Réada Cronin
Question:84. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education to provide a detailed update on the situation in relation to the new schools (details supplied). [16268/24]
View answerSchools Building Projects
Questions (84)
Written answers
As the Deputy is aware, my Department approved a major building project for each of the three schools she has referred to.
The project for the Gaelcholáiste has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). The Service Level Agreement (SLA) was issued to KWETB in Q4 2023. The next step is for the ETB to procure a Design Team for the project to design the buildings, obtain the necessary statutory planning permissions, and move the project onward to tender and construction in due course.
The project located in Prosperous that the Deputy referred to has also been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. It is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process. KWETB recently informed my Department that the Planning application was lodged with Kildare County Council in Quarter 1 2024. Subject to completion of the planning process, the project will proceed to tender and construction in due course.
The project located in Naas that the Deputy referred to, has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme bundle of school building projects. It is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process. A planning application was lodged with Kildare County Council and planning permission was granted. The pre-qualification process is currently underway and once complete, and following Departmental approval, the NDFA will continue the tender process for appointing a contractor in due course.
It is not possible to provide an accurate timeline for completion of these projects at this stage but please be assured that the relevant delivery body will be engaging directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress.
School Enrolments
Questions (85)
Bernard Durkan
Question:85. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which ongoing dialogue continues between her Department, the KWETB and the relevant school authorities in north Kildare at pre-primary, primary and post-primary levels with a view to ensuring that sufficient places are being made available to meet the demand of the current and subsequent years without interruption either in respect of continued building where required, the planning of any new schools, or the acceleration of ongoing work in all schools; if satisfactory results can be achieved before the new school year next year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16373/24]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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, Newbridge, Naas, Kildare and Prosperous_Clane.
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.
The Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years. Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for the North Kildare area.
These projects include recently completed new school buildings in Naas. Additionally, a number of further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned in Prosperous_Clane School Planning Area. The project to provide for 1,000 pupils at St. Farnan’s is currently at Stage 2b and the project at Scoil Mhuire is to provide additional classrooms, 2 science labs, 5 mainstream classrooms and 4 classroom SEN base is at Stage 1.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on the Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The picture in relation to school place requirements is very dynamic, noting that children may also move into an area during the course of the school year (including from overseas). This is a particular issue in parts of the country where expansion of residential development has been contributing to mid-year demand for places.
The Deputy may be aware that the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is responsible for early years education outside the formal education system, including preschool provision through the free Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE).
Department officials will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the North Kildare School Planning Areas for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
School Staff
Questions (86)
Niamh Smyth
Question:86. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if she will report on the recent circular on domestic violence leave for teachers and special needs assistants; how this leave will operate in reality in school communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16151/24]
View answerWritten answers
As outlined to the Deputy in my response to her previous questions raised on this issue, Domestic Violence Leave is a statutory leave regulated by the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.With effect from the 27th of November 2023, all employers are required to provide up to five days paid domestic violence leave over a period of 12 months. Ireland is one of the first countries in the European Union to introduce this right and with the government of Ireland, the Department will work to give it full effect.
Domestic violence is one of the greatest ills that can affect any individual, harming their sense of safety and self within their home. For survivors of domestic violence, it can feel as if there is no escape. Implementing this paid leave will go some way to providing much-needed care and support for those experiencing violence.
As with all types of leave, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has led on the implementation of this leave. The terms and conditions of Domestic Violence Leave for Teachers and SNAs are outlined in my Department’s Circulars 59 and 60 of 2023 and are effective from 22 November 2023.
Domestic Violence Leave for Teachers and SNAs is a period of paid leave and consists of one or more school days, but cannot exceed a maximum of 5 school days in a consecutive 12 month period. The leave will be paid at the full rate of pay of the employee.A teacher/SNA, who is a victim of domestic violence or a teacher/SNA who is assisting a relevant person is entitled to apply for Domestic Violence Leave for the following reasons:
• to seek medical attention;
• to obtain services from a victim services organisation;
• to obtain psychological or other professional counselling;• to relocate residence temporarily or permanently;
• to obtain an order from a court under the Domestic Violence Act 2018;
• to seek advice or assistance from a legal practitioner; the Garda Síochána or obtain any other relevant services.
