Pauline Tully
Question:236. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the estimated additional cost of hiring a career guidance counsellor for all special schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36992/21]
View answerSchool Staff
Questions (236)
Written answers
At present, special schools do not have guidance counsellor teacher allocations.
The matter of guidance counselling in special schools was considered as part of the Indecon Review of Career Guidance , which report was published in April 2019. The report includes four recommendations relating specifically to guidance counselling to promote inclusion.
The recommendations in this report were considered by an internal taskforce to examine each of the recommendations and develop an implementation response to each. The first task was to consider options for the establishment of the support organisation to oversee technology facilitated guidance services.
Progress in this matter has been impacted by both COVID-19. Arrangements are now in place with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) on the implementation of the recommendations and this work will be overseen by an inter-departmental steering group.
The Department of Education will now lead on the actions to promote inclusion in special schools and I understand that this work will commence shortly.
National Council for Special Education
Questions (237)
Seán Sherlock
Question:237. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if it is proposed to establish a liaison office with the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, for members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. [36994/21]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent statutory agency, established under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, and which has a range of functions to support the provision of education for persons with special educational needs, as set out in this Act.
The NCSE has a dedicated liaison email address for Oireachtas members at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie and officials responsible for ensuring the timely provision of information to members.
Members of staff of the NCSE regularly attend meetings of Oireachtas Committees, when invited to do so, and also provide written updates to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, upon request.
Liaison arrangements are regularly reviewed and any changes communicated to Oireachtas members.
School Accommodation
Questions (238)
Paul Kehoe
Question:238. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the status of an application for temporary accommodation for a school (details supplied); if it will be in place by September 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37001/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the patron of the school referred to, Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB), will progress the delivery of interim accommodation to address the school’s accommodation requirement for the 2021/22 academic year.
KWETB, fully supported by the Department, and fully conscious of the urgent need for this interim accommodation, is working diligently to provide for its delivery as quickly as possible. However, and in tandem, KWETB and its design team are working closely with school management to identify potential temporary contingency arrangements that might need to be put in place pending delivery of the necessary interim accommodation.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (239)
Paul Kehoe
Question:239. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the status of progress on a building project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37002/21]
View answerWritten answers
The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB).
I can confirm that a Design Team to deliver this project has been appointed by WWETB. The Design Team is currently preparing the Stage 1 report (preliminary design).
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, WWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
Seirbhísí Leathanbhanda
Questions (240)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:240. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén uair a chuirfear seirbhís cheart leathanbhanda ar fáil do scoil (sonraí tugtha); cén fáth nach bhfuil sé seo déanta go dtí seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [37033/21]
View answerWritten answers
Tá an scoil dá dtagraíonn an Teachta Dála ar sheirbhís gan sreang ag luas suas chuig 60 Mb/s faoi láthair. Mhéadaigh an soláthraí seirbhíse reatha an tseirbhís go dtí an luas sin le déanaí tríd an gClár Leathanbhanda le haghaidh Scoileanna. Cuireadh an scoil san áireamh i nglao ar thairiscintí le haghaidh seirbhísí a chuir mo Roinn amach le déanaí, agus bronnadh an conradh ar sholáthraí leathanbhanda ardluais. Bhí moill ar an tsuiteáil, áfach, mar gheall ar fhadhb áitiúil a bhaineann le rochtain a fháil ar an mbonneagar leathanbhanda ardluais. Tá an soláthraí seirbhíse ag iniúchadh na roghanna go léir i gcónaí chun an bonneagar a rolladh amach don scoil. Coinneofar an scoil ar an eolas faoin na forbairtí.
Tá nascacht idirlín ardchaighdeáin a sholáthar do gach scoil ar cheann de phríomhcuspóirí mo Roinne. Glactar leis go bhfuil nascacht mhaith fíor-riachtanach chun a chinntiú go réitítear an bealach do scoileanna chun leabú na teicneolaíochtaí digiteacha sa teagasc agus san fhoghlaim a chur chun cinn agus chun curaclam nua, athbhreithnithe a chur i bhfeidhm.
