Written Answers Nos. 462-481
462. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding provided for Innovation Partnerships in 2022; and if this is capital or current funding; and the cost of increasing this funding by 10%, 20%, and 25%. [27891/23]
View answerThe Innovation Partnership Programme is funded by my Department, through Enterprise Ireland.
The Innovation Partnership Programme is designed to take businesses to the next level. The programme can help companies access the latest skills and expertise from research institutes throughout Ireland by providing up to 80% of the cost of research work towards the development of new and improved products, processes or services, or generate new knowledge and know-how.
The Innovation Partnership Programme budget outturn for 2022 was €6,819,620 which comes from capital expenditure. The table below shows the cost of increasing this funding by 10%, 20% and 25% and the total expenditure inclusive of the differing rates of increase.
|
- |
10% increase |
20% increase |
25% increase |
|
|
Budget outturn for 2022 |
€6,819,620 |
|||
|
Cost for various % increases |
€681,962 |
€1,363,924 |
€1,704,905 |
|
|
Total cost including increases |
€7,501,582 |
€8,183,544 |
€8,524,525 |
463. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what is delaying a long-promised report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27917/23]
View answerThe Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce final report is due to be published on the 8th of July 2023.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government 2020 committed to supporting the Shannon Estuary region in recognition that it had been expecting economic development arising from new fossil-fuel infrastructure. The establishment of an independent Economic Taskforce was designed to evaluate the region’s economic development potential and was formally established on 21 April 2022, with the twofold objective to create a long-term vision for the region and to outline a practical action plan to realise it.
I very much look forward to the publication of this report which is the product of extensive stakeholder consultations by the Taskforce across the renewable energy, transport, logistics, communications, and tourism sectors. The Taskforce also engaged with the relevant Government Departments, Agencies, Ministers, members of the Oireachtas, MEPs, and local elected officials across counties Kerry, Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary. In addition to this, my Department ran two public consultations on behalf of the Taskforce.
The Taskforce published its interim report in November 2022 outlining a long-term vision for the Shannon Estuary region based on the delivery of 2GW of Atlantic Offshore Wind by 2030 and 30GW through the Estuary by 2050. Having engaged with then Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, and the Minister for Environment, Climate, and Communications, and Transport, Eamon Ryan TD on the contents of the interim report, the Taskforce subsequently proceeded to develop a detailed action plan in close consultation with the key Government Departments and industry stakeholders. This will be the focus of the forthcoming report, along with recommendations for implementation.
It is anticipated that the final report from the independent Taskforce will contain specific recommendations on policy, regulatory reform, and infrastructure development to enable the Shannon Estuary to be the lead location for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy. The report is also expected to set out a series of recommendations designed to bring more immediate economic and sustainability benefits to the region, including actions on the deployment of onshore sources of renewable energy such as biomethane, and proposals for developing the region’s transport and logistics infrastructure, digital connectivity, and tourism offering.
464. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total spend on consulting services and on ‘business-as-usual’ outsourcing, as differentiated under the Code of ‘Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016’ for each non-commercial public body under the aegis of his Department for the year 2022. [27960/23]
View answerThe information requested is currently being collated by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
465. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there have been any changes made to the provision of work permits for non-EU nationals coming to Ireland to take up employment in order that they might be permitted to change their employment after one year of working in Ireland on a two-year work permit; if not, if he has any plans to make such an amendment to the current policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27985/23]
View answerUnder the current employment permits legislation, the holder of an employment permit is expected to remain in employment with their first employer for a minimum of 12 months, before a change of employer can be made. At present, a change of employer can only be made by way of a new application for an employment permit after this period.
However, Government has recently approved an amendment to the Employment Permits Bill to allow General Employment Permit and Critical Skills Employment Permit holders to transfer employer within the bounds of the original employment permit, after a shorter period of nine months has passed from the start of their first employment.
The existing policy that allows for a change in employer in certain circumstances within the initial period will be retained in the Bill. In the case of redundancy or exploitation and/or abuse, an employment permit holder may change employer within the first 12 months of their first employment. Policy allows for certain occupations to transfer to another employer under the existing permit.
