Tuesday, 1 Feb 2022

Written Answers Nos. 490-509

School Patronage

Ceisteanna (490)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

490. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a report on the online patronage process system that was opened in 2018 to decide 42 new schools to include name of school and catchment area, type of patronage of each school; if enrolment has opened on the schools; if the schools have temporary sites or permanent sites or both identified; the stage the building of these schools is at; when they are expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4855/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I wish to advise the Deputy that the information requested relating to the 42 new schools, announced in 2018, is set out in tabular format for ease of reference.  

When a new school is being established to cater for demographic need a patronage process is run. This patronage process is open to all patron bodies and prospective patrons. Parental preferences for each patron, from parents of children who reside in the school planning areas concerned, together with the extent of diversity currently available in these areas, are key to decisions in relation to the outcome of this process.

The Online Patronage Process System (OPPS) has been developed by the Department to provide objective information to all parents and guardians which will allow them to make an informed choice in expressing a preference for their preferred model of patronage for their child’s education.

The patronage process for new schools is overseen by an external independent advisory group, the New Schools Establishment Group (NSEG). Following their consideration of the Department’s assessment reports, the NSEG will submit a report with recommendations to the Minister for consideration and final decision. The assessment reports and the NSEG recommendations for all such patronage processes are available on the Department's website (www.education.ie ) and gov.ie.

All school building projects are progressed through the preliminary and detailed design stages aligning to my Department's Design Team Procedures prior to proceeding to tender and construction. These stages ensure that all projects are designed against the twin benchmarks of quality and cost control. Under these procedures my Department engages with the Project Manger to ensure that high standards in respect of both benchmarks are met. My Department constantly endeavours to progress projects through the stages of architectural planning, tender and construction in the shortest timeframes possible consistent with ensuring high quality and cost effective design.

As with all school building projects, pre planning meetings are required with the Local Authority in advance of preparing a Planning Application. This is to ensure the highest probability of a successful planning application in the shortest time possible. A considerable amount of work is required following the pre-planning meeting to prepare a suitably detailed application. The Department must await a decision on planning from the local authority. A notification to grant planning can be received after 8 weeks, although there is a possibility for the Local Authority to request further information (RFI). There is always also the possibility of an An Bord Pleanala Appeal (ABP) and if this occurs it may add a further six to eight months or more to the final planning decision date.  If planning is delayed, the Department has to put contingency arrangements in place to support the operation of schools.  

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

Post Primary

-			Announced
			for
School Planning Area	School Name	Roll Number	establishment	Established	Patron	Permanent Site Status	Building Project
Donaghmede_Howth_D13/Belmayne/Clongriffin	Belmayne ETSS	68346T	2019	2019	Educate Together	Acquired	Stage 3
GalwayCity & Oranmore (Regional Solution)	Galway ETSS	68347V	2019	2019	Educate Together	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
Laytown & Drogheda (Regional Solution)	Drogheda ETSS	68348A	2019	2019	Educate Together	Agreement in principle	Stage 1
Wicklow	Wicklow ETSS	68345R	2019	2019	Educate Together	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
Blanchardstown_West D15 & BlanchardstownVge_D15 (Regional Solution)	Ériu Community College	76574F	2020	2020	Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB)	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
Goatstown_Stillorgan DLR	Goatstown Educate Together Secondary School	68366C	2020	2020	Educate Together	Acquired	Stage 2a
Enfield (Kilcock school planning area)	Enfield Community College	76595N	2020	2020	Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB)	Acquired	Stage 2b
Citywest/Saggart (Tallaght & Newcastle_Rathcoole school planning areas) (Regional Solution)	Coláiste Pobail Fóla	76594L	2020	2020	Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB)	ETB Property	Stage 2b
Dublin6_Clonskeagh & Dublin_6W (Regional Solution)	Harold’s Cross Educate Together Secondary School	68365A	2020	2020	Educate Together	Acquired	Stage 2b
Ballincollig	Le Cheile Secondary School Ballincollig	68385G	2021	2021	Le Chéile Schools Trust	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
Booterstown_Blackrock & Dunlaoghaire (Regional Solution)	Booterstown Blackrock and Dunlaoghaire Educate Together Secondary School	68387K	2021	2021	Educate Together	Acquired	Stage 2b
Donaghmede_Howth_D13/Baldoyle/Stapolin	Patron to confirm	N/A	2021	Deferred	TBD	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
Dublin2_Dublin4	Patron to confirm	N/A	2021	Deferred	TBD	Acquired	Project Brief
Kilcoole & Greystones (Regional Solution)	Greystones Community College	76596P	2021	2020	Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB)	Agreement in principle	Stage 1
Sallynoggin_Killiney_DLR/Cherrywood	Patron to confirm	N/A	2021	Deferred	TBD	Acquired	Stage 2b
Drumcondra_Marino_Dublin1	Patron to confirm	N/A	2022	Deferred	TBD	Negotiations	Project Brief

Building Project

Site Acquisition - site may be acquired by the Department or by the school's patron

Project Brief stage - this includes determining the project brief and schedule of accommodation