Domestic Violence Leave can also be availed where a teacher or SNA is providing support to a relevant person. A relevant person is defined in the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act.
A teacher or SNA can apply for Domestic Violence Leave by completing the application for provided in the Circular’s published by my Department and submitting the completed application form to their employer as soon as is reasonably practicable prior to or after availing of such leave.
A school may appoint a substitute teacher/SNA for the duration of the leave.
The Board of Management, as the employer, is responsible for the implementation of guidelines in schools, in accordance with Department circulars, as agreed with Unions and Management Bodies.
A new website, www.DVatWork.ie, has been developed by Women's Aid and funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The website provides free resources to support employers to implement the new leave entitlements and also a policy template with guidance notes, information sessions and an email support service. The website recommends to employers that, in order to effectively implement domestic violence leave, employers embed the domestic violence support measure within a wider organisational response to domestic abuse, outlined in a workplace domestic violence policy.
The introduction of a domestic violence policy in the Education sector is being considered by my Department and will include extensive consultation with the education partners.
My Department provides an Employee Assistance Service (EAS) as a supportive resource for school staff and provides advice on a range of issues including conflict and mediation. Where appropriate, short-term counselling is available to school employees and their family members. A dedicated Freephone confidential helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (87)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the building programme for a school (details supplied); when construction will commence; when the school will be notified with an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16227/24]
View answerWritten answers
The large scale capital project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award. The project brief is for the construction of a new 16 classroom school, a GP Hall and classrooms for children with special educational needs.
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 roll-out 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.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 34 new school buildings.
These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
There are also 90 projects currently at the tender stage including a further 28 new school buildings. All these new school buildings are flagship projects in their area and transform the education infrastructure for those school communities.
This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
I want to reassure the school community that the school building project will be progressed and delivered.
My department will advise the School Authorities as soon as possible with regard to the progression of the major project to the next stage.
School Transport
Questions (88)
Sorca Clarke
Question:88. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the engagements her Department has had with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in relation to the school transport scheme. [16339/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
My Department has regular engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform as part of the estimates process, and for any particular funding requirements for the school transport scheme. In addition, any future funding requirements arising from the implementation of recommendations from the review of the school transport scheme will be sought in the context of the annual budgetary process.
Officials from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform have been updated during all phases of the review of the School Transport Scheme.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Questions (89)
Gary Gannon
Question:89. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education how her Department plans to address teacher workload and class sizes following statements from an organisation (details supplied) that our education service is ‘delivering second-class services in a first-world country’. [16492/24]
View answerWritten answers
Budget 2024 has provided for an unprecedented €10.5 billion investment in Education and Schools in Budget 2024 which includes an increase of €421 million in core current funding, as well as over €80 million in core capital funding. These additional funds build on significant increases in recent budgets and further enhance the investment in Ireland’s primary and post-primary education system. The significant increased investment is the largest Education budget in the history of the state and reflects government’s commitment to a quality inclusive school system and improved learning outcomes for every student.
In the 3 previous Budgets, I prioritised reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the lowest level ever seen at primary level. A three point reduction in the retention schedule, which I introduced in 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts. I also improved teacher allocations for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools which now stand at an average of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively. In excess of 1100 teaching posts were provided over the last three years to bring about this improvement at primary level.
The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratio shows an improved ratio of teachers to pupils from 15.7:1 to 13.4:1 at primary level when comparing the 2016/17 school year to the 2022/23 school year. In the same period the primary staffing schedule improved from 27:1 to 24:1. Average class sizes at primary improved from 24.6 to 22.8 in the same period. The improvements brought about by Budget 2023 for this school year will be available in the statistical reports published at the end of the school year.
I recognise the key role school leadership has in promoting a school environment which is welcoming, inclusive and accountable
As a result of Budget 2022, I ensured that all schools with a teaching principal have a minimum of 37 Principal Release Days. i.e. one administrative day per week since September 2022. Schools with one special class have 4 additional release days, a total of 41 in the school year and schools with 2 special classes have admin principal status.
