Michael Ring
Question:111. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42881/23]
View answerSchool Transport
Questions (111)
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 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 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, 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 an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for school transport as he is attending his fourth nearest Post Primary school. Bus Éireann also advise that the pupil referred was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2023/24 school year and the existing service is currently operating to capacity.
Education Policy
Questions (112)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:112. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if there is any planning in place to facilitate Islamic holidays where children are required to spend time celebrating the holidays during school hours in primary and post-primary schools and where it is currently at the discretion of the principal to make a decision on whether or not Muslim children are permitted time off, which is not the case for other religious holidays, such as Christmas, where students and staff are expected to take time off; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42884/23]
View answerWritten answers
The scheduling of the school holiday periods during the academic years is agreed between the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and the Department for the purposes of standardising breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term. This is important to ensure certainty for the school community about the dates of school holidays.
The Department’s circular 072/2022 outlines the arrangements for the 2023/24 school year and subsequent years.
All recognised schools deliver the national curriculum, regardless of patron, and are subject to the same rules and regulations. All recognised schools have a patron, whose responsibilities include setting the ethos and characteristic spirit for the school. Schools work towards providing for a positive learning experience for pupils, which can involve celebrating many of the important religious and non-religious events that take place throughout the year such as Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Eid, Vaisakhi, and Holi. Many schools may have symbols and images on display in the school which may reflect the different religions and beliefs of children attending the school. Special times of year may also be marked with particular images and artefacts, for example, a crib at Christmas, or Islamic art displays at Eid. Arrangement can vary from school to school.
In practice, many schools take steps to mark the major religious festivals during the year, whereas other schools hold an intercultural day or week at which all religions, belief systems and traditions represented in the school are celebrated. Whether this is a one-off culture week or an ongoing celebration of diversity at appropriate times during the year is a matter for the school locally.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (113)
Denis Naughten
Question:113. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education to provide a list of general schemes referred by her Department to an Oireachtas Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny from 1 January 2016 to date; the date each was referred; the date that the general scheme was published for the public to review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42946/23]
View answerWritten answers
The following general schemes were referred by the Department of Education to an Oireachtas Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny (PLS) during the period in question:
• The Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill was published on 22 September 2023 and was referred to the relevant Committee for PLS on 25 September 2023.
• The General Scheme of an Education (Parent and Student Charter) Bill 2016 was published by Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton on 5 December 2016 was referred for PLS on the same date. The Bill was republished by the then Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD on 10 September 2019.
School Accommodation
Questions (114)
Michael Ring
Question:114. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education the reason an application for additional accommodation which was urgently required by a DEIS school in County Mayo (details supplied) has been refused; to outline, in full, the reason this application was unsuccessful; if this decision can be appealed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42962/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department received an application from the school in question for capital funding, under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or a new SEN class has been sanctioned by the NCSE, and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes.
The application for the ASA scheme was assessed by my officials and it was found that the school had sufficient accommodation available to cater for its current cohort of staff and pupils. A decision was therefore made to refuse this application and the decision was conveyed directly to the school authorities.
The application also included a request for a GP Hall, which does not come within the remit of the ASA scheme. The main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level, and for provision to meet the needs of children with special educational needs. My Department has successfully supported and facilitated the enrolment of over 14,000 children from Ukraine in our primary and post primary schools.
Under Project Ireland 2040 the education sector will receive a total of approximately €5 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. There will be a rolling 5 year funding envelope which will be updated annually for the period 2026 to 2030 within the Government’s overall NDP funding envelope of €136 billion in exchequer capital (€165 billion total capital including non-Exchequer) that will facilitate building a modern and sustainable school infrastructure.
This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland. The strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock will have different strands and will include a PE build and modernisation programme.
My Department will continue to work to ensure that capital investment in our schools is targeted in the most efficient and effective way to support schools in meeting the education needs of their students and local communities.
Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
It is open to the school in question to submit an application for my Department's ASA scheme if there is a change to their enrolments which cannot be managed within the existing building. Any application will be considered by my officials and a decision conveyed directly to the school authorities.
School Transport
Questions (115)
Peter Burke
Question:115. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be secured for a new pupil who has started in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42964/23]
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 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
Bus Éireann has confirmed that a new service for the pupil to whom the Deputy refers, has been tendered as part of the procurement process. However, to date no contractor has submitted a bid to operate the route.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services, but who experience a delay with accessing them, may therefore apply for the Special Transport Grant (STG). This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until services are finalised. The family can contact school_transport@education.gov.ie with their child's details if they wish to apply for this interim STG until transport is in place.
