Thursday, 8 Sep 2022

Written Answers Nos. 784-803

Local Authorities

Ceisteanna (784)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

784. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the totality of grant-aid and or subsidy provided to each local authority in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 (details supplied). [42823/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

My Department provides an annual operational grant to Local Authorities to cover 70% of the running costs of Civil Defence and while Local Authorities are required to provide the remaining 30% each year, many contribute significantly more than that.  Other grants are also issued to the local authorities from time to time, on application, towards the purchase of vehicles and equipment and other miscellaneous costs incurred by Civil Defence Units.

Since 2019, my Department has received funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund to go towards the upgrading of the Civil Defence fleet of vehicles.  This funding has been distributed to Local Authority Civil Defence Units through a grant scheme and goes mainly towards the replacement of older vehicles. In 2022, €0.5 million has been allocated from the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2022 to continue upgrading the fleet.

The details of the annual operational grants and other grants for Civil Defence, including Dormant Accounts funding paid to individual Local Authorities from 2019 to 22 August, 2022 are outlined in the tables below:

 

€			2019
Local   Authority	Annual   Operational Grant	Other   Grants	Dormants   Accounts Grant
Carlow	40,502	-	-
Cavan	67,871	7,558	31,404
Clare	77,777	34,107	31,404
Cork City	76,092	6,426	-
Cork County	169,649	21,501	31,404
Donegal	86,960	3,905	31,404
Dublin	386,442	22,116	31,404
Galway	94,305	21,782	31,404
Kerry	117,942	4,270	31,404
Kildare	95,416	6,783	-
Kilkenny	85,431	14,107	31,404
Laois	80,091	33,662	-
Leitrim	73,654	19,205	-
Limerick	134,700	-	31,404
Longford	144,321	-	-
Louth	74,035	1,750	31,404
Mayo	89,886	588	31,404
Meath	91,126	48,701	31,404
Monaghan	77,327	31,508	31,404
Offaly	41,009	588	31,404
Roscommon	80,324	17,790	-
Sligo	79,304	3,523	31,404
Tipperary	104,147	4,775	-
Waterford	157,487	1,725	-
Westmeath	80,386	26,831	-
Wexford	86,282	43,298	31,404
Wicklow	40,475	-	-
TOTAL	2,732,940	376,499	502,463

 

€			2020
Local   Authority	Annual   Operational Grant	Other   Grants	Dormant   Accounts Grant
Carlow	46,077	10,033	31,404
Cavan	78,441	15,396	31,404
Clare	79,209	57,190	62,808
Cork City	81,165	5,918	62,808
Cork County	191,495	27,582	62,808
Donegal	90,031	11,449	62,808
Dublin	390,132	153,040	31,404
Galway	96,326	12,732	31,404
Kerry	116,593	9,117	31,404
Kildare	96,209	1,742	31,404
Kilkenny	87,225	26,296	31,404
Laois	80,749	17,833	31,404
Leitrim	75,776	11,899	31,404
Limerick	134,252	889	31,404
Longford	62,776	4,724	31,404
Louth	85,828	7,899	31,404
Mayo	90,365	9,220	31,404
Meath	90,094	73,566	31,404
Monaghan	78,634	39,200	31,404
Offaly	112,606	4,900	31,404
Roscommon	31,403	22,396	62,808
Sligo	73,034	22,871	31,404
Tipperary	132,275	71,322	31,404
Waterford	124,659	4,900	31,404
Westmeath	82,120	36,899	31,404
Wexford	84,995	31,258	31,404
Wicklow	129,914	37,422	31,404
TOTAL	2,822,380	727,695	1,004,926

 

