Thursday, 30 Nov 2023

Written Answers Nos. 368-377

School Enrolments

Questions (368)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

368. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Clane, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption with particular to the children whose parents previously attend the local schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53144/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department. The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including pre-school provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).

As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, the Department of Education divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements.

Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, the Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within that particular area and its ability to meet any increased demand.  Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.

As the Deputy maybe aware Clane is in the Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area. The Department is aware of pressures for school places in Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area.  A critical next step is to acquire clarity on the actual number of additional school places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place.  In that context, schools in a number of areas of enrolment pressure, including Clane, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions.  The Department is liaising closely with schools to ensure that this data is provided as soon as possible, and once it is received the actual requirement for places can be established.   The Department is already having discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities regarding potential solutions but the understanding of the actual school place needs will give clarity as to the specific actions that are required. 

This close engagement with schools and patrons will also allow the Department to identify particular further capacity requirements for the forthcoming years and put any required solutions in place - beyond those that are already in train - to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area. 

In line with the Department's demographic projections of school place requirements there has been a continued growth in enrolments in Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area. My Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years.  Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for Clane.

The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.   

I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Clane for the 2024/25 school year and into the future. Families can be assured that any necessary solution will be delivered so that all of the children in the Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area will receive a school place.

School Enrolments

Questions (369)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Naas, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53145/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department. 

As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, the Department of Education divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements.

Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, the Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within that particular area and its ability to meet any increased demand.  Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.

The Department is aware of pressures for school places in Naas School Planning Area.  A critical next step is to acquire clarity on the actual number of additional school places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place.  In that context, schools in a number of areas of enrolment pressure, including Naas, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions.  The Department is liaising closely with schools to ensure that this data is provided as soon as possible, and once it is received the actual requirement for places can be established.   The Department is already having discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities regarding potential solutions but the understanding of the actual school place needs will give clarity as to the specific actions that are required. 

This close engagement with schools and patrons will also allow the Department to identify particular further capacity requirements for the forthcoming years and put any required solutions in place - beyond those that are already in train - to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area. 

In line with the Department's demographic projections of school place requirements there has been a continued growth in enrolments in Naas School Planning Area. My Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years.  Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for Naas.

The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. 

I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Naas for the 2024/25 school year and into the future. Families can be assured that any necessary solution will be delivered so that all of the children in the Naas School Planning Area will receive a school place.

School Accommodation

Questions (370)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

370. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Sallins, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53146/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department. 

As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, the Department of Education divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements.

Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, the Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within that particular area and its ability to meet any increased demand.  Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.

The Department is aware of pressures for school places in Naas School Planning Area.  A critical next step is to acquire clarity on the actual number of additional school places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place.  In that context, schools in a number of areas of enrolment pressure, including Naas, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions.  The Department is liaising closely with schools to ensure that this data is provided as soon as possible, and once it is received the actual requirement for places can be established.   The Department is already having discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities regarding potential solutions but the understanding of the actual school place needs will give clarity as to the specific actions that are required. 

This close engagement with schools and patrons will also allow the Department to identify particular further capacity requirements for the forthcoming years and put any required solutions in place - beyond those that are already in train - to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area. 

In line with the Department's demographic projections of school place requirements there has been a continued growth in enrolments in Naas School Planning Area. My Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years.  Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for Naas.

The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. 

I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Naas for the 2024/25 school year and into the future. Families can be assured that any necessary solution will be delivered so that all of the children in the Naas School Planning Area will receive a school place.

School Accommodation

Questions (371)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

371. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Prosperous, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53147/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. In addition, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements. 

The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including pre-school provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).

Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, including the Prosperous School Planning Area, my Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity and identifies any requirement for additional provision. Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.

The Department is aware of pressures for school places in the Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area. A critical next step is to acquire clarity on the actual number of additional first year places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place.  In that context, schools in a number of areas of enrolment pressure, including Prosperous School Planning Area, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions.  The Department is liaising closely with schools to ensure that this data is provided as soon as possible, and once it is received the actual requirement for places can be established.   The Department is already having discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities regarding potential solutions but the understanding of the actual school place needs will give clarity as to the specific actions that are required. 

This close engagement with schools and patrons will also allow the Department to identify particular further capacity requirements for the forthcoming years and put any required solutions in place - beyond those that are already in train - to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area. 

My Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years.  Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for the Prosperous School Planning Area. 

These projects include a number of further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned, including a new school buildings in Prosperous School Planning Area.

The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, including projects in the school planning areas in question, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.

I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students across Prosperous School Planning Area for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.

