Tuesday, 5 Mar 2024

Written Answers Nos. 242-262

State Bodies

Questions (242)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

242. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will set out any policy or guidance that applies in the civil or public service in relation to the duration of the terms of office for the chief executives of agencies established under Government departments; whether chief executives are confined to a single five-year term or if multiple successive such contracts be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10348/24]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

The general policy and practice for the duration of terms for Chief Executives of State Bodies under the aegis of Government Departments is as follows:

• Non-Commercial State Bodies: CEOs are generally appointed for a term of five years. Where re-appointment is agreed, it is for one further and final term of 5 years (with total duration of 10 years).

• Commercial State Bodies: CEOs are generally appointed for a term of seven years. Where re-appointment is agreed, it is for one further and final term (with total duration of 10 years).

These general principles are reflected in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and the Guidelines for Appointments of CEOs of Non-Commercial State Bodies, which are published on the Government website, available at the link below.

The establishing legislation for CEO posts in the civil and public service set out the statutory responsibility for determining terms and conditions, including those related to term of office. In some cases, the relevant legislation for a post may provide for a particular term length, potential for re-appointment, or total duration of appointment. For example, a term of 7 years and maximum tenure of 10 years for Chief Executive posts in the Local Authorities is provided for under the relevant Local Government Acts.

Link to guidance documents: www.gov.ie/en/publication/7adff-governance/

Departmental Properties

Questions (243)

Matt Carthy

Question:

243. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the ground rents payable by his Department, or agencies under its remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10420/24]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

I wish to advise the Deputy that there were no ground rents payable by my Department in the period specified.  This is also the position with regard to all but one of the bodies under the aegis of my Department.  The position with regard to the Office of Public Works will be conveyed directly to the Deputy by that Office shortly. 

State Properties

Questions (244)

Colm Burke

Question:

244. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to set out in detail his Department's future proposals for the former Cork prison on the Rathmore Road, in particular the building and the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10681/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I am informed by the Department of Justice, and the Deputy may be aware,  that the former Cork Prison facility was built in the early 1800s and operated as a prison from 1972 to 2016. 

The prison was deemed no longer appropriate for use as prison accommodation due to the condition of the facilities, the size of the cellular accommodation and the lack of in-cell sanitation.

The facility was closed in February 2016 following the construction of new prison facilities on a site opposite the old prison as part of the Irish Prison Service modernisation programme and capital plan for the prison estate, and the old prison was decommissioned.

Since that time the facility has remained vacant and fallen further into disrepair.  

Given the current trend in prisoner numbers and the pressure on the prison capacity across the estate, the site of the former Cork prison remains of significant strategic interest to the Irish Prison Service. In late 2023, engineering consultants were engaged by the Irish Prison Service to carry out a detailed assessment of the old Cork Prison facility and to provide a feasibility report on the site with various options for its use. 

This report is expected to be completed later in 2024.

Environmental Policy

Questions (245)

Noel Grealish

Question:

245. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are plans to introduce penalties for businesses that fail to reduce their carbon emissions; if so, when these penalties would be likely to come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10479/24]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

It is not my intention to introduce additional penalties on businesses that fail to reduce carbon emissions. This Government's approach is to ensure that their are clear, medium-term incentives for businesses to decarbonise and support available from State agencies to do so, rather than a purely punitive approach. 

Businesses already face strong financial incentives to invest in their own sustainability, including a carbon tax that increases year-on-year, or a high price for carbon emissions for larger emitters included in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). These send clear price signals to businesses, and they will only get stronger. Moreover, businesses can today reduce their energy costs, cut down on their use of raw materials, improve their efficiency, and crucially, attract their next generation of customers, by making environmental sustainability a core pillar of their operations. 

Further, larger businesses will soon have to report on their environmental performance under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and investments in environmental sustainability are already influencing businesses' access to credit and other forms of finance. 

State agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA and SEAI are on hand to support businesses respond to this change in market conditions. There are grants available for investments in efficiency, renewable energy, electrification of heating systems, electric vehicles and removing fossil fuels from commercial operations. SMEs that are just getting started on their sustainability journey can use the Climate Toolkit for Business to direct them to where their emissions and most impactful carbon reduction opportunities are likely to arise for their particular business. 

The move to a low-carbon economy is already underway and now inevitable; business are increasingly aware of their role in this transition.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (246, 256)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

246. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to review correspondence (detail supplied) and address the concerns outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10639/24]

Brendan Smith

Question:

256. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will give urgent and detailed consideration to the issues outlined in correspondence from a business group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10696/24]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 256 together.

I appreciate the concern from businesses regarding the rising costs they are seeing at the moment and as they deal with the rising cost of doing business. It is important to note that the impact of rising prices is not unique to Ireland, but an issue facing all major economies around the world.

The Government has advanced a range of measures to improve working conditions in Ireland, including the transition to a Living Wage, Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, an Additional Public Holiday, the Living Wage, and Remote Working. These improvements will bring wider societal benefits and will serve to bring Ireland in line with other advanced economies. However, it is recognised that businesses may face rising costs, in particular in the short term. I am continuing to monitor this situation with a view to identifying measures which may support businesses in this transition.

The Government has provided significant support to business throughout the period of increasing costs and has been proactive in limiting the fallout from higher rates of inflation in input costs and prices.

Budget 2024 contained several measures which will support businesses facing increased costs. For example:

• The 9% VAT reduction for gas and electricity was extended for an additional 12 months, until the 31st of October 2024;

• The temporary excise rate reductions applying to auto diesel, petrol and marked gas oil were extended until the 31st of March 2024; and,

• There was an increase in VAT registration thresholds for SMEs to €40,000 for services and €80,000 for goods.

The Increased Cost of Business Scheme (ICOB) was also announced as part of Budget 2024 and will provide a grant to benefit a significant number of small and medium businesses at a cost of €257 million. The grant will be at a rate of half an enterprise’s commercial rates bill, for 2023, for firms paying up to €10,000 in rates. A flat €5,000 grant will be available to firms who pay between €10,000 and €30,000 in rates.

The ICOB Grant will be available to up to 143,000 businesses, or 95% of all commercially trading business, operating from a rateable businesses in all corners of Ireland. The administration of the ICOB will be carried out by Local Authorities and it is intended that the grant will be provided to qualifying premises in the first quarter of this year. The grant scheme has been set up in the way so as to ensure that the scheme is accessible to smaller businesses, who may have had difficulties availing of previous schemes.

My Department, in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection, is also assessing the cumulative impact of changes to working conditions, including Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, the Additional Public Holiday, the Living Wage, and Remote Working. The report is due for publication shortly and will inform public policy in this area.

This Government has adopted an active approach in supporting Irish businesses across multiple crises over the last number of years, including the introduction of unemployment supports during the COVID -19 pandemic, the provision of financial supports to firms facing the implications of Brexit, and more recently, through the period of increasing overhead costs. My Department is fully committed to serving the SME sector and the measures included in Budget 2024 reflect this.

Enterprise Support Services

Questions (247)

Colm Brophy

Question:

247. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is willing to expand the supports available through the local enterprise offices to social enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10047/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

While policy responsibility for Social Enterprises lies with Minister Heather Humphreys and the Department of Rural and Community Development, my Department, through the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, recognises Social Enterprises as an important and growing part of Ireland’s enterprise ecosystem. Social Enterprises contribute to our communities by creating jobs, stimulating local economic activity, supporting social, economic and environmental issues and are recognised as an integral part of Ireland’s broad enterprise policy landscape.

The Deputy will be aware that the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) play an extremely important role providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the country.  The LEOs are the first stop shop for anyone looking for general business advice locally.

The LEOs provide direct financial grants to firms operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors, with up to 50 employees, who have an ambition to export. This direct financial support is available to all enterprises, including social enterprises, provided that such enterprises are capable of attaining commercial viability and subject to certain criteria. 