Stage 1 - Preliminary

Stage 2 - Design (which is divided into Stage 2a - Developed Sketch Scheme and Stage 2b - Detailed Design)

Stage 3 - Tender Action, Evaluation and Award

Stage 4 - Construction

* Pre-designated as an Irish-medium school

Primary

No.	School Planning Area	School Name	Roll Number	Announced  for establishment	Established	Patron	Permanent Site Status	Building Project
1	Booterstown_Blackrock	Gaelscóil Laighean	20518E	2019	2019	An Foras Pátrúnachta	Agreement in principle with Local Authority executive, subject to approval by Elected Members	Site Acquisition Process
2	Donaghmede_Howth_D13	Stapolin ETNS	20519G	2019	2019	Educate Together	Acquired	Stage 3
3	Drumcondra_Marino_Dublin1	Gaelscóil Áine	20517C	2019	2019	An Foras Pátrúnachta	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
4	Dublin6_Clonskeagh & Dublin_6W (Regional Solution)	Harolds Cross ETNS	20520O	2019	2019	Educate Together	Acquired	Stage 2b
5	Dunshaughlin	Dunshaughlin Community National School	20521Q	2019	2020	Louth & Meath Education & Training Board	Acquired	Stage 2b
6	Glasheen_CorkCity/Pouladuff	South Lee ETNS	20522S	2019	2019	Educate Together	Agreement in principle with Local Authority executive, subject to approval by Elected Members	Site Acquisition Process
7	Goatstown_Stillorgan_DLR	Goatstown Stillorgan ETNS	20523U	2019	2019	Educate Together	Acquired	Stage 2a
8	Kilcoole/Newtownmountkennedy	Newtownmountkennedy ETNS	20524W	2019	2019	Educate Together	Acquired	Stage 1
9	Killester_Raheny_Clontarf	KRC ETNS	20525B	2019	2019	Educate Together	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
10	Leixlip	Leixlip ETNS	20526D	2019	2019	Educate Together	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
11	Maynooth	Gaelscóil Ruairí	20527F	2019	2019	An Foras Pátrúnachta	ETB Property	Stage 2b
12	Swords/South	Rivervalley Community National School	20528H	2019	2019	Dublin & Dun Laoghaire ETB	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
13	Swords/North	Broadmeadow CNS	20529J	2019	2020	Dublin & Dun Laoghaire ETB	Minister Property	Pre Stage 1
14	Carrigaline	Owenabue Educate Together National School	20534C	2020	2020	Educate Together	Negotiations	Project Brief
15	Donabate	Gaelscoil na Mara*	20530R	2020	2020	An Foras Pátrúnachta	Approval in Principle	Site Acquisition Process
16	Newcastle_Rathcoole/Saggart	Rathcoole Educate Together National School	20549P	2020	2020	Educate Together	ETB Property	Stage 2a
17	Sallynoggin_Killiney_DLR/Cherrywood	Cherrywood Educate Together National School	20535E	2020	2020	Educate Together	Acquired	Stage 4 (expected completion July 2022)
18	Bray/Woodbrook Shanganagh	Patron to confirm	20536G	2021	Deferred	TBD	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
19	Clondalkin_D22	Patron to confirm	20537I	2021	Deferred	TBD	Minister Property	Project Brief
20	Donaghmede_Howth_D13	Gaelscoil Ghráinne Mhaol*	20538K	2021	2021	An Forus Patrunachta	Minister Property	Stage 1
21	Dublin2_Dublin4	Gaelscoil Eoin*	20539M	2021	2021	An Forus Patrunachta	Minister Leased Property	Stage 1
22	Gurranbraher_CorkCity	Patron to confirm	20540U	2021	Deferred	TBD	Agreement in principle	Site Acquisition Process
23	Kilkenny/City, Western Environs	Patron to confirm	20541W	2021	Deferred	TBD	Aquired	Site Acquisition Process
24	Naas	Patron to confirm	20542B	2021	Deferred	TBD	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process
25	Sallynoggin_Killiney_DLR/North	Sallynoggin ETNS	20543D	2021	Deferred	Educate Together	Agreement in principle	Stage 1
26
	Sallynoggin_Killiney_DLR/Cherrywood	Patron to confirm*	20544F	2022	Deferred	TBD	Negotiations	Site Acquisition Process

Building Project

Site Acquisition - site may be acquired by the Department or by the school's patron

Project Brief stage - this includes determining the project brief and schedule of accommodation

Stage 1 - Preliminary

Stage 2 - Design (which is divided into Stage 2a - Developed Sketch Scheme and Stage 2b - Detailed Design)

Stage 3 - Tender Action, Evaluation and Award

Stage 4 - Construction

* Pre-designated as an Irish-medium school

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (491)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

491. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the plans for a building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4856/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

In consultation with Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB, who are the owners of the site, my Department is considering potential long-term requirements for this property. These considerations will have regard to the projected population growth under Project Ireland 2040. It will also have regard to future requirements for temporary or permanent accommodation solutions for mainstream or special education needs.

