Thursday, 14 Jan 2021

Departmental Strategies

Questions (111)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

111. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the main policy initiatives undertaken by his Department since 27 June 2020; and his main priorities for 2021. [2085/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Overcoming the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presents to the health and well-being of our citizens is a critical and immediate priority for this Government. During the initial period of the crisis my Department supported the repatriation of more than 8,000 Irish citizens and secured essential PPE for our health workers. We are also supporting the Diaspora who have been effected by the pandemic. My Department has developed strong information flows across Government on global developments which have informed critical decision making. My Department will contribute to economic recovery as we move to the next phase in 2021.

Ireland is a committed member of the European Union and during 2020 my Department has been working with our European colleagues to assist each other during this time of crisis, and as we rebuild our economies. This work will continue and deepen in 2021 and beyond.

My Department will work to protect the island of Ireland from the worst effects of Brexit, and as the inextricably linked histories of Ireland and Britain enter a new phase, we will foster enhanced links between our States to protect and strengthen our bilateral relations.

A key priority of Government is the commitment to work with all communities and traditions on the island of Ireland to build consensus around a shared future. This consensus will be underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement and by absolute respect for the principle of consent.

Membership of the UN is a cornerstone of Ireland’s foreign policy and in June 2020, Ireland secured a seat on the UN Security Council, after a highly competitive election, for a two year period 2021/22. At a time of ever-more complex global threats, which have no international boundaries, such as climate change and pandemics, only coordinated international action and collaboration will bring about solutions. This month, as we take up our seat on the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 session, we are strongly committed to playing a highly constructive role which is underpinned by our commitment to peacebuilding, human rights, disarmament, sustainable development and supporting a rules-based international environment.

Delivering first class consular and passport services to our citizens will remain an essential priority. Our global diaspora remain an integral part of the wider Irish family and my Department will continue to work with them in maintaining and deepening this vital relationship. In November 2020, my Department published a new Diaspora Strategy as part of a series of measures to strengthen our relationship with the diaspora from 2020 to 2025.

Recognising the significance of the transatlantic relationship between Ireland and the US, we will strengthen our diplomatic, cultural, and economic relationship with the US at all levels in 2021, and will act as a bridge in the transatlantic relationship between the EU and US.

Ireland’s Overseas Development Assistance programme is an essential element of our overall foreign policy and national presence overseas, enabling the country to respond to complex human needs and humanitarian crises around the world. The Government is committed to reaching our goal of contributing 0.7% of GNI on overseas development cooperation, and our work to implement the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2020 we have been able to pivot some additional development support to address the impact of COVID on the most vulnerable in the world and will in 2021 continue this effort to support investment in public health.

We will provide support for those countries that are poorest and most vulnerable to climate shocks and ensure that climate change is included as a core theme in strategy development where Ireland has a significant development cooperation programme including Small Island Developing States. As a small island nation ourselves, we will lead by example in protecting our oceans and will emphasise climate action as a priority in our multilateral engagement.

Our Missions abroad are charged with promoting Ireland, identifying new markets and opportunities for Irish business, and protecting and supporting Irish citizens. We will continue to implement the Global Ireland Strategy which includes the commitment to double our global footprint by 2025. In 2021, we are planning to open new Embassies in Morocco, the Philippines and Ukraine and a Consulate General in Manchester, subject to available resources and managing the constraints placed by COVID.

My Department will soon publish its new Statement of Strategy for the 2021-2023 period which outlines in more detail the key priorities for the next three years and how we will deliver meaningful outcomes for Irish citizens, at home and abroad, and how we will use and grow our influence around the world.

UN Security Council

Questions (112)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

112. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the additional staff that will be deployed to the Irish Permanent Mission to the UN by grade during Ireland's term on the Security Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2129/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland took up its seat as an elected member of the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022 term on 1 January 2021. We intend to make a constructive contribution across the agenda of the Council, which has nearly tripled since Ireland last held a seat 20 years ago.

In recognition of the areas of focus by the Security Council, both geographically and sectorally, additional posts have been assigned to Ireland's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. Sixteen additional posts will be based in our Mission in New York until the end of our term on the Security Council. These can be broken down by grade as follows: two Counsellors, five First Secretaries, one Assistant Legal Adviser, one Third Secretary, one Higher Executive Officer and six project staff. In addition, a Deputy Military Adviser from the Defence Forces and a Peacekeeping Policy Officer from the Department of Defence are being seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs to serve at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Consular Services

Questions (113)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

113. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to open a new Irish Consulate General Office in Dubrovnik, Croatia; if he is considering opening Irish Consulate General offices in other locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2130/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland and Croatia enjoy very warm relations. There is a significant Croatian diaspora living in Ireland and many Irish people visit Croatia each year. In relation to our diplomatic presence in Croatia, there are no plans to open a Consulate General office in Dubrovnik. Our Embassy in Zagreb is well-equipped to deal with all consular issues affecting the Irish community likely to arise in Croatia. In addition, since 2017 we have had an Honorary Consul in Split given the extent of travel to the region from Irish citizens.

In June 2018, the Government launched the Global Ireland initiative, which aims to double the impact of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. To date ten new Missions have opened. Plans are underway to open a further four Missions in 2021, including Embassies in Kyiv, Manila, Rabat and a Consulate in Manchester. In considering any further expansion of the Diplomatic network a range of factors will be taken into account including our national, political, economic and trade priorities, as well as the availability of resources. The Government is conscious of the factors that might warrant the opening of new Missions in a number of countries and will keep the matter under active review.

Departmental Strategies

Questions (114)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

114. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the main policy initiatives undertaken by his Department since 27 June 2020; and his main priorities for 2021. [2080/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Programme for Government contains an ambitious range of commitments concerning the defence sector that my Department will continue to implement over the lifetime of the Programme.

One of the main policy initiatives undertaken by my Department since the 27th June 2020 follows a commitment made in the Programme for Government to establish a Commission on the Defence Forces. On 15th December 2020 Government approval was given for the establishment of an independent Commission on the Defence Forces along with the Terms of Reference and the membership of the Commission. This Commission will work throughout 2021 with their report due in December 2021.

The Defence Organisation's role has been an important one in the State's overall response to the Covid 19 pandemic. The response involved the Department, Defence Forces and Civil Defence taking account of their specific roles. The Defence Organisation has undertaken a number of specific actions including participation in a number of official groups and more recently the Defence Forces are represented on the High Level Task Force for Covid 19 Vaccination. In addition to supporting the HSE, the Defence Forces have also provided a broad range of supports to other Departments and Agencies. Provision of this support will continue to remain one of my Department's main priorities for 2021.

In July and November 2020, my Department saw the launch of the first "Be Summer Ready" and annual "Be Winter Ready" Government Information Campaigns, and my Department also commenced preparation of Ireland's 2020 National Risk Assessment with analysis to be completed in early 2021.

My Department’s main priorities for 2021 cover a range of activities including recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces and related HR issues, the on-going impact of COVID. My Department will continue to monitor, and respond to, as appropriate, implications of Brexit on fisheries enforcement and control. Implementation will continue of White Paper projects and the three year implementation plan for "Civil Defence - Towards 2030" and other Public Sector Initiatives. An Organisational Capability Review of my Department will commence in 2021 and on-going engagement will continue with our partners both internationally and domestically.

My Department will continue to implement the rolling 5 year Infrastructure Plan and rolling 5 year equipment development plan for the Defence Forces. During 2021 one of my main legislative priorities will be the enactment of the Defence (Amendment) Bill and the Defence Forces (Evidence) Bill.

Climate action has been integrated into equipment & infrastructure programmes of work and this will continue in 2021.

In relation to international initiatives, my Department's main focus since June 2020 has been Ireland's policy input regarding the establishment of the European Peace Facility (EPF) which is a new mechanism to finance Common Security and Defence Policy activities. In addition, my Department provided initial policy input into the process around the EU's Strategic Compass which was proposed to enhance and guide the implementation of the Level of Ambition arising out of the EU's Global Strategy. These two EU initiatives will require further policy input by my Department in 2021.

Since June 2020 with the successful outcome for Ireland in achieving a UN Security Council seat, additional structures have been established between the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Defence Forces with a view to greater coordination on peacekeeping policy issues. This will continue to be a priority for my Department and the Defence Forces throughout 2021.

Air Corps

Questions (115)

Willie O'Dea

Question:

115. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Defence if a new recruitment drive for aircraft maintenance technicians for the Air Corps will be launched in quarter 1 of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2133/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Defence

I am informed by the military authorities that the 2021 competition for Air Corps aircraft maintenance technicians will be held in the first quarter of the year.