Bus Éireann are continuing to work to source a contractor at present and will provide an update to the family as soon as possible.
School Transport
Questions (116)
Peter Burke
Question:116. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education when the school transport system will be reviewed, in light of unprecedented demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42971/23]
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 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
A review of the School Transport Scheme is nearing completion. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately.
The final report of the review will include recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme. Once approved by Government, it is planned that the review will be published.
School Admissions
Questions (117)
Denise Mitchell
Question:117. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if an ASD place will be provided for a child (details supplied) for the academic year beginning September 2024. [42984/23]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education 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.
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 almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned over the last four years. 7 new special schools have also been established in recent years.
My department engages intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. Planning is already underway for the 2024/2025 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, analysis of school accommodation, 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, earlier this year, 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, 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.
Enrolments to individual schools are a matter for each 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
The NCSE is committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for the coming school year.
As your query refers to an individual placement case, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
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.
Teacher Training
Questions (118, 119)
Réada Cronin
Question:118. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education whether, given the shortage of primary teachers, and to assist those anxious to work in the area, she will liaise with the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on reducing the length of the current PME postgraduate teacher training courses to perhaps one year; to remove from those who are already fluent in Irish, some holding a master's degree in same, the compulsion to attend the Gaeltacht, thereby removing yet another financial barrier to eager candidates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42996/23]
View answerRéada Cronin
Question:119. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education whether, for those graduates anxious to enter primary teacher training, she will reduce the term of the current PME postgraduate teacher training courses to perhaps one year; to remove from those who are already fluent in Irish, some holding a master's degree in same, the compulsion to attend the Gaeltacht, both initiatives removing financial barriers to eager candidates, and so, easing the shortage of primary teachers. [42997/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 119 together.
The Professional Master of Education (PME) is a two-year, full-time Level 9 postgraduate professional teacher education programme designed to qualify graduates as primary & post-primary teachers.
Changes to the duration and content of initial teacher education programmes were made in response to recommendations in the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among children and Young People 2011-2020 and were incorporated into the Teaching Council’s accreditation standards. What had been the ‘H-Dip’ of 18 months at primary and 1 year at post-primary became the two-year Professional Master of Education for both. The standards were arrived at following extensive research and consultation with regard to the programme that would be required in order to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding, and professional values expected of newly qualified teachers.
The reforms were focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning in schools, which is central to the educational outcomes of children. The extended duration allowed for substantial periods of school placement and a number of mandatory elements in all programmes including literacy and numeracy and ICT in teaching and learning. These standards were recently updated by the Council in Céim (2020) which reaffirms that post-graduate Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes shall be a minimum of two years’ duration.
The extensive nature of curriculum and assessment reforms over the past decade, and the more complex legislative and regulatory context within which teachers and schools operate, have made teaching an even higher-order challenge. Expanded pedagogical approaches and a focus on learner-centred processes have resulted in greater demands on teachers to reach and demonstrate high professional standards. The requirements for ITE are a significant factor in the high quality of our teaching profession in Ireland, which is recognised at home and abroad.
The current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary ITE programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements and provides for an immersive educational programme through the medium of Irish in a Gaeltacht setting for all students. These requirements also outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.
Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints. The rate of student grant for 2023 has been set at an average of €815. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly course in 2023. This grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes.
It is acknowledged that there are challenges around the availability of teachers at present. While there are currently no plans to reduce the current duration of the postgraduate programmes to one year, the Department's ongoing approach is to continue to develop further innovative measures to improve the availability of teachers.
Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 118.
School Transport
Questions (120)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:120. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the total parental contribution made for school transport for primary and post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43021/23]
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.
The School Transport Scheme is an important service for families and children. 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.
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.
Already over 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
It is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy at present as Bus Éireann continue to issue tickets to families as capacity becomes available.
For the 2023/2024 school year, reduced charges of €50 per student at primary level and €75 per student at post-primary level will apply, with a cap per family of €125. Ticketholders will save up to €50 at primary and €275 at post-primary, with an overall reduction in the family maximum contribution of €525 compared to the fees for 2021/2022 school year. Children who are eligible for transport who are in receipt of medical cards, and children eligible for special educational needs transport continue to be exempt from ticket charges.
