Written Answers Nos. 202-221
202. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide the capacity for intake of first year students at second level schools in Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Clane, Naas and Prosperous for the year 2023/2024, in tabular form; and the number on each respective waiting list of same, in tabular form. [13368/24]
View answerThe provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in North Kildare. As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across areas of known enrolment pressure including the School Planning Areas of Maynooth, Naas, Celbridge, and Prosperous_Clane. Leixlip School Planning Area was not included in this new process for 2024.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified. To date, of the above School Planning Areas, additional 1st year places have been made available in Maynooth and Celbridge, which has ensured there is sufficient capacity for September 2024 to meet the needs of all the local children. The Department has also been made aware of existing capacity within Naas, and has had positive engagement from a patron regarding the provision of additional first year places if the existing capacity is not sufficient. The Department also continues to work with a patron to ensure that a small number of children in the Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area are provided with a first year place, further to additional places that have already been made available in Prosperous.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. In that context, while some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place. This includes engagement in areas which were not included in the more detailed data sharing arrangements for 2024/25. As part of this engagement with patrons, the Department is also collaboratively planning towards 2025/26 and future years, as part of forward planning generally.
Details of school enrolments for 2023/24 can be found on my Department's website at www.gov.ie. Details of waiting lists of first year students at second level schools in Maynooth, Celbridge, Leixlip, Clane, Naas and Prosperous for the year 2023/2024 continues to evolve as the admissions process works through. While information was previously in respect of applications for admissions was previously provided by schools in Maynooth, Celbridge, Clane, Naas and Prosperous, the Department does not hold the most recent information regarding waiting lists for each school.
There will be greater clarity for families over the coming weeks as admissions processes continue to work through and required additional places come on stream.
|
School Planning Area |
Initial 1st year Intake 2024 |
Revised 1st year intake 2024 |
Comments |
|
Maynooth |
412 |
442 |
Additional 30 places made available by Maynooth Community College. Analysis indicates sufficient overall provision to meet local needs for first year places. |
|
Prosperous_Clane |
407 |
416 |
Additional 9 places made available by St Farnan's CC. |
|
Naas |
710 |
710 |
Piper's Hill CC and Gaelcholáiste Cill Dara both have advised of existing capacity for 1st year places. Irish medium post primary education may not meet the needs of all children, so further additional English medium provision has been agreed in principle with a patron, subject to existing English medium capacity being utilised. |
|
Celbridge |
407 |
437 |
St Wolstan's CS agreed to increase capacity by 30 places. Analysis indicates sufficient overall provision to meet local needs for first year places. |
203. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education if land reportedly donated by an organisation (details supplied) to a school has been formally transferred to the school; if planning permission has been sought for a playground for the school on that land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13377/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my department is not in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question.
The purpose of the Additional Schools' 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 at other schools in the area.
My Department does not provide funding for site extensions where the original site is not in state ownership. In this case it is a matter for the Board of Management or the Patron to purchase any site extension required. There are legal difficulties associated with dual ownership of different parts of a school site. In that regard, it is not possible for the Department to purchase part of a school site and leave the remainder in the ownership of the Patron. My department therefore has no function in relation to the transfer of land to the school in question.
Furthermore as my department has no record of receipt of an ASA from the school in question it is not possible to comment on the submission of planning applications in relation to the donated land as the department has not approved funding for the school under the ASA scheme. The issue of planning permission in this instance is a matter for the local authority. My Department has no function in this matter.
My department has a number of funding streams available to the school in relation to provision of play space. It is open to the school to utilise its Minor Works Grant or to apply under the Summer Works Scheme for improvement works to facilities.
The Minor Works Grant is the funding mechanism for primary schools to deal with small-scale improvement or maintenance works. It may be used to improve the physical infrastructure and appearance of schools without needing to deal directly with the Department.
The Summer Works Scheme (SWS), which is demand based, is designed to allow schools, on a devolved funding basis, to carry out necessary improvement works that will upgrade existing school facilities, which can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.
204. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the efforts being made by her Department to ensure a place in a reading school is available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13381/24]
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).
It is my department’s policy, in accordance with the principles of inclusive education, that students with additional learning needs are supported in mainstream classes along with their peers, with additional supports provided as necessary.