My Department conducted a targeted consultation during March and April 2023. During this exercise stakeholders from many different industries were invited to submit their views in regard to the introduction of the transfer of an employment permit into the Bill. The content of these submissions was carefully considered in the drafting of these provisions.
466. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider having mechanics, specifically agricultural mechanics, construction plant fitters and heavy vehicle mechanics added to his Department's critical skills list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28012/23]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system, maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The regime is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills or labour shortages in the State in the short to medium term.
The Occupational Lists (Ineligible Occupations List and Critical Skills Occupation List) for employment permits are subject to evidence-based review incorporating consideration of available research, and a public consultation which provides stakeholders with an opportunity to submit data on the extent of skills or labour shortages. Submissions to the review are considered by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy with membership drawn from key Government Departments including the Department of Transport and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine who, as lead policy departments for the sectors specifically related to these occupations, may provide observations on the occupation under review.
An occupation may be considered for inclusion in, or removal from, the Occupations Lists where evidence supports that no suitable Irish/EEA nationals are available to undertake the work; development opportunities are not undermined; genuine skills shortages exist; and recruitment or retention issues are affected by factors other than salary and/or employment conditions.
The occupation of mechanic - agricultural or heavy vehicle - is currently on the Ineligible Occupations List and, as such, an employment permit cannot be granted at present for this occupation. The Department has engaged with the Department of Transport on the sector and expects to receive a submission on mechanics when the review of the occupations lists commences in coming weeks.
The occupation of Construction Plant Fitter, while not on the Critical Skills Occupations List, is eligible for a General Employment Permit subject to a labour market needs test.
The next review of the lists is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks. Stakeholders and interested parties are invited to register their interest to receive notification on the Employment Permits page of the Department's website.
467. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff seconded to his Department from a company (details supplied) in the past ten years to date; the title and/or role they filled; and the duration of same. [28175/23]
View answer469. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of instances in which his Department availed of services and or consultancy and or advices from a company (details supplied) in the past ten years to date; the costs of same; the number of contracts between the company and his Department; and the duration and costs of same. [28194/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 469.
Based on records available, there were no staff seconded to my Department from the company in question in the past ten years.
There were four instances in which my Department availed of the services of the company in question in the past ten years, requested details are outlined in tabular form below.
|
Year |
Type of contract |
Cost of Service/Contract |
Duration of Contract |
|
2018 |
Consultancy |
€11,070.00 |
2 Months |
|
2014 |
Consultancy |
€34,440.00 |
18 days |
|
2014 |
Consultancy |
€15,621.00 |
6 days |
|
2014 |
Consultancy |
€48,185.25 |
25 days |
468. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a schedule of lands and building owned and leased by the IDA; the date on which they were purchased and or leased; and the duration of leases and costs associated with each purchase and lease. [28189/23]
View answerIDA’s Property strategy sets out ambitious plans for the delivery of advanced building solutions in regional locations and key capital-intensive regional infrastructure to support the Organisation’s Strategy.
The timely provision of appropriate, innovative and cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions that meet the needs of Multi-National Companies (MNC’s) at the forefront of the modern economy remain essential to winning FDI. In a challenging, competitive and uncertain global environment, IDA’s regional property programme ensures the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients of both IDA and Enterprise Ireland.
A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be the key differentiator in winning FDI projects, as evidenced by the record regional results achieved under IDA’s 2015-2019 strategy & its current Strategy - Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021 - 2024.
The regional property programme is a significant driver of investment in quality building & land solutions in regional locations. Attached, as requested by the Deputy, is a list of the available IDA land & building assets as at year end 2022. These assets have been acquired over many years and the costs associated with the acquisition of such assets would include legal fees, property agents’ fees, together with due diligence fees associated with engineering review of the suitability of the property. All these services are engaged in line with public procurement guidelines and total are commercially sensitive.
470. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of vacant WTE posts, by job title, at the Health and Safety Authority as of 7 June 2023; the estimated full-year cost of filling each of these vacancies; and when each of these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [28446/23]
View answerFollowing the allocation of additional funding for the Health and Safety Authority in recent years the overall number of sanctioned positions now stands at 317 across both administrative and professional and technical grades. The recruitment of additional resources is being managed on a phased basis and following extensive recruitment, over 160 appointments have been made since 2021.
The staff of the Health and Safety Authority is made up of those in administration and inspector grades. The inspector grades comprise of Grade I (senior inspectors) as well as Grade II and Grade III inspectors. Inspectors operate across all our mandates which include occupational health and safety, chemicals, accreditation, and market surveillance. Administration grades follow the civil service structure of Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, Higher Executive Officer, Assistant Principal and Principal Officer.
The Health and Safety Authority, as of 7 June 2023, has 62 WTE positions currently vacant, 47 of which relate to the position of Grade III inspector. The most recent competition for position of Grade III Inspector closed in May 2023 and the remaining stages of the recruitment process are underway.
The number of vacant posts by grade are set out in the table below.
|
Grade |
Total Vacancies |
Scheduled to be filled |
|
Inspector Grade I |
1 |
Q3 2023 |
|
Inspector Grade II |
1 |
Q2 2023 |
|
Inspector Grade III |
47 |
Next cohort due to onboard Q3 2023Next competition planned for Q3 2023 |
|
AP/ AP Higher |
1 |
Q3 2023 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
3 |
Q3 2023 |
|
Clerical Officer |
7 |
Q4 2023 |
|
Services Officer |
1 |
Q4 2023 |
|
Physician |
1 |
Q4 2023 |
The cost per annum is dependent on each individual grade. The workings are outlined below.
|
Grade |
Salary |
PRSI |
Onboarding Cost |
Total Cost |
|
Inspector Grade I |
€78,656 |
€8,691 |
€15,000 |
€102,347 |
|
Inspector Grade II |
€68,491 |
€7,568 |
€15,000 |
€91,059 |
|
Inspector Grade III |
€35,336 |
€3,905 |
€15,000 |
€54,241 |
|
Assistant Principal |
€72,236 |
€7,982 |
€15,000 |
€95,218 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
€53,955 |
€5,962 |
€15,000 |
€74,917 |
|
Clerical Officer |
€27,132 |
€2,998 |
€15,000 |
€45,130 |
|
Services Officer |
€25,569 |
€2,825 |
€15,000 |
€43,394 |
|
Physician |
€104,618 |
€11,560 |
€15,000 |
€131,178 |
Assumptions;
- Figures based on starting point of the relevant grade for all positions.
- Provision included for Employer PRSI calculated at 11.05%
- Recruitment and onboarding cost of €15k for positions based on batch recruitment.
471. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what assessments are taking place within his Department regarding the impact of the EU pharmaceutical strategy review on the Irish pharmaceutical sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28488/23]
View answerOn 26 April, 2023 the European Commission published a proposal to revise and replace the existing general pharmaceutical legislation. The EU Pharmaceutical legislative package proposes a suite of measures with the purpose of assuring the quality and safety of medicines and ensuring their availability to health services across the EU. As such, consideration of the proposal is being led by Health Ministries at EU level, including for Ireland.
Since its publication, officials from my Department have been engaging with colleagues in the Department of Health to examine the proposal and analyse the impact of the proposed measure for the Irish pharmaceutical sector. We understand that regulation must ensure patient safety while acting as an enabler of bringing new products to market with certainty and predictability at its core. We are committed to collaborating across Government in analysing the proposal and working with all stakeholders to ensure this assessment is fully informed and based on all available data.
