Duncan Smith
Question:164. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education how many active applications there are for ASD units in Swords; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6864/24]
View answerSpecial Educational Needs
Questions (164, 165, 166, 167, 168)
Duncan Smith
Question:165. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education how many active applications there are for ASD units in Portmarnock; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6865/24]
View answerDuncan Smith
Question:166. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education how many active applications there are for ASD units in Malahide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6866/24]
View answerDuncan Smith
Question:167. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education how many active applications there are for ASD units in Donabate/Portrane; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6867/24]
View answerDuncan Smith
Question:168. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education how many active applications there are for ASD units in Kinsealy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6868/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 to 168, inclusive, 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 €113 million 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, 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
Looking forward my department and the NCSE have begun preparatory work in relation to planning for the provision of further new special class and special school places for the 2024/25 school year and beyond.
My department and the NCSE identify the need for special educational provision with consideration to demographical and statistical data and in regard to an areas existing school provision and future capability.
It is of course also open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class and the NCSE actively encourages expressions of interest from schools. I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management when expressing an interest.
Before establishing a new special class the NCSE assess the needs in the local area, the NCSE identify schools in the neighbouring vicinity with available special class vacancies and assess their capability with consideration to demographical and statistical data.
As to the information requested, applications to establish new special classes are made to the NCSE therefore I will forward your correspondence to the NCSE for their direct reply.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 164.
Question No. 166 answered with Question No. 164.
Question No. 167 answered with Question No. 164.
Question No. 168 answered with Question No. 164.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (169)
Duncan Smith
Question:169. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education what plans she has to improve the provision of ASD units in schools in Dublin Fingal east, and countrywide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6869/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 €113 million 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, 390 new special classes – 254 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 level and 23 at post-primary level. This brings to 534 the number of special classes in Co. Dublin, 408 at primary level and 126 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6.
Attached is a document listing the current autism classes at primary and post-primary level in Co. Dublin.
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.
I want to assure you that 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 Staff
Questions (170)
Marian Harkin
Question:170. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education for an update on an application for incremental credits submitted in June and July 2023 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6990/24]
View answerWritten answers
The criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the Department’s Circulars 10/2001 for Primary teachers, 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers. The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC).
To qualify for an award of incremental credit, a teacher and their prior work experience being claimed must satisfy the eligibility criteria set out in the relevant circular. An award of incremental credit cannot be made where the eligibility criteria is not satisfied.
When an application for incremental credit is received in the Department, it is checked to ensure that it is fully completed. Applications are managed in date received order.
Applications can take up to 20 weeks to be fully processed but most are dealt with well within this timeframe. Factors that impact on this processing time include incomplete application forms and conflicting information on the application form. Please be advised that if a teacher meets the criteria set out in Circulars 10/2001 for Primary teachers, 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers, incremental credit will be awarded and any monies due paid accordingly.
With regard to the person named, my Department received a number of applications with regards to both teaching and relevant non-teaching service from the person named. The application for the relevant non-teaching service has been processed and awarded by my Department.
The applications with regards to teaching service submitted were not complete which has lead to a delay in processing these applications. My Department has recently completed processing of a number of these applications with regards to teaching service and decision letters will issue from my Department in relation to these. My Department will also be in correspondence with the person named with regards to the status of the remaining applications.
School Accommodation
Questions (171)
Robert Troy
Question:171. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on a number of schools projects (details supplied). [7006/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy refers to a number of schools which are being dealt with under various schemes within My Department. I will firstly deal with the Emergency Works Scheme and in this regard, an application from St. Brigid's National School for works to the drains together with an extension housing a new disabled access toilet was made under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS). Since the application was made the school have withdrawn the application for the disabled access toilet . The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope of works and, as such, the school were advised to submit a revised scope of works and an accompanying fully Itemised Cost Breakdown based on a drain survey. My Department is currently awaiting all of this information which, once received, will be assessed by the EWS team. My Department is aware of the urgent nature of these works and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
With regard to the Additional School Accommodation projects a brief synopsis on each is as follows:
Columba College Killucan - Approval to Proceed to Stage 2a issued to the LWETB for this project in January 2024.
Wilsons Hospital - As previously advised by my Department to the Deputy, the delay caused on this project was from the non-submission of the Stage 1 report by the Design Team of the school and not by the Department. This has now been submitted and acknowledgement of receipt was sent by the Department on the 29/01/24.
