Bernard Durkan
Question:162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance to indicate the correct tax-free allowances in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18705/24]
View answerTax Code
Questions (162)
Written answers
I am advised by Revenue that a Tax Credit Certificate, confirming tax credit and rate band allocations for 2024, issued to the person concerned on 11 December 2023 via Revenue’s myAccount facility. Revenue further confirm that the person concerned is in receipt of all appropriate tax credits and rate band allowances for 2024.
Should the person concerned require any further clarification, they can contact Revenue online via MyAccount or by phoning the National PAYE Helpline on (01) 738 36 36, Monday to Friday, 9:30am-1:30pm.
Banking Sector
Questions (163)
Bernard Durkan
Question:163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which any banking regulation currently applies or should apply to mortgage and finance companies offering mortgages and who then sell the mortgages on to third parties without the consultation of the mortgagee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18706/24]
View answerWritten answers
There is a robust regulatory framework governing the provision and management of credit agreements provided to consumers. Within the scope of the financial services legislative and regulatory framework, any entity which in involved in the business of providing mortgages to consumers must be regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland as a credit institution or a retail credit firm.
Furthermore, any other entity which carries out credit servicing activities in relation to such agreements or who subsequently holds the legal title to the rights of the creditor under such a mortgage agreement is required to be regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland as a credit servicing firm or as a credit servicer if the agreement is of a type which falls within the scope of the European Union (Credit Servicers and Credit Purchasers) Regulations 2023.
All bank and non-bank regulated entities are required to comply with the relevant financial services regulatory framework including the protections and rights set out in the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code 2012 and the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears 2013.
This consumer protection framework provides the same protections and rights to all consumers regardless of the regulated entity they are dealing with and it seeks to ensure that all Central Bank regulated entities are transparent and fair in their dealings with mortgage borrowers and that mortgage borrowers are protected from the beginning to the end of the mortgage life cycle.
Waterways Issues
Questions (164)
Thomas Gould
Question:164. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of works on the weir at Ballincollig Regional Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18482/24]
View answerWritten answers
Ballincollig Weir, which is part of Ballincollig Regional Park, is in the ownership of Cork City Council since the boundary change between Cork County and City in June 2019. The Weir had apparently been in disrepair for many years before a breach occurred in December 2014, which has left the weir in extremely poor condition.
While there are no hydraulic benefits to the flood relief scheme from the weir, the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme Steering Group in 2021, committed to the incorporation of remedial works to the weir as part of the construction contract and budget for the Scheme, if appropriate.
The nature of any such remedial works will be subject to an assessment of planning, structural, fisheries and cultural heritage considerations, which the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme Steering Group has asked the Scheme’s design consultants, contracted by the OPW, to review. The consultants’ proposal to undertake a preliminary feasibility assessment and constraints study for the reinstatement of Ballincollig Weir has been approved and is ongoing. Site surveys and inspections have now been completed, and the OPW expects to receive a draft report for review from our consultants within the coming weeks.
Coastal Erosion
Questions (165)
Brendan Howlin
Question:165. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 18 April 2024, and in view of the timelines set out by him for the development of an appropriate coastal and flooding protection scheme for Rosslare, County Wexford, if he will ensure that progress of this scheme is accelerated, having regard to the impact of climate change on the coastline at this location; if he will arrange to have interim measures put in place to protect the coastline until the major scheme is developed. [18588/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for leading and co-ordinating the implementation of Ireland’s National Flood Policy.
To facilitate the progression of the Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme, Wexford County Council has agreed, with the support of the OPW, to lead this scheme, and both parties are committed through its Project Steering Group to progressing the scheme in accordance with its agreed project programme.
The OPW notes that major flood relief schemes, including the Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme, involve complex engineering and construction operations that can impact on people's living, built and natural environment and, therefore, require lengthy planning and decision lead-in times. The process for progressing flood relief schemes follow a number of stages from feasibility through design, planning, detailed design and construction.
As part of the process for progressing major flood relief schemes such as the Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme, the OPW notes that extensive and detailed technical analysis is required to establish the most appropriate solution, technically and environmentally, from a range of possible mitigation options. The solution must also be adaptable to the increased risk from climate change. Extensive public consultation is also required at various stages to ensure that those affected by a scheme have the opportunity to input into its design and implementation.
