Written Answers Nos. 520-539
520. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education if a national school (details supplied) will be provided with extra supports including extra special education hours given that out of 143 pupils it has 66 children accessing supports which represents 46% of the school community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14884/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for 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, the 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 there will be 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 including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.
The SET allocation model for 2024/25 distributes the total available number of special education teacher posts in line with each school’s profile of need. The model makes an allocation on the basis of a number of inputs, including enrolment numbers. It also uses school-level data from standardised tests in order to reflect relative levels of overall needed.
It seeks to distribute teaching resources in the fairest possible manner, taking into account as much evidence as possible in respect of individual schools and evidence in respect of the best possible use of resources. Of schools across the country, 67 % of schools have either increased their allocation or retained their previous allocation. Of those schools whose allocation has been decreased, 70 % of these schools have reduced their hours by 5 hours or less.
The department acknowledges that every school is different, and that schools can experience unique circumstances that may be difficult to reflect in any standardised method. This is always a challenge when we seek to make allocations in respect of 4,000 schools. It is for this reason that we have also streamlined the review process for Special Education Teachers and schools who feel that they have received an inappropriate allocation can make this application to the NCSE.
The department is cognisant that it is possible that unique circumstances may present in a school which could require an urgent review. In such circumstances, the school may apply for this process through the NCSE. Reviews will be conducted by the NCSE, between March and May each year, to better enable schools to plan for the following September.
Appendix 1 of Circular 002/2024 & 003/2024 clarifies what constitutes unique circumstances and provides further information on the SET Review process.
Application forms for schools to apply for a SET Review were available on the NCSE website from the week commencing the 19th February 2024.The NCSE have been accepting applications for SET Reviews from the 1st March 2024 with a closing date for applications of SET Reviews on the 22nd March. As the closing date was the Friday before Easter break, the NCSE have left the portal open and will accept any late applications submitted by Schools up to Friday the 12th April when the portal will close. All schools must submit their completed application forms through the online portal on the NCSE website.
Where a school believes that they have insufficient resources to support needs in the school, they school should make contact with their local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) to discuss the matter.
521. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the process involved in issuing a letter of intent for a school building project; the average time required for issuing a letter of intent; the current delay in issuing the letter of intent for an extension building project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14887/24]
View answerThe large-scale capital project referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which will be delivered under the National Development Plan (NDP) as part of Project Ireland 2040 framework.
The project is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award. The tender report is under review by my department, the next step in the process is the authorisation to issue the Letter of Intent. Once the Letter of Intent issues, there is a minimum 14-day standstill period before there can be further progression of the project. The period between Letter of Intent and Letter of Acceptance varies depending on the project and the extent of post-tender clarifications required.
I want to reassure the Deputy and the school community, that the school building project will be progressed and delivered.
All departments, including the Department of Education, have to control the timing and scope of capital projects to remain within agreed budgetary parameters.
Additional capital funding for investment in schools was confirmed on 26 March, as part of a wider review of National Development Plan (NDP) allocations. This will support the continued rollout of the Department’s ambitious school building programme in communities across the country. There are many accommodation pressures to be managed across the programme, and the Department is currently assessing our work programme and priorities in the context of the updated allocations.
My Department will advise the School Authorities as soon as possible with regard to the progression of the major project to the next stage.
522. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education her views regarding a six-year-old child with special needs who cannot obtain a school placement for junior infants (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14923/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for 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, €2.6 billion was spent 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 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 level 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.
Planning for special classes and special school places in County Dublin and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new classes for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes
As your query refers to an individual placement, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
523. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if an exception will be made in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) given the error made by the Teaching Council. [14927/24]
View answerUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. The Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015. There are five routes of registration with the Teaching Council which are namely Route 1: Primary, Route 2: Post-primary, Route 3: Further Education, Route 4: Other and Route 5: Student Teacher. The registration requirements for each route are set out in the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2016.
The Teaching Council have a statutory remit and there is a provision in the legislation which allows them to make regulations for the purposes of registration.
The Teaching Council have confirmed that an ezine was issued to all registered teachers on 5 January 2023 notifying of an amendment to the Registration Regulations.