Mullingar Community College - Modular units are on site and occupied.
The projects to which the Deputy refers to in Moate and Castlepollard have been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects. These schools are in the bundle referred to as Project Dargle.
The projects are currently at Stage 2b of the architectural planning process, the Design Team are currently working on obtaining the necessary statutory planning approvals.
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide details or a timeline for completion of the projects, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authorities to keep it informed of progress.
Children in Care
Questions (172)
Patrick Costello
Question:172. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if her Department has agreed to a duty of cooperation with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and Tusla in the provision of education for children in care, as drafted by the new additions to the Child Care Act 1991. [7077/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department’s Statement of Strategy, sets out the vision and mission of the Department for an educational system where every child and young person, including children and young people in care, feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. It is vital that our school system is open and welcoming for all children and young people, regardless of background, and that all learners are supported to achieve their full potential.
Under the Child Care (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability and Youth plans to establish a National Child Care Advisory Committee to be an effective mechanism for all relevant Government Departments and State agencies who deliver services to families and children (in care and in aftercare) known to Tusla, to work together efficiently, effectively and in the best interest of the children concerned within the context of their existing statutory powers and responsibilities.
My officials are available to work with colleagues in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability and Youth and across other relevant Government Departments and agencies in relation to the work plan of this proposed new Committee.
School Staff
Questions (173)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:173. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education if she plans to increase the grant paid to schools to provide for transport assistants who work on buses assisting those with profound mental/physical disabilities, as these workers have not had an increase since 2020, which was only 26 cents per hour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7089/24]
View answerWritten answers
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.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort, where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.
The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay.
Under the Education Act 1998, the Principal/Board of Management is responsible for the operation of the school and is the employer of the School Transport Escort and therefore responsible for all employment matters relating to their School Transport Escort.
Building Momentum – a new public service agreement, 2021-2022 was agreed between Government and Unions in 2020 and was extended to run until the end of 2023. The agreement provides for a number of pay increases over the period of the agreement. This agreement only applies to public servants, and does not automatically apply beyond public servants and therefore grant funded school staff such as bus escorts employed directly by schools are not comprehended by the agreement.
However, it is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school. The School Transport Section in the Department are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of matters as they relate to the escort and the information provided to schools. An information pack for schools is being developed and will be reviewed and updated regularly. As part of this comprehensive review the terms of employment and rate of pay for school bus escorts are also being examined, and the Department will continue to keep the rates under review.
A review of the School Transport Scheme has recently been completed by a Steering Group with high level membership of relevant Government Departments and other bodies, reflecting the importance of the scheme for access to education and other wider Government objectives. The school transport scheme has been in operation for over 55 years, since its establishment in 1967, and this review is one of the most extensive investigations that has been carried out into the Scheme since then. Undoubtedly, the School Transport Scheme is of huge importance to families. The review has been conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families efficiently and effectively. The review has also given consideration to employment related matters for School Bus Escorts. Considering how to best maximise the benefits now and into the future has been a significant factor in the review of the Scheme.
I am aware that this review is much-awaited, it is recognised that there are improvements which need to be made to the scheme and I know the importance of doing so. I expect to be in a position shortly to bring the review to government, and further to government approval, the review will be published.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (174)
Matt Carthy
Question:174. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the status of any proposal to establish a special school in County Monaghan. [7112/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 €113 million 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.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
A further four special schools will be established for the 2024/25 school year. These four schools will be established in Limerick City; Enfield, Co. Meath; Gorey, Co. Wexford; and in the South Kildare area. The schools will be under the patronage of the local Education and Training Boards.
An important consideration when deciding to establish or expand provision in an existing special school is the distances that some of our students are travelling in order to access a special school placement.
In relation to provision in Monaghan, I want to reassure the Deputy that both my department and the NCSE will continue to monitor and review the need for further new special schools or the expansion of existing special schools in all areas of the country over the coming months and years.
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.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (175)
Matt Carthy
Question:175. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the primary and post-primary schools in County Monaghan that she intends to deliver new special classes and/ or ASD units in 2024 and 2025. [7113/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 €113 million 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 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, 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
Of these 3 are in Monaghan, 2 at primary and 1 at post-primary level. This brings to 42 the number of special classes in County Monaghan, 28 at primary level and 14 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/pupil ratio of 1:6.