While the OPW and Wexford County Council remain committed to progressing the Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme in accordance with its agreed project programme, the OPW notes that delays against profiled programme can occur due to a variety of constraints and factors, including: demand in the market for surveys; extended timeframes to obtain planning decisions; extensive and increasing environmental assessments; and Judicial Review processes.
The project steering group for the Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme will endeavour to minimise the risks associated with potential project constraints to enable the most efficient progression of the flood relief scheme.
As well as through strong project management, by means of Steering Group structures, local authorities will, where it is feasible, bring forward advance works or some minor works, prior to the main scheme being completed. These can be funded by the OPW and can mitigate the impact from a flood event. This process, known as the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme, provides funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. This scheme provides 90% funding to local authorities to manage localised flood risk.
It is a matter for Wexford County Council to identify any coastal protection/erosion works in their administrative area and it is open to Wexford County Council to apply for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/.
Pension Provisions
Questions (166)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:166. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will detail the pension entitlements for An Taoiseach. [17660/24]
View answerWritten answers
Information on the pension entitlements of any individual is of a personal nature and details of an individual’s pension entitlements are not provided.
Pension entitlements for Officeholders (including the position of Taoiseach) and TDs are set out in various pieces of legislation. These entitlements depend on a range of factors including which scheme an individual is a member of. The value attaching to these terms will vary case by case depending on the specific circumstances applying at retirement e.g. length of service.
Some of the key legislation which sets out the terms of pension benefits for Officeholders and TDs are:
• The Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Act 1938 (as amended).
• Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
• Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
• The Houses of Oireachtas (Members) Pension Scheme is set out in numerous Acts and Statutory Instruments.
A minimum of two years’ service is required before any pension entitlements are due.
A former Officeholder can only qualify for pension if they are no longer a member of the Dáil, Seanad, or European Parliament, and are at the required age to receive a pension.
Research and Development
Questions (167)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:167. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total expenditure in the form of grants or relief given to multinational corporations for research and innovation in each of the years 2020 to 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18572/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is collating the information requested by the Deputy from the different funding Agencies falling under our remit and I will forward the that information directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
Business Supports
Questions (168)
David Stanton
Question:168. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to outline the supports, if any, available to refurbish vacant or derelict properties to use for retail or business purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18584/24]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not provide any specific grants or supports to businesses for the refurbishment of vacant or derelict properties.
I understand that several Local Authorities do offer a range of grants to businesses to encourage them to occupy vacant commercial premises within their local authority area.
On the topic of vacant property more generally, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has convened a Working Group on the Redevelopment of Vacant Commercial Properties, which includes my Department. The objective of the group is to assess and make recommendations on the potential for the development of vacant commercial properties for housing.
Business Supports
Questions (169)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:169. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses, broken down by every local authority area in the State, that have registered for the increased cost of business grant to date. [18587/24]
View answerWritten answers
As you will be aware, as part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257 million for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses.
Local Authorities, funded through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, are administering the grant to qualifying businesses on behalf of the Department.
Local Authorities have written to all rate paying businesses with details of how to register for the grant and it is a very simple process for businesses to verify their details through an online portal.
The grant has been open for registrations since 14 March. Local Authorities will begin to send payments to eligible businesses this week. The closing date for registrations for the ICOB grant is 1 May 2024. I urge all eligible businesses to register for this grant before the closing date of 1 May.
