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Wednesday, 24 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 105-138

Covid-19 Tests

Ceisteanna (105)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

105. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if school staff will receive antigen tests and, if so, the circumstances that will permit same. [57869/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Health and the HSE, working in collaboration with the Department of Education has announced last week a programme in which antigen tests will be made available to children in primary schools.

Where there is a confirmed case in a pod, an SNA or other staff member working closely with children in the pod may also avail of the antigen tests and request them from the HSE.

Where there is an additional case in a second pod within seven days, then the class teacher and other staff members working in the classroom may request the antigen tests through the HSE Freephone number. This is an entirely voluntary measure and staff should continue to attend the workplace unless they develop symptoms or receive a detected result on the antigen test.

Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 103.
Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 103.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (108)

Marian Harkin

Ceist:

108. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Education if she will consider, in view of the severe shortage of substitute teachers available, putting forward members of the inspectorate as well as teachers currently in seconded positions for the next three months as members of the substitute panel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57881/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following ongoing engagement between the Department of Education and the education stakeholders on issues raised about the difficulty accessing substitutes for teacher absences at this time I made an announcement yesterday about additional temporary measures put in place in the context of COVID-19 to assist with the availability of substitutes until the February mid-term break.

The following additional temporary arrangements have been put in place:

Student teachers

Following positive engagement with the Higher Education Institutions who provide primary initial teacher education programmes they have agreed to facilitate release of PME and B.Ed. year 3 and year 4 students to support schools up to the end of term.

Retired teachers

Retired teachers returning to classrooms until the end of the current school term will not have their pension abated.

Qualified Teachers on secondment to the Department’s Teacher Education Support Services

The Teacher Education support services funded by the Department have been asked to release teachers who are on secondment to make themselves available to provide substitute cover in schools.

Supply Panels:

In the context of the current substitute supply issues particularly in certain areas, a further 200 posts, in addition to the 480 posts already sanctioned, are to provide substitute cover to primary schools as part of the Primary Schools Substitute Teacher Supply Panels.

The Inspectorate has adjusted its inspection programme in light of the current situation in schools and an information note was published today giving details of changes to its work in schools. The Inspectorate must continue to carry out inspections that are required under legislation and to assure the quality of provision for vulnerable learners. This means that it must continue to carry out child protection inspections, which monitor the implementation of the Department’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-primary Schools 2017 in fulfilment of the Minister’s obligations under the Children First Act 2015; inspections of schools located in Special Care Units and Child Detention Centres where educational provision is made available to children who are detained under court orders (these facilities are inspected annually because of the high vulnerability of the learners concerned); essential follow-up inspections to monitor the implementation of urgent recommendations arising from previous child protection and other inspections; and urgent emergency visits to schools. The Inspectorate is also required to carry out visits to monitor the implementation of anti-Covid measures that ensure that schools are safe working and learning environments (these inspections are required under the national "Work Safely Protocol COVID-19 National Protocol for Employers and Workers" and reported upon regularly to the Health and Safety Authority and the Department of An Taoiseach. The Inspectorate and the Department are also keeping under review a range of other measures though which inspectors will support the continued provision of schooling in the school system.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (109)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

109. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if personnel in her Department have been removed from their positions, transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57895/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Since 2011 no member of staff of my Department has had their contract terminated or been transferred to another section due to breaches of standards or professional misconduct.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (110)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

110. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the shortage of SNAs in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57911/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews.

The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.

SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.

It is a matter for schools to allocate support as required, and on the basis of individual need, which allows schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.

In light of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the introduction of the new Frontloaded Allocation Model for SNAs for students in mainstream classes in primary and post -primary schools is to be deferred for a further year to the beginning of the 2022/23 school year.

In order to minimise disruption for schools, in the current circumstances, and to provide for continuity of allocations the following arrangements for the allocation of Special Needs Assistants for mainstream classes for the 2021/22 school year:

- Existing mainstream class SNA allocations in schools on 30 April 2021 will be maintained and will automatically rollover into the 2021/22 school year.

- No school will therefore receive an allocation less than that which they had on 30 April 2021.

- SNAs currently in mainstream settings can continue in post for the next school year in the normal way.

- Priority consideration will now be given by the NCSE to applications for increased support for the 2021/22 school year, in particular, applications from schools with no SNAs and developing schools will be prioritised. Determinations will be made before 30 June. Other applications will be processed in order of date received.

- As in previous years, where circumstances change during the course of the 2021/22 school year that materially increase the level of care need in a school to the extent that the school can clearly demonstrate that it cannot be met within the existing SNA allocation, the school may apply to the NCSE for a review. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website, ncse.ie/for-schools

The NCSE have published the SNA allocations on their website, www.ncse.ie.

SNA allocations for special classes and special schools are not affected by this arrangement.

Circular 0029/2021 has been published and advises schools of the arrangements for the allocation of SNAs for the 2021/22 school year.

Provisions set out in Circular 0030/2020 has been extended for the 2021/22 school year.

Circulars 29/2021 and 30/2020 are available on the Gov.ie website, www.gov.ie/en/circulars/?organisation=department-of-education

My Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (111)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

111. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education her plans to expand the school bus transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57912/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the 2020/2021 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.

All children who are eligible and who completed the application and payment process on time for the 2021/22 school year are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation. In addition all post-primary pupils who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and who have applied and paid on time are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only and are offered seats where capacity exists after all eligible children have been catered for.

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 2021/2022 school year.

My Department commenced a review of the School Transport Scheme in February 2021. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately.

In June 2021, as part of phase 1 of the review, the Steering Group presented me with an initial interim report on eligibility with an examination of issues for mainstream pupils relating to the nearest and next nearest school. Following consideration of this report, measures were approved which allowed for the provision of transport for post-primary students who are otherwise eligible for school transport but are attending their second nearest school and had applied and paid on time. This arrangement is in place for the current school year pending completion of the full review of the School Transport Scheme

Wider considerations relating to operation of the scheme are now taking place in the next phase of the review which is now underway. The Steering Group will continue to report to me on an interim basis as the review progresses, with a view to presenting a final report with recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (112)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

112. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the services that are provided to children at a school (details supplied); and the facilities that are in place for the children in attendance. [57941/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is aware my Department opened the school in question this year in recognition of the significant demand for special school places in the local area. The establishment and opening of the school helped to ensure that children who required a special school place could access one, with priority in admissions given to those students who did not have a special school place previously.