This amendment provided for, on a timebound basis, primary and post primary teachers who qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland to apply for registration and complete, their induction here in Ireland, subject to meeting eligibility and qualifications requirements.
The amendment Regulation closed to applications on 1 February 2024.
A link to the eligibility requirements was also provided in the ezine on 5 January 2023 which stated the following:
1. Qualified Teacher Status (or equivalent)
You must:
• Have qualified as a teacher outside of the Republic of Ireland and gained qualified teacher status or equivalent (licence to teach), and
• Completed an accredited programme of initial teacher education in the country where you qualified.
2(a). Qualification requirements – primary applicants
If applying for primary registration, you must have a primary teacher education qualification aimed at 4 to 12 year olds which is comparable to the standard of Irish graduates.
Also, the Teaching Council have confirmed that in all communications pertaining to the Teaching Council (Registration) (Amendment) Regulation 2023, it was outlined that registration under this regulation was subject to meeting eligibility and qualifications requirements as outlined above. Essentially qualifications could provide for registration under the amendment allowing for completion of induction in Ireland within the time period outlined, should they be comparable with qualifications received within the State. There was no automatic eligibility conferred for any particular qualification, rather the criteria outlined and provided on the Teaching Council website, applied, and all correspondence referenced being subject to eligibility and qualifications requirements.
The Teaching Council have informed me that they have also received an email similar in content to this query and that they will be reverting back to the person that the Deputy is referring to to advise QTS is what it obtained upon completion of a teacher education programme in the UK from the Teaching Regulation Agency.
Induction is a separate process and is a two-year programme in the UK completed after obtaining QTS in the first instance.
524. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education when construction will commence on the temporary building for a school (details supplied); if she will note that the school is in a high level of disrepair and is on the ADAPT 2 programme; if she will give assurances to the school management which has heard nothing recently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14931/24]
View answerThe large-scale capital project referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which will be delivered under the National Development Plan (NDP) as part of Project Ireland 2040 framework.
The project is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award. The tender report is under review by my department, the next step in the process is the authorisation to issue the Letter of Intent. Once the Letter of Intent issues, there is a minimum 14-day standstill period before there can be further progression of the project. The period between Letter of Intent and Letter of Acceptance varies depending on the project and the extent of post-tender clarifications required.
I want to reassure the Deputy and the school community, that the school building project will be progressed and delivered.
All departments, including the Department of Education, have to control the timing and scope of capital projects to remain within agreed budgetary parameters.
Additional capital funding for investment in schools was confirmed on 26 March, as part of a wider review of National Development Plan (NDP) allocations. This will support the continued rollout of the Department’s ambitious school building programme in communities across the country. There are many accommodation pressures to be managed across the programme, and the Department is currently assessing our work programme and priorities in the context of the updated allocations.
My Department will advise the School Authorities as soon as possible with regard to the progression of the major project to the next stage.
525. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education the status of the planning for a new secondary school (details supplied), and if her Department has had an update on new developments under construction or in the pipeline which will drive pupil numbers. [14944/24]
View answerI 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, for school planning purposes, the Department of Education divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) 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 the Department’s projections of school place requirements.
Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, the Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within that particular area and its ability to meet any increased demand. Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.
Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, my Department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from Local Authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
My Department is satisfied that the existing demand can be accommodated at present by the existing and growing schools in the school planning areas. As a result, the establishment of the planned new school has been deferred.
In this context, the timing of the establishment of this school is being kept under review in the context of demographic analysis and the pace of residential development in the area.
526. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education the status of the masterplan for the new build for a school (details supplied) in Swords; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14945/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware responsibility for delivering a major project for the school in question has been devolved to Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board (DDLETB). The Department of Education originally approved the construction of a standalone extension of just over 4,000m2 in area to include a 2-classroom Special Education needs base. Some works to the existing building were also included in this approval. A number of significant issues have unfortunately arisen, including delays in obtaining statutory consents from the local authority and delays to the finalisation of the detailed design process for the project as it was originally approved. The project was brought to Stage 2b of the architectural process.
