Skip to main content
Normal View

Tuesday, 13 Jul 2021

Written Answers Nos. 385-404

Irish Communities Abroad

Questions (385)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

385. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent on Irish citizens and Irish communities abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37973/21]

View answer

Written answers

Since its establishment in 2004, Ireland's Emigrant Support Programme has provided over €190 million in support to Irish communities across the world. Last year alone ESP grants totalling around €13 million assisted over 400 projects run by nearly 300 different organisations, the vast majority grassroots-based.

These range in scale from large-scale welfare support programmes in cities like New York, Boston and London to smaller events run by Irish community organisations in countries like Kenya and Malaysia. As well as these community groups, support is also provided to sporting, cultural and heritage organisations such as the GAA and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for their Global activities. The ESP includes capital grants for the maintenance and development of Irish community centres and for innovative projects such as the prestigious, new Irish Arts Centre in New York. It also encompasses support to Irish emigrants looking to return home through the Back for Business programme and to organisations such as Crosscare and the Citizens Information Bureau. In recent years, it has also fostered business networks and connected those networks across the globe.

The Programme has been of vital importance during COVID-19, allowing us to establish the COVID Response Fund - specifically tailored to help Irish communities across the globe stay connected and to work collectively to protect our most vulnerable emigrants. The positive impact that this Fund has made will be continued in this year's round of ESP allocations.

The Emigrant Support Programme is the front-facing part of a wider, new Diaspora Strategy which was launched by the Government last November.

The new Strategy takes account of evolving circumstances and needs and sets out a number of guiding principles and initiatives to strengthen the relationship between Ireland and our diaspora. It is more inclusive and reflects the rich diversity of our global community. It also embraces the reverse diaspora of people who have lived, studied or worked in Ireland before returning to their home countries as well as the affinity diaspora who hold a deep appreciation for our people, places and culture.

The new strategy has been shaped by contributions from hundreds of individuals and organisations both in Ireland and in Irish communities around the world. This engagement continues and will, I hope, help shape and strengthen the Emigrant Support Programme in the years ahead so that it continues to be something in which we as people - whether at home or abroad - can be justly proud.

Passport Services

Questions (386)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

386. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports that have been issued to date in 2021; the average waiting time for a new passport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37974/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Passport Service has issued 309,000 passport books and cards to date in 2021.

The Passport Service commenced the scaling up of operations on 4 May 2021 in line with the phased easing of restrictions set out in “COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021 – The Plan Ahead”.

The Service has been focused since then on four priority areas.

- Clearing the COVID-19 backlog of 89,000 passport applications.

- Processing all adult renewal applications (including new applications) within 10 working days.

- Processing urgent and emergency applications.

- Providing customer services through our telephone and web chat team.

Very substantial progress has been made in clearing the COVID-19 backlog: all backlog applications which were completed properly have been processed and related passports issued. As regards incomplete COVID-19 backlog applications, the Passport Service has been in contact with the applicants regarding the need to send in outstanding documents. Once all outstanding required documentation is received, issuance of passports will be expedited.

The average possessing time or wait time for a new passport varies depending on a number of key factors including;

- The nature of the application - first time application or a renewal of existing.

- Whether a passport is for a minor or an adult.

- If the application is completed correctly and supported by all necessary documentation in the first instance.

- If the photograph supplied by the applicant met the criteria as described in detail on the application website.

The average time currently for simple adult renewals is 10 working days; complex renewals, including children, is 15 working days and 40 working days for first time applicants.

The Passport Service’s goal is to continue to scale up operations post COVID-19 and to return to normal levels of service as soon as possible including the return of Passport Express Service shortly.

I wish to highlight that our telephone and web chat services are available to all citizens whose passport applications have unfortunately been affected by COVID-19 restrictions. Customers are encouraged to contact our Customer Service Hub if they require assistance urgently.

Middle East

Questions (387)

Holly Cairns

Question:

387. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he is taking in response to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38044/21]

View answer

Written answers

As I have previously stated, the ceasefire which came into effect on 21 May is welcome and we must do all we can to support it. Tensions are still high in the region, and there remains a responsibility on all parties to ensure the ceasefire is respected. Responsibility also lies with the international community to support the ceasefire and to encourage the parties towards a return to political engagement. This is an effort to which I am committed.

EU Foreign Affairs Ministers met with the new Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yair Lapid on 12 July. During our discussion I underlined that all unilateral actions which can increase tension must be avoided and that settlement expansion and ongoing threats of evictions, demolitions and violence against Palestinians, all of which undermine prospects for peace, must be stopped. I called on Israel to do all it can to address the humanitarian situation and support reconstruction in Gaza.

