Written Answers Nos. 206-230
206. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the limited finance options available through pillar banks for those seeking home ownership and building modular homes with certified engineers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10615/23]
View answerModern Methods of Construction has been identified as a key measure to address the different housing needs in Ireland and methods to support the development of MMC in Ireland are set out in Housing for All Pathway 5. Modern methods of construction have the potential to help boost productivity and increase efficiency (avoid waste) in the construction sector. The coordination of activities to promote MMC adoption is being led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE).
Modern Methods of Construction in the housing context can be grouped as follows:
- Completed volumetric dwelling units, factory-manufactured and delivered to site
- Panellised components, such as walls, roofs, and floors, factory-manufactured and assembled on site; and
- Other innovative approaches to improve onsite productivity across materials and process.
All new dwellings must comply with building regulations and have a 60 year durability. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the second schedule to the building regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). Building regulations are performance based and technology/material neutral.
Part D (Materials and Workmanship) requires that all works should be carried out in a workmanlike manner using “proper materials…which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used” to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.
The primary responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings.
For new innovative products or systems, not covered by existing standards, compliance with the Building Regulations can be demonstrated by 3rd party certification by an independent approval body, such as National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Agrément.
My Department does not hold information on the financing options available in relation to the specific types of building referred to in the Question. Lending policy is a matter for the individual financial institutions and my Department has no role in the regulation of lending policy.
207. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of modular or rapid build homes constructed in 2022; if he will detail in tabular form the number for each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10616/23]
View answerHousing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes an average of 10,000 new build social homes each year in the period to 2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Data in relation to new dwelling completions is published by the CSO on a quarterly basis and can be accessed via the following link: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/buildingandconstruction/newdwellingcompletions/
While my Department does not hold details on the various construction processes used in the delivery of new homes, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) has been identified as a key measure to address increased housing delivery and methods to support increased use of MMC are set out in Pathway 5 of Housing for All. The development of MMC will improve productivity in construction and increase efficiency in residential construction.
The Housing for All Action Plan Update, which was published on 2 November 2022, includes a new action to develop a roadmap with targets for increased use of MMC in public housing. My Department is now working closely with the local authorities to increase the use of MMC in social and affordable housing.
208. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason Louth County Council is no longer taking properties for long-term lease, further to departmental advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10624/23]
View answerUnder Housing for All the Government plans to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 homes per year over the next decade. Over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes.
This includes the delivery of 47,600 new build social homes in the period 2022-2026. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Housing for All sets out that there will a managed phasing out of new long term leasing projects over the lifetime of the plan. It is envisaged that 3,500 units will be delivered through long term leasing from 2022 to 2025. The number of new entrants and projects into the long term leasing scheme is reducing over the lifetime of the plan; tapering down from a target of 1,300 units in 2022 to 200 units in 2025.
As such, Housing for All leasing targets were assigned to 13 Local Authorities to deliver 3,500 social homes nationally through long term leasing from 2022 to 2025. Most of these targets are now subscribed with agreed proposals. Louth County Council were assigned a target of 34 units under Housing for All. To the end of Q3 2022 Louth County Council delivered 11 units through long term leasing and the balance of Louth County Council's long term leasing target was fully subscribed.
209. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses built in each county in 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [10691/23]
View answerHousing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Data in relation to new dwelling completions is published by the CSO on a quarterly basis and can be accessed via the following link: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/buildingandconstruction/newdwellingcompletions/
210. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider expanding the eligibility criteria for the vacant property refurbishment grant scheme to include persons who may wish to restore a derelict house to habitable use for a family member or as a small-scale investment, thus increasing the availability of property for the rental market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10697/23]
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.
A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not previously been used as residential.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or if the property is on the Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000.
In the case of a top-up grant in respect of a derelict property not on the Derelict Sites Register, an independent report prepared by an appropriately qualified professional is required to be submitted along with the application confirming that the property is derelict.
The level of Grant is contingent on the works approved by the local authority and will be paid based on vouched expenditure following a final inspection by the local authority.
Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more and built before 1993. Proof of both vacancy and ownership are required to support the grant payment.
