Danny Healy-Rae
Question:231. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will give consideration to a request from students (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10614/23]
View answerTeacher Training
Questions (231)
Written answers
There are four state-funded higher education institutions (HEIs) providing primary initial teacher education (ITE) and one independent private provider of primary ITE.
The current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.
Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints. The rate of student grant for 2023 has been set at an average of €815. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly course in 2023. This grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes.
School Enrolments
Questions (232)
Seán Haughey
Question:232. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if the catchment areas of schools coincide with her Department’s school planning areas; the role of feeder primary schools in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10629/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data in a way that takes account of the significant local and regional variations in demographic trends and enrolment projections, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas, of which some 40 are in Dublin.
Using school planning area boundaries within my Department’s Geographic Information System (GIS) allows data within those boundaries, including data for enrolments in schools, child benefit and other relevant data to be added to the mapping information, grouped and analysed. The GIS records the number of primary and post-primary schools within each planning area, the combined enrolments for all of the schools within each area, including total enrolment and enrolment in each class group, together with child benefit data for the 0-4 age group relevant to the area.
In most areas, school planning areas were based on traditional school catchment areas where all primary schools were assigned to a post-primary feeder area (typically a population centre or town), containing one or more post-primary schools. With the introduction of Small Areas in Census 2011, these feeder areas were amended to align with Census Small Areas. The current school planning areas take account not only of local groupings of schools, but also of natural boundaries, Census Small Areas and other local conditions.
School planning areas are used in the demographic exercise as a basis for the assessment of areas of growth and to inform recommendations on the establishment of any new schools required in that school planning area.
A Board of Management may find it necessary to prioritise enrolment of children from particular areas or on the basis of some other criterion, including giving priority to applicants who have attended a particular primary school known as a feeder school. The criteria to be applied by schools in such circumstances and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves.
Teacher Training
Questions (233)
David Stanton
Question:233. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education if she will consider extending eligibility for Gaeltacht placement grants to students from an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10634/23]
View answerWritten answers
There are four state-funded higher education institutions (HEIs) providing primary initial teacher education (ITE) and one independent private provider of primary ITE.
The current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.
Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints. The rate of student grant for 2023 has been set at an average of €815. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly course in 2023. This grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (234)
Niall Collins
Question:234. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she will detail the contacts she has had with a school (details supplied) in respect of the need to progress the building programme for the school; if she will provide an update and give assurance in relation to the building programme at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10640/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was maintained in 2022 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.
There were circa. 180 school building projects delivered during 2022 and a further 273 school building projects remained under construction at the start of 2023 - most of which will be completed this year.
I am very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by the Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.
Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The school to which the Deputy refers is among the many school accommodation needs across the country being considered as part of this process.
My Department’s overall approach is to ensure that available capacity is maximised to the greatest extent possible as part of its consideration of applications for additional accommodation. Additionally, my Department is working to ensure that projects in the pipeline for planning and delivery are focused on maximising their alignment with overall capacity requirements. Engagement with relevant patrons will be important in this regard.
Child Abuse
Questions (235)
Willie O'Dea
Question:235. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if a decision has been made on an application by a person (details supplied) for assistance through Caranua; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10641/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, Caranua was established in 2013 to disburse the contributions of €110m (€111.38m including interest) provided by the religious congregations following the publication of the Ryan Report by funding approved services to support the needs of former residents who, as children, suffered abuse in relevant institutions.
As the funding available to Caranua was finite in nature, Caranua announced in May 2018 that it would cease to accept applications from 1 August 2018. All outstanding applications were finalised by Caranua by March 2021.
The individual referred to by the Deputy has been in contact with my Department who are aware of his particular circumstances and are continuing to engage with him. However, in this regard, it should be noted that the Department is not in a position to re-open applications or undertake functions on behalf of Caranua.
School Textbooks
Questions (236)
Paul Kehoe
Question:236. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if she plans to consult with small independent retailers whose main business is the supply of schoolbooks in advance of the introduction of free books to primary schools, in order to give them time to plan for the 2023-2024 term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10643/23]
View answerWritten answers
As part of Budget 2023, I announced over €50 million to provide free schoolbooks for all children and young people in primary schools, including special schools within the free education scheme from September 2023. This measure will eliminate the cost to these families for all school books and workbooks. It delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to extend the free school book pilot, currently in over 100 DEIS primary schools, as resources permit. The free primary schoolbooks scheme will benefit up to 540,000 pupils in approximately 3,240 recognised primary schools, including over 130 special schools.
