Written Answers Nos. 121-140
121. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if her Department has considered installing solar panels in all primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13926/23]
View answerMy Department is leading an ambitious sustainability agenda and has progressed a wide array of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings.
It is a priority for Government to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious climate agenda and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes targets around the decarbonisation of Ireland’s public buildings.
It is really positive news for our schools that Budget 2023, through the Climate Action Fund, will enable the provision of Photovoltaic Panels in schools up to 6KW output. It is intended the provision of the solar panels will be fully funded for schools. PV panels will assist schools with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.
In respect of the roll out of PV panels, my Department's officials are working closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications colleagues in relation to the arrangements for this multi-annual scheme and details will be announced in due course.
As part of planning for the rollout of this multi-annual scheme, the capacity surveys of the school system that are currently underway will also include obtaining up to date data on the number of schools that have solar panels currently. This is important preparatory work in planning for the rollout of this multi-annual scheme.
122. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education the reason for the review of the extension project at a school (details supplied); and when that review will be complete. [14245/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question was approved significant capital funding under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme and this project is currently devolved to the school authorities for delivery.
The capital funding was for the provision of 16 x Mainstream classrooms, 4 x SET rooms, a large amount of specialist teaching rooms and 4 classrooms for students with special educational needs.
In addition to this project, modular accommodation was also approved under the ASA Scheme to cater for growing enrolments at the school in question. My Department is currently engaging with the school patron in respect of the required scope of the modular accommodation, in consideration of both technical challenges and capital funding constraints.
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.
The key drivers of capital investment in the schools sector are as follows:
- demographic change, including keeping pace with delivery of SEN and accommodation for Ukrainian pupils particularly at Post Primary
- ensuring alignment with housing provision as best as possible,
- construction costs,
- Delivering on the Climate Agenda in the schools sector.
Key achievements by my Department in 2022 include:
- There were circa. 180 school building projects delivered during 2022 and a further 300 school building projects remained under construction at the start of 2023 – the majority of which will be completed over the course of this year and early 2024. In this regard, it is worth noting that there were over 50 new school buildings under construction over the course of 2022. This is providing high quality new and modern facilities in schools throughout the country.
- Accelerated delivery of modular accommodation to facilitate additional capacity in special classes and special schools to cater for over 900 children with additional needs.
- Successfully supported and facilitated the enrolment of circa 15,000 children from Ukraine in our primary and post-primary schools. It is worth highlighting that our approach is based on integration and inclusion that supports both the educational and wellbeing of the children that have come to Ireland as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
- Necessary refurbishment and maintenance through small-scale works across nearly 1,000 schools.
- 16 Deep Energy Retrofit Pathfinder projects ongoing in partnership with SEAI which is shaping our direction of travel for delivering on the climate agenda in the schools sector.
- Strategic initiatives put in place to support planning for school provision requirements include the Department’s Geographic Information System, National Inventory of School Capacity, engagement with key stakeholders and also setting up of 16 Regional Education and Language Teams (REALTs) to facilitate enrolment of children from Ukraine in a structured and coordinated manner.
- Strategic initiatives put in place to support delivery include use of project manager supports, procurement frameworks, variety of delivery mechanisms and a strong pipeline of projects.
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 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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
123. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Education if she has been in contact with the Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Disability in relation to the ongoing lack of available therapists or therapy services at a school (details supplied); and if so, the outcome of those discussions. [14241/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs (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).
The provision of therapy services is a matter for the HSE and the Department of Health.
The HSE has commenced a process to re-instate the health and social care supports in special schools where previously they had been provided. This involves the provision of an additional 136 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) posts, which is on top of the 85 re-instated posts for Special Schools that was announced in 2021. This builds on the 290 posts funded in Budget 2021 and Budget 2022, which the HSE will also continue to recruit to the Children’s Disability Network Teams.
Following engagement with the Department of Health, the HSE has submitted a timeframe for the reinstatement of the 136 WTEs, which will be in three phases as follows:
- Reassigning existing HSE staff to fill one third (circa 44) of the posts.
- Filling a further one third of the posts (circa 44) via existing panels and supported with further reassignment.
- In parallel with the first 2 Phases, a number of initiatives will be commenced immediately, including a high-profile international recruitment campaign to fill vacant OT, SLT and Physiotherapy posts.
This programme of work which had been initially delayed by issues raised by the relevant union organisation, has now commenced and will be monitored closely for the remainder of the 2022/2023 school year with regular communication between relevant stakeholders at a local and national level to ensure progress.
Each one of the approved additional 136 WTE posts will deliver services on a 35-hour week basis. The allocation to special schools will be aligned with the level of service and disciplines provided prior to the establishment of Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNT) under the PDS Programme.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the HSE have advised my Department that one WTE Senior Occupational Therapist post has been allocated to the school and the recruitment process to fill that post is ongoing. The local CDNT is continuing to liaise directly with the school on this matter and the provision of psychology services at local level.
The HSE advise that they are working to address recruitment challenges for the beginning of the 2023/24 school year to ensure that a greater level of therapeutic services will be available to special schools.
124. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the action her Department is taking to ensure a project in a school in Rathcoole (details supplied) is delivered at the earliest opportunity given the many delays already faced and the pressing need for increased capacity to cater for secondary school students in the Newcastle and Rathcoole areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14198/23]
View answerThe Large scale capital project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 3 – tender action and award. The project brief includes the Demolition of the existing school and the phased construction of a three storey 1000 pupil Community School with Special Education Needs Unit and PE Hall. The project is currently on hold to proceed to construction due to capital funding pressures.
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. 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.
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. 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.
126. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to ensure schools in Cork south west have sufficient teachers to meet local needs. [13920/23]
View answerThe recruitment of teachers is a priority area of action for the Department given the importance of ensuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have available to them qualified, engaged, and supportive teachers to support them in their learning.
My Department is undertaking a comprehensive programme to support the supply of teachers. The programme is being implemented on a national rather than a regional basis and, in general, actions are not targeted at a specific locations.
A number of measures have been implemented to support the supply of substitute teachers. These include:
- Additional primary substitute teacher supply panel posts have been provided in locations where significant challenges in sourcing substitution continue. This brings the total to 610 posts on 151 panels covering more than 2,840 schools, including 18 supply panels with 65 posts allocated in County Cork. As a temporary measure post primary teachers can provide additional hours substitute cover in the subject they are qualified to teach. The number of additional hours that can be taught per term has been increased from 20 to 35 for the remainder of the 2022/23 school year.
- For 2022/23, higher education institutions have introduced flexibility in the delivery of initial teacher education programmes to allow student teachers to provide more substitute cover.
- The Teaching Council introduced regulations allowing for the registration of 3rd and 4th year undergraduate student teachers under registration Route 5 (Student Teachers). More than 2,700 student teachers have registered under route 5 to date. This initiative supports the employment of student teachers to cover substitutable vacancies.
- The Department has adjusted the provision of CPD by the teacher support services to reduce the need for substitution. In addition, the support services have released seconded personnel to provide substitute cover to schools.
- A waiver of abatement for retired teachers returning to teach for up to 50 days in each of the three calendar years, 2021 to 2023 inclusive has been agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
- For 2022/23, job-sharing teachers may be employed to work in a substitute capacity during the period they are rostered off, in their own or in other schools, and the limits on substitute work applying to teachers on career break have also been suspended.
- The Department provided details of the staffing arrangements for the 2023/24 school year to primary and post primary schools before the end of January. This will facilitate schools to begin recruitment for the 2023/24 school year earlier than in 2022.
- Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) who qualify outside Ireland may now complete induction (Droichead) in Ireland under a new measure implemented by the Teaching Council. This measure seeks to enhance the supply of NQTs available to schools.
Measures targeted at supporting the long term supply needs of the system have also been put in place.
- At primary level, I recently approved 610 additional places on ITE programmes over the next two academic years (2023/24 and 2024/25).
- At post primary level, the Department has increased the number of places on teacher upskilling programmes in mathematics, Spanish and physics. The programmes are delivered outside of class time and are offered at no cost to the teacher. Approximately 170 places were provided in the first intake across the three programmes with an increase in places to over 300 in 2023.
- A new programme for post primary teachers to up-skill in Irish is planned for commencement in 2023/2024. The Department is also considering additional upskilling programmes in other priority subject areas.
- The Department introduced a scheme to allow post-primary schools to share teachers, the aim of which is to recruit teachers in high-demand subjects and give teachers a full-time teaching contract. It is expected that a pilot of the scheme will be introduced in a number of locations for the 2023/24 school year.
In addition to the above measures, the Teaching Transforms campaign continues to promote the teaching profession and encourage students to follow a career in teaching. The campaign uses digital, radio and video media, and is supported by a dedicated webpage, www.gov.ie/teachingtransforms. I am very pleased to note that CAO first preference choices for post primary teaching have increased this year by 11%.
The Department meets on a regular basis with the school management bodies and the teacher unions on this very important issue and we will continue to work intensively with all stakeholders to develop and implement creative solutions to address the teacher supply challenges for schools.
127. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if she will commence planning for a new secondary school in the Dublin 8 school planning zone. [13670/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that requirements for additional school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
The most recent projections for Dublin_8 School Planning Area indicate a slight increase in requirements at post primary level up to 2031 followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter.
The Department will continue to liaise with Local Authorities in respect of their County Development Plans and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas including in Dublin_8.
There are two post-primary capital projects planned in the Dublin_8 school planning area and when completed, will cater for the demand for school places in the area:
St Patricks Cathedral G.S (Roll No: 60660I) – Brief: 4x General classrooms ,to create 1 Classroom SEN base. Stage 1: Stage 1 is the Preliminary Design Stage where the Design Team in conjunction with the school authorities, will analyse all the constraints of the site, develop a preferred design option and ensure that the preferred option is the best option for the delivery of the brief. This project will increase the capacity of this school by 102 places.
Presentation College (Roll No: 60792C) – Brief: 1 Classroom SEN base + 1 x SEN prefab for September 2021 pending permanent accommodation. Stage 2A: Stage 2A involves the Preliminary Design, site surveys and cost estimates. This project will increase the capacity of this school by 6 places.
Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
128. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education the up-to-date position on delivery of new building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14096/23]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Cork Education and Training Board (CETB).
I am pleased to advise that the Stage 2a meeting took place at the end of November 2022. Officials from my Department met with Cork ETB and the full Design Team where a number of recommendations were made. The design team was requested to address these recommendations and comments and to submit a Stage 2A addendum Report. My Department understands from CETB that its design team is currently finalising this Addendum Report and the submission is expected imminently.
Subject to the Department being satisfied with this report, and once this submission has been approved in that respect, approval to progress to Stage 2b will be sanctioned.
The next step for CETB and its Design Team will be to obtain the requisite statutory planning approvals. The project can then be expected to move onward to tender and construction in due course.
CETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
129. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Oideachais maidir le Ceist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 145 den 11 Feabhra 2023, soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an bplean chun beartas cuimsitheach don Ghaeilge sa chóras oideachais, idir leibhéal an oideachais réamhscoile agus leibhéal an oideachais do mhúinteoirí, a fhorbairt agus a fhoilsiú; cathain a fhoilseofar an beartas nua; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [13643/23]
View answerTá obair ar siúl faoi láthair i mo Roinnse chun polasaí nua don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht a fhorbairt. Tógfaidh an polasaí seo ar an méid atá bainte amach ag an bPolasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta, agus beidh sé mar chéim thábhachtach eile i dtreo ghealltanas Chlár an Rialtais maidir le forbairt an pholasaí chuimsithigh don Ghaeilge sa chóras oideachais a chomhlíonadh. Déanfar an polasaí don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge a fhorbairt i gcomhthéacs na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030.
Bunaíodh coiste stiúrtha le hionadaithe ó na Ranna Rialtais agus ó na Gníomhaireachtaí Rialtais ábhartha chun maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar fhorbairt an pholasaí.
Coimisiúnaíodh athbhreithniú ar litríocht náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta trí phróiseas soláthair phoiblí le bheith mar bhonn eolais d’fhorbairt an pholasaí.
Cuireadh próiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí ar bun ar an 27 Deireadh Fómhair 2022 chun tuairimí páirtithe leasmhara a fháil; daoine óga, tuismitheoirí, gairmithe oideachais, páirtithe leasmhara oideachais agus eagraíochta Gaeilge ina measc. Tháinig deireadh leis an gcéad tréimhse den phróiseas comhairliúcháin, a chuimsigh ceistneoir ar líne agus iarraidh ar aighneachtaí scríofa, ar an 30 Eanáir 2023. Tá anailís á dhéanamh ar fhreagraí na gceistneoirí agus ar na haighneachtaí scríofa a bhfuarthas faoi láthair.
Tá an dara tréimhse den chomhairliúchán ar siúl i láthair na huaire. Tá grúpaí fócais á reáchtáil le páistí agus le daoine óga le cinntiú go mbeidh a nguthanna curtha san áireamh mar chuid de phróiseas forbartha an pholasaí. Beidh grúpaí fócais le tuismitheoirí, caomhnóirí, oideachasóirí agus páirtithe leasmhara eile ar siúl go luath le fiosrú a dhéanamh ar théamaí tábhachtacha atá ag teacht chun cinn.
Táim ag súil leis an obair thábhachtach seo a chur chun cinn, chun an t-oideachas lán-Ghaeilge a neartú agus chun tógáil ar na torthaí dearfacha atá á mbaint amach cheana féin i gcur i bhfeidhm an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta. Táim ag tnúth go mór le bheith ag obair le páirtithe leasmhara ábhartha i bhforbairt an pholasaí seo.