School Accommodation
Questions (121)
Emer Higgins
Question:121. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the exceptionally poor conditions of the prefabs being used to teach children at a school (details supplied); if she will urgently intervene to provide adequate accommodation for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43037/23]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
Due to the complexities involved, the application is being considered by my Department's Professional and Technical Section. My officials will be in touch with the school authorities directly as soon as this review has been completed.
Teacher Training
Questions (122)
Brendan Smith
Question:122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, to reduce the current duration of the postgraduate ITE programmes to one year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43111/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Professional Master of Education (PME) is a two-year, full-time Level 9 postgraduate professional teacher education programme designed to qualify graduates as primary & post-primary teachers.Changes to the duration and content of initial teacher education programmes were made in response to recommendations in the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among children and Young People 2011-2020 and were incorporated into the Teaching Council’s accreditation standards. What had been the ‘H-Dip’ of 18 months at primary and 1 year at post-primary became the two-year Professional Master of Education for both. The standards were arrived at following extensive research and consultation with regard to the programme that would be required in order to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding, and professional values expected of newly qualified teachers.
The reforms were focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning in schools, which is central to the educational outcomes of children. The extended duration allowed for substantial periods of school placement and a number of mandatory elements in all programmes including literacy and numeracy and ICT in teaching and learning. These standards were recently updated by the Council in Céim (2020) which reaffirms that post-graduate ITE programmes shall be a minimum of two years’ duration.
The extensive nature of curriculum and assessment reforms over the past decade, and the more complex legislative and regulatory context within which teachers and schools operate, have made teaching an even higher-order challenge. Expanded pedagogical approaches and a focus on learner-centred processes have resulted in greater demands on teachers to reach and demonstrate high professional standards. The requirements for ITE are a significant factor in the high quality of our teaching profession in Ireland, which is recognised at home and abroad.
It is acknowledged that there are challenges around the availability of teachers at present. While there are currently no plans to reduce the current duration of the postgraduate ITE programmes to one year, the Department’s ongoing approach is to continue to develop further innovative measures to improve the availability of teachers.
Film Industry
Questions (123)
Catherine Connolly
Question:123. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of any engagement between her Department and the Department of Finance with regard to the establishment of a stakeholder forum, in line with recommendation 14 of the May 2023 Report on Section 481 - Film Tax Credit by the Committee on Budgetary Oversight; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42918/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department of Finance are examining the options available following the recommendation in the Committee on Budgetary Oversight Report on Section 481 (Film Tax Relief) to convene a stakeholder forum to discuss how to maximise the benefits of the Section 481 credit for all concerned stakeholders, to facilitate best practice in employment rights, industrial relations, collective bargaining, address Copyright and Intellectual Property issues and any other relevant issues.
Officials from my Department have engaged with the other Departments that have responsibility for various aspects of the Report of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight including the matter of a stakeholder forum as part of wider discussions in respect of the Section 481 Film Tax Credit. Consideration is being given to Recommendation 14 as part of overall considerations of the Committee’s Report and further engagement between my Department and the Dept. of Finance is expected in the coming weeks on a suitable format for a Forum.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (124)
Denis Naughten
Question:124. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a list of general schemes referred by her Department to an Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative scrutiny from 1 January 2016 to date; the date each was referred; the date that the general scheme was published for the public to review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42959/23]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department in its current configuration was established in September 2020. Since this date, the following General Schemes have been referred by my Department to an Oireachtas Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny:
|
General Scheme |
Date Referred for Pre-Legislative Scrutiny |
Date Published |
Note |
|
Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill 2022 |
9 December 2020 |
8 December 2020 |
This Bill was passed by the Oireachtas and subsequently signed into law on 10 December 2022 as the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022. |
|
National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2022 |
23 June 2022 |
29 September 2022 |
This Bill was passed by the Oireachtas and subsequently signed into law as the National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Act 2022 on 21 December 2022. |
|
National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) (Amendment) Bill 2022 |
28 March 2022 |
29 July 2022 |
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and Media subsequently decided not to undertake pre-legislative scrutiny on this Bill. This Bill was passed by the Oireachtas and subsequently signed into law as the National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) (Amendment) Act 2023 on 6 February 2023. |
|
Udáras na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2022 |
2 February 2023 |
11 January 2023 |
Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Report was published on 17 July 2023. |
|
Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill 2022 |
12 January 2023 |
8 December 2022 |
Pre-legislative scrutiny ongoing. |
Artists' Remuneration
Questions (125)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:125. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason that the observation of selection process for the basic income for the arts pilot scheme, commissioned from a company (details supplied) and received by her Department in June 2023, at a cost of €8,462.40, is not due to be published; and if she will reconsider this decision. [42995/23]
View answerWritten answers
The stakeholder forum and public consultation processes on the Basic Income pilot found broad agreement to adopt a randomised selection process for the scheme. The selection process was developed and run by policy analysts in the Department’s Strategic Policy Division (SPD), an in-house resource separate to the unit administering the scheme.
