Written Answers Nos. 302-317
302. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of any Irish companies that are circumventing trade sanctions/trade embargoes with Russia; and the process in place to ensure that sanctions are being imposed. [22589/23]
View answerWhile the entirety of the State is responsible for ensuring adherence to EU sanctions, my Department is one of three national competent authorities for sanctions implementation. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment works closely with other members of a Cross-departmental International Sanctions Committee, comprising all relevant Departments and other relevant bodies to ensure a coherent approach to sanctions implementation in Ireland. In particular, given the nature of trade sanctions, officials my department work very closely with Revenue, Customs, the Gardaí and security services to ensure that sanctions are being complied with and the Department will take appropriate action where breaches are detected.
My Department is not currently aware of any Irish company that are circumventing trade sanctions on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine. The Deputy can be assured that if any such breaches by an Irish company were to come to light, my Department would engage with the Cross-departmental International Sanctions Committee and take the appropriate action.
303. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide an update on the progress made to date in respect of implementing the recommendations specific to his Department outlined in the Report on the Operation of the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 to improve the functioning of the ISL Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22770/23]
View answerMy Department is fully committed to ensuring that customers who wish to use Irish Sign Language can do so. My officials have engaged with the National Sign Language Interpreting Service for Ireland to provide access to our services through Irish Remote Interpreting Services (IRIS).
In line with our commitment to making our services accessible to all our customers, this service is free. Currently customers can avail of a live video-link to an Irish Sign Language interpreter, details of which are available on the Department's website www.enterprise.gov.ie.
In addition, my officials have contacted all agencies under its remit to make them aware of their obligations under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017 and ensure they make Irish Sign Language interpreting services available to their customers.
My Department is committed to monitoring on an ongoing basis the level of demand for services to be provided in Irish Sign Language and responding to those demands in a planned, coherent, and accessible way.
304. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 9 May 2023, if he will provide a breakdown of the number of complaints made to the CCPC for investigation for each of the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [23000/23]
View answerThousands of consumers contact the CCPC on an annual basis. These contacts include requests for information on consumer rights, complaints against companies, and contacts that are both a complaint and an information request. It is not possible to isolate the number of complaints made to the CCPC. The below figures set out the number of contacts with the CCPC on an annual basis.
CCPC procedures for recording helpline contacts received via email were modified in 2021, meaning that consumers who send multiple emails to the CCPC on the same topic are now classified as one contact only. Previously, all emails received were recorded as contacts. For clarity, the number of contacts received is also provided using the previous method of reporting.
Contacts to the CCPC
|
Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
Jan - April 2023 |
|
Annual Report Figures |
42,364 |
41,589 |
48,603 |
37,094 |
32,431 |
12,438 |
|
Using prior method of calculation |
42,364 |
41,589 |
48,603 |
41,040 |
37,225 |
13,722 |
305. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 9 May 2023, if he will provide a breakdown of the number of individuals or companies that had multiple cases reported against them for each of the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [23001/23]
View answerA breakdown of the number of individuals or companies related to contacts to the CCPC for each of the years 2018 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form:
|
Number of Contacts |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
1000+ |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
500 - 1000 |
2 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
101 - 500 |
28 |
23 |
17 |
21 |
22 |
7 |
|
51 - 100 |
30 |
28 |
43 |
26 |
22 |
8 |
|
16 - 50 |
89 |
91 |
148 |
114 |
89 |
34 |
|
6 - 15 |
240 |
282 |
408 |
314 |
299 |
107 |
|
2 - 5 |
1829 |
1899 |
2193 |
1913 |
1678 |
606 |
|
1 |
8359 |
7833 |
8026 |
7196 |
6665 |
2986 |
|
% Cases No trader name provided |
18% |
20% |
15% |
19% |
22% |
20% |
306. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Government will assist displaced Ukrainians residing in other European countries to work and live in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23013/23]
View answerIn order to work in the State non-EEA nationals require either a valid employment permit from my Department or relevant immigration permission from the Minister for Justice allowing them to enter and work in the State without the requirement for an employment permit.
These are two very distinct application processes with different checks and procedures in place in each respective Department. My Department has responsibility for economic migration policy and the employment permits regime providing access to non-EEA nationals to take up employment in the State.
Immigration and visa permission policy - as well as Temporary Protection policy - falls under the remit of the Department of Justice and non-EEA nationals seeking permission to enter the State must interact with the Department of Justice for entry and residence permission, and, depending on their nationality, visa requirements.
Those fleeing the Russian aggression in Ukraine may be entitled to claim Temporary Protection (TP) in Ireland.
