Written Answers Nos. 131-151
131. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the total projected Exchequer capital spend for 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027; what the Exchequer expenditure represents as a percentage share of GNI* based on the updated projections in the stability programme update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19900/24]
View answerThe Government has committed €165 billion towards capital investment through the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-30 published in 2021. An additional €2.25 billion of windfall corporate tax receipts has also been allocated from 2024 to 2026, to provide funding for critical infrastructure projects that are at an advanced stage as well as to the existing Climate Action Fund. Following the conclusion of more than 30 bilateral meetings which took place from January to March this year with my Ministerial colleagues, the distribution of the additional €2.25 billion across Departments was agreed by Government in March 2024. This builds on the existing funding already available under the NDP out to 2026 and it will mean more schools, housing, transport and healthcare projects can be progressed and delivered for our people.
As a percentage of national income, annual capital investment is among the highest in the EU and well above the recent average of 3% of national income. As already mentioned the capital allocations for the period out to 2026 were recently revised to take account of the additional €2.25 billion windfall receipts. The existing allocations published in the NDP for the period 2027 to 2030 have not been reviewed at this point.
The projected capital allocations as a percentage share of GNI* based on the recent Stability Programme Update publication projections are as follows: the 2024 allocation of €13.08 billion will be 4.3% of GNI*, the 2025 allocation of €14.35 billion will be 4.5% of GNI* and an allocation of €15.45 billion in 2026 will equate to 4.6% of GNI*. The existing 2027 capital allocation of €14.9 billion, as published in the NDP in 2021, will be 4.2% of GNI*.
In addition to the existing exchequer allocations detailed above, it is also possible the there will be additional capital available from 2026 to 2030 through the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund should once the legislation has been established. A possible further €3.15 billion, or 22.5% of the total €14 billion fund, could be released over the 2026 to 2030 period.
The current levels of investment must also be viewed against the background of the capacity constraints operating in the economy. The Economic and Social Research Institute review of the National Development Plan, published in January 2024, acknowledged the current capacity challenges and the possible risks of inflationary pressures in increasing capital investment, whilst noting the balance required in meeting the existing infrastructure demands across a number of sectors.
132. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to detail the arrangements in place for where an employee of the Department, and each organisation under its aegis, becomes elected or co-opted to a local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19572/24]
View answerMy Department in accordance with the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour and Circular 09/2009: Civil Servants and Political Activity, follows restrictions which have traditionally been imposed on civil servants engaging in political activity to ensure public confidence in the political impartiality of the Civil Service.
Civil servants above clerical level cannot stand for local election. Officers employed by my Department with salary maxima equal to or below the Clerical Officer maximum may apply for permission to engage in politics.
Officers employed on particular types of work may, at the discretion of departmental management, have their applications refused. In cases where permission would otherwise be refused, my Department examines the possibility of moving an officer to a less sensitive area.
Responses from the Agencies under the remit of my Department are below:
IDA Ireland
IDA Ireland’s governing legislation (Industrial Development Act 1993, Second Schedule) deals with a situation where a member of staff is elected to the Dáil, the Seanad or the European Parliament. It provides that they are considered seconded to the Oireachtas or the European Parliament for the duration of their elected term, and do not receive any pay or allowances during that period. However, the legislation does not cover someone being elected to a Local Authority.
All members of staff remain bound (while a member of staff or afterwards) by a statutory duty of confidentiality, not to disclose any information obtained while working for IDA. All IDA staff contracts of employment contain a clause that outlines that while a person is employed by the Agency, they are dedicated full time to IDA activities alone and that if for any reason they wish to deviate from that clause, that the permission of IDA must be sought in advance.
IDA Ireland is not aware that any current member of staff is intending to run for the forthcoming Local or European Elections.
Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland staff must be careful not to engage in public debate or public statements that could leave the organisation, or its executives, open to suggestions that the Agency is attempting to influence the outcome of the election. Therefore, they will not participate, as a representative of Enterprise Ireland, in debates or discussions on platforms during the election. If they are participating in such debates or discussions as a candidate, they will make it clear, in any circumstance where it is appropriate to do so, that they are present in a personal capacity and are not representing Enterprise Ireland.
The time devoted to the election must not impinge on their role and responsibilities as a staff member of Enterprise Ireland. Additionally, any data or information that is available to a staff member as a result of their Enterprise Ireland employment cannot be used by them during the election unless it is already in the public domain.
