Written Answers Nos. 333-347
334. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an assurance to all families that every child currently on a waiting list for secondary school in Prosperous and Clane will be offered a full-time place in September 2024. [55172/23]
View answerAs 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, 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 €250 million 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.
335. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details of the future planning undertaken by her Department to ensure the capacity of school places in Kildare are in line with current population and projected population growth in Kildare for the next three, five and ten years. [55173/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, 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.
As part of the Department's commitment to the National Planning Framework, as part of Project Ireland 2040, and with the objective of ensuring that there is appropriate education provision for future populations, my Department engages proactively with the 31 local authorities in the development of their statutory plans. In the context of County Kildare, my Department has had regular engagement with Kildare County Council through the development and adoption of its 2023-2029 Development Plan. This has allowed my Department to plan for the projected population growth in County Kildare over the course of the Development Plan.
It is, however, important to note that the impact of population growth on school place requirements is mitigated by changing demographic trends. Despite projected national population growth, the numbers of primary students are forecast to reduce by 100,000 over the next decade, and while post primary enrolments are expected to peak in 2024, they are forecast to decline by 70,000 over the subsequent ten years.
The impact on school places of the projected population growth in Kildare is being considered in that context, with a view to identifying any further accommodation solutions required to meet the capacity requirements. However, it is important to note that my Department is already delivering significant additional capacity at schools in the county as part of its capital programme.
Under Project Ireland 2040 the education sector will receive a total of approximately €5 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. There will be a rolling 5 year funding envelope which will be updated annually for the period 2026 to 2030 within the Government’s overall NDP funding envelope of €136 billion in exchequer capital (€165 billion total capital including non-Exchequer) that will facilitate building a modern and sustainable school infrastructure.
This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland. The strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock will have different strands and will include a deep-energy retrofit programme in support of our 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Goals.
The 2022 demographic exercise indicates that 85% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level show static or decreasing enrolments for the period to 2026 compared with 2021. At post-primary level some 74% of school planning areas are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2029, with most expected to reach a peak within the next two or three years.
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.
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.
336. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the projected year for the delivery of a new post-primary school in Prosperous. [55174/23]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers, has been devolved for delivery to Kildare & Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).
It is currently at Stage 2b, which allows for detailed design/planning, obtaining the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents. When this stage is finalised, the next stage is tendering for a contractor and then onwards to construction, in due course.
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, KWETB will be engaging directly with the school to keep it informed of progress.
337. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the projected school capacity for the new school in Prosperous. [55175/23]
View answerI 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.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. There are also 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.
The school referred to above by the Deputy is within the Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area. The Department is aware of pressure at post primary level in the Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area. Close engagement with schools and patrons will 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 post primary school place requirements there has been a continued growth in enrolments in Prosperous_Clane. 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 Prosperous_Clane.
These projects include a new school building project at St. Farnan's Post Primary School which is at architectural planning stage and will cater for 1000 pupils plus provision for special needs education upon completion.
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 Prosperous_Clane for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
338. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the projected school capacity for the new boys' primary school in Clane. [55176/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that a building project for the school in question is included on the Department's Capital Program to be delivered as part of the National Development Plan (NDP).
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. There are also 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.
The project referred to by the Deputy to provide a new 24 Classroom School and two classrooms for children with special educational needs is at Architectural Planning Stage 4 – Construction. The project is progressing on site and subject to no issues arising Substantial Completion is expected in Q4 2023.
339. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education her plans to engage with a school (details supplied) to request that several public spaces are made available to children currently on waiting lists in Clane and Prosperous. [55177/23]
View answerAs 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 school to which the Deputy refers is located in the Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area. 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.
340. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the timeline for the delivery of previously sanctioned expansions in a school (details supplied). [55178/23]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved a school building project under my Department's Additional School Accommodation scheme. The brief for the project is comprised of two science laboratories with a shared preparation area, five mainstream classrooms and a four class Special Education Needs (SEN) base and ancillary accommodation. The project was devolved for delivery to the School Authority.
The School Authority appointed a design team to manage the delivery of the project and a stage 1 (preliminary design) architectural report was submitted for review to my Department. While the review was underway, the school applied for and were approved an expanded project to also include the four class SEN base, toilets and locker space in addition to that which was originally approved.
