Written Answers Nos. 61-80
62. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in County Carlow; and the date on which all bus routes under the plan will be up and running in the county. [52620/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan .
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for the rollout of new services, including in County Carlow, I have referred your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
63. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport when the regulations for e-bikes and scooters will be completed; how it is intended to monitor the 25 km/h speed limit, which is to be the threshold for tax and insurance, where the capacity of many of the items in use seem to be able to exceed such thresholds. [52811/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that my Department had expected to commence the parts of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 relating to powered personal transporters (PPTs) and to introduce regulations for e-scooters following the EU TRIS process under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535. Some technical and legal issues were identified during drafting, in part taking account of recent comments received from the EU Commission during the TRIS process, which have delayed their introduction. Regulations for e-scooters are now expected to be in place in Q1 2024. E-scooters will not be legal to use in public places until that time.
No e-scooter which exceeds the parameters for maximum weight, power output and design speed will be permitted for use in public places. It is intended that e-scooters must display a manufacturer's plate to indicate that they adhere to these parameters. Ensuring that any vehicle obeys the speed limit, as with the enforcement of all road traffic legislation, is ultimately a matter for An Garda Síochána.
Separately, new rules, requiring registration, taxation, insurance and a driver’s licence, will shortly also apply to electric mopeds (e-mopeds). E-mopeds are higher-powered electric bikes which may be capable of achieving greater speeds. While these vehicles will not require regulations, administrative changes are currently being made by the relevant State bodies to allow e-moped owners to register and tax their vehicles and to undergo a driving test. These new rules will come into effect alongside the rules for e-scooters when the relevant parts of the Act are commenced in early 2024.
64. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the Mallow relief road; the level of funding that will be allocated in 2024 considering only €100,000 was allocated in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52474/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
The funding for this scheme, as with all schemes, will be kept under review and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII in 2024. The allocations for 2024 are expected to be announced by the end of the year.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct update as to the latest status of this project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
71. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education the steps being taken by the staff in her Department to have the new building for a school (details supplied) advanced. [52314/23]
View answerKolbe Special School is part of a large-scale capital project, located in Portlaoise. I want to reassure the Deputy that this project is a key priority for the Department.
The project brief is to provide a new eight classroom special school and appropriate ancillary accommodation. The School Authorities also recently received approval for the installation of modular accommodation on the site currently occupied by Kolbe Special School. The accommodation can be configured for use as a sensory pod if the School Authorities deem it to be the best use of this additional accommodation for children with special educational needs.
My Department has assisted the modular building contractor and School Authorities in determining the layout, including assisted user WC Facilities. Additional boundary fencing and some external play area works have also been agreed.
The site that Kolbe Special School currently occupies is in the ownership of the HSE; the School Authorities and their Design Team are working with the HSE to satisfy Legal and Health & Safety requirements in relation to installation of this additional accommodation on their site.
The statutory applications have been lodged with the Local Authority, the approval of the Fire Safety Cert and Disability Access Cert applications are pending.
The Contractor has set up on site and, subject to no issues arising, the current programme to complete installation is a seven week period, including Building Control Amendment Regulation certification by the Local Authority. The additional accommodation is anticipated to be available to the school for January 2024.
Significant enabling works for the major project for the new school are proceeding on-site including the completion of works around the public road and roundabout, liaising with ESB Networks Ireland for the diversion of ESB overhead wires.
There are two individual ESB line installation works to be completed at the new site - the first has commenced on-site and is on target for completion by December 2023, the second line works programme is subject to approval of wayleave and licence, and the administrative details are currently being finalised between the HSE as landowner and the school authorities with the assistance of the design team.
On completion of the ESB works, the Contractor will have approximately 1 weeks’ work remaining to make the site safe and to decant from the site to enable the main contractor to commence.
In addition to the modular accommodation, my Department received the Tender Report for the new build from the Board of Management and the Design Team. The Tender Report is currently under review. On completion of the review, the Department will be in contact with the BOM and Design Team.
Since 2020, we have invested €3.5 billion in our schools throughout the country involving the completion of over 690 school building projects with construction currently underway at 300 other projects. School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of €1.2 billion. We also have 200 modular accommodation projects that are very well advanced for delivery or at construction stage. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
72. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will report on the recent circular on domestic violence leave for teachers and special needs assistants; how this leave will operate in reality in school communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52662/23]
View answerDomestic Violence Leave is a statutory leave regulated by the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.
With effect from the 27th of November 2023, all employers are required to provide up to five days paid domestic violence leave over a period of 12 months. Ireland is one of the first countries in the European Union to introduce this right and with the government of Ireland, the Department will work to give it full effect.
Domestic violence is one of the greatest ills that can affect any individual, harming their sense of safety and self within their home. For survivors of domestic violence, it can feel as if there is no escape. Implementing this paid leave will go some way to providing much-needed care and support for those experiencing violence.