The ground floor areas were completely renovated to provide classrooms with associated Assisted Use WCs and Quiet Spaces, staff and admin areas and support spaces to enable the school start up in September 2021. The layout was developed by the Department in consultation with the school and is based on optimising the space available. External secure play area was also provided.

Special schools generally cater for children with the most complex needs. Accordingly, these schools have enhanced staffing levels with greatly reduced pupil/teacher and SNA staffing allocations.

In general, speech and language and occupational therapy supports are provided by the HSE.

On an ongoing basis, special schools also have access to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) advisory support service which advises on children with the most complex needs, including behavioural needs.

Special schools in a start-up situation are targeted for specific support. Care is taken in the planning of these schools and the provision of specialist training and support. A bespoke package of CPD and professional learning for the staff of this new school is currently taking place with inputs from my Department, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and the relevant agencies including the NCSE. This school will also continue to be supported by NEPS.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department and the NCSE will continue to prioritise this school for support.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (113)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

113. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the reason a student who attends a school (details supplied) was refused school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57958/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2020/21 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were 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 School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2kms at primary and 4.8kms at post-primary and are attending their nearest School/Education Centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only. Concessionary transport is subject to a number of terms and conditions including the availability of spare seats on an existing service. The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s education cycle. Routes will not be extended or altered, additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis.

Bus Éireann has advised that this pupil’s school of attendance is not their nearest school and the pupil may apply for transport on a concessionary basis only.

Bus Éireann has advised that there are currently two mainstream school transport services operating to the pupil's school of attendance and both services are currently operating to capacity. This pupil was not successful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2021/22 school year.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (114)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

114. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the position regarding school bus capacity reverting to 100% in view of the increase in Covid-19 cases in school children (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57961/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2020/21 school year over 114,100 children, including over 14,700 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €224.7m in 2020.

Planning for school transport scheme services for the 2021/22 school year proceeded on the basis that the public health measures in place as schools closed at the end of the last school year would remain as the term began in this new school year. This included the operation of post-primary services at 50% capacity, in addition to hygiene measures and the wearing of masks on-board. The Department has kept this position under review as the vaccination programme for children on post-primary services was rolled out and as the lifting of restrictions on public transport services proceeded.

In line with the lifting of restrictions on public transport, and with effect from the return of schools following the October mid-term break, implementation commenced for post-primary school transport services to resume operating at 100% capacity. This process will take a period of time to re-organise and re-schedule services and communications will be issued to families regarding any revised arrangements.

All other measures relating to hygiene, pre-assigned seating, cleaning and the wearing of masks by post-primary students will remain in place subject to further review and my Department continues to provide funding for all additional hygiene measures required on school transport services.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (115)

Richard O'Donoghue

Ceist:

115. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the lack of substitute teachers in schools; if it is possible to bring trainee teachers in to relieve the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58028/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has been made aware of the challenges currently being experienced by some schools and has engaged with the education stakeholders on the issues raised about the current difficulty in accessing substitutes for teacher absences.

Regarding the use of PME student teachers to help address these challenges, the higher education institutions (HEIs) have ensured flexibility to programme delivery to enhance the availability of professional master of education (PME) students to undertake substitute work. PME student teachers have been advised to register with the Teaching Council and to register with Sub Seeker, the national substitution portal service to make their availability known to schools.

In addition, the HEIs providing under graduate programmes for primary initial teacher education have agreed to facilitate the release of B.Ed. year 3 and year 4 students to support schools up to the end of the current term. They have also agreed to explore flexible options in relation to the assessment requirement for programmes in the context of students being available to support schools.

The education stakeholders, including the Department, the HEIs and the Teaching Council, will continue to work together to address any practical issues and ensure the ongoing availability of student teachers to support schools pre and post-Christmas.

I have announced other additional measures to provide enhanced substitute cover in the context of current challenges arising from the Covid-19 emergency.

A further 200 posts are being allocated to the primary substitute teacher supply panels in existing/new areas where significant challenges in sourcing substitution has continued, bringing the total to 680 posts covering approximately 2,600 schools. Engagement will take place with the base schools to allocate these posts so that arrangements can be made for the recruitment of additional staff immediately.

In order to assist with the recruitment of teachers to supply panels, and in the context of the Covid-19 emergency, the Teaching Council has confirmed that newly qualified teachers (NQTs) who secure posts on supply panels in the 2021/2022 academic year may complete Droichead, the induction framework for NQTs. This is an exceptional time bound measure. Further guidance will be provided by the National Induction Programme for Teachers regarding the role of the base school and partner schools in the process.

The supply panels work alongside the existing methods of sourcing substitute teachers, such as the national substitution portal service Sub Seeker, operated by the Irish Primary Principals' Network and developed in accordance with my Department's Teacher Supply Action Plan. Schools can also make local arrangements to have their own regular substitutes to call on if needed.

In addition to the expansion of the supply panels, qualified teachers on secondment to the Department’s teacher education support services have been asked to make themselves available to provide substitute cover in schools. Arrangements will made for available teachers from these services to register with an existing primary sub teacher supply panel or Sub Seeker.

Continuing professional development (CPD) at primary level where substitution is required has been suspended until after the February 2022 mid-term. This measure is being taken on an exceptional basis.

Retired teachers returning to classrooms until the end of the current school term will not have their pension abated.

In exceptional circumstances where there is no substitute available it may be possible for the Treoraí (formerly co-operating teachers) who host student teachers on school placement to provide substitute cover for absences of a very short duration in their own school if another substitute cannot be sourced at short notice. This should be for the shortest time possible until a substitute can be recruited.

These recently announced measures are in addition to those already in place, including, for the current school year, changes made to the career break scheme to permit teachers on career break to carry out unlimited substitute work. Changes have also been made to the job sharing scheme to permit job sharing teachers carry out substitute work on the days they are rostered off, in their own or in other schools.

