Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 22 Mar 2022

Written Answers Nos. 445-469

Traveller Community

Ceisteanna (445)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

445. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Defence the actions that his Department has taken to implement the relevant recommendations from the Joint Committee on Key Issues Affecting the Traveller Community report issued in November 2021. [14000/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department promotes a fair, tolerant and inclusive work place.  It is fully committed to equality of opportunity and this is a fundamental value espoused in its People Strategy. Civil servants in my Department are recruited through the Public Appointments Service, which has diversity and inclusivity as a central element in its recruitment practices.  Recruitment to my Department is therefore open to all applicants, and reasonable accommodation to support the employment of people who so request it is provided

The officials in my Department are supported in working in a safe, inclusive environment through a Dignity at Work policy and through a range of learning and development opportunities, including unconscious bias training.  There are also additional supports available through the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service.   

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (446)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

446. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if he has considered meeting a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14021/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is acknowledged that my Department receives correspondence on a continuous basis from the named person. The correspondence has been addressed by way of reply appropriate to the individual issues raised by him. Some of the issues raised by him are beyond my policy brief as Minister for Defence and this person has been so advised. I am aware that there has also been correspondence between him and an Garda Síochána. His correspondence continues to be assessed for appropriate reply.

The Secretary General has met twice with the individual named. 

Arising from his recent interactions with the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services and on foot of inquires made by my Department, that Office has confirmed that the information provided to them will not require investigation by the United Nations. 

I have also requested a Senior Counsel to conduct an independent assessment of the actions taken by Officials in the Department of Defence and the military authorities on foot of correspondence received from the individual named. The outcome of the assessment will be notified to the Independent Review Group established for the purposes of investigating practices and procedures in place relating to dignity and equality in the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (447, 448, 451, 452, 453)

John Brady

Ceist:

447. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14072/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brady

Ceist:

448. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the maximum and the current strength levels of the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14073/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brady

Ceist:

451. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women in the Defence Forces by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14076/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brady

Ceist:

452. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women in the Defence Forces that are currently serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14077/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brady

Ceist:

453. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of women members of the Defence Forces that have left to date in 2022, by month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14078/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 447, 448, 451, 452 and 453 together.

As at 28 February, 2022, there were 576 Permanent Defence Force (PDF) personnel serving overseas, of which 37 were female.

On the same date, the strength of the

- PDF was 8,398 personnel (establishment strength 9,500)

- Army was 6,788  personnel (establishment strength 7,520)

- Air Corps was 743 personnel (establishment strength 886)

- Naval Service was 867 personnel (establishment strength 1,094)

Of the 8,398 PDF personnel, 595 were female. The requested breakdown of this female strength, by rank, is as follows: 

 OFFICER

 LT   GEN

 MAJ   GEN

 BRIG   GEN

 COL

 LT   COL

 COMDT

 CAPT

 LT

 

 0

 0

 1

 1

 2

 62

 50

 49

 OTHER   RANKS

 SM

 BQMS

 CS

 CQMS

 SGT

 CPL

 PTE

 CADET

 

 0

 0

 5

 9

 67

 104

 236

 9

2 women were discharged in January 2022 and 6 in February.  Typically, discharges include personnel who left for a variety of reasons including on age grounds, at end of contract and voluntary discharges and would also include any trainees who exited prior to completion of their initial training. 

The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and a number of initiatives have been implemented to increase the level of female participation. In addition, in the context of the White Paper on Defence, a specific project examining barriers to the progression of women in the PDF is ongoing.

Furthermore, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included, inter alia, consideration of gender, recruitment and retention matters.  The Commission’s report was published on 9 February 2022. The next stage in the process will involve careful consideration of the recommendations and in-depth discussion and inter-departmental consultation. Once all recommendations have been carefully considered and an approach discussed, I intend to bring a proposed response to the report’s recommendations and a high-level action plan to the government for consideration.

Question No. 448 answered with Question No. 447.

