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Thursday, 15 Jul 2021

Written Answers Nos. 235-257

Vacant Properties

Questions (235)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

235. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his specific plans and timescale for bringing underused and vacant housing stock into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39059/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department is committed to ensuring that existing housing stock is utilised to its fullest extent including providing a targeted, effective and co-ordinated approach to identifying and tackling vacancy across Ireland. There are a range of measures to assist in meeting housing needs by ensuring that our existing housing stock is used to the greatest extent possible. My Department published the National Vacant Housing Reuse Strategy, in 2018, which contains a range of objectives and key actions to be pursued in partnership with stakeholders and agencies across the housing sector to address vacancy in our housing stock. The Strategy is underpinned by a number of supports and guidance put in place by my Department to assist in bringing vacant housing stock back into use including:

- The Repair and Leasing Scheme which assists private property owners, local authority and Approved Housing Bodies to utilise existing vacant housing stock throughout the country as social housing. The scheme is targeted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or access the funding needed to bring their properties up to the required standard for a rental property. The maximum loan for property repair available under the Repair and Lease Scheme is €60,000.

- The Buy and Renew Scheme particularly focuses on older vacant homes to help tackle the problem of dereliction and improve the appearance of the community. It provides the option for suitable properties to be purchased by local authorities, rather than leased, if that is the preference of the owners.

- In December 2018 my Department published the Bringing Back Homes Manual for the Reuse of Existing Buildings. Revitalising our main streets through well designed refurbishment of residential units, particularly above shops, could help to rejuvenate smaller town centres and city streets as well as produce more houses.

To further support this work at local authority level, my Department has secured funding for each local authority to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office. The provision of central funding reinforces the capacity of my Department’s Vacant Homes Unit to liaise with and seek information/statistics from a dedicated contact point within each local authority. The Vacant Homes Office plays a key role in the co-ordination of this work within each local authority.

The Government set out its housing priorities in the Programme for Government across numerous areas, including homelessness, affordable home ownership, private and social housing delivery, rent reform and planning and my Department is focused on moving those priorities forward.

To deliver on these commitments, my colleague Minister O'Brien will publish a new housing policy and action plan 'Housing for All' this month which will provide a whole of Government approach to housing policy and is at an advanced stage of development at present.

Housing Provision

Questions (236)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

236. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions he plans to deal with the serious problem of land hoarding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39060/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 introduced the vacant site levy, which is aimed at incentivising the development of vacant, under-utilised sites in urban areas. The Act provides that the levy shall apply to vacant sites exceeding 0.05 hectares on residential land or regeneration land, as designated in local development plans, which meets the relevant criteria set out in the Act. Under the Act, planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The levy rate has since been increased to 7% for sites on local authority vacant site registers from 2019 onwards.

All levies due on an individual site remain a charge on the land concerned until all outstanding levies due are paid. Accordingly, under the vacant site levy provisions, there will be a cumulative effect associated with not activating a site for development purposes for each year that a site remains vacant or idle.

Furthermore, the Derelict Sites Act 1990 imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site.

The Derelict Sites Act 1990 confers significant powers upon local authorities, including requiring owners or occupiers to take appropriate measures on derelict sites, acquiring derelict sites by agreement, or compulsorily, and applying a derelict sites levy on derelict sites. It is a matter for local authorities to determine the most appropriate use of the legislation within their respective functional areas.

Under the Act, local authorities are required to maintain a derelict sites register, which includes the name and address of each owner and occupier, where these can be ascertained by reasonable enquiry, of any land which, in the opinion of the local authority, is a derelict site. Under section 8(5) of the Act, a copy of the derelict sites register for any local authority can be inspected at the offices of that authority during office hours. Members of the public can engage with their local authority in relation to addressing individual derelict sites in their local areas.

Under the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018, the derelict site levy was also increased from 3% to 7% of the market valuation of relevant sites with effect from January 2020. This levy is applied annually for as long as relevant sites remain derelict. The changes in the rate of the derelict site and vacant site levies is intended to ensure that the levies have more meaningful impact and that the powers of local authorities in tackling dereliction and vacancy are strengthened for the purpose of bringing relevant sites into productive use, thereby facilitating urban regeneration and development in designated areas while also combatting land hoarding.

I continue to keep the relevant provisions under review.

