Written Answers Nos. 167-187
167. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the reason for the long delay in processing the Industrial Relations (Provisions in Relation to Pension Entitlements of Retired Persons) Bill 2021, which has remained at Second Stage since 11 February 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49531/23]
View answerThe Private Members Bill on Industrial Relations (Provisions in Respect of Pension Entitlements of Retired Workers) is sponsored by Deputies Bríd Smith, Paul Murphy, Richard Boyd Barrett and Gino Kenny. It is a matter for the Deputies to progress the Bill.
I understand that the Joint Committee on Enterprise Trade and Employment met in public session on the 25 January 2023 to discuss the Bill.
Following this meeting, the Department issued a detailed brief to the Committee as requested. No further correspondence has been received by the Committee.
168. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown of the number of site visits hosted by IDA in counties Carlow and Kilkenny during the first three quarters of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49577/23]
View answerThe South East Region, which comprises counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford, has 86 IDA client companies, employing 15,520 people. There are currently 4 IDA client companies employing 1,515 people located in Carlow and 11 IDA client companies employing 884 people located in Kilkenny. The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) performance in the region has been consistent over the past five years with employment among IDA clients increasing by 25%.
IDA Ireland's property investment in the regions is aimed at supporting economic development and job creation across the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Office client base. In that regard, it remains crucial that the South-East region has a competitive, sustainable property offering to enable the attraction and retention of investment and jobs. To this end, the significant investment by IDA Ireland in the South-East Region aims to future-proof the property offering for attracting FDI to the region. The IDA’s Regional Property Programme has committed to progressing the delivery of 19 Advanced Building Solutions in 15 regional locations over the lifetime of their current strategy and this includes an Advanced Building Solution in Carlow which is now complete and is included as part of IDA marketing material for the region.
I can assure the Deputy, that IDA Ireland continues to promote Counties Carlow and Kilkenny for virtual and in-person site visits to prospective companies throughout 2023 and beyond. To date in 2023 there were 4 in-person site visits to Kilkenny and 2 in-person site visits to Carlow. Figures for Q3 2023 are currently being verified and will be available later this month.
169. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on when the Employment Permits Bill 2022 is likely to be progress to report stage in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49656/23]
View answerThe drafting of amendments to the Employment Permits Bill is ongoing and at an advanced stage with work to finalise provisions covering key aspects such as the Seasonal Employment Permit, and the Transfer of Employer being a priority for my Department.
It is my preference for the Employment Permits Bill to be brought into the Dáil as soon as possible and this will be achieved once the amendments are completed.
Depending on Oireachtas scheduling and whether any further amendments are proposed, it is expected that the legislative process will be completed, and the Bill passed early next year.
170. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will examine the current situation regarding the use of an IDA advance facility in Kerry (details supplied); his views on whether the county is being badly served by the arrangement; the cost to the IDA and taxpayer of developing this facility in the first place; what contractual arrangements, if any, the IDA has with the company in respect of this property; if the terms have been breached by the company; if the company is paying to use the premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49703/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, IDA Ireland’s Regional Property Programme aims to ensure the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices and serves as a significant contribution to regional economic development and job creation. In this regard, the IDA’s Property Programme will see 19 Advanced Building Solutions being advanced in regional locations across Ireland over the period to 2024 including in Tralee.
Under its current strategy, IDA has made considerable property investments in Kerry, including in May this year when the IDA completed the acquisition of over 16 hectares of lands at Kerry Technology Park, Tralee from Shannon Commercial. Furthermore, at present, IDA Ireland is working to identify a suitable site within its land bank at Kerry Technology Park to accommodate the construction of an Advanced Building Solution in the context of planned developments at the site.
In relation to the particular company raised by the Deputy, I am informed that IDA Ireland continues to engage with Central Pharma in respect of the pace of progress with its project at the Advanced Technology Building in Tralee. The most recent information provided by the company as of October 2023 is they are actively recruiting for 2 open vacancies. Furthermore, Central Pharma has also invested in fitting out the building to support its proposed activities as permitted in the lease they have with IDA Ireland and are currently meeting their financial obligations under the lease agreement. Moreover, the company has stated that they have been following opportunities to grow market presence together with renewing focussed marketing activity for the site. IDA will remain in close contact with the company on its future development plans.
