Michael Ring
Ceist:166. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22986/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport
Ceisteanna (166)
Freagraí scríofa
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department. In the 2019/2020 school year over 120,000 children, including over 14,200 children with special educational needs, were transported in over 5,000 vehicles on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country covering over 100 million kilometres at a cost of over €219m in 2019.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
The closing date for payment for the 2020/2021 school year was Tuesday 4th August 2020. All children who are eligible for school transport and who applied and paid by the deadline have been accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
The School Transport Scheme Family Portal was temporarily closed for applications and payments on the 20th August 2020. This temporary closure was necessary to complete the work required to issue tickets to families who at that time remained due to be allocated a ticket for school transport services for the 2020/2021 school year.
The School Transport Scheme Family Portal has now re-opened. However, parents/guardians making an application/payment at this time for the 2020/2021 school year are reminded that the closing date for payments for the 2020/21 school year was Tuesday 4th August 2020. While it is possible to submit a payment, payments made at this time are now late. Late applicants and/or families who pay late are not guaranteed a seat and will only be allocated a seat if capacity is available once seats are allocated to those families who applied and paid on time for transport services for the 2020/2021 school year.
In addition, payments for Post-Primary seats completed or made after 4th August 2020 will be only considered when 50% capacity, required by new Covid19 public health guidelines, is achieved on each route. The timeframe for this will vary from route to route and may take a number of weeks to complete.
In the event of not securing a ticket where no capacity exists, or on cancellation, a full refund will be issued.
Bus Éireann has advised that they have not received payment/medical card details to date for the child, referred to by the Deputy, for the 2020/21 school year.
Supervision and Substitution Scheme
Ceisteanna (167)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:167. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education her plans to set up a teacher supply panel for the primary schools for the area of north-west Connemara, County Galway in view of the fact that the only other teacher supply panel in Connemara for substitute teachers is based in the Gaeltacht and services schools teaching through Irish while all schools in north-west Connemara operate through the medium of English; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22995/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Roadmap for the Full Return to School provides for comprehensive supports across a range of areas to allow for the safe reopening of schools.
Among the supports provided is the extension of the Substitute Teacher Supply Panel. The scheme has been expanded from a pilot scheme consisting of 6 base schools to over 100 base schools, providing substitute cover to over 2,000 schools across the country.
The base schools were firstly identified in conjunction with the INTO and primary management bodies. The INTO and management bodies made contact with these schools with a view to being a base for that location.
In forming the Supply Panel clusters, my Department's GIS system identified the receiving schools based on distance from the base school. Teaching posts were allocated to each Supply Panel cluster based on the number of permanent teaching positions in the schools in the cluster and the distance to the base school.
A Supply Panel cluster has been established in Scoil Mhuire, Clifden which services schools in the area referred to by the Deputy.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (168)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:168. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if her Department has received an application from residents of Inisbofin Island, County Galway to set up a post-primary school; if so, when a decision will be made on this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22996/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that my Department has received correspondence, including a report, from the group referred to by the Deputy and that a response will issue shortly.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic exercises to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Given the low population numbers on the island, it is not anticipated that a new post-primary will be established within the foreseeable future.
The Department of Education and Skills will continue to be represented on the Inter-Departmental Committee for the Development of the Islands, which was established by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in 2019.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (169, 184)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:169. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the advice, support and guidelines in relation to school reopening that have been established for parents that have serious underlying conditions that would make them at high risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19 and that are concerned whether or not it is safe in this context to send their children back to school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23004/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Gino Kenny
Ceist:184. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education if provision has been made for children returning to school that have parents and or siblings with serious and or a terminal illness that have been cocooning for the past six months and are at critical risk should children bring the Covid-19 virus home; the provisions that have been made in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23026/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 184 together.
My Department has published a suite of helpful guidance for the safe and sustainable reopening of schools. Each school is required to have a COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe operation through the prevention, early detection and control of COVID-19 in line with public health advice. This guidance is focused on the practical steps schools must take to minimise the risk of transmission of infection.
The HSE has published guidance in respect of households with medically vulnerable members and has advised that only children who are in the very high risk category should not attend.
