Written Answers Nos. 824-843
824. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education if the policy of her Department in relation to funding where oil boilers in schools get worn out or at end of life is that funding will only be given to schools for gas boilers in all areas even though tanks and all ancillaries will have to be installed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42293/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra827. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education if her Department has done an analysis on extra costs countywide to replace existing boilers with gas boilers; the estimated cost to replace these; the estimated extra running cost to schools in total nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42296/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 824 and 827 together.
My Department is at the forefront of design with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification.
My Department’s Technical Guidance Documents set the benchmark for sustainable design in school buildings with a clear focus on energy efficiency and they are based on solid energy research projects.
Schools that are designed and built in accordance with the Department’s schools technical guidance documents have been achieving A3 Building Energy Ratings since 2009 with current schools typically achieving up to 20% higher performance than required by the current Building Regulations, along with 10% of primary energy provided via photovoltaics and infrastructure provision for electric vehicle charging.
All new technologies and approaches are tested to ensure compatibility with school design and operational requirements. Successful and repeatable results are then incorporated into all new school designs and refurbishments. The Departments policy is supported by a strong research programme with fifty three research projects at various stages including the energy website www.energyineducation.ie., a joint partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
My Department 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.
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.
The Department’s current approach to the provision of replacement heating systems provides for direct modulating high efficiency gas boiler systems.
This approach takes into account future proofing to ensure school buildings are renewable compatible and are able to take advantage of developing technologies as they become viable, thus enabling a Just Transition for school management, teachers, pupils and parents.
The environmental and cost benefit of converting a school from oil to gas is significant. With LPG and Natural Gas there is approximately between 30 to 40% reduction in carbon emissions in addition to reductions in NOx and particulates and typically there can be up to 30% reduction in running costs depending on the condition and age of the system being replaced..
The new high efficiency gas boilers provide improved comfort levels for teaching and learning, greater system reliability, modern energy saving controls and higher efficiency pumps etc. and also eliminates the potential risk of oil theft.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 Annex of Actions published earlier this year actions the Department to confirm its decarbonisation pathway trajectory to meet 2030 and 2050 targets for the schools sector by end of 2022.
Work is ongoing on decarbonisation options for schools with a focus on the standard of required design criteria and specification to achieve a net zero energy school building and establishing the trajectory for the integration of suitable solutions on a phased basis in a risk controlled manner providing a credible cost effective transition to zero carbon school buildings while ensuring no delays to school accommodation delivery.
825. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education if she has concerns that the price of gas has risen 700% over the past year and that schools will not be able to afford the massive difference in the running cost of recapitation they receive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42294/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. I have committed to seeking funding for further increases in the capitation grant in future budgets.
My Department has also ensured that centrally negotiated rates are available to schools for electricity and bulk heating fuels. These rates are available through existing frameworks sourced by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) which run until 2024. OGP has run competitions specifically for Schools at a national level and the Schools Procurement Unit and the Department has communicated with schools and school management bodies informing them of the options available to them through these national arrangements. It is planned to run future competitions to ensure that bulk rates continue to be available from 2024 onwards. Information on how to avail of these arrangements is available via the Schools Procurement Unit website, www.spu.ie.
Furthermore, my Department is at the forefront of design with respect to sustainable energy in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification.
My Department’s Technical Guidance Documents set the benchmark for sustainable design in school buildings with a clear focus on energy efficiency and they are based on solid energy research projects. Schools that are designed and built in accordance with the Department’s schools technical guidance documents have been achieving A3 Building Energy Ratings since 2009 with current schools typically achieving up to 20% higher performance than required by the current Building Regulations, along with 10% of primary energy provided via photovoltaics and infrastructure provision for electric vehicle charging.
All new technologies and approaches are tested to ensure compatibility with school design and operational requirements. Successful and repeatable results are then incorporated into all new school designs and refurbishments. The Departments policy is supported by a strong research programme with fifty three research projects at various stages including the energy website www.energyineducation.ie. which is a joint partnership with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
In the interest of sustainability, it is critical that renewable applications are properly suited to the schools needs so as to reduce energy costs and carbon and not just applied for the sake of having renewables. It is also critical that we minimise the demand for energy before we invest in renewable energy applications. This has been assisted in previous years with the wall and attic insulation programme and the water conservation programme.
My Department 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.
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.
The pathfinder programme has retrofitted 41 schools across Ireland to date with work on an additional 9 schools added in 2021 underway. 2022 sees six additional schools undergoing deep retrofit to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B with renewable heating systems. Each school undergoes a comprehensive assessment to ensure that the measures are suitable for that school and will deliver value to both the school and learnings for the national retrofit programme.
