Robert Troy
Question:231. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current status of the advanced manufacturing facility committed by IDA Ireland for Marlinstown, Mullingar. [30233/23]
View answerIndustrial Development
Questions (231)
Written answers
In a challenging, competitive and uncertain global environment, IDA’s Regional Property Programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of both the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. A robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be a 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. In this regard, the IDA Regional Property Programme is a significant driver of investment in quality building & land solutions in regional locations.
In relation to the particular project raised by the Deputy, IDA Ireland received the final grant of planning permission from Westmeath County Council in December 2022 for the construction of a c.50,000sq.ft. Advanced Building Solution consisting of office and light industrial/production spaces. IDA Ireland have advised my Department that the consequent procurement process is now underway. Furthermore, it is IDA Ireland’s intention to appoint a contractor for the construction of the Advanced Building Solution in Q3 2023 with a view to commencing the development shortly thereafter - the appointment of that contractor will also be subject to approval by the IDA Ireland Board as part of its normal procurement policy implementation. I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that these implementation dates are contingent on a satisfactory outcome from the public procurement process.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (232)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:232. 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 commercial public body under the aegis of his Department for 2022. [30257/23]
View answerWritten answers
There are no commercial public bodies under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
EU Directives
Questions (233)
Catherine Connolly
Question:233. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the expected timeline for the transposition of EU Directive 2022/2941 on adequate minimum wages in the European Union; the status of the preparation to date for the transposition of the directive; the steps required for full transposition of the directive, and in particular the provisions relating to collective bargaining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30276/23]
View answerWritten answers
The EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages seeks to reduce working poverty and inequality by improving the adequacy of statutory minimum wages as well as the promotion of collective bargaining. The Directive explicitly recognises that strong and inclusive collective bargaining systems play an important role in ensuring adequate minimum wage protection.
Article 4.2 of this Directive requires Member States with a collective bargaining coverage rate below 80% to provide for a framework of enabling conditions for collective bargaining to be implemented. Accordingly, Ireland is obliged to present an action plan to the European Commission as part of its transposition of the Directive no later than November 2024. This action plan is about ensuring the autonomy of social partners and does not compel any party to engage in negotiations or conclude agreements. The action plan will be prepared in consultation with the social partners and is a standing item on the LEEF sub-committee on employment rights.
EU Regulations
Questions (234)
John Paul Phelan
Question:234. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline Ireland's position in respect of the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30419/23]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland very much welcomes the development of the EU AI Act and the progress that has been made both at Council and at the European Parliament to advance this important file. Given that AI has evolved significantly in the last months, it is important that this regulation is flexible and future proofed to ensure that it continues to protect the safety and fundamental rights of the individual while at the same time, ensuring that innovation for good continues in this area.
The European Parliament agreed its approach by plenary vote on 14th June 2023. My officials are currently examining the text and consulting with relevant stakeholders to refine Ireland’s position on the text. We are supportive of measures that provide clarity and reassurance to all stakeholders engaged in this complex and evolving area, and particularly measures which help to ensure a level playing field in Europe.
We are aware there that there are still some matters that will require more detailed discussion, and this will be a priority for my Department over the coming weeks and months.
Departmental Policies
Questions (235)
John Paul Phelan
Question:235. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the Irish Government's main priorities for its upcoming presidency of the D9+ Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30421/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Digital 9+ (D9+) is an informal, strategic grouping of the more digitally advanced EU Member States according to the annual Digital Economy and Society Index. The group was formed in 2016 and its aim is to exchange opinions and best practices on different areas of action related to the EU’s digital transformation. The D9+ seeks to lead the digital transformation of the EU by advancing policies on the four pillars of: human capital, connectivity, integration of digital technologies in businesses and, digital public services.
The group’s members are Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Belgium, Estonia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, Luxembourg and Spain. Having last held the role of Chair in 2018, Ireland will Chair the group for the first half of 2024 and will convene a Ministerial meeting in April 2024.
