Written Answers Nos. 58-76
58. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider those on a temporary pandemic unemployment payment in terms of eligibility for social housing support (details supplied). [20977/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is open to anyone to apply for social housing support, applications for which are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The 2011 Regulations do not provide local authorities with any discretion to exceed the limits that apply to their administrative areas.
Under the Household Means Policy (HMP), which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature
Social housing support is intended to address a household’s long-term housing need and it is therefore important to note that where households are in need of short term support, such as Rent Supplement, they should make application to the Department of Social Protection.
In relation to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP), Circular 38/2020 regarding the treatment of the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) when assessing and/or reviewing income eligibility for social housing support was issued to local authorities. The Circular advises that the PUP payment should be considered as temporary in the overall context of an applicant household's income.
Decisions on the qualification of specific persons for social housing support and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
59. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it is planned to bring in new planning regulations in relation to wind turbines in view of the increasing height of these turbines and the issues of flicker and noise that also arise from them; when the most recent regulations came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20987/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines in line with the “preferred draft approach” which was announced in June 2017 by the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, in conjunction with the then Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including sound or noise, visual amenity setback distances, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
As part of the overall review process, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being undertaken on the revised Guidelines before they come into effect, in accordance with the requirements of European Union Directive 2001/24/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, otherwise known as the SEA Directive. SEA is a process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation of plans and programmes which act as frameworks for development consent, prior to their final adoption, with public consultation as part of that process.
As part of the SEA process, the previous Minister launched a ten-week public consultation on the draft revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines on 12 December 2019. The documents prepared for consultation are available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/8f3c71-public-consultation-on-the-revised-wind-energy-development-guideline/.
The consultation closed on 19 February 2020. Almost 500 submissions were received as part of the public consultation, many of which are quite detailed and technical in nature. My Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) have analysed the submissions received, in conjunction with the contracted SEA and noise consultants, and are in the process of preparing finalised guidelines having undertaken detailed consideration and analysis of the submissions received.
My Department is currently finalising the technical guidance on the noise aspect in conjunction with DECC (which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters). However, this piece of work is quite technical in nature and a small number of matters remain to be resolved in this regard.
Once the outstanding issues have been finalised by both Departments, the proposed amendments will need to be reviewed by the SEA consultants in order to conclude the SEA process.
My Department, in consultation with DECC, is endeavouring to finalise and publish the revised Guidelines as quickly as possible. However, the work on the outstanding technical issues has pushed the finalisation of the Guidelines into Q2 2021.
When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála, must have regard to guidelines issued under section 28 in the performance of their functions generally under the Planning Acts. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
60. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the delivery targets for housing in Galway County Council for 2019, by build, acquisition, leasing and the actual numbers attained in each category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21008/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity. The data is available to the end of 2020 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
Targets were issued to each local authority for delivery across Build, Acquisition and Leasing. The table below includes the targets and delivery for Galway County Council in 2019.
|
- |
Build |
Acquisition |
Leasing |
Total |
|
Target |
191 |
28 |
40 |
259 |
|
Delivery |
152 |
47 |
54 |
253 |
61. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a scheme that will allow householders to raise the 10% matching funding for the MICA support scheme to enable them to avail of the scheme given that many householders cannot raise the required funding on their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21027/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no scheme or grant aid available from my Department to cover the cost of the 10% homeowner contribution which applies under the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme. Under the Defective Concrete Blocks grant scheme my Department provides funding to cover 90% of the costs of eligible homeowners subject to the funding caps in place. These funding caps are determined by the remediation option being undertaken.
62. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit encourage and facilitate employees to use active travel to commute to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21055/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing a healthy and safe working environment, and to improving the quality of working life of staff through the integration of wellbeing in work activities and practices. This commitment involves encouraging and facilitating staff participation in sustainable and active travel measures under the Workplace Travel Plan. This Plan promotes staff use of such travel options when travelling to, from and for work and provides for:
- Staff participation in the Annual Travel Pass and Cycle to Work schemes - the operation of which transferred to PeoplePoint in 2016, and
- The availability of bicycle parking spaces and lockers at Department offices.