Faoin gclár bunscoile reatha, déanann an Roinn athbhreithniú leanúnach ar infhaighteacht seirbhísí agus déanann sí uasghrádú ar scoileanna nuair a thagann an deis chun cinn, de réir riachtanais chonartha agus bhuiséid.
Is é beartas mo Roinne an caighdeán nascachta is fearr a thairiscint do gach scoil de réir na réiteach teicniúil siúd atá ar fáil ar an margadh agus faoi na srianta airgeadais. Faoi láthair leithdháiltear infheistíocht thart ar €13m gach bliain chun nascacht idirlín a sholáthar do scoileanna. Níl an acmhainn leathanbhanda mar an gcéanna i ngach áit agus tá sé ag brath ar bhonneagar áitiúil, rud a d’fhéadfadh dul i bhfeidhm ar an tseirbhís is féidir a chur ar fáil i scoileanna ar leith.
Tá sé de dhualgas ar mo Roinn cloí le rialacháin soláthair, agus caithfidh sí dul i dteagmháil leis na soláthraithe roghnaithe ar Chreat DE na Soláthraithe Seirbhísí Leathanbhanda trí phróiseas tairisceana chun seirbhísí a bhronnadh. Is é seo an bonn ar a mbaintear úsáid as an maoiniú stáit go léir chun trédhearcacht agus cóireáil chomhionann a chinntiú do gach scoil agus do gach soláthraí agus chun cloí leis na riachtanais rialála.
Tá mo Roinn ag obair as láimh a chéile leis an Roinn Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide chun nascacht ardluais a sholáthar do gach bunscoil trí Limistéar Idirghabhála an Phlean Náisiúnta Leathanbhanda a chur i bhfeidhm, agus trí sholáthar tráchtála. Cuirtear leathanbhanda ardluais 200 Mbp/s nó níos mó ar fáil do gach iar-bhunscoil tríd an gClár Leathanbhanda le haghaidh Scoileanna.
School Transport
Questions (241)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:241. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of applications including unsuccessful applications for school bus transport in the 2019-2020 and the 2020-2021 school year, respectively; the number of successful applications categorised by eligible and concessionary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37053/21]
View answerWritten answers
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 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.
Under the terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2kms at primary and 4.8kms at post-primary and are attending their nearest school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application and payment process on time are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann allocates tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.
The number of applications including unsuccessful applications for school transport in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 school years and the number of successful applications categorised by eligible and concessionary as requested by the Deputy have been provided by Bus Éireann in the table below.
|
- |
The Number of Mainstream Eligible Applications |
The Number of Mainstream Concessionary Applications |
The Number of Mainstream Eligible Tickets Issued |
The Number of Mainstream Concessionary Tickets Issued |
|
School Year 2019/20 |
87569 |
36124 |
77015 |
30429 |
|
School Year 2020/21 * (Covid Impact) |
89330 |
37229 |
72581 |
27649 |
Special Educational Needs
Questions (242)
Emer Higgins
Question:242. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the number of schools that are running summer catch-up programmes in an area (details supplied) in summer 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37055/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has approved the provision of significantly expanded summer education programmes for pupils with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage, as a COVID-19 pandemic response measure for summer 2021.
This is an important Government decision, which ensures that for first time all primary and post primary schools have the opportunity to provide summer programmes for students with complex needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.
The total funding available to provide the programme is up to €40 million, a one hundred per cent increase on the allocation for summer provision in 2020.
The programmes for mainstream students in primary and post-primary schools are new programmes for 2021, building upon previous summer programmes for pupils with complex special educational needs and those in provided in DEIS schools last year.
The following categories of students are considered as students with complex needs for the 2021
Summer programme
- All students in special schools and special classes in primary and post primary schools, including early intervention classes.
- Students in mainstream classes in primary and post primary schools who are accessing the highest level of the continuum of support (Student Support Plus/for a few). This includes students with Autism, Down syndrome, sensory impairments, and other disabilities who were identified for the supplementary programme earlier this year.
Children in the above categories entering primary school in September 2021 are also eligible for the programme.
My Department recognises that not all schools will be in a position to provide a school-based programme.
The programme is reliant on schools, teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) choosing to participate on a voluntary basis.
It is a matter for the Board of Management of the school having regard to the resources available whether or not it will participate in the programme.
