Written Answers Nos. 100-120
100. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide, in tabular form for each of the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, the number of arms export licences granted; the value of licensed arms exports; a breakdown of the type of arms exported; the destinations of those exports from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34421/23]
View answerMy Department is responsible for administering controls on the export of Military equipment from Ireland, in accordance with the European Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment. The list of Military equipment subject to these controls is set out in the Common Military List of the European Union.
All applications for export authorisations in respect of Military equipment are subject to rigorous scrutiny by my officials, on a case-by-case basis. Each application is reviewed against the eight assessment criteria set out in Article 2 of the European Council Common Position.
The application is also reviewed against any EU Restrictive Measures, such as trade sanctions or arms embargoes, that may be in place in respect of the destination country.
My officials also seek observations from the Department of Foreign Affairs on any foreign policy concerns, including human rights considerations, that may arise with the proposed export.
Ireland does not have an arms industry and is not therefore, an exporter of weapons. Export authorisations are granted in respect of exports of personal firearms for hunting, sporting and recreational activities; explosives for civil engineering; aircraft and related equipment and components; ground vehicles and components; electronic control systems and software.
The table below sets out the number and value of exports, and their destinations.
|
Year |
Export |
Number of Licences issued |
Value € |
Destination |
|
2019 |
Firearms and associated equipment Explosives Components for control systemsComponents for ground vehiclesComponents for sea vessels/aircraftElectronic EquipmentProtective equipmentDefence related softwareDefence related technology |
101 |
42,321,952 |
AustraliaCanadaCroatiaFinlandFranceGermanyItalyKosovoNew ZealandNorwaySingapore South KoreaSwedenSwitzerlandTurkeyUnited KingdomUnited States |
|
2020 |
Firearms and associated equipment Explosives Components for control systems Components for ground vehiclesComponents for sea vessels/aircraftElectronic EquipmentProtective equipmentComponents for imaging equipmentDefence related softwareDefence related technology |
13 |
108,469,431 |
AustraliaCanadaCzech RepublicFrance GeorgiaGermany IndiaItalyKosovo Malaysia NetherlandsNorway Poland Qatar Singapore South KoreaSpainSweden SwitzerlandTurkey United Kingdom United States |
|
2021 |
Firearms and associated equipment Explosives Components for control systems Components for ground vehiclesComponents for sea vessels/aircraftAircraftElectronic EquipmentComponents for imaging equipmentDefence related softwareDefence related technology |
142 |
166,934,215 |
Australia Egypt FranceGermanyItalyNetherlandsNorway OmanPolandSingapore South KoreaSpainSweden Switzerland United KingdomUnited States |
|
2022 |
Firearms and associated equipment Explosives Components for control systems Components for ground vehiclesComponents for sea vessels/aircraftElectronic EquipmentProtective equipmentComponents for imaging equipmentDefence related softwareDefence related technology |
135 |
125,958,821 |
AustraliaCanadaFranceGermanyMalaysiaNetherlandsNew ZealandPolandSingaporeSouth KoreaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited KingdomUnited States |
|
2023 to date |
Firearms and associated equipment Explosives Components for control systems Components for ground vehiclesComponents for sea vessels/aircraftElectronic EquipmentComponents for imaging equipment |
71 |
119,034,570 |
AustraliaFranceGermanyIndiaMalaysiaOmanPolandSouth KoreaSpainSwitzerlandUnited KingdomUnited States |
101. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount paid by his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023 on outside or third-party reports of a technical nature or qualitative and quantitative nature, by payee, in tabular form. [34467/23]
View answerMy Department considers sourcing outside or third-party reports in cases where there is not the necessary expertise to deliver the report in-house, in cases where an external assessment is deemed essential, or in cases where a project must be completed within a short time scale, and although the expertise or experience may be available in-house, performing the task would involve a prohibitive opportunity cost.
My Department complies with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform's guidelines for engagements of consultants by the civil service, having regard to public procurement guidelines.
