Wednesday, 31 May 2023

Written Answers Nos. 45-74

National Asset Management Agency

Questions (45)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

45. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the date on which NAMA will be dissolved; and if he and/or his officials have prepared the heads of a NAMA-dissolution Bill. [26616/23]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

As the Deputy is aware, NAMA was established in December 2009 as part of the State’s response to the 2008 banking crisis with a very specific legal mandate, which was approved by the European Commission.

NAMA has been successful in achieving this mandate. To date, €3.9 billion has been paid by NAMA to the Exchequer, including €3.5 billion in cash surplus payments and over €400 in Corporation Tax. Additional transfers totalling €1 billion are likely in coming years.

The organisation is undergoing a phased and orderly wind down and NAMA aims to conclude its work no later than December 2025.

As part of this process, my Department will engage with NAMA on the requirement for any legislative changes to facilitate its wind down. It is expected that any proposed changes will be drafted in 2025.

Tax Code

Questions (46)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

46. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance if serious consideration will be given to the pre-Budget submission of having 0% VAT applied to sunscreen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26685/23]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by Revenue that the VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. In general, the Directive provides that all goods and services are liable to VAT at the standard rate unless they are exempt from VAT or fall within Annex III of the Directive, in respect of which Member States may apply reduced rates of VAT.

Under VAT law, there is no scope for a reduction in the rate of VAT on sunscreen products. The supply of sunscreen products is liable to the standard rate of VAT, currently 23%.

Foreshore Issues

Questions (47)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

47. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if individual property owners can extend their boundaries by 100 sq metres, as per exempted regulations, given that there have been no major costal protection and reclamation works in east Meath since the area was hit by floods in 2013; if they can individually or collectively apply to the EU for funding to carry out protection work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26532/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for planning and development policy and matters pertaining to the foreshore. Consideration of individual development proposals is a matter for the relevant Planning Authority.

Reference is made by the Deputy to a class of exempted development (Class 54) provided for in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2023 which states

‘ Reclamation of an area, not exceeding 100 square metres, of foreshore for the purpose of protecting a pier, slipway or other structure on the foreshore.’

It is a matter for a property owner to be satisfied that they are fully compliant with the requirements of the regulation quoted including having the necessary legal ownership of the area in question. However under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act a person can seek a declaration from their local Planning Authority or in certain circumstances An Bord Pleanála as to whether proposed works are development or are exempted development.

Local flooding and coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. The Local Authorities may carry out coastal protection works using their own resources. If necessary, they may also put forward proposals to the relevant Government Departments for funding of appropriate measures.

To assist Local Authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the OPW has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website floodinfo.ie. This data enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.

The Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme (the “Minor Works Scheme”) was introduced by the OPW in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available from the OPW for approved projects. Information on all approvals under the Minor Works scheme can be found on www.floodinfo.ie.

Since the inception of this scheme, the OPW has allocated funding of €1,065,183 to Meath County Council, which includes funding of €90,000 approved in March 2022 for a study of coastal erosion on Meath’s coastline, from the Boyne Estuary to the mouth of the Delvin River.

The Government has allocated €1.3bn under the National Development Plan to 2030 to support the design and construction of some 150 flood relief schemes to manage Ireland’s risk from significant flooding. In respect of completed schemes in the east Meath region, the Mornington Flood Relief Scheme was substantially completed in 2013 and provides protection to 162 properties. Work is underway to assess the potential to provide protection to an additional 52 properties. Immediately upstream of the Mornington Flood Relief Scheme, the Northlands Flood Relief Scheme provides flood protection to 20 homes in the Northlands Estate. The scheme was substantially completed in Q1 of 2018 and works commenced on a culvert upgrade in August 2022, with completion of these works programmed for Q3 of 2023.

The Government has established an Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy to scope out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change to our coastal communities, economies, heritage, culture and environment. The Inter-Departmental Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the OPW and will shortly bring forward options and recommendations for the Government to consider.

As noted above, the OPW makes funding available to Local Authorities for coastal protection works through the “Minor Works Scheme”. The OPW does not operate a funding scheme for individuals to undertake coastal protection activities themselves and is not aware of any EU funding mechanism for the funding of such activities.

Enterprise Support Services

Questions (48)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

48. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a breakdown for the current and capital budget allocations for the Skills for Better Business Initiative of the Revised Estimates for 2023; the number of staff required to support the delivery of the initiative; the current pay scale of the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26443/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Budget Allocation for Skills for Better Business.

-	Current	Capital	Total
2023	€62,000	Nil	€62,000

Skills for Better Business was launched on in November 2022. It comprises an Online Tool for SME management skills assessment, complemented by a sign-posting resource providing quick contact information for management education and training.

