Michael Healy-Rae
Question:231. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education the status of an application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44845/23]
View answerSpecial Educational Needs
Questions (231)
Written answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, 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.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 where 26% of my department’s budget will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs, representing a 5% increase on Budget 2023.
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 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs and in 2024 a further 744 teachers, and 1,126 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs.
This will mean there will be close to 20,000 teachers and over 21,000 SNAs working in the area of special education. Together we will have over 40,000 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places and this work is well underway for the 2024/2025 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, review of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, earlier this year, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
Along with the two new special schools, 389 new special classes – 252 at primary and 137 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.
Of these, 11 new special classes have been sanctioned in Kerry, 4 at primary level and 3 at post-primary level, bringing the total number of special classes in Co. Kerry to 89.
There are 3 special schools in Kerry with an enrolment of 277 students.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for the 2024/25 school year.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
As your query refers to an individual placement case, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
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.
School Transport
Questions (232)
Brendan Griffin
Question:232. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if she will consider providing better pay and conditions for bus escort employees of special education schools to include enumeration during school holidays, as they provide a vital service, otherwise this service will be lost due to their present conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44850/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Building Momentum – a new public service agreement, 2021-2022 was agreed between Government and Unions in 2020 and was extended last year to run until 31 December this year. The agreement provides for a number of pay increases over the period of the agreement. This agreement only applies to public servants, subject to compliance with sectoral action plans and industrial peace provisions of the agreement. The increase does not automatically apply beyond public servants and therefore grant funded school staff such as bus escorts employed directly by schools are not comprehended by the agreement.
There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort, where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.
Under the Education Act 1998, the Principal/Board of Management (“School Management Authority”) is responsible for the operation of the school and is the employer of the School Transport Escort and therefore responsible for all employment matters relating to their School Transport Escort. The Department of Education (“Department”) provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay.
The School Transport Section in the Department review the rate of pay for school bus escorts, and they will continue to keep the rates under review.
School Accommodation
Questions (233)
Patrick Costello
Question:233. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education when her Department's professional and technical team will complete the review of a report (details supplied); when a decision is likely to be communicated to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44863/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to advise the Deputy, that the school referred to was approved funding under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for a 2 classroom SEN base.
The project is devolved for delivery to the school authority.
The review from the Department Professional and Technical team of the stage report is nearing completion and the recommendations will be shared with the school authority once this is complete.
I trust this clarifies the situation.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (234)
John Paul Phelan
Question:234. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education the reason no reply was issued to a person (details supplied) regarding a place in a primary school for an autistic child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44870/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department issued a reply to the parent of the child referred to by Deputy on 1 June 2023. Additionally, 2 further replies in relation to this matter were issued to a public representative who communicated with my Department on behalf of the parent. These replies issued on 16 June and 29 June 2023.
My Department's policy in regards to the retention of pupils in primary schools is set out in Primary Circular 32/03 ‘Retention of Pupils in same Grade in Primary Schools’ (link available here:- Primary Circular 32/03 - Retention of Pupils in same grade in Primary Schools (File Format Word 34B) (assets.gov.ie).
Circular 32/03 recognises that in exceptional circumstances a school may conclude a pupil or student would benefit educationally by repeating a grade level having first consulted with the Special Educational Needs teacher, class teacher and parents. In such circumstances there should be a clear programme outlined for such a pupil that records precisely what new approach will be used for the pupil and what its expected benefit will be.
In summary decisions in relation to requests to repeat a year are a matter for the school provided there is an educational basis for it, and it is clear that all parties agree that the pupil would benefit educationally by repeating a class.
School Admissions
Questions (235)
Bernard Durkan
Question:235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if all efforts can be made to facilitate a school place for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44872/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, 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.
While the Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in the Newbridge School Planning Area, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
• Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
• School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
• Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
• External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at http://www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/
School Facilities
Questions (236)
Paul Murphy
Question:236. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the situation in which a modular building on the grounds of Firhouse College is still being run on a generator given that the college has no use for the building (detail supplied); the reason for this decision; the reason the building is still being provided with electricity from a generator and that money was spent on something that cannot be used. [44876/23]
View answerWritten answers
Modular accommodation was installed in Summer 2021 at the site of the school referred to by the Deputy to accommodate interim accommodation for another post-primary school which has since relocated to its permanent site.
The modular accommodation referred to by the Deputy is now under the management of DDLETB, patron of the school referred to by the Deputy. DDLETB have confirmed that the accommodation is currently in use by the school.
