Written Answers Nos. 148-162
148. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider opening an emergency fund for further future unforeseen events that may hit Ireland's economy and hurt its businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20945/23]
View answerLast year, a large budgetary surplus of €8 billion was recorded. Absent any major shocks to the economy or our public finances, a large expansion of this surplus is projected for the years ahead. However, this headline position is flattered by the extraordinary rise in corporation tax receipts in recent years. My Department estimates that, last year, more than half of corporation tax receipts were windfall in nature – meaning that they cannot be explained by our economic fundamentals.
When I came to office as Minister for Finance, I asked officials in my Department to prepare a scoping paper outlining the merits of establishing a longer-term public savings vehicle to which these windfall receipts could be channelled and which would contribute to the long-term sustainability of our public finances. Such a vehicle could contribute to identifiable future costs, such as those relating to an ageing population, as well as less quantifiable spending pressures, such as the climate and digital transitions. The fund could also help contribute to meeting the cost of unforeseen shocks, such as those we have experienced in recent years.
An existing fund, which serves a useful purpose in providing resources to meet unforeseen events, is the National Reserve Fund, which currently holds €6 billion. However, I believe a more ambitious approach is needed to meet the future fiscal challenges which lie ahead and my Department’s scoping paper explores options in this regard.
Taking into account this analysis, it is my intention to continue to develop the proposal to establish a longer-term savings vehicle, capitalised by windfall receipts, with a view to bringing proposals to Government providing for the establishment of this fund in due course.
149. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the Finance Act 1995 prevents retailers from setting a margin on the sale of tobacco, as they can on every other product, instead, they are obliged to sell product at the price set by the tobacco companies; and whether he has considered allowing a higher price be set even if he is unwilling to allow any discounting from the RRP. [20977/23]
View answerSection 75 of the Finance Act 2005 (as amended) legislates for the ascertainment of retail prices of tobacco products, which had previously been dealt with in Section 84 of the Finance Act 1996.
The Tobacco Products Tax (TPT) provisions of Finance Act 2005 are subject to the Tobacco Products Tax Directive (2011/64/EU) on the structure and rates of excise duty applied to manufactured tobacco. The Directive states that manufacturers shall be free to determine the maximum retail selling price for each of their products. The maximum retail selling price is the basis for calculating the ad valorem (i.e. value based) portion of excise duty applying to cigarettes. Member States have no scope to alter the specific requirements set out in the Directive regarding the use of maximum retail selling prices in calculating the ad valorem portion of excise duty applying to cigarettes.
In line with EU legislation, Section 75 of Finance Act 2005 provides for the ad valorem portion of the TPT to be based on the retail price of the tobacco product. Section 75 also places an obligation on tobacco manufacturers and importers to make a declaration to Revenue detailing the maximum retail selling price for each tobacco product they manufacture or import. This information is required to ensure the ad valorem portion of the TPT is calculated correctly. Under Section 79 of the Finance Act 2005 it is an offence for a retailer to present cigarettes for sale for a higher price than that which has been declared to the Revenue Commissioners.
150. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the reason the temporary business energy support scheme is based on the difference in electricity costs one year ago and not two years ago as the main increase in price occurred between early 2021 and early 2022 when they levelled off at their continuously high price; whether he intends to amend the scheme to deal with the ongoing high price of electricity in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20989/23]
View answerThe Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was introduced in Finance Act 2022. It is a broad-based measure designed to assist businesses that have experienced a significant increase in their natural gas and electricity costs as a result of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. TBESS is a State aid measure that operates within the rules of the European Commission Temporary Crisis Framework for State aid measures to support the economy following aggression against Ukraine by Russia, (now known as the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF)). It operates by comparing the average unit price for the relevant bill period with the average unit price in the corresponding reference period in the previous year. This is to ensure the TBESS complies with State aid rules.