More generally, the number of people employed in IDA Ireland client companies in Kerry continues to grow. Over the past 9 years there has been a 21% growth in the number of people employed by IDA client companies in the county. In September 2023, Astellas Pharma Inc announced its intention to build a state-of-the-art facility at an approximate cost of €330 million on IDA’s newly acquired lands in Kerry Technology Park, bringing highly specialised engineering, science and technology roles to the Region. The new facility, which is subject to planning, will consist of a 3-story building, total floor area of 17,000 square metres on a 44-acre site on the Kerry Technology Park Tralee. This will be Astellas’s second manufacturing site in Kerry with the company’s existing manufacturing plant in Killorglin.
I can assure the Deputy that IDA Ireland will continue to maintain a focus on land banks and strategic sites to future proof the ability of the property portfolio in regional locations to support the project pipeline, including for Kerry. IDA Ireland will also continue to engage with new and existing companies on promoting Ireland as a location for their business and the Agency will continue to position County Kerry for virtual and in-person site visits to prospective companies in 2023 and beyond.
171. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 20 September 2023, if there have been any further engagements by his Department or associated State agencies with the owners or management of a factory in Carrickmacross (details supplied); when it is now expected that the factory will move to trial production stage as referenced in the previous response; the current number of employees at the factory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49753/23]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, the factory was officially opened in November 2019 when the fit-out of the facility was completed. As a proposed manufacturer of infant formula supplying the Chinese market, the company is required to have their facility fully audited and approved for operations prior to the commencement of any production.
This process includes approval by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and also inspection and approval by the Chinese authorities (GACC). Delays to this mandatory regulatory approval process were encountered due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions. The facility was approved by DAFM for infant formula production in mid-2021 and latterly approved by GACC for infant formula production in September 2022.
However, recent legislation changes in China now requires that all recipes for supply into the Chinese infant formula market must also have Chinese authorities’ approval for production. The Irish factory, through their parent company in Shanghai, submitted their recipes for approval in January 2023 and anticipate a decision before year end. On receipt of that decision, it is expected that the factory can move to trial production stage.
I have been assured that Enterprise Ireland (EI) continues to support the company referenced in the Deputy’s question and are also supporting the company to explore the innovation networks and ecosystem available to them in Ireland and supportive to their innovation journey.
There are currently a small number of full time workers employed on site, across business development, HR and engineering, with an expectation to grow employment as the business builds.
172. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the increased-cost-of-business grant scheme will be up and running; and if the upper limit of €20,000 rates paid could be extended. [49784/23]
View answer173. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects the details of the increased cost of business grant to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49838/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.
The Increased Cost of Business Grant (ICOB) was a measure announced as part of Budget 2024 for small and medium sized businesses who operate from a rateable premises. It is intended to be paid at a rate of up to half the enterprise’s commercial rates bill in 2023, subject to a prescribed limit. The grant is intended to aid firms but is not intended to directly compensate for all increases in wages, or other costs, for every business. It is also a grant – rather than a rates rebate or waiver – and firms should continue to pay their commercial rates as normal. It is also not intended to benefit multinational or larger firms.
In establishing the conditions for providing supports to business, it is also important to recognise that there were limited resources available to my Department to provide such supports. The total allocation for this scheme is €250 million. While it is acknowledged that many larger firms have been struggling with recent increases to various business costs, there was simply no scope to extend the ICOB to the larger cohort of business.
I and my officials are also conscious that many smaller rateable premises may have had greater difficulty negotiating the application process for previous schemes such as the TBESS. With the ICOB, however, it is envisaged that the administrative burden for firms claiming this relief will be minimal and this is one of the reasons we are targeting these firms in particular.
The technical details underpinning the ICOB scheme and the mechanism for delivering the payment are currently being developed. My officials will work together with officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will work together with the Local Authorities to finalise the details of the grant in the coming weeks. It is also not intended to benefit multinational or larger firm. The grant will be paid through local authorities and will be paid in the first quarter of next year.
I am conscious that there are a number of firms marginally above the threshold set out on Budget day. Nevertheless, the total allocation remains €250 million. Therefore it important to be clear that an extension of the scheme to higher ratepayers would mean a smaller grant payment for existing qualifying firms and this is something that has to be considered as the technical details are confirmed over the coming weeks.
174. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of recent media reports of heightened numbers of closures of restaurants, cafés and other food-led businesses across the country in recent months; to outline his plans to help hospitality businesses that are currently struggling with high costs and tight margins to stay open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49951/23]
View answerIt is understandable that businesses are concerned about the rising costs they are encountering at the moment. The impact of rising prices is not unique to Ireland, but an issue facing all major economies around the world as the effects of the pandemic unwind with the rapid resumption of economic activity, and more recently the geopolitical uncertainty following the invasion of Ukraine. Inflation in Ireland – although still elevated at 5.1 per cent in October – is generally declining and is down from 6.4% in the 12 months to September 2023. In its most recent quarterly bulletin, the Central Bank of Ireland have forecasted inflation to fall to 3.2 and 2.3% in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
The Government has provided significant support to business, including those in the hospitality sector, throughout this period of rising costs and has been proactive in limiting the fallout from higher rates of inflation in input costs and prices. It is, however, not possible to insulate all businesses from the full impact of rising costs.
Prior to Budget 2024 a total of €12 billion – 4½ per cent of national income – was provided in direct relief to absorb some of the impact and ease the burden of inflation on households and businesses. The main programme introduced by Government to alleviate cost pressures for small business was the €1.3 billion Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS). Budget 2024 also contained a number of additional measures which will support businesses facing increased costs of doing business.
- The 9% VAT reduction for gas and electricity is being extended for an additional 12 months, until 31st October 2024;
- The temporary excise rate reductions applying to auto diesel, petrol and marked gas oil which were due to expire on 31st October 2023 are being extended until 31st March 2024;
- An increase in the limit on the amount that an investor can claim relief on under the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme, to €500,000;
- An increase in VAT registration thresholds for SMEs to €40,000 for services and €80,000 for goods;
- Reduced Capital Gains Tax rate of 16% for Angel Investors in innovative SMEs, on gains of up to €3 million;
- An increase in the R&D tax credit from 25% to 30%, as well as increasing the first-year upfront payment from €25,000 to €50,000, which will be of particular benefit to SMEs;
- The commencement of a range of amendments to the Key Employee Engagement Programme for the attraction and retention of staff.
The Increased Cost of Business Grant (ICOB) was announced as part of Budget 2024 and will be targeted at Small and Medium sized businesses who operate from a rateable premises. Firms who do not have a rateable premises are not within the scope of this scheme. It is important to be clear that this scheme is a once-off grant aid provision and not a commercial rates waiver. It will have no bearing on the commercial rates paid by firms. The grant is intended to aid firms but is not intended to directly compensate for all increases in costs for every business.
In line with a recommendation from the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council in its report Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2022 there is currently an assessment being undertaken by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Social Protection which will examine the cumulative impact of measures including Pension Auto-Enrolment, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, Additional Public Holiday, Living Wage, Remote Working. The report is due for publication later in Q4 2023 and will inform public policy in this area.
The Government is continuing to monitor the situation, however no new measures are currently under consideration beyond what has already been announced.
175. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment given that serious concerns in relation to the WRC labour inspectorate's interactions with migrant workers - and, in particular, undocumented migrant workers - were raised in "protected disclosures" by a WRC labour inspector to the WRC and the Department in 2015, to Minister Frances Fitzgerald in 2017 and to Minister Simon Coveney in March 2023, and given also that similar concerns have been raised by the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, by the GRETA Report on the Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings by Ireland, by successive US State Department Reports on Trafficking in Persons and by a UN Special Rapporteurs’ Report on trafficking in human beings in the Irish fishing industry, if he can detail how the concerns raised in these successive “protected disclosures” were addressed and, in particular, how Minister Frances Fitzgerald dealt with the July 2017 “protected disclosure” to her, detailing how evidence provided in the 2015 disclosures to the Department had not been investigated and, similarly, how the current Minister and his Department dealt with the March 2023 “protected disclosure” to him detailing how the previous “protected disclosure” to Minister Fitzgerald had not been investigated. [50021/23]
View answerAs part of its remit, the Inspectorate Division of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is authorised to carry out inspections of employer records with a view to determining compliance with the Employment Permit Acts.
Where non-compliance is detected and undocumented workers are encountered in the course of an inspection, the employer may be prosecuted for breaches of the Act and any other breaches of employment law detected. Employee details may also be referred to immigration services with a view to ensuring that the immigration status of the worker is regularised. Due to the precarious nature of their status and their vulnerability to exploitation, as a matter of policy, the WRC does not prosecute undocumented workers.
The Inspectorate of the WRC works closely with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) and the Garda National Protective Services Unit in terms of the reporting of potential immigration and human trafficking issues encountered during inspections.
A number of information and awareness measures have been introduced by the WRC to enhance employment rights awareness and compliance in the fishing industry, including a dedicated information webpage ‘Working on Irish Fishing Vessels’, a translation facility of up to 100 languages, and the ‘Employment Law Explained’ publication available in Arabic, Filipino, Hindi, Indonesian, Mandarin, French, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian and Spanish languages.
