Marian Harkin
Question:59. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm the retention of a school transport route in Sligo for the 2023-24 school year (details supplied) [22530/23]
Other Questions (Resumed)
School Transport
I ask the Minister to confirm the retention of a school transport route in Sligo from McCann's cross, which is halfway between Coolaney and Tubbercurry, stopping at Lavagh church and on to St. Attracta's Community School in Tubbercurry. There is a second bus on the route, which is a new service that started last November. There is real anxiety and uncertainty among parents and students and they are desperately asking for its retention.
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. There has been an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and 38% tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the current school year compared with the 2021-22 school year. In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 5,200 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine. The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9 million.
The school transport scheme is an important service for families and children. The purpose of the scheme, having regard to available resources, is to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. A review of the school transport scheme is under way. The review is being 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. Significant consultation has been undertaken as part of this review. A public survey was administered for parents, guardians and students who use the service. A broad array of stakeholders including schools, special education interest groups, industry representatives and other Departments were all consulted as part of this review.
Phase one of the review examined the impact of eligibility criteria on mainstream pupils who were eligible for transport to their nearest school but attending their next nearest school. This report was completed in June 2021. For the 2023-24 school year, it remains the case that children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 km from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post-primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 km from and are attending their nearest post-primary school or education centre.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. In addition, temporary alleviation measures have been continued for the 2023-24 school year, pending completion of the review. Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated. Such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
I have heard what the Minister has said and acknowledge the progress that has been made but I am none the wiser in terms of the answer to my specific question. Parents were very grateful that a second bus was provided last year. It is a 50-seater bus and is almost always full, which indicates that there is a huge need. However, word has filtered through that the second bus may not continue and that has massive implications for families. One school actually contacted the school transport service and the reply it received was that no decision has been made but that it is most unlikely that there will be a bus available for children next September.
I can tell the Minister I have got more emails on this than nearly any other issue in education that I have dealt with. One parent said to me, "I am hoping my boss will accommodate my late arrival at work and quick exit for collection." Another parent tells me she has stage 4 cancer, this bus was a lifesaver as she is up and down to Dublin. If it does not continue she is in crisis. I have a long list, which I will not go through, of similar stories. Parents are really anxious about this.
I thank the Deputy and I appreciate the point she makes. I absolutely appreciate the importance of the school transport system for a whole variety of reasons for different people at different times, as the Deputy articulated. Specifically in respect of the topic, Bus Éireann will be reviewing applications and planning routes during the summer months for the upcoming year. It is important to acknowledge that the system is presently in train. The closing date for new applications for the 2023-24 school year was Friday, 28 April. The closing date for payment or entering medical details for tickets for the 2023-24 school year is Friday, 9 June. All detail will be in by Friday, 9 June. It is only after this time that Bus Éireann will know how many applications have been received and paid for, what bus size and how many bus places are required. At that point, services will be planned for the upcoming school year. I also want to say that pending completion of the review, there will be no removal or downsizing of buses or routes for the 2023-24 school year.
Perhaps the Minister will clarify in her final response but from what I have heard, she has said there will be no diminution and no removal of services that are currently in place for the next year. If that is the case, I am absolutely delighted. I could sit down and the Minister could get on to the next question. I will wait for her confirmation. Earlier I spoke about how this impacts parents but it impacts students massively. Imagine if a student had to change school, classes, teachers, lose their friends, or lose their place on a school team. If a student who had done fifth year had to go to another school, different parts of the curriculum might have been completed. It would have a deeply negative impact on their education process. Many families are just not in a position to cease working in order to bring their children to school. Between parents and students, it is absolutely essential that this route is maintained. If the Minister just says yes to me in her response, I will be more than happy.