€			2021			2022 (to   22 August)
Local Authority	Annual   Operational Grant	Other   Grants	Dormant   Accounts Grant	Annual   Operational Grant	Other   Grants	Dormant   Accounts Grant
Carlow	44,422	12,476	-	-	-	-
Cavan	76,405	20,120	28,000	108,128	-	-
Clare	108,160	38,375	34,994	-	-	-
Cork City	73,217	10,270	-	76,008	-	68,520
Cork County	200,506	20,564	31,461	-	16,000	26,181
Donegal	70,455	14,204	35,000	-	219	-
Dublin	396,533	15,762	29,033	399,255	4,270	-
Galway	98,536	21,853	30,056	-	3,425	-
Kerry	117,337	24,752	34,700	120,859	4,270	-
Kildare	96,733	6,000	35,000	94,719	-	-
Kilkenny	99,696	55,770	-	114,267	-	-
Laois	92,528	23,764	35,000	100,813	450	-
Leitrim	62,066	-	24,500	-	5,029	-
Limerick	133,944	16,125	-	-	50	-
Longford	63,918	28,628	34,129	59,695	4,270	-
Louth	84,503	13,293	35,000	74,726	3,266	-
Mayo	69,089	26,000	-	118,563	38,714	-
Meath	119,124	55,818	33,930	-	30,000	-
Monaghan	90,088	35,714	-	107,585	11,000	72,000
Offaly	15,288	-	-	44,649	8,599	26,940
Roscommon	69,794	10,266	24,507	-	4,270	-
Sligo	79,567	5,252	-	-	-	32,800
Tipperary	132,463	71,669	29,391	-	-	-
Waterford	124,541	-	34,025	-	-	-
Westmeath	91,052	41,752	35,000	111,180	9,800	36,000
Wexford	103,115	46,894	35,000	-	-	-
Wicklow	81,888	45,975	35,000	86,657	-	-
TOTAL	2,794,968	661,296	613,725	1,617,103	143,632	262,441

 

European Union

Ceisteanna (785)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

785. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence his views on a statement by the European Union Vice President High Representative for Foreign Affairs (details supplied); his views on whether it is a European Union competence to change the State's foreign policy, particularly regarding the declaration of war; his views on whether the statement reflects an agreement to which the Government has given its assent in the Council of Europe; the action that he will take at European Union level to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42851/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

Together with our EU partners, Ireland has been resolute in our response to Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and morally reprehensible war against Ukraine. The EU has repeatedly demonstrated its strong and unwavering support for Ukraine, including in relation to sanctions against Russia and the provision of military assistance.

We have consistently underlined that Ireland is militarily neutral but is not politically neutral in the face of Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. Our own focus has been on easing the plight of the Ukrainian people, providing for the many Ukrainian refugees who are seeking protection in Ireland and holding the Russian leadership to account.

At the same time, it is important to underline that the EU is not a party to the conflict and neither is Ireland. Moreover, security and defence remain predominantly Member State competences and Ireland’s policy of military neutrality is well understood by EU partners and codified in the Protocol attached to the Lisbon Treaty.

Departmental Properties

Ceisteanna (786)

Patrick Costello

Ceist:

786. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Defence the current status and future plans for the site on Montpellier Hill beside the Criminal Courts on Parkgate Street, in particular the use of the derelict building known as the red house formally used by G2 during the emergency period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43033/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

I am advised that the site in question is not under the ownership of my Department. It is understood that same is under the ownership of Dublin City Council. 

Ministerial Staff

Ceisteanna (787)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

787. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence the expenses paid to Ministerial advisers in his Department in each of the years 2020 and 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43149/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

Since my appointment as Minister for Defence in June 2020, I have appointed two special advisers.  These advisers are appointed to me in my capacity as Minister for Defence and also as Minister for Foreign Affairs.  They are employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs and as such, expenses are administered by that Department. 

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (788)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

788. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of qualified military aircraft maintenance technicians and qualified military avionics technicians currently in the Defence Forces. [43201/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The military authorities advise that, as of 31 August 2022 there were 195 qualified aircraft maintenance technicians and 37 qualified avionics technicians serving in the Air Corps. In addition, there are currently 47 apprentice Military Aircraft Technicians.