However, at that point it was agreed between DDLETB and the Department to proceed with an alternative proposal for the progression of the project as set out by DDLETB. This alternative involves the demolition and replacement of the existing building but also allows the provision of accommodation for another school on the site. Based on a report provided by DDLETB, it was agreed following meetings between the Department and DDLETB that the project should be redesigned on that basis. The Department has been reviewing the next steps in the progression of the project and I am pleased to advise the Deputy that this feasibility study has been completed, shared with the DDLETB and my Department is currently considering the optimum means to provide a new school building for St Finian’s Community College.
In this regard, my Department has and will continue to work closely with the school authority, Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board in order to identify the most appropriate solution for the wider education community in the area.
As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for completion.
Pending completion of the main building project, the Department has approved the provision of a Home Economics Room, an Art Room, and a Toilet Block through the Department’s Framework of Modular Accommodation Providers. The school has put contingency arrangements in place to make best use of existing accommodation until the modular accommodation is ready to be occupied.
527. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education if funding is available through her Department to assist parents in paying fees of dedicated music schools in the UK for musical students since Irish residents are no longer entitled to apply for the scheme (details supplied) following Brexit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14951/24]
View answerFollowing the UK's exit from the European Union, a Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed between the Irish and UK Governments reaffirming the arrangement on the Common Travel Area.
Under the reciprocal education aspects of this arrangement, it is my understanding that all students including UK and Irish students, living in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands remain eligible for bursaries offered through the Music and Dance Scheme which is administered by the UK Department for Education in England.
528. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education for an update and estimated timeline for the development of a new school at (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14978/24]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers is part of a school campus project at Kilbride, Co. Wicklow. It has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).
The planning permission for the project was granted in Q3 2022 subject to a number of conditions, one of which was to complete an agreement in relation to wayleaves required on the site. Discussions are ongoing between KWETB and the Design Team with local developers. My Department's officials are working with KWETB to address the outstanding issues.
Once the revised Stage 2b report is received, reviewed and approved by the Department, the next stage will be to tender for the contractor. It is not possible at this time to give a date for the commencement of the project on site, but KWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress in this respect.
529. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education for an update and estimated timeline for the development of a new school at (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14979/24]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers is part of a school campus project at Kilbride, Co. Wicklow. It has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).
The planning permission for the project was granted in Q3 2022 subject to a number of conditions, one of which was to complete an agreement in relation to wayleaves required on the site. Discussions are ongoing between KWETB and the Design Team with local developers. My Department's officials are working with KWETB on progressing the outstanding issues.
Once the revised Stage 2b report is received, reviewed and approved by the Department, the next stage will be to tender for the contractor. It is not possible at this time to give a date for the commencement of the project on site, but KWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress in this respect.
530. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if she will list the agencies under her aegis; and the appropriate email address for the Oireachtas liaison. [14989/24]
View answerThe table below contains the details requested by you that fall within the scope of the question.
|
Name of Body |
Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireachtas |
Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members |
|
An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachtaagus Gaelscolaíochta |
oireachtas@cogg.ie |
jacquelinenifhearghusa@cogg.ie |
|
Educational Research Centre |
oireachtas.queries@erc.ie |
John.Regan@erc.ie |
|
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment |
oireachtasqueries@ncca.ie |
Aine.ArmstrongFarrell@ncca.ie |
|
State Examinations Commission |
Oireachtas@examinations.ie |
john.mcdermott@examinations.ie |
|
The Teaching Council |
pqrep@teachingcouncil.ie |
rflynn@teachingcouncil.ie |
|
National Council for Special Education |
oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie |
patrick.martin@ncse.ie andcindyjane.oconnell@ncse.ie |
|
Residential Institutions Statutory Fund – Caranua |
Michael.Fitzpatrick@caranua.ie |
Michael.Fitzpatrick@caranua.ie |
531. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 88 of 10 May 2023, if she will provide an update concerning the school bus transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15007/24]
View answer532. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on plans to overhaul the school transport system and the abolishing the "nearest school" rule, which requires a student applying to the school transport scheme to attend the school closest to their home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15008/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 531 and 532 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education.
In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils traveling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
As the Deputy is aware, a review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed.
A review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately.
