Written Answers Nos. 283-302
283. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the negative impact to families caused by cuts in school transport provided to children with additional needs; if she will take action to ensure this is reversed and these children are provided with appropriate transport to school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39781/23]
View answerThe 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.
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.
A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education criteria.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
There was a 30% increase in the number of special educational transport journeys from 2019 to the 2022/2023 school year, and already over 1,400 new applications have been received since July for the 2023/2024 school year.
New applications for the 2023/2024 school year will be catered for through a mix of new services (some being individual), children being accommodated on existing services where capacity exists, extensions of existing routes and grants to families.
Bus Éireann has reported that unfortunately, for a small number of families assigned to Special Educational Needs transport services that had been secured, difficulties have arisen in some localities with a small number of contracted services. These services are not cancelled, and the Bus Éireann School Transport team is working intensively to ensure that transport arrangements are put in place as soon as possible. Bus Éireann is also engaging with families where transport was sanctioned and where there may be delays in securing a new service.
A Special Transport Interim Grant is available to families of children with special educational needs who, following the application process, are eligible under the terms of the school transport scheme and are awaiting a School Transport service to be put in place. The Department will be in direct contact with families in regard to full details of this grant.
This grant is a once off payment. The interim grant is offered from the date of application to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements that families have to put place until a transport service is ready to commence.
284. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education for an update on an application by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39789/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy my Department has received correspondence from the patron of the schools in question requesting approval to amalgamate along with change of status to co-educational and provide a new school on a new site.
The decision making authority for any amalgamation or change of status is the patron/trustees of the schools, subject to the approval of the Department. This request for amalgamation and change of status is currently under consideration.
285. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined and a search carried out for their pension records; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39794/23]
View answerUnder the terms and conditions of the Primary School Teachers Pension Scheme, 2009 S.I. 434, an individual may have an entitlement to preserved pension benefits, subject to certain criteria if he/she was in service on or after the 30th June 1977. A preserved pension is a pension paid to a former teacher, who was a member of the pension scheme but ceased employment before normal retirement age, and is paid when the member reaches the relevant retirement age.
The person to whom the Deputy refers to, was not in service on or after 30th June 1977 and therefore has no entitlement to a pension from this Department.
My officials in Primary Payroll will undertake a search of the payroll archives for any relevant employment records on the person concerned. This involves a manual search through archival records in different formats. Any relevant records found will be made available to the teacher concerned and may assist in ascertaining her entitlement to a pension from the Department of Social Protection.
286. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education whether she is aware of significant issues with school transport in Glenville; and her plan to address this. [39833/23]
View answerThe 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.
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, the number of tickets issued so far, has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
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 having regard to ethos and language.
Children are eligible for transport 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.
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, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann have advised that they are aware of pupils residing in Glenville who are attending their 4th or 5th nearest school. At present all existing routes between Glenville and these schools are operating to capacity with eligible pupils and concessionary pupils who qualify for Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS). Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport is provided where such services are already in place, for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid by the closing dates.
287. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the number of children who applied for a concessionary school transport ticket this year but were unsuccessful. [39834/23]
View answerThe 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.
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 Deputy's request for the number of children who applied for a concessionary school transport ticket this year but were unsuccessful, it is not possible to give this information at this stage as Bus Éireann continue to issue tickets to families where capacity is available.
Bus Éireann have advised however that the number of tickets issued to pupils as of the 8th September 2023 are as follows:
|
Eligible |
92,819 |
|
Temporary Alleviation Measures |
12,913 |
|
Concessionary |
27,248 |
|
Total |
132,980 |
288. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education the roll number and name of all new post-primary schools established since 2000, indicating the year the new roll number was issued and the school planning area in each case, in tabular form. [39841/23]
View answerAttached is the list of all new Post Primary schools established since 2000. Details of when roll numbers were assigned for new schools is not readily available for all projects though it was normal practice to assign roll numbers in the year that a school opened. Some schools announced in recent years as part of an announcement of several planned schools had roll numbers assigned the year before they opened.
289. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide, the roll number and name of all post-primary schools created through school amalgamations since 2000, indicating the year the new roll number was issued and the school planning area in each case and to also provide the roll numbers of schools amalgamated, in tabular form. [39842/23]
View answerMy Department's current available records in relation to post-primary schools created through school amalgamations is set out in tabular form within the attached document.
|
|
School No 1 |
School No 2 |
School No 3 |
||||||
|
School Name |
School Roll Number created |
Date which change takes effect |
School Name |
School Roll Number |
School Name |
School Roll Number |
School Name |
School Roll Number |
School Planning Area |
|
Ennistymon Community School |
91518F |
01/09/2023 |
Ennistymon Vocational School |
70840Q |
CBS Ennistymon |
61940T |
Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon |
61950W |
Ennistymon |
|
High Cross College |
68466G |
01/09/2023 |
Scoil Bhride |
6160D |
Presentation College |
63170G |
Tuam |
||
|
St. Seton's Secondary School |
68445V |
01/09/2023 |
St. Johns College De La Salle |
60510M |
St. Dominics College |
60720A |
Caritas College |
60732H |
Ballyfermot_Dublin10 |
|
Coláiste Abhainn Rí |
68425P |
01/09/2022 |
St. Brigid's College |
61520U |
Coláiste Eamann Rís |
61510R |
Callan |
||
|
Coláiste Muire Máthair |
68405J |
01/09/2021 |
Our Lady's College |
68285C |
St. Mary'a College |
62980N |
Galway City |
||
|
Coláiste Chiaráin |
68325L |
01/09/2017 |
St Joseph's College |
63211R |
St Aloysius College |
63191O |
Athlone |
||
|
Our Lady's College |
68285C |
01/09/2017 |
Presentation Secondary School |
63000E |
Meascoil Mhuire |
63010H |
Galway City |
||
|
Skibbereen Community School |
91516B |
01/09/2016 |
St. Fachtna's De La Salle |
62480Q |
Mercy Heights Secondary School |
62490T |
Rossa College |
71090E |
Skibbereen |
|
Thomand Community College |
76414G |
01/09/2016 |
St Nessan's Community College |
71920T |
Salesian Secondary School |
64280S |
Limerick City |
||
|
Ard Scoil Na Mara |
68141B |
01/09/2014 |
Star of the Sea Secondary School |
64922J |
CBS Tramore |
64923J |
Tramore |
||
|
New Cross College |
68181N |
01/09/2014 |
Mater Christi Secondary School |
60852R |
Patrician College |
60571J |
Scribblestown_FinglasWest |
||
|
Ballinamore Community School |
91519H |
01/09/2013 |
St Fatimas & st Felims Secondary School |
63460P |
Ballinamore Vocational School |
71530G |
Ballinamore |
||
|
Scoil Na Tríonóide Naofa |
68121S |
01/09/2013 |
Colaiste Phobail Mhichl |
71810M |
St Josephs Secondary School |
640450B |
St Fintans Doon |
64040V |
Doon_Cappamore |
|
Bantry Community College |
76090G |
01/09/2011 |
Ardscoil Phobal Bheanntraí |
62080A |
St. Gobhan's College |
70930R |
Bantry |
||
|
Coláiste Pobail Acla |
76150V |
01/09/2011 |
McHale College |
72070D |
Scoil Damhnait |
64490G |
Achill |
||
|
Kildare Town Community School |
91530S |
01/09/2011 |
St. Joseph's Academy |
61700W |
Presentation Secondary School |
61701B |
Vocational School/ College of Further Studies |
70690A |
Kildare |
|
St. Joseph's Abbey |
76099B |
01/09/2011 |
De La Salle College |
61850S |
Abbey Community College |
70820K |
Wicklow |
||
|
Mounrath Community School |
91550B |
01/09/2009 |
Patrician College |
63440J |
Brigidine Secondary School |
63410A |
St Aenghus Vocational School |
68074M |
Mountrath |
|
Mohill Community College |
76089V |
01/09/2008 |
Marian College |
63520H |
Mohill Vocational School |
71590B |
Mohill |
||
|
St Jarleths College |
68074M |
01/09/2008 |
St Jarleths College |
63150A |
St Patricks College Tuam |
63140U |
Tuam |
||
|
Ardscoil Na Trionóide |
68077S |
01/09/2007 |
Scoil Eoin Athy |
61630E |
Scoil Mhuire Athy |
61640H |
Athy |
||
|
Colaiste Na Sionna |
76105Q |
01/09/2007 |
La Sainte Union SS |
65540A |
St Rynaghs Community College |
72500C |
Banagher |
||
|
Pobailscoil Chorca Duibhne |
91511O |
01/09/2007 |
CBS Secondary |
61290G |
Presentation Secondary School |
61300G |
Dingle |
||
|
Athboy Community School |
91517D |
01/04/2004 |
St Joseph's Secondary School |
64390C |
St James Vocational School |
71940C |
Athboy |
290. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 303 of 2 February 2023 (details supplied), if she can give the policy document or legislation that establishes the practice of 'new schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39846/23]
View answerUnder Project Ireland 2040, my Department will be investing at least €5 billion over the period 2021 to 2025.