In 2022, my Department paid €589,299 to third-parties or consultancy firms for their services in preparing technical or qualitative and quantitative reports. The cost by payee is set out in tabular form below:
|
Payee |
Technical Report |
Expenditure in 2022 (€) |
|
KPMG Future Analytics |
Trends, Opportunities, Challenges, and Drivers of Change, Future of the Irish Retail Sector |
9,815 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund Review |
8,530 |
|
ESRI |
Joint DETE-ESRI Research Programme: The Productivity Challenge and Its Interaction with Climate, Digitalisation and Human Capital |
94,109 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Development of an Evidence Base to Support the Development of a National Clustering Policy and Framework |
48,737 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Employment Survey 2021 |
14,815 |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact 2020 |
49,445 |
|
SQW Limited |
Review of the Future Growth Loan Scheme |
18,287 |
|
OECD |
Recent Developments in Entrepreneurship Training: Implications for Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Ireland |
25,000 |
|
KPMG |
Midlands Ireland Value Proposition |
7,485 |
|
KPMG |
Economic analysis of the agri-food sector in the North-East region |
11,377 |
|
Amarach Research |
Survey of Public Attitudes to Trade and Inward Investment |
22,632 |
|
SQW Limited |
Evaluation of State Supports for Equity Investment in Start ups |
51,009 |
|
Indecon |
International Financial Services – Expert Group on future Skills Needs (EGFSN) Report |
60,220 |
|
Cruinn Advisory |
Skills Needs in the Biopharma Sector - EGFSN Report |
47,970 |
|
Landfall Strategy Group |
Review of Industrial & Enterprise Policy in Small Advanced Economies and Implications for Irish Enterprise Policy |
25,000 |
|
Tipperary Energy Agency |
Shannon Estuary Taskforce: Assessment of Opportunities for Decarbonisation of Process Heat |
15,160 |
|
Tyndall National Institute |
Shannon Estuary Taskforce: Expert assessment for the scaling up of rooftop PV |
29,176 |
|
Ernst & Young |
Consultant’s report on organisational capacity and agility (Consumer Policy) |
50,532 |
To date in 2023, my Department has paid €238,636 to third-parties or consultancy firms for their services in preparing technical or qualitative and quantitative reports. The cost by payee is set out in tabular form below:
|
Payee |
Technical Report |
Paid to date 2023 € |
|
Insight Statistical Consulting |
Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact (ABSEI) 2022 |
14,834 |
|
SQW Limited |
Evaluation of State Supports for Equity Investment in Ireland |
51,009 |
|
G&D GEOSOLUTIONS |
Shannon Estuary Taskforce: Floating Windfarms assessment |
29,336 |
|
Tipperary Energy Agency |
Shannon Estuary Taskforce: Assessment of Opportunities for Decarbonisation of Process Heat |
15,160 |
|
KPMG |
Economic analysis of the agri-food sector in the North-East region |
11,378 |
|
Second Edge Technology Solutions |
Midlands ICT Cluster Action Plan |
17,165 |
|
Indecon Consultants |
Trade and the Digital Transition |
24,754 |
|
OECD |
Globalisation of start-ups via incubators and accelerators |
75,000 |
102. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is concerned about the series of proposed collective redundancies at a company (details supplied); if he will confirm the date on which he was formally notified by the company; if the IDA is working with the company to minimise the number of potential redundancies and identify cost savings as an alternative to redundancies at the plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34502/23]
View answerThe news of job losses at BD Drogheda is regrettable and Government's first concern is for the impacted staff and their families.
BD has been in operation in Drogheda since 1964 and, in April 2022, separated out its Diabetes care business into a newly listed corporation – embecta. My Department understands that following a slowdown and normalisation of global volume for a product line produced at the BD Drogheda site, the company has taken the decision to "right-size" its manufacturing operations to align with future demand. This will result in a reduction of 60 positions in Drogheda between now and September 2024. However, given the length of the time to implement the job losses, the company expects natural attrition and retirements can reduce the total number of employees affected. In this regard, I understand the company is actively engaging with unions on site.