The attached document provides a breakdown of primary and post-primary schools with special classes within County Monaghan. Planning for special classes and places in Monaghan and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 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.
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
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.
School Transport
Questions (176, 177)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:176. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will consider allowing drivers who reach 70 years the opportunity to continue driving subject to passing an annual medical even convened by a doctor chosen by her Department. [7125/24]
View answerDanny Healy-Rae
Question:177. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will give consideration to allow persons over 70 years to continue driving in view of the continuous shortage of school bus drivers. [7126/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
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.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
While over 90% of school transport services are contracted locally, Bus Éireann apply stringent assessments of each individual driver on over 7,000 school routes. This includes vetting and background checks.
It is Bus Éireann company policy that normal retirement age for all Bus Éireann staff is currently 66 years. However, Bus Éireann part-time school bus drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate service as part of the School Transport Scheme may continue to perform in the role provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70. This policy and criteria is applied to all drivers who provide school transport services on behalf of Bus Éireann equally.
The age limit on school bus drivers was increased to 70 years a number of years ago. While Bus Éireann have informed the Department there is no plan to increase the age limit further at this time, the matter will continue to be kept under review.
Question No. 177 answered with Question No. 176.
Sports Funding
Questions (178)
Alan Kelly
Question:178. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when the 2024 sports capital grants will be announced to the successful clubs and organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6701/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion.
The latest round of the SCEP (2023) closed for applications on Friday 8 September, 2023. A preliminary examination of the submitted applications demonstrates that the Programme has again generated a very large number of applications. The total number of 3,210 applications exceeds the record number submitted under the last (2020) round.
The "Scoring System and Assessment Manual" for the 2023 round has been finalised and published along with a list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received. The detailed assessment work has commenced and it is planned to assess the "equipment-only" applications first and announce these grants in the coming months. Work will then commence on assessing the capital applications with the allocations to be announced later.
Raidió Teilifís Éireann
Questions (179)
Niamh Smyth
Question:179. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when she expects the reports of the two expert advisory committees on the ongoings at RTÉ will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6718/24]
View answerWritten answers
On 4 July 2023, following Government approval, I commissioned a root and branch examination of RTÉ comprising two elements:
• an independent review to examine the governance structures and organisational culture of RTÉ, overseen by an Expert Advisory Committee on Governance and Culture; and,
• an independent review to examine the mechanisms by which external contractors are engaged, the fees paid, the use of agents, the use of short-term contracts at all levels, and terms of conditions of employees in RTÉ, overseen by an Expert Advisory Committee on Contractor Fees, HR and Other Matters.
I understand that the two Reviews are at an advanced stage, and that the work programme of both Committees aims for a submission date of end-February. However, as with other reviews of this nature, the Reports of both Expert Advisory Committees must adhere to the principle of natural justice and follow fair procedure. Accordingly, both Reports must be reviewed by the Committees' external legal advisors and relevant extracts must be shared with concerned parties prior to their submission to me.
Raidió Teilifís Éireann
Questions (180)
Niamh Smyth
Question:180. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has had discussions with RTÉ on the findings of the recently published reports on the voluntary exit programmes and a production (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6719/24]
View answerWritten answers
I welcome the publication by RTÉ of the Grant Thornton report into Toy Show The Musical on 25 January 2024 and, in particular, the revised version which has now been published and which, following my request to the Chair for further transparency, identifies the majority of those individuals who engaged with Grant Thornton in relation to the report.
As I said at the time, the facts the report sets out are clearly disappointing and confirm what we already knew, that there were failings of proper oversight and an absence of interrogation of the project. I met with the Chair of the RTÉ Board on 23rd and 24th January to be briefed on the contents of the report in advance of its publication. At those meetings I conveyed to the Chair my deep concern regarding the contents of the report, and again sought assurances that steps had been taken to remedy these failings. I also requested that the greatest possible level of transparency consistent with due process and the rights of individuals, should apply to the report.
On 31 January, just prior to the publication of the McCann Fitzgerald report into the 2017 and 2021 voluntary exit programmes at RTÉ, I met with the Director-General to receive a briefing on what that review would set out. I expressed deep concern at the appalling disregard for the principles of equity, fairness and transparency in the treatment of staff which were evident in the findings.
