Written Answers Nos. 322-336
322. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education when an announcement will be made regarding an extension to a primary school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29490/23]
View answerI am pleased to advise that approval under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme has issued to the school in question for the provision one Special Education Needs base. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery under the Department's Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.
This programme provides project management supports to expedite the delivery of the such projects and helps to ease the administrative workload for individual schools in relation to the management and delivery of the project. The use of the Department's Modular Accommodation Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of modular accommodation are minimised to the greatest extent possible. The overall construction sector environment is challenging and the Department and the Project Management company are doing everything possible to ensure that modular accommodation is delivered as quickly as possible. My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of same and will be working with the school to keep it updated on overall project delivery and timelines.
The school were also previously approved funding under my Departments ASA Scheme for one mainstream classroom. This project is also devolved to the school authority and my Department is awaiting the submission of the Stage 1 architectural design report from the design team appointed by the school.
323. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 376 of 28 March 2023, the status of a school construction project (details supplied) in Thurles, County Tipperary; when the building projects will receive full and final approval; when the necessary funding will be released; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29509/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department approved funding for reconfiguration and modular accommodation to provide for two special education needs classrooms and four mainstream classrooms under the Additional School Accommodation scheme.
The project is devolved for delivery to the school authority under my Department’s Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. The Department has engaged with the school authority regarding their preferred detailed design and is currently reviewing the options to expedite delivery of the required accommodation.
The overall construction sector environment is challenging and the Department and the Project Management company are doing everything possible to ensure such projects are delivered as quickly as possible. My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this project and will engage with the school authority again soon on overall project delivery logistics including funding and timelines.
324. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if she will restore the ICT grant for schools in respect of the provision of laptops, iPads and interactive whiteboards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29590/23]
View answerUnder the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding was to support schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to embed the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
The new Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support schools over the period committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
It is hoped to issue the next tranche of funding in the 2023-2024 school year. As with all such funding, the issuing of the grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department.
It is anticipated that the funding committed to under the NDP will be available to support the implementation of the Digital Strategy to Schools in future years.
As with funding under the previous strategy, the funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 issues directly to schools as they are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way in accordance with their digital learning plan.
325. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if the scheme for schools to obtain solar panels, as announced in Budget 2023, has commenced; if so, if she will outline the application process for schools; if not, when the scheme will be open for applications; if 100% funding will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29591/23]
View answerBudget 2023 included the announcement for the provision of up to 6kW photovoltaic (PV) panels to all schools, to be funded from the Climate Action Fund at the discretion of the Minister for the Environment. This is really positive news for our schools and will assist with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.
This PV programme will form part of the response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 climate action targets for the schools sector and is a joint venture between Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) and the Department of Education (DoE).
Department officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication in relation to the arrangements for this scheme. As the programme will be funded from the Climate Action Fund there is quite a rigorous process of development work required ensuring compliance with the Climate Action Fund regulations, prior to final DECC approval.
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.
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.
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 Q4 2023. The Department is currently working to have the scheme developed and rolled out as soon as possible and ahead of the Q4 target timeline in the Climate Action Plan.
326. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education to provide the figures on a waiting list (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29618/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
Sallins NS is located in the Naas School Planning Area. While my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
• Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
• School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
• Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
• External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
My Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues across school planning areas through ongoing discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities.
This close engagement will allow my Department to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.
The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/
327. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the amount of funding that will be provided for SNAs and autism training for teachers. [29644/23]
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).
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 additional teaching and care supports. It also includes funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) for an additional 54 psychologists to provide services to special schools and special classes.
In 2023 the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 special needs assistants 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 Special needs assistants. 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.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
In 2023, there will be a significant investment in the expansion of the National Council for Special Education, with a total full-year investment of €13 million, in over 160 additional staff. This investment is being undertaken so that the NSCE can respond effectively, compassionately and quickly to the increased need in our education system so that children and their families are fully supported and achieve the best possible education outcomes.
In relation to training for teachers of pupils with autism the NCSE provides support for teachers with additional training needs in the area of special educational through the NCSE Support Service.
The aim of the NCSE Support Service is to develop schools’ capacity to include students with special educational needs and to promote a continuum of educational provision which is inclusive and responsive.
The NCSE Support Service provides Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) support for teachers of pupils with ASD through an Inclusive Learning Resource Teachers course as well as an online resource facility and an online book borrowing facility.
The Support Service continues to update current Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) courses for teachers and design new TPL courses in response to the needs of teachers.
Detailed information on the comprehensive programme of Teacher Professional Learning seminars on a variety of special educational needs topics is published on the NCSE website. ncse.ie/tpl
Last year, my Department published new ‘Autism Good Practice Guidance for Schools’ for schools and training on the new guidance has been provided to schools this year. The guidance is designed to help support the well-being, learning and participation of children and young people with autism in education. It aims to assist school staff to understand the varied nature of students' strengths and needs, as well as to identify whole-school and individualised approaches to supports for students.
It can be used by staff supporting autistic students across a range of educational environments including mainstream, special-class and special-school settings.
328. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the results of the Irish portion of the Leaving Certificate over the past five years; and the reason the results have changed throughout those five years. [29649/23]
View answerThe 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.
329. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the reason schools will not be receiving the ICT grant payments in June as expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29668/23]
View answerUnder the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding was to support schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to embed the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
The new Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support schools over the period committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
It is hoped to issue the next tranche of funding in the 2023-2024 school year. As with all such funding, the issuing of the grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department.
It is anticipated that the funding committed to under the NDP will be available to support the implementation of the Digital Strategy to Schools in future years.
As with funding under the previous strategy, the funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 issues directly to schools as they are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way in accordance with their digital learning plan.
330. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the measures being taken to address the need for an increase in the capitation grants for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29669/23]
View answerThe two main grants paid by my Department to recognised schools are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep, etc. and the Ancillary Services grants to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff.
The following links are the most recent circulars published on my Department's website which outline the rates in relation to capitation related grants.
Primary Circulars
www.gov.ie/en/circulars/?q=&sort_by=published_date&organisation=department-of-education&year=&circular_id=0017%2F2021
www.gov.ie/en/circulars/?q=&sort_by=published_date&organisation=department-of-education&year=&circular_id=0038%2F2020
Post Primary Circulars
www.gov.ie/en/circulars/?q=&sort_by=published_date&organisation=department-of-education&year=&circular_id=0082%2F2020
www.gov.ie/en/circulars/?q=&sort_by=published_date&organisation=department-of-education&year=&circular_id=0052%2F2020
I understand the need for improved capitation funding and I am pleased that my Department has been able to provide for increases in capitation funding for primary and post primary schools in recent years.
All schools have received the benefit of the capitation increases awarded to date. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets.
331. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the steps being taken to reduce the pupil-teacher ratio; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29670/23]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government there is a commitment to seek to make further progress in reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools.
In Budget 2023, I ensured major investment in our schools and I have succeeded in bringing the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools for the 2023/24 school year which is the lowest ever seen at primary level. This was my third successive Budget which saw an improvement in allocation of teachers to primary schools. Budget 2021 reduced the staffing schedule to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 25 pupils, while Budget 2022 reduced it further to 1 classroom teacher for every 24 pupils. A three point reduction in the retention schedule, in place since 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts.
The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratio shows an improved ratio of teachers to pupils from 15.7:1 to 13.7:1 at primary level when comparing the 2016/17 school year to the 2021/22 school year. This compares favourably with the OECD pupil teacher ratio which is 1:15. In the same period the staffing schedule improved from 27:1 to 25:1. Average class sizes improved from 24.6 to 22.8 in the same period. The budget measures will continue the positive trend of improving class sizes for this school year, and statistics on this will be published at the end of the school year.
332. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding an overcrowded school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29671/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department has no current record of receiving an application for additional accommodation from the school in question, under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of my Department’s ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or the requirement for a new class for pupils with special education needs has been identified by the NCSE, and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes
My Department's capital investment programme provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms for existing schools where an immediate enrolment need has been identified. All school capital projects that have been approved, by my Department, under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA), may be viewed on my Department’s website, www.gov.ie, which is updated regularly.
It is open to the school authority to make an application for additional accommodation through the 'Additional School Accommodation scheme (ASA)' which is available at www.gov.ie. This application will be assessed by my officials and the school authorities will be notified directly with a decision.
333. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education the plans in place to address the current lack of places in a school (details supplied); how many students the school can currently accommodate in a junior infants class; how many are on the waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29693/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
Sallins NS is located in the Naas School Planning Area. While my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
• Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
• School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
• Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
• External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
My Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues across school planning areas through ongoing discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities.
This close engagement will allow my Department to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.
The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/
334. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she will advise on a specific issue regarding school transport routes for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29725/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services have been 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.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Parents of a child wishing to avail of school transport services, are required to apply on-line to Bus Éireann’s website at buseireann.ie/schooltransport
The closing date for new applications for the school year 2023/24 was 28 April 2023 and the closing date for payment was 9 June 2023.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Bus Éireann, who operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department, review all school transport services over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
Following the closing date for payments, Bus Éireann assess and plan all routes and begin assigning tickets for each route. Tickets will start to issue in July and families who are unsuccessful in obtaining a seat will be notified via email and a refund will issue. In addition if a family wishes to cancel their ticket before the start of the school year they will be issued a full refund in this regard.
335. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to how difficult the higher level history Leaving Certificate paper was this year, compared to other years, even with the additional questions included; if the State Examinations Commission will be taking this into account when correcting papers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29734/23]
View answerThe 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.
336. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she has made a decision on the allocation of ICT grants to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29770/23]
View answerUnder the Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding was to support schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to embed the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
The new Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support schools over the period committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
It is hoped to issue the next tranche of funding in the 2023-2024 school year. As with all such funding, the issuing of the grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department including the building programme to ensure the supply of school accommodation.
It is anticipated that the funding committed to under the NDP will be available to support the implementation of the Digital Strategy to Schools in future years.
As with funding under the previous strategy, the funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 issues directly to schools as they are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way in accordance with their digital learning plan.