In order to achieve a representative sample of the cohort of eligible applicants, SPD developed a blind, randomised selection process that provided all applicants with an equal and non-qualified opportunity to be selected for participation in the pilot. The ESRI also peer reviewed the methodology of the longitudinal study in advance of the selection process.
The SPD used a statistical software package called STATA for the selection process which was verified by by an independent auditor who also reviewed the selection methodology. The process used a random number generator to randomly select participants, ensuring no human intervention, bias, selectivity or targeting in the sample. This is to allow for a fair selection of a representative sample of the cohort of eligible applicants to the pilot. The accompanying longitudinal study will examine impact across a wide range of topics including:
• Demographics
• Changes to income and spending patterns
• Employment, work and job quality
• Time use for activities like working in the arts, working in other sectors, household work, care work, leisure activities, physical activity, etc.
• Practice, Skills and Training
• Changes in relation to artistic and creative output, artistic practice, and impact,
• Well-being including mental health
The report referred to was intended for internal Departmental use only, to provide an independent quality assurance process for the selection process. While I would have no problem with it being published, at the time of engaging the provider, in the interests of expediency and cost, it was procured for internal use and the contract prohibits publication. If the report had been produced for publication the provider has a different internal assurance system which would have taken longer, cost more and would have delayed the selection process and the start of the BIA payments. My officials are engaging with the provider to determine if we can adjust the non-publication clause in the contract and I will write to the Deputy as soon as I know the outcome of those discussions.
Film Industry
Questions (126)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:126. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will agree to include the Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Act 2007 and the EU copyright directive among the specifically listed relevant legislation to which production companies must comply on the statement they must sign in order to obtain a cultural certificate for section 481 relief; if she will make the provision of a cultural certificate for section 481 relief contingent on a further assurance, as part of the industry development test, that Irish performers will not be subject to lesser terms and conditions regarding their intellectual property rights in comparison with international performers in similar roles when employed on the same project receiving section 481 relief, in line with recommendations 7 and 8 of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight report on section 481 tax relief; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43031/23]
View answerWritten answers
Section 481 tax relief is a vital part of the financial infrastructure of the Irish audiovisual industry. The objectives of the relief are to act as a stimulus to the Irish audiovisual industry in the State, creating quality employment opportunities, upskilling workers across the industry, supporting the production of new audiovisual programming across areas of Irish culture and language.
The report of the Budgetary Oversight Committee on Section 481 – Film Tax Credit contains 14 recommendations. Recommendations 7 and 8 relate to Intellectual Property Rights and Copyright matters. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has responsibility for these issues and his Department is responsible for the transposition of the EU Copyright Directive. Officials from my Department have engaged with the other Departments that have responsibility for various aspects of the Report of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight on Section 481 Film Tax Credit.
Independently, Screen Ireland, the State Body with responsibility for the development of the Irish audiovisual industry, has retained an independent facilitator to meet with key stakeholders to understand and discuss issues that have arisen as a result of and since the transposition into Irish law of the EU Copyright Directive. Stakeholder meetings have been held over recent months and the next phase of the process will involve further engagement with relevant stakeholders.
Raidió Teilifís Éireann
Questions (127)
Róisín Shortall
Question:127. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 415 of 13 July 2023, if, in relation to RTÉ pensioners, many of whom are surviving on low to middle incomes, she intends to sanction RTÉ to release funds so that the pensions' trustees can pay out the pension increase, which has been frozen for a number of years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43088/23]
View answerWritten answers
I previously considered and approved a 2% increase to pensions in payment for RTÉ in May 2022, which was implemented by the Trustees of the RTÉ Pension Scheme in August 2022.
The Trustees subsequently made an application, in September 2022, for a 2.5% increase to pensions in payment, backdated to 1 January 2022. This request has been evaluated by NewERA and I am currently considering it. My recommendation will then be subject to the review and approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The Trustees of the RTÉ Pension scheme also made an application, in September 2023, for a 4.0% increase to pensions in payment, backdated to 1 January 2023. This request has been sent to NewERA for their evaluation and I am awaiting their response.
