Michael McNamara
Question:323. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40106/23]
View answerSchool Transport
Questions (323)
Written answers
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.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.
Bus Éireann has advised that the route in question is currently in the procurement process. Once a contractor is sourced the service will commence. Bus Éireann are working intensively to ensure that transport arrangements are put in place as soon as possible.Until such time as the service is in place, as a ticket was issued to pupils on this service, an Exceptional No Service Interim Grant will be made available to families to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements which may have to put in place until services begin. This payment will be paid as an exceptional measure and will be calculated from the date the service was due to commence. As the payment is based on the number of days a child attends school up until the time a service has commenced it cannot be paid in advance. The Department of Education have contacted families affected directly to advise how they can avail of this grant.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (324)
Steven Matthews
Question:324. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a new school building (details supplied); how updates are being communicated to school management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40111/23]
View answerWritten answers
The site identification and assessment exercise for Wicklow Town ETSS is ongoing and a potential property has been identified.
An architectural consultant has been appointed to commence an assessment of this potential property.
The Department provide updates to the patron body regarding the status of the new school project and will continue to keep them appraised of any future developments.
Given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of a permanent location for this school is a priority for the Department.
School Transport
Questions (325)
Michael McNamara
Question:325. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education if she will address a school transport matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40112/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Bus Éireann has advised that both pupils referred to have now been assigned to the correct service and the family have been notified.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (326)
Steven Matthews
Question:326. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a new school building for a school (details supplied); how updates are being communicated to school management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40113/23]
View answerWritten answers
The acquisition of the site at Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow is at an advanced stage of the conveyancing process. It is intended that this site will provide a permanent location for the school referred to by the Deputy.
A major building project for this school is included on the Department's school building programme. This site is subject to an SHD application, which is currently with An Bord Pleanála for decision.
Once this process has concluded the project will progress to the architectural design & planning stages.
The Department provide regular updates to the patron body regarding the status of the new school project and will continue to keep them appraised of any future developments.
School Accommodation
Questions (327)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:327. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education when funding for a school (details supplied) will be approved. [40129/23]
View answerWritten answers
The application referred to has been examined by the Department's Professional & Technical team.
As full roof replacements are not funded under the Emergency Works Scheme, the school are being requested to appoint a leak detection specialist to identify the leaks within the existing roof.
Following this examination, the school must submit a revised Itemised Cost Breakdown (ICB) and a leak detection test report including results. The ICB must set out a complete breakdown of costs. No lump sums are acceptable.
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School Transport
Questions (328)
Michael McNamara
Question:328. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education if she will advise on the case of a child (details supplied) regarding a school transport pickup point; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40130/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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 post 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 is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes on behalf of the Department. Safety of children travelling on the school transport services is of paramount importance to the Department and to Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 3.2 kilometres to travel to a pickup point. Children are generally expected to make their own way, or to be brought to convenient pickup points along the main route.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for mainstream transport as they are 4.0 kilometres from home to school and do not meet the distance criteria under the Post Primary School Scheme.
An application and payment was received on time for this pupil for the 2023/24 school year and a ticket was issued.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pickup point is 2.1 kilometres from the home of the family referred to by the Deputy. The local area inspector is currently assessing this pickup point and will inform the parent of any resulting modifications.
School Transport
Questions (329)
Michael McNamara
Question:329. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education if she will advise on the case of a child (details supplied) regarding a school transport pickup and drop-off points; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40131/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes on behalf of the Department. Safety of children travelling on the school transport services is of paramount importance to the Department and to Bus Éireann. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 3.2 kilometres to travel to a pickup point. Children are generally expected to make their own way, or to be brought to convenient pickup points along the main route.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pickup point is 1.5 kilometres from the home of the family referred to by the Deputy and is considered to be safe.
School Transport
Questions (330)
Michael McNamara
Question:330. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40133/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Bus Éireann, has advised that in recent weeks, they issued tickets for school transport on bus services that had been secured for the 2023/24 school year. A number of difficulties have arisen in having services in place for the start of the new school year in some localities with a small number of contracted services.
Bus Éireann continues to work intensively and every effort is being made to ensure transport can be sourced and put in place as soon as possible.
The Department is sanctioning an interim arrangement to assist with the cost of alternative arrangements until services are in place.
The Exceptional No Service Interim Grant will be made available to families retrospectively. This payment will be paid as an exceptional measure and will be calculated from the date the service was due to commence up to the date that a service is provided for children.
Details of this grant have issued this week to the family, to whom the Deputy refers, via e-mail from the School Transport Section of my Department.