Budget 2024 has also provided for an additional 500 post of responsibility (Assistant Principal II) for the 2024/25 school year and a revised Post of Responsibility Schedule has issued to schools this week to reflect this increase in Assistant Principal II posts available to schools from September 2024. This is in recognition that school leaders play a key role in improving educational outcomes by creating a positive school climate and environment as well as motivating and empowering educators and learners within their school communities.
Seirbhísí Dátheangacha
Questions (90)
Pearse Doherty
Question:90. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Oideachais cén fáth nach bhfuil múinteoirí in ann clárú i nGaeilge leis an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta ar líne sa bhealach céanna ar féidir é a dhéanamh i mBéarla, mar atá tagartha i gCeist Pharlaiminte Uimh. 128 den 29 Meitheamh 2023, agus an gcinnteoidh sí go mbeidh comhionannas ann do Ghaeilgeoirí go luath. [16372/24]
View answerWritten answers
Faoi na hAchtanna um Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta 2001-2015 is í an Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta an comhlacht ag a bhfuil an t-údarás reachtúil agus atá freagrach as gairm na múinteoireachta a rialú in Éirinn lena n-áirítear clárú múinteoirí sa Stát.
Is í an Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta an comhlacht um chaighdeáin ghairmiúla do ghairm na múinteoireachta, a chuireann chun cinn agus a rialaíonn caighdeáin ghairmiúla sa mhúinteoireacht. Cláraíonn an Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta múinteoirí faoin Acht um Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta 2001-2015 agus i gcomhréir le Rialacháin Chlárúcháin na Comhairle Múinteoireachta, 2016. Cláraíonn an Chomhairle múinteoirí faoi chúig bhealach clárúcháin: Bealach 1 - Bunscoil, Bealach 2 - Iar-bhunscoil, Bealach 3 - Breisoideachas, Bealach 4 - Eile agus Bealach 5 - Múinteoir faoi oiliúint. Tá na híoscheanglais clárúcháin do gach bealach leagtha amach i Sceideal na Rialachán.
Tá sé deimhnithe ag an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta go ndeachaigh an leagan Gaeilge dá tairseach ar líne beo i mí Iúil 2023 agus go raibh formhór mór na tairsí ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge.
Tá sé curtha in iúl ag an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta dom go bhfuil bearta réamhghníomhacha á ghlacadh, agus leantar leis seo, chun a chinntiú gur féidir an próiseas athnuachana clárúcháin ar líne a chur i gcrích go hiomlán trí mheán na Gaeilge. Mar atá faoi láthair, tá nach mór gach cuid den tairseach ar líne ar fáil i nGaeilge.
Ar chúiseanna feidhmiúlachta, tá líon an-bheag réimsí ar an bpróiseas athnuachana ar líne nach bhfuil ar fáil i nGaeilge agus a thaispeántar i mBéarla faoi láthair. Tá an Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta ag obair go gníomhach, áfach, lena soláthraí tríú páirtí chun é seo a chur ina cheart a luaithe is féidir.
Tá sé ina ardtosaíocht i gcónaí ag an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta an leagan Gaeilge den tairseach Mo Chlárúchán a chur i bhfeidhm go hiomlán agus tá sé dearbhaithe dom go bhfuil sé meáite an tairseach ar líne a bheith ar fáil go hiomlán trí mheán na Gaeilge a luaithe is féidir.
Idir an dá linn, is féidir leis an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta tacú le hathnuachan an chlárúcháin go hiomlán trí mheán na Gaeilge ar an nguthán nó trí rogha páipéar-bhunaithe a sholáthar.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (91)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:91. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on all education capital projects in development in Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16348/24]
View answerWritten answers
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings.
These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
It is also planned that close to 90 projects currently at tender stage, including 28 new school buildings, will be authorised to proceed to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total, around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation.
These projects moving to construction in this next phase will add in the region of 200,000 m2 of additional and modernised permanent capacity across the school estate and involve 28 new school buildings and 61 extensions at existing buildings.
These projects will help schools cater for growing populations in their areas and include 138 classrooms for children with special education needs, which is a key priority for Government.
This is a record level of investment in school buildings. It will expand the number of school places, significantly increase provision for special education and upgrade and modernise our school infrastructure.? The impact of this will be felt in communities, right around the country.