The Teaching Council has undertaken a communications campaign with the over 111,000 teachers on its register to raise awareness to the current teacher substitute challenges and to ask registered teachers who are available to do so to register with Sub Seeker, so that their availability to sub is known to schools seeking substitute teachers.

Schools with teaching principals have also been asked to cluster their allocation of principal release days to form a full-time fixed-term post to minimise the requirement for substitute teachers.

Climate Action Plan

Ceisteanna (116)

Richard O'Donoghue

Ceist:

116. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education the timeframe for the commencement of the energy retrofit for schools built prior to 2008 to deliver on the Climate Action 2030 targets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58029/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department is at the forefront of design with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification.

My Department’s Technical Guidance Documents set the benchmark for sustainable design in school buildings with a clear focus on energy efficiency and they are based on solid energy research projects.

Schools that are designed and built in accordance with the Department’s schools technical guidance documents have been achieving A3 Building Energy Ratings since 2009 with current schools typically achieving up to 20% higher performance than required by the current Building Regulations, along with 10% of primary energy provided via photovoltaics and infrastructure provision for electric vehicle charging.

All new technologies and approaches are tested to ensure compatibility with school design and operational requirements. Successful and repeatable results are then incorporated into all new school designs and refurbishments. The Departments policy is supported by a strong research programme with forty nine research projects at various stages including the energy website www.energyineducation.ie.

which is a joint partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

My Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications established a jointly funded pathfinder programme with the SEAI, testing and demonstrating energy efficiency and decarbonisation retrofit approaches. This pathfinder is a great example of collaboration ensuring the deployment of new design approaches and technologies are introduced to the educational environment on an evidence based approach.

This Pathfinder programme is paving the way for, and informing a much larger national school programme for the energy retrofit of schools built prior to 2008. It is facilitating research on a range of typical retrofit options, which will have been tried and tested. It is providing valuable development information for a solution driven delivery strategy which will be founded on a solid evidence base that has proven the robustness and scalability of renewable solutions within the schools’ sector. This collaboration and research is helping to shape the future direction of energy efficiency in schools, and will continue to inform the strategy for the rollout of the Deep Energy Retrofit programme in parallel with continuation of maximising energy performance and renewable energy capability.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (117)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

117. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if her Department will review the guidelines for pregnant teachers and SNAs who are working in the classroom given that the children they are teaching partially at primary level will be largely unvaccinated; if this review will take into account the increased Covid-19 case numbers and the increased risk pregnant women have of developing serious illness and health complications from a Covid-19 infection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58052/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The most up to date guidance for the education sector was published by the HSE in July 2021 (‘Education Sector Guidance on Employees in the COVID-19 Higher Risk Categories, including Pregnant Employees’) and authored by the Civil Service Chief Medical Officer, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Public Health Medicine in HSE and Medmark Occupational Healthcare.

As with all other guidelines around public health measures, my Department has been led by expert medical advice provided by the Government through the HSE and other relevant public bodies. In the particular case of advice around pregnant employees, this advice was prepared in consultation with the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the national professional and training body for Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Ireland, as well as other medical and public health professionals.

The HSE guidance for the education sector confirm that pregnant teachers and special needs assistants can safely attend the workplace in school where all the infection prevention and control measures are in place by implementation of the School COVID-19 Response Plan. This is the case whether or not the pregnant teacher or special needs assistant has been vaccinated.

However, all employees should apply to the Occupational Health Service (OHS) before the end of their first trimester, so that their individual medical circumstances can be assessed in the context of COVID-19. Those with underlying medical conditions may be categorised as ‘Very High Risk’ and be facilitated to work remotely i.e. work from home. The COVID-19 health risk categorisation assessments are performed by a team of qualified and experienced specialists in occupational medicine. Available medical evidence, including reports from treating consultants as well as vaccination status of employees, are considered during the OHS COVID-19 health risk categorisation assessment process.

It is of course open to a teacher or special needs assistant to discuss their individual medical concerns with their own medical team. Where their treating consultant has concerns over their fitness to work due to a pregnancy-related illness, then the terms and conditions of the Sick Leave Scheme (pregnancy related illness provisions) may apply, outside of the very specific COVID-19 health risk categorisation assessment by the OHS referred to above.

My Department’s Circular Letter 0042/2021 details the current working arrangements and leave arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic for teachers and special needs assistants employed in recognised primary and post primary schools.

My Department has always been guided by public health advice in relation to appropriate COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures in place in schools. These measures protect students, their parents and school staff and are very effective to help prevent and control COVID-19 in schools. The vast majority of teachers and staff have now been vaccinated. The very high rates of take up of the vaccines across society has been encouraging and reassuring. My Department will continue to work closely with public health officials and the education stakeholders in respect of the safe operation of schools during COVID-19.

Air Quality

Ceisteanna (118)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

118. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she will instruct her Department to arrange supply of ventilation and HEPA filtration equipment to ensure safe air quality standards in every school classroom and staff room; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58055/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Managing ventilation is just one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe. Updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools was provided at the end of May following the work of an expert group that carefully considered the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19.

A copy of the guidance is published on the Gov.ie website.

The Expert Group in its report notes “very good advice is contained in the Department of Education’s Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools

And that “It must be emphasized that ventilation should be delivered as part of a layered strategy of protective measures to control the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.”

The over-arching approach in the guidance is for schools to have windows open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use and partially open when classrooms are in use.

The Expert Group also note “consider using a portable carbon dioxide (CO2) monitor to identify areas of the school with inadequate ventilation. The Departments guidance outlines CO2 monitors can play a part in providing a useful general indication that areas/rooms may not be adequately ventilated. They can enable occupants to become familiar with the impacts of activities, outdoor weather and window openings on levels of good ventilation. The provision of portable CO2 monitors provides schools with the flexibility to focus their use to those rooms where most beneficial to inform strategies for optimising ventilation in the school.

In excess of 35,400 monitors were delivered to schools nationwide at a cost of circa €4 million.