There are usually two main topics for discussion at each meeting, which are proposed by the Member holding the rotating chair. My officials and I are continuing to explore what themes should be discussed next April. Among those under consideration are issues such as artificial intelligence, the regulatory framework, data, cybersecurity, and technology and sustainability. It is also important that the D9+ has an opportunity to articulate its views on the direction which the incoming EU Commission should take as it develops its work programme for 2024-2029. This will be a critical phase for the implementation of the Digital Decade 2030 Policy Programme, as well as setting the broader tone for Europe in the global digital and technology economy in the short to medium term.
Our aim is that Ireland's period as chair of the D9+ will provide positive momentum to the digital transformation of the EU by advocating for openness, innovation, and balanced regulation in the digital sphere.
As part of the D9+ meeting next April, the Business 9+ Group, (the B9+) will also be invited to discuss matters of mutual interest relevant to the digital economy. The B9+ is made up of the confederations of enterprises from the different Members of the D9+ and IBEC is Ireland’s representative on the B9+.
Departmental Policies
Questions (236)
John Paul Phelan
Question:236. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on Ireland's place as a leader in Europe's digital policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30422/23]
View answerWritten answers
It is my and this Government's ambition for Ireland to remain a digital leader at the heart of European and global digital developments.
Our National Digital Strategy "Harnessing Digital: the Digital Ireland Framework" sets out a roadmap to drive the digital transition across the economy and society, with progress seen across enterprise, skills, infrastructure, and public services.
In addition, there is strong alignment between the EU's Digital Decade 2030 Policy Programme and Ireland's recently published White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030 regarding digitalisation.
We are ranked 5th in the EU Digital Economy and Society Index but we must continue to drive the agenda and strive to keep pushing ahead with our ambitions across all of the enterprise sector.
We have ambitious targets across Government under the National Digital Strategy. In my own Department, for our enterprise sector, our aim is for 90% of SMEs to have achieved basic digital intensity by 2030 and 75% of all enterprises to be using cloud, AI and big data in the same timeframe.
Our strong position in digital policy also comes from the fact that many of the world's most popular digital services and technology companies choose to establish their European bases here. Moreover, some of the most important digital regulators are here, given our position at the centre of the Single Market. We take our obligations very seriously and have continued to invest in our regulatory framework.
Within Europe, Ireland will continue to make the case for a balanced and optimal approach to digital regulation focusing on striking the right mix between the necessary regulation and the need to foster innovation and competitiveness.
To further demonstrate our leadership in digital policy, in the first half of 2024, Ireland will take the chair of the Digital 9+ (D9+) grouping of countries. The D9+ is an informal, strategic grouping of the more digitally advanced EU Member States whose aim is to exchange opinions and best practices on different areas of action related to EU’s digital transformation.
EU Regulations
Questions (237)
John Paul Phelan
Question:237. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the EU Chips Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30423/23]
View answerWritten answers
Semiconductor chips are ubiquitous in our daily lives, and they are needed in almost every vital sector and service. They have critical application for health, energy, communications, and automation and as such are central to the European Union’s digital and green transitions.
Recent supply chain challenges have revealed structural vulnerabilities in the European semiconductor value chain, exposing Europe’s dependency for supply on a limited number of companies, many of which are located outside of the EU.
On 18th April, EU Member States and the European Parliament reached political agreement on the EU Chips Act. The Chips Act is an important strategic regulation with three main goals. It aims to further develop the RDI landscape in Europe; it will also enable Europe to increase its capacity to manufacture semiconductor microchips; and, finally, the Chips Act sets out a series of measures to protect our security of supply.
Officials across Government have been involved at every stage of the negotiation process and we welcome the agreement. As a leading home for semiconductor technology, the Government recognises that Ireland is well-placed to play our part in realising the goals of the Chips Act and to increase research and manufacturing investment in Ireland.
The semiconductor sector in Ireland has also grown deep roots over the past 45 years. This long history has developed a rich talent pool and extensive ecosystem with strong research links across each element of the value chain, from design to architecture, manufacturing, systems and applications. There are over 20,000 people currently employed in Ireland's semiconductor industry, part of a 175,000-person strong broader ICT sector.