Since 2020, in Mayo alone, we have invested over €100m in our schools, and have completed 54 school building projects.
Construction is underway at 15 other projects in County Mayo. 1 under the Large-Scale Capital Programme, 8 under the Additional Accommodation Scheme. Additionally, there are 6 projects under the Modular Programme.
The status of all projects, including those in Co. Mayo, is set out at (www.gov.ie) and is updated on a regular basis.
School Transport
Questions (92)
Bernard Durkan
Question:92. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she continues to liaise with the parents and management of various schools throughout north Kildare, with a view to ensuring the availability of school transport in the widest form possible for September 2024, whether on a concessionary or regular basis with particular reference to avoiding issues that have arisen in previous school years in north Kildare in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16374/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 are being transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. This figure includes over 135,000 children on mainstream services, 19,800 on children with special educational needs, and 6,800 children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Any children who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
The Bus Éireann family portal is now open for new applications for school transport services for the 2024/25 school year. The closing date for new applications is Friday 26 April 2024.
Temporary Alleviation Measures are in place for the 2024/2025 school year. These measures mean that transport will be provided where such services are in operation and there is capacity to do so, for post-primary students who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and, who applied and paid for school transport within the deadline dates.
A review of the School Transport Scheme has recently been completed and the School Transport Scheme 2030 report has now been published. It marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967 This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure it serves students and their families adequately.
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.
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations will begin in September 2024. This will include a shared effort between my Department and the Department of Transport to pilot and introduce greater integration of transport networks with school transport routes.
Bus Éireann plans and manages the countrywide network on behalf of the Department to ensure that services are provided in line with the specific requirements of the Department. All school transport services are reviewed over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
If families have applied to attend their nearest school in regards to ethos and language and have been advised by the school authorities that it is full, my Department will consider if students can be deemed eligible for transport to the next nearest school.
To establish that the nearest school is full parents must provide:-
• The steps taken to enrol their child in the nearest and next nearest schools
• Evidence that an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school and
• A letter from the School Authorities confirming that the school was full at the time of enrolment.
These families can submit details to the School Transport Section in the Department of Education at school_transport@education.gov.ie.
Energy Conservation
Questions (93)
Brian Leddin
Question:93. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Education the progress on the solar for schools' scheme; the take-up nationally and particularly in Limerick; the common challenges or obstacles for schools that have been identified through the application process; how these are being addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16463/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Schools PV Programme will provide eligible schools with 6 kilowatts of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.
The scheme will be funded from the government’s Climate Action Fund, in line with the government’s recognition that taking action on climate change is central to Ireland’s social and economic development.
The scheme will assist schools in reducing their energy costs and their carbon footprint as part of the response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Plan targets for the schools sector.
The solar PV panels in schools will also be connected to the electricity grid, so that the schools can generate income by powering other homes and businesses with clean energy when schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays.
The typical amount a school can save will depend on a number of factors. However, by way of example, a school with a 6 kW Solar PV installation could expect to save in the region of €1,200-€1,600 per annum on their bill, when the credit they’ve earned for selling electricity to the grid is taken into account.
Monitoring software will also be provided to each school, to allow review and discussion of the energy generated each day for staff and students.
The first phase of the scheme was launched on 30 November 2023, with approximately 1,600 schools invited to apply across 10 counties plus the Dublin City Council area.
The new scheme is designed to be as streamlined as possible for schools using an online system to facilitate communications with schools. In this regard the Department of Education has set up School Hub, a new online platform which is part of the department’s geographic information system (GIS).
The online platform is providing a simple, clear and efficient application and approvals process for schools applying for the Schools PV Programme.
To date, 92% of schools which were eligible to apply have submitted an expression of interest, 88% have submitted tenders and 65% have been approved to award the contract.
93% of the schools in County Limerick that were invited to apply have engaged with the scheme to date. 86% of those schools have submitted tenders and 60% have been approved to award a contract.