LEOs across the country also offer a range of supports that are primarily focused on developing entrepreneurial capability. These include training, management development, and mentoring supports which are available to any business, including social enterprises. 

The LEOs' suite of productivity programmes, which are designed to help businesses to save time, money and energy, are available to all small businesses. These schemes are focussed on enterprises being Lean, Green and Digital. Again, these supports are available to Social Enterprises. 

Assistance for digitalisation is also available through the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, which offers a voucher of up to €2,500 to assist enterprises in developing their online trading presences. Furthermore, the Energy Efficiency Grant is also open to Social Enterprises and provides up to €5,000  towards the implementation of an energy efficiency project identified through a Green for Business, Green Start or SEAI consultancy.

Flood Relief Schemes

Questions (248)

Pat Buckley

Question:

248. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the criteria for applying for humanitarian assistance after the recent flooding in east Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10052/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Scheme was available to businesses with up to 20 employees, (whole-time equivalents), community, voluntary and sporting bodies that through no fault of their own could not secure flood insurance.  This Scheme closed to applications on 15 December 2023.

The Scheme was intended as an emergency humanitarian assistance contribution only and not as compensation for loss or a replacement for the cover provided by insurance.

Financial assistance by way of low-cost loans was immediately made available from Microfinance Ireland to businesses with up to 9 employees that could not secure loan financing from other lenders.  Loan options include cashflow loans of up to €25,000, which could be used for general business purposes including restocking and other business costs.  Loans for capital expenditure were also available, which could fund the refurbishment of premises, or the replacement of equipment damaged by the floods.

Work Permits

Questions (249)

Mick Barry

Question:

249. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when fishers will be removed from the list of unapproved occupations for the general employment permit, thus permitting fishing vessel owners to legally recruit non-EEA fishers for the first time since late 2022, when the atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers was abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10201/24]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

In October 2022, the Government approved the publication of the Review of the Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet. The Review Group recommended that the employment of non-EEA crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet be provided for though Employment Permits issued by my Department, instead of the Atypical Working Scheme, which had catered for the occupation since 2015.

Following review and consideration of sectoral submissions on the topic, and further consultation with the relevant stakeholders in late 2023 I am informed by officials that the occupation of Sea-fisher will be made eligible for the General Employment Permit (GEP) in the coming weeks, with the relevant Statutory Instrument to be written shortly.

It is planned that access to the GEP will be granted via a quota made available to the sector. The occupation will be subject to a range of criteria, including the standard GEP Minimum Annual Remuneration of €34,000, based on a minimum €16.77 hourly rate and a 39-hour week.

State Bodies

Questions (250)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

250. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how on-balance-sheet liability exposure is calculated for SBCI-backed loans where the State guarantees 80 percent of a loan; how much the State is liable for per €10 million loan scheme where the State guarantees 80 percent of a loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10210/24]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) which became operational in 2012 and was revised in 2017, provided a State guarantee to participating lenders of 80% on eligible loans to viable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme (CCGS) was launched in September 2020 to assist businesses that were negatively impacted by COVID-19.  The Scheme was developed in accordance with the European Commission’s State Aid Temporary Framework and was available to SMEs, Small Mid-Caps and primary producers that met the eligibility criteria.  Lending under this Scheme ceased on 30 June 2022 when the Temporary Framework expired.  The Scheme provided a State guarantee of 80% to participating lenders on lending facilities up to a maximum of €2 billion.     

The Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme (UCGS) was launched in January 2023.  The Scheme was developed to assist businesses impacted by cost increases arising from the conflict in Ukraine.  The Scheme provides a State guarantee of 80% to participating lenders on lending facilities up to a maximum of €1.2 billion.  Loans are of up to €1 million are available to SMEs and Small Mid-Caps for working capital and investment purposes from banks, non-bank providers and credit unions. The Scheme is administered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and is available until 31 December 2024.

A total of €1.02 billion was drawn in loans under these Schemes from their inception up to 31 December 2023 (CGS loans drawn of €125.96 million, CCGS loans drawn of €708.86 million and UCGS loans drawn of 182.96 million).