A Military Aircraft Technician is an individual who has qualified from an Air Corps apprenticeship, or is a Direct Entrant with suitable qualifications, to work on aircraft in the various maintenance roles. The phrase “Aircraft Technician” is an umbrella term. It covers a broad range of disciplines and accounts for an establishment of 322 personnel within the Air Corps. These personnel range in rank from Airman to Regimental Sergeant Major, and specialise in variety of disciplines from avionics technician to aircraft mechanic, and from crew leader to aircraft inspector.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (789)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

789. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the name of the company that was awarded the contract for the capital works project of a new cadet school headquarters in the Defence Forces training centre; and the number of companies that applied for this capital works project but were unsuccessful. [43202/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

I can advise the Deputy that following a competitive two stage tendering process, eight Contractors submitted tenders in respect of the Cadet School Headquarters in the Defence Forces Training Centre.

A capital works contract was awarded to Duggan Lynch Ltd on 9th March 2022 and site works commenced shortly thereafter.

Air Corps

Ceisteanna (790)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

790. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence if he will provide a detailed breakdown of the equipment and gear being carried by the Air Corps PC-12 (details supplied) which is currently stranded in Uganda after being used to collect equipment and gear left behind by Defence Forces members who evacuated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in mid-August 2022. [43223/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The Air Corps completed recently a military operation to repatriate military equipment associated with the recent departure of Defence Forces' personnel from the UN's MONUSCO mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For operational and security reasons, it is not appropriate to provide further details of this military equipment. 

The repatriation of the equipment required the processing of diplomatic clearances to travel through the airspace and territory of 14 countries. At no point was the Air Corps aircraft ever stranded in Uganda.

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (791)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

791. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Defence the breakdown of the products or services delivered to the Irish Defence Forces in return for the €1.06 million paid to date to NATOs Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System Group Executive; the benefits that Ireland has gained in regard to the security and defence of Irish territory from this expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43234/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

Military intelligence plays a key role in maintaining an awareness of threats to the State and to forces deployed at home and overseas. The Directorate of Intelligence is a constituent part of Defence Forces Headquarters and delivers threat assessments to the Minister for Defence, the Department of Defence as well as, through the Chief of Staff, to the National Security Committee. Liaison is also maintained between the Directorate and An Garda Síochána.  The nature of intelligence activities is confidential and in the interests of national security. 

To aid in this effort, Ireland is currently an associate participant of Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System Group Executive (BICES).  This is a classified interconnected system of systems used to share intelligence and intelligence-related information between and among its participants, associated participants, NATO and other organisations.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (792)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

792. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the engagement that he has had with the Minister for Education on the matter of school transport since June 2022; and if he will publish any correspondence shared with the Minister for Education on same. [43352/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

I have not engaged with the Minister for Education on the matter of school transport since June 2022.  It is a matter which falls under the remit of the Department of Education.  I have not shared any correspondence on same with the Minister for Education.  

Departmental Advertising

Ceisteanna (793)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

793. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the amount that his Department has spent on advertising on social media in 2021 and to date in 2022; the amount spent per platform; and the campaigns per platform in tabular form. [43370/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

I wish to advise the Deputy, my Department has spent the following amounts on advertising on social media in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form.

Campaign	Year	Platform	Total Cost €
Be Summer Ready	2021	Twitter	4,596.54
Be Winter Ready	2021-22	Twitter	14,432.61
Be Summer Ready	2022	Twitter	14,759.83
Total			33,788.98

Local Authorities

Ceisteanna (794)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

794. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the details on the total amounts of monies awarded to Louth County Council by his Department in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; if he will seek details on the total monies drawn down and spent by Louth County Council over the same years in tabular form, and if not spent, the total monies that were returned to his Department respectively over the same years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43515/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

My Department provides funding to Local Authorities only in respect of a proportion of the costs of providing Civil Defence services. Such applications are based on the actual expenditure incurred during the year and are submitted and paid retrospectively.

Civil Defence training and operations are funded by a combination of an annual operational grant from this Department and a contribution from the relevant local authority on a 70/30 basis. The annual operational grant covers 70% of the running costs of Civil Defence annually, with the local authority providing the remaining 30%.

Grants are also issued to the local authorities from time to time upon receipt of an application, towards the purchase of vehicles, equipment and other miscellaneous costs incurred by Civil Defence Units. In addition, this Department has also since 2019, received funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund, which has facilitated an upgrade of the overall Civil Defence fleet of vehicles, to include the provision of new 4x4 pickup vehicles in Local Authority Civil Defence Units across the country.

