Written Answers Nos. 140-157
140. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the necessary resources to ensure the availability of a comprehensive National Education Psychological Service at schools across Donegal. [50314/23]
View answerMy Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary and special schools.
The NEPS service provides access for all schools to:
• Psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident
• A Casework Service for individual children where there is a need for intensive consultation and assessment via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
• A school staff Support and Development Service, to build school capability to provide a comprehensive continuum of support in schools and
• Ongoing access to advice and support for schools.
Officials in my Department have been examining the matter of how NEPS can continue to recruit adequate numbers of suitably qualified staff and continue to respond to the educational psychological needs of children in recognised primary and post-primary schools across the country.
Since January of this year, NEPS is supporting bursaries for students who are enrolled in the University College Dublin (UCD) Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology and the Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick’s Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology for Trainee Educational Psychologists. Those in receipt of a bursary commit to joining NEPS upon graduation. As of September 2023 there are 62 Trainee Educational Psychologists in receipt of a bursary from NEPS who are expected will fill a vacancy in NEPS upon graduation, over the next three years.
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) undertook a recruitment campaign for Educational Psychologists for NEPS earlier this year. Interviews have taken place, and panels of psychologists have been created. My Department is actively engaging with PAS to maximise the numbers of psychologists being recruited.
141. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education for an update regarding the provision of a bus from Swords to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50318/23]
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.
Over 134,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year. 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.
At Post Primary level, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest education centre/school, subject to limited exceptions. The scheme has regard to ethos and language in that exceptions to eligibility for the scheme are considered in the case of minority religions and the Irish language.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality as determined by Bus Éireann, is required before consideration can be given to the establishment of a school transport service.
Bus Éireann have advised that generally pupils residing in the Swords area are not eligible for transport to the school mentioned by the Deputy as they reside to nearer schools and are attending their 3rd or 4th nearest school. The nearest Post Primary School teaching through the medium of Irish is Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 (RN: 76085N), second nearest is Scoil Chaitriona, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 (RN: 60700R) and third nearest is Colaiste Ghlor Na Mara, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin (RN: 68082L).
142. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education to outline the criteria that must be met for schools to be approved a change in status to coeducation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50319/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the decision making authority for a change of status to coeducation is the patron/trustees of the schools, subject to the approval of the Department. Local consultation regarding potential change of status to coeducation is encouraged by the Department but it is the responsibility of the patrons to undertake any consultation that they deem appropriate and to make the final decision as to whether to change status.
The Department in considering such applications must assess the implications, if any, of changing the status of a school(s) in the context of how this change may impact the viability of other schools in the area and any future implications for school place availability. The Department must also consider any associated capital implications that may be warranted as a result of such a change.
143. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education further to Topical Issue Debate No. 2 of 5 July 2023, and with reference to her Department’s projected growth in enrolments in the east Cork area in the short to medium term, if she will outline the projected demand figures for second level school places in the Midleton and Carrigtwohill school planning area for each respective year for the next five years, beginning September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50328/23]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that requirements for school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including CSO Census data, Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Major new residential developments in a school planning area have the potential to alter demand in that area. In that regard, as part of the demographic exercises, my Department engages with each of the local authorities to obtain the up-to-date information on significant new residential development in each area. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes as there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
There are five non fee paying post primary schools in the Midleton_Carrigtwohill school planning area. The schools had a 2022 enrolment of 4,098 pupils. Enrolments are projected to increase slightly to a peak in 2025 and reduce slightly thereafter.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through: • Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,• Provision of a new school or schools.
There are five post-primary capital projects planned in the Midleton_Carrigtwohill school planning area which when completed, will cater for the demand for school places in the area:
St. Colman’s College Midleton – extension to expand the school to cater for 1,300 pupils. The school had an enrolment of 951 pupils in 2022. The school had an extension completed in 2020 to expand to 1,000 pupils.
Carrigtwohill Community College – New school due to be completed shortly to provide for 1,000 pupils. The school had an enrolment in 2022 of 662 pupils.
St. Aloysius College Carrigtwohill – Extension to expand capacity to 1,000 pupils – the school had an enrolment of 774 pupils in 2022/23. This project is at stage 2a
St. Mary’s High School Midleton – Project at Site Acquisition stage for a new school to cater for 1,000 pupils. The school had an enrolment of 768 pupil in 2022/23.
Midleton CBS – Extension to cater for 1,000 pupils. The school had an enrolment of 943 pupils in 2022/23 – the project is at stage 1.
The Department will continue to liaise with Local Authorities in respect of their County Development Plan and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas.
144. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Education if she will grant full DEIS status to a newly amalgamated community school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50344/23]
View answerMy Department provides a wide range of supports to all schools, DEIS and non-DEIS, to support the inclusion of all students and address barriers to students achieving their potential.
Supplementing the universal supports available to all schools, the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Programme is a key policy initiative of my Department to address concentrated educational disadvantage at school level in a targeted and equitable way across the primary and post-primary sector.
In March last year, I announced the single largest expansion of the DEIS programme. This benefited 361 schools. The programme now includes in the region of 1,200 schools and supports approximately 240,000 students. 1 in 4 students and 30% of schools are now supported in the programme.
This expansion added an additional €32million to my Department’s expenditure on the DEIS programme from 2023, bringing the overall Department of Education allocation for the programme to €180million.
Schools that were identified for inclusion in the programme were those with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage as identified through the refined DEIS identification model, which is an objective, statistics-based model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme and the model was applied fairly and equally to all schools.