My Department’s Environmental Management System had its ISO 14001/2015 accreditation recently extended from the Custom House Headquarters in Dublin to our offices in Wexford and Ballina. This comprehensive system addresses staff participation in sustainable transport options through regular internal communications relating to the schemes. In addition, my Department is currently engaged in a review of its participation in the National Transport Authority’s Smarter Travel Workplaces scheme with further active travel measures under consideration.
The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table:
|
State Body |
Contact E-mail |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
63. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contact he has had with Israeli authorities with regard to the Government commitment to recognise the state of Palestine in order to urgently protect the integrity of Palestinian territory; the specific circumstances that will be required to progress these efforts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20939/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government states that the Government will “Honour our commitment to recognise the State of Palestine as part of a lasting settlement of the conflict, or in advance of that, when we believe doing so will progress efforts to reach a Two-State solution or protect the integrity of Palestinian territory”. I have been clear that, in recognition of the lack of progress towards a Two-State solution, I would be prepared to recommend to the Government early recognition by Ireland of a State of Palestine, if and when it might be helpful. This is an issue where there could be benefits to moving in step with EU partners, and it is a matter that I discuss regularly with EU colleagues. Recognition by Ireland outside the context of an overall peace agreement could, however, affect Ireland’s influence on the Israel-Palestine conflict at EU and international level. Timing and context would affect whether such a loss of influence would be matched by a commensurate benefit for the Palestinian people and a positive impact on the peace process. Ireland is committed to supporting a viable Two-State solution, in line with the agreed parameters for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The matter is discussed regularly at the Security Council.
64. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the description of the human rights situation in the Palestinian Occupied Territory as dire by the UN Special Rapporteur and that Israeli practices amount to violations of international humanitarian and human rights law; the details of results obtained from his public statements, expressions of concern, efforts to build consensus at EU level and various calls for action as indicated in answers to recent questions in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20940/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territory remains a matter of serious concern.
The protection and promotion of human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels. Our active participation at the UN Human Rights Council is particularly important in that regard.
Ireland made a statement in the interactive dialogue with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on 24 February where we stressed the importance of accountability for all violations of international law committed in the occupied Palestinian territory. Ireland also co-sponsored the recent Human Rights Council Resolutions on Human Rights and Accountability, Self-Determination and Settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Ireland regularly intervenes in interactive dialogues with the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in the occupied Palestinian territory at the Council and the UN General Assembly. On 18 March, at the most recent session of the Human Rights Council, Ireland made a statement under Item 7 during the General Debate, which urged Israel to halt settlement expansion and demolitions, allow for legal construction for Palestinian communities and called on Israel to facilitate voting in the context of Palestinian elections, including in East Jerusalem.
Ireland also regularly conveys our concerns on human rights issues to the Israeli authorities, both directly and through the EU. I met the Israeli Ambassador on 18 March and conveyed in the strongest terms my concerns on demolitions of humanitarian aid and the issue of settlements. Ireland’s Ambassador in Tel Aviv has raised demolitions and settlements with the Israeli authorities and I have also outlined our position during visits to the region.
Ireland also provides financial support to Israeli and Palestinian NGOs working on human rights issues.
65. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has assessed the circumstances in China that caused a person (details supplied) to leave the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20978/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the case of the journalist in question. I do not wish to comment on individual cases but it is nevertheless disappointing and worrying that responsible and respected journalists feel that they cannot continue to do their work in mainland China.
I also note the statement by the EU Spokesperson on this case, from the 2nd April.
Ireland actively works to promote and protect the rights of journalists, media freedom and the right to freedom of expression, both online and offline, through our Embassies and Missions and in relevant international fora, notably the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE.
Ireland recognises that the conditions for foreign media in China are deteriorating, and this has led to a number of foreign correspondents leaving that country. This is regrettable, as it reduces the channels of communication between China and the wider world.