School Transport
Questions (331)
Seán Sherlock
Question:331. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the number of children with additional needs awaiting school transport provision, by county. [40134/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
To date Bus Éireann has issued over 133,000 tickets for mainstream school transport services. This represents an increase of over 7% in mainstream tickets issued compared to the start of the 2022/2023 school year.
With regard to transport services for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), at present Bus Éireann cannot provide the information in the manner requested by the Deputy, to date, close to 5,000 new applications have been received for SEN transport for the 2023/2024 school year, with some 1,400 of these having been received in July alone. This compares to some 3,670 new applications received at this time last year. Transport is being provided for over 3,000 new applicants for the 23/24 school year, with transport being provided overall for over 19,000 pupils in the current school year. As there is no defined closing date for SEN applications, applications continue to be received all year round.
Where a new service is sanctioned, this means a procurement / vetting process is required, while in many instances the school is also sanctioned to employ a transport escort and this necessarily takes time to put in place. By accepting applications year round, the Department can ensure that children with special educational needs receive the transport they require.
To ensure the efficient delivery of services for children on Special Educations Needs school transport, Bus Éireann assesses each application to identify the options available. Where children can be facilitated on an existing service, applications are processed immediately and arrangements put in place with families involved.
Where a new service has to be established there is a lead in period for this process that includes issues such as:
• route design and procurement including contract award.
• in many instances a School Bus Escort is required for the child’s safe transport to school and it can take time for the school to source a suitable person which can impact the start date.
Regrettably, Bus Éireann has reported particular issues where, in a small number of cases transport was sourced and contracts were handed back . Despite best efforts contractors continue to hand back contracts, or there have been zero bids for contracts in certain areas. This is against a backdrop of significant shortages of drivers in the labour market overall and competing demands for drivers to deliver additional public transport initiatives such as Connecting Ireland and Bus Connects/Local Link services.
Bus Éireann is continuing to prioritise sourcing vehicles and drivers, however, they have confirmed a small number of routes remain without a service. This equates to less than 1.5% of pupils. Some services are expected to resume as soon as an escort has been sourced and the Department of Education are working with schools to ensure these resources are put in place as a priority. Again circa 98% of pupils nationwide are being provided with a school transport service. Bus Éireann endeavours to rectify the situation at pace.
School Transport
Questions (332)
Matt Carthy
Question:332. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if she will engage with Bus Éireann to address the situation of children who availed of school transport via the 166 service from Dundalk to Inniskeen and Carrickmacross (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40148/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Bus Éireann have advised that there are currently 14 eligible pupils that use the service referred to by the Deputy. The timetable of this service was changed by the National Transport Authority effective from 27th August 2023. An email was sent to all affected families regarding this on Friday 1st September 2023. Bus Éireann has further advised that they are continuing to work with procurement to provide a dedicated service for the pupils.
In the meantime, School Transport Section are liaising with Bus Éireann with regard to the details of the children affected in order to offer a grant toward the cost of private transportation.
Schools Administration
Questions (333)
Cormac Devlin
Question:333. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Education if the case of a school (details supplied) has been brought to her attention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40166/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Education Act, 1998 all schools are managed by the school board of management on behalf of the school patrons or trustees or Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
Section 9 of the Education Act requires that schools must ensure that parents of a students, or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, have access to the records kept by that school relating to the progress of that student in his or her education.
The Department does not have the power to instruct schools to follow a particular course of direction with regard to individual complaint cases. The Department's role is to clarify for parents and students how their grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed.
A school may have a formal complaints process, in which case this should be followed in pursuing any complaint. Where a person is of the view that a school has failed to investigate or adequately investigate their complaint, it is open to them to raise the matter directly with the Chairperson of the Board of Management by correspondence marked “Private and Confidential”.
Capitation Grants
Questions (334)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:334. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education if any increase in the capitation grants to primary and/or post-primary is contained in the expenditure base or existing levels of service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40167/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides funding to recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep etc. and the Ancillary to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
Schools also receive a range of other grants including Book Grants, Programme grants etc.
I understand the need for improved capitation funding and I am pleased that my Department has been able to provide for increases in capitation funding for primary and post primary schools in recent years.
All schools have received the benefit of the capitation increases awarded to date. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets.
In addition, as part of the Cost of Living measures introduced in Budget 23, €90 million has been provided in once-off additional funding to support increased running costs for recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme, in particular in dealing with challenges they face in the light of rising energy costs. This additional grant was paid at the rate of €75 per pupil at Primary level. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs.