Air Corps

Ceisteanna (449)

John Brady

Ceist:

449. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the total strength of Air Corps personnel; the number of qualified military pilots, cadet pilots in training, qualified military aircraft maintenance technicians, qualified military avionics technicians and military apprentices in training of both aforementioned disciplines. [14074/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am advised by the military authorities that the strength of the Air Corps, as at 10th March 2022, is 761 wholetime equivalent personnel.

 The table below shows the strength by requested stream: -

 Personnel   Stream

 Strength   as at 10/03/2022

 Qualified pilots

 89

 Cadets currently completing military training*

 15

 Young officers in pilot training

 16

 Qualified Military Aircraft Technicians

 169

 Apprentice Military Aircraft Technicians

 65

 Direct Entry Military Aircraft Technicians undergoing basic military training

 2

*Cadets are scheduled to commence their Pilot Wings course once they graduate as Officers.

A Military Aircraft Technician (MAT) is an individual who has qualified from an Air Corps apprenticeship, or a direct entrant deemed to have the appropriate qualifications to work on aircraft in the various maintenance roles. Personnel in these roles cover the broad range of disciplines within the Air Corps e.g. avionics technicians, aircraft mechanics, crew leaders, and aircraft inspectors. 

All MATs are employed in the maintenance of aircraft. At any one time, they may be employed in any of the broad range of maintenance disciplines, be in training, or serving overseas. The total number of qualified MATs is therefore inclusive of those who may be assigned to avionics duties, or any of the other disciplines, at any one time.

As outlined, there is a strong training pipeline for MATs consisting of 65 apprentices. Of these apprentices, 21 are undergoing basic military training along with 2 direct entry aircraft technicians. The remaining 44 are undergoing their qualification process and will, on successful completion, be streamed into rotary, fixed-wing or avionics technician categories.

My focus remains on retaining/restoring all branches of the Defence Forces to their full capacity. Furthermore, the work of the Commission on the Defence Forces included, inter alia, consideration of staffing and recruitment and retentions matters. The Commission’s report was published on 9 February 2022. The next stage in the process will involve careful consideration of the recommendations and in-depth discussion and inter-departmental consultation. Once all recommendations have been carefully considered and an approach discussed, I intend to bring a proposed response to the report’s recommendations and a high-level action plan to the government for consideration.

Naval Service

Ceisteanna (450)

John Brady

Ceist:

450. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service operations and patrols which have been cancelled to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14075/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. In terms of fishery protection the Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.

A range of factors including adverse weather conditions and unscheduled maintenance, as well as staffing issues can impact scheduled patrol days. 

A total of 10 scheduled Naval Service patrol days have been cancelled up to 28 February 2022. All of the cancelled patrol days are due to members of a ship's crew contracting Covid-19.

Notwithstanding some challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime security operations.

Question No. 451 answered with Question No. 447.
Question No. 452 answered with Question No. 447.
Question No. 453 answered with Question No. 447.

World Economic Forum

Ceisteanna (454)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

454. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence if he or officials from his Department have engaged in any form of communication with the World Economic Forum or representatives of the World Economic Forum including by phone call, webinar, email or any event organised by the World Economic Forum from 1 January 2019 to date; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14155/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As Minister for Defence I have not, nor have officials in this Department, engaged with the World Economic Forum or representatives of the World Economic Forum. 

Any correspondence I may have with the World Economic Forum is dealt with in my remit as Minister for Foreign Affairs. 

Naval Service

Ceisteanna (455)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

455. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Defence the number of persons who failed Naval Service drug testing in February 2022; the consequences of this; and his plans to address drug use in the Naval Service. [14417/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the matter referenced by the Deputy is currently under investigation by the Military Authorities, in accordance with the relevant Defence Forces Regulations and associated Administrative Instructions, it would be inappropriate of me to comment further on it at this time.

However, I can advise that the unlawful possession, supply, or use, of a controlled drug is incompatible with membership of the Defence Forces. The Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service is committed to holding the Naval Service to a high standard and maintaining a zero tolerance of the use of illegal substances.