In the case of each of these Schemes, the guarantee is paid by the State (the “guarantor”) to the participating lender on the unrecovered outstanding principal balance on a loan in the event of a borrower defaulting on the repayments.  Total claims paid on these schemes amounts to €10.9 million as at 31 December 2023.  The State also receives a premium on each loan drawn under these Schemes.  Total premium received up to 31 December 2023 amounted €9.5 million.

The total maximum exposure for the Department in relation to loans outstanding at 31 December 2023 was €363.8 million from data provided by the SBCI (€0.5 million under CGS, €280.4 million under CCGS and €82.9 million under UCGS).  The total maximum exposure figure is provided as a contingent liability in my Department’s Appropriation Account each year. The total maximum exposure is based on 80% of outstanding loans less any claims already paid. 

The maximum exposure on €10 million of loans drawn with an 80% State guarantees would be €8 million on day one of the loans.  The maximum exposure each year will reduce with subsequent repayments on the loans to 80% of the outstanding balance.

My Department will continue to monitor on an on-going basis, the contingent liability exposure, claims paid and premiums received under the Scheme.

Job Losses

Questions (251)

Ged Nash

Question:

251. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to confirm the date on which his Department was notified of the intention of the Glen Dimplex group, as reported in the media and as communicated to Dáil Deputies in Louth and elsewhere, to contemplate collective redundancies at its sites in the Republic of Ireland, including its facility in Dunleer, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10219/24]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My Department has not received a collective redundancy notification from Glen Dimplex.

The rules governing collective redundancies are set out in the Protection of Employment Act 1977, as amended. Collective redundancies arise where, during any period of 30 consecutive days, the employees being made redundant are:

• 5 employees where 21-49 are employed,

• 10 employees where 50-99 are employed,

• 10% of the employees where 100-299 are employed,

• 30 employees where 300 or more are employed.

Employers must comply with a number of obligations when proposing collective redundancies.

Section 12 of the Act provides that employers proposing a collective redundancy must notify the Minister of the proposed collective redundancy at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect. 

Employers must also consult with and provide information to employees and their representatives. This consultation period must last at least 30 days and employers may not issue notices of redundancy during this period.

Regulatory Bodies

Questions (252)

Pauline Tully

Question:

252. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of WTE forensic accountants working in the Corporate Enforcement Authority as of 26 February 2024; if he will provide the same figures as of 31 December 2022, in tabular form; and if this number will be further increased during 2024. [10265/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

My department is committed to ensuring that the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) is appropriately resourced, both in terms of the human resources and financial supports required. 

Budget 2024 announced a €1.2 million budget increase for the CEA to include an increase to its pay allocation for the hiring of additional staff identified in the CEA’s assessment of its requirements to carry out its statutory functions.

The CEA currently has an approved staff complement of 86. The sanction includes 70 civil servants, of which 7 are Senior Forensic Accountants, and 16 seconded members of An Garda Síochána (AGS).

Please see tabular format below regarding the number of WTE forensic accountants in the CEA on 31st December 2022 and 26th  February 2024.

Time frame	Approved Sanctioned Positions	In situ	Offer Accepted	Additional Comments
31st December 2022	7	6	1	Successful candidate started on 3rd January 2023
26th February 2024	7	6	1	Successful candidate is currently undergoing clearance process

The CEA hope to have the full complement of 7 forensic accountants in place early 2024.

Work Permits

Questions (253)

Carol Nolan

Question:

253. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will publish the results of the consultation on the work permit review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10297/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The final Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy containing the outcome of the Review of the Employment Permit Occupations Lists was both published on the Department's website on the 20th of December last.

The report details comprehensive changes to the employment permits system, with 43 changes to the jobs eligible for an employment permit, the extension of existing quotas. It also contains the outcome of a concurrent review which sets out changes to the Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) thresholds for employment permits. This can be found in the Publications section of the Department’s website. 

The amendments to the Employment Permits Regulations have also been published on the Department's website.

