Written Answers Nos. 644-661
644. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if there is any intention on the part of her Department to seek changes to the Children’s First Act 2015 to include special needs assistants and classroom assistants as mandated persons under the Act; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16494/23]
View answerI wish to assure the Deputy that my Department takes child protection very seriously and considers that the protection and welfare of children is a fundamental responsibility of all involved in the care and education of children.
In this regard, any concern or allegation of a child protection nature received by staff in my Department is dealt with in accordance with the Department’s Procedures for responding to Child Protection Concerns which come to the attention of staff employed by the Department of Education.
The child protection procedures for primary and post primary schools 2017 outlines the reporting procedures to be followed by all members of the school personnel should they have any child protection concerns by reporting such concerns to the Designated Liaison Person [ DLP ] in the school.
My officials are not aware of any plans by the Department of children Equality Disability Integration and Youth to review or update the list of mandated persons in the Children's First Act of 2015.
645. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the case of a student (details supplied) who has a dual diagnosis of Down's syndrome and autism spectrum disorder, who has received eight rejection letters for special education schools and special education units within mainstream schools for September 2023; if she will make contact with this student and their family in order to find a solution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16504/23]
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 their schools.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
This includes funding to support children with SEN in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
In relation to the student referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my Department that the local SENO is aware of the situation and has been in regular contact with the student's parent.
During their interactions, the SENO provided the parent with lists of special classes and special schools in the Dublin area. The SENO has also provided suggested schools that may be suitable, including applying to the moderate intellectual disability class at Cabra. The NCSE will continue to support the parent offering advice and assistance with finding suitable placements.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class and special school places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements, consideration of school accommodation capacity and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
If the recent growth in the need for special classes continues, it is expected that a similar level of new special classes will be needed at primary level over the next three years as have been provided over the last three years. At post-primary level however, it is expected that we will need to double the number of new special classes being provided over the next three years as compared to the last three years.
As both Minister Foley and I announced just last week, 2 new special schools are being established for the 2023/2024 school year - one in Carrigtwohill, east Cork and one in the Dublin 7 area - with additional capacity being provided in 11 other special schools.
The new special school in Dublin will be under the patronage of City of Dublin ETB. It is intended that places in the new special schools will be prioritised for children who have no offer of a special school place for the 2023/24 school year. Details in relation to the location of the new special schools, the admission process and the number of places to be offered for 2023/24 in each new special school will be confirmed very shortly.
The NCSE will work closely with the families of the children and young people concerned to assist them in accessing the new places which will become available during the 2023/24 school year.
Planning for the establishment and opening of the new special schools will begin immediately. This will include a determination of the size of the school required so that the necessary staff recruitment, school policy development and related arrangements can be put in train. This will also include ongoing communication with the families concerned.
For the 2023/2024 school year the NCSE has also sanctioned 218 new special classes nationwide at primary and post-primary level. Of these new classes, 29 are in within the Dublin area. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Dublin to 494, 376 at primary and 118 at post-primary. Additional special classes will be sanctioned in the coming weeks.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes are available on the NCSE website at 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.
646. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 657 of 21 March 2023, if she will again review the case of the person in view of the fact that there will now be a significant increase on their skill-set in the special needs department due to the amalgamation of three schools into one. [16534/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that I have reviewed the issue raised by her and I am satisfied that the position remains as stated in my previous response.
The outcome of the public service-wide review of allowances and premium payments (September 2012) by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was implemented correctly and this means that many allowances, including the allowance being sought by this teacher, is no longer payable to Teachers who either commenced working in the public sector on or after 1st February 2012, or who had not previously been in receipt of the allowance prior to 1st February, 2012.
647. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education the number of staff within her Department who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels; their present roles and responsibilities; the posts and responsibilities presently vacant; the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16556/23]
View answerMy Department currently has a member of staff based and working in Brussels as Education Attaché in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union. The post-holder is Attaché for both my Department and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
The Education Attaché has involvement in education issues at all levels in which European policy co-operation is being developed and in Ireland’s participation in European Programmes, including Erasmus+, the European Social Fund, the European Globalisation Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative as well as the European Education Area Initiative, the EU Education and Training Strategy and European Semester process. In addition, the Attaché represents the Department on the Education Committee, the OECD Education Policy Committee in Paris and participates in related OECD activities, as necessary.
In addition, a member of my Department's staff who is currently on special leave without pay, is working with the European Commission.
There are currently no posts based in the European Union in Brussels vacant.
The position on 23 June 2016, was that my Department had an Education Attaché in Brussels and another employee of my Department was seconded to the European Commission in Brussels as Seconded National Expert to the Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture.
648. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education if she will outline a timeframe for her Department to address and repair the serious deficiencies in a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16606/23]
View answerThe School referred to by the Deputy reached substantial completion in August 2020. My Department is aware of issues on site. A report has been submitted which is currently being assessed by technical staff in my Department's building unit and upon completion of this examination my Department will be in further contact with the Design Team and School Authority.
649. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education if the temporary accommodation sanctioned for a school (details supplied) is on track to be in place for the new school year in September 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16609/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department approved a project for modular accommodation of 4 general classrooms and 1 ICT Room under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for the school referred to by the Deputy.
The project is currently being reviewed by my Department and the school authority will be advised directly on the outcome of this review. 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.
650. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if a person with a Masters of Education from the United States, where they worked at university level teaching adults, and therefore did not hold a teaching licence, can have their qualification recognised in Ireland; and what course would a person need to complete in order to teach in Irish schools. [16622/23]
View answerUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State. The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016.
As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The minimum registration requirements for each route are set out in the Schedule of the regulations.
The Department does not have a role in the registration of individual teachers.
It is a requirement for teachers to register with the Teaching Council in order to be paid a salary by the State. Fully qualified teachers who have qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply for registration with the Teaching Council. A person deemed to be a fully qualified teacher has completed a recognised teacher education qualification and any required programme of induction in the country in which they qualified and can provide an official letter from the relevant teacher registration body/teacher licensing body/Competent Authority or Ministry of Education confirming recognition as a fully qualified teacher in the State/ country.
The Teaching Council assesses overseas qualifications in accordance with the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2016 and the EU Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (2013/55/EC). Persons completing teacher education qualifications outside the State and seeking to register with the Teaching Council must have their qualifications assessed to determine that they are comparable to accredited qualifications in Ireland.
Following qualifications assessment, if qualification shortfalls are identified, the applicant is advised of the area of shortfall and offered conditional registration for a period of three years. They can address the area(s) of qualification shortfall either by aptitude test (completing study-based modules) or by adaptation period (by teaching in the areas of shortfall). This is in accordance with the terms of the EU Directive.
Teachers who hold registration with conditions are eligible for employment in accordance with Department of Education Circulars.
The person referred to in the Deputy's question should liaise directly with the Teaching Council regarding recognition of their qualifications. The Council may be contacted by e-mail on info@teachingcouncil.ie or by phone: +353 (0)1 6517900, or LoCall 1890 224 224.
Full information is also available on the on the Teaching Council of Ireland website.
651. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education when a school (details supplied) can expect to receive approval on a tender and progress its build project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16647/23]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved under the Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for 1 x 96m2 Mainstream Classroom, en-suite toilets, and 1 x WC for assisted users.
The project is currently at Stage 3 of the architectural planning process. The school recently submitted the Tender Report to the Department for review.
The Department will revert to the school shortly with the outcome of this tender review.
652. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education when her Department’s payroll section will provide requested information urgently required for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16661/23]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the information sought on behalf of the teacher was provided by my Department.
Further information was then sought by the Department of Social Protection and is being provided. A senior official from my Department has been in contact with the teacher and outlined the situation to her.
653. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of accommodation for a school in County Wexford (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16677/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for additional school accommodation (ASA) from the school authority in question.
Officials from my Department have corresponded with the school authority and the school's response is currently under consideration. Once the assessment process has been completed my officials will be in touch with the school authorities directly.
654. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if a secondary school place will be accommodated for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16753/23]
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 their schools.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
This includes funding to support children with SEN in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with SEN nationwide.
In relation to the student referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has confirmed with my Department that the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), is aware of this student and will work with and offer his parents personalised guidance and recommendations on the best educational placement for him.
The NCSE is committed to collaborating with parents and schools to enhance special class provisions as needed. They encourage parents to stay in touch with their local SENO, who can provide essential information on the most appropriate placements for their children.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class and special school places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements, consideration of school accommodation capacity and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
If the recent growth in the need for special classes continues, it is expected that a similar level of new special classes will be needed at primary level over the next three years as have been provided over the last three years. At post-primary level however, it is expected that we will need to double the number of new special classes being provided over the next three years as compared to the last three years.
As both Minister Foley and I announced just last week, the NCSE have sanctioned 218 new special classes nationwide at primary and post-primary level for the coming school year 2023/2024. Of these new classes, 5 are in Kildare, with 2 at post-primary level. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Kildare to 110, 82 at primary and 28 at post-primary. Additional special classes will be sanctioned in the coming weeks.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes are available on the NCSE website at 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.
655. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the demand that will be placed on national schools in Rush, County Dublin; if provision has been made to increase national school places in the short to medium-term; if she will provide specific information by school on the number of places that will be available for the next ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16754/23]
View answerAs 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 Rush & Lusk 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
There is significant current and planned capital investment in primary schools in the Rush area, including a project to deliver a new 32 classroom school building for Rush NS which is currently at Stage 3, a new 16 classroom school for Gaelscoil Ros Eó which is currently at Stage 1, and a new 16 classroom school for Rush and Lusk ETNS which is currently at construction.
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, including those of schools in the Rush & Lusk areas, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train.
656. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if all efforts are being made to facilitate a full-time ASD secondary school place in Leixlip/Lucan for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16755/23]
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 their schools.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
This includes funding to support children with SEN in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
In relation to the student referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has confirmed with my Department that the local Special Educational Needs Officer (SENO), is aware of this student and remains available to offer personalised guidance and recommendations on the best educational placement.
The NCSE is committed to collaborating with parents and schools to enhance special class provisions as needed. They encourage parents to stay in touch with their local SENO, who can provide essential information on the most appropriate placements for their children.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class and special school places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements, consideration of school accommodation capacity and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
If the recent growth in the need for special classes continues, it is expected that a similar level of new special classes will be needed at primary level over the next three years as have been provided over the last three years. At post-primary level however, it is expected that we will need to double the number of new special classes being provided over the next three years as compared to the last three years.
As both Minister Foley and I announced just last week the NCSE have sanctioned 218 new special classes nationwide at primary and post-primary level for the coming school year 2023/2024. Of these new classes, 29 are in within the Dublin area. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Dublin to 494, 376 at primary and 118 at post-primary.
5 new classes have been sanctioned in Co. Kildare, bringing the total number of classes in Co. Kildare to 110, 82 at primary and 28 at post-primary.
Further additional special classes will be sanctioned in the coming weeks.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes are available on the NCSE website at 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.
657. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education to present an update on the plans for the future accommodation needs of (details supplied); if she will appreciate the serious concerns of the school community in respect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16767/23]
View answerOn 5th April 2023, my Department advised that agreement has been reached to facilitate the progression of the school building programme.
I want to assure you that our team are working extremely hard to ensure that schools are built as quickly as possible so that children and young people have access to a physical environment where they can receive a high standard of education and feel safe, valued and nurtured. My Department has a strong track record of delivery with over 180 projects delivered last year notwithstanding the high levels of construction inflation. There are circa. 300 school building projects currently at construction which includes 40 new school buildings and 260 projects at existing schools.
The 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 and is expected to proceed to tender imminently.
My Department will continue to liaise with the individual schools and their Patron Body in relation to the interim accommodation needs pending delivery of their permanent accommodation.
658. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education when works on a school (details supplied) will take place. [16768/23]
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.
My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. Key priorities for the 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 educational needs provision.
The school in question is being considered as part of this assessment and a decision will issue to the school authorities as soon as possible in this regard. My officials have been in touch with the school in relation to this matter.
659. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education for an update on a new school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16770/23]
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. Key priorities for the 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 educational needs provision.
The school in question is among the many accommodation needs across the country being considered as part of this process. My officials will be in touch with the school authorities directly in this regard as soon as possible.
660. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if she will make arrangements to restore supervised school transport for a pupil (details supplied) in County Cork attending a special school. [16778/23]
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.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
In certain circumstances, School Bus Escorts are employed on board a school transport service provided through Bus Éireann where the child’s care and safety needs while on board the school transport are such as they require the support of an escort.
Bus Éireann has advised there is a service available to the pupil referred to by the Deputy, however, the service cannot operate without a bus escort. The Department of Education issue grant funding to schools for the employment of school bus escorts. Under the Education Acts, the Principal/Board of Management is responsible for the operation of the school. As employer, the school is responsible for most employment related requirements of bus escorts who are recruited directly by the school while funded by the Department.
661. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if Section 67 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 has been commenced; if not, when it is expected that it will be commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16822/23]
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 NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my Department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
Just last week, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two new special schools as part of a comprehensive update on enhanced education provision for students with special educational needs. These two new special schools will be established in Carrigtwohill, east Cork and Dublin 7 for the 2023/24 school year.
Along with the two new special schools, I also confirmed that 218 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the coming school year 2023/2024, with more to be confirmed in the coming weeks – 126 at primary and 92 at post-primary level. Also capacity will be expanded in 11 other special schools around the country.
At local level, the NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible time frame.
The key provision in the Education (Provision in Respect of Children with Special Educational Needs) Act 2022 provides for a more streamlined Section 37A process, if required, to compel schools to make provision for children with special educational needs.
The new legislation passed through both houses of the Oireachtas last summer and was signed into law by the President in July 2022. Commencement orders (SI 381/2022 and SI 382/2022) were signed to initiate the provisions in the new legislation with effect from 22nd and 25th July 2022.
I understand that the Deputy may be referring to Section 67 of the Education Act 1998 rather than the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004.
Section 67 of the Education Act 1998 which provides for the NCSE or Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) to designate a school place was also amended under this new legislation. The amended Section 67 has been commenced.
Circular letter 75/2022 which provides information on the commencement of the Education (Provision in respect of Children with Special Education Needs) Act 2022 and commencement of remaining sections of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 was published in late 2022 - gov.ie - Commencement of the Education (Provision in respect of Children with Special Educational Needs) Act 2022 and Commencement of remaining sections of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 (www.gov.ie).