A home-based summer programme is available for children with complex needs where their schools are not providing a school-based programme.
Under the home-based programme grant funding is made available so that parents/legal guardians can engage the services of a Teacher or an SNA to provide tuition or care support as appropriate in the child’s home. Parents are advised to contact the school for an application form if required.
The Department will approve a group arrangement between parents/legal guardians and private providers subject to compliance with the published terms and conditions for group arrangements and approved in advance by this Department. Such arrangements must be sourced and procured by parents/legal guardians
Further information on group terms and conditions is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/62b3b-home-based-summer-programme-2021-terms-and-conditions-for-group-arrangements/
The closing date was 25 June. To date, a total 968 schools have registered their interest to provide a total of 1,346 programmes over the summer period.
Of these, 175 schools in Dublin have expressed interest in running at least one programme.
It is not yet clear how many of these schools will be in a position to implement the summer programme. However, my Department will be happy to provide a list of participating schools, once this detail has been confirmed.
Based on the overall registered numbers, it is expected that a total of 34,000 students will benefit from school-based programmes in 2021. This would be an increase of 161 per cent on actual take up in 2020.
Schools Administration
Questions (243)
Paul Kehoe
Question:243. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if an assessment has been undertaken on the results of 2021 standardised testing in primary schools; the way that 2021 results compare with those from previous years; if there has been a noticeable change in the results across the board; if measures are being planned to address any deficits in results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37056/21]
View answerWritten answers
Standardised tests are used to measure a child’s reading and mathematical achievement, and to determine children’s progress in those areas. Information from the tests is important given the vital role of literacy and numeracy in enabling children to access the full curriculum.
The results of standardised tests can help schools to evaluate progress in literacy and numeracy and can help to pinpoint areas for improvement. They can be used at both classroom and whole-school level to inform teaching and learning, to identify the children who may be experiencing difficulty and require additional support as well as identify those children that are performing really well and require additional challenge in their learning.
However, the results of any one standardised test should not be used in isolation, nor used as baseline data for predicting future achievements, nor for solely informing decisions regarding the provision of interventions or targets within learning plans for pupils. Information from ability tests, teacher observations, parental reports, as well as the views of the pupils are also very important aspects of a thorough assessment.
It is acknowledged that the closure of schools for extended periods on two separate occasions, over the past two years, due to COVID restrictions, has meant that this has been a very difficult period for our young people and students. As the educational environment returns to normality, there will be opportunities to fully reflect on the impact of school closures on children. There is currently some Irish and international research available on the impact of the period of school closures on students.
My officials are working to consider how best to support schools and students as they return to school in September for the coming school year 2021/22. Further research will be also be required in Ireland to measure the full extent of the impact that educational disruption, has had on children. Further details will be provided in relation to any proposals to mitigate against lost learning time, in the coming weeks, once these considerations have been concluded.
In relation to the standardised testing the Department receives the data at school aggregate level from schools on an annual basis. In relation to the 2020/2021 data this has not yet been returned from all schools to date. When all the data has been received the Department intends to use this data through a comparison of the distribution of high, medium and low scores at system level aggregates such as DEIS category of school, rural/urban location, and so on, to determine whether any loss of learning suggested by the changes is constant across the system, or whether certain groups of schools in the system have experienced a greater or lesser decline than the population averages.
This system-level analysis will provide one source of evidence that the Department will be able to use in order to target resources, both short-term and longer-term, to support equity in the system. This analysis will not be carried out on individual schools as it would be inappropriate to do so.
My Department will continue to prioritise investment in special education, with over €2 billion due to be spent on special education this year, in supporting the additional learning needs of pupils in our schools. In addition to prioritising pupils with special educational needs to return to school, my Department has also provided for a range of measures to support such pupils while out of school. This included measures to support the provision of teaching support during the school closure period, a supplementary education scheme, and an enhanced summer education programme, which will take place this year. Schools were also provided with funding as part of the Digital Strategy for Schools totalling €100m in 2020 and were advised to prioritise supporting the purchase of devices for students who may not have access to devices for remote learning.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (244)
Gary Gannon
Question:244. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if an organisation (details supplied) is permitted to offer support as part of summer provision for students who are blind or vision impaired as it did in 2020; if not, the reason it is not included in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37146/21]
View answerWritten answers
The needs of children with special educational needs and children at most risk of educational disadvantage are a huge priority for Government at the present time. These children were impacted greatly by Covid-19 and the closure of schools. The Government provided guidance and support for schools throughout this period and put in place a supplementary tuition programme for these children in March this year.
