Written Answers Nos. 242-261
243. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 395 of 13 June 2023, with reference to Circular 09/2009: Civil Servants and Political Activity, if he will detail the maximum remuneration for the grade of clerical officer in the civil service. [4939/24]
View answerThe pay scales for all Civil Servants are publicly available. The Clerical Officer Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) pay scale and non-Personal Pension Contribution (Non-PPC) pay scales are as follows (valid on 30 January 2024):
Clerical Officer (PPC)
€534.34 €567.04 €575.34 €591.55 €615.47 €639.34 €663.20 €680.59
€700.29 €723.17 €739.27 €761.92 €784.42 €819.55 €847.14¹ €859.81²
Clerical Officer (Non-PPC)
€510.37 €541.47 €549.35 €572.35 €587.49 €610.18 €632.89 €655.58
€671.87 €693.91 €712.38 €727.41 €748.81 €782.16 €808.39¹ €820.49²
Clerical Officer Higher Scale (PPC)
€591.55 €615.47 €639.34 €663.20 €680.59 €700.29 €723.17 €739.27
€761.92 €784.42 €819.55 €847.14 €859.81 €876.91
Clerical Officer Higher Scale (Non-PPC)
€572.35 €587.49 €610.18 €632.89 €655.58 €671.87 €693.91 €712.38
€727.41 €748.81 €782.16 €808.39 €820.49 €836.66
¹ After 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum.
² After 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum
The maximum rate for each pay scale is as follows which can be followed by two Long Service Increments where applicable:
Clerical Officer (PPC) - €819.55
Clerical Officer (Non-PPC) - €782.16
Clerical Officer Higher Scale (PPC) - €876.91
Clerical Officer Higher Scale (Non-PPC) - €836.66
244. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if she will review the matter of school placements for children with disabilities in County Tipperary (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4694/24]
View answerEnabling 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, two new special schools are being established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In December 2023, I was also very happy to announce with my colleague Minister Foley, the establishment of a further four new special schools for the 2024/25 school year in Enfield, South Kildare, Gorey and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 389 new special classes – 253 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
Of these 14 are in Tipperary, 5 at primary level and 9 at post-primary level. This brings to 120 the number of special classes in Co. Tipperary, 76 at primary level and 44 at post-primary level.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
My department has communicated to all post-primary schools of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 2 to 4 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
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. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes
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.
245. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education the number of autism and special education class spaces currently in Tipperary; the number of spaces expected to be in place in Tipperary in August 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4663/24]
View answer246. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education what works are currently under way to increase the number of autism and special education class spaces in Tipperary; the number of new spaces that will be available come August 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4664/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 246 together.
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, two new special schools are being established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In December 2023, I was also very happy to announce with my colleague Minister Foley, the establishment of a further four new special schools for the 2024/25 school year in Enfield, South Kildare, Gorey and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 389 new special classes – 253 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
Of these 14 are in Tipperary, 5 at primary level and 9 at post-primary level. This brings to 120 the number of special classes in Co. Tipperary, 76 at primary level and 44 at post-primary level.
The attached document provides a breakdown of the autism classes currently sanctioned at primary and post-primary level in Co. Tipperary for the 2023/24 school year. Planning for special classes and places in Co. Tipperary and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
My department has communicated to all post-primary schools of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 2 to 4 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
The NCSE is committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
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. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
247. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education what additional efforts are in place to assist families this year throughout the strenuous process of finding a suitable autism or special education class placement for their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4665/24]
View answerEnabling 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 National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
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, two new special schools are being established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In December 2023, I was also very happy to announce with my colleague Minister Foley, the establishment of a further four new special schools for the 2024/25 school year in Enfield, South Kildare, Gorey and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 389 new special classes – 253 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
My department has communicated to all post-primary schools of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 2 to 4 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
Due to additional funding of €13m under Budget 23 for the NCSE, the recruitment of at least 43 additional special educational needs organisers (SENOs) will see an increase in the number working to help schools and families in early 2024 to a minimum of 116.
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. The local SENOs remain 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: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is also published on the NCSE website: www.ncse.ie/special-classes
The enrolment of a child in a school is a matter, in the first instance, for the parents of the child and then a matter for the school/ Board of Management having regard to their own enrolment/admissions policy. The Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment to schools and it does not maintain details of waiting lists in schools.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
248. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when an extension for a school (details supplied) will be progressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4669/24]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved a project under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme to provide 4 General Classrooms, 1 Technology Room, 1 Technology Preparatory Area, 3 Science Laboratories, 1 Science Prep Area, 1 Art Room, 1 Music Room,1 Multimedia Room , 1 Textile Room 1 Home Economics Room , a 4 Class Special Education Needs Base, 1 Special Education Teaching Room , conversion of existing accommodation and ancillary accommodation. The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery and it has appointed a design team.