The key drivers of capital investment in the schools sector are as follows:
• demographic change,
• alignment with housing provision and national planning at school planning area level,
• construction costs, and
• climate action objectives including deep energy retrofit.
Keeping pace with SEN requirements, demographics and housing rollout has been a huge challenge over the years, along with maintaining and modernising existing stock.
These pressures on the capital allocation have been compounded since the NDP allocations were determined in 2021 by the impact of high construction inflation, the increasing prevalence of autism and other complex special education needs which requires the accelerated delivery of special educational needs (SEN) provision at pace and the urgent need to provide capacity for students from Ukraine and other countries under International Protection (IP) system. The national priority within the NDP for increasing the rollout of housing is also adding to pressures on my Department’s capital allocation given the knock-on impact for additional school provision requirements.
As you are aware, an agreement was secured with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in April to guarantee and support the rollout and continuation of my Department’s ambitious school building programme. The agreement reached on 5th April is facilitating the continued rollout of urgently required school building projects in both mainstream and special education settings. Officials continue to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform as part of the overall review of the NDP that is being undertaken for the period to 2028 with a view to ensuring a smooth as possible rollout of urgently required projects in to the future.
291. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education when the proposed school build project for a school (details supplied) is due to commence; and what the next steps are to provide a permanent building for the school which is currently in temporary accommodation. [39863/23]
View answerMy Department is currently planning the delivery of a major campus project on the current site of the school referred to by the Deputy.
The project will deliver two new 1,000 pupil post - primary schools and 1 new primary school (8 classrooms) on this site.
My Department is currently developing the accommodation brief for this significant campus development and is engaging with the school patrons as part of this process.
The brief for the school is currently being finalised by my Department with a view to progressing the project into architectural planning. This process is now at a very advanced stage.
292. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education to review a case (details supplied); if she can offer any advice on this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39870/23]
View answerI wish to draw you attention to provisions of the pension scheme for primary school teachers for retirement on grounds of permanent ill-health. The scheme criteria that must be satisfied is that the teacher is incapable by reason of infirmity of mind or body of discharging his/her duties as a teacher and the infirmity is likely to be permanent.
Entitlement to retire with a pension on medical grounds is not automatic
Where an application is unsuccessful, there is provision for appeal. In the appeal stage the opinion/recommendation of an independent Physician is obtained which informs the decision on the appeal. The case you referred to has followed the provisions of the ill health scheme.
The individual referred to may make a further application for ill-health retirement while still in employment, (including approved unpaid leave) but may not do so earlier than one year from the date of notification of refusal, or, if the case was appealed, from the date of refusal of the appeal, unless there is a serious deterioration in the teacher’s current illness, or unless a new illness occurs.
293. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she will report on her Department’s scoping inquiry into abuse in religious institutions; if she will ensure that victims of abuse in protestant-ethos institutions are treated equally with victims of abuse in other schools in Ireland, including other religious schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39889/23]
View answerThe Scoping Inquiry was established by the Government in response to revelations of historical sexual abuse in a number of day and boarding schools run by religious orders. Having regard to this, and a challenging timeframe for the Scoping Inquiry to complete its work, the priority focus of the Scoping Inquiry is on day and boarding schools run by religious orders. It is not the role of the Scoping Inquiry to make findings of fact in respect of individual schools or individual allegations of abuse.
The Lead of the Scoping Inquiry will, having regard to the outcomes sought by survivors, make recommendations on the scope and breath of the Government response to the revelations of historical sexual abuse in day and boarding schools run by religious orders. However, the Deputy may wish to note in this regard that it is envisaged the recommended response could also form a template for Government responses in respect of other settings.