The DEIS Identification process is based on the principle of concentrated disadvantage and the proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school. The DEIS identification model aimed to identify those schools with the highest levels of disadvantage or the highest proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school using the school’s enrolment data and national census data as represented by the Pobal HP Deprivation index which is publicly available.
The development of this model involved an extensive body of work by the DEIS technical group, which included officials from my Department, the Department’s Inspectorate and the Educational Research Centre. The model used information from the school’s individual enrolment database and 2016 national census data as represented by the Pobal HP Deprivation index. The expansion of the DEIS programme in 2022 was done on the basis of a refined DEIS identification model, which for the first time took into consideration the significant educational disadvantage experienced by learners who have self-identified as being of Traveller or Roma ethnicity, those who reside in centres managed by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and children who are experiencing homelessness. These cohorts were accounted for outside the HP index as it applies at small area level.
In accordance with Circular 0019/22 schools that were not satisfied with the outcome following the application of the DEIS identification model to their school enrolment data were provided with the opportunity to have that outcome reviewed. The DEIS appeals process was applied fairly across all appellants, the window for appeals has now closed and the results are final. My Department will continue to support schools to deliver high quality, inclusive teaching and learning to students and young learners.
In general where a DEIS post-primary school is amalgamating with a non-DEIS post primary school, the newly amalgamated school will be considered non-DEIS but will retain some DEIS supports in respect of the students in the amalgamating DEIS school for a period of 6 years. The purpose is to ensure that students who are currently enrolled in the DEIS school or whose parents had opted to enrol in the next September, prior to confirmation of amalgamation, continue to avail of DEIS supports for the period of their post-primary years.
The supports retained include the DEIS grant, which will continue at the rate previously paid to the amalgamating DEIS school. Additionally, the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) allocation will be maintained at the level provided to the amalgamating DEIS school. Furthermore, the provision of School Meals will be sustained at the rate applicable to the amalgamating DEIS school.
While the newly formed school will not be included in the DEIS programme, the Department recognises the need to target resources to those schools who need them most. The extension of the DEIS programme to new schools is just one component of work in my vision for an inclusive education system which supports all learners to achieve their potential. While the DEIS programme supports those schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage, I also recognise that there are students at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools. Since June 2020, and over the past four budgets, I have secured funding to provide measures to support children in this regard.
My Department recognises the need to target resources to those schools who need them most, the next phase of work will explore the allocation of resources to all schools to tackle educational disadvantage.
The DEIS Plan is based on the premise that in order to have the maximum possible impact on providing opportunities for students most at risk of educational disadvantage, then extra resources need to be targeted as closely as possible at those students with the greatest level of need. This will involve further development of the existing DEIS programme, to create a more dynamic resource allocation model where levels of resources more accurately follow the levels of need identified by objective data.
To support this work my Department has invited the OECD Strength Through Diversity: Education for Inclusive Societies Project to review the current policy approach for the allocation of resources to support students at risk of educational disadvantage in Ireland, this is currently ongoing and the OECD team estimate that the review will be complete in Q2 of 2024. This review will provide an independent expert opinion on the current resource allocation model for the DEIS programme and, drawing on international examples, inform a policy approach for an equitable distribution of supplementary resources to support students at risk of educational disadvantage attending all schools, both DEIS and non-DEIS.
In addition to this, following the National Census conducted in April 2022, an updated HP Deprivation index has now been generated by Pobal. My Department is engaging with Pobal regarding this development and it will be thoroughly reviewed to inform future resource allocation aimed at tackling educational disadvantage.
145. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will review an application for school transport for a student (details supplied); when a decision will be issued on this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50379/23]
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.
Over 134,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year. 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.
The Department of Education and Bus Éireann continue to provide School Transport Scheme services for children arriving to Ireland from Ukraine. Applications continue to be received on a daily basis as families are relocated or as new families arrive. Every effort is being made to ensure school transport services are up and running as they are required. It may in some cases take time to arrange services for families.
New applications for school transport for pupils residing in host family homes/independent living/pledged accommodation must be made by the parent/guardian directly.
A new application is if the child has:
• been enrolled for the first time in school
• moved schools
• moved accommodation
New applications for school transport can be made via a link to an online form which is available here:
public.flowforma.com/?token=OfHd8bEHNUjypR1J2ohyawPtOLA8xbJSVD02MsoVP7sPa83cAd
For pupils residing in host family homes/independent living/pledged accommodation, the normal eligibility criteria will not apply and eligibility will be granted to the school that the child/children are enrolled in provided that this is the closest school that has capacity for the pupil at the time of enrolment.
As seats are assigned to pupils, Bus Éireann will issue tickets to families. Children will be expected to meet the service at the existing pick-up point.
There will be no charge for the ticket.
In cases where there is no existing service or where there is no capacity on an existing service, a grant can be offered to the family as appropriate to support them with the cost of transport arrangements.
New applications for school transport for the 2023/2024 school year for the pupils residing in Accommodation Centres/Modular Builds/Group settings must be made by the school principals. School principals should complete the information required on an application form and return it to their local REALT co-ordinator. The information will be submitted by REALT to Bus Éireann in order to provide school transport services as required.
Bus Éireann has advised all services near the family referred to by the Deputy are currently full to capacity. The family will be offered a grant by School Transport Section to help towards the cost of transporting their child to/from school.
146. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education how many applications have been facilitated under the pilot voluntary re-deployment scheme for post primary school teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50394/23]
View answerThe core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of surplus permanent teachers to other schools where vacancies exist. Ensuring efficiency in the annual redeployment processes is significant in terms of managing the overall teacher numbers.At Post-Primary level, following discussions between the relevant stakeholders a voluntary redeployment scheme has operated on a pilot basis in specific regions in recent years. Permanent teachers employed in these regions are given an opportunity to volunteer for a transfer to other areas of the country only if such a transfer would free up a vacancy that would facilitate the redeployment of a surplus permanent teacher in the region.
The key purpose of the pilot voluntary redeployment scheme is to assist the Department to achieve its objective of redeploying all surplus permanent teachers. To-date the pilot voluntary redeployment scheme has operated in 24 counties. The data requested by the Deputy is attached.
The redeployment process is reviewed annually by my Department and Education Stakeholders, including Teacher Unions. The criteria for the allocation of teachers to schools including the redeployment arrangements for the 2024/25 school year will shortly be available on the Department's website.
Teachers who apply under the pilot voluntary scheme and are not facilitated with a transfer continue to have the option of applying for posts in their preferred location that are advertised in the normal manner.
147. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an mbeidh íocaíocht á déanamh le bunscoileanna as pá a d’íoc siad le rúnaithe ar threoir na Roinne do Shamhradh 2023 sular ghlac an Roinn freagracht as pá na rúnaithe bunscoile ar fad i Meán Fómhair 2023; agus más rud é go mbeidh, cén uair a dhéanfar an íocaíocht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50429/23]
View answer149. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an mbeidh deontas coimhdeach á íoc le bunscoileanna don scoilbhliain 2023/2024 chun íoc as rúnaithe suas go Meán Fómhair agus as glantóirí; cé mhéad a bheidh á íoc le gach scoil don scoilbhliain 2023/2024; cén uair a íocfar é; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50431/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 149 together.
Tá an Roinn seo tiomanta do chistiú a sholáthar do bhunscoileanna aitheanta agus iar-bhunscoileanna aitheanta sa scéim saoroideachais trí dheontais per capita. Is iad an dá phríomhdheontas ná an deontas Caipitíochta, a sholáthraítear chun freastal ar ghnáthchostais reatha laethúla, amhail téamh, soilsiú, glantachán, árachas agus cothabháil ghinearálta, etc., agus an deontas Coimhdeach, a sholáthraítear chun freastal ar an gcostas a bhaineann le baill foirne seirbhísí coimhdeacha a fhostú. Maidir le cistiú caipitíochta a thugtar le haghaidh costais reatha ghinearálta agus le cistiú coimhdeach a thugtar le haghaidh seirbhísí airíochais agus rúnaíochta, is féidir le scoileanna úsáid a bhaint astu mar dheontas coiteann a fhéadfaidh an Bord Bainistíochta a leithdháileadh de réir a thosaíochtaí féin.
De bhreis ar na deontais sin, soláthraíodh cistiú ab fhiú €20 milliún le linn an tsosa lár téarma chun tacú le gach bunscoil aitheanta agus iar-bhunscoil aitheanta sa Scéim Saoroideachais. Is é atá sa chistiú sin ná an chéad tráinse de chistiú breise ab fhiú €60 milliún san iomlán agus a fógraíodh mar chuid de bhearta Bhuiséad 2024 atá ceaptha chun cabhrú le scoileanna na costais reatha laethúla mhéadaithe, amhail costais téimh agus leictreachais, a sheasamh. Soláthrófar cistiú breise ab fhiú €40 milliún sa bhliain 2024.
Ag teacht sna sála ar ghlacadh Fórsa leis an gcomhaontú ón gCoimisiún um Chaidreamh san Áit Oibre i ndáil le tuarastail agus teidlíochtaí éagsúla saoire do rúnaithe scoile a bhfaightear cistiú deontais ina leith, is amhlaidh, maidir leis na rúnaithe sin a ghlac le téarmaí an chomhaontaithe seo, a cuireadh iad ar phárolla a n-oibríonn an Roinn seo é. Ós rud é nach mbeidh freagracht ar scoileanna as tuarastail na rúnaithe sin a íoc a thuilleadh, dá bhrí sin, is gá an cistiú deontais choimhdigh a leasú. Tá sé mar thosaíocht ag an Roinn go dtí seo a chinntiú go bhféadfaí rúnaithe a shocrú suas ar phárolla Roinne ag an bpointe ceart den scála pá ó mhí Mheán Fómhair 2023 i leith. I bhfianaise an lín rúnaithe atá i gceist, ba é a bhí ansin ná méid an-suntasach oibre.
Fuair scoileanna dhá thrian den Deontas Coimhdeach atá iníoctha sa bhliain 2023, agus tá an Roinn ag obair chun a chinntiú go dtabharfar chun críche na socruithe le haghaidh an cistiú deontais choimhdigh atá fágtha a íoc le scoileanna ionas gur féidir na cistí atá dlite do scoileanna a íoc a luaithe is féidir.
Is ionann an ráta caighdeánach don Deontas Seirbhísí Coimhdeacha agus €173 in aghaidh an dalta i mbunscoileanna agus €224.50 in aghaidh an scoláire in iar-bhunscoileanna.
Maidir le bunscoileanna a bhfuil níos lú ná 60 dalta acu, íoctar an deontas Caipitíochta agus an deontas Coimhdeach leo ar bhonn 60 dalta a bheith acu. Ar an leibhéal iar-bhunscoile, faigheann scoileanna a bhfuil níos lú ná 200 scoláire acu deontais a bhaineann le seirbhísí coimhdeacha ar bhonn 200 scoláire a bheith acu.
148. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an mbeidh deontas á íoc le bunscoileanna sa scoilbhliain 2023/2024 le haghaidh mionoibreacha; agus más rud é go mbeidh, cé mhéad a bheidh i gceist do gach scoil agus cén uair a íocfar é; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50430/23]
View answerTuigeann an Roinn an tábhacht a bhaineann leis an Deontas Mionoibreacha do bhunscoileanna. Cuireann an maoiniú solúbthacht mhaith ar fáil ag an leibhéal áitiúil chun cabhrú le scoileanna oibreacha a thacaíonn le feidhmiú na scoile a bhainistiú agus a chur i gcrích.
Íocadh an Deontas Mionoibreacha do bhunscoileanna don` scoilbhliain reatha 2023/2024 i mí Aibreáin 2023. Tugann an maoiniú seo tréimhse mhaith do scoileanna chun pleanáil agus tabhairt faoi oibreacha a thacóidh le feidhmiú scoileanna agus iad ag dul isteach sa scoilbhliain 2023/24.
Tá neamhspleáchas ag scoileanna úsáid a bhaint as an maoiniú seo le haghaidh cothabhála agus feabhsúcháin ar mhionscála ar fhoirgnimh agus ar thailte na scoile. Toisc nach ionann gach suíomh scoile, is iad na scoileanna aonair is fearr a chinnfidh conas an maoiniú seo a úsáid ar an mbealach is fearr chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na riachtanais ar leith atá acu.
I measc na n-oibreacha a fhéadfar a dhéanamh faoin scéim mionoibreacha tá cothabháil agus feabhsúcháin ar mhionscála ar fhoirgnimh agus ar thailte na scoile, seirbhísí meicniúla agus leictreacha a fheabhsú nó a athsholáthar, troscán chaighdeánach agus trealamh corpoideachais a cheannach, clúdaigh urláir agus dallóga fuinneoige a cheannach, trealamh TF ábhartha a cheannach, feabhsuithe aerála, agus feabhsuithe ar thimpeallachtaí foghlama lasmuigh.
Leithdháileadh móriomlán de €310 milliún ar scoileanna mar Dheontais Mionoibreacha agus Deontais Mionoibreacha Breisithe idir 2018 agus 2023.
Faoi láthair, tá measúnú á dhéanamh ag Aonad Pleanála agus Tógála na Roinne ar a chlár oibre agus ar na tosaíochtaí do 2024 i gcomhthéacs an mhaoinithe atá ar fáil. Déanfar amlíne na híocaíochta don chéad tráinse eile de mhaoiniú na miondeontas do bhunscoileanna a bhreithniú mar chuid den chomhthéacs foriomlán seo.
150. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil deontas eile le cur in áit an deontais glantacháin Covid-19 de bharr na gcostas méadaithe atá ar scoileanna de bharr an ardaithe sa chostas maireachtála; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50432/23]
View answerTá breis is €400.7 milliún de mhaoiniú breise deontais Caipitíochta Covid-19 curtha ar fáil go dtí seo do bhunscoileanna agus iar-bhunscoileanna aitheanta d’fhonn soláthar a dhéanamh do chur i bhfeidhm bearta um chosc agus rialú ionfhabhtuithe chun baol leathadh Covid-19 a laghdú.
Ina theannta sin, eisíodh maoiniú €20 milliún le linn an tsosa lár téarma, chun tacú le gach bunscoil agus iar-bhunscoil aitheanta sa Scéim Saoroideachais. Is éard atá sa mhaoiniú seo ná an chéad tráinse den mhaoiniú foriomlán breise de €60 milliún a fógraíodh mar chuid de bhearta Buiséad 2024 a bhfuil sé i gceist go gcuideodh sé leis na costais reatha laethúla breise atá ar scoileanna ar nós costais teasa agus leictreachais. Cuirfear €40 milliún breise ar fáil in 2024.
Cuireadh i gcuimhne do scoileanna gur beart sealadach é an íocaíocht Chaipitíochta Covid-19 agus go gcoinnítear faoi athbhreithniú í.
Mar is eol don Teachta, is de réir na comhairle sláinte poiblí a bhíonn i réim ag an am a chinntear íocaíocht leanúnach na ndeontas Caipitíochta Covid-19.
151. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais an bhfuil sé i gceist sceideal na ndeontas reatha ar fad atá le híoc le bunscoileanna don scoilbhliain 2023/2024 a chur ar fáil ina dtaispeánfar méid gach deontais; cén uair a íocfar iad ionas gur féidir le bunscoileanna pleanáil cheart airgeadais a dhéanamh [50433/23]
View answerTá an Roinn seo tiomanta do chistiú a sholáthar do bhunscoileanna aitheanta agus iar-bhunscoileanna aitheanta sa scéim saoroideachais trí dheontais per capita. Is iad an dá phríomhdheontas ná an deontas Caipitíochta, a sholáthraítear chun freastal ar ghnáthchostais reatha laethúla, amhail téamh, soilsiú, glantachán, árachas agus cothabháil ghinearálta, etc., agus an deontas Coimhdeach, a sholáthraítear chun freastal ar an gcostas a bhaineann le baill foirne seirbhísí coimhdeacha a fhostú. Maidir le cistiú caipitíochta a thugtar le haghaidh costais reatha ghinearálta agus le cistiú coimhdeach a thugtar le haghaidh seirbhísí airíochais agus rúnaíochta, is féidir le scoileanna úsáid a bhaint astu mar dheontas coiteann a fhéadfaidh an Bord Bainistíochta a leithdháileadh de réir a thosaíochtaí féin. De bhreis air sin, faigheann scoileanna lear deontas eile, amhail Deontais Leabhar agus deontais Clár.
