Written Answers Nos. 284-303
285. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education what happens to parents who are unable to apply for a school transport ticket before the closing date of 26 April 2024 as their child has yet to be allocated a school place for secondary school for September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17493/24]
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 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. The portal will also accept payments/medical card details until 7 June 2024. Families can apply after the deadline dates and if there is capacity on a service, and the pupils fall within the eligibility criteria, a ticket will issue. However a ticket cannot be guaranteed at that stage.
Families are urged to apply and pay/enter medical card details before the above deadline dates. Families are advised to apply for transport to the school that they wish their child to attend. It should be noted that the details submitted in the application can be amended at a later date if necessary, and the application will be deemed to be an on-time application if the original application was made before the closing date. Families are advised in such circumstances that they should amend the application and not cancel and re-submit the application, as to cancel and re-submit after the closing date would deem the application to be late. Normal eligibility criteria will continue to apply to any amended application.
286. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if her Department will assist the board of management of a school (details supplied) to ensure that the entire site at the school is surveyed and cleared of any potentially explosive devices following the discovery of same on the site last November. [17494/24]
View answerThis school to which the Deputy refers was granted approval for the provision of 1 x SEN, 1 x Mainstream classroom and 2 x Special Education Tuition Rooms under my Department's Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation Programme. The project is nearing substantial completion with the classrooms occupied by pupils this month, some external works are on-going and expected to complete shortly.
During the process of excavating for the new mains water pipework, the contractor’s digger operative and assistant discovered what they believed to be an explosive embedded in the rock. All works were stopped immediately and An Garda Síochána were called to investigate. The area was fully cordoned off until the authorities arrived to investigate. As a precaution, the school was closed to await the investigation of the suspected explosive device. An Garda Síochána arrived at the scene and remained there overnight. The Army 's bomb disposal unit (BDU) arrived the following day to deal with the suspected explosive device. The Health and Safety Authority was also notified of the issue.
My Department liaised closely with the school and the Project Management company (Rogerson Reddan and Associates) during construction works in relation to this matter. The timeline for re-opening the school and recommencing the construction work was determined based on the advice of the relevant authorities.
The Project Management company, on behalf of my Department, made contact with engineering firms and survey companies recommended to them by the army explosive unit and asked for assistance in checking and clearing the remainder of the site of other devices. As there were no Irish companies that could carry out these surveys, two UK companies were contacted. These companies assessed the situation and deemed the explosive material found on-site is undetectable with the technology currently available.
287. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education the extra resources she has dedicated to implementing the new policy on breastfeeding breaks for teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17524/24]
View answerBreastfeeding Breaks for teachers are regulated by Section 9 of the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act 2004, as amended by the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.
The current provisions for breastfeeding breaks for teachers are set out in Circular 52/2023 titled ‘Breastfeeding Breaks for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools’. This Circular states:- "Within a 104 week period after the birth of the child, a teacher who has returned to work may avail of breastfeeding breaks without loss of pay for up to one hour per day for the purpose of breastfeeding or lactation. Breastfeeding breaks may be taken in the form of:- a) one break of 60 minutes, or b) two breaks of 30 minutes each, or c) three breaks of 20 minutes each.
Under existing legislation, the Maternity Act 2004 (as amended) states the following in relation to Breastfeeding Breaks within a 104 week period of the birth of the child: 15B.—(1) An employee who is breastfeeding shall be entitled, without loss of pay, at the option of her employer to either— (a) time off from her work for the purpose of breastfeeding in the workplace in accordance with regulations made under this section by the Minister where facilities for breastfeeding are provided in the workplace by her employer, or (b) a reduction of her working hours in accordance with regulations made under this section by the Minister for the purpose of breastfeeding otherwise than in the workplace. (2) An employer shall not be required to provide facilities for breastfeeding in the workplace if the provision of such facilities would give rise to a cost, other than a nominal cost, to the employer. In relation to the facilitation of breastfeeding breaks, there should be agreement between the employer (the Board of Management) and the teacher, taking account of the welfare and educational needs of the pupils. Circular 0052/2023 states:- "The pattern of breastfeeding breaks should be agreed following consultation between the employer and the teacher. Employers should take reasonable measures to facilitate the pattern of breastfeeding breaks as requested, while having due regard to the welfare and educational needs of pupils". Under the Education Act, the school Board of Management (the employer), appointed by the Patron of each recognised school, is responsible for the management of a school and its staff. The management of a school and its staff is not the responsibility of the Minister for Education or the Department.
288. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education if her offices received correspondence on 8 April 2024 on behalf of the parents association of a school (details supplied); if she will meet with the school and parents association; when the parents association can expect a reply; and if the reply will address the substantive issues raised within the original correspondence. [17532/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the major building project for Scoil Chiaráin Special School is a significant priority for my Department.
My Department has received correspondence from the parents council and my Department contacted the school principal to clarify if there are any immediate Life and Safety systems that need addressing, pending the delivery of the new replacement school. The principal confirmed there are none that they are aware of.
While the original project brief was to deliver a new extension and refurbishment of the current school building, it was agreed, following a review by the Design Team to revise the project scope to deliver a new replacement school at the current site in Glasnevin.
The current building dates from the late 1970s. The new building will provide purpose-built accommodation for students with special educational needs, ranging in age from 4 to 18 years. This will comprise 20 mainstream classrooms, along with additional specialised rooms including Art, Home Economics, Woodwork, a Library, GP Room, Dining Space, Sensory Room, dedicated therapy rooms and all associated ancillary accommodation. The accommodation will take into consideration the specific needs of the students of Scoil Chiaráin and will address the issues raised in the parents council letter.
The project is currently close to completion of Stage 2(b) of the architectural design process. Stage 2(b) involves detailed design and the preparation of tender documentation. The next stage, subject to relevant Stage 2(b) approvals, will be Stage 3, tender stage. Projects are subject to relevant due diligence by my Department at each stage in the process, within the context of overall programme and budgetary parameters.
In late March, following a review of National Development Plan allocations, the Government approved medium term capital allocations for the Department of Education for the period to 2026. The Department’s Planning and Building Unit is now reviewing its programme plans in the context of those recently confirmed allocations.
Special schools are a particular priority for my Department’s school building programme and I know the new building for Scoil Chiaráin will be transformative for the school community.
Department officials will keep the school authorities updated on progress and next steps.
My Department will also respond to the parents council letter.
289. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if an alternative venue can be sourced to facilitate a club (details supplied) which is due to close in June 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17533/24]
View answerMy Department encourages schools to facilitate the opening of after-school facilities, wherever possible, for activities such as homework clubs.
The management of school premises at local level is a matter for the relevant school authorities. Any decision to make school premises available ultimately lies with the relevant Trustees/Property owners following a recommendation from the school authorities. However, as schools are often the centre of sustainable communities there can be mutual benefits in building links with the local community. It is recognised that schools play an important role in their wider communities and many schools make their facilities available outside of school hours for a variety of different uses and users.
The current 'Guidelines on the use of School Building outside of School Hours which can be found at www.gov.ie/en/publication/6c1358-guidelines-on-the-use-of-school-buildings-outside-of-school-hours/ may be of assistance.
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance to schools in relation to their current arrangements for the use of school buildings outside of school hours. The Guidelines outline the various scenarios and informs where consent of the Department of Education is required. These Guidelines (now called Procedures) are currently being updated and are expected to be published shortly.
290. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education when funding will become available for a school (details supplied) to progress with the resurfacing of the school yard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17537/24]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) to remove and replace an existing concrete yard slab. This application was assessed by the Emergency Works team and deemed more appropriate to the Summer Works Scheme, and the School was notified of this decision.
As the Deputy may be aware, the purpose of the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The SWS operates on a multi-annual basis for categories of works such as roof works, window replacement, mechanical and electrical works, external works etc. and was last opened for applications in 2019.
The Department is leading an ambitious sustainability agenda and has progressed a wide array of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings. It is a priority for Government to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious climate agenda and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes targets around the decarbonisation of Ireland’s public buildings.