Recognising the ongoing difficulties that many businesses face in terms of energy prices, in February of this year, I exercised the power contained in Finance Act 2022 to extend the scheme to 30 April 2023 and also to increase the monthly caps on aid granted under the scheme. From 1 March the monthly caps on aid increased to €15,000 per trade or profession, or in cases where the trade or profession of a qualifying business operates across more than one location, €15,000 per MPRN up to a maximum amount of €45,000 per month. In addition, at the end of February 2023 the Government decided, as part of a package of cost of living measures, to make a number of enhancements to the scheme. The enhancements are aimed at allowing more businesses qualify for support and at increasing the level of support given.
These enhancements, which have received State aid approval under the European Commission TCTF are being legislated for in Finance Bill 2023 and are as follows:
• The extension of the scheme to 31 May 2023.
• The reduction in the energy cost threshold for entry into the scheme from 50 percent to 30 percent with effect from 1 September 2022.
• The increase in the amount of the temporary business energy payment (TBEP) from 40 percent of the eligible costs to 50 percent of the eligible costs for claim periods from 1 March 2023 until the end of the scheme, subject to the relevant monthly limits.
• The amendment of the time limit for making claims under the scheme such that businesses now have two months from the end of the scheme to complete their claims.
Revenue have advised that claims already made are automatically being reassessed using the new 30 percent energy costs threshold. Therefore, businesses that already made claims will not have to amend them or re submit them to take account of the revised threshold.
The changes made in Finance Bill 2023 also include a provision allowing me to further extend the scheme to not later than the end of July 2023 and I will make a decision on this in due course.
Further details on TBESS and the relevant conditions for making a claim can be found at: www.revenue.ie/en/starting-a-business/tbess/index.aspx
151. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance his plans to review in consultation with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the yield from betting duty and betting intermediary duty is distributed and or used. [21026/23]
View answerThe Deputy should note that the yield from betting duty and betting intermediary duty goes directly to the Exchequer. There is no distribution to any organisation. The way in which Exchequer funding, including to the Horse and Greyhound Fund, is allocated is decided as part of the annual estimates process which is a matter for my colleagues, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
152. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a schedule of the yield from traditional betting, betting duty and betting intermediary duty in each of the years 2018 to-date in 2023; and if he will clarify whether 68(1)(a) of the Finance Act is still applicable. [21027/23]
View answer153. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a schedule of the amount collected from all betting duties in the past five years to date in respect of interest is due on late payments of betting duty; the number of enforcements initiated by the Revenue Commissioners in respect of the non-payment of duties and non-payment of interest due on late payments of duties over that same time period; and the number of those enforcements that have been settled to date. [21029/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together.
I am advised by Revenue that a breakdown of receipts from traditional betting duty, remote/online betting duty and betting intermediary duty in each of the years 2018 to 2021 is available on the Revenue website at the following link:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/excise/receipts-volume-and-price/betting-duty-receipts.aspx
A breakdown of betting duty receipts for 2022 and to the end of March 2023 by licence type is provided in the table below.
|
Year |
Traditional Duty €m |
Remote Duty €m |
Intermediary Duty €m |
Total €m |
|
2023 |
11.5 |
12.8 |
0.9 |
25.2* |
|
2022 |
45.7 |
49.3 |
3.9 |
98.9 |
* 2023 betting duty receipts are provisional and subject to change.
I am further advised by Revenue that section 68(1)(a) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of the Finance Act 2002 is currently in force. This section provides for an exemption from Betting Duty on bets entered into by bookmakers operating at authorised horse racing courses or greyhound race meetings. The exemption applies to bets made on races taking place at the authorised horse racing course or greyhound race meeting where the bookmaker is located as well as bets made on races taking place at another location. The exemption does not apply to bets entered into by remote means i.e. by any electronic means including the internet or telephone betting.
