Written Answers Nos. 229-249
229. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to change the bands for social housing to better reflect the reality of the housing market (details supplied). [2502/23]
View answerGovernment recently agreed to increase the baseline income thresholds by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively, with an estimated 16,000 additional households potentially eligible for social housing support as a result.
While local authorities have no scope to exceed these thresholds, they will continue to have flexibility when assessing eligibility to disregard income that is once-off, temporary or short-term and which is outside the regular pattern of a person’s annual income.
My Department has also recently begun work to scope options for a new social housing income eligibility model and I expect proposals for a new model to be submitted for my consideration in Q1 2023.
230. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a foreshore licence will issue to a sports club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2522/23]
View answerThe Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has approved the granting of a State Property Lease, pursuant to the State Property Act 1954 (as amended), to Callinafercy Rowing Club for a term of 35 years.
The Chief State Solicitors Office (CSSO) have received documentation in relation to an outstanding issue and are actively working towards finalising the content and terms of the lease with legal representatives acting on behalf of the Club in this matter.
231. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the European Commission has confirmed that the Croí Cónaithe cities scheme is in line with EU state aid rules; and, if not, if he will provide an update on his Department's engagement with the Commission. [2539/23]
View answer232. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications revised, the number of applications approved and the number of contracts signed under the Croí Cónaithe cities scheme; and the number of units in each application and in each category, broken down by local authority area. [2540/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 512 of 18 January 2023, which set out the position in this matter.
233. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant property refurbishment grant applications received by each local authority under the Croí Cónaithe (towns) fund for both towns and rural areas, respectively; the corresponding number of applications approved in each instance; if he will consider extending the grant to allow for the letting of property in light of the current housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2546/23]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All. In July 2022, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched as part of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. The grant, which was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages, was expanded to include eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas from 15 November, 2022. On 21 September 2022, the Ready to Build Scheme was launched, also funded under the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. Under the Ready to Build Scheme, local authorities will make serviced sites in towns and villages available to potential individual purchasers to build their homes. These sites will be available at a discount on the market value of the site for the building of a property for occupation as the principal private residence of the purchaser. When the Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. Feedback on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Scheme has been very positive, with 716 applications reported to 31 December 2022. In order for applications to be assessed and a decision made, specified supporting documentation must be submitted with the application and a site visit carried out by the local authority to assess the works being applied for. In some cases this may involve the local authority reverting to the applicant for additional information. Drawdown of the grant occurs on completion of the works applied for and a second site visit by the local authority. It is intended that in future, data including a breakdown by local authority of grants received and approved, will be published on my Department's website on a quarterly basis. Information of the nature sought in the Question is being compiled and will be published shortly.
Although interim reviews of the schemes are ongoing, there are no plans to extend the grant to allow for the letting of properties. However, the Repair and Leasing Scheme does provide an upfront loan, to a maximum of €60,000 (including VAT) per unit, to owners of vacant properties which require work to bring the units up to the required standard for rental properties. In return, the property is made available for social housing for a period of between 5 and 25 years. The cost of repairs is offset against reduced lease payments to the property owner.
Further information in respect of these schemes and the application process can be obtained from the Vacant Homes Officer in each local authority.
234. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current position in relation to the delivery of the outer relief road, including bridges, realignments and other road improvements in Maynooth, County Kildare; the extent to which such projects are progressing, given the urgent necessity for such works, that funding was made available almost ten years ago, and that the need has greatly increased in the interim; if he will urge an acceleration of the proposals in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2590/23]
View answerThe Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) is a scheme which funds the building of public infrastructure by local authorities. Its objective is to provide public off-site infrastructure to relieve critical infrastructure blockages to housing delivery. This enables the accelerated delivery of housing on key development sites in Dublin and in urban areas of high demand. LIHAF was designed to specifically address the issue of housing supply, a crucial factor in terms of moderating house prices. Infrastructure being funded under LIHAF includes access roads, distributor roads, link roads, road improvements, roundabouts, bridges and parks.
In 2017, grant agreements for 30 approved projects were signed between my Department and local authorities. One such project is for works at Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
Kildare County Council was approved grant funding for the construction of the Maynooth Eastern Relief Road (MERR) and a bridge crossing a railway and the Royal Canal. In 2017, the total approved grant funding for this project was €14.5m with €10.88m (75%) being funded by my Department and the remaining 25% being funded by Kildare County Council. To assist with design and construction cost inflation, Kildare County Council has been notified of additional Exchequer grant funding of €2.176m towards the cost of the works bringing the Exchequer LIHAF grant funding available to €13.076m (including VAT).