Departmental Properties

Questions (254)

Matt Carthy

Question:

254. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the ground rents payable by his Department, or agencies under its remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10412/24]

Written answers

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Simon Coveney)

The properties occupied by my Department and its Offices are provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in buildings which are either State owned or leased by the OPW on our behalf. Therefore, my Department has no direct involvement in the payment of ground rents on these buildings. 

The payment of ground rents by Agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for themselves, however they have been asked to supply material in relation to this matter and this will be forwarded to the Deputy within 10 days.

Work Permits

Questions (255)

Matt Carthy

Question:

255. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the current number of work permits allocated for motor/auto mechanics; if he proposes to increase that number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10578/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The 2023 Review of the Employment Permits Occupation Lists has delivered comprehensive changes to the employment permits system, with changes to the eligibility of 43 occupation for either a General Employment Permit (GEP) or a Critical Skills Employment Permit (CSEP).  

A number of new quotas were opened up to provide GEP access for previously ineligible occupations such as that of Car Mechanic. A quota of 200 GEPs was opened for the occupation of car mechanic. An additional quota of 200 GEPs was also opened for the role of HGV/bus mechanic.

 As these quotas have only recently been available, only 6 of the car mechanic quota and 4 of the HGV/Bus mechanic quota have been issued. Consequently, there are no plans to increase these quotas at the present time. The next Review of the Occupations Lists will again by way of a public consultation, provide stakeholders in the motor trade with the opportunity to make evidence-based submissions to help inform the decision-making process of the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy. 

A summary of the changes from the 2023 Review of the Employment Permit Occupations Lists is available in a Report on the Department’s website.

Question No. 256 answered with Question No. 246.

Work Permits

Questions (257)

David Cullinane

Question:

257. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he will publish the results of the consultation on the work permit review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10775/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The final Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy containing the outcome of the Review of the Employment Permit Occupations Lists was published on the Department's website on the 20th of December last.

The report details comprehensive changes to the employment permits system, with 43 changes to the jobs eligible for an employment permit and the extension of existing quotas. It also contains the outcome of a concurrent review which sets out changes to the Minimum Annual Remuneration (MAR) thresholds for employment permits. This can be found in the Publications section of the Department’s website. 

The amendments to the Employment Permits Regulations have also been published on the Department's website.

School Curriculum

Questions (258)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

258. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if she will instigate a full review of the school's wellbeing curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9936/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

As Minister, I am committed to inclusive education for all. My Department is fully committed to creating safe and supportive environments in schools that are welcoming and inclusive for every student.

The area of wellbeing and the promotion of positive mental health is a priority for my Department. This includes promoting emotional wellbeing, resilience and positive coping skills, which support children and young people to manage the complexities of modern life. My Department’s approach to supporting wellbeing and mental health is set out in its Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice, which informs the ongoing work in the area of student wellbeing and mental health. The approach in the Wellbeing Policy is founded on research and best international practice in relation to how schools can best support the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.

Work to develop a new curriculum specification for Wellbeing, including SPHE, at Primary level, is being undertaken currently by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, or NCCA. This work follows on from the publication of the Primary Curriculum Framework in March 2023, which set out proposals for the redevelopment of the primary curriculum. It is intended that public consultation on a draft specification will commence this month, and will run till June 2024, with the intention of introducing in schools in the 2025/2026 school year. There will be an opportunity for anyone with an interest in this area, for example, teachers, parents and education stakeholders, to give their input and I strongly encourage you to do so.

At post-primary, the Wellbeing area of the Curriculum at Junior Cycle includes Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE). An updated Junior Cycle SPHE specification was published by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) in May 2023 and was rolled out for first years in all schools from last September. The updated Junior Cycle specification provides clear direction on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions that all students should gain during the three years of Junior Cycle SPHE. It places a strong focus on the development of important life skills that young people need growing up in a fast changing and complex world. The SPHE specification is grounded in values of respect, equality, inclusivity, responsibility, dignity, compassion and empathy. The Deputy may wish to note that work is ongoing to update the SPHE specification for Senior Cycle and a draft specification was published for consultation in July 2023, with the consultation running until 3rd November last.