In respect of rental properties, there is already a scheme in place which facilitates the refurbishment of properties for rent to social housing tenants. The Repair and Leasing Scheme provides 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. 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.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. The schemes are focused on providing homes for applicants. There are no plans currently to extend the grant to allow for the rental of properties. However, it is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.
211. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the work under way by his Department on investigation of upland management techniques, other than legal burning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10698/23]
View answer212. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 26 January 2023, the specific measures planned or under way as capacity is built for long-term habitat management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10699/23]
View answer213. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 26 January 2023, the specific measures planned or under way as capacity is built for grazing pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10700/23]
View answer214. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 26 January 2023, the specific measures planned or under way as capacity is built for the control of alien invasives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10701/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 211 to 214, inclusive, together.
The position remains as set out in the reply to Question No. 110 of 26 January 2023.
I wish however to take this opportunity to deplore and condemn the many instances of uncontrolled burning at the end of the season and the illegal burning and destruction of nature in recent days.
215. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of private rented accommodation inspections carried out by local authorities in each of the years 2018 to 2022, and to date in 2023; the number of inspections in which further enforcement action was taken, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10736/23]
View answerThe minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 and specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, ventilation, natural light, fire safety and the safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies. These Regulations apply to all properties let or available for let. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the standards set down in the Regulations.
Responsibility for the enforcement of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 in the private rental sector rests with the relevant local authority.
While 2022 inspection data in respect of some local authorities is currently being validated by my Department, circa 49,000 inspections of private rented dwellings were undertaken last year.
The Government is committed to ensuring that a stock of high quality accommodation is available for those who live in the private rented sector. Housing for All sets a target for the inspection of 25% of all private residential tenancies. A total of €9 million in Exchequer funding is being made available by my Department to local authorities this year to help them meet their private rental inspection targets.
Annual data in respect of the level of inspections and enforcement carried out by each local authority is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/da3fe-private-housing-market-statistics/
Data in respect of 2022 and 2023 will be uploaded in due course.
216. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend the Planning and Development Bill 2023 to restore the requirement for local authorities to reserve land for communities to use for cultivation as allotments and to regulate, promote and facilitate the use of land for allotments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10756/23]
View answer218. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the studies, if any, his department has carried out on the potential negative impacts of removing the requirement for local authorities to reserve land for communities to use for cultivation as allotments and to regulate, promote and facilitate the use of land for allotments from the Planning and Development Bill 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10758/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 218 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 269 of 28 February 2023 which out the position in this matter.
217. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he supports the continued reservation of land by local authorities for communities to use for cultivation as allotments; the measures he proposes to take to support allotments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10757/23]
View answerThe provision of allotments is addressed within the Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (2009), issued as Ministerial Guidance within the meaning of Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act (as amended). Section 4.18 - Recommended Qualitative Standards – refer to the need for a focus on the quality of public open space and the activities which take place therein in addition to addressing the reasonable expectations of users. This includes the consideration of allotments and community gardens, noting that they are of particular value in higher density areas. Local authorities must ‘have regard’ to these Section 28 Guidelines when carrying out their strategic planning or development management functions.
In terms of planning, providing, enabling and supporting allotments, legislation is in place in the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Local Government Act 2000 (as amended) to identify locations in development plans for allotment development, and to establish allotments as a part of local government’s role in promoting the interests of local communities. Identifying land for allotment development in a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members in considering and making the plan, while the provision of allotment or similar facilities on local authority land is a matter for each individual local authority including their elected members and is subject to availability of resources and community inputs and support for such proposals.
A framework for provision of allotments or community gardens by local authorities and other interested parties is contained in existing legislation and guidance.
The Draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 was published in January and a final Bill will be published once pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill has concluded. The final Bill will then proceed to the Houses of the Oireachtas with the intention that it will be enacted by this summer, subject to the Oireachtas schedule. There are some further changes to be made to the draft Bill before the final Bill is published and I can confirm that allotments will be provided for in the final Bill, in line with existing provisions.
219. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has any plans to extend the planning permission requirement for short-term letting to areas outside rent pressure zones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10778/23]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 311 of 28 February 2023 which sets out the position in this matter.
220. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 266 of 15 November 2022, if he will review and correct his previous response where he stated that the procedures were followed in relation to a complaint made to the Ombudsman's office concerning breach of a statutory requirement, under section 53(1) of the Building Control Act 2007, by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Registration Body Professional Conducts Committee, which it is believed were not followed in accordance with section 53(1) of the Building Control Act 2007 in that the right of appeal was denied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10798/23]
View answerI am satisfied that my reply to the question referred to stated the position correctly.
221. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the aims and objectives of the German Government-backed Munich Security Conference; if he will report on his attendance at the recent meeting of this conference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10628/23]
View answerI attended the Munich Security Conference from 17-19 February. It provided an excellent opportunity to meet with a range of leaders, decision-makers and policy-thinkers globally including from UN agencies, international organisations and the private sector, and to discuss a range of global foreign and security policy challenges.
The Conference aims for wide and diverse geographic and political participation, from a multitude of perspectives, and is run under the rule of “engage and interact with each other: Don't lecture or ignore one another”. This facilitates important dialogue between states with differing and influential viewpoints on global issues, and at this year’s Conference, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Wang Yi, State Councillor and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Chinese Communist Party.
The 2023 Conference came at an important juncture, almost one year since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. My participation was an opportunity to both build on the active and constructive role Ireland played during our term on the UN Security Council in upholding multilateralism and resolving conflict, and in considering how best we can continue to contribute to protecting European and global security, to addressing urgent global challenges including climate change and global food security, and to championing the core values and principles of the UN Charter.
During the Conference, I met with my Foreign and Defence Ministerial counterparts from Colombia, Jordan, Kenya, Norway, the UK, and Ukraine amongst others, in addition to the Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. I also had the chance to meet with influential figures in international and multilateral organisations, including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, the NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoana, and representatives of the Elders. I also met with influential figures from US politics, including the US Special Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, and former US House of Representatives Speaker, Nancy Pelosi.
222. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he considers the unequal treatment of Palestinians in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as the discriminatory practices towards the Palestinian people on a regular basis, as crimes against humanity which the international community is obliged to oppose and to act, individually and collectively, to end. [10646/23]
View answer223. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the former Attorney General of Israel (details supplied) that this is now a one-state reality, with two different peoples living with unequal rights, and that Israel's entire society is implicit in this unjust reality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10647/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.
Ireland’s focus is on seeking to find a way to change the reality on the ground and to protect and encourage a peace process that can deliver a two-State solution, which is the Government's priority.
I have been consistently forthright in expressing concern regarding the unequal treatment of Palestinians in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. I urge Israel to abide by international law in relation to demolitions, evictions, and settlements. Israel has obligations under international law to people living in the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland was particularly proactive in raising these issues at the UN Security Council during our tenure.
The international community should support Palestinian efforts in seeking legal responses to the occupation. Ireland supported a UN Resolution which includes a request by the UN General Assembly for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, on issues arising from Israel’s continuing occupation of Palestinian territory.
Ireland will continue to raise our concerns regarding discriminatory practices towards the Palestinian people on a regular basis directly with the Israeli authorities, including during visits to the region, as well as at EU and UN level.
224. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports issued in each county in 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [10690/23]
View answerThe number of passports issued by the Passport Service in 2021 and 2022 to applicants residing in each county on the island of Ireland is outlined in tabular form below.
These figures are for passports that were applied for through Passport Online. Passport Online is now used by over 90% of applicants worldwide. It is the fastest and most cost-effective way to apply for a passport, and can be used for renewal applications from anywhere in the world, and for first time applications from over 50 countries worldwide. Due to the limitations of the paper-based passport application system, the Passport Service were unable to compile the requested figures for paper-based applications in time for the response to the Parliamentary Question. The Passport Service will share the paper-based figures with the Deputy directly.
