Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education her estimate of the number of secondary students in each of Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Louth who will benefit from the introduction of free school books next year; the number of primary students that are currently benefitting from free school books in each of the counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44923/23]
View answerAs Minister for Education, I believe it is crucially important that children and young people are actively supported to access education in its fullest forms. This Government recognises that the cost of preparing children for school each September can be a cause of financial difficulty and worry for many Irish families.
As part of Budget 2023, I announced a major investment of over €50 million to provide free schoolbooks in recognised primary schools and special schools. This was a landmark moment in Irish education and one that furthers our goal to provide free education for all and ensure that every child can benefit from free education.
The introduction of this measure directly addressed our commitment under the Programme for Government to commence a free schoolbooks scheme pilot in September 2020 and expand the scheme to schools nationwide, as resources allow.
The Free Primary Schoolbook Scheme has resulted in over 558,000 pupils in over 3,230 recognised primary schools, including over 130 special schools benefitting from free schoolbooks and classroom resources from this September. The number of pupils who benefitted in counties Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Louth under the scheme is 29,772, 18,027, 26,844 and 17,372 respectively or 92,015 overall.
To further the delivery of our important government commitment, last week I announced that funding is allocated under Budget 2024 to extend the free schoolbooks scheme to all students in junior cycle years in public post primary schools. The total funding available for this extension of the scheme is €67 million.
It is estimated that up to 213,000 students, in over 670 schools across all counties, will benefit from this new measure, which will commence from September 2024.
The grant for this scheme will be paid based on the previous year’s validated enrolment figures which for the 2024/25 school year will be the enrolment numbers for the current 2023/24 school year.
The most recent validated enrolment figures which is held by my Department on junior cycle enrolments show that 208,736 students were enrolled in junior cycle years in the 2022/23 school year. The number of students expected to benefit from the Junior Cycle scheme in counties Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Louth under the new scheme is:
• 11,147 in Kildare
• 7,137 in Wicklow
• 9,915 in Meath and
• 7,363 in Louth,
• Or 25,562 overall.
Guidance on the new junior cycle free schoolbooks scheme will be developed over the coming period as part of our engagement process with schools, parent and management bodies and other stakeholders. It will ensure that value for money is achieved, and that schools will be supported to implement the scheme in a way that has the best learning outcomes for junior cycle students. Similar to the scheme at primary level, administrative supports will be provided to schools in order to roll out the scheme.
As Minister for Education, I am acutely aware of the various costs faced by families upon the return of their children to school each September and am confident that this new provision will further and significantly reduce the back to school financial burden for many families.
22. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the details of any engagement her Department has had with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications with regard to the promised multi-annual scheme to provide photovoltaic panels in schools; the details of the scheme; the status of the roll-out of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45050/23]
View answerMy Department has a strong record with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both national and international level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in design and specification.
My Department’s approach to the decarbonisation of the school sector is predicated on establishing a credible phased pathway to zero emissions, and meeting 2030 public sector targets through an evidence based approach, informed by the Department’s Energy Research Programme which has been in place from 1997 with 54 different research strands.
The Department’s primary goal under the School Building Programme is to build a modern and sustainable school infrastructure that provides a place in a safe and inspiring learning physical environment for all students, now and in the future.
Under Project Ireland 2040, in excess of €5 billion will be invested in school infrastructure during the period 2021 to 2025.
As part of our overall approach to sustainability in the school estate, it is intended that 6 kilowatt solar PV panels will be provided to schools, funded from the Climate Action Fund, which is under the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
This is really positive for our schools and will assist with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.
My Department has been engaging regularly with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications over the last year to prepare for the roll-out of this programme. This has involved discussions around issues such as the scope of the scheme, the detail of what is included in the PV installation package, and compliance with the requirements of the Climate Action Fund.
The Department of Education has also been working to develop the strategic and operational management approach to ensure that the scheme can be rolled out smoothly to primary and post primary schools. This has included review of implementation strategies, procurement options and costings.
The scheme will fund 6 kilowatts of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels. Connection to the grid will be included, to allow unused solar energy to feed to the grid when schools are closed. This will enable schools to be compensated for renewable exports to the grid.
Monitoring software will also be provided to each school, to allow review and discussion of the energy generated each day for staff and students.
It is intended that the scheme will be implemented using my Department’s geographic information system (GIS) to support efficient rollout. This will provide a user friendly on-line mechanism for schools interacting with the Department on this solar scheme.
This will be the first capital delivery programme of its kind to be implemented using GIS as the interface between schools and the Department. As a result, considerable work has been ongoing in my Department in developing the GIS platform and interface.
It has been agreed in principle between the two Departments that the solar PV programme will be rolled out to schools in phases.