The upskilling of SMEs is a high priority for my Department. In particular, research has shown that the firms that invest in management development have higher productivity, better survival rates and innovate more. In October 2020, the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published Leading the Way, a report on SME Management Skills and Practices. The report points to the need for management development to become a real strategic priority for SMEs if they are to grow and prosper.

The Online Tool is designed to make it easy for time-poor SME owners and managers to carry out an initial assessment of their own management skills. Once they complete the questionnaire, they receive a short report detailing where they may need to focus. They are then directed to the Skills for Better Business: Courses and Contacts pages on the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s website to find a training or education provider to support them in the next steps of their journey.

14 project partners are involved in delivering Skills for Better Business : the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Skillnet Ireland; Enterprise Ireland; SOLAS; the Small Firms Association (SFA); ISME; the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs); the Regional Skills Fora; the Higher Education Authority (HEA); the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA); Chambers Ireland; Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI); the Irish Universities Association (IUA); and the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA).

The direct cost of supporting the Online Tool and website as reflected in the allocation above is only part of the resource input into the project. The 14 partners involved in the project each assign their own resources to support the project including promotion of the tool and ensuring the information provided remains up to date.

It is important that the message gets out to SME owners and managers across Ireland that Skills for Better Business is now launched and its resources are available. We want SMEs to make use of the Online Tool and engage with management education and training providers to identify the courses they need to improve their management skills and practices.

Enterprise Support Services

Questions (49)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

49. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a breakdown for the current and capital budget allocations for the Digital Start Initiative of the Revised Estimates for 2023; the number of staff required to support the delivery of the initiative; the pay scale of the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26444/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Digital Start scheme is administered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices. It is designed to help businesses prepare and implement a plan for the adoption of digital tools and techniques across the business. Digital Start will provide strategic interventions for businesses to work with third party consultants to:

• assist them in identifying where they are on their digital business journey,

• develop a digital adaptation plan based on their identified need,

• implement their digital adaptation plan.

Digital Start may be used to obtain digital strategy, technical and/or advisory service from approved providers. The maximum value of the Digital Start award is €4,500 incl. VAT, which equates to approximately 4 days of consultancy. There is no financial contribution from the applicant. The scheme is open to businesses in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors, including those with up to 50 employees. There were 137 Digital Start projects approved in 2022.

There are no staff specifically dedicated to the scheme but its delivery is supported by existing staff across the 31 LEOs; it has a capital budget allocation of €982,900 in 2023.

Enterprise Support Services

Questions (50)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

50. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a breakdown for the current and capital budget allocations for the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher Scheme of the Revised Estimates for 2023; the number of staff required to support the operation of the scheme; the pay scale of the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26445/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Innovation Voucher Programme was developed to build links between Ireland's publicly funded knowledge providers (i.e. higher education institutes, public research bodies) and small and medium-sized businesses. Innovation Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to assist a company or companies to explore a business opportunity or problem with a registered knowledge provider.

Innovation is essential if companies want to stay ahead in competitive and fast-changing markets. Each Innovation Voucher gives a company €5,000 worth of time with an expert, third-level researcher to help them tease out an idea, develop a new product, or address an important business or technical challenge.

Innovation Vouchers are paid by Enterprise Ireland through Subhead B4, Capital only. The 2023 Budget allocation is €1,872,000. The Innovation Vouchers Scheme is managed within Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Infrastructure and Collaboration Department, Research and Innovation Division and a Level E (€74,701 to €91,745) per annum or equivalent grade is assigned within that Department who is also supported by Enterprise Ireland’s Grants Management Department.

Enterprise Support Services

Questions (51)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

51. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a breakdown for the current and capital budget allocations for the Enterprise Ireland National Graduate Programme 2023-2025 of the Revised Estimates for 2023; the number of staff required to support the operation of the programme; the pay scale of the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26446/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The information sought by the Deputy is not available within the time frame available but will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Climate Change Policy

Questions (52)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

52. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a breakdown for the current and capital budget allocations for the Climate Toolkit4Business of the Revised Estimates for 2023; the number of staff required to support the operation of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26447/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The total budget allocation for 2023 for the Climate Toolkit 4 Business is €10,000 to cover website hosting, maintenance and minor routine development.

The development of the Climate Toolkit 4 Business was a joint project between my Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. The Toolkit acts as a directory to the wide range of available State agency supports and advice, tailored to the users requirements, and does not directly distribute capital funding.

Alongside other responsibilities, a project lead in the Climate Action Unit of my Department works with colleagues in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communication to keep the Climate Toolkit up-to-date, promote its use, and coordinate with the various agencies who provide support to businesses in taking Climate Action.

Employment Schemes

Questions (53)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

53. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the list of current schemes and programmes to support workers with disabilities at the workplace; the steps his Department is taking to support workers with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26448/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Increasing employment opportunities for disabled persons involves the tackling of barriers to labour force participation and a whole of Government response.