In accordance with the Council Implementing Decision (EU 2022/382), TP in Ireland applies to the following groups of people:
(i) Ukrainian nationals who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022;
(ii) Nationals of a third country (other than Ukraine) or a stateless person who would have benefited from international protection (for example: Refugee status) or an equivalent national protection status in Ukraine and were residing there before 24 February 2022;
(iii) Family members of persons covered by a) and b), where their family already existed in Ukraine, prior to 24 February.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BoTP) do not require an employment permit. BoTP have immediate access to the labour market, along with access to social welfare, accommodation and other State supports.
Under Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 para. 16, those fleeing the war in Ukraine are entitled to choose the member state in which they wish to enjoy the rights attached to Temporary Protection. In this regard, if someone fleeing the war in Ukraine has already claimed Temporary Protection in another EU Member State, they can still be granted Temporary Protection in Ireland provided that they fall into one of the above categories.
If it is the case that the Ukrainian nationals in question were not residing in Ukraine on the 24th February 2022, then they are unlikely to meet the criteria for Temporary Protection in Ireland. I can advise the Deputy that Ukrainian nationals who are ineligible for Temporary Protection must hold a valid Employment Permit to work in Ireland unless they are exempted. This is on the same basis as all non-EEA or non-UK nationals. They can apply for an Employment Permit once they have a job-offer that meets the minimum salary thresholds and is not an occupation on the Ineligible Occupations List.
The Deputy may also wish to note that, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the Department of Justice waived the visa requirement for Ukrainian nationals meaning that Ukrainian nationals can enter Ireland for a period of up to 90 days, for the purposes of a visit, even if they do not meet the criteria for TP.
Please be advised that the Department of Social Protection (DSP) is responsible for the issuing of PPS Numbers.
307. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of social media posts made on each of his Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that were exclusively in Irish between 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023, inclusive; the percentage of same that feature bilingual translations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23027/23]
View answerThe percentage of social media posts in Irish, and those featuring bilingual translations, which issued between 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2023 from the social media accounts of my Department and its Offices are set out in the attached table; to note it does not include paid campaigns.
With regard to the social media activity of the agencies under my Department’s remit, these are operational matters for those agencies and I do not have any direct function in these matters.
|
Department and its Offices |
Name of social media channel |
Total number of social media posts made on Departmental social media accounts or the social media accounts of public bodies |
Number of social media posts exclusively in Irish language |
Number of social media posts that feature bilingual translations |
|
|
718 |
49 (6.8%) |
0 |
|
|
|
730 |
49 (6.7%) |
0 |
|
|
DETE |
YouTube |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
129 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
87 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
46 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
IPOI |
|
143 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
180 |
31 (17.2%) |
0 |
|
|
WRC |
|
283 |
49 (17.3%) |
0 |
|
Labour Court |
|
61 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
178 |
8 (4.5%) |
0 |
|
|
CRO |
|
6 |
0 |
1 (16.7%) |
|
|
372 |
16 (4.3%) |
1 (0.3%) |
|
|
RBO |
|
26 |
8 (30.8%) |
1 (3.8%) |
|
TOTAL |
2,960 |
210 (7.1%) |
3 (0.1%) |
308. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit meet their obligations for reasonable accommodation under the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015. [23045/23]
View answerUnder the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 employers are obliged to provide reasonable accommodations to both employment candidates and employees with disabilities, unless these measures would impose a disproportionate burden on them. The factors to be taken into account in assessing whether a reasonable accommodation request would impose a disproportionate burden on the employer include, in particular:
• The financial and other costs entailed in providing the accommodation
• The resources available to the employer’s business
• The possibility of obtaining public funding or other assistance
My Department as a public service employer has a legal obligation under the Disability Act 2005 to, insofar as practicable, take all reasonable measures to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities.
My Department has in place a dedicated Disability Liaison Officer who acts as a proactive contact for staff with disabilities, to assist and support them, and to assist in the implementation of best Human Resource practices in line with equality legislation.
My Department is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to staff with disabilities who require this in order to work in this Department. We are also committed to addressing the health and safety needs of all employees, including employees with disabilities.
For this purpose, staff may be asked to indicate if they have any needs for reasonable accommodation related to a disability. Staff may also be asked to indicate if they require any particular health and safety supports relating to a disability, for example assistance or arrangements in relation to evacuating a building.
My Department has a needs assessment procedure to help identify workplace accommodations required by staff with a disability. There is a work assessment team which consists of Disability Liaison Officer, Health and Safety Officer, Access Officer, ICT unit for assistive technology/IT equipment. This team are available to provide support to any staff member with a disability in areas such as: access throughout the building, workstation, access to toilet and canteen facilities, evacuation procedures.
The day to day operational matters of the Agencies are a matter for their Board and CEO's and beyond the Minister's direct remit.
309. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking in response to working conditions being unilaterally changed by workers employed to fulfil orders for a retailer (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23117/23]
View answerContractual terms of employment are a matter for agreement between the parties to the contract. Whilst it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the particulars of proposed changes to employment contracts within a company, I would note that any alterations must comply with our existing suite of employment legislation including the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and the Payment of Wages Act 1991.
The Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 transposed Directive 91/533/EEC concerning an employer's obligation to inform employees of the conditions applicable to the contract or employment relationship. The Act provides that an employer must provide its employee with a written statement of the particulars of the employee’s terms of employment. Included amongst those particulars are the terms or conditions relating to hours of work, such as overtime.
The Directive was updated in 2019 by the Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions Directive, which was transposed in Ireland by the European Union (Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions) Regulations 2022. These Regulations introduced new protections including reducing the amount of time that an employer must take to notify an employee of the nature and date of any change to the particulars contained in the written statement.
Other changes introduced last year include the right to know in a reasonable period in advance when work will take place – that is, for workers with unpredictable working schedules, such as for on-demand work and the right for employees to request a transfer to a form of employment with more predictable and secure working conditions, where it is available. The Act provides a right of complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission.
More generally, it is important to emphasise that responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers rests in the first instance with the employer, the workers and their representatives. The State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences.
310. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants available for a person who wants to make their own picture frames from their own garage (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23156/23]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are a ‘first stop shop’ for providing advice and guidance, and act as a signposting service for all government supports available to anyone looking to start or grow their own business. As such I would recommend that this individual seek the advice and guidance of a LEO business advisor to enquire about what supports would be available to them. The LEOs are located within each of the 31 Local Authority areas and their contact details can be found through www.localenterprise.ie.
I strongly recommend that any entrepreneur participate in the LEO Start Your Own Business Programme which can guide new business owners through the various aspects of business and business planning. The objective is to assist them in assessing their business idea, determining its viability and deciding if they should proceed or take a step back.
The LEOs can provide grant assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses, including sole traders, operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors, subject to eligibility criteria. However, it should be noted that LEOs cannot provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses in the locality.
This individual may also benefit from contacting the Design and Craft Council of Ireland (DCCI). The DCCI Academy provide a range of ‘Bench to Business’ courses to support businesses. These courses guide businesses to develop their products and services and provide training on how to target a broader audience through eCommerce and digitalisation. For more details on these courses and how to register with DCCI go to www.dcci.ie.
311. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of the disruptive technologies innovation fund that has been drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23170/23]
View answerThe Government established the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) in 2018 as one of four National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027 Funds under Project Ireland 2040. DTIF aims to encourage collaboration and innovation in developing and deploying disruptive technologies commercially to tackle national and global challenges. The Fund is managed by the Department and administered by Enterprise Ireland.
In total, 91 successful projects have been allocated €306 million under the first five DTIF Calls. Under the terms of the Fund, the approved projects have three years for completion (some Call 1 and Call 2 projects have been extended beyond the 3 years due to the impact of Covid-19) and partners may claim their eligible costs over that period, usually at 12-monthly intervals. These costs are assessed by Enterprise Ireland against project deliverables before payment. To end April 2023, Enterprise Ireland has drawn down a total of €95 million from the Department to cover the cost of claims made by the project partners.
312. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to increase the number of Travellers who sit the Leaving Certificate exam each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23211/23]
View answerI am committed to ensuring that actions to improve educational outcomes for Travellers are advanced in line with relevant Programme for Government commitments, including the commitment to develop a National Traveller Education Strategy.
Officials from my Department, together with officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, engage on an ongoing basis with Traveller representative organisations, and this engagement will continue in the context of development of the Traveller Education Strategy.
Other initiatives include:
• A pilot project Supporting Traveller and Roma (STAR) which is underway in four areas (Galway, Wexford, Dublin and Cork), with the aim of addressing the barriers impacting on Traveller and Roma attendance, participation and retention in education;
• An independent assessment STAR is due to commence this year in line with Programme for Government commitments. A Research Advisory Board with Traveller representation is also being established to support the evaluation;
• Creation of a new post in the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) with a dual role in overseeing, developing and supporting CPD in social inclusion and in DEIS;
• Establishment of 10 new Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) coordinator posts in 14 non-DEIS post-primary schools with high numbers of Traveller and Roma students under the Dormant Accounts Fund 2023. HSCL coordinators have access to funding for initiatives to encourage improvements in school attendance, retention and progression for Traveller and Roma students, and funding is provided for supports to ensure the effectiveness of the HSCL role in working with Traveller and Roma families.
