Joe Carey
Ceist:804. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education if she will respond to a query (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41942/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Staff
Ceisteanna (804)
Freagraí scríofa
An Occupational Health Strategy is in place as a supportive resource for teachers. The aim of this strategy is to promote the health of teachers in the workplace, with a focus primarily on prevention rather than cure. The Occupational Health Strategy comprises the Employee Assistance Service and the Occupational Health Service (OHS).
The OHS is in place to provide employers with occupational health advice in relation to teachers’ fitness for work. It incorporates pre-employment health assessments, sickness absence referrals, assessments of medical fitness for work and ill health retirement assessments. Information on accessing the services of the OHS is available in the Employers Procedures Manual which is located at Circular 0054/2019 Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools.
The employer has a duty under Section 8 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to “ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees”. The OHS is in place to assist the employer in carrying out this duty.
The OHS provider, contracted by the Department, is the sole recognised provider of independent medical advice for teachers and employers. It is a requirement of the Sick Leave Scheme that all employers and teachers abide by the OHS medical assessment.
The OHS, contracted by the Department, was procured in line with public procurement guidelines. The current OHS provider is Medmark Occupational Healthcare Ltd.
Where there is a difference of medical opinion between the OHS and the treating Doctor/Consultant on a teacher’s medical fitness for work, the OHS will consult with the treating Doctor/Consultant before providing final advice to the employer. If there is a specific need for an independent medical assessment, this can be facilitated through the OHS.
There are specific appeal processes in place in relation to Critical Illness Provisions and ill Health Retirement. These processes are detailed in Circular 0054/2019 Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools and Retirement on Medical Grounds - Teachers and non-teaching staff.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (805)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:805. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if she is satisfied as to the quantum and quality of works undertaken to fulfil the accommodation needs of a school (details supplied). [41948/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The purpose of the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation. My Department agreed and approved funding with the school in question for the provision of permanent additional accommodation in this regard.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this funding provides for a significant level of refurbishment works. This project will facilitate a Science laboratory, Woodwork room and Economics room.
This project has been devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). A Design Team has been appointed for this project, which will oversee the quality of the works undertaken.
This project is currently onsite and a significant proportion of the available funding has already been provided by the Department.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (806)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:806. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if her Department is confident that the premises of a school (details supplied) on same will place it in a position to cater properly for the needs of current and prospective students from the beginning of the new academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41949/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, it is intended that the permanent accommodation needs of the school to which she refers will be met in the former Maynooth Post-Primary school building.
The school is currently located in temporary accommodation in Manor Mills pending delivery of permanent accommodation.
In the interim, my Department has approved funding to the school's patron to undertake refurbishment works in a property to facilitate access to additional specialist accommodation by the school. This accommodation includes science, woodwork and home economics rooms.
The delivery of the refurbishment project has been devolved to the patron of the school for delivery and the patron has advised my Department that the works are near completion. My Department will continue to engage with the patron regarding the school's accommodation needs.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (807, 808, 809, 810, 811)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:807. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the total cost of rent spent on accommodating a school (details supplied) in temporary accommodation since it was founded in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41981/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:808. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the total cost of rent spent on accommodating a school (details supplied) in another building in Tramore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41982/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:809. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the total amount of rent her Department intends to spend on accommodating a school (details supplied) in another building in Tramore until it moves to a final and permanent location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41983/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:810. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the total spent on works associated with the tenancy of a school (details supplied) in another building in Tramore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41984/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMarc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:811. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the breakdown of purchase, construction and fit-out costs forecast for accommodating a school (details supplied) in its final and permanent location in Tramore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41985/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 807 to 811, inclusive, together.
I wish to advise the Deputy, that the school in school in question opened in 2014 in interim accommodation on a split site basis, comprising a premises formerly occupied by the HSE (Tramore Health Centre) and on part of the former Stella Maris Secondary School property which is now under private ownership. The total cost of rent to date amounts to €496,459.25.
