Written Answers Nos. 203-212
203. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education the terms of reference for the working group charged with developing policy on students who are exceptionally able or gifted; the membership of the working group; if she agrees that parents or guardians of students who are exceptionally able or gifted ought to be represented on the group; when the group will report to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46034/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the internal working group was established following the Chief Inspector's 2016 - 2020 Report that raised concerns about provision for exceptionally able students. It was decided that my Department needed to formulate an overarching policy on supporting students with exceptional ability.
The group consists of representatives from the following sections and organisations;
• Special Education Section
• Curriculum and Assessment Policy Unit (CAP)
• The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)
• The Department of Education Inspectorate
• The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) (2 Representatives – one primary, one post-primary)
• The National Council For Special Education (NCSE)
• OIDE (Representing JCT and PDST) (2 Representatives – one primary, one post-primary)
The Group has been tasked with, inter alia, the following:
• Scoping out existing supports for students with exceptional abilities
• Examining how other education systems provide for students with exceptional abilities
• Devising guidance for schools
• Reviewing draft guidelines for teachers on meeting the needs of students with exceptional abilities published by the NCCA in 2007.
The group is currently reviewing extensive research from a number of countries to determine best practice in this area. Once this work is completed it is hoped that the Group will be in a position to make recommendations to me on the next steps in the process.
I want to assure the Deputy that prior to the implementation of any new policy my Department engages in extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders including parents representatives.
204. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education her estimate of the number of secondary students in counties Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal that will benefit from the introduction of free school books next year; the number of primary students that are currently benefiting from free school books in each of the counties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46042/23]
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 Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal under the scheme is 10,177, 7,923, 3,842, 7,555 and 19,071 respectively or 48,568 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 Cavan, Monaghan. Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal under the new scheme is:
• 3,612 in Cavan
• 2,992 in Monaghan
• 1,557 in Leitrim
• 2,798 Sligo and
• 7,895 in Donegal,
• Or 18,854 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.
205. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education how much the increased capitation announced in budget 2024 will be worth to schools in counties Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46043/23]
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 €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 €73 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.
206. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she considers it acceptable that a premises used by Medmark for workplace health and safety assessments on behalf of her Department is not accessible to those with mobility issues; if she will ensure that Medmark is compliant with Article 15 of the General Data Protection Regulation, which grants individuals the right to request a copy of their personal data being processed by controllers, as well as other relevant information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46050/23]
View answerAn Occupational Health Strategy is in place as a supportive resource for staff and leaders in schools. The aim of this strategy is to promote the health and well-being of employees in the workplace, with a focus primarily on prevention rather than cure. The Occupational Health Strategy comprises the Employee Assistance Service and the Occupational Health Service (OHS).
The OHS is in place to provide employers with occupational health advice in relation to employees’ (teachers, SNAs, and other specific non-teaching staff) medical fitness for work. It incorporates pre-employment health assessments, sickness absence referrals, assessments of medical fitness for work and ill health retirement assessments.
The OHS provider, contracted by the Department, is the sole recognised provider of independent medical advice for employees’ (teachers, SNAs, and other specific non-teaching staff) and employers. The current OHS provider is Medmark Occupational Healthcare Ltd.
Medmark have informed the Department that the premises specified is a ‘listed building’ which is not suitable to be modified to allow for wheelchair access. Medmark therefore have an arrangement in place with a neighbouring building to readily facilitate assessments to those with mobility issues on request.
Medmark is governed by the Data Protection Acts 1988 to 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Officials in my Department will undertake to raise this issue with them.
207. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to clarify if her Department is working to establish a dedicated mitigation fund for downstream businesses in counties Offaly, Laois and elsewhere impacted by the lack of hotel and guesthouse beds and accommodation that are currently being utilised for international protection applicants or beneficiaries of temporary protection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45982/23]
View answerThe tourism sector continues to play a significant role in supporting the State’s humanitarian effort in response to the unjust Russian war against Ukraine.
In June 2023, Fáilte Ireland carried out a detailed analysis of data provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) concerning the bed stock under contract to accommodate Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection applicants and established that around 13 to 14% of all Fáilte Ireland registered tourism bed stock is currently under contract to the State. An additional quantum of non-registered tourism-tupe accommodation stock is also contracted.