Site Acquisitions

Ceisteanna (492)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

492. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a full report on all the actions that have been taken to identify a temporary and a permanent site for a school (details supplied) including efforts to purchase or lease a site as well as using any existing site owned by her Department with a list of all the sites that were looked at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4857/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Please find set out below links to information sent to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council(DLRCC) in relation to the Department’s search for a permanent school site for Gaelscoil laighean. This information was circulated to the Elected Members of DLRCC.

Sites Assessed

Map

Report

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (493)

Ivana Bacik

Ceist:

493. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) is on schedule to move to its permanent premises for September 2023 given delays in the commencement of building work on that site. [4859/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of the tender process.  The Design Team have submitted a Stage 3 tender report, which identifies a recommended bidder.  Subject to no issues arising it is envisaged that construction could commence in Quarter 2 of 2022 with an estimated completion timeframe of 21 months.

School Funding

Ceisteanna (494)

Neasa Hourigan

Ceist:

494. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education if she will set out in respect of the €20 million capital allocation announced in budget 2022 to schools for the purchase of books, audio books and other media, the way schools can access such funding; the timeline for the roll-out of the funding; her plans to conduct an evaluation of its impact after the fact; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4358/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Funding of €20 million is being made available in 2022 so as to enable all schools to purchase books, audio books and other media for the purposes of improving their existing literacy resource banks. This funding is additional to that already given for the school books rental scheme and book grants to all recognised primary and post primary schools within the Free Education Scheme in order to alleviate the cost of school books for parents.

An announcement will be made in the coming weeks on when the grant monies will be paid to the schools.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (495)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

495. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if an urgent review will be carried out in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); if the application will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4865/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.

Under the terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school transport where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability and  are attending the nearest recognised school/class that is resourced to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers.

The pupil in question was accommodated on an existing SEN service and, based on public health advice, this service operated to the school in question in the 2020/21 school year at 50% capacity. However, 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 the service to resume operating at 100% capacity.

Once the service resumed operating at 100% capacity, an application for an individual service for this pupil was received in School Transport Section.  The individual service has now been sanctioned and the family concerned have been notified.

School Inspections

Ceisteanna (496)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

496. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education the status of the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Polasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta by the dedicated inspectorate team within her Department; the reports she has received to date from the inspectorate team with regard to the effectiveness of the implementation of the policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4866/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I can confirm that the team of  Inspectors within my Department continue to carry out advisory sessions to provide support for schools in implementing the language-based criteria to achieve Gaeltacht school recognition under the provisions of the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme. They  also provide information on progress being made by schools to my Department.  In collaboration with schools, inspectors are also assisting with the identification of examples of innovative practice in the provision of high-quality immersion education. Due to the exceptional circumstances arising from the global pandemic, online advisory sessions have been provided to schools over the past 2 years. A combination of online and face-to-face advisory sessions will continue to be provided to schools in 2022.

 My Department published an Inspectorate report on the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme in December 2018, which identified the key messages from advisory visits carried out by inspectors to Gaeltacht Schools under the Scheme. The report found that:

- early-immersion education was being implemented in junior and senior infants in almost all primary schools participating in the Scheme

- a wider range of subjects was being taught through the medium of Irish in post-primary schools

- while there were challenges in post-primary schools in relation to the use of Irish as the language of communication amongst students, significant efforts were being made - to address those challenges and progress was already being made.

A range of Guides have been issued to schools to promote the use of Irish in Gaeltacht schools and communities, including the following:

- Guide for Gaeltacht Primary Schools: Indicators of Good Practice for Immersion Education (2020)

- Guide for Gaeltacht Post-Primary Schools: Indicators of Good Practice for Immersion Education (2020)

- A Guide for Gaeltacht Schools: Partnership with the Community in promoting the use of Irish (2021)

- Guide for Gaeltacht Schools: Strengthening links between Primary Schools and Early Learning and Care (ELC) Settings (2021)

A three-year Research and Evaluation Study plan has been developed by the Gaeltacht Education Unit in collaboration with the Educational Research Centre (ERC) and the Inspectorate to evaluate the impact and outcomes of the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme in order to inform future policy and practice in schools. An initial Report on Case-study Schools participating in the Gaeltacht Recognition Scheme was published in September 2021. These case-studies, which were carried out in twelve primary schools and seven post-primary schools, provide a comprehensive insight into the schools’ own innovations and good practices, and on their learnings to date through their school self-evaluation practices.

The Report on Case-study Schools includes many positive findings in relation to:

- the practice of boards of management, teachers, pupils and parents regarding the use of Irish

- schools’ re-energised vision for the Irish language and Gaeltacht identity

- the increased use and promotion of Irish language and culture in school communities

- the effective implementation of early immersion in Irish in all case-study primary schools

- the innovative strategies being implemented in a number of schools to extend the use of Irish

- the use of digital technology as a teaching resource in certain instances.

The following areas were identified as requiring further development:

- the use of Irish as the language of socialisation among students in some post-primary schools

- better facilitation of the effective transition from naíonraí to Gaeltacht primary schools in some cases

- the need to strengthen the involvement of parents and pupils/students in action-planning and school self-evaluation.