A number of measures have been put in place to maintain a drugs-free society within the Defence Forces. These measures include: Pre-Enlistment Screening, An Education and Training Programme, Compulsory Random Drugs Testing and Targeted Drugs Testing.

All members of the Defence Forces, irrespective of rank, with the exception of members of the Army Nursing Service and the Chaplaincy Service, are liable to be tested under the Compulsory Random Drug Testing (CRDT) programme, which was introduced in 2003. Individuals are chosen at random for testing, which is not supported by a warrant, probable cause or any level of particular suspicion.

Personnel who test positive for controlled substances may be subject to a range of sanctions up to and including Discharge or Retirement from the Defence Forces.

In the first instance, where a positive test result is returned, the member concerned is afforded the opportunity to make representations, to the relevant Military Authority to show cause as to why they should be retained in service.

On the basis of these representations, a Formation Commander or the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), may determine that the member should be discharged/retired or may permit the member to remain in service, conditional on their participation in Targeted Drugs Testing (TDT) for a specified period. During this period the member will be placed on administrative duties, which means for example that they cannot engage in any operational activity, training for operational activity or undergo any military course, which involves them being armed.

In addition, the Officers Commanding the Naval Service units have been instructed to increase the frequency of briefings to all personnel and the Naval Service Assistant Provost Marshall has been instructed to increase Military Police presence.

During 2021 the Defence Forces drug testing team conducted 388 random drug tests in a total of 14 different locations. Of these, there were 7 positive results which represents 1.08% of the numbers tested. This is broadly in line with the general trend over the past number of years.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (456, 457, 458)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

456. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 15 of 10 March 2022 and the terms of reference for the independent review to examine the effectiveness of the policies, systems and procedures currently in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Defence Forces, if a work plan has been produced by the review group to date; his plans to publish the work plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14483/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

457. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 15 of 10 March 2022 and the terms of reference for the independent review to examine the effectiveness of the policies, systems and procedures currently in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Defence Forces, the details of any monthly progress reports received to date by him from the group; his plans to publish these monthly progress reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14484/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

458. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 15 of 10 March 2022 and the terms of reference for the independent review to examine the effectiveness of the policies, systems and procedures currently in place for dealing with bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault in the Defence Forces, the details of any letters he has received to date from the review group as regards interim assessments or recommendations addressing issues for immediate action; his plans to publish these letters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14485/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 456, 457 and 458 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, following Government approval on 25 January last,  an Independent Review Group, under the Chair of retired High Court Judge, Bronagh O’Hanlon, has been established to examine issues relating to bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct, as well as workplace culture,  in the Defence Forces.   

The Independent Review Group will, in particular:-

- Advise on whether the current legislative frameworks, policies, procedures and practices for addressing incidents of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace are effective. 

- Independently assess whether the pervading culture in the workplace is fully aligned with the principles of dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.   

- Provide recommendations and guidance on measures and strategies required to underpin a workplace based on dignity, equality, mutual respect, and duty of care for every member of the Defence Forces.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the work of the Review Group is entirely independent in keeping with the Terms of Reference.  

The Terms of Reference provide that it is open to the Review Group to conduct its business through oral and/or written engagement on a group basis and/or individual basis. The Review will include the receipt of the views and experiences from both current and former DF personnel of workplace incidents of unacceptable behaviour. The sharing of such views and experiences by interviewees will be entirely voluntary and treated in confidence.

While I have received the first monthly report from the Chair of the Review Group setting out the work plan and outlining progress to date, in accordance with the Terms of Reference approved by Government, these do not provide that this work plan be published. 

I look forward to further monthly reports on the progress of the Review and in addition, any interim assessments or recommendations from the Review Group, addressing any issues arising which may require immediate action. 

The Deputy may also wish to note that the Independent Review Group has recently commenced a public consultation process, and the Review Group is now accepting submissions from individuals and organisations on issues relevant to its Terms of Reference. These submissions will form an important input to the Group’s final review report. Details of how to make a submission are available on the website of the Independent Review Group www.gov.ie/irgdf . 