As we transition to a greener and digitalised future, demand for semiconductor chips will only grow; the Chips Act will help to ensure that we have the means to achieve these transitions. The Irish Government is looking forward to the next phase of implementation of the Chips Act and to realising this opportunity both for Ireland and for Europe.
School Funding
Questions (238)
Paul Kehoe
Question:238. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education what funding has been allocated for ICT grants for schools on an annual basis from 2011 to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30238/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
In addition, the Department as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) under Next Generation EU funding facility, issued a once-off grant of €50 million in December 2021 to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme in order to support those learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide,
ICT grant funding allocation annually
|
2015* |
€7million |
|
2016/17 |
€30million |
|
2017/18 |
€30million |
|
2018/19 |
€50million |
|
2019/2020 |
€50million |
|
2020-2021** |
€50million |
|
2021-2022*** |
€100million |
* A one-off grant scheme to support the implementation of the Design Communication and Graphics syllabus was put in place in 2015, with over €7m in funding issued to some 450 post-primary schools.
** Funding for the 2020-2021 school year was brought forward to issue in 2020 to support schools in responding to the challenges of the pandemic.
*** Funding for the 2021-2022 school year was brought forward to issue in December 2021, additionally 2021-22 allocation includes €50m once off funding scheme to address the digital divide under NRRP.
School Funding
Questions (239)
Paul Kehoe
Question:239. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the amount of funding originally allocated for the ICT grant for the 2023 to 2024 school term; the specific reason it has been stopped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30239/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (240)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:240. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education 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 commercial public body under the aegis of her Department for 2022. [30256/23]
View answerWritten answers
The bodies under the aegis of my Department are non commercial and do not fall under the scope of the Deputy’s query.
Education Policy
Questions (241)
Michael Lowry
Question:241. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an overview of the objectives and scope of the pilot programme of counselling supports in primary schools (details supplied); how many primary schools will be selected to participate in the pilot; the criteria that will be used for their selection; the specific supports and resources that will be provided to the schools taking part in the pilot; if there will be any specialised training or professional development opportunities offered to school staff to enhance their ability to identify and address students' mental health needs effectively; the measures that will be put in place to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot programme; if she will review correspondence from a concerned primary school principal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30277/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Education is committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing of our children and I was delighted to announce the establishment of a programme of counselling and mental health supports to be piloted in a number of primary schools from September 2023. The new programme will work to mitigate the mental health challenges which may be experienced by children in our schools.
The pilot project has two strands. Strand 1 comprises the provision of one-to-one counselling to support small numbers of children experiencing mild to moderate levels of emotional distress. All primary schools in counties Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan and Tipperary will be included in the first strand of the pilot. The counties were selected following an analysis of counsellor availability locally who are qualified and experienced to work with children and young people.
In line with the Department of Education’s Continuum of Support a child will be prioritised for counselling, as part of Strand 1 of this pilot, following a period of school-based intervention with evidence that, despite intervention, the child has not made adequate progress. NEPS psychologists will work with schools to identify and support the prioritisation of those most in need of access to this counselling support. This is part of the current role of the NEPS psychologist when working with schools – identifying need for and signposting to appropriate services.
The Department of Education will establish a county panel of pre-approved experienced counsellors to work in the selected schools for the duration of the pilot.
A number of schools in Cork, Dublin 7, Dublin 16 and Carlow will be included in Strand 2 of the pilot and the names of the schools will be announced in the coming days. Strand 2 will see the establishment of a new type of support from Education Wellbeing/Mental Health Teams for clusters of primary schools. This Strand will also see the introduction of Education Wellbeing/Mental Health Practitioners, who will work under the direction and supervision of NEPS.
The focus of the support to be provided under Strand 2 is on strengthening whole school preventative approaches. This includes the provision of psycho-education support for parents and teachers, and the provision of early intervention to groups of children or individual children with mild/emerging need, using low-level therapeutically-informed approaches.
The Department will provide detailed information on the operation of the scheme in the schools. To the greatest degree possible in the context of the pilot my Department has mitigated additional work for school personnel, whom I know will be eager to participate in this innovative initiative, for the benefit of children in their school.