My department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools, which have enrolled students with special educational needs in order to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an appropriate education.
My department has invested considerably in ensuring that all recognised mainstream schools have been allocated additional special education teaching resources to support them in providing optimal learning experiences for children with special educational needs, including students with a specific learning disability such as dyslexia.
Provision for students is governed by the continuum of support and a range of guidance documents, resources and training opportunities is available to schools to inform their approaches in meeting the needs of students with special educational needs. The most significant of these resources are the 14,500 special education teachers who are employed in schools to provide additional support for children with special educational needs, including dyslexia.
The allocation of special education teachers allows schools to provide additional teaching support for all students who require such support and for schools to deploy resources based on each student’s individual learning need.
The NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports as required. The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year and where additional provision is required to support schools to meet the needs of children with special educational needs, it is planned and established to meet that need.
In addition, there are specialist educational supports provided by the National Educational Psychological Services (NEPS) and the NCSE to help schools provide an appropriate education for students with special educational needs.
Funding is also made available to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment such as computers and/or software to assist children with special educational needs, including children with a specific learning disability such as dyslexia. This is provided where relevant professionals recommend the equipment as being essential for the provision of education. Schools can apply to the NCSE, through their local SENO for such support.
It is important to note that all classroom teachers at primary level and subject teachers at post-primary level have responsibility for the progress of their students. Where necessary, additional support is provided by special education teachers. The majority of students with significant literacy difficulties currently receive additional teaching support from a special education teacher in a mainstream class. This is provided on the basis of the individual student’s learning need, identified in schools, as opposed to being based on a requirement for a child to have a diagnosis, or an assessment, of a particular disability. These supports are intended to provide students with the highest standard of education.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
205. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which it is possible for a child (details supplied) to obtain a school place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13421/24]
View answerMy 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.
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. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. It is an important feature of the act that schools can only make a decision on an application for admission that is based on the school’s admission policy.
As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the Department from post-primary schools across areas of enrolment pressure, including in Celbridge, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. My Department will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that there are sufficient places available to meet the overall requirements.
206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when measures will be put in place to bring about the early completion of the new replacement school (details supplied); if steps will be taken in this regard as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13423/24]
View answerThe major project referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.
The Department’s planning and building unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of overall requirements. The large scale capital project remains a priority for delivery.
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. 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 approximately 15 months to complete the project.
207. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the date on which a letter of intent to start work at a school will issue; and the reason for the delay in issuing same. [13431/24]
View answerThe major project referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.
The Department’s planning and building unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of overall requirements. The large scale capital project remains a priority for delivery.
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. 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 approximately 15 months to complete the project.
208. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education what progress has been made in the review of the tender report for additional accommodation at a school (details supplied); when will the review be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13463/24]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy has been approved a project under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme for the provision of 1 mainstream classroom.
The project is currently at Stage 2B of the architectural design process.
Department officials have been liaising with the school authority to submit the relevant and appropriate Stage 2B report documentation required, and are currently awaiting a response.
My department will continue to engage with the school authority to progress this important project, and provide any assistance necessary.
209. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 148 of 22 February 2024, if she will provide the information requested for 2005 to 2015 of net surplus cash derived from the School Transport by Bus Eireann as categorised in the accounts for each of these years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13464/24]
View answerThe Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) carried out an examination of the provision of school transport and completed his report in August 2017 – the C&AG Special Report 98. The C&AG report referenced a surplus in the Transport Management Charge element of the costs. This amount was held by way of an uncommitted reserve by Bus Éireann to be used solely for the purposes of the School Transport Scheme. An amount of €6.7 million in respect of the uncommitted reserve was repaid to my Department in full in December 2018.
The documentation in relation to this amount formed part of the School Transport Scheme annual reporting from Bus Éireann, as evidenced in the attached report.
Bus Éireann’s bank accounts are reviewed by independent auditors as part of the annual audit process. Bus Éireann’s School Transport scheme annual costs are set out in the Annual Statement of Account. This Statement of Account is independently audited by the Bus Éireann auditors in accordance with the 1975 Summary of Accounting Arrangements and this report is submitted to my Department on an annual basis. In addition, separate to the audit of the Statement of Account, the Financial Statements for the Bus Éireann group are independently audited on an annual basis.