While it is the policy of my Department to ensure a high standard of permanent accommodation for all schools, in the context of a rapidly increasing school population over the last decade or more it is sometimes necessary to make use of temporary accommodation to meet the accommodation needs of schools.
Many schools based in rented buildings and on rented sites are already part of the pipeline of projects under the school building programme and their longer-term accommodation will be addressed as part of these projects. Maximising the opportunities to achieve value for money involves matching, as best as possible, the accommodation requirement with the appropriate accommodation solution. This is relevant for all accommodation projects progressed by the Department.
I can confirm that the school in question were granted approval for reconfiguration interim works in the former Stella Maris School Building under the Additional Accommodation Scheme 2020. These works are now complete and payments totalling €189,000 have been made to the Educate Together Head Office in that respect.
I can also confirm to the Deputy, that the planned permanent accommodation for the school in question is a school property which was formerly used by Glor na Mara primary school. This property is currently undergoing a building retrofit project which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The Department of Education and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications established a jointly funded pathfinder programme with the SEAI, testing and demonstrating energy efficiency and decarbonisation retrofit approaches. This pathfinder is a great example of collaboration ensuring the deployment of new design approaches and technologies are introduced to the educational environment on an evidence based approach.
This Pathfinder programme is paving the way for, and informing, a much larger national schools’ programme for the energy retrofit of schools built prior to 2008 as included in the National Development Plan. It is facilitating research on a range of typical retrofit options, which will have been tried and tested. It is providing valuable development information for a solution driven delivery strategy which will be founded on a solid evidence base that has proven the robustness and scalability of renewable solutions within the schools’ sector.
This programme continues to assist the Department to identify and test solutions for decarbonised energy efficiency solutions in our schools, to support the Climate Action Plan.
The longer-term outcome of the pathfinder will be to create an accurate and scalable model for energy efficient retrofits of schools across Ireland. The deep energy retrofit programme for schools built prior to 2008 is due to be rolled out as included in the National Development Plan.
This school is one of the Pathfinder projects and works includes external wall and roof insulation, new high performance windows and doors, new ventilation systems with heat recovery, new heating system including air source heat pump, new flooring, upgraded classroom sinks/ wet area electrical upgrade, new LED lighting, new emergency lighting and wiring and fire detection, toilets upgrade, air tightness works, fire safety works, new suspended ceilings, and new fitted furniture.
The school energy upgrade and refurbishment costs are in the region of €2.1 M plus VAT and Design Team fees. The current retro-fit and refurbishment project will ensure that the school takes occupancy of a modern and energy efficient building.
Having considered the long-term accommodation needs for the school, my Department has also acquired additional land beside the Glor na Mara property site to facilitate the provision of additional accommodation on this site. In this way the school will have sufficient accommodation between the retrofitted Glor na Mara building and the newly built accommodation on this site. This will secure the long term needs of the school in question.
In the interim, the school will continue to rent a portion of the Stella Maris building. The scope of accommodation required will be decreased upon completion of the retrofit programme and the cost for this reduced accommodation is currently being negotiated with the landowner.
Question No. 808 answered with Question No. 807.
Question No. 809 answered with Question No. 807.
Question No. 810 answered with Question No. 807.
Question No. 811 answered with Question No. 807.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (812)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:812. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education the rationale behind moving a school (details supplied) into a school building which the school management and board have indicated is too small for their needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41986/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy, that the planned permanent accommodation for the school in question is a school property which was formerly used by Glor na Mara primary school. This property is currently undergoing a building retrofit project which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The current retro-fit and refurbishment project will ensure that the school takes occupancy of a modern and energy efficient building.
Having considered the long-term accommodation needs for the school, my Department has also acquired additional land beside the Glor na Mara property site to facilitate the provision of additional accommodation on this site. In this way the school will have sufficient accommodation between the retrofitted Glor na Mara building and the newly built accommodation on this site. This will secure the long term needs of the school in question.
