Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Written Answers Nos. 301-313

Special Educational Needs

Questions (301, 302)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

301. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost per annum of providing behaviour analysts with direct employment contracts. [26207/23]

Sorca Clarke

Question:

302. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of behaviour analysts, by county in 2021, 2022 and 2023 to date; and the cost of same, in tabular form. [26208/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 302 together.

I 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. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my Department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

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.

This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).

In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs in our schools next year.

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 will 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 Department of Education does not generally allocate Behaviour Analyst posts to special schools. The Deputy may be aware that my Department previously funded 13 centres through an applied behavioural analysis (ABA) pilot scheme for the period 1999-2011. All of these centres applied for and were granted recognition as special schools for children with autism and now form part of the network of special schools. A transitional agreement was put in place between the Department and patrons of these schools to manage this process.

As part of the transitional agreement my Department continues to provide grant funding to these schools to engage behaviour practitioners at an annual cost of €847,982. These practitioners are employed at local level and all salary payment arrangements are made by the employing school at local level.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department and the NCSE are 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.

Question No. 302 answered with Question No. 301.

School Patronage

Questions (303, 304)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

303. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the schools in which reconfiguration/transfer of patronage of a school is being considered or implemented, by county, in tabular form. [26209/23]

Sorca Clarke

Question:

304. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the schools in which reconfiguration/transfer of patronage has been completed, by county, in tabular form. [26210/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.

The Schools Reconfiguration for Diversity process, supporting transfers of schools to multi-denominational patrons in response to the wishes of local communities, has been developed in order to accelerate the delivery of multi-denominational schools across the country. Where a school transfers from the patronage of one patron to another, the school remains open with the same roll number and operating from the same school property. All State-funded primary schools follow a common national curriculum and are subject to the same rules and regulations. The Reconfiguration process involves the transfer of existing live schools as opposed to the amalgamation and/or closure model of the patronage divesting process.

The “Early Movers” provision of the schools reconfiguration process enables school communities that have already decided to seek a transfer of patronage to engage with their school patron on the matter. A patron may transfer patronage under section 8 of the Education Act 1998. The table below details the patronage changes that have taken place in this context.

Roll no.	School name	County	Patron	Transfer Year
17365L	Two-mile Community National School	Kerry	Kerry ETB	2017
16817P	Brannockstown Community National School	Kildare	Kildare and Wicklow ETB	2018
18391R	Faughart Community National School	Louth	Louth and Meath ETB	2018
13999J	Kilnamanagh Community National School	Waterford	Waterford and Wexford ETB	2019
08147A	Scoil an Ghleanna Pobal Scoil Náisiúnta. (gaelscoil)	Kerry	Kerry ETB	2019
20462D	Galway Community National School	Galway	Galway and Roscommon ETB	2019
20312H	Raheen Wood Community National School	Clare	Limerick and Clare ETB	2019
20313J	Mol an Óige Community National School	Clare	Limerick and Clare ETB	2019
18272J	Lecarrow Community National School	Roscommon	Galway and Roscommon ETB	2019
05348S	Tahilla Community National School	Kerry	Kerry ETB	2019
19582G	Tallaght Community National School	Dublin	Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB	2020
19872P	Scoil Chaitlín Maude (gaelscoil)*	Dublin	An Foras Pátrúnachta	2021
16344V	Nenagh Community National School	Tipperary	Tipperary ETB	2022

* This school offers parents of junior infants the choice of undertaking an Ethics and Morality Program or a Catholic Program

Separate to the schools in the above table (all of which transferred patronage) a gaelscoil under the patronage of An Foras Pátrúnachta [Gaelscoil Moshíológ (20165U)] changed to a multi-denominational ethos, on a phased basis from September 2022 (with all classes due to follow a multi-denominational programme by 2024/25).

Reconfiguration – Pilot

The pilot areas are parts of the cities of Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick and also the Arklow, Athlone, Dundalk and Youghal areas. 63 schools were engaged with as part of the pilot. Two schools, listed in the table below, will be transferring from Catholic patronage to the local Education and Training Board becoming multi-denominational community national schools

Roll No	School Name	County	Patron	Transfer Year
17903N	Cornamaddy NS	Westmeath	Longford and Westmeath ETB	2023
14556D	St Enda's Whitefriars St Dublin	Dublin	City of Dublin ETB	2023

The Department is hopeful that there will be a number of other transfers of patronage and change of ethos to multi-denominational in the short term.

My Department has commenced a review of the reconfiguration process in the pilot areas and the engagement with the school communities to consider the learnings, which should provide a pathway forward on the process for providing multi-denominational options for parents in other towns and areas of the country going forward.

Patronage Divesting areas

12 new multi-denominational schools have been established under the patronage divesting process.

Roll No	School Name	County	Patron	Year Opened
20430N	Canal Way Educate Together NS	Dublin	Educate Together	2013
20444B	Trim Educate Together NS	Meath	Educate Together	2014
20446F	Tramore Educate Together NS	Waterford	Educate Together	2014
20445D	Malahide/Portmarnock	Dublin	Educate Together	2014
09040K	Newtownwhite Educate Together NS*	Mayo	Educate Together	2014
20456I	Tuam Educate Together NS	Galway	Educate Together	2015
20458M	New Ross Educate Together NS	Wexford	Educate Together	2015
20461B	Gaelscoil na Laochra	Offaly	An Foras Pátrúnachta	2015
20494Q	Riverview Educate Together NS	Dublin	Educate Together	2016
20457K	Castlebar Educate Together NS	Mayo	Educate Together	2016
20511N	Fermoy Educate Together NS	Cork	Educate Together	2018
20510L	Westport Educate Together NS	Mayo	Educate Together	2019

*this resulted from a transfer of an existing school from the Church of Ireland

In 2022, there were 166 primary schools with a multi-denominational or inter-denominational ethos. This represents circa. 5% of mainstream primary schools.