The intention is to include a further eight counties in phase two in Q2 2024 and the remaining eight counties in Q4 2024. It is intended that all eligible schools across the country will have the opportunity to apply to the scheme by end 2024.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (94)
Thomas Gould
Question:94. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education whether she is aware that a school (details supplied) has been sanctioned three ASD classes by the NCSE but cannot deliver them as her Department has refused funding for an extension to the school. [16369/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy that my department received an application under the Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) Scheme in 2021 from the school in question. The application was for funding for the provision of three special education needs classrooms on foot of the sanction of three ASD special classes by the NCSE in February 2021. Funding was approved for prefab replacement in 2022 for an 80m2 prefab.
The purpose of my department’s Additional Schools' Accommodation (or ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area. At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or the requirement for a new class for pupils with special education needs has been identified by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes. The capacity at other schools in the area is also considered as part of the assessment of any accommodation needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need. When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school (primary or post-primary), school authorities can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure an existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). Similarly where special schools are requested to expand provision or wish to refurbish existing facilities, they may also apply to my Department for capital funding to carry out these works.
As the Deputy may be aware the department’s Technical team carried out an in-depth review of the school site in 2021. The review confirmed that the school and the site are at maximum capacity and that it would not be possible to provide the required accommodation on site unless vast amounts of existing single storey accommodation was to be demolished and replaced with two storey accommodation. At that time, considering all the relevant impediments to deliver the brief of accommodation and the site constraints, the Department was not in a position to provide funding for the significant demolition of the school building. In light of this, officials in my department contacted the NCSE to advise them of same and to establish the special classes in other schools in the area.
I can advise the Deputy that in January of this year, the NCSE reconfirmed the sanction of 3 special education needs classes at the school in question. The Board of Management subsequently submitted an engineer’s condition report to the department in support of their proposal to knock and rebuild a portion of the school building. In view of the reconfirmed sanction by the NCSE, the cost of the prefab for special education tuition and the engineer's condition report my department's Technical Team will review the contents of the report and officials from my department will consult with the school authority on completion of the review.
Over the last two years, the department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special education placements ahead of each new school year. The Department continues to work with the NCSE in relation to the short-term requirements for special class and special school places and also the more strategic and longer-term requirements.
In planning and providing for additional school accommodation, the Department must also have regard to construction inflation pressures and competing demands on suppliers of modular accommodation and project management services. In response to these challenges both in terms of demand for accommodation and costs, the Department must prioritise spending and seek to achieve value for money in line with the public spending code/NDP framework. In general, demographics have been falling at primary level and are due to continue to decrease. Therefore the Department considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing spare accommodation capacity at primary level in the first instance, before considering any applications for further accommodation needs. This is in line with public spending requirements. In relation to the provision of primary special classes, the shared preference of both the Department and the NCSE is to use and reconfigure existing school accommodation to provide special classes. Given the number of primary special classes available already and the falling demographics, it is also likely that most of the new additional special classes may be required in larger population centres in a local school planning area.
The main focus of my department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. The department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects our fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.
School Transport
Questions (95)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:95. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education the steps her Department has taken to ensure sufficient capacity in the school transport scheme in County Galway for September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16264/24]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Temporary Alleviation Measures are in place for the 2024/2025 school year, these measures mean that transport will be provided where such services are in operation and there is capacity to do so, for post-primary students who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and, who applied and paid for school transport within the deadline dates.
The school transport scheme is a demand led scheme based on the number of children who apply. The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and directly recruited drivers, and private contractors who recruit their own drivers to operate on the scheme.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme. There are currently in the region of 7,000 vehicles operating on the scheme.
The competitive procurement process is conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under national and EU procurement legislation.
In the current school year, Bus Éireann reported particular issues with availability of drivers and contractors. This included a number of contractors handing back contracts unexpectedly, and the receipt of zero bids for contracts tendered out in certain areas. This is against a backdrop of significant shortages of drivers in the labour market overall and competing demands for drivers to deliver additional public transport initiatives such as Connecting Ireland and Bus Connects/Local Link services. Bus Éireann continues to prioritise sourcing drivers and contractors.
Bus Éireann has frequent engagement with existing contractors. A national and local media advertising campaign seeking additional drivers and contractor operators for the Scheme will also take place which will be supported by additional targeted social media campaigns.
As well as commencing the planning process earlier for the 2024/2025 school year, the Department engage with Bus Éireann on a daily basis in relation to operational matters. Monthly operational and quarterly strategic meetings are also held. The Department continue to engage closely with Bus Éireann in relation to the current and future availability of drivers and contractors as reported as a wider issue nationally.