8 apprentice technicians were recruited in 2019, and 20 in 2020, while a total of 60 apprentices are in training with all due to complete by 2024. Of those, 15 are scheduled to graduate in 2021.

School Transport

Questions (116, 117)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the steps that will be taken in the future to improve school bus transport given the current costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2177/21]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

117. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if consideration has been given to a new structure governing school transport given the difficulties that have arisen over recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2178/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 113,100 children, including over 14,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

All children who are eligible for school transport and who completed the application and payment process on time have been accommodated on school transport services for the 2020/21 school year where such services are in operation.

In October 2019, my predecessor announced a review of the school transport scheme with a view to ensuring funds are being spent in the most effective way to meet the objectives of the scheme. Terms of reference and the scope of the review have been drafted and a Steering Group has been established.

Given the current evolving situation with Covid-19 and the continued restrictions the work of the Steering Group has been delayed. It is intended to convene the Steering Group shortly and to agree and supplement revised terms of reference to reflect the Programme for Government.

The Review will build on the proposals in the Programme for Government as they relate to school transport, including examining the options to reduce car journeys and assessing how the School Transport Scheme can work in liaison with the Safe Routes to Schools Programme; examining the options for providing a better value and a better service for students, including and examining issues such as the nearest or next-nearest school.

School Accommodation

Questions (118)

Alan Dillon

Question:

118. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education the status of an application for funding of an ASD unit at a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1925/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

I can confirm to the Deputy that in June 2019, my Department approved funding for the reconfiguration of a spare classroom to accommodate a special class for children with special needs, as an interim measure, for the school in question. My Department will be communicating directly with the school authority shortly, regarding the status of their application for a permanent building for the special class.

School Accommodation

Questions (119)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

119. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if the lack of ASD units in Ballymun, Dublin will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1943/21]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.

This year, over 20% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special educational needs. As a result, the numbers of special education teachers, SNAs and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.

Through better planning at both national and local level, it is my objective that specialist education places should come on stream to meet emerging demand on a timely basis. However, the active collaboration of school communities is essential in this regard.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. NCSE is planning a further expansion of special class and special school places nationally, to meet identified need. This process is ongoing.

Notwithstanding the extent of the investment in special education and the supports which have been put in place, I am also very conscious that there are some parts of the country, including the area referenced, where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.

I can assure the Deputy that NCSE is acutely aware of these concerns and is continuing its engagement with schools, patron bodies, parents and other stakeholders to bring the required additional special education placements on stream.

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 and I want to reassure you that the delivery of the necessary additional provision is being progressed as an absolute priority.

DEIS Scheme

Questions (120)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

120. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if she will consider providing free postage to DEIS schools to allow the schools to send educational materials out to their pupils during this period of remote learning given that some students may not have access to digital devices. [1945/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

Since last March, my Department has put in place a number of measures to support vulnerable learners and those at risk of educational disadvantage during possible partial or full school closures due to Covid-19.

As a contingency measure for the possibility of partial or full school closures, my Department provided to schools in October a suite of guidance materials, agreed with the education partners, to enable schools to mediate the curriculum safely for all learners in a Covid-19 context. These documents have been complemented by Circular 0074/2020 which required all schools to put in place appropriate contingency measures to ensure that they are prepared to continue to support teaching and learning in the event of a partial or full closure of schools arising from Public Health advice. My Department has also provided updated specific guidance to advise on how schools and teachers can support continuity in the learning of vulnerable students and those at risk if educational disadvantage during school closures due to Covid-19.

Schools are asked to be conscious of students who may not have access to online facilities or technology and to adapt approaches to ensure that these pupils’ ability to participate in learning is not compromised. Many schools have already introduced a range of strategies and measures to ensure that the needs of these pupils are catered for, including pupils who have limited access to technology or whose parents are not in a position to support their learning. The guidance sets out approaches that schools can take and my Department will be asking schools to ensure that there is a specific focus on ensure that these pupils are supported.