The Research and Evaluation study will continue during 2022/23. The ERC continues to conduct research on student attainment and on the views of parents, students, teachers and principals of participating schools. A report on these research findings will be published by my Department in 2022.

Departmental Programmes

Ceisteanna (497)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

497. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 79 of 23 November 2021, the status of the roll-out of the refined DEIS model; the timeline for the extension of the DEIS programme to new schools; when schools will be notified of same; the details of her Department’s plans for further engagement with relevant stakeholders in advance of the implementation of the refined model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4867/22]

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 DEIS ID 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 the DEIS programme and all schools will be considered under the refined DEIS model when it is applied. 

During the process to refine the DEIS identification model, and as is general practice in the Department, my Department has consulted with education partners (school management and national parent representative bodies and unions) on the technical aspects of the refinement of the DEIS identification model. The purpose of this engagement 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.

There will be further engagement with relevant stakeholders in advance of the implementation of the refined DEIS identification model.  

School Admissions

Ceisteanna (498)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

498. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if an application for a secondary school place in the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed and or facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4872/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in that area.

Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.  However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

The act requires schools to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied.  Some schools may apply a catchment area as one of their selection criteria.  The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. My Department does not seek to intervene in the selection criterion that is applied by schools.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (499)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

499. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the number of additional special education classes that have opened in the country in each of the years since 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4875/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.  

This year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs.

This includes additional teaching and care supports.

As a result, the number of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels. 

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.

Throughout 2020 and 2021, my Department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special needs placements ahead of each new school-year

I am satisfied that this more joined up approach is delivering. Through this intensive intervention, we have seen an additional 301 special classes, providing over 1,800 new places, opened nationwide for the 2021/22 school-year.

I also acknowledge that notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some parts of the country where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.

NCSE has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents and seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements. 

It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.

The following table outlines the number of newly established special classes by school year:

Newly Established Special Classes by School Year

-	2016/17	2017/18	2018/19	2019/20	2020/21	2021/22
Primary	94	129	108	135	132	214
Post Primary	56	43	53	57	70	87
TOTAL Per Year	150	172	161	192	202	*301

*Special classes opened to date in current 2021/22 school year

I want to reassure the Deputy that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.

State Examinations

Ceisteanna (500)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

500. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 757 of 19 January 2022 and the response from the State Examinations Commission (details supplied), if she will facilitate use of an alternative leaving certificate that includes calculated grades in respect of students that have lifelong health issues that have been compounded by the risk posed by Covid-19; and if she will also provide same for students that have missed considerable resource hours in school due to teacher and student absences due to Covid-19. [4880/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

In recent weeks, I have attended a meeting with the Advisory Group on State Examinations, which has representatives of students, parents, teachers, school managerial bodies, the further and higher education sector, and the State Examinations Commission. Following on from this meeting, I met with the members of the advisory group on a bilateral basis and also had further engagement with each of them thereafter.  I have listened carefully to what each of these stakeholders has had to say and examined each of their points.

Following consideration of this matter by Government today, I announced the decision: to operate an examinations  approach for Leaving Certificate in 2022, with significant further adjustments to the examinations; and to provide students with a commitment that the overall results of Leaving Certificate 2022 will not be lower than in 2021. As the Deputy may be aware, it would not have been possible to run Accredited Grades in the same manner as last year, as Junior Cycle data was unavailable for 25% of our students.

The further extensive changes I have announced to the examination papers, over and above those announced in August 2021, mean that candidates: have greater choice in the papers; have less questions to answer; and still have the same amount of time as in a normal year to complete the examination. For example, in mathematics on each paper, instead of having to answer all ten questions, candidates will only have to answer six.

This is in addition to previously announced changes, such as the running of the Leaving Certificate Oral Examinations and Music Practical over the first week of the Easter Break.

Timeframes for certain assessment elements of the Leaving Certificate Applied examinations have also been pushed out. Schools were also reminded of the flexibilities regarding the dates for completion and authentication of examination Coursework.

I believe that the decision announced today will provide Leaving Certificate students of 2022 with an opportunity for their learning and attainment at the end of their post-primary education to be assessed, and will enable them to progress to the next stage of their lives. It also provides the certainty and clarity in this matter that had been requested by schools and parents.

Students who are unable to take their 2022 Leaving Certificate examinations in June due to serious illness, Covid-related illness based on public health advice at that time, or due to close family bereavement, will have access to an alternative sitting of the examinations. 

The alternative set of examinations is intended to commence shortly following the first set of examinations.  There will be strict eligibility criteria applying to this alternative sitting, to be determined by the State Examinations Commission, having regard to the prevailing public health advice and with due regard for the principles of equity, fairness and integrity which govern all aspects of the examinations system.

The State Examinations Commission will shortly be issuing further details regarding the 2022 examinations.

School Staff

Ceisteanna (501)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

501. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if she will respond to correspondence from an organisation (details supplied) in respect of the latest position of school secretaries and their campaign for improved working conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5038/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

School secretaries and caretakers are valued members of our school communities and my Department is fully aware of the vitally important role played by them in the running of our schools. 

The majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools receive assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services under grant schemes. Where a school employs a staff member to support those functions those staff are employees of individual schools and responsibility for terms of employment rests with the school.

The Department with school management bodies have been engaging with Fórsa on a claim on terms and conditions for grant-funded school secretaries and caretakers.  On the 27th of October 2020, under the auspices of the WRC, an understanding was agreed on a pathway to progress the issues. Several key strands were identified, and a phased approach is being taken to the development of proposals.

Following intensive discussions at the WRC on 13th September 2021, there was significant progress in this dispute. Subject to agreement on all elements of the claim, the Department has offered to move School Secretaries’ pay rates to a scale which is aligned with the Clerical Officer Grade III pay scale on a pro rata basis according to a secretary’s current working pattern. The Department has also offered to improve the conditions for School Secretaries with regard to sick leave, annual leave and maternity provisions for this cohort of staff.

Further dialogue has taken place between the parties on these issues since 13 September with the aim of reaching an overall agreement. The talks continue, most recently at a meeting at the WRC on 26 January; the parties are to meet again next month, following reflection on the matters discussed at that meeting.

I welcome the continued engagement between the parties and I encourage all stakeholders to focus on finalising an agreement.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (502)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

502. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if the policy of five-day self-isolation for close contacts in special education schools will be updated with the easing of restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5049/22]

Freagraí scríofa

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

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/pupils, their parents and school staff and are very effective when adhered to. 

Public Health continue to advise that the two most important actions to prevent the introduction and spread of Covid-19 (and other respiratory viruses), is by ensuring no-one with new onset symptoms attend school, and that all recommended infection prevention and control measures are in place in line with school Covid-19 response plans.  

Public Health have also confirmed that there is no change to infection prevention and control measures in place in schools at this time, but that they will be reviewed by mid-term in February. The infection prevention and control measures in place in schools have worked very effectively to prevent and control Covid-19 in schools.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (503)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

503. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education the funding for play therapy and counselling that is available to schools in counties Roscommon and Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5053/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The provision of therapeutic supports including play therapy and counselling lies within the remit of the Department of Health, and the HSE specifically. While the Department of Health has responsibility for these services in Ireland, my Department has an important role to support the wellbeing and positive mental health of all our young people. My Department’s approach to supporting wellbeing and mental health of young people is set out in its Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice first published in 2018 and refreshed in 2019.  The approach proposed is a whole school and preventative approach which has multiple components that include providing children and young people with opportunities to:

- build core social and emotional skills and competencies

- experience supportive relationships within the school setting

- be part of a school environment and culture that feels both physically and psychologically safe, in which they feel a sense of belonging and connectedness, that their voice is heard, and they feel supported

Embedded in the whole-school approach is the recognition that members of the school community may have different needs at different times and that a continuum of support in relation to wellbeing should be made available.

My Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools. This involves direct support in the event of a critical incident, access to national and regional support and development work to build school capacity to support students, access to a NEPS psychologist for responses to queries arising, and access to individual pupil casework where there is need via a NEPS psychologist. NEPS works closely with the HSE and its agencies to ensure those who may require the provision of therapy or counselling are referred on the appropriate clinical services for intervention and support.

The NEPS Support and Development service, reaching an estimated 25,000 teachers annually, is an applied psychological service for school staff to help build their capability to respond to the wellbeing, academic, social and emotional needs of all students, and particularly those who are experiencing barriers to their wellbeing, learning, inclusion and participation. Professional learning activities to support children/young people with social/emotional/mental health difficulties and to promote positive wellbeing in school include the FRIENDS programmes. These are evidence-based anxiety prevention and resilience building programmes, which foster self-concept and a sense of school belonging using Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutically-informed approaches. Friends programmes help students to develop resilience by teaching them effective strategies to cope with, problem solve and manage all kinds of emotional distress, including worry, stress, change and anxiety. The Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management programme is an evidence-based programme that equips teachers to manage their classrooms effectively to prevent and reduce behavioural problems while promoting children’s wellbeing and emotional and social competence. Since Covid-19 the training has been adapted to online format which increases accessibility for teachers. 

NEPS has developed a range of workshops on the promotion of wellbeing and resilience in schools which include upskilling school staff on the use and implementation of therapeutically-informed approaches in schools.  These include trauma-informed approaches, approaches based on the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy, and attachment-aware approaches. The approaches outlined in the workshops are based on research findings, on the experience of experts in their fields and on the experience of practicing psychologists working in schools. The workshops will be available to build the capability of school staff in both primary and post-primary settings, including for school leaders, teachers and SNAs.

My Department has built strong links with the Department of Health and both Departments are exploring ways to improve supports for young people, including around increased awareness, promoting help-seeking behaviour and sign-posting to the wide range of available services. 