Vacant Sites

Questions (237)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

237. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will give consideration to the introduction of new arrangements for the collection of the vacant site levy whereby the Revenue Commissioners would take over responsibility for collection based on a self-certification system in order to bring these sites into use for housing development and in view of the inability of local authorities to collect these levies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39062/21]

View answer

Written answers

Under the vacant site levy provisions in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites register from 2019 onwards which site owners became liable to pay in January 2020.

My Department proactively engages with local authorities with a view to ensuring that the vacant site levy achieves its full potential in terms of bringing concerned sites into productive use. In this regard, my Department issued Circular Letter PL 03/2021 on 8 March 2021 requesting the submission of a progress report on the collection of the levy by each local authority. The progress reports received from planning authorities in response to Circular PL 03/2021 are currently being examined in greater detail by my Department to consider, amongst other things, what further implementation supports may be required. My Department will continue to engage proactively with local authorities to ensure that all vacant site levies due are paid and that the measure can achieve its full potential.

In this context, as provided for in the Programme for Government, the legislation is being kept under review.

Question No. 238 withdrawn.

Passport Services

Questions (239)

Michael Ring

Question:

239. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) in view that the application was received by the passport office on 19 April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38749/21]

View answer

Written answers

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service was in contact with the applicant on 10 June to provide an update on the status of the passport application and requesting applicant to submit the correct supporting documentation.

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

Passport Online will continue to be the priority channel given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of an online application is up to four times as fast as a paper application. In addition, the use of Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.

Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.

The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we are confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that the Passport Online applications on hand can be cleared in six to eight weeks.

Passport Services

Questions (240)

Michael Ring

Question:

240. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport application will be expedited for a minor (details supplied) in view of the fact that the application was received by the passport office on 19 April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38750/21]

View answer

Written answers

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service was in contact with the applicant on 10 June to provide an update on the status of the passport application and requested to submit the correct supporting documentation.

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

Passport Online will continue to be the priority channel given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of an online application is up to four times as fast as a paper application. In addition, the use of Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.

Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.

The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we are confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that the Passport Online applications on hand can be cleared in six to eight weeks.

Question No. 241 withdrawn.
Question No. 242 withdrawn.

Departmental Staff

Questions (243)

Joe Flaherty

Question:

243. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff, by location and function, in each office of his Department nationally; if the property is State owned or leased; and the detail of these leases in the case of those properties on a lease in terms of cost, term and next break date. [38852/21]

View answer

Written answers

Please see below in tabular form my Department’s offices within the State, their addresses, their associated functions, and the number of staff for each building.

My Department’s office accommodation in the State, a mixture of State-owned and leased premises, is provided by the Office of Public Works. My Department does not maintain ownership or lease details of these properties.

Office

Address

Functions

Staff Numbers

Iveagh House

79-80 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2

Minister's Office, Head Office Functions, Policy Functions

266

Clare Street

22-25 Clare Street, Dublin 2

Policy Functions

54

Clonmel Street

2-3 Clonmel Street, Dublin 2

Policy Functions

53

Harcourt Street

76-78 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

Corporate Support Functions

213

Hatch Street

13-15 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2

Policy Functions

71

Archives – Finglas

Jamestown Business Park, Jamestown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

Archives

8

Passport Office – Mount Street

Knockmaun House, 47 Mount Street, Dublin 2

Passport Service

148

Passport Office – Balbriggan

Fingal Bay Business Park, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

Passport Service

204

Passport Office – Cork

1A South Mall, Cork

Passport Service

107

Limerick

Riverstone House, 23-27 Henry Street, Limerick

Policy and Corporate Support Functions

106

EU Membership

Questions (244)

Brendan Smith

Question:

244. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if enlargement of the EU has been discussed at recent meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council; the present status of the applications of candidate countries for membership of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38885/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland recognises the value of EU accession as a transformative driver for stability and peace in the Western Balkans. We have always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries met the necessary conditions for membership. In this regard, we welcome the reform agenda underway in the countries of the Western Balkans and the progress that has been made in the areas of security and rule of law.

Ireland was one of nine EU Member States which called for a strategic discussion on the Western Balkans to be held at the Foreign Affairs Council in May, as we recognised that there is an urgent need to address the increasing frustration in the region, particularly with accession. In recent discussions, Ireland has stressed the centrality of the enlargement process to stability and peace in the Western Balkans and urged the current blockage on beginning negotiations with both North Macedonia and Albania to be resolved as soon as possible. We have also emphasised the need for the EU to improve the way in which it communicates in the Western Balkans – this has been a long-running issue but the pandemic has brought this problem into sharp focus.

