Michael Healy-Rae
Question:90. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29904/23]
View answerWednesday, 21 June 2023
Questions (90)
Written answers
Under 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. Any further improvement in the pupil teacher ratio would have to be considered in the context of the annual budgetary process.
In terms of schools leadership, the equivalent of approximately 1,300 middle management posts (Assistant Principal I and Assistant Principal II) have been restored at primary level since the lifting of the moratorium on these posts in 2017.
The Department has committed to annually revising the allocation of Posts of Responsibility to take into account retirements during the school year which has ensured that the current level of Posts of Responsibility (PORs) are maintained in the school system. New POR threshold tables are produced each year to distribute these PORs equitably across all school. Currently one in three teachers hold a promotional post within our schools.
The Sectoral Bargaining process under Building Momentum for the primary sector has been used to increase posts of responsibility (POR) in primary and special schools by 1,450 posts.
I recently announced a pilot of counselling supports in primary schools. This marks an important development in supporting the wellbeing and mental health of children. I was delighted to secure this funding as we know that nationally and internationally there is increasing concern about the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people and that school staff are facing challenges every day in supporting children and young people presenting with these issues. I have listened to schools and to stakeholders and responded to their calls for the provision of mental health services in primary schools. This pilot will support children to cope better with their emotions and feelings, learn about and understand their feelings, develop coping skills and improve their relationships with others.
NEPS psychologists will work with schools to identify and support the prioritisation of those most in need to access the counselling. This is part of the current role of the NEPS psychologist – identifying need for and signposting to appropriate services.
Under this pilot selected schools are provided with easy access to a pre-approved panel of counsellors. Pilot schools will be assigned a specific number of blocks of counselling over the course of the pilot based on a percentage of enrolment numbers. This pilot will build on existing good practice, guidance and supports currently available in the system.
The Department will be providing detailed information and support to both the schools and the counsellors over the coming months to ensure the smooth running of the pilot.
My Department provides funding to recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants 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/School Services Support Fund (SSSF) to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
Schools also receive a range of other grants including Book Grants, Programme grants etc.
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.
In addition, as part of the Cost of Living measures introduced in Budget 23, €90 million has been provided in once-off additional funding to support increased running costs for recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme, in particular in dealing with challenges they face in the light of rising energy costs. This additional grant was paid at the rate of €75 per pupil at Primary level and €113 per pupil at Post-Primary level. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs.