Written Answers Nos. 416-431
416. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education if she will review a case (details supplied) in relation to a PhD postgraduate allowance entitlement anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15271/23]
View answerIn 2012 a public service-wide review of allowances was carried out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. As a result qualification allowances were abolished with effect from 1st February 2012.
Circular 0008/2013 published by my Department in relation to this matter provided for an exception. This applied where at 5th December 2011 a teacher was in employment on that date, and was eligible for receipt of a qualification allowance in respect of the post they held on that date, and that teacher was actively undertaking a course of further study leading to an additional qualification. The exception also required that the teacher did not cease to be a registered student on that course before its completion.
Circular 0008/2013 was produced under the auspices of The Teachers Conciliation Council which is made up of representatives of the Teacher Unions, the School Management Bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education & Skills chaired by an official of the Labour Relations Commission.
Circular 0063/2021 issued by my Department on 14th December 2021 and extended the closing date for receipt of eligible qualification allowance applications to 30th April 2022.
My Department received an application for payment of a doctorate degree allowance from the teacher in question on 30th April 2022. The teacher’s application was refused on 17th January 2023 as the date of award of his PhD qualification was 11th October 2013, ie. after his date of retirement on 31st August 2013. A letter of appeal was received from the teacher in question on 27th January 2023 and his appeal was refused by my Department on 2nd February 2023.
As qualification allowances are paid to eligible teachers with effect from the date of award, this teacher has no entitlement to payment of a doctorate degree allowance as the date of his PhD award was after his date of retirement in 2013.
417. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education on what date will the 2023 Leaving Certificate results be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15277/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that 2022 marked the return to externally delivered examinations for all candidates at both Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle, with 61,108 candidates sitting Leaving Certificate examinations and 67,130 candidates sitting Junior Cycle examinations. There were a number of factors that affected the timing of the issue of results for both examinations in 2022. These included a challenge in recruiting sufficient examiners, the provision of a set of deferred examinations at Leaving Certificate for candidates who experienced illness or bereavement, and the implementation of a post-marking adjustment, also at Leaving Certificate which gave effect to my commitment that results in 2022 would be no lower in the aggregate than in the previous year. Leaving Certificate results issued on 2 September last year, with the results of Leaving Certificate appeals issuing five weeks later on 7 of October, in time for integration with the CAO offers season.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC), which has responsibility for the operation, delivery and development of the State examinations, has not confirmed a date on which the Leaving Certificate 2023 results will be issued. However, it continues to work closely with my Department, along with other stakeholders, to ensure that the results for the Leaving Certificate 2023 are delivered in as timely a manner as possible.
418. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education her plans in respect of Irish applicants to Dutch universities who are in need of their Leaving Certificate results prior to 1 September 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15278/23]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation, delivery and development of the State examinations.
The Deputy will be aware that 2022 marked the return to externally delivered examinations for all candidates at both Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle, with 61,108 candidates sitting Leaving Certificate examinations and 67,130 candidates sitting Junior Cycle examinations.
There were a number of factors that affected the timing of the issue of results for both examinations in 2022. These included a challenge in recruiting sufficient examiners, the provision of a set of deferred examinations at Leaving Certificate for candidates who experienced illness or bereavement, and the implementation of a post-marking adjustment, also at Leaving Certificate which gave effect to my commitment that results in 2022 would be no lower in the aggregate than in the previous year.
Leaving Certificate results issued on 2 September last year, with the results of Leaving Certificate appeals issuing five weeks later on 7 October, in time for integration with the CAO offers season. For students applying to universities abroad, in particular the EU and the UK, there were instances where universities were seeking to have results earlier than 2 September. I wrote to my counterparts across Europe in July 2022 asking for their assistance in ensuring students were facilitated, and my Department also engaged directly with universities in relation to students who were in contact looking for assistance. This was met with positive responses overall. I am confident that this will be the case again should the need arise in 2023.
The SEC has not confirmed a date on which the Leaving Certificate 2023 results will be issued. However, it continues to work intensively to prepare for the examinations process.
419. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update with respect to a student (details supplied) in County Cork who is receiving school transport under the scheme for children with special educational needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15290/23]
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.
It is Bus Éireann company policy that normal retirement age for all Bus Éireann staff is currently 66 years. However Bus Éireann part-time School Bus Drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate service as part of the School Transport Scheme may continue to perform in the role provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70. This policy and criteria is applied to all drivers who provide school transport services on behalf of Bus Éireann equally.
Bus Éireann and Department officials meet regularly to discuss operational and policy matters.
The age limit on school bus drivers was increased to 70 years a number of years ago. While Bus Éireann have informed the Department there is no plan to increase the age limit further at this time, the matter will be kept under review.