Government’s approach to supporting employment for people with disabilities is set out in the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities (2015 – 2024), led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the Make Work Pay Action Plan associated with that strategy. This is a cross-government approach that brings together actions by different Departments and state agencies in a concerted effort to address the barriers and challenges that impact on employment rates of people with disabilities. In terms of specific employment schemes and programmes, the Department of Social Protection plays the lead role, supporting jobseekers, employees with disabilities, and private sector employers seeking to hire or retain a person with a disability.

My Department is represented on the Steering Group for the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024. Officials from my Department also sat on the steering group for the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 and are currently engaged with DCEDIY on a successor to that strategy.

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. In line with the Government commitment to increase the percentage of employing people with a disability in the public sector to 6% by 2024, the Department has reached a level of 7%. 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 also participating in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) and the Oireachtas Work Learning (OWL) programmes.

More generally, the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 come under the responsibility of my Department. The Acts place obligations on employers to take reasonable steps to accommodate the needs of employees and job applicants with disabilities. Denial of reasonable accommodation under the Acts can be a cause for action and may amount to discrimination on disability grounds. The Workplace Relations Commissions (WRC) deals with all complaints of discrimination, not limited to workplace complaints, made under the Equality Acts.

In addition, my Department has brought forward important enhancements to workers’ rights. The Sick Leave Act 2022 ensures that, for the first time, all qualifying employees will have an entitlement to employer-paid sick leave. This progressive Act commenced on 1st January 2023. Workers will be entitled to up to 3 days medically certified sick leave per year, rising incrementally to 10 by 2026.

Enterprise routes such as self-employment and entrepreneurship are increasingly important employment options for people with disabilities. Last year my Department commissioned the OECD to undertake a report to assess inclusive entrepreneurship training and provide recommendations on how to improve the provision of training interventions to improve their accessibility and impact. My officials are currently completing a process review and will be engaging with the organisations who participated in the OECD workshop to ascertain appropriate contact information of relevant providers regarding Inclusive supports to entrepreneurs. In conjunction with the Local Enterprise Offices, a working group is exploring options for the development of a bespoke programme for new entrepreneurs. Promotion of inclusiveness will be a key feature of any new programme.

The agencies under the ageis of my Department have a number of initiatives in place to help encourage employers to employ persons with disabilities:

• Enterprise Ireland is focused on ensuring that their supports for entrepreneurs and enterprise are accessible to all, including people with disabilities. EI have signed a partnership agreement with Open Doors to further develop awareness campaigns and programmes that will utilise success stories of self-employed and entrepreneur role models with a variety of disabilities.

• The Local Enterprise Offices are progressing a new online course Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities which will begin in September 2023.

• While the remit of IDA Ireland is to attract and retain foreign direct investment, they have launched a Pilot Programme designed to widen the talent pool and attract people from diverse backgrounds to avail of employment opportunities. IDA Ireland is in the third year of its Work Placement Programme with the Open Doors Initiative.

• IDA Ireland will be returning as the headline sponsor for Legacy Dublin ’23. This programme is designed for future leaders to reimagine their community, their workplace and their environments 20 years into the future and they spend 3 days creating solutions that are rooted in inclusion and purpose. IDA will also be sponsoring 20 spaces for persons from underrepresented groups to attend. Last year’s spaces were filled from such organisations as Open Doors Initiative, MASI, Exchange House, Sanctuary Runners, Traveller Graduate Network, NCBI and Youth Reach.

• IDA Ireland promote access to reasonable accommodations during the application/recruitment process, onboarding, new hire induction and training sessions. All requests are handled confidentially on a case-by-case basis. The Reasonable Accommodation Passport is currently being piloted in the organisation.

Job Losses

Questions (54, 55)

John Lahart

Question:

54. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the interactions he and his Department have had with the employees who have recently lost their jobs in a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26456/23]

John Lahart

Question:

55. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the interactions he and his Department have had with the employees who have recently lost their jobs in a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26457/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together.

Firstly, I want to express my sympathy to all workers facing redundancy. My Department has received correspondence from and on behalf of employees affected by these redundancies, and I appreciate that this is a very difficult situation for them.

Under the Protection of Employment Act 1977, an employer proposing a collective redundancy is obliged to engage in an information and consultation process of at least 30 days with employees’ representatives. Consultations must take place at least 30 days before the first notice of dismissal is made and the law requires employers to engage in a consultation process with a view to reaching an agreement.

The companies in question are IDA client companies. Where its client companies are reducing headcount through redundancies, IDA Ireland, as a matter of course, works with those companies to understand the skills profile of impacted staff. Those profiles are then shared with clients of both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland that are hiring and may be looking for similar skills.

The State also supports all workers who face job losses through the Intreo service of the Department of Social Protection who can assist in relation to income and employment supports where needed, including helping with appropriate training and development opportunities.

Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 54.