My Department has received the Stage 1 architectural report and is currently under review by my Department's Professional and Technical staff. Once the review is complete, the outcome will be communicated to the school authority in due course. It is too early to provide an expected completion date for this project at this early stage of the architectural process and in advance of the necessary statutory approvals.
249. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Education if any further consideration has been given to the proposal to sanction a new primary school for Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim; if the Board of Management has identified a potential site for a new school; and whether communication has been received by her Department seeking approval to negotiate with any potential site owner. [4691/24]
View answerWhile my Department is aware of some local discussions around potential sites for a new school in Carrick-on-Shannon, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not currently have plans in place with regards to the potential purchase of a new site for the school in question. The long-term school accommodation requirements in Carrick-on-Shannon remain under consideration by my Department.
As the Deputy will be aware, in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, the Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level. Current and planned residential development activity, as well as Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets, additionally inform the Department’s forecasts of school place needs.
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 school
• Provision of a new school or schools.
Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €3.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 840 school building projects, and 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 over 210 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 Department’s overall approach is to ensure that available capacity is maximised to the greatest extent possible as part of its consideration of applications for additional accommodation. Additionally, the Department is working to ensure that projects in the pipeline for planning and delivery are focused on maximising their alignment with overall capacity requirements.
The main focus of the Department’s capital funding over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs. The Department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects our fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.
The overall position with regard to potential modernisation and replacement of existing infrastructure will be kept under review as capital funding allocations for future years are clarified. The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will be engaging with Departments on NDP allocations over the coming months.
The Department is considering the optimum way forward for Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon following a technical report on the condition of the school buildings. Given complexities with the existing school properties there is a particular challenge in identifying a solution to the school’s current accommodation needs that will support the continued effective operation of the school while presenting a sustainable solution to meet the primary school place needs in Carrick on Shannon in the longer term.
Officials in my Department have met with the school patron and school authority to discuss how this might be addressed, following on from this, the relevant application forms to support the school's immediate accommodation needs have been sent to the school.
250. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education what specific supports or allowances are in place for those with cancer-related cognitive changes, also referred to as brain fog or chemo brain, while sitting State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4725/24]
View answerThe 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.
251. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will instruct the Teaching Council to work with a person (details supplied) to ensure that they can complete a part-time course for a full post-primary qualification, informing them whether a course is relevant prior to their enrolment and ensure that they can continue to teach. [4728/24]
View answerThe Teaching Council is the statutory body with responsibility for registering teachers in Ireland. The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher.
The Teaching Council has advised that the person that the Deputy is referring to in the query currently has conditional registration with the Council and is aware of the requirement to address those conditions in order to achieve full registration, and the required timeframe. If the applicant has not addressed those conditions within the timeframe specified they can apply for an extension of time to meet the condition. Details on how to apply for an extension are available on the Teaching Council website at www.teachingcouncil.ie/register/registration-with-conditions/application-for-an-extension-to-a-period-of-conditional-registration/#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20unable%20to,to%20the%20condition%20expiry%20date
As noted, the Teaching Council is the Statutory body with responsibility for registration, including assessing qualifications, and establishing registration requirements under the different routes. My Department does not have a direct role in individual applications.
The Council has informed me that the person referred to does not currently meet the qualification requirements as set out for the Route of registration being sought. The candidate is aware of this.
I understand from the correspondence that this person is seeking to complete a part-time programme which will allow them to qualify as a post primary teacher of Home Economics. Currently there is no accredited part-time qualification available. The applicant may wish to contact the institutions providing accredited programmes for home economics, which includes St Angela's in Sligo, University College Cork and Mary Immaculate College Limerick, to discuss with them the possibility of recognition of their prior learning, as it is a matter for each individual institution to determine how this will apply in the context of the programme in question.
252. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education to provide special classes for children with additional needs in a school (details supplied) as these are urgently required to meet the local education requirements of pupils with autism or learning disabilities who currently have to travel to St. Margaret 's and beyond for their education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4742/24]
View answerEnabling 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, two new special schools are being established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In December 2023, I was also very happy to announce with my colleague Minister Foley, the establishment of a further four new special schools for the 2024/25 school year in Enfield, South Kildare, Gorey and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 389 new special classes – 253 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
Of these 71 are in Dublin, 48 at primary and 23 at post-primary level. This brings to 534 the number of special classes in Dublin, 408 at primary level and 126 at post-primary level.