For Ireland, as we seek to engage further with China as an important global actor, the contribution of a free and open media is important in ensuring a shared understanding between us. We continue to support the free and uninhibited flow of news, opinion, and reporting around the world.
66. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when it is planned to reopen the passport office to deal with ongoing cases and the large volume of backlog cases that have built up while it has been closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20998/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the National Framework on Living with COVID-19, the Passport Service continues to provide a high-quality essential service in line with Government measures to reduce social contact and combat the spread of COVID-19.
This essential service is available for those who are required to travel due to the death or serious illness of a family member or meet the criteria for travel as defined in the amendment to the Health Act 1947, which came into effect on 1 February 2021. Supporting documentation is required in such cases.
Applicants who require an urgent or emergency passport, can contact the Passport Service via our Customer Service Hub Webchat function on our website.
Irish citizens who are resident overseas should continue to contact the Passport Service through the local Irish Embassy or Consulate General who continue to provide assistance to all our citizens abroad.
Staff of the Passport Service continue to produce emergency and urgent applications, to offer customer service through WebChat, to assist with consular assistance for Irish citizens overseas and temporary reassignment of staff to the Department of Health. As well as issuing almost 3,000 urgent and emergency passports, the Passport Service has issued approximately 35,000 passports since the beginning of the year. Our Webchat team have also responded to more than 36,000 queries.
While normal processing has paused the Passport Service has a comprehensive plan in place to resume all services, and will do so as soon as possible in line with the National Framework for Living with COVID-19. At present, there are approximately 89,000 Passport Online applications in the system. The return of operations will commence with all applications received via Passport Online. The Passport Service is confident, taking into account measures to ensure a safe workplace, that any Passport Online backlog can be cleared in six to eight weeks.
There are currently approximately 1,900 paper based applications in the system. The Passport Service plans to resume processing of routine paper based applications such as Passport Express and Northern Ireland Passport Express as a priority after online applications have been processed.
67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to strengthen North-South and British-Irish political institutions following the commitments made in the New Decade, New Approach agreement and following Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21029/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is vital that we continue to work closely on a North/South and East-West basis in support of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and successor agreements.
North/South cooperation is a central part of the Good Friday Agreement and will remain a core priority for the Government. We welcome that meetings of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) resumed last year. Regular Ministerial meetings are now taking place across the Council’s twelve policy sectors, advancing areas of practical cooperation to our mutual benefit. The most recent plenary meeting of the NSMC took place 18 December 2020.
We are engaging within the NSMC to find new ways of working in the areas where the underlying EU law no longer applies in Northern Ireland. We are committed to this work, and will be taking it forward with urgency.
In implementing the Protocol, the conditions necessary for continued North South Cooperation will be maintained in a range of areas. The Protocol also recognises that new arrangements building on the Good Friday Agreement, and other areas of North South cooperation, can continue to be made on the island of Ireland.
The Government commitments that were made at the time of the NDNA are focused on working with the Executive through the North South Ministerial Council to deliver projects that benefit people across the island. The first implementation review meeting took place in January of this year. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to the implementation of the NDNA and it is hoped that a second meeting will take place in the period ahead.
The Shared Island Initiative and Shared Island Fund are also very important new dimensions of our work here, with a focus on how we can work together, North and South, to meet major strategic challenges and further develop our shared island economy.
In terms of East-West cooperation, we look forward to enhanced roles for the British Irish Council and British Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC), as set out in the Programme for Government.
During last week’s programme of bilateral engagements in London, I reaffirmed the importance of the role of the BIIGC, and my officials are now engaging with the British Government with a view to setting an early date in the period ahead for its next meeting. I joined the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste at the British Irish Council Summit last autumn which was hosted by Scotland, and I look forward to the next Summit meeting to be hosted by Northern Ireland in June.
We are also taking new steps to strengthen the East-West relationship in the post-Brexit context. We are implementing joint action plans with the devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland, and will open a Consulate General for the North of England in July.