The Deputy may also wish to note that elements of the Scoping Inquiry focus on the school sector as a whole, including an analysis of child protection systems within the primary and post-primary sector.
294. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if a full review can be undertaken into the school transport application in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39961/23]
View answerThe 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.
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.
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.
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, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as they do not meet the distance criteria under the primary school transport scheme.
Bus Éireann further advise that an application and payment was received on time for this pupil, however they were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary ticket for the 2023/24 school year and the existing service is currently operating to capacity.
Special transport arrangements on medical grounds may be considered by the Department where a pupil is attending their nearest school/post primary centre, has a medical condition, and the condition is such that it would prevent the child from making his/her own way to the school, or the pick-up point, as appropriate.
Where such applications are made, the Department requests that the pupil's GP complete an Application for School Transport on Medical Grounds, which outlines the nature and severity of the medical condition. The form is then forwarded to the Medical Advisor, who, on the basis of the medical evidence submitted, determines whether the above conditions apply. This form is available on my Department’s website on gov.ie at www.gov.ie/en/form/school-transport-application-for-school-transport-on-medical-grounds/
295. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for school transport in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39962/23]
View answerThe 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.
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.
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 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.
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 and payment process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Due to the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using a random selection process.
Under the terms of the scheme, the availability of concessionary transport varies from year to year based on the capacity on the buses running on all of the various routes and the number of eligible children accommodated on each route.
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.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport as they are attending their third nearest post primary centre.
Bus Éireann further advise that an application and payment was received on time for these pupils, however they were unsuccessful in obtaining concessionary seats for the 2023/24 school year and the existing service is currently operating to capacity.
In cases where the Department is satisfied that your nearest and next nearest schools are full, eligibility for school transport will be determined based on the distance you reside from your next nearest school(s) having regard to ethos and language.
To establish that the nearest and next nearest schools are full parents must provide:-
• The detailed steps taken to enrol your child in the nearest and next nearest schools.
• Evidence that an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school(s) and
• A letter from the School Authorities confirming that the school was full at time of enrolment.
This documentation can be sent to school transport section at the address provided for consideration to school_transport@education.gov.ie
296. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the development of a new primary school for Adamstown, Lucan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39965/23]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 2(b) of Architectural Planning - Detailed Design, where the Design Team secure all Statutory Approvals, and prepare the suite of tender documents.
Following consultation between the NDFA and my Department , the major project will be transferred to my Department's ADAPT Programme.
ADAPT is an acronym for the "Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and T endering".
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 a Design Team for the project will be commencing shortly.
My Department will keep the school authorities informed of the progression of these appointments as they proceed.
The newly appointed design team is expected to progress the project from its current stage - Stage 2(b) through to Tender and Construction; however, until all statutory approvals have been granted, it is not possible to provide a current completion date.
297. 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. [39966/23]
View answerHoly Family Community School:
The large scale capital project at Holy Family Community School is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.
The reserved specialist tender report is under review by my Department. Discussions are ongoing with the Design Team to assist in the completion of the review.
When this process is complete and subject to no further issues arising, my Department will be in further contact with the school authority.
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 an extension and refurbishment to provide accommodation for 1,000 pupils and two classrooms for children with special education needs. A tender process can take 8-10 months to complete. When this process is complete we will be in contact with the School authority.
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 18 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.
My department will continue to liaise with the School and their Patron body in relation to interim accommodation requirements pending the delivery of the permanent school building
298. 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. [39967/23]
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 in 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 completing the Design Team appointments to these projects from my Department’s Frameworks of Consultants. My Department will keep the school and patron body updated in relation to progress.
St Thomas JNS & Scoil Áine SNS Lucan:
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 been completed, and the design team are now appointed. An initial briefing meeting was held on Friday 21st 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 JNS & SNS:
The Design Team for Divine Mercy JNS & SNS have submitted a revised design option for my Departments’ review and an architectural design workshop to discuss the submitted design option has been arranged for the end of September 2023.
Once an agreement is reached on the proposed design, 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 Dolcain & Gaelscoil na Camogie:
The large scale capital project for Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin & Gaelscoil na Camogie 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 final grant of planning was received in June 2023.
The project is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.
Rathcoole Educate Together National School
The permanent school building project for the school referred by the Deputy 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.