The data identified that, in five counties, more than 20% of the registered stock is used for humanitarian purposes, peaking at 33% in County Clare. The analysis shows that, in certain counties, such as Offaly, Mayo, Leitrim, Meath and Clare, the scale of accommodation stock displacement is significant and is a factor in downstream economic impacts.
Recent research undertaken by Fáilte Ireland looked at the impact of stock displacement on tourist attraction and activity providers operating within those regions most affected. The overall findings are that most attractions, experiences and activity providers experienced a drop in business volume compared to 2019 across all three markets and that nearly 20% of businesses surveyed have been ‘substantially impacted’ with a decline of at least 30% in business volumes vs 2019. The evidence collated suggested that bed stock displacement was one of the main factors that has led to the decline in business volumes.
As the businesses impacted are varied and range from small and micro-sized enterprises to family run businesses there is no 'one-fits-all' solution to address the issues they are facing and this is why I have secured funding to implement a broad range of supports.
As part of the Budget settlement that I have secured for tourism in 2024, up to €10 million has been identified for a comprehensive programme of supports targeted at downstream tourism businesses experiencing particular trading challenges linked to the reduction in footfall to activities and attractions in regions most impacted by tourism bed stock displacement.
This programme of supports includes investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitalisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals and recruitment and retention initiatives.
I have also asked Fáilte Ireland to engage with impacted businesses to examine the scope for a specific business support scheme that could help the most affected tourism activities and attractions and to report back to me on options and recommendations in four weeks’ time. A strong evidence-base will be critical in this regard and I have asked the tourism sector, particularly activities and attractions, to engage with Fáilte Ireland in order to provide direct and verifiable evidence of how tourism accommodation stock displacement has negatively impacted on their businesses.
208. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cad é suim an deontais reáchtála a ceadaíodh do gach comharchumann agus gach comhlacht pobalbhunaithe Gaeltachta sa bhliain 2023; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [45969/23]
View answerTá sé curtha in iúl ag Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuair 33 eagras forbartha Gaeltachta, idir chomharchumainn agus chomhlachtaí pobalbhunaithe maoiniú reáchtála in 2023. Íoctar deontas reáchtála leis na heagrais phobail chun cur ar a gcumas tabhairt faoi chlár forbartha pobail ina gceantar feidhme.
Tá réimse leathan de ghníomhaíochtaí agus tionscnaimh forbartha idir lámha ag na heagrais forbartha, agus cur chuige níos straitéisí lena gcuid oibre ag teacht le bunú an Aonaid Forbartha Pobail in Údarás na Gaeltachta. D’eascair bunú go leor de na heagrais forbartha as easpa infreastruchtúir agus seirbhísí áitiúla sa phobal. Tá na heagrais dírithe anois ar fhreastal ar infreastruchtúr nua-aimseartha ar nós áiseanna do chúram leanaí, páirceanna spraoi, ionaid teacht le chéile don óige, ionaid lae don aosach, caighdeán maith leathanbhanda, ionaid acmhainní don phobal, tionscnaimh fuinneamh inathnuaite agus infreastruchtúr eile atá in easnamh sa phobal.
Mar is eol don Teach, tá ról lárnach ag na heagrais forbartha maidir le feidhmiú na bpleananna teanga sna Limistéir Pleanála Teanga ina gceantair éagsúla. Tá agus beidh ról lárnach acu chomh maith maidir le forbairt ghréasán gteic agus ag cur chun cinn tograí turasóireachta cultúrtha agus táthar ag breathnú ar na féidearthachtaí do chomharchumainn in earnáil an fhuinnimh inathnuaite trí na cláir éagsúla, i measc tosaíochtaí eile.
Tá ráite ag an Údarás go bhfuil fostaíocht suntasach cruthaithe ag na heagrais phobail ó bunaíodh iad agus go bhfuil gníomhaíochtaí breise glactha ar láimh ag roinnt mhaith acu le roinnt blianta anuas. Tá go leor acu ag plé le scéimeanna fostaíochta pobail agus tá f22 eagras freagrach as pleananna teanga a ullmhú agus a fheidhmiú le 18 eagras a bhfuil nó an mbeidh forbairt ar aonaid gteic faoina gcúram.