In relation to Question 21029/23, I am advised by Revenue that the interest and penalties collected, in each of the past five years, on late payments of betting duty is set out in the below table.
|
Type |
2022 €m |
2021 €m |
2020 €m |
2019 €m |
2018 €m |
|
Interest |
0.42 |
0.03 |
0.09 |
0.03 |
0.11 |
|
Penalties |
0.02 |
0.00 |
0.02 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
154. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department still supports the statement in the environmental impact assessment report to the River Bride (Blackpool) certified drainage scheme that flooding in Blackpool is primarily fluvial; if restricting the river channel in Blackpool by constructing hard flood defences will also restrict pluvial flow; if the scheme has been designed to meet the risks presented by pluvial flooding events, such as that of October 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21395/23]
View answerBlackpool has a history of flooding and whilst not limited to river (or fluvial) flooding, the vast majority of major flood events have been due to river flooding. The primary purpose of the River Bride (Blackpool) Certified Drainage Scheme (Flood Relief Scheme) as described in the EIAR (Environment Impact Assessment Report) is to address fluvial or river flooding. The proposed Scheme does not propose to restrict the river channel but will increase the capacity in many areas by removal and ongoing management of sediment load, reduction of debris risk through addition of trash screens, and removal of local throttles at some undersized bridges. The purpose of the direct defences is to provide protection to properties and businesses and the road network.
Pluvial flood risk by definition arises when rainwater either cannot reach the drainage system or exceeds the capacity of the various gullies and surface water drainage elements, i.e. before it ever reaches the river system. The surface water drainage system in and around Blackpool is a combination of combined sewers, now managed by Uisce Éireann, and some discrete surface water systems which are the responsibility of Cork City Council. Uisce Éireann is currently finalising a detailed Drainage Action Plan for the area, following which, the need for any drainage network upgrades may be identified. OPW and Uisce Éireann are liaising closely so that the information and knowledge gained from both projects is shared and any opportunities for synergies can be determined.
Whilst the Blackpool Flood Relief Scheme does not seek to address drainage network capacity issues throughout the catchment, like all OPW flood relief schemes, it does include measures to ensure that pluvial flood risk immediately adjacent to the river corridor is not worsened and if possible is reduced. This will be achieved by including local pumping stations at the outfalls from the drainage systems into the river to ensure that the surface water can still be discharged even when river levels are high during river floods. In addition, in areas where construction works for the flood relief scheme are taking place, the reinstatement works will include local improvements to drainage features such as kerb lines, gullies, pipe replacements which details are being finalised in close collaboration with both Uisce Éireann and Cork City Council.
155. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the effectiveness of the Local Enterprise Office system in making businesses aware of Government grants and schemes available to them, as only 30,000 businesses took up the TBESS scheme over the winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20947/23]
View answerThe Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) is a scheme under Revenue which was introduced to support businesses with increases in their electricity or natural gas (energy) costs.
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), located within each of the 31 Local Authorities, act as a ‘First Stop Shop’ providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. The LEOs also act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and can, under agreed protocols, provide information and referrals to other relevant bodies e.g., Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland. As part of their mandate the LEOs actively promoted the TBESS through various communication channels including their newsletters, social media and in person to client companies.
Furthermore, the Supportingsmes.gov.ie website is an online Government information portal where SMEs can find information and assistance on a range of tailored supports for enterprise of all sizes in Ireland. Supports include access to finance, management development, mentoring supports, business development programmes, market supports and trade promotion. The portal allows enterprise and entrepreneurs to identify the Government supports that they can avail of including Climate and Energy schemes such as TBESS.
The TBESS has been advertised extensively through radio and print media over the last few months and this campaign is ongoing. In addition, our colleagues in Revenue held a live, interactive webinar on 14 December 2022 which provided a comprehensive and easy to understand explanation of the scheme and a demonstration of how to register and claim on ROS. A recording of this webinar is available for viewing on the Revenue website.