Significant ESB ducting and substation works were undertaken during the summer of 2023 to allow the modular building to be connected to the main power supply. The generator remains in place as a temporary measure until these works are fully complete.
My Department will continue to liaise with the ESB to ensure this modular accommodation is connected to the main power supply as early as possible.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (237)
Alan Kelly
Question:237. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the estimated timeframe for building the new secondary school (details supplied) in Roscrea. [44913/23]
View answerWritten answers
The project to which the Deputy refers, has been devolved for delivery to Tipperary Education and Training Board (TETB).
A design team to deliver this project has been appointed by the ETB and this team is in the process of preparing the Stage 1 Report (preliminary design).
The design team will ensure that the project progresses through the design stages, obtains the necessary statutory planning permission, and moves onward to tender and construction in due course.
As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for completion. The ETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
School Staff
Questions (238)
Michael Ring
Question:238. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if the academic allowance can be awarded to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44942/23]
View answerWritten answers
Sectoral bargaining is an element of the Building Momentum pay agreement which provided for the establishment of a Sectoral Bargaining Fund (SBF) amounting to 1% of basic pay. Relevant trade unions could use some or all of the SBF to resolve outstanding issues, with a payment date of 1 February 2022 or alternatively use their portion of the fund for a further general pay increase. All costs associated with resolving such issues must be covered by the relevant SBF.In June 2022 the primary unions representing primary teaches, settled in full their portion of the fund in respect of a number of outstanding claims including an increase in part-time rates for casual staff, the adjustment of allowances for Principals and Deputy Principals and the implementation of 2nd report of the Benchmarking Body.
In September 2022 unions representing post-primary teachers chose to use their portion of the SBF to restore the value of an allowance previously withdrawn from new entrant post-primary teachers. The restoration was implemented by increasing the new entrant salary scale for post-primary teachers to include the value of the Honours H.Dip in Education Allowance on each point of the scale and backdated to 1 February 2022. Restoration of the allowance did not apply to primary teachers.
The teacher in question would need to become employed as a post primary teacher in order to avail of the benefit of the restoration.
Question No. 239 answered with Question No. 27.
School Textbooks
Questions (240)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:240. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education her estimate of the number of secondary students in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, respectively that will benefit from the introduction of free school books next year; the number of primary students that are currently benefiting from free school books in each of the counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44972/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Education, I believe it is crucially important that children and young people are actively supported to access education in its fullest forms. This Government recognises that the cost of preparing children for school each September can be a cause of financial difficulty and worry for many Irish families.
As part of Budget 2023, I announced a major investment of over €50 million to provide free schoolbooks in recognised primary schools and special schools. This was a landmark moment in Irish education and one that furthers our goal to provide free education for all and ensure that every child can benefit from free education.
The introduction of this measure directly addressed our commitment under the Programme for Government to commence a free schoolbooks scheme pilot in September 2020 and expand the scheme to schools nationwide, as resources allow.
The Free Primary Schoolbook Scheme has resulted in over 558,000 pupils in over 3,230 recognised primary schools, including over 130 special schools benefitting from free schoolbooks and classroom resources from this September. The number of pupils who benefitted in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon under the scheme is 30,553, 14,795 and 8,127 respectively or 53,475 overall.
To further the delivery of our important government commitment, last week I announced that funding is allocated under Budget 2024 to extend the free schoolbooks scheme to all students in junior cycle years in public post primary schools. The total funding available for this extension of the scheme is €67 million.
It is estimated that up to 213,000 students, in over 670 schools across all counties, will benefit from this new measure, which will commence from September 2024.
The grant for this scheme will be paid based on the previous year’s validated enrolment figures which, for the 2024/25 school year, will be the enrolment numbers for the current 2023/24 school year.
The most recent validated enrolment figures which is held by my Department on junior cycle enrolments show that 208,736 students were enrolled in junior cycle years in the 2022/23 school year. The number of students expected to benefit from the Junior Cycle scheme in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon under the new scheme is:
• 12,201 in Galway,
• 5,765 in Mayo, and
• 2,554 in Roscommon
• Or 20,520 overall.
Guidance on the new junior cycle free schoolbooks scheme will be developed over the coming period as part of our engagement process with schools, parent and management bodies and other stakeholders. It will ensure that value for money is achieved, and that schools will be supported to implement the scheme in a way that has the best learning outcomes for junior cycle students. Similar to the scheme at primary level, administrative supports will be provided to schools in order to roll out the scheme.
