Monday, 11 Sep 2023

School Enrolments

Questions (601)

Patrick Costello

Question:

601. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if she or her officials will meet the ‘D8 New School’ group of parents in relation to the provision of secondary education in Dublin 8. [37397/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

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 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.

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.

• Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:

• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

• Provision of a new school or schools.

There can be a high degree of inward and outward mobility of children between School Planning Areas, particularly in urban areas, and parents are free to apply to enrol their children in any school, whether that is in the School Planning Area in which they reside or not.

There are 5 Post Primary schools in the Dublin 8 School Planning Area. The published school’s enrolment data for the 2022/23 academic year reported 1,147 enrolments in post primary schools in the Dublin 8 School Planning Area. Surveys conducted during the academic year indicated additional available capacity at these schools.

The enrolments for 6th class for 2022 was 430. The intake level at Post Primary for Dublin_8 is 55% - the intake pattern shows the percentage of children attending 6th class in primary schools in this SPA that enrolled in 1st year in a Post Primary in the SPA in the previous 2 years. 62% of First years attended primary school within the SPA.

The most recent projections for Dublin 8 School Planning Area indicate a slight increase in requirements at post primary level up to 2031 followed by a projected reduction in enrolments thereafter.

A new co-educational, multidenominational school under the patronage of Educate Together was established to serve the Dublin 8 School Planning Area, along with Dublin 2, Dublin 4, Dublin 6, Clonskeagh School Planning Areas as a regional solution. In 2020 the school opened in interim accommodation and the major project, which will provide for a 1,000 pupil school when complete, is currently at stage 3. This new school will reduce pressure on schools in the Dublin 8 School Planning Area.

The Department will continue to liaise with Local Authorities in respect of their County Development Plans and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across School Planning Areas including in Dublin 8.

School Enrolments

Questions (602)

Patrick Costello

Question:

602. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education the intake ratio at secondary level for all school planning areas, broken down by individual school planning area, in each of the years 2015-2019, or by two-year period, in tabular form; and to clarify if such figures include fee paying schools. [37417/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

Data supplied is for academic years 2016-2019 for 1st years in each SPA based on the previous 6th class in each SPA (School Planning Area). Where the percentage is greater than 100% for an SPA, the number of pupils attending 1st year in the SPA is greater than the number of pupils living in the SPA when enrolled in 6th class in the previous year. As individualised data is not available for primary pupils years prior to 2015, the introduction of the Primary Online Database, we cannot supply data for years prior to 2016. Post-primary data for each year includes enrolments in fee-charging schools.

Please find attached requested data.

Intake Ratio

School Transport

Questions (603)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

603. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education the status of a bus escort for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37422/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

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 was 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 were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.

The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.

Already over 132,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the same time last year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.

In relation to the request for an escort to accompany the pupil to whom the Deputy refers, I am pleased to advise that sanction has issued to the School Authority to appoint an escort to commence on the service with the pupil for the current school year.

School Accommodation

Questions (604)

Niall Collins

Question:

604. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if a response can issue to correspondence emailed to school property (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37430/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

My Department is arranging the surrender of the Department's lease interest on this property to its owners. This case is currently with our legal representatives in the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) and they are engaging with the property owner’s solicitor on the matter. It is intended that the work on this will be completed as soon as possible.

Teaching Qualifications

Questions (605)

Michael Creed

Question:

605. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education when a teacher (details supplied) will be paid the correct honours degree allowance. [37446/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

I can confirm that the Payroll Division of my Department has now awarded the Honours Degree Allowance in the salary of the teacher referred to by the Deputy with effect from the pay date of 31st August 2023. Arrears of the Honours Degree Allowance will be paid in the pay date of 14th September, 2023.

Departmental Circulars

Questions (606)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

606. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she has issued a memo and or circular in respect of incumbent principals offering interview preparation and other services to teachers and SNAs in exchange for fees; and if so, if she will provide this Deputy with the circular and or memo. [37486/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

My Department issues circulars and information notes in relation to the terms and conditions of employment for Principals as regards their employment in Oireachtas paid posts only. Where a Principal undertakes additional employment in a private capacity in their own time and separate to their role as a Principal of the school, my Department has no involvement in such matters.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (607)

Patrick Costello

Question:

607. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education for an update in relation to commencement of the autism class in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37531/23]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education

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 has been 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.