Under Ireland’s Third National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking 2023 - 2027, a review of training on human trafficking currently provided to WRC inspectors is to be undertaken together with a requirement that training on trafficking continues to be part of the baseline training of newly recruited inspectors, with refresher training provided as appropriate. Under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023, which legislates for the National Referral Mechanism, the WRC will be a member of the operational committee and a designated competent body for the identification of victims of human trafficking and access supports.
The specific matter relating to protected disclosures referred to in the Deputies question is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings and therefore it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
176. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will confirm whether a disclosure to Minister Fitzgerald in July 2017 (details supplied) was included in the Department’s Protected Disclosures Report for 2017, as required under Section 22 of the Protected Disclosures Act; and, if so, what specific wording was used to declare that disclosure. [50022/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that each public body is required under Section 22 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 to publish an annual report setting out the number of protected disclosures received in the preceding year and the action taken (if any). This report must not result in persons making disclosures being identifiable.
The Departments Protected Disclosures Report for 2017 is attached and is available on the Department's website.
The matter referred to in the Deputies question is the subject of ongoing legal proceedings and therefore it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
177. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education if she will outline, given the ETB's commitment to the Irish language, what plan is in place to ensure that internal systems, such as the HR core system used to capture travel expenses, will be available in Irish as well as in English; and if she will make a statement on the matter [49339/23]
View answerI refer to the Deputy's query in respect of the new ETB product for the claiming and payment of Travel and Subsistence (Expenses) claims.
I am informed by my officials that when the new ESBS-ETB Payroll and Expenses system was being sourced, the RFT identified as a requirement that the system and product being sourced would be capable of being fully compliant with my Department’s obligations under my Department’s Irish Language Scheme.
I am further informed that the solution provided under the contract for the delivery of the ESBS-ETB Payroll and Expenses system is capable of providing portal services, payslips, etc. in both an Irish and English language format.
My officials in Education Shared Business Services (ESBS) are in the process of deploying this product for use in the Education and Training Board (ETB) Sector and it is envisaged, under the work programme for the roll-out of this product, that the functionality in relation to the Irish language will be configured, tested and implemented as part of the overall work programme for the delivery of this new integrated Payroll and Expenses solution for the ETB sector.
178. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education to clarify that in the event of an accident on a road outside a school (details supplied), who will take responsibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49264/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) application from the school to which he refers, unfortunately, does not fit the criteria for funding under the EWS and the school have been advised it is open to them to make an application to upgrade the set down area under the Summer Works Scheme once it opens up for applications
The main purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to ensure the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are most in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation or on receipt of an enrolment application from a special needs pupil. An emergency is a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening. The purpose of this scheme is solely for unforeseen emergencies and to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for special needs pupils. All applications will be dealt with on an individual basis.
The EWS has limited funding and applications can only be approved if they meet the criteria as set down for the scheme.
However, an official from my Department has been in contact with the Principal to discuss the Local Authority responsibility with regard to road safety on the road outside the school.
179. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education for an update on the provision of an SEN class at a school (details supplied); when works will commence; and if an indication of a completion date for works is available. [49265/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. Further progress has been made in Budget 2024 where 26% of my department’s budget will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs, representing a 5% increase on Budget 2023.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs and in 2024 a further 744 teachers, and 1,216 SNAs will be added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/2025 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-
As a result of this forward planning, earlier this year, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
Along with the two new special schools, 385 new special classes – 252 at primary and 133 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
In October of last year, my department wrote to all post-primary schools to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 3 to 5 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that the contractor commenced works in early October and works are expected to be completed in December of this year.
I want to assure you that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
180. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update regarding the establishment of a transfer/relocation scheme for teachers; what progress has been made on this issue; what is her intended plan to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49268/23]
View answer186. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 355 of 16 May 2023, if her Department has met with the teacher union to discuss the report proposing the introduction of a teacher relocation scheme; and the actions she has taken to progress this important issue. [49342/23]
View answer199. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 96, 112, 115, 355 and 382 of 16 May 2023, for an update on the report her Department received proposing the introduction of a teacher relocation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49472/23]
View answer205. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education if, following on from the receipt of the report proposing the introduction of a teacher relocation scheme from a working group established by one of the teacher unions earlier this year, there is an update on the progression of the scheme; and what arrangements are being put in place. [49509/23]
View answer224. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education to detail the work conducted by her Department on introducing a fairer post-primary teacher redeployment scheme; what engagements she has made with teachers unions on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49920/23]
View answer226. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education what progress has been made in regard to the relocation scheme for secondary school teachers; and what further plans exist in regard to this programme. [50000/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 180, 186, 199, 205, 224 and 226 together.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for individual school authorities, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012). In that regard, there are more than 3,700 individual employers (boards of management of primary schools and post-primary schools, as well as ETBs).
