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred could not travel on the service, due to the matter raised by the Deputy. An additional escort was sanctioned for the service to allow the pupil to return to the service. School Transport Section is engaging with the school in relation to this sanction and will contact the family directly.  

Bus Éireann have a dedicated customer care call centre to help families with school transport questions.

If families have any questions, they can call the centre at LoCall 0818 919 910. The phone lines are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Queries can also be submitted via: Bus Éireann's website: Bus Éireann online.

Pleanáil Teanga

Ceisteanna (241, 242, 243, 244, 245)

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

241. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Conor D. McGuinness den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad iad na pleananna atá á réiteach ag Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir le pleanáil teanga sna ceantair Ghaeltachta, i bhfianaise mhainneachtain leanúnach an Rialtais dul i ngleic le meath leanúnach úsáid na Gaeilge sna pobail sin. [21900/25]

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

242. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Conor D. McGuinness den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an dtabharfaidh sé sonraí iomlána ar an maoiniú a cuireadh ar fáil don phleanáil teanga le deich mbliana anuas, briste síos de réir na limistéar pleanála teanga éagsúla, agus a mhíniú cén fáth a bhfuil easpa comhsheasmhachta agus méaduithe inbhuanaithe ar an gcistiú le feiceáil. [21901/25]

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

243. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Conor D. McGuinness den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le pleananna teanga atá i bhfeidhm faoi láthair a athbhreithniú, agus an aontaíonn sé nach bhfuil an Rialtas tar éis luas a chur leis an bpróiseas sin ná tiomantas soiléir a thaispeáint i ndáil leis, rud atá ag déanamh dochar d’fheidhmíocht na bpleananna sin. [21902/25]

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

244. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Conor D. McGuinness den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán an ndéanfaidh sé a shoiléiriú cén fáth nach bhfuil méadú suntasach déanta ar an gcistiú don phleanáil teanga i bhfianaise na n-éileamh méadaithe agus an lagmhisnigh atá á léiriú ag pobail Ghaeltachta faoin tacaíocht atá ar fáil. [21903/25]

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

245. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Conor D. McGuinness den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén fáth nach raibh ábhar ríthábhachtach cosúil le soláthar tithíochta lárnach i bpleananna teanga go dtí seo, agus an dtabharfaidh sé gealltanas soiléir go gceartófar é sin i ngach plean amach anseo. [21904/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 241 go dtí 245, go huile, le chéile.

Is é caomhnú agus láidriú na Gaeilge mar theanga bheo agus mar phríomhtheanga phobail na Gaeltachta an bunchuspóir atá le polasaithe agus gníomhaíochtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá ról ar leith leagtha síos don Údarás in Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 agus chuige sin tá sé freagrach as an bpróiseas pleanála teanga a stiúradh, a chomhordú agus a riaradh sa Ghaeltacht.

Tá an próiseas pleanála teanga fréamhaithe sa chleachtas go bhfuil ról lárnach ag na pobail Ghaeltachta i gcur chun cinn na Gaeilge mar theanga labhartha pobail ina gceantair féin.  Faoin chur chuige atá in áit tacaíonn Údarás na Gaeltachta le ceanneagraíochtaí atá aitheanta agus ionadaíoch don phobal le plean teanga seacht mbliana a ullmhú, i ndiaidh dul i gcomhairle leis an phobal.  Cuireadh tús le feidhmiú na chéad pleananna teanga in 2018 agus táthar ag staid anois go bhfuil pleananna teanga á bhfeidhmiú i 26 Limistéar Pleanála Teanga (LPT) agus i bpéire as trí cinn de Bhailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta (BSG) atá sainaitheanta sa Ghaeltacht. Tá 35 post mar Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga ceangailte leis na pleananna teanga sin agus tá buiséad bhliantúil de €3.9m á íoc le tacú leis na ceanneagraíochtaí na pleananna teanga atá ceadaithe dá gceantair a fheidhmiú.

Ach oiread le mórán teangacha mionlaigh eile bhí agus tá an Ghaeilge faoi bhrú leanúnach. Léiríonn torthaí Daonáireamh 2022 agus 2016 staid leochailleach na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.  Tá sé soiléir go bhfuil úsáid laethúil agus rialta na Gaeilge i gnáth shaol an phobal ag pointe chriticiúil.