In May 2021 the Government announced a package of supports to allow primary and post primary schools to offer a summer programme for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage, as a COVID-19 pandemic response measure for summer 2021.
The total funding available to provide summer programmes this year is up to €40 million, a one hundred per cent increase on the allocation for summer programmes in 2020.
The programmes on offer this summer include a new 2-3 week summer programme available to all primary schools and an expansion of the existing programmes in special schools and classes and in DEIS schools.
This range of programmes on offer builds on the success of the expanded programmes that ran last year and incorporates feedback from education stakeholders as to how to better support the programme for all involved in summer 2021.
The programme was developed following extensive engagement with education stakeholders, parent and disability advocacy groups. The programme aims are to support pupils to maintain their connection with education, to build their confidence and increase their motivation, promote well-being and for those who are at key transition stages, help to ensure that they continue their education journey in September either in school or in further/higher education or training.
The eligibility criteria for the summer programme was expanded in 2020 to include primary school children who are blind or have a most severe visual impairment. This has been widened under the 2021 summer programme to include children with sensory impairments attending post-primary school as well.
It is acknowledged that there are a range of voluntary bodies, disability representative organisations, or other publicly funded bodies, who also provide some form of summer programmes for children with special educational needs. Many of these are useful and beneficial programmes which are high valued by parents and children. There is no impediment to such organisations continuing to provide such programmes.
The summer education programme which is run by this Department, however, is an educational programme and therefore the programme is provided by educational staff, such as Teachers and SNAs.
In line with policy advice received from the NCSE, a review of the July Provision was commenced in 2019, was paused due to COVID and will get underway again shortly. Consideration of the potential inclusion of other specialist supports, in future, will be considered as part of this review.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (245)
Gary Gannon
Question:245. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if technological support for assistive technology and Braille lesson packs to supplement learning over the summer are available for students who are blind or vision impaired; if not, if she will consider making them available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37147/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides funding to schools towards the cost of assistive technology, for educational purposes, to assist children with special educational needs in Primary, Post Primary and Special schools, in accordance with the criteria set out in my Department's Circular 0010/2013.
In order to qualify for equipment under the scheme, a child must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the child to access the curriculum. It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs.
Equipment such as FM Radio systems and Soundfield systems for children with a hearing impairment, Braille equipment to assist children with a visual impairment as well as personal computers and specialist software are amongst the items funded by my Department. Schools apply to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) for such support. SENOs make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support in the form of Assistive Technology.
Although the assistive technology is sanctioned for a particular pupil, the equipment will remain the property of the school and should normally be kept in the school. However, the pupil may, with the consent of the management authority, use the equipment at home.
Where schools, or pupils, have received sanction for equipment under the Assistive Technology scheme, and are participating in the school based summer education programme, they may, with the agreement of the school, use this equipment during the summer programme, where necessary.
Many pupils who have visual impairment also receive educational materials in the braille format, which are provided by the National Braille Production Centre. Again, where pupils use such materials, they may use these materials during the summer programme, where necessary.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (246)
Bernard Durkan
Question:246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the steps that can be taken to ensure the provision of a school place suitable to meeting requirements in the case of a person (details supplied); if immediate action will be taken to make provision for a person of such needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37149/21]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy that the relevant support services, including NEPS and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) recently met with the parents in this case. All involved are working towards ensuring that the student can access a suitable placement as soon as possible.
I can also assure the Deputy that the NCSE will continue to be available to support this family throughout this process.
School Accommodation
Questions (247)
Róisín Shortall
Question:247. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to ensure good ventilation in all classrooms in order to mitigate the spread of Covid-19; the basis of this funding allocation; if all necessary works will be completed by the time schools resume after the summer break; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37150/21]
View answerWritten answers
Design of ventilation in schools requires compliance with the Building Regulations and my own Department's Technical Guidance Documents.