The 1975 Summary of Accounting Arrangements form the basis of the payment to Bus Éireann for the operation of the School Transport Scheme. The 1975 Summary of Accounting Arrangements, which remain in place, have been the subject of challenges to the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, all of which were unsuccessful. There is no profit and the uncommitted reserve in the Transport Management Charge element of the costs could only be used on the school transport scheme. The school transport scheme operates on the basis of cost recovery and any surplus was sealed in the school transport scheme.
210. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the position regarding an expression of interest to her Department by a school (details supplied) in establishing an ASD unit; if she will address the matters raised in correspondence supplied by the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13473/24]
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 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 6 are in Waterford, 2 at primary level and 4 at post-primary level. This brings to 58 the number of special classes in County Waterford, 37 at primary level and 21 at post-primary level.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
My department has communicated to all post-primary schools of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 2 to 4 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that they recently received an expression of interest for the establishment of an autism class from the school. It is of course open to any school to do so and every school who express such an interest is to be commended.
However, it may not be possible for the NCSE to sanction a new special class in every school that expresses an interest.
The department and the NCSE are currently reviewing the overall demand for such provision in the area alongside the availability of space in local schools. The local special educational needs officer (SENO) remains in contact with the principal of the school and with the parents of children in the area. Parents will be duly notified as new special class placements become available and are sanctioned for the 2024/25 school year within the area.
When assessing the needs in the local area, the NCSE identify schools in the neighbouring vicinity with available special class vacancies and assess their capability with consideration to demographical and statistical data.
Planning for special classes and places in Co. Waterford and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. Schools and parents will be notified as soon as possible if a special class can be established.
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 and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
211. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education when she expects the letter of intent to be signed for the last phase of a school (details supplied); when the contractor will be on site; when the school will be available for use; if there are any impediments to signing the letter of intent; if so, if she will outline these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13475/24]
View answerThe major project referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.
The Department’s planning and building unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of overall requirements. The large scale capital project remains a priority for delivery.
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. 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 approximately 15 months to complete the project.
212. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will examine a case (details supplied); when her Department will issue a decision to the school in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13513/24]
View answerMy Department is aware of the request from the school and the timelines involved, and the matter is under consideration.
Officials from my Department have been on site in the school mentioned to review and are awaiting certain information from the contractor involved in building the school.
Once the information has been received, my officials will analyse and review, and a reply will issue to the school and its patron as soon as a decision has been reached.
213. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the position regarding an additional accommodation scheme application lodged by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13515/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question was approved funding under My Departments Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide a 1 classroom special educational needs base.
The project was devolved to the school authority for delivery, and they have recently submitted the stage 2b report (pre-tender report) for review.
Once this report has been reviewed, Department officials will be in contact with the school authority on the next steps to progress this important project.
My department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects involving circa. 300 projects currently at construction including 34 new school buildings and over 800 projects completed since 2020 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues. We continue to have a strong pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. My department has an overall pipeline of some 1300 projects across the school system. The current status of all projects is listed on a county-by-county basis at www.gov.ie. And this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction. Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing over €5 billion during the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
Last year, my department received supplementary funding to help alleviate funding pressures which was reflective of my department’s strong delivery of school building projects particularly to support mainstream provision accommodating Ukrainian students and special education needs provision. My department also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places. The Department has always operated a tightly prioritised approach to the school building programme, focused over recent years on the delivery of additional capacity where required, and this will continue to be the case. My department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in Midleton Educate Together National School and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that Midleton Educate Together National School’s project - as for all projects on our school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the public Infrastructure Guidelines. It is a challenging construction environment across all sectors (Education, Housing, Transport etc.) and my department is also required to manage the timing, scope and cost of individual projects to remain within budgetary parameters for the overall programme – this involves constant review throughout the project life cycle.
214. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for further clarification on the governance issues that were not resolved previously referenced in her Parliamentary Question response No. 352 of 5 March 2024, and whether she is aware that the organisation have not been provided with these details. [13366/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that the governance concerns to which I referred in my response to Question No. 352 of 5th March related to management practices and financial management within the Gael-Taca organisation. These shortcomings in governance and in financial control deviated significantly from best practice expected from organisations receiving government funding. Consequently, my Department had no option but to suspend the previous funding agreement with Gael-Taca.
Over the past number of years my Department has liaised with Gael-Taca with a view to addressing these issues and strengthening the organisation’s governance regime. My Department also provided substantial emergency funding to Gael-Taca in order to clear debts the organisation had accumulated.
Upon reviewing the latest funding application submitted by Gael-Taca to my Department in September 2023, the Department remains of the view that Gael-Taca has neither the organisational capacity to handle state funding in line with best practice nor a clear future vision for the organisation. Consequently, my Department notified Gael-Taca in February 2024 that it was not in a position to enter into a funding agreement with the organisation.
My Department remains determined to actively support the promotion of the Irish language in Cork City and is currently exploring other possibilities in this regard.
215. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will withdraw from attending a festival (details supplied) and make a statement which represents and supports the views of Irish artists; if she will ensure that Culture Ireland honours the payments of travel and accommodation costs to the artists who have boycotted the event; and if she will instruct her Department to urgently seek a statement from Culture Ireland, and/or her Department on this. [13412/24]
View answerI had a full programme of events in Austin. I met with young Irish business professionals and the Irish diaspora as part of the Government’s 2024 St Patrick's Day Programme. SXSW festival forms part of the trade mission aimed at promoting Ireland's creative industries led by Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs. It brings together a wide range of stakeholders from music, film, enterprise and technology sectors. Events at the St Patrick’s Day programme in Austin took place in collaboration with Ireland’s consulates in Austin, Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs, Culture Ireland, Screen Ireland, IDA, Tourism Ireland and Music from Ireland.
The full programme of events in Austin included two events in SXSW. I spoke at the Consulate’s St Patrick’s Day Reception and I spoke at a panel discussion on the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, which included members of the arts and music sectors. One of panelists was a Palestinian American, Shafeka Hashash, the Associate Director of Guaranteed Income, who also spoke and used the platform to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
At no stage did I attend any programmed music events as part of the SXSW programme while in Austin.
As a representative of the Irish Government, I used these events and every opportunity to address the grave humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and advocate for an immediate ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. I also called on US leaders to join the Irish Government in this pursuit of peace. I used my platform to call for an immediate end to the violence in the Gaza.
The musicians due to participate in the Music from Ireland showcase activities decided not to perform and instead read a statement condemning the war in Gaza. While in Austin, I met and spoke with many of these musicians who had travelled and subsequently withdrew from the SXSW Festival. I reiterated my utmost respect for their freedom of expression as artists and reassured them that I would use every opportunity to make clear my revulsion at the devastation that has been unleashed on Gaza.
Culture Ireland and First Music Contact, who stage the showcase with funding from Culture Ireland, are liaising with the artists originally scheduled to perform. Culture Ireland and Music From Ireland will honour their commitment to provide funding towards the travel and travel related costs of those selected for SXSW.
In addition, I have asked officials in my Department and Culture Ireland and Music From Ireland explore options for alternative US showcasing opportunities for these artists.
216. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the progress to date in introducing measures to counteract misinformation, disinformation and abuse on social media platforms; if additional measures are proposed, when same will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13491/24]
View answerDisinformation (and misinformation) are complex issues that can have wide-ranging effects on society and democracy. No one approach can solve them. Education, media literacy initiatives, legislation and other regulatory approaches can be and are key tools in Ireland’s response to disinformation.
The development of a national strategy to counter disinformation was a recommendation of the Future of Media Commission, which called for a more coordinated and strategic approach to combat the damaging impact of disinformation on Irish society and democracy.
A Working Group tasked with developing the Strategy was established in February 2023. It is independently chaired and comprises representatives from Government Departments, public bodies, industry, academia and civil society, with coordination being provided by my Department.