The total operational and other grants, including Dormant Accounts funding, paid to Louth County Council from the Defence Vote from 2016 to date is as outlined in the table below.  

Year	Operational Grant Expenditure	Other Grant Expenditure	Total Grants Paid
2016	€67,568	€22,718	€90,286
2017	€77,369	€0	€77,369
2018	€86,688	€25,567	€112,255
2019	€74,034	€33,452	€107,486
2020	€85,828	€39,880	€125,708
2021	€84,503	€48,293	€132,796
2022	€74,726 (YTD)	€1,700 (YTD)	€76,426 (YTD)

Defence Forces

Ceisteanna (795)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

795. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Defence if he will address issues which were raised by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who is a retired member of the Army Defence Forces and is trying to obtain his Army disability pension; the assistance that can be offered to this person to address their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43728/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

I wish to assure you that the matters raised by the person in question (details supplied) have been examined and have been referenced in a number of responses which have issued by my office.

Concerning an entitlement to a Disability Pension, the Army Pensions Acts provide that a disability pension may, following retirement, be granted to a former member of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) in respect of permanent disablement due to a wound or injury attributable to military service (whether at home or abroad) or to a disease attributable to or aggravated by overseas service with a United Nations Force. The Acts also provide that a disability pension may be granted in respect of permanent disablement due to a disease secondary to an injury (whether at home or abroad). 

The person in question applied for a Disability Pension in 1996. The application was in respect of a condition which is classified for the purposes of the Army Pensions Acts as a disease. Under the Army Pensions Acts, overseas service with the United Nations is required as part of the criteria for awarding a pension for disease. Unfortunately the person in question had no overseas service and, therefore, the application could not be accepted as it did not meet the criteria as specified in Section 5 of the Army Pensions (No.2) Act, 1960.  This legislative provision remains in place and the Department of Defence has no discretion to waive the criteria, as they are governed by statute. 

As you will be aware, I obtained government approval on 25 January last for a judge led Independent Review Group, to examine the current policies, systems and procedures for dealing with matters relating to dignity, discrimination, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces. 

I wish to reiterate in the strongest possible terms, that bullying, harassment, and any form of unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated in the Defence Forces. I am absolutely committed as a priority to ensuring that all members of the Defence Forces have the right to undertake their duties in an environment underpinned by dignity and equality.

The Independent Review, which is well underway, provides that both former and serving members of the Defence Forces may make contact with the Group and share their experiences including those of a historical nature.

I would strongly encouraging all stakeholders, including both former and serving members of the Permanent Defence Force, to engage with the Independent Review Group. The sharing of such views and experiences by interviewees will be treated in absolute confidence. These submissions will also 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.

Finally, I wish to clarify that the Report of the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces (ODF) into matters referenced by the named individual, has indicated that the ODF does not have jurisdiction to investigate the complaints submitted and in addition, advised that he had not made any determination in relation to the matters raised.

As I have confirmed previously, the Independent Review is seen as a critical first step in ensuring that there is zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour within the Defence Forces.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (796)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

796. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Defence when the Defence Forces will receive the €1,000 Covid payment [43886/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

As the Deputy may be aware, on 19 January 2022, the Government announced a COVID-19 Pandemic Recogition Payment (PRP) for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The Government announcement also made provision for a pro-rata application of the payment.

The measure is ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments, who worked at least 60% whole time equivalent (WTE), for at least 4 weeks, during the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021, while €600 will apply for those below 60% WTE, within the same period of time. This recognition payment will be applied to those eligible public sector front-line healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings.

At Government level, the Department of Health has primary policy responsibility for this initiative and it is currently working on progressing the modalities of payments, for those non-HSE employees that are covered by this Government decision. It is also engaging with the relevant employers on the process to implement this measure for their eligible staff.