Is amhlaidh le déanaí a eisíodh cistiú ab fhiú €20 milliún le linn an tsosa lár téarma chun tacú le gach bunscoil aitheanta agus iar-bhunscoil aitheanta sa Scéim Saoroideachais. Is é atá sa chistiú sin ná an chéad tráinse de chistiú breise ab fhiú €60 milliún san iomlán agus a fógraíodh mar chuid de bhearta Bhuiséad 2024 atá ceaptha chun cabhrú le scoileanna na costais reatha laethúla mhéadaithe, amhail costais téimh agus leictreachais, a sheasamh. Soláthrófar cistiú breise ab fhiú €40 milliún sa bhliain 2024.
Tuigim an gá le cistiú caipitíochta méadaithe agus tá áthas orm go raibh mé in ann soláthar a dhéanamh do mhéaduithe suntasacha i gcistiú caipitíochta do bhunscoileanna agus d’iar-bhunscoileanna i mBuiséad 2024, rud a n-áirítear leis freisin athbhunú buan an chistiúcháin caipitíochta agus méadú le haghaidh brúnna costas maireachtála a mhaolú.
Le Buiséad na bliana seo, soláthrófar cistiú spriocdhírithe do phobail scoile, agus méadú caipitíochta is ionann agus breis agus €81 mhilliún ann.
Is é €183 in aghaidh an dalta ar an leibhéal Bunscoile ráta caighdeánach reatha an deontais Caipitíochta agus íocfar é le scoileanna i mí Eanáir agus mí an Mheithimh 2024 le haghaidh na bliana acadúla 2023/24.
Mar chuid den phacáiste caipitíochta i mBuiséad 2024, tá áthas orm go bhfuair mé €21 mhilliún mar mhéadú buan i gcistiú caipitíochta chun cabhrú le scoileanna san am i láthair agus san fhadtéarma na costais reatha laethúla mhéadaithe a sheasamh. Tacóidh sé sin le hathbhunú buan an chistiúcháin le haghaidh gach bunscoile agus iar-bhunscoile ó mhí Mheán Fómhair 2024 ar aghaidh. Fágfaidh sé sin go mbeidh ráta bunúsach an deontais caipitíochta cothrom leis an leibhéal ar a raibh sé roimh an mbliain 2011, agus é cothrom le €200 in aghaidh an dalta i mbunscoileanna agus le €345 in aghaidh an scoláire i meánscoileanna deonacha. Íocfar rátaí breisithe freisin i ndáil le daltaí a bhfuil Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais acu. Is ionann é sin agus méadú de thart ar 9.2% i rátaí caighdeánacha reatha caipitíochta agus i rátaí breisithe reatha caipitíochta.
Faigheann scoileanna Deontas Coimhdeach Seirbhísí freisin. Is ionann an ráta caighdeánach agus €173 in aghaidh an dalta i mBunscoileanna agus €224.50 in aghaidh an scoláire in Iar-bhunscoileanna.
Maidir le bunscoileanna a bhfuil níos lú ná 60 dalta acu, íoctar an deontas Caipitíochta agus an deontas Coimhdeach leo ar bhonn 60 dalta a bheith acu. Ar an leibhéal iar-bhunscoile, faigheann scoileanna a bhfuil níos lú ná 200 scoláire acu deontais a bhaineann le seirbhísí coimhdeacha ar bhonn 200 scoláire a bheith acu.
Féilirí Deontais Scoile ina leagtar amach an sceideal bliantúil íocaíochta deontas, lena n-áirítear Deontais Leabhar, tá siad ar fáil ar shuíomh Gréasáin na Roinne seo ag gov.ie – Féilirí Deontais Scoile (www.gov.ie)
152. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén ráta deontais caipitíochta a íocfar le bunscoileanna don scoilbhliain 2023/2024; cén uair a íocfar é; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50434/23]
View answerTá an Roinn seo tiomanta do chistiú a sholáthar do bhunscoileanna aitheanta agus iar-bhunscoileanna aitheanta sa scéim saoroideachais trí dheontais per capita. Is iad an dá phríomhdheontas ná an deontas Caipitíochta, a sholáthraítear chun freastal ar ghnáthchostais reatha laethúla, amhail téamh, soilsiú, glantachán, árachas agus cothabháil ghinearálta, etc., agus an deontas Coimhdeach, a sholáthraítear chun freastal ar an gcostas a bhaineann le baill foirne seirbhísí coimhdeacha a fhostú. Maidir le cistiú caipitíochta a thugtar le haghaidh costais reatha ghinearálta agus le cistiú coimhdeach a thugtar le haghaidh seirbhísí airíochais agus rúnaíochta, is féidir le scoileanna úsáid a bhaint astu mar dheontas coiteann a fhéadfaidh an Bord Bainistíochta a leithdháileadh de réir a thosaíochtaí féin.
De bhreis ar na deontais sin, eisíodh cistiú ab fhiú €20 milliún le linn an tsosa lár téarma chun tacú le gach bunscoil aitheanta agus iar-bhunscoil aitheanta sa Scéim Saoroideachais. Is é atá sa chistiú sin ná an chéad tráinse de chistiú breise ab fhiú €60 milliún san iomlán agus a fógraíodh mar chuid de bhearta Bhuiséad 2024 atá ceaptha chun cabhrú le scoileanna na costais reatha laethúla mhéadaithe, amhail costais téimh agus leictreachais, a sheasamh. Soláthrófar cistiú breise ab fhiú €40 milliún sa bhliain 2024.