On the same question, as previous speakers said, school transport is of the utmost importance. I have had several calls from older Carlow people who have told me they are not allowed to drive a school bus because they have turned 70. Bus Éireann operates the school bus transport scheme. There were massive issues which will be repeated this year if we do not have enough drivers. The Department told me the age limit has been examined and that there are no plans to extend it. I feel this is unfair. I know many drivers in Carlow, which is my constituency, feel particularly aggrieved about this. If there are to be more schoolchildren needing places, we must look at providing the buses. Several men and women have come to me who are 70 and in the full of their health. They do not mind having to go for medicals, eye tests, or do whatever they need to do; it is not an issue. This does not seem to be changing. Is there anything that can be done on this?
On the cut-off point of 70 years of age, that is an operational matter for Bus Éireann. It is my understanding that Bus Éireann says it keeps it consistently under review. Specifically in terms of the wider appreciation of school transport and its importance, we have been very cognisant of that. Where we had the capacity last year there were no fees being requested. Now the fees have been reduced to €50 for primary and €75 for post-primary for the year's travel with a cap of €125 for the family. Specifically in respect of what Deputy Harkin raised, I want to be clear that in terms of having the fullest data available, the application was 28 April and all data in terms of medical details for tickets or whether people are in a position to pay will not be available to Bus Éireann until Friday, 9 June. I am going to be clear to the Deputy. We have given a commitment that until the review is completed, there will be no removal or downsizing of buses or routes for the 2023-24 school year. What happens afterwards, pending the review, happens after.
Question No. 60 taken with Written Answers.
School Accommodation
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:61. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education the plans to provide additional accommodation and space for a school (details supplied) in Dundalk which is a secondary school and also a further education centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22884/23]
Are there any plans to provide additional accommodation and space for Ó Fiaich College in Dundalk? It is a post-primary school and also a further education institute. I would appreciate if the Minister could make a statement on the matter. I think I am on the record as saying my own kids have attended the school, both at institute and post-primary levels. It does a huge amount of work in the area as regards school completion and all the rest of it. I just think we are constrained by space.
I wish to advise the Deputy again, in the interests of context, that in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, the Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system using data from a range of sources, including child benefit and school enrolment data to identify where the pressure for school places across the country, including Dundalk, will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at either primary or post-primary level.
Major new residential developments in a school planning area have the potential to alter demand in that area. We are conscious of that. In that regard, as part of the annual demographic exercises, the Department engages with each of the local authorities to obtain up-to-date information on significant new residential development in each area. The most recent analysis undertaken by the Department indicates that 85% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level show static or decreasing enrolments for the period to 2026 compared with 2021. At post-primary level, 74% of school planning areas are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2029, with most expected to reach a peak within the next two or three years.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through utilising existing capacity, extending capacity, or through the provision of a new school or schools.
The expansion of existing schools is typically delivered by means of my Department's additional school accommodation, ASA, scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is provided. It is open to all school authorities to make an application for additional accommodation through the ASA scheme. Based on analysis of school place requirements, in recent years my Department approved ASA scheme applications by St. Vincent's Secondary School and De La Salle College in Dundalk to provide additional mainstream capacity as well as increased provision for students with special educational needs. That has been provided for and the projects are under way. I wish to advise the Deputy that there is no current record of an application for additional accommodation from Ó Fiaich College. The Department will continue to work to advance current projects and to ensure sufficient places for both mainstream provision and for pupils with special education requirements in Dundalk, both for the coming academic year and into the future.
I suppose on some level this is one of the few instances where it crosses the Minister's Department and also that of the Minister, Deputy Harris, in respect of further education. I could be slightly off on my figures but I am going to say the school has a relatively small population of 275 but it is operating in a DEIS area. I can only speak in the highest terms about the specific interventions that have been done in that school. It is really positive that it is colocated with a further education institute. My stepson and my oldest son have both been through the post-leaving certificate, PLC, programme. Actually our Conor is still going through it at the minute and we will see what results he gets but that is for another day. The fact is that it is constrained by space. I got a note from the special educational needs organiser, SENO, when I asked about schools throughout north Louth. I was told that an expression of interest letter was issued to the school by the NCSE requesting that an autism spectrum disorder, ASD, class or classes be open in September 2024 but this would be dependent on an extension to the school as there is no current capacity.