For the first time ever there will be 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 the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews. The department does not have a role in making individual school determinations.

Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.

These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 1,300 new special classes sanctioned nationwide and seven new special schools established over the last four years.

My department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.

As a result of this forward planning, on the 12 April, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.

Along with the two new special schools, the NCSE have confirmed that 388 new special classes – 252 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.

Of these 78 are in County Dublin - 52 at primary and 26 at post-primary level; with 4 at primary and 2 at post-primary level within the Dublin 12 area bringing the total number of classes in this area to 32.

The NCSE have advised my Department that a new special class has been sanctioned in the school referred to by the Deputy. The school are now progressing with planning work in relation to opening the class and enrolling children.

It should be noted that enrolments to schools are a matter for each individual board of management.

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.

Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes.

My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.

Departmental Data

Questions (608)

Patrick Costello

Question:

608. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education for an itemised list of all capital works projects for schools, both primary and secondary, in the D6W/D8/D10/D12 areas, with a breakdown of current status, projected timeline until completion and the capital expenditure committed to each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37532/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

Under Project Ireland 2040, we will be investing at least €5 billion over the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.

My Department has a proven track record of delivery. During the period 2018 to 2022, nearly 900 school building projects were completed. This includes 14 Large Scale & ( Additional School Accommodation) school building projects in the D6W/D8/D10/D12 areas, of which 9 were completed in 2022, during a challenging construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.

The key drivers of capital investment in the schools sector are as follows:

• demographic change, including keeping pace with delivery of SEN and accommodation for Ukrainian pupils particularly at Post Primary

• alignment with housing provision and national planning at school planning area level,

• construction costs,

• climate action objectives including deep energy retrofit.

This year alone, in excess of 300 school building projects are currently under construction, including 40 new school buildings and 260 projects at existing schools.

Key priorities for my Department are supporting the operation of the school system and adding necessary capacity to cater for special education needs provision, mainstream demographics and catering for students from Ukraine and other countries under the International Protection system.

It is not possible to disclose capital expenditure commitment on projects as this information is commercially sensitive.

The current status of all school building projects from 2010 to date is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (609)

Patrick Costello

Question:

609. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education for an itemised list of all autistic spectrum disorder units for schools, both primary and secondary, in the D6W/D8/D10/D12 areas, with a breakdown of the number of children attending each unit, the number of teachers allocated to each unit (part-time and full-time) and facilities custom-designed for them, such as sensory rooms and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37533/23]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education

I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:

This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the department’s total allocation for 2023.

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.

My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.

As a result of this forward planning, on the 12 April, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two new special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.

Along with the two new special schools, 389 new special classes – 253 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.

As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.

In October of last year, my department wrote to all post-primary schools to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 3 to 5 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.

Enrolments to individual schools are a matter for each board of management.

Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes.

The NCSE is committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for the coming school year 2023/24.

Where an additional special class or classes are to be established at a school and the school does not have accommodation for that class(es) it is open to the school to apply for capital funding under my department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.

The required accommodation can be provided by means of reconfiguration of existing accommodation, the provision of modular accommodation, or a traditional construction building project. Schools are provided with appropriate classrooms and with ancillary facilities appropriate to the needs of the school and the available space. These facilities typically include a quiet space associated with each classroom, a multi-activity room, a central activity space, and external soft play area.

The attached table set out the data relating to the areas requested, this is the position as at 30/08/2023. In some instances, where classes have vacant places, the NCSE are simply awaiting on schools to confirm enrolments for 2023/2024.

I want to reassure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.