Work on the development of a new policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht is currently underway in my Department. This policy will build on the achievements of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education and will be an important next step towards achieving the Programme for Government commitment to develop a comprehensive policy on Irish in the education system. The policy on Irish-medium education will be developed in the context of the overall framework of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
A steering committee has been established with representatives from relevant Government Departments and Agencies to oversee the development of the policy.
A review of national and international literature has been commissioned through a public procurement process to inform the development of the policy.
A public consultation process commenced on 27 October 2022 to gather the views of stakeholders, including young people, parents, education professionals, education stakeholders and Irish-language organisations. The first phase of the consultation process, which included an online questionnaire and a call for written submissions, closed on 30 January 2023. The responses to the questionnaire and the submissions received are currently being analysed.
The second phase of the consultation is currently underway. Focus groups are being conducted with children and young people to ensure their voices are included in the policy development process. Focus groups to explore important themes that are arising will take place shortly with parents, guardians, educators and other stakeholders.
I look forward to progressing this important work of strengthening Irish-medium education provision and building on the positive outcomes already being achieved in the implementation of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education. I also look forward to working with relevant stakeholders in the development of this policy.
130. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the way the process by demand is assessed for Irish medium secondary school education in school. planning zones. [13671/23]
View answerAs part of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, the Department of Education has committed to creating opportunities for expanding Irish-medium education outside the Gaeltacht in the context of the announcements since April 2018 on the establishment of 47 new schools from 2019, which affords particular consideration to the establishment of Gaelscoileanna, Gaelcholáistí, and Aonaid Lán-Ghaeilge as part of the patronage process for new schools. Work is currently being progressed in my Department on the development of a new policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht. The objectives set out for this policy include, among other things, exploring how opportunities for the establishment of Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí can be increased as part of the patronage process.
The Department plans school provision across a framework of 314 school planning areas in order to assess and meet changing demographic needs throughout the country. The Department uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise.
The most recent analysis undertaken by the Department projects that 85% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level show static or decreasing enrolments for the period to 2026 compared with 2021, whereas some 74% of school planning areas at post-primary level are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2029, with most expected to reach a peak within the next two or three years.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
A patronage process is run after it has been decided, based on demographic analysis, that a new school is required. The patronage process is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons. It is open to all patron applicants to propose provision of Irish-medium education as part of their application for a new school. Following the April 2018 announcement of the establishment of the new schools from 2019, the Department has developed a new Online Patronage Process System, which provides objective information and allows parents to express their preferences in relation to the patronage and language of instruction, i.e. Irish or English, of these new schools. Parental preferences, as well as other considerations such as the extent of diversity of provision in an area (including Irish-medium provision), are key to the decision-making process and to whether at primary level the school would be a Irish-medium gaelscoil or English-medium school or whether at post-primary level a school would take the form of an Irish-medium Gaelcholáiste or whether, if English-medium, the school would include an Irish-medium unit.
The Department assesses the applications received and prepares assessment reports for the consideration of the New Schools Establishment Group, an independent advisory group established to oversee the process. Following the Group's consideration, they submit a report with recommendations to the Minister for consideration and final decision.
The other mechanism by which Irish-medium post-primary provision can be made is by way of the establishment of an Irish-medium unit/Aonad in an English-medium school. This is a potential outcome from a patronage process as referenced above. It is also possible for any post-primary school patron to contact the Department to explore the establishment of an Aonad in an existing post-primary school.
131. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil sé i gceist aici go mbeidh breis is 70 uair an chloig níos lú le caitheamh ag daltaí bunscoile leis an nGaeilge in aghaidh na bliana faoin gCreat Curaclaim Bunscoile nua in ainneoin an taighde de chuid na Comhairle Náisiúnta Curaclaim agus Measúnachta a léirigh gur mó a thaitníonn an Ghaeilge le daltaí bunscoile a mbíonn níos mó teagmhála acu leis an nGaeilge; an taighde a bhaineann leis an gcur chuige maidir leis an nGaeilge sa chreat nua a fhoilsiú; geallúint a thabhairt go mbeidh cur chun cinn na Gaeilge lárnaithe in aon chinntí a ghlacann an Roinn as seo amach [14243/23]
View answerTacaíonn Creatchuraclam na Bunscoile le forbairt ar churaclam bunscoile a chuireann leis an rathúlacht agus leis na láidreachtaí a bhain leis na curaclaim roimhe seo agus ag an am céanna a aithníonn na dúshláin, na riachtanais agus na tosaíochtaí atá ag athrú agus a fhreagraíonn dóibh. Sa chur chuige sin cuirtear cumhacht agus solúbthacht chun gníomh a dhéanamh ar fáil i scoileanna agus mar thoradh air sin cuirtear ar chumas ceannairí scoile agus múinteoirí tosaíochtaí atá ann cheana féin agus tosaíochtaí atá ag teacht chun cinn maidir le foghlaim leanaí a aithint agus freagairt dóibh. Bhí páirtithe leasmhara ar fud an chórais páirteach sa phróiseas a bhain le forbairt a dhéanamh ar Chreatchuraclam na Bunscoile do na bunscoileanna agus na scoileanna speisialta go léir. Rinneadh é a fhorbairt trí cheithre cinn de réimsí gníomhaíochta idirnasctha agus orthu sin bhí:
Taighde: taighde náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta comhaimseartha atá ar fáil anseo ar shuíomh gréasáin CNCM agus an staidéar fadaimseartha Saol Scoile Páistí .
Líonraí: ina raibh 57 scoil páirteach chun smaointe ón taighde a phlé agus taithí a gcuid scoileanna féin a chur ar fáil don phlé.
Breithnithe: ag oibriú go dlúth leis na comhpháirtithe oideachais agus le páirtithe leasmhara eile taobh amuigh de sin
Comhairliúchán: torthaí ón gcomhairliúchán forleathan ar Dhréacht-Chreatchuraclam na Bunscoile,
Soiléiriú maidir leis na leithdháiltí ama atá molta
I gCuraclam na Bunscoile (1999), soláthraíodh leithdháiltí ama íosta ar bhonn seachtainiúil mar seo a leanas: ceithre uair an chloig sa tseachtain i gcás go mbeadh T1 mar theanga theagaisc nó trí uair an chloig do naíonáin agus i gcás an dara teanga T2, trí uair an chloig go leith sa tseachtain nó dhá uair an chloig go leith do naíonáin. Faoin Straitéis Náisiúnta chun an Litearthacht agus an Uimhearthacht a fheabhsú i measc Leanaí agus Daoine Óga 2011-2020, méadaíodh na leithdháiltí ama don litearthacht agus don uimhearthacht agus iarradh ar scoileanna uair an chloig sa bhreis sa tseachtain a thabhairt don litearthacht (Béarla agus Gaeilge) agus go háirithe don teanga theagaisc.
Faoi Chreatchuraclam na Bunscoile (2023), tá an Béarla laghdaithe i scoileanna a theagascann trí mheán an Bhéarla agus an Ghaeilge laghdaithe i scoileanna a theagascann trí mheán na Gaeilge. I gcás Theanga 1 (an teanga theagaisc) tá an t-am á laghdú mar seo a leanas:
- 45 nóiméad sa tseachtain i gcéim 1 (sin 15 nóiméad sa bhreis i gcomparáid leis na leithdháiltí ama a bhí ann i dtús báire roimh an Straitéis Litearthachta agus Uimhearthachta)
- 15 nóiméad sa tseachtain i gcéim 2 (sin 45 nóiméad sa bhreis i gcomparáid leis na leithdháiltí ama a bhí ann i dtús báire roimh an Straitéis Litearthachta agus Uimhearthachta)
- 60 nóiméad sa tseachtain i gcéim 3 agus 4 (sin laghdú 15 nóiméad i gcomparáid leis na leithdháiltí ama a bhí ann i dtús báire roimh an Straitéis Litearthachta agus Uimhearthachta)
Níl aon athrú ar Theanga 2 (Gaeilge i scoileanna a theagascann trí mheán an Bhéarla agus Béarla i scoileanna a theagascann trí mheán na Gaeilge) do chéim 1 (2.5 uair an chloig in aghaidh na seachtaine) agus déantar laghdú 30 nóiméad uirthi i gcéim 2 – 4 (ó 3.5 uair an chloig go dtí 3 uair an chloig sa tseachtain).
D'fhéadfadh sé gur eol don Teachta go bhfuil 182 lá (faoi bhun 37 seachtain) i scoilbhliain na bunscoile. Fiú agus suas le huair an chloig á cur leis na leithdháiltí ama faoin straitéis Litearthachta agus Uimhearthachta, tá sé soiléir go bhfuil an laghdú ar an méid ama a chaitear ag teagasc na Gaeilge i bhfad níos lú ná 70 uair an chloig sa bhliain.