Schools are encouraged to use a reflective, school self-evaluation approach to identify and prioritise the needs of their own school community in relation to the promotion of wellbeing and mental health, and to respond to meeting those needs. To support schools in this work the Department funded Teacher Education Support Service, Oide, provides training to schools to ensure that the promotion of wellbeing is at the core of the ethos of every school. The role of Oide’s Health and Wellbeing teams is to support leaders, teachers and schools in the development and promotion of students’ emotional, social, personal and physical health and wellbeing in the context of a positive health-promoting school environment.

In addition, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) of my Department provides a comprehensive, school-based psychological service to all primary and post primary schools through the application of psychological theory and practice to support the wellbeing, academic, social and emotional development of all learners. NEPS have lead responsibility for Wellbeing Policy Implementation and NEPS teams offer training and guidance for teachers in the provision of universal and targeted evidence-informed approaches and early intervention to promote children’s wellbeing, social, emotional and academic development.

A dedicated wellbeing portal is also available, bringing together all the wellbeing supports and resources that have been developed by the Department and the Department’s support services, which is available under ‘Wellbeing for Education’ on gov.ie.

Special Educational Needs

Questions (259, 260)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

259. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education the number of new ASD classes at second level in Dublin 9 and 11 for the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9946/24]

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

260. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education the number of new ASD classes at primary level in Dublin 9 and 11 for the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9947/24]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 and 260 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 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 Meath, Kildare, Wexford 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 classes are autism classes and have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6.

The attached document provides a breakdown of autism classes opened in the Dublin 9 and 11 areas in the past 4 years.  Planning for special classes and special school places in Co. Dublin and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year.

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

Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes

My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.

Primary Autism Classes

Question No. 260 answered with Question No. 259.

Schools Building Projects

Questions (261)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

261. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 22 February 2024, to confirm receipt of the tender report for a large-scale capital project in November 2023 (details supplied); to provide a timeline for when the review will be complete given delays will likely result in increased costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9948/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

Further to Parliamentary Question 147 of 22 February 2024, my Department confirm receipt of the tender report for the large scale capital project referred to by the Deputy.

My Department want to reassure the Deputy and the school community, that the building project remains a priority for progression.

The Tender report is currently under review by professional experts, both at project level and in the context of overall programme parameters by my Department.  The tender process can take in the region of 12 months for large-scale projects.  The school authority will be updated when this review is complete.

Until the contractor is appointed it is not possible to provide an estimated completion date, however, once the contractor is appointed it is expected that it will take approximately 20 months to complete the project.

School Admissions

Questions (262)

Carol Nolan

Question:

262. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if her Department has been notified or is aware of a concerning growth in the number of students who cannot access school places for the forthcoming academic year at primary and post primary level in County Offaly (details supplied); what options are available for students who cannot access school places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9956/24]

Written answers

Minister for Education

I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.

As the Deputy may be aware, In order to plan for school place needs, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose.  Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements. 

While my Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in some areas, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

• Duplication of applications

• School of choice

• Single sex schools

• External draw

 Notwithstanding the above, in some areas demographic pressures and other factors are driving a requirement for additional school places. 

Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, my Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity and identifies any requirement for additional provision.

Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may, be provided through: 

• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

• Provision of a new school or schools.   

My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.  In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.

The availability of places is a matter for each individual school in the context of their Admissions legislation. Enrolment data for previous schools years is available on the Department website. Provisional enrolment data for the 2023/24 school year is available of the Departments website at www.gov.ie

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 may 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.

There are currently a number of active projects at primary level and post primary level across Offaly School Planning areas, including extensions for Coláiste Choilm and Killina Presentation Sec School in Tullamore_Killina, extension for Rathangan BNS in Rathangan and a new school build for Oaklands Community College to provide LTPE of 1,000 in Edenderry.  

The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website. 

My Department will continue to keep the school place requirements in Offaly School Planning Areas, as with other areas across the country, under review.