I thank the Deputy and appreciate how positively he speaks of the school. I salute and acknowledge the excellent work that takes place in the school every single day to deliver education and cater to students. I want to make clear that there is not an application with the Department. It is open to the school to make an application and it will be evaluated at that time. I especially acknowledge the work on inclusive education and providing for children and young people with additional needs. The Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, wishes to do similarly. There is not currently a specific application but if that were to change, we would analyse it.
I understand there are processes. I have had initial conversations with the school and with the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board, LMETB. Those will continue in the near future and an overall plan is probably required. My youngest son Turlough attends the school. Turlough is autistic. He is in mainstream school. I can only say, once again, very positive things. I was only making the point about the communication from the SENO in relation to the fact the area is constrained. The post-primary school population is to increase. There are a number of developments in Haggardstown in close proximity. Beyond that, we are talking about in or around 740 students attending the PLC college at this point, with that number expected to increase by possibly 100. We just do not have the space. This is a conversation that will involve the Minister and the Minister, Deputy Harris. I will be dealing with the LMETB post haste.
I appreciate this matter crosses two different briefs as there is a further education element to it as well. I also appreciate that the Deputy may well have had conversations about what the college is intending to do and what its vision is. All I can say is we have a considerable record in delivery of new builds and additional accommodation. There were 180 builds last year and there are 300 on hand at this time, 40 of which are brand-new school builds with the remaining 260 additional accommodation. We have a budget of €4.4 billion between now and 2025 for the delivery of the school building programme, so we have an ambitious programme. We recognise that everything in education is in a constant state of flux and the needs of schools change from time to time. I appreciate, therefore, that this may be a pre-emptive strike by the Deputy in terms of the needs of the school in question. We will see what is forthcoming from the school itself.
The LMETB might even agree with the Minister.
Question No. 62 taken with Written Answers.
Departmental Programmes
Alan Farrell
Question:63. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the number of schools that have expressed interest in the Say Yes to Languages programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22901/23]
Deputy Dillon is taking No. 63 on behalf of Deputy Alan Farrell.
Language learning is a rewarding experience for children and students and can lead to a lifetime of engagement both culturally and professionally. A well-educated multilingual population is a key incentive for international business to choose Ireland as a base for operations. Will the Minister comment on the number of schools that have to date engaged with her Department on the Say Yes to Languages scheme for the year ahead?
The Deputy will recall that in May 2021 I launched Say Yes to Languages, a language sampler module for pupils from third to sixth class in all primary and special schools. The module aims to generate awareness among pupils of the range of languages used by their peers, support greater inclusion and appreciation of diversity in society and encourage uptake of languages at post-primary level. It runs for eight hours over a period of eight weeks. Participating schools are eligible for a grant from the Department of €400 per classroom, up to a maximum of €1,600 per school towards paying for visiting teachers and other resources or events that support the aims of the module. The module is administered by Post-Primary Languages Ireland, PPLI, on behalf of the Department.
Say Yes to Languages has proven hugely popular with 430 schools with approximately 30,000 pupils participating in the first year and just under 700 schools with approximately 50,000 pupils participating in year 2. I understand PPLI has received very positive feedback from pupils expressing pleasure in learning to speak the language of friends and learning how other people live and about their cultures. Teachers have noticed the pupils are making connections between English, Gaeilge and their new languages as a result of the module. This has complemented and reinforced the emphasis on their oral language development and the transfer of language skills between languages, both of which are pivotal in our new primary language curriculum. Participation in the module has increased the enthusiasm of children about language learning.
I am pleased with how schools have responded to the module for the benefit of their students. It is heartening to see so many schools signing up to participate and the wide range of languages they have chosen. The closing date for expressions of interest from all recognised primary and special schools to participate in the module in the 2023-24 school year call was last week, on 12 May. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the strong interest in this offering is continuing. I understand 1,168 schools, which is 36% of our primary schools, registered interest. This represents a significant increase on last year, so we are seeing an increase year on year.