As part of it’s planning for 2024 and beyond, Department officials are considering and planning for the next phases of the summer works programme and the opportunities this may create to support the sustainability agenda. In this regard, it is envisaged at this stage that, a Multi-Annual SWS with a focus on climate action and energy conservation will be the focus for the next summer works scheme to be opened for applications. The arrangements and timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course.
291. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education what assistance can be offered to a school (details supplied); when this school will be provided with a modular unit; the plans to increase the provision of ASD places in north Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17551/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question has submitted an application for capital funding, under my Department's Additional Schools' Accommodation Scheme (ASA) for the provision of accommodation for a special education needs class.
The purpose of the Additional Schools' Accommodation scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation and 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 the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
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.
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.
Any school, who opens a special class and is willing to open a further class is to be commended. For the academic year 24/25, it may not be possible or appropriate to open new special classes in every school who expresses an interest or who has expressed a prior interest in opening a new class. In addition, some classes may not be needed for the coming school year but can remain an option if need arises in later years.
In general, demographics are falling at primary level and this trend is due to continue. Therefore the Department of Education in conjunction with the National Council for Special Education considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing spare accommodation capacity in National Schools within a general area in the first instance. This consideration is prior to the establishment of any additional special class that may require additional accommodation e.g. modular accommodation.
This approach can enable a special class to be established more quickly for the coming academic year as it is not bound by the provision of additional accommodation. This then means that the educational needs of children who require a specialist placement can be met at more easily. It may also allow for the earlier re-configuration of existing accommodation to occur in a more streamlined and efficient manner.
This overall approach is consistent with the Department’s commitment to supporting the educational needs of children who require specialist placements while at the same time meeting the requirements of the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines.
Schools’ support for the establishment of special classes is most welcome. Where additional accommodation is indicated as being required, an analysis of both student demand and available accommodation in an area is required. In this regard, the Department is working very closely with the NCSE to ensure that this required analysis is thoroughly explored with a view to providing the most immediate and cost effective accommodation solutions for the establishment of new special classes for the 2024/25 school year.
In some instances this analysis is complete and the appropriate accommodation solutions are being advanced. In the remaining cases, the outcome of the analysis is nearing completion and schools will be advised accordingly. Your local SENO will continue to engage with you regarding the position and timing of the establishment of your previously sanctioned new class.
Whilst the Department is committed to the provision of special class provision for all students as close to their home environment as possible, existing vacancies, available school accommodation and the swift provision of a new special class in a school with the capacity to do so, will necessitate classes opening not within a preferred national school. The NCSE, through its SENO service, is however committed to sourcing a local class placement for each student within the closest possible distance to that student’s address.
To date, it has not been confirmed by the NCSE regional team that a class is required at the school in question for 2024/25 and in that context the application for additional accommodation has not yet been approved.
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
292. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the plans that are in place to increase the provision of ASD places in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17552/24]
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.
For 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools and 300 additional special school places.
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 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.
As a result of this forward planning, 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for this school year. Two new special schools have been established in Cork and Dublin, and further capacity is being expanded in 11 other special schools.
14 of the new special classes 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 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 they received an expression of interest for the establishment of a second autism class from the school.
Any school which seeks to open a special class or indeed a further class is to be commended. The efforts of schools in doing so is appreciated, however, it may not be possible or appropriate to open classes in every school that expresses or has previously expressed an interest. Classes not sanctioned for this coming school year, will remain as options, should the need arise in later years. The NCSE at local level will continue to keep the school informed of developments and whether additional places are needed in the shorter term or over the medium term.
Generally, demographics are falling at primary level and this trend is due to continue. Therefore, my department in conjunction with the NCSE considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing accommodation in schools, within geographic areas, in the first instance. This consideration is prior to the establishment of any additional special class that may require additional accommodation e.g., modular accommodation.
The department and the NCSE are currently reviewing the overall demand for such provision in the area alongside the availability of space in local schools. The local special educational needs officer (SENO) is in contact with the principal of the school and with the parents of children in the area. Parents will be duly notified as new special class placements become available and are sanctioned for the 2024/25 school year within the area.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise the 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 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.
293. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update and details of her plans to construct a new primary school in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17584/24]
View answer297. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the details of plans for the building of a new primary school in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17601/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 297 together.
I would like to advise the Deputy that, in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, the Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level. Current and planned residential development activity, as well as Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets, additionally inform the Department’s forecasts of school place needs.
Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools
• Extending the capacity of a school or school
• Provision of a new school or schools.
Since 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in our schools throughout the country, including the completion of over 750 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 34 new school buildings.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places. 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
The Department’s overall approach is to ensure that available capacity is maximised to the greatest extent possible as part of its consideration of applications for additional accommodation. Additionally, the Department is working to ensure that projects in the pipeline for planning and delivery are focused on maximising their alignment with overall capacity requirements.
The main focus of the Department’s capital funding over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs. 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.
There are 8 primary schools in the Carrick-on-Shannon SPA (school planning area). Enrolments in this SPA, peaked in 2023 with 1,294 enrolments with a steady decline and are predicted to drop to 1,026 by 2035. There are currently 3 projects at stage 1, (Preliminary Design Stage), 1 project at stage 5, (Handover of Works and Final Account), in the Carrick-on-Shannon School Planning Area. I can also confirm that the Department has received 2 more applications from schools in the Carrick-on-Shannon SPA and Department officials are currently working on those.
The overall position with regard to potential modernisation and replacement of existing infrastructures will be kept under review as capital funding allocations for future years are clarified. The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will be engaging with Departments on NDP allocations over the coming months.
I can assure the Deputy that the provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my Department and my officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in Carrick-on-Shannon and the wider School Planning Area for future years.
294. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education the enrolment numbers at 30 March 2024 for all national schools in County Longford. [17592/24]
View answer295. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education the enrolment numbers at 30 March 2024 for all secondary schools in County Longford. [17593/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together.
Please find the requested data set out at the following link.
The data provided is for the 2022-2023 academic year, the latest year we have final enrolment data for. We expect to publish final data for academic year 2023-2024 in June 2024.
296. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if she plans to expand a programme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17594/24]
View answerEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
A Steering Group on Teacher Supply was established in my Department in 2018. The Steering Group is leading on the identification of issues, the development of a programme of actions on teacher supply and the oversight of its implementation.
The Teacher Supply Action Plan, published in November 2018, contains a range of actions including the development of programmes to upskill existing teachers in targeted subject areas. Upskilling programmes are provided over two years on a part-time basis and are available for registered teachers to upskill in subjects where teacher supply is constricted. These programmes are free of cost to participants.
My Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) issued a funding call in 2019 to initial teacher education (ITE) providers for upskilling programmes in mathematics, physics and Spanish. Following the successful completion of the funding call, these programmes commenced in January 2021. Over 900 teachers have completed or are in the process of completing these existing programmes.
In addition, I recently announced that Trinity College Dublin, alongside Marino Institute of Education, had secured a contract to deliver an upskilling programme in Irish. This part-time programme, beginning later this year, will also be free of cost to participants and will be provided in a flexible and innovation manner to enable broad participation, accommodating teachers in both full and part-time roles, as well as those situated across the State.
Budget 2024 reflects this Government’s commitment to ongoing investment in the education system through various measures including in the provision of upskilling programmes. Funding is being provided for existing upskilling programmes as well as for an expansion in the number of upskilling programmes. Officials of my Department are currently developing additional upskilling programmes in French, politics & society, and computer science. It is intended that requests for tender will be published in the coming months for these upskilling programmes.
My Department continues to engage closely with school management bodies, teacher unions and other education stakeholders to develop further, innovative measures to address teacher supply issues.
298. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will detail, on a county-by-county basis, as of 15 April 2024, or the latest date available, the number of Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Irish schools at primary level and at post-primary level, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17607/24]
View answerInformation on the number of students from Ukraine enrolled in Irish schools is made available in a monthly press release from my Department, which includes the figures at both primary and post-primary level.
As of 12 April 2024, 18,268 Ukrainian pupils are enrolled in Irish schools. Out of that figure, 11,348 of these pupils had enrolled in primary schools, while 6,920 pupils had enrolled in post-primary schools.