To inform the national deliberation of this proposal, the Minister for Health formally established the Pharmaceutical Strategy Working Group (PSWG) in April 2023 which is chaired by his Department and on which there is representation from my Department and our agencies. The PSWG will continue to meet at regular intervals to consider the Commission’s proposal in full. An initial structured stakeholder engagement exercise took place on 8th May at which key representative stakeholders were invited to share their perspectives. Government will continue to engage on the views of stakeholders in progressing the Pharmaceutical Strategy for Europe and in shaping a national, cross-Government position on this important package. For example, as Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, I am clear that a well-functioning intellectual property system is key in incentivising R&D of novel medicines and enabling the balance to facilitate equitable and adequate access to medicines alongside industry’s incentives to undertake long-term and expensive research and innovation costs. For new and innovative medicines, the goal of ensuring equitable and sustainable access must be balanced with the EU being at the centre of developing such medicines, supporting the good jobs and strong economic growth this sector brings to Europe.
I fully recognise the importance of the pharmaceutical sector in Ireland, and my Department will continually engage with key stakeholders throughout the course of the negotiations and will assess the impact of any interventions made. In keeping with our ongoing focus on maintaining Ireland’s reputation as an exceptional place to do business, we will continue to advocate for measures that ensure predictability, consistency, equity, sustainability, and transparency in the medicines legislative ecosystem across the EU.
472. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's strategies and initiatives to promote economic growth, innovation and job creation in Ireland; the steps being taken to attract foreign investment, support local businesses and develop a skilled workforce; if he will provide details on the Government's plans to promote entrepreneurship, trade, and ensure a thriving and inclusive economy for the benefit of all citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28548/23]
View answerIn December of last year, my Department published the White Paper on Enterprise, which outlines the Government’s approach to enterprise policy for the period to 2030.
The White Paper sets out Governments vision for Irish-based enterprise to succeed through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity as well as delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods. The approach set out in the White Paper will ensure that Ireland continues to build on its economic strengths as an open economy with strong trade and foreign direct investment, internationally competitive Irish enterprises, a vibrant innovation hub, and a resilient and inclusive labour market.
The White Paper sets out the Government’s seven priority enterprise policy objectives for the period to 2030. These are:
- Integrating decarbonisation and net zero commitments where our targets are a 35% emissions reduction from Industry by 2030 and 45% emissions reduction from Commercial Built Environment by 2030.
- Placing digital transformation at the heart of enterprise policy where our target is that 90% of SMEs are at basic digital intensity by 2030.
- Advancing Ireland’s FDI and trade value proposition, including targets of a 20% increase in IDA client expenditure in Ireland by 2024, and at least half of all FDI investments between 2021 and 2024 to be located outside of Dublin. The White Paper further recognises that the Trade and Investment Strategy: Value for Ireland, Values for the World will be integral to our enterprise growth model, and the effective implementation of its actions will support Ireland to increase exports sustainably, deepen and extend our trade relationships, grow quality employment and build a more resilient economy.
- Strengthening the Irish-owned exporting sector where we are targeting 2.5% average annual growth in Irish-owned enterprise productivity by 2024, a 50% increase in the number of large Irish exporting companies by 2030, 2,000 additional Irish-owned exporters by 2030, and over two-thirds of Enterprise Ireland assisted new jobs between 2022 and 2024 will be created outside of Dublin. These measures alongside Enterprise Ireland’s wider strategic objectives will be vital in achieving an increase the number of new entrepreneurs and fast growing High-Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs) across the regions.
- Enabling locally trading sectors to thrive where our target is a 1% average annual increase in multifactor productivity growth in domestic sectors of the economy by 2025. This will include expanding existing supports of our Local Enterprise Offices to support more entrepreneurs and SME`s across Ireland, alongside wider efforts stipulated within the strategic national SME and Entrepreneurship Growth Plan.
- Stepping up enterprise innovation such that Gross Expenditure on R&D will increase to 2.5% of Gross National Income by 2030 and the Number of High-Potential Start-Ups is increased by 20% by 2024.
- Building on strengths and opportunities where our targets are five national cluster organisations funded under a new National Clustering Programme by 2025. Measures are also outlined to ensure Irish businesses are supported across our regions, particularly in the areas of green and digital. Commitments have also been made to ensure unemployment does not exceed one percentage point of national unemployment rate in any region.