Housing Schemes
Questions (128, 136)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:128. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funds that are available to someone who is eligible for the full housing aid for the older persons' grant, but where the work done in the house is over the €8,000 maximum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42883/23]
View answerRichard Boyd Barrett
Question:136. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, in view that the grant maximum for housing aid for older people has not gone up in a number of years, he will consider increasing the grant maximum, to fall in line with the increase in costs for essential housing maintenance, such as rewiring, which costs €10-€15,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42882/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 136 together.
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to support the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (maximum grant €30,000), the Mobility Aids Grant (maximum grant €6,000) and the Housing Aid for Older People (maximum grant €8,000).
The income limits and maximum grant amounts payable under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme are underpinned by S.I. 670 of 2007, and amended in 2014 by S.I. No. 104 of 2014.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the grants scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. The review was informed by engagement with external stakeholders, including the Department of Health, the HSE, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association. Written submissions were also invited and considered as part of this process. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds (including the means test provisions) and grant limits, and the application and decision-making processes including the supplementary documentation required.
On foot of my consideration of the Review report, I have asked my Department to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the recommendations in the Review report, and this engagement is ongoing at present.
Housing Schemes
Questions (129)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:129. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what measures are being taken to strengthen the mortgage-to-rent scheme to ensure it is helping those who need it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43143/23]
View answerWritten answers
Both the Programme for Government and Housing for All commit to strengthening the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme and ensuring that it is helping those who need it. Building on the significant amendments already made to the scheme in 2017, the 2021 Review, published on 24 January 2022, examined the impact of these changes and what further changes would benefit those in need of the scheme. While the scheme is performing well, it was assessed that some further enhancements were needed to enable more households in need of State support with their long-term housing needs to avail of this scheme.
Four broad categories of actions are identified in the review, including:
a) Broadening the eligibility criteria;
b) Improving the scheme process, structure and financing;
c) Increasing communication and awareness raising; and
d) Responding to developments around mortgage arrears solutions.
A number of actions have been completed and progress is also being made under other actions within the review.
One key priority action was to broaden the eligibility criteria of the scheme and this was implemented in February 2022. These include changes to the positive equity and property acquisition limits and more flexibility on over-accommodation where a member of the household is aged 65 or over, or has a disability. Also, the increase in the income threshold for social housing has also opened the MTR scheme up to more borrowers because households entering MTR must qualify for social housing support. These changes have enabled borrowers not previously eligible to apply for the scheme.
An advertising campaign on urban and regional buses was conducted during quarter 4 of 2022 under the 'Communication and awareness raising' action and further initiatives to increase awareness of the scheme will be undertaken. There is continued engagement with Abhaile, the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) to disseminate information on the MTR scheme.
My Department, in conjunction with the Housing Agency, is currently running an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process which invited participants from both the private and Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector to put forward their interest in becoming MTR providers who can deliver the scheme at scale. This EOI process is necessary for the long-term sustainability of the scheme and will offer lenders more providers with whom they can engage and process cases with. The results of this process will be announced shortly.
The Cross Sectoral Working Group was established and meetings were held in 2022 with the next meeting due to take place once the EOI process referred to above is fully concluded.
Full details of the recommendations and associated actions are outlined within the 2021 Review of the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme for people who have borrowed from commercial private lending institutions and this review is available on my Department's website under Publications: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed57b-2021-review-of-the-mortgage-to-rent-scheme-for-borrowers-of-commercial-private-lending-institutions/.
My Department is also represented on the newly established long-term mortgage arrears group along with representatives from the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Finance and other stakeholders. The objective of this group is to examine the full suite of measures in place to reduce the number of people in long-term mortgage arrears and to recommend changes to increase the efficacy of these measures where necessary.
Fire Stations
Questions (130, 141)
Niamh Smyth
Question:130. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he or his Department are aware of when the energy upgrade will be completed at Carrickmacross fire station. [43201/23]
View answerNiamh Smyth
Question:141. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43025/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 141 together.
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
In February 2021, my Department approved a request from Cavan County Council to accept a tender for the construction of a new fire station at Ballyjamesduff; the project was fully funded by my Department with capital funding in excess of €1.54 million. That construction project has been completed and the new Ballyjamesduff fire station has been operational since February 2023. I understand it is the intention of the Council to hold an official opening ceremony for the new Ballyjamesduff fire station when a suitable date can be identified.