School Curriculum
Questions (335)
Róisín Shortall
Question:335. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to ensure that schools-based gambling education and awareness remains free from the influence of the gambling industry; if she intends to introduce gambling education and awareness in the post-primary curriculum at both junior and senior cycle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40180/23]
View answerWritten answers
Schools have a role to play in supporting their students to develop the key skills and knowledge to enable them to make informed choices when faced with a range of difficult issues, including drugs, alcohol and gambling. This is mainly done through the SPHE programme. SPHE forms part of the mandatory Well-being area of learning at Junior Cycle. Well-being in Junior Cycle is about young people feeling confident, happy, healthy and connected, and it is one of the principles that underpins Junior Cycle education.
An updated Junior Cycle SPHE specification was published by the NCCA in May 2023 and is being rolled out for first years in all schools from this month. It places a strong focus on the development of important life skills that young people need growing up in a fast changing and complex world. The learning outcomes of the Making Healthy Choices strand in the updated specification include that students should be able to "discuss societal, cultural and economic influences affecting young people when it comes to making healthy choices about smoking, alcohol and other addictive substances and behaviours, and how harmful influences can be overcome in real-life situations". In the specification’s Glossary of Key Terms, addictive behaviours are defined as including “gaming, gambling and social media addictions”.
Schools are also encouraged to deliver the SPHE programme in Senior Cycle. In the course of the consultation on the Background Paper and Brief for the redevelopment of Senior Cycle SPHE, participants commonly talked about addictive substances and behaviours such as alcohol use and gambling and the need for students to be enabled to recognise addiction and the impact of addiction on emotional well-being, on decision-making and on family and friends. This learning is addressed in the draft specification which is currently open for consultation, running until 18 October. I encourage everyone to submit their views on this consultation, which can be done via the NCCA’s website, www.ncca.ie.
It would not be appropriate that resources or materials produced or funded by the gambling industry, for education and awareness on gambling, to be in use in our schools. There are protocols in place to ensure that strict criteria are observed by schools when inviting external agencies to address students about particular issues. The Department provides clear guidance to schools on the engagement of outside speakers and on the use of external resources to assist in delivering the curriculum. These guidelines are most recently outlined in updated circular 0042/2018 for primary schools and 0043/2018 for post primary schools. Programmes delivered by visitors or external agencies must use appropriate evidence-based methodologies with clear educational outcomes.
These circulars also require that all materials proposed for use by external providers must be approved in advance by the principal and Board of Management, be age and stage appropriate for pupils and be in line with the ethos of the school, and the principles of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum. This applies both to resources such as literature, and to workshops that may be held in schools.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) provides guidelines for teachers in choosing resources for use in their SPHE programme. In these guidelines the NCCA encourages teachers to question the origin and funding of such resources as well as the evidence base used in their production. If, for example, resources are funded by parties with conflicts of interests, then they should not be used in schools.
Disadvantaged Status
Questions (336)
Michael Ring
Question:336. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when a project worker will be approved for a school (details supplied) so that the school can benefit from being included in the expansion of DEIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40196/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Schools Completion Programme, SCP, is a central element of Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) programme, a key policy initiative of my Department to address educational disadvantage at school level. The programme is funded by my Department via Tusla Education Support Service, TESS, who have overall operational responsibility for the programme.
At present, management of the SCP initiatives, including the employment of staff, is managed at local level by a local Management Committee (LMC).
The significant expansion of the DEIS Programme announced by me in March 2022, provides for an extension of SCP supports to additional schools now included in the DEIS programme for the first time.
Officials from my Department have been advised by TESS that from 2022, this new DEIS school was included in North Mayo SCP and funding approved by TESS to facilitate the recruitment of an additional project worker for this Project.
TESS is currently engaging with the LMC of North Mayo SCP and Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) in relation to operational matters concerning this project. TESS continue to be available to provide any further support and guidance required at SCP@tusla.ie.
Officials from my Department will continue to engage pro-actively with all stakeholders to ensure the continuance of SCP supports to this vulnerable group of children and young people.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (337)
Mattie McGrath
Question:337. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the reason for delays with regard to the new building works at a special education school in County Tipperary; the immediate efforts she will make to expedite this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40197/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to advise that approval under the Additional School Accommodation scheme issued to the school in question for the provision of 3 x Junior SEN classrooms and 2 x Moderate classrooms.
The project is being delivered under the Department’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. 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. To date, this has worked very well in the education sector and has seen delivery of large scale, high quality modular accommodation to meet the needs of children, particularly those with special educational needs.
