Written Answers Nos. 122-139
122. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with his EU counterparts on revising the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism to ensure that any revenues generated from taxing imports would be ring-fenced to help poorer countries to scale up to less intensive carbon intensive production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8492/24]
View answerI have not engaged on this particular topic with EU counterparts, as engagement on the EU's budget, and any revenue generated from mechanisms such as the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) are primarily a matter for the Minister for Finance.
The CBAM is one of the key measures under the European Green Deal. It places a carbon price on imports of certain goods from outside the EU, in order to push EU partners to raise their climate ambition and reduce the risk of 'carbon leakage'; where companies transfer production abroad to countries that have less stringent emission rules in place. Carbon leakage would counteract Europe's efforts to become climate-neutral by 2050, relocating emissions to third countries rather than reducing global emissions.
CBAM will initially apply to imports of cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, and hydrogen and selected precursors whose production is carbon intensive and at most significant risk of carbon leakage. A transitional phase has been in place from 1st October 2023 during which a simplified CBAM applies, essentially with reporting obligations only and a focus on data collection. A permanent system will enter into force on 1st January 2026. From here on importers will need to declare on an annual basis, the quantity of goods imported into the EU in the preceding year and their embedded GHG. Member States including Ireland will be responsible for correctly establishing and collecting revenues arising from CBAM.
As the CBAM aims to encourage cleaner production, the EU is committed to working with and supporting low and middle-income third countries towards the decarbonisation of their manufacturing industries as part of the external dimension of the European Green Deal and in line with the Paris Agreement.
The CBAM Regulation states that the EU should also continue to support climate mitigation and adaptation in those countries, including in their efforts towards the decarbonisation and transformation of their manufacturing industries, within the ceiling of the multi-annual financial framework and the financial support provided by the Union to international climate finance.
123. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the timeline for completion and delivery of the planned IDA-backed advance facility in Drogheda, County Louth; the sector or purpose for which the facility will be marketed to potential IDA clients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8517/24]
View answerIDA’s regional property programme ensures the continued supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. The timely provision of appropriate, cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of Multi-National Companies (MNCs) remains essential to winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Under its current Strategy, the IDA is committed to delivering 19 Advanced Building Solutions or “ABS” across six regions in 15 locations whilst also working with Local Authorities on advance planning permissions for additional building solutions. This includes the delivery of an Advanced Building Solution at Mell Drogheda, Co Louth, where IDA Ireland holds a circa 19-hectare landbank, to help position Drogheda and the wider Mid-East region as an attractive location for FDI investments. In this regard, I am advised that the Drogheda building, an advanced manufacturing or technology building, is currently in the planning system. Subject to planning being granted, it is the IDA's intention to then progress the process of identifying a suitable contractor in line with public procurement procedures to deliver the building.
Over the past years, IDA’s Regional Property Programme has enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations. IDA will continue to work with commercial property developers and Local Authorities to market other property solutions across all regions, including, of course, the Mid-East and Drogheda .
In this regard, the FDI performance in the Mid-East Region, which comprises counties Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, has been strong, with IDA Ireland client company employment in the region growing by 10% over the last five years. In recent years, IDA Ireland supported companies including WUXI, Wasdell, Almac, PCI Pharma Services, Amazon Web Services and Simply NUC have announced investments and expansions for Co. Louth which has driven the demand for property solutions. In February 2023, ABB officially opened a multi-million-dollar R&D centre to drive technological advancements in pulp and paper in Dundalk creating 30 research, engineering and sales jobs. In late 2022, Panasonic Avionics announced the expansion of its European MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul) facility in Dundalk with 30 additional jobs over 3 years.
124. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the cost of business grant scheme will be open for applications; the length of time the application process is expected to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8530/24]
View answerThe Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant, announced as part of the Budget 2024 package will be particularly targeted at Small and Medium sized businesses who operate from a rateable premises. It is important that I note that the ICOB is not a commercial rates waiver and firms should continue to pay their rates as normal.
The administration of the ICOB grant will be carried out by Local Authorities and it is intended that qualifying firms will begin to receive grant payments in the first quarter of this year. Service Level Agreements (SLA) between my Department and the Local Authorities have been finalised. These SLAs will underpin the operation of this scheme, covering the delivery, funding, and oversight arrangements for the grant scheme.