In addition, when the scheme went live in November, Revenue wrote to over 50 trade bodies and representative associations summarising the main elements of the TBESS and asking them to promote it among their members through their Newsletters, Website banners, bulk emails or any other means at their disposal to get the message out to businesses in their sector across the country. The bodies who received this communication included IBEC, ISME, SFA, RGDATA, SIMI, IFA, ICMSA, IMO, Vintners Association and Federation, Restaurants Association of Ireland and Chambers Ireland. The TBESS was extensively promoted by the Irish Taxation Institute and Chartered Accountants Ireland among their members so that those tax practitioners could assist their clients in registering for the scheme.
In addition, Department of Finance and Revenue officials have attended several Enterprise Forum meetings advising stakeholders of the TBESS and clarifying any queries about the scheme. A number of enhancements have been made to the TBESS including extending the scheme until 31st May 2023 and the extension of the time limit of all claims to 31st July 2023.
I can assure the deputy that every effort is made by my Department and Revenue, to promote the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme.
156. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he would consider simplifying the process for businesses to be able to access the information regarding the Government schemes available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20950/23]
View answerLocated within each of the 31 Local Authorities, the LEOs are a ‘First Stop Shop’ providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. The LEOs act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and, under agreed protocols, provide information and referrals to other relevant bodies e.g., Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
Furthermore, the Supportingsmes.gov.ie website is an online Government information portal where SMEs can find information and assistance on a range of tailored supports for enterprise of all sizes in Ireland. Supports include access to finance, management development, mentoring supports, business development programmes, market supports and trade promotion. The portal allows enterprise and entrepreneurs to identify the Government supports that they can avail of.
By completing a questionnaire, small business owners can discover which of the numerous business supports available from over 30 different Government Departments and Agencies they are eligible for and can find the contact details of their nearest LEO or other agencies where they can further discuss supports for their business.
The portal has recently been redesigned to make it more user friendly and informative with additional information added such as how to engage in Public Procurement opportunities. This redesign was a priority of the SME and Entrepreneurship Taskforce and was completed in December 2022.
The LEOs, in delivering on their mission to promote entrepreneurship, foster business start-ups and develop existing micro and small businesses to drive job creation, currently provide comprehensive information on supports available to entrepreneurs and business owners, through their 31 offices and their websites.
I am satisfied that the combination of the Supportingsmes.gov.ie website and the signposting services available through the LEOs, provide enterprises and entrepreneurs with a comprehensive overview of the suite of supports available including those from bodies other than my Department.
157. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of the impact of inflation on breast feeding baby formula which has increased by up to 25%; if he is also aware of reports by the European Central Bank that corporate profiteering has been one of the biggest contributors to price increases; what options are available to help parents in the face of these price hikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20995/23]
View answerI am conscious that current geopolitical events including Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, have led to a complex and uncertain environment that is impacting economies around the world and affecting people in their daily lives. In its reports, the European Central Bank (ECB) indicates that recent high inflation is due to increased energy prices and supply chain issues (which impact import charges), resulting in a loss of real income for both households and businesses. The ECB states that it is closely monitoring any exploitation of the uncertainty created by high and volatile inflation and supply-demand mismatches. The ECB predicts that over the coming years growth in profit margins and wages will moderate as a result of its efforts to lower inflation and that this will have a knock-on effect on product prices.
The increase in commodity prices such as oil, energy and grain has resulted in increases on the sale price of a number of core products such as milk, butter and bread. However, a recent study by consultants Kantar is showing that the rate of food inflation in Ireland has dropped slightly for the first time in two years for the period February to April. This compares to Eurostat figures for the Eurozone area which shows inflation rose to 7% in April. While this is positive news for Ireland, I know it does little to ease the concerns of people and their families who are faced with increased costs in their everyday purchases.
Traders in Ireland are free to set and change their prices for goods and services. In general, there are no limits to the prices that a trader can set and the level of profits they make. There is no legislation explicitly stating what the maximum or the minimum price for any product or service should be (the one exception is minimum unit pricing for alcohol). Such an approach aims to promote competition amongst retailers and service providers.