• Funding was provided under the 2022 Dormant Accounts Action plan to support learners impacted by educational disadvantage. Included in this was €100,000 to support Traveller education transitions between various stages to support greater attendance levels, participation and retention in education. Transition between education levels can present challenges in relation to the retention and attendance of some learners, in particular Traveller and Roma learners. The aim of the measure was to provide support for Traveller and Roma learners, and their families, to ease transition between various stages and encourage greater attendance levels, participation and retention by these learners.
• Other ongoing work under NTRIS includes work by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) on Traveller history and culture in the curriculum, which has involved the appointment of a full-time NCCA Education Officer, work on the development of resources to support teaching and learning about Traveller culture and history, and the setting up of an expert group to advise on various aspects of Traveller culture and history including, for example, music, art and language.
313. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education when she will publish the review of the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22403/23]
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 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. There has been an increase of 21% tickets issued to eligible students and 38% tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the current 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 5,200 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
The School Transport Scheme is an important service for families and children. The purpose of the 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.
A review of the School Transport Scheme is underway. 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 Phase 1 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.
Phase 2 of the review was completed late last year and phase 3 will be completed shortly. This final report will include 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.
For the 2023/2024 school year and pending completion of the review, it remains that 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 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, are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
314. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm when a school (details supplied) can expect an update on its school accommodation extension submission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22412/23]
View answerThe project referred to by the deputy received approval for a project under the Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project will provide for the following accommodation at the school: 3 x Mainstream Classrooms, 2 x SET rooms, 2Classroom SEN base and Demolition of 1x 25m2 temporary accommodation unit. The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.
A Stage Report was submitted by the school and its design team on the 9th of March 2023; this report is currently under review with the Department's Professional & Technical team. My Department will revert to the school upon completion of this review with guidance for progression of the project.
315. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the enrolment figures for each ETB school in Tipperary for each of the years 2016 to 2023, in tabular form. [22500/23]
View answerPlease find attached requested data.
Please note this data is compiled from the final enrolment data for academic years 2016-2021. The final enrolment data for academic year 2022-2023 will be published in June 2023. You will find all sets of data on our website at the link below; www.gov.ie/en/collection/63363b-data-on-individual-schools/.
|
Roll Number |
Official School Name |
County |
2016-2017 |
2017-2018 |
2018-2019 |
2019-2020 |
2020-2021 |
2021-2022 |
|
72370P |
Borrisokane Community College |
Tipperary |
588 |
599 |
574 |
593 |
606 |
625 |
|
72400V |
Comeragh College |
Tipperary |
302 |
347 |
416 |
443 |
459 |
500 |
|
72420E |
Central Technical Institute, Clomel |
Tipperary |
237 |
259 |
275 |
256 |
235 |
256 |
|
72430H |
Scoil Ruain |
Tipperary |
403 |
397 |
385 |
358 |
373 |
371 |
|
72440K |
Nenagh College |
Tipperary |
406 |
397 |
441 |
465 |
470 |
428 |
|
72450N |
Newport College |
Tipperary |
139 |
171 |
210 |
237 |
229 |
263 |
|
72480W |
St. Ailbe's School |
Tipperary |
289 |
289 |
323 |
350 |
412 |
472 |
|
72490C |
Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed |
Tipperary |
257 |
291 |
332 |
349 |
382 |
446 |
|
76063D |
Colaiste Dun Iascaigh |
Tipperary |
644 |
662 |
686 |
721 |
745 |
779 |
|
76069P |
Colaiste Phobáil Ros Cré |
Tipperary |
569 |
576 |
527 |
528 |
533 |
558 |
|
Totals |
3,834 |
3,988 |
4,169 |
4,300 |
4,444 |
4,698 |
316. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the progress being made regarding individual transport for a student (details supplied) in County Cork. [22518/23]
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.
I am pleased to advise that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible under the terms of the scheme and a sanction has been sent by School Transport Section of my Department to Bus Éireann for the establishment of a new Individual service for the pupil.
Bus Éireann have tendered this service in line with procurement guidelines and are in the process of allocating a contractor to operate this service, once a contractor has been sourced, the service will commence. Bus Éireann will liaise with the family directly with regard to this matter at that stage.
Sanction has also been provided to the Principal of the school referred to by the Deputy for a transport Escort for this individual service.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore apply for the Special Transport Grant which is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until services are finalised. Families should contact School Transport Section at: school_transport@education.gov.ie for more information on this grant.
317. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 4 May 2023, if it is anticipated that these classrooms will be available to meet September 2023 enrolment; her views on the concerns raised by the school regarding modular accommodation as opposed to permanent classroom structures as required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22519/23]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that approval, under the Additional School Accommodation scheme, has issued to the school in question for the provision of two general classrooms, two Special Education Tuition rooms and one Special Education Needs Base.
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.
Officials from my Department have spoken to the school Principal recently and have reached agreement to proceed with Modular delivery at this school.