The Review Group are to provide me with an Interim Report within 6 months of its establishment and I very much look forward to that. The final Report is to be submitted to me within 12 months and I intend to bring this Report to Government, after which it will be published.

Question No. 457 answered with Question No. 456.
Question No. 458 answered with Question No. 456.

Civil Defence

Ceisteanna (459)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

459. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the lack of access to a river (details supplied) making it difficult for a Civil Defence boat crews to access same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14788/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Defence is responsible for the development of Civil Defence at national level.  In this context my Department provides policy direction, centralised training through the Civil Defence College, administrative support, guidance and centralised procurement of certain items of uniform and equipment in support of local authority Civil Defence efforts.

The local authorities have operational responsibility for Civil Defence.  There is a Civil Defence Unit in each local authority area. Civil Defence services are delivered through the Civil Defence Officer (CDO) of the relevant Local Authority for that area and the CDO is a full time employee of the local authority, in this case Roscommon County Council.

The issue of access to a particular waterway is not within the remit of my Department. I am advised that efforts are being made locally to try to resolve this issue with the co-operation of local landowners.

Question No. 460 answered with Question No. 490.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (461, 510, 544)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

461. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the measures she plans to take to mitigate the impact of runaway fuel costs on school bus operators; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many private operators are under considerable pressure due to the impact of increasing costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13817/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Canney

Ceist:

510. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education if she will review the fixed price contracts in place with private bus operators to service the school transport system to take account of the unprecedented increase in the cost of fuel prices; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14464/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

544. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Education if school bus operators will be included in the €18 million emergency support measure for hauliers to tackling the rising cost fuels; if not, if her Department will commence a similar scheme for school transport operators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14776/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 461, 510 and 544 together.

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.

Bus Éireann is obliged to tender all works, goods and services to be provided by external suppliers in line with national and EU procurement legislation and this includes services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme. Compliant tenders are evaluated against published award criteria. Successful tenderers are awarded a contract for up to five years.

The Department of Education is considering in consultation with other relevant departments and Bus Éireann the implications that increasing fuel costs may have on the provision of school transport services. The Department is also very aware of the potential impact of the current situation unfolding in Ukraine which is impacting fuel prices further.

Government has announced a reduction in excise on fuel will result in a decrease in the cost of fuel. The reduction of 20 cent per litre on petrol and 15 cent per litre on diesel will be in place until 31 August at an estimated cost of €320m. This is a national measure aimed at easing the financial burden on contractors and families at this time.

Education Policy

Ceisteanna (462, 558)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

462. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if there is a plan in place to undertake an assessment of school places available for Ukrainian refugees; the measures that are being put in place to facilitate these children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13830/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

558. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education the role of her Department in providing school places for Ukrainian refugees coming to Ireland; if this is being coordinated on a county level; and if so, if her Department will provide the contact for County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15072/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 558 together.

The war in Ukraine has caused a humanitarian crisis and the Government is committed to welcoming people fleeing war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland.

My Department will work with all relevant authorities, education partners and school communities to ensure Ukrainian children of school-going age who are beneficiaries of the Temporary Protection Directive are provided with access to appropriate supports to allow them to continue their education in Ireland.

My Department is responding to immediate needs through the provision of school places locally as need arises, and planning for the medium and long-term in alignment with the whole of Government approach, having regard to the need for rapidity and scale.

The utilisation of capacity within existing schools across the country will be a very important aspect for addressing the need for education provision for Ukrainian children, who are beneficiaries under the Temporary Protection Directive. My Department already has data on capacity and under/over subscription at individual schools from its National Inventory of School Capacity based on schools’ annual enrolment returns, and utilises its Geographic Information System to facilitate spatial analysis of this and other data.

On a national level, total primary enrolments peaked in 2018 and have been reducing since. The net overall reduction in primary enrolments by 2022/23 was projected to be in the order of 25,000 pupils. At post-primary level, demographics are generally continuing on an upward trend.