Srn	School Name	Address 1	Address 2	Sch Type	Class Name	Pupils	Teaching Posts	County
07546J	Our Lady of Lourdes NS	Goldenbridge	Inchicore	Primary	ASD	5	1	Dublin 8
07546J	Our Lady of Lourdes NS	Goldenbridge	Inchicore	Primary	ASD 2	6	1	Dublin 8
13611D	Presentation Convent Ns	Warrenmount	-	Primary	EI	6	1	Dublin 8
13611D	Presentation Convent Ns	Warrenmount	-	Primary	ASD	6	1	Dublin 8
17893N	Bunscoil Sancta Maria	Synge St	-	Primary	ASD	6	1	Dublin 8
18477E	Scoil Na Mbrathar	Francis Street	Dublin 8	Primary	ASD 1	6	1	Dublin 8
18477E	Scoil Na Mbrathar	Francis Street	Dublin 8	Primary	ASD 2	6	1	Dublin 8
19589U	Gaelscoil Inse Chor	700-707 South Circular Road	Islandbridge	Primary	ASD Class 1	0	1	Dublin 8
20104A	St Audoens Ns	Cook Street	-	Primary	ASD 2	6	1	Dublin 8
20104A	St Audoens Ns	Cook Street	-	Primary	ASD	6	1	Dublin 8
20429F	St James's Primary School	Basin Lane	James' Street	Primary	ASD 2	6	1	Dublin 8
20429F	St James's Primary School	Basin Lane	James' Street	Primary	ASD class	5	1	Dublin 8
13612F	Presentation primary School	Terenure Road West	-	Primary	ASD Junior	6	1	Dublin 6W
16651H	St Clares Convent N S	Harolds Cross Road	-	Primary	ASD Junior 1	5	1	Dublin 6W
16651H	St Clares Convent N S	Harolds Cross Road	-	Primary	ASD Middle 3	6	1	Dublin 6W
16651H	St Clares Convent N S	Harolds Cross Road	-	Primary	Senior ASD 4	5	1	Dublin 6W
16651H	St Clares Convent N S	Harolds Cross Road	-	Primary	ASD Junior 2	5	1	Dublin 6W
20520O	Harold's Cross Educate Together NS	Harold's Cross	-	Primary	ASD	6	1	Dublin 6W
20520O	Harold's Cross Educate Together NS	Harold's Cross	-	Primary	ASD 2	6	1	Dublin 6W
19494J	Bishop Galvin NS	Orwell Park	Templeogue	Primary	ASD 1	4	1	Dublin 6W
19658N	Bishop Shanahan Ns	Orwell Park	Templeogue	Primary	ASD 1	2	1	Dublin 6W
16964F	Loreto Senior NS	Loreto College	Crumlin Rd	Primary	ASD	6	1	Dublin 12
17355I	Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS	Mourne Road	Drimnagh	Primary	St. Therese 1	5	1	Dublin 12
17355I	Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS	Mourne Road	Drimnagh	Primary	St Therese 4	6	1	Dublin 12
17355I	Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS	Mourne Road	Drimnagh	Primary	St Therese 3	5	1	Dublin 12
17355I	Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS	Mourne Road	Drimnagh	Primary	St. Therese 2	6	1	Dublin 12
17356K	Our Lady of Good Counsel JNS	Mourne Road	Drimnagh	Primary	ASD	6	1	Dublin 12
17356K	Our Lady of Good Counsel JNS	Mourne Road	Drimnagh	Primary	ASD Pre-school	5	1	Dublin 12
17603B	Scoil Iosagain	Aughavannagh Road	Crumlin	Primary	ASD2	6	1	Dublin 12
17603B	Scoil Iosagain	Aughavannagh Road	Crumlin	Primary	ASD 1	6	1	Dublin 12
17603B	Scoil Iosagain	Aughavannagh Road	Crumlin	Primary	ASD3	0	1	Dublin 12
17683C	Loreto Junior School	Crumlin Road	-	Primary	ASD EI class	6	1	Dublin 12
17683C	Loreto Junior School	Crumlin Road	-	Primary	ASD	5	1	Dublin 12
19669S	Our Lady Of Good Counsel BNS	Mourne Road	Drimnagh	Primary	ASD Senior Unit	6	1	Dublin 12
19943M	St Damiens Ns	Beechfield Close	Walkinstown	Primary	ASD	6	1	Dublin 12
20450T	Assumption Junior School	Walkinstown	-	Primary	ASD	6	1	Dublin 12