A dedicated team has been established in the Department to support schools that may have concerns about ventilation. Officers are also available to contact schools where required, walking through the steps the schools should take to deploy good ventilation practices etc. Where it is not possible for a school to access the expertise of an engineer or architect, and where necessary, a technical assessment to assist the school can be facilitated through the Department.

Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor work grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis.

The Expert Group also notes the potential use for air cleaners "consider using stand-alone high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter devices to further reduce airborne virus in poorly ventilated spaces”

The Departments Guidance is clear that where the recommended measures in the Practical Steps and poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners may be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available. This is line with Expert Group guidance which identifies that in areas with poor ventilation that structural interventions and measures to increase natural ventilation should be completed. Where such structural interventions or measures are not possible in the short term, that consideration should be given to using stand-alone HEPA filter devices in poorly ventilated spaces pending the completion of structural interventions.

There is no one solution that fits all scenarios, each application requires bespoke analysis and selection of the appropriate unit(s) matched to the specific room size and volume. If, following consultation with a supplier a school feels that its individual space may require specific technical specialist advice then the assistance of a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect can be sought.

In conclusion my Departments approach on good ventilation in schools, as part of a layered strategy of protective measures to control the spread of the virus, is fully consistent with the Expert Group recommendations on good practices, the use of portable CO2 monitors and the targeted deployment of HEPA air filter devices where necessary for poorly ventilated areas.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Ceisteanna (119)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

119. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to include closed community employment schemes in the ex gratia package (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57691/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy will be aware, CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors have been seeking for several years, through their union representatives, SIPTU and Forsa, the allocation of Exchequer funding to implement a 2008 Labour Court recommendation relating to the provision of a pension scheme for CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors who are employed by CE scheme sponsors. This claim creates some difficulties because the State is not the employer of the CE supervisors.

Within this context, officials from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform held discussions on proposals to progress and resolve this complex issue, while having regard to the wider budgetary framework. Department officials also held discussions with unions representing CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors.

At the start of April this year, agreement was reached between the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Social Protection on proposals to resolve the long-standing issue. These proposals included a financial package.

Since that time, discussions on these proposals took place between my Department and the unions representing CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors, in consultation with other relevant Government Departments; the Department of Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Finance.

Department officials wrote to both SIPTU and Fórsa recently setting out the terms of a full and final settlement which will involve a once off ex-gratia payment to CE supervisors and assistant supervisors on reaching pension age. The total value of the financial package now on the table is in excess of €24 million.

The scheme will apply to CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors who have retired since 2008, subject to qualifying criteria and has the potential to benefit up to 2,200 existing and former CE supervisors and CE assistant supervisors.

This proposal is currently under consideration by the representative unions. As such it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.

Employment Support Services

Ceisteanna (120)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

120. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 20 October 2021, if Turas Nua will provide a person (details supplied) in County Kerry with funding for training to secure a heavy goods vehicle licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57718/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As previously advised to the Deputy in Parliamentary Question No. 152 of 20 October 2021, participants of JobPath do not have access to the Training Support Grant (TSG) provided by the Department. However, the JobPath companies will on a case by case basis provide similar funding.

JobPath providers have their own discretionary funds available to pay for training or other interventions; the decision to approve or reject any request for funding is solely at the discretion of the JobPath provider.

My officials have made contact with Turas Nua who have confirmed that the person concerned has applied for funding towards the cost of their HGV licence.

The JobPath provider has agreed to contribute a proportion of the cost of this training from their discretionary training fund.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (121)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

121. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of appeals received to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in each of the years 2016 to 2020; the percentage of those which were successful in each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57723/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

In any year about 85% of all claims are awarded by the Department and just 1% are appealed. Nevertheless, the Department continues to work to ensure that these cases are dealt with as quickly as possible.

Appeals which had a favourable outcome for the person concerned consist of appeals which were either allowed in full or in part by an Appeals Officer, or which were resolved by way of a revised decision in favour of the person concerned by a Deciding Officer / Designated Person.

There are a number of reasons why a decision which was refused at first instance might be successful on appeal and it is not necessarily the case that the first decision was incorrect. It is often the case that new evidence is provided with an appeal and that, as a result, the original decision may be revised by the Deciding Officer or Designated Person. This was the case in 37.1% of such successful outcomes in 2016, 37.6 % of such outcomes in 2017, 31.5% of such outcomes in 2018, 36.5 % of such outcomes in 2019 and 36.5% of such outcomes in 2020.

Where the decision was not revised by the Department in light of the appeal contentions, further evidence is often provided by the person concerned as the appeal process proceeds and in addition, the Appeals Officer may, on some occasions, gain insights if they hold an oral hearing which may influence the outcome of the appeal.

Finally, where a claimant has been refused a social welfare payment, regardless of the scheme involved, and is appealing that decision, if their means are insufficient to meet their needs it is open to them to apply for supplementary welfare allowance in the interim. If their application for supplementary welfare allowance is refused, they can also appeal that decision. The supplementary welfare allowance appeal will be prioritised for attention within the Appeals Office as soon as the appeal file and submission is received from my Department. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

The table below shows the number of appeals received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office in each of the years 2016 to 2020, the numbers finalised in those years and the outcomes of those appeals by percentage in each category.

Appeals Registered & Finalised 2016 to 2020

-

Registered

Allowed by AO

Part allowed by AO

Revised decision by DO

Disallowed by AO

Withdrawn

Finalised

2016

22,461

7,871 (33.8%)

783 (3.4%)

5,100 (22.0%)

8,336 (35.9%)

1,130 (4.9%)

23,220

2017

19,658

6,493 (34.2%)

629 (3.3%)

4,283 (22.6%)

6,434 (33.9%)

1,141 (6.0%)

18,980

2018

18,854

6,802 (36.8%)

662 (3.6%)

3,425 (18.5%)

6,681 (36.0%)

937 (5.1%)

18,507

2019

22,397

7,543 (33.4%)

595 (2.6%)

4,669 (20.7%)

8,456 (37.5%)

1,309 (5.8%)

22,572

2020

23,664

8,418 (31.4%)

617 (2.3%)

5,204 (19.4%)

11,485 (42.9%)

1,066 (4.0%)

26,790

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (122)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

122. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57725/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 8 September 2021. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Employment Support Services

Ceisteanna (123)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

123. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if any further consideration has been given to extending time allowed on the back to work enterprise allowance for current participants given that they have been unable to avail of the advantages of the scheme due to Covid-19 and have therefore lost out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57729/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) scheme offers support for people who are long-term unemployed and who are interested in self-employment as a route to entering the labour market. The scheme plays a vital role in supporting the development of new enterprises for the long-term unemployed and is payable for up to a 24-month period from the commencement of their new business.