Nevertheless, at both primary and post-primary level there are significant variances in available capacity at local and regional level across the country, in both rural and urban areas and assessment of school place requirements and available capacity at a local level is, therefore, being undertaken. Ultimately, the location of the accommodation provided for the Ukrainian families will be relevant in maximising the utilisation of existing school capacity to meet their education needs and my Department is coordinating with other Government Departments in this respect, with a view to ensuring alignment of our planning processes as much as possible.

School Admissions

Ceisteanna (463)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

463. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education the actions her Department is taking to ensure the availability of co-educational school placing at primary school level in the Dublin 8, 10 and 12 areas which is currently oversubscribed. [13831/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy may be aware for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System (GIS) to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose.

It is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:

- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools  in the area

- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area

- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils

- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area.

My Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues through ongoing discussions with the relevant school authorities. In that context, similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department is engaging with patron bodies, including patrons of schools in Dublin 8,10 and 12 to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train. The Department's priority is to ensure that there are sufficient school places overall in a School Planning Area.

Under Project Ireland 2040, my Department continues to make progress to increase the infrastructural capacity in the schools sector, in order to meet demographic and other demands. It is expected that the enrolment pressures in these, and other areas will reduce in the short-term as such planned additional capacity comes on stream and as demographic demand moves past its peak.

The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, including projects in the area in question, may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.

The Capital Programme also provides for devolved funding for additional classrooms, including accommodation for pupils with special educational needs, if required, for schools where an additional enrolment need has been identified or where an additional teacher has been appointed. Details of schools listed on this programme (the Additional Accommodation Scheme) can also be found on my Department's website at www.gov.ie and this information is also updated regularly.

Specifically, in Dublin 8,10 and 12 areas, a significant number of school building projects providing additional capacity and refurbished accommodation at primary school level are in train. A list of these projects, indicating the current status of the projects in these school planning areas, is attached for the Deputy's information.

PrimarySchools

School Admissions

Ceisteanna (464)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

464. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education if her Department has received an application from a school (details supplied) to open additional school classes; and if so, the supports and funding allocated by her Department to facilitate this. [13832/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 additional teaching and care supports for children with special educational needs. 

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

It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school. 

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.

The NCSE through their network of SENOs (Special Educational Needs Organisers) are currently engaged in a process of establishing new classes for the 2022/2023 school year and beyond. They are looking at local information in relation to projected demand for future special class places.

The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list . 

As the Deputy's query refers to an individual school, I will arrange to have the details referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. 

School Staff

Ceisteanna (465)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

465. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education if the recently brokered deal in the Workplace Relations Commission for school secretaries and caretakers pay and conditions is accepted, if these terms will apply equally to staff in all schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13847/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 these staff 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 Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), an understanding was agreed on a pathway to progress the issues. Several key strands were identified, and a phased approach was being taken to the development of proposals.

On the 24th February, following a series of engagements at the WRC, a package to settle the claim was proposed which Fórsa have agreed to recommend to its members. A ballot will now be undertaken and we await the outcome. The main elements of the package offered include, in recognition of the invaluable work carried out by school secretaries,  moving their 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. This process will provide for pay increases (backdated to 1 September 2021) to school secretaries who choose to move to the new terms. It also provides for lower-paid but longer serving secretaries to be placed higher up the salary scale.

In addition to an incremental salary scale, secretaries may also choose to receive additional increments if they decide that they no longer wish to apply to the Department of Social Protection for payment of benefits for periods when they are not working due to school holidays. The package of proposals on offer to school secretaries also include standardised terms and conditions in relation to  annual leave, maternity benefit and sick pay.

This offer relates only to school secretaries at present. As set out in the framework agreement of 14 September 2021, while there is agreement in principle to take the same approach to the consideration of appropriate pay and conditions of grant funded caretakers there remains a deficit of data on working terms and conditions of such staff. Should the proposal be agreed and an implementation plan put in place, intensive engagement will begin on regularising the pay and conditions of grant funded caretakers.