EU Ministers were unable to reach agreement on the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia on 22 June at the General Affairs Council. Both countries have met all of the requirements to open negotiations, but Bulgaria vetoed the proposal to hold Intergovernmental Conferences, due to ongoing bilateral issues with North Macedonia.

Intergovernmental Conferences with Serbia and Montenegro were held in Luxembourg on 22 June. These were the first Intergovernmental Conferences held under the revised enlargement methodology (designed to boost the credibility and dynamism of the process). No decisions to open new chapters were taken for either Serbia or Montenegro, with further work required in the “Fundamentals” cluster (rule of law, economic criteria and public administration reform) needed before this can occur.

Bosnia-Herzegovina has made limited progress over the last year and faces significant challenges to ensure implementation of the Commission’s 2019 recommendations in the areas of democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights, and public administration reform. These are not insignificant, when added to the ongoing migration issues facing the country, which require greater political cohesion. Progress in these areas must be seen before the opening of accession negotiations with Bosnia-Herzegovina can be considered.

Kosovo is a potential candidate for Membership of the EU. The Commission’s report on Kosovo in 2020 noted that the political situation in Kosovo remains challenging though some measure of stability has now been restored following recent elections. Rule of law, judicial reform, public administration reform, organised crime and normalisation of the relationship with Serbia are just some of the areas that must be comprehensively addressed in order for Kosovo to advance on its European path. It will be some time before Kosovo can qualify as a candidate country.

Ireland will continue to actively support the enlargement process and accession negotiations to the EU as well as the individual European perspectives of the Western Balkans countries.

Passport Services

Questions (245)

Duncan Smith

Question:

245. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take steps to expedite a passport application by a person (details supplied) which was submitted many months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38916/21]

View answer

Written answers

Passport applications are only valid for six months primarily due to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations on the requirement for a recent photograph. The ICAO is a UN specialised agency which defines in detail the required format for a passport.

Where additional documentation has been requested and has not been received within this timeframe, these applications are cancelled. This timeframe also ensures that a refund of the fees can be processed electronically where required. If the refund is not made electronically within six months then it can take up to 12 months to process a refund by bank transfer.

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, an official from the Passport Service was in contact with the applicant on 14 July 2021. The application has been refunded and the applicant has been invited to submit a new application.

In the event that any applicant has urgent or emergency reasons for requiring a passport, they should contact the Passport Service’s Customer Service Hub, by WebChat, to make the Passport Service aware of their situation.

Foreign Policy

Questions (246, 247, 248)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

246. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he plans to take at EU level to assist in bringing an end to Israel’s illegal settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem; the actions Ireland will take as a member of the UN Security Council to facilitate the fulfilment of the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people in view of his support for the agreed position of Dáil Éireann that Israel’s settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem amounts to unlawful de facto annexation and taking into account in this context the commitment in the programme for Government to give leadership within the EU and to work to ensure that all parties respect their obligations under international law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38919/21]

View answer

Catherine Connolly

Question:

247. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the additional prerequisites that will be required before Ireland can give recognition to the state of Palestine given the pledge in the Programme for Government to honour Ireland’s commitment to recognise the state of Palestine believing that in doing so Ireland will progress efforts to reach a two-state solution and in view of the unanimous view of Dáil Éireann that Israel’s settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem amounts to unlawful de facto annexation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38920/21]

View answer

Catherine Connolly

Question:

248. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps Ireland will now take to advance the Middle East peace process, to build consensus at EU level and to take a more proactive approach in supporting a negotiated two-state solution and lasting peace taking into account the recent unanimous motion of Dáil Éireann in accepting that Israel’s settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem amounts to unlawful de facto annexation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38921/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 to 248, inclusive, together.

Ireland’s position on the Middle East Peace Process and the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory is informed by international law, respect for human rights and the goal of a Two-State solution through a negotiated peace agreement.

Ireland has been consistently vocal in its opposition to settlement expansion and annexation. The Government's support for the recent Dáil motion reflected our grave concern about the scale and character of settlements and their negative impact.

We will continue to proactively raise theses issues at EU level, in national and EU statements at the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, and in our bilateral contacts.

On 12 July I joined EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in a first meeting with the new Israeli Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yair Lapid. During our discussion I emphasised the need to respect international law and underlined that settlement expansion and the ongoing threats of evictions, demolitions and violence against Palestinians, all of which undermine prospects for peace, must be stopped. I called on Israel to engage constructively in a process for peace and 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 have been clear in my engagement with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority of the commitment of this Government to advancing a Two-State solution for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rebuilding confidence and a political track for negotiations is essential. The EU has an important role in this effort, including through revitalising the Quartet, which is being supported by the new EU Special Representative on the Middle East, Sven Koopmans.