Ag leibhéal an Údaráis féin tá a gcuid straitéisí sna réimsí pobail, fiontraíochta agus fostaíochta athlínithe le cuspóirí teanga na heagraíochta.  Díríonn straitéis agus cláir gníomhaíochta na heagraíochta ar philéir agus struchtúir tacaíochta na réimsí atá aitheanta sna pleananna teanga a fhorbairt agus a láidriú. Le tamall anuas tá scéimeanna agus dreasachtaí nua forbartha agus á fhorbairt ag an eagraíocht le tacú tuilleadh leis an phróiseas pleanála teanga. Tá said seo bunaithe ar na héilimh agus na riachtanais atá ag teacht óna pobail féin nó atá aitheanta ag an eagraíocht.

Déanann Ráiteas Deireadh Bliana cur síos ar an dul chun cinn a rinneadh chun chun forbairt na Gaeltachta, pobal na Gaeilge agus cothú na teanga a chur chun cinn le linn 2024.

Príomhfhigiúirí 2024:

• 869 post nua cruthaithe sa Ghaeltacht in 2024.

• Glanmhéadú de 217 post.

• 9,743 post i gcliantchomhlachtaí ag deireadh na bliana.

• Ardú ar an leibhéal fostaíochta i gcúig chontae Gaeltachta.

• 211 post nua ceadaithe ag bord Údarás na Gaeltachta.

• 28 Plean Teanga le 35 post á gcur i bhfeidhm le buiséad €3.9m.

• gteic – 465 duine ag obair sna 29 mol digiteach sa ghréasáin digiteach.

• GAIRM – Clár nua iarchéime ceannródaíoch tosaithe le deichniúr céimithe.

• CUMASÚ – Clár nua do 150 banfhiontraí Gaeltachta le 41 rannpháirtí i 2024.

• Scéim na bPrintíseach – 34 printíseach cláraithe i 2024.

• AI na Gaeilge – tús curtha le tairiscint Eorpach chun AI na Gaeilge a fhorbairt ag leibhéal.

• náisiúnta faoi dheireadh 2026.

• Cúig suíomh do thithíocht inachmhainne aitheanta go dtí seo mar cuid de bheartas tithíochta an Údaráis – le tacaíocht agus cead pleanála in áit do ceithre theach i gCorca Dhuibhne.

• Tá spriocanna a bhaineann le cúrsaí teanga i gcroílár na h-oibre sin agus tá céimeanna suntasacha ar bun chun treisiú ar aschur na n-iarrachtaí sin. Tá éabhlóid tagtha ar ról Údarás na Gaeltachta, a bhí dírithe, tráth don tsaoil ar an bhfostaíocht. Anois mar shampla, déantar measúnú tionchar teanga mar chuid do phróiseas meastacháin Údarás na Gaeltachta.  Tá dhá ról ceadaithe ag Roinn na Gaeltachta, mar Eacnamaí agus mar Anailísí Polasaí Teanga a bheidh á fhógairt go luath chun tátal leanúnach a dhéanamh ar fhoinsí éagsúla stáit agus eile chun tionchar obair an Údaráis a mheas bunaithe ar tháscairí náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta. Beidh an obair sin mar bhunchloch do dhearadh straitéis nua Údarás na Gaeltachta a bheidh in áit ó 2025 go dtí 2030.

• Cuireann an tÚdarás réimse tacaíochtaí ar fáil d’imeachtaí agus do ghníomhaíochtaí atá dírithe ar bhuanú, ar chur chun cinn agus ar fhorbairt na Gaeilge ar fud na Gaeltachta. Díríonn na dreasachtaí sin ar an bhunstruchtúr tacaíochta teanga a láidriú agus cur chuige níos straitéise a fiosrú, a phleanáil agus a fhorbairt le cuidiú le pobal na Gaeltachta agus sprioc ghrúpaí ar leith sa phobal sin:

• -  tríd infheistíochta ina fhochuideachtaí agus i gcomhlachtaí eile, ar nós Muintearas, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta tacaítear le seirbhísí luathbhlianta agus réimse an óige a fhorbairt agus choinneáil slán sa Ghaeltacht.

• - Tríd tacú le pobal na Gaeltachta a chumas Gaeilge a fheabhsú trí thacaíocht a chur ar fáil do ranganna Gaeilge, agus an pobal a spreagadh le tabhairt faoi cháilíocht Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge agus deimhnithe cáilíochtúla eile.

• -  tríd tacú le gnólachtaí an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn. Beidh dhá chlár nua tacaíochta trí bliana a fhorbairt agus a sholáthar ag an Údarás  in 2025.   Díreoidh clár amháin, An Clár Tacaíochta Gaeilge do Ghnólachtaí, ar an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i ngnólachtaí Gaeltachta sna hearnálacha miondíola, fáilteachais agus turasóireachta.  Tá sé mar sprioc ag an Chlár Tacaíochta gnólachtaí sna hearnálacha sin a mhealladh agus a chumasú le bheith réamhghníomhach i gcur chun cinn úsáid na Gaeilge sa ghnó agus san idirghníomhaíocht idir na fostaithe, a gcustaiméirí agus iad féin.  Tá béim faoi leith sa chlár seo ar a chinntiú go mbeidh seirbhís ar ardchaighdeán trí Ghaeilge á soláthar ag na gnólachtaí sna hearnálacha sin do phobal na Gaeltachta, do chuairteoirí agus do thurasóirí araon agus caighdeán na seirbhísí atá ar fáil faoi láthair a ardú trí fhostaithe a chumasú chuige sin. Tá clár tacaíochta 3 bliana de luach €1.926m ceadaithe ag an Roinn don Údarás le tabhairt faoin obair seo agus tá próiseas earcaíochta ar siúl ag an eagraíocht faoi láthair chun acmhainní foirne a chur ina áit chuige.

• Díríonn an dara clár tacaíochta – Scéim Forbartha Gaeilge na gCliantchomhlachtaí – ar chur chuige nua le tacú le cliaint an Údaráis, ina bhfuil líon ard postanna, chun úsáid na Gaeilge a chothú agus a spreagadh sa ghnó agus i measc na bhfostaithe. Beidh an clár seo dírithe ar chumasú teanga, ar thuiscint ar chultúr agus teanga na Gaeltachta a éascú agus níos mó ceangal a chothú idir na fostaithe atá ag obair sna cliaint agus na seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge atá ar fáil sna fearainn éagsúla sa phobal. Déanfar é seo trí Plean Forbartha Gaeilge 3 bliana a fhorbairt agus a aontú le cliantchomhlachtaí le 30+ duine fostaithe iontu.  Tá clár tacaíochta 3 bliana de luach €1,301m ceadaithe ag an Roinn don Údarás le tabhairt faoin obair seo agus tá próiseas earcaíochta ar siúl ag an eagraíocht faoi láthair chun acmhainní foirne a chur ina áit chuige.

• Tá bunchloch maith curtha faoin phróiseas pleanála teanga le cúpla bliain anuas agus ar an iomlán tá na pleananna a d’aontaigh na pobail á gcur i gcrích. Is gá anois go mbreathnófaí ar shlite le neartú a dhéanamh ar méid atá bainte amach agus cur le tionchar an phróiseas.

Fad is a bhaineann sé leis an athbhreithniú atá ar siúil ar na pleananna teanga, mar atá curtha in iúl roimhe seo táthar dóchasach go mbeidh an tuarascáil ina leith a fhoilsiú go ríghairid. Ní aontaítear go bhfuil an mhoill le foilsiú na tuarascála sin ag déanamh dochair d’fheidhmíocht na bpleananna sin ná don phróiseas trí chéile.

I mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2023 cheadaigh mo Roinn ardú de 20% ar an mbuiséad bliantúil a chuirtear ar fáil do gach plean teanga. B’ionann sin agus €20,000 nó níos mó do gach Limistéar Pleanála Teanga (LPT) agus €16,000 nó níos mó do gach Líonra Gaeilge agus Baile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta atá ceadaithe faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga, chun cur le cumas gach coiste pleanála teanga a phlean a chur i bhfeidhm ar bhonn níos éifeachtaí. B’ionann an tacaíocht seo agus infheistíocht bhreise de luach beagnach €900,000 sa chóras pleanála trí chéile.