Job Losses

Questions (56)

John Lahart

Question:

56. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the interactions he and his Department have had with a company (details supplied) following the recent redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26458/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

On 23 March 2023, the Accenture CEO announced that the company would be cutting 2.5% of its global workforce, or 19,000 people. In her communication, she stated that while Accenture continues to hire to support its strategic growth priorities during 2023, actions were needed to streamline operations and transform "non-billable" corporate functions in order to reduce costs.

My Department received a notification of proposed collective redundancies from Accenture on 23 March 2023. It is important to note that not all proposed redundancies result in actual redundancies, as employers negotiate with their workforce to restructure the business and may find alternative solutions during the 30-day consultation period. The latest information available to my Department is that the downsizing in Accenture in Ireland may be less than originally proposed.

Government’s first priority when such announcements are made are the workers impacted and we mobilise the agencies of the State to assist employees facing redundancy. In that regard, my officials have confirmed to me that IDA Ireland are engaging regularly with Irish and corporate Management in the company to keep fully abreast of developments. IDA has also been actively engaged with Accenture in Dublin and Cork, in recent times, regarding upskilling and the potential for further RD&I activity to be carried out in Ireland. Throughout IDA’s engagement with Accenture the company has reaffirmed its focus on strategic growth and innovation in Ireland.

Job Losses

Questions (57)

John Lahart

Question:

57. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the interactions he and his Department have had with a company (details supplied) following the recent redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26459/23]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

In March of this year, Meta's CEO outlined a global restructuring and downsizing indicating that the company would reduce the size of its recruiting team in March and would then announce restructurings and layoffs in its tech groups in late April and business groups in late May. This equated to 10,000 job cuts globally and Meta said it will close around 5,000 "open" roles that had not yet been filled.

Where companies are reducing headcount through redundancies, IDA Ireland works with its client companies to understand the skills profile of impacted staff, and to share relevant profiles with companies that may be hiring. In this regard, and with the support of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland recently ran a webinar to discuss supports available to anyone considering starting their own business in Ireland. IDA Ireland also works with companies to understand if targeted training support could be an assistance in training and retaining impacted teams and mitigating losses through the use of skills diagnostic tools and training support programmes.

In all such cases, our priority is to assist those losing their current employment and to this end, officials at my Department, through IDA Ireland, will continue to work closely with the company over the coming weeks.

More broadly, the technology base in Ireland has been building for over 40 years, and will continue to grow in the future, despite the current challenges. Technology is now pervasive in all business sectors and the need for tech skills across the entire industrial base remains strong. In many cases, the impacted skills are highly transferrable. In the meantime, Meta remains very committed to Ireland and the Irish operation will continue to be integral to Meta’s global operations.

Corporate Governance

Questions (58)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

58. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he intends to accredit independent assurance services providers to carry out the assurance of sustainability reporting, alongside statutory auditors and audit firms, as part of the transposition of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive into Irish law; if he intends to advocate for other states to accredit independent assurance services providers to ensure harmonised implementation of the Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26647/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department initiated a comprehensive consultation process on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) when it entered into force on 5 January 2023. A public consultation launched on 30 January sought the views of stakeholders, in particular, on the discretionary options for Member States contained within the Directive, one of which is to accredit independent assurance service providers. The deadline for receipt of submissions was 9 March 2023.

My Department received 34 detailed, substantial submissions to the public consultation. Officials are analysing the submissions received and continuing engagement with relevant stakeholders in other Departments and Agencies.

I will review the policy choices presented by the options once this analysis is complete, and it is my intention to convene a further stakeholder forum to set out the choices made later this summer. As would be the norm, the Department will also publish the 34 submissions received during the consultation.

CSRD harmonises elements of three directives known as the transparency, audit and accounting directives respectively, for the purposes of sustainability reporting by companies. Whilst harmonisation over the objectives and mandatory elements of any directive is key to successful implementation, the Member State options recognise that certain countries have different needs and operate different regimes. It will be up to every individual Member State to decide on which options to exercise.

However, officials in my Department will be keeping a watching brief on the policy choices taken across Member States including in relation to accreditation of independent assurance service providers.

School Facilities

Questions (59)

Holly Cairns

Question:

59. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education when the funding scheme for schools to install rooftop solar and other forms of solar PV panels will be open; and what will be required for the schools to access the scheme. [26524/23]

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.

School Staff

Questions (60)

James Lawless

Question:

60. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the contractual situation for non-ETB tutors, teaching in private colleges, sports therapy and beauty training academies, and so on; if she has examined the possibility of a contract which would offer more security to tutors in such a situation, which may include supports during seasonal holidays, vacation pay cover and pension entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26438/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).

As the Department of Education is not the employer of tutors in non-ETB private colleges the contractual situation for these tutors does not fall under the remit of the Department of Education.

