Holly Cairns
Question:618. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if she will clarify her plans for the continued funding and development of early intervention ASD classes. [12462/23]
View answerSpecial Educational Needs
Questions (618, 652)
Holly Cairns
Question:652. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to roll out early intervention ASD classes to all schools who have identified this need. [12771/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 618 and 652 together.
I 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 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.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (619)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:619. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on an ASD unit for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12501/23]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs (SEN) to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my Department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
For 2023, the spend by my 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 providing supports to children and young people with special educational needs and their schools.
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 funding to support children with SEN in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last three years, my Department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient mainstream, special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
There are 81 special classes in Co. Kerry. Of these, 55 are at primary level and 26 are at post-primary level.
Over the last three years, the NCSE have sanctioned 29 new special classes in Co. Kerry. Of these, 20 special classes are at primary level and 9 are at post-primary level.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE have advised my Department that the school has not requested an additional special class at this time. However, NCSE staff have recently visited the school following an SNA exceptional review application. This application was deemed valid and a full SNA review is due to take place in April.
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 demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my Department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes. The Department has also previously written to all post-primary schools in October 2022 to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 3 to 5 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
If the recent growth in the need for special classes continues, it is expected that a similar level of new special classes will be needed at primary level over the next three years as have been provided over the last three years. At post-primary level however, it is expected that we will need to double the number of new special classes being provided over the next three years as compared to the last three years.
The NCSE has advised my Department that it continues to work with schools to ensure that there are sufficient places available in special classes to meet the needs of children. It is expected that the NCSE will confirm where new special classes at primary and post-primary level have been sanctioned for the coming school year over the next few weeks. This is in keeping with timelines in previous years.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
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.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
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.
School Curriculum
Questions (620, 760)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:620. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education what research her Department has carried out on the effect on primary school children of delivering material on transgenderism in the classroom; and if education on transgenderism to primary school children would include education on concepts (details supplied). [12510/23]
View answer
Brendan Griffin
Question:760. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education her views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to the teaching of transgender identity in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13597/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 620 and 760 together.
The current primary SPHE curriculum dates from 1999. It does not make specific reference to transgender or LGBT identities. It does value diversity, it is founded on principles of inclusion and it promotes the use of inclusive and respectful language. Teaching of SPHE and RSE is an important aspect of the curriculum for all students. In that context, many sensitive issues may arise and the aim is to address them in a way that is inclusive and that is age and stage appropriate.
The Programme for Government commits to the development of inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and SPHE across primary and post-primary schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships. Work in this regard has been ongoing for some time by the NCCA. Following the publication of the Primary Curriculum Framework, which will be the foundation for all curriculum specifications, on 9 March, the NCCA is commencing work on the curricular area of Wellbeing in primary schools, which includes SPHE and RSE.
The development process for the new specification will include research and consultation. Consultation is a core feature of the NCCA’s work in developing curricula with a variety of voices reflected throughout the curriculum development process for all subjects. Members of Subject Development Groups are nominated by the partners in education and include representatives of teachers, school management, parents and other stakeholders in education, including co-opted persons with expertise in the area.
It is intended the public consultation on a draft primary wellbeing specification will happen next year, with the intention of introducing in schools in 2025. I would encourage parents, students, teachers and all other stakeholders to take part in this public consultation as this work progresses.
School Curriculum
Questions (621)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:621. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education what the long-term outcomes are for children who have been taught at primary school-age that gender is something distinct from biology; if there are higher rates of gender transition; and if there are higher rates of gender detransition. [12511/23]
View answerWritten answers
The current primary SPHE curriculum dates from 1999. It does not make specific reference to transgender or LGBT identities. It does value diversity, it is founded on principles of inclusion and it promotes the use of inclusive and respectful language. Teaching of SPHE and RSE is an important aspect of the curriculum for all students. In that context, many sensitive issues may arise and the aim is to address them in a way that is inclusive and that is age and stage appropriate.