The following table sets out enrolments in each county.
Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Irish schools at primary level and at post-primary level, by county as of 12 April 2024
|
Primary |
Post Primary |
||
|
County |
Total to date |
County |
Total to date |
|
Cork |
1171 |
Dublin |
756 |
|
Dublin |
1124 |
Cork |
678 |
|
Kerry |
1083 |
Kerry |
674 |
|
Donegal |
971 |
Donegal |
612 |
|
Wexford |
617 |
Galway |
384 |
|
Clare |
612 |
Clare |
339 |
|
Galway |
593 |
Mayo |
333 |
|
Mayo |
571 |
Wexford |
318 |
|
Tipperary |
398 |
Limerick |
290 |
|
Wicklow |
382 |
Tipperary |
258 |
|
Limerick |
364 |
Waterford |
205 |
|
Meath |
330 |
Wicklow |
202 |
|
Sligo |
324 |
Louth |
201 |
|
Waterford |
307 |
Sligo |
193 |
|
Cavan |
283 |
Leitrim |
178 |
|
Westmeath |
281 |
Meath |
163 |
|
Offaly |
272 |
Cavan |
142 |
|
Louth |
245 |
Westmeath |
142 |
|
Leitrim |
242 |
Laois |
140 |
|
Laois |
229 |
Kilkenny |
135 |
|
Roscommon |
227 |
Kildare |
128 |
|
Kildare |
185 |
Offaly |
106 |
|
Kilkenny |
167 |
Roscommon |
100 |
|
Carlow |
166 |
Carlow |
97 |
|
Longford |
112 |
Longford |
81 |
|
Monaghan |
92 |
Monaghan |
65 |
|
Total |
11,348 |
Total |
6,920 |
299. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education to provide clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17639/24]
View answerThe core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers to other schools that have vacancies. Thereafter, schools are required under the panel arrangements to fill permanent vacancies from supplementary panels comprised of eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers.
The criteria, reviewed annually with the Education Partners, are published on the Department website. Circular 57/2023 sets out the arrangements for the Supplementary Panel for the 2024/25 school year.
The teacher referred to by the Deputy is ineligible for the Supplementary Panel as she does not have a contract up to the end of the current school year.
300. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17641/24]
View answerIn accordance with Circular 0063/2021, teachers who considered that they were entitled to a qualification allowance were required to make a claim for payment of the allowance before the deadline of the 30th April 2022. This applies only to teachers who had an entitlement to an allowance prior to 1 February 2012 when qualification allowances were abolished for all new beneficiaries in line with Circular 0008/2013.
This deadline was an extension to the original deadline of the 31 October 2018, set out in Circular 0008/2013. A reminder of the deadline of the 31 October 2018 issued in Circular 0015/2018.
The date of the extension of the deadline to the 30th April 2022 was notified to all teachers in Circular 0063/2021 on 14th December 2021. Notification of the deadline was also posted on the Department’s On-Line Claims System (OLCS), on the Department’s Twitter page and was also communicated to the teacher unions.
Paragraph 1.5 of Circular 0063/2021 states: "Please ensure this Circular is circulated to all members of Boards of Management/Education and Training Boards and its contents are brought to the attention of all teachers in your employment, including those on leave of absence. This circular can be accessed on the gov.ie website."
Paragraph 3.1 of the circular states "All teachers are urged to check their salary to ensure that they are being paid the appropriate allowances. It is the responsibility of a teacher to ensure they are receiving the correct allowances".
Paragraph 5.2 of the circular states: "Any late application received by the Department/ETB after 30th April 2022 will not be processed and will be returned to the sender. There will be no exceptions to this provision."
This level of notice to teachers is considered sufficient for the deadline and therefore my Department is not in a position to extend the deadline.
The position in relation to the query submitted by the person named regarding their entitlement to an additional qualification allowance is as advised to them previously which is that, in accordance with the provisions of Circular 0063/2021, my Department is not accepting applications made after the 30th April 2022 deadline.