School Accommodation

Questions (372)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

372. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the current position and extent of the dialogue taking place between the relevant section of her Department and the relevant school authorities and parents awaiting or anticipating progress in respect of pre-primary, primary and post-primary schools in Naas, County Kildare with particular reference to the need to ensure the provision of adequate school places at all levels in a unified way thereby eliminating any snags that might arise such as the availability of the necessary finance in order to allow the educational needs of the town continue to be met in a way which takes account of the rapidly increasing population of the area and at the same time report progress on the various deliberations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53148/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department. 

As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, the Department of Education divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements.

Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, the Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within that particular area and its ability to meet any increased demand.  Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.

The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including pre-school provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).

The Department is aware of pressures for school places in Naas School Planning Area.  A critical next step is to acquire clarity on the actual number of additional school places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place.  In that context, schools in a number of areas of enrolment pressure, including Naas, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions.  The Department is liaising closely with schools to ensure that this data is provided as soon as possible, and once it is received the actual requirement for places can be established. The Department is already having discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities regarding potential solutions but the understanding of the actual school place needs will give clarity as to the specific actions that are required. 

This close engagement with schools and patrons will also allow the Department to identify particular further capacity requirements for the forthcoming years and put any required solutions in place - beyond those that are already in train - to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area. 

In line with the Department's demographic projections of school place requirements there has been a continued growth in enrolments in Naas. My Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years.  Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for Naas.

These projects include new school building projects at Mercy Convent and Naas Community College Post Primary School.  Additionally, a number of extension projects are also in train at St. Corban’s NS, Holy Child NS, and St. Mary’s Girls Post Primary School which will increase capacity in the Naas School Planning Area.

I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Naas for the 2024/25 school year and into the future. Families can be assured that any necessary solution will be delivered so that all of the children in the Naas School Planning Area will receive a school place.

School Accommodation

Questions (373)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

373. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in Leixlip, County Kildare at pre-primary, primary and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year; if she is satisfied that work in progress or steps yet to be taken can proceed without interruption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53149/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for my Department. The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including pre-school provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).

In order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose.  Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements. 

While my Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in some areas, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

• Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area

• School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area

• Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils

• External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area

My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.

Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

My Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years.  Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for the Leixlip School Planning Area. 

These projects include a new school building project at Leixlip ETNS which is at Project Brief Stage which will increase capacity in the Leixlip School Planning Area.

The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, including projects in the school planning areas in question, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.

I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students across Leixlip School Planning Area for the 2024/25 school year and into the future. 

School Accommodation

Questions (374)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

374. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which emergency measures are being taken to ensure the availability of the adequate number of school places at primary and second level, with particular reference to the need to meet any such challenges in September 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53150/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. In addition, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements.

Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, my Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity and identifies any requirement for additional provision. Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.

The Department is aware of pressures for school places at primary and post primary level in a number of school planning areas. A critical next step is to acquire clarity on the actual number of additional places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place.  In that context, schools in a number of areas of enrolment pressure, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions.  The Department is liaising closely with schools to ensure that this data is provided as soon as possible, and once it is received the actual requirement for places can be established. The Department is already having discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities regarding potential solutions but the understanding of the actual school place needs will give clarity as to the specific actions that are required. 

This close engagement with schools and patrons will also allow the Department to identify particular further capacity requirements for the forthcoming years and put any required solutions in place - beyond those that are already in train - to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area. 

Over the course of 2023, in excess of 2,000 extra classrooms have been funded for schools around the country. There have been unavoidable delays in the delivery of some of this additional accommodation.  The Department is working closely with the schools concerned to keep them appraised of the project timelines and to assist in ensuring that interim arrangements are put in place to facilitate the accommodation of all existing and new classes at the school.

The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, including projects in the school planning areas in question, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.

I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students at primary and post primary level across all school planning areas for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (375)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

375. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which special needs teachers and SNAs continue to be available to the extent required in County Kildare, and all areas throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53151/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education

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.

Special education teachers provide additional teaching support for students with special educational needs enrolled in mainstream classes in primary and post primary schools. 

The special education teaching (SET) allocation model provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile.

The SET model has been in place since 2017. It was recommended by the NCSE and is designed to distribute the total available number of special education teachers across primary and post primary schools based on the relative need of each school, as evidenced by a number of key indicators.

The SET model is a fairer and more transparent way of allocating teaching resources to schools and represents a significant shift in the way that students with special education needs are supported in mainstream classes. 

Previously, students needing additional teaching support required a diagnosis in order to access support which caused delays in providing the support and also imposed a burden on both schools and parents. The change in policy was welcomed by both schools and parents as the model is based on the principle that those students with the greatest need receive the most support. 