Kerrigan Sheanan Newman Construction Consultants (KSN) has been appointed, from the Department’s Framework, to design and tender the project. This consultant will lead the project through the various stages of planning process and construction. The Department is working closely with the Project Management teams and the modular accommodation suppliers to ensure additional capacity for the schools sector is delivered as quickly as possible
This modular building for the school in question will be a precast concrete structure and is currently in design, all statutory approvals including planning permission will be needed to deliver this accommodation and as a result the timeline for delivery is extended. As an interim measure, the school will be provided with modular units which are being relocated from an existing school site. This element of the project is progressing well and works have commenced on site.
The School Authority has devolved responsibility for delivery of this project.
School Transport
Questions (338)
John Brady
Question:338. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education when an update will be issued to a school to ensure that a pupil (details supplied) will have an escort as part of their already-approved school transport application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40201/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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 Department of Education issue grant funding to schools for the employment of school bus escorts. School bus escorts are employed by each school through School Management Authorities. They are employed on board a school transport service provided through Bus Éireann where the child’s care and safety needs while on board the school transport are such as they require the support of an escort.
School Transport Section of my Department are currently liaising with the School Authorities in question with regard to escort support for the child referred to by the Deputy.
School Transport
Questions (339)
John Brady
Question:339. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on an application for transportation to and from an adult day service for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40202/23]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
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.
Transport to and from Adult Day Services is not a feature of the School Transport Schemes.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (340)
Carol Nolan
Question:340. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education to provide details on the measures her Department has taken to implement specific action points (details supplied) of the action plan to support the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. [40228/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in respect of every member of staff including LGBTI+ staff members and in respect of the actions referred to by the Deputy I can confirm that the Human Resources (HR) Unit of the Department, is represented on the LGBT Staff Network, hosted by the Department of Justice, and coordinates staff participation in Dublin Pride. Pride flags are flown at our main office locations for the month of June as a very visible demonstration of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion for the LGBTI+ community. In addition the HR unit also organises talks and circulates resources relating to a wide range of EDI initiatives including issues relating specifically to LGBTI+ staff members and ensures that EDI matters are a core feature of any internal HR strategy documents.
In addition to the work within the Department, three actions in the strategy led by this Department have progressed. These actions aim to support the inclusion of LGBTI+ lives in the curriculum and the inclusion of LGBTI+ matters in the SPHE/RSE curriculum review. An action to promote the well-being of education personnel, including LGBTI+ personnel in the context of the implementation of the Well-being Policy Statement and Framework for Practice 2018-2023 is also progressed with the Well-being Employee Assistance Service (EAS) in place for all school staff.
Staff from my Department will now be feeding into a review of the strategy commissioned by Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to help inform a successor strategy.
Budget 2024
Questions (341)
Catherine Connolly
Question:341. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education if she has received and considered the INTO’s pre-budget submission; to outline the nature of discussions, if any, with the Minister for Finance in relation to the inclusion of each of their four main demands in the upcoming Budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40247/23]
View answerWritten answers
Over recent years, additional resources have been made available to our schools, including through the delivery of thousands of extra teaching and Special Needs Assistant posts, increased capitation in schools, enhanced supports for school leadership and improved staffing schedule and free school books in primary schools.
My aim for Budget 2024 is to continue to deliver on the priorities outlined in the Programme for Government and to continue to support the students, staff and families in the education sector.
In the lead up to the Budget, my Department receives a number of pre-budget submissions from a range of different stakeholders in the education sector and from organisations involved in other areas of public policy including INTO's pre Budget submission. As in previous years, relevant submissions continue to be reviewed and they will inform the specific budgetary priorities that I will be seeking to achieve in Budget 2024. As I am sure the Deputy appreciates, it would not be appropriate for me to outline any more specific plans at this stage of the budgetary process.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (342)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:342. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of delays to building of a SEN unit at a school (details supplied); if she will instruct her Department to approve the Stage 2B proposal so works can proceed to tender for a contractor and commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40254/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the school in question was approved funding under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project approved consists of building a 4 classroom Special Education Needs base as an extension to the existing school building, secure hard and soft play areas, a sensory garden and associated works with car park. The project is devolved to Louth and Meath Education and Training Board.
My Department has received a Stage 2b (planning) report prepared by the project's design team. The review of this report is in the final stages of consideration and my Department will share its recommendations for progression of the project with the project executive shortly.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (343)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:343. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of delays to building of a SEN unit at a school (details supplied); if she will instruct her Department to approve the Stage 2B proposal so works can proceed to tender for a contractor and commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40254/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.