Wednesday, 8 May 2024

Written Answers Nos. 179-198

Departmental Data

Questions (179)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

179. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of Irish businesses using Cloud, Big Data and AI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20706/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The EU's Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), published as part of the Report on the State of the Digital Decade on 27 September 2023, shows that Ireland holds a leading position in the EU in terms of SMEs with at least a basic level of digital intensity, at 85% versus a target of 90%.

The 2023 DESI also shows that 22.7% of businesses with over 10 employees are using big data (5th in EU); 47% are using cloud (8th in EU), 7.9% are using AI (13th in EU). These results draw on data from 2020.

The CSO Information Society Statistics - Enterprises 2023, published in January 2024, provides more detailed data broken down  by enterprise size and sector, and the types and uses cases of AI, data and cloud technologies. 

Departmental Policies

Questions (180)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

180. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to respond and address serious concerns raised by local business owner in respect of the current pressures facing the food and hospitality sectors (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20727/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The importance of the hospitality sector to the Irish economy and communities in every corner of Ireland is well understood. I am acutely aware that many businesses in all sectors are facing difficulties due to the cost of doing business.

With this in mind, as part of the Budget 2024 package, and in order to help businesses with their increasing overheads, the Government announced the introduction of the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant.

The ICOB was intended to aid firms with the challenge posed by increased costs and was set to benefit up to 120,531 small businesses. The scheme has closed for registrations since midnight on 1st May.  The total number of registrations for the grant is 65,979.  Once these registrations are verified eligible businesses will be paid the grant.  Now that the scheme is closed officials will be analysing the data and deciding on the next steps. 

On 5 March 2024, my Department and the Department of Social Protection published an assessment of the combined impact of proposed measures to improve working conditions in Ireland. Reflecting the findings of this assessment, there a range of measures will brought forward to assist businesses in adjusting to these increased costs as well as more generally to improve cost competitiveness of firms. These will be announced in the coming weeks. 

My Department is committed to supporting SMEs and micros to access loans at affordable rates and favourable terms and conditions, such as the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme and Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme.

Also, Microfinance Ireland provides vital support to microenterprises by filling the lending gap in the market by lending to business that cannot obtain loans from other commercial lenders.

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), play an extremely important role as part of a supportive ecosystem, providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the country. They act as a ‘first stop shop’ locally providing expert advice and guidance, financial assistance, and offer a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to business owners throughout the country.

The LEOs provide a suite of productivity and competitiveness supports to small businesses in the areas of Lean, Green and Digital. These include the Trading Online Voucher, Green for Business, and the Energy Efficiency Grant. The ‘All in a Day’s Work’ national campaign emphasises the benefits of these supports for businesses; namely saving them time, energy and money.

The Climate Toolkit 4 Business allows SMEs get an estimate of their carbon footprint and a personalised plan to reduce it, highlighting the relevant help that is available from Government, through agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

Ultimately, any responsibility for VAT lies with my colleague Mr. Michael McGrath T.D., Minister for Finance. In terms of reverting the VAT rate from 13.5% to 9%, it is important to recognise that VAT reductions, even temporary VAT reductions, do have a cost to the Exchequer. The Department of Finance and Revenue have raised significant administrative and operational concerns attached with applying different VAT rates for different sectors.

Business Supports

Questions (181)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

181. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the trading online voucher scheme can be used to help businesses migrate from a copper broadband connection to a fibre broadband connection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20785/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Placing digital transformation at the heart of enterprise policy is a priority of the White Paper on Enterprise and Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are actively engaged in supporting businesses in their twin transitions of digitalisation and decarbonisation. National campaigns, such as the  ‘All in a Day’s Work’ campaign by LEOs draws attention to the benefits of making a business more efficient, productive, and sustainable. It focuses on how the Lean, Green and Digital products offered by LEOs can help businesses to save time, money, and energy.

The Trading Online Voucher scheme helps businesses to develop their online trading capability and includes training sessions that cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation. It is open to a broad range of microenterprises. LEOs also offer the Digital Start Programme which is a consultancy assignment designed to help businesses prepare and implement a plan for the adoption of digital tools and techniques across the business. 