My Department was informed of these redundancies, through the IDA, on Monday 3 July and the IDA will work with the local leadership team on skills analysis and redeployment of staff in the region, where relevant. Furthermore, IDA's MedTech Department has been working closely with BD over several years to support and drive transformation and growth across all of the company’s Irish sites. Specifically in Drogheda, IDA Ireland is working with the site leadership on transformation opportunities onsite, including digitalisation and sustainability, and has engaged on state supports and opportunities to redeploy staff to other relevant companies in the region.I am also aware of 26 temporary layoffs at the BD site in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, which was announced in March of this year. This decision was taken in response to a post-pandemic shift in demand for certain product lines, with the company undertaking a global inventory management exercise to realign with current and future demand.
103. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will encourage the management of a company (details supplied) to engage with pickers and drivers and their trade union regarding the imposition of a new work schedule without dialogue or agreement. [34538/23]
View answerI would urge the parties involved to engage constructively with each other with a view to resolving their differences. The State's industrial relations machinery remains available to assist as appropriate.
Ireland’s system of industrial relations is essentially voluntary in nature and it has been the consistent policy of successive Irish Governments to support the development of an institutional framework supportive of this voluntary system through which good industrial relations can prosper.
While Article 40 of the Irish Constitution guarantees the right of citizens to form associations and unions, it has been established in a number of legal cases that the constitutional guarantee of the freedom of association does not guarantee workers the right to have their union recognised for the purpose of collective bargaining.
There is an extensive range of statutory provisions designed to back up the voluntary bargaining process. The freedom of association and the right to organise and bargain collectively are also guaranteed in a number of international instruments which the State has ratified and which it is, therefore, bound to uphold under international law.
104. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is possible for a company to become an Enterprise Ireland client, thus allowing for the company to employ graduates in its respective sector with wage payment assistance from Enterprise Ireland, without Enterprise Ireland taking a percentage ownership stake in the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34616/23]
View answerThrough the Grad Start Initiative, Enterprise Ireland is supporting the recruitment and retention of graduates within its client companies. The hiring of graduates continues to bring fresh ideas and stimulate innovation by bringing a new perspective on products, processes, and business models.
This Initiative allows companies to hire up to three graduates at any one time for a graduate contract duration of two years. It is a broad-based graduate placement across all disciplines and sectors. Enterprise Ireland has designed and developed a dedicated website for its graduate offers and initiatives - www.gradhub.ie. To support its client companies to attract and recruit graduates, companies can advertise their opportunities via this website.
Enterprise Ireland provides financial support of €30,000 (€15,000 per year) or 50% of individual graduate salary costs (whichever is the lesser), with a limit of three graduates at any one time. Salary support is based on a full-time position. A graduate’s working week must be in line with a company’s standard working hours for full-time employees.
Enterprise Ireland does not make an equity investment via the Grad Start programme. Accordingly, Enterprise Ireland does not take a percentage ownership stake in the company through this form of support.
105. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date in respect of the expansion of the Covid-19 temporary framework with regard to state aid rules; the current view of the European Commission on state aid rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34629/23]
View answerState Aid rules are the EU’s internal subsidy control system. In general, State Aid is prohibited under the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) because of its anti-competitive effects, however, State Aid is allowed in clearly defined circumstances, set out in State Aid rules.
The EU Commission introduced the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework in March 2020 to allow Member States provide State Aid to support businesses during the pandemic. The COVID-19 Temporary Framework expired on 30 June 2022.
In March 2022, the EU Commission adopted the Temporary Crisis Framework to enable Member States to support the economy in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine by providing supports for energy and other input costs.
In line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan, and in response to subsidies for green technology sectors offered by the USA as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the EU Commission expanded the Temporary Crisis Framework, beyond energy cost measures, to enable Member States to provide subsidies to counter those offered by the USA and support sectors which are key for the transition to a net-zero economy. These new, looser State Aid rules are set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF), which came into force on 10 March 2023.
The energy cost elements of the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework are set to expire on 31 December 2023 while the transition to a net-zero economy parts of the Framework will continue until 31 December 2025.