I am informed that developers are currently engaged in the planning process for the delivery of housing units on the LIHAF supported lands. Kildare County Council are liaising with a range of stakeholders, including my Department, to advance the MERR project, with these discussions currently ongoing. I am further informed that Kildare County Council on the 6th of December 2022 published the Maynooth Eastern Ring Road Compulsory Purchase Order 2022 and this process is ongoing.
235. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which agreement and approval has been reached and made in respect of the implementation of road and bridge replacement and improvement works in Celbridge, County Kildare; the extent to which proposals continue to be advanced in line with expectations, given the urgency of the need for same; when works will commence and be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2592/23]
View answerOverall responsibility for roads policy and funding for the implementation of transport strategies is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport. Kildare County Council as the Roads Authority, is responsible for the management of the road network in its jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding the above the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is providing part-funding for applicant led roads projects that will enable a greater proportion of residential and mixed-use development to be delivered within the existing built-up footprints of our cities and large towns.
A key measure in Project Ireland 2040, the URDF is supporting a programme of significant transformational capital projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework.
In 2021, following a second call for proposals under the URDF, I announced a preliminary allocation of €10,237,500 for Kildare County Council’s Celbridge to Hazelhatch Link Road project.
This followed Kildare County Council’s successful application for €400,000 to provide technical assistance for the advancement of the project under the URDF’s first call for proposals in 2018.
It is proposed that this project will provide a link road between Celbridge Town and Hazelhatch Train Station of approximately 2km in length, and the delivery of a second bridge over the River Liffey in Celbridge. The project will enhance connectivity between Celbridge Town and Hazelhatch Train Station, supporting compact, consolidated development in Celbridge by realising the full potential of zoned lands south and east of the River Liffey.
The advancement of URDF supported projects through the various stages of planning, development and completion is, in the first instance, a matter for the Sponsoring Agency, Kildare County Council. Approved projects must be carefully developed and managed in accordance with the normal conditions and arrangements that apply to public sector managed projects and in full compliance with the Public Spending Code.
Currently Kildare County Council is preparing a Preliminary Business Case for submission to my Department, upon receipt of which, further consideration will be given to the continued advancement of this project.
236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current position in regard to the implementation of the proposals for the alleviation of traffic congestion including the provision of an outer relief road at Naas, County Kildare; the extent to which the project is expect to proceed in line with the wishes of the local community and vast majority of public representatives; the status of the proposals at present, with particular reference to the need to set the proposals in motion in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2593/23]
View answerAs set out in the reply to Question No 255 of 01 December 2022 and Question No 298 of 15 November 2022, the Naas Inner Relief Road project was cancelled by Kildare County Council following the rejection of the Part 8 planning application for the road by the elected members of the council in mid-2019. As the infrastructure was not proceeding, the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) funding agreement was cancelled at that time.
My Department currently has no other funding allocated or project agreement in place with Kildare County Council to facilitate any housing-related road infrastructure in Naas. Overall responsibility for roads policy and funding is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport.
237. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of instances in which a statutory instrument (details supplied) has been invoked; the locations of the developments concerned, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2680/23]
View answerThe European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons from Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations 2022 were introduced in response to the emerging Ukrainian crisis. The Regulations give effect to Council Directive No 2001/55 EC and Council Implementing Decision EU 2022/382 of 04 March 2022 (European Council Decision) to provide immediate protection in EU countries for persons displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including the need to provide emergency accommodation and support to these displaced persons.
The Regulations provide that the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (other than the environmental considerations in Sections 181A to 181C) will not apply to certain classes of development by or on behalf of a State Authority for the purposes of providing temporary protection to displaced persons as specified in the Regulations.
As developments provided under these Regulations are exempt from planning permission, my Department does not compile statistics in this regard and individual local authorities should be contacted for the information sought.
238. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on introducing regulations concerning the use of rock-breaking equipment. [2685/23]
View answerPlanning authorities and An Bord Pleanála, as appropriate, may grant planning permission for a development, which involves rock breaking [drilling. blasting or splitting], on lands such as a quarry. A person is not entitled solely by reasons of a planning permission to carry out development. Where blasting is required, the issuing of a permit for the use of explosives in the extractive industry, or for other purposes, is a matter for An Garda Síochána, which falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, whose Department has issued the Guide to Explosives Legislation in Ireland. When making a decision on a planning application for a quarry, a planning authority or the Board, as appropriate, is required to have regard to the particular local circumstances of the proposed development and may attach appropriate conditions to the permission on a case by case basis. My Department issued statutory Guidelines to Planning Authorities on Quarrying and Ancillary Activities in April 2004, to which planning authorities and the Board must have regard when considering a planning application for a quarry. The Guidelines include planning guidance on the attachment of appropriate conditions to quarry-related permissions.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, published guidelines in 2006 on Environmental Management in the Extractive Industry, which complement the 2004 Quarrying Guidelines issued by my Department and include advice on the management of environmental issues associated with blasting in quarries, such as pollution, noise and vibration. Furthermore, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) - which is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment - is responsible for the enforcement of health and safety in the workplace, including specific requirements in relation to the operation of quarries under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations 2008, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) (Amendment) Regulations, 2013 and their associated guidance.
239. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when persons affected by developments under the invoking of a statutory instrument (details supplied) can view plans of such developments, which would be their right under normal planning procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2688/23]
View answerThe European Union (Planning and Development) (Displaced Persons from Ukraine Temporary Protection) Regulations 2022 were introduced in response to the emerging Ukrainian crisis. The Regulations give effect to Council Directive No 2001/55 EC and Council Implementing Decision EU 2022/382 of 04 March 2022 (European Council Decision) to provide immediate protection in EU countries for persons displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including the need to provide emergency accommodation and support to these displaced persons.
The Regulations provide that the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (other than the environmental considerations in Sections 181A to 181C) will not apply to certain classes of development by or on behalf of a State Authority for the purposes of providing temporary protection to displaced persons as specified in the Regulations.
As such, planning requirements such as public participation, are not applicable to these developments. However, if an Environmental Impact Assessment or Appropriate Assessment is required for the development, the plans for the development should be made available in accordance with Section 181A of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The Regulations are temporary and will cease to have effect when the temporary protection activated by European Council Decision ends. After this time the removal, demolition or alteration of any temporary structure and the discontinuance of any temporary use will be required, unless the development is permitted, exempted or otherwise regularised by a provision of the Planning and Development Act 2000 or the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended.
240. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when a foreign birth certificate will issue for a person (details supplied) who applied in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2450/23]
View answerMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish Citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
Demand for this service increased significantly as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
During 2022, my Department implemented a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications on hand, with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these applications. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, have had a positive impact on the waiting time for applicants. The current waiting time for FBR applications is 11 months from receipt of supporting documents, down from over 2 years in mid 2022.
With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the required supporting documents were not received in respect of this application. The Passport Service has requested the documents from the applicant, and the application will be processed on receipt of this documentation.
If the applicant would like further information on the requirements for their application, they can speak to a dedicated Foreign Birth Registration agent by contacting the Passport Service Customer Service Hub on +353 1 671 1633.
241. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the foreign birth registration for a child (details supplied). [2472/23]
View answerMy Department is responsible for processing Foreign Birth Registration (FBR) applications for people who are born abroad and claim Irish Citizenship through a grandparent born in Ireland or through a parent who has claimed citizenship also through FBR, Naturalisation or Post Nuptial Citizenship.
Demand for this service increased significantly as a result of the Brexit vote in the UK. The service was also impacted by necessary Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and the unprecedented demand for passports seen in 2022.
During 2022, my Department implemented a number of measures to address the volume of FBR applications on hand, with a view to significantly reducing the processing time for these applications. These measures, which include increased staffing directed towards the processing of FBR applications, have had a positive impact on the waiting time for applicants. The current waiting time for FBR applications is 11 months from receipt of supporting documents, down from over 2 years in mid 2022.
The FBR Service operates a transparent general policy of processing applications in order of receipt. Supporting documentation for the application to which the Deputy has referred was received on 3 June 2022, and is being stored in a secure environment pending entitlement checking.
242. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if new passports can continue to be posted to applicants from Northern Ireland; the reason that these applicants are now been asked to travel and collect these passports from locations in the Republic of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2492/23]
View answerFollowing national strike action by staff at the UK Royal Mail postal service during the month of December 2022, the Passport Service took contingency action to minimise disruption for customers.