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (504)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

504. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education if her Department will communicate with residents whose homes back onto the yard of a school (details supplied) and the school leadership in relation to railings being installed onto the boundary wall. [5105/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

My Department will undertake a site visit in the coming weeks to inform a technical assessment of the property. Following this technical review any necessary work will be undertaken as appropriate.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (505)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

505. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 362 of 23 November 2021, the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project as of 26 January 2022; the extent to which progress has been made since November 2021 in respect of each project with particular reference to the ongoing assessment of the needs in the area; her Department’s proposals to meet these requirements at an early date; the extent to which any or all issues likely to impact on the progression of each project have been dealt with or are currently in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5112/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.

This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs.  This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.

Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.

During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).  These projects delivered in excess of 64000 school places. 19 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 16 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. 

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.

The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.

As reported in November 2021 there are currently 5 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Celbridge school planning area.  These projects, listed below are being progressed through the various stages of assessment and delivery.

The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on a number of factors, including scale and complexity, and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the statutory approval process. There is also always a risk of unforeseen issues giving rise to slippage in the progress of a project through the design, statutory approvals or tendering process. Furthermore, Additional Accommodation projects may differ in the way they progress through the architectural planning process depending on their scope.

Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Celbridge School Planning Area:        

Roll No.	School Name	School Type	Project Type	Current Stage
18988G	St Raphael Special School	Special Education	New School   (Campus Project)	Project Brief
20257C	Scoil Naomh Padraig	Primary	New School   (Campus Project)	Project Brief
18644U	Straffan NS	Primary	Extension	Project Brief
91614B	Celbridge Community School	Post Primary	New School   (Campus Project)	Project Brief
61661P	Salesian College	Post Primary	Extension	Stage 4

The three schools in Celbridge (St Raphael Special School, Scoil Naomh Padraig & Celbridge Community School) will be delivered as part of a campus development. The Department has reached agreement in principle with the relevant landowner for the acquisition of a site to accommodate a campus development. The acquisition process is at an advanced stage. My Department is engaging with the developers to finalise the details for Heads of Terms.  It is intended that this site will facilitate the construction of three schools. In tandem with the site acquisition, the Department is finalising the accommodation briefs for the three schools. This will facilitate the commencement of the architectural planning process for the project and the Department will liaise with the school authorities at that stage.

 The project in Salesian College, Roll Number 61661P is currently on site.

As reported in November, the Department has on hand an ASA application on hand for Straffan NS, Roll Number 18644U which has been assessed and a brief acceptance letter issued to the school authority in December 2021 for 2 Special Education Need base unit 2 x 80m2 Mainstream Classrooms and 2 small Mainstream Classrooms to revert to SET rooms.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (506)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

506. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 363 of 23 November 2021, the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project as of 26 January 2022; the extent to which progress has been made since November 2021 in respect of each project with particular reference to the ongoing assessment of the needs in the area; her Department’s proposals to meet these requirements at an early date; the extent to which any or all issues likely to impact on the progression of each project have been dealt with or are currently in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5113/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.

This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs.  This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.

Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.

During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).  These projects delivered in excess of 64000 school places. 19 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 16 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. 

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.

The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.

As reported in November 2021 there are currently 5 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Naas school planning area.  These projects, listed below are being progressed through the various stages of assessment and delivery.

The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on a number of factors, including scale and complexity, and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the statutory approval process. There is also always a risk of unforeseen issues giving rise to slippage in the progress of a project through the design, statutory approvals or tendering process. Furthermore, Additional Accommodation projects may differ in the way they progress through the architectural planning process depending on their scope.

Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Naas School Planning Area:

Roll No.	School Name	School Type	Project Type	Current Stage
19597T	An Linbh Iosa	Primary	Extension	Stage 1
15040T	Mercy Convent	Primary	New School	Stage 4
17254C	Scoil Chorbain	Primary	New School	Stage 2b
76194S	Naas Community College	Post Primary	New School	Stage 4
61730I	Colaiste Naomh Mhuire	Post Primary	Extension & Refurbishment	Stage 2a

An Linbh Iosa, Roll Number 19597T. This project is currently at Stage 1 Design Stage.

Mercy Convent Naas, Roll No: 15040T. This is a new 32 classroom school (replacement school with an additional 4 classrooms). Construction commenced on site in May 2017. The contract was terminated in March 2020. Weatherproofing works, under an enabling works contract are almost complete. An Invitation to Tender, to appoint a contractor to complete the major building project is expected to issue in February 2022 with a proposed completion date June 2023.

Scoil Chorbain, Roll Number 17254C. This project is to provide a new 16 classroom school with a 2 class SEN Base on the existing site. The project has recently been approved to Stage 2b – Detailed Design, which includes securing all statutory consents and the preparation of tender documents. The Design Team are currently finalising the applications for statutory consents to the Local Authority.

Naas Community College, Roll Number 76194S. As the Deputy is aware, the delivery of the project at Naas Community College has been devolved to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board. The substantial completion date for this project is 18th February 2022 and the Design Team’s programme to achieve this is currently on track.

Colaiste Naomh Mhuire, Roll Number 61730I. The project has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects. This project is currently at Stage 2a of the architectural planning process. Once the Stage report submission is approved by my Department, the next step for the Design Team will be to obtain the statutory planning approvals.

While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project, the NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.