I am pleased to advise that we remain on track to launch the first phase of the scheme this quarter and we expect all schools to have the opportunity to apply on a phased basis between Q4 2023 and the end of 2024. Officials from my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications are currently working to finalise all details of the scheme.
I look forward to being in a position to make a more detailed announcement in conjunction with Ministers Ryan and Smyth in the coming weeks.
23. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education if she will consider changing the qualifying criteria with regard to the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45075/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/23 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 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.
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.
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.
Under the current terms of the scheme, pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible. Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level are being continued for the current school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Undoubtedly, the School Transport Scheme is of huge importance to families. It has been conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately. Considering how to best maximise the benefits now and into the future has been a significant factor in the ongoing review of the Scheme.
The school transport scheme has been in operation for over 55 years, since its establishment in 1967, and this review is one of the most extensive investigations that has been carried out into the Scheme since then.
There has been extensive consultation with parents, students, providers, and other key stakeholders, as part of this engagement we consulted with families who use the scheme, who would like to use the scheme and also with young people with special educational needs and mainstream students. The results from the stakeholder engagement with parents and children illustrated the importance of school transport to families with most indicating it is a safe and reliable service which helps families to live and work in rural Ireland. Another important finding of the stakeholder engagement process was that the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme supports many children in attending specialist school placements which they may otherwise may not be able to attend.
An analysis of school transport schemes in other jurisdictions was also conducted as part of this stakeholder engagement and review process including the EU, the UK, the United States and Australia. This research and analysis outlined the evidence in terms of the need for a school transport service in an Irish context compared to some comparative countries as well as an analysis of the costs to users of school transport services in some other jurisdictions.
The Technical Working Group and the Steering Group have recently completed their work on the final report of the review. This final report includes recommendations on the future operation of the scheme. The report is being submitted by the Steering Group for my consideration.
I am aware that this review is much-awaited, it is recognised that there are improvements which need to be made to the scheme and I know the importance of doing so. I expect to be in a position shortly to bring the review to government, and further to government approval, the review will be published.
24. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education her estimate of the number of secondary students in each of Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford who will benefit from the introduction of free school books next year; the number of primary students that are currently benefitting from free school books in each of the counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44928/23]
View answerAs Minister for Education, I believe it is crucially important that children and young people are actively supported to access education in its fullest forms. This Government recognises that the cost of preparing children for school each September can be a cause of financial difficulty and worry for many Irish families.
As part of Budget 2023, I announced a major investment of over €50 million to provide free schoolbooks in recognised primary schools and special schools. This was a landmark moment in Irish education and one that furthers our goal to provide free education for all and ensure that every child can benefit from free education.
The introduction of this measure directly addressed our commitment under the Programme for Government to commence a free schoolbooks scheme pilot in September 2020 and expand the scheme to schools nationwide, as resources allow.
The Free Primary Schoolbook Scheme has resulted in over 558,000 pupils in over 3,230 recognised primary schools, including over 130 special schools benefitting from free schoolbooks and classroom resources from this September. The number of pupils who benefitted in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford under the scheme is:
• 7,678 in Carlow
• 11,269 in Kilkenny
• 18,481 in Wexford and
• 14,205 in Waterford, or 51,452 overall..
To further the delivery of our important government commitment, last week I announced that funding is allocated under Budget 2024 to extend the free schoolbooks scheme to all students in junior cycle years in public post primary schools. The total funding available for this extension of the scheme is €67 million.
It is estimated that up to 213,000 students, in over 670 schools across all counties, will benefit from this new measure, which will commence from September 2024.
The grant for this scheme will be paid based on the previous year’s validated enrolment figures which for the 2024/25 school year will be the enrolment numbers for the current 2023/24 school year.
The most recent validated enrolment figures which is held by my Department on junior cycle enrolments show that 208,736 students were enrolled in junior cycle years in the 2022/23 school year. The number of students expected to benefit in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford under the new scheme is 3541, 4460, 7715 and 5484 respectively, or 21,200 overall.
Guidance on the new junior cycle free schoolbooks scheme will be developed over the coming period as part of our engagement process with schools, parent and management bodies and other stakeholders. It will ensure that value for money is achieved, and that schools will be supported to implement the scheme in a way that has the best learning outcomes for junior cycle students. Similar to the scheme at primary level, administrative supports will be provided to schools in order to roll out the scheme.
As Minister for Education, I am acutely aware of the various costs faced by families upon the return of their children to school each September and am confident that this new provision will further and significantly reduce the back to school financial burden for many families.
25. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to ensure that the Climate Programme by the schools buildings unit will take cognisance of the impact of emissions generated from the siting of new schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45095/23]
View answerThe designation of school sites to serve new and expanding communities is the function of Local Authorities through the statutory development plan process.
My Department’s Statutory Plans Co-ordinating Unit actively engages with the Statutory Planning process to ensure that sufficient land is zoned to provide appropriate sites for new school buildings. It is within the Local Authority’s remit to ensure that land is appropriately zoned for educational purposes. The Code of Practice under the Planning Acts and the Memorandum of Understanding provide for co-operation between Local Authorities and my Department in respect of schools.
Sites that are zoned for schools need to be appropriately located in order to maximise sustainable travel modes, in order to meet targets in the Climate Action Plan.
The Local Authorities take my Department's requirements along with other social, community and economic requirements, including housing need, into consideration when forming a development plan. A climate action strategy forms part of the development plan. Measures under this strategy would include the provision of sustainable travel links between residential areas and schools as part of Active Travel networks.
My Department has published guidelines to assist in the identification and assessment for suitability, of new sites for schools, where the procurement of a new site is required.
The relevant guidelines are TGD-025 for Primary School site identification and TGD-027 for Post-Primary site identification. All technical guidelines are available on the gov.ie website.
These guidance documents recommend that as part of the evaluation of site suitability, a number of factors are taken into account including zoning, existing services, site orientation, topography, transport and access.
The school site selection process is supported by a Site Acquisition Management consultancy team. This team provides a report to officials in my Department, identifying potential school sites. The suitability of these sites is ranked based on a number of criteria including:
• Zoning and Development Plan Provisions,
• Accessibility and Sustainable Transport Modes,
• Proximity to the population to be served, and
• Proximity to services.
My Department also engages with Local Authorities to seek their views when evaluating identified shortlisted sites. This then informs which sites should undergo further technical appraisal.
When a school site is acquired and a building project is progressed, the school design is submitted for Planning Permission to the Local Authority. The Local Authority evaluates the environmental impact of the school development and links to sustainable transport as part of the planning process.
Climate impact is also a key feature of school design. For example, the orientation of school buildings on a new site is planned to maximise the potential of passive solar gain available. This can have a significant impact on the running costs and climate impact of a school building.
My Department is conscious of the emissions impact of the location of new school sites and works with Local Authorities to select the optimum location for schools to serve the educational requirements of an area, while minimising the Climate impact.
26. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education her plans to review primary school class sizes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45099/23]
View answerBudget 2024 has provided for an unprecedented €10.5 billion investment in Education and Schools in Budget 2024 which includes an increase of €421 million in core current funding, as well as over €80 million in core capital funding. An additional €170 million is also being provided as part of Cost of Living and COVID-19 supports. These additional funds build on significant increases in recent budgets and further enhance the investment in Ireland’s primary and post-primary education system. The significant increased investment is the largest Education budget in the history of the state and reflects government’s commitment to a quality inclusive school system and improved learning outcomes for every student.
In the 3 previous Budgets, I prioritised reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the lowest level ever seen at primary level. A three point reduction in the retention schedule, which I introduced in 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts. I also improved teacher allocations for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools which now stand at an average of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively.
The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratio shows an improved ratio of teachers to pupils from 15.7:1 to 13.4:1 at primary level when comparing the 2016/17 school year to the 2022/23 school year. In the same period the primary staffing schedule improved from 27:1 to 24:1. Average class sizes at primary improved from 24.6 to 22.8 in the same period. The improvements brought about by Budget 2023 for this school year will be available in the statistical reports published at the end of the school year.
27. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Education how much the increased capitation announced in Budget 2024 will be worth to schools in each of Cork and Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44926/23]
View answer43. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Education how much the increased capitation announced in Budget 2024 will be worth to schools in each of Offaly, Laois, Longford and Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44922/23]
View answer50. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education how much the increased capitation announced in Budget 2024 will be worth to schools in each of Kildare, Wicklow, Meath and Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44924/23]
View answer55. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education how much the increased capitation announced in Budget 2024 will be worth to schools in each of Limerick, Clare and Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44920/23]
View answer239. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education how much the increased capitation announced in Budget 2024 will be worth to schools in each of Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44952/23]
View answer241. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education how much the increased capitation announced in Budget 2024 will be worth to schools in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44973/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 43, 50, 55, 239 and 241 together.
It gives me great pleasure to have secured €10.5 billion in total funding for Education in Budget 2024. This significant increase in funding ensures that the total budget is at the highest ever for our primary and post primary schools. The funding will ensure continued reduced costs for families; it will continue to tackle disadvantage and it will provide further supports to safeguard inclusive education for all school communities.