Tuigim an gá le cistiú caipitíochta méadaithe agus tá áthas orm go raibh mé in ann soláthar a dhéanamh do mhéaduithe suntasacha i gcistiú caipitíochta do bhunscoileanna agus d’iar-bhunscoileanna i mBuiséad 2024, rud a n-áirítear leis freisin athbhunú buan an chistiúcháin caipitíochta agus méadú le haghaidh brúnna costas maireachtála a mhaolú.
Le Buiséad na bliana seo, soláthrófar cistiú spriocdhírithe do phobail scoile, agus méadú caipitíochta is ionann agus breis agus €81 mhilliún ann.
Is é €183 in aghaidh an dalta ar an leibhéal Bunscoile ráta caighdeánach reatha an deontais Caipitíochta agus íocfar é le scoileanna i mí Eanáir agus mí an Mheithimh 2024 le haghaidh na bliana acadúla 2023/24.
Mar chuid den phacáiste caipitíochta i mBuiséad 2024, tá áthas orm go bhfuair mé €21 mhilliún mar mhéadú buan i gcistiú caipitíochta chun cabhrú le scoileanna san am i láthair agus san fhadtéarma na costais reatha laethúla mhéadaithe a sheasamh. Tacóidh sé sin le hathbhunú buan an chistiúcháin le haghaidh gach bunscoile agus iar-bhunscoile ó mhí Mheán Fómhair 2024 ar aghaidh. Fágfaidh sé sin go mbeidh ráta bunúsach an deontais caipitíochta cothrom leis an leibhéal ar a raibh sé roimh an mbliain 2011, agus é cothrom le €200 in aghaidh an dalta i mbunscoileanna agus le €345 in aghaidh an scoláire i meánscoileanna deonacha. Íocfar rátaí breisithe freisin i ndáil le daltaí a bhfuil Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais acu. Is ionann é sin agus méadú de thart ar 9.2% i rátaí caighdeánacha reatha caipitíochta agus i rátaí breisithe reatha caipitíochta.
Faigheann scoileanna Deontas Coimhdeach Seirbhísí freisin. Is ionann an ráta caighdeánach agus €173 in aghaidh an dalta i mBunscoileanna agus €224.50 in aghaidh an scoláire in Iar-bhunscoileanna.
Maidir le bunscoileanna a bhfuil níos lú ná 60 dalta acu, íoctar an deontas Caipitíochta agus an deontas Coimhdeach leo ar bhonn 60 dalta a bheith acu. Ar an leibhéal iar-bhunscoile, faigheann scoileanna a bhfuil níos lú ná 200 scoláire acu deontais a bhaineann le seirbhísí coimhdeacha ar bhonn 200 scoláire a bheith acu.
153. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education to clarify the designation in a situation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50464/23]
View answer154. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Education the exact criteria or threshold to be met for a secondary school (details supplied) to be designated as a DEIS school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50465/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 154 together.
My Department provides a wide range of supports to all schools, DEIS and non-DEIS, to support the inclusion of all students and address barriers to students achieving their potential.
Supplementing the universal supports available to all schools, the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) Programme is a key policy initiative of my Department to address concentrated educational disadvantage at school level in a targeted and equitable way across the primary and post-primary sector.
In March last year, I announced the single largest expansion of the DEIS programme. This benefited 361 schools. The programme now includes in the region of 1,200 schools and supports approximately 240,000 students. 1 in 4 students and 30% of schools are now supported in the programme.
This expansion added an additional €32million to my Department’s expenditure on the DEIS programme from 2023, bringing the overall Department of Education allocation for the programme to €180million.
Schools that were identified for inclusion in the programme were those with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage as identified through the refined DEIS identification model, which is an objective, statistics-based model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme and the model was applied fairly and equally to all schools.
The DEIS Identification process is based on the principle of concentrated disadvantage and the proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school. The DEIS identification model aimed to identify those schools with the highest levels of disadvantage or the highest proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school using the school’s enrolment data and national census data as represented by the Pobal HP Deprivation index which is publicly available.
The development of this model involved an extensive body of work by the DEIS technical group, which included officials from my Department, the Department’s Inspectorate and the Educational Research Centre. The model used information from the school’s individual enrolment database and 2016 national census data as represented by the Pobal HP Deprivation index. The expansion of the DEIS programme in 2022 was done on the basis of a refined DEIS identification model, which for the first time took into consideration the significant educational disadvantage experienced by learners who have self-identified as being of Traveller or Roma ethnicity, those who reside in centres managed by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and children who are experiencing homelessness. These cohorts were accounted for outside the HP index as it applies at small area level.
In accordance with Circular 0019/22 schools that were not satisfied with the outcome following the application of the DEIS identification model to their school enrolment data were provided with the opportunity to have that outcome reviewed. The DEIS appeals process was applied fairly across all appellants, the window for appeals has now closed and the results are final. My Department will continue to support schools to deliver high quality, inclusive teaching and learning to students and young learners.
In general where a DEIS post-primary school is amalgamating with a non-DEIS post primary schools, the newly amalgamated school will be considered non-DEIS but will retain some DEIS supports in respect of the students in the amalgamating DEIS school for a period of 6 years. The purpose is to ensure that students who are currently enrolled in the DEIS school or whose parents had opted to enrol in the next September, prior to confirmation of amalgamation, continue to avail of DEIS supports for the period of their post-primary years.