The White Paper also addresses the key components of the competitive enterprise environment including infrastructure, cost of doing business, skills and talent, access to finance, taxation and regulation. Notably, we will work to ensure a more responsive, collaborative and properly resourced approach to skills development. This will include increased investment in horizontal and high-level digital skills and skills required for the green transition, as well ensuring barriers to workforce participation are appropriately addressed. Challenges around access to finance for Irish enterprise has also been highlighted, where Government will work to ensure Irish businesses are adequately supported through financing for starting-up and scaling-up.
The White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 commits to the development of consecutive two-year Implementation Plans of cross-government activity. The first of these Implementation Plan covering the period 2023-2024 was published in May.
This first Implementation Plan identifies a portfolio of 40 key initiatives and projects under each of the seven priority objectives. The initiatives and projects listed have been selected as reflective of the efforts underway to align enterprise policy interventions with the vision and ambition set out in the White Paper.
Progress on this first implementation will be reported on every six months to the Cabinet Committee on the Economy and Investment. The first update report to the Cabinet Committee will be delivered in Q3 of this year.
473. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the Government's approach to work permits in Ireland, specifically the current guidelines and procedures for obtaining work permits for foreign nationals seeking employment opportunities in the country; if he will provide details on any recent developments or initiatives aimed at reviewing the critical skills occupations list, streamlining the work permit application process, and addressing labour market needs, given that the country is now considered to be at full employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28553/23]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system which maximises the benefits of economic migration while minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is managed through the operation of the Critical Skills and Ineligible Occupations lists which determine employments that are either in high demand or are ineligible for consideration for an employment permit.
All employment permit applications are processed in line with the Employment Permits Act 2006, as amended, and are dependent on a job offer from an Irish registered employer for an eligible occupation. All employment permits granted are employer and employee specific, which provides for the permit holder to be employed by the employer in the specific role stated on the permit held.
Information is provided on the Department’s website in respect of employment permits, including information regarding each permit type, the requirement to undertake a Labour Market Needs Test, list of occupations ineligible for an employment permit, Checklist documents for a General and Critical Skills Employment Permit and an FAQ document which answers the majority of the most common questions, all of which are available through this link – enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/.
In addition, to assist applicants when applying for an Employment Permit, a range of detailed checklist documents for certain roles has been prepared which are available on the Department’s website and can be accessed through this link:- Employment Permits Checklists - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
Comprehensive information in relation to the Labour Market Needs Test including a video guide are also available on the Department’s website and can be accessed through this link:- enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Employment-Permit-Eligibility/Labour-Market-Needs-Test/.
A new Employment Permits Bill is currently progressing through the legislative process. It has been drafted to respond to the need to modernise some provisions of the system to facilitate a more flexible approach. The ability for permit holders to transfer to a new employer, inside the existing permit duration, and without the need for a new employment permit application, is proposed for General Employment Permits (GEP) and the Critical Skills Employment Permits (CSEP).
My Department actively responds to the concerns raised by various sectors of the economy with regard to the critical short supply of skills in a number of roles and this has been highlighted by the number of amendments made to the Employment Permits Regulations over the last two years, with many sectors provided with access to employment permits.
Changes brought about to improve the delivery and effectiveness of the Employment Permits system are made following constructive engagement and consultation with relevant policy Departments as well as a review of the workforce challenges in the sectors in question.
The Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible Occupations List will be reviewed shortly. The Review will take into account the submissions made through the stakeholder consultation process and will also be informed by research undertaken by labour market policy research bodies such as the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) and SOLAS. The views of the Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group, which is chaired by this Department, will also be considered.
474. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the security protections in place for remote workers within civil and public service organisations to safeguard against personal information of members of the public in audio, text and electronic form being inadvertently exposed to unauthorised third parties within the remote setting; if he can provide a copy of the remote working best practice guidelines for civil and public service workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28638/23]
View answerWhether they are working from home or the office, all staff members of my Department are issued with secure, encrypted laptops which are regularly updated, and which connect directly to the Department’s network using secure, encrypted channels. Those laptops are by default connected directly to the Department’s network and staff are advised to save all data to that network.