School Accommodation

Questions (61)

James Lawless

Question:

61. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update in relation to the intended works for the previously approved additional school accommodation application of a school (details supplied); if her Department will update the school as to the timeline for these works in the context of the addition of an ASD unit to the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26439/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I wish to advise the Deputy, that my Department approved the following works under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme in 2019, for the school in question:

• 1x 80m2 Mainstream classroom incl ensuite

• 3x 80m2 Mainstream classroom incl ensuite toilets

• 2x 15m2 SET rooms

• 1x 10.5m2 WC for assisted users

The school authorities have requested that additional accommodation for special educational needs be added to the previously approved brief. This is currently being considered by my officials and they will be in touch with the school authorities as soon as possible in relation to this matter.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (62)

Thomas Gould

Question:

62. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that a child (details supplied) cannot attend school due to a lack of nursing care; and the measures she is taking to resolve this. [26441/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education

I wish to thank the deputy for the question.

Nursing support for children with complex medical needs in schools is provided directly by the HSE or through a HSE-funded provider. Where a school has identified children with complex needs who require nursing support, they are directed to the HSE.

The National Nursing Programme Pilot for Children with Complex Healthcare Needs is a nationwide pilot scheme run in partnership between HSE and NCSE. The pilot nursing scheme will, for eligible students, extend the Paediatric Home Care Package (PHCP) from their home into the school setting. This will allow an agency nurse attend school with the student for an agreed number of hours per week, and travel to and from school with them, if necessary. There are other eligibility criteria for students and schools. The scheme was launched on 21 October 2022.

I am aware of the case the deputy refers to and can confirm my department are actively engaging with the school, NCSE and HSE with regards to the eligibility criteria of this pilot with a view to ensuring that those children most in need of nursing support can avail of the programme.

School Facilities

Questions (63)

Patrick Costello

Question:

63. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if universities will be able to avail of Government plans to provide solar photovoltaic panels as part of the summer works scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26480/23]

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.

Queries in respect of Further and Higher Education campus can be sent to my colleague the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Minister Harris.

State Examinations

Questions (64)

Michael Lowry

Question:

64. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason that her Department and the State Examinations Commission do not allow for extra examination time to be offered to students with dyslexia through the reasonable accommodations at State examinations (RACE) scheme; if she is aware of the recent campaign by an organisation (details supplied) that is supporting the need for RACE to be offered to students with dyslexia; if she agrees that continuing to deny these students RACE puts them at a disadvantage when sitting State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26487/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the state examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (65)

Steven Matthews

Question:

65. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to concerns regarding special needs assistant pay for home-based summer provision; if the basis for the discrepancy in pay between SNAs and teachers for doing broadly similar work could be outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26498/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education (Deputy Josepha Madigan)

The Department recently announced details of the 2023 Summer Programme on 9 February 2023. All schools, once again, have an opportunity to run a programme for those children for whom the support would be most beneficial. The main priority in 2023 continues to be those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.

The terms for the 2023 programme are being implemented following a comprehensive review and engagement with education partners and stakeholders since last summer, including the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism. The Department has listened to the feedback and designed this year's programme to encourage even more participation by schools and staff.

This year’s school based programme is open to pupils enrolled in special schools, special classes, pupils who have complex special educational needs in mainstream classes and those who are most at risk of educational disadvantage.

The Summer Programme is reliant on schools, teachers and SNAs choosing to participate on a voluntary basis. The Department therefore recognises that not all schools will be in a position to provide a school-based programme. Where their school is not running a Summer Programme or a place on a school-based programme is unavailable, a home-based programme is available for pupils with complex special educational needs

It is expected that, in most instances, parents will seek the services of a registered teacher to implement a programme of learning. Alternatively, some parents may choose to avail of the services of an SNA to provide a programme of care to a child who meets the eligibility criteria. In these circumstances, parents are advised to engage with their child’s school on the additional care supports which are included in their Personal Pupil Plan (PPP) and which could be provided by the SNA for the summer programme.

Under the home-based programme, grant funding is made available so that parents/legal guardians can determine the most appropriate provision required for their child, as outline above, during the summer months. The role of the teacher and SNA are distinct where a teacher is to provide tuition and an SNA provides care support as appropriate.

Circular 30/2014, outlines the role of an SNA in a school context. The following are examples of care needs which the SNA may assist with in the home environment under the direction of the parent/legal guardian:

• Assistance to attend or participate in recreational activities, walks, or community-based outings.

• Assistance with mobility and orientation: where a child with special needs requires adult assistance.

• Implementing activities drawn, as appropriate, from the plan for the child

Teachers and SNAs are paid per hour for tuition/care support delivered in line with agreed terms and public service pay agreements. Public service pay is dealt with through centralised engagement and collective bargaining between Government and the public service unions.

Supporting documentation for the home-based programme, including a detailed Overview document for parents/teachers/SNAs has been published on www.gov.ie/summerprogramme.