Earlier this year the Department received a report of a TUI working group. The report proposed the creation of a national relocation scheme whereby teachers would identify the locations that they would like to relocate to through a portal and then effectively “swap” with teachers in that location.
Department officials subsequently met with TUI representatives to discuss the matter and the proposal is being given consideration with a view to a formal response issuing.
It should be noted that an existing voluntary redeployment pilot operates that is distinct from the relocation scheme proposed by the TUI. The key purpose of the pilot voluntary redeployment scheme is to assist the Department to achieve its objective of redeploying all surplus permanent teachers.
The Department meets regularly with the teacher unions on many issues relating to teachers. The Department will continue to work intensively with all stakeholders to develop and implement creative solutions to address the needs of teachers and teacher supply challenges facing schools.
181. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education to address the issue of the barriers to full Teaching Council registration for a teacher (details supplied) who has obtained qualifications outside the Republic of Ireland, despite the opening-up of a route to full registration. [49278/23]
View answerThe Teaching Council is the competent authority for the recognition of qualifications for those who qualified as teachers outside of Ireland. The Teaching Council adheres to the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015, the Teaching Council Registration Regulations (2016) and in its role as a competent authority, it operates in accordance with the EU Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EU as amended). As a statutory professional standards body, the Teaching Council is required by law to properly determine and to authenticate the relevant standards and qualifications of all applicants for registration. One of the ways the Council ensures and regulates standards is by ensuring that all teachers entering the profession in Ireland have met the required standards.
Fully qualified teachers who qualify from outside of the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply for registration with the Teaching Council under the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulations. The Council registers teachers under four Routes of Registration: Primary, Post-primary, Further Education and Other.
A fully qualified teacher from outside of the Republic of Ireland must hold qualified teacher status (QTS/licence to teach) and full registration (having met any post-qualification registration requirements of that country, e.g., teacher induction). All applications from teachers who qualify outside of Ireland are processed in line with EU Directive.
All applications from teachers who qualify outside of the Republic of Ireland are assessed for comparability with graduates of Teaching Council accredited programmes of initial teacher education. All primary teachers are registered conditionally with the condition of the Irish Language Requirement. All post-primary teachers are registered conditionally with the condition of the History and Structure of the Irish Education System. Following a holistic assessment of teaching qualifications and relevant teaching experience, CPD, etc, any identified qualification shortfall(s) are added as a condition of registration. Teachers have three years from the date of conditional registration to address conditions via an aptitude test or an adaptation period.
In addition, for a time limited period under the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment), 2023, the Teaching Council is accepting applications from teachers who hold a teaching licence and a comparable teacher education qualification but have not completed induction in the country they qualified. There are specific eligibility and qualification requirements that must be met under the Amendment. Primary qualified teachers must have a primary teacher education qualification aimed at 4 to 12-year-olds which is comparable to the standard of Irish graduates (with the exception of the Irish Language Requirement which will be applied as a condition of registration).
Following the assessment of the person referred to in the correspondence, their qualifications in comparison with the standards of Teaching Council accredited programmes of teacher education in Ireland, the Council identified qualification shortfalls in addition to the Irish Language Requirement. As a result, the person referred to is not eligible for registration under the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment), 2023, to complete induction in Ireland and achieve registration on that basis.
182. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education when construction works on a new school (details supplied) will be completed; and the estimated cost of this project to date. [49287/23]
View answerThe building project for the school referred to by the Deputy was delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme and has provided a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including two classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
• Phase 1 of the construction project, comprising of 8 classrooms and the GP Hall, was handed over on 26th September 2022.
• Phase 2 was handed over on 24th August 2023 and included the remaining 8 classrooms and accommodation, including 2 classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
• Phase 3, which was the final phase of construction, was handed over on 7th November 2023 and included the ground works, staff parking and ball courts.
The estimated cost of this project is some €12.5m excl. VAT.
183. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education the funding made available to recognised primary and post-primary schools by way of grants for ICT for the academic year 2023-2024; the maximum amount which can be allocated to a particular school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49310/23]
View answerThe Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support its implementation, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
The previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 saw overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding enabled schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to enable the embedding of the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
Funding of €50m secured as part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility also issued to all recognised schools in the free education scheme to support learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide in late 2021.