The implementation of the measure will build on the existing school book rental scheme which is available in some 96% of recognised primary schools and on the free school books pilot provided to over one hundred primary DEIS schools in recent years. Schools currently buy books directly from school book suppliers as part of the implementation of the school book rental scheme. It is currently planned on the basis that funds will be provided directly to schools to purchase school books and related classroom resources.
My Department has been engaging with relevant stakeholders including teacher unions, management bodies and representatives of school book publishers and booksellers, in order to inform and plan for the roll out of the measure.
This engagement had already commenced at the end of 2022 and is continuing over the coming weeks.
Guidance for primary schools on the free schoolbooks scheme is being developed. The scheme will seek to ensure that value for money is achieved, and that schools will be supported to implement the scheme in a way that has the best learning outcomes for pupils. It is important to note that schools will continue to have autonomy to choose books that meet curricular requirements.
The Guidance, together with the funding, will be provided to schools to support the purchase of the books and resources in time for the start of the 2023/24 school year. It is recognised that this work will have to commence in schools after the Easter break.
School Funding
Questions (237)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:237. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if additional resources will be provided to a school (details supplied) in view of the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10645/23]
View answerWritten answers
Meeting the educational needs of children and young people from Ukraine is a priority for the Government, and my Department is determined to support the efforts of school communities across the country, who have shown huge commitment and generosity. I announced the establishment of Regional Education and Language Teams (REALTs) to support the needs of Ukrainian children arriving in Ireland. These Education and Language Teams are hosted by the 16 regional education and training boards (ETBs) and are staffed by existing regionally-based education support personnel working closely together to ensure good coordination and alignment of supports for Ukrainian children.
My Department provides specific English Language support to schools with pupils newly arrived into the country that have English as an additional language. Staffing arrangements for the 2023/24 school year, including information on EAL supports available to schools, have been published on the Department website. For the 2023/24 school year, the staffing schedule for primary schools has been improved by one point and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 23 pupils which is a historical low ratio. Lower thresholds apply to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools. The staffing of this small school referred to by the Deputy went from went from P+1 and 1 SET teacher in 2021/22 to P+2, 1 SET, 1 EAL, 10 hours per week Top up SET, and an additional 0.5 SNA in current school year. In teaching terms that’s an increase of 2.4 teachers for an additional 24 pupils which is a PTR of 1:10 to manage the increase in enrolments; a very high level of supports. This level of staffing supports is significant based on the school’s current enrolment.
The first tranche of ICT grant funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools 2027, totalling €50m, issued to schools in December 2021. The school in question received funding of €3,520.70. As with funding under the previous strategy, the funding issued directly to schools as schools are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way. It is a decision for the Board of Management of each school to determine how the ICT grant funding is spent, in line with the ICT circular that issued for the grant. Details of this ICT grant funding can be found at gov.ie - Grant Scheme for ICT Infrastructure – 2021/2022 School Year (www.gov.ie). Subject to available exchequer funding, the remaining amount of some €150m will issue over the lifetime of the Digital Strategy for Schools 2027. The school in question also received ICT grant funding of €5,000 in December 2021 as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) under Next Generation EU funding facility, to provide for a scheme for learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide.
In the context of the current situation in Ukraine, and Ireland’s humanitarian response to the crisis in taking in refugees, the above funding can be used by schools to support the needs of Ukrainian children arriving in Ireland through access to digital technology infrastructure. This can include loaning devices to Ukrainian children enrolled in the school if needed, as well as providing appropriate software, app and tools to support their learning.
All schools are provided with special education resources based on their enrolments but the unprecedented and immediate and ongoing increases in school enrolments following the commencement of the war in Ukraine required a specific response. It must be understood that the increased in some school enrolments were in excess of 100% and this is the reason for the implementation of these temporary emergency measures.
An allocation of additional temporary SET hours and SNA posts are made automatically to schools based on a sliding scale of enrolments. The school referred to by the Deputies has received its allocation of SET hours and SNA posts in line with the relevant scales.
My Department has also been engaging with the school to which the Deputy refers to ensure that adequate accommodation will be in place.