The Programme for Government states that the Government will “Honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a Two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”. As I have stated previously, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government early recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful, and this is a matter which I discuss with EU colleagues.

Question No. 247 answered with Question No. 246.
Question No. 248 answered with Question No. 246.

Passport Services

Questions (249)

Alan Dillon

Question:

249. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport is likely to be issued for a person (details supplied); the reason the due date on the online passport tracker has not been updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38929/21]

View answer

Written answers

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service was in contact with the applicant on 14 July to provide an update on the status of the passport application and requested necessary documentation not originally provided by applicant.

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

Passport Online will continue to be the priority channel given the efficiencies that are in-built into the system for both the applicant and the Passport Service. The processing of an online application is up to four times as fast as a paper application. In addition, the use of Passport Online can facilitate social distancing, given that a renewal application for an adult does not require the signature of a witness.

Passport Online can be accessed by first time applicants, both children and adults, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. All Irish citizens, including children, can use the online system to renew their passports from anywhere in the world.

The Passport Service has a great deal of experience in dealing with peaks in demand, and we are confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that the Passport Online applications on hand can be cleared in six to eight weeks.

Post Office Network

Questions (250)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

250. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the plans to bring the old Curragh post office building back into use; if it can be made available for community use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38894/21]

View answer

Written answers

The building in the Defence Forces Training Centre, which housed a Post Office, was in use until 2019. The future use of this building will be informed by the Defence Forces plans for the long term configuration of this military installation. When such proposals are developed, any building works, if required, will be incorporated into the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Plan.

School Transport

Questions (251)

Brendan Smith

Question:

251. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she is satisfied that sufficient school bus capacity will be available for the forthcoming school year in view of difficulties that arose in some areas for the 2020-21 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38729/21]

View answer

Written answers

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. 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.

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 are offered seats where capacity exists after all eligible children have been catered for.

My Department recently commenced a review of the School Transport Scheme. Following commencement of this review in February 2021 and a detailed analysis and report conducted by the Technical Working Group in the interim period, the Steering Group recently presented me with its initial interim report, a report on eligibility with an examination of issues for mainstream pupils relating to the nearest and next nearest school.

Following consideration of this report, I have approved the extension of temporary alleviation measures which allow for students who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and have applied and paid on time. This will result in transport being provided for an estimated additional 1,800 post-primary pupils in the 2021/2022 school year, who otherwise would not be accommodated under the scheme. This arrangement will be in place for the coming school year pending completion of the full review of the School Transport Scheme.

Wider considerations relating to the objectives of the scheme and the criteria for eligibility will take place in the next phase of the review which is now underway. The Steering Group will continue to report to me on an interim basis as the review progresses, with a view to presenting a final report with recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme.

Home Schooling

Questions (252)

Pauline Tully

Question:

252. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education if all tutors that participated in the supplementary home tuition scheme from January 11 to April 30 2021 have at this point been paid; if not, the number who have been paid; the number who remain unpaid; the timeframe for unpaid home tutors to receive a payment; and the average length of time home tutors have been waiting to receive a payment. [38806/21]

View answer

Written answers

In recognition of the fact that remote learning is particularly challenging for children with complex special educational needs, my Department put in place the supplementary programme in February to support the education and/or care needs of pupils with complex needs during the period of extended school closures and phased reopening. It commenced on 11February for primary students and on 22 February for eligible post-primary students.

My Department’s approach was intended to be flexible so as to maximise the number of students participating. To this end the hours could be used by families at any time before 30 April 2021, including during the Easter holidays.

The programme is structured in similar way to my Department’s home based summer programme. Parents engage either a teacher or an SNA in a private arrangement. When the programme is complete parents return a grant claim form to my Department. The closing date for receipt of completed claim forms was 14 May 2021.

The processing of applications for the Supplementary Programme is broadly similar to that of the home based summer programme. As with the home based summer programme, there is a very high volume of claims for the supplementary programme and as such the timeline for payment of teachers/SNAs is similar.

Processing of the approx. 13,800 applications is ongoing and the Department is working towards an initial pay date of 5 August 2021.