The Government has concerns about the impact of a sustained period of looser State Aid rules on the level playing field in the Single Market. The nature of subsidies now permitted under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework could distort competition and stifle innovation in the EU.
A competitive market is important in fostering innovation. Subsidies hamper competition, and in doing so, stifle innovation. Therefore, State Aid should be limited to areas of market failure or crisis supports.
It is welcome that the recent Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework measures are temporary and include certain safeguards that restrict the State Aid to specified strategic sectors.
A competitive, enhanced Single Market is key to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and fostering world class enterprises that can scale up and compete on the global markets. While significant progress has been made in the Single Market, there remains untapped potential, particularly in the Single Market in Services, where regulatory barriers continue to hinder achievement of a fully integrated EU market for services.
Addressing this and accelerating the Capital Markets Union need to be key priorities for the EU.
Furthermore, there should be a robust Impact Assessment of the impact on the Single Market of any further relaxation of State Aid rules on the Single Market.
106. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current status of Action 2.1 of the National LGBTI Inclusion Strategy (for which his Department is responsible) to build LGBTI awareness and inclusive practices amongst SMEs and micro enterprises, especially since October of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34698/23]
View answerEnterprise Ireland continues to raise LGBTI+ awareness through, among other things, its leadership development programmes and the Agency provides direct assistance to companies, which support greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace, such as New Frontiers (national entrepreneurship programme), Leadership4Growth (CEO leadership programme), Attracting & Retaining Talent, SpotLight on Skills, Enterprise Ireland’s Future of Work Guide, and most recently in 2023 a HR Forum for a group of SME clients.
In relation to Enterprise Ireland’s Leadership for Growth educational modules, each CEO participating in the Leadership for Growth programme is assigned a coach for the duration of the programme, to support the CEO in implementing actions around leadership and strategy including actions relating to creating inclusive practises in their companies. Enterprise Ireland’s Future of Work guides also have specific diversity themes to promote these practises.
In 2023, EI ran a pilot HR Forum across 30 SME clients with a specific module focused on purpose-driven inclusive growth and diversity equity and inclusion. Following the successive pilot, the programme will be run with a new group of SMEs in 2023. This programme will raise awareness and inclusive practises amongst the attending SMEs in accordance with the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy.
In addition, Enterprise Ireland’s own People Strategy THRIVE includes a pillar and actions dedicated to Inclusion, Diversity and Equality. As part of the implementation of Enterprise Ireland’s people strategy, an Equality Diversity & Inclusion programme is being delivered which includes awareness initiatives and workshops on LGBTI+ awareness and practises.
As the Local Enterprise Offices are under the aegis of the respective Local Authority, as far as HR policy is concerned, it is the responsibility of the Local Authority to provide developed LGBTI+ information events and learning modules for inclusion in LEO diversity & inclusion training programmes for their staff. In educating and empowering EI and LEO staff including their client facing teams, this has a direct impact in encouraging and directing SME clients nationally to increase LGBTI+ awareness and inclusive practices in line with the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy.
107. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education the status of the works at a school (details supplied), which were approved on 17 November 2022 and approval for further works given on 10 March 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34431/23]
View answerI am pleased to advise that approval has issued for the provision of modular accommodation in respect of 1 x Technology Room, 1 x Construction room plus preparation area & 2 Mainstream Classrooms under the additional accommodation scheme at the school in question.
This project is devolved to the school authority for delivery and is being supported 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 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. Following a visit to the school site, the project manager submitted a viability report on the project to the Department which was approved. The project is currently proceeding to construction. My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this project and will continue working closely with the school authority and its project manager in order to ensure this project is completed as soon as possible. The Department is also working closely with school authorities on contingency planning arrangements and putting any necessary supports in place where required.
108. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the status of the progress and timelines for delivery of a new school accommodation for post-primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34433/23]
View answerHoly Family Community School, Rathcoole
The large scale capital project at Holy Family Community School is at an advanced stage of the Tender process. The reserved specialist tender report is under review by my Department. Clarifications were sought from the Design Team to assist in the completion of this review. When this review is complete and subject to no further issues arising, my Department will be in further contact with the school authority.