In relation to funding for schools, my Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting, water charges etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
All recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the Free Education scheme benefited from a once-off cost of living measure to support increased school running costs. This additional capitation funding in 2022 represented an increase of circa 40% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates. The additional grant was paid in December at the rate of €75 per pupil at Primary level and €113 at Post-Primary level. Enhanced rates were also be paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs. Schools can use this to cover additional energy costs and other increased day to day operating costs. In the context of the current cost of living crisis the Department would expect this very significant additional funding being made available to schools will be sufficient to meet increased running costs.
School Staff
Questions (238)
Richard O'Donoghue
Question:238. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if the number of teachers will remain the same in a school (details supplied) given the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10688/23]
View answerWritten answers
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
For the 2023/24 school year, the staffing schedule for primary schools has been improved by one point and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 23 pupils which is a historical low ratio. Lower thresholds apply to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Information on the appeals process and application forms are available in Circular 0006/2023.
The Special Education Teaching allocation, as outlined in Circular 0020/2022 for primary schools provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile and also encompasses the Language Support (EAL) allocation that schools were allocated in previous years. All schools are advised in the first instance to review whether the needs of newly enrolled pupils can be met from within existing allocations.
The Department also provides specific English Language support to schools with pupils newly arrived into the country that have English as an additional language.
Further language support may also be provided, through the staffing appeals process, to schools that have a high concentration of pupils enrolled who have received less than 3 years EAL support and currently have less than B1 (level 3) proficiency in English.
The allocation of special education needs resources to each school is designed to cater for normal changes in a schools profile between profile updating events which occur circa ever two years.
However the SET Model allocation process was not designed to handle the unprecedented and immediate and ongoing increases in school enrolments following the commencement of the war in Ukraine and this required a specific response.
The addition temporary SET Hours/ or SNA posts being provided to schools is based on threshold tables and are designed and have been implemented in line with the overall SET allocation model to ensure that schools and their students with special education needs were not impacted negatively. The temporary allocations are automatically applied to schools once they reach the relevant thresholds and reviewed on a regular basis and adjusted if enrolments reach a new threshold level.
The additional temporary hours provided to schools are whole school resources and are not for any specific to any cohort of students but are to be utilised by schools in line with Special Education Needs policies that resources are focussed on those pupils with special educational needs (irrespective of nationality).
The Department of Education is happy to confirm that all schools in County Limerick have received temporary additional Special Education resource allocations where their enrolment of Ukrainian students reaches the relevant threshold.
School Accommodation
Questions (239)
Michael Ring
Question:239. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a lease for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10692/23]
View answerWritten answers
The current position on the lease to which the Deputy refers is that the work is ongoing and approaching conclusion. The Chief State Solicitors Office, on behalf of my Department, has been engaging with the property owners’ legal representative on the draft lease for some time and the vast majority of the clauses in the draft lease are agreed. My Department is working with relevant stakeholders with a view to finalising the final remaining clauses of the lease.
School Textbooks
Questions (240)
Colm Burke
Question:240. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm the details of the assessment processes in place for approving children’s books to be made available in public libraries and school curriculums; if there is a forum where parents can make submissions on books already approved or to be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10694/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Education does not have any remit with regards to availability of books in public libraries.
In relation to the curriculum, it is the current policy of the Department of Education to not endorse or promote any particular programme, product or publication to support the teaching of subjects. There are a small number of exceptions where the department has procured textbooks or resources in order to fill a need. There is no obligation for a school to use any particular textbook or programme in their delivery of the curriculum. Apart from a small number of prescribed texts at post-primary, determined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), the decisions on which textbooks, programmes and products to use in primary and post-primary schools are taken at school level.
In terms of the content, the Department of Education does not have a role in approving, commissioning, sponsoring or endorsing any content in any educational product. The Curriculum specification and prescribed syllabus material are determined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) www.ncca.ie and it is the responsibility of each individual school to select the resources that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum.
In relation to the prescription of texts, prescribed text list working groups are convened by the NCCA Education Officer for the subject in question. The rationale for the approach taken towards the generation of text lists is that it is a highly deliberative and time-intensive process. Participation in the group is on a voluntary basis. In general, the group comprises teachers, third level lecturers, staff from relevant support services/support agencies and experts in children’s and young adult literature. In selecting texts, the prescribed text list working groups are informed and guided by ‘Criteria for the Selection of Texts’, which aims to achieve a balance between classic and contemporary texts; Irish and non-Irish authorship; seeks gender balance in authorship and representation; embraces diversity and inclusion; accessibility of texts; general suitability and comparative potential.