This year’s Budget will provide targeted funding for school communities with an increase in capitation of over €81 million.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €183 per pupil at Primary level and at post primary the standard rate is €316 per student for voluntary secondary schools. The standard capitation rates are different for Community and Comprehensive schools as well as those in the ETB sector as these schools are funded via budgets.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2024 I am pleased to have secured €21 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This will support a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools from September 2024. This will bring the basic rate of capitation to €200 per student in primary schools and to €345 in voluntary secondary schools. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates.
The €81million secured for capitation also includes €60 million as part of the Cost of Living measures in Budget 2024. All recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the Free Education scheme will benefit from this additional capitation funding which will be paid at an average rate of €49 per pupil at Primary level and €75 at Post-Primary level. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs.
Schools also receive an Ancillary Services Grant. The standard rate is €173 per pupil in Primary schools and €224.50 per student in Post-Primary schools.
Primary schools with less than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. At Post-Primary level, schools with less than 200 students receive ancillary related grants on the basis of having 200 students.
The amount of Capitation funding which issues to Primary and Post Primary schools is not maintained by my Department on a county basis.
Schools also receive a range of other grants including Book Grants, Programme grants etc. For the 2023/24 school year I introduced a landmark new scheme that signifies a new chapter in Irish primary education to provide free school books for all primary and special school pupils. The total free primary book grant amount paid to date in 2023 is €53.5m.
I am very pleased to say that I have secured funding to extend the free school books scheme to junior cycle students from the start of the next school year in September 2024. The total funding available for this extension of the scheme is €67 million.
I understand the need for increased capitation funding and I am pleased that I have been able to provide for significant increases in capitation funding for primary and post-primary schools in Budget 2024 which includes also a permanent restoration of capitation funding as well as an increase for cost of living pressures.
28. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the degree to which she will ensure the widest possible availability of school transport in Kildare north, with particular reference to the ongoing issues that have arisen in this area at the beginning of each academic year in the past three years to date where some children who have previously had concessionary tickets have been refused the continuation of their ticket; if she will ensure that no child who requires this urgent service, is left without a way to school, particularly where a local demand exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45019/23]
View answerThe 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 4,500 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.
As with most, if not all, government schemes, there are criteria governing the operation of the scheme. 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.
Under the terms of the scheme, the availability of concessionary transport varies from year to year based on the capacity on the buses running on all of the various routes and the number of eligible children accommodated on each route.
In addition, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level are being continued for the current school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will be provided where routes are in place and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
If families have applied to attend their nearest school in regards to ethos and language and have been advised by the school authorities that it is full, my Department will consider if students can be deemed eligible for transport to the next nearest school.
To establish that the nearest school is full parents must provide:-
• The detailed steps taken to enrol children in the nearest and next nearest schools
• Evidence that an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school and
• A letter from the School Authorities confirming that the school was full at the time of enrolment.
Families can submit details to the School Transport Section in the Department of Education at school_transport@education.gov.ie.
As you are aware, my Department undertook to complete a review of the School Transport Scheme. The review has been 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 steering group is due to issue a final report which includes recommendations on the future of the school transport scheme. The review will then be brought to government shortly, once approved, the review will be published.
29. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education how she intends progressing separation of church and State in the education system; the funding that was provided for this in the Budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45016/23]
View answerThe Programme for Government reflects the Government’s objective of continuing to expand the plurality of schools to reflect the full breadth of society. It sets out that “students of all religions and none should have access to education, regardless of their belief system”.
The Programme for Government commitments in this area include:
• “Achieve the target of at least 400 multi-denominational primary schools by 2030, to improve parental choice”;
• “Expand and prioritise the transfer of viable schools to Community National Schools”;
• ”Work with communities to ensure the provision of clear, non-partisan information on the preparation for, and the consequences of, the divestment process and to respond to queries raised”.
In recent years there has been considerable progress towards increasing the numbers of multi-denominational primary schools. There are 168 primary schools with a multi-denominational or inter-denominational ethos.
For historical reasons, most primary schools are State-aided parish schools, with the local Bishop as patron, although this pattern is changing. It is recognised, including by the Catholic patrons, that more diverse provision is required to cater for our changing society.
The Schools Reconfiguration for Diversity process, supporting transfers of schools to multi-denominational patrons in response to the wishes of local communities, has been developed in order to accelerate the delivery of multi-denominational schools. When a school transfers from the patronage of one patron to another, the school remains open with the same roll number and operating from the same school property. All State-funded primary schools follow a common national curriculum and are subject to the same Department rules and regulations.
In March 2022 I announced that arrangements were being put in place in a number of towns and areas of cities that had no multi-denominational primary schools to identify potential schools and to engage with school authorities, school staff and the school communities with a view to agreeing on a transfer of patronage and change of ethos, where there was sufficient demand for this.