Mar a thuigim, de réir an tsuirbhé deiridh a rinneadh i measc na heagrais forbartha, tá 67 duine fostaithe ar bhunús lánaimseartha, 54 páirtaimseartha agus 88 go séasúrach.
Tá sé le nótáil go bhfuil ciste breise aon-uaire de €253,175 le cur ar fáil in 2023 do na n-eagrais forbartha pobail chun tacú leo tús a chur le feidhmiú a gcuid pleananna nuafhorbartha cúig bliana.
Freisin, nótáiltear go gcuirtear maoiniú ar fáil do dhá eagraíocht forbartha pobail Gaeltachta faoin gClár um Fhorbairt Pobail Áitiúil (LCDP). Is iad sin Pobal le Chéile CDP CTR atá lonnaithe ar an Fhál Charrach, Co. Dhún na nGall agus CDP na Rosann CTR, An Clochán Liath, Co. Dhún na nGall. Cuireadh €81,625 ar fáil don dá eagraíocht do 2023.
Is é seo a leanas liosta de na deontais reáchtála atá ceadaithe do na heagrais éagsúla i 2023:
|
Eagras Pobail |
Soláthar 2023 |
|
|
Dún na nGall |
|
|
|
Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo |
€143,850 |
|
|
Comharchumann Thoraí Teo |
€141,750 |
|
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair Teo. |
€106,050 |
|
|
Comharchumann na nOileán Beag Teo. |
€54,600 |
|
|
Lár Chomhairle Paróiste Gleann Cholm Cille CTR |
€80,850 |
|
|
Céim Aniar CTR |
€86,100 |
|
|
Pobal Eascarrach CTR |
€82,950 |
|
|
Forbairt Eachla CTR |
€60,000 |
|
|
Comhar Fhánada & Ghleann Bhairr CTR |
€52,500 |
|
|
Maigh Eo |
|
|
|
Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla CTR |
€103,425 |
|
|
Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo |
€70,350 |
|
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Ionad Deirbhile Eachléim Teo. |
€96,600 |
|
|
Coiste Cultúr Teanga & Forbartha T.M.E Teo |
€85,050 |
|
|
Gaillimh |
|
|
|
Comhar Caomhán Teo. |
€142,800 |
|
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo. |
€159,600 |
|
|
Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teo. |
€99,750 |
|
|
Comharchumann Shailearna Teo. |
€101,850 |
|
|
Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán CTR |
€102,900 |
|
|
Comharchumann Sliogéisc Chonamara Teo |
€52,500 |
|
|
Forbairt Chonamara Láir Teo |
€106,050 |
|
|
Comharchumann Mhic Dara Teo. |
€112,350 |
|
|
Comhlacht Forbartha An Spidéil CTR |
€72,150 |
|
|
Forbairt Pobail Mhaigh Cuilinn CTR |
€66,150 |
|
|
Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin CTR |
€142,800 |
|
|
Comhar Chuigéil (Leitir Mealláin) Teo |
€79,800 |
|
|
An Mhí |
|
|
|
Comharchumann Ráth Chairn Teo. |
€102,900 |
|
|
Ciarraí |
|
|
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Léith Triúigh Teo. |
€95,550 |
|
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne Teo. |
€123,900 |
|
|
Comhchoiste Ghaeltachtaí Chiarraí Theas CTR |
€96,600 |
|
|
Forbairt na Dromada Teo. |
€85,050 |
|
|
Corcaigh & Port Láirge |
|
|
|
Comharchumann Chléire Teo. |
€148,050 |
|
|
Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí Teo. |
€97,650 |
|
|
Comhlucht Forbartha na Déise CTR |
€103,100 |
209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which hotel bed spaces continue to remain sufficiently available throughout Dublin city and the greater Dublin area, with a view to ensuring that tourists and those seeking hotel accommodation are not pressured into paying exorbitant prices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45999/23]
View answer213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she continues to be satisfied regarding the availability of adequate hotel accommodation throughout the country in order to provide for increased numbers of tourists seeking autumn, winter, spring and/or summer holidays here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46003/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 213 together.
There are currently just over 24,000 hotel rooms in Dublin City and County. While it is estimated that another 3,500 rooms are coming on stream over the next two years it is likely that more rooms, of differing classes and types, will be needed to support tourism, business and the range of other reasons which draw visitors from overseas and from around Ireland to the capital.