Bus Éireann has advised they are currently in the process of trying to source another contractor.
Where a service cannot operate, families of children who are eligible for school transport for children with special educational needs may apply for the Special Transport Grant (STG) which is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family have put in place until services is finalised.
School Transport section of my Department are currently liaising with the family referred with regard to the grant information.
420. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the provision of funding for an application by MSLETB to extend a school (details supplied); if there is a decision on the location of the proposed site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15292/23]
View answerThe school to which the deputy refers received approval under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for 11 x General Classrooms, 3 x SET room, 1 x Multimedia room, 1 x Textiles room, 1 x Science lab/Prep area, a 2-Classroom SEN base and removal of 3 temporary units.
My Department is engaging with MSLETB regarding this project with a view to identifying the optimum way forward to deliver the required accommodation.
421. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when it is expected to finalise the review of the school transport scheme; if she will ensure that improvements to its existing operation will be introduced, taking into account the need to facilitate students on the transport service who are ineligible at present but where there is a history of students from an area going to a second-level centre; if such students could be considered eligible in the future operation of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15307/23]
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.
422. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of long waiting lists for admission to second level schools in Galway city for the 2023-2024 academic year; the steps that are being taken to ensure each student gets a place within a reasonable distance of where they live; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15325/23]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for my Department.
In order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
While my Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in Galway City, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. 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.
Through close engagement with school patrons and authorities, my Department has established a requirement for additional school places in Galway City. Engagement is ongoing with schools and patrons with a view to making increased provision where necessary.
423. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if she will reverse the recent late decision to delay the commencement of the building project at a school (details supplied) in County Donegal that comprises entirely of temporary accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15347/23]
View answerMy 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 roll-out 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.
We will be providing an update to individual schools (including the school referred to by the Deputy) 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.
424. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the ratio of the allocation of mainstream class teachers to pupils, in tabular form for each of the years 20/21, 21/22, 22/23 and 23/24 broken down by the size of the school; the reason it is stated generally in the circular 06/2023 that the pupil teacher ratio is 23 pupils to one teacher; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15349/23]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government there is a commitment to seek to make further progress in reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools.
In Budget 2023, I ensured major investment in our schools and I have succeeded in bringing the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools for the 2023/24 school year which is the lowest ever seen at primary level. This was my third successive Budget which saw an improvement in allocation of teachers to primary schools. Budget 2021 reduced the staffing schedule to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 25 pupils, while Budget 2022 reduced it further to 1 classroom teacher for every 24 pupils. A three point reduction in the retention schedule, in place since 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts.
The staffing schedules for each of the years requested by the Deputy are attached.
425. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the basis on which special education needs teachers are allocated to mainstream schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15350/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question and would advise the following.
Special Education Teachers (SET) provide additional teaching support for students with special educational needs enrolled in mainstream classes in primary and post primary schools.
The Special Education Teaching allocation model provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile.
The SET allocation model has been in place since 2017. The allocation model, which was recommended by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), is designed to distribute the total available number of Special Education Teachers across primary and post primary schools based on the relative need of each school, as evidenced by a number of key indicators.
Special Education Teachers provide additional teaching support for students with special educational needs enrolled in mainstream classes in primary and post primary schools.
The SET model is a fairer and more transparent way of allocating teaching resources to schools.
The SET Model represented a significant shift in the way that students with SEN are supported in mainstream classes. Previously, students needing additional teaching support required a diagnosis in order to access support which caused delays in providing the support and also imposed a burden on both schools and parents. The change in policy was welcomed by both schools and parents. The Model is based on the principle that those students with the greatest need receive the most support.
The model encourages schools to support students with SEN in mainstream classes alongside their peers. In fact most students with SEN are enrolled these classes. This approach is also consistent with the EPSEN Act.
When the SET model was introduced it was designed to be updated on a regular basis so as to distribute the total available resources across the school system based on profiled need. Because the level of student need may change in a school over time, some schools will gain under this distribution, with these gains balanced by equivalent reductions in schools where the model indicates reduced need. Re-profiling is the means of ensuring that new or increasing need in schools is met by transfer/redistribution of teaching resources from other schools whose need has reduced as shown by the model.
Schools are frontloaded with resources, based on each school’s profile. The allocations to schools include provision to support all pupils in the schools, including where a child receives a diagnosis after the allocation is received by a school, or where there are newly enrolling pupils to the school.
The model encourages schools to support students with SEN in mainstream classes alongside their peers. In fact most students with SEN are enrolled these classes.
The SET resources provided to schools is based on special education needs of the pupils enrolled in the school and the resources must be utilised to ensure that students with special education needs are supported so that they can achieve the best possible educational outcome.
