Written Answers Nos. 73-92
73. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on his engagements or the correspondence that his Department has had with the owners or management of a hotel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21996/23]
View answerIt is my understanding that a liquidator has been appointed to oversee the winding up of the company.
The Companies Act 2014 provides safeguards to ensure that a liquidation process complies with the relevant statutory requirements. The Companies Act 2014 allows for any creditor, including employees, of the company to apply to the court for a determination on any question arising in the winding up of a company.
The Minister has no role in the administration of a liquidation, and it is the responsibility of the liquidator to engage with all relevant parties.
The Redundancy Payments Scheme and Insolvency Payments Scheme protect the former employees of companies that have become legally insolvent. The Schemes are administered by the Department of Social Protection. Payments are made from the Social Insurance Fund and are subject to certain limits.
The Redundancy Payments Scheme ensures eligible employees receive their statutory redundancy payment in the event that their employer is unable to pay due to its insolvency.
Under the Insolvency Payments Scheme, employees may also claim, through an employer representative, such as the official liquidator or receiver, various outstanding debts including:
• Arrears of wages and sick pay
• Outstanding holiday pay
• Unpaid statutory minimum notice
• Certain arrears of pension contributions
• Various statutory awards made by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)
74. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has any concerns with regards to trading with China due to its political stance on the Ukraine-Russia war; the measures Ireland is taking currently in order to safeguard Ireland's position on the war when negotiating with China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22030/23]
View answerTrade policy plays an important role in promoting and protecting Ireland’s values and standards. Ireland’s Trade and Investment Strategy 2022 – 2026 “Value for Ireland, Values for the World”, sets out our approach to trade policy based on our values and principles as a free and democratic country. The overarching goal of our trade and investment strategy is to see Ireland grow sustainably, diversify our export markets and provide for continued prosperity and higher living standards. The strategy contains a number of priority actions, all of which are underpinned by Ireland’s commitment to multilateralism and a rules based global trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.
Ireland has been unequivocal and steadfast in our support for Ukraine. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China has a clear responsibility to defend and promote the Charter of the United Nations and the rules based international order, including in relation to the use of force and territorial integrity. Ireland has been clear with all countries, including China, that any settlement of the conflict in Ukraine must be acceptable to Ukraine and include the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.
In relation to trade policy specifically, the EU Commission retains exclusive competence when negotiating trade agreements with third countries. On that basis, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been clear that China’s position on the war in Ukraine will be an important factor going forward in EU-China relations.
Ireland will continue to advocate on behalf of Ukraine without reservation and we will continue to ensure that our trade policy objectives, while important, are not pursued at any cost. The protection of life and the right to live peacefully will remain a cornerstone of our principles as a nation, and those principles will continue to feed into our trade relations with others.
75. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 52 of 18 January 2023, if the IDA currently employs, or has under contract, an agent or consultant in Israel to increase investment in Ireland by Israeli enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22126/23]
View answerIDA Ireland issued a request for tender for a part-time Israel-based Business Development Consultant in January 2022. IDA Ireland regularly engages Pathfinders/Consultants globally and this is a model used across many geographies. The Consultant finished the assignment at the end of January 2023 and I am informed that IDA Ireland is likely to go to tender for a replacement consultant in 2023.
A Business Development Consultant identifies target companies with potential for investing in Ireland, engages with senior decision-makers in these companies and presents Ireland’s value proposition as an investment location.
I also wish to advise the Deputy that IDA Ireland will not target any Israeli company included on the database of enterprises involved in certain activities relating to settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as published by the UN in February 2020.
76. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21889/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time are now accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation for the 2022/2023 school year.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who complete the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Bus Éireann consider transport options as outlined in the case raised by the Deputy, once pupils have applied for school transport online through the Bus Éireann family portal.
Bus Éireann have reported a strong level of applications for school transport for the 2023/2024 school year. The closing date for new applications was Friday 28 April 2023. Any new applications made following this date will be considered late and this may mean that a ticket is not available. Applications can be made by visiting www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.
The Bus Éireann family portal is open for payments for school transport for the 2023 / 2024 school year until 9 June. Bus Éireann will assess all new and existing applications following the closing date and where there is a requirement for an extension of a service or a new service, where there are ten or more eligible applicants for a specific area, this will be arranged during the summer months.
77. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the number of places that are available in the ASD class in a school (details supplied) for the 2023-2024 school year; if there are plans to build capacity in the number of places available in ASD classes in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21899/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
My department is committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. My department strives to ensure that every child has access to an educational experience that is appropriate to their needs and supports both their academic and personal development.
As part of Budget 2023, my department’s budget was substantially increased, by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 the 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. This includes additional teaching and care supports.
Additional funding is also being provided to allow the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) recruit additional staff, including Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). These additional resources should ensure that the NCSE can better support parents and schools in relation to the provision of special education needs places.
Our policy, which is set out in the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 is that children with special educational needs should be educated in mainstream placements with additional supports provided as appropriate.
Where children require more specialised educational settings, such as special classes or special schools, the department and the NCSE ensures that the necessary resources and supports for such placements are provided in line with the needs of the child.
We have made a lot of progress over the last three years in terms of providing special classes and special school places with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
There are a total of 2,537 special classes opened nationwide. Of the 2,537 special classes, there are 1,798 at primary level and 739 at post primary level. We want to continue this level of progress to ensure that there are sufficient places in special classes and special schools for children who need them.
Just recently on 12th April, 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. This will bring to 7, the number of new special schools established in the last 3 years. Capacity is also being expanded in 11 other special schools nationwide.
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. Of these new classes, 45 are in Co. Cork, with 29 at primary level and 16 at post-primary level. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Co. Cork to 466, 329 at primary and 137 at post-primary. Additional special classes will be sanctioned in the coming weeks.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that it currently has six special classes catering for students with autism and one special class for pupils with a moderate general learning disability. The special classes in the school cater to the needs of students by promoting independence as they transition into senior cycle programs. This year, several pupils will be transitioning out of special classes and into the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) program. Consequently, the school has met the demand for places in its locality this year.
For the 2023-2024 school year, the school has offered special class places to twelve students. At the current time, there are no plans to expand the provision in this school, as the existing capacity has been sufficient to address the demand for places in the locality.
The NCSE has advised my department that it continues to work with schools to ensure all students identified as requiring places in the special class meet the Department of Education’s criteria for enrolment in a special class.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list .
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
I want to reassure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
78. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will examine the case of a school (details supplied) which was approved for an extension to include an ASD unit that would accommodate over 12 special needs students; the status of the new ASD unit for the school; when construction will commence on the new school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21903/23]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers was granted funding under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to build a 2 classroom SEN Base, new Music Room and 5 classrooms, with new ground floor entrance foyer, relocated administration facilities, meeting rooms, boiler room and all additional associated works.
I can confirm that the project is currently at design stage and the Department is awaiting submission of a Stage 1/2A Report and the Form of Acceptance. The school has been advised of this project status and the information is currently outstanding.
The project has been devolved to Tipperary ETB (TETB) and is now a matter for TETB and the Board of Management of the school to advance the project in that context.
79. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if she will address the situation of a late payment from the tuition grant section to a school (details supplied), as this has resulted in staff not being paid on time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21904/23]
View answer87. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education if the home tuition payments being made to a preschool for an autistic pupil (details supplied) have been delayed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22103/23]
View answer93. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education if she will give urgent attention to the case of a pre-school for autistic children which is facing severe difficulties as a result of ongoing delays in receiving payments from her Department (details supplied); the steps she is taking to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22140/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 87 and 93 together.
I am pleased to inform the Deputies that all outstanding payments to the school in question in respect of home tuition have now been processed.
The purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. The terms of this scheme are set out in circular 46/2022 which is available on the Government of Ireland website at www.gov.ie/en/circular/22b2a-home-tuition-grant-scheme-20222023-special-education-component/
Payments to group providers of home tuition, such as the facility concerned, are made directly to the provider on a monthly basis in arrears in accordance with my Department’s policy in this regard. Claim forms are submitted to my Department at the end of the month in which tuition has been provided and every effort is made to process these claims as efficiently as possible to ensure payment is made as soon as possible after the claim form is received from the facility. However, delays may be experienced from time to time if forms are incomplete. I can assure the deputy that every effort is being made to keep any delays to a minimum.
80. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if she will provide her response to the finding in a report (details supplied) concerning the priority need for end-of-life care for survivors of institutional abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21918/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, there are a number of published reports highlighting the ongoing needs of survivors and the lifelong difficulties they encounter. It is also very important that the views of survivors of institutional abuse are heard in this regard. My Department commenced a structured process of consultation with survivors and the initial phase of this process resulted in the preparation of a report entitled Consultations with Survivors of Institutional Abuse on Themes and Issues to be addressed by a Survivor-Led Consultation Group, which was submitted to the Department in 2019.
The themes and issues identified in this report were subsequently considered by a survivor-led Consultative Forum which was facilitated by professionally qualified facilitators engaged by my Department. The Forum’s final report, which provided a good insight into the areas where survivors feel that supports are required into the future, was submitted to the Department in 2021. I acknowledge the commitment of the survivors who participated in the consultation process.
This work is currently being considered by my Department with input from colleagues from other Departments. Significant resources are being devoted to progressing this, to feed into proposals to Government, which it is my intention to bring to Government shortly. It is also intended to engage further with the Consultative Forum in this regard.
81. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that the free primary schoolbooks scheme allocation to a school (details supplied) factors in exceptional circumstances to ensure that all students receive their books; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21919/23]
View answerI recently announced details of Ireland’s first national primary school book scheme, which will provide free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks, in recognised primary schools and special schools. More than 558,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools, will benefit from this measure.
The total investment, of over €50 million, significantly increases the funding for school books currently provided to all recognised primary schools in the country. The implementation of the measure will build on the experience of the existing school book rental scheme which is available in the majority of recognised primary schools and on the free school books pilot provided to over 100 primary DEIS schools in recent years.
The grant under the new scheme, is a permanent measure. For the 2023/24 school year €96 per pupil was recently paid in line with validated pupil enrolment on 30 September 2022.
The basis of the grant funding provided is that it eliminates the overall cost of schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks for parents. Parents must not be asked to purchase schoolbooks, workbooks or copybooks or to make a contribution to the school towards the cost of these items.
In certain circumstances where a school enrolls a number of new pupils after 30th September 2023 and where funding was not originally allocated to take account of these pupils, the school may contact my Department to make an application for additional funding setting out the detail of the additional enrolments. Such applications will be considered on a case by case basis. The contact information for my Department is set out in the Guidance document that has issued to schools and is available at gov.ie - Free Primary Schoolbooks Scheme (www.gov.ie)
82. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the proposal to reconfigure three primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21930/23]
View answerFollowing engagement with the relevant stakeholders, issue of preliminary report, which was circulated to the Raheny school community, feedback provided and views shared, the facilitator issued their final report to the school patron. The report concludes that the Raheny schools are not amenable to, or potential candidates for, transfer of patronage, and that the three Raheny schools should be retained as they are currently configured.
Having received the report and reflected on the level of demand and the conclusion as set out in the report, the patron has communicated his decision with the three schools that they will remain under his patronage.
My Department is reviewing the engagement with the school communities in the pilot areas to consider the learnings going forward, including the aspects that worked well and the elements that can be improved upon. As part of this review, my Department has sought the views of the facilitators who engaged with the school communities in the pilot areas and is also engaging with representatives of the Catholic patrons and representatives of the main multi-denominational patron bodies.
My Department will work with the relevant stakeholders to apply this learning to future phases of work.
My goal remains to establish a strong process, that has the support of patrons and local communities, and which will enable us to continue to increase the number of multi-denominational primary schools across the country.
83. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the amount of public money that has been spent to-date in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) defending the actions of a WWETB principal by the senior management team and board members of WWETB against serious accusations of wrongdoing reported from 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21934/23]
View answerEducation and Training Boards (ETBs) are not required to provide my Department with a breakdown of legal costs incurred by individual case or issue. However, information in relation to overall legal costs is available in the ETBs’ Annual Financial Statements.
According to the Annual Financial Statements of the ETB concerned, the amounts spent on legal fees in respect of legal proceedings for the years 2017 to 2021 are as follows
2017 € 4,5442018 € 4662019 € 29,1082020 € 15,5902021 € 0.
84. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the options available to a school (details supplied) to assist with running costs. [21993/23]
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.
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. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs.
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.
The school referred to by the Deputy has received a total of €78,312.48 in capitation related funding for the 2022/23 school year to date. This includes €15,640 in respect of the Cost of Living Grant, €26,714.10 in Capitation funding, €21,221 in respect of the Ancillary Grant and €14,737.38 in respect of Covid-19.