The supports retained include the DEIS grant, which will continue at the rate previously paid to the amalgamating DEIS school. Additionally, the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) allocation will be maintained at the level provided to the amalgamating DEIS school. Furthermore, the provision of School Meals will be sustained at the rate applicable to the amalgamating DEIS school.
While the newly formed school will not be included in the DEIS programme, the Department recognises the need to target resources to those schools who need them most. The extension of the DEIS programme to new schools is just one component of work in my vision for an inclusive education system which supports all learners to achieve their potential. While the DEIS programme supports those schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage, I also recognise that there are students at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools. Since June 2020, and over the past four budgets, I have secured funding to provide measures to support children in this regard.
My Department recognises the need to target resources to those schools who need them most, the next phase of work will explore the allocation of resources to all schools to tackle educational disadvantage.
The DEIS Plan is based on the premise that in order to have the maximum possible impact on providing opportunities for students most at risk of educational disadvantage, then extra resources need to be targeted as closely as possible at those students with the greatest level of need. This will involve further development of the existing DEIS programme, to create a more dynamic resource allocation model where levels of resources more accurately follow the levels of need identified by objective data.
To support this work my Department has invited the OECD Strength Through Diversity: Education for Inclusive Societies Project to review the current policy approach for the allocation of resources to support students at risk of educational disadvantage in Ireland, this is currently ongoing and the OECD team estimate that the review will be complete in Q2 of 2024. This review will provide an independent expert opinion on the current resource allocation model for the DEIS programme and, drawing on international examples, inform a policy approach for an equitable distribution of supplementary resources to support students at risk of educational disadvantage attending all schools, both DEIS and non-DEIS.
In addition to this, following the National Census conducted in April 2022, an updated HP Deprivation index has now been generated by Pobal. My Department is engaging with Pobal regarding this development and it will be thoroughly reviewed to inform future resource allocation aimed at tackling educational disadvantage.
155. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the total amount spent by her Department on advertisement of and promotion of the TV licence for each of the past five years, including to date in 2023; if additional funding has been spent since the fall off in licence fee renewals in July 2023, if the messaging in formal advertising has changed to try to address the fall off; if beneficiaries of licence fee revenue other than RTÉ have been highlighted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50421/23]
View answerThe TV licence plays an essential role in providing funding for public service broadcasting and for public service content creators. Public Service Media supports the wellbeing and health of our society and our democracy.
Funding is provided by the TV licence for RTÉ and also for the Broadcasting Fund, which supports the Sound and Vision Scheme and the Archiving Scheme. The Sound and Vision Scheme supports television and radio content creation, and also plays an important role in allowing content creation for local and community radio stations.
Part 9 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides the statutory basis for the TV licence, including provisions on the obligation to be in possession of a TV licence. Although RTÉ is not the TV licence issuing agent, nor the sole beneficiary of TV licence receipts, the broadcaster airs adverts to remind the public of this statutory obligation to purchase a TV licence. These TV licence advertisements are fully funded and produced by RTÉ, and my Department does not pay for, or provide specific funding towards the costs of such adverts.
Given RTÉ’s statutory independence, as provided for by Section 98 of the Broadcasting Act, as Minister, I have no direct role in RTÉ’s day-to-day scheduling activities and content, and as such my Department does not holds no records concerning the number, frequency or cost of TV licence advertisements.
156. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén fáth nár íocadh go fóill na táillí atá ag dul do mhná tí i dtaca le mic léinn a d’fhan leo i mí Lúnasa, céard is cúis leis an moill, agus cathain a íocfar iad; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [50435/23]
View answerAg an tráth seo, tá gach éileamh íocaíochta atá ar chumas mo Roinne a íoc i leith cúrsaí a reáchtáladh sna Coláistí Gaeilge i samhradh 2023 próiseáilte ag Rannóg na gColáistí Gaeilge agus seolta chuig Rannóg Airgeadais na Roinne. Déanfar na híocaíochtaí seo leis na teaghlaigh gan mhoill.Níor mhiste a lua leis an Teachta go bhfuil líon áirithe cásanna nach bhfuil ar chumas mo Roinne íocaíochtaí a dhéanamh ina leith go fóill de bharr páipéarachas gan a bheith in ord ag roinnt teaghlach, mar shampla Teastais Glanta Cánach. Bíonn an Roinn i dteagmháil leis na teaghlaigh áirithe seo ar bhonn leanúnach le cabhrú leo é seo a chur ina cheart ionas gur féidir na híocaíochtaí a phróiseáil chomh luath agus is féidir.Is ann do líon beag eile coláistí nach bhfuil eilimh ar íocaíochtaí faighte uathu go fóill. Tá an rannóg i dteagmháil leis na coláistí seo ar mhaithe len iad a spreagadh éilimh a sheoladh chuig an Roinn chomh luath agus is féidir. Den chuid is mó, is coláistí iad seo a bhaineann leas as brúanna chun lóistín a chur ar fáil seachas lóistín teaghlaigh.
157. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date figures relating to TV licence fee renewals and new licences; if she will provide a month-by-month comparison, in tabular format, between 2022 and 2023 showing the number of licences renewed and each new license in each respective month by all transactional methods, and the associated revenue generated by these renewal; if the available figures for November so far would be provided; if the cumulative loss in revenue so far in 2023 (versus the same period in 2022) would be provided; if county by county data exists and, if so, if it will be provided in respect of each category above; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50458/23]
View answerThe first table below shows the number of first time licence sales and licence renewals in 2022. This information is also broken down into licence sales made at a post office, online, by phone, and by direct debit.