The Working Group has met monthly since its establishment and has heard from a range of experts in different fields related to disinformation. The Working Group compiled a Scoping Paper with five draft principles as the basis for an online public consultation process that ran from 25 September to 20 October 2023. In addition, a stakeholder consultation event was held on 29 November 2023. It is expected that the National Counter Disinformation Strategy will be published in Q2 2024.
More information on the development of the Strategy is available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/04f9e-national-counter-disinformation-strategy-working-group/
In terms of abuse on social media, the commencement of the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act in March 2023, the establishment of Coimisiún na Meán and the coming into force of the Digital Services Act (DSA) are landmark developments.
Under the OSMR, An Coimisiún is developing an online safety code, which would provide for obligations on video-sharing platform services with the aim of minimising the availability and exposure of users, and particularly children, to some of the most serious forms of harmful online content. Among other things, this includes online content related to certain existing criminal offences, such as those set out in the Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act 1989 and the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.
As Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator under the DSA, An Coimisiún will support the European Commission, as the primary enforcer of regulatory obligations applying to Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines. Among other things, the obligations applying to these services include requirements to complete risk assessments in relation to the risk of exposure of their users to illegal online content and the risk of their service being manipulated, including to spread disinformation. Once the risks are identified, these services must take mitigation measures to address the risk of user exposure to this content.
Together these measures mark an end the era of self-regulation for many online services, including social media platforms.
217. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number in receipt of the artists’ basic income scheme; if the workings of this scheme have been reviewed; the proposals, if any, there are to extend this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13492/24]
View answerThe Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot is a key priority for me as Minister with responsibility for arts and culture.
1983 Recipients are being paid €325 a week for three years. In addition, 978 control group members are being paid €650 per year to engage in the data collection.
This is a three year research programme with the intention of providing an evidence base to assess whether or not this type of support works for the arts. Once the research is finalised, the Government will then be in a position to assess the programme.
The research will examine the impact of a basic income style payment on artists and creative arts workers. The ambition of the scheme is that, by providing the security of a basic income, artists and creative arts workers can focus on artistic work and be in a position to increase their earnings from their creative practice as a self-employed artist/creative.
In December, I released the first reports on the initial research findings of the Basic Income pilot. Although the initial findings on the impact of the payment are positive, the reports also highlight the reality for artists and creative arts workers in Ireland at the moment. They are evidence of the challenges our artists face on a daily basis and the sacrifices they make to progress their artistic work.
I believe that the BIA pilot scheme is a once in a generation, transformational measure in the funding of the arts in Ireland. It makes a strong statement about the value that Ireland as a nation places on artistic practice both for its intrinsic value and in terms of our personal and collective wellbeing.
218. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way her Department or any agency under the aegis of her Department supports local authorities to develop overnight pull-in parking facilities for motor homes and campervans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13499/24]
View answerMy role and that of my Department in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy development and in securing resources to assist the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in implementing that policy.
Under the Tourist Traffic Acts 1939-2016, caravan and camping parks using a prescribed term should be registered with Fáilte Ireland. In this context, I am advised that there are currently 132 Registered and Approved National Quality Assurance Framework sites that can accommodate camping throughout the country.
Caravan and camping facilities are a valued part of Ireland’s national tourism industry. The sector is largely family owned and operated and provides visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in local heritage and culture.
Fáilte Ireland advises that some local authorities have conducted research in the area highlighted by the Deputy and that Waterways Ireland also commissioned a report on the matter. However, neither my Department nor Fáilte Ireland has any function with regard to the development of facilities offering overnight pull-in parking facilities or any funding streams for local authorities in their considerations of such matters.
219. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is aware of the damage suffered to a swimming pool (details supplied); if he is considering setting aside a special fund to support swimming pools in forthcoming capital allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13547/24]
View answerMy Department’s direct role in relation to swimming pools is primarily related to providing capital support for the development of such facilities. The day-to-day management of public swimming pools is a matter for the operators of the facilities themselves.
In relation to my Department's responsibilities, capital funding for swimming pools was previously provided through the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP). 52 pools have been completed under the LASPP and three swimming pool projects (Lucan, Buncrana and Edenderry) remain in the LASPP, with the Lucan project currently being completed.
Officials in my Department have engaged with officials in Offaly County Council, in relation to this grant funding, which was allocated in 2012, and I understand that Offaly County Council are now considering their options.