The Programme for Government commits to the development of inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and SPHE across primary and post-primary schools, including an inclusive programme on LGBTI+ relationships. Work in this regard has been ongoing for some time by the NCCA. Following the publication of the Primary Curriculum Framework, which will be the foundation for all curriculum specifications, on 9 March, the NCCA is commencing work on the curricular area of Wellbeing in primary schools, which includes SPHE and RSE.
The development process for the new specification will include research and consultation. Consultation is a core feature of the NCCA’s work in developing curricula with a variety of voices reflected throughout the curriculum development process for all subjects. Members of Subject Development Groups are nominated by the partners in education and include representatives of teachers, school management, parents and other stakeholders in education, including co-opted persons with expertise in the area.
It is intended the public consultation on the draft Primary Wellbeing specification will occur next year, with the intention of introducing in schools in 2025. I would encourage parents, students, teachers and all other stakeholders to take part in this public consultation as this work progresses.
In relation to gender transition, my Department does not hold or gather data on the number of children, young people or adults who may choose to transition.
School Accommodation
Questions (622)
Steven Matthews
Question:622. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the temporary accommodation committed to a school (details supplied); the timeline for the installation of same; if any remedial work is required on the prefab units; if her attention has been drawn to a meeting request from the five Wicklow TDs with senior officials responsible for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12514/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that approval has issued for the refurbishment of 4 existing Modular Classroom units and for the provision of 2 additional Modular Classroom units at the school referred, to cater for increased enrolments.
The project is being delivered under the Department’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme which provides the services of a Project Manager to assist the School Authority. This approach supports accelerated delivery of the accommodation and maximises assistance to the school for this brief, the project will be delivered from the Department’s Procurement Frameworks which offers schools the option to provide and deliver a turnkey project with efficiency in terms of timelines, experience, tried and tested service with professional Design Teams
and Contractors. The School Authority has overall responsibility for delivery of the project.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (623)
Emer Higgins
Question:623. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on an application by a school (details supplied) for a permanent building to replace the existing prefabs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12547/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question. This application is under assessment by my officials and a decision will issue to the school authorities directly when the assessment process has been completed.
Teaching Qualifications
Questions (624)
James Lawless
Question:624. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education if a request by a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12550/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher.
Where an applicant for registration as a primary teacher has completed a programme of teacher education outside of Ireland, an Irish Language Requirement (ILR) condition applies to their registration. In order to address this condition, the teacher can either complete an Aptitude Test (SCG – An Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge) or an Adaptation Period (OCG – Oiriúnú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge), which confirms the applicant's competence to teach the Irish language as well as a range of primary school curricular subjects through the medium of Irish. Both the SCG (Aptitude Test) and OCG (Adaptation Period) are administered by Marino Institute of Education.
Upon initial registration a teacher is granted a period of three years to complete this condition. Should a teacher not address this condition within this timeframe the teacher may apply for an extension of time, this is in line with S32 of the Teaching Council Acts. Extension requests are considered under the Teaching Council Procedures – Extension Request Assessments. Further information is available on the Teaching Council website, www.TeachingCouncil.ie. Extension requests are granted at the discretion of the Council and are usually granted for a period of one year. Such requests are generally granted should the teacher evidence that they are in employment. Applications for extension requests are submitted online via a teacher’s MyRegistration portal account.
Terms and conditions for employment in primary school settings are determined by the Department of Education. The routes of registration required are contained in Department Circular 0044/2019. The below table contained in that circular sets out the registration requirements for primary school settings.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (625)
Steven Matthews
Question:625. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the confirmed delay of a new school building for a school (details supplied); the basis for this decision in the context of chronic secondary school place shortages in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12552/23]
View answerWritten answers
The permanent building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to progress projects through the stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.
As part of the conditions of sale of the permanent site for the school at Glenheron, Greystones, the lodgement of the application for planning permission for the project was under the remit of the vendor and my Department worked closely with the vendor in relation to the planning application for the new school. The final grant of planning permission for the school project referred to by the Deputy was received on 19th May 2022.