Enterprise Ireland’s governing legislation expressly provides that if an Enterprise Ireland staff member is elected to the either House of the Oireachtas (or is nominated to the Seanad), the person is regarded as having been seconded from Enterprise Ireland from the date of their election and will not receive pay or allowances from Enterprise Ireland during the period of secondment.
Health and Safety Authority
Staff of the Health and Safety Authority are contractually obliged to adhere to the Authority's Code of Conduct. The Authority's Code of Conduct requires staff who propose standing for election in public office to inform the Chief Executive Officer in advance. Staff employed on particular types of work may, at the discretion of Authority, have certain conditions imposed.
Irish Auditing & Accounting Supervisory Authority
IAASA has no specific arrangements in place for such a scenario, but will take advice from the Department should this scenario arise.
Injuries Resolution Board
To date this situation has not arisen. If such a situation arose, the Injuries Resolution Board would consider in the context of the public service one person one job principle. A condition in the Injuries Resolution Board’s terms and conditions of employment is:
You shall devote your whole time and attention, during business hours, to the business of The Board and shall not, without the prior written consent of The Board: engage in any manner in any other profession or business; or be concerned or interested directly or indirectly in any business of a similar nature to or competitive with that carried out by Injuries Resolution Board.
For transparency and equity, the above conditions would be applied in considering anything that would mean an alteration to their application.
Corporate Enforcement Authority
Employees of the CEA are civil servants and the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour in conjunction with Circular 09/2009 applies should an employee seek to become elected or co-opted to a local authority
National Standards of Ireland
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) follows the guidance set out in Circular 09/2009: Civil Servants and Political Activity, which outlines the arrangements applying to civil servants (and by association to public servants employed by NSAI) in relation to political activity, including scenarios whereby employees are elected or co-opted to a Local Authority, or are contemplating such a scenario.
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission
The CCPC does not have a special arrangement in place for where an employee of the Department and each organisation under its aegis, becomes elected or co-opted to a local authority but it follows the recommendations coming from Circular 09/2009: Civil Servants and Political Activity.
133. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total expenditure in the form of grants or relief given to small and medium enterprises for research and innovation in each of the years 2020 to 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19619/24]
View answerBoth Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland provide innovation supports to SMEs on behalf of my Department.
In the case of Enterprise Ireland, which plays a crucial role in fostering innovation among Irish SMEs, it offers a comprehensive suite of supports designed to assist small and medium enterprises in their research and innovation (R&I) efforts. These supports range from funding and grants to expert advice and access to a network of global connections.
Enterprise Ireland’s Research, Development & Innovation offer supports new product or service development with tailored grant rates. Through these diverse supports, Enterprise Ireland aims to boost the competitiveness and global reach of Irish SMEs, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the modern business landscape. Furthermore, encouraging SME involvement in innovation collaborations can significantly enhance their knowledge absorption capacities, fostering an environment conducive to growth and innovation.
Enterprise Ireland's R&I Direct Net Payments to SMEs (Excludes payments to Large Companies and Infrastructural Investments)
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Net Payments |
€41,340,101 |
€39,716,520 |
€44,860,070 |
€47,803,241 |
Enterprise Ireland – Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund Payments to SMEs
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Payments |
€8.289m |
€9.977m |
€15.268m |
€22.413m |
In terms of IDA Ireland’s client portfolio, the IDA does not track how many of its clients fall under the SME definition of having a global footprint of fewer than 250 employees at a corporate level and, therefore, is not in a position to provide the data requested.
Currently IDA has 1,832 multinational client companies operating in Ireland employing 300,583 people. While the size of individual company presences in Ireland varies considerably, it is important to recall that they would generally be part of a company’s global footprint of greater than 250 employees in each case, irrespective of the size of the individual operation in Ireland.
However, the table below provides the total RD&I Grants paid by IDA Ireland to its multinational clients in the period 2020 to 2023.
RD&I Grants paid by IDA Ireland to its multinational clients
|
2020 ‘000 |
2021 ‘000 |
2022 ‘000 |
2023 ‘000 |
|
€68,309 |
€67,144 |
€75,177 |
€78,122 |
134. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his response to the recommendations of the Report on Offshore Renewable Energy published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19905/24]
View answerThe Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Report on Offshore Renewable Energy is comprehensive, and forward-thinking, and sets out recommendations on diverse but connected topics.