In that regard, LEOs do not provide grants or programmes specifically for the purpose of migrating from copper to fibre broadband. The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has responsibility for the Digital Connectivity Strategy, including the National Broadband Plan, which oversees the rollout of fibre broadband across the country.

Further queries regarding the provision of fibre broadband can be made directly to the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications using the designated webform available at secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (182)

Carol Nolan

Question:

182. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if she will assist a school (details supplied) in obtaining an increase in special education hours given the increase in enrolment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20116/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

The Special Education Teaching (SET) allocation model for 2024/25 is based on information from all 4,000 schools in the country. The model distributes the total available number of SET posts in line with each school’s profile of need.

The model seeks to distribute teaching resources in the fairest possible manner, taking into account as much evidence as possible in respect of individual schools and evidence in respect of the best possible use of resources. Schools must adhere to the guidance on the use of SET hours and support all children with additional teaching needs using the continuum of support framework.

The revised model is providing an annual allocation of SET hours, using the best possible available data sources and is ensuring that the right resource is available at the right time to meet the needs of children with special educational needs. Schools have autonomy to deploy those resources to meet the needs of their students. In this regard it is important to note that 67% of all schools saw their allocation increase or remain the same, whereas 33% saw a reduction in hours. Of those schools who saw a reduction in hours 90% was a result of falling enrolment.

The department acknowledges that every school is different, and that schools can experience unique circumstances that may be difficult to reflect in any standardised method. This is always a challenge when making allocations in respect of 4,000 schools. It is for this reason that the department, working with the NCSE has streamlined the review process for SET hours and schools who have any concerns can engage with the NCSE on their allocation.

This review process has now commenced with reviews being considered on a weekly basis with first priority given to schools who are developing or rapidly developing.

Additional resources will be provided to schools in cases where the NCSE have identified that this is required.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.

The NCSE have advised that they have reviewed and streamline the SET review process following feedback from schools and our education partners. The new streamlined review process was introduced for the SET Allocation for 2024/25 school year. A school could request a review of their allocation on the NCSE portal in March 2024 and the NCSE has committed to completing the reviews in the period March to May 2024 on a prioritised bases with rapidly developing schools being given priority.

I note that the school has applied for a review of their SET allocation and the NCSE will respond directly to the school on this matter.

The school should also make contact with their local SENO to discuss the matters outlined and the NCSE can also provide Adviser support to the school as required.

It is important to note that SET hours are only one component of support for children in mainstream classes. The most important support is the mainstream class teacher. The student/teacher ratio at primary level is now 23:1 which means there are more mainstream teachers than ever before in our educational system.

School Funding

Questions (183)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

183. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a list of all schools that were approved for capital investment of more than €1.5 million in the years of 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [20158/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings.

These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.

It is also planned that close to 90 projects currently at tender stage, including 28 new school buildings, will be authorised to proceed 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.

These projects moving to construction in this next phase will add in the region of 200,000 m2 of additional and modernised permanent capacity across the school estate and involve 28 new school buildings and 61 extensions at existing buildings.

These projects will help schools cater for growing populations in their areas and include 138 classrooms for children with special education needs, which is a key priority for Government.

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 status of all school building projects, including those that are complete and in construction, is listed on a county by county basis at (www.gov.ie) and is updated on a regular basis.

The table below lists the schools approved to go to construction under the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation and Modular Programme with capital investment over €1.5 million during 2023 and to date in 2024:

Large Scale, Additional Accommodation & Modular School Building Projects approved for Capital Investment in 2023 & 2023