As with all types of leave, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has led on the implementation of this leave. The terms and conditions of Domestic Violence Leave for Teachers and SNAs are outlined in my Department’s Circulars 59 and 60 of 2023 and are effective from 22 November 2023.
Domestic Violence Leave for Teachers and SNAs is a period of paid leave and consists of one or more school days, but cannot exceed a maximum of 5 school days in a consecutive 12 month period. The leave will be paid at the full rate of pay of the employee.
A teacher, who is a victim of domestic violence or a teacher who is assisting a relevant person is entitled to apply for Domestic Violence Leave for the following reasons:
• to seek medical attention;
• to obtain services from a victim services organisation;
• to obtain psychological or other professional counselling;
• to relocate residence temporarily or permanently;
• to obtain an order from a court under the Domestic Violence Act 2018;
• to seek advice or assistance from a legal practitioner; the Garda Síochána or obtain any other relevant services.
Domestic Violence Leave can also be availed where a teacher or SNA is providing support to a relevant person. A relevant person is defined in the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act.
A teacher or SNA can apply for Domestic Violence Leave by completing the application for provided in the Circular’s published by my Department and submitting the completed application form to their employer as soon as is reasonably practicable prior to or after availing of such leave.
A school may appoint a substitute teacher/SNA for the duration of the leave.
The Board of Management, as the employer, is responsible for the implementation of guidelines in schools, in accordance with Department circulars, as agreed with Unions and Management Bodies.
A new website, www.DVatWork.ie, has been developed by Women's Aid and funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The website provides free resources to support employers to implement the new leave entitlements and also a policy template with guidance notes, information sessions and an email support service.
The website recommends to employers that, in order to effectively implement domestic violence leave, employers embed the domestic violence support measure within a wider organisational response to domestic abuse, outlined in a workplace domestic violence policy.
The introduction of a domestic violence policy in the Education sector is being considered by my Department and will include extensive consultation with the education partners.
My Department provides an Employee Assistance Service (EAS) as a supportive resource for school staff and provides advice on a range of issues including conflict and mediation. Where appropriate, short-term counselling is available to school employees and their family members. A dedicated Freephone confidential helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
75. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education when she expects works on a new building for a school (details supplied) will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52579/23]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers is a two-classroom school that is in the Department’s pipeline for a modular accommodation project. The current enrolment at the school is 40 pupils which is a decrease of two pupils from last year.
The project is being managed on a devolved basis by the school authority. The brief for the project is to replace the existing accommodation with a new modular unit that consists of two 80 square metre mainstream classrooms, as well as one Special Education Teaching room, one office space, one staff room and a small reception or lobby area.
The project is at tender stage. Tender documents and the tender report for this project were received in my Department in October 2023. The lowest tenderer for the project has withdrawn from the tender competition which is resulting in significantly increased costs. The tender documentation and tender report is being reviewed by my Department from a technical and cost perspective. This analysis is being done in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code to ensure the proposed project is fully assessed from a value from money perspective. This analysis is ongoing and the school authority will be kept updated on progress.
My Department is also conscious that this school is in an area of decreasing enrolments at primary level and will be seeking updated information from the Patron and the school in relation to enrolments and projections and impact on neighbouring schools. This information will contribute to the aforementioned analysis.
I want to assure the Deputy that my Department has a strong track record of delivery and our main focus is on ensuring every child has a school place.
Since 2020 we have invested in the region of €3.5 billion in our schools throughout the country involving the completion of over 690 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects. School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have 200 modular accommodation projects that are very well advanced for delivery or at construction stage. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
In conclusion, I want to assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils of Tubber National School. My Department will ensure that this project - as for all projects on our school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the Public Spending Code and represents good value for money for the State.
79. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Education her plans to ensure that the development of new schools supports the national planning framework objectives of compact growth and reducing urban sprawl; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52871/23]
View answerThe designation of school sites to serve existing, expanding and new communities is the function of local authorities, in consultation with my Department, through the statutory development plan process.
My Department’s Statutory Plans Co-ordinating Unit actively engages with the statutory planning process to ensure that sufficient land is zoned to provide appropriate sites for new school buildings or the extension of existing ones. It is within the Local Authority’s remit to ensure that land is appropriately zoned for educational purposes.
Local authorities in their statutory plans, are required to be consistent with the National Planning Framework’s objectives in respect of compact growth. Statutory plans must include details of where future growth is to be distributed within the relevant area over the lifetime of the plan, together with details of population and household projections and the quantum of lands to be zoned for residential and mixed uses. These details must be consistent with the regeneration and redevelopment targets identified for existing built-up locations by the National Planning Framework for the relevant area.