As a result, the Passport Service has temporarily suspended the dispatch by post of passports and supporting documentation to Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to avoid passports being affected significantly by the resulting disruptions to Royal Mail postal services. This has allowed the Passport Service to issue urgently-required passports to customers by alternate means, where those passports may not otherwise have been received in time for travel due to the disruptions.
There are a number of options available to customers who require their passport urgently, including the collection of passports. The Passport Service advises customers to contact the Passport Service Customer Service Hub on +353 1 6711633 to make alternative arrangements, if required.
The prospects for a return to normal postal service are being kept under daily review, and the Passport Service is in ongoing contact with An Post and Royal Mail in relation to this. In the interim, all passports and supporting documentation is being stored securely by the Passport Service in Dublin.
243. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the amount owed to members of the Army Ranger Wing arising out of pay reviews in 2010 and 2014; and if he will provide a timeline on when these moneys will be paid. [2459/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the matter of a review of the Army Ranger Wing allowance is currently subject to a Claim under the Conciliation & Arbitration Scheme for members of the Permanent Defence Force. The proceedings of Council are confidential and as such, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on this matter.
244. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide an update on the future use of the Curragh Camp, Newbridge; and his plans to utilise the approximately 800 bed spaces at the camp. [2480/23]
View answerThe Curragh Camp is the main training centre for all Defence Force training, education and logistics units. I can confirm that there are no plans to change the status of this military installation. To this end, the Deputy may wish to note that the future development of the Defence Forces Training Centre is prioritised in the Infrastructure Plan and in recent years, we have seen the completion of:
- A new high security ammunition Depot;
- Modernised accommodation in Pearse and Plunkett Barracks (providing over 100 standard beds for DF personnel);
- A recently completed new Electronic Target Range; and
- A new Barrack Services Engineering Store.
These improvements in the Training Centre were all completed at a combined cost of over €18 million. In addition, the following significant projects in the Curragh Camp will be at various developmental stages during 2023:
- A new Cadet school - works are well advanced and due for completion in the coming months;
- A new purpose built CIS facility- a Design Team is appointed and are currently examining the scope of works;
- Provision of a new ARW Headquarters; a design is appointed and are currently examining the scope of works.
The above projects represent an investment of over €20m in the Curragh Camp alone for this year. In addition, work in 2023 will also focus on developing proposals in respect of:
- A new Military College Auditorium;
- An upgrade of the new Medical School;
- New Garaging Facilities, and
- New Engineering Logistics Offices.
Single Living in accommodation in the camp is provided for long term and transient use. As such, military personnel can use accommodation for overnight stays during training and courses. The occupancy of SLI accommodation therefore can fluctuate on a daily basis, depending on the number of courses being held in a location and the duration of the course.
245. Deputy John Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the decision was taken to withdraw permission for family members of serving Defence Forces personnel to use the Defence Forces training centre swimming pool at the physical education centre in the Curragh; the reason that this decision was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2655/23]
View answerI am advised by the military authorities that the use of the Defence Force Training Centre’s swimming pool was restricted from March 2020, due to COVID-19, and in line with Defence Forces and National protocols.
The Defence Forces having reviewed the usage of the swimming pool, in the context of existing resources and capacities, re-opened for Defence Forces operational requirements. The reopening of the pool to other users is being considered in the context of current operational and training requirements and the necessary resources required to maintain the facility.
246. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the steps that are being taken to deal with the shortage of teachers of home economics in Dublin; if she will give consideration to allowing those currently working in home economics teaching roles who do not have the full teaching qualifications but have other level eight degrees such as certain chefs, the opportunity to undertake on the job training or part-time college courses in order that they can become fully-qualified while continuing their teaching work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2523/23]
View answerThe recruitment of teachers is a priority area of action for the Department given the importance of ensuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have available to them qualified, engaged and supportive teachers to support them in their learning.
My Department is undertaking a comprehensive programme to support the supply of teachers. Officials engage closely with school management bodies and other education stakeholders to inform this work.
To meet longer-term teacher demand, higher education institutions have developed new 4 year initial teacher education programmes in a number of post-primary priority subject areas, including Irish, mathematics, computer science, modern foreign languages and home economics.