My Department will continue to engage with the school’s patron in respect of these projects and the school’s interim accommodation needs.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (813)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:813. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education her plans for a full primary and secondary educational audit of Tramore and the surrounding area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41987/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, utilising data from a range of sources including information on planned and current residential development, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise.
Major new residential developments in a school planning area have the potential to alter demand in that area. In that regard, as part of the demographic exercises, my Department engages with each local authority to obtain the up-to-date data on significant new residential development in each area. My Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within the particular area and its ability to meet increased demand.
Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
The status of all capital projects, including those in Waterford, are available on www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-education.
Previous demographic exercises have not identified a requirement for a new school in Tramore, however, the requirement for additional school places is kept under on-going review and work on an updated exercise to assess needs, for the coming years, is at an advanced stage.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (814)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:814. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Education her plans for a second secondary school in Tramore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41988/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, a building project for an existing post primary school, Ardscoil Na Mara, Tramore, Co Waterford was completed in June 2020.
The project was an extension to the school's existing accommodation. The school now has capacity to accommodate 1,350 pupils as well as classes for pupils with special education needs.
A number of building projects are currently in train in the Waterford area which will provide further post primary school capacity, these include:
- Waterpark College, Waterford - a major building project is currently under construction and when completed will provide capacity for approximately 540 pupils.
- Newtown School, Waterford - a major building project is currently at Stage 2b (Developed Design) and when completed will provide capacity for approximately 650 pupils plus a 2 classroom special education needs base.
- Gaelcholáiste Phort Láirge - a major building project to construct a new school is currently at Stage 1 (Preliminary Design) and when completed will provide capacity for approximately 300 pupils plus a 2 classroom special education needs base.
My Department is satisfied that the delivery of these projects will cater for future demand in the area in the short to medium term.
Nevertheless, the requirement for additional school places will be kept under on-going review, including those which may arise in the Tramore school planning area. Additionally, my Department will continue to liaise with Waterford County Council in respect of its review of the County Development Plan with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across the county.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (815)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:815. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education the progress of plans to ensure that employees and retired teachers can receive their payslips electronically; the estimated timeframe for the implementation of this system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42009/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department plans to use the Digital Postbox to provide electronic versions of payslips to payees in late 2022. This will include payees who are in receipt of a pension payment.
The Digital Postbox service was developed by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) to provide a safe and secure way for public service bodies to communicate with their customers and at the same time reduce costs and paper waste.
My Department is putting in place an internal technical solution to produce and transfer PDF versions of a payee’s fortnightly payslip to the Digital Postbox for those payees that open an account. If a payee chooses not to open an account then a payslip can continue to be printed and posted.
Detailed information on how to sign up to this service will be communicated to all payees nearer to the time of the launch of the service.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (816)
Richard O'Donoghue
Ceist:816. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if discussions are expected to provide an allowance for the parents of children who travel to school by private buses in cases in which Bus Éireann does not provide a service in these areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42033/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of my Department. 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 coming 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.
Bus Éireann are processing applications and issuing tickets as soon as extra buses and drivers are sourced and become available to provide transport for the higher numbers qualifying for the service.
The normal eligibility criteria of the scheme still apply and tickets continue to be allocated in line with this criteria. Pupils at primary level are eligible where they live no less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school. At post primary level, students who live no less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre are deemed eligible.
Any pupils/students who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for.
In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application and ticket registration process on time for the 2022/2023 school year will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
In addition, pending completion of the outcome of the full review of the School Transport Scheme, Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year. Under these measures, which were initially introduced in 2019, transport will provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April and registered for a ticket by the 29th July.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
An eligible child for whom no transport service is available may, following an application and payment for transport within prescribed time limits, receive a Remote Area Grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.
Commercial contractors who provide transport for schools on a private hire or commercial basis but who are not contracted by Bus Éireann to operate on my Department’s School Transport Scheme do not fall under the remit of my Department.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (817)
John McGuinness
Ceist:817. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education if a place will be provided for a child (details supplied) at an early intervention ASD unit; the number of ASD units established in Kilkenny city and environs; the number of places in each; if each unit is at capacity or not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42150/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 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.