My Department is aware that some parents and children will have concerns about returning to school. My Department has developed and prepared a comprehensive response to supporting the wellbeing of school communities at this time. NEPS will work with schools to support them to meet the needs of their students on their return to school.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (170)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:170. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education when planning permission will be submitted for the new Dún Laoghaire Educate Together; the timeline she envisages for this school to be ready; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23005/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school building project for the school in question is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme. A pre-planning meeting was held with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council earlier in the year and this is informing the design for the project. Lodgement of the Planning Application will be the next key milestone in the progression of the project. The Department's Project Manager for Design and Build programme is working towards submission of the planning application as soon as possible. Until such time as planning permission has been secured, it will not be possible to provide a timeline for progression of the project to tender and construction stages.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (171)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:171. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the estimated number of children enrolled in primary schools for the 2020-2021 school year; the number of children enrolled at post-primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23008/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the deputy in not available. Provisional data for the academic year 2020/2021 will be available in January 2021.
Please find attached information for the academic year 2019/2020 - the most recent available data.
The figures can be found, both Primary and Post-Primary, on the DES website at the link below;
https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Statistics/Data-on-Individual-Schools/
Primary
|
Academic Year (Enrolment) |
School Type Description |
Enrolment per Return |
|
2019 |
Mainstream Schools |
559,365 |
|
2019 |
Special Schools |
8,351 |
|
Grand Total |
567,716 |
|
Post Primary
|
Academic Year |
Count Unique Enrolments - <=30th Sept |
|
2019 |
371,450 |
School Staff
Ceisteanna (172)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:172. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of ending pay inequality in the education system; the estimated cost of introducing a single tier pay scale for all teachers from January 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23009/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The public service agreements have allowed a programme of pay restoration for public servants to start. The starting salary for a new entrant teacher in 2012 was €30,702. As a result of the programme of pay restoration, the starting salary of a teacher is now €36,953 and from 1 October 2020 onwards will be €37,692.
Section 11 of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 provides that “the Minister [for Public Expenditure and Reform] shall, within three months of the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before the Oireachtas a report on the cost of and a plan in dealing with pay equalisation for new entrants to the public service.”
The report laid before the Oireachtas on foot of this provision by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform assesses the cost of a further change which would provide a two scale point adjustment to new entrants recruited since 2011. The total cost of such an adjustment across the public sector is of the order of €200 million, of which Education accounts for approximately €83 million. The report also acknowledges that, during the financial crisis, there were policy changes which affected remuneration in different occupations across the public sector (including education).
The matter of new entrant pay is a cross sectoral issue, not just an issue for the education sector alone. The Government supports the gradual, negotiated repeal of the FEMPI legislation, having due regard to the priority to improve public services and in recognition of the essential role played by public servants.
The total year one cost of equalising the pay of new entrant teachers to the pre-2011 arrangements is estimated to be in the region of €59 million per annum in year one (€45 million for full resolution of pay scales and €14 million for re-instatement of the H.Dip allowance). The costs would rise in subsequent years as more new entrants join the system.
On 24 September 2018, an agreement was reached between the Government and the public services committee of ICTU in respect of new entrant pay.
This agreement is benefitting 16,000 teachers and nearly 5,000 SNAs within the education sector. The deal provides for a series of incremental jumps for new entrants.
I am fully aware that the teacher unions have outstanding issues of concern following the September 2018 agreement. These outstanding matters will be given full consideration. This will happen either in the context of any pay review mechanism agreed by the parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement, or in the context of the next round of pay talks. The positions of each of the parties on these matters must be given due regard in endeavouring to reach a mutually agreed resolution.
The current series of restorative measures for new entrants have been achieved through continued engagement and collective bargaining between the Government and the public service unions and shows the benefits that such engagement can bring.
Capitation Grants
Ceisteanna (173)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:173. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the estimated full year and first year cost in 2021 of increasing the capitation grant per pupil for primary schools to €200 and the rate for post-primary schools to 2010 levels; the estimated cost of an increase of €10 and a 5% increase per child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23010/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The capitation grant has increased in each of the last two budgets.
I understand the need for improved capitation funding and I am pleased that budget 2020 has been able to provide for a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for primary schools that applies from the start of the 2020/21 school year. This builds on the 5% increase in capitation announced in budget 2019.
The combined increases given in 2019 and 2020 mean that circa 40% restoration will be achieved.
All schools have received the benefit of the capitation increases awarded to date. It is my intention to seek funding for further capitation increases in future budgets.