All participants of the BTWEA can receive their full period of entitlement of 24 months and, therefore, should not lose out on the support. This includes anyone who contacted the Department to suspend their allowance while their business closed during Covid related restrictions. Where someone suspended their BTWEA, they can avail of the remainder of their 24 months on reopening their business. There are no plans to provide for an extension of this period.

Where a person’s entitlement to BTWEA exhausts and they are continuing to operate at reduced levels of business activity there may be alternative income supports available depending on the individual’s circumstances, including support under the means tested Jobseeker's Allowance scheme.

If the Deputy is referring to a specific individual, I would advise the person to contact their local Intreo Centre for advice.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Ceisteanna (124)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

124. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection the mechanisms in place to support medical assessment of chronic pain conditions as part of applications for disability allowance such as endometriosis, which is a condition in respect of which there are large diagnostic delays, despite sufferers experiencing chronic pain which would prevent them from working on a longer-term basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57803/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The medical eligibility for Disability Allowance is that the applicant must have an injury, disease physical or mental disability that has continued, or may be expected to continue, for at least one year. As a result of this disability the applicant must be substantially restricted in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable for a person of their age, experience and qualifications.

The applications are assessed based on their functional restriction arising from the medical condition(s) rather than their diagnosis(es) which is based on medical evidence/information provided by the claimants.

Recently the Medical Review and Assessment Section of my department has improved the Disability Allowance application form to facilitate customers in providing detailed information of their health and functioning, and to support objective medical assessment at the outset.

The Medical Assessors objectively assess each case based on the information furnished and apply the qualifying criteria relevant to the scheme. Therefore, each case is assessed on its own merits.

Endometriosis can be a long-term condition, which can have a significant physical, sexual, psychological and social impact. In advanced stages, a patient may have complex needs and require long term support.

Being cognisant of the variability of the condition in terms of severity and duration, the Medical Assessors will express his/her opinion on the eligibility based on the qualifying criteria.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Gender Recognition

Ceisteanna (125)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

125. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider amending the Gender Recognition Act 2015 to include the option of identifying as male, female or non-binary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57884/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government contains a number of actions with respect to gender recognition. My Department is engaged in progressing these actions. The initial focus is on progressing measures to give effect to the recommendation of the Review Group on Gender Recognition, specifically measures to improve access to gender recognition for a person aged 16 and 17 years. Additionally, work is ongoing across Government Department and public bodies on evaluating the impact of changes required to ensure recognition of non-binary people. To this end, all Departments and public bodies have been asked to progress positive actions to give effect to:

- promoting the use and acceptance of correct pronouns;

- improving the design of official forms and documentation to permit the use of a third gender option, or no gender at all, where it is possible to do so.

The Deputy will appreciate that some of the work being undertaken may result in proposals to amend the Gender Recognition Act 2015 which will be considered by Government in due course.

I hope this addresses the Deputy's question.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Ceisteanna (126)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

126. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to provide dedicated supports and expand illness benefit for persons experiencing illness as a result of menopausal symptoms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57886/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department provides a suite of income supports for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. It is important to note that entitlement to these supports is generally not contingent on the nature of the illness or disability but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work. My Department spent a total of €4.7 billion on illness, disability and caring payments in 2020.

These supports include Illness Benefit, Invalidity Pension, Disability Allowance, and Partial Capacity Benefit.

Illness Benefit is the primary income support payment for people who are unable to attend work due to illness of any type and who are covered by Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions. Illness Benefit is payable for up to two years, based on the person’s continued eligibility. Additional payments may also be made in respect of a qualified adult and qualifying children.

Invalidity Pension is a pension paid to people who are 'permanently incapable of work' because of illness or disability. This is also a social insurance payment and is dependent on the claimant’s PRSI contributions and medical conditions.

Partial Capacity Benefit is a scheme available for those on Illness Benefit (for a minimum of 6 months) or Invalidity Pension who would like to take up paid employment but have restricted capacity to work. The capacity to work is assessed and people with moderate, severe, or profound capacity loss may qualify for this scheme. After receiving written approval from my Department, the person can take up work and earn any amount and work as many hours as they wish as an employee or in a self-employed capacity. Additional payments may be made in respect of a qualified adult and qualifying children.

Disability Allowance is a social assistance payment and is not based on social insurance contributions. The person’s disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test. The assessment of means reflects the fact that there is an expectation that people with reasonable amounts of income or capital are in a position to use these resources to support themselves, so that social welfare expenditure can be directed towards those who need it most. Where the circumstances of a person in receipt of Disability Allowance change and they have means in excess of the limits set down in legislation, the payment is discontinued.

As outlined in the Budget 2022 social welfare package, both social assistance and social insurance payment rates (with qualifying adult and children rates) will see an increase of €5 per week in 2022.

Apart from these income supports, my Department also provides means-tested supports under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme for people who are ill but who do not qualify for Illness Benefit. The Department may also make an Exceptional Needs Payment to help meet essential, once-off expenditure which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet from their weekly income.

As a comprehensive set of income supports is in place for those experiencing illness and disability that impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work, I do not intend to introduce additional payments at this time. My Department will continue to monitor and review its supports and payments schemes to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (127)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

127. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if personnel in her Department have been removed from their positions, transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57906/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department adheres to civil service policies which govern HR and management processes in dealing with cases involving breaches of standards, performance issues and disciplinary matters. In line with best practice, the Department implements the Civil Service Disciplinary Code (2016) which provides for fair process and guidance on appropriate disciplinary actions or sanctions.