My Department intends to issue the next tranche of ICT grant funding in the 2023 to 2024 school year. The specific timing for issue of the ICT grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department including the building programme to ensure the supply of school accommodation.
As part of the forthcoming Review of the National Development Plan, my Department’s aim is to provide better clarity and certainty for schools on the timelines for payment of minor works and ICT grant funding.
184. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the temporary pause of a school bus service (details supplied) due to staff shortages; if an urgent temporary measure can be put in place using local resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49316/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class/special school or unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education criteria. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
New applications for the 2023/2024 school year will be catered for through a mix of new services (some being individual), children being accommodated on existing services where capacity exists, extensions of existing routes and grants to families.
Bus Éireann has reported that unfortunately, for a small number of families assigned to Special Educational Needs transport services that had been secured, difficulties have arisen in some localities with a small number of contracted services.
A Special Transport Interim Grant is available to families of children with special educational needs who, following the application process, are eligible under the terms of the school transport scheme and are awaiting a School Transport service to be put in place. The Department will be in direct contact with families in regard to full details of this grant.
This grant is a once off payment. The interim grant is offered from the date of application to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements that families have to put place until a transport service has commenced.
There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.
Under the Education Act 1998, the Principal/Board of Management (“School Management Authority”) is responsible for the operation of the school and is the employer of the School Transport Escort and therefore responsible for all employment matters relating to their School Transport Escort. The Department of Education issues grant funding for the employment and administration associated. Bus Eireann's Local Office have advised the service to which the Deputy refers has not operated from Monday 6th November 2023 due to the resignation of a School Transport Escort. The school has advised they are currently in the process of sourcing a School Bus Escort for this route. All families affected have been notified by Bus Éireann Local Office.
185. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a breakdown of the amounts of ICT funding each secondary school receives; whether there are different funding rates; the criteria for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49320/23]
View answerThe Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support its implementation, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
The previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 saw overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding enabled schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to enable the embedding of the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
The funding provided for in the NDP to support the implementation of the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 in ICT Grant funding to schools is intended to facilitate multi-annual planning by schools. It should be noted however the funding available and the specific timing for issue of the ICT grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department including the building programme to ensure the supply of school accommodation.
Each school must have a Digital Learning Plan, based on a whole school approach and taking account of its context and circumstances. The plan should outline the vision of the school for the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment and incorporate targets and actions for improvement and development.
The Digital Learning Plan should be reviewed and updated, at least annually, and used to guide the expenditure of the grant funding to embed digital technologies in a phased and coherent approach to improve learning outcomes.
A standard funding formula incorporating both a flat rate lump sum and a per capita amount for each student enrolled is used to calculate the grant due to each school, so the specific allocation per school will depend on enrolment in all schools, the number of the schools, and the total amount of funding available under the scheme. An enhanced per capita rate applies to students enrolled in DEIS and Special schools and to pupils in mainstream special class primary settings All students following primary and post-primary programmes are included, for per capita purposes, in recognised primary, special and post-primary schools. Fee-charging post-primary schools receive funding at 50% rate.
The scheme is also supported by the provision of technical and procurement guidance and information for schools and their leaders, with a detailed circular outlining relevant supports and the criteria applying to the scheme.
Funding of €50m secured as part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility also issued to all recognised schools in the free education scheme to support learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide in late 2021.
My Department intends to issue the next tranche of ICT grant funding in the 2023 to 2024 school year.
As part of the forthcoming Review of the National Development Plan, my Department’s aim is to provide better clarity and certainty for schools on the timelines for payment of minor works and ICT grant funding.
187. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education when the outcome of the EAL appeal submitted by a school (details supplied) will be available; if she is aware that this school needs clarity on matter urgently, as the EAL allocation was reduced by 50%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49347/23]
View answerThe Special Education Teaching allocation provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile and also encompasses the Language Support (EAL) allocation that schools were allocated in previous years. All schools are advised in the first instance to review whether the needs of newly enrolled pupils can be met from within existing allocations.
The Department also provides specific English Language support to schools with pupils newly arrived into the country that have English as an additional language.
Schools may apply for further language support through the staffing appeals process. Having considered the circumstances outlined by the school and having regard to the high number of pupils requiring EAL support, additional support may be approved to meet the educational needs of such pupils.
The school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board which was considered at the October meeting. The school has been allocated 1 fulltime EAL post for this school year. The school has been notified of this decision. The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