In addition to the increases above the estimated cost of restorating capitaton to pre-2011 levels and increasing the standard capitation by €10 and 5% per pupil for primary and post-primary schools are set out in the table in attached file.
Estimated cost of increases in rate of standard Capitation
|
Increases |
First year Cost in 2021 €m |
Full Year Cost in 2022 |
||||
|
Primary €m |
Post Primary €m |
Total |
Primary €m |
Post Primary €m |
Total |
|
|
Restore standard capitation to pre 2011 levels |
3.3 |
3.3 |
6.6 |
9.7 |
10.3 |
20.0 |
|
Increase standard capitation by 5% |
1.9 |
1.8 |
3.7 |
5.7 |
5.4 |
11.1 |
|
Increase standard capitation by €10 per pupil |
1.9 |
1.2 |
3.1 |
5.7 |
3.6 |
9.3 |
|
First year cost is effective from 1/9/21 |
DEIS Scheme
Ceisteanna (174)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:174. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the additional supports provided to DEIS schools by type; the overall cost of the scheme; the estimated cost to provide a 50% increase in capitation to DEIS schools by primary and post-primary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23011/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
DEIS – Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools, is the Department’s main policy initiative aimed at tackling educational disadvantage in primary and post primary schools.
In the 2020/21 school year there are 887 schools participating in DEIS serving over 180,000 pupils. My Department will invest in the region of €125 million this year on the programme. Details of the supports available to DEIS Schools can be found at: https://www.education.ie/en/Schools-Colleges/Services/DEIS-Delivering-Equality-of-Opportunity-in-Schools-/DEIS-Supporting-Information/Supports-to-DEIS-Schools.html
The capitation grant for all schools has increased in each of the last two budgets and I am pleased that my Department has provided a further 2.5% increase in standard capitation funding for all primary and post-primary schools that will apply from the start of the 2020/21 school year. This builds on last year’s 5% increase in capitation announced in budget 2019. The combined increases given in 2019 and 2020 mean that circa 40% restoration will be achieved.
In addition to the increases above, the estimated cost of increasing the standard capitation by 50% for DEIS primary schools would be circa €10.5m and for DEIS post-primary schools would be circa €10.6m.
The Deputy may be aware that all DEIS schools receive an additional DEIS Grant which is to be used to support the implementation of the schools’ DEIS Action Plan for Improvement, which sets targets under key themes, such as attendance, retention, progression, literacy and numeracy, partnership, transition, wellbeing and examination attainment (post-primary only). A key focus of these themes is that they are targeted at those pupils most at risk of educational disadvantage. These grants comprise €12.2m to the 689 primary schools and €4.1m to the 198 post-primary schools.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Ceisteanna (175)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:175. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the cost of each one point reduction in class size at primary level; the staffing schedule at primary level; the national pupil teacher ratio; her views in relation the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23012/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The annual staffing schedule determines the allocation of teachers to schools. For the current school year, it operates on a general average of 26 pupils to every 1 teacher (26:1) which is historically the lowest ever allocation ratio at primary level.
Budget 2020 has provided for a budget of more than €11 billion for the Department of Education and Skills in 2020. This is the highest ever allocation to the sector and an increase of nearly €2 billion since 2016.
Teacher numbers at primary level have increased by almost 3,500 when comparing the 2015/16 school year with the current school year and this has led to a steady improvement in the pupil teacher ratio and average class size statistics during this period.
The latest figures in relation to pupil teacher ratio show an improved ratio of teachers to students from 16:1 to 15:1 at primary level when comparing the 2015/16 school year to the 2019/20 school year.
Each one point adjustment to the primary staffing schedule would cost approximately €14.5m.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Ceisteanna (176)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:176. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of reducing the pupil teacher ratio at DEIS primary schools to 15:1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23013/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In the 2020/21 school year there are 3,108 mainstream primary schools. Each 1 point adjustment to the overall primary staffing schedule is estimated to cost in the region of €4.7m in the first year and €14.3m for the full year.
As the Deputy is aware, there are 689 primary schools participating in the DEIS programme. Under DEIS, a reduced class size is applied to all 229 Urban Band 1 primary schools with the application of a staffing schedule to DEIS Band 1 schools to accommodate class size of 20:1 at junior classes and 24:1 at senior classes. This is in line with the objective of supporting those schools with the highest levels of disadvantage.