The following is the situation in relation to uptake of the scheme across all Local Authorities as at Wednesday 24th April:
|
Agency Name |
Original estimate businesses |
Total Submissions |
Percentage of Original Estimate Businesses |
|
Carlow County Council (101) |
1504 |
613 |
40.76% |
|
Cavan County Council (102) |
2385 |
634 |
26.58% |
|
Clare County Council (103) |
3474 |
1113 |
32.04% |
|
Cork City Council (104) |
9333 |
2786 |
29.85% |
|
Cork County Council (105) |
6404 |
3238 |
50.56% |
|
Meath County Council (106) |
3801 |
1637 |
43.07% |
|
Donegal County Council (107) |
4449 |
1238 |
27.83% |
|
Dublin City Council (108) |
16246 |
5312 |
32.70% |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (109) |
4369 |
1789 |
40.95% |
|
Fingal County Council (110) |
5310 |
2113 |
39.79% |
|
Galway City Council (111) |
2900 |
1416 |
48.83% |
|
Galway County Council (112) |
4251 |
1267 |
29.80% |
|
Kerry County Council (113) |
3880 |
1556 |
40.10% |
|
Kildare County Council (114) |
4083 |
1978 |
48.44% |
|
Kilkenny County Council (115) |
2521 |
881 |
34.95% |
|
Laois County Council (116) |
1470 |
544 |
37.01% |
|
Leitrim County Council (117) |
991 |
291 |
29.36% |
|
Limerick City and County Council (118) |
4466 |
1865 |
41.76% |
|
Longford County Council (119) |
1106 |
536 |
48.46% |
|
Louth County Council (120) |
3393 |
1309 |
38.58% |
|
Mayo County Council (121) |
3372 |
1706 |
50.59% |
|
Monaghan County Council (122) |
1702 |
805 |
47.30% |
|
Offaly County Council (123) |
1707 |
651 |
38.14% |
|
Roscommon County Council (124) |
1439 |
701 |
48.71% |
|
Sligo County Council (125) |
1656 |
650 |
39.25% |
|
South Dublin County Council (126) |
6210 |
2047 |
32.96% |
|
Tipperary County Council (127) |
4683 |
1652 |
35.28% |
|
Waterford City and County Council (128) |
3355 |
1220 |
36.36% |
|
Westmeath County Council (129) |
2206 |
867 |
39.30% |
|
Wexford County Council (130) |
4417 |
2060 |
46.64% |
|
Wicklow County Council (131) |
3448 |
1574 |
45.65% |
|
Total |
120531 |
46049 |
38.21% |
Business Supports
Questions (170)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:170. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide details of support offered by his Department for companies operating in the circular economy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18619/24]
View answerWritten answers
Companies operating in the circular economy looking for advice and guidance should in the first instance speak with their Local Enterprise Office (LEO). LEOs are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. LEOs also provide a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and provide information and referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols.
I am informed that this company has been in contact with their Local Enterprise Office and have been advised of existing supports that might be suitable. Information on LEO supports that could help businesses in the circular economy such as Trading Online Voucher, Priming Grant, Mentoring and Training was provided. I understand that the company was also advised about supports offered from other agencies like Leader, Social Enterprise supports and the Circular Economy Innovation Grant.
Local Enterprise Offices can offer direct grant aid to small businesses operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector. However, it should be noted that Local Enterprise Offices cannot provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses in the locality.
LEOs can also provide a referral to Micro Finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not for profit lender that offers small business loans of between €2,000 and €25,000 (unsecured). Loans for commercially viable proposals can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their Local Enterprise Office, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged.
I strongly recommend that this company keep engaging with their Local Enterprise Office as they have the experience and knowledge to assist such businesses.
Business Supports
Questions (171)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:171. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment why premises whose rates valuation was revised in the past year and increased as a result, as part of the national rates revision that this ongoing, are not eligible for a grant of 50% of the new rate this year subject to the other criteria appertaining to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18643/24]
View answerWritten answers
As you are aware, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant scheme was announced as part of Budget 2024, as a vital measure for small and medium businesses. The scheme is a once off grant and is not a rates waiver and businesses should continue to pay their Local Authority rates as normal.
In order to design the scheme officials in my Department consulted with a range of Government and enterprise stakeholders and used data for the number of businesses who paid rates in 2023. A budget of €257 million was then allocated for the scheme based on this analysis.
Following this analysis, it was determined that the best available option, in keeping with the intention to ensure that smaller businesses benefit proportionally the most, would be to provide grant aid equivalent to 50% of a premises commercial rates bill, for premises paying less than €10,000 in rates. Above this rate, a fixed grant of €5,000 would apply to all premises paying between €10,000 and €30,000 in rates, with no grant aid for premises paying more than €30,000 in rates. The scheme has no bearing on the commercial rates paid by firms.
The 2024 rate figures were not available at the time of the design of the scheme and in order for the scheme to be up and running without further delay, 2023 figures were used and the budget for the scheme was allocated on that basis.
Labour Market
Questions (172)
Bernard Durkan
Question:172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the options available for a first-time job applicant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18701/24]
View answerWritten answers
Searching for your first job or looking for a new job can be challenging. The Government provides a number of supports to help individuals on their journey to employment.