School Enrolments

Questions (66)

Thomas Gould

Question:

66. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the number of secondary school pupils enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year. [26505/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education (Deputy Norma Foley)

As per the 2022-2023 preliminary enrolment data, published in December 2022, link below, there are 406,457 pupils in post primary schools in the country. www.gov.ie/en/collection/63363b-data-on-individual-schools/

Please note this preliminary enrolment data will be replaced by the final enrolment data for 2022-2023 which will be published in June 2023.

School Enrolments

Questions (67)

Thomas Gould

Question:

67. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the number of secondary school pupils enrolled in DEIS schools in the 2022-2023 academic year. [26506/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education (Deputy Norma Foley)

My Department provides a wide range of supports to all schools, DEIS and non-DEIS, to support the inclusion of all students and address barriers to students achieving their potential.

Supplementing the universal supports available to all schools, the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Programme is a key policy initiative of my Department to address concentrated educational disadvantage at school level in a targeted and equitable way across the primary and post-primary sector.

In March last year, I announced the single largest expansion of the DEIS programme. This benefited 361 schools. The programme now includes over 1,200 schools and supports approximately 240,000 students. This means 1 in 4 of all students are now supported in the programme.

This recent expansion will add an additional €32million to my Department’s expenditure on the DEIS programme from 2023, bringing the overall Department of Education allocation for the programme to €180million.

There are 103,657 post primary pupils enrolled in DEIS schools. The category breakdown of this by school type is 27,933 Secondary, 56,712 Vocational, 17,048 Community and 1,964 Comprehensive.

School Curriculum

Questions (68)

Holly Cairns

Question:

68. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education her views on reviewing the requirements for compulsory subjects as part of the Leaving Certificate examination; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26523/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education (Deputy Norma Foley)

I can inform the Deputy that in accordance with the Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools, the approved course for recognised senior pupils must include not less than five subjects, of which one shall be Irish. This applies to all students except for those holding an exemption from the study of Irish.

There is no requirement to sit or pass an Irish examination in order to achieve a Leaving Certificate and there are no plans to require students to pass Irish in order to achieve a Leaving Certificate. However, entry requirements for third level programmes are set down by individual higher education institutions. Irish remains an entry requirement for National University of Ireland matriculation and entry for courses of study such as primary teacher education.

As with any Leaving Certificate examination, a candidate may decide not to sit the examination for that subject on the day and the reasons for this will vary according to the candidate’s own particular circumstances.

Disadvantaged Status

Questions (69)

Alan Farrell

Question:

69. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education if her Department will consider a review of the DEIS scheme to ensure all schools who need additional resources are provided the assistance they need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26542/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education (Deputy Norma Foley)

My Department provides a wide range of supports to all schools, DEIS and non-DEIS, to support the inclusion of all students and address barriers to students achieving their potential.

Supplementing the universal supports available to all schools, the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Programme is a key policy initiative of my Department to address concentrated educational disadvantage at school level in a targeted and equitable way across the primary and post-primary sector.

In March last year, I announced the single largest expansion of the DEIS programme. This benefited 361 schools. The programme now includes over 1,200 schools and supports approximately 240,000 students. This means 1 in 4 of all students are now supported in the programme.

This recent expansion will add an additional €32million to my Department’s expenditure on the DEIS programme from 2023, bringing the overall Department of Education allocation for the programme to €180million.

I am very conscious of the benefits of the DEIS programme. Analysis has shown that since the programme began in 2006, it has helped to close the gap in achievement between schools serving the highest levels of educational disadvantage and those serving populations with little or no disadvantage. It has provided children who come to education at a disadvantage with an equitable opportunity to achieve their potential in education.

The extension of the DEIS programme to new schools is just one component of work in my vision for an inclusive education system which supports all learners to achieve their potential. While the DEIS programme supports those schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage, I also recognise that there are students at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools. Since June 2020, and over the past three budgets, I have secured funding to provide measures to support children in this regard. As part of Budget 2023, I announced over €50 million to provide free books to primary school pupils within the free education scheme from next September. I have also further improved the staffing schedule for all primary schools to 23:1, the lowest it has ever been.

Following the National Census held in April 2022, it is envisaged that an updated HP Deprivation Index will be generated by Pobal and will be available in Q3 of 2023. My Department will engage with Pobal in relation to this process. The updated HP Deprivation Index, when available, will be considered by my Department to help inform future resource allocation to tackle educational disadvantage.

The next phase of work will consider all schools, within and outside the DEIS programme and explore the overall allocation of resources to schools to tackle educational disadvantage. Part of this programme of work will involve consultation with relevant stakeholders over the coming months.