No.	Roll No	School Name	County	School Type	Delivery Programme Large Scale/ Additional Accommodation / Modular
1	91351S	Bailieborough CS	Cavan	Post Primary	Modular
2	20022V	Scoil na mBuachilli	Cork	Primary	Additional Accommodation
3	71050P	St Colman's Community College	Cork	Post Primary	Modular
4	17036P	Scoil Cholmcille	Donegal	Primary	Additional Accommodation
5	17704H	Scoil Fhionain	Donegal	Primary	Additional Accommodation
6	20096E	GS na gCeithre Máistrí	Donegal	Primary	Large Scale
7	71180F	Abbey Vocational School	Donegal	Post Primary	Additional Accommodation
8	71200I	Errigal College	Donegal	Post Primary	Modular
9	71220O	Mulroy College	Donegal	Post Primary	Modular
10	71230R	Deele College	Donegal	Post Primary	Modular
11	76084L	Moville Community College	Donegal	Post Primary	Large Scale
12	07546J	Goldenbridge Convent	Dublin	Primary	Large Scale
13	18763F	St Michaels House Special School	Dublin	Special Education	Additional Accommodation
14	19355S	Ballyowen Meadows Special School	Dublin	Special Education	Large Scale
15	19926M	Bunscoil Coláiste Mhuire	Dublin	Primary	Large Scale
16	20028K	Setanta Special School	Dublin	Special Education	Large Scale
17	20279M	St Michael's House Special School	Dublin	Special Education	Additional Accommodation
18	20518E	Gaelscoil Laighean	Dublin	Primary	Modular
19	20529J	Broadmeadow CNS	Dublin	Primary	Modular
20	20572K	An Cosan Community Special School	Dublin	Special Education	Additional Accommodation
21	60310E	De La Salle College	Dublin	Post Primary	Modular
22	60872A	Mercy Secondary School	Dublin	Post Primary	Modular
23	68365A	Harolds Cross ETSS	Dublin	Post Primary	Modular
24	76394D	Clonturk Community College	Dublin	Post Primary	Modular
25	76454S	Griffeen Community College	Dublin	Post Primary	Modular
26	18572V	St Josephs NS	Galway	Primary	Additional Accommodation
27	20070J	Rosedale Special School	Galway	Special Education	Large Scale
28	20328W	St. Teresa's Special School	Galway	Special Education	Modular
29	81012N	Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiarain	Galway	Post Primary	Additional Accommodation
30	18247K	SN Mhuire Na Mbraithre	Kerry	Primary	Modular
31	13328I	St Patricks NS	Kildare	Primary	Additional Accommodation
32	19455W	St. Mark's Special	Kildare	Special Education	Large Scale
33	19897I	Scoil Ui Riada	Kildare	Primary	Additional Accommodation
34	20526D	Leixlip Primary School	Kildare	Primary	Modular
35	70720G	St Farnan's Post Primary School	Kildare	Post Primary	Modular
36	19626A	St. Canice's NS	Kilkenny	Primary	Large Scale
37	61550G	Kilkenny CBS	Kilkenny	Post Primary	Large Scale
38	61590S	Presentation Secondary School	Kilkenny	Post Primary	Large Scale
39	20100P	Kolbe Special School	Laois	Special Education	Large Scale
40	20224K	Gaelscoil an tSli Dala	Laois	Primary	Modular
41	76474B	Dunamaise Community College	Laois	Post Primary	Modular
42	16760M	Dromiskin NS	Louth	Primary	Modular
43	19598V	Muire Na Ngael NS	Louth	Primary	Modular
44	20171P	Ardee ETNS	Louth	Primary	Large Scale
45	71761C	St Oliver's Community College	Louth	Post Primary	Modular
46	13222P	Glencastle NS	Mayo	Primary	Additional Accommodation
47	16100Q	St Joseph's Mercy Convent NS	Meath	Primary	Large Scale
48	17513A	SN Cill Bhrighde	Meath	Primary	Additional Accommodation
49	64350N	St Patricks Classical School	Meath	Post Primary	Additional Accommodation
50	72010I	Beaufort College	Meath	Post Primary	Modular
51	76595N	Enfield Community College	Meath	Post Primary	Large Scale
52	76614O	Colaiste Rioga	Meath	Post Primary	Large Scale
53	10429W	Scoil Mhuire NS	Monaghan	Primary	Large Scale
54	20055N	Gaelscoil Eois	Monaghan	Primary	Large Scale
55	20461B	Gaelscoil na Laochra	Offaly	Primary	Modular
56	18465U	St. Joseph's NS	Tipperary	Primary	Additional Accommodation
57	20085W	Gaelscoil Charraig Na Siuire	Tipperary	Primary	Large Scale
58	65450W	C.B.S. Thurles	Tipperary	Post Primary	Modular
59	72450N	Newport College	Tipperary	Post Primary	Modular
60	72241E	St Paul's Community College	Waterford	Post Primary	Modular
61	18534N	St. Mary's Special School	Westmeath	Special Education	Large Scale
62	63280N	St Finian's College	Westmeath	Post Primary	Large Scale
63	71450I	Mullingar Community College	Westmeath	Post Primary	Modular
64	71600B	Coláiste Abbain	Wexford	Post Primary	Modular
65	71620H	Bunclody Vocational College	Wexford	Post Primary	Modular
66	71680C	Selskar College	Wexford	Post Primary	Modular
67	12554M	St Patrick's National School	Wicklow	Primary	Modular