JobsIreland.ie is the Public Employment Service of the Department of Social Protection. The website provides jobseekers with free job search and tools to create a profile to match their skills and experience with jobs. This Government service includes a network of staff providing expert guidance and resources, who can help individuals to create their CV, draft a cover letter, complete an application form, and find their ideal job using the latest technology. JobsIreland.ie also provides tips and advice on preparing for an interview, developing skills for an online interview, working remotely, and taking part in virtual job fairs.
Intreo is a single point of contact for all employment and income supports and services. Knowledgeable staff at your local Intreo centre can provide expert advice on developing a curriculum vitae, gaining important work experience, finding suitable training, upskilling through education, or deciding to start your own business and work for yourself.
Intreo can also help individuals access a range of work experience programmes to gain valuable real-world experience to help move to a new job. The Work Placement Experience Programme is a 6-month, 30 hour per week voluntary work experience programme. The programme is for jobseekers that are currently in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment and who have been unemployed for six months or more. Other programmes such as the Community Employment Programme, TÚS, the Rural Social Scheme, and the Voluntary Work Option allows jobseekers an opportunity to build valuable workplace skills and experience.
Intreo’s EmployAbility services provide an employment support service for people with a health condition, injury, illness, or disability. It is also a recruitment advice service for the business community and gives employers access to a pool of potential employees. EmployAbility services also deliver in employment support for both the employer and the employee, a professional job-matching service to help ensure successful recruitment, and advice and information on additional employment supports and grants.
Teacher Training
Questions (173)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:173. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if the MA academic allowance replaces the primary degree allowance as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18460/24]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
The position in relation to this teachers query regarding her entitlement to an additional qualification allowance is as advised to her previously that my Department is not accepting applications made after the 30th April 2022 deadline.
The date of the deadline 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 the teacher unions were advised to put this deadline on their websites.
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.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (174)
Ged Nash
Question:174. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education if she will address a serious issue at a school in Omeath, County Louth (details supplied) that has seen its allocation of special education teaching hours cut for the second year running, putting enormous strain on the school’s staff and putting the provision of the SET teaching support needed at the school, greatly at risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18461/24]
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.
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 includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs.
This will mean there will be over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.
The 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.
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.
School Accommodation
Questions (175)
Thomas Gould
Question:175. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the development of a new school site to accommodate schools (details supplied); if tenders have been awarded; when the new schools will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18480/24]
View answerWritten answers
The school campus building project for the schools referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme and will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including 6 classrooms, for children with special educational needs and a new 8 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
The project will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning, to Tender and Construction.
The Programme Manager was appointed in Q3 2023 and is in the process of preparing documentation for the tender process for the appointment of multi-disciplinary design team consultants.
It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
My Department will keep the schools and their patron bodies informed of the progression of this campus project and in relation to interim accommodation pending delivery of the permanent accommodation for the schools.
School Accommodation
Questions (176)
Thomas Gould
Question:176. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on capital works at a school (details supplied) to provide additional capacity in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18481/24]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has been approved for a project under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project will provide the following accommodation at the school: 3 classroom SEN base and 1 mainstream classroom.
This project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.
A Stage 2A Report was received and has been reviewed by officials in my Department. Comments have issued to the school and my Department awaits a revised Stage 2A submission prior to approval to Stage 2B.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (177)
Cathal Crowe
Question:177. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education for updates on emergency works and ASA applications submitted by a school (details supplied). [18499/24]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers submitted two applications for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS). The first application is for roof works, the EWS team has requested that the school conduct a leak detection test on the roof, in order to provide a clear overview of the issues with the roof that require remediation.
The second application is for mechanical and electrical works. The EWS team has requested a periodic inspection report (PIR) in light of the proposed electrical works. EWS has advised the school that the mechanical works element which refers to replacement of heating and toilet facilities will need to be scaled back to minimum repair works only as per Circular 0068/2020. The EWS team is currently awaiting the submission of the requested documentation.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application, under the Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school to which the Deputy refers. The purpose of the Additional Schools' Accommodation scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at other schools in the area.
Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €4.5 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 31 new school buildings. The 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn. 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 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 consideration of the accommodation requirements for the school in question forms part of the Planning and Building Unit’s overall assessment of its work programme and priorities in the context of available capital funding.
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 the school in question and the wider School Planning Area for future years.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the school's application for additional school accommodation is currently being assessed and a decision will be communicated to the school authorities on completion.