Departmental Staff

Questions (253)

Joe Flaherty

Question:

253. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education the number of staff, by location and function, in each office of her Department nationally; if the property is State owned or leased; and the detail of these leases in the case of those properties on a lease in terms of cost, term and next break date. [38859/21]

View answer

Written answers

The number of staff in my Department by location and function is set out in the attached table. The renting/leasing of all offices in my Department, with the exception of office space which a small number of Department staff share with the state-owned Kilkenny Education Centre, is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) which acts as an agent for all Government Departments in this regard. As such, the terms, cost and duration of these leases is a matter for the OPW.

Table

School Transport

Questions (254)

John McGuinness

Question:

254. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if a school bus service will be provided for students attending secondary school in Johnstown, County Kilkenny, from Ballyragget, County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38863/21]

View answer

Written answers

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. 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.

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 are offered seats where capacity exists after all eligible children have been catered for.

My Department recently commenced a review of the School Transport Scheme. Following commencement of this review in February 2021 and a detailed analysis and report conducted by the Technical Working Group in the interim period, the Steering Group recently presented me with its initial interim report, a report on eligibility with an examination of issues for mainstream pupils relating to the nearest and next nearest school.

Following consideration of this report, I have approved the extension of temporary alleviation measures which allow for students who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and have applied and paid on time. This will result in transport being provided for an estimated additional 1,800 post-primary pupils in the 2021/2022 school year, who otherwise would not be accommodated under the scheme. This arrangement will be in place for the coming school year pending completion of the full review of the School Transport Scheme.

Wider considerations relating to the objectives of the scheme and the criteria for eligibility will take place in the next phase of the review which is now underway. The Steering Group will continue to report to me on an interim basis as the review progresses, with a view to presenting a final report with recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme.

Curaclam Scoile

Questions (255)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

255. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén comhfhreagras a bhí idir a Roinn agus an Chomhairle Náisiúnta Curaclaim agus Measúnachta maidir le forbairt na sonraíochta le haghaidh an dá chúrsa Gaeilge don Ardteistiméireacht ag leibhéil T1 agus T2; ar lorgaíodh treoir ón Roinn maidir leis an bpróiséas a leanfaí i mbun na hoibre seo; más rud é gur lorgaíodh, cén treoir a lorgaíodh agus cén treoir a tugadh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [38864/21]

View answer

Written answers

Is é ról na Comhairle Náisiúnta Curaclaim agus Measúnachta (NCCA) forbairtí sa churaclam agus sa mheasúnú a threorú agus comhairle a chur ar an Aire Oideachais a bhfuil an fhreagracht deiridh air as an gcuraclam a chinneadh.

I ndáiríre, oibríonn mo Roinn go dlúth leis an NCCA chun curaclaim a fhorbairt ar gach leibhéal. Bunaíonn an NCCA grúpaí forbartha chun tabhairt faoi obair shonrach i réimsí curaclaim nó ábhair. Tá gach grúpa forbartha comhdhéanta d’ainmnithe ó eagraíochtaí múinteoirí agus bainistíochta, ó Choimisiún na Scrúduithe Stáit i gcás an oideachais iar-bhunscoile, páirtithe leasmhara ardoideachais chomh maith le hainmní ó mo Roinn. Bhí ainmní ag mo Roinn ar an nGrúpa Forbartha um Ghaeilge na hArdteistiméireachta ó bunaíodh é in 2018, a d’oibrigh leis an ngrúpa chun an dá dhréachtsonraíocht atá ar fáil faoi láthair le haghaidh comhairliúcháin phoiblí a fhorbairt.

Le linn an phróisis fhorbartha dhá bhliain, rinneadh athbhreithniú, plé agus moltaí rialta ar dhréachtsonraíochtaí L1 agus L2 do Ghaeilge na hArdteistiméireachta, agus rinneadh moltaí chuig Bord NCCA don tSraith Shinsearach agus ina dhiaidh sin chuig Comhairle an NCCA, a d’fhormheas na dréachtsonraíochtaí le haghaidh comhairliúcháin phoiblí. Tá ainmnithe ag mo Roinn freisin ar Bhord an NCCA don tSraith Shinsearach agus ar Chomhairle an NCCA.

D’iarr an NCCA nuashonruithe ó mo Roinn roinnt uaireanta le linn an phróisis fhorbartha (2018-2020) agus an phróisis chomhairliúcháin ar shaincheisteanna lena n-áirítear rogha agus tacaíochtaí chomh maith le bearta spreagtha.