The model encourages schools to support students with special educational needs in mainstream classes alongside their peers.  In fact most students with special educational needs are enrolled in these classes. This approach is also consistent with the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004.

When the SET model was introduced it was designed to be updated on a regular basis so as to distribute the total available resources across the school system based on profile of need. As the level of student need may change in a school over time, some schools will gain under this distribution, with these gains balanced by equivalent reductions in schools where the model indicates reduced need.

Re-profiling is the means of ensuring that new or increasing need in schools is met by transfer/redistribution of teaching resources from other schools whose need has reduced as shown by the model.   

The SET resources provided to schools is based on special education needs of the pupils enrolled in the school and the resources must be utilised to ensure that students with special education needs are supported so that they can achieve the best possible educational outcome.

In general schools are front-loaded with resources, based on each school’s profile. The allocations to schools include provision to support all pupils in the schools, including where a child receives a diagnosis after the allocation is received by a school, or where there are newly enrolling pupils to the school.

The model, including the data and indicators used to inform the distribution of special education teacher resources, is currently being reviewed in advance of the 2024/25 school year, to ensure that these valuable resources are allocated fairly and transparently across our primary and post-primary schools.

SNAs play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs into mainstream education, special classes and special schools ensuring that these students can access education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.

SNAs are allocated to schools as a school based resource and not to individual children. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual principal/board of management of the school.  SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.  

It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised. 

The NCSE have published the SNA allocations for the 2023/24 school year. For ease of reference these allocations are broken down by school type and are available on the NCSE's website  at: www.ncse.ie/set-hours-and-sna-allocations.

Schools can apply to the NCSE for a review of its SNA allocation if it is insufficient to meet the needs of its students.

Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website: www.ncse.ie/application-for-sna-exceptional-review.

The NCSE manages the exceptional review process and handles each case individually. Some review requests can be concluded as an office based exercise, whilst others require a school to be visited in order to observe the current deployment of SNA support in the school setting.

The timeframe for concluding a review can vary depending on the school context or the nature of the information provided.

Following the outcome of the review, the NCSE can make the local special educational needs officer (SENO) available to the school to discuss their current deployment of SNA supports in the school and to put these supports to the best advantage of the students. NCSE in-school support is also available to schools to offer further guidance and support.

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.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (376)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

376. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to ensure the provision of a new primary school in Newtown, Enfield, County Kildare; the degree to which such provision is capable of meeting the demand in the current and subsequent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53152/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department. 

As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, the Department of Education divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit Data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department’s projections of school place requirements.

Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, the Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within that particular area and its ability to meet any increased demand.  Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.

Newtown NS is located in the Kilcock School Planning Area.  The Department is aware of pressures at both primary and post primary level in the Kilcock School Planning Area.  A critical next step is to acquire clarity on the actual number of additional places required for 2024 in order for an appropriate solution to be put in place.  In that context, schools in a number of areas of enrolment pressure, including Enfield, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions.  The Department is liaising closely with schools to ensure that this data is provided as soon as possible, and once it is received the actual requirement for places can be established.   The Department is already having discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities regarding potential solutions but the understanding of the actual school place needs will give clarity as to the specific actions that are required. 

This close engagement with schools and patrons will also allow the Department to identify particular further capacity requirements for the forthcoming years and put any required solutions in place - beyond those that are already in train - to ensure sufficient school places to meet the needs of students in the area. 

In line with the Department's demographic projections of primary school place requirements there has been a continued growth in enrolments in Kilcock. My Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years.  Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for Kilcock.

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department approved two projects for Newtown NS, Kildare. The first project for 2 x 15m² SET rooms (1 prefab replacement) and 4 x 80m² mainstream classrooms has been completed. The second approval for a 2 Class SEN Base is in the planning stages. 

I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Kilcock for the 2024/25 school year and into the future. Families can be assured that any necessary solution will be delivered so that all of the children in the Kilcock School Planning Area will receive a place.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (377)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

377. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress to date in the delivery of the three school project at Celbridge, County Kildare, with particular reference to replacement for a special school (details supplied), long since outdated; the extent to which this project is proceeding in accordance with plans; if any revision is required to expedite progress for the schools in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53153/23]

Written answers

Minister for Education

The campus project to which the Deputy refers, is devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). This project is part of the bundle referred to as ‘Project Shannon'.

I am pleased to advise that the procurement for the design team is currently underway and is nearing completion. Once the procurement process is finalised, the design team will be formally appointed to design the buildings, obtain the necessary statutory planning permissions, and progress the project to tender and construction in due course.

At this early stage of the architectural process, it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project. The NDFA, as the devolved delivery body, will engage directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress.