Wednesday, 1 Dec 2021

Written Answers Nos. 99-118

Wastewater Treatment

Ceisteanna (99)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

99. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the necessary funding will be put in place to carry out the necessary works to comply with regulations in view of the EPA report that raised concerns regarding Kilgarvan and 11 other towns and villages in County Kerry in which wastewater treatment must improve to help protect freshwater pearl mussels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59406/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Programme for Government commits to funding Irish Water's capital investment plan for water infrastructure on a multi-annual basis. The National Development Plan 2021-2030 commits to almost €6 billion capital investment by Irish Water in the period 2021-2025, of which over €4.5 billion will be Voted Exchequer funding in respect of domestic water services.

In Budget 2022, I secured over €1.57 billion to support water services. This includes €1.459 billion for domestic water services provision by Irish Water. The investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and waste water services, and support a range of programmes delivering improved water quality in our rivers, lakes and marine area. It is key to addressing Ireland's shortcomings in water and waste water infrastructure, including compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Irish Water takes a strategic, nationwide approach to asset planning and investment, and meeting customer requirements. The prioritisation and progression of individual projects and programmes is a matter for determination by Irish Water.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives.  The team can be contacted via email to [e-mail] or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (100)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

100. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he will now take to maintain and extend support measures which are currently operational by his Department given reports (details supplied) to support the play and leisure industry which includes all indoor activity centres such as play centres, bowling alleys and other activities that have experienced an overnight devastating cancellation of bookings; the assurances that he can give to help maintain viability in the industry as it attempts to trade through the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59491/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Peter Burke)

In order to support ratepayers, and in recognition of the impacts of COVID 19 and the associated public health restrictions, the Government put in place a commercial rates waiver in 2020 and recouped €729m to local authorities in respect of its cost.  This meant that for eligible businesses their commercial rates were funded by Government for nine months of 2020.  €480m was allocated by Government to fund the cost of the nine month waiver this year.  These are unprecedented measures, which offer support to businesses and financial certainty to local authorities. 

The Government, in Budget 2022, announced a more targeted commercial rates waiver for Q4 2021 to cover the hospitality and tourism sectors and €62.3m has been allocated by Government for this purpose.  The waiver covers activity centres and bowling-alleys and other leisure-related business activities.

The waiver will have a positive impact for businesses, communities and for jobs. It will also ensure that local authorities receive funding in respect of commercial rates, which is critical in order for the local government sector to continue to deliver for the communities they serve.

As has been the case since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the commercial rates waiver will be kept under review.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (101)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

101. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a passport which was dispatched but not received by the applicant (details supplied); if the Passport Office will issue a new passport based on the information that had been provided and the fee already paid; if the Passport Office will issue a full refund in this case; if a full investigation will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59143/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific case about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service dispatched the applicant's passport via An Post on 27 October 2020. The applicant wrote to the Passport Service in August 2021 and the Customer Care team opened an investigation with An Post. An Post confirmed that the passport was delivered. 

The Passport Service has contacted the applicant to arrange for a gratis replacement of their passport. 

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (102)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

102. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) has not received a refund for their passport application as stated in an email; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59154/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, Passport Service records show that a refund was issued to the applicant on 2 September 2021. The Passport Service has contacted the applicant directly to confirm that the refund was received.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (103)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

103. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo on time for their travel plans. [59260/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has provided an update on the status of the passport application to the applicant. 

Human Rights

Ceisteanna (104, 105)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

104. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will introduce a resolution at the Human Rights Council addressing human rights violations in Bahrain; and if not, the reason therefor.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59274/21]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

105. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has engaged with his equivalent in Bahrain in respect of matters concerning human rights violations (details supplied). [59279/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 105 together.

Respect for 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. 

I note with concern the details in the case referred to by the Deputy Griffin. Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in Bahrain directly with the Bahraini authorities, including the specific case of Dr. Abduljalil Alsingace. 

Our active participation at the UN Human Rights Council is a particularly important fora in which to raise our concerns regarding human rights. Ireland has raised the human rights issues in Bahrain at the Human Rights Council in the form of national statements and through support to EU Statements.

Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain as a member of the European Union. At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue in February 2021, issues of concern were raised by the EU including rule of law, prison conditions, right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, freedom of association, death penalty, torture and the impact of Covid-19 on the human rights situation. 