The aim of the LSSIF is to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, where the Exchequer investment would be greater than the maximum amount available, under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP). The first call for proposals under the LSSIF closed in 2019 with applications confined to Local Authorities and National Governing Bodies of Sport. New swimming pool projects and the refurbishment of existing swimming pools were eligible to apply for LSSIF grant funding subject to published guidelines and regulations. The first LSSIF allocations were announced in January 2020 and thus far, approximately €124 million has been awarded to 33 different proposals including 8 swimming pool projects.
Minister Martin and I also confirmed that a new round of the LSSIF will open for applications in the first half of 2024, with the dates, terms and conditions to be published on the Department’s website in due course. I would encourage all eligible projects to consider applying for this competitive application process when it opens later this year.
220. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the final outturn of expenditure for Vote 34 for 2023, with a breakdown by each sub heading and individual spending programme within each sub head, in tabular from. [13298/24]
View answerDetails of the total gross expenditure from my Department’s Vote for 2023 are set out in the attached PDFs.
It should be noted that the 2023 outturn figures are provisional and may be subject to minor amendments. Final outturn figures will be set out in the 2023 Appropriation Account to be published later this year following the audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
221. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the deliberations to date of the oversight group established by his Department in association with the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive to advise on recent developments in a homeless charity (details supplied); if the review undertaken by a company of this organisation has concluded; if he is aware that several contractors employed by this organisation which are owed a substantial amount of money have not been paid to date; if he will endeavour to assist these contractors; if the organisation has complied with the conditions specified for receipt of emergency Government funding; if further emergency funding will be provided to this organisation; how much money has been given to this organisation by his Department in total since its foundation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13299/24]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual local authorities.
The named organisation informed the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) and my Department of potential financial issues in the organisation in July 2023. The organisation also advised that it had separately informed the Charities Regulator and the AHB Regulator (AHBRA).
My Department and the DRHE formed an Oversight Group, chaired by an independent governance and legal expert, to review the financial and governance issues raised and to advise me appropriately. The DRHE also appointed PwC to undertake a review and preliminary and final reports were provided to the Oversight Group.
Following the Oversight Group's review of the recommendations made by PwC, I received a letter from the Chair of the Group. Having considered the contents of the Chair's letter and the information provided, my priority was to ensure that the services provided to homeless individuals and families would continue uninterrupted.
In this regard, proposals for the provision of funding, on an exceptional basis, were considered by Government. On 28 November, the Government approved funding on an exceptional basis of up to €15 million to be paid to the named organisation. Funding may be paid between December 2023 and 31 March 2024. There are 32 conditions attached to the provision of exceptional funding, including actions already undertaken/ underway as well as additional actions to be undertaken by the organisation.
The conditions provide for information to be provided to my Department and the DRHE, including updates in relation to budgeting and cashflow and the provision of a detailed restructuring and rationalisation plan outlining how the organisation will move to a financially sustainable position, relative to funding available from its funding partners. A detailed restructuring and rationalisation plan was received on 1 February 2024.
A new Oversight Group has been set up to oversee the implementation of the conditions attached to the exceptional funding. The new Oversight Group comprises of officials from my Department, the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive and a local authority representative nominated by the CCMA.
The named organisation are subject to two ongoing investigations being undertaken by the Charities Regulator and the AHB Regulator (AHBRA). It is important that I do not compromise ongoing, independent investigations and therefore I cannot comment on their status or the matters under investigation. The priority of my Department is to ensure the continuation of the provision of homeless services.
My Department does not fund any homeless service directly but provides funding to local authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988. Under Exchequer funding arrangements, local authorities must provide at least 10% of the cost of services from their own resources. Furthermore, local authorities may also incur additional expenditure on homeless related services outside of the Exchequer funding arrangements provided by my Department. Therefore, the exact amounts spent by local authorities on homeless services, as well as the type and operation of homeless services are a matter for individual local authorities in consultation with the Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum.
Financial reports from each of the homeless regions setting out total expenditure on homeless services are published on my Department's website at the following link:
www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data.
Financial reports for 2023 are currently being examined and will be published shortly.