A meeting to share the plans with the school and their patron body was held on 22nd May 2023. The planning application is currently being finalised and is due to be submitted to the local authority in Quarter 4 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.
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.
299. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the number of vacant WTE educational psychologists in the National Educational Psychological Service, by region; and when each of these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [39974/23]
View answerMy Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary and special schools.
The NEPS service provides access for all schools to:
• Psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident
• A Casework Service for individual children where there is a need for intensive consultation and assessment via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
• A school staff Support and Development Service, to build school capability to provide a comprehensive continuum of support in schools and
• Ongoing access to advice and support for schools.
I can inform the Deputy that the number of educational psychologists currently employed in NEPS stands is 222 across the eight NEPS regions. Since the start of this school year, the service has expanded to all special schools, which is hugely important given the increased support needed for children in these settings.
There are currently 56 vacancies across the regions as follows:
|
North East |
8 |
|
Dublin Mid Leinster |
10 |
|
Dublin |
8 |
|
Mid Munster |
7 |
|
South East |
9 |
|
North West, North Midlands |
7 |
|
West |
3 |
|
South West |
4 |
|
TOTAL |
56 |
The vacancies include those arising from promotions, retirements, resignations and also are reflective of new posts for which I secured funding in Budget 2023.
The Public Appointments Service commenced a recruitment campaign for Educational Psychologists for NEPS earlier this year. Interviews have taken place, and panels of psychologists have been created. My Department is actively engaging with PAS to maximise the numbers of psychologists being recruited. To date this year nine new psychologists have been recruited, with a further 15 psychologists with start dates agreed. The recruitment process is continuing and it is intended that further psychologists will be recruited from this panel.
Since January of this year, NEPS is supporting bursaries for students who are enrolled in the University College Dublin (UCD) Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology and the Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick’s Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology for Trainee Educational Psychologists. Those in receipt of a bursary commit to joining NEPS upon graduation. As of September 2023 there are 62 Trainee Educational Psychologists in receipt of a bursary from NEPS who are expected will fill a vacancy in NEPS upon graduation, over the next three years.
The Department is also engaging at a Cross-Departmental Level on workforce planning for psychologists in general in Ireland. This work is being coordinated by the Department of Health.
300. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if teachers can work on medically retirement pensions; if so, the number of hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39979/23]
View answerWhen assessing an application for retirement on grounds of ill health, the Department must be satisfied that the terms of the pension scheme have been complied with. It must be determined based on medical evidence that the teacher is incapable by reason of infirmity of mind or body of discharging his/her duties as a teacher and that the infirmity is likely to be permanent.
A teacher who is awarded pension early on medical grounds may not subsequently engage in teaching. Where, however, a full recovery is made and a teacher wishes to return to teaching, prior to taking up any appointment , fresh medical evidence of fitness from the teacher’s current treating physician must be submitted for review by the Occupational Health Service (OHS) engaged by my Department.
Where a teacher is deemed by the OHS as fit to teach it is open to him/her to seek a teaching post. Where medical fitness to teach has been satisfactorily established, payment of pension benefits will then cease.
301. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that a school (details supplied) is withholding homework journals from children whose parents cannot afford to pay the school contribution charge-fee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39985/23]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy has confirmed that if any parent is experiencing financial difficulty they should contact the principal, who will ensure that they are dealt with privately and in confidence to come to an arrangement that suits all parties. The school has confirmed that there is no outstanding queries from parents re charges.
The school has confirmed that the process of distributing school journals was due to be completed last Friday 15 September. They have confirmed that all children from 1st to 6th class will receive a school journal from the school this year, and that nobody will be excluded. Similarly the school has also confirmed that all pupils received a school journal last year.
302. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education when route B1762 to a school (details supplied) will recommence. [39993/23]
View answerThe 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.
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.
The Post Primary School Transport Scheme supports the transport to and from school of children who reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post-primary education centre/school. While it is the prerogative of parents to send their children to the post-primary school of their choice, eligibility for school transport at post primary level is to the nearest education centre/school, subject to limited exceptions.
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 only and will be facilitated where spare seats are available after eligible children have been accommodated. Where the number of ineligible children exceeds the number of spare seats available Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for the spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Under the terms of the scheme, 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 terms of the School Transport Schemes are applied equitably on a national basis.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that route referred to by the Deputy, is currently operating and has been operating since the start of the 2023/24 school year.