The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has also made representations to the Bahraini authorities on human rights issues, including the detention of a number of individuals. 

Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and calls on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.

Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 104.

Northern Ireland

Ceisteanna (106)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

106. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that has been made during this parliamentary term on the commitment in the Good Friday Agreement to establish a bill of rights for citizens in Northern Ireland. [59309/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement and all subsequent implementation agreements is an utmost priority for this Government. These agreements, as well as the principles and values underpinning them, are at the core of the Government’s approach to peace, reconciliation and prosperity on this island.

A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland is an important provision of the Good Friday Agreement.  As agreed as part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement, an Ad-Hoc Assembly Committee has been established, and the Committee published its research paper on the “Key Issues for a Bill of Rights” in March 2020, and launched a public consultation in May. 

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) was established as a result of the Good Friday Agreement. It is part of a wider package of safeguards to ensure that every citizen in Northern Ireland is guaranteed equal status and equal protection under law. In February 2021, the NIHRC produced a response to the public consultation of the Ad-Hoc Committee, which emphasises that there is a need to harmonise the European Convention on Human Rights, as domesticated through the Human Rights Act, and any proposed Bill of Rights for NI to ensure a complementary interpretation about the meaning and scope of human rights.

At present, the Ad-Hoc Assembly Committee has concluded holding formal evidence gathering sessions on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The next step, as agreed as part of the New Decade, New Approach Agreement, is for the First and deputy First Ministers to jointly appoint a Panel of five experts to assist the Committee in preparing its report.

As outlined in the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to working in support of the full implementation of the NDNA. A NDNA Implementation Review Meeting is planned for the period ahead, which provides for an opportunity to discuss progress made to date as well as outstanding commitments. 

European Union

Ceisteanna (107)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

107. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of countries that have applied to join the European Union; the present status of their applications; the position being adapted by this country to these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59389/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Ireland has always been, and will remain, a strong supporter of enlargement of the European Union, provided that candidate countries meet the necessary conditions for membership. We recognise the value of enlargement as a transformative driver for stability and peace in candidate countries. It was welcome that the Declaration adopted at the EU-Western Balkans Summit this year contained a clear signal of the continuing priority afforded by the EU to the Enlargement dossier and to achieving early progress in advancing the accession process.

There are five recognised candidates for membership of the European Union: Turkey, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, and Serbia. Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina are recognised as potential candidates by the EU. Bosnia and Herzegovina has formally submitted an application for membership, while Kosovo has a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU.

The European Commission presented Member States with the main findings and recommendations of the seven country reports on 19 October in this year’s ‘Enlargement Package’. While situations vary from country to country, the report noted limited progress in the enlargement process overall due to both the impact of the pandemic and ongoing delays and blockages in the enlargement process. It also notes a general stagnation in progress in the crucial areas of fundamental rights and rule of law.

While technically remaining the two front-runners in terms of EU accession, there is general agreement within both Council and Commission that  both Serbia and Montenegro need to increase the dynamism in their reform agenda. Serbia needs to accelerate its reforms regarding fundamental rights and the rule of law, and make significant progress in the normalisation of relations with Kosovo. In Montenegro, more intensive efforts in relation to freedom of expression, media freedom and the fight against corruption and organised crime are required. We also urge intensified dialogue among all parties in Montenegro to address those issues currently giving rise to tensions within the country

Both North Macedonia and Albania have clearly fulfilled the conditions necessary to commence accession negotiations. In our view, shared almost unanimously within the Council, the negotiating frameworks for both countries should be agreed and Intergovernmental Conferences held as soon as possible to start the accession process.

Kosovo is a potential candidate for Membership of the EU. The Commission’s report on Kosovo in 2021 noted that the political situation there remains challenging. Rule of law, judicial reform, public administration reform, organised crime and normalisation of the relationship with Serbia are just some of the areas that must be comprehensively addressed in order for Kosovo to advance on its European path.

The EU has clearly set out the fourteen priority areas for reform which need to be progressed, if Bosnia and Herzegovina is to advance on its European path. We call on all parties and leaders within Bosnia and Herzegovina to avoid further delay in progressing this urgent reform agenda, including in the areas of electoral and constitutional law.

Turkey remains a candidate country for EU membership. However, given recent concerns regarding the rule of law and respect for human rights within the country, there are no proposals at present to open or close further chapters and the accession process effectively remains frozen.  Ireland has been clear that if Turkey wants to make real progress in its relationship with the EU it will need to show a readiness over a longer period to promote a genuine partnership with the EU and to resolve differences through dialogue and in accordance with international law.