My Department has provided significant additional resources to schools to help support the provision of ICT equipment and to prioritise the needs of students that do not otherwise have access to ICT. My Department issued €50m in April 2020 in Digital Strategy ICT grant funding in respect of the 2019-2020 school year, including €10m brought forward. A further €50m issued in December 2020 in respect of the 2020-2021 school year. Schools were advised to use this funding to support the continuity of teaching and learning should a period of partial or full school closure owing to Covid-19 restrictions be required.

Tusla Education Support Services will engage with principals to promote connectedness to schools for children who are at risk of educational disadvantage and there will be direct liaison by education welfare officers to Direct Provision accommodation centres, refuges for families experiencing domestic violence and homeless hubs to ensure students are linked with their schools.

My Department spends in the region of €125 million annually to provide a suite of supports to schools in the DEIS programme, of which €16.2 million was allocated to schools in the form of a DEIS grant for the 2020/21 school year.

Schools in the DEIS programme are asked to use all available supports, both in-school and community-based, to promote a positive solution-oriented approach that will support all pupils to achieve, to learn and to progress in their education and to help minimize any further educational inequality among those at risk of educational disadvantage.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (121)

Emer Higgins

Question:

121. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the plans in place to support special needs students during level 5 lockdown. [1957/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

My Department is conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with special educational needs can be even greater.

The Deputy will be aware that a number of meetings have taken place recently with primary and special education stakeholders.

All parties are working together towards a phased return for children in special schools. A return to school for those in special classes in primary schools and for children with significant additional needs in mainstream primary classes, is now planned to begin on Thursday 21 January.

The Government had paused plans for a partial reopening last week, recognising that the education partners were expressing concerns in relation to proposed reopening on 11 January. The pause has given me an opportunity to listen to those concerns, to engage intensively with key stakeholders, with Public Health and with disability advocacy groups, in order to address these concerns.

A series of meetings with key stakeholders from the primary school and special school sector have taken place, with all parties sharing an objective to work together so that children with special educational needs, who find it very hard to engage with remote or online learning, receive some face to face education in schools.

We are now working together on a phased return for children in special schools and a return to school for those in special classes in primary schools and children with significant additional needs in mainstream classes beginning on 21 January.

During this phased commencement of in-school services at primary level, we are also working in parallel with post-primary stakeholders to address their concerns; recognising that post-primary schools present different logistical challenges if a partial return is to be possible.

I very much hope that we can work together to set out a pathway for the return of all children at all levels of schooling at the start of February, subject to Government and public health consideration of what constitutes the safe movement of people at that point.

I should also add that updated Guidance on Continuity of Schooling: Supporting Pupils with Special Educational Needs (for mainstream primary and special schools and for post-primary schools) has been made available by my Department.

This revised guidance advises on how schools and teachers can support continuity in the learning of pupils with special educational needs during the school closures associated with COVID-19. The guidance builds on the key messages in a range of guidance materials which were issued to schools and centres for education as they were published. Specific guidance has been published by the Department to support schools in the context of remote teaching and learning in a Covid-19 context:

Guidance on Remote Learning in a COVID-19 Context: September – December 2020 ; https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a0bff-reopening-our-primary-and-special-schools/#additional-guidelines-and-procedures (Department of Education, October 2020)

This has been complemented by the Department of Education Circular Letter 0074/2020 in relation to the establishment of Digital Communication, Teaching and Learning Platforms: https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0074_2020.pdf

This guidance is intended to assist mainstream and special schools as they endeavour to support teaching and learning for pupils with special educational needs through remote teaching approaches. Key themes of the guidance include:

- The role of schools and teachers in engaging with pupils with SEN

- Teachers and school leaders working to support pupils with SEN

- Keeping in touch with parents and guardians

- Keeping pupils with SEN safe in the distance learning environment

- Resources for teachers

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is also communicating directly with schools on the range of supports available to families and schools at this time.

Minor Works Scheme

Questions (122)

Richard Bruton

Question:

122. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education the amount in minor grant scheme funding allocated to each county; and the number of primary, secondary and special schools that benefited from the scheme in 2020, in tabular form. [1960/21]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

Deputy, the information requested on the amount in minor grant scheme funding allocated to each county; and the number of primary, secondary and special schools that benefited from the scheme is outlined below.

Minor Grant Scheme

Special Educational Needs

Questions (123)

Joan Collins

Question:

123. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Education if negotiations will be continued with teachers and parents to provide education services, for example the July provision for children who attend mainstream autism classes and special schools. [1965/21]