The engagement at local level across the pilot areas was largely concluded at the end of Q1 2023. Two schools, Cornamaddy National School in Athlone and St. Enda’s Primary School in Whitefriar Street, Dublin 8, have transferred from Catholic patronage to the local Education and Training Board, becoming multi-denominational community national schools. My Department is hopeful that there will be a number of other transfers of patronage and change of ethos to multi-denominational in the short term.
As this was a pilot process it was always intended to review its operation and examine any lessons. The review is looking at the engagement with the school communities as well as taking on board the views of the facilitators and the feedback from parents and staff of schools involved in the pilot. My Department is engaging with representatives of the Catholic patrons and representatives of the main multi-denominational patron bodies, as part of this work.
The review is considering any lessons, including the aspects that worked well, the elements that can be improved upon and the process for providing multi-denominational options for parents in other towns and areas of the country going forward.
Following consultation with relevant stakeholders, it is intended that the review of the structured engagement process in the pilot areas will be finalised and published in Q4 2023. It is envisaged that it will include a strategy and framework for delivering on the Government commitment for increasing multi-denominational provision. Any costs involved with delivering on this strategy are not expected to be significant and will be managed within my Department's overall allocation and are not therefore a specific issue for Budget 2024.
My Department is currently exploring the practicalities of a potential survey of primary schools in relation to reconfiguration and details will be announced in due course.
My goal remains to establish a strong process, that has the support of patrons and local communities, and which will enable us to continue to increase the number of multi-denominational primary schools across the country.
30. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education the way her Department is supporting the creation of teaching qualifications for teachers of special education; her further plans, if any, in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40385/23]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
Providing inclusive education to children with special educational needs is a fundamental principle of my Department’s education and training system. This principle is put into practice through the policies of my Department and the Teaching Council and the supports provided to schools, for example through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
Inclusive education (including Special Education) was a mandatory element of initial teacher education (ITE) programmes which were extended and reconceptualised under Initial Teacher Education: Criteria and Guidelines for Programme Providers (Teaching Council, 2011). Within further updated standards which the Teaching Council adopted in 2020, known as Céim Standards for Initial Teacher Education, inclusive education is further strengthened as one of seven core elements which must underpin all aspects of programmes of ITE.
Inclusive education, as defined in Céim, refers to any aspect of teachers’ learning which aims to
• Improve their capacity to address and respond to the diversity of learners’ needs – which specifically includes the needs of children with autism;
• Remove barriers to education through the accommodation and provision of appropriate structures and arrangements
• Enable each learner to achieve the maximum benefit from his/her attendance at school.
By including these as core elements, the Council has taken a high-level approach to ensuring that they inform every aspect of programme design.
As part of the review and accreditation process, all programmes of initial teacher education will have to provide evidence of how the core elements are explored and examined with student teachers during the course of their programme.
All new and existing ITE programmes have been realigned with Céim for first year student teachers as of September 2022. All other ITE programmes are undergoing the accreditation process under the new standards, due to be complete by the end of this year.
In March of this year, I also launched a Policy Statement on Initial Teacher Education, which looks to build on the work carried out to enhance inclusive education under Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education. I have asked the Teaching Council to provide a report on how the core element of inclusive education has been included in initial teacher education, which will be provided in Q2 2024.
This will allow us to progress other actions agreed as part of my Policy Statement on Initial Teacher Education.
In addition to the focus on inclusive education through initial teacher education for all primary and post-primary teachers, my Department also provides a range of professional learning supports through the National Council for Special Education and dedicated post-graduate programmes for teachers working with students with special educational needs.
On an annual basis, my Department provides funding for two distinct categories of post-graduate programmes for Special Education Teachers:
• The Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Continuing Professional Development for Special Education Teachers.
• Graduate Certificate in the Education of Pupils on the Autism Spectrum.
Their overarching purpose is to provide opportunities to teachers working in special education to gain additional specialist qualifications to support their work. The aim of the programmes is to provide substantial theoretical and practical continuing professional development for teachers working with students with special educational needs, contributing to the school’s overall capacity to meet the needs of pupils with special education needs, including autism.
In 2022, circa €726k was provided for these programmes to provide for over 300 places.
These programmes have been in place for over a decade, meaning thousands of teachers have availed of them. Prioritising investment in the broad range of supports for SEN in schools, including consideration of expansion of the postgraduate programmes, is a matter that is kept under constant review.
31. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to address the barriers to the take-up of funding for and delivery of solar panels on schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45096/23]
View answerMy Department has a strong record with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both national and international level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in design and specification.