Ireland will continue to support strongly the enlargement process and offer any practical assistance it can to candidate countries engaged in accession negotiations to the EU.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (108)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

108. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason it took the Passport Office 65 working days after the receipt of a passport application from a person (details supplied) to request additional documentation; if this passport will be dispatched in time for travel on 23 December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59413/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the application was submitted online on 23 August 2021. Supporting documents were received by the Passport Service on 16 September 2021. The Passport Service contacted the applicant's parent on 22 November 2021, 46 working days after the receipt of some of the required supporting documents.  

The Passport Service cannot process an application until the required supporting documents have been received. The Passport Service has provided an update to the applicant's parent as to the steps they must take to progress the passport application.

Passport processing times for online first time applications is 40 working days. This average application turnaround time relates to passport applications submitted to the Passport Service with all required supporting documentation.  When passport applicants do not provided all of the requisite documentation to the Passport Service, it takes much longer to process the application and issue a passport.

The Passport Service is attaching particular priority to the nearly 7% of online applications which have not been issued on or before estimated issue date which was indicated to the applicant. Intensive work is underway to eliminate these delays which are very much regretted by the Service.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (109)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

109. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport for a child (details supplied) will be dispatched in view of the fact that they are due to travel on 2 December 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59494/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to the applicant. 

European Union

Ceisteanna (110)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

110. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Defence the policy of his Department in relation to the European Union policy to grow the armaments industry across the European Union in view of Ireland's traditional view of this industry and the destruction, suffering and poverty it causes worldwide and particularly in poorer countries; the reason that he spoke at and attended an online event recently that had as its aims networking in relation to promoting the new European Union funding and technology supports for the defence and security research, innovation, development and manufacturing ecosystem in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59387/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The European Union's common security and defence policy (CSDP) is the policy which sets out the EU’s framework in the field of defence and crisis management, including defence cooperation and coordination between Member States in support of international peace and security.  The EU proposes to be a provider of security for its citizens, to protect values and interests and contribute to international peace and security.

Ireland is a strong proponent of the important role the EU can play in support of international peace and security within the framework of the UN.  To that end, Ireland, through our central engagement in all CSDP processes, seeks to ensure our influence in the development of EU policy and to influence its evolution.

Emerging from the 2016 EU Global strategy, a number of CSDP initiatives have evolved rapidly over the past few years. These initiatives include Permanent Structured Cooperation – PESCO, the Coordinated Annual Review of Defence (CARD), the establishment of the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the European Peace Facility (EPF).

Crisis management missions and operations are the most visible and tangible expression of the CSDP. Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed to three UN-mandated EU military missions and operations.  As an active participant in CSDP missions and operations, it is important that we uphold Ireland’s key values and objectives regarding the direction of travel and the role of CSDP Missions and Operations (civilian and military) and our participation in these CSDP missions complements our long-standing tradition of participating in UN peacekeeping operations. With more complex mandates, and often with fewer resources, missions are expected to perform multiple, simultaneous, interdependent tasks in harsh and remote operating environments. The peacekeeping partnership between the UN Secretariat and Member States demands focused and coordinated efforts to provide adequate support to our peacekeepers in the field and generate the appropriate resources for the efficient delivery of UN mandates. 

The event to which the Deputy refers took place as a webinar on Thursday last. Its aim was to provide information to Irish industry and research institutions on the opportunities for EU funding for research and development projects and engagement in cross-border European programmes and projects in the security and defence domain. The event was very well attended by Irish companies and research institutes, including the higher education sector.

Contributors to the seminar  included the European Commission (Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space) and the European Defence Agency. The event also involved a number of European enterprises sharing their experience of the wide-ranging opportunities that there are for Irish research institutions and industrial entities in the security and defence domain, particularly for exploitation of dual use technologies.  Associations representing Defence and Security research and enterprise also participated in the event.

The funding opportunities outlined at the seminar are about a wide range of technology, research and development and, in particular, dual use technologies.  During negotiations for the EDF regulations and the first two work programmes for 2021 and 2022 as well as for the forerunner programmes for the EDF, my officials in the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs, with support from across government, joined with colleagues from other smaller member states and those without traditional defence industries to maximise the possibilities for engagement by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to minimise direct awards to the traditional defence industry, to maximise transparency and open up supply.