Is mian liom a chur in iúl don Teachta freisin:
- go n-úsáidtear an teanga theagaisc ar fud an churaclaim, do gach ábhar, agus mar sin nach le linn an cheachta teanga amháin a bhíonn an teanga theagaisc á foghlaim.
- Déantar soláthar i gCreatchuraclam na Bunscoile do mhéadú ar an leithdháileadh seachtainiúil don Fholláine (Corpoideachas agus OSPS) ó 1.5 uair an chloig go dtí 3 uair an chloig ón gcéad rang go dtí an séú rang. Déantar soláthar ann freisin d’uair an chloig sa tseachtain chun teangacha iasachta a thabhairt isteach ón tríú rang ar aghaidh, ar beart é a fuair tacaíocht láidir le linn na gcomhairliúchán le tuismitheoirí, múinteoirí agus ceannairí scoile agus leis an bpobal i gcoitinne. Chun na hathruithe sin a dhéanamh, chaill gach réimse eile den churaclam roinnt ama.
- Cuirtear leithdháiltí ama i láthar i gCreatchuraclam na Bunscoile in dhá chatagóir: Íosam Curaclaim (seachtainiúil agus míosúil) agus Am Solúbtha (míosúil). Tá sé i gceist go ndéanfaí iad sin a úsáid ar bhealach solúbtha, chun glacadh le foghlaim chomhtháite, leas a bhaint as deiseanna foghlama gan choinne, foghlaim luais mar fhreagairt do riachtanais leanaí agus chun tacú le heispéiris foghlama atá tumthach agus mealltach.
- Cuireann an laghdú ar Theanga 1 san áireamh an t-eispéireas a bhí ag leanaí sa dá bhliain réamhscoile saor in aisce mar chuid den chlár um Chúram agus Oideachas na Luath-Óige (COLÓ). Léiríonn figiúirí le déanaí go mbaineann tuairim is 97% de leanaí leas as an gclár sin agus go mbaineann siad tairbhe as a n-eispéiris foghlama teanga trí Aistear – Creatchuraclam na Luath-Óige.
- I nGaelscoileanna, is trí mheán na Gaeilge a fhaightear rochtain ar an gcuraclaim uile, seachas curaclam an Bhéarla. Chun tacú le sealbhú na Gaeilge, is féidir tabhairt isteach fhoghlaim fhoirmiúil an Bhéarla a chur siar go dtí an chéad rang agus ar an mbealach sin tacú le bonn láidir a chur faoin teanga.
- Curaclam comhtháite teanga is ea Curaclam Teanga na Bunscoile (CTB) (2019) ina mbaintear leas as taighde comhaimseartha agus a thacaíonn le haistriú scileanna ó theanga amháin go teanga eile trína struchtúr comhroinnte agus a chur chuige tacúil i dtaca le teagasc agus foghlaim. Tá CTB bunaithe ar bhonn suntasach taighde ar féidir teacht air go léir anseo: ncca.ie/ga/bunscoil/bunfhorbairt%C3%AD/teanga/curaclam-teanga-na-bunscoile/.
Ar deireadh, de bhrí go bhfuil Am Solúbtha á thabhairt ar ais, tá deis ag scoileanna an t-am sin a úsáid do thréimhsí níos faide de dhomhainfhoghlaim i gceann amháin nó níos mó de na cúig réimse curaclaim, réimse na dteangacha san áireamh. Ar fud na bliana, d'fhéadfadh scoil Am Solúbtha a úsáid do cheann amháin nó níos mó díobh seo a leanas chun freagairt do riachtanais/dhúshláin maidir le teagasc agus foghlaim na Gaeilge.
- Leithdháileadh seachtainiúil sa bhreis ar leibhéal na scoile don Ghaeilge ar feadh téarma/scoilbhliana agus múinteoirí ag ullmhú eispéiris foghlama atá oiriúnach agus saibhir agus iad ag freagairt do riachtanais foghlama a gcuid leanaí
- tréimhsí breisithe de dhomhainfhoghlaim i ngnéithe dá gcuid foghlama sa Ghaeilge (Seachtain na Gaeilge, teanga ó bhéal, filíocht, scéalaíocht, logainmneacha)
- gníomhaíochtaí scoile uile nó rannpháirtíocht i dtionscnaimh agus in imeachtaí áitiúla, réigiúnacha agus náisiúnta (drámaí, scéalaíocht, naisc le scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge, cuairteanna ó Ghaeilgeoirí, Ceol agus amhráin Ghaelacha, Cúla 4, Foghlaim TG4)
- úsáid a bhaint ar cuir chuige oideolaíocha ar leith a bhaineann tairbhe as tréimhsí ama breisithe (CLIL - áit a ndéanann múinteoirí réimse eile den churaclam a theagasc trí Ghaeilge thar thréimhse ama).
132. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if the ongoing school transport review will facilitate children in September 2023 who cannot gain access to their nearest school due to a shortage of school places and would then not qualify for school transport as they would not be attending their nearest school or second nearest school; if she will give specific consideration to an area (details supplied) in County Cork which experiences this issue each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13570/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language. In addition,
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy, Pupils residing in the area outlined by the Deputy and are attending the post primary school outlined by the Deputy are not eligible for transport as they are not attending their nearest school. In some cases, children are attending their third and fourth closest post primary school.
If families have applied to attend their nearest school in regards to ethos and language and have been advised by the school authorities that it is full, the Department will consider if students are eligible for transport to the next nearest school.
The following information can be provided to school_transport@education.gov.ie.
- confirmation from the nearest school(s) that an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school, and
- a letter from the school authorities confirming that the school was full at time of enrolment
There is currently no mainstream school transport service operating from the area in question to the post primary centre outlined by the Deputy, the nearest pick up point is approximately 3.3 km from this area to an existing school transport service operating to the post primary centre.
133. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education her views on the fact that 58 school building projects have been set back due to costs; and if she intends to ensure that the school building projects are not delayed. [14328/23]
View answerMy 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.
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.
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.
134. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the review of the school transport scheme; if consideration is being given to concessionary students in rural areas who have no safe pedestrian routes to school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13987/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 4,500 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
A review of the School Transport Scheme commenced in February 2021. 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.
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.
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.
135. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the review into school transport; the number of children carried in 2022-2023 and expected in 2023-2024; the preparation to expand services and maintain low fees in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13109/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 151,000 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. As the school transport scheme is demand led and the closing date has not yet passed for the 2023/24 school year, it is not possible to give details of applications for the 2023/24 school year.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
A review of the School Transport Scheme commenced in February 2021. 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.
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.
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.
The Bus Éireann portal has now opened for new applications for school transport for the 2023/24 school year. The closing date for new applications is Friday 28 April 2023.
For the 2023/2024 school year, reduced charges of €50 per student at primary level and €75 per student at post-primary level will apply, with a cap per family of €125. Ticketholders will save up to €50 at primary and €275 at post-primary, with an overall reduction in the family maximum contribution of €525 compared to the fees for 2021/2022 school year. This reduction in fees is at a cost of €49m.
Eligible children holding valid medical cards and eligible children with special educational needs remain exempt from paying the annual charge.
136. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education if she will report on the in-school and early years therapy support demonstration project; if there are plans for the project to be rolled out across the entire country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14087/23]
View answerIn February 2019, the Government approved the trialling of the School Inclusion Model (SIM) for the 2019/20 school year. There are a number of strands to the SIM project, including additional NEPS services and in-school support from therapists. Initially designed as a one year pilot involving up to 75 participating schools in the CHO 7 region, it was interrupted by Covid-19 with the closure of schools and the diversion of HSE therapists from the project to Covid related work. It was then extended to the 2020/21 school year which was also interrupted by Covid. Progress has been made on aspects of the Model but much remains to be done in terms of in-school implementation and evaluation. The Pilot recommenced in November 2021 in CHO7.
There are a number of challenges and barriers to continuing the roll-out of SIM in CH07 and expanding SIM to other areas at this time. The single biggest challenge is the availability of therapists and psychologists. While the Department’s initial intention was to expand SIM to other areas, pressures relating to workforce supply (therapists and psychologists) have resulted in SIM being limited to one CHO area. This will remain in 2023.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) are engaging with CORU (regulatory body over therapists) to determine how the current registration process can be expedited. The HSE are engaging with the Department of Health, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth ( DCEDIY) and Dept. of Higher Education to explore how the Higher Education Institutes can increase third level capacity, with a focus on an initiative to commence in September 2023.
137. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she is satisfied that there are sufficient special school places in Cork city and county for September 2023 intake; the engagement she has had with the National Council for Special Education in relation to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13571/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs (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 to 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 special educational needs 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 special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level and almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years. Two of these new special schools are in Cork – Carrigaline Community Special School and the new Rochestown Community Special School which will open later this year.
There are currently 14 special schools in County Cork with a provisional enrolment of 952 children in September.
The number of special schools in Co. Cork will rise to 15 when the new Rochestown Community Special School opens later this year and will enrol 25 children to begin with. It is envisaged that this new special school will grow to accommodate over 60 students over the next few years.