As your query refers to a placement for an individual child, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
School Funding
Ceisteanna (818)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:818. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the average total of voluntary contributions received annually by schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42151/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The latest available data is for the school year 2020/21, when approximately €28 million was reported as received by primary and post primary schools in the form of voluntary contributions.
Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils enrolled in recognised schools are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no requirement to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management, however their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.
Section 64 of the Education (Admissions to schools) Act 2018, which was commenced in 2018 explicitly prohibits the charging of admission and enrolment fees for admission to or for continued enrolment in a school, with some exceptions such as boarding or fee charging schools.
My Department is also continuing to progress the Education (Student and Parent Charter) Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill has been passed by the Seanad and in July 2021 passed second stage in the Dáil and is currently awaiting progression to Committee Stage.
The overall aim of the Bill is to improve the level of engagement between the school community by inviting feedback, comment and observation from students and parents and by further developing a listening culture in schools. One of the key concepts of the Bill is the need for a school to consult with the school community on individual school plans, policies and activities.
This approach will help ensure that the various views of staff, students and parents will be heard and responded to by schools on policies and issues including back to school costs.
The Bill also provides for schools to provide financial information to students and parents, including information regarding voluntary contributions and how they are spent.
Education and Training Boards
Ceisteanna (819)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:819. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the estimated full-year cost of a new staff member in each education and training board to promote disabled students’ participation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42158/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides each of the sixteen Education and Training Board (ETB) with a staffing allocation to support its schools, colleges, head office and other centres of education. In providing these supports, it is the responsibility of each ETB to recruit and manage staffing levels within this allocation and to deploy staff in roles in accordance with the priorities and needs as identified by the ETB concerned.
The cost of an additional staff member for each ETB will depend on the grade of the staff member concerned. The most up to date salary scales for the various administrative grades in ETBs are set out in Circular 0005/2022 which is available on my Department's website.
Education Welfare Service
Ceisteanna (820)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:820. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education the total number of education welfare officer posts, broken down by local area office; and the number of education welfare officers actually employed, broken down by local area office. [42212/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs), are employed by Tusla as part of Tusla Education Support Service. EWOs work with children and families in cases where they are experiencing difficulties in relation to school attendance, participation, and retention. The Educational Welfare Service is a statutory service and its primary role is to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a certain minimum education, to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education.
I have been informed by Tusla that a recruitment campaign was completed in August 2022 and that a new national Educational Welfare Officer panel has now been established. All vacant posts have been issued to this panel of candidates. Any vacant EWO posts will be filled as soon as possible thereafter allowing for necessary pre-appointment processes.
The table below outlines the total number of EWO posts and the number of EWOs employed by local area. In addition to the below there are 15 Senior EWO WTE posts nationwide.
My Department has also sanctioned 16 additional temporary EWO posts (not included in the below table) to ensure that the EWS current capacity continues to focus on the general service demands nationally, while ensuring that the educational welfare needs of children and young people arriving from Ukraine can be addressed comprehensively. I have been informed by TESS that these posts are currently being filled using the new EWO panel.
|
- |
Number of Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) posts |
Number of EWOs Employed |
|
Carlow |
2 |
2 |
|
Cavan |
1.5 |
1.5 |
|
Clare |
2 |
1 |
|
Cork |
7.8 |
7.8 |
|
Donegal |
1.8 |
1.8 |
|
Dublin |
32.2 |
27.2 |
|
Galway |
6 |
5 |
|
Kerry |
3 |
3 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
1 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
1 |
|
Laois |
2 |
2 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
4 |
4 |
|
Longford |
1.5 |
1.5 |
|
Louth |
3 |
1 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
3 |
|
Meath |
3 |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
1.5 |
1.5 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
1 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
1 |
|
Tipperary N.R. |
1 |
1 |
|
Tipperary S.R. |
1 |
1 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
2 |
|
Wexford |
3.5 |
3 |
|
Wicklow |
1.5 |
1 |
|
National EWO Team |
5 |
5 |
School Transport
Ceisteanna (821)
Niall Collins
Ceist:821. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on an application (details supplied); if it can be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42247/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The purpose of the Remote Area Boarding Grant scheme is to give students who are disadvantaged because of their remoteness from schools an opportunity to attend school on the same basis as students not so disadvantaged.
