Danny Healy-Rae
Question:53. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport for an update on funding for Killarney bypass (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8359/24]
View answerRoad Projects
Questions (53)
Written answers
The Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others.
As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there was a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year. As a result of this, a prioritisation exercise was necessary. In line with the NDP and Government policy, national road funding for 2024 was allocated in a manner which seeks to achieve the following key outcomes:
• Protection and renewal of the existing national road network
• Progressing major projects in or near construction
• Progressing major projects which are pre-construction but well advanced in the development pipeline
Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.
My Department and TII are in regular communication regarding specific projects and the national roads programme more generally. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the N22 Killarney to Farranfore project will be kept under review in future years and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. However, I can assure the Deputy that sufficient funding is in place to ensure that the route options phase will be concluded in 2024 with a preferred route selected.
The allocations for 2024 are due to be announced imminently.
Road Tolls
Questions (54)
Ged Nash
Question:54. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport to confirm when the contract with CRG for the M1 and Drogheda-Donore Road tolls will conclude; what plans he has for the toll when the contract concludes and when it is handed back to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8363/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Therefore, matters relating to the day to day operations regarding national roads, including toll roads are within the remit of TII. More specifically, the statutory power to levy tolls, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into agreements with private investors are vested in TII under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply regarding toll charges on the M1. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Road Projects
Questions (55)
Patricia Ryan
Question:55. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if he will clarify when or if the budget will be provided to Kildare County Council to address the rapidly deteriorating condition of the road between Bolton Hill and Sheriff Hill, County Kildare (details supplied). [8403/24]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993, each local authority has statutory responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of their regional and local roads. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources and are supplemented by State Road grants. Of these grants, the vast majority (approximately 90%) are targeted at the maintenance and renewal of the network with c. 10% of the remaining funding invested in new roads/bridges or for road realignments.
On 15th February I announced an Exchequer investment of €658 million in our regional and local roads across the State which represents an increase of €32 million over the 2023 allocations, with each local authority receiving an increase in funding for their Restoration Improvement grant. Kildare County Council received a total allocation of €23,160,200 this year.
Kildare County Council is responsible for deciding its annual programme for road maintenance and the Department has no role in that process.
Tax Code
Questions (56)
Brendan Griffin
Question:56. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide clarity on the exemptions from the residential zoned land tax for landowners actively farming their lands (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8176/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) is a new tax introduced in Finance Act 2021 which seeks to increase housing supply by encouraging the activation of development on lands which are suitably zoned and appropriately serviced. It aims to bring those lands which have benefitted from investment in services and are capable of being developed forward for housing. The tax is an action contained in Housing for All, the Government’s plan for housing, to increase housing supply and is supported in the Programme for Government.
The tax applies to land that is:
• Zoned suitable for residential development whether it be solely or primarily for residential use, or for a mixture of uses, including residential use, and
• Serviced; This means where it is reasonable to consider the land may have access, or be connected, to public infrastructure and facilities, including roads and footpaths, public lighting, foul sewer drainage, surface water drainage and water supply, necessary for dwellings to be developed and with sufficient service capacity available for such development.
In order to be liable for the tax the land must meet both criteria.
It is important to note that, to come within the scope of RZLT, farmland must be both zoned for residential use and serviced. Farmland that is zoned for residential use, but which is not currently serviced, is not within the scope of the tax and will only come within the scope of the tax should the land become serviced at some point in the future.
Agricultural land which is zoned solely or primarily for residential use and meets the criteria set out within the legislation therefore falls within the scope of the tax. These zonings are considered to reflect the housing needs set out within the core strategy for the relevant local authority area and landowners within such zonings may fall within the scope of the tax, in the interests of ensuring an appropriate supply of housing on zoned lands.
As part of Budget 2024, it was decided to extend the liability date of the tax by one year, from February 2024 to February 2025. This is to allow for the annual mapping cycle to complete and afford landowners another opportunity to raise issues for the consideration of the local authority regarding particular matters which would preclude housing being developed on the land, which may result in the land not meeting the criteria for inclusion as set out in legislation.
The deferral will also provide a further opportunity to landowners whose land appears on a draft revised final map published on 1 February 2024 to request the re-zoning of such land from the local authority, in whose functional area the land is situated, or to make a submission on the annual draft maps regarding land not meeting the criteria for inclusion will have until 1 April 2024 to make submissions to the local authority. For landowners wishing to make submissions on the annual draft maps regarding land for which they wish to make a re-zoning request have until 31 May 2024 to make submissions to the local authority.