My Department’s approach to the decarbonisation of the school sector is predicated on establishing a credible phased pathway to zero emissions, and meeting 2030 public sector targets through an evidence based approach, informed by the Department’s Energy Research Programme which has been in place from 1997 with fifty four different research strands.
The Department’s primary goal under the School Building Programme is to build a modern and sustainable school infrastructure that provides a place in a safe and inspiring learning physical environment for all students, now and in the future.
Under Project Ireland 2040, in excess of €5 billion will be invested in school infrastructure during the period 2021 to 2025.
As part of our overall approach to sustainability in the school estate, it is intended that 6 kilowatt solar PV panels will be provided to schools, funded from the Climate Action Fund, which is under the remit of the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
This is really positive for our schools and will assist with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.
My Department has been engaging regularly with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications over the last year to prepare for the roll-out of this programme. This has involved discussions around issues such as the scope of the scheme, the detail of what is included in the PV installation package, and compliance with the requirements of the Climate Action Fund.
The Department of Education has also been working to develop the strategic and operational management approach to ensure that the scheme can be rolled out smoothly to primary and post primary schools. This has included review of implementation strategies, procurement options and costings.
The scheme will fund 6 kilowatts of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels. Connection to the grid will be included, to allow unused solar energy to feed to the grid when schools are closed. This will enable schools to be compensated for renewable exports to the grid.
Monitoring software will also be provided to each school, to allow review and discussion of the energy generated each day for staff and students.
32. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she envisages a situation where schools in this country will not be reliant on charity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45017/23]
View answerIt gives me great pleasure to have secured €10.5 billion in total funding for Education in Budget 2024. This significant increase in funding ensures that the total budget is at the highest ever for our primary and post primary schools. The funding will ensure continued reduced costs for families; it will continue to tackle disadvantage and it will provide further supports to safeguard inclusive education for all school communities.
This year’s Budget will provide targeted funding for school communities with an increase in capitation of over €81 million.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €183 per pupil at Primary level and at post primary the standard rate is €316 per student for voluntary secondary schools. The standard capitation rates are different for Community and Comprehensive schools as well as those in the ETB sector as these schools are funded via budgets.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2024 I am pleased to have secured €21 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This will support a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools from September 2024. This will bring the basic rate of capitation to €200 per student in primary schools and to €345 in voluntary secondary schools. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates.
The €81 million secured for capitation also includes €60 million as part of the Cost of Living measures in Budget 2024. All recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the Free Education scheme will benefit from this additional capitation funding which will be paid at an average rate of €49 per pupil at Primary level and €75 at Post-Primary level. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs.
Schools also receive an Ancillary Services Grant. The standard rate is €173 per pupil in Primary schools and €224.50 per student in Post-Primary schools.
Primary schools with less than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. At Post-Primary level, schools with less than 200 students receive ancillary related grants on the basis of having 200 students.
Schools also receive a range of other grants including Book Grants, Programme grants etc. For the 2023/24 school year I introduced a landmark new scheme that signifies a new chapter in Irish primary education to provide free school books for all primary and special school pupils. The total free primary book grant amount paid to date in 2023 is €53.5m.
I am very pleased to say that I have secured funding to extend the free school books scheme to junior cycle students from the start of the next school year in September 2024. The total funding available for this extension of the scheme is €67 million.
The Education (Admissions to schools) Act 2018, section 64 explicitly prohibits the charging of admission and enrolment fees for admission to or for continued enrolment in a school, with some exceptions such as boarding or fee charging schools. This section was commenced in October 2018.
Voluntary contributions can be requested by schools, however it must be made absolutely clear to parents that there is no requirement to pay, and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own choice, and there is no compulsion to pay.
I am pleased that I have been able to provide for significant increases in funding to support primary and post-primary schools in Budget 2024.
33. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on progress on the new school building for a school (details supplied) which she visited in 2022. [44806/23]
View answerThe project for Tallaght Community School is included in my Department’s Construction Programme.
The brief for this project is to provide a new 1,000 pupil post primary school and accommodation, including 6 classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
The project will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning, to Tender and Construction.
The Department will keep the school and its patron body informed of the progression of this project.
34. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education the plans that are in place to improve the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45025/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/23 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 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.
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.
Under the current terms of the scheme, pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible. Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level are being continued for the current school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
As you are aware, my Department undertook to complete a review of the School Transport Scheme. The review has been 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 Technical Working Group and the Steering Group have recently completed their work on the final report of the review. This final report includes recommendations on the future operation of the scheme. The report is being submitted by the Steering Group for my consideration.
35. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education for an update on the review into school transport. [44909/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/23 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 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.
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.