As Minister for Education, I am acutely aware of the various costs faced by families upon the return of their children to school each September and am confident that this new provision will further and significantly reduce the back to school financial burden for many families.
Question No. 241 answered with Question No. 27.
School Transport
Questions (242)
Catherine Murphy
Question:242. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she has received the school transport scheme review; and if she will publish same. [44996/23]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/23 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
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.
Under the current terms of the scheme, pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible. Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level are being continued for the current school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
As you are aware, my Department undertook to complete a review of the School Transport Scheme. The review has been conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately.
The steering group is due to issue a final report which includes recommendations on the future of the school transport scheme. The review will then be brought to government shortly, once approved, the review will be published.
School Curriculum
Questions (243)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:243. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education the consideration and progress that is being made in reviewing and implementing the current leaving certificate cycle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45006/23]
View answerWritten answers
It is my vision that Irish education continues to innovate, improve, and inspire. To this end, last spring I announced an ambitious programme of work for a reimagined Senior Cycle of education where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience.
In recent weeks, I announced a significant acceleration of the Senior Cycle redevelopment programme enabling over 120,000 additional Leaving Certificate students to experience the benefits of Senior Cycle Redevelopment sooner than otherwise would have been the case.
As a result of this acceleration, beginning in 2025, students will now be able to benefit from the fast-tracked rollout of new subject curricula including Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Business— two years earlier than had been previously planned. This means significant numbers of students in third year today will see the benefits of these reforms.
These revised subjects will incorporate externally-assessed components outside of traditional written exams, to be worth at least 40% of the available marks.
Through these changes, I am:
• broadening how our students are assessed;
• maximising their opportunity to demonstrate their skills and learning;
• ensuring that their experience reflects the challenges they will face in their life beyond school and in the 21st century world; and
• bringing these changes forward by two years so that the maximum number of students will experience the benefits of these reforms as early as possible.
Two new Leaving Certificate subjects, Drama, Film and Theatre Studies; and Climate Action and Sustainable Development, will also be introduced as part of the first tranche in 2025 on a phased basis through a network of schools in line with how other new subjects have been introduced in recent years.
The NCCA will very shortly publish a schedule of annual subject revisions which will prioritise the subjects that do not currently have second assessment component beyond the written examinations.
I am committed to the introduction of comprehensive revised assessment methods and approaches in Senior Cycle Redevelopment.
These changes represent the latest developments under this programme. Other aspects of Senior Cycle Redevelopment have been continuing since the announcement in March 2022, such as:
• I have established the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme Delivery Board and Senior Cycle Redevelopment Partners’ Forum;
• Research was commissioned by the NCCA and SEC in relation to the weighting, composition, and moderation of teacher-based assessment components, with this research now complete and having been submitted to me in July 2023;
• A detailed paper on the Technical Form of Curriculum Specifications (which will provide a template for how the curriculum/specification in each revised subject is presented) has been drafted and approved by the NCCA Council;
• Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) students have had improved access to Leaving Certificate Established (LCE) Mathematics and Modern Foreign Languages since September 2022, broadening the options for LCA;
• Students in schools that offer the LCVP are now able to access LVCP link modules without meeting subject specific criteria or the modern European language requirements;
• A Post-Primary Special Education Development Group has been established within the NCCA’s structures to develop follow-on Senior Cycle modules for students progressing from Level 1 and Level 2 Learning Programmes at Junior Cycle level;
• A new and revised Transition Year Programme Statement has been drafted and is available for public consultation until this Friday, 20 October 2023. The draft Statement, and details on the consultation are available on the NCCA website.
Scoileanna Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta
Questions (244)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:244. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Oideachais cén treimhse ama a bhíonn ann idir an cigireacht agus nuair a bfhaigheann an scoil an stadus scoil gaeltacht go hoifigiúil, cad ba chúis leis an treimhse ama seo, cad iad na céimeanna atá i gceist, cad é an treimhse ama is tapula gur bhaineadh amach, agus an ndeanfaidh sí raiteas ar an abhar. [45007/23]
View answerWritten answers
Cuireadh tús le próiseas deimhnithe d’aitheantas mar Scoil Ghaeltachta i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2022. An sprioc atá ag an bpróiseas ná a dheimhniú go bhfuil scoileanna atá páirteach sa Scéim ag comhlíonadh na gcritéar teangabhunaithe atá leagtha amach don Scéim Aitheantais Scoileanna Gaeltachta. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh cuairteanna meastóireachta na gcigirí curtha i gcrích faoi Cháisc 2024.