A reduction in class size in all DEIS schools would be a change in policy and create a new element to the staffing schedule of enrolment of pupils governing the appointment and retention of mainstream class teachers.
Appendix A of Circular 19/2019 sets out the schedule of enrolment of pupils governing the appointment and retention of mainstream class teachers and is available on my Department’s website at the following link ;
https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/circular-0019-2019-appendix-a.pdf
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Ceisteanna (177)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:177. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost of reducing the pupil teacher ratio by one point at post-primary level; the staffing schedule at post-primary level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23014/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Teachers are currently allocated to post primary schools at a ratio of 19:1 in the free education system and 23:1 to schools in the fee charging sector. Approximately 1,150 teaching posts would be required for each 1 point adjustment on the post-primary side. Each 1 point adjustment to the pupil teacher ratio at post primary level is estimated to cost in the region of €18.66 million in the first year and €55.5m per annum thereafter.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (178)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:178. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the estimated amount of additional funding drawn as part of the plan to reopen schools; if the full €75 million was used for minor capital works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23015/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government at its meeting on 27 July agreed the publication of the Roadmap for the Full Return to School, and approved a significant financial package of €437 million to support the implementation of the measures in the roadmap for the school year 2020/21. The package of supports was estimated to cost €211 million in 2020 and €226 million in 2021.
The range of supports being made available to schools includes additional financial supports to provide for additional staffing, management supports, enhanced cleaning, hand hygiene and personal protective equipment costs under the Covid-19 response plans.
The Government also approved a package of minor works grants as part of the July Stimulus to support schools to prepare their buildings and classrooms for reopening.
At the end of August 2020, €137 million (€71m capital grants and €66m current grants) of the approved supports have been paid directly to all of the country's State funded primary and post-primary schools along with bringing forward the payment of €30 million of primary minor works grants planned for later in the year.
As part of the package of supports, at post-primary level, 1080 additional teachers are being allocated to help reduce class sizes and also for additional Guidance Provision. A teacher allocation equivalent to a pupil teacher ratio reduction of 0.6 has been allocated to schools in the free scheme to help reduce class sizes. This allocation supports the important work of teaching and learning and provide additional teachers needed to support teacher substitution, management of physical distancing requirements by reallocating class timetables in schools to smaller groups class sizes where necessary. The equivalent to a pupil teacher ratio reduction of 0.1 has been provided in respect of Guidance provision to support student wellbeing. It is recognised that, notwithstanding these measures to post primary schools, challenges may remain to allow some post primary schools to fully and safely reopen. A teacher allocation, through an appeal process, is available to support these schools. The extension of the Substitute Teacher Supply Panel at primary level has resulted in the scheme been extended from 6 to over 100 base schools, providing substitute cover to over 2,000 schools across the country.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (179)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:179. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the number of additional prefab classrooms that were funded as part of the plan to reopen schools; the cost and average cost for the additional units; the number of prefab classrooms in use in the education system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23016/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To date my Department has approved the rental of 13 prefab classrooms as part of the plan to reopen schools. The cost wont be know until details are received from the relevant schools.
Currently there are 1,361 rented prefabs units in use in 390 primary and post-primary schools.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (180)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:180. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the number of additional secondary school teachers hired as part of package for reopening schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23017/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Roadmap for Full Return to School set outs the plan for reopening of our schools and what the operation of our schools will look like and how it will be sustainable in a COVID-19 context. It has been developed in line with public health advice issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the Roadmap for Society and Business, and follows comprehensive and intensive engagement with education stakeholders including the school management bodies and staff representatives.
As part of the package of supports, at post-primary level, 1080 additional teachers are being allocated to help reduce class sizes and also for additional Guidance Provision. A teacher allocation equivalent to a pupil teacher ratio reduction of 0.6 has been allocated to schools in the free scheme to help reduce class sizes. This allocation supports the important work of teaching and learning and provide additional teachers needed to support teacher substitution, management of physical distancing requirements by reallocating class timetables in schools to smaller groups class sizes where necessary. The equivalent to a pupil teacher ratio reduction of 0.1 has been provided in respect of Guidance provision to support student wellbeing. It is recognised that, notwithstanding these measures to post primary schools, challenges may remain to allow some post primary schools to fully and safely reopen. A teacher allocation, through an appeal process, is available to support these schools.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (181)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:181. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if funding for providing a release day each week for teaching principals at primary level to carry out administrative work is permanent; the number of schools that have benefited; the estimated ongoing cost of maintaining same beyond the 2020/2021 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23018/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Roadmap for the Full Return to School provides for comprehensive supports across a range of areas to allow for the safe reopening of schools.