This initiative is reflective of the Government’s strong commitment to promote the learning and use of modern foreign languages. Languages Connect: Ireland’s Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education 2017–2026 aims to create a more engaging learning environment, improve attitudes of students towards foreign language learning and improve the quality of foreign language teaching.
I thank the Minister for her response and work in this area. The introduction of Say Yes to Languages has been a positive step right across the school community. Allowing pupils, teachers, parents and guardians to learn a modern foreign language promotes inclusivity and understanding of diverse cultures, so it is a positive step. It also encourages schools to take up the scheme. The Minister indicated the Department has seen a huge increase in take-up of the scheme year on year. What improvements have been made in the scheme for the forthcoming year, 2023-24? Is the Department also seeing students take up the Ukrainian language to help integrate new students who may have come to their school as part of our humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine?
We have seen an incredible diversity of languages being chosen by schools. Some of them very much reflect the children and young people in the schools. Schools have autonomy to choose and decide on the language. We are fortunate to have teachers in place in our schools who are of Ukrainian background and have registered with the Teaching Council. We have seen considerable uptake, as I articulated, in the number of pupils. It has risen from 30,000 to 50,000, with projected figures for year 3 being even higher again. Schools will be confirmed, in terms of their application, on 16 June. It is hugely positive that we have seen more than 1,168 schools, or 36% of primary schools, express an interest. It is also work on the back of the new primary curriculum framework in which we are also bringing in the teaching of modern foreign languages. This scheme is a pre-emptive step in that regard. Great credit is due to all the schools for their enthusiasm.
I again thank the Minister for her response. It is a really positive scheme that should be commended. I wish to inquire around the selection process. Applications closed, as the Minister outlined, on 12 May. It was also mentioned that participation is not guaranteed to all applying schools and that a panel will evaluate applications based on specific criteria. I ask the Minister to provide additional details on how the panels will assess applications. I am specifically interested in their being a geographic spread of schools so we have a fair distribution from both rural and urban areas. The Minister may have confirmed this previously but what is the anticipated confirmation date for all those participating in this programme?
I will give him the data at the start, lest I forget. The proposed date is 16 June, at this point at any rate. We are possibly on target for that. There are criteria in place. The Deputy referenced geographic spread, which is hugely important and is one of the criteria. There is a range of school contexts, types of schools and so on. Diversity in the target languages applied for is also an element, so we have a great spread of languages.
Many schools also have an internal capacity among their staff. The school must provide details of how it will engage in promotion and dissemination - in other words, the programme that the school initiates - and how it will encourage teachers and tutors to participate in training. It must commit to delivering modules within specified timeframes. It must commit to engage and communicate with PPLI. These criteria are the basis and priority will be given to those schools that feel they can meet them.
State Examinations
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:64. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education the progress being made in ensuring that sufficient exam markers are available for the leaving certificate exams this year to ensure timely issuing of results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22888/23]
The start of the leaving certificate exams is only a few weeks away. The focus will then quickly shift to correcting and getting results out. It was early September last year before leaving certificate students saw their results and nearly December before junior certificate students saw theirs. The later the results, the more difficult and stressful it can be for students. There is knock-on pressure in terms of getting college offers and accommodation. The availability of correctors contributed to the delay last year. Will the Minister outline the efforts being made to ensure that there are enough people available now to correct the leaving and junior certificate examinations this year?
While the State Examinations Commission, SEC, is responsible for the operation, delivery and development of State examinations, I am very much aware of the importance for students, parents and education stakeholders of ensuring that the results of the 2023 leaving certificate are delivered in as timely a manner as possible. While it is not yet in a position to confirm the date of those results, I have informed the SEC that my wish and expectation is to see them being issued in August. I engage on an ongoing basis with the SEC - indeed, I will meet it again this week - and it is clear on this point.
Last year was the first time since 2019 that written State examinations were undertaken by all students and the date for the issuing of results was influenced by a number of factors. I acknowledge the additional burdens that were placed on the SEC. These included a challenge in recruiting sufficient examiners, the welcome provision of a set of deferred examinations for candidates who experienced illness or bereavement, and the implementation of a post-marking adjustment, which gave effect to the commitment that results in 2022 would be no lower in the aggregate than in the previous year.