The significant investment to date and ongoing work of my Department reflects my commitment to supporting a quality and inclusive school system that provides an equal opportunity at success for children at risk of educational disadvantage.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (70)

Alan Farrell

Question:

70. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education the turnaround time for the exceptional review process once an application is made by a school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26543/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education (Deputy Josepha Madigan)

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 NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.

SNAs play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs into mainstream education, special classes and special schools ensuring that these students can access education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.

SNAs are allocated to schools as a school based resource and not to individual children. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual principal/Board of Management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.

It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

The school can apply to the NCSE for a review of its SNA allocation if it is insufficient to meet the needs of its students. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website. www.ncse.ie/application-for-sna-exceptional-review.

The Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations and the school should liaise with the NCSE directly in the event that additional supports are required.

The NCSE manages the exceptional review process and handles each case individually.

Some review requests can be concluded as an office based exercise, whilst others require a visit to the school in order to observe the current deployment of SNA support in the school setting. As a result, the timeframe for concluding a review can vary depending on the school context or the nature of the information provided.

Following the outcome of the review, the NCSE can make the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) available to the school to discuss their current deployment of SNA supports and to put these supports to the best advantage of the students. NCSE in-school support is also available to schools to offer further guidance and support.

All schools have the contact details of their, local SENO and the SENO is available to offer assistance and advice to schools. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available the NCSE’s website.

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.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (71)

Alan Farrell

Question:

71. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education if data is collected from schools on how many children they have enrolled with special educational needs in a mainstream setting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26544/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education (Deputy Josepha Madigan)

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 appropriate to their needs is a priority for this government.

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

For 2023, the spend by my Department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my Department will spend over €2.6 billion providing supports to children and young people with special educational needs and their schools.

This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the department’s total allocation for 2023.

This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.

The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with SEN nationwide. Data on the number of children with special educational needs enrolled in special classes in mainstream schools and in special schools is collected by my Department and the NCSE.

In 2017 with the introduction of the new special education teacher allocation model (SET) the Department moved away from requiring a diagnosis to access educational supports in mainstream settings.

The allocation model, which was recommended by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), is designed to distribute the total available number of Special Education Teachers across primary and post-primary schools based on the relative need of each school, as evidenced by a number of key indicators. The Model is based on the principle that those students with the greatest need receive the most support.

The SET allocation model, including the data and indicators used to inform the distribution of SET resources, is currently being reviewed in advance of the 2024/25 school year, to ensure that these valuable resources are allocated fairly and transparently across our primary and post primary schools.

My Department and the NCSE will continue to review the type of data collected on an ongoing basis.

Disadvantaged Status

Questions (72)

Peter Burke

Question:

72. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will advise on the procedure for a rural school to apply for the DEIS rural scheme. [26557/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education (Deputy Norma Foley)

My Department provides a wide range of supports to all schools, DEIS and non-DEIS, to support the inclusion of all students and address barriers to students achieving their potential.

Supplementing the universal supports available to all schools, the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Programme is a key policy initiative of my Department to address concentrated educational disadvantage at school level in a targeted and equitable way across the primary and post-primary sector.

In March last year, I announced the single largest expansion of the DEIS programme. This benefited 361 schools. The programme now includes over 1,200 schools and supports approximately 240,000 students. This means 1 in 4 of all students are now supported in the programme.

This recent expansion will add an additional €32million to my Department’s expenditure on the DEIS programme from 2023, bringing the overall Department of Education allocation for the programme to €180million.

Schools were identified for inclusion in the programme through the refined DEIS identification model, which is an objective, statistics-based model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme and the model has been applied fairly and equally to all schools.

The DEIS identification process is based on the principle of concentrated disadvantage and the proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school. The DEIS identification model aimed to identify those schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage or the highest proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school using the school's enrolment data and national census data as represented by the Pobal HP Deprivation index which is publicly available.

A detailed paper on the refined DEIS identification model is available on gov.ie at

www.gov.ie/en/publication/a3c9e-extension-of-deis-to-further-schools/#how-schools-were-selected-for-inclusion-in-deis

In accordance with Circular 0019/22 schools that were not satisfied with the outcome following the application of the DEIS identification model to their school enrolment data were provided with the opportunity to have that outcome reviewed. The DEIS appeals process was applied fairly across all appellants, the window for appeals has now closed and the results are final. My Department will continue to support schools to deliver high quality, inclusive teaching and learning to students and young learners.

The extension of the DEIS programme to new schools is just one component of work in my vision for an inclusive education system which supports all learners to achieve their potential. While the DEIS programme supports those schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage, I also recognise that there are students at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools. Since June 2020, and over the past three budgets, I have secured funding to provide measures to support children in this regard. As part of Budget 2023, I announced over €50 million to provide free books to primary school pupils within the free education scheme from next September. I have also further improved the staffing schedule for all primary schools to 23:1, the lowest it has ever been.