Sections 61 and 62 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 provide for the setting of maximum prices for products, to be specified, for sale to consumers (not businesses). These powers date back to when Ireland ceased World War II rationing and they have not been availed of since their enactment. Such price controls are regarded as a blunt instrument which could have serious economic impacts for individual traders and Ireland as a whole. For goods or services that are imported or where domestic production has a high import content, the effect would be reduced supply. In other cases, the risk lies in the medium-term effects on competition in the marketplace and supply chains.
This government remains committed to helping protect the most vulnerable, families and businesses from the rising cost of living and introduced measures to the value of €12billion to help ease the burden of inflation being experienced by consumers and businesses. Household transfers, including electricity credits, account for around half of the overall fiscal response, with tax measures accounting for one-third and the remainder is composed of business and other expenditure supports.
On an ongoing basis, the Government responds to price increases by seeking to prevent any abuse of market power by companies. In this regard, it is illegal for competing businesses to form a cartel - that is, an agreement to fix prices - or to agree a common pricing policy or to carve up a market in order that they do not have to compete. It is also illegal for businesses to share information about their future pricing intentions. Wholesalers may not dictate the retail prices charged for their products by independent retailers. As long as businesses do not collude, however, they are free to set their own prices and may observe their competitors' prices and adjust their own prices accordingly.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is responsible for ensuring that prices are set independently by competing businesses by enforcing laws that mean there is competitive pressure on businesses to set prices at a level that will attract customers. Where appropriate, the CCPC investigates suspected breaches of competition or consumer protection law and takes enforcement action if the investigation uncovers sufficient evidence of a breach.
158. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 2 February 2023; the progress, if any, that has been made on the review of guidelines on the use of school buildings outside of school hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20831/23]
View answerThe process of reviewing the 2017 Guidelines for the Use of School Buildings outside of School Hours is now underway by my Department. My Department supports and encourage the use of school buildings for community and recreational purposes , where feasible, and this will remain a core feature of the new Guidelines.
Part of the review includes a school survey to inform the updating of the Guidelines. The survey has been issued to patron bodies of a sample of selected primary and post-primary schools for distribution. The survey invites schools to share their views on topics including: whether and how their school facilities are currently used by organisations other than the school, future plans for the use of school buildings and any current barriers encountered regarding the use of school buildings after hours.
The responses to the survey are now being returned and will continue to be returned over the coming weeks. The replies are in the process of being collated. They will then be analysed and will inform the review of the Guidelines. Following the review, and in consultation with school authorities, the Guidelines will be updated as necessary and all schools will be notified of the changes.
159. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education the criteria that has been used to determine the position the SNA allocation in respect of a school (details supplied) for the coming school term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20833/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government.
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 on special education.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the department’s total allocation for 2023.
My department has allocated 1,165 additional special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools in the past year and in Budget 2023 an additional 686 teachers and 1,194 SNAs are being provided to support schools.
The additional SNAs will be allocated as follows: 735 to support students in new special classes, 124 to support students in new special school places and 335 to support students in mainstream classes.
For the first time ever we will have over 19,000 teachers working in the area of special education and over 20,000 SNAs. Together we have almost 40,000 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs.
SNAs are provided specifically to assist schools to assist children with special educational needs, who also have additional and significant care needs, and require additional assistance in order to be able to attend school and participate in education. Such support is provided with a view to develop independent living skills.
SNAs are allocated to schools as a school based resource not to individual children. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual principal/board of management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.
It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
My department does not have a role in making individual school determinations and the school should liaise with the NCSE directly in the event that additional supports are required.
Schools can seek a review of their SNA allocations through an exceptional review process, detailed information on the NCSE’s exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website ncse.ie/application-for-sna-exceptional-review.
The NCSE endeavour to respond to all applications for exceptional review received as expediently as possible and in that regard, it will prioritise applications from schools with no current SNA allocation and developing schools.
The NCSE has developed an appeal mechanism for schools who are not satisfied with the outcome of the exceptional review. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) will provide information and clarification to schools on the outcome where requested.