Anuas ar an ardú maoiniú sin, ceadaíodh tacaíocht bhreise don 4 LPT a raibh Oifigeach Cúnta Pleanála Teanga ceadaithe dóibh. Aontaíodh go mbeadh cead ag na limistéir sin Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a fhostú seachas Oifigeach Cúnta Pleanála Teanga, de réir mar a oireann. Bhí 4 LPT a chomhlíon critéir áirithe a leagadh síos sa bhliain 2017 - Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir; Cois Fharraige; Conamara Láir & Ciarraí Thiar. Mar thoradh ar an gcinneadh, bhí ceadaithe dóibh beirt Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a fhostú ina gcuid limistéir pleanála teanga in áit Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga amháin agus Oifigeach Cúnta Pleanála Teanga amháin.

Ceadaíodh tacaíocht bhreise ar leith do LPT Mhaigh Eo Thuaidh tar éis cás a chur an LPT sin os comhair na Roinne i Márta 2023. Tugadh cead don LPT sin an dara OPT a fhostú sa limistéar fosta. Chun sin a éascú, cuireadh agus cuirfear buiséad arduithe ar fáil a bheidh ar chomhchéim le Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir; Cois Fharraige; Conamara Láir & Ciarraí Thiar do LPT Mhaigh Eo Thuaidh.

B’aitheantas é an t-ardú 20% sin do bhuiséid na bpleananna teanga ar an obair thábhachtach atá ar bun faoin bpróiseas pleanála teanga agus cuirfidh sé le cumas na gcoistí dul i ngleic leis an ardú atá tagtha ar na costais mhaireachtála le cúpla bliain anuas. Ciallaíonn sé seo go mbeidh méadú bliantúil d’ós cionn €1m á infheistiú ag mo Roinn sa phróiseas pleanála teanga nuair a bheidh na pleananna uile á bhfeidhmiú.

Fágann sé sin gur maoiniú bliantúil d’idir €120,000 agus €180,000 in aghaidh na bliana thar tréimhse 7 mbliana atá ar fáil do na Limistéir Pleanála Teanga.

Ní dochar a lua gurbh iad na coistí pleanála teanga atá freagra as scríobh na pleananna teanga féin théis próiseas comhairliúcháin leis pobail na LPT’s, BSG’s agus LG’s sin agus na tosaíochtaí a thagann chun cinn ó na comhairliúcháin sin. Níl aon ról ag mo Roinn i scríobh na bpleananna féin.

É sin ráite, cé go bhfuil tús feidhme fós le cur leis an Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2024, is faoin Acht sin a thiocfaidh gnóthaí i ndáil le cúrsaí pleanála agus tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht sna blianta amach romhainn. Go príomha, is ag an Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta atá an fhreagracht maidir leis an Acht nua seo.

Chun cur le héifeacht na reachtaíochta pleanála, cuireadh tús tamall ó shoin le próiseas i dtreo treoirlínte nua a fhorbairt maidir le pleanáil sa Ghaeltacht. Tá cainteanna leanúnacha ar bun idir an Roinn agus an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta ó 2022 ina leith seo.

Bíonn teagmháil rialta idir na páirtithe leasmhara ag leibhéal sinsearach agus leanann an obair ar aghaidh chun na treoirlínte seo a thabhairt chun críche. Ach na treoirlínte a bheith aontaithe ag an ngrúpa oibre lorgófar tuairimí ón bpobal trí chomhairliúcháin phoiblí. Is fiú a lua freisin go bhfuil Údarás na Gaeltachta ag obair le páirtithe leasmhara chomh maith chun dul i ngleic le dúshláin éagsúla maidir le soláthar agus infhaighteacht tithíochta i gceantair Ghaeltachta.

PQs 241-245

Question No. 242 answered with Question No. 241.

Question No. 243 answered with Question No. 241.

Question No. 244 answered with Question No. 241.

Question No. 245 answered with Question No. 241.