There is no requirement for a business to undergo a formal application process. The Local Authorities are expected to be in contact directly with eligible businesses to inform them about the grant payment and how to verify their eligibility. It is envisaged that a letter will be issued by a local authority to each eligible business in the coming weeks. The letter will contain instructions for businesses on how to verify their eligibility. The Local Authority will then make grant payments to the bank account of qualifying businesses in accordance with the scheme.
In order to qualify for the ICOB grant, a business is expected to satisfy a minimum of the following conditions:
• The business is a commercially trading business operating directly within a premises that is commercially rateable by a Local Authority.
• The business has provided confirmation of its bank details to the respective Local Authority.
• The business is rates compliant, including those businesses with a phased payment arrangement in-place.
• The business is tax compliant, and in possession of a valid Tax Registration Number.
Businesses will also be requested to confirm the number of employees for statistical purposes, but it is not a precondition for eligibility that a firm employ staff.
It is intended that Local Authorities will begin to issue letters shortly and it will then be up to businesses to choose to participate in the scheme, subject to the eligibility criteria.
125. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of the impact on the local economy of the decision made by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth to use all beds in a hotel (details supplied) in Drogheda to accommodate international protection applicants from March 2024; if he, his officials and local agencies will introduce a package of supports for local businesses to mitigate the anticipated loss of revenue to the local economy as a consequence of this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8539/24]
View answerIreland is currently accommodating more than 101,000 people seeking safety and shelter, between people fleeing war in Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. Over 200 properties are being used to accommodate people across every county.
Despite the efforts of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth, there are not enough beds available to accommodate everyone who needs one, particularly for single adult males. As a result, it is not able to provide accommodation to all single male international protection (IP) applicants. The most vulnerable people are being accommodated, others will be offered accommodation as soon as its available.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth is now also experiencing increasing pressure in its efforts to secure accommodation for arriving families, including those with children. This follows a significant increase in the number of families seeking accommodation. In the last two months the need for family accommodation has increased considerably.
The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) has responded to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property. A full assessment of the property has been completed, all requirements are in place and a contract has been signed. It will be brought into use in the near future to provide accommodation for people applying for International Protection.
The Community Engagement Team is engaging with all local representatives, the Local Authority and the Community Response Forum. It has provided them with detailed accurate information about the planned use of the property. The team has also liaised with all relevant national services to ensure that they have the relevant information they need to inform and respond to service provision locally. This includes services for social welfare, health, education, transport, justice, and the HSE, An Garda Síochána, the local integration teams and local development office.
As part of the Budget 2024, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin, T.D. is making up to €10 million available for a programme of supports targeted at those downstream tourism businesses experiencing particular challenges linked to the reduction in footfall in regions most impacted by tourism bed stock displacement. This programme of supports includes investment in sustainable tourism development and promotion, industry digitalisation, promotion of domestic tourism and festivals and recruitment and retention initiatives.
Fáilte Ireland is now working on the operational details of this scheme and further details will be announced in the coming weeks.
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of help and support his Department can offer to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8584/24]
View answerI would recommend that anyone looking to start their own business first speak with their Local Enterprise Office (LEO). The LEO best placed to assist in this matter, is the LEO Dublin City , located at Block 4, Floor 1, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, D08 RF3F and can be contacted by phone on 01-222 5611 or by e-mail at info@leo.dublincity.ie.
The LEOS are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. In the first instance, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service for all Government supports available to SMEs and provide information and referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols.
I would particularly recommend that anyone exploring self-employment enquire about the Start Your Own Business (SYOB) Programme, which assists participants in assessing their business idea, its viability and then making an informed decision on whether to proceed or take a step back. The programme is designed to guide participants through the various aspects of business and business planning with no prior business knowledge necessary.
The LEOs can provide a referral to Micro Finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not-for-profit lender that offers small business loans of between €2,000 and €25,000 (unsecured). Loans for commercially viable proposals can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their Local Enterprise Office, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged.
For further information on the assistance available to new businesses and the steps involved in setting one up, I strongly recommend speaking to a business advisor in the Local Enterprise Office as they have the experience and knowledge to help individuals with these decisions.
127. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education for an update on whether or not the application by a school (details supplied) has been approved, or when it will be approved in terms of additional accommodation, which is badly needed at this location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8407/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation. Where there is a need for accelerated delivery of such accommodation my Department utilises Modern Methods of Construction, including my Department's Modular Accommodation Framework, to meet the accommodation need. My Department has additionally put Project Management provision in place to support schools in the expedited delivery of this accommodation.
A Project Manager has been appointed to progress a proposed brief of accommodation for this school. My Department is currently engaging with the school in relation to contingency options which are required for the project to be delivered. My officials remain available to the school authorities in relation to this matter.
128. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education when the Department will provide the money for the contract work that was carried out at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8408/24]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved the project under My Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for reconfiguration works for the provision of SEN pending the delivery of Modular Accommodation.
This project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.
In Q3 2023, the school informed my Department that works were completed, however the necessary complete documentation, to facilitate the drawdown of the allocated grant aid has yet to be provided. In addition, the school have also requested payment for additional works outside of the approved grant aid without proper clarification of these costs.
My department officials have been in direct contact with the school authority to provide any necessary assistance and to request the correct paperwork and supplementary information for the additional costs incurred, to be submitted for review.Once the correct paperwork has been received, and reviewed the appropriate payment will be issued to the school, where applicable.
129. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education the reason the pension abatement of a person (details supplied) who worked on occasions for WWETB after his retirement was calculated on a daily basis; when a daily calculation of days worked, regardless of hours worked, was introduced by her Department for pension abatement purposes; if this method of calculation applies to all employees under the auspices of her Department; if this method of calculation applied to employees of ETBs prior to the issuing of circular letter 0003/2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8409/24]
View answerThe Public Service Pension (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, which repealed the Pensions (Abatement) Act 1965, provides for the abatement of public sector pensions in instances where a public service pensioner is appointed to a public service position on or after 1 November 2012.
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 24 of 2022 provides guidelines on the application of abatement of public service occupational pensions in accordance with the aforementioned Act and re confirmed the position on the calculation of abatement. These rules are applicable across the public sector including the education sector.
Abatement ensures that the pension(s) which the public service pensioner receives, when combined with the new/current remuneration, does not exceed the relevant former pensionable remuneration the retiree would have received had they continued to serve in their relevant former pensionable position.
Abatement is applied on a pro rata basis and applies to the public service pension only, i.e. not to the new salary.
The Deputy should note that Department of Education Circular 3 of 2021 relates to teachers working in the primary and post primary sector and is not relevant to the person concerned.
WWETB is responsible for the administration of pension schemes in respect of their employees/pensioners and for the application of rules regarding abatement. Officials from my Pension Unit have made contact with WWETB in respect of this matter and I understand that the ETB are reviewing this case. The person concerned should make contact with the ETB in this regard.
130. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a further update in respect of a large-scale major school project in Naas, County Kildare (details supplied); the budget allocation; the date on which it will be complete; and if she will set out any factors that are delaying delivery, and the remedy to same. [8411/24]
View answerThe large scale capital project for the completion of a school referred to by the deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award. A tender report is under review by Department Officials. When this review is complete my Department will be in contact with the School Authority and the Design Team to progress the project and to authorise the issue of the Letter of Intent to the lowest tenderer.
I want to reassure the Deputy and the Mercy Convent Primary School community that the school building project will be progressed and delivered.
My Department will update the school authorities when there is a further update on the progression of the major project.
Until the contractor is appointed it is not possible to provide an estimated completion date. However once the contractor has been appointed, it is expected that it will take approx 15 months to complete the project.
131. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education to clarify why a school (details supplied) has been refused approval for an application under the emergency works programme for an urgent project to address a situation that is causing health and safety hazards to staff and children in this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8427/24]
View answerThe Emergency Works application to which the Deputy refers sought funding for the replacement of floor coverings throughout the school. The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding for unforeseen emergencies. Issues such as floor coverings would generally fall under the area of general maintenance, and funding such as the Minor Works Grant is made available by the Department to assist schools with issues such as these. The complete replacement of floor coverings would not fall under an emergency situation and, as such, the application was refused by the EWS team within my Department.
The school appealed the EWS decision and the Department asked for an itemised cost breakdown (ICB) for only the area(s) which might be giving rise to the health and safety issues, to date this ICB has not been submitted. If the school wish to send in this ICB the EWS team can assess the appeal in light of the ICB.
132. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education if a school place will be secured for a person (details supplied). [8439/24]
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 €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.
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 County Dublin, 408 at primary level and 126 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/pupil ratio of 1:6.
Planning for special classes and places in Co. Dublin and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year.
In relation to the student mentioned by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that the special education needs organiser (SENO) is in regular contact with the parent and will continue to provide assistance and advice.
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 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.
133. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when an additional classroom will be sanctioned for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8445/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department has received an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question. The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
My department's focus is on the most critical needs for the next school year and how each individual school’s accommodation can be best utilised. It is very important that capacity in existing schools and across a town or area is maximised to the greatest extent possible.
In the context of making most effective use of our capital allocation, and mindful of climate action goals, my officials are working to make sure that all school accommodation capacity is being maximised.
The application is currently being assessed by my officials. Once the assessment process has been finalised, the school authority will be notified of the decision directly.
134. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education the avenues open to parents of children with special needs (details supplied) who are without a primary school place for the coming school term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8446/24]
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 €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 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.
Of these 8 are in Laois, 4 at primary and 4 at post-primary level. This brings to 60 the number of special classes in County Laois, 44 at primary level and 16 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/pupil ratio of 1:6.
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 query refers to an individual placement case, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and 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.
135. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction increased funding and resources for primary schools in County Laois to ensure that no child with special needs is left without a place in an ASD unit where required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8447/24]
View answer136. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education the number of school places available in ASD units in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8448/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 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 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.
Of these 8 are in Laois, 4 at primary and 4 at post-primary level. This brings to 60 the number of special classes in County Laois, 44 at primary level and 16 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/pupil ratio of 1:6.
The tables below details the list of autism classes within primary and post-primary settings in County Laois for the 2023/24 school year.
Planning for special classes and places in County Laois 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.
Primary Autism Classes in County Laois 2023-24
|
School Roll Number |
School Name |
Address |
|
00892Q |
Shanganamore N S |
Shanganamore |
|
00892Q |
Shanganamore N S |
Shanganamore |
|
13643Q |
Emo Mixed N S |
Portlaoise |
|
13643Q |
Emo Mixed N S |
Portlaoise |
|
13741Q |
Rath Mixed National School |
Rath |
|
13741Q |
Rath Mixed National School |
Rath |
|
17489G |
S N Fionntan Naofa |
Abbeyleix |
|
17555Q |
Scoil Naomh Abban |
Crettyard |
|
19747M |
Scoil Bhride Ns |
Portaoise |
|
19747M |
Scoil Bhride Ns |
Portaoise |
|
19750B |
Scoil Mhuire |
Ballyroan Road |
|
19750B |
Scoil Mhuire |
Ballyroan Road |
|
19750B |
Scoil Mhuire |
Ballyroan Road |
|
20065Q |
Our Ladys Meadow National School |
Durrow |
|
20065Q |
Our Ladys Meadow National School |
Durrow |
|
20270R |
Holy Family Junior School |
Aghnaharna |
|
20347D |
Portlaoise Educate Together NS |
Summerhill Downs |
|
20347D |
Portlaoise Educate Together NS |
Summerhill Downs |
|
20353V |
St Colmans NS |
Stradbally |
|
20353V |
St Colmans NS |
Stradbally |
|
20480F |
Holy Family Senior School |
Aughnaharna |
|
20480F |
Holy Family Senior School |
Aughnaharna |
|
07442U |
St Joseph's National School |
Borris in Ossory |
|
07442U |
St Joseph's National School |
Borris in Ossory |
|
07636K |
St Fintans N S |
New Line Road |
|
07636K |
St Fintans N S |
New Line Road |
|
16070K |
Mountmellick Boys NS |
Mountmellick |
|
16070K |
Mountmellick Boys NS |
Mountmellick |
|
16667W |
Tobar An Leinn |
Raheen |
|
16667W |
Tobar An Leinn |
Raheen |
|
17493U |
Rosenallis N S |
Rosenallis |
|
17493U |
Rosenallis N S |
Rosenallis |
|
18166K |
Clonenagh N.S. |
Clonenagh |
|
18294T |
Barr na Sruthan NS |
Mountmellick |
|
18294T |
Barr na Sruthan NS |
Mountmellick |
|
18513F |
Naomh Padraig N S |
Doire Liaim Oig |
|
20071L |
Scoil Bhride |
Rathdowney |
|
20169F |
Castletown N.S. |