Foilsíodh nóta treorach do bhunscoileanna agus d'iar-bhunscoileanna sa Scéim Aitheantais Scoileanna Gaeltachta i 2022 chun cabhrú le scoileanna ullmhú do chuairteanna meastóireachta.
Is éard atá i gceist leis an bpróiseas ná cuairt mheastóireachta ón gCigireacht ar scoileanna atá rannpháirteach sa Scéim chun measúnú a dhéanamh ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta acu maidir leis na critéir teangabhunaithe a chur i bhfeidhm. Bronnfar aitheantas mar scoil Ghaeltachta ar scoil nuair a dheimhnítear go bhfuil cleachtas na scoile forbartha de réir na gcritéar teangabhunaithe.
Tá na gnéithe seo a leanas mar chuid den chuairt mheastóireachta:
• léargas ón scoil ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta i gcomhlíonadh na gcritéar teangabhunaithe,
• cuairt ar shuíomhanna foghlama sa scoil
• cruinniú le hionadaithe ó chumann tuismitheoirí na scoile.
Tar éis na cuairte, scríobhann an cigire tuairisc ar shonraí agus ar thorthaí na meastóireachta. Tugtar moladh sa tuairisc faoinar chóir nó nár chóir aitheantas a bhronnadh ar an scoil mar Scoil Ghaeltachta agus, sa chás nach moltar aitheantas a bhronnadh, ar cheart tréimhse breise ama a thabhairt don scoil chun níos mó dul chun cinn a dhéanamh.
Leantar próiseas, atá ag teacht le ghnáth-chur chuige na Cigireachta, chun an tuairisc a eisiúint:
• Cuirtear an tuairisc trí phróiseas dearbhaithe cáilíochta inmheánach, mar a dhéantar le tuairiscí uile na Cigireachta.
• Seoltar cóip den tuairisc chuig an scoil chun deis a thabhairt di na fíricí atá ann a dheimhniú.
• Tugtar deis d’fhoireann bainistíochta na scoile ina dhiaidh sin freagra a thabhairt ar an tuairisc.
• Nuair atá freagra faighte ó fhoireann bainistíochta na scoile, déanann an Cigireacht na tuairiscí, mar aon leis na moltaí, a thabhairt chun críche.
• Beifear i dteagmháil leis an scoil in am trátha maidir le toradh an phróisis deimhnithe.
Tá 103 bunscoil agus 29 iar-bhunscoil sa Ghaeltacht ag glacadh páirte sa Scéim faoi láthair.
Tá cuairt meastóireachta faighte ag níos mó ná leath de na scoileanna sa Scéim go dtí seo. Níl aitheantas oifigiúil bronnta ar scoil ar bith go fóill toisc go bhfuil an próiseas fós ar siúl.
The validation process for recognition as a Gaeltacht School commenced in October 2022. The purpose of the validation process is to confirm that schools participating in the Scheme are fulfilling the language-based criteria set out for the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme. It is expected that the inspectors’ evaluation visits will be completed by Easter 2024.
A guidance note for primary and post-primary schools in the Gaeltacht Schools Recognition Scheme was published in 2022 to assists schools to prepare for evaluation visits.
The process involves an evaluation visit from the Inspectorate to schools participating in the Scheme to assess their progress in implementing the language-based criteria. Recognition as a Gaeltacht school will be awarded to a school when it is confirmed that the school's practice has been developed in accordance with the language-based criteria.
The evaluation visit includes:
• a presentation by the school on the progress made in fulfilling the language-based criteria,
• visits to learning settings in the school
• a meeting with representatives of the school’s parents association.
Following the visit, the inspector writes a report on the details and findings of the evaluation. The report gives a recommendation as to whether or not the school should be awarded recognition as a Gaeltacht School and, where recognition it is not recommended that recognition be awarded, whether the school should be given an additional period of time to make further progress.
A process in accordance with the Inspectorate’s standard approach, is taken in issuing the report:
• The report is subjected to an internal quality assurance process, as is done for all Inspectorate reports.
• A copy of the report is sent to the school to give them the opportunity to confirm the facts contained therein.
• The school management team is then given an opportunity to respond to the report.
• Following receipt of the response from the school management team, the reports, including recommendations, are finalised by the Inspectorate.
• The school will be contacted in due course in relation to the outcome of the validation process.
103 primary schools and 29 post-primary schools in the Gaeltacht are currently participating in the Scheme.
Over half of the schools in the Scheme have received an evaluation visit to date. Official recognition has not been awarded to any school yet as the process is ongoing.