|
County |
Passports issued 2021 |
Passports issued 2022 |
Total |
|
Antrim |
12,633 |
27,989 |
40,622 |
|
Armagh |
3,404 |
8,149 |
11,553 |
|
Carlow |
3,956 |
8,959 |
12,915 |
|
Cavan |
4,579 |
10,582 |
15,161 |
|
Clare |
8,933 |
17,553 |
26,486 |
|
Cork |
41,133 |
83,027 |
124,160 |
|
Derry |
5,980 |
14,370 |
20,350 |
|
Donegal |
10,041 |
23,230 |
33,271 |
|
Down |
9,444 |
21,117 |
30,561 |
|
Dublin |
119,635 |
195,351 |
314,986 |
|
Fermanagh |
1,518 |
3,301 |
4,819 |
|
Galway |
19,541 |
38,858 |
58,399 |
|
Kerry |
9,878 |
21,055 |
30,933 |
|
Kildare |
19,205 |
37,084 |
56,289 |
|
Kilkenny |
6,309 |
13,943 |
20,252 |
|
Laois |
5,115 |
11,667 |
16,782 |
|
Leitrim |
2,069 |
4,669 |
6,738 |
|
Limerick |
14,408 |
28,154 |
42,562 |
|
Longford |
2,288 |
5,468 |
7,756 |
|
Louth |
10,176 |
20,705 |
30,881 |
|
Mayo |
9,266 |
19,482 |
28,748 |
|
Meath |
16,531 |
33,508 |
50,039 |
|
Monaghan |
3,703 |
8,598 |
12,301 |
|
Offaly |
4,693 |
10,871 |
15,564 |
|
Roscommon |
4,223 |
8,986 |
13,209 |
|
Sligo |
4,600 |
10,108 |
14,708 |
|
Tipperary |
10,412 |
22,519 |
32,931 |
|
Tyrone |
4,195 |
10,582 |
14,777 |
|
Waterford |
8,573 |
17,996 |
26,569 |
|
Westmeath |
6,121 |
13,073 |
19,194 |
|
Wexford |
10,075 |
22,042 |
32,117 |
|
Wicklow |
12,486 |
23,217 |
35,703 |
|
Total |
405,123 |
796,213 |
1,201,336 |
225. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to increase the capacity of the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10722/23]
View answerWhilst my Department has no immediate plans to increase staffing resources at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union in Brussels, this is being kept under review in the context of planning for Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position in regard to the availability of an Irish passport in the case of a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10784/23]
View answerAll passport applications are subject to the Passports Act 2008, as amended (the 2008 Act). The Act requires that a person must be an Irish citizen in order for the Minister to issue a passport to that person. Accordingly, every applicant for a passport must submit a complete application form with supporting documents positively confirming to the satisfaction of the Minister, amongst other things, that the person is an Irish citizen and as such is entitled to a passport.
The submitted applications do not demonstrate the children’s entitlement to Irish citizenship. The Passport Service contacted the parent on 29 November 2022, 28 December 2022 and 1 February 2023 to advise them that the applications were incomplete and that further supporting documentation is required to finalise the applications.
It should be noted that on the basis of previous unsuccessful applications for the children, the Passport Service also advised in these communications that if the parent is unable to provide the required supporting documentation, consideration could be given to pursuing, on behalf of the children, applications for Irish citizenship through Naturalisation with the Department of Justice and Equality. In the event that such applications were successful, certificates of naturalisation would be issued to them by the Minister for Justice and Equality. These certificates would be proof of Irish citizenship that would be acceptable to the Passport Service in the context of future passport applications.
227. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if she will consider taking the necessary steps to allow the education welfare service attached to Tusla to find school placements for children under six years of age, given that many parents in certain areas are having great difficulty finding school places for their children; the role of education welfare officers in sourcing school places for children generally, including children with special educational needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10626/23]
View answerTusla Education Support Service (TESS) operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention. TESS has three strands namely the Statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS) and the two school support services the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) and the School Completion Programme (SCP). The three TESS strands work together collaboratively with schools, families and other relevant services to achieve the best educational outcomes for children and young people. All three strands share the same national outcomes:
- Improved Attendance
- Improved Participation
- Improved Retention
Education is compulsory for children from the ages of 6 to 16 or until students have completed three years of post-primary education. The EWS is a statutory service and its primary role is to ensure that every child, as defined in the legislation, either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.
In addition, the EWS provides guidance and advice to parents of children aged under 6 and over 16 with regard to applications for school places. Where a child has special educational needs the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the lead Agency, collaborating with the EWS, to support parents with applications for suitable school places.
228. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if a decision in the case of a person (details supplied) will be reconsidered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10687/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
For 2023, the spend by the Department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my 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.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide. Responsibility for provision in the early years sector lies with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provides up to two years of pre-school within the eligible age range, without charge. The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), introduced in 2016, enables the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities/additional needs in the ECCE Programme. The goal of AIM is to create a more inclusive environment in pre-schools, so all children, regardless of ability, can benefit from quality early learning and care. A diagnosis of autism (or other disabilities/additional needs) is not required to access AIM supports. However, pre-school children with a diagnosis are generally supported in mainstream pre-schools with additional supports provided through AIM where required.
The AIM programme provides seven levels of universal and targeted supports to children with special educational and additional needs. DCEDIY commissioned an evaluation of AIM at the end of its third year. This evaluation was carried out by a consortium led by the University of Derby from December 2020 to December 2021 (delayed due to COVID-19). Its purpose was to investigate the implementation and impact of AIM from the perspective of multiple stakeholders and to consider options for its potential expansion. The final draft version of the evaluation report is currently in preparation. It is expected that the publication of the report will be followed by a period of policy development on the potential for expansion of AIM which will be led by the DCEDIY.
NCSE sanctions the establishment of special classes, including ASD Early Intervention (EI) classes where there is an identified need. There are currently 151 Early intervention classes nationwide. On occasion, EI classes are re-designated as school-age special classes to reflect the changing age-profile of students, the changing needs in an area and in order to ensure a continuation of support for students in the EI class who require a special class placement. Information on the location of EI classes is available on the NCSE website.
In relation to the pupil referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE have advised my Department that the local SENO has been actively engaged in exploring various options for the pupil’s placement. Based on the SENO’s assessment, a place is available for the pupil in a local school and transport will be provided.
Decisions about placement and enrolment are typically made at the school level and are subject to the school's enrolment policy and available resources.
The local SENO remains available to support the family in ensuring that this child can access an appropriate education and the relevant educational supports.
229. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm if funding will be made available for student teachers in a course (details supplied) to cover the cost of their Gaeltacht fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10693/23]
View answerThe Teaching Council, as the professional regulatory body for teaching, has statutory responsibility for the accreditation of initial teacher education programmes and for the registration of primary and post-primary teachers.
Revised standards for the accreditation of programmes of initial teacher education, Céim – Standards for Initial Teacher Education (ITE), were published by the Teaching Council in November 2020. Céim sets out the requirements that all ITE programmes in Ireland must meet in order to gain accreditation from the Teaching Council. It is also a benchmark for anybody seeking to register as a teacher in Ireland. In line with these revised standards, primary and post primary student teachers must spend between 24 and 30 weeks on school placement as part of their ITE programme.
During school placement, student teachers are welcomed and supported by HEI tutors, school principals, class teachers and the school community. It provides student teachers with an opportunity to reflect on their identity as teachers, to develop it and become socialised into the profession. It is underpinned by a shared professional understanding that collaborative engagement with school placement provides professional learning opportunities for all involved.
I want to acknowledge the key role played by student teachers in supporting schools in recent years by providing substitution cover. This support was vitally important to ensure that our schools remained open for pupils.
An amendment to the Teaching Council Registration Regulations in December 2021 enabled the registration of student teachers who have successfully completed the first two years of an accredited undergraduate Initial Teacher Education programme to apply for registration with the Council. At present, in excess of 2,500 student teachers are registered under this route.
Student teachers can, if they wish, still support schools by providing substitution cover when they have availability outside of their ITE programme requirements.
Students providing substitution cover, outside of their ITE programme requirements, will be paid at their appropriate personal rate.
However, there are no plans to introduce payment to student teachers during their periods of school placement as part of their ITE programme requirements
230. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education the enrolment figures for all the schools, at primary and post-primary, in Trim, County Meath on a class-by-class basis and, where relevant, by gender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10609/23]
View answerPlease find attached requested data. Please note data provided is for academic year 2021-2022, the latest year we have final standard and programme data for. We do not publishing standard or programme by gender. This is due to the small numbers involved for some standards and programmes which can increase the risk of statistical disclosure.
This data was collated from the class and programme tables which are published each June for the relevant academic year and be found on our website at the link below.
www.gov.ie/en/collection/63363b-data-on-individual-schools/