Cúrsaí Tithíochta

Ceisteanna (246)

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

246. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Conor D. McGuinness den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán sonraí iomlána a thabhairt ar aon chruinnithe, comhfhreagras nó idirghníomhaíochtaí idir Rannóg na Gaeltachta dá Roinn féin agus an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta maidir le soláthar tithíochta i gceantair Ghaeltachta, agus an dtabharfaidh sé míniú ar an bhfáth nach bhfuil dul chun cinn suntasach déanta ar an gceist ríthábhachtach seo. [21905/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Chun a chur le héifeacht na reachtaíochta pleanála, cuireadh tús tamall ó shin le próiseas i dtreo treoirlínte nua a fhorbairt maidir le pleanáil sa Ghaeltacht. Tá mo Roinn ag glacadh páirt i ngrúpa oibre leis an Roinn Tithíochta, Údaráis Áitiúla Ábhartha agus le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta i láthair na huaire. Tá an grúpa oibre seo ag cíoradh an phróisis phleanála sa Ghaeltacht chun struchtúr agus cleachtais a aontú chun an próiseas reatha a fheabhsú. Tá cainteanna leanúnacha ar bun idir an Roinn agus an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta ó 2022 ina leith seo. Tionóladh an cruinniú is déanaí ar an ábhar seo ar i mí Márta 2025.

Le roinnt blianta anuas tá an-chuid teagmháil leanúnach idir mo Roinn féin agus an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta maidir le pleanáil sa Ghaeltacht, nithe a bhaineann le soláthar tithíochta i gceantair Ghaeltachta ina measc.

Ceann de phríomhaidhmeanna na gcomhráití seo a chinntiú go ndéanfar nósanna imeachta agus córais a shaincheapadh, de réir mar is cuí, chun cur chuige éifeachtach agus caighdeánach a éascú do na húdaráis áitiúla ábhartha maidir le saincheisteanna a bhaineann le pleanáil i gceantair Ghaeltachta a bhainistiú.

Tá dréacht treoirlínte á n-ullmhú ag an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta i gcomhar leis an Roinn a chuirfear sa bhfearann phoiblí chomh luath agus is féidir. Táthar ag súil go gcabhróidh sé seo le cur chuige caighdeánach a chur i bhfeidhm a bheidh ar leas an chórais trí chéile.

Cé nach bhfuil na treoirlínte foilsithe go fóill is léir go bhfuil dul chun cinn déanta ar an gceist seo agus beidh tairbhe na hoibre sin le feiceáil nuair a fhoilsítear na treoirlínte.

Cúrsaí Tithíochta

Ceisteanna (247)

Conor D McGuinness

Ceist:

247. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Conor D. McGuinness den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán sonraí a thabhairt ar gach teagmháil idir Rannóg na Gaeltachta agus na húdaráis áitiúla maidir le ceist na tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht, agus an n-aithníonn sé go bhfuil mainneachtain ó thaobh comhordú agus gníomh idir an Roinn agus na húdaráis áitiúla ag cur bac ar fhorbairt pobail Ghaeltachta. [21906/25]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Tá cainteanna ar siúl idir an Roinn Tithíochta agus an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le pleanáil i gceantair Ghaeltachta agus tá grúpa oibre comhdhéanta den dá Roinn, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus údaráis áitiúla ábhartha bunaithe chun an cheist seo a scrúdú. Is é príomhsprioc an ghrúpa oibre seo ná a chinntiú go ndéantar pleanáil sna ceantair Ghaeltachta i gcomhthéacs sainriachtanais teanga na bpobal Gaeltachta.

Maidir le comhordú agus gníomh idir an Roinn agus na húdaráis áitiúla, tá an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta ag dréachtú treoirlínte pleanála Gaeltachta faoi láthair agus tionólfar cruinnithe den ghrúpa oibre de réir mar is cuí nuair atá bailchríoch curtha ar na treoirlínte sin.

Chomh maith leis sin, cuireann údaráis áitiúla a bhfuil ceantar Gaeltacht faoina gcúram, iarratais phleanála chuig mo Roinn-se i gcásanna go bhféadadh siad tionchar a imirt ar nósmhaireacht teanga na Gaeltachta dá gceadófaí iad. Déantar seo faoi alt 28(1) de na Rialacháin um Pleanáil agus Forbairt 2001. Déanann mo Roinn aighneachtaí maidir leis na hiarratais seo de réir mar is gá.

• Written Answers Nos. 208-227
• Written Answers Nos. 248-275