State Examinations

Questions (184)

James O'Connor

Question:

184. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if her Department will issue an expected date for adecision to be made in relation to assessment adjustments of the sraitheanna pictiúr for Leaving Certificate students of Irish in 2025 [20168/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The sraitheanna pictiúr, or picture sequences, are a component of the common Irish Oral test for Higher Level and Ordinary Level candidates, with the Oral test accounting for 40% of the overall marks for Leaving Cert Irish.  

In response to issues highlighted in National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) and An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) research about the sraitheanna pictiúr and the conversational elements of the Oral Irish exam, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) introduced adjustments to the structure of the Common Oral examination  for the 2020 exams and thereafter.  These aim to create greater opportunity for candidate-examiner interaction and so give the candidate scope to display their competence while keeping a balance between the different parts of the oral exam.  However, the oral exams did not take place in 2020 as a result of the pandemic.

Since then there have been adjustments to assessment arrangements in light of the pandemic’s impact on teaching and learning. These adjustments have been made with due regard for the principles of equity, fairness and integrity, in relation to student-to-student, subject-to-subject, and year-to-year comparisons. They include a reduction in the number of sraitheanna pictiúr that each candidate must prepare from 20 to 10. 

On 17 April 2024, I confirmed that adjustments will be made to the assessment arrangements due to sit State examinations in 2024 and 2025. These adjustments will be the same as that applied to State examinations in 2023 but updated as relevant.

Detail on the adjusted assessment arrangements for every subject/module descriptor in the Leaving Certificate Established, Leaving Certificate Applied, Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme and Junior Cycle programmes will be issued to schools in due course, and schools will be asked to ensure that all students are made aware of these changes.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (185)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

185. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education when a revised building works approval will issue to a school in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20184/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide for 1 mainstream classroom, to include alterations to the existing school to provide SET facilities, under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The responsibility for this project has been devolved to the school authority.    

A Stage 2b report and a request for an uplift in fees has been submitted and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. 

The Department will be in contact with the school directly once these matters have been reviewed.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (186)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

186. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the status of a school build (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20194/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).

I can confirm that the recommended enhancements referred to by the Deputy were incorporated into the requested Stage 2b addendum report submitted into my Department and this is currently being reviewed by Department officials. Once this review is completed, Department officials will be in contact with LCETB in regard to the next appropriate steps to progress this significant project, which is tendering for a contractor and onwards to construction in due course.

My Department will continue to work closely with LCETB and its Design Team in this regard.

I can assure you that my Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in this school and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that this school project - as for all projects on the school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the public Infrastructure guidelines.  It is a challenging construction environment across all sectors (Education, Housing, Transport etc.) and my Department is also required to manage the timing, scope and cost of individual projects to remain within budgetary parameters for the overall programme – this involves constant review throughout the project life cycle.  

Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested around €4.5 billion in schools throughout the country. Around 800 school building projects have been completed and 300 other projects are under construction. School building projects under construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion with most of these projects due for completion in 2024 and 2025. This is a record level of investment and highlights my Department’s very strong track record in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.  

The status of all projects in the pipeline, including those at tender stage, is set out by County at (www.gov.ie) and is updated on a regular basis.

School Accommodation

Questions (187)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

187. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education for an update on a reconfiguration project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20286/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application, under the Additional School Accommodation scheme, from the school referred to by the Deputy.  The purpose of the Additional School Accommodation 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 other schools in the area.

A technical site visit has been carried out at the school and my Department has recently agreed an accommodation brief for the school and is now finalising  options to deliver this accommodation. My Department are in ongoing contact with the school principal in this regard and will continue to do so regarding the project.