School Admissions
Questions (245)
Sorca Clarke
Question:245. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education to provide the data that was used when determining the catchment area for a school in Ballyogan (details supplied), and the reason Ballyogan Estate has been excluded from the catchment area given the school is built within the estate. [45036/23]
View answerWritten answers
According to my Department's Geographical Information System, the address referred to by the Deputy is in the Sallynoggin_Killiney_DLR School Planning Area. Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School is located in the Ballinteer_Stepaside_DLR School planning area.
The question of enrolment in individual schools, including the setting of catchment areas, is the responsibility of the Board of Management on behalf of the school Patron and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data in a way that takes account of the significant local and regional variations in demographic trends and enrolment projections, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas.
In most areas, school planning areas were based on traditional school catchment areas where all primary schools were assigned to a post-primary feeder area (typically a population centre or town), containing one or more post-primary schools.
The school planning areas were developed for use with my Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS) in 2008 and with the introduction of Small Areas in Census 2011, these areas were amended to align with Census Small Areas. The current school planning areas take account not only of local groupings of schools, but also of natural boundaries, Census Small Areas and other local conditions.
The school planning areas provide a useful means of projecting demographic demand in a localised area or areas, thereby allowing my Department to determine oncoming growth at a relatively localised level to inform recommendations and decisions on where additional school places may be needed.
However, there can be a high degree of inward and outward mobility of children between school planning areas, particularly in urban areas, and parents are free to apply to enrol their children in any school, whether that is in the school planning area in which they reside or not.
As stated above it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process may be necessary.
This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal by a parent or guardian to the Secretary General of my Department, or in the case of an Educational Training Board (ETB) school to the ETB in the first instance, where a Board of Management of a school, or a person acting on behalf of the Board, refuses to enrol a student in a school.
Further information on the Section 29 appeals process is available on my Department's website www.education.ie. The Education Welfare Service (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The EWS can be contacted at 01-7718500.
School Transport
Questions (246)
Peter Burke
Question:246. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the status of school transport for a person (details supplied). [45037/23]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the same time last year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that this pupil is not eligible for school transport as they are attending their second nearest Post Primary Centre.
Bus Éireann has also advised that a late application for school transport was submitted by this family in respect of the 2023/24 school year. The Bus Éireann Local Office is currently in the process of assessing late applications. If there is a service available, the Local Office will contact the family directly.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (247)
James O'Connor
Question:247. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the status of the building of an extension at a school (details supplied); the timeline for this work to be started and finished; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45101/23]
View answerWritten answers
This school to which the Deputy refers, has been approved funding under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme for the provision of 6 general classrooms, 1 tech graph room, 1 woodwork room, 2 science rooms and shared prep area, 1 home economics room, and a 2 classroom SEN base.
The Department’s professional and technical team has issued comments to the schools design team for review and response before the project can progress.
Whilst this project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery, the Department is engaged directly with the school to provide whatever practical assistance and advice is necessary.
Legislative Measures
Questions (248)
Sorca Clarke
Question:248. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill. [45118/23]
View answerWritten answers
The overall aim of the Charter Bill is to improve the level of engagement in the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observation from the school community and by further developing a listening culture in schools.
One of the key concepts of the Bill is the need for a school to consult with students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities. This approach will help ensure that the various views of students and parents on issues and policies will be heard and responded to by schools.
The Charter Bill will make a difference to the culture in our schools and will help the school community to work together in partnership.
This Bill has passed all stages of Seanad Éireann and passed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 8th July 2021.
Officials in my Department are continuing to engage with stakeholders including the National Parents Council and the Office of the Ombudsman for Children on matters pertaining to the Bill in advance of the Bill progressing to Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann.
The Implementation Plan for Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying includes a reference to my Department’s commitment to continue to engage with stakeholders regarding the Charter Bill with a view to progressing the legislation.
School Transport
Questions (249)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:249. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education to examine a school bus transport application (details supplied). [45139/23]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
The purpose of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote i.e. 4.8 kilometres (kms) or more from their nearest education centre, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, under the terms of the scheme, may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis subject to the following conditions:
•a Transport Application Form is completed and submitted to Bus Éireann;
•there is a suitable service, as determined by Bus Éireann, operating into their education centre;
•there is spare capacity on the service;
•the appropriate annual charge is paid; Medical Card waiver is not applicable
The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year, is not available on public scheduled services and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets.
Bus Éireann has advised that this pupil referred to is not eligible for mainstream transport as they are attending their 3rd nearest Post Primary Centre.