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. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes
As your question relates to a specific school, my department will ask the NCSE to consider the matter and provide a direct response.
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.
253. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education his Department's policy with regard to requests from parents who wish to have their single-sex primary schools amalgamated into fully gender-integrated schools; to outline the procedure for processing such a request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4743/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that the decision making authority for a change of status to co-education is the patron/trustees of the schools, subject to the approval of the Department. Local consultation regarding potential change of status to coeducation is encouraged by the Department but it is the responsibility of the patrons to undertake any consultation that they deem appropriate and to make the final decision as to whether to change status. Any application for a change of status must be first approved by the school patron.
The Department, in considering such applications, must assess the implications, if any, of changing the status of a school(s) in the context of how this change may impact the viability of other schools in the area and any future implications for school place availability. The Department must also consider any associated capital implications that may be warranted as a result of such a change.
Approval from the Department, is sought by the school Patron, by contacting the School’s Capital Appraisal section of the Planning and Building Unit.
254. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education what funding is available for a school facility (details supplied) that needs to be upgraded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4764/24]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved for a project under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme to provide five special education classes including hard and soft play areas and a sensory garden. The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The school authority appointed a design team and my Department has received the Stage 2a (detailed design) architectural report. This report has been reviewed by my Department's Professional and Technical officials and their advice on how best to progress the project has been provided to school authority. It is now a matter for the school authority and its design team to review this advice and progress this important project forward.
255. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if her Department has completed an assessment of the projected requirement of school places for September 2024 in the Greystones and Kilcoole area of County Wicklow; if those numbers are available; if a plan has been put in place to ensure that every child has a local secondary school place for September; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4776/24]
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.
My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Greystones and Kilcoole.
A critical next step for my Department is to establish 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 Greystones and Kilcoole, have been requested to share data on applications for admissions. This data has been received by my officials and is currently being analysed with a view to establishing the actual requirement for places. Preliminary assessments indicate that duplications of applications, and applications from outside the local area, are contributing to enrolment pressures in the town.
The availability of places is a matter for each individual school in the context of their Admissions legislation. Enrolment data for previous schools years is available on the Department website. Provisional enrolment data for the 2023/24 school year is available on the Departments website at www.gov.ie
Nevertheless, my Department is working to clarify the actual requirement for additional school places and to identify particular further capacity requirements for 2024 and forthcoming years. My Department will engage with schools and patrons to 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.
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 Greystones and Kilcoole 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 across the School Planning Area will receive a first year place.
256. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education to advise of any possible funding to complete the set-up of a facility (details supplied) where it is intended to educate on animal care and welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4784/24]
View answerOn behalf of my colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine I can advise that this Department provides funding each year through the Animal Welfare Grants Programme to registered animal welfare charities for the care and welfare of animals. Animal welfare remains a key priority for the Minister and for the Government, and considerable funding is provided to support these organisations.
On the 7th December last year, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine announced record funding of €6 million to 101 animal welfare charities nationwide through the Programme. This is the largest award of grant funding to animal welfare bodies ever made by the Department.
I have also been advised that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine would be happy to consider an application from the organisation in question for funding within the parameters and criteria set out in the Animal Welfare Grants Programme. The Programme is open to all animal welfare organisations engaged in the care and welfare of animals, who are registered with the Charities Regulator and which have been in existence for more than two years.
The application process for the Animal Welfare Grants Programme for 2024 will open later this year.
257. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education when a review being undertaken by her Department in respect of a Stage 2B submission will be finalised and the school (details supplied) contacted about the outcome of this review as it has been confirmed that it has been near completion for some time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4790/24]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers includes an extension to the existing school buildings, decanting if required, necessary to satisfactorily develop the post primary school on its existing site to cater for an enrolment of 700 pupils. The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority and it has appointed a design team to progress the project.
The Stage 2b architectural report has been received by my Department and is currently under review from both technical and cost perspective. The review is nearing completion and my Department will revert to the school authority directly on the outcome and the next steps to progress this project.
There is an overall pipeline of some 1300 projects across the school system. The current status of all projects is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was achieved again in 2023 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.
Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing over €5 billion during the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
My Department is very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €405m additional capital funding was provided in 2023. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2023 which was reflective of the strong delivery by my Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision accommodating Ukrainian students and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital out-turn for 2023 was €1.264 billion.
We continue to have a strong pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme involving circa. 300 projects currently at construction, which include 34 new school buildings. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places. The Department has always operated a tightly prioritised approach to the school building programme, focused over recent years on the delivery of additional capacity where required, and this will continue to be the case.
258. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education the number of two-teacher schools that have a special autism class attached to the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4791/24]
View answerEnabling 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, two new special schools are being established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In December 2023, I was also very happy to announce with my colleague Minister Foley, the establishment of a further four new special schools for the 2024/25 school year in Enfield, South Kildare, Gorey and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 389 new special classes – 253 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
The attached document provides a breakdown of two teacher schools with autism classes for the current school year. Planning for special classes and places nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. It is usually the case that special classes are generally sanctioned in medium and larger schools where there is an expectation of a continued need for this support over time. There are over 2,000 special classes sanctioned by the NCSE across our primary schools.
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 special educational needs organisers (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.
Two-Teacher Schools with Special Classes 2023/24
|
County |
Roll Number |
School Name |
Class Type |
No of Classes |
|
Clare |
18526O |
Ballycar N S |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Clare |
18630J |
Carrigaholt Mixed N S |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Cork |
13125R |
Darrara NS |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Cork |
14227H |
Kilcoe Mixed N S |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Donegal |
16819T |
SN Gort An Choirce |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Donegal |
16869L |
SN An Bhreacaigh |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Dublin |
20531T |
Gaelscoil Lír |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
2 |
|
Dublin |
20543D |
Sallynoggin Killiney ETNS |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Galway |
17574U |
S N Naomh Ciarain |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Kerry |
06227L |
Sn Mhaolcheadair |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Kerry |
15878H |
Derryquay Mxd N S |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Kerry |
17915U |
Freastogail Mhuire Mxd |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
2 |
|
Limerick |
14005M |
Kilteely NS |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Offaly |
18777Q |
Lumcloon National School |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
2 |
|
Sligo |
03924S |
Owenbeg N S |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
15299O |
Gaile National School |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
18512D |
St Francis National School |
Autism/Autistic Spectrum Disorders |
1 |
|
17 |
20 |
259. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the status of a proposed new post-primary school (details supplied); the status of an extension to another school in Clane; the stage they are at in terms of design and or build; and if both projects have been devolved to the KWETB for delivery. [4816/24]
View answerThe major devolved project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education & Training Board (KWETB). It is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design and delivery process which allows for detailed design, planning, and obtaining the necessary statutory permissions. When this stage is finalised, the next stage is tendering for a contractor and then onwards to construction, in due course.
The other project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to the school authority under my Department's Additional Accommodation scheme (ASA). Currently this project is at early design stage (Stage 1). My Department issued comments to the school authorities in late 2023 and it is now a matter for the school authority to advance the project.
260. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No.246 of 25 January 2024, if her Department will engage with Dublin Bus in talks to pursue a similar scheme to Bus Éireann to provide free travel for children, given the costs incurred by parents living in the city and the increased benefits in terms of school attendance and reducing private transport use in the city. [4848/24]
View answerThe 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.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
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.
In my recent response to the Deputy I set out the terms of the scheme, including details of the annual ticket cost for families. The scheme does not provide free travel for children availing of transport on the primary and post-primary schemes unless they hold a valid medical card. In addition, eligible children with special educational needs are exempt from paying the annual charge.
As previously advised, the Department has recently completed a review of the School Transport Scheme and the final report includes recommendations on the future operation of the scheme.
261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education to what extent issues impeding the progress in the provision of the three school project at Celbridge, County Kildare have been resolved to date; whether any particular issue such as agreement with the local authority regarding the road network or other issues remain outstanding, given the particular urgency of the replacement of a school (details supplied) which was deemed an urgent matter ten years ago, when she expects progress on site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4865/24]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery. The shared education campus at Donaghcumper, Celbridge is part of a bundled school building programme.
My Department is aware of the demographic pressures in the area and the importance of this special school project in particular. The project is progressing through the various stages in line with necessary governance and compliance. The NDFA have concluded the arrangements for the required procurement process for the design of this project and have now appointed a design team in accordance with procedures set out in EU public procurement Directives.
At this early stage, it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project. The NDFA have and will continue to engage directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress. My Department will continue to liaise with the NDFA to achieve the earliest completion date possible for this project.