The terms of this scheme are set out in Circular 16/2016 which is published on my Department’s website at www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0016_2016.pdf.
The case referred to by the Deputy was recently examined by Bus Éireann, who operate the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, and I am pleased to confirm the pupil’s parents will shortly be informed of the decision.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (822)
Niall Collins
Ceist:822. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 986 of 14 June 2022, if she will provide an update; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42249/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to your further correspondence in relation to the award of incremental credit.
The position remains the same as previously outlined on the 14th June 2022. The criteria for the award of incremental credit with regard to earlier experience is outlined in Circular 0139/2006, assets.gov.ie/14909/fb36164621cf48118052a727fae891c1.pdf, for special needs assistants (SNAs), and was agreed in the first instance, by the Teacher Conciliation Council (TCC). This Council is comprised of representatives of the teacher unions, school management bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
An application for previous service as a school secretary was received in the incremental credit section on 24th May 2022.
Please be advised this application is currently being processed by the Department and a letter will issue to applicant within the coming days.
Educational Disadvantage
Ceisteanna (823)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:823. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education the grounds on which a school (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused DEIS status on appeal given that surrounding schools were awarded same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42257/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In March I was glad to be able to announce a major expansion of the DEIS – Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme which means that, for the first time since 2017, the programme is being significantly expanded and eligible schools will now gain access to targeted supports to address educational disadvantage. This will add an additional €32million to my Department’s expenditure on the DEIS programme from 2023, bringing the 2023 allocation to in the region of €180million.
Schools were identified for inclusion in the programme through the refined DEIS identification model which is an objective, statistics based model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme and the model has been applied fairly and equally to all schools.
The DEIS identification process aims to identify those schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage or the highest proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds within a school. The model uses information from the school’s individual enrolment database and 2016 national census data as represented by the Pobal HP Deprivation index. The model takes into account the student cohort and the relative disadvantage within a given school. The DEIS identification model takes into consideration the significant educational disadvantage experienced by Traveller and Roma learners and by students residing in direct provision or emergency homeless accommodation.
A detailed paper on the refined DEIS identification model is available on gov.ie at www.gov.ie/en/publication/a3c9e-extension-of-deis-to-further-schools/#how-schools-were-selected-for-inclusion-in-deis
Schools that were not satisfied with the outcome following the application of the DEIS identification model to their school enrolment data were provided with the opportunity to have that outcome reviewed. The details of the Appeals process is outlined in Circular 0019/2022 which can be found on the gov.ie website. All appeals submitted have now been processed by my Department and schools have been notified of the outcome. The DEIS appeals process was applied fairly across all appellants and the results are final. My Department will continue to support schools to deliver high quality, inclusive teaching and learning to students and young learners.
It is important to note that the extension of the DEIS programme to new schools is just one phase of work in my Department’s vision for an inclusive education system which supports all learners to achieve their potential. While the DEIS programme supports those schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage, my Department recognises that there are students at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools. Conscious of this, and recognising the need to target resources to those schools that need them most, the next phase of work will explore the allocation of resources to schools to tackle educational disadvantage. Part of this programme of work will involve consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
In addition to this, following the National Census 2022 held on the 3rd April last it is envisaged that an updated HP Deprivation Index will be generated by Pobal and will be available in Q3 of 2023. My Department will engage with Pobal in relation to this process. The updated HP Deprivation Index, when available, can be considered by my Department to inform future resource allocation to tackle educational disadvantage.