This agreement is further acknowledgment of the excellent and often unheralded work carried out on the ground by secretaries and caretakers in our schools. I welcome Fórsa’s decision to ballot their members on this agreed suite of measures for staff who are the beating heart of our school community. This important step forward is the result of great co-operation on the part of all concerned, and I would encourage school secretaries to vote in favour of it.

School Admissions

Ceisteanna (466)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

466. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the progress that has been made to date in relation to a section 29 appeal by a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13871/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The final determination of the Section 29 Appeals Committee was issued to the parties to this appeal on the 8th March 2022. 

The appeals process as provided for under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 has now concluded

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (467)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

467. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education the primary and post-primary schools in an area (details supplied); and the number of pupils, teachers, SNAs and annual State funding by school in tabular form. [13880/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As requested, please find attached Roll Numbers of the primary and post-primary schools in an area (D01;03;07;09); and the total number of pupils, teachers, SNAs and annual State funding for these schools for 2020/21 in a tabular form. The additional schools details (official names/addresses/etc.) can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/63363b-data-on-individual-schools/

PrimarySchools

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (468)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

468. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of autism classes in schools in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13881/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 additional teaching and care supports for children with special educational needs. 

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

It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school. 

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.

The NCSE through their network of SENOs (Special Educational Needs Organisers) are currently engaged in a process of establishing new classes for the 2022/2023 school year and beyond. They are looking at local information in relation to projected demand for future special class places.

The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list . 

As the Deputy's query refers to a number of individual schools, I will arrange to have the details referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. 

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (469)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

469. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the cost incurred by her Department for the supply of Covid-19 related face masks and face coverings since March 2019 to date; the name of the supplier involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13888/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In 2020 The Government’s Roadmap for the Full Return to School set out a range of products required to facilitate the reopening of schools, including PPE such as face coverings. A procurement process was undertaken to identify PPE, Consumables and Equipment Suppliers who could meet the needs of the Education Sector.

Following the successful conclusion of the procurement process in July 2020, the Department established a multi-supplier framework arrangement from which schools can choose suppliers and products which best meet their own needs. All PPE products required to support the operation of schools are available under this framework and schools are encouraged to purchase their PPE through this centralised process to the greatest extent possible to obtain value for money. Suppliers on the framework deliver directly to the schools. Whilst individual schools are best placed to identify their PPE needs based on their Covid-19 Response Plan, guidance and an information pack has been issued from the Department to set out the steps to follow when ordering PPE under the Supply Arrangement. As schools can draw from the central arrangements or from multiple suppliers at a local level, it is not possible to provide an aggregated total spend on face masks or face coverings. The suppliers on the framework are: Bunzl Cleaning & Safety Supplies; JBS Group; Reach Group; Nugent Safety Ltd; WorkWear Experts; Shaw Scientific; Charles Hughes/Portwest; Lennox; Critical Healthcare; Steripack; PFG Maxxcare; Aquila Bioscience; Heterochem; PRL.

Each school was provided with an updated COVID-19 Response Plan in advance of the return to school.  More than €158 million of additional capitation funding has been made available to primary and post primary schools to provide for Cleaning, PPE and hand hygiene, Enhanced Supervision and employment of an Aide for the school year 2020/21. My Department has committed to ensuring that the full range of measures necessary to allow schools operate safely in the Covid-19 environment will continue to be available for the 2021/22 school year and has provided a further €109 million to date for Terms 1 and 2 of the 2021/22 school year. This represents a total of €267 million to date of which €122 million is for PPE and hand hygiene.

In addition, the Department itself incurred a total expenditure of €20,425.10 on face masks and face coverings in the years 2020-2022 from a range of suppliers. These suppliers were Active Life Pharmacy; Bunzl Cleaning & Safety Supplies; Charles Hughes Ltd; Cloonan’s Hardware; Codex Office Products Group; Heavin’s Hardware Centre Ltd; Vitalrate Ltd.

Barr
Roinn