Certain redeployed members of the Defence Forces, who worked in front line COVID-19 exposed environments in the HSE, fall under the umbrella of eligibility regarding this payment. To this end, Officials in my Department have engaged with and will remain in regular contact with the Department of Health to discuss the roll-out of the PRP, for eligible Defence Forces personnel, which will happen within the current tax year. It is important to note that ultimate interpretation of the scheme is a matter for the Minister for Health, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. 

Foreign Policy

Ceisteanna (797)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

797. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to a submarine which surfaced within sight of the south Donegal coast in the past week; the specific foreign state that owned the submarine; if his attention was drawn to the fact that submarine training or other operations were going to take place so close to the Donegal coast; if the submarine had nuclear weapons onboard; the measures that have been taken to ensure that these operations will not take place in the future; and if he will outline the consequences of this for Ireland’s neutrality. [43931/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The Naval Service and Air Corps carry out ongoing Maritime Defence and Security Operations within Irish territorial waters and the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone.  These operations did not observe any submarine activity off the Donegal coast in recent weeks.  Consequently, this particular reported sighting cannot be substantiated.

International law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) allows for all vessels, to transit through another state’s territorial waters when conducting innocent passage (as defined by Article 19 of UNCLOS).  For submarines, innocent passage must be conducted on the surface, with the flag of nationality on display (Article 20 UNCLOS).  Furthermore, naval vessels are permitted to conduct exercises outside of territorial waters in a country’s Exclusive Economic Zone so long as this does not unduly interfere with the Coastal State.  Any vessels transiting Irish waters must do so in compliance with international law and may be subject to sighting and observation by the Naval Service and Air Corps without their innocent passage being infringed. 

Infringement of these obligations under international law would be a serious matter and would be addressed by the Government accordingly. 

Naval Service

Ceisteanna (798)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

798. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish Naval Service ships that are currently in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44047/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The Naval Service currently has a fleet of six ships.  One ship is in the process of a mid-life re-fit which is expected to last 18 - 24 months.  There are five operational ships that remain available at present.

Three naval service vessels, LÉ Eithne, LÉ Ciara and LÉ Orla were decommissioned on Friday, 8th July of this year.

Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara, it is expected these vessels will be transported to Ireland in 2023 following the completion of a programme of works.

Marine Advisors have been appointed to support the procurement of multi-role vessel (MRV) to replace the flagship, LÉ Eithne, this work is underway and will inform a public tender competition in due course. The MRV is an important element of the Defence Equipment Development Plan and is provided for in the Government's National Development Plan as a major capital project. It is the Government’s intention that this new vessel will provide a flexible and adaptive capability for a wide range of maritime tasks

Naval Service

Ceisteanna (799)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

799. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Defence the number of Naval Service seamen and seawomen that have been recruited in each of the years 2020 and 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44048/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The following table details the number of Naval Service seamen and seawomen that have been recruited in each of the years 2020 and 2021 and to date in 2022 as of the 31 July 2022:

2020	2020	2020	2021	2021	2021	2022*	2022*	2022*
Male	Female	Total	Male	Female	Total	Male	Female	Total
58	6	64	56	14	70	9	0	9

* As of 31 July 2022

Acknowledged recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service are being addressed through a number of measures.

In 2021 I approved a comprehensive Naval Service Regeneration plan which is being progressed and monitored by a high-level civil/military team. The aim of the plan is to address the issues facing the Naval Service in the context of Human Resources, Operational Capacity, and Infrastructure. A number of the staffing measures in the plan have been implemented.

General service and direct entry recruitment is ongoing. Other measures such as the seagoing service commitment scheme, the revision of terms and conditions and starting pay for certain specialists, and a tax credit for seagoing Naval Service personnel are further example of targeted retention initiatives.

Furthermore, in accordance with one of the recommendations in the Commission on the Defence Forces report, a review has commenced of existing seagoing allowances to consider their replacement with less complex seagoing duty measures.

I remain committed to maximising recruitment capacity and introducing measures to enhance retention in the Naval Service and the Defence Forces as a whole. 