St Joseph’s College
The large scale capital project at St Joseph’s College is at Architectural Planning Stage 4 – Construction. The project brief is for a new 2 storey extension and refurbishment works to the existing school to cater for 1,000 pupils. Works commenced in September 2022 and are progressing well on site. The expected contract duration is 29 months.
Griffeen Community College
The permanent school building project for Griffeen Community College will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs. This project is being delivered under the Department's Design and Build programme and is currently at tender stage. The Invitation to Tender issued on the 18th April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects issued to a Framework of Design & Build Contractors. The tender process currently takes approximately 8-10 months. Once a Contractor has been appointed, it is anticipated that construction would commence shortly thereafter.
Lucan Community College
The large scale capital project at Lucan Community College is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award. The project brief is for a new extension to provide accommodation to cater for 1,000 pupils and the refurbishment of the existing building, the project will include 2 classrooms for children with special educational needs. The tender process is ongoing and can take 8-12 months to complete.
109. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the status of progress and the timelines for the delivery of new school accommodation for schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34434/23]
View answerScoil Chrónáin
My Department progressed 8 Design & Build (D&B) projects (Lots 1 & 2) to construction in 2021, with a further 10 projects (Lots 3, 4 & 5) progressed to construction in Summer 2022. A further 10 projects (Lot 6) progressed to tender stage on 18 April 2023.
All of these projects are tendered to my Department’s current D&B Contractors Framework of three main contractor consortia. It will be 2024 before the next scheduled bundle of projects (Lot 7) can be tendered to that framework and into late 2024 before further projects could proceed to tender.
In order to have projects delivered at the earliest possible opportunity, my Department is of the view that the intervening period can be utilised to bring a number of projects with planning permission, including the project for Scoil Chrónain, to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of my Department’s project manager. This will ensure that such projects do not have to await capacity on the current framework to proceed to tender but rather can be progressed and actioned over that timeframe to tender outside of the D&B framework. It is envisaged that this will also serve to broaden the range and number of Contractors to which such projects can be tendered than would hitherto have been possible within the Design & Build Framework. This forms part of my Department’s ongoing strategic approach to seek to widen the pool of Contractors tendering for school building projects.
My Department’s Project Manager is currently in the process of appointing Design Teams to these projects from my Department’s newly established Frameworks of Consultants. My Department will keep the school and patron body updated in relation to progress.
St Thomas JNS & Scoil Áine SNS
The joint major building project for St Thomas JNS & Scoil Áine SNS will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT (Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering) Programme. The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.
The tender process to appoint the Design Teams for this joint building project has recently been completed, and the design team are now appointed. An initial briefing meeting was held on Friday 21 April, with representatives from the Project Managers, the Design Team, the Board of Management of both schools and representatives from the Departments School Building Unit in attendance.
The Design Team are now proceeding with the initial stage of Architectural Planning, Stage 1 – Preliminary Design, where the Design Team will assess the site and current school buildings and prepare their initial sketch schemes. A preferred design option, including the scope and extent of works to be carried out will be established during this early stage.
Until the project design is at a stage where statutory approvals are secured by the Design Team, it will not be possible to provide an estimated onsite date.
Divine Mercy Jnr & Snr schools
The joint major building project for Divine Mercy Jnr & Snr schools is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning Stage 2(b) – Detailed Design. My Department met with both schools and their Design Team in December 2022 to discuss proposed changes to the school design, 2 additional classrooms for children with special educational needs were approved for both schools.
The Design Team have recently submitted further reports for Department review.
Once the reports are reviewed and agreement is reached on the proposed changes, the Design Team will proceed to prepare a revised Stage 2(b) Submission including a new Planning Permission application, and other statutory applications, along with a revised suite of Tender documents.
Until the project design is at a stage where statutory approvals are secured by the Design Team, it will not be possible to provide an estimated onsite date.
Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin & Gaelscoil na Camoige
The large scale capital project for the schools, Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin & Gaelscoil na Camoige, are part of a joint campus project with a post-primary school.
My Department authorised the Design Team to retender the project as the first tranche of tenders were deemed unviable. The Design Team applied for a new planning permission due to a change in the Planning Acts introduced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in Sept 2021 which removed the option to extend a planning permission. The new grant of planning permission was received in May 2023.
The project brief is for 2 new 16 classroom schools and a PE Hall for the Post Primary School.
The tender report is currently under review by my Department. When this review is complete and subject to no issues arising, my Department will be in further contact with the School authorities.
Rathcoole Educate Together National School
The permanent school building project for Rathcoole ETNS has been assigned to my Department’s Design & Build delivery programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.
The school and its patron body were advised by my Department in August 2021 that it would not be possible to proceed at that time with the proposed planning application for the school as South Dublin County Council had advised my Department of its intention to undertake a masterplan of the Rathcoole area, including the proposed school site. The Council has concluded the master-planning exercise and following consultation with the Council, my Department intends to proceed with a planning application for the school on the existing Department-owned site.
A further pre-planning meeting with the Council was held on 30th June 2022, with the discussions from this meeting informing the progression of the design and the preparation of the planning application for the school on its permanent site. A meeting to share the plans with the school and their patron body was held on 22 May 2023. The planning application is now being finalised and is due to be submitted to the local authority in Quarter 3 2023.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school and their patron body in relation to the school’s accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent accommodation.
110. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education why many extra personal vacation, EPV, course providers, who provide high-quality continuous professional development courses, have had their permits to run courses reduced from three years to one year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34450/23]
View answerDrumcondra Education Centre administers the summer courses programme for primary teachers on behalf of the Teacher Education Section of the Department of Education.
This programme forms part of the overall CPD provision for primary teachers. Each year, Drumcondra publish on their website the list of approved summer courses to provide CPD for primary teachers. Primary teachers who complete a summer course can be entitled to extra personal vacation days (EPV Days)
The Programme comprises a wide range of face-to-face, blended and online courses that are generally aligned to national priorities and focused on teaching, learning and leadership.
Earlier this year, Course Providers were invited to submit applications to have their summer courses approved under the Department’s Summer Courses programme.
A Summer Course Providers’ Handbook is made available to providers to guide them in the process. This handbook sets out the administrative requirements and criteria for the approval and delivery of the summer courses.
The P roviders’ Handbook is available on the Drumcondra Education Centre website at the following link ecdrumcondra.ie/de-summer-courses/
All courses submitted to Drumcondra Education Centre were assessed by the Inspectorate to ensure that teachers have access to high quality courses that meet the criteria identified in the handbook
The programme operates a three year approval cycle, with 2023 being the first year of a new three year cycle.
A total of 536 courses were approved by the Inspectorate this year. All courses approved in 2023 are approved for three years and will retain approval for three years from 2023 to 2025.
A proportion of these approved courses are also inspected by the Inspectorate , on behalf of Teacher Education Section as they are being delivered.
111. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the amount paid by her Department in 2022 and to date in 2023 on outside/third-party reports of a technical nature or qualitative and quantitative nature, by payee, in tabular form. [34466/23]
View answerInformation in relation to consultancy expenditure by my Department is compiled annually, in respect of the previous year, and published online at www.gov.ie/en/collection/department-of-education-and-skills-expenditure-on-consultancy/ The data in respect of 2023 will be published online in Q1 2024.
112. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if primary school bus escorts will be provided with a pay increase under the recent pay agreement; if not, when they will receive a pay increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34493/23]
View answer113. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education how many primary school bus escorts are currently paid for under grant funding. [34494/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 113 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 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.
There has been an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the current 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
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.
Building Momentum – a new public service agreement, 2021-2022" was agreed between Government and Unions in 2020 and was extended last year to run until 31 December this year. The agreement provides for a number of pay increases over the period of the agreement.