Under the current terms of the scheme, pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible. Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level are being continued for the current school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
As you are aware, my Department undertook to complete a review of the School Transport Scheme. The review has been 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 steering group is due to issue a final report which includes recommendations on the future of the school transport scheme. The review will then be brought to government shortly, once approved, the review will be published.
36. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the measures that were included in the Budget to address the recruitment and retention crisis for teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45015/23]
View answerEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
Budget 2024 contains a range of measures that demonstrates my commitment to continued investment in our education system. In addition to numerous actions I have taken in recent years to address teacher supply, a number of specific, targeted measures will be introduced with the new funding provided.
These include a professional masters of education (PME) incentive scheme, funding for additional teacher upskilling programmes, and increasing the number of posts of responsibility.
• A professional masters of education (PME) incentive scheme will be introduced for newly qualified teachers graduating in May 2024. Those newly qualified teachers who graduate with a PME will, subject to some conditions, be eligible for an incentive payment of up to €2,000. This incentive payment will be paid to eligible primary and post primary teachers in 2025. It will recognise the costs that PME students incur when completing their initial teacher education, assist them with these costs and encourage suitable candidates to consider a career in teaching.
• Additionally, there will be an expansion in the number of upskilling programmes available. These programmes, which are free to teachers, increase the number of teachers who are qualified to teach in-demand subjects and reduce the level of out of field teaching. These new upskilling programmes in Irish, French, politics & society, and computer science will be in addition to existing upskilling programmes in maths, physics and Spanish.
• Also, an additional 1,000 posts of responsibility will be provided in the school system for the 2024/25 school year. This is in recognition that school leaders play a key role in improving educational outcomes by creating a positive school climate and environment as well as motivating and empowering educators and learners within their school communities.
Teaching remains an attractive career choice. CAO first preference choices for post-primary teaching increased this year by 14%, in addition to a 9% increase in 2022.
While schools in certain locations are experiencing challenges in both recruiting teachers and obtaining substitute teachers, the vast majority of sanctioned teacher positions are filled. The rate of resignation and retirement is very low by any standard, and is consistent with previous years.
My Department continues to engage closely with school management bodies, teacher unions and other education stakeholders to develop further, innovative measures to address teacher supply issues.
These new measures are in addition to a range of targeted measures that I have introduced in recent times, including:
• At primary level, I approved 610 additional places on initial teacher education programmes for this and the next academic year (2023/24 and 2024/25).
• I recently met with the primary teacher initial education providers on continuing existing flexibilities that enable student teachers to support schools, either while on placement, or in a substitute capacity. In 2023, more than 2,700 student teachers registered with the Teaching Council and provided valuable support to schools as substitute teachers.
• Restrictions on job-sharing teachers from working as substitutes have been reduced. These teachers may be employed to work as substitutes during the period they are rostered off duty.
• Limits on substitute work applying to teachers on career break have also been suspended.
• Post-primary teachers can provide up to 35 additional hours of substitute cover per term in the subject they are qualified to teach.
The teacher allocation ratio in primary schools is now at the lowest ever seen at primary level. The average student-per-teacher ratio in primary schools reduced by 10% between 2017 and 2023.Teaching remains an attractive career choice. CAO first preference choices for post-primary teaching increased this year by 14%, in addition to a 9% increase in 2022. While schools in certain locations are experiencing challenges in both recruiting teachers and obtaining substitute teachers, the vast majority of sanctioned teacher positions are filled. The rate of resignation and retirement is very low by any standard, and is consistent with previous years.
My Department continues to engage closely with school management bodies, teacher unions and other education stakeholders to develop further, innovative measures.
37. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education the funding schemes that are available to secondary schools this academic year to help them with the purchase of musical equipment for students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45011/23]
View answerMy 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.
I was pleased to announce that, as part of Budget 2024, over €20 million in additional capitation funding will be available to assist schools now and in longer term with increased day-to-day running costs, bringing the basic rate of capitation to €345 per students in post-primary schools. In addition, I have also secured an additional €60 million in cost of living supports, which will be paid to all primary and post-primary schools in the free scheme.
The Deputy may wish to note that my Department also provides funding annually to Music Generation, a national music education programme whose mission is to empower children and young people to realise their full potential through access to, and participation in, high quality performance music education. Music Generation achieves this through the work of Local Music Education Partnerships across the country, primarily led by Education and Training Boards in partnership with Local Authorities. The funding provided by Music Generation may be used by the local partners for the purchase of musical instruments to enable the provision of performance music education to children and young people. Local Music Education Partnerships, primarily led by Education and Training Boards in partnership with Local Authorities, may determine how much of the available funding to invest in musical instruments, depending on the need identified in their area.
38. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education to outline the amount the capitulation funding will be increased for schools on a per student basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45093/23]
View answerIt gives me great pleasure to have secured €10.5 billion in total funding for Education in Budget 2024. This significant increase in funding ensures that the total budget is at the highest ever for our primary and post primary schools. The funding will ensure continued reduced costs for families; it will continue to tackle disadvantage and it will provide further supports to safeguard inclusive education for all school communities.
This year’s Budget will provide targeted funding for school communities with an increase in capitation of over €81 million.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €183 per pupil at Primary level and at post primary the standard rate is €316 per student for voluntary secondary schools. The standard capitation rates are different for Community and Comprehensive schools as well as those in the ETB sector as these schools are funded via budgets.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2024 I am pleased to have secured €21 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This will support a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools from September 2024. This will bring the basic rate of capitation to €200 per student in primary schools and to €345 in voluntary secondary schools. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates.
The €81 million secured for capitation also includes €60 million as part of the Cost of Living measures in Budget 2024. All recognised Primary and Post-Primary schools in the Free Education scheme will benefit from this additional capitation funding which will be paid at an average rate of €49 per pupil at Primary level and €75 at Post-Primary level. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs.
Schools also receive an Ancillary Services Grant. The standard rate is €173 per pupil in Primary schools and €224.50 per student in Post-Primary schools.
Primary schools with less than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. At Post-Primary level, schools with less than 200 students receive ancillary related grants on the basis of having 200 students.
Schools also receive a range of other grants including Book Grants, Programme grants etc. For the 2023/24 school year I introduced a landmark new scheme that signifies a new chapter in Irish primary education to provide free school books for all primary and special school pupils. The total free primary book grant amount paid to date in 2023 is €53.5m.
I am very pleased to say that I have secured funding to extend the free school books scheme to junior cycle students from the start of the next school year in September 2024. The total funding available for this extension of the scheme is €67 million.
I understand the need for increased capitation funding and I am pleased that I have been able to provide for significant increases in capitation funding for primary and post-primary schools in Budget 2024 which includes also a permanent restoration of capitation funding as well as an increase for cost of living pressures.
39. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the timeline for the publication of the school transport review; if a new system will be implemented by her Department ahead of the 2024/2025 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45098/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/23 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 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.
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.
Under the current terms of the scheme, pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible. Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level are being continued for the current school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
As you are aware, my Department undertook to complete a review of the School Transport Scheme. The review has been 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 Technical Working Group and the Steering Group have recently completed their work on the final report of the review. This final report includes recommendations on the future operation of the scheme. The report is being submitted by the Steering Group for my consideration.
40. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Education the number of children that will benefit from the expanded free school book scheme, as announced under Budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45076/23]
View answerAs Minister for Education, I believe it is crucially important that children and young people are actively supported to access education in its fullest forms. This Government recognises that the cost of preparing children for school each September can be a cause of financial difficulty and worry for many Irish families.
As part of Budget 2023, I announced a major investment of over €50 million to provide free schoolbooks in recognised primary schools and special schools. This was a landmark moment in Irish education and one that furthers our goal to provide free education for all and ensure that every child can benefit from free education.
The introduction of this measure directly addressed our commitment under the Programme for Government to commence a free schoolbooks scheme pilot in September 2020 and expand the scheme to schools nationwide, as resources allow.
The Free Primary Schoolbook Scheme has resulted in over 558,000 pupils in over 3,230 recognised primary schools, including over 130 special schools benefitting from free schoolbooks and classroom resources from this September.
To further the delivery of our important government commitment, last week I announced that funding is allocated under Budget 2024 to extend the free schoolbooks scheme to all students in junior cycle years in public post primary schools. The total funding available for this extension of the scheme is €67 million.
The grant for this scheme will be paid based on the previous year’s validated enrolment figures which, for the 2024/25 school year, will be the enrolment numbers for the current 2023/24 school year.
The most recent validated enrolment figures which is held by my Department on junior cycle enrolments show that 208,736 students were enrolled in junior cycle years in the 2022/23 school year.
It is estimated that up to 213,000 students, in over 670 schools across all counties, will benefit from this new measure, which will commence from September 2024.
Guidance on the new junior cycle free schoolbooks scheme will be developed over the coming period as part of our engagement process with schools, parent and management bodies and other stakeholders. It will ensure that value for money is achieved, and that schools will be supported to implement the scheme in a way that has the best learning outcomes for junior cycle students. Similar to the scheme at primary level, administrative supports will be provided to schools in order to roll out the scheme.
As Minister for Education, I am acutely aware of the various costs faced by families upon the return of their children to school each September and am confident that this new provision will further and significantly reduce the back to school financial burden for many families.