Decisions on whether to amend zonings as a result of submissions or at any other time are a matter for each local authority, taking into account the need to ensure that housing supply targets across the county can be met. Furthermore, provision is made in the Planning and Development Act 2000 for elected members to seek a report from their Chief Executive on the matter of proposed re-zonings.
Furthermore, Finance Bill 2022 introduced an exemption for land that is within the scope of the tax but is subject to a contract that precludes the landowner from developing it. For the exemption to apply, the contract must have been entered into prior to 1 January 2022, i.e., prior to the introduction of RZLT. For example, where a farmer leased land prior to 1 January 2022 and the requisite conditions are met, the farmer may claim an exemption from the tax for the period of the lease.
Department of Finance regularly engages with both the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the implementation of the RZLT.
Further information regarding RZLT maps and the related submission processes are available on each local authority website, or at www.gov.ie/rzlt.
Financial Instruments
Questions (57)
Paul Kehoe
Question:57. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance to confirm regulations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8124/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that it is possible to change a VAT rate between Budgets and that such changes have been made in the past. A Financial Resolution is required to make such a change. In line with Section 4g of the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act, 1927, such a Financial Resolution will only have effect for four months. As such, primary legislation would be required before the expiration of the four months for the VAT rate change to continue to have effect.
Insurance Coverage
Questions (58, 66)
Mark Ward
Question:58. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Finance what measures the Government is taking to tackle age discrimination amongst travel insurance providers; if individuals under the age of 66 can get health cover for up to 60 days; the reason individuals over the age of 66 only get health cover for up to 31 days when travelling abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8136/24]
View answerPatricia Ryan
Question:66. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Finance if he will comment on the discrimination present in travel insurance policies vis-à-vis those under 65 years of age and those over 65 years of age where the cover period - 60 days and 31 days, respectively - is dramatically different, and whether such differences are permissible under legislation and constitutionally. [8401/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 66 together.
It is important to note that neither I as Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can intervene in the provision or pricing of insurance products. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive). Consequently, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies regarding the cost of policies or what terms and conditions they apply.
Officials from my Department have engaged with Insurance Ireland on this issue. They have been informed that there is no standard approach to travel insurance and that conditions can vary between providers. Insurers are obliged to assess the risk involved as part of any application for insurance, which will be specific to the individual applicant. Furthermore, the availability of cover can depend on a number of factors including the age and the health profile of the individual insured, the activities undertaken while on holiday, and the frequency of travel for annual policies. Travel policies are very detailed and policy wordings vary significantly in term of scope of cover, exclusion limits and excesses. With this in mind, it is important for consumers to compare with other providers to ascertain if they can get a better customer-focused deal by engaging with a wide range of providers.
Finally, it may interest you to know that Insurance Ireland has detailed advice around insurance on its consumer website, www.understandinginsurance.ie. Insurance Ireland also operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be accessed at feedback@insuranceireland.eu. Likewise, Brokers Ireland provides assistance to customers who are experiencing insurance accessibility issues, and can be contacted at insurancequeries@brokersireland.ie.
Tax Reliefs
Questions (59)
Colm Burke
Question:59. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Finance if he will give due consideration to restoring the higher rate of tax relief for expenditure on GPs, consultants and prescriptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8200/24]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, with effect from 1 January 2009, income tax relief in respect of qualifying health expenses, with the exception of relief in relation to nursing home expenditure, has been granted at the standard rate of tax.
Prior to that date, tax relief was available at the taxpayer's marginal rate of income tax. The decision to standardise health expenses relief was to widen the tax base and bring the rate at which relief was granted into line with the majority of tax expenditures. In addition, the standard rating of the relief has made the tax system fairer, in that all beneficiaries may receive tax relief at the same rate, currently 20 per cent.
The rationale behind income tax relief for health expenses is broadly intended to provide assistance for significant or exceptional health expenses. I would note that this is a broadly availed of relief. In 2021, the cost of tax relief for health expenses (excluding nursing home expenses) was €172 million and it was availed of by c. 568,000 claimants.
In my view, the availability of tax relief at the standard rate of income tax for health expenses is sufficiently calibrated and is the most appropriate use of fiscal resources. As such, I have no plans to enhance the relief.
Insurance Coverage
Questions (60, 61)
Alan Farrell
Question:60. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the efforts his Department is making to increase the proportion of dog owners who engage with pet insurance providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8209/24]
View answerAlan Farrell
Question:61. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Finance the efforts his Department is making to increase competition in the pet insurance sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8210/24]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 61 together.