20450T	Assumption Junior School	Walkinstown	-	Primary	ASD 2	5	1	Dublin 12
18386B	Marist National School	Clogher Road	Crumlin	Primary	ASD	6	1	Dublin 12
19764M	Our Lady Of Wayside N S	Bluebell	Inchicore	Primary	ASD class	6	1	Dublin 12
20463F	Holy Spirit JPS	Greenhills	Walkinstown	Primary	ASD class	5	1	Dublin 12
20464H	Holy Spirit SPS	Greenhills	Kimmage West	Primary	Asperger Unit 2	6	1	Dublin 12
20464H	Holy Spirit SPS	Greenhills	Kimmage West	Primary	Asperger Unit 1	5	1	Dublin 12
20488V	Scoil Una Naofa	Crumlin	-	Primary	ASD	6	1	Dublin 12
20494Q	Riverview Educate Together NS	Limekiln Road	Greenhills	Primary	ASD	0	1	Dublin 12
18585H	Mary Queen of Angels BNS 1	Gurteen Road	Ballyfermot	Primary	ASD Class	6	1	Dublin 10
18843D	Mary Queen of Angel's BNS 2	Gurteen Road	Ballyfermot	Primary	ASD Special Class	6	1	Dublin 10
19661C	St Gabriel's National School D10	Dominican Campus	Kylemore Road	Primary	ASD 1	6	1	Dublin 10
19662E	St Michael's National School	Dominican Convent	Ballyfermot	Primary	ASD Class	4	1	Dublin 10
20092T	St Ultan's Primary School	Cherry Orchard Avenue	Ballyfermot	Primary	ASD Senior Class	7	1	Dublin 10
20092T	St Ultan's Primary School	Cherry Orchard Avenue	Ballyfermot	Primary	ASD Junior Class 1	6	1	Dublin 10
20092T	St Ultan's Primary School	Cherry Orchard Avenue	Ballyfermot	Primary	ASD Junior Class 2	6	1	Dublin 10
20397S	St Louise de Marillac Primary School	Drumfinn Road	Ballyfermot	Primary	ASD Class 1	5	1	Dublin 10
60410I	C.B.S. James Street	James's Street	-	Post Primary	ASD	5	1.5	Dublin 8
60792C	Presentation Secondary School	Clarence Mangan Road	Warrenmount	Post Primary	ASD	6	1.5	Dublin 8
60872A	Mercy Convent	Goldenbridge	Inchicore	Post Primary	ASD	3	1.5	Dublin 8
68365A	Harolds Cross Educate Together Secondary School	151-153 Harold's Cross Road	-	Post Primary	ASD	6	1.5	Dublin 6W
68365A	Harolds Cross Educate Together Secondary School	151-153 Harold's Cross Road	-	Post Primary	ASD 2	5	1.5	Dublin 6W
60562I	Templeogue College	Templeville Road	Templeogue	Post Primary	ASD 1	0	1.5	Dublin 6W
60991I	Our Lady of Mercy SS	Mourne Road	Drimnagh	Post Primary	ASD	5	1.5	Dublin 12
60841M	Rosary College	Armagh Road	Crumlin	Post Primary	ASD class	5	1.5	Dublin 12
60841M	Rosary College	Armagh Road	Crumlin	Post Primary	ASD class 2	5	1.5	Dublin 12
60902G	St. Paul's Sec School	Greenhills	Dublin 12	Post Primary	ASD class	5	1.5	Dublin 12
70130I	Greenhills College	Limekiln Avenue	Greenhills	Post Primary	ASD 3	6	1.5	Dublin 12
70130I	Greenhills College	Limekiln Avenue	Greenhills	Post Primary	ASD 2	6	1.5	Dublin 12
70130I	Greenhills College	Limekiln Avenue	Greenhills	Post Primary	ASD 1	6	1.5	Dublin 12
70160R	Clogher Road Community College	Clogher Road	Crumlin	Post Primary	ASD class	6	1.5	Dublin 12
60510M	St. John's College	De La Salle	Le Fanu Road	Post Primary	ASD Class	0	1.5	Dublin 10
60720A	St. Dominic's College D10	Kylemore Road	Ballyfermot	Post Primary	ASD Class	6	1.5	Dublin 10
60720A	St. Dominic's College D10	Kylemore Road	Ballyfermot	Post Primary	ASD 2	3	1.5	Dublin 10
60732H	Caritas College	Drumfinn Road	Ballyfermot	Post Primary	ASD Class	6	1.5	Dublin 10