Energy efficiency is an issue of great importance for all fire authorities, in October 2022 Monaghan County Council sought and were granted capital funding for the replacement of the appliance bay doors at Carrickmacross and Clones fire stations. Those works, which have now been completed, are part of an ongoing series of works that will aid the conservation of energy and complement future thermal mass upgrades to the fire stations. I understand Monaghan County Council have undertaken further works to the heating system at Carrickamacross fire station and have recently submitted a grant application for additional works to the accommodation/welfare facilities at Carrickmacross, Clones and Castleblayney fire stations that are currently under consideration for capital grant assistance.
Any proposal received by my Department requesting further support from the Fire services capital programme is considered with regard to national priorities and the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide.
Waterways Issues
Questions (131, 132)
Bríd Smith
Question:131. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houseboats currently moored on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow navigation; if, in the event the revisions currently proposed to the canals by-laws by Waterways Ireland are adopted, he will outline the projected number of houseboats that will be permitted to moor on these canals; the projected number of current houseboat residents who will lose their homes; the contingency plans that have been made to provide housing for any existing houseboat residents rendered homeless under the new canal by-laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42858/23]
View answerBríd Smith
Question:132. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current mooring fees levied on houseboats moored on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow navigation under the existing canals by-laws; if he will outline, in the event that the revisions currently proposed to the canals by-laws by Waterways Ireland are adopted, the mooring or houseboat permit fees that will be levied on houseboats; the percentage increase which this represents in mooring fees for individual houseboats; the justification for the introduction of such an unprecedented increase in fees under the new canal by-laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42859/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
Waterways Ireland is proposing to update the Shannon Bye-laws and Canal Bye-laws which are more than 30 years old. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have been transformed over these decades. There is an open public consultation on the proposed changes, and all submissions made to that consultation will be considered in framing any future changes to the bye-laws, including in respect of houseboat permits and associated standards. Information on how to make a submissions is available on the Waterways Ireland website at waterwaysireland.org.
The information requested, in respect of the number of houseboats and the fees levied for mooring on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow Navigation, is not held in my Department, however arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost-effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for Waterways Ireland is: ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org.
Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 131.
Waterways Issues
Questions (133)
Bríd Smith
Question:133. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider commissioning a new consultation process in line with the Government’s Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making regarding Waterway Ireland’s proposed revisions to the canals by-laws, in light of the profound and highly disruptive changes which these revisions will effect to the housing security of existing houseboat dwellers, ranging from exponential increases in mooring and-or houseboat permit fees to eviction and homelessness on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal and Barrow navigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42860/23]
View answerWritten answers
Waterways Ireland is proposing to update the Shannon Bye-laws and Canal Bye-laws which are more than 30 years old and no longer fit for purpose. The needs of users have changed, environmental landscape and health and safety considerations have developed significantly and the waterways themselves have been transformed over the past thirty years. The purpose of updating the Bye-laws is to make the waterways safer for those using the waterways, blueways and greenways, and continue to provide a wonderful recreational experience for everyone to enjoy.
A public consultation on draft revisions to the Bye-laws commenced on 19 June 2023 and remains open for submissions. I understand that Waterways Ireland has agreed to extend the consultation closing date to facilitate greater public engagement, and that an announcement will be made so that effect shortly.
The consultation has been advertised widely in the national and local press, across social media channels and online. Eight open public consultation Information events have been held along the waterways. A series of webinars has been held for all elected members of relevant local authorities, the Dáil and Seanad Éireann. Waterways Ireland also held on-line meetings with stakeholders including the Inland Waterways Association Ireland (IWAI), Irish Boat Rental Association (IBRA), Royal Canal Amenity Group (RCAG), Heritage Boat Association (HBA) and others.
The public can learn about the proposed changes and participate in the public consultation in the following ways:
1. Via the Waterways Ireland website www.waterwaysireland.org where the draft Bye-laws and the explanatory notes are available to download.
2. By visiting a public library where copies of the draft Byelaws and explanatory notes are available for review.
The public and interested parties can also make a submission on the draft Bye-laws in the following ways:
- by online survey using the link on the Waterways Ireland website,
- by email to corporate@waterwaysireland.org and/or
- by post to the Inspector of Navigation, The Docks, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.
Following completion of the public consultation, Waterways Ireland will publish the details of all submissions received, including a report on the consultation, on its website and will consider and review all submissions received in making changes and amendments to the draft Bye-laws as appropriate.
The Principles and Guidelines as devised by the Department of Public Enterprise and Reform in 2016 have been followed by Waterways Ireland in respect of the Public Consultation process for the review of the Byelaws.