Since 2011, 25 staff have been dismissed from the Department of Social Protection. A further four persons have been transferred as part of their sanction. Two people have been deemed resigned / did not return to their role and left the civil service. A breakdown of cases per year is listed in the tables below:

2011

Breach of Data Protection Policy

Transfer

1 Officer

2012 - N/A

2013

Breach of Data Protection Policy

Dismissal

1 Officer

Breach of Data Protection Policy Code of Standards & Behaviour

Deemed resigned / Did not return to role

1 Officer

Breach of Code of Standards & Behaviour

Dismissal

4 Officers

2014

Breach of Code of Standards & Behaviour

Transfer

1 Officer

2015

Breach of Code of Standards & Behaviour

Dismissal

1 Officer

2016

Breach of Data Protection Policy

Dismissal

1 Officer

Breach of Code of Standards & Behaviour

Dismissal

1 Officer

2017

Breach of Data Protection Policy

Dismissal

2 Officers

Breach of Code of Standards & Behaviour

Dismissal

4 Officers

2018

Breach of Data Protection Policy

Dismissal

1 Officer

Breach of Code of Standards & Behaviour

Dismissal

5 Officers

2019

Breach of Code of Standards & Behaviour

Dismissal

3 Officers

Breach of the Standards required of staff members who are also customers policy & Code of Standards & Behaviour

Dismissal

1 Officer

Breach of Code of Standards & Behaviour

Transfer

2 Officers

2020

Breach of Code of Standards & Behaviour

Dismissal

1 Officer

2021

Breach of Code of Standards & Behaviour

Deemed resigned / Did not return to role

1 Officer

Domestic Violence

Ceisteanna (128)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

128. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of the review of the pilot protocol agreed by her Department and Tusla in August 2020 to make rent supplement more easily accessible to victims of domestic violence; her plans for the continuation of this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58024/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims of domestic violence is a cross government body of work involving the Department of Justice, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) and associated agencies. The co-ordination of the services addressing the needs of these victims of domestic violence is managed by The Child and Family Agency, Tusla. The accommodation needs of victims of domestic violence are met through this joined-up service delivery model provided by Tusla with the close involvement of the various housing authorities nationwide.

In August 2020, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, I agreed to make rent supplement more accessible to victims of domestic violence. This has ensured that victims of domestic violence are not prevented from leaving their homes because of financial or accommodation difficulties.

For victims of domestic violence the measure provides that the standard rent supplement means test does not apply for an initial three month period. After the initial three-month period, a further three-month extension may be provided, subject to the usual rent supplement means assessment. After six months, if the tenant has a long-term housing need, they can apply to their local housing authority for social housing supports and, if eligible, will be able to access the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), a social housing support provided by Local Authorities

Access to rent supplement is additional and complementary to, and not a substitution for, the range of other supports already in place for victims of domestic violence.

Following a review of the measure after twelve months of operation involving all key stakeholders, I recently announced that victims of domestic violence will be granted easier access to rent supplement on a permanent basis. This ensures that victims of domestic violence can continue to get immediate access to rent supplement for a three month period to ensure that they are not prevented from leaving their home because of financial concerns.

There are 40 victims of domestic violence currently being supported under the Protocol, with 153 cases supported since the Protocol came into operation in August 2020.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Public Services Card

Ceisteanna (129)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

129. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will clarify the payments administered by her Department which can be accessed without having a public services card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58025/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Social welfare legislation (Section 241 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended) provides that it shall be a condition of any person’s right to benefit that they, inter alia, satisfy the Minister as to their identity.

The SAFE registration process is the process through which a person satisfies the Minister as to their identity. Once their identity is verified in this way, they are issued with a Public Services Card which can be used as proof of their identity when dealing with public service bodies.

A full list of the payments included in the definition of benefit for this purpose is set out below at the end of this response.

In respect of other transactions with my Department, a person must also satisfy the Minister as to their identity:-

1. Before they can be allocated and issued a PPSN;

2. Before they can be issued a Public Services Card;

3. To continue to receive a benefit listed below, once they have been requested to satisfy the Minister as to their identity.

The definition of benefit for the purpose of section 241 includes any benefit described in section 39(1), any assistance described in section 139(1), along with certain other payments specified in section 240.Section 39(1) payments:-

- Adoptive benefit

- Bereavement grant

- Carer’s benefit

- Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment

- Guardian’s payment (contributory)

- Health and safety benefit

- Illness benefit

- Invalidity pension

- Jobseeker’s benefit

- Jobseeker’s benefit (self-employed)

- Maternity benefit

- Occupational injuries benefit comprising injury benefit, disablement benefit and death benefit

- Parent’s benefit

- Partial capacity benefit

- Paternity benefit

- State pension (contributory)

- State pension (transition)

- Widow’s (contributory) pension, widower’s (contributory) pension and surviving civil partner’s (contributory) pension

- Widowed or surviving civil partner grant (paid by virtue of receipt of a benefit under Part 2 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended)

Section 139(1) payments:-

- Blind pension

- Carer’s allowance

- Disability allowance

- Domiciliary care allowance

- Farm assist

- Guardian’s payment (non-contributory)

- Jobseeker’s allowance

- One-parent family payment

- Pre-retirement allowance

- State pension (non-contributory)

- Supplementary welfare allowance

- Widow’s (non-contributory) pension, widower’s (non-contributory) pension and surviving civil partner’s (non-contributory) pension

- Widowed or surviving civil partner grant (paid by virtue of one-parent family payment or State pension (non-contributory) under Part 3 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, as amended)

Other payments specified in section 240:-

- Back to work family dividend

- Carer’s support grant

- Child benefit

- Continued payment for qualified children

- EU payments within the meaning of Part 8 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended

- The cost of medical care under section 86 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, as amended

- Working family payment

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Public Services Card

Ceisteanna (130)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

130. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to commission an independent review of the roll-out to date of the public services card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58026/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 5th November 2021, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform published a cost-benefit analysis report on the Public Service Identity (PSI) management framework as one of the Autumn Spending Review Papers.