Residential Institutions

Questions (188)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

188. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if, in light of the fact that the courts have granted interest to victims of institutional abuse who are receiving compensation, she will also consider paying interest to these victims, including to those who attended a school (details supplied) in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20302/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

While the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot comment on individual or specific cases, I understand that he is referring to the revised ExGratia scheme which operated from July 2021 to July 2023.  The ExGratia scheme was developed to implement the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) judgment in O'Keeffe v Ireland, which concerned sexual abuse in day schools. The scheme, which was developed in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General,  provides for ex gratia payments of €84,000 to be made to those who qualify to apply for the Scheme and who satisfy the criteria as set out in the Terms of Scheme. There is no provision in the Terms of Scheme to pay interest on these payments.

Departmental Staff

Questions (189)

Carol Nolan

Question:

189. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the number of employees within her Department and bodies under the aegis of her Department who are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations; to outline, in tabular form, the length of time these employees have been under suspension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20311/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The Department of Education do not have any employees who are currently suspended on full pay pending disciplinary investigations.

In relation to the aegis bodies, a list of the points of contact within the organisations who would be in a position to supply the information requested, is attached.

Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Education as at 11 March 2024

Name of Body	Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireachtas	Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members
An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta	[e-mail]	[e-mail]
Educational Research Centre	[e-mail]	[e-mail]
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment	[e-mail]	[e-mail]
State Examinations Commission	[e-mail]	[e-mail]
The Teaching Council	[e-mail]	[e-mail]
National Council for Special Education	[e-mail]	[e-mail] and [e-mail]
Residential Institutions Statutory Fund – Caranua	[e-mail]	[e-mail]

Special Educational Needs

Questions (190)

Holly Cairns

Question:

190. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education whether her attention has been drawn to an issue in special schools where only students who reside in the CDNT area of the school itself are able to access therapies within the school; whether this residency requirement is departmental or HSE policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20341/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). 

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

The provision of health therapy supports for children with disabilities is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive, and matters in relation to the provision of health-related services for children with disabilities should therefore be directed to that body or to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

For 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools and 300 additional special school places.

This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).

In 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting these children.

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.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (191)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

191. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education the status of a school (details supplied) that in March 2020 secured approval for the construction of two ASD classrooms and several special education spaces and to date no construction of these units has occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20344/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide a 2 Classroom Special Educational Needs base and 4 SET rooms under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme 2020.  The project was devolved to the school authority for delivery. 

A Stage 2a report has been submitted and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. 

The Department will be in contact with the school directly once this review has been completed.At this time, it is not possible to give a timeframe as to when this project will go to construction.

School Staff

Questions (192)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

192. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education what further appeal mechanism is open to a school (details supplied) to keep a working principal given the extenuating circumstances which has arisen in the school since the appeal was refused. [20346/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.  The staffing arrangements for the 2024/25 school year are set out in Circular 0011/2024.   

The allocation of an Administrative Principal is also based on enrolments on the previous 30 September.  The enrolment thresholds are set out in Appendix B of Circular 11/2024.    

Due to a fall in enrolments, the school referred to by the Deputy is due to have a post suppressed at the end of the current school year which will result in the principal position becoming a teaching one.  The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.  The school has not previously submitted a staffing appeal in respect of its 2024/25 allocation.

School Accommodation

Questions (193)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

193. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education to provide details on the provision of a modular unit for a school (details supplied) for the provision of an additional ASD classroom given the current demand in south Tipperary; given that the school has now proceeded to open a class on a temporary basis using available school accommodation; when this school will be provided with a modular unit; the plans to increase provision of ASD places in south Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20348/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question has submitted an application for capital funding, under my Department's Additional School Accommodation Scheme for one modular special education needs classroom.

The purpose of my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (or ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area.

At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or the requirement for a new class for pupils with special education needs has been identified by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes.  The capacity at other schools in the area is also considered as part of the assessment of any accommodation needs.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.

The Department engages intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.

390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.

Of these 14 are in Tipperary, 5 at primary level and 9 at post-primary level.  This brings to 120 the number of special classes in County Tipperary, 76 at primary level and 44 at post-primary level.

Planning for special classes and special school places in County Tipperary and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new classes for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly. 