The seminar  follows on from the publication last year by my Department and the Defence Forces of a Feasibility Study which, identified the value of having a research technology and innovation capability within the Defence Organisation.  The feasibility study identifies that this RTI capability should  focus on technologies at lower technology readiness levels (TRL) that have broad potential utilisation in both the civil and security and defence spheres and on leveraging innovations from the civilian sector in a manner that offers potential benefits for our Defence forces as well as for industry and academia.

The recent establishment of the RTI Unit in Defence has the potential to set a new strategic direction for Defence innovation and collaboration, to drive internal innovation in the Defence Organisation and to contribute to the development of a security and defence dual-use innovation eco-system.   The Defence RTI Unit will also support Irish enterprise and research bodies in accessing EU funding streams, including through the European Defence Fund, the EDA and their engagement with European networks and SMEs across the EU.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (111)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

111. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are no special educational needs organisers (SENO) covering south County Tipperary (details supplied); when will the National Council for Special Education appoint a dedicated SENO for south County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59163/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education (Deputy Josepha Madigan)

My Department does not manage the recruitment of or the day to day operational management of Special Education Needs Organisers  (SENO's),

SENO's are employees of the NCSE and as such I am forwarding your query to the NCSE for their direct reply to you.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (112)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

112. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Education the status of building works taking place on a site for a school (details supplied); the projected timeline for completion of the school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59165/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The permanent building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme. 

This delivery programme uses a professional external Project Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.   

An application for Planning Permission was submitted to the relevant Local Authority in June 2021. 

A Request for Further Information (RFI) was received on 28th July 2021 and my Department’s Project Manager has been actively working through the items raised.  It is expected that a response to the RFI will issue shortly.

It is not possible to provide an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.

 

 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (113, 119)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

113. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education her advice on a matter (details supplied) in relation to the wearing of masks in primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59186/21]

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

119. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the wearing of Covid-19-related masks is having a significantly adverse impact on the ability of deaf and hard of hearing children to lip-read and that such masking further prolongs speech development delay and social isolation; the measures she is taking to address this within education settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59402/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 119 together.

The Department has always been guided by Public Health as to the mitigation measures needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in our schools.  The aim of all of the Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures that have been put in place for schools is to support schools to operate safely and prevent the introduction of Covid-19 and also the onward of transmission of Covid-19 among the school community. These measures protect pupils, their parents and school staff and are very effective when adhered to.

NPHET has recommended and the Government has approved a measure introducing the wearing of face masks by children aged nine years and older in a number of settings, including for children in 3rd class and above in primary schools.  HSPC interim Guidance on the use of face coverings in childcare and educational setting can be found atwww.gov.ie/en/publication/1f9ba-interim-guidance-on-the-use-of-face-coverings-in-childcare-and-educational-settings/

The Department has provided guidance for schools, including information on those categories of children who are exempt on medical grounds from wearing face masks. It is recognised that in the case of certain children with additional needs, schools may be already aware of difficulties they may face in the appropriate use of face coverings. Schools will be best placed to identify those children whose complex needs are such that the wearing of face covering may not be possible for them, and to discuss this with parents as required. In such circumstances, a school may not require medical certification to provide an exemption to the wearing of face coverings. The measure is being introduced on a temporary basis and is subject to review in mid-February 2022

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (114)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

114. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will introduce a full trace and track procedure in place for schools in order to assist with the mitigation of Covid-19 spread in the schools system; and if she has considered advising that primary schools reintroduce a pod system for pupils in class. [59257/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The approach to supporting schools to operate safely during Covid-19 has been to follow and implement public health advice. Following a recommendation from NPHET, a decision was taken by Government to cease routine contact tracing of asymptomatic close contacts in children older than 3 months to under 13 years outside of the household setting, including those attending primary educational with the exception of special educational settings. Contact tracing continues for those over 13 years, including those attending post primary schools.

If there are particular outbreaks of concern in educational facilities, Public Health teams will continue to provide support to schools should it be required and testing will remain available more broadly to children should it be required on public health or clinical grounds or following a Public Health Risk Assessment.

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, with effect from this week. 

Parents and Guardians of a primary school child, who is a confirmed case of COVID-19 following a PCR test, are asked to inform their school’s principal. The school principal will then inform the parents of other children in the pod of a confirmed case. No personal details of the child will be shared. These parents will be provided with the option to receive free antigen tests for their child, which they will be able to order for delivery to their home. 

