Written Answers Nos. 796-815
796. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if her Department has plans to instate a uniform policy for schools in order to ensure cost-effective options are available to students and families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2040/23]
View answerAs Minister for Education, I am acutely aware of the costs faced by families upon the return of their children to school.
Ultimately, decisions on school uniforms is a matter for individual schools and Boards of Management.
Taking the above into account, my Department’s Circular 0032/2017, was issued to the Boards of Management of all recognised primary and post-primary schools and to the Chief Executives of the Education and Training Boards. This Circular sets out the principles of cost-effective practice to be adopted by schools to reduce the cost of returning to school.
Under these measures, schools should select school uniform items which are generic and can be purchased from an array of retailers. Only "iron on" or "sew on" crests should be used.
Schools should also consult with parents as to their views on how to reduce costs.
The Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill is currently before Dáil Éireann. When enacted, it will improve how schools engage with students and their parents by requiring each school to consult with students and their parents on individual school plans, policies and activities, including school costs. This will help ensure that the various views of students and parents will be heard and responded to by schools.
797. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education when a secondary school place will be provided for a student (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2059/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
While the Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in the Mullingar area, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures 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
The Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues through ongoing discussions with the relevant school authorities. In that context, similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, the Department is engaging with patron bodies and school authorities, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train.
Additionally, the Department will continue to work to advance the planned and current projects in Mullingar and to ensure sufficient places for both mainstream provision and for pupils with special education requirements both for the coming academic year and into the future.
798. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if a special needs assistant will be put in place for a child (details supplied). [2071/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews and the school should liaise with the NCSE directly in the event that additional supports are required. My Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations.
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 relation to SNA support the NCSE have confirmed that the school has an allocation of SNA support to provide support for children with primary care needs.
The following arrangements for the allocation of SNA support in respect of students in mainstream classes for 2022/23 will apply:
a) The SNA allocations for mainstream classes in schools on 31st May 2022 will be maintained for 2022/23. This will provide greater certainty for schools.
b) A process for schools, whereby if they consider their SNA allocation is in excess of the required care needs, to engage with the NCSE. Schools should contact their local NCSE Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) to commence the process.
c) The exceptional review process undertaken by NCSE will remain in place throughout the 2022/23 school year, where schools can seek a review of their SNA allocations which will result in one of the following outcomes:
i. No change in the level of care need identified (and no change in the resultant SNA allocation);
ii. Increase in the level of care need identified (which if significant would see an increase in the SNA allocations to the schools) ;
iii. Decrease in level of care need identified in the school (which if significant would result in a reduction in SNA allocations as the care need could be managed with less resources than are currently allocated); In relation to outcome iii, the SNA allocation will be adjusted at the end of the relevant school term.
It is expected that schools will review and reprioritise the deployment of SNAs within mainstream settings and allocate resources to ensure those with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support. Providing access to SNA support continues to be based on primary care needs as outlined in DES Circular 0030/2014 circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/education/2014/30.pdf.
Following such a review and reprioritisation, it is expected that a small number of schools, e.g. developing schools, may not have a sufficient SNA allocation to meet the needs of their students. These schools can apply to the NCSE for an Exceptional Review of their allocation.
Detailed information on the NCSE Exceptional Review process is published on the NCSE website. ncse.ie/application-for-sna-exceptional-review.
The NCSE will endeavour to respond to all applications for Exceptional Review received as expediently as possible and in that regard, it will prioritise applications from schools with no current SNA allocation and developing schools. The Exceptional Review process for mainstream allocations will be available to schools throughout the 2022/23 school year.
The NCSE has developed an appeal mechanism for schools who are not satisfied with the outcome of the Exceptional Review. Local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) will provide information and clarification to schools on the outcome where requested. Where schools wish to appeal the outcome of the review, they must do so using the prescribed form provided by the NCSE ncse.ie/ncse-appeals-process.
The NCSE have published the SNA allocations for the 2022/23 school year and they are available at ncse.ie/set-hours-and-sna-allocations.