The scheme is not a substitute for services provided by HSE Primary Care Psychology and/or CAMHS.
An evaluation of the pilot will be carried out and I am confident that we will take valuable learnings from this pilot.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (242)
Niall Collins
Question:242. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she will assist a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30286/23]
View answerWritten answers
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 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 responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE have advised my Department that the school is provided with class teachers on a ratio that reflects the profile of needs of the students. In respect of the school in question the maximum ratio of one teacher to every six students is applied.
The total enrolment for the school is expected to be no higher than 100 and a total of 17 class teachers have been allocated accordingly. This is the lowest level of enrolment at the school since the 2015/2016 school year. A decision to reduce enrolments to 100 was made by the Board of Management of the school at local level. The school are aware that resources are allocated in line with enrolments and the care needs of the students.
The school also has an administrative principal post, an administrative deputy principal post and an additional concessionary teaching allocation of 1.64 posts. This brings the total teaching and school leadership posts to 20.64 posts.
The SNA allocation for the school was subject to a review which is currently underway and the school are to be notified shortly of the outcome of that review and of the final allocation of SNAs for the 2023/2024 school year.
Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website, ncse.ie/for-schools.
My 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.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (243)
Cormac Devlin
Question:243. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30311/23]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030, my Department has committed to creating opportunities for expanding Irish-medium education outside the Gaeltacht in the context of the announcements on the establishment of 47 new schools from 2019, which affords particular consideration to the establishment of Gaelscoileanna, Gaelcholáistí, and Aonaid Lán-Ghaeilge as part of the patronage process for new schools.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post-primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
• Provision of a new school or schools.
A patronage process is run after it has been decided, based on demographic analysis, that a new school is required. The patronage process is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons. Parental preferences, as well as other considerations such as the extent of diversity of provision in an area (including Irish-medium provision), are key to the decision-making process and to whether at post-primary level a school would take the form of an Irish-medium Gaelcholáiste or whether, if English-medium, the school would include an Irish-medium unit.
The year of establishment, patronage model and language of instruction have yet to be determined for the new post-primary schools announced to serve the following school planning areas in the general South Dublin area: Dublin 2_Dublin 4 and Sallynoggin_Killiney_DLR/Cherrywood.
While it is expected that the existing gaelcholáistí in the general South Dublin area have sufficient school places to accommodate demand in the short term, given the number of new gaelscoileanna which have opened in recent years or are planned to open in this area, my Department is keeping the position under active review as these schools grow and the number of sixth class pupils in gaelscoileanna increases.
The opportunities for expansion of provision at existing gaelcholáistí such as Coláiste Eoin and Coláiste Íosagáin is also relevant and my Department is engaging with the school patron of Coláiste Eoin and Coláiste Iosagáin in this regard.
My Department is currently developing a new policy for Irish-medium education outside of Gaeltacht areas. The policy will be informed by a consultation process. A review of national and international literature on minority language education provision has also been commissioned, along with research on Aonaid/Sruthanna in Irish-medium education. This research will also inform the policy development process.
School Accommodation
Questions (244)
Alan Dillon
Question:244. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the progress made regarding the timely delivery of modular units before the start of the upcoming academic year for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30395/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to advise that approval under the Additional School Accommodation scheme has issued to the school in question for the provision of modular accommodation to provide for 7 mainstream classrooms, five special education teaching rooms, an art room, a science room and preparation area toilets, and reconfiguration of existing accommodation for two special education needs classes.
The project is devolved for delivery to Mayo Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board and is being delivered under the Department’s Devolved Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. This programme provides project management supports to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and helps to ease the administrative workload for school authorities 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 this project and is working closely with the school authority to ensure this important project is delivered in the most timely manner possible.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (245)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:245. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media 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 commercial public body under the aegis of her Department for 2022. [30268/23]
View answerWritten answers
As previously advised to the Deputy in response to Dáil Question No. 634 answered on 13 June 2023, operational costs incurred by bodies under my Department’s aegis, such as consulting services and ‘business-as-usual’ outsourcing, are matters for the bodies concerned and are not something for which I have direct, day-to-day responsibility. It is a matter for each body to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.