Ireland remains firmly committed to a negotiated two-State solution based on international law, relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and agreed parameters.

I will continue to highlight this issue at the UN and through the EU and to support international efforts to ensuring the current ceasefire holds.

Question No. 388 answered with Question No. 379.

Human Rights

Questions (389)

Holly Cairns

Question:

389. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of the human rights violations that he has raised with the EU and UN since taking office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38046/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland’s membership of the United Nations and the European Union is central to our foreign policy and to our continued efforts to highlight and eliminate human rights violations.

Through our membership of the United Nations Security Council, we are committed to actively mainstreaming human rights across the full Council agenda, which includes some 20 thematic files and 30 country and regional files. Many of the countries on the Security Council agenda face serious human rights challenges, while UN Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions play an essential role in protecting civilians and promoting respect for human rights.

To date, this month alone, Ireland has highlighted human rights concerns in meetings on Ethiopia (Tigray), the Democratic Republic of Congo, as co-penholder in relation to the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, and crucially as co-penholder on negotiations to extend the mandate for the critical cross-border delivery of humanitarian aid to Syria.

At the 47th session of the Human Rights Council which concludes this week, Ireland again led on negotiating a resolution to protect civil society space, while also delivering national statements on a number of country-specific human rights situations including Belarus, the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Myanmar, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and Ukraine. Ireland also delivered statements on a number of thematic human rights issues including violence against women, human trafficking, the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

At EU level, Ireland is an active participant in the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, working globally to support the preservation of peace, the prevention of conflicts and the strengthening of international security. Human Rights issues feature prominently at the meetings I attend at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. In addition, my officials engage extensively on human rights issues at the relevant Council-level working parties including on the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. Ireland’s Embassies also engage actively in EU led Human Rights dialogues and through financial support from Irish Aid in relevant countries.

International Bodies

Questions (390)

Gary Gannon

Question:

390. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has held discussions to date with the US Administration regarding the need for the United States of America to sign up to and come under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court; if not, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38060/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland is a State Party to the Rome Statue and a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court in its capacity as an independent and impartial institution with a key role in the fight against impunity. We believe that, as a court of last resort, the ICC does not substitute for national judicial systems – States bear the primary responsibility to investigate the most serious international crimes.

Ireland fully supports efforts towards the universality of the Rome Statue and we constantly seek opportunities to promote this. We, however, also respect the decision of any State not to become a State Party, including the United States. Non-States Parties can nonetheless support the fight against impunity and the role of the Court, as has been done under previous US administrations. I am encouraged by the positive approach of the current US Administration to international criminal justice and accountability.

Ireland, alongside other EU Member States, continues to regularly engage with the US Administration on a range of matters of international law, including the International Criminal Court. Ireland welcomed the decision by the United States to revoke Executive Order 13928 and thus to lift the sanctions against senior ICC personnel. We also welcomed the termination of the separate 2019 policy on visa restrictions on certain ICC personnel.

There are many examples of good cooperation between the US and the ICC, such as US assistance in arresting individuals indicted by the Court. Ireland and our EU partners appreciate our continuing discussions with the United States on how we can enhance cooperation and minimise any differences in our approach. The Biden Administration’s demonstrated interest in re-engaging with multilateralism, including with the International Criminal Court, is heartening, and we look forward to working with them on all multilateral issues.

Departmental Reviews

Questions (391)

Holly Cairns

Question:

391. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the details of the social impact assessments carried out by his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit since 1 January 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37289/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has not had occasion to undertake a social impact assessment in the period since 1 January 2016.

Defence Forces

Questions (392)

David Stanton

Question:

392. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number of applications received for first time enlistment in the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service, respectively, in 2020 and to date in 2021; the number of such applications that were successful and resulted in enlistment; the number of applicants who enlisted in the Defence Forces and have since left; the reasons for such departures; the number of those who applied for enlistment in 2020 and 2021 and were not successful; the reasons for such results, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37517/21]

View answer

Written answers

The military authorities advise that it is not possible to collate the required information in the time available. I will revert to the Deputy when the information has been gathered.

Defence Forces

Questions (393)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

393. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Defence the estimated full-year cost of increasing the number of personnel in the Army Reserve to 5,000 and the Naval Service Reserve to 500 personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37609/21]

View answer

Written answers

The regulatory establishment of the Army Reserve (AR) and Naval Service Reserve (NSR) is 4,069 personnel, as provided for in Defence Force Regulation CS4. The current effective strength is 1,555 personnel, as of 31 May 2021.