There is no provision for additional payments outside of those outlined above.
The Financial Service Support Unit (FSSU) is an important source of advice and is available to primary schools to assist on financial matters. Should the school require the services of the FSSU they may contact them directly at 01 910 4020 or by email at primary@fssu.ie. Details of the supports provided by the FSSU are available on their website.
85. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education the circumstances in which children qualify for school transport to a primary school which is not their nearest school in situations where their nearest primary school is at capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22009/23]
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 Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest primary school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Due to the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.Under the terms of the scheme, the availability of concessionary transport varies from year to year based on the capacity on the buses running on all of the various routes and the number of eligible children accommodated on each route.
Routes will not be extended or altered, additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis.
If families have applied to attend their nearest school in regards to ethos and language and have been advised by the school authorities that it is full, my Department will consider if students can be deemed eligible for transport to the next nearest school.
To establish that the nearest school is full parents must provide:-
• The steps taken to enrol their child in the nearest and next nearest schools
• Evidence that an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school and
• A letter from the School Authorities confirming that the school was full at the time of enrolment.
These families can submit details to the School Transport Section at school_transport@education.gov.ie where officials in my Department will be happy to assist.
86. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education if she has received correspondence from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal relating to the provision of an ASD class; when a full response will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22097/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
My department is committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. My department strives to ensure that every child has access to an educational experience that is appropriate to their needs and supports both their academic and personal development.
As part of Budget 2023, my department’s budget was substantially increased, by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 the 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. This includes additional teaching and care supports.
Additional funding is also being provided to allow the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) recruit additional staff, including Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). These additional resources should ensure that the NCSE can better support parents and schools in relation to the provision of special education needs places.
Our policy, which is set out in the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 is that children with special educational needs should be educated in mainstream placements with additional supports provided as appropriate.
Where children require more specialised educational settings, such as special classes or special schools, the department and the NCSE ensures that the necessary resources and supports for such placements are provided in line with the needs of the child.
We have made a lot of progress over the last three years in terms of providing special classes and special school places with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
There are a total of 2,537 special classes opened nationwide. Of the 2,537 special classes, there are 1798 at primary level and 739 at post primary level. We want to continue this level of progress to ensure that there are sufficient places in special classes and special schools for children who need them.
Just recently on 12th April, Minister Foley and I 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. This will bring to 7, the number of new special schools established in the last 3 years. Capacity is also being expanded in 11 other special schools nationwide.
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. Of these new classes, 11 are in Co. Donegal, with 7 at primary level and 4 at post-primary level. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Co. Donegal to 108, 64 at primary and 44 at post-primary. Additional special classes will be sanctioned in the coming weeks.
The NCSE has advised my department that it continues to work with schools to ensure all students identified as requiring places in the special class meet the Department of Education’s criteria for enrolment in a special class.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that this school expressed an interest in opening a special class in March this year.
The NCSE actively encourages expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate the effort taken by the Board of Management in expressing their interest.
Upon assessing the needs in the local area, the NCSE identified that there were schools in the neighbouring vicinity with available special class vacancies.
As a result, there are currently no plans to open an additional special class in this school. The NCSE acknowledge that circumstances may change, and they are committed to ensuring that both the parents and the school receive the necessary advice and support.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list .
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
I want to reassure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
88. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on phases two and three of the ongoing school transport scheme review, which began in February 2021; if the review has made any recommendations to change the distance criteria eligibility for school transport (details supplied); if the school transport scheme review will consider reducing this distance to less than two kilometres; when the review finding of phases two and three will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22129/23]
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.
It is planned the review will be completed shortly 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.
89. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she will resolve an issue affecting CPD for guidance counsellors in Cork (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22131/23]
View answerThe Professional Support (Guidance Counselling Supervision) Programme provides all guidance counsellors employed in Department of Education funded post primary schools with five two-hour sessions of counselling supervision support in each academic year by a professionally qualified Supervisor. This provides a forum for Guidance Counsellors to meet their peers and discuss the issues they are facing. This Scheme is funded by the Department of Education, administered by Monaghan Education Support Centre and monitored and overseen by the National Steering Committee for Guidance Counselling Supervision (Steering Committee). Supervision sessions are organised by the IGC Branch organiser in each region.