Chuir mo Roinn a cuid tuairimí maidir leis na scoileanna ar cheart na dréacht-sonraíochtaí a dhíriú orthu in iúl don NCCA agus, sular bunaíodh an Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta, gur thionóil sí cruinnithe le Cumann Ollscoileanna na hÉireann ( IUA) agus leis an gCumann Ardoideachais Teicneolaíochta (THEA). Scrúdaíodh ag na cruinnithe sin raon na gclár tríú leibhéal le riachtanais iontrála Gaeilge, glacadh na gclár Oideachais Tosaigh Múinteoirí i measc iarrthóirí Gaeltachta agus bearta atá ar fáil cheana féin chun tacú le rochtain mac léinn ar bhreisoideachas agus ar ardoideachas.

Is Dréachtdoiciméid iad na sonraíochtaí agus dá bhrí sin is féidir go n-athrófar iad ag brath ar thoradh an phróisis chomhairliúcháin a leathnaíodh go dtí an 30 Samhain 2021. Ina theannta sin, chuir an NCCA in iúl don Roinn go bhfuil sé ar intinn aici athbhreithniú luath-achtacháin a dhéanamh ar leibhéil L1 agus L2 den tSraith Shóisearach a bheidh gaolmhar leis an obair atá ar siúl ag an gComhairle.

School Accommodation

Questions (256)

Brendan Smith

Question:

256. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 435 of 1 June 2021, if there has been further progress in advancing a building project at a school (details supplied) in view of the concerns of the wider school community regarding delays in having this much-needed additional and upgraded accommodation provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38892/21]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, the long-term accommodation needs of the school in question have been identified and agreed with the school management authority.

The brief for building project is currently being developed by my Department's Professional and Technical staff and once finalised will be issued to the school authority for delivery in the earliest possible timeframe.

School Accommodation

Questions (257)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

257. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the shortage of school places in the areas of Newbridge and Kildare town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38893/21]

View answer

Written answers

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.

The most recent analysis undertaken by my Department projects that over 60% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level have stable or decreasing projected enrolments for the period to 2024, whereas some 90% of the school planning areas at post-primary level are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2027.

The level of demand volume across school planning areas with an increasing net requirement ranges from small to medium increases that are likely to be accommodated by existing schools through to significant projected growth that may require additional provision.

Where data indicate that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:

- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

- Provision of a new school or schools.

Where capacity issues arise it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area

- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils

- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area

Until these issues are discussed with the relevant school authorities the true extent of any capacity issue will only become known. Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department engaged with patron bodies, including in the areas in question, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming year(s) which may necessitate action.

Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional post-primary school places in a number of school planning areas (SPAs) including South Kildare.

There are a number of building projects planned for South Kildare including the following:

- Curragh Post Post-Primary School - It is intended that significant additional capacity to address this demand will be provided by the planned new 1,000 pupil building for the existing Curragh post primary school. The school has an enrolment of 145 pupils in 2020/21. As the Deputy may be aware, a new site is required for the replacement Curragh post-primary school. The project is also proposed to address demographic need in the Kildare/Curragh/Newbridge school planning areas. Officials in my Department are presently in advanced negotiation with a landowner in respect of the acquisition of a suitable site to cater for the permanent needs of the previously announced 1,000 pupil post primary school that will serve the Kildare/Newbridge/Curragh school planning areas. My Department also continues to work closely with officials from Kildare County Council in order to progress the transaction, under the Memorandum of Understanding between my Department and Local Authorities for the acquisition of school sites with a view to securing a suitable site for this school. Should agreement on the proposed acquisition be reached, the process will advance to the conveyancing stage when draft contracts are prepared and legal due diligence is undertaken in respect of the proposed transaction. It would be expected at that stage that the project to deliver the new school accommodation can simultaneously progress to architectural planning stage. As this negotiation is live and given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.

- St Conleth's Community College have agreed to enrol an additional 1st year class for the 2021/22 school year and the Patron has agreed to the expansion of the school to cater for a total capacity of 1,000 pupils. This school has an enrolment in 2020/21 of 588 pupils.

- The accommodation brief for the major project for Cross and Passion College, Kilcullen has also been increased to cater for a 1,000 pupil school to provide for increased demographic growth. This school has an enrolment in 2020/21 of 838 pupils in 2020/21.

- Patrician Secondary School Newbridge – the accommodation brief for this school has increased to 1,000 pupils to provide for increased demographic growth. This school has an enrolment in 2020/21 of 903 pupils.

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