Castletown |
|
20169F |
Castletown N.S. |
Castletown |
Post-Primary Autism Classes in County Laois 2023-24
|
School Roll Number |
School Name |
Address |
|
63430G |
St. Mary's C.B.S. |
Borris Road |
|
63430G |
St. Mary's C.B.S. |
Borris Road |
|
63430G |
St. Mary's C.B.S. |
Borris Road |
|
68068R |
Colaiste Iosagain |
Portarlington |
|
68068R |
Colaiste Iosagain |
Portarlington |
|
71510A |
Portlaoise College |
Mountrath Rd. |
|
71510A |
Portlaoise College |
Mountrath Rd. |
|
76474B |
Dunmase College |
Railway Street |
|
76474B |
Dunmase College |
Railway Street |
|
91427C |
Heywood Community School |
Ballinakill |
|
91427C |
Heywood Community School |
Ballinakill |
|
71470O |
Clonaslee College |
Clonaslee |
|
71470O |
Clonaslee College |
Clonaslee |
|
71520D |
St. Fergal's College |
Rathdowney |
|
91550B |
Mountrath Community School |
Mountrath |
137. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education to respond to concerns raised by persons (details supplied) in respect of the SET provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8460/24]
View answerI 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 children's disability network team (CDNT) and which is no longer routinely available is being replaced by high quality, verifiable education data.
To ensure that schools and pupils are not negatively impacted all existing hours assigned for complex needs are being maintained for each school.
Children with complex needs are supported in the model by now using school-level data from standardised tests in order to reflect relative levels of overall needed.
In the review of the model consideration was given to those students with multiple needs and who may not have undertaken standardised testing and this has been incorporated in the model.
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 revised profiles are directly correlated to, and focused on, pupils with the greatest level of need in the areas of literacy and numeracy.
The Department acknowledges that every school is different, and that schools can experience unique circumstances that may be difficult to reflect in any standardised method. This is always a challenge when making allocations in respect of 4,000 schools. It is for this reason that the Department, working with the NCSE has streamlined the review process for special education teachers and schools who have any concerns can engage with the NCSE on their allocation.
138. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made in relation to an application for extra accommodation at a school in County Galway (details supplied), given the urgent need for additional accommodation at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8481/24]
View answerI can advise that my Department is in receipt of an application, under the Additional School Accommodation scheme, from Letterfrack NS, Connemara. The purpose of the Additional School Accommodation scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by other schools in the area.
The consideration of the accommodation requirements for the school in question forms part of the Planning and Building Unit’s overall assessment of its work programme and priorities in the context of available capital funding.
The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my Department. My officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider area for 2024/25 and future years.In the context of making the most effective use of our capital allocation, and mindful of climate action goals, we are working to make sure that all school accommodation capacity is being maximised. We are looking at how each individual school's accommodation can be best utilised and at capacity across schools in each school planning area.
This application is currently under consideration. When a final decision has been reached it will be communicated by my Department to the school authorities.
139. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education what arrangements will be made to ensure a student (details supplied) who returned to live in Ireland last Christmas is offered a place in a school that teaches through the medium of English; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8489/24]
View answerIn relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an admissions policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. Under the provisions of the Act, school admission policies are approved by the Patron, following consultation with staff and parents of children who are attending the school. The school’s admissions policy is published on the school’s website. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in that area.
I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of students in the Galway City and Galway County area for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
All schools must clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. My Department does not seek to intervene in the selection criterion that is applied by schools.
Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 provides for an appeal where a board of management, or a person acting on behalf of the board of management (normally the school principal) refuses to admit a student to a school. Where the decision to refuse admission is due to the school being oversubscribed, a review of the decision by the board of management must be sought in the first instance. Following a review it is open to the parent to appeal to the independent appeals committee.
Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. TESS can be contacted at 01-7718500 (tessinfo@tusla.ie) for assistance. More information is available on their website on the following link: www.tusla.ie/tess/tess-ews/