The Department’s pilot Blended Working Policy reminds staff that legislative requirements place certain obligations on employers and employees, regardless of whether business is conducted at the employer’s premises, the employee’s home or another location where the employee is engaging in remote working. Those legislative requirements include the General Data Protection Regulations and the Official Secrets Act. A copy of the Department’s policy on blended working arrangements is attached, section 9.6 refers.
Additionally, all staff were reminded in April of this year, of their obligations under the Official Secrets Act and their responsibilities in relation to the transaction of official business. Staff were also reminded of the principles governing the behaviour of civil servants as set out in the civil service Code of Standards and Behaviours.
In addition, my Department and its Offices have fully implemented data protection policies and protocols for all staff, including its remote workers to protect the personal data of members of the public. These policies and protocols include:• Guidance and Tips on Protecting Personal Data When Working from Home.• Completion of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for all high-risk data processing activities. • Dedicated Personal Data Breach Policy and Procedures. • Specialised data protection training for staff working in business areas involved in the processing of personal data.
The provision of best practice guidelines for public sector workers more generally would be a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.
475. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education if her Department has considered the urgent need to secure additional accommodation for a school (details supplied) who have been informed that they must use their school library and GP hall to accommodate classes for the next academic year; if she is aware that this school will have 12 children in their ASD classes from September who need a space to interact; if she will ensure that the additional accommodation is provided immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27066/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
An ASA application from the school to which the Deputy refers is currently being assessed and when this is completed the school authority will be notified of the decision. My Department is very cognisant of the timeframe for the new school year and is working to advance matters as quickly as possible.
In addition, my Department is liaising with all schools that have accommodation requirements for the coming school year in relation to their contingency planning arrangements and any supports required for same.
476. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the latest position regarding the building of a permanent school building for a school (details supplied); when children can expect to be in place within this school; and if temporary accommodation is in place and secure for the intervening period. [27068/23]
View answerThe acquisition of a site by my Department to construct a new permanent school building for the school referred to by the Deputy is well advanced.
In the meantime, the patron of the school has confirmed to the Department that the school has sufficient accommodation for the 2023/24 school year.
477. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if her Department has established the number of students in an area (details supplied) requiring a special education placement who have not yet secured such a place for first year at second level commencing September 2023; the measures that will be introduced to ensure places for such students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27105/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
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.
The NCSE has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
My department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, on the 12th of April, Minister Foley and I announced the establishment of 2 new special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
Along with the two new special schools, 328 new special classes – 217 at primary and 111 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year, with more to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Of these new classes, 7 are in Co. Kildare, with 5 at primary level and 2 at post-primary level. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Kildare to 112. The NCSE advise my Department that further new special classes at post-primary level will be confirmed in Co. Kildare very shortly.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
In October of last year, my department wrote to all post-primary schools to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 3 to 5 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list .
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website: www.ncse.ie
The NCSE is committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for the coming school year 2023/2024.
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.
478. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education if psychological or other such assessments for children paid for privately by parents, rather than waiting years on HSE or other State-funded assessments, are accepted by her Department to allow children to access supports in their school settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27116/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government. 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 have almost 40,000 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
My Department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools, which have enrolled pupils with special educational needs to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, s/he will have access to an appropriate education.
One of the supports offered by the Department is the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). NEPS Psychologists work with schools using a problem solving model to help schools identify need and interventions to support those needs. Under this model, NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
Additional supports for children with special educational needs are embedded in all primary and post primary schools. Schools allocate their Special Education Teaching and SNA supports based on need in the school setting, so that those with highest level of need can access the highest level of support within the school in a timely manner. This model means that pupils do not need a psychological assessment, or a diagnosis of a disability, in order to access additional support in school.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is a statutory body whose functions include planning and co-ordinating the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs in conjunction with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The NCSE through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, and schools should liaise with the NCSE directly in the event that additional supports are required.
Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's present or future educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.