While the report shows that proper approval procedures were agreed and were applied in most cases, there was one exception to this. That exception was the agreement which was reached by the then Director General with the former Chief Financial Officer, whose voluntary redundancy package was not approved in line with RTÉ's own agreed procedures. The current Director General has assured me that control and oversight reforms, introduced over the past number of months, will ensure that this will not happen again. The Director General also advised me at the meeting that RTÉ has written to the Revenue Commissioners regarding some issues which the report highlighted, and that engagement is ongoing.
As I stated previously, I have forwarded both reports to the two independent Expert Advisory Committees which were commissioned by Government and that are carrying out Reviews of Governance and Culture, and HR matters at RTÉ. They will help inform their work, which is nearing conclusion.
Sports Funding
Questions (181)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:181. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date position on a sports capital grant application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6744/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion.
The latest round of the SCEP (2023) closed for applications on Friday 8 September, 2023. A preliminary examination of the submitted applications demonstrates that the Programme has again generated a very large number of applications, including one from the organisation to which the Deputy refers. The total number of 3,210 applications exceeds the record number submitted under the last (2020) round.
The "Scoring System and Assessment Manual" for the 2023 round has been finalised and published along with a list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received. The detailed assessment work has commenced and it is planned to assess the "equipment-only" applications first and announce these grants in the coming months. Work will then commence on assessing the capital applications with the allocations to be announced later.
Referendum Campaigns
Questions (182)
Carol Nolan
Question:182. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures she is taking to ensure that organisations, including State bodies under the aegis of her Department as well as non-governmental organisations and charities that are in receipt of funding from her Department, do not use any portion of such funding to campaign or promote a position in favour or against any outcome of the forthcoming referenda on Articles 41.1.1, 41.2.1 and 41.2.2 of the Constitution, thereby breaching the McKenna principles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6770/24]
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In accordance with standing procedure, officials in my Department issued a guidance note last December to all Ministers and civil servants within my Department in respect of the application of the principles of the various Court judgments relevant to the Government’s role in referendum campaigns, which are generally referred to as the ‘McKenna/McCrystal principles’. I can also confirm that my Department brought the guidance note to the attention of bodies under my Department's aegis. The guidance note is based on advice received from the Attorney General’s Office.
In short summary, these principles require that any information disseminated by the Government or any agencies or bodies involving the use of public funds must be equal, fair, impartial and neutral. These principles also state that the Government is not entitled to spend public money for the purpose of promoting a campaign for a particular outcome.
Sports Facilities
Questions (183)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:183. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the outcome of the preliminary report on the provision of a swimming pool in Loughrea, County Galway under the local authority swimming pool programme; the reason this project did not progress; if her Department's review of the large scale sport infrastructure fund has been completed; if a report of the review will be completed; if she intends to reopen the fund to provide for the development of public swimming pools in towns such as Loughrea; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6774/24]
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In April 2016, a pool project in Loughrea which had been included in the 2000 round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) was voluntarily withdrawn from the programme by the local authority. My Department's capital support for new swimming pools is now being provided through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF)
The National Sports Policy was published on 25 July 2018 and provided for a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The aim of the fund is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects. These would be projects where the Exchequer investment would be greater than the maximum amount available under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP).
It is important to emphasise that the LSSIF is a relatively new scheme with only one call for proposals to date. The first LSSIF allocations were announced just prior to the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic obviously gave rise to significant financial challenges for all grantees with many having to reprioritise their expenditure plans due to reductions in their income streams. In more recent times, the high level of construction inflation has also presented considerable challenges for grantees. In view of these issues, it was considered timely to review progress on all projects allocated grants and meetings with all grantees have taken place. The review is expected to be finalised soon and any issues identified will be addressed as part of the terms and conditions of the next LSSIF call.
Minister Martin and I recently confirmed that a new round of the LSSIF will open for applications in the first half of 2024, with the dates, terms and conditions to be published on the Department’s website in due course. While the 2019 LSSIF programme was aimed primarily at National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and Local Authorities it was also open to other bodies, philanthropic funders, clubs and voluntary organisations to apply but such applications would necessarily have to be made and prioritised by a local authority and/or an NGB.
I would encourage all eligible projects to consider applying for this competitive application process when it opens later this year.