Achieving a balanced list of texts remains a challenging and worthwhile endeavour and work continues to create a broadly balanced, diverse and inclusive list. The NCCA regularly receives recommendations and advice about texts for consideration and inclusion in courses. Parents, teachers, and students can make suggestions through an online form, which can be accessed on the NCCA website (curriculumonline.ie). All submissions are considered by the relevant text list group as they review and update the selection of texts for subsequent groups of students.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (241)
Brendan Smith
Question:241. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when a project will proceed to the next stage (details supplied) in view of the urgency of providing additional permanent accommodation at this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10702/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application from the school in question, for funding under the Department's Additional School Accommodation scheme (ASA).
My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was achieved again in 2022 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.
There were circa. 180 school building projects delivered during 2022 and a further 273 school building projects remained under construction at the start of 2023 - most of which will be completed this year.
I am very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by the Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.
Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The school to which the Deputy refers is among the many school accommodation needs across the country being considered as part of this process.
My Department’s overall approach is to ensure that available capacity is maximised to the greatest extent possible as part of its consideration of applications for additional accommodation. Additionally, my Department is working to ensure that projects in the pipeline for planning and delivery are focused on maximising their alignment with overall capacity requirements. Engagement with relevant patrons will be important in this regard. The medium to longer term trajectory on overall enrolments is also particularly relevant given that at national level, enrolments at primary are projected to reduce by circa. 100,000 over the next decade notwithstanding that there can be regional and local variations to this trajectory.
My Department will be in further contact with the school authorities in due course.
School Curriculum
Questions (242)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:242. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education the plans she has to support children who may feel othered because they will be removed from classes that teach gender identity ideology; and if she will provide alternative teaching for children who are removed from these classes to ensure they do not receive less education because of their adherence to the scientific understanding of gender identity. [10703/23]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act, 1998, parents have a right to have their children not attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parents. The manner in which any schools ensures that the right of a student not to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parents is a matter for the school concerned. The school must determine the particular arrangements which are most appropriate in its individual circumstances having regard to local issues such as available space, supervision requirements and how the school concerned organises classes etc.
As Minister, I am committed to inclusive education for all. My Department is fully committed to creating safe and supportive environments in schools, that are welcoming and inclusive for every student. My Department’s Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice (2019) promotes the provision of a whole-school approach to supporting wellbeing, an approach that has been found internationally to produce a wide range of educational and social benefits for individual children and young people, including increased inclusion, greater social cohesion, increased social capital and improvements to mental health. To support schools in this work the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) provides training to schools to ensure that the promotion of wellbeing is at the core of the ethos of every school.
NEPS has also developed training for school staff on the promotion of wellbeing and resilience in schools. If a school has concerns about a student, the school may request the involvement of the NEPS psychologist. The role of a NEPS Educational Psychologist is to support the wellbeing, inclusion and participation of all students in schools through the application of psychological theory and practice.
School Curriculum
Questions (243)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:243. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if the teaching of gender identity ideology will be limited to specific classes, or if it will be integrated across a number of subjects or delivered across the whole of the curriculum; if it is the latter two, how children will be able to absent themselves from gender identity ideology classes without missing out on core curriculum subjects; and how parents who work full-time will be able to facilitate children absenting themselves from gender identity ideology classes. [10704/23]
View answerWritten answers
As set out in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to developing inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and SPHE across primary and post-primary schools.
In giving effect to this commitment, my Department continues to work closely with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). I take it that the Deputy's question refers to the introduction of a revised Junior Cycle specification for SPHE. As the Deputy is aware, a draft revised specification was published for consultation by the NCCA in July 2022, with the consultation process running to October 2022. Both the draft specification and the report of the consultation are publicly available on www.ncca.ie.
The revised Junior Cycle SPHE specification, which includes Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) has been approved by the NCCA Council, and is currently being considered within my Department. The intention is that it will be introduced in schools this coming September with revised specifications to follow at Senior Cycle and Primary.