It is important to have a capital city that can cater for different types of visitors with quality and value choices to suit different budgets. Fáilte Ireland the National Tourism Development Authority, has been encouraging both the development of, and positive conditions for, hotels in Dublin through sharing evidenced-based analysis and through its role as a prescribed body in the planning process.
Fáilte Ireland is also working on Accommodation Audits to establish a baseline on existing capacity and to provide gap analysis in each destination and region. As part of the roll-out of all Destination Experience Development Plans, Fáilte Ireland will audit and map out current accommodation stock.
This will include a quality and gap analysis for additional accommodation development on a county-by-county basis.
Fáilte Ireland will use these audits to inform Local Authorities as they shape their own tourism accommodation strategies. My own officials are engaging strategically on the future accommodation needs of the tourism sector.
In relation to hotel prices, while Ireland is not a low-cost destination, it is vital that the sector keeps the value for money proposition to the fore across all its segments to ensure that our high quality reputation is maintained and that new and repeat visitors continue to come here.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the degree to which opportunity exists for winter holidays in the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46000/23]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies. With specific regard to opportunities existing for winter holidays in the country, this is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland in line with its tourism development functions. I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she and her Department continue to use the arts and Irish culture as a means of attracting tourism here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46001/23]
View answerI am committed to the ongoing development of a vibrant and competitive tourism sector that makes a significant contribution across the country, is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable, helps promote a positive image of Ireland overseas, and enables local communities to prosper.
Tourism Ireland is the organisation responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a compelling holiday destination. In Budget 2024, I secured additional funding of €10 million for overseas marketing of Ireland. Sustaining investment in marketing campaigns is important to ensure Ireland’s share of voice is retained for longer-term success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Tourism Ireland’s work overseas supports, and is supported by, other areas within the remit of my Department. For example, the portrayal of our authentic Irish culture in Tourism Ireland marketing communications overseas can play an important role in helping potential visitors to envisage and appreciate some of the unique aspects of a holiday on the island of Ireland.
There is great co-operation between Screen Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Screen storytelling provides new perspectives on Ireland and Irish values for audiences around the world – including potential tourists – and projects an image of the country as a rich and creative place with a unique identity. Seeing Ireland’s beautiful landscapes on screen helps Tourism Ireland to market the country and they often create a ‘behind-the-scenes’ film describing and praising the filming locations.
Screen Tourism opportunities continue to be leveraged by Tourism Ireland to shine a spotlight on Ireland as a great holiday destination. My Department and the tourism agencies will continue to work to identify and exploit the opportunities for convergence between tourism and other sectors for the overall benefit of the entire tourism ecosystem.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she expects a reconstruction of RTÉ, with particular reference to recent issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46002/23]
View answerFollowing the serious governance issues that came to light in RTÉ, on 4 July I announced the commissioning of an independent root and branch examination of RTÉ.
This comprises two parallel reviews, namely of Governance and Culture; and Contractor Fees, Human Resources (HR) and other matters in RTÉ. The reviews are overseen by Expert Advisory Committees, respectively chaired by Professor Niamh Brennan and Mr Brendan McGinty. These reviews are in progress and will report to me in the New Year on their findings and recommendations for reform, which I expect RTÉ to fully take into account.
In addition, under Section 109(7)(a) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 I appointed forensic accountants, Mazars, to examine the RTÉ barter account and any other off-balance sheet accounts that may be identified. I published an interim report from Mazars on 25 August which identified significant failings in the governance of the barter account. I expect a further detailed report in late November focused on the processing of transactions on the barter account and any other off balance sheet accounts identified.
To date, the Board and Director General of RTÉ have also announced a range of initial reforms they are undertaking, including revising the terms of reference of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Board, standing down the Executive Board and establishing a new Interim Leadership Team in its place, enhancing and formalising communication between the Board and Leadership Team, making reforms to the operation of the barter account and greater engagement with staff.
I expect that the combination of the initial reforms already in progress, such as those set out here, coupled with reforms that will be introduced on foot of the recommendations of reviews in progress will lead to significant changes in the governance and management of RTÉ. These reforms are imperative to restore trust in RTÉ, which has been badly damaged by the series of revelations over these past number of months.