Following the National Census held in April 2022, it is envisaged that an updated HP Deprivation Index will be generated by Pobal and will be available in Q3 of 2023. My Department will engage with Pobal in relation to this process. The updated HP Deprivation Index, when available, will be considered by my Department to help inform future resource allocation to tackle educational disadvantage.

The next phase of work will consider all schools, within and outside the DEIS programme and explore the overall allocation of resources to schools to tackle educational disadvantage. Part of this programme of work will involve consultation with relevant stakeholders over the coming months.

School Curriculum

Questions (73)

Paul Murphy

Question:

73. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the reason the finalised SPHE curriculum was changed from the published draft in order to remove the terms 'LGBT', 'transgender', 'cisgender', 'homophobia' and 'racism' from the appendix 2, glossary of key terms (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26558/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education (Deputy Norma Foley)

Access to RSE is an important right for students. This is reflected in the Programme for Government, which states that this Government will develop inclusive and age appropriate curricula for RSE and Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) across primary and post-primary schools. SPHE is a mandatory curriculum subject in all primary schools and in post-primary Junior Cycle. RSE is required at all levels in schools, from primary through to Senior Cycle.

On foot of their 2019 review of the provision of RSE and SPHE in Irish schools, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) was requested to develop new specifications/curriculums for Primary, Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle.

A draft revised Junior Cycle specification was published for consultation by the NCCA in July 2022, with the consultation process running to October 2022. This specification was finalised based on feedback from this consultation and was published in May 2023. It will be rolled out in schools from September 2023.

I am advised by the NCCA that, as part of the feedback from the extensive public consultation on the Junior Cycle SPHE specification, some contributors to the consultation suggested adding additional words to the glossary and some suggested removing words. I am also advised that the purpose of this glossary is to provide clarification for teachers on the learning outcomes and therefore in finalising the curriculum document, the decision was taken, in the interest of keeping the glossary succinct, to only include terms in the glossary that are explicitly referred to within the learning outcomes or in other parts of the specification. Further explanation on the intended learning in the redeveloped SPHE specification is provided in the NCCA SPHE Toolkits for teachers, available at curriculumonline.ie .

The Deputy may wish to note that the updated SPHE specification facilitates classroom discussion in relation to all the topics referred to in his question. For example, through the learning in Strand 1 'Understanding myself and others' students will be able to:

1.4 recognise the factors and influences that shape young people’s self-identity, such as family, peers, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnic background, dis/abilities, religious beliefs/world-views.

1.5 reflect on gender equity and how gender stereotypes impact on expectations, behaviour and relationships

1.6 discuss experiences/situations of bias, inequality or exclusion and devise ways to actively create more inclusive environments

In Strand 3 'Relationships and Sexuality' one of the learning outcomes states that students will be able to:

3.6 appreciate the breadth of what constitutes human sexuality, and how sexual orientation and gender identity are experienced and expressed in diverse ways

Furthermore, the Rationale of the updated JC SPHE curriculum states that:

the SPHE specification is grounded in values of respect, equality, inclusivity, responsibility, dignity, compassion and empathy....

This specification supports teachers in adopting an approach that is inclusive in accordance with principles of equality, human rights and responsibilities. This ensures that all students can see themselves, their families and their communities reflected across the learning and can learn to value diversity as a feature of humankind and as a source of enrichment. SPHE thus contributes to building a cohesive, compassionate and fair society; one that is inclusive of all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, religious beliefs/worldviews, social classes and abilities/disabilities .

I can also advise the Deputy that the Senior Cycle SPHE specification is expected to be made available by the NCCA for public consultation in Q3 2023. At primary level, the Primary Curriculum Framework was published in March and will inform the development of all curriculum specifications at primary level. The NCCA has begun work on the curricular area of Well-being in primary schools, which includes SPHE and RSE. This curriculum will be developed through the usual process involving all partners in education and public consultation on a draft specification is expected to happen in 2024.

School Transport

Questions (74)

David Stanton

Question:

74. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 303 of 9 May 2023, the estimated extra cost to her Department of putting in place a 50+ seater bus service to transport second-level students on a route (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26599/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education (Deputy Norma Foley)

The 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 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.

Bus Éireann has advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy in this case are not eligible under the School Transport Scheme as they are not attending their closest school. Bus Éireann further advised that a new service cannot be established as there is currently an insufficient number of eligible applications from pupils residing in the distinct locality.

Families can apply for online at: buseireann.ie/schooltransport. The closing date for new applications in respect of the 2023/2024 school year was 28th April 2023 and the closing date for payment for all applicants is 9th June 2023. Once the payment closing date has passed, Bus Éireann will review applications and plan routes during the summer months for the upcoming school year. Bus Éireann is obliged to tender all works, goods and services to be provided by external suppliers in line with national and EU procurement legislation and this includes services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme. Bus Eireann can not advise on the costs associated with a service until that service has been successfully tendered in line with procurement legislation.