Schools Building Projects

Questions (610)

Patrick Costello

Question:

610. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education for an update in relation to the current status and timeline for completion of the 'lot 6' school works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37534/23]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Education

My Department progressed 8 Design & Build (D&B) projects (Lots 1 & 2) to construction in 2021. A further 10 projects (Lots 3, 4 & 5) progressed to construction in 2022.

The Invitation to Tender issued on the 18th April 2023 for a further 10 projects (Lot 6) to a Framework of Design & Build Contractors, and the tender return date is 22nd September 2023.

The tender process currently takes approximately 8-10 months. Once a Contractor has been appointed, it is anticipated that construction would commence shortly thereafter.

My Department has been in contact with the schools and their patron bodies in relation to the formal arrangements and next steps and will continue to liaise with the schools regarding interim accommodation requirements pending delivery of the permanent school accommodation.

School Transport

Questions (611, 612)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

611. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education to outline the criteria used by Bus Éireann to calculate the distance from a student’s home to their prospective school for the purpose of school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37592/23]

View answer

Charles Flanagan

Question:

612. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the anomalies that exist (details supplied) when measuring the distance from a student’s home to their prospective school for the purpose of school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37593/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 611 and 612 together.

There was 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 were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.

The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.

Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Distance eligibility is determined by measuring the shortest traversable route from a child's home to the relevant school. The shortest traversable route between a child's home and the relevant school may be either a pedestrian or vehicular route. In cases where distance eligibility is marginal or in dispute, vehicles fitted with calibrated measuring devices which measure the distance down to the nearest metre may be used to establish the exact distance and/or the nearest appropriate school to the child's home.

Question No. 612 answered with Question No. 611.

School Transport

Questions (613)

Charles Flanagan

Question:

613. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education whether the bus capacity currently serving a school (details supplied) from bordering parishes in south Laois will be increased in order to facilitate the large number of concessionary ticket holders who held tickets last term but will have no school transport for the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37594/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

There was 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 were 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 the 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 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 review all school transport services based on the number of applications received. 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.

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.

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 my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme and subject to the following conditions:

• an application is made by the deadline date

• there is an existing service in place

• there is spare capacity on the service;

• routes will not be extended or altered, additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis;

The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using an agreed selection process.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (614)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

614. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education to provide a clear and detailed timeline for the delivery of the long-awaited three-school campus in an area (details supplied). [37608/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

The school referred to by the Deputy has been devolved for delivery to Donegal Education and Training Board (DETB).

The Design Team is currently progressing through Stage 1 of architectural planning, which involves developing options and DETB will submit a Stage 1 report to My Department once all viable options for the site have been reviewed in full.

As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a completion date. The ETB is engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (615)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

615. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education when her Department will provide the finances required to demolish and rebuild school buildings at a school (details supplied), given that the engineer's report has recommended same and as applied for to her Department. [37637/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

As the Deputy may be aware officials in my Department are currently examining the most appropriate solution for the school to which the Deputy refers, from both a technical and administrative perspective and once this consideration has been completed an update will issue to the school. My Department is aware of the urgent nature of the works required however given that any proposed solution has the potential to apply to a number of other schools officials in my Department are actively considering potential solutions to the issue . Once consideration of this issue has been completed and a solution identified My Department will inform the relevant schools of next steps in the process.