We will continue to engage intensively with the British Government and all parties in Northern Ireland, as we work in support of the full implementation of the New Decade, New Approach agreement.
68. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit encourage and facilitate employees to use active travel to commute to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21052/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with Healthy Ireland, the national framework for improved health and wellbeing 2013-2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to promoting increased physical activity among its staff including how they travel to work. This has predominately been achieved through the promotion of the Government’s ‘Cycle to Work’ Scheme, which is a tax incentive scheme to encourage employees to cycle to work. Under the scheme an employer can pay for a new bicycle (including bicycle accessories) and the employee then repays the cost in regular instalments from their gross salary. Since its inception and up to the end of 2020, 442 Department staff had availed of the scheme. This scheme has been further supported by the Department through additional investment in bike racks, lockers and showering facilities.
69. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Defence if the Air Corps pilot service commitment scheme will be retained in the long-term following its success and learnings gained from previous schemes; if he will extend this scheme further to the air crew and technical personnel to ensure that these vital services continue to operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21072/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Pay Commission report on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces recommended the reintroduction of an Air Corps Flying Officers service commitment scheme. Accordingly, a service commitment scheme was re-introduced in 2019.
Under the terms of the Scheme applicants must commit to a three, five or eight year employment term. Payments for service commitments are made through staged annual payments. A terminal bonus payment is made to those Air Corps Flying Officers who commit to a full period of five years or eight years and in certain other limited circumstances.
I am pleased to say that a total of 15 Air Corps Flying Officers successfully applied for the Service Commitment Scheme in 2019. The 2020 Scheme which was launched in July 2020 attracted a further 10 applicants, bringing the total number of Officers availing of the Air Corps Flying Officers - Service Commitment Scheme to 25. There will be a further iteration of the Scheme in 2021.
There are no plans to extend the scheme beyond 2021 and there are no plans to extend the scheme to other personnel in the Air Corps.
I am pleased to say that a recuitment campaign for Aircraft Apprentice Technicians was recently launched and further recruitment intiatives are also under consideration.
70. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if a guarantee will be given that any changes necessary to Defence Force Regulations CS4 and its accompanying administrative instructions will be carried out in the case that the Air Corps is directed by Government to provide part of the search and rescue contract currently being overseen by the Department of Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20948/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2004 the Irish Coast Guard has had overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue domain. From within the Defence Organisation, both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations on an “as available” basis. A Service Level Agreement is in place setting out their roles and responsibilities in this regard.
No decision has yet been taken to change any aspect of the current delivery model of Search and Rescue (SAR) aviation services in Ireland's SAR domain. There is, as you are aware, an ongoing project under the remit of the Department of Transport, to consider, develop and bring to fruition a new Marine Search and Rescue aviation contract for future service provision.
In this context, late last year, I asked my officials to engage further with the Department of Transport to explore the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the next generation SAR aviation service while at the same time ensuring that the service meets domestic and international obligations for SAR and represents value for money for the State. This process is currently ongoing.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability and ultimate viability of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. In terms of the SAR process underway, ultimately, decisions on the scope, nature and procurement strategy for the next service will be a matter for Government once the detailed business case has been finalised.
71. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence the arrangements for the establishment of an independent military air regulator within his Department, the establishment of which has been recommended by previous independent safety reports and is also common practice in other EU states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20949/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Defence commissioned a report from an expert consultancy firm, Bureau Veritas (BV), to exam military aviation regulation, oversight and safety in the Irish context. The BV report recommended that a Military Aviation Authority (MAA) should be established and that it should be independent and free from influence or control of any Operating Authority.
Following the presentation of the BV report, the Department of Defence appointed a joint civil/military team whose objective was to establish a basis for the development of an independent authority for the oversight of military aviation safety and licencing on behalf of the Minister for Defence. The joint team developed a draft report which proposed a number of means by which this could be achieved.