As the question relates to the allocation of supports to a specific school, I will arrange to have your question forwarded to the NCSE for direct reply to you.
SNA allocations for the 2023/24 school year will start being communicated to schools by the NCSE this week. The exceptional review process for mainstream allocations will remain in place throughout the 2023/24 school year.
160. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the progress of a school building project (details supplied); if the required three temporary classrooms will be available for occupation in September 2023; the next steps by her Department in respect of this project; if school management will be informed of the status of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20834/23]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that approval has issued for the provision of additional classroom accommodation at the school referred, to cater for enrolments.
The project is being delivered under the Department’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. This approach supports accelerated delivery of the accommodation and maximises assistance to the school for this brief, the project will be delivered from the Department’s Procurement Frameworks.
A Project Management company will be appointed, from the Department’s Framework, to design and tender the project. This consultant will lead the project through the various stages of planning process and construction.
The School Authority has overall responsibility for delivery of the project.
161. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will consider a request (details supplied) for school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20835/23]
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.
Under the terms of the Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending their nearest recognised mainstream school or special school from where they reside, that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers acts in an advisory role to the Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO). The Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO).
School Transport Section can confirm that they have not yet received an application for School Transport under the School Transport for Children with Special Educational Needs Scheme for this child.
A parent/guardian should contact the school Principal of the school that their child is attending who will assist in making an application for school transport to the SENO that is affiliated with their school.
162. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education the funding streams that are available for a school (details supplied) to assist with the cost of rising energy costs for the school. [20837/23]
View answerMy Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
As part of the Cost of Living measures introduced in the Budget, €90 million has been provided in once-off additional funding to support increased running costs for recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme, in particular in dealing with challenges they face in the light of rising energy costs.
This additional grant was paid at the rate of €75 per pupil at Primary level and €113 at Post-Primary level. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs. Further details are available in Circular 0077/2022 available on my Department’s website and may be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/circular/467fa-once-off-cost-of-living-measure-to-support-increased-school-running-costs/
In the context of the current cost of living crisis I would expect this very significant additional funding made available to schools is sufficient to meet increased running costs.
In addition to this 40% increase in grant funding in Budget 2023 to cover increased running costs, my Department has been supporting schools to access lower prices for some time.Significant work has been carried out at Department level in order to support all schools in their procurement and use of energy supplies.
My Department has ensured in recent years that centrally negotiated rates were made available to schools for electricity and bulk heating fuels through frameworks sourced by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). Central rates are fixed for gas and electricity for those availing of those arrangements at present.
A significant number of schools have engaged with this and are availing of highly competitive energy prices. It is planned to run future competitions to ensure that bulk rates continue to be available from 2024 onwards. Information on how to avail of these arrangements is available via the Schools Procurement Unit website, www.spu.ie
The Energy in Education website portal (www.energyineducation.ie), and associated advice programme (Joint programme between SEAI and Dept. of Education) also assists schools reduce their energy consumption, and empowers participating schools and pupils to learn the benefits of sustainability. Typically, savings of between 5 and 10% are identified through low and no cost measures, while some schools participating have identified potential savings of up to 15% or more.
Budget 2023 provided for the provision of funding from the Climate Action Fund in relation to the provision of photovoltaic panels in schools up to 6 kW output. This is really positive news for our schools and will assist with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings. My officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication in relation to the arrangements for this scheme.
As part of the preparation for the roll-out of the national programme, a key first step was to establish the level of existing PV installations in schools. The primary school capacity survey is nearly complete, and the post-primary is concluded, and indications are that nearly 10% of post-primary schools have solar PV panels, and 5% of primary schools. The roll-out of the solar panel scheme is expected to commence later this year, and will be a fully funded multi-annual programme.
The scheme will include technology that will facilitate display on a digital information screen in the building general purpose area, the solar energy generation on each school from the panels. This will display in real time to the staff and pupils the renewable energy generation profile, this data can be used by students if required during classes and for their projects.