Regarding examiners specifically, it is of note that examination candidate numbers are 12% higher than they were ten years ago while examiner numbers are close to 20% lower over the same period. While this is not a new issue, it has been exacerbated over the course of the Covid pandemic. The SEC has undertaken a comprehensive review of the issue of contract staff recruitment, which includes extensive engagement with stakeholders. The core objective of the review process is to increase substantially the number of teachers involved in examination work so that the experience is a positive one that enhances teachers' professional competence as well as their earning power. The SEC has established a working group, which includes representatives of the management bodies and teacher unions, to consider measures to ensure the availability of teachers in the required numbers for this critical work into the future.
The cornerstone of the 2023 recruitment campaign is a new website where teachers can find all relevant information. Oral and practical examinations for the 2023 leaving certificate took place in March, April and May. I welcome that the SEC was able to recruit the required complement of examiners for these oral and practical components and that there was no issue with either.
Applications for positions as written examiners continue to be accepted and we encourage as many as possible to apply. In recent years, there have been significant increases in the rates paid to examiners. Funding has again been provided for these rates in 2023.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
The typical earning range for a junior cycle examiner is between €4,858 and €5,010, while for leaving certificate examiners, it is between €7,721 and €10,844. These rates depend on the subject and the number of scripts marked.
The SEC and my Department are appreciative of the co-operation of schools and teachers in the successful administration and assessment of the State certificate examinations each year. The SEC advises that the multifaceted recruitment efforts for the 2023 examinations are having a positive impact on the level of interest in examining positions for the written examinations, but the process is ongoing and examiners are still needed.
Last year saw a great deal of pressure on getting people to correct exams, which contributed to the delays in issuing results as well as other issues. I understand that the SEC has undertaken a promotional campaign and that there are additional payments and so on to attract people to take on correcting work this year. Have more correctors been recruited this year than last year and how many correctors are there now? Last year saw 131,000 leaving and junior certificate students sit exams. This year, that number will increase to 135,000. Are there enough correctors to handle the additional students' scripts? How many people will sit each exam?
It is important that results get out to students in a timely manner, reducing the already stressful experience of waiting for results. Having people available to correct the work is important.
Not for one minute do I underestimate the importance of the results coming out as early as possible. I acknowledge the work of the SEC, which stands over the integrity of the exams. The Deputy referenced the issue of examiners, but the SEC has additional responsibilities in terms of the provision of a deferred exam sitting. That deferral is right and proper. Everyone would agree that if, for an unfortunate reason, a student was not in a position to take the exams the first time around, he or she should have a second opportunity as long as particular criteria are met. Equally, a commitment was given that there would be no cliff edge, as it were, in terms of what was achieved for students during Covid. The post-marking element is another issue for the SEC.
The SEC is working through applications. I am confident it will be in a position to make an announcement about the date before the 2023 leaving certificate, and I have made it clear that that should happen in the coming weeks. The oral exams and practicals are a positive indication that there was a sufficiency of examiners this year.
Getting results out in a timely manner is important for students. Despite the recruitment campaign, though, it is not clear that there are additional correctors. What numbers have been recruited? Are there particular subjects at issue? Regarding the new art exam, teachers have told me of their concerns about getting marking schemes and even sample questions that they can sit down and review with their students. Will a marking scheme and sample questions issue to art students and their teachers ahead of this year's exam? There are a number of new subjects, including Ukrainian politics. Are there correctors for these subjects and will marking schemes for them be available ahead of the exams?
The SEC is charged with overall responsibility for running this process and it has confirmed that it is still in the process. It has received a number of applications. We have seen a concerted effort from the SEC in terms of a significant increase in the rates being paid to examiners. This year, the typical earning range for a junior cycle examiner is between €4,858 and €5,010, while for leaving certificate examiners, it is between €7,721 and €10,844. These rates depend on the subject and the number of scripts marked. This is a significant uplift in the funding made available to correctors.