 

Education Policy

Ceisteanna (115)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

115. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the process that will be followed in reviewing the DEIS programme; if there will be a public consultation before consultants are appointed to carry out the review; when the review will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59272/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Budget 2022 has provided for an allocation of €18million for 2022 and €32million for 2023 to extend the DEIS programme to further schools with the highest levels of disadvantage. This represents an increase of over 20% in funding for the DEIS programme and will enable an expansion in 2022 to additional schools.

This package follows an extensive body of work which has been under taken by the DEIS technical group in relation to the development of a model to identify the concentrated levels of disadvantage of schools. The refined model is an objective, statistics based process, based on school enrolment data and data available from Census 2016 under the HP Deprivation Index. It is important to note that there is no application process for inclusion in the DEIS programme and all schools will be considered for inclusion.

This work involved an initial process of consultation by my Department with the education partners on the technical aspects of the model. Over the coming weeks there will be further consultation with relevant stakeholders to outline the components of the model. The purpose is to ensure that, as far as possible, the refined DEIS identification model can provide an objective and independent means of identifying schools serving high concentrations of pupils at risk of educational disadvantage and also to ensure there is a full understanding of the refined model and its potential application.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (116)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

116. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she and her officials will examine the case of a person (details supplied) for Covid-19 leave; and if she will intervene on their behalf. [59295/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The most up to date guidance in respect of pregnant employees, for the education sector was published by the HSE in July 2021 and authored by the Civil Service Chief Medical Officer, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Public Health Medicine in HSE and Medmark Occupational Healthcare (OHS). 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 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 has been vaccinated.  

All teachers 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 teachers, are considered during the OHS COVID-19 health risk categorisation assessment process.   For a pregnant teacher, from 14 weeks gestation and categorised as ‘High Risk’ by the OHS who works in a special education setting, she may in certain circumstances be exposed to a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and may be facilitated to work outside of the special education classroom.

A teacher who considers the OHS ‘COVID-19 Health Risk Categorisation Report’ places them in an incorrect risk category, may request a review.  The OHS will re-evaluate the medical evidence provided. The teacher may provide additional medical evidence as part of the review process. Based on the documentation you have provided, a COVID-19 health risk categorisation assessment was carried out by the OHS on the teacher in question and she was not categorised as ‘Very High Risk’, including following a review.

It is of course open to the teacher 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.

School Funding

Ceisteanna (117)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

117. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the funding streams available for the running of primary schools; the dates in which these funds are forwarded to individual schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59326/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

My Department provides funding to recognised Primary schools by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. 

Capitation grant funding issues in two instalments in January and June each year. Ancillary grant funding is paid in March annually.

In addition, under the COVID-19 response plans, a range of supports are being made available to all recognised schools in the free education scheme which include additional financial supports to provide for Cleaning, PPE and hand hygiene.

Details of Covid-19 grant payments for Term 2 of the 2021/22 school year, which covers the period January to March 2022, will be made available shortly. The funding arrangements for Term 3 will be considered according to the public health advice in place at the time.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (118)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

118. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if she is considering providing access to either funding or a procurement scheme for the purchase of HEPA filters for classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59333/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The Department’s ventilation guidance for schools is very clear and practical on the steps to be taken by all schools to manage ventilation levels.

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 updated guidance for schools is also fully in line with the most recent guidance on non-healthcare building ventilation during COVID-19, published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre last Thursday November 18th .

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

The over-arching approach for schools should be to have windows open as fully as possible when classrooms are not in use (e.g. during break-times or lunch-times and also at the end of each school day) and partially open when classrooms are in use.  It is worth noting that windows do not need to be open as wide in windy/colder weather in order to achieve the same level of airflow into the classroom. This will assist in managing comfort levels in classrooms during periods of colder weather.

Deployment of the above measures can be supplemented and enhanced by the use of Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) monitors. These monitors can provide a useful general indication that areas/  rooms may not be adequately ventilated and can enable occupants to become familiar with  the impact of activities, outdoor weather and window openings on levels of good ventilation within a room.

The guidance outlines that Carbon Dioxide (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.

The Department considers the above practical steps and stepwise approach are sufficient to ensure good ventilation practices in school while at the same time ensuring an appropriate balance between ventilation and comfort.

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.