Shortly after the publication of the Report, a Memorandum for Government Decision proposing the development of an industrial strategy for offshore wind was brought forward on 9 May 2023. This Memo led to the establishment of a new Offshore Wind Strategy Unit in my Department, and work commenced on the stakeholder-engagement and fact-finding phase of the new Industrial Strategy. The Strategy, entitled Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, was then approved by Government on 5 March 2024 and published on 8 March. This Strategy can be found on my Department’s website.
Aligned with Recommendation 9 of the Committee’s Report, one of the core pillars in Powering Prosperity focuses on building capacity and capability along the offshore wind supply chain. By developing a domestic supply chain, supporting Irish companies exporting globally and attracting new Foreign Direct Investment in this space, it is expected that new or additional jobs will be created, as well as other economic benefits. Indeed, the ten ambitions in Powering Prosperity include the following:
1. To develop an innovative enterprise ecosystem, with indigenous and multinational companies, that will provide world-leading service to the offshore wind sector.
2. To dramatically scale up the enterprise base that will service the offshore wind sectors in Ireland and around the world.
3. To deliver up to 5,000 jobs in the offshore wind and related industries.
4. To maximise opportunities for companies and investors to develop a vibrant and successful supply chain.
10. To transform Ireland’s regional capability, and deliver opportunity for the people of Ireland, throughout Ireland, by developing industrial hubs and balanced regional economic growth.
I would also like to highlight the cross-Government engagement, which has been deepening since the publication of the Committee’s Report. The Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, which is chaired by my Ministerial colleague, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, T.D., brings together key stakeholders across the Government system in order to accelerate and drive delivery and capture the wider and longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables in Ireland. My Officials currently lead Workstream 7 under this Taskforce, which is focused on realising a successful supply chain.
I understand there is an upcoming Dáil motion on the Committee’s Report (currently scheduled for 2 May) and a more detailed statement will be provided at that time.
135. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports available for a sole trader (details supplied) to deal with rates; and what grants are available to them. [19906/24]
View answerThis Government is committed to backing business and will continue to work closely with small businesses nationwide to support their growth and assist them in remaining competitive and resilient.
As you are aware the ICOB grant has a budget of €257 million which is designed to assist small and medium businesses operating directly within a premises that is commercially rateable by a Local Authority. The Increased Cost of Business Grant (ICOB) introduced by my department in March this year sought to assist businesses in tackling the increased costs by offering a reduction in their commercial rates bill based on their returns for 2023.
In relation to your specific query, the individual who pays rates to their Local Authority should engage directly with them to confirm their eligibility as the Local Authorities are administering the grant. All businesses must verify through self-declaration their eligibility to the Local Authority on the basis of satisfying the following conditions:
The business is rates compliant including those businesses with a phased payment arrangement in place with the Local Authority and that it is up-to-date as determined by the Local Authority;
The business is a commercially trading business operating directly within a premises that is commercially rateable by a Local Authority;
Vacant premises would not qualify for the scheme;
The business has provided confirmation of its bank details to the respective Local Authority;
The business is tax compliant, and in possession of a valid Tax Registration Number.
No grant aid will be provided for businesses paying more than €30,000 in rates.
Please note the closing date for the grant is midnight on 1 May, 2024 and I would urge all eligible businesses to apply before this date. Further details are available at www.icob.ie. Registration is easy and I am informed that payments to eligible businesses have commenced as of last week.
Any business owner or manager who wishes to learn more about other supports and assistance that is available across all government bodies should first speak to their Local Enterprise Office. The 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) play an extremely important role providing assistance directly to micro, small and medium sized businesses as well as promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the country.
LEOs are the ‘first stop shop’ at a local level providing expert advice and guidance, financial assistance, and offer a ‘signposting’ service for all Government supports available to business owners throughout the country.
LEOs focus on how the Lean, Green and Digital products can help businesses to save time, money, and energy. These are available to all businesses and seeks to identify areas within a business that can be improved to provide cost savings, reduce waste and increase efficiencies.
Supports for digitalisation include the Trading Online Voucher scheme (TOVs), which is open to established businesses with up to 10 employees across a range of sectors. TOVs help businesses develop their online trading capability and include training sessions that cover various topics, such as website development, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation.