All schools have the contact details of their local SENO, and the SENO is available to offer assistance and advice to the school. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
799. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if she will review the decision by her Department to refuse an equipment grant for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2077/23]
View answerI would like to inform the Deputy that the school in question is in the fee-charging sector.
My Department's focus of investment at post-primary level is on schools in the Free Scheme.
800. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education when the school transport division will provide school transport and tickets for students (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2113/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the School Transport Scheme in 2022 amounted to €332.2m.
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.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy are eligible under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs and Bus Éireann are in the process of arranging transport for the pupils concerned and will liaise directly with the family.
801. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education when the school transport division will provide school transport and tickets for students (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2115/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €332.2m.
In general, children are eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria (3.2km at primary level and 4.8km at post-primary level) and are attending their nearest school having regard to ethos and language.
Applications for children resident in Direct Provision, who wish to avail of school transport must be made to Bus Éireann. Applications are made on behalf of these students by TUSLA to the relevant local Bus Éireann office.
The general terms of the Primary/Post Primary School Transport Scheme will apply however;
1. The distance eligibility criteria of 3.2 kilometres (Primary) or 4.8 kilometres (Post Primary) will be waived
2. Children who are attending their nearest school, having regard to ethos and language, in which a placement was found at the time of their first enrolment will be eligible for school transport.
School Transport Section have recently been made aware of these students and Bus Éireann have been informed.
802. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the reason that school transport has not commenced for a pupil (details supplied) in County Mayo who has severe additional physical needs, in view of the fact that the application for individual school transport was submitted on 1 September 2022 and the extreme hardship that the lack of school transport is causing to this pupil and their family; when school transport will commence for this pupil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2164/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €332.2m.
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.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
I am pleased to advise that the child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs and that that School Transport Section of my Department have advised Bus Éireann that an individual service is to be established for the pupil to whom the Deputy refers. Bus Éireann will liaise directly with the family regarding the service.
803. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if there is a process through which class sizes in post-primary schools are set; if schools are requested to hold places back for any reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2166/23]
View answerTeacher allocations to all schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. At post primary level, teachers are currently allocated at a ratio of 19:1 in the free education system and 23:1 to schools in the fee charging sector. The criteria for the allocation of posts are communicated to school managements annually and are available on the Department website.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority. The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities.
Under the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, all schools are required to have drafted new admissions policies, which have been approved by the patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school.
All schools must publish an annual admissions notice on the schools website prior to the commencement of the admissions process for the following September. This notice must state the number of spaces that they have available for the intake group for the forthcoming school year. Further to this if the school was oversubscribed in the previous year the school must detail the places that were made available and the selection criteria used to provide places of admission.
My Department is not aware of any circumstances where schools have been requested to hold back places as referred to by the Deputy. Where the school have places they must admit each student seeking admission to the school other than a small number of circumstances provided for by the act. It is a key requirement of the act that all school admission policies are fair and transparent.
804. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if her Department will intervene in a matter (details supplied). [2174/23]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy is currently under construction.
The new school is being constructed in compliance with the planning permission obtained, elevations and windows are being installed as per the grant of planning permission.
The statutory planning process affords members of the public an opportunity to make observations and/or objections to a planning application/proposed development if they have concerns.
805. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made on the appeals made by a person (details supplied) in County Meath against the decision not to be provided with school bus tickets this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2178/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €332.2m.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
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 a random selection process.
The School Transport Appeals Board operate independently from the Department of Education. On 13th September 2022, an appeal in respect of this application was lodged with the School Transport Appeals Board. The Board will liaise directly with the appellant when the appeal is due for consideration.
806. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education the reason that a school (details supplied) was not included as a DEIS school in the review in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2179/23]
View answerMy Department provides a wide range of supports to all schools, DEIS and non-DEIS, to support the inclusion of all students and address barriers to students achieving their potential. Supplementing these universal supports, the DEIS programme provides a targeted and equitable way to address concentrated educational disadvantage that promotes equity across the primary and post-primary sector.