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 €860 million. 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.
High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 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 adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.
We are currently at a very advanced stage with these discussions. Progress has been made and I am anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. I want to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. I am well aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for me. I have engaged directly with Minister Donohue on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.
We will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school’s patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (626)
Seán Sherlock
Question:626. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the projects that are paused or being considered for pausing under capital expenditure. [12568/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing €4.4 billion over the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
My Department is 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 my 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.
The strong level of delivery is a key driver of capital pressures in the Department. In addition to the normal pressures on the school building budget, there are also additional pressures in the context of requirement to accelerate delivery of accommodation for children with Special Education Needs and also in respect of capacity for continued inflow of Ukrainian and other IP students – particularly at post-primary level where accommodation pressures are more acute
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for the remainder of 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. Over 70% of the NDP allocation for 2023 is needed to cover expenditure on contractual commitments on existing projects at construction carried forward from 2022. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, my Department is at the advanced stages of engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023. Progress has been made and the Department is anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. My Department wants to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. My Department is aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for my Department having engaged directly with Minister Donohue on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.
I think it is best for communications to be done at individual school level and that is the approach we have taken. The Department will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.
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 current status of all projects are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
Schools Refurbishment
Questions (627)
Seán Sherlock
Question:627. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the status of works for a school rebuild (details supplied). [12569/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Letter of Acceptance for the school referred to by the Deputy issued to the preferred tenderer on the 18th May 2022 commencing the school building contract.
The construction programme is some 84 weeks and due to complexities on the site will be handed over in three phases.
Schools Refurbishment
Questions (628)
Seán Sherlock
Question:628. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the status of works for a school rebuild (details supplied). [12570/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for the schools referred to by the Deputy issued to the preferred tenderer on the 31st May 2022 commencing the school building contract.
The campus is due to be completed in Q4 2023.
School Admissions
Questions (629)
Duncan Smith
Question:629. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will act with the utmost urgency to ensure that a young person (details supplied) can return to secondary school education at the earliest possible convenience; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12581/23]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in that area.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
Where the reason for refusal to enrol a child is due to the school being oversubscribed, a parent/guardian can appeal that decision under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, and an independent appeals committee will be appointed to consider the appeal. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a student, except in circumstances where an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 has been allowed and the appeals committee directs that the school admit the child concerned.
Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. My Department has been in contact with the Education Welfare Service section of Tusla Education Support Services and has been informed that the Education Welfare Officer is providing guidance and support to the family of this pupil.
School Transport
Questions (630)
Catherine Murphy
Question:630. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the terms of reference in respect of the review of the school transport scheme that commenced in February 2021; the eligibility criteria for the scheme as communicated by her to Bus Éireann; and if she has engaged with the NTA in respect of providing additional frequency and capacity on services in known problem areas where pupils cannot access her scheme to travel to school. [12586/23]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 4,500 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
The purpose of the Primary and Post-Primary School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. Children are generally eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria (3.2km at primary and 4.8km at post-primary) and are attending their nearest school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for children with Special Educational Needs is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability. Children are eligible for transport where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability in accordance with the designation of high and low incidence disability set out in Department of Education and Skill’s (DES) Circular 02/05 and are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
A review of the School Transport Scheme commenced in February 2021.
A Technical Working Group was established to review the School Transport Scheme as it currently operates and to make recommendations to a Steering Group. The Steering Group report on the findings and recommendations of the Working Group and will prepare a report with recommendations for consideration of the Minister on the future operation of the School Transport Scheme.
The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately. The review includes an examination of issues for mainstream pupils relating to the nearest and next nearest school, a detailed analysis of the objectives of the School Transport Scheme, for both the mainstream and SEN schemes and an examination of issues around eligibility criteria, scheme performance, scheme expenditure and the potential for scheme integration.