The SEC has successfully overseen the orals and practicals this year with a sufficiency of examiners. The data on how many are available will have to come from the SEC.
The Ukrainian politics subject is only starting in fifth year this year, so will not be examined now. It will also be a non-curricular subject.
When the SEC has the data available to it, it will make a public announcement on these matters.
School Transport
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:65. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the review of the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20828/23]
I would be grateful if the Minister updated me on the review of the school transport scheme and made a statement on the matter.
The school transport scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, more than 149,000 children, including more than 18,000 children and young people with special educational needs, are transported daily to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. There has been an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022-23 school year compared to the 2021-22 school year. In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for more than 5,200 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine. The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9 million.
The Department's school transport scheme is an important service. Its purpose, having regard to available resources, is to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remotely from their nearest schools.
As the Deputy indicated, a review of the scheme is under way. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme and its broader effectiveness and sustainability and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately. Significant consultation has been undertaken as part of the review. A public survey was administered for parents and guardians, for students who use the service and, probably more importantly, for those who do not use the service but who would like to. A broad array of stakeholders including schools, special education interest groups, industry representatives and other Departments were consulted.
Phase 1 of the review examined the impact of eligibility criteria. That report was completed in 2021. Following consideration of this phase 1 report, the provision of temporary alleviation measures for the 2021-22 school year was approved for transport for post-primary students who were otherwise eligible for school transport but who were attending their second nearest school. These measures have been continued for the 2022-23 school year and will continue for the 2023-24 school year. These measures mean that transport will be provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and who are attending their second nearest school, who applied for school transport by 28 April 2023 and who pay for a ticket or enter medical card details by 9 June 2023, which is the cut-off date.
Phase 2 of the review was completed late last year. Phase 3 will be completed imminently. This final report will include recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s school transport scheme. Once approved by Government, it is planned that the review will be published.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Aire. I thank her for that information. It was encouraging to hear about the consultation that has taken place. I will raise the issue of equality with respect to school transport and make the case for reviewing the geographical eligibility limits. The Minister mentioned the second nearest school but, especially in rural areas, there is a need to go much further and broader than that. I support local schools. The innovation, dedication and student-centred learning I have seen in Clare schools are second to none. We are lucky that there is an incredibly high calibre of teaching in our many fantastic rural schools but we are not so lucky with regard to the remoteness of some of those schools. The peripheral location of a school has absolutely nothing to do with its quality. The geographical restrictions in place with respect to school transport are an example of anti-rural policy.
I will briefly mention the issue of Knockanean National School. I have written separately to the Department regarding the need for a school bus for that school. I would appreciate it if she could look at that issue and revert to me.
I thank the Deputy very much. I appreciate her personal interest in this. I am a rural Deputy. I very much understand the importance of the school transport scheme. I will be clear that, as I have said, the geographical criteria currently require a student to live within 3.2 km of their nearest national school and to attend that school. At post-primary level, students must live within 4.8 km of their nearest school and attend that school or the next nearest. That was a concession that we gave. However, I appreciate the point the Deputy is making. The objective is for the maximum number of young people to avail of the school transport scheme where possible. I assure the Deputy that the geographical issue is very much part of the review base.
I also acknowledge that the scheme is important insofar as almost 150,000 young people currently avail of it. We have seen a considerable increase in the number availing of the scheme even in the last year. There was a 21% increase in the number of eligible students availing of it and a 38% increase in the number of concessionary places. We are also transporting 5,200 Ukrainian students. As a result of its importance, we have reduced the payment required to €50 for a primary school student, €75 for a post-primary student and €125 for a family ticket.
As the Minister will know, Article 42 of the Constitution concerns the right to education and underpins the right of parents to be the primary educators of their children and to make conscientious decisions with respect to the education their children receive. In accordance with Article 42.4, the Department is responsible for facilitating the education of our children in concert with the rights I have mentioned. The Minister may be wondering why I am bringing up the Constitution in an exchange about the school transport scheme. I will explain. In Clare, our only option for second level education through the medium of Irish is Gaelcholáiste an Chláir in Ennis. It is not a stand-alone school. It is part of Ennis Community College. Unless the parents of students who live further than 4.8 km from the school are in a position to drop them off and collect them every single day, and most people who work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. are not, those students will not be able to learn through our first language, which has a proud tradition in Clare. Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam.