These pay increases apply to public servants, subject to compliance with sectoral action plans and industrial peace provisions of the agreement. The increase does not automatically apply beyond public servants and therefore grant funded school staff such as bus escorts employed directly by schools are not comprehended by the agreement.
The majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools receive funding to recruit bus escorts for the school transport scheme and specific responsibility for the terms and conditions rests with the school.
The School Transport Section in the Department review the rate of pay for school bus escorts, and will continue to keep the rates under review.
114. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if school cleaners will receive a pay increase under the recent pay agreement; if not, when they will receive a pay increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34495/23]
View answer"Building Momentum – a new public service agreement, 2021-2022" was agreed between Government and Unions in 2020 and was extended last year to run until 31 December this year. The agreement provides for a number of pay increases over the period of the agreement.
These pay increases apply to public servants, subject to compliance with sectoral action plans and industrial peace provisions of the agreement. The increase does not automatically apply beyond public servants and therefore grant funded school staff such as cleaners employed directly by schools are not comprehended by the agreement.
The majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools receive assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services under grant schemes. It is a matter for each individual school to decide how best to apply the grant funding to suit its particular needs. Where a school uses the grant funding for cleaning services, any staff taken on to support those functions are employees of individual schools. Specific responsibility for the pay and conditions rests with the school.
115. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the average number of buses in the Bus Éireann school transport fleet for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34520/23]
View answer116. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the average number of buses in the Bus Éireann school transport fleet for Kildare, specifically, for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34521/23]
View answer117. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education for an update from her Department on the state of plans for the recruitment and/or deployment of sufficient drivers for school-bus transport and the guaranteed provision of sufficient vehicles for same, State-wide and in Kildare in particular; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34522/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 116 and 117 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There has been an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services have been provided 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.
The mainstream School Transport Scheme is intended to cater for children providing school transport from a pick up point to school and from school to a pick up point during normal school opening and closing times.
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.
Bus Éireann plans and manages the countrywide network on behalf of the Department to ensure that services are provided in line with the specific requirements of the Department. While Bus Éireann operate a small number of routes directly, the majority of school transport routes are operated by private contractors. Bus Éireann is responsible for contracting private operators in line with procurement legislation for school transport routes nationwide.
Bus Éireann is also responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes on behalf of my Department. New school transport routes are established on a demand-led basis, subject to eligibility requirements. 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.
The closing date for new applications for the 2023/2024 school year was Friday 28th April 2023. The closing date for payment/entering medical details for tickets for the 2023/2024 school year was Friday 9th June 2023.
Bus Éireann are currently processing applications, arranging transport and assessing all applications to determine whether they are eligible or concessionary and to include Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) as soon as possible for the 2023/24 school year. Bus Éireann have begun to issue eligible tickets from early July.
Bus Éireann are now reviewing 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.
Pending completion of the School Transport review, there will be no removal or downsizing of buses/routes for the 2023/2024 school year.
The information required by the Deputy in relation to Bus Éireann and private contractor transport fleet is not readily available at present, Bus Éireann is currently compiling this detail and department officials will forward the information to the Deputy directly as soon as it becomes available.
118. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education for an update on the status of a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34544/23]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme.
The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.
The tender process to appoint the Design Team for this major project has recently been completed, and the design team are now appointed.
The School Authority has questioned the proposed site location of the school and my Department are engaging with the school Patron regarding same
119. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if a child (details supplied) will receive a place in a school in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34554/23]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for my Department.
In order to plan for school place needs, 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.
While my Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in some areas, 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.
The 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.
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/.
120. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if a bus decanting service will be provided for 66 students in County Mayo (details supplied) whose school has had to transfer locations for the first two terms of the school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34569/23]
View answerThe school have been approved funding under the Departments Additional School Accommodation Scheme for the provision of 2 Mainstream Classrooms. In order to facilitate the building of this new accommodation the school are being decanted to a temporary location for the duration of the construction project.
The Department have requested that the school organise the logistics of the decanting and return to the Department with the details of same. The school have been informed that the Department will cover the costs of the required decanting from the current school building.