In April 2022, the Department issued updated staffing allocations for the 2022/23 school year to include SET allocations. This ensured that schools were aware of their teaching resources and this allowed them to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that the teaching and learning needs for pupils with SEN can be properly supported.
The next scheduled updating of a schools profile is in 2024 for the allocation for the 2024/25 school year.
In the intervening period to the next scheduled re-profiling should a school believe that there has been a changed of a significant or unexpected extent in their school’s profile they may apply to the NCSE for a SET Exceptional Review.
A process is available where schools can seek a review of their SET allocation by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), including the utilisation of their allocations. Detailed information on the NCSE review process is published on the NCSE website ncse.ie/special-education-teachers
426. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education in relation to the paused building project at a school (details supplied) the action her Department is taking to ensure the project is delivered at the earliest opportunity given the delays already faced; the pressing need for increased capacity to cater for secondary school students in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15352/23]
View answerThe permanent school building project for the site referred to by the Deputy is a campus project to 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. The campus project is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme.
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. I am conscious of the numerous pressures facing the Department and their need to manage these.
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.
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.
427. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education to clarify the eligibility for English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports in primary school, in particular to clarify if Circular 6/23 means that children whose parents have been in the State for more than two years are excluded from eligibility to EAL supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15360/23]
View answerThe Special Education Teaching allocation, as outlined in Circular 0020/2022, (primary schools) and provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile and also encompasses the Language Support (EAL) allocation that schools were allocated in previous years. All schools are advised in the first instance to review whether the needs of newly enrolled pupils can be met from within existing allocations.
The Department also provides specific English Language support to schools with pupils newly arrived into the country that have English as an additional language.
Schools may apply for further language support through the staffing appeals process. Having considered the circumstances outlined by the school and having regard to the high number of pupils requiring EAL support, additional support may be approved to meet the educational needs of such pupils. In considering the level of EAL support to be allocated, the Appeals Board will consider those pupils in the school with less than B1 (Level 3) proficiency that have received less than 3 years EAL support, irrespective of how long their parents have been in the country.
Staffing arrangements for the 2023/24 school year, including information on EAL supports available to schools, are available in Circular 0006/2023.
428. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if she will request the relevant officials to engage and advise the two national schools in Moate, County Westmeath who is are exploring the possibility of a merger. [15370/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of a request from the Patron of both national schools in Moate, concerning the possibility of an amalgamation.
Officials from my Department have been in correspondence with the school authorities in relation to this matter and remain available for any further questions the schools may have.
429. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Education if her Department will approve the lease agreement between DDLETB and the Church of Ireland to allow the delivery of SEN modular classrooms in a school (details supplied). [15420/23]
View answerThe Department is liaising directly with the DDLETB in this regard. It is expected that this matter will be concluded in the short term.
430. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Education if her Department will make a decision on the ASA application for a school (details supplied) to allow for the provision of another modular classroom and two SET rooms for September. [15421/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme, from the school in question.
Officials in my Department are currently liaising with the school authorities regarding this application and a decision will issue upon completion of the assessment process.
431. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she will list the schools in the Donaghmede/Howth/Dublin 13 area at primary and at secondary level; in each case, if she will indicate the denomination of the school; if they admit boys or girls; the pupil capacity of the school; the present level of enrolment; and if she has plans to provide more school places in the catchment. [15425/23]
View answerPlease find attached requested data with regard to enrolments, denomination and gender. Please note data is for academic year 2021-2022 the last year we have final enrolment data for. We expect to publish final data for 2022-2023 in June 2023. Data was complied from primary and post-primary data in individual schools which can be found on our website at the link below;
www.gov.ie/en/collection/63363b-data-on-individual-schools/
As the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
While the Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in the Donaghmede_Howth_D13 School Planning Area, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
The Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues through ongoing discussions with the relevant school authorities. In that context, similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, the Department is engaging with patron bodies and school authorities to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train.
The Department is progressing a number of building projects in the Donaghmede_Howth_D13 planning area under the National Development Plan. This includes provision for mainstream accommodation as well as for children with special educational needs. These projects include a new 16 classroom school with 2 classrooms for pupils with special education needs for Stapolin ETNS with an estimated completion date of August 2023.
Under the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, all schools are required to have drafted admissions policies, which have been approved by the patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. The school’s admissions policy is published on the schools website.
All schools must publish an admissions notice outlining the timelines of the admissions process, this must be published a minimum of one week prior to the admissions process taking place. The notice must, in relation to the school year concerned, provide the number of school places available in the intake group, in the case of a boarding school, the number of residential and the number of non-residential places available and in the case of a school with a special class the number of school places available in the special class concerned.