Managing classroom ventilation is one of a number of prevention and control measures in place to ensure schools are safe.
Practical steps for the deployment of good ventilation practices was provided to the school system in the context of re-opening for September 2020. This guidance recognises that there is no “one size that fits all” and that ventilation is best managed at local individual school level. The guidance was reviewed and updated in November 2020 and in May 2021.
The May 2021 update took account of the work of an expert group on ventilation that was established to assess the role of ventilation in reducing transmission of Covid-19 across many settings. This included guidance on the role that portable CO2 monitors can play in providing schools with a useful general indication that areas/ rooms may not be adequately ventilated and can enable occupants to become familiar with the impact of activities, outdoor weather and window openings on ventilation levels.
Therefore, my Department has secured CO2 monitors for schools following a centrally tendered procurement process at an estimated overall cost of circa €4 million. The portable units can facilitate measurements in a wide range of locations in schools and will be delivered directly to schools over the coming months.
Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor works grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis.
Common Travel Area
Questions (248)
Patrick Costello
Question:248. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection her Department’s understanding of which social care benefits Irish citizens who move to Northern Ireland are entitled to under the Common Travel Area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36933/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Common Travel Area (CTA), Irish citizens and British citizens in each other’s State have the right to access social security benefits on the same basis as citizens of that State. This includes reciprocal arrangements for Social Insurance schemes, Social Assistance schemes and Child Benefit. The Government is committed to ensuring that the reciprocity of social welfare rights and entitlements, which currently exist for Irish and British citizens within the Common Travel Area, are safeguarded and maintained.
As part of that commitment to the CTA, the Government entered into a Convention on Social Security with the Government of the United Kingdom, signed on the 1st February 2019. Under the terms of the agreement, Irish and British citizens living in either country will maintain the right to benefit from social insurance contributions made when working in either country and to access social insurance payments in either country just as before.
There are a variety of social security payments that come within the scope of this convention, including Carer’s Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
School Meals Programme
Questions (249, 250)
Catherine Murphy
Question:249. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an enhanced school meals programme for 2022 and beyond; if she has consulted with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if she has requested additional funding for the school meals programme for future years. [36865/21]
View answerCatherine Murphy
Question:250. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to allocate additional funding in respect of the school meals programme for 2022 and beyond. [36866/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.
The school meals programme provides funding towards the provision of food to some 1,506 schools and organisations benefitting 230,000 children. The objective of the programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children who are unable, due to lack of good quality food, to take full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
A budget of €65.1 million has been provided for the scheme in 2021.
The Programme provides funding towards food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes: The urban school meals scheme and the school meals (local projects) scheme. The Urban School Meals Scheme for primary schools is operated and administered by local authorities and is part-financed by my Department. 44,095 students in 301 primary schools benefit from the Urban School Meals Scheme. 188 of these schools also benefit from the local projects scheme.
As part of Budget 2019, funding was provided for a pilot scheme from September 2019, providing hot school meals in primary schools at a cost of €1m for 2019 and €2.5m in 2020. The pilot involved 37 schools benefitting 6,744 students for the 2019/2020 academic year and was aimed primarily at schools with no onsite cooking facilities.
In Budget 2021, I announced that an additional €5.5m would be provided to extend the provision of hot school meals to an additional 35,000 primary school children, currently receiving the cold lunch option.
Participation in the scheme is entirely voluntary. Schools and organisations must reapply for funding in advance of each school year and are required to submit detailed records at the end of the school year. Applications are accepted from individual schools and organisations as well as organisations such as School Completion Programmes who apply for multiple schools. The application process for 2021/2022 is currently open.
Any request for additional funding for an enhanced school meals programme for 2022 and beyond will need to be considered as part of the budgetary process and, as is usual, I will work closely with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in that context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Question No. 250 answered with Question No. 249.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (251)
Malcolm Noonan
Question:251. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department has carried out a cost analysis of establishing the free travel scheme as a standalone directly applicable benefit; the estimated cost of such a measure; the projected staff resources required to establish the free travel scheme in such a way; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36880/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. There are currently approximately 999,000 customers with direct eligibility. The estimated expenditure on free travel in 2021 is €95 million.