The Energy Efficiency Grant supports the investment in technologies and equipment of enterprises following a Green for Micro Report, GreenStart Report or a SEAI Energy Audit with 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum grant of €5,000. The aim of the scheme is to reduce the impact of enterprises on the environment thereby increasing the agility and resilience of these businesses. Funding will be in the form of a grant. The grant aid will be 50% of eligible costs from a minimum grant aid of €1,000 up to a maximum grant of €5,000 per application. There is a limit of 1 grant approval per enterprise.
This will help these businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and overall energy costs by accelerating the adoption of low carbon technologies or processes and an enhanced grant for hospitality and retail is now available.
LEOs can also provide a referral to Micro Finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not for profit lender that offers small business loans of between €2,000 and €25,000 (unsecured). Loans for commercially viable proposals can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their Local Enterprise Office, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged.
I would strongly recommend speaking to a Business advisor in a Local Enterprise Office as they have the experience and knowledge to help businesses. Details on Local Enterprise Office locations can be found on www.localenterprise.ie.
136. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the enrolments number as of 30 March 2024 for all post primary schools in County Tipperary. [19806/24]
View answer158. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the enrolments numbers as of 30 March 2024 for all national schools in County Tipperary. [19805/24]
View answerPlease find attached requested data.
The data provided is for the 2022-2023 academic year, the latest year we have final enrolment data. The data was collated from the relevant primary and post-primary school lists which can be found at the link below. We expect to publish final data for academic year 2023-2024 in June 2024.
www.gov.ie/en/collection/63363b-data-on-individual-schools/
137. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education the situation with respect to her decision to sanction an extension to a school (details supplied); the further permissions her Department needs to make to facilitate the construction of the extension; when she expects work to commence on the extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19542/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question has been granted funding through my Department's Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme to establish a one classroom SEN base.
The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority. A Stage 3 (tender report) has been received for evaluation. Once this report has been reviewed My Department officials will communicate with the school authority regarding the next steps to advance this significant project.
My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects involving circa. 300 projects currently at construction including 34 new school buildings and over 800 projects completed since 2020 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues. We continue to have a strong pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. My Department has an overall pipeline of some 1300 projects across the school system. The current status of all projects is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing over €5 billion during the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
Last year, my Department received supplementary funding to help alleviate funding pressures which was reflective of my Department’s strong delivery of school building projects particularly to support mainstream provision accommodating Ukrainian students and special education needs provision. My Department also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places. The Department has always operated a tightly prioritised approach to the school building programme, focused over recent years on the delivery of additional capacity where required, and this will continue to be the case. My Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for all pupils in the school referred to by the Deputy and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that this project - as for all projects on our school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the public Infrastructure Guidelines. 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 lifecycle.
138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the steps being taken by her Department to better manage data on busy school transport routes to ensure that all places allocated are being utilised and being reassigned in the event that they are not to ensure that all school transport offered is being utilised to its highest capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19563/24]
View answerThe 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 traveling 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.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All school transport services are reviewed over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
With regard to ticket usage, 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.
The Department of Education is currently progressing a number of technological improvements to the School Transport Scheme, including the planned introduction of eTicketing. Not only will eTickets replace the current printed paper tickets but eTicketing will provide accurate information on ticket utilisation, which is currently not readily available.
139. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education the situation with respect to proposed works for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19567/24]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was granted funding under my Department's Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide one mainstream classroom, one SEN classroom, and refurbishment works to provide two classrooms SEN and six SET rooms.
The responsibility for this project has been devolved to the school authority.
The project is currently at Stage 2a and the school has submitted a revised report for this stage. The project 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.
140. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to provide details on the measures being taken to address the following concerns for teachers and special needs assistants injured at work; the current provision of immediate financial assistance available to cover medical bills and medications for teachers and SNAs who have been assaulted at work; if she will consider the extension of assault leave for teachers/SNAs to cover the entire duration of medically certified leave, as opposed to the current limit of three-six months; if she will establish a comprehensive support system for educators who have been injured at work; if her Department has completed a review of current policies and supports for schools and educators dealing with instances of extreme and frequent violent behaviours (details supplied); what steps are being considered to address these issues highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19577/24]
View answerThe Leave of Absence following Assault Scheme is contained in the Department’s Circular Letter 0061/2017 for teachers and 0062/2017 for SNAs. It provides for special leave with pay (subject to specified limits) to a teacher or special needs assistant who is unable to perform their duties due to a physical injury following an assault that happened in the course of their duties and during approved school activities.