In general, demographics have been falling at primary level and are due to continue to decrease. Therefore, the Department considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing spare accommodation capacity at primary level in the first instance, before considering any applications for further accommodation needs. This is in line with public spending requirements. In relation to the provision of primary special classes, the shared preference of both the Department and the NCSE is to use and reconfigure existing school accommodation to provide special classes. Given the number of primary special classes available already and the falling demographics, it is also likely that most of the new additional special classes may be required in larger population centres in a local school planning area.

The NCSE regional team has confirmed the requirement for a class at the school and my Department is now progressing a modular accommodation solution for the school.  An interim solution has been put in place by the school pending the delivery of this modular accommodation.

EU Programmes

Questions (194)

Matt Carthy

Question:

194. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the EU programmes or funds outside of the multiannual financial framework that Ireland has paid into from the year 2014 to date; any receipts from same, by programme or fund, by year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20352/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not paid into, nor has it received any funds from EU Programmes or funds outside the Multiannual Financial Framework in the period 2014 to date.

Residential Institutions

Questions (195)

Bríd Smith

Question:

195. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education if, in belated recognition of the second interim report (section 5.14) and the final report (recommendations, page 5) as emphatic recommendations of the MBHCI, that former residents of the Westbank Orphanage in Greystones, County Wicklow, be included in the residential institutions redress scheme as an urgent matter of justice, fairness and healing for those affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20376/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 established the Residential Institutions Redress Board to make financial awards to people who, as children, were resident in specified institutions and who had injuries consistent with alleged abuse suffered while resident in those institutions.

The Schedule to the 2002 Act specified 123 institutions and the Act allowed for the inclusion of other specified institutions in which children were resident and in respect of which a public body had an inspection or regulatory function.  In response to requests to include specific institutions, two Orders were made, in November 2004 and July 2005, specifying 16 additional institutions bringing the total number of scheduled institutions to 139.

Following publication of the Ryan Report in May 2009, there was a range of requests for the Redress Scheme to be further extended.  The then Government decided against extending the Redress Scheme, which had been open for almost nine years, and the Residential Institutions Redress (Amendment) Act 2011 imposed a final deadline of 17 September 2011.

The Scheme has been closed since that time and it is not therefore possible to include further institutions within the Scheme.

Departmental Properties

Questions (196)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

196. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education to confirm her Department’s ownership of a building (details supplied); and if she will advise where enquiries in relation to the building and its use should be directed. [20390/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can confirm that the property in question is in Minister for Education ownership. At present there is a school on-site in temporary accommodation and a long term school building project is at its preliminary stages. 

Specific enquiries in relation to this property can be sent directly to Schools Property Management  in the Planning and Building Unit located in the Central Business Park, Clonminch, Tullamore, Co Offaly.

The following email address can be used for this purpose: [e-mail].

School Transport

Questions (197)

Gary Gannon

Question:

197. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education to confirm if school bus places for children in special education will be ringfenced in advance of any expansion in the offering of school bus places to other children. [20412/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

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 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.

The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m. 

There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year. 

The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education and Skills 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 is very conscious of the specialised nature of transport provision for pupils with special educational needs under the School Transport Scheme and all services are planned to meet the individual requirements of children travelling.

The School Transport Review does not recommend any changes to the current eligibility criteria for the SEN scheme, in that the scheme will continue to provide transport for eligible children to the nearest school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs and that this will continue to be determined in consultation with the NCSE.  However, a Working Group will be established to enable ongoing improvements to the SEN Scheme. In the interests of promoting inclusivity, steps will be taken to support children with special educational needs whose parents wish for them to travel on available mainstream services, where they wish to and where it is possible to do so.  It is recognised that not all children will be able to travel on mainstream services. 

The analysis conducted as part of this comprehensive review has illustrated the importance of school transport to families and has shown there are benefits from school transport in terms of independence and life skills for children.

While the closing date for new applications for school transport is the last Friday in April, School Transport Section continue to accept applications for SEN transport all year round.  As services are requested on a demand led basis, it is not possible to pre-determine the specific requirements for each child's individual often complex needs.

School Accommodation

Questions (198)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

198. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on an application by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20450/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide for 1 mainstream classroom, to include alterations to the existing school to provide SET facilities, under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The responsibility for this project has been devolved to the school authority.     

A Stage 2b report has been submitted and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. 

The Department will be in contact with the school directly once this review has been completed.