School Funding
Questions (178)
Noel Grealish
Question:178. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 289 of 16 April 2024, when the digital ICT grant for 2023 and 2024 will be paid to schools; the timeframe for this payment to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18505/24]
View answerWritten answers
I recently announced €50 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) , which has now issued to all recognised primary, special Schools and post-primary schools. This ICT funding is being provided to schools to help them continue to use digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment and which represents the second tranche of ICT funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published last year and is underpinned by an investment of €200m to support its implementation, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The first tranche of €50m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in late 2021.
Under the previous Digital Strategy for Schools 2015 to 2020, saw overall investment of €210m issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools in annual grant funding. This funding enabled schools to invest in appropriate digital infrastructure to enable the embedding of the use of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment.
Additionally, further Funding of €50m secured as part of Ireland's National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the NextGenerationEU Recovery and Resilience Facility also issued to all recognised schools in the free education scheme to support learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide in late 2021.
School Curriculum
Questions (179)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:179. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education when applications will be open for expressions of interest for the 2024/2025 transition year pilot programme; if she will provide information on how schools can apply (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18506/24]
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Transition Year is a valuable optional programme for students that offers opportunities for life skills, personal, social and academic development and experience of adult and working life.
In 2022, I announced an ambitious programme of work for a reimagined Senior Cycle of education where the student is at the centre of their Senior Cycle experience. As part of the broader redevelopment of Senior Cycle, I announced that a new Transition Year Programme Statement would be developed and introduced for schools from 2024. The updated Programme Statement will replace the current Transition Year Guidelines for Schools document which were introduced in schools in 1994.
The introduction of the revised Programme Statement will include the provision of professional support by Oide to teachers and schools in terms of continuous professional development. I will also be providing additional funding to support Transition Year on top of the restoration of the capitation funding already committed to.
At the recent TUI Annual Congress I spoke to developments at Transition Year, including ongoing work in my Department to support schools to provide “taster” modules where their students have opportunities to experience aspects of an apprenticeship programme or life in a Further Education and Training College.
I also stated my belief that TY offers a space for the rollout of a new road safety module. Tackling road safety challenges is a cross-society effort. My Department and I are keenly aware of the important role that schools, and the education sector, can play in supporting road safety education and awareness.
For a number of years, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has been involved in providing a comprehensive and integrated road safety education programme at all levels: pre-school, primary, post-primary, third level, and in the wider community.
As part of this important work, the RSA has developed a range of tailored material that teachers can use to educate school children about road safety. These materials are available on the RSA website.
I am very acutely aware that school communities have unfortunately seen the horrific consequences of road collisions at first hand. They have helped their students to cope with the loss of classmates on the roads with the assistance of psychologists from NEPS. I know that we are all united in our desire to play our part in reducing the number of road deaths and the devastation experienced by the families left behind.
I met with the Road Safety Authority recently and welcomed their work to enhance the accessibility of their education programmes for schools.
As part of this work, I have specifically asked them to develop a new Transition Year module that could be introduced in schools from the 2024/2025 school year, as an immediate first step in helping to change road safety culture among young people.
Transition Year presents an opportunity to equip this particular cohort with the knowledge and life skills needed at a formative time in their lives – including an understanding of the risks associated with road use, and an appreciation of same.
The RSA has convened a number of focus groups with students and teachers to support the development of the revised TY module. The module will replace the existing RSA TY module which was designed in 2009. The new module is examining how best to utilise technologies and practical experiences for students, which were not available in the design of the previous module.
My Department looks forward to working with the RSA over the coming months to support their work in developing the new TY module in particular, as well as its wider work in promoting road safety in our schools. We will also be looking to work with schools in its development, details of which will be announced in due course.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (180)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:180. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm the timeline for the completion of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18527/24]
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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. Construction is currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings. Projects at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
I recently announced that close to 90 school building projects currently at tender stage 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.
This level of construction rollout recognises the priority that Government puts on investment in education, including responding to the increased requirement for special education provision.
The project for the school referred to by the Deputy when complete will provide a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school building and accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs on the permanent site for the school. The decision to grant planning permission for the permanent school was received from An Bord Pleanála on 25th October 2023 .
My Department will continue to liaise with the school and patron body in relation to interim accommodation pending delivery of the permanent school and to provide any updates in relation to progress on the school building project.