The PSI management framework consists of the SAFE registration service, the Public Services Card (PSC) and the MyGovID service.

The report was prepared as a Spending Review by the Department's Investment Analysis Unit which is part of the Irish Government Statistical Service and it was compiled in compliance with the principles of the Irish Statistical System Code of Practice and the Cost-Benefit Analysis principles laid down in the Public Spending Code.

The report has been peer-reviewed by the Spending Review Steering Group, chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The report finds that, if the Public Service Identity management framework didn’t exist, delivering the same level of public services would require over one million extra identity checks every year. In financial terms, the report found that:

- Over the rollout period from 2010 to 2019, the total cost of the investment was €98 million but it generated benefits of €218 million over the same period.

- The investment paid for itself in less than five years.

- The total savings from the entire project from its inception out to 2030, adjusted for the time value of money is highly positive at over €206 million.

- Now, as a mature project with annual costs of about €10 million and annual benefits of about €30 million, the framework yields savings of over €20 million every year.

The report also identifies further positive financial impacts beyond those captured in the financial results. These are principally further efficiency gains to public service bodies; further control and customer contact savings accruing to my Department; and, especially, the value of time and cost savings for people using public services.

In qualitative terms, the report finds that the Public Service Identity management framework:

- has been successfully implemented, with clear institutional responsibility, secure and well-designed systems;

- has enabled both greater efficiency in the delivery of existing public services, and innovation in the design and delivery of new and reformed public services, including better crisis response capacity as well as minimisation of the use of personal data by public service bodies;

- has enhanced trust in Ireland’s public services, while the pervasive availability of a free, trusted public service identity and easier access to services has had a positive social inclusion impact.

A full copy of this report titled "The SAFE-PSC-MyGovID Framework for Public Service Identity Management - Cost Benefit Analysis" is available on gov.ie.

I trusty this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Eligibility

Ceisteanna (131)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

131. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider removing the means tests for the blind pension and the disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58031/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

At the end of September 2021 there were almost 156,000 persons in receipt of means tested disability payments from my Department, comprising 154,563 persons on Disability Allowance (DA) and 1,047 in receipt of the Blind Pension (BP).

The means assessment reflects the fact that there is an expectation that people with reasonable amounts of income or capital are in a position to use these resources to support themselves, so that social welfare expenditure can be directed towards those who need it most.

In the means test, cash income that is assessed includes any income from employment or self-employment (and spouse/partner, if applicable), income from a social security pension from another country and maintenance payments.

Capital assessed as part of the means test includes all monies held in financial institutions or otherwise, the market value of shares, as well as houses and premises owned by a claimant which may or may not be put to commercial use. The family home is never assessed as part of the means test, regardless of who is the legal owner.

Both DA and BP are structured to support recipients to avail of opportunities to pursue their own employment ambitions, be that self-employment or insurable employment.

When an individual commences employment, they can avail of an income disregard of €140 per week. In addition, a 50% taper on earnings between €140 and €350 is also applied, i.e., 50% of earnings in this band are disregarded for the purpose of the means test. Earnings above €350 are assessed at 100% i.e. for every euro earned above €350 a euro reduction is applied.

The conditions attached to payment of Disability Allowance and Blind Pension are consistent with the overall conditions that apply to social assistance payments generally. This system of social assistance supports provides payments based on an income need with the means test playing the critical role in determining whether or not an income need arises as a consequence of a particular contingency – be that illness, disability, unemployment or caring.

It should be noted that measures introduced, in Budget 2022, will see increases applied related to the above, as follows:

1. An increase in the earnings threshold above which means is fully assessed, of €25 per week (from €350 to €375) for both the Disability Allowance and Blind Pension.

2. An increase in the general weekly means disregard entry point for Disability Allowance from €2.50 to 7.60. Currently the first €2.50 of weekly means is disregarded for Disability Allowance. The effect of this measure will be to increase the weekly rate of payment by up to €5.10 per week for DA recipients who have means. This increase also has the effect of bringing the general weekly disregard for DA in line with that of BP. These measures take effect from June 2022.

3. Extension of the of the €20,000 PhD scholarship income disregard (introduced earlier in the year for recipients if DA) in the means test, to recipients of the Blind Pension. This measure takes effect from January 2022.

The Department regularly reviews its supports and payments schemes to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives, while any proposed changes have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.

Community Employment Schemes

Ceisteanna (132)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

132. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider relaxing the three-year rule and allowing community employment participants to remain with a scheme longer and continue the invaluable work being provided in communities. [58032/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The aim of the Community Employment (CE) programme is to enhance the employability of disadvantaged and long-term unemployed people by providing work experience and training opportunities for them within their local communities. The programme aims to improve a person’s opportunities to return to the labour market.

CE placements are intended to be temporary and subject to time limits. This is to ensure the continued availability of places on CE schemes for a broad range of long-term unemployed candidates. Those who are unemployed and in receipt of an eligible payment for 12 months or more may be eligible to participate on CE.

In general, all CE placements for new entrants aged between 21 and 55 years are for one year. However, CE participants, working towards a major educational award, can seek to extend participation by up to two years to enable them to reach the required qualification standards.

Generally, the maximum amount of time that a person can spend on a CE scheme over his or her your lifetime is 6 years (7 years if the person is getting a disability-linked social welfare payment). A person who, for example, has completed three years on CE may be considered eligible to participate again if s/he satisfies the eligibility criteria, including being in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for 12 months.

Those over 55 years of age can remain on CE for up to three years, while CE participants who are aged over 55 and commenced on CE prior to the introduction of the changes in 2017 continue to be eligible to stay on CE for six consecutive years.

CE participants over the age of 62 can participate on a continuous basis up to the State Pension age on the CE Service Support Stream (SSS), subject to certain criteria. In total, 10% of all CE placements are available under the service support stream and Department officials continue to encourage CE schemes to promote this facility.