In March last year I was glad to be able to announce a major expansion of the DEIS programme. For the first time since 2017, the programme has been significantly expanded to include an additional 322 schools. This means that the DEIS programme now supports over 240,000 students in over 1,200 schools addressing educational disadvantage.
Schools were identified for inclusion in the programme through the refined DEIS identification model, which is an objective, statistics-based model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme and the model has been applied fairly and equally to all schools.
The DEIS identification process is based on the principle of concentrated disadvantage and the proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school. The DEIS identification model aimed to identify those schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage or the highest proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school using the school's enrolment data and national census data as represented by the Pobal HP Deprivation index which is publicly available.
A detailed paper on the refined DEIS identification model is available on gov.ie at www.gov.ie/en/publication/a3c9e-extension-of-deis-to-further-schools/#how-schools-were-selected-for-inclusion-in-deis.
Schools that were not satisfied with the outcome following the application of the DEIS identification model to their school enrolment data were provided with the opportunity to have that outcome reviewed. The DEIS appeals process was applied fairly across all appellants, the window for appeals has now closed and the results are final. My Department will continue to support schools to deliver high quality, inclusive teaching and learning to students and young learners.
It is also important to note that the extension of the DEIS programme to new schools is just one phase of work in my vision for an inclusive education system which supports all learners to achieve their potential. The next phase of work will explore the allocation of resources to schools to tackle educational disadvantage. Part of this programme of work will involve consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
807. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education if a place can be found for a child (details supplied) at a local primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2193/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
While the Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in the Castlebar area, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures 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
The Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues through ongoing discussions with the relevant school authorities. In that context, similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, the Department is engaging with patron bodies and school authorities to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train.
Additionally, the Department will continue to work to advance the planned and current projects in Castlebar and to ensure sufficient places for both mainstream provision and for pupils with special education requirements both for the coming academic year and into the future.
808. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add-on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary and post-primary schools and gaelscoileanna in Maynooth, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2232/23]
View answer809. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add-on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary and post-primary schools in Kilcock, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2233/23]
View answer810. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add-on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary and post-primary schools in Clane, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2234/23]
View answer811. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add-on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary and post-primary schools in Naas, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2235/23]
View answer812. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add-on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary and post-primary schools in Sallins, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2236/23]
View answer813. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add-on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary and post-primary schools in Kill, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2237/23]
View answer814. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add-on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary schools in Rathcoffey, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2238/23]
View answer815. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add-on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary and post-primary schools in Prosperous, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2239/23]
View answer817. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add-on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary and post-primary schools in Leixlip, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2241/23]
View answer818. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary and post-primary schools in Celbridge, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2242/23]
View answer819. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the availability of sufficient new school or add-on accommodation in respect of each of the existing or proposed primary schools in Straffan, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years, if she has had correspondence from the various school authorities in this area which might indicate the state of readiness in respect of new or existing schools by one or other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2243/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 808 to 815, inclusive, and 817 to 819, inclusive, together.
For school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand and to support its strategic planning for capital investment.
Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements. Where the geo-spatial assessment of demand and capacity in an area indicates that additional provision is required, my Department considers the options of extending the capacity of a school or schools, or of providing a new school or schools. The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – for example a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution.
My Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction. Most of these projects are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025.
There are currently in excess of 300 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. It is envisaged that the Department will deliver between 150-200 school building projects per annum between 2022-2025 period.
With regard to the availability of sufficient current and future school accommodation in the areas outlined, my Department provided the Deputy with full details of all projects for these areas when responding to parliamentary questions on 24th November 2022. The current status of these projects is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of planning.
Additionally, my Department will continue to work to advance the planned and current projects in these areas to ensure sufficient places for both mainstream provision and for pupils with special education requirements both for the coming academic year and into the future.
My Department will continue to engage with all relevant school patrons and principals in School Planning Areas (SPA's) and to review all SPA's with regard to any demographic changes that may result in the need for further additional school accommodation.