€10.2m in additional funding has been allocated to support Principals and Deputy Principals who also undertake teaching duties in primary schools. This funding will provide each teaching principal with one release day per week, and release days for Deputy Principals in those schools that have an existing administrative principal. Details on these arrangements are set out in Circular 45/2020, Operational Supports for Primary Schools for the Full Return to School.
More than 1700 schools with teaching principals have benefitted from the increase in release days. The annual cost of one release day per week to each school with a teaching principal is in the region of €16.6 million.
Summer Works Scheme
Ceisteanna (182)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:182. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the amount spent on the summer works scheme in each of the years 2018 to 2020 by primary and post-primary level; the number of schools grant aided in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23019/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Expenditure on the Summer Works Scheme as requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below:
|
Summer works scheme |
2018 Spend |
2019 Spend |
2020 Spend to date |
|
Primary |
€12,055,880.41 |
€18,115,156.36 |
€12,421,045.80 |
|
Post Primary |
€10,753,547.81 |
€12,896,671.63 |
€7,941,150.53 |
|
Total |
€22,809,428.22 |
€31,011,827.99 |
€20,362,196.33 |
405 schools were awarded funding for the 2020 Summer Works Scheme which was announced on 25th November, 2019. 307 schools were awarded funding for the 2019 Summer Works Scheme which was announced on 17th December, 2018. There was no 2018 Summer Works Scheme but expenditure on the scheme in 2018 would have been driven by outstanding works from previous schemes, particularly the announcement of 438 schools awarded funding under the 2017 Summer Works Scheme.
It should be noted that expenditure in each individual year would include funding for works carried out on projects that had been included in earlier schemes that, for one reason or another, were not completed in the year envisaged for their completion. So, for example, expenditure in 2020 includes projects that were part of the 2019 Summer Works Scheme.
Physical Education
Ceisteanna (183)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:183. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education the number of secondary schools without a PE hall or requiring a new purpose built PE hall; her plans to provide same; the amount projected for investment in 2020 and 2021; the amount spent in 2019 on providing same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23020/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The specific information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of post-primary school without a PE hall or requiring a new purpose built PE Hall is not readily available within my Department.
As the Deputy is aware, the provision of PE Halls form part of the accommodation brief for all newly established schools. These facilities may also form part of the overall accommodation brief for major capital extensions to existing schools. Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my Department's website, www.education.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 main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. The second half of the NDP (from 2023 onwards) will see an increasing focus on the upgrade and refurbishment of the existing school stock. This will include a PE Hall build and modernisation programme to ensure that students in all post-primary schools have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision.
The immediate priority of my Department is providing new and replacement school places each year, to ensure that every child has a school place.
Question No. 184 answered with Question No. 169.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (185)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:185. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the financial assistance available to persons affected by severe flooding in the Clifden area of County Galway on 1 and 2 September 2020; the way in which such supports can be accessed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22717/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies and the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for capital flood relief activities. However, my Department has an important role to play in assisting households in the immediate aftermath of emergency events such as flooding under the humanitarian assistance scheme.
The purpose of the humanitarian assistance scheme is to provide income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and in some instances structural repair.
The scheme is available to provide support to householders following the recent flooding event in Clifden. The Community Welfare Service officer is currently engaging with 8 families who have been forced to leave their homes by the recent flooding. Payments have been made to meet immediate needs, such as clothing and cost of home heating oil to dry out the properties.
Emergency income support payments to cover essential items such as food, clothing and personal items are issued quickly in the immediate aftermath of the weather event. Supports towards the replacement of white goods, basic furniture items and other essential household items may take longer as it is not until the flood water abates and houses dry out that the full extent of the damage to homes becomes known. The longer term supports can cover remedial works such as plastering, relaying of floors, electrical re-wiring and painting and it can take several months before this stage of the response is completed.
If any person who has been affected has not already come forward, they should contact the Community Welfare Service at the Intreo Centre in Clifden.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.