Significant consultation has been undertaken as part of this review. A public survey was administered for parents/guardians and students who use the service and those who do not use the service but who would like to. A broad array of stakeholders including schools, special education interest groups, industry representatives and other Government Departments were all consulted as part of this review.
Phase 1 of the review examined the impact of eligibility criteria on mainstream pupils who were eligible for transport to their nearest school but attending their next nearest school. The report was completed in June 2021.
Following consideration of this report, for the 2021/2022 school year, the provision of temporary alleviation measures was approved for transport for post-primary students who are otherwise eligible for school transport, but were attending their second nearest school and had applied and paid on time. These measures have been continued for the current 2022/2023 school year, and will again continue in the 2023/2024 school year pending completion of the review. These measures mean that transport will be provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and, who applied for school transport by the 28th April 2023 and pay for a ticket/enter medical card details by the 9th June 2023. These measures will again continue in the 2023/2024 school year
Phase two of the review has progressed significantly and is being completed in tandem with phase three which is well underway.
While work on the review was impacted somewhat by the current conflict in Ukraine, and by the increased demand for the scheme in summer 2022 due to fees being waived, my officials are working to complete phase 3 of the review within the coming weeks with recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme. Once approved by Government it is planned that the review will be published.
Officials from my Department engage with the NTA and the Department of Transport on a regular basis in relation to the potential provision of transport solutions in locations where it may be challenging for Bus Éireann to source drivers or contractors.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (631)
Chris Andrews
Question:631. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education if funding will be made available to allow the school building project, for a school (details supplied) to proceed, to allow this school to move into permanent accommodation; when the tender for this building will go out; the timeline for delivery and construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12587/23]
View answerWritten answers
The permanent school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is a campus project under my Department's Design and Build programme which will deliver a 1,000 pupil post primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including two classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
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 €860 million. 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.
High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 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 adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.
We are currently at a very advanced stage with these discussions. Progress has been made and I am anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. I want to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. I am well aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for me. I have engaged directly with Minister Donohue on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.
We will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school’s patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.
Schools Refurbishment
Questions (632)
Robert Troy
Question:632. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if she will urgently expedite an emergency works application for a school (details supplied). [12590/23]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to inform the Deputy than an application for funding under my Departments Emergency Works Scheme for toilet works was received from the school in question on the 6th of March 2023. The application will be assessed in line with the terms of the Emergency Works Scheme and a decision will issue directly to the school as soon as possible.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (633)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:633. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education the status of the case of a child (details supplied) who has level two autism and whose parents have been unsuccessful in securing a primary school place for them in a Limerick school with ASD supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12593/23]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs (SEN) to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my Department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
For 2023, the spend by my 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 providing supports to children and young people with special educational needs and their schools.
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 funding to support children with SEN in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my Department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient mainstream, special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
There are currently 113 special classes in Co. Limerick. Of these, 78 special classes are at primary level and 35 are at post-primary level. Over the last three years, 38 new special classes at primary and 18 new special classes at post-primary have been provided in Co. Limerick.
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. The number of special class and special school places required in any school year for each locality requires detailed planning and engagement between the Department, the NCSE and schools to ensure sufficient mainstream, special class and special school places are provided for. The planning activity between all stakeholders occurs all year round and the NCSE continuously engages with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes. Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.
The Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning for 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 review of school accommodation needs.
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.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
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.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
In relation to the pupil referred to by the Deputy, the NSCE has advised my Department that the local SENO is aware of the pupil's situation and has recently been in contact with with the pupil's parent and has provided advice and recommended a number of schools which may have suitable placements. The SENO remains available in order to provide further support to the family.
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.
I want 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.