Insurance reform is a central priority for this Government and it is being addressed directly via the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. This whole-of-Government initiative aims to reduce cost and increase availability of this key financial service. The vast bulk of the actions contained in the Plan have now been delivered and the importance the Government places on its implementation is evidenced by the fact that it is overseen by a Cabinet Committee Sub-Group chaired by the Tánaiste.
In terms of pet insurance, I understand that while there is a relatively low take-up of the product in Ireland, there are several providers and brokers which offer specialised packages. It is important to remember that there are a number of steps consumers can take to help ensure they achieve a competitive quote, such as micro-chipping their pets and giving consideration to lifetime policies. Often the best method is to engage with a range of insurers and brokers, to ensure that the consumer obtains the best possible price, while also bearing in mind that the cheapest may not always be the most appropriate in the specific circumstances.
I would also like to take this opportunity to reassure the Deputy that I am committed to working with my Government colleagues to implement the remaining aspects of the Action Plan, which will bring benefits to individuals, businesses and households across Ireland.
Question No. 61 answered with Question No. 60.
Tax Rebates
Questions (62)
Paul Kehoe
Question:62. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if there is any avenue to reclaim VAT paid on solar panels that were purchased and installed prior to May 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8224/24]
View answerWritten answers
The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to EU VAT law, with which Irish VAT law must comply. From 1 May 2023, the supply and installation of solar panels on or adjacent to immovable property, being private dwellings, is subject to the zero rate.
In accordance with EU and Irish VAT legislation, a VAT-registered trader is obliged to include VAT as part of the price for goods and services that the trader supplies. Goods or services which are supplied to unregistered persons or private individuals prior to the date of a change in VAT rate are taxable at the VAT rate in force at the time when they are supplied.
In accordance with VAT law, individuals acting in their private capacity cannot reclaim VAT incurred on their purchases through the VAT system. It is therefore not generally possible for a private individual to obtain a refund of VAT paid on a supply.
Primary Medical Certificates
Questions (63)
Richard Bruton
Question:63. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has completed the review of the financial supports for mobility for those with a disability and, in particular, the criteria for a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8237/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that the final report of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy (NDIS) Transport Working Group's review of mobility and transport supports including the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passenger’s Scheme (DDS), endorsed proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the DDS.
The Working Group was chaired by Minister Anne Rabbitte and led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).Access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue that involves work carried out by multiple Government departments and agencies. Consequently under the aegis of the Department of Taoiseach officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report and to map a way forward. My officials are proactively engaging with this Senior Officials Group's (SOG) work as an important step in considering ways to replace the DDS, as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of holistic, multifaceted and integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability. Three meetings of the group have been held, in July, November and December 2023. The Department of Finance has recently submitted a note to the group with my approval in mid-January 2024. This note outlines a proposal for a replacement scheme for the DDS which would be a needs-based, grant-led approach for necessary vehicle adaptations that could serve to improve the functional mobility of the individual. This proposal is in line with what the NDIS Transport Working Group Report endorsed. It is expected that this note will be considered by the SOG at a forthcoming meeting of the group. In that context, the Deputy should note that any further changes to the existing DDS would run counter to NDIS proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.
Finally the Deputy should be aware that while my Department has oversight of the DDS, it does not have responsibility for disability policy, so any decision to put in place a new scheme to replace it will be a matter for Government.
Tax Avoidance
Questions (64)
Pearse Doherty
Question:64. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance if he or his Department have received any correspondence from the Revenue Commissioners or any other body regarding section 22 of the Finance Act 2022 and the opportunity it creates for aggressive tax planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8341/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am not aware of any correspondence to me or my Department from Revenue or any other body on the specific topic identified by the Deputy since the passage of Finance Act.
There was of course the normal engagement with Revenue in relation to the preparation of material regarding this section for use during the passage of Finance Act 2022 through the Houses of the Oireachtas. In addition there was correspondence relating to the preparation of a note circulated to the FINPERT Committee at Committee Stage regarding the tax treatment of contributions to occupational pension schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts.
A request for a copy of this note was also received through the Press Office.