Bus Éireann further advise they were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary ticket for the 2023/24 school year and the existing service is currently operating to capacity at present.
School Transport
Questions (250)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:250. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education to examine a number of school transport applications (details supplied); and if she will instruct the school transport section to reply to correspondence. [45140/23]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
The purpose of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote i.e. 4.8 kilometres (kms) or more from their nearest education centre, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, under the terms of the scheme, may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis subject to the following conditions:
•a Transport Application Form is completed and submitted to Bus Éireann;
•there is a suitable service, as determined by Bus Éireann, operating into their education centre;
•there is spare capacity on the service;
•the appropriate annual charge is paid; Medical Card waiver is not applicable
The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year, is not available on public scheduled services and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets.
It is recognised that all pupils issued with tickets will not travel every morning and every evening. In addition, certain after school activities may also result in pupils not travelling on certain days.
Bus Éireann organises for vehicles to be full to capacity with tickets based on applications received and based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. For safety reasons, it is not possible to issue additional tickets over and above the seating capacity of the vehicle which could result in a potential overload situation arising and all pupils not being carried on the service.
If a family decide that they no longer require their bus tickets for the current school year, they should return these tickets to their local Bus Éireann school transport office and their seats will be reallocated to other pupils wishing to avail of school transport.
At present, it is not possible for Bus Éireann to examine data on ticket usage as tickets are paper based. However, Bus Éireann recently undertook a pilot E-Ticketing project. Based on the outcome of this pilot project, it is intended that a tender competition for national roll-out of eTicketing on all school transport scheme services will follow. This will provide the Department and Bus Éireann with greater data on real time travel patterns.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupils referred to are not eligible for mainstream transport as they are attending their third nearest Post Primary Centre. Bus Éireann further advise that applications and payments were received on time for these pupils for the 2023/24 school year, however they were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary ticket for the 2023/24 school year and the existing service is currently operating to capacity at present.
Bus Éireann further advise that a separate application has been received from another address for one of the pupils referred on 11/10/2023, which is considered a late application. Bus Éireann are currently assessing this late application and Bus Éireann will notify the family if there is a seat available that can accommodate this pupil for the 2023/24 school year.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (251)
Cathal Crowe
Question:251. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if an assistive technology grant application (details supplied) has been received by her Department; when a decision on this application will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45141/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
The Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by my Department to supplement the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum. Assistive technology can be seen as a critical enabler for those with special educational needs to gain the maximum benefit from a modern technologically focused education system. Where children with more complex disabilities require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the schools existing provisions, schools may make an application for such equipment to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) under the terms of this scheme.
The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology/specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support.
Schools make applications directly to the SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
In order to qualify for equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme, a student must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the student to access the curriculum.
SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
The type of equipment provided under the Assistive Technology Scheme is varied, and includes audiological supports for students with hearing impairment, braille equipment for children with visual impairment, and computer equipment with associated modified software for students with physical or severe communicative disabilities.
Communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, and which have a general application outside of school, are not provided for under the Assistive Technology scheme. Such equipment is normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
To date, no application has been received by my Department in respect of this child. Officials from my Department have contacted the NCSE to check the status of this application. Once a recommendation is received by my Department from the NCSE, the average turnaround time for a decision letter to issue is 6 working days.
School Accommodation
Questions (252)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:252. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education to confirm that her Department has received correspondence from a school (details supplied); if the points outlined will be taken under consideration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45152/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to advise that approval under the Additional School Accommodation scheme issued to the school in question for the provision of a Special Education Needs (SEN) class.
The project is being delivered under the Department’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. The Department has a significant modular accommodation programme in place to assist schools in the provision of additional capacity, including in respect of facilitating the establishment of special classes. This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects.
Kerrigan Sheanan Newman Construction Consultants (KSN) has been appointed, from the Department’s Framework, to design and tender the project. This consultant will lead the project through the various stages of planning process and construction.
My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this project and will continue working closely with the school authority and its project manager in order to ensure this project is completed as soon as possible. Regarding the automated opening doors and the covering for the play area there is no provision for these in the the Department's technical design guidelines for SEN design. I wish to advise in relation to the ramp access, that the Emergency Works Section within my Department is open to the school should they wish to apply for same. The Emergency Works Scheme ensures the availability of funding for urgent works to schools that need resources as a result of an emergency situation, or to cater for special needs pupils who have enrolled.
The School Authority has devolved responsibility for delivery of this project.