My Department engages actively with the statutory planning process and is proactive in its expression of support for compact growth initiatives as they are outlined in the relevant statutory plans. Furthermore, where future population projections for an area indicate the likely future need for a new school or the extension of an existing one to serve that area, my Department requests that a suitable and appropriate site be zoned in the statutory plan to cater for a future need.
Simultaneously, in order to plan for school provision in existing built-up locations, my Department also engages in an ongoing analysis of demographic data and residential development to identify where the pressure for school places in these areas across the country will arise. Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
• Provision of a new school or schools.
Sites that are zoned for school provision need to be appropriately located in order to maximise sustainable travel modes.
The local authorities take my Department's requirements along with other social, community and economic requirements, including housing need, into consideration when forming a development plan.
My Department has published guidelines to assist in the identification and assessment for suitability of new sites for schools, where the procurement of a new site is required.
These guidance documents, which are available on gov.ie, recommend that as part of the evaluation of site suitability, a number of factors are taken into account including zoning, location, existing services, site orientation, topography, transport and access.
The school site selection process is supported by a Site Acquisition Management consultancy team. This team provides a report to officials in my Department, identifying potential school sites. The suitability of these sites is ranked based on a number of criteria including:
• Zoning and Development Plan provisions,
• Accessibility and sustainable transport modes,
• Proximity to the population to be served, and
• Proximity to services.
My Department also engages with local authorities to seek their views when evaluating identified shortlisted sites. This then informs which sites should undergo further technical appraisal.
When a school site is acquired and a building project is progressed, the school design is submitted for planning permission to the local authority. The local authority evaluates the environmental impact of the school development and links to sustainable transport as part of the planning process.
80. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the steps that are being taken to address teacher recruitment issues in primary and post-primary schools; what actions are being taken to recognise foreign-based qualifications of teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52733/23]
View answerEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
Budget 2024 contains a range of measures that demonstrate my commitment to continued investment in our education system. In addition to numerous actions I have taken in recent years to address teacher supply, a number of specific, targeted measures will be introduced with the new funding provided including:
• A professional masters’ of education (PME) incentive scheme will be introduced for newly qualified teachers graduating in 2024. Those newly qualified teachers who graduate with a PME will, subject to some conditions, be eligible for an incentive payment of up to €2,000.
• Additionally, there will be an expansion in the number of upskilling programmes available, with programmes in Irish, French, politics & society, and computer science that will be in addition to existing upskilling programmes in maths, physics and Spanish.
• An additional 1,000 posts of responsibility will be provided in the school system for the 2024/25 school year.
These new measures are in addition to a range of targeted measures that I have introduced in recent times, including:
• Approving 610 additional places on initial teacher education primary level programmes for 2023/24 and 2024/25.
• Meeting with the primary teacher initial education providers on continuing existing flexibilities that enable student teachers to support schools, while either on placement or in a substitute capacity. In 2023, more than 2,700 student teachers registered with the Teaching Council and provided valuable support to schools as substitute teachers. This number is expected to be exceeded in the current school year.
• Continuing the operation of primary substitute teacher supply panels in 2023/24, with 590 teaching posts allocated to 166 panels covering nearly 2,900 schools. This scheme provides substitute cover for teachers employed in primary schools who are absent on short-term leave.
• Encouraging retired teachers to provide substitute cover; a communications campaign ran in early 2023, which has resulted in an increase in the number of teaching days provided by retired teachers of 49%, (over 17,000 days) between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 school years.
• Removing restrictions preventing job-sharing teachers or teachers on career breaks from working as substitutes have been suspended.
• Ensuring that post-primary teachers can provide up to 35 additional hours of substitute cover per term in the subject they are qualified to teach.
The teacher allocation ratio in primary schools is now at the lowest ever seen at primary level. The average student-per-teacher ratio in primary schools reduced by 10% between 2017 and 2023.
While schools in certain locations are experiencing challenges in both recruiting teachers and obtaining substitute teachers, the vast majority of sanctioned teacher positions are filled. The rate of resignation and retirement is very low by any standard, and is consistent with previous years.
The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. In its role as a competent authority, the Teaching Council operates in accordance with the EU Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive.
All applications from fully qualified teachers who qualify outside of the Republic of Ireland are assessed for comparability with graduates of Teaching Council-accredited programmes of initial teacher education. Following an assessment of teaching qualifications and relevant teaching experience, any identified qualification shortfall(s) are added as a condition of registration.
A review of the Teaching Council's Qualification Assessment Process for overseas teachers is being undertaken. A number of positive steps to simplify the process for overseas teachers to register have been introduced including:
• the redesign of their website with a dedicated Qualified Outside of Ireland page,
• enhanced follow-up for incomplete applications,
• removal of requirements for certain documents, and
• expedited approval mechanisms.
These measures are expected to improve the application experience for those teachers who have received their qualifications abroad.