Expenditure relating to the cost of the AR and NSR is drawn from a range of subheads. Subhead A.5 of the Defence Vote provides for a budget of €2.15 million of which €2.068 million is allocated for paid training for members of the AR and NSR. This allocation provides for seven days annual paid training for each effective member of the AR and NSR. The budget additionally provides for fourteen days paid training for all additional personnel recruited to the AR and NSR in 2021, along with career and specialist courses for selected members of the Reserve in line with Reserve priorities.

This provision is sufficient having regard to the established strength of the RDF and the voluntary nature of Reserve training, and can be adjusted if required.

Providing for numbers beyond the current establishment would require extensive consideration of the capability requirements underpinning such an increase, and as assessment of the associated cost implications which, as with the PDF, would include both personnel and equipment costs. I am advised that the Department has not compiled, and does not hold, such costings.

Departmental Legal Cases

Questions (394)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

394. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Defence the number of legal cases brought against his Department in each of the past five years and to date in 2021; and if he will provide details on the nature of these cases. [37806/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Department's Litigation Branch manages litigation claims taken against the Minister for Defence. In doing so, the Branch works closely with both the State Claims Agency (SCA) and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office (CSSO). Personal injury cases taken against the Minister for Defence are managed on behalf of the Minister for Defence by the SCA, and Employment Law matters taken against the Minister for Defence are managed on behalf of the Minister for Defence by the CSSO. The number of Personal Injury and Employment Law cases received in each year from 2016 to 2020, and up to 30 June 2021 are outlined in the table below.

Case Type

Received in 2016

Received in 2017

Received in 2018

Received in 2019

Received in 2020

Received in 2021 (up to 30 June 2021)

Personal Injury Cases

112

117

220

170

83

47

Employment Cases

13

17

27

9

12

10

Total

125

134

247

179

95

57

The Deputy will be aware that a case does not always start and finish in the same calendar year, and in some instances the cases can run over a number of years. The figures provided above show the number of new cases received in each of the years 2016 to date. The total number of Personal Injury and Employment Law cases that are ongoing as at 30 June 2021 is 539 cases.

Since 2016 there have been 23 complaints made to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), with the Minister for Defence listed as the Respondent in all such cases. Complaints made may originate from either the Defence Forces personnel or civilians. The Chief State Solicitor's Office is responsible for the State's legal representation for complaints lodged with the WRC. These are set out in the table below.

Case Type

Received in 2016

Received in 2017

Received in 2018

Received in 2019

Received in 2020

Received in 2021 (up to 30 June 2021)

Workplace

Relations Commission (WRC)

3

6

4

1

3

6

In addition, the Civil Defence which operates at national level under the Department of Defence, has advised that 3 Public Liability claims and 1 Personal Injury claim were received in the period from 2016 to date.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (395)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

395. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she will instruct the NCSE to contact a school (details supplied). [37168/21]

View answer

Written answers

The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.

The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.

SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.

It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

In light of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the introduction of the new Frontloaded Allocation Model for SNAs for students in mainstream classes in primary and post -primary schools is to be deferred for a further year to the beginning of the 2022/23 school year.

In order to minimise disruption for schools, in the current circumstances, and to provide for continuity of allocations the following arrangements for the allocation of Special Needs Assistants for mainstream classes for the 2021/22 school year:

- Existing mainstream class SNA allocations in schools on 30 April 2021 will be maintained and will automatically roll over into the 2021/22 school year.

- No school will therefore receive an allocation less than that which they had on 30 April 2021.

- SNAs currently in mainstream settings can continue in post for the next school year in the normal way.

- Priority consideration will now be given by the NCSE to applications for increased support for the 2021/22 school year, in particular, applications from schools with no SNAs and developing schools will be prioritised. Determinations will be made before 30 June. Other applications will be processed in order of date received.

- As in previous years, where circumstances change during the course of the 2021/22 school year that materially increase the level of care need in a school to the extent that the school can clearly demonstrate that it cannot be met within the existing SNA allocation, the school may apply to the NCSE for a review. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website ncse.ie/for-schools.

The NCSE have published the SNA allocations on their website www.ncse.ie.

SNA allocations for special classes and special schools are not affected by this arrangement.

Circular 0029/2021 has been published and advises schools of the arrangements for the allocation of SNAs for the 2021/22 school year.

Provisions set out in Circular 0030/2020 has been extended for the 2021/22 school year.

Circulars 29/2021 and 30/2020 are available on the Department's website.

The NCSE has confirmed that an SNA Exceptional Review application was submitted by Ballygiblin NS for the 2020/21 school year, which included the care needs of students enrolled in the school. The completion of the review necessitated a school visit which took place in April 2021. The outcome of the Review was no change in its existing SNA allocation of 2.5 SNAs, and this has been communicated to the school.

The school has made a new application for the 2021/22 school year through the NCSE online portal which will include the care need of incoming students. The NCSE has confirmed that the application will be given careful consideration and the school will be advised of the outcome in due course.

State Examinations

Questions (396)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Question:

396. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Education if an organisation (details supplied) will be consulted as part of the stakeholder process engaged by the State Exams Commission following the meeting of the advisory group on planning for State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37172/21]

View answer

Written answers

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

School Funding

Questions (397)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

397. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education if grant aid is available to schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37206/21]

View answer

Written answers

The use of bicycles is encouraged and secure and covered cycle parking facilities are provided as part of major new builds and refurbishment projects, and in accordance with Planning Permission Conditions.

Where no major project is being undertaken, the relevant mechanisms for addressing the type of issues raised by the Deputy are the Minor Works Grant for small-scale works or the Summer Works Scheme for medium to larger works.

The Summer Works Scheme operates on a multi-annual basis and was last open for applications in 2020.

My Department in conjunction with the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD launched a new initiative called Safe Routes to School on the 18th March 2021. This will support active travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country. The programme, which is the next phase in the Government’s investment in active travel, will see funding provided from the €1.8 billion committed under the Programme for Government, to support walking/scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools.

The Safe Routes to School programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing walking and cycling facilities. The improvements to the school commute could range from cycle parking to an upgraded footpath or new cycle lane to a complete reworking of a school’s entrance.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (398)

Matt Carthy

Question:

398. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if Covid-19 guidelines to teaching staff for the autumn school reopening will be the same as those for the period prior to the summer holidays; if there will be additional requirements on school staff in respect of testing, vaccination or other measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37209/21]

View answer

Written answers

Schools have been advised that it is expected that they will continue to operate with the current infection prevention and control measures outlined in school Covid response plans to support their safe operation during Covid-19 when they reopen in for the 2021/2022 school year. Schools will continue to be supported in terms of the additional resources necessary to provide for these measures.

Schools Covid-19 response plans are based on the Government’s Work Safely Protocol which reflects the most up to date public health advice for the workplace. It sets out the range of measures required to prevent the spread of Covid-19. These plans will be updated by the Department during the summer and will be available for schools in advance of reopening. It is not envisaged that there will be any updates that require schools to take action in advance of normal reopening.

The Department will undertake a communications campaign with parents and students/pupils in advance of school reopening to inform and remind them of the arrangements in place in schools operating during Covid-19. This will include specifically targeted information at new pupils entering primary and post-primary schools to ensure they are familiar with the new arrangements.

The Department will continue to work closely with all of the education partners and public health specialists so that schools will continue to be supported when they reopen for the 2021/2022 school year.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (399)

Matt Carthy

Question:

399. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the Covid-19 guidelines in place for pregnant school staff; if she plans to amend these guidelines prior to the autumn school reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37210/21]

View answer

Written answers

The current COVID-19 arrangements in place for teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are outlined in my Department’s Circular Letter 0021/2021. The Circular caters for special leave with pay arrangements where a teacher/SNA has been advised to self-isolate and cannot attend the workplace. It also caters for the working arrangements where a teacher/SNA has been advised by the HSE to restrict their movements or where the teacher/SNA has been categorised by the Occupational Health Service (OHS) as at a very high risk of serious illness from contracting COVID-19. In both these cases, the teacher/SNA remains available for work and must be facilitated by the employer to work remotely i.e. work from home.

Upon the reopening of schools in March 2021, a pregnant teacher/SNA was advised by my Department to work remotely, pending further clarification from the HSE on their published guidance for pregnant employees in the education sector. Further details on the alternative working arrangements for a teacher/SNA working from home, is available at paragraph 4.1 of Circular 0021/2021.

My Department’s Information Note TC 0013/2021 published on 5th May outlined the working arrangements for the ‘Very High Risk’ and also the pregnant teachers/SNAs for the remainder of the 202/21 school year. In relation to working arrangements for the 2021/22 school year, it is expected that updated Education Sector guidelines from the HSE will be made available shortly. Following this, my Department will publish updated guidance for the ‘Very High Risk’ and for pregnant teachers/SNAs.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (400)

Pauline Tully

Question:

400. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the number of special schools and schools with special classes in the State, respectively; the number of students who attend special schools and schools with special classes, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37244/21]

View answer

Written answers

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

This year, just under 25% 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.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. The NCSE, through its local network of SENOs (Special Educational Needs Organisers), is available to provide advice and support to parents on the possible placement options available to their child.