The aim of the new specification, which has been developed by the NCCA, is described as being to nurture students' self awareness and positive self-worth and to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will help them to create and maintain respectful and caring relationships and lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
In accordance with Section 30 of the Education Act, 1998, parents have a right to have their children not attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parents. The manner in which any schools ensures that the right of a student not to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parents is a matter for the school concerned. The school must determine the particular arrangements which are most appropriate in its individual circumstances having regard to local issues such as available space, supervision requirements and how the school concerned organises classes etc.
School Curriculum
Questions (244)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:244. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if she has taken legal advice as to the exposure to litigation of her Department where the new junior cycle SPHE curriculum on gender identity contributes to a child with psychological comorbidities being gender affirmed to a new gender without the comorbidities being identified or treated; the duty of care the school has in these situations; and the resources that will be provided to the school to ensure they can fulfil their duty of care. [10705/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government commits that ‘this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) across primary and post-primary schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships’.
Work to implement this commitment is ongoing, building on a major review of RSE in schools, completed in 2019 by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). A draft revised Junior Cycle specification was published for consultation in July 2022, with the consultation running until October 2022. The report of this consultation is available on the website of the NCCA, and has informed the NCCA’s finalisation of the Junior Cycle specification. The aim is that this will be implemented in schools in September of this year.
My Department has not taken legal advice on the possibility of litigation arising from circumstances such as those described by the Deputy. My Department does not anticipate any such circumstances arising as a result of the implementation of a revised SPHE curriculum.
In regard to the duty of care of schools, my Department’s Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice (2019) promotes the provision of a whole-school approach to supporting wellbeing, an approach that has been found internationally to produce a wide range of educational and social benefits for individual children and young people, including increased inclusion, greater social cohesion, increased social capital and improvements to mental health. To support schools in this work the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) provides training to schools to ensure that the promotion of wellbeing is at the core of the ethos of every school. NEPS has also developed training for school staff on the promotion of wellbeing and resilience in schools.
If a school has concerns about a student the school may request the involvement of the NEPS psychologist. The role of a NEPS Educational Psychologist is to support the wellbeing, inclusion and participation of all students in schools through the application of psychological theory and practice. The NEPS service focuses on the provision of psychological services for a student, working either directly with the student and/or with the teachers and parents. Where necessary the NEPS psychologist will signpost schools to the appropriate external supports.
School Curriculum
Questions (245)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:245. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education if the new NCCA curriculum for the junior cycle indicates clearly to children the link between children consuming pornography and sexual violence and rape; if the new NCCA curriculum for the junior cycle will indicate the link between children consuming pornography and distorted understandings of healthy relationships, pornography addiction, distorted male and female expectations of sexual relationships and of body image; and if the new NCCA curriculum for the junior cycle will give clear ethical guidelines to children not to consume pornography while under the age of 18 years. [10706/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government states that ‘this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and SPHE across primary and post-primary schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships’.
For Junior Cycle, a revised Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) specification, which includes Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) has been approved by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), and is currently being considered within my Department. The intention is that it will be introduced in schools this coming September with revised specifications to follow at Senior Cycle and Primary.
The Junior Cycle specification follows on from the extensive public consultation which took place from July to October 2022. The report of this consultation has been published on the website of the NCCA.
For the draft Junior Cycle specification, the published consultation report tells us that there was a strong welcome from many consultation participants for the Learning Outcome that refers to understanding the influence of pornography. It is worth noting that the report states that, in focus group meetings, both students and teachers said that pornography is having a damaging impact on young people’s understanding of relationships and needs to be discussed.
In the consultation, a number of parents expressed deep concern that teaching about pornography might promote its use. I want to state clearly that promoting the use of pornography is categorically not the aim. The aim of the proposed Learning Outcome would be to create awareness of the prevalence and influence of sexual imagery across popular culture including pornography, and help students themselves look critically at how it is influencing their own expectations and understanding. All SPHE curricula will be taught in a way that is age and stage appropriate.
In relation to the specific topics of rape and sexual violence which are referred to by the Deputy, he may wish to note that the updating of SPHE specifications is a key action within Zero Tolerance, the third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV), which was published in June.