Feidhmeanna Roinne

Questions (616)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

616. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén fáth nach bhfuil múinteoir meán scoile (sonraí tugtha) ar an scála pá do mhuitnteoirí a thosaigh ag obair roimh 2011 ó tharla gur oibrigh sé mar mhúinteoir i scoil i 2010; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [37674/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

Ba dheas liom a chur in iúl don Leas-Phríomhoide go bhfuil scálaí pá coigeartaithe i bhfeidhm le haghaidh iarrthóirí nua sa tseirbhís phoiblí, lena n-áirítear múinteoirí, le héifeacht ón 1ú Eanáir 2011.

Tá na rátaí nua i bhfeidhm do gach múinteoir a ceapadh, ar, nó i ndiaidh an 1ú Eanáir 2011.

Nuair a bhí seirbhís mhúinteoireachta ag duine, i bpost múinteoireachta aitheanta, in Éirinn, roimh an 1ú Eanáir 2011, níl sé/sí ceaptha le bheith mar cheapaí nua sa mhúinteoireacht agus féadtar é/í a cheapadh ar an scála roimh Eanáir 1 2011.

Mar sin féin, nuair a thugann duine faoi obair ionadaíochta ag an ráta pá neamhcháilithe, sular chláraigh siad leis an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta mar mhúinteoir iar-bhunscoile cáilithe, ní áirítear é seo mar réamhsheirbhís i bpost múinteora cáilithe aitheanta.

Dearbhaím go ndearna m’oifigigh seiceáil ar an bpost leis an bhfostóir atá aige faoi láthair agus féadtar liom dearbhú go bhfuil an múinteoir seo íoctha ar an scála pá ceart toisc go bhfuil sé cláraithe mar mhúinteoir Iar-Bhunscoile cáilithe ó 2016, agus is í sin an chúis go bhfuil sé íoctha ar an scála i ndiaidh 2011.

I wish to advise the Deputy that revised pay scales have been in place for new entrants to the public service, including teachers, with effect from 1 January 2011.

The new rates have applied to all teachers who are appointed, on, or after 1 January 2011.

Where a person had teaching service, in a recognised teaching position, in Ireland, before 1 January 2011, he s/he is not regarded as a new appointee to teaching and may be appointed to the pre January 1 2011 scale.

However, in circumstances where a person may have carried out some substitute work at the unqualified rate of pay, prior to them being registered with the Teaching Council as a qualified post primary school teacher, this is not counted as prior service in a recognised qualified teaching position.

I can confirm that my officials have checked the position with this teacher's current employer and I can confirm that this teacher is being paid on the correct pay scale because he was only registered as Post Primary qualified from 2016, which is why he is paid on the post 2011 scale.

Question No. 617 answered with Question No. 618.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (618, 617)

James Lawless

Question:

618. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) is in line/plans for a school extension utilising the available lands at the rear of the school which have been earmarked/identified for this purpose. [37723/23]

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James Lawless

Question:

617. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education for an update on a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37721/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 618 and 617 together.

I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is not in receipt of any applications from the school in question in relation to the purchase of land, or plans to extend the school building.

It is open to the school to apply for the 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.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (619)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

619. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education the status of a school project (details supplied); if further progress has been made on the site; to provide the relevant timeframes in terms of progression; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37724/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

The permanent school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme. This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Management team to progress the project through the stages of architectural planning, tendering and construction.

Representatives of the school have viewed the plans for the new school in advance of submitting the planning application, which is expected to be submitted to the local authority in Quarter 4 of 2023.

It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.

The Department will continue to keep the school and its patron body updated as the project progresses.

School Transport

Questions (620)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

620. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if she will review the need for additional Bus Éireann resources to accommodate families from an area (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37734/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

There was 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 were 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 the 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.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.

Bus Éireann has advised that many of the pupils residing in the area referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport to their school of attendance as this is not their nearest school. There are currently two services operating in the area to the school referred to by the Deputy. Both of these service are operating to capacity.