Written Answers Nos. 308-327
308. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the measures that she will be putting in place to assist schools in meeting the rising costs of energy and heating that are threatening to use up all of their capitation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44694/22]
View answerMy Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities. I have committed to seeking funding for further increases in the capitation in future budgets.
My Department has also ensured that centrally negotiated rates are available to schools for electricity and bulk heating fuels. These rates are available through existing frameworks sourced by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) which run until 2024. OGP has run competitions specifically for Schools at a national level and the Schools Procurement Unit and the Department has communicated with schools and school management bodies informing them of the options available to them through these national arrangements. It is planned to run future competitions to ensure that bulk rates continue to be available from 2024 onwards.
Information on how to avail of these arrangements is available via the Schools Procurement Unit website, www.spu.ie
Furthermore, my Department is at the forefront of design with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification and is advancing a number of programmes to further develop this.
The Energy in Education website portal and advice programme (Joint programme between SEAI and Dept. of Education) also assists schools reduce their energy consumption and empowers participating schools and pupils to learn the benefits of sustainability www.energyineducation.ie. Typically savings of between 5 to 10% are identified through low and no cost measures, while some schools participating have identified potential savings of up to 15% or more.
I am very conscious of the cost of living pressures facing families and schools. In advance of this year's Budget I will engage with my Cabinet colleagues to continue to deliver on my priorities to support the students, staff, and families within the education sector and to address these pressures.
309. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education if the provision of a school bus service for a student (details supplied) in County Clare will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44695/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria. Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th July.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that this family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport under the terms of the school transport scheme and were unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as the existing service is operating to capacity.
310. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made in recent months in acquiring a permanent site for a school (details supplied) which will outgrow its currently temporary site in 2023; the plans to address this issue in the short-term; the proposed timeline for same; and if she will provide the location of the site owned by her Department that has now been identified [44701/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a Minister-owned site has been identified as an option for potential redevelopment to accommodate a second school. Representatives of the existing school have agreed to collaborate with my Department to carry out a master plan study to assess the potential of developing a second school on the Minister-owned site. The outcome of the master plan study will determine the next steps to be taken.
Once a permanent site has been confirmed, the project will progress to the architectural design & planning stages.
It is not possible to provide any further information, at this time.
311. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to three siblings (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44703/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
I am pleased to advise that the children referred to by the Deputy are eligible under the terms of the scheme and were issued a ticket(s) on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year.
312. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the case of a school (details supplied) that facilitates a class within the mainstream setting for hearing impaired primary school students, who travel from across Limerick city and county, that has no school transport facility leading to a number of these hearing-impaired students being unable to attend school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44706/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
Bus Éireann have advised that a new service is required to facilitate the school referred to by the Deputy, however following the procurement process they have further advised there were no successful tenders.
Under the terms of the Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school transport where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability and are attending the nearest recognised school/class that is resourced to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that they are still in the process of securing an operator locally and as soon as one has been secured the service will be established.
313. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if a bigger school bus can be sanctioned for a school bus route (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44725/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann has advised that the eligible children from the area referred to by the Deputy have been accommodated on school transport services for the 2022/23 school year.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats. Bus Éireann has advised that one concessionary child was issued a ticket on board this service and two concessionary children were unsuccessful in obtaining concessionary tickets for the 2022/23 school year as the capacity on this service is full.
314. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to a student (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this student always availed of this school transport and the loss of this service is having a detrimental impact on the student’s family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44727/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
Bus Éireann are processing applications and issuing tickets as soon as extra buses and drivers are sourced and become available to provide transport for the higher numbers qualifying for the service. However, regrettably the unprecedented numbers of new applications for the upcoming school year, has led to some delays in issuing tickets.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria. Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the school transport scheme and was unsuccessful in obtaining a seat on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as the existing service is operating to capacity.
316. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she utilises Central Statistics Office data and Census results in the context of the provision of the school transport. scheme. [44747/22]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
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.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
The Department’s School Transport Section works with a number of relevant areas within the Department and with the National Council for Special Education to explore options for strengthening its forecasting demand for School Transport Scheme Services.
In addition, the Department commenced a Review of the School Transport Scheme in February 2021. The review is to be conducted to ensure funds are being spent in the most effective way and to also examine potential scope for a more co-ordinated approach involving other Government departments that also fund transport service.
As part of this review the Department will continue to build on the work that has been done in order to develop a forecast of demand for the school transport service in order to assist in policy development for the scheme.
In this regard School Transport Section is currently actively engaging with the Planning and Building Unit (who have a Geographical Information System (GIS) system that uses data from a range of sources including the Central Statistics Office) and Statistics Section of the Department and with the National Council for Special Education with regard to projected demand for school transport services which will assist in informing recommendations and policy on the future operation of the scheme.
317. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that appropriate timeframes are used to communicate to parents if they have been made an allocation under the school transport scheme. [44748/22]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
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.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
As of 13th September 2022, 124,000 tickets for the 2022/2023 school year have been issued to applicants for the new school year. The number of tickets allocated will continue to change on a daily basis as Bus Éireann continue to process all remaining applications.
Bus Éireann are continuing to process applications and to issue tickets as soon as extra buses and drivers are sourced and become available to provide transport for the higher numbers qualifying for the service.
Account holders can check the status of their application on the online account management system, known as the Family Portal, which reopened on Thursday 25 August. Families are contacted as soon as transport is arranged. However, regrettably the unprecedented numbers of new applications for the upcoming school year, has led to some delays in issuing tickets.
Families that have already submitted a valid application prior to the 29th July and have not yet received an update, are advised not to amend or alter their existing application as creating new or duplicate applications risks losing the existing application place in the system.
While the re-opening of the portal also facilitates a late application process, it is very important for such families to note that the application deadline for 2022/23 was 29 April 2022, and that the deadline to confirm registration for tickets was 29 July 2022. Any application completed after this date is a ‘late application’ and therefore, many school transport services are already operating at full capacity. Late applications will only be assessed after all “on time” applications have been processed and there can be no guarantee of places for late applicants.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply.
Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school.
At post-primary level students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time and who confirmed to Bus Éireann that they require a ticket by the 29th July 2022 will be accommodated on school transport services for the 2022/23 school year where such services are in operation.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary, applicants and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat on when all eligible children have been catered for.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible pupils/students and the priority of providing places for eligible ticket holders, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
318. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will engage with Bus Éireann in the context of developing a role at Bus Éireann that will liaise directly with schools in respect of the school transport scheme. [44749/22]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
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.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Bus Éireann have a number of Regional School Transport Offices, staff working in these offices are crucial in day to day operation of the School Transport Scheme. Part of the Service Supervisor's role is to plan every bus route – primary and post-primary - from the point of view of its suitability to accommodate the size of vehicle that will be used. The routes are designed annually based on the location of eligible pupils.
Every route and all pick-up points to be used are assessed for suitability before introduction and services are monitored and checked by Service Supervisors on an ongoing basis. When routes have been finalised, Bus Éireann then arranges transport either on scheduled services or on special school bus or taxi services. Bus Éireann Service Supervisors liaise locally with parents and school Principals in relation to the day to day operation of the scheme.
The Regional Office contact details can be found on www.buseireann.ie
319. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education the reason that a person (details supplied) was refused an incremental credit for their time teaching in Australia. [44750/22]
View answerThe criteria required to have incremental credit awarded to primary school teachers are set out in the Department of Education circular 10/2001.
On 25th March 2022, this teacher's application for recognition of teaching service at South Padbury Primary School, Western Australia was received by my Department. A refusal letter issued on 2nd June 2022 stating that this teacher was not a qualified primary trained teacher during this period of service and therefore this service could not reckon for incremental credit under circular 10/2001.
It should be noted that circular 10/2001, paragraph 4.1 sets out the following criteria relating to prior teaching service outside the Republic of Ireland:-
1. Teaching service given outside the Republic of Ireland by a qualified primary teacher in a school or college which is the equivalent of a primary or post primary school in the Republic of Ireland may qualify for the award of incremental credit.
2. Prior teaching service cannot be reckoned for incremental credit under the relevant non-teaching category as set out in paragraph 7 of circular 10/2001.
As this teacher’s service in Australia took place prior to their primary teaching qualification, they are deemed unqualified under the terms of circular 10/2001 and that service cannot be reckoned for incremental credit.
320. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education the projected number of school places in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44759/22]
View answerMy Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, including projects in the area in question, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, including accommodation for pupils with special educational needs, if required, for schools where an additional enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. Details of schools listed on this programme (the Additional Accommodation Scheme) can also be found on my Department's website at www.gov.ie and this information is also updated regularly.
In response to projected future need and to enrolment pressures in the area, there has been significant capital investment by my Department providing additional capacity at primary schools in the Kilcock School Planning area. The Kilcock School Planning Area is served by 9 primary schools and the following projects are ongoing or recently completed:
- A major capital project for St. Joseph’s NS Kilcock (RN 16706G) was recently completed in 2021 - New 16-classroom school building plus SEN - this is located within Kilcock town.