Officials in my Department at a senior level are considering these proposals with a view to ensuring that the establishment of such an authority, its staffing and governance is such that the Authority can conduct its essential business in the most efficient way possible and guarantee its fundamental independent nature.
72. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit encourage and facilitate employees to use active travel to commute to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21047/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cycle to Work Scheme, which was introduced in 2009, is implemented under a salary sacrifice arrangement through an employee's salary. Under this arrangement, my Department funds the purchase of a bicycle and/or safety equipment for the employee who agrees to forego or sacrifice part of his or her salary for over an agreed period in order to cover the cost. The only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board and its secretary is provided from the staff of my Department.
Since the onset of Covid 19 in early 2020, my Department has actively encouraged staff to work from home, as far as is practicable, in line with public health advice.
73. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if the five-day limitation on substitute teaching for final year primary school teaching students will be removed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20865/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra85. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education if she has considered removing the five-day rule for substitute teachers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20934/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra88. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education the consultation that has taken place with schools and staff representatives on the potential for reviewing the five day rule for student teachers taking up substitute positions whilst ensuring protection of fully qualified positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20979/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 85 and 88 together.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).
In accordance with Department Circular 44/2019 and the Terms and Conditions of Employment for Registered Teachers in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools web book which are available on the Department’s website under www.education.ie, schools are required to employ appropriately qualified and registered teachers. These also detail a cascade of measures for the recruitment of teachers, prioritising registered teachers over unregistered people.
Other than the limited exceptions under Ministerial Regulations, (S.I. No.32/2014, Education Act 1998 (Unregistered Persons) Regulations 2014), payment is prohibited from Oireachtas funds to people employed as teachers in recognised schools unless they are registered with the Teaching Council.
A number of measures are already in place to support the supply of substitute teachers to schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include the establishment of primary school supply panels nationwide, the relaxation of the rules governing career breaks and job sharing which facilitates teachers on career break to sub and job-sharers to take up additional hours as subs.
In addition, the Teaching Council is communicating with Professional Master of Education (PME) students, via the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), to encourage them to register with the Council and register also their availability with Sub Seeker, the recruitment portal which matches available teachers with substitutable vacancies.
At this time, the Department is engaging with education partners to ensure that any challenges with regard to filling substitutable vacancies are highlighted. If further measures are required my Department will of course engage with the relevant stakeholders to explore and consider other solutions.
74. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Education if a student (details supplied) with special needs will be provided with school transportation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20866/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
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.
Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme children are eligible for school transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability.
In general, children with special educational needs are eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest school that is resourced to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
An application for transport on the Post-Primary Transport Scheme was received for the child referred to by the Deputy. As the family paid late for this service, they were unsuccessful in obtaining a ticket for the 2020/21 school year.
However, in light of the information received, School Transport Section is liaising with Bus Éireann and will contact the family directly in regard to their application.
75. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education if a July provision transport refund will be expedited on behalf of a student (details supplied). [20890/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.
With regard to transport arrangements for the Summer Programme 2020, my Department committed to providing grant funding to support families with the cost of transport arrangements for those children who were eligible for school transport and who were approved to participate in the school based Summer Programme.
School Transport Section has processed payment of these grants to all eligible families for which all required details had been received. To date, payment has been made to over 900 families and School Transport Section is continuing to process payments of these grants to families who are eligible as information is received.
I am pleased to advise that payment of grant funding is currently being processed in respect of the pupil referred to by the Deputy and is due for payment in the coming week.
76. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if all new school builds will include the construction of ASD classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20908/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the case of all new schools, it is general practice to include a Special Education Needs Base (SEN Base) in the accommodation brief for new school buildings, unless local circumstances indicate that it will not be required. Typically, a two classroom SEN Base is provided in new primary schools and a two or four classroom SEN Base is provided in new post primary schools.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
In deciding where to establish a special class in an area, the NCSE take account of the current and projected demand and the available school accommodation both current and planned. The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation. Similarly, where special schools wish to expand provision, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to accommodate additional placements.
Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs are available on www.ncse.ie.
