Written Answers Nos. 366-377
366. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Defence the details of the car and driver expenses in his Department that were claimed the Minister and Ministers of State in 2021, in tabular form. [31392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo car or driver expenses were claimed by/paid to me in my capacity as Minister for Defence in 2021.
367. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the details of current PESCO projects in which Ireland is participating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31527/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is currently participating in one PESCO project, the Greek led Upgrade of Maritime Surveillance.
The main objective of this project is to enhance the Maritime Surveillance, Situational Awareness and potential Response Effectiveness of the EU, by using the existing infrastructure and developing related capabilities in the future. The covered area of the project consists of all seas that envelop the EU. It aims to address timely and effectively new and old threats and challenges (such as energy security, environmental challenges, security and Defence aspects); thus, ensuring accurate Awareness and Rapid Response to contribute to the EU defence and its citizens’ security.
Ireland previously participated in the German led project EU Training Mission Competence Centre, this project closed in November 2019 with the agreement of all members as it duplicated existing structures in the EU.
368. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the details of current PESCO projects that Ireland is observing on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31528/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is currently observing on nine PESCO projects: (1) Deployable Military Disaster Relief Capability Package; (2) Maritime (semi) Autonomous Systems for Mine Countermeasures; (3)Cyber Threats and Incident Response Information Sharing Platform; (4) European Secure Software Defined Radio; (5) Military Mobility; (6) Energy Operational Function; (7) EU Radio Navigation Solution; (8) Counter Unmanned Aerial System; (9) Special Operations Forces Medical Training Centre.
Observers on PESCO Project have no voting rights or influence on the project activities. Observer status allows Member States to evaluate the project and to assess the added-value of joining as full participants.
369. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Defence if he will consider Custume Barracks, Athlone, as the location for the proposed Army headquarters as recommended in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31654/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership. The report was published on the 9th February 2022.
The Commission undertook a significant body of work encompassing their wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and a number of sub recommendations. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.
The Commission's report proposes significant changes for the Defence Forces, including to Defence Forces culture, high-level command and control structures, and for the level of Defence provision in Ireland. The report is being fully considered, in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and other stakeholders.
The intent is that following relevant consideration, and before the summer recess, I will revert to Government with a proposed response to the Commission's recommendations and a high-level action plan.
One of the Report's recomendations is that the structure of the Army be reviewed and, in that context, the disposition of Units across the Defence Forces may be considered. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculative discussion on this matter prior to completion of the ongoing process, Government approval of any proposed plan of action, and completion of any subsequent reviews that may ensue.
370. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit in direct contact with members of the public have policies in place for members of the public to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur on the property of his Department or each public body and agency under his remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31738/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have public offices involving regular interface with members of the public. However, at all times my Department employees must operate within the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour which sets out the standards required of civil servants in the discharge of their duties. In the performance of their duties, civil servants must maintain high standards in service delivery by, amongst other standards, always acting within the law and performing their duties with efficiency, diligence and courtesy. A civil servant must observe appropriate behaviour at work by dealing with the public sympathetically, fairly and promptly. The work of the Civil Service is carried out within a framework of law. It is the duty of civil servants to respect these legal constraints, in particular never to act in a manner which they know, or suspect, is illegal, improper, or unethical. Any report from a member of the public alleging improper conduct including sexual harassment or assault occurring on the property of my Department will be examined within this code. If the member of the public alleges any breach of the law, they may contact An Garda Siochána directly.
The Civil Service code of Standards and Behaviour is widely available on the internet.
The only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board and the only staff post is the secretary to the Board, which is provided from the staff of the Department.
Furthermore, I am advised by the military authorities that where a complaint of unacceptable behaviour is made by a civilian against a member of the Defence Forces or where an allegation is made by a member of the Defence Forces against a civilian, the Military Police will automatically refer the case to An Garda Siochána.
371. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Defence if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place for employees to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur involving other employees or members of the public or on the property of his Department or public body and agency that operate under his remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31757/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department employees are supported in working in a safe, inclusive environment through a Dignity at Work policy. The Policy is provided to all new staff joining my Department and is posted on the Department's Intranet as well as being communicated directly to all staff on an annual basis. This policy applies equally to the civil servants and the civilian employees of my Department.
This policy sets out the guidelines for both employer and employee in relation to reporting instances of sexual harassment or assault involving other employees. There are also additional supports available through the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service (for civil servants)and Inspire Wellbeing and Occupational Social Workers for Civilian Employees.
My Department does not have public offices involving regular interface with members of the public. However, where an employee is subject to an incident of sexual harassment or assault involving a member of the public they will seek the support of their line manager and if necessary, the relevant support service. If the nature of the incident is unlawful, An Garda Siochána can be contacted directly by the employee affected.
The only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board and the only staff post is the secretary to the Board, which is provided from the staff of the Department.
Separately, the Deputy will be aware that I have met with both serving and former members of the Defence Forces and listened with grave concern to their experiences of bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct.
I, along with the Secretary General and Chief of Staff, are fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment underpinned by dignity and equality. Any form of such unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.
While there has been some progress in the Defence Forces in recent years with the establishment of systems, policies and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behavior, it is clear that these systems, policies and procedures, as well as the pervading workplace culture, have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well.
The Judge-led Independent Review Group, established by me last January, following Government approval, is examining those very systems, policies and procedures for dealing with workplace issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces.