My Department officials are currently awaiting further information from the School Authority to enable the progression of the project. It is not possible at this early stage to provide a timeline for delivery of the project.
341. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the date on which and/or if she will provide additional Portakabin arrangements to be installed in schools in Prosperous and Clane where necessary to ensure that all children currently on a waiting list will receive a school place in 2024 and 2025. [55179/23]
View answerAs 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, 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.
342. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education the current status of a 2021 agreement between her Department and the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education Training Board in relation to a permanent extension to a school (details supplied); the expected realistic timeframe for commencement of procurement for the promised phase two permanent extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55190/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department and Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education Training Board (DDLETB) agreed in early 2021 to increase the capacity of the school in question to 1,500 places. There was no timeframe determined for this increase but it was expected that there would be a gradual increase in enrolments over a number of years.
In order to facilitate an initial increase in enrolments, modular accommodation was provided at the school in 2022. As a result of continued engagement between my Department and DDLETB it has been agreed to provide further modular accommodation at the school for the 2024/25 school year and a subsequent traditional construction project to deliver the remaining accommodation.
In relation to the timeframe for commencement of procurement for the phase two permanent extension, the department is not in a position to guarantee a definitive timeline. As the Deputy will appreciate the progress of the project depends on a multitude of factors such as any identified technical challenges, statutory consents, procurement etc., many of which are outside of the department's control.
My Department continues to work closely with DDLETB to advance both of these projects as quickly as possible.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. There are also 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.
I can assure the Deputy that my department is very cognisant of the urgency around the delivery of accommodation for the new school year and is working to advance matters as quickly as possible. The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my department. My officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider school planning area for future years.
343. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Education the funding and timing of the short-term solution to be delivered via her Department’s modular accommodation framework for a school (details supplied); if she is committed to having a workable solution in place for September 2024; the status of the appointment of the project manager to deliver this short-term modular solution; the status of phase two and the promised permanent extension to be delivered via a traditional construction project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55191/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has agreed the need for additional accommodation at the school in question.
The school's accommodation will be delivered in two phases. Phase one will see the delivery of accommodation to meet the school’s most immediate needs through the department's modular accommodation framework and will consist of reconfiguration of two science labs to provide two special education classrooms, and modular accommodation for two science labs, one prep area and four general classrooms.
In support of the expedited delivery of critical school accommodation my department has put in place a Modular Accommodation Framework. The use of the Department’s Modular Accommodation Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of modular accommodation are minimised to the greatest extent possible. In addition, my Department has put new project manager supports in place to assist schools with the delivery of this critical modular accommodation. The Project Manager Framework is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and to help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects.
The Modular Accommodation Framework solution:
· Has significant benefits in terms of delivery timelines;
· Minimises the impact of the project on the operation of the school;
· Provides quality and sustainable accommodation that meets building regulation requirements and is Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) compliant; and
· Climate proofing of the accommodation, given that the modular accommodation has the added benefit of utilising decarbonised heating sources which should also help with the school’s energy profile and costs.
It is not possible to give a definitive timeline for delivery of the project however my officials, through the engagement of the school’s patron and the project manager will endeavour to deliver this project as quickly as possible. It is targeted to have the accommodation in place either in advance of the 2024/25 school year or early in the first term.
Phase two which consists of a traditional construction project comprising six general classrooms, one music room, two design computer graphics rooms, one home economics room, two graphics rooms, one engineering/ construction studies/technology room and two special education classrooms. My officials are working with the school’s patron with a view to advancing this project to the next stage, which is to appoint a Design Team, in the coming weeks.
The department is not in a position to guarantee a definitive timeline for phase two of the school's project. As the Deputy will appreciate the progress of the project depends on a multitude of factors such as any identified technical challenges, statutory consents, procurement etc., many of which are outside of the department's control.
I can assure the Deputy that my department is very cognisant of the urgency around the delivery of accommodation for the new school year and is working to advance matters as quickly as possible. The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my department. My officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider school planning area for future years.
344. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education if there any plans for works or developments at a school (details supplied). [55196/23]
View answerMy Department has very recently received an application from the school to which the Deputy refers, for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS). This application is currently being assessed by the Department's emergency works team, the school will be kept informed throughout the process.
345. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education her main policy and legislative priorities for 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55204/23]
View answerMy Department aims to deliver high quality and inclusive education for all children and young people that addresses their needs, interests and ambitions.
Forbairt, the Annual Statement of Priorities for my Department in 2024, will provide a road map to the delivery of the strategic and operational priorities set out in my Department’s Statement of Strategy 2023-2025. The priorities identified are expected to be informed by the current Statement of Strategy, Programme for Government and other significant issues. My intention is to publish the Annual Statement of Priorities in early 2024.
My Department currently has two legislative priorities for 2024:
• The Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill 2019 passed the Second Stage in the Dáil on 8th July 2021. My Department is working towards moving the Bill to Committee Stage in Q1/Q2 of 2024.
• The Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill is currently undergoing Pre-Legislative Scrutiny (PLS). Following consideration of the Joint Committee’s PLS report, I intend to seek the approval of Government for publication early in the new year and expect the Bill will commence its progression through the legislative process during Q1 of 2024.
346. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a list of the normal funding options for small DEIS schools; if her Department will introduce a small grants work (minor works) scheme and IT support grant; if the current ancillary (general) grant will be reviewed and increased in line with recent inflationary pressures on energy and other related increases that many small schools are experiencing; if information or opportunities for such funding will be provided to a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim that finds itself under financial pressure due to the lack of grant funding opportunities. [55240/23]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was delivered during the mid-term break, to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. This funding is the first tranche of an overall additional €60 million funding announced as part of Budget 2024 measures designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. A further €40 million in funding will be delivered in 2024.
Following the acceptance by Forsa of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) agreement in respect of salaries and various leave entitlements for grant-funded school secretaries, those secretaries who accepted the terms of this agreement have been placed on a payroll operated by this Department. Therefore, as schools will no longer be responsible for paying the salaries of these secretaries, it is necessary to revise the ancillary grant funding. The priority to date has been to ensure secretaries could be set up on a Department payroll on the correct point on the pay scale from September 2023. This represented a very significant body of work, given the numbers involved. Balancing payment of ancillary funding will be issued to schools shortly.
My Department also spends €180 million annually in supporting schools in the DEIS programme, of which over €20m is allocated to schools by way of a DEIS grant.
The DEIS grant should be utilised to attain the targets set in the school's three year improvement plan across the DEIS themes. It is a matter for the Board of Management of each school to allocate DEIS grant funding so that it targets those students identified as being most in need of support.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support its implementation, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
The previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020 saw overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding enabled schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to enable the embedding of the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
Funding of €50m secured as part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the Next Generation EU Recovery and Resilience Facility also issued to all recognised schools in the free education scheme to support learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide in late 2021.
My Department intends to pay the next tranche of ICT grant funding in the 2023 to 2024 school year. The specific timing for issue of the ICT grant is subject to the availability of Exchequer funding and the wider capital needs of the Department including the building programme to ensure the supply of school accommodation.
As part of the forthcoming Review of the National Development Plan, my Department’s aim is to provide better clarity and certainty for schools on the timelines for payment of minor works and ICT grant funding.
Minor Works Grant provides good flexibility at local level to assist schools to manage and undertake works that support the operation of the school.
In recent years, my Department’s approach has been to pay the Minor Works Grant to primary schools in advance of the start of the following school year in order to facilitate a better lead in period for schools to plan any maintenance or minor works during the summer period. A Minor Works Grant of €30 million was paid in April 2023 to primary schools for the current school year 2023/2024.
Schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs.
347. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be reached in respect of the provision of funds for the design team for a project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55247/23]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved a school building project under my Department's Additional School Accommodation scheme. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority. The brief for the project is comprised of two mainstream classrooms, and a three classroom SEN base.
The project is currently at stage 2b (pre planning stage). My Department is awaiting submission of a stage 2b report and supplementary information pertaining to a design team fee request for review by Department officials.
Once the review has been completed, my Department will be in contact with school regarding next steps to progress the project including any funding due at that point.