Naas Primary School, Roll Number 20542B. In 2021 the Department conducted an exercise on the necessity for the establishment of the proposed new primary school for Naas for 2022, taking into account a number of factors, including the pace of delivery of the expected additional residential development in the school planning area, associated enrolments and the capacity in existing schools in the area. The Department is satisfied that demand in Naas in 2022 can be accommodated by the existing and growing schools in this area. Based on this information the opening of this school has been deferred. No decision has been taken yet on the date of its establishment.

The Department will keep the pace of delivery of additional residential development in this school planning area, along with updated enrolment data and demographic data under review and this will inform the timing of school requirements.

SN Mhuire, Roll Number 18055B. My Department currently has on hand 1 ASA application from this school which was received in December 2021 and which is currently under assessment. The application is for the provision of 2 Special Education Needs class base and reconfiguration works for interim.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (507)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

507. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 390 of 23 November 2021, the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project as of 26 January 2022; the extent to which progress has been made since November 2021 in respect each project with particular reference to the ongoing assessment of the needs in the area; her Department’s proposals to meet these requirements in early date; the extent to which any or all issues likely to impact on the progression of each project have been dealt with or are currently in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5114/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.

This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs.  This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.

Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.

During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).  These projects delivered in excess of 64000 school places. 19 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 16 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. 

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.

The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.

There are currently 6 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Maynooth school planning area and a further 2 schools are practically complete.  These projects, listed below are being progressed through the various stages of assessment and delivery.

The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on a number of factors, including scale and complexity, and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the statutory approval process. There is also always a risk of unforeseen issues giving rise to slippage in the progress of a project through the design, statutory approvals or tendering process. Furthermore, Additional Accommodation projects may differ in the way they progress through the architectural planning process depending on their scope.

Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Maynooth School Planning Area

-
Roll No.	School Name	Project Type	Current Stage
00779U	Presentation Girls   NS	Extension	Stage 1
17341U	Maynooth Boys NS	New School	Stage 4
20527F	Gaelscoil Ruairí	New School	Stage 2B
76554W	Gaelcholaiste   Maigh Nuad	Refurbishment	Stage 1
17652O	Scoil Oilibheir   Naofa	Extension	Stage 1
20379Q	Stepping Stones   Special School	Refurbishment	Stage 4
76193Q	Maynooth Community   College	New School (Campus Project)	Stage 4 (Practical Completion)
70700A	Maynooth Post   Primary	New School (Campus Project)	Stage 4 (Practical Completion)

Presentation Girls NS, Roll Number 00779U. The stage 1 report was received in September and is currently under review by the Department’s Professional and Technical section.

The building project for Maynooth BNS, Roll Number 17341U is a new 24 classroom school (replacement school to include an additional 5 classrooms) and 2 classrooms for special education. Construction commenced on site in December 2020 and current completion date is July 2022.

Gaelcholaiste Maigh Nuad, Roll Number 76554W. A project has recently been devolved under the Additional Accommodation Scheme (ASA) 2021 to Kildare & Wicklow Education & Training Board (KWETB) for refurbishment works to the old Maynooth Post-Primary School, to facilitate a Science Lab, Woodwork Room and Economics Room. The Department authorised KWETB to appoint a Consultant for this project in September 2021.

Kildare Wicklow ETB appointed a Consultant to undertake an Options Study of the property proposed to meet the long term accommodation needs of Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Nuad. The Options Study has been completed and a copy was recently furnished to the Department. This will be considered and the Department will engage with the ETB when this process has been completed.”

The building project for Gaelscoil Ruairí, Roll Number 20527F is being delivered under the Department’s Design and Build Programme. The final grant of planning was received at the end of July 2021. The Department’s Project Manager with their Design Team has commenced the preparation of tender documentation for the project. Once this stage is complete the project will then proceed to tender stage.

The projects for Maynooth campus (Maynooth Community College & Maynooth Post Primary) The projects for Maynooth campus (Maynooth Community College & Maynooth Post Primary) were devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB).  The school was delivered as part of a campus development. The main school buildings of the project were made available for occupation on the 22nd December 2020 to the school. The shared PE facility was made available for occupation on the 1st September 2021 to the school campus.  

The project at Maynooth Campus is substantially complete.

My Department has no applications on hand under the additional school accommodation (ASA) scheme in respect of schools in and Maynooth.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (508)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

508. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 391 of 23 November 2021, the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project as of 26 January 2022; the extent to which progress has been made since November 2021 in respect of each project with particular reference to the ongoing assessment of the needs in the area; her Department’s proposals to meet these requirements at an early date; the extent to which any or all issues likely to impact on the progression of each project have been dealt with or are currently in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5115/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.

This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs.  This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.

Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.

During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).  These projects delivered in excess of 64000 school places. 19 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 16 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. 

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.

The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.

As reported in November 2021 there are currently 9 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Kilcock School Planning Area.  These projects, listed below are being progressed through the various stages of assessment and delivery.

The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on a number of factors, including scale and complexity, and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the statutory approval process. There is also always a risk of unforeseen issues giving rise to slippage in the progress of a project through the design, statutory approvals or tendering process. Furthermore, Additional Accommodation projects may differ in the way they progress through the architectural planning process depending on their scope.

Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Kilcock School Planning Area:

Roll No.	School Name	School Type	Project Type	Current Stage
19897I	Scoil Uí Riada	Primary	Extension	Stage 2a
18650P	Newtown NS	Primary	Extension	Stage 4
18666H	Tiermohan NS	Primary	Extension	Stage 4
61691B	Scoil Dara	Post Primary	Extension	Stage 1
76595N	Enfield Community  College	Post Primary	New School	Stage 2b
17821L	St Mary’s Primary School	Primary	Extension	Stage 4
18051Q	Coole NS	Primary	Extension	Stage 2a
18650P	Newtown NS	Primary	Extension	Stage 1
61691B	Scoil Dara	Post Primary	Refurbishment	Stage 4

Scoil Uí Ríada, Roll Number 19897I. This project was approved to planning stage 2a on 07/04/2021. It is currently the responsibility of the Board of Management of the school to progress the project.

Newtown NS, Roll Number 18650P. The project was approved to planning stage on 07/04/2021. It is currently the responsibility of the Board of Management of the school to progress the project. This project is currently onsite and nearing completion.

Tiermohan NS, Roll Number 18666H. This project is currently onsite and nearing completion.

Scoil Dara, Roll Number 61691B. Technical Comments have issued to the school regarding the submitted stage 1 report. It is currently the responsibility of the Board of Management of the school to progress the project.

The building project for Enfield Community College, Roll Number 76595N is being delivered under the Department’s Design and Build Programme. The decision to grant planning permission by the Local Authority, which was received in July, was subject to 18 conditions. The Project Manager with their Design Team have commenced the preparation of tender documentation for the project. Once this stage is complete the project will then proceed to tender stage.

My Department currently has no applications on hand under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme in respect of schools in Kilcock.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (509)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

509. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 392 of 23 November 2021, the precise position in respect of the various planning stages for each project as of 26 January 2022; the extent to which progress has been made since November 2021 in respect of each project with particular reference to the ongoing assessment of the needs in the area; her Department’s proposals to meet these requirements at an early date; the extent to which any or all issues likely to impact on the progression of each project have been dealt with or are currently in hand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5116/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.

This investment will build on the good progress being made on adding capacity to cater for demographic changes and provision for children with special educational needs.  This investment will also facilitate an increased focus on the modernisation of existing school stock and help transition the school system for an era of net zero carbon by 2050.

Approximately 1,200 school building projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025.

During the period 2018 to 2021 691 school building projects were completed under the Large Scale Capital Programme (LSCP) and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA).  These projects delivered in excess of 64000 school places. 19 of these projects delivered were in County Kildare; 16 of those were primary schools including one special school and 3 were post-primary school building projects. 

It is anticipated that 150 to 200 school building projects will be completed annually during the 2022 to 2025 period.

There are currently in excess of 250 school building projects at construction (on site) with a continuous stream of other projects at or near the tendering stage. These are being progressed as quickly as possible.

The current status of these projects being delivered is listed on a county by county basis on www.gov.ie and is updated on a monthly basis to reflect their progress through the stages.

As reported in November 2021 there are currently 2 projects at various stages of planning and design in the Lexilip School Planning Area.  These projects, listed below are being progressed through the various stages of assessment and delivery.

The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on a number of factors, including scale and complexity, and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the statutory approval process. There is also always a risk of unforeseen issues giving rise to slippage in the progress of a project through the design, statutory approvals or tendering process. Furthermore, Additional Accommodation projects may differ in the way they progress through the architectural planning process depending on their scope.

Current Large Scale & Additional Scheme Accommodation (ASA) Projects in Leixlip School Planning Area       

Roll No.	School Name	School Type	Project Type	Current Stage
20526D	Leixlip ETNS	Primary	New School	Project Brief
70691C	Confey Community College	Post Primary	Extension	Stage 1

The project associated with Confey Community College, Roll Number 70691C is at Stage 1. It is currently the responsibility of the School Authority to progress the project.

The project associated with Leixlip ETNS, Roll Number 20526D is at project brief stage. A site is also required to construct a permanent school building for the school. The site identification and assessment exercise for Leixlip ETNS is ongoing.

A Minister-owned site has been identified as an option for potential redevelopment to accommodate a second school. In the case where any such solution is being considered, engagement takes place with all relevant stakeholders regarding the feasibility of any proposed solution to identify what is technically feasible as well as finding a solution that is both mutually beneficial for the State and any school which may be impacted.

In this case, Officials in my Department have approached representatives of the existing school on the site to begin engagement. It is not possible to provide any further information at this stage.

The school site identification process is a dynamic one where new information on sites may come to the attention of my Department from time to time. My Department is in regular contact with local authorities to assist with this flow of information, and it will continue to do so in this case

My Department has one application on under the Additional Schools Accommodation scheme for Scoil Bhride, Leixlip, - Roll number 19407L.  Following assessment, a brief acceptance letter issued to the school in January 2022 for a 2 Special Education Needs class base unit.