Schools Refurbishment
Questions (634)
Michael Lowry
Question:634. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will detail the contacts she has had with a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary 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. [12594/23]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has no current record of receiving an application for additional school accommodation (ASA) from the school in question However, officials in my Department have been in contact with the school authority to complete an ASA for assessment. When the application is received and assessment process is completed, a decision will be conveyed to the school authority directly.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (635, 636, 637, 638, 639)
Johnny Guirke
Question:635. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm if a school project (details supplied) did in fact go out to tender, given that it was announced in May 2022 that it would go out to tender by the end of 2022; if any company was successful with its tender application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12605/23]
View answerJohnny Guirke
Question:636. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education the schedule of when a school (details supplied) permanent building will start; when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12606/23]
View answerJohnny Guirke
Question:637. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education the amount of capital funding that is required to complete the school (details supplied) permanent build project; if these funds will be released in 2023 in order for the build to begin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12607/23]
View answerJohnny Guirke
Question:638. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education if the new temporary buildings at a school (details supplied) will be ready for the school term of 2023/2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12608/23]
View answerJohnny Guirke
Question:639. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education the length of time it is expected that students will spend in temporary classrooms at the school (details supplied); if there a possibility that this could become long-term alternative to the permanent build; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12609/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 635, 636, 637, 638 and 639 together.
The permanent accommodation for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Management team to progress the project through the stages of architectural planning, tendering and construction.
It is intended that the school will move to suitable interim accommodation on the permanent site for the 2023/24 school year, pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the new school.
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 €860 million. 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.
High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 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 adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.
We are currently at a very advanced stage with these discussions. Progress has been made and I am anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. I want to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. I am well aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for me. I have engaged directly with Minister Donohue on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.
We will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school’s patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the school.
Question No. 636 answered with Question No. 635.
Question No. 637 answered with Question No. 635.
Question No. 638 answered with Question No. 635.
Question No. 639 answered with Question No. 635.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (640)
Sorca Clarke
Question:640. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the current status of the Phase 1 application from December 2022 by a school (details supplied) for proposed essential works to this growing school where places are in increasing demand. [12615/23]
View answerWritten answers
The school referred to by the Deputy has a project approved under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. This project is currently at Stage 1 of the architectural planning process.
The Patron body LWETB issued the Stage 1 report to the Department on the 22/12/2022.
This report is currently under review by the Professional & Technical Team in the Department and a reply will issue to the school shortly upon completion of this review.
School Accommodation
Questions (641)
Sorca Clarke
Question:641. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the application by a school (details supplied) for the urgent provision of additional accommodation, which the school was informed in December 2022 was in the final stage of its assessment given the nature of the application. [12616/23]
View answerWritten answers
The school referred to by the Deputy has a project approved under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. This project is currently at Stage 1 of the architectural planning process.
The Patron body LWETB issued the Stage 1 report to the Department on the 22/12/2022.
This report is currently under review by the Professional & Technical Team in the Department and a reply will issue to the school shortly upon completion of this review.
Capital Expenditure Programme
Questions (642, 644)
Johnny Guirke
Question:642. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education if any projects under her remit are on hold due to Capital Funding pressures; if she will indicate the projects, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12623/23]
View answerJohnny Guirke
Question:644. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education if she will supply a list of the 58 school projects affected by capital funding pressures by county and school, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12685/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 642 and 644 together.
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.
Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing €4.4 billion over the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
My Department is 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 my 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.
The strong level of delivery is a key driver of capital pressures in the Department. In addition to the normal pressures on the school building budget, there are also additional pressures in the context of requirement to accelerate delivery of accommodation for children with Special Education Needs and also in respect of capacity for continued inflow of Ukrainian and other IP students – particularly at post-primary level where accommodation pressures are more acute
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for the remainder of 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. Over 70% of the NDP allocation for 2023 is needed to cover expenditure on contractual commitments on existing projects at construction carried forward from 2022. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, my Department is at the advanced stages of engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023. Progress has been made and the Department is anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. My Department wants to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. My Department is aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for my Department having engaged directly with Minister Donohue on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.
I think it is best for communications to be done at individual school level and that is the approach we have taken. The Department will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.
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 current status of all projects are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.