Naval Service

Ceisteanna (800)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

800. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Defence the number of officers that have been appointed to the Naval Service in each of the years 2020 and 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44049/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence

The following table details the number of officers that have been appointed to the Naval Service in each of the years 2020 and 2021 and to date in 2022 as of the 31 July 2022:

	2020	2021	2022*
Total Number of Officers	9	8	1

* As of 31 July 2022

Acknowledged recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service are being addressed through a number of measures.

In 2021 I approved a comprehensive Naval Service Regeneration plan which is being progressed and monitored by a high-level civil/military team. The aim of the plan is to address the issues facing the Naval Service in the context of Human Resources, Operational Capacity, and Infrastructure. A number of the staffing measures in the plan have been implemented.

General service and direct entry recruitment is ongoing. Other measures such as the seagoing service commitment scheme, the revision of terms and conditions and starting pay for certain specialists, and a tax credit for seagoing Naval Service personnel are further example of targeted retention initiatives.

Furthermore, in accordance with one of the recommendations in the Commission on the Defence Forces report, a review has commenced of existing seagoing allowances to consider their replacement with less complex seagoing duty measures.

I remain committed to maximising recruitment capacity and introducing measures to enhance retention in the Naval Service and the Defence Forces as a whole. 

School Transport

Ceisteanna (801)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

801. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the engagement that she has had with other Departments on the matter of school transport since June 2022; and if she will publish any correspondence shared on same. [43364/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

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

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the 2022/2023 school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures. 

School Transport ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year closed on 29 July by which time almost 130,000 applications/registrations were received for mainstream school transport. This figure includes 44,299 new applications as well as roll-overs from the previous school year.

In the normal course of Dáil business I engage with other Ministers on a regular basis on a wide range of issues including School Transport. I also receive representations from Ministerial colleagues in relation to a wide range of issues, including school transport matters. 

With regard to the waiving of school transport fees for the 2022/2023 school year, on 26th  July 2022 I submitted a memo to Cabinet asking Government to agree to the following: 

- In light of the increasing cost of living and with a view to easing the financial burden on families,  that as part of a set of  initiatives to assist families with Back to School costs,  students availing of the school transport scheme will not be charged fees for the academic year 2022/23. This is a temporary measure for the current year only.

- Pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, that Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level be continued for the 2022/2023 school year.

On 27th July 2022 a Government Decision issued, agreeing to these proposals.

School Textbooks

Ceisteanna (802, 944, 1031, 1043, 1046, 1047)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

802. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that the Government continues to provide support for sustainable funding for books in schools and the maintenance of the €20 million school library book grant in Budget 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44010/22]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

944. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if she will confirm whether the €20 million provided in 2022 for school libraries was once-off funding or recurrent; if it counts as capital funding; the mechanism by which it was awarded to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43593/22]

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

1031. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to a campaign (details supplied); her plans for the upcoming Budget 2023 to maintain the Budget 2022 €20 million investment in books for rebuilding schools’ library stocks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44174/22]

Gary Gannon

Ceist:

1043. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education if there will be further funding for schools to buy new reading materials for their libraries. [44268/22]

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

1046. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that a €20 million school library book grant is retained for the upcoming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44271/22]

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1047. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education if she will commit to improving the €20 million investment in school library books for children and young persons to read for pleasure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44322/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 802, 944, 1031, 1043, 1046 and 1047 together.

My aim for Budget 2023 is to continue to deliver on the priorities outlined in the Programme for Government and to continue to deliver the highest level of ambition and support for the students, staff, and families in the education sector. 

In the lead up to the Budget, my Department receives a number of pre-budget submissions from a number stakeholders in the education sector and from organisations involved in other areas of public policy. As in previous years, relevant submissions continue to be reviewed and they will inform the specific budgetary priorities that I will be seeking to achieve in Budget 2023.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (803)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

803. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education the status of the development of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41938/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the building project for the school to which he refers has now been devolved for delivery to Donegal Education and Training Board (DETB). 

A Design Team for the project was appointed in July 2022. This team will now design the buildings, obtain the necessary statutory planning permissions, and move the project onward to tender and construction stages in due course.

As the project is at an early stage in the delivery process, it is not possible at this time to give a date for its completion. Please be assured that the ETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.