Tax Code
Questions (65)
Pearse Doherty
Question:65. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance to outline the application of relevant contracts tax as it applies to subcontractors from the North which operate in the South; how the charge is deducted and payments refunded; if the Revenue Commissioners apply CIS on behalf of HM Revenue and Customs with respect to subcontractors from the North which operate in the South; and with respect to both, how refunds from the charge are processed and the timeline for which refunds are paid to Northern subcontractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8370/24]
View answerWritten answers
Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT) is a withholding tax that is applied to certain payments made by principals to subcontractors in the construction, forestry and meat processing sectors. The tax deducted is a payment on account against the subcontractors final Income Tax or Corporation Tax liability for the year, with the amount of RCT deducted credited against the tax liability for that year. The rate of deduction to be applied to payments to subcontractors can be zero, 20% or 35% depending on the circumstances of the subcontractor.I am advised by Revenue that RCT applies to all relevant contracts carried out in the State, irrespective of whether the principal or subcontractor or both are resident outside the State, and is operated by a principal on payments to a non-resident subcontractor in the same as they would operate it for a subcontractor who is resident in the State. Non-resident contractors are obliged to register for and pay relevant taxes, including RCT, where activities are carried out in the State. A subcontractor who is not registered with Revenue is initially automatically allocated the 35% RCT deduction rate. I am further advised by Revenue that a subcontractor who is non-resident and has no income or corporation tax liability in the State may apply to Revenue for a refund of RCT that has been deducted. The subcontractor must complete a questionnaire regarding their activities in the State and submit an application form which includes certification, by the tax authority in the State in which they are resident, of their residency in that State.Refunds to non-resident subcontractors are dealt with in accordance with Revenue’s customer service standards, which provide for 80% of refund applications to be processed within 10 working days and for 100% of applications to be processed within 20 working days, unless the claim is selected for further checking. Revenue do not apply the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) on behalf of HM Revenue and Customs to subcontractors from the UK which operate in this State and accordingly do not make any refunds under that scheme.
Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 58.
National Development Plan
Questions (67)
Catherine Connolly
Question:67. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made in delivering National Development Plan 2021-2030 projects for County Galway for each year of the lifetime of the current Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8251/24]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan 2021-30 (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Expenditure is therefore allocated and monitored on a Departmental basis and not a geographical basis.
The Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. The NDP includes indicative Exchequer allocations for each Department for a five year period (2021 to 2025) and the overall capital expenditure ceilings out to 2030. My officials and I are currently engaging with Departments on setting out updated NDP sectoral allocations up to 2026.
In 2024, €13 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, improve hospital facilities and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, supporting balanced regional development and, most importantly, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements.
The Government will continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments which have been made throughout the country, including in County Galway.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million, the next edition of which will be available in Q2 2024. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map provides details on specific projects by county, and contains smaller investments such as schools and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the three Regional Assembly areas have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. The Northern and Western Regional reports set out the capital projects and programmes which are being planned and delivered in that region, including in County Galway, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040 in the region.
The Project Ireland 2040 Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
State Examinations
Questions (68)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:68. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if she will consider the abolition of the assessment a child has to do in order to get a scribe for examinations; if she agrees that this decision should be left to the principal or vice-principal of the relevant school as they will know the child's needs better than anyone. [8132/24]
View answerWritten answers
The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the state examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (69)
Claire Kerrane
Question:69. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on special education teachers, SETs, following changes to the SET hours allocation model; if consideration has been given to the impact these changes may have for children who access SET supports; if she will review the decision, given the concerns raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8140/24]
View answerWritten answers
I want to thank the Deputy for raising this issue and for giving me the opportunity to clarify some of the concerns that have been raised regarding the Special Education Teacher Allocations for mainstream schools which issued on the 6th February.
At the outset, I would like to clarify Complex needs have not been removed – the data which was used since 2017 from the CDNT and which is no longer routinely available is being replaced by high quality, verifiable education data.
To ensure that schools are not negatively impacted all existing hours assigned for complex needs are being maintained for each school.
The allocation model for 2024/25 distributes the total available number of SET posts in line with each school’s profile of need. It seeks to distribute teaching resources in the fairest possible manner, taking into account quality, robust evidence in respect of individual schools. This ensures that resources are in the right place at the right time to meet the needs of children in mainstream.
There will more Special Education Teachers in our schools in September 2024 than ever before – an increase of 1,000 from 2020/21 school year. This is in addition to a significant reduction in class teachers sizes at primary level over three budgets to where our PTR at primary level is now 23:1. This means, more than ever, children with SEN in our mainstream schools are best supported to meet their needs. In addition the model will now be run annually in line with general teacher allocations. This allows schools to better plan their staffing structures and gives them time to arrange clusters in areas where schools share an SET teacher.