The leave available under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault is 3 months (92 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period. In exceptional cases, such as where a significant period of hospitalisation is required or in situations of a second or subsequent incident of assault, the leave may be extended for a further period not exceeding 3 months (91 days) at full pay, subject to an overall limit of 6 months (183 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period.
Any subsequent absence will be dealt with under the Sick Leave Scheme. When calculating a teacher’s entitlement, any Assault Leave/Leave of Absence following Assault granted in the previous four years from the current absence will be taken into account in determining access to leave under this scheme.
A Leave of Absence following Assault ends on:
• The ceasing of the certification by a duly qualified medical practitioner of the physical injury; or • the maximum leave limits available under this scheme being exhausted; • or certification of fitness to return to duties.
A Teacher/SNA who has exhausted the maximum period of paid leave under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault and who is still medically unfit to resume duty may avail of Sick Leave under the Sick Leave Scheme, subject to the normal rules of that scheme. Circular 0013/2024 sets out the details of the Sick Leave scheme for teachers. Circular 0014/2024 sets the details of the Sick Leave scheme for SNAs.
The Employee Assistance Service is available as a supportive resource for teachers and SNAs. The freephone confidential helpline is 1800 411 057 and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Supportive resources may include short term counselling (up to six sessions). If the EAS recommends additional short-term counselling sessions with the teacher or SNA, the Department can facilitate this request. The Leave of Absence following Assault Schemes for teachers and SNAs are currently the subject of review, to which the Department of Education, management representatives and Unions are all party.
141. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the response of her Department to the March 2024 ruling on the legal access of students with visual impairment to the junior certificate exam; if she will outline the provisions her Department will make to vindicate the judgement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19579/24]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the state examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
142. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if a person now resident and retired in the UK who worked in the Irish education system from 1973 to 1976 as a teacher is entitled to a refund of her social insurance contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19582/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that where persons consider that they may be entitled to a refund of social insurance contributions, they may apply to the Department of Social Protection for such a refund.
Details of the criteria for qualification in respect of a refund of contributions, and details of how persons can apply for a refund, is available at Prsi Refund (mywelfare.ie)
143. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will agree to implement a pay increase for bus escorts for special schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19601/24]
View answerThe 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 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.The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay. The Board of Management/ETB are responsible for the employment of the School Transport Escort.
It is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school. The School Transport Section in the Department are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of matters as they relate to the escort and the information provided to schools. An information pack for schools is being developed and will be reviewed and updated regularly. As part of this comprehensive review the terms of employment and rate of pay for school bus escorts are also being examined.
A review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately. As part of this review one of the actions outlined is that pay rates for School Bus Escorts is to be reviewed in full by the end of 2024.
144. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education to instruct her Department to engage with Fingal County Council to provide a long-time parking solution for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19602/24]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that in Q1 of 2023 formal approval was issued to an ongoing ASA project nearby allowing them to utilise an adjacent department-owned land for traffic management associated with that school and the school in question. This is a very positive step forward for the future of both projects, which should assist in terms of alleviating significant planning concerns identified at pre-planning stage by Fingal County Council.
The Design team of the ongoing Additional School Accommodation (ASA)project have been advised to liaise with the school in question regarding this.
My department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on the project.
145. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education the number of new places for children with special educational needs that has been secured for the 2024/2025 school year following the package announced in Budget 2024 for special needs education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19609/24]
View answerEnabling 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
As a result of this forward planning, 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for this school year. Two new special schools have been established in Cork and Dublin, and further capacity is being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In addition, four new special schools will be established for the 2024/25 school year in counties Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Planning for special classes and special school places 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.
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. 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 on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
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.
146. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education when she intends to sanction a new school building for a school (details supplied), as the current building and prefabs are no longer fit for purpose for the 870 children currently attending and who all started school with the promise of a new school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19612/24]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) for the provision of a new 32-classroom primary school and a 2-class SEN base.
Following receipt of a detailed design and planning report from LCETB's design team, my Department recommended enhancements to the project, which related principally to the proposed decarbonisation strategy and project phasing requirements for the school.