In addition, my Department fully funds post primary teachers to participate in upskilling programmes in mathematics, physics and Spanish. The first cohort of participants, approximately 170 teachers, completed these programmes in 2022 and more than 300 teachers are due to graduate in 2023. It is also intended to commence an upskilling programme in Irish in 2023/24 and consideration will be given to expanding the programmes to other priority subject areas.
My Department has also introduced a scheme to allow post-primary schools to share teachers, the aim of which is to recruit teachers in high-demand subjects, such as home economics, and give teachers a full-time teaching contract. Schools are strongly urged to explore this option as a means of supporting teacher recruitment.
In addition, at post-primary level for the current school year, teachers may also teach additional hours in their subject area over the usual 22-hour limit, up to a maximum of 20 additional hours per term.
These measures are underpinned by the Teaching Transforms campaign which promotes the teaching profession and encourages students to follow a career in teaching. The campaign is supported by the dedicated webpage on gov.ie.
It is acknowledged that work remains to be done to address teacher supply challenges. The Department continues to work closely and intensively with stakeholders to develop and implement creative solutions to address the teacher supply challenges for schools.
Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland, including the registration of teachers in the State.
A person who applies to be entered on the register on the basis of qualifications as a post-primary teacher must satisfy the Council that he or she has obtained one of the following:
- an undergraduate degree in teacher education which combines the study of one or more of the curricular subject disciplines, with other initial teacher education components including school placement, foundation studies and professional studies and is accredited by the Council for the purposes of post-primary teaching and is at level 8 or higher on the NFQ,
-a post-graduate qualification in teacher education which includes school placement, foundation studies and professional studies and is accredited by the Council for the purposes of post-primary teaching and is at level 8 or higher on the NFQ, or
- a qualification or qualifications obtained which, in the opinion of the Teaching Council is or are of an equivalent standard to the standards required set forth above, having conducted an assessment of that qualification in accordance with the General System.
The persons referred to by the Deputy must obtain one of these qualifications and meet the requirements for at least one curricular subject with reference to the Teaching Council’s “Revised Post-primary Curricular Subject Requirements”.
There are no plans to provide on the job training or part-time college courses in order that these persons can become fully qualified as teachers of home economics.
247. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education the number of applications received by the State Examinations Commission seeking access to the deferred sitting of the leaving certificate examinations in 2022; the number of applications refused; the associated reasons for refusal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2454/23]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
248. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education the number of applications approved by the State Examinations Commission for access to the deferred sittings of the leaving certificate examinations in cases in which students were deemed to have experienced a medical incident or emergency during their original examination paper; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2455/23]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
249. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the number of pupils with places in special ASD classes in the State who are currently refusing to attend school; and the process to free-up spaces in such cases to allow for other pupils who are entitled to a place to avail of the unused places. [2463/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
My Department is committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. My Department strives to ensure that every child has access to an educational experience that is appropriate to their needs and supports both their academic and personal development.
Our policy, which is set out in the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN) is that children with SEN should be educated in mainstream placements with additional supports provided as appropriate.
Where children require more specialised educational settings, such as special classes or special schools, the Department and National Council for Special Education (NCSE) ensures that the necessary resources and supports for such placements are provided in line with the needs of the child.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As part of Budget 2023, additional funding is being provided to allow the NCSE recruit additional staff, including SENOs. These additional resources should ensure that the NCSE can better support parents and schools in relation to the provision of special education needs places.
Significant improvements have been made to the forward planning process for special education places over the last 2 to 3 years, including:
- the inclusion of special classes in all new schools by default (e.g. 4 class in a 1000 pupil post-primary school).
- improving the use of Geographic Information Systems in planning for special classes and special school places and
- increased engagement with key stakeholders such as patron bodies and management bodies, particularly at post-primary level.
There are a total of 2,544 special classes opened nationwide. Of the 2,544 special classes, there are 1802 at primary level and 742 at post primary level. This compares to a total of 1,839 special classes in the 2020/21 school year.
The NCSE is statutorily responsible for planning and coordinating provision at both a local and a national level and advising my Department in this regard. At local level, the NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe.
As part of Budget 2023, my Department’s budget was substantially increased, by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 the Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023. This includes additional teaching and care supports.
If a student is experiencing difficulties in relation to their special education setting, SENOs remain available to offer advice and assistance to parents and schools. SENO contact details can be found on the NCSE website at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
The NCSE has advised that there are sufficient places available to meet the current need for the 2022/23 year and that there are a small number of vacancies in some classes at present.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.
I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