A list of all special schools is available on the website of the NCSE www.ncse.ie.
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. Where additional special school places are required, this may be provided through the establishment of a new school or the expansion of existing schools.
The NCSE continues to work with parents and schools to determine the need for additional special school places in the Cork area for September 2023. This work involves a detailed analysis of the particular needs of each child.
In addition, the NCSE also considers the number of places that may become vacant from students leaving special schools during the summer.
My Department is working closely with the NCSE to consider the need for additional special school places both nationally and at regional level. Where additional places may be needed, my Department will work closely with the NCSE and schools to consider any necessary arrangements that may need to be put in place to meet increasing needs.
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.
138. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a detailed roadmap with interim targets for achieving the Government's target of 400 multi-denominational primary schools by 2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14161/23]
View answerThe Government’s objective is to have at least 400 multi-denominational schools in the primary system by 2030 to improve parental choice. I fully support this commitment and I am working with my Department in this respect. In recent years there has been progress towards increasing the numbers of multi-denominational primary schools with the vast majority of new primary schools established in the last decade having a multi-denominational ethos.
In March 2022, I announced that arrangements are being put in place in a number of towns and areas of cities that have no multi-denominational primary schools to identify potential schools and to engage with school authorities, school staff and the school communities with a view to agreeing on a transfer of patronage and change of ethos, where there is sufficient demand for this.
The Schools Recon?guration for Diversity process, supporting transfers of schools to multi-denominational patrons in response to the wishes of local communities, has been developed in order to accelerate the delivery of multi-denominational schools across the country. Where a school transfers from the patronage of one patron to another, the school remains open with the same roll number and operating from the same school property. All State-funded primary schools follow a common national curriculum and are subject to the same rules and regulations.
The ongoing pilot process is engaging with 63 schools in the cities of Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick and the Arklow, Athlone, Dundalk and Youghal areas. The Council for Education of the Irish Episcopal Conference (representing the Catholic patrons) and relevant Bishops have confirmed their willingness to engage and co-operate fully with my Department in seeking to facilitate a more diverse school patronage in these towns and cities.
My Department has made available a number of independent facilitators, who are former senior inspectors, across the pilot areas to work with the school patron and relevant school authorities at a local level. This work involves engagement with school authorities, school staff and parents with a view to agreeing on a transfer of patronage and change of ethos, where there is sufficient demand for this. This process is about providing information and engaging with, and seeking feedback from, the school community.
The pilot has already facilitated increased diversity with the announcement on 12 January that a Catholic school in Athlone – Cornamaddy National School, will be transferring patronage from its Catholic patron to Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board, becoming a multi-denominational community national school.
The engagement at local level across all pilot areas should be largely concluded in many of the areas by the end of Q1 2023 and this will help clarify the level of demand for reconfiguration in these areas.
I have always been clear about the intention to examine any learnings from the pilot in order to inform future work. My Department is committed to pulling together information on what worked well across the pilot and what could be done better. We will then work with all the relevant stakeholders to apply this learning to future phases of work.
My goal remains to establish a strong process, that has the support of all patrons and local communities, and which will enable us to continue to increase the number of multi-denominational primary schools across the country.
139. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education if the commitment to deliver the new extension at a school (details supplied) will be delivered upon. [14244/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question was approved significant capital funding under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme and this project is currently devolved to the school authorities for delivery.
The capital funding was for the provision of 16 x Mainstream classrooms, 4 x SET rooms, a large amount of specialist teaching rooms and 4 classrooms for students with special educational needs.
In addition to this project, modular accommodation was also approved under the ASA Scheme to cater for growing enrolments at the school in question. My Department is continuing to engage with the school's patron in respect of the scope of the required modular accommodation.
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 will be in further contact with the school authorities in due course.
140. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on her Department's work on the school transport scheme, ahead of the new academic year later in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12646/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 4,500 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
A review of the School Transport Scheme commenced in February 2021. 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.
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.
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.
The Bus Éireann portal has now opened for new applications for school transport for the 2023/24 school year. The closing date for new applications is Friday 28 April 2023.
For the 2023/2024 school year, reduced charges of €50 per student at primary level and €75 per student at post-primary level will apply, with a cap per family of €125. Ticketholders will save up to €50 at primary and €275 at post-primary, with an overall reduction in the family maximum contribution of €525 compared to the fees for 2021/2022 school year. This reduction in fees is at a cost of €49m.
Eligible children holding valid medical cards and eligible children with special educational needs remain exempt from paying the annual charge.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post-primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post-primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application and payment process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who complete the application and payment process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