For the 2021/22 school year, we will have 126 special schools in operation providing specialist education for almost 8,000 pupils annually. 2,118 special classes will be established in mainstream primary and post primary schools providing places for approximately 12,700 pupils with additional needs. This is the largest number of special classes that we have ever had, and compares to 548 classes available in 2011.

Details of the locations of the special schools and special classes are available on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

School Transport

Questions (401)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

401. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the steps being taken to resolve the issue of medical cards not being accepted for payment on school transport routes due to the recent cyber-attack on the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37254/21]

View answer

Written answers

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/21 school year more than 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.

Due to the HSE ransomware attack, the medical card validation process on the Bus Éireann Family portal is not available at present. Bus Éireann is working with the HSE find a solution to this issue.

Bus Éireann has contacted family account holders who used their child’s medical card for payment in the 2020/21 school year directly advising them of this issue. Advice and regular updates are also being provided on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.

School Transport

Questions (402)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

402. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if a person’s (details supplied) seat is secured even though the school transport system will not accept a medical card as payment. [37255/21]

View answer

Written answers

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/21 school year more than 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.

Due to the HSE ransomware attack, the medical card validation process on the Bus Éireann Family portal is not available at present. Bus Éireann is working with the HSE find a solution to this issue.

Bus Éireann has contacted family account holders who used their child’s medical card for payment in the 2020/21 school year directly advising them of this issue. Advice and regular updates are also being provided on www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.

School Staff

Questions (403)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

403. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education her plans to make sufficient resources available in the budgetary process to improve pay and conditions for school secretaries and caretakers and for their hard work to be recognised (details supplied). [37260/21]

View answer

Written answers

As someone who comes from the school sector, I am keenly aware of the vitally important role played by school secretaries and caretakers in the running of our schools.

In recognition of this role, I have put special arrangements in place for this school year whereby schools will be funded to employ a replacement secretary or caretaker in the event that staff who are at very high risk of contracting serious illness from COVID-19 cannot work on the school premises. I have also extended the Employee Assistance Service to all school staff including secretaries and caretakers.

The majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools receive assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services under grant schemes. Where a school employs a staff member to support those functions those staff are employees of individual schools and responsibility for terms of employment rests with the school.

On foot of a Chairman’s Note to the Lansdowne Road Agreement, my Department implemented the 2015 recommendations of an independent arbitrator. The Arbitrator recommended a cumulative pay increase of 10% between 2016 and 2019 and that a minimum hourly pay rate of €13 be phased in over that period. This arbitration agreement covered the period up to 31 December 2019 and has been fully implemented and increased funding was provided by my Department.

The arbitration agreement was designed to be of greatest benefit to lower-paid secretaries and caretakers. For example, a secretary or caretaker who was paid the then minimum wage of €8.65 per hour in 2015 prior to the arbitration has from 1 January 2019 been paid €13 per hour which is a 50% increase in that individual’s hourly pay.

Fórsa trade union has tabled a follow-on claim from the 2015 agreement. Officials from my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and School Management Bodies have been engaging with Fórsa on the claim. On the 27th of October 2020, under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), an understanding was agreed on a pathway to progress the issues. Several key strands have been identified, and a phased approach is being taken to the development of proposals. The parties continue to engage under the auspices of the WRC with the next meeting scheduled for 30 July and I support meaningful engagement on this issue by all parties.

School Facilities

Questions (404)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

404. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Education the latest policy position regarding the provision of mixed-use toilet facilities given the Design Guide for Sanitary Facilities SDG 02-06 in relation to the use of mixed-sex toilets in new-build schools and retrofitting older schools (details supplied); the latest policy position her Department is pursuing regarding mixed toilets; her plans to safeguard facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37266/21]

View answer

Written answers

It is the policy of the Department of Education to work in partnership with the school authorities, and all stakeholders, to provide sanitary facilities that comply with the Design Guidance issued by the department. SDG-02-06 provides design guidance specifically in relation to Sanitary Facilities, and sets out the required standards of performance to be used in the design of primary and post primary school toilets with an emphasis on achieving build quality; value for money; safety in design, construction and use; effective management and operation of the school building.

The design guidance is written to ensure that the school environment is designed to be flexible and responsive to each school’s individual requirements.

Design Guidance Document SDG-02-06 clearly outlines that the designation of each sanitary facility within a school as gender specific or neutral is a matter for the School authority and should be based on consultation with the School community. As such, the design guidance clarifies that early discussion in the design process between the Design Team and the School Authority in relation to the arrangement and layout of all sanitary facilities is required.

The design guidance contained in SDG-02-06 offers the choice to each school authority as to which path they choose to follow in providing flexible and inclusive environments for pupils.

Top
Share