Wednesday, 17 Jan 2024

Schools Building Projects

Questions (642)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

642. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education when the construction works at a school (details supplied) will be completed. [1468/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Cork Education and Training Board (CETB).

The project is currently onsite (Stage 4 of the architectural process). It is envisaged that, pending no further delays or issues, the likely school occupation date will be within the first quarter of 2024. The remaining works including the demolition of the existing building, construction of the ball court, parking and associated landscaping are scheduled to be completed during quarter 2 of 2024.

My Department will continue to work closely with CETB and the Project Design Team in this regard.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (643)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

643. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education what supports are in place for neurodivergent students who will sit their Leaving Certificate oral examinations over the Easter holiday period; if she is aware that neurodivergent students special needs assistants will be on unpaid leave during this period (details supplied); and if she will ensure that SNAs who provide essential support to neurodivergent students sitting their leaving certificate oral examinations will be renumerated. [1471/24]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education

I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and advise the following in relation to supports for neurodivergent students during examinations:

The RACE scheme is operated within the context of the annually issued RACE Instructions for Schools (www.examinations.ie/schools/cs_view.php?q=23c5e7e2fe3a2712503dd9040040800987a46ab6), which is the handbook on RACE, and all applications for reasonable accommodations are considered within a published Framework of Principles. Comprehensive information about the scheme is available from the SEC’s website at www.examinations.ie .

Assessment of eligibility for reasonable accommodations is based on appropriate evidence of need and not on a diagnosis of any specific condition. For some accommodations evidence of need requires school-based testing to be undertaken.

In relation to your query regarding payment for SNAs on leave, I can confirm that, in a situation whereby a SNA is on a temporary contract and their contract ends before, for example the Christmas break, they will receive statutory holiday pay (1.66 days for every month they work) and if the SNA resumes work directly after the break they will get paid retrospectively for that break. If a SNA returns to the same school after the summer break they will get paid for the summer break as set out in Department of Education Circular 0111/2007.

I would also like to advise the Deputy that the SNA Workforce Development Unit within Special Education Division in my Department are currently working on the development of the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan. The plan, which will be developed over the next 2 years, will introduce policy developments which will bring clarity and direction to the SNA service. This will include a review of the SNA Contract of Employment in line with the commitment under the Building Momentum National Pay Agreement .

The plan will include consideration of how best school leaders and SNAs can work together to ensure that both are supported to provide the most effective service to children with significant care needs in our schools. The plan will be developed in consultation and collaboration with stakeholders including school leaders and the SNAs, giving all parties an opportunity to provide input and share views on the future development and direction of the SNA service.

School Transport

Questions (644)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

644. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for school transport which was made in July 2023. [1474/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.

Under the terms of the Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.

The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to the Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.

A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class, special school or a unit that is or can be resourced to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education criteria.

Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).

I am pleased to advise that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible under the terms of the scheme.Bus Éireann have tendered this service in line with procurement guidelines. Bus Eireann has advised that the service is still out for procurement. Once a contractor has been sourced, the service will commence. Bus Éireann will liaise with the family directly one a contractor has been sourced.Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore apply for the interim Special Transport Grant which is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until services are finalised. The family of the child referred have been contacted directly by School Transport Section of my Department, with an offer of the Special Transport Grant until the transport service commences.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (645)

Niall Collins

Question:

645. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if a proposed variation to a building project will be approved (details supplied) [1478/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

The proposed variation to a building project is under assessment by Department officials in conjunction with the Design Team. When a decision is reached my Department will be in further contact with the School.

There are a number of issues to address and when all items are fully examined, my Department's technical team can recommend the course of action to take.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (646)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

646. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education what supports have been put in place for students who require the support of an SNA during oral examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1480/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the state examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (647)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

647. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education her plans to ensure that students with special educational needs (SEN) receive the necessary accommodations for the oral examinations due to take place this Easter; her plans to ensure that students with SEN have equity of access to and participation in assessment and examination activities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1481/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the state examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

School Transport

Questions (648)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

648. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education the status of the school bus transport application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1482/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.

Over 134,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year. There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.

Under the current terms of the scheme, pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible. Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.

Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post-primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.

Bus Éireann has advised the pupil referred to by the deputy is eligible for transport. A ticket was issued to this pupil on 01/08/2023.

School Admissions

Questions (649)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

649. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on a school place for a child (details supplied); the family’s options when their school place has not been provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1483/24]

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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.

In 2023, my department spent over €2.6 billion on special education and further progress will be made this year as an additional €113m will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.

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 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.

The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.

Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.

These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.

My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.

As a result of this forward planning, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for this school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools and that a further four special schools for the 2024/25 school year will be established.

Along with the two new special schools, 389 new special classes – 253 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this school year.

Of these 15 are in Galway, 10 at primary and 5 at post-primary level. This brings to 149 the number of special classes in County Galway, 90 at primary level and 59 at post-primary level.

In relation to the student referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) is in contact with the parents and remains available to them to provide assistance and advice. The NCSE are working with local special schools to provide additional special school places to meet the needs of children requiring such a placement. The local SENO will keep the family updated on this matter over the coming period.

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list

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.

School Patronage

Questions (650)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

650. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the steps she has and or will take to ensure that young pupils at a school in Naas, County Kildare, can continue their primary education at a location; if her attention has been drawn to a petition on the matter (details supplied); and if she will engage with stakeholders and patrons on this matter [1504/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Education

I wish to confirm that the decision making authority for any change of status is the patron/trustees of the school(s), subject to the approval of my Department. To date my Department has not received any application from the patron for a change of status for the school referred to by the Deputy.

My Department understands that there has been discussions on this matter locally and that it has been confirmed by the patron that there will be no change in status for the school for 2024/25. This communication outlined the patron's reasons for this decision.

When or if an application is received in my Department on this matter from the patron it will be considered and a decision confirmed to the patron as soon as possible.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (651)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

651. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if an exemption will be provided to a person (details supplied) who is unable to secure a special school placement suited to their needs; if correspondence on the person’s behalf will be considered and a comprehensive response provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1508/24]