There has been a limited change to the method used to allocate SET to mainstream classes. This review involved extensive consultation and visits to schools by the NCSE to look at the strengths and shortcomings of the allocation model. The feedback has been incorporated into the revised model for 2024/25.
The review of the SET model focused on ensuring that we had the best possible data available to inform the distribution of resources to our schools. Our policy relating to supporting all of our children in our schools based on their level of need remains.
The policy that individual schools are required to adhere to is the principle that the allocation is utilised to ensure that those pupils with the greatest level of need receive the greatest level of support and this remains unchanged.
Therefore the profiles are directly correlated to, and focused on, pupils with the greatest level of need in the areas of literacy and numeracy.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (70)
Seán Crowe
Question:70. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education the reason a child (details supplied) suffering from severe dyslexia was denied a place in a special reading school despite being in the second percentile for reading; if she agrees that this will have a severe impact on the child’s access to education; what measures are being implemented to expand the capacity of the special reading schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8150/24]
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).
It is my department’s policy, in accordance with the principles of inclusive education, that students with additional learning needs are supported in mainstream classes along with their peers, with additional supports provided as necessary.
My department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools, which have enrolled students with special educational needs in order to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an appropriate education.
My department has invested considerably in ensuring that all recognised mainstream schools have been allocated additional special education teaching resources to support them in providing optimal learning experiences for children with special educational needs, including students with a specific learning disability such as dyslexia.
Provision for students is governed by the continuum of support and a range of guidance documents, resources and training opportunities is available to schools to inform their approaches in meeting the needs of students with special educational needs. The most significant of these resources are the 14,500 special education teachers who are employed in schools to provide additional support for children with special educational needs, including dyslexia.
The allocation of special education teachers allows schools to provide additional teaching support for all students who require such support and for schools to deploy resources based on each student’s individual learning need.
The NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports as required. The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year and where additional provision is required to support schools to meet the needs of children with special educational needs, it is planned and established to meet that need.
In addition, there are specialist educational supports provided by the National Educational Psychological Services (NEPS) and the NCSE to help schools provide an appropriate education for students with special educational needs.
Funding is also made available to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment such as computers and/or software to assist children with special educational needs, including children with a specific learning disability such as dyslexia. This is provided where relevant professionals recommend the equipment as being essential for the provision of education. Schools can apply to the NCSE, through their local SENO for such support.
It is important to note that all classroom teachers at primary level and subject teachers at post-primary level have responsibility for the progress of their students. Where necessary, additional support is provided by special education teachers. The majority of students with significant literacy difficulties currently receive additional teaching support from a special education teacher in a mainstream class. This is provided on the basis of the individual student’s learning need, identified in schools, as opposed to being based on a requirement for a child to have a diagnosis, or an assessment, of a particular disability.
These supports are intended to provide students with the highest standard of education in mainstream classes, special classes and special 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.
Education Schemes
Questions (71)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:71. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if she will address delays in the home tuition grant which are causing dire financial difficulties for a school (details supplied). [8161/24]
View answerWritten answers
The purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. The terms of this scheme are set out in circular 24/2023 which is available on the Government of Ireland website: www.gov.ie/en/circular/67f37-home-tuition-grant-scheme-20232024-special-education-component/
Payments to group providers of home tuition, such as the facility concerned, are made directly to the provider on a monthly basis in arrears in accordance with my Department’s policy in this regard. Claim forms are to be submitted to my Department at the end of the month in which tuition has been provided and every effort is made to process these claims as soon as possible after the claim form is received from the facility. However, delays may be experienced from time to time if forms are incomplete or not submitted promptly by the provider. I can assure the deputy that every effort is being made to keep any delays to a minimum. The claim submitted by the facility in question in respect of home tuition for December 2023 has been fully processed and paid. The claim for January 2024 was received on February 8th 2024. This will be processed within the standard timeframe for the processing of correctly completed claim forms which is four to five weeks from the date of receipt.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (72)
Seán Haughey
Question:72. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education if assistance, including funding, can be provided to a special school (details supplied) so it can create additional classes for students with special needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8184/24]
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 have been 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, 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.
Planning for special classes and special school places nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year.
In relation to the school mentioned by the Deputy, it is open to the school authority to make an application for additional accommodation through my department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme details of which are available on www.gov.ie. The special school should also engage with the NCSE at local level in relation to any planned expansion of provision.
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.