I again emphasise and underline that I appreciate the importance of the school transport scheme and the importance of young people having the opportunity to attend the school that meets their needs. It is important to again raise the point that, at post-primary level, students had to live within 4.8 km of and attend their nearest school, but we have extended provision to the next nearest school. If the next nearest school happens to be full, students will be accommodated to reach the next nearest school again. That is a point that is often lost. If your first nearest or second nearest school is full, that is, if you have applied to the school and there is no place available to you, you are eligible for transport to the third nearest or the fourth nearest school. That is an important consideration. We are showing as much flexibility as we possibly can. I will have to look at the specific case the Deputy raised with me earlier. Was it a national school?
It was Knockanean National School.
We will revert to the Deputy on that. In the context of meeting needs relating to the provision of Gaelscoileanna or Gaelcholáistí, we are doing a body of work to promote the Irish language and its importance. Where there is such a need, it will be looked at in the overall context.
Special Educational Needs
Pearse Doherty
Question:66. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) in County Donegal will be granted an autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit on its premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22667/23]
Tagann ceist Uimh. 66 ón Teachta Doherty. Níl ach trí nóiméad fágtha againn.
I know the parents and board of management of St. Eunan's National School in the town of Raphoe have written to the Minister of State. A number of children who have a full diagnosis need an ASD classroom. There is a spare classroom in the school, and the board of management want to have an ASD classroom. This year, we have seen the terrible situation of a child having to leave the school in their catchment area because there was no ASD classroom in it. All three children I have spoken about have siblings in the school. They are seeing one child bussed off outside the catchment area while others go to the school within their catchment area. This discrimination needs to end. The classroom is there. I ask the Minister of State to sanction an ASD room and staff.
I thank the Deputy for his question. It is important to stress that education is a right under the Constitution, as has just been mentioned here. That obviously applies to children with additional needs as well. What the State endeavours to do in the first instance is to get an appropriate placement for children with additional needs. Sometimes they have to travel, which is not desirable. We always endeavour to provide appropriate placements for children in their own localities. I understand that St. Eunan's National School made an application. I appreciate the efforts of the board of management in that regard. I have questioned the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, on the matter because, as Minister of State with responsibility for special education, I obviously very much welcome the initiative of a school that wants to open a special class when we sometimes have to use legislation to compel schools to do so. I certainly welcome the school's initiative but the NCSE tells me that there is sufficient capacity in the near environs of that particular school. It says that Scoil Bhríde in Convoy has one place available, Dromore National School has five places available and St. Baithin's National School in St. Johnston has two places available. The NCSE is not saying "No" but it is saying "Not right now". This is something that will be welcomed in the future.
The problem with the NCSE saying "Not right now" is that a child had to leave that school and must now go outside the catchment area. Their siblings are still at the school. In September, another child, who has a full diagnosis of ASD and two siblings in the school, will have to separate from their brothers and sisters. Next year, in September 2024, the same will happen again with a new child who has already got a full diagnosis. The classroom is there. There are no capital works involved. The school has a sensory room and there are toilets right outside the classroom. It has a sensory garden. This is an inclusive school. It needs the staff and it needs the sanction. In this day and age, this is cruel when a school and its board of management are willing to keep families together to ensure an inclusive educational setting. I ask the Minister of State to look at this again. I know there is other capacity but this is an issue of splitting families and discriminating against these children who cannot go to school in their catchment area despite the fact that all of the parents, the staff and the board of management want them to. There are no capital works required. It is a staffing issue and something that can be resolved.
I call on the Minister of State for literally the final word.
The NCSE has confirmed to me that there are a total of eight special class places in close proximity to St. Eunan's but I have heard what the Deputy has said. As I have said, I do believe it is something that could be looked at in the future.
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