The School Transport Scheme 2030 report has now been published, which marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. Throughout the review, the value of the School Transport Scheme to both families and in supporting wider Government policies has been very apparent. In summary, school transport not only plays an important part in supporting children's access to education, but it also aligns to wider Government objectives.
Overall the recommended changes to the future operation of the Scheme concern:
• expansion of the current eligibility criteria,
• addressing current operational challenges
• charges and grants and
• over time, moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure optimum value for money to the Exchequer
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations will commence in September 2024. This will include a shared effort between my Department and the Department of Transport to pilot and introduce greater integration of the roll out of transport networks with school transport routes, with a view to expanding provision of transport and reducing the reliance over time on individual car trips for school journeys. It is intended subject to resources to commence implementing the revised eligibility criteria in the 2025/2026 school year.
533. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education when the review of the school transport scheme will be brought to cabinet and published; and if this will include a resolution to the unfair pay, terms and conditions endured by school transport escorts. [15024/24]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort, where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay. Under the Education Act 1998, the Principal/Board of Management is responsible for the operation of the school and is the employer of the School Transport Escort and therefore responsible for all employment matters relating to their School Transport Escort. As the Deputy may be aware a review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately. As part of this review one of the actions outlined is that pay rates for School Bus Escorts is to be reviewed in full by the end of 2024.
It is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school. The School Transport Section in the Department is currently carrying out a comprehensive review of matters as they relate to the escort and the information provided to schools. An information pack for schools is being developed and will be reviewed and updated regularly. As part of this comprehensive review the terms of employment and rate of pay for school bus escorts are also being examined, and the Department will continue to keep the rates under review.
534. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if the case regarding school transport for a student (details supplied) and their bus escort will be reviewed. [15053/24]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils traveling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, a pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class/special school or unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education criteria.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
There was a 30% increase in the number of special educational transport journeys from 2019 to the 2022/2023 school year.
New applications for the 2023/2024 school year will be catered for through a mix of new services (some being individual), children being accommodated on existing services where capacity exists, extensions of existing routes and grants to families.
The employment of a School Bus Escort, where required, is sanctioned by School Transport Section and the Escort is employed by the Board of Management and the Education and Training Boards in respect of schools operated by them. As the Escort is employed by the school, the terms and conditions of employment are a matter for the school as the employer.
Once a sanction for employment has been approved, School Transport Section issues funding by way of a grant to the school at the end of each school year by way of advance payment for the next school year.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore apply for the Special Transport Grant which is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until services are finalised.
School Transport Section in my Department will liaise with the school regarding this matter in order to work towards a satisfactory conclusion for this pupil.
535. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education if a secondary school (details supplied) planned for Oranmore, County Galway, has received a determination of the application for confirmation of the CPO for the project; if so, if a design team has been appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15063/24]
View answerMy department continues to work closely with Galway County Council on the acquisition process for the site at Garraun in Co. Galway. The CPO has been submitted to An Bord Pleanála for confirmation and the department is awaiting An Bord Pleanála decision.
The project will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning, to Tender and Construction. The Programme Manager was appointed in Q3 2023 and is in the process of preparing documentation for the tender process for the appointment of multi-disciplinary design team consultants.
I am unable to give any further details at this point, but I can assure you that the acquisition of this site as a permanent location for Galway ETSS remains a priority for my department.
536. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the estimated full-year cost to recruit 300 additional special education teacher posts. [15106/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for 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, €2.6 billion was spent 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.
Special education teachers provide additional teaching support for students with special educational needs enrolled in mainstream classes in primary and post primary schools.
The special education teaching (SET) allocation model provides a single unified allocation for special educational support teaching needs to each school, based on each school’s educational profile.
Based on costings for the average teacher’s salary the following are estimates for appointing both Primary and Post Primary teachers to special education teacher posts.
|
Primary Teacher |
Post Primary Teacher |
|
€65,670 – Excl. of ER PRSI |
€64,070- Excl. of ER PRSI |
Therefore if 300 posts were to be created, depending on whether 300 primary or post-primary teachers were recruited, it would be estimated to be a cost of
Primary Teachers:- €19,701,000
Post Primary Teachers :- €19,221,000.
537. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education where a child (details supplied) with autism will be given a school placement in September; if she will ensure that the constitutional right to an education will be respected and upheld by her Department and the NCSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15109/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for 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, €2.6 billion was spent 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 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 14 are in Tipperary, 5 at primary level and 9 at post-primary level. This brings to 120 the number of special classes in County Tipperary, 76 at primary level and 44 at post-primary level.
Planning for special classes and special school places in County Tipperary and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new classes for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
In relation to the student referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that the South West regional team have been in regular contact with the family to discuss potential placements. The NCSE are committed to continuing to engage with the family until a suitable placement is secured.
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.
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.
538. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education when additional capacity will be approved for a school (details supplied) in Cashel, south Tipperary given the level of demand for school places; if she is aware that a number of students recommended for a special school placement have been unsuccessful in obtaining a school placement given the shortage of spaces for such placements in south Tipperary; when a decision will be made on their capacity needs; what urgent steps will be taken to provide additional places for children who have no school placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15111/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question has submitted an application for capital funding, under my Department's Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA)
The purpose of the Additional School Accommodation scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing.
In order to meet these needs my Department has broadened its delivery streams and is utilising Modern Methods of Construction, including Modular Accommodation, as well as traditional construction delivery methods. Modular accommodation has particular advantages in terms of overall timelines and also climate impact in that they do not generally have a reliance on fossil fuels.
In overall terms, it is important to have a range of delivery mechanisms for delivering school accommodation to support the current very strong and ambitious rollout of school building projects. This is particular relevant given the overall challenging construction sector market.
A number of factors are considered by my Department in determining the most appropriate construction method to meet a school’s accommodation requirements, including the timing and duration of that accommodation need, and other school-specific factors.
In support of the expedited delivery of critical school accommodation my Department has put in place a Modular Accommodation Framework. All of these supports help ensure that the administrative burden for schools on procuring and delivering modular accommodation solutions is significantly eased.
The Modular Accommodation Framework solution:
· Has significant benefits in terms of delivery timelines;
· Minimises the impact of the project on the operation of the school;
· Provides quality and sustainable accommodation that meets building regulation requirements and is Near Zero Energy Building (NZEB) compliant; and
· Climate proofing of the accommodation, given that the modular accommodation has the added benefit of utilising decarbonised heating sources which should also help with the school’s energy profile and costs.
Officials in my Department are engaging with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to determine the current requirements for places in Special schools for September 2024.
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school received approval for 3 modular classrooms in 2023 to cater for the schools immediate needs. This is with a view to making the most appropriate provision possible for the school and for its current and future students and these classrooms have since been delivered.
The Department has had on-going engagement with this school with a site visit by the Department's Professional Technical team carried out in recent months. Officials are considering alternative options of delivery for this school to ensure the best possible outcome. A decision on the appropriate delivery stream for this school is under consideration and my officials will continue to engage with the school on this matter.
In relation to the provision of school places for children in Tipperary with additional needs please I can advise that the department engages 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.
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, 14 are in Tipperary, 5 at primary level and 9 at post-primary level. This brings to 120 the number of special classes in County Tipperary, 76 at primary level and 44 at post-primary level.
Planning for special classes and special school places in County Tipperary and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new classes for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
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.
539. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education when an ASD class will be approved for Tipperary town which remains without any ASD class at primary level within the town; the reason a school (details supplied) has not been approved for an ASD class despite having offered to open one for the past two years; the reason there is an ASD preschool and all three secondary schools (two of which are single-sex schools) have an ASD class but there is no ASD class at primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15127/24]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for 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, €2.6 billion was spent 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 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 14 are in Tipperary, 5 at primary level and 9 at post-primary level. This brings to 120 the number of special classes in County Tipperary, 76 at primary level and 44 at post-primary level.
Planning for special classes and special school places in County Tipperary and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new classes for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that this school recently expressed an interest in opening a special class.
The NCSE actively encourages expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest.
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. It is expected that the NCSE will confirm details of new primary special classes in the area very shortly.
The NCSE acknowledge that circumstances may change, and they are committed to ensuring that both the parents and the school receive the necessary advice and support.
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.