The Steering Committee recently decided to standardise the day for supervision to Tuesday afternoon for all regions from September 2024 on. This was communicated to the IGC in February 2023. The reason for this decision, as outlined in the letter sent to the IGC, was concern about the impact on students of having no access to guidance counselling available either side of the weekend. This may lead to a situation where a student presenting with an issue of concern on a Friday will be required to wait until Monday at the earliest to receive appropriate support from a qualified guidance counsellor. This point has been reinforced by the responses to a survey of post primary principals in the regions where supervision is not currently scheduled on a Tuesday. 80% of respondents indicated that it is essential for students to have access to a guidance counsellor for the full day on Monday and Friday (this survey has been carried out by the NAPD on behalf of the Steering Committee and figures quoted represent the response to date of 50% of schools surveyed).
75% of respondents also indicated that they would have no issue with facilitating the release of their Guidance Counsellor on a Tuesday for supervision five times a year.
The Steering Committee are aware of the issues these changes may cause in relation to timetabling in schools, sourcing of supervisors and availability of premises. In order to ease the move to a Tuesday afternoon they have allowed an 18 month lead in time for these changes to be implemented.
90. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education when a response to communication from this Deputy can be expected in relation to school transport to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22132/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
For school bus operating purposes a “distinct locality” is a cluster of eligible children who reside in the same general area, in the same general direction from the education centre attended, as determined by Bus Éireann taking cognisance of the local road network.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Parents of a child wishing to avail of school transport services are required to apply on-line on Bus Éireann website at www.buseireann.ie
In respect of the 2023/24 school year, the closing date for new applications was Friday 28 April 2023. Any new applications made after the closing date are considered late applications and families are not guaranteed a seat on any available service.
The Bus Éireann family portal will accept payments/medical card details until 9th June 2023. Payments made after the deadline date will be deemed late and a seat may not be available to families at that stage. Parents of eligible pupils must ensure applications are received and paid for on time to be considered.
Bus Éireann has responsibility for reviewing all School Transport services for the 2023/24 School Year. This review of services will be carried out after the payment deadline of 9th June 2023.
Any new services can only be established under the terms of the scheme set out by The Department of Education.
91. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education if it is possible that a school (details supplied) in County Donegal retains their current full time EAL hours; if a review of the decision to cut the hours can be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22133/23]
View answerThe Special Education Teaching allocation, as outlined in Circular 0020/2022, 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.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board will meet again in June. If there has been a change in circumstances in the school, e.g. increased enrolments, the school may submit a new application to the Appeals Board. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
92. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if she has engaged with an organisation (details supplied) regarding guidance counsellor supervision. [22135/23]
View answerThe Professional Support (Guidance Counselling Supervision) Programme provides all guidance counsellors employed in Department of Education funded post primary schools with five two-hour sessions of counselling supervision support in each academic year by a professionally qualified Supervisor. This provides a forum for Guidance Counsellors to meet their peers and discuss the issues they are facing. This Scheme is funded by the Department of Education, administered by Monaghan Education Support Centre and monitored and overseen by the National Steering Committee for Guidance Counselling Supervision (Steering Committee). Supervision sessions are organised by the IGC Branch organiser in each region.
The Steering Committee recently decided to standardise the day for supervision to Tuesday afternoon for all regions from September 2024 on. This was communicated to the IGC in February 2023. The reason for this decision, as outlined in the letter sent to the IGC, was concern about the impact on students of having no access to guidance counselling available either side of the weekend. This may lead to a situation where a student presenting with an issue of concern on a Friday will be required to wait until Monday at the earliest to receive appropriate support from a qualified guidance counsellor. This point has been reinforced by the responses to a survey of post primary principals in the regions where supervision is not currently scheduled on a Tuesday. 80% of respondents indicated that it is essential for students to have access to a guidance counsellor for the full day on Monday and Friday (this survey has been carried out by the NAPD on behalf of the Steering Committee and figures quoted represent the response to date of 50% of schools surveyed).
75% of respondents also indicated that they would have no issue with facilitating the release of their Guidance Counsellor on a Tuesday for supervision five times a year.
The Steering Committee are aware of the issues these changes may cause in relation to timetabling in schools, sourcing of supervisors and availability of premises. In order to ease the move to a Tuesday afternoon they have allowed an 18 month lead in time for these changes to be implemented.