In general, access to a free travel pass for those aged under 66 is linked to a person being in receipt of certain primary Social Protection payments such as Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Blind Pension and Partial Capacity Benefit.
My Department has not carried out a cost analysis of establishing the free travel scheme as a directly applicable benefit and therefore cannot provide the estimated cost of such a measure or the projected staff resources required.
Undertaking such a cost analysis would not be simple as it would depend on a range of factors including the new qualifying criteria which the Deputy envisages as being applicable for the scheme, any processes, systems or dependencies associated with such criteria, the type of travel pass issued (e.g., single or companion pass etc.), the number of journeys made using the free travel pass, the prevailing fares, and the type of journeys undertaken, i.e., rail, bus or Luas.
Under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, my Department may award a travel supplement, where the circumstances of the particular case so warrant. The supplement is intended to assist with ongoing or recurring travel costs that cannot be met from the client’s own resources and are deemed to be necessary. Every decision is based on consideration of the circumstances of the individual case, taking account of the nature and extent of the need and of the resources of the person concerned.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Voluntary Sector
Questions (252, 253, 254, 255)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:252. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will report on the requests for tenders for a public employment service; the way the request for tenders in phase 2 for regional employment services differ from those in phase 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36882/21]
View answerMaurice Quinlivan
Question:253. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which organisations in the community and voluntary sector will be able to avail of the tender process for a public employment service given that the requirements and funding model in phase 2 of the request for tenders does not lend itself to the community and voluntary sector being able to participate in the tendering process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36883/21]
View answerMaurice Quinlivan
Question:254. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection the geography of the regions of the regional employment services; if there is a minimum number of referrals assured in the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36884/21]
View answer
Willie O'Dea
Question:255. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the way in which the requests for tenders in phase 2 for the regional employment services differ from that of phase 1 given that the requirements and the funding model does not lend itself to the community and voluntary sector being in a position to participate in the tendering process and would be an obstacle to them engaging in it; and the way in which the national employment service will differ from the regional employment services. [36892/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 to 255, inclusive, together.
Following on from a review of public employment services in my Department, my officials have commenced a series of procurement exercises to secure appropriate services to engage with the long-term unemployed and other cohorts throughout the State.
The deadline for the submissions of tenders for the first phase has just passed, with tenders sought for a Regional Employment Service, with four lots covering seven counties in the Midlands and the North-West. Any learnings from this process will feed into the second phase.
The second phase, still under development, will see the expansion of the Regional Employment Service throughout the State, as well as the procurement of additional employment services on a national level through a separate request for tenders.
The Regional Employment Service is aimed at cohorts furthest from the labour market and has been designed to be accessible to tenders from the community and voluntary sector, giving due regard to their experience and competencies.
As the request for tenders is still under development, I am not in a position to reveal details of the forthcoming phase two procurement for employment services. However, as with phase one, the emphasis on designing a request for tender that places no obstacles to the community and voluntary sector will remain a guiding principle.
Question No. 253 answered with Question No. 252.
Question No. 254 answered with Question No. 252.
Question No. 255 answered with Question No. 252.
Housing Provision
Questions (256)
Sorca Clarke
Question:256. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection the circumstances under which a person can access rent supplement and or HAP when they are not on a local authority housing list. [36927/21]
View answerWritten answers
Rent supplement continues to play a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation, with the scheme supporting 17,700 active recipients at the end of June 2021.
The scheme provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. The scheme ensures that those who were renting, but whose circumstances have changed due to temporary loss of employment or income, can continue to meet their rental commitments.
To qualify for Rent Supplement, an officer must be satisfied that, at the time of application, the claimant was previously in receipt of a rent supplement payment within 12 months of the date of application; or, was residing in private rented accommodation, where at the commencement of the tenancy the person could have reasonably afforded the rent, and has experienced a substantial change in his or her circumstances.
Whether a person is on the housing list or not does not affect supplement entitlement. However, where a person is not eligible for the scheme generally they are referred to their local housing authority to have their housing needs assessed and, if successful, would be placed on the housing list.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is administered by Local Authorities. Policy relating to the qualifying conditions for access to HAP is a matter for the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.