A number of projects are ongoing under our Additional School Accommodation Programme with the following schools within the School Planning Area but located outside Kilcock:
- RN 17821L St Marys, Enfield – currently at Stage 4 - to provide 3 SEN (Special Education Needs) class base
- RN 18051Q COOLE NS, Kilcock – Stage 4 – 1 x 80m2 Mainstream Classroom (MCR) additionality
- RN 18650P Newbawn NS, Enfield – Stage 4 – 4 x 80m2 prefab replacement, 1 x 15m2 Set prefab replacement & 1 x 15m2 SET additional.
- RN 18650P Newbawn NS, Enfield – Stage 1 – 2 SEN class base
- RN 18666H Tiermohan NS – Stage 4 – 3 x 80m2 MCR prefab replacement
- RN 18887A St Joseph’s NS Mulhussey Kilcock – Complete – 1 x 80m2 MCR
There is also a current Additional Accommodation project for RN 19897I Scoil Úi Riada, Kilcock (located within Kilcock town) – Stage 2a – 4 x 80m2 MCR additional, 1 x 15m2 SET additional, 3 x 80m2 prefab replacement & 2 x 15m2 SET replacement. This will allow this school expand to cater for 3-streams (Junior Infants to 6th class - 24-classrooms).
Based on the current demographic information, the projects completed and ongoing within the School Planning Area will be sufficient to cater for the future demand in the area. This will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
321. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education when transport provisions will commence for a child (details supplied) with additional needs. [44762/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability.
Bus Éireann has advised that a service is due to commence on Monday 12th September for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The family has been contacted directly to inform them.
322. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the number of special school transport applications that have been received for the forthcoming school year by county; the number approved; the number denied; the number approved but yet to commence; and the general reason for same in tabular form. [44763/22]
View answerSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
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 for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers.
To date, over 4,000 applications for transport for children with special educational needs have been received in the Department and submitted to Bus Éireann for the 2022/23 school year. As these applications are received throughout the year, this number will change throughout the 2022/23 school year.
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available in the format required, as Bus Éireann are continuing to process applications and to provide transport for pupils as soon as services and drivers are sourced and become available to provide transport for pupils in question.
323. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44800/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria. Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th July.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible for transport as they are attending their nearest school.
A mainstream application for transport was first received for this pupil on 03/07/2020 for the 2020/21 school year and their application carried forward to subsequent school years. However as no ticket request was received for this pupil for the 2022/23 school year a ticket was not issued to the pupil.
The existing school transport service is now currently operating to capacity and there are no seats available at present.
Bus Éireann have also confirmed that no application for transport for children with special educational needs has been received to date for this pupil.
324. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made on the Programme for Government commitment to provide a comprehensive policy for the Irish language from pre-primary education to teacher education for all schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44804/22]
View answerWork has commenced on the development of a new policy for Irish-medium education which will contribute to achieving the Programme for Government target of providing a framework for the delivery of high quality Irish-medium education in Irish-medium schools and early learning and care settings outside the Gaeltacht. The new policy will complement the existing Policy on Gaeltacht Education which will continue to support early learning and care settings and schools in the Gaeltacht, the extended use of Irish in local communities, and the implementation of local Gaeltacht language plans, as set out in the Gaeltacht Act, 2012.
An intradepartmental working group has been established in my Department to progress work on the development of the new policy. A Steering Committee has also been established with representatives from relevant Government Departments and Agencies to oversee the development of the policy.
A public consultation process will take place in the coming months to gather the views of stakeholders, including young people, their parents, school staff and leaders, early years educators and Irish-language organisations. This consultation, along with a review of national and international literature which has been commissioned, will inform the development of the policy.
325. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education when her Department will approve the tender process for works scheduled to be carried out in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44831/22]
View answerThe building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is in the early stages of the tender process. The Design Team are issuing invitations to tender. Subject to no issues arising, it is envisaged works will commence in Quarter 2 of 2023 with a construction timeframe of 22 months.
326. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will request her Department to agree to a temporary pedestrian access across lands owned by her Department from a housing estate (details supplied) to a school, pending a pre-planning meeting between the planning department in Fingal and her Department on its intentions for access to the land. [44833/22]
View answerIn order for my Department to consider such a proposal further details would need to be provided. In considering any such proposal regard has to be had to the needs of the school, staff and students taking into account such matters as child protection and health and safety.
Details of any proposals may be provided to my officials for consideration and forwarded to the Department of Education, Property Management section, Portlaoise Rd, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
327. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will allocate school transport tickets to two pupils (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44845/22]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 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 €289m in 2021.
In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.
Ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria. Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th July.
Bus Éireann has advised that the children referred to by the Deputy were unsuccessful in obtaining seats on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year as they did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July. All existing services in this area are currently operating at capacity.