Other than COVID related contract extensions provided to over 18,000 participants to support CE schemes and participants during the pandemic, there are no plans at present to extend participation limits as suggested by the Deputy. Any extension would reduce the number of employment support places available for persons who are facing the greatest difficulty in returning to employment, the long-term unemployed. I will continue to support and improve the programme for the benefit of the CE participants and the valuable contribution being made to local communities through the provision of services while ensuring that places continue to be made available to those who are long term unemployed. I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Direct Provision System

Ceisteanna (133)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

133. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to claims regarding alleged sexual assaults being perpetrated against residents of direct provision centres and International Protection Appeals Tribunal-run accommodation (details supplied); the number of such alleged claims that have been reported to his Department from 1 January 2000 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57756/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

First of all, I can assure you that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by this Department is of the highest priority to both myself and my officials. Any crime of sexual assault should be reported to An Garda Síochána (AGS) and AGS investigate such crimes as appropriate.

The International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) has a sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) policy in place since 2014. IPAS also provide any assistance needed to AGS if requested. The accommodation referred to currently has no female residents and is a male only accommodation location. It was previously used to provide accommodation to families and single people. In view of the seriousness of the matters raised by the Deputy, my officials will bring this issue to the attention of the AGS.

The SGBV policy also requires the collating of these type of incidents. The statistics available are provided below. It should be noted that residents of any IPAS accommodation centre are free to make reports to another statutory body without notifying IPAS. Because of this, the number of reports received by IPAS may vary from the number of incidents reported to the relevant investigating bodies, e.g. An Garda Síochána, TUSLA.

The table below details the incidents reported to IPAS since 2015 - following the implementation of the policy.

-

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Total

Sexual Violence

1

0

0

0

1

0

1

3

Domestic Violence

2

9

8

5

4

1

14

43

Gender Based Violence

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

2

Harassment

0

3

1

1

0

1

13

19

Total

3

12

9

7

5

2

29

67

I trust this information can provide the necessary reassurance to you that the Government is committed to the welfare of all residents of our accommodation centres and the replacement of the current model of accommodation provision.

Departmental Staff

Ceisteanna (134)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

134. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if personnel in his Department have been removed from their positions, transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57893/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

No personnel in my Department have been removed from their position, transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence.

Education and Training Provision

Ceisteanna (135)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

135. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline all current nearly zero energy building courses such as NZEB, the fundamental awareness course; the number of persons currently enrolled on such courses; the total who graduated from each course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57752/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Growth in education and training provision in green skills and sustainability is ongoing across the Tertiary Education sector. A range of options are available from short courses targeted at awareness building, upskilling and reskilling programmes to full and part-time academic and vocational programmes. The curricula of many other programmes will also include elements and modules targeted to green skills and sustainability components.

In 2018, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage engaged with Waterford Wexford ETB to establish a series of National Skills Specifications and associated delivery of education and training for NZEB. This was to support the delivery of the skills required to support the move towards nearly zero energy buildings for 2020 and beyond. The first delivery of the NZEB Fundamental Awareness course commenced in November 2018. Based on the partnership with City & Guilds, WWETB are positioned to rapidly develop and offer the following courses:

- NZEB Fundamental Awareness

- NZEB for Bricklaying

- NZEB for Plastering

- NZEB for Electrical

- NZEB for Plumbing

- NZEB for Electrical

- NZEB Site Supervisor

- NZEB Retrofit

- NZEB for Construction Workers

- Ventilation measurement Proficiency Test

- NZEB for Site Supervisor

- NZEB Ventilation Systems

Over 1,400 learners have completed NZEB and retrofit training to date. The total number of beneficiaries, including a breakdown of completions for each NZEB course are contained in the attachment.

Enrolment figures are not collated by SOLAS nor the respective ETBs as they are demand-led short courses that range from 1 to 4 days in duration. Completion rates at month-end provide a more concise, accurate reflection of the uptake in the respective programmes.

NZEB Training Enrolment Details

Apprenticeship Programmes

Ceisteanna (136)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

136. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current drop-out rate from craft apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57754/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Apprentices end their registration for a variety of reasons including failed assessments, pursuing another career or educational programme or personal reasons such as serious illness etc.

2,818 apprentices withdrew from craft apprenticeships between 2016 and 2020. The non-completion rate per craft apprenticeship over the four year period 2016-2020 is set out at the link.

Craft Apprenticeship Non-Completion Rates

Third Level Examinations

Ceisteanna (137)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

137. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans that are in place to ensure that third ##level institutions are prepared for, and capable of providing, alternative assessments for students who do not wish to sit in-person examinations, or for students who are unable to attend due to a requirement to restrict their movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57755/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government statement that there will be no change in current arrangements for student attendance and on-site activities in school, further and higher education institutions in line with COVID response plans for those sectors highlights that there is no change planned to the current arrangements for student attendance and on-site activities for the further and higher education sector. It is in this context that the sector continues to operate in accordance with the provisions of the Safe Return Plan, which has facilitated the return of over 400,000 learners since September, and which has been supplemented by recent guidance in relation to the sectoral approach for this current phase of the response.

For activities that are context dependent, in such a way that a one size fits all approach will not work across the sector, institutions have discretion to adopt public health measures appropriate to their own context, actively using significant precautionary measures to mitigate risk based on risk assessment and management systems, engagement with their stakeholders and building on the practices that were accrued through onsite provision in the more restrictive context of 2020/21. This encompasses ongoing monitoring and reviewing of plans, practices and measures including the approaches that institutions will take to terminal examinations.

Last week, I met with management, staff and student representatives and the issue of examinations was discussed. Management bodies confirmed that they are actively looking at a range of approaches to ensure that end of term examinations will be safe and that the requirements of students who may have Covid 19 or underlying health conditions can be addressed.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (138)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

138. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the level of direct Exchequer funding being provided to deliver the new building to expand Dublin City University capacity in key STEM areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57778/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

DCU’s new ‘Future-Tech’ building will provide a new state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) facility.

Responding to the significant demographic pressures in DCU’s hinterland, the 10,000m² facility located at the main entrance of DCU Glasnevin Campus on Collins Ave will accommodate 3,000 additional STEM students, and house DCU’s entire School of Health & Human Performance.

Funding of the project includes an allocation of €24 million from my Department towards the overall project cost. The project in question is currently at tender stage.

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