This review is a necessary and critical first step to address the need for a safe work environment for serving members with zero-tolerance for such unacceptable behaviour. The serving members of the Defence Forces expect nothing less.
I wish to add also that the Terms of Reference for the Review are wide-ranging and provide that Government may consider further work on receipt of the Independent Review findings.
The Deputy may also be aware that I also announced last October, interim support measures for members of the Defence Forces impacted by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.
The appointment of a Confidential Contact Person (CCP) within Raisecaconcern, is available to assist both serving and former members of the Defence Forces and provides a safe place, external to the Defence Forces chain of command, to support the reporting of alleged wrongdoing in the workplace.
Furthermore, I am advised by the military authorities that where a complaint of unacceptable behaviour is made by a civilian against a member of the Defence Forces or where an allegation is made by a member of the Defence Forces against a civilian, the Military Police will automatically refer the case to An Garda Siochana.
372. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education the details of the car and driver expenses in her Department that were claimed by the Minister and Ministers of State in 2021, in tabular form. [31392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the terms of the Guidelines for Ministerial Appointments for the 33rd Dáil, as published by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform, I have two civilian drivers to assist me in carrying out my ministerial duties. The Minister of State in my Department also has two civilian drivers. These drivers are paid in line with the relevant salary scale for civilian drivers. Maintenance and the cost of fuel associated with our use of our cars are met by us as the registered owners and we are entitled to claim travel expenses in accordance with travel and subsistence regulations as set by the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform. My expenses in 2021 amounted to €13,685 and the expenses of Minister of State Madigan amounted to €13,983.
373. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will be permitted to retain its current teaching allocation in September 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31370/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
For the 2022/23 school year, the staffing schedule for primary schools has been improved by one point and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 24 pupils which is a historical low ratio, with lower thresholds applying to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools.
The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. Details of the appeal process are available in Circular 25/2022.
374. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education further to the Topical Issue of 18 May 2022 with regard to ASD primary and post-primary places in Athlone and south County Roscommon in September 2022, the progress to date; the number of parents who have been offered a local place for their child since 18 May 2022 at primary and post-primary level, respectively; the number of children that the National Council for Special Education is aware of who still have not been offered a local placement for September 2022; the specific steps that she is taking to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31390/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling 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.
Over the last two years, 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 over 300 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.
I can confirm for the Deputy that further to the position set out on 18 May last, an additional primary special class is opening in September 2022 which will provide six additional places for children with autism. I also understand that subject to demand, an additional post primary special class will also be established for September 2022.
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.
NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for 2022/23 and beyond. There are specific plans in place to open additional special classes and every support will be made available to progress their opening in the shortest possible timeframe with a particular focus on September next.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
I want to reassure you also 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.
375. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) who is completing the person's studies in the UK can register as a post-primary teacher with the Teaching Council of Ireland to allow the person to progress the person's career at home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31408/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. It acts in the interests of the public good while upholding and enhancing standards in the teaching profession.
Under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015, the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
It is a function of the Council under the Teaching Council Acts (s7(2)) to act as the competent authority for recognition of qualifications obtained by a person who has applied under this Act for registration as a teacher.
A person having obtained teacher education qualifications outside the State can apply to register with the Teaching Council and will have their qualifications assessed to determine that they are comparable and equivalent to accredited qualifications in Ireland.
The Teaching Council assesses overseas qualifications in accordance with the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2016, and Teaching Council Current Subject Requirements (Post-Primary) 2017.
All applications are individually assessed in a holistic manner to ensure that qualifications are of a comparable standard to those achieved by graduates of accredited programmes in Ireland. Where significant differences arise, conditions (qualification shortfalls) will be applied to the teacher's registration.
It is important to be aware that the processing time for overseas applications, as outlined on the Teaching Council website, is approximately 12 weeks from the time all of the required documentation is received, and not necessarily when the initial application is made.
The individual referred to by the Deputy should follow the information and guidance published on the Teaching Council of Ireland website and engage directly with the Council as required.
376. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the rationale behind the decision to enact section 37(a) of the Education Act 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31409/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra377. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on plans to enact section 37(a) of the Education Act 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31410/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 377 together.
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. There have been an additional 380 teachers recruited to support students to be enrolled in new special classes and new special schools for the 2022/2023 school year.
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.
As Minister for Special Education and Inclusion, I recently announced that the Section 37A process to compel schools to increase SEN provision has been initiated for a third time and that this process is now underway.
The NCSE has formally written to me, as Minister of State, to advise me that it has formed an opinion that there is insufficient special class capacity in primary schools and special school capacity in Dublin. The second stage of the process is now complete. I have informed the NCSE in relation to planned additional provision of education for children with special educational needs and available land and buildings. The NCSE will now provide a detailed report on the matter to me, which will consider existing provision, any relevant proposed building works and which schools may be able to provide additional provision. In preparing this report, the legislation requires the NCSE to consult school patrons, national parent bodies, school management bodies and teacher unions. I have insisted that this be done as quickly as possible, and I expect that will be the case.
All parties would prefer to see schools volunteer to provide more places, rather than places being secured on the back of an order or a direction from the Minister. The evidence available in this school year is that schools are willing to work collaboratively with the Department and the NCSE on the provision of new school places for children with special educational needs. I am grateful to all concerned for their ongoing work in this regard.
I can also reassure the Deputy that the local SENOs continue to be available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs.
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.