Business Supports
Questions (246)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:246. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a list of supports for businesses and enterprise under her Department; the funding breakdown for same, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10776/23]
View answerWritten answers
The funding allocated to my Department, as set down in the annual Estimates, is used to meet costs associated with the provision of educational services in our schools and various related functions. The allocation is used primarily to fund the salaries of teaching and non-teaching school staff, the development of school infrastructure, capitation funding for the ongoing running costs of schools, the payment of pensions to retired school staff, the costs associated with the school transport scheme and the general administration costs of my Department.
Funding is also provided to enable the Department to make grant payments to Education and Training Boards to meet costs associated with the provision of certain educational services and to the various agencies and bodies that come under the aegis of my Department. Funding is also allocated for a range of programmes and initiatives.
The annual Appropriation Account and Revised Estimates for Public Services for my Department's Vote provides detailed information regarding expenditure and receipts.
In the course of its work, my Department makes a significant number of payments every year. Such payments are made to individuals and organisations both by way of grants and also for the provision of goods and services to it. Some of the recipients of this funding may be businesses although my Department’s funding programmes are not generally directly aimed at enterprises. However, as such labels are not necessarily assigned to payees on the Financial Management System and, as my Department would be reliant on the relevant information being correctly notified by the individuals and organisations concerned, it is not possible to provide an accurate and complete list of total expenditure to businesses. In those circumstances, it would not be possible without utilising very significant staff resources to search for, identify and retrieve the information sought. If the Deputy wishes to obtain further information regarding specific businesses or supports, I will arrange for this information to be provided.
Social Welfare Eligibility
Questions (247)
Michael Creed
Question:247. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to a companion pass. [10604/23]
View answerWritten answers
An application for a Free Travel Companion Pass was received from the person concerned in August 2022. The application was forwarded to the Department's Medical Advisor for decision.
The Medical Advisor found that a Free Travel Companion Pass on medical grounds was not warranted on the basis of the medical evidence provided. The application was disallowed and the person was notified of this decision.
It remains open to the person concerned to provide additional (or specialist) medical evidence in support of their application for a companion pass. Where further medical evidence is provided, the application will be re-examined.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Registration of Births
Questions (248)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:248. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Social Protection her advice for parents who cannot register their child's birth due to delays in getting a court date for paternity; when section 6 of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 will be commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10631/23]
View answerWritten answers
I would refer the Deputy to my previous answer to PQ 8524/23 of the 21st February last with regard to the requirements for the inclusion of a person who is not the mother's husband on the birth registration record of a child.
Married mothers who have not obtained a divorce or deed of separation and who wish to register a person other than their husband as father of their child, are required to submit a statutory declaration from their husband that he is not the father of the child.
Until such time as a court order made in proceedings referred to in Section 45 of the Status of Children Act 1987 has been granted which names the father, there is no facility where the birth can be registered to include a person who is not the mother's husband without a statutory declaration from that husband.
Section 6 of the Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2014 cannot be commenced until technical amendments by way of primary legislation are made to enable its commencement. It is my intention to make these technical amendments in forthcoming legislation for civil registration which I intend to bring to Government for approval shortly.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (249)
Brendan Griffin
Question:249. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a disability allowance payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10648/23]
View answerWritten answers
The person concerned has been in receipt of disability allowance (DA) since 1 June 2022. A request to have an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) and increase for a qualified child (IQC) added to his DA claim was received by phone on 23 September 2022, the person concerned was asked to send in his partner's payslips. (An email request was received on 26 September 2022.)
Payslips were required to process the increase. This was requested on the phone, and as we had not received them a request letter issued on 3 February 2023. The customer did not receive this letter, a further request issued 9 February 2023, and the information was received on 20 February 2023
The person concerned was awarded IQA and IQC payments on his DA claim with effect from 28 September 2022. He was assessed with means from his spouse's employment. He was notified of this decision in writing on 27 February 2023.
Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Questions (250)
Bernard Durkan
Question:250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of review for carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision is expected to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10651/23]
View answerWritten answers
Carer’s Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 21 October 2022.
It is a condition for receipt of CA that the person being cared for must have such disability that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision, and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and being likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the Deciding Officer (DO) decided that this evidence did not indicate that these conditions were satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 2 December 2022 of this decision, the reason for it and of the right of review and appeal.
A review of this decision was requested by the applicant on 27 January 2023 along with further evidence on the matter; however, the decision remained unchanged.
The person concerned was notified on 11 February 2023 of this decision, the reason for it and of the right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.