Where a parent has an assessment for their child which notes that they have a particular special educational need, or disability, they should still bring this to the attention of the school, as it may assist the school to decide how best to support the child. The school will take account of learning needs as evidenced by performance in schools but also supported where relevant by information provided regarding the nature of a condition that a pupil may have.
My Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally regarding pupils' education. Should a parent be dissatisfied with the manner in which supports have been provided to support their child's education they should raise this matter directly with their school Principal or the Board of Management of the school.
The NCSE does accept privately-funded psychological assessments for children to access special class and special school placements, as long as they meet the Department's criteria as follows.
- The child has a confirmed disability (professional report) in line with the designation of the special class in question.
- The child has complex or severe learning needs that require the support of a special class setting and the reasons why that is the case.
- There is a clear and definite recommendation for the most appropriate school placement.
The NCSE have confirmed that private and publicly-funded assessments are not distinguished between as long as they meet the above criteria.
The NCSE have also stated that reports recommending multiple 'options' for placement are not accepted for any setting other than the most inclusive one listed. If a report lists mainstream with support, special class in mainstream school, and special school, only the most inclusive option (mainstream) would be considered.
479. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education if parents of children with disability/educational/psychological assessments who pay for such assessments privately to try and overcome a public service waiting list for such an assessment, can recoup the costs of such an assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27120/23]
View answerIn common with many other psychological services and best international practice the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of the Department of Education delivers a consultative model of service. NEPS Psychologists work with schools using a problem solving model to help schools identify need and interventions to support those needs. Under this model, NEPS encourages schools to use a continuum based assessment and intervention process whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention for pupils with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties.
The NEPS casework service involves the provision of a psychological service for a student, with the psychologist working with the student, teachers and parents, and other professionals if appropriate, to identify need and plan for intervention to support the student in school. The NEPS model does not operate on a waiting list basis as schools prioritise those students with most need. Additional supports for children with special educational needs are embedded in all primary and post primary schools. Schools allocate their Special Education Teaching and SNA supports based on need in the school setting, so that those with highest level of need can access the highest level of support within the school in a timely manner. This model means that pupils do not need a psychological assessment, or a diagnosis of a disability, in order to access additional support in school. Under the model set out above the Department does not refund the costs of private assessments.
480. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of children with an address in Mullingar that had an application submitted for school transport to a school (details supplied) for the 2023-2024 school year. [27168/23]
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 5,200 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 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 a random selection process.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that generally, pupils who reside in Mullingar, are not eligible for school transport to the school mentioned by the Deputy. Bus Éireann has further advised, there is currently no service from Mullingar to the school in question.
At present there are 17 applications which will be assessed for school transport by Bus Éireann following the payment closing date of 9 June 2023.
If families have applied to attend their nearest school in regards to ethos and language and have been advised by the school authorities that it is full, my Department will consider if students can be deemed eligible for transport to the next nearest school.
To establish that the nearest school is full parents must provide:-
- The steps taken to enrol their child in the nearest and next nearest schools
- Evidence that an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school and
- A letter from the School Authorities confirming that the school was full at the time of enrolment.
These families can submit details to the School Transport Section in the Department of Education at school_transport@education.gov.ie. In cases where the families are attending their third or fourth nearest school, the above documentation will be required for each school in turn. Families who require information in relation to the schools nearer to them can contact the School Transport Section in my Department at school_transport@education.gov.ie where officials in the section will be happy to assist.
481. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the basis on which an applicant (details supplied) for school transport has been notified that there is no school transport service available from their home for their child. [27185/23]
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 5,400 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 will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Bus Éireann has advised that the family referred to by the Deputy are eligible for school transport, however there is no service available from where these pupils reside to the schools they are attending.
Children who are eligible for school transport but for whom no service is available may be offered the Remote Area Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. Further information in relation to grant payments can be found at: gov.ie/schooltransport.
Families who are eligible for Remote Area Grant payment will be contacted directly by School Transport Section towards the end of the relevant school year. Families can address any queries they may have to school_transport@education.gov.ie where officials in School Transport Section will be happy to assist.