2022 First time Licence Sales and Licence Renewals
|
MONTH |
SALES 2022 |
Web, Phone, and Post Office Renewal |
Web, Phone, and Post Office First Time Licence |
Direct Debit Renewal |
Direct DebitFirst Time Licence |
Total Renewal |
Total First Time Licence |
|
January |
78,050 |
55,068 |
9,502 |
12,746 |
734 |
67,814 |
10,236 |
|
February |
70,648 |
48,322 |
8,130 |
13,082 |
1,114 |
61,404 |
9,244 |
|
March |
74,098 |
51,643 |
8,526 |
13,102 |
827 |
64,745 |
9,353 |
|
April |
73,942 |
51,410 |
8,715 |
12,826 |
991 |
64,236 |
9,706 |
|
May |
73,624 |
51,770 |
8,249 |
12,515 |
1,090 |
64,285 |
9,339 |
|
June |
75,067 |
52,429 |
8,004 |
13,617 |
1,017 |
66,047 |
9,020 |
|
July |
76,769 |
54,120 |
8,537 |
13,077 |
1,035 |
67,197 |
9,572 |
|
August |
77,736 |
54,505 |
8,392 |
13,760 |
1,079 |
68,265 |
9,471 |
|
September |
93,365 |
66,333 |
9,211 |
16,785 |
1,036 |
83,118 |
10,247 |
|
October |
94,905 |
67,653 |
8,721 |
17,295 |
1,236 |
84,948 |
9,957 |
|
November |
87,750 |
64,484 |
9,794 |
12,168 |
1,304 |
76,652 |
11,098 |
|
December |
71,970 |
51,011 |
7,614 |
12,251 |
1,094 |
63,262 |
8,708 |
By way of comparison, the following table shows the number of first time licence sales and licence renewals to the end of October 2023. Detailed sales channel information is not yet available for November.
2023 First time Licence Sales and Licence Renewals to date
|
MONTH |
SALES 2023 |
Web, Phone, and Post Office Renewal |
Web, Phone and Post Office First Time Licence |
Direct Debit Renewal |
Direct DebitFirst Time Licence |
Total Renewal |
Total First Time Licence |
|
January |
78,389 |
55,574 |
9,659 |
12,419 |
737 |
67,993 |
10,396 |
|
February |
71,891 |
49,047 |
8,433 |
12,772 |
1,639 |
61,819 |
10,072 |
|
March |
79,210 |
55,796 |
9,376 |
12,720 |
1,318 |
68,516 |
10,694 |
|
April |
68,795 |
47,585 |
7,538 |
12,487 |
1,185 |
60,072 |
8,723 |
|
May |
73,598 |
52,181 |
7,937 |
12,236 |
1,244 |
64,417 |
9,181 |
|
June |
73,421 |
51,116 |
7,602 |
13,296 |
1,407 |
64,412 |
9,009 |
|
July |
53,882 |
35,143 |
4,960 |
12,692 |
1,087 |
47,835 |
6,047 |
|
August |
54,664 |
36,688 |
4,124 |
13,094 |
758 |
49,782 |
4,882 |
|
September |
66,000 |
44,816 |
4,211 |
16,228 |
745 |
61,044 |
4,956 |
|
October |
67,722 |
46,530 |
4,133 |
16,467 |
592 |
62,997 |
4,725 |
The most recent recent data provided by An Post, as the statutory TV licence issuing agent, up to 12th November 2023 show that there were 22,266 total renewals and 2,216 total first time licences. The figures for the equivalent period in 2022 are as follows: 3,552 first time licences and 23,020 total renewals.
Finally, this third table shows the difference between full monthly figures from January to October in 2022 and 2023, and the resultant difference in revenue. As full sales information for the month of November is not available, it would not be appropriate to make an assumption on any potential loss of revenue for the month at this stage.
2022 and 2023 Licence Sales and Sales Revenue
|
MONTH |
SALES 2022 |
SALES 2023 |
Difference in Licence Sales |
Difference in Revenue (Difference * €160) |
|
January |
78,050 |
78,389 |
339 |
€54,240 |
|
February |
70,648 |
71,891 |
1,243 |
€198,880 |
|
March |
74,098 |
79,210 |
5,112 |
€817,920 |
|
April |
73,942 |
68,795 |
-5,147 |
-€823,520 |
|
May |
73,624 |
73,598 |
-26 |
-€4,160 |
|
June |
75,067 |
73,421 |
-1,646 |
-€263,360 |
|
July |
76,769 |
53,882 |
-22,887 |
-€3,661,920 |
|
August |
77,736 |
54,664 |
-23,072 |
-€3,691,520 |
|
September |
93,365 |
66,000 |
-27,365 |
-€4,378,400 |
|
October |
94,905 |
67,722 |
-27,183 |
-€4,349,280 |
|
TOTAL |
788,204 |
687,572 |
-100,632 |
-€16,101,120 |
County-by-county data is not available for any of the above.
The TV licence funds a broad range of public service content, enabling essential news and current affairs programming, as well as supporting the creation of a high quality content on culture, sport, entertainment, music and more. It supports many broadcasters and independent producers, in addition to RTÉ. It remains critically important that people continue to pay the TV Licence fee. It is not only required by law, it underpins availability of public service content which is of critical importance to our democracy and society.