The School Transport Scheme 2030 report has now been published. It marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967.
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations will begin in September 2024. This will include a shared effort between my Department and the Department of Transport to pilot and introduce greater integration of transport networks with school transport routes.
The Department of Education also engage regularly with the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority in relation to transport.
School Enrolments
Questions (96)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:96. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education her plans to address overcrowding in secondary schools in Galway city and surrounding areas; her advice to parents who are currently struggling to find a place for their child in a local secondary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16263/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Galway City and surrounding areas.
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 Athenry, Oranmore and Galway City 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. However, there is an identified requirement for additional first year places in the Galway City and Athenry School Planning Area and the Department has been liaising with schools and patrons in this respect, with a view to advancing a solution as soon as possible.
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.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
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.
I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the Galway City and surrounding School Planning Areas for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (97)
Pauline Tully
Question:97. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Education the number of autism unit places in mainstream primary schools in County Cavan; the number of autism unit places in mainstream post-primary schools in County Cavan; her plans to expand the number of autism unit places for children in mainstream primary and post-primary schools in County Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16465/24]
View answerWritten answers
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for 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 these children.
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, 391 new special classes – 255 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
Of these 5 are in Cavan, 4 at primary level and 1 at post-primary level. This brings to 52 the number of special classes in County Cavan, 40 at primary level and 12 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/pupil ratio of 1:6.
Planning for special classes and special school places in County Cavan 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.
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 wrote to all post-primary schools requesting that each school begin planning to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school. The department and the NCSE continue to have engagement with post-primary school management bodies in relation to the provision of special classes.
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
My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (98)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:98. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she has engaged with schools regarding concerns in respect to the cut to SET resources in terms of the impact it will have on the overall ability of schools to provide appropriate special education to students with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16185/24]
View answerWritten answers
I would like to thank the deputy for question raised.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers.
The Special Education Teaching (SET) allocation model for 2024/25 is based on information from all 4,000 schools in the country. The model distributes the total available number of SET posts in line with each school’s profile of need.
The model 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. Schools must adhere to the guidance on the use of SET hours and support all children with additional teaching needs using the continuum of support framework.
The revised model is providing an annual allocation of SET teaching hours, using the best possible available data sources and is ensuring that the right resource is available at the right time to meet the needs of children with special educational needs. Schools have autonomy to deploy those resources to meet the needs of their students. In this regard it is important to note that 67% of all schools saw their allocation increase or remain the same, whereas 33% saw a reduction in hours. Of those schools who saw a reduction in hours 90% was a result of falling enrolment.
The Department acknowledges that every school is different, and that schools can experience unique circumstances that may be difficult to reflect in any standardised method. This is always a challenge when making allocations in respect of 4,000 schools. It is for this reason that the Department, working with the NCSE has streamlined the review process for special education teaching hours and schools who have any concerns can engage with the NCSE on their allocation.
Reviews are being conducted by the NCSE, between March and May, to better enable schools to plan for the following September. An internal NCSE review panel will consider the application ensuring that the school have clearly evidenced that the overall level of special education teaching allocation in this school does not have capacity to meet this additional identified need.
Additional resources will be provided to schools in cases where the NCSE have identified that this is required.
This review process has now commenced with reviews being considered on a weekly basis with first priority given to schools who are developing or rapidly developing. A total of 218 applications have been received from schools.
A weekly process for consideration of submitted reviews is in place between the department and the NCSE so that schools can be advised at the earliest opportunity.
The first tranche of 32 schools were contacted the week of the 8th April to advise of additional allocations following review. On the recommendation of the NCSE my department has allocated a total of 427.5 additional Special Education Teaching hours to this first tranche of schools. Depending on the profile of the school the additional allocation ranges from 2.5 hours to 27.5 hours per school. The average additional allocation for this first tranche of schools is 13.5 hours.
It is important to note that SET hours are only one component of support for children in mainstream but the most important support is the mainstream class teacher. The pupil teacher ratio at primary level is now 23:1 which means there are more mainstream teachers than ever before in our educational system.