The Stage 2b addendum report requested, including an updated cost plan was recently received into my Department and 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.
147. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if her Department has applied for an extension of the existing planning permission for a school (details supplied) in light of current delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19621/24]
View answer148. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education what contingency plans are in place for pupils in a school (details supplied) for the 2024/2025 school year in light of current delays with the anticipated new school building; if additional accommodation will be available; if this will be at the current site; if agreement has been reached with the local landlord in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19622/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 148 together.
The school to which the Deputy refers is currently located in interim accommodation on the Dunshaughlin GAA Site. My Department is currently working on providing additional interim accommodation in order to meet the demand for September 2024/2025 school year and expects to lodge an application for an extension to the planning permission shortly.
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. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings. Projects at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
I recently announced that close to 90 school building projects currently at tender stage 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.
This level of construction rollout recognises the priority that Government puts on investment in education, including responding to the increased requirement for special education provision.
The project for the school referred to by the Deputy currently has planning permission and will, along with a number of other projects with planning permission, be brought to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of my Department’s Project Manager. The process of appointing the Design Team from my Department’s Frameworks of Consultants was completed in September 2023 and the project is now progressing through design development stages.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school and patron body in relation to interim accommodation requirements and provide any updates in relation to progress on the school's permanent building project.
149. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education when and where a child (details supplied) in south Tipperary will be given a school place in an autism class for September 2024; if the NCSE will engage urgently with the parents to ensure this child will get an appropriate school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19659/24]
View answerEnabling 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
As a result of this forward planning, two new special schools have been established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In addition, four new special schools will be established for the 2024/25 school year in counties Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE.
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. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/pupil ratio of 1:6.
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.
As your query refers to a placement for an individual student, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
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. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
150. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the frequent assaults on special education teachers; if she will ensure that assault leave is increased to cover the duration of assault injuries; if she will ensure her Department meets the costs of medical bills and counselling for employees arising from assaults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19660/24]
View answerThe Leave of Absence following Assault Scheme is contained in the Department’s Circular Letter 0061/2017 for teachers and 0062/2017 for SNAs. It provides for special leave with pay (subject to specified limits) to a teacher or special needs assistant who is unable to perform their duties due to a physical injury following an assault that happened in the course of their duties and during approved school activities.
The leave available under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault is 3 months (92 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period. In exceptional cases, such as where a significant period of hospitalisation is required or in situations of a second or subsequent incident of assault, the leave may be extended for a further period not exceeding 3 months (91 days) at full pay, subject to an overall limit of 6 months (183 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period.
Any subsequent absence will be dealt with under the Sick Leave Scheme. When calculating a teacher’s entitlement, any Assault Leave/Leave of Absence following Assault granted in the previous four years from the current absence will be taken into account in determining access to leave under this scheme.
A Leave of Absence following Assault ends on:
• The ceasing of the certification by a duly qualified medical practitioner of the physical injury; or • the maximum leave limits available under this scheme being exhausted; • or certification of fitness to return to duties.
A Teacher/SNA who has exhausted the maximum period of paid leave under the Scheme for Leave of Absence following Assault and who is still medically unfit to resume duty may avail of Sick Leave under the Sick Leave Scheme, subject to the normal rules of that scheme. Circular 0013/2024 sets out the details of the Sick Leave scheme for teachers. Circular 0014/2024 sets the details of the Sick Leave scheme for SNAs.
The Employee Assistance Service is available as a supportive resource for teachers and SNAs. The freephone confidential helpline is 1800 411 057 and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Supportive resources may include short term counselling (up to six sessions). If the EAS recommends additional short-term counselling sessions with the teacher or SNA, the Department can facilitate this request. The Leave of Absence following Assault Schemes for teachers and SNAs are currently the subject of review, to which the Department of Education, management representatives and Unions are all party.
151. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education where a child (details supplied) in south Tipperary will be given a school placement in September 2024; if she will ensure that the NCSE offers appropriate assistance to the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19674/24]
View answerEnabling 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
As a result of this forward planning, two new special schools have been established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In addition, four new special schools will be established for the 2024/25 school year in counties Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE.
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. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/pupil ratio of 1:6.
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 places for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
In relation to the student referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) is working closely with the family regarding special education placements options.
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. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