To assist school patrons and school communities, the Department has published a guidance pack, setting out some general and practical information relating to transfer of patronage which may be useful for parents/guardians, pupils and school communities and school authorities and staff where transfer of patronage of a school is being considered or implemented. This information pack is available from the schools reconfiguration page of the gov.ie website or by contacting my Department at [e-mail]

Question No. 304 answered with Question No. 303.

School Admissions

Questions (305)

Patrick Costello

Question:

305. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if she will implement a State-wide uniform admission process in terms of preference of allocation of school places by individual schools, that is, siblings of existing students, distance to school, and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26219/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in that area.

Under the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, all schools are have drafted admissions policies, which have been approved by the patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school.

Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

The act requires schools to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. My Department does not seek to intervene in the selection criterion that is applied by schools.

The act also provides for schools to share information in relation to applications in a locality to make the administration of the enrolment process more efficient for schools.

School Funding

Questions (306)

Michael Collins

Question:

306. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Education when schools will be able to start applying to her Department for funding for their solar panels; if she will outline the process for schools wishing to apply to her Department for this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26222/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2023 included the announcement for the provision of fully funded solar photovoltaic (PV) panels with an output of 6kW for all schools. This funding will be made available from the Climate Action Fund at the discretion of the Minister for the Environment.

This significant solar PV programme, will assist schools with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.

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 across the overall school estate. I can advise, that the survey in respect of the number of solar PV panels that are installed in schools across the country is now complete. The survey indicates that approximately 10% of post-primary schools and 5% of primary schools already have solar PV panels installed.

In respect of the roll out of the solar PV programme, I can advise that my Department officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication in relation to the arrangements for this scheme. In parallel, the Department is developing the strategic management requirements for provision of a multi annual solar PV delivery programme for primary and post primary schools. The solar panel programme for schools is detailed in the published Climate Action Plan 2023, to be developed with roll out of the multi-annual delivery programme commencing in late 2023.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (307)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

307. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education the amount paid by her Department to external legal teams, HR specialists, accountancy firms and consultants in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26228/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

Information in relation to consultancy expenditure by my Department is compiled annually, in respect of the previous year, and published online at www.gov.ie/en/collection/department-of-education-and-skills-expenditure-on-consultancy/

School Accommodation

Questions (308)

Duncan Smith

Question:

308. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the up-to-date position with the provision of a new school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26258/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under the Department's ADAPT Programme.The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction

The Tender Competition to appoint the Design Team ( Consultant Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Civil Structural Engineer, Building Services Engineer, PSDP) is now complete.

The project is to be delivered in 2 phases; Phase 1 will deliver interim accommodation for 450 pupils and Phase 2 will deliver accommodation for a Long Term Projected Enrolment for 1000 pupils, at the former Magee Barracks site in Kildare.

The Design Team are currently progressing Stage 1 of Architectural Planning – Preliminary Design, where they will assess the site and prepare their initial sketch schemes for the new school.

A preferred design option, including the scope and extent of works to be carried out for both phases will be established during this early stage, to be then further detailed and developed and fully cost-planned, before seeking statutory approvals, including planning permission.

Upon receipt, review and approval of the Stage 1 submission, my Department will then update the school authorities, design team and project manager as to the further progression of the project.

School Admissions

Questions (309)

Duncan Smith

Question:

309. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the current and up-to-date position with the provision of secondary school places in the Newbridge/Kildare town area for September 2023; the plans she and her Department are putting in place to deal with the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26259/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for my Department.

In order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.

While my Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in Newbridge and Kildare it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

• Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area

• School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area

• Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils

• External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area

My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.

Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

Through close engagement with school patrons and authorities, my Department has established a requirement for additional school places in the Newbridge and Kildare area. With the support of my Department, a number of additional first year places have already been made available in recent weeks. Engagement is ongoing with schools and patrons with a view to making increased provision where necessary.

School Accommodation

Questions (310)

Duncan Smith

Question:

310. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the up-to-date position with the provision of an extension to a primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26260/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The large scale capital project referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 4 - Construction. The project commenced on site in March 2022. Works are progressing satisfactorily with a contract completion date of Q4 2024.

School Accommodation

Questions (311)

Duncan Smith

Question:

311. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the up-to-date position with the provision of an extension to a primary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26261/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The large scale capital project referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 4 - Construction. Works commenced on site in October 2021 with an estimated completion date of Q1 2024.

School Accommodation

Questions (312)

Duncan Smith

Question:

312. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the up-to-date position with the extension of secondary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26262/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) as part of a programme of school building projects. This school is in the bundle referred to as ‘Project Boyne’.

The Planning Application for this project has been lodged with Kildare County Council and the final grant of planning is anticipated in Q2 2023. The project will then proceed to tender and construction in due course.

At this stage it is not possible to provide an accurate timeline for completion of the project; the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.

Departmental Properties

Questions (313)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

313. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the buildings under her Department's remit that are rented or leased; and the full-year annual cost of same, per county, in tabular form. [26263/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The information sought by the Deputy is currently being collated by officials within my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.