The Professional Master of Education (PME) is a two-year, full-time Level 9 postgraduate professional teacher education programme designed to qualify graduates as primary & post-primary teachers. Changes to the duration and content of initial teacher education programmes were made in response to recommendations in the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among children and Young People 2011-2020 and were incorporated into the Teaching Council’s accreditation standards. What had been the ‘H-Dip’ of 18 months at primary and 1 year at post-primary became the two-year Professional Master of Education for both. The standards were arrived at following extensive research and consultation with regard to the programme that would be required in order to develop the skills, knowledge, understanding, and professional values expected of newly qualified teachers. The reforms were focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning in schools, which is central to the educational outcomes of children. The extended duration allowed for substantial periods of school placement and a number of mandatory elements in all programmes including literacy and numeracy and ICT in teaching and learning. These standards were recently updated by the Council in Céim (2020) which reaffirms that post-graduate ITE programmes shall be a minimum of two years’ duration.
There are currently no plans to reduce the duration of the postgraduate ITE programmes to one year. The Department’s ongoing approach is to continue to develop further innovative measures to improve the availability of teachers.
In order for consideration to be given to a teacher's eligibility to be paid for a Masters degree allowance the teacher must have submitted an application on the relevant application form in accordance with the relevant Department circular.
301. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education the reason a replacement school bus service for children attending a school (details supplied) was not put in place when the existing service was disrupted before Easter; if she is aware of complaints from parents about the service being subject to frequent disruption; and if she shares their concerns about the significant obstacle this creates in their access to education. [17662/24]
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 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.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education and Skills on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
Bus Éireann is very conscious of the specialised nature of transport provision for pupils with special educational needs under the School Transport Scheme and all services are planned to meet the individual requirements of children travelling. Driver shortages are being experienced in many sectors throughout the country and Bus Éireann is therefore unfortunately experiencing challenges in some localities with a small number of contracted services which are regrettably affecting a number of families.
Bus Eireann have advised that this service re-commenced from 17/04/2024 and was not operating previously due to a vehicle breakdown.
302. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the roll-out of the primary school book grant scheme; and to confirm when the revised guidelines for 2024/2025 will be published. [17700/24]
View answerIn March 2023 my Department introduced a groundbreaking new free Primary Schoolbook Scheme, that has provided funding directly to recognised primary and special schools to provide at a minimum, free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks to pupils.
More than 563,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 recognised primary schools, including over 130 special schools, have benefited from this new measure from September 2023.
This scheme requires that parents and guardians are not asked to buy or rent any schoolbooks, workbooks or copybooks while ensuring that primary and special schools retain the autonomy to choose schoolbooks and classroom resources that meet their curricular requirements.
Detailed guidance on the implementation of the scheme was published in March 2023 and funding issued to schools in advance of the start of the 2023/24 school year.
The scheme guidance for 2024/2025 is currently being finalised and has been informed by an evaluation of year 1 of the scheme and engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
Details of the scheme for the 2024/25 school year, including publication of the revised guidance, will be announced shortly.
303. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education to request that the Teaching Council addresses an issue raised with me by a person (details supplied); if the Council will set out the precise reasons registration with the Council continues to be denied to this person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17737/24]
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.
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. To be admitted to the Register of Teachers, applicants must meet the requirements for registration as set out in the www.teachingcouncil.ie/assets/uploads/2023/08/revised-teaching-council-registration-regulations-2016.pdf. My Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.
In order to be eligible to register under Route 4 – Other, a person is required to hold a special education teaching qualification obtained outside the State. These applications are assessed by the Teaching Council to ensure that they meet the requirements for Special Educational Needs teaching in Ireland. Outside of this provision for Route 4 registration, to teach SEN in a primary school in Ireland, in accordance with criteria established by the Department a teacher must hold Route 1 registration, with additional SEN specific qualifications.
There is no mechanism whereby what is being sought can be facilitated, as the transparent and equal application of published regulations and procedures in the state are important legal principles.
I would advise the person that the Deputy is referring to in this query, to continue to liaise with the Teaching Council and follow any advice or guidance that they may give on the matter.