The Energy in Education website portal and advice programme (Joint programme between SEAI and Dept. of Education) also assists schools reduce their energy consumption and empowers participating schools and pupils to learn the benefits of sustainability. www.energyineducation.ie. Typically savings of between 5 to 10% are identified through low and no cost measures, while some schools participating have identified potential savings of up to 15 % or more.
The Deputy may also be aware that at a National Economic Dialogue, the Taoiseach signalled that the upcoming Budget would address the cost-of-living increases. I will engage with my Cabinet colleagues to continue to deliver on my priorities to support the students, staff, and families within the education sector.
826. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education if she has concerns that the supply of gas may become scarce going forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42295/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy supply issues are being monitored on a whole of Government basis including the potential impacts on individual sectors.
In the context of helping schools with energy costs my Department has ensured that centrally negotiated rates are available to schools for electricity and bulk heating fuels. These rates are available through existing frameworks sourced by the Office of Government Procurement (OGP). OGP has run competitions specifically for Schools at a national level and the Schools Procurement Unit and the Department has communicated with schools and school management bodies informing them of the options available to them through these national arrangements. Information on how to avail of these arrangements is available via the Schools Procurement Unit website, www.spu.ie.
828. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education the current position of the proposed new special school (details supplied) in County Louth; the projected timelines for the commencement of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42349/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe joint major building project for the schools referred to by the Deputy is included in my Department’s Construction Programme which is being delivered under the National Development Plan.
This project has recently been approved to commence Stage 2(a) of Architectural planning - Developed Design (design development to a stage where the project is fully cost planned and can be prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
Upon completion, receipt and review of the Stage 2(a) submission, my Department will revert to the schools with regard to the further progression of the project.
Until all statutory approvals have been granted, it is not possible to indicate an estimated construction timeframe for this major building project.
829. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education the status of a building project (details supplied); the expected timeframe for the commencement of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42350/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA major building project for the school in question has been devolved for delivery to Louth County Council.
I am pleased to inform the deputy that the Department recently authorised Louth County Council to issue the Letter of Intent to the preferred tenderer. If all is in order with the Supplementary Tender Report that follows, a Letter of Acceptance will then issue.
This will facilitate commencement of construction work by the preferred tenderer in the near future. The project is with Louth County Council to progress at this time.
830. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the withdrawal of school bus places from children attending a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42354/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool 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.
Bus Éireann have advised that there are currently 3 mainstream school transport services operating to the above named school as follows:
- One 18 seat vehicle with 16 mainstream eligible and 1 mainstream concessionary tickets issued on board. All mainstream eligible and mainstream concessionary pupils were accommodated with tickets on this service.
- One 53 seat vehicle with 34 mainstream eligible and 19 mainstream concessionary tickets issued on board. All mainstream eligible pupils were accommodated with tickets on this service. 13 mainstream concessionary pupils were unsuccessful in obtaining tickets for this service.
- One 56 seat vehicle with 37 mainstream eligible and 19 mainstream concessionary tickets issued on board. All mainstream eligible pupils were accommodated with tickets on this service. 14 mainstream concessionary pupils were unsuccessful in obtaining tickets for this service.
831. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if she will provide road safety measures for a school (details supplied). [42356/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool 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.
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.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
All school transport services are reviewed over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
Parents of a child wishing to avail of school transport services are required to apply on-line on Bus Éireann's website at www.buseireann.ie
Families that have already submitted a valid application prior to the 29th July and have not yet received an update, are advised not to amend or alter their existing application as creating new or duplicate applications risks losing the existing application place in the system.
It is very important for families to note that the application deadline for 2022/23 was 29 April 2022, and that the deadline to confirm registration for tickets was 29 July 2022. Any application completed after this date is a ‘late application’ and therefore, many school transport services are already operating at full capacity. Late applications will only be assessed after all “on time” applications have been processed and there can be no guarantee of places for late applicants.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
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 a random selection process.
Under the terms of the scheme, the availability of concessionary transport varies from year to year based on the capacity on the buses running on all of the various routes and the number of eligible children accommodated on each route.
832. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on work to secure a permanent location for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42359/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, it is my Department's intention, in collaboration with City of Dublin ETB (CDETB), to develop two new 1,000 pupil post primary school buildings and the permanent accommodation for an eight classroom primary school for the school referred to on the CDETB Whitehall site.
My Department is now initiating the planning process for this strategic development which will include engagement with the relevant stakeholders.
In the meantime, my Department is working to ensure that appropriate arrangements continue to be in place for required interim accommodation provision and will continue to engage with the school's patron in that regard.
833. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that children whose parents are serving in Irish peacekeeping missions overseas are often losing their school places when they travel to be with their parents and schools are not allowed to hold the place for when the child returns; if she will take steps to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42369/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018.
Under the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, all schools have admission policies, which are published on the schools website. Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. Nonetheless, where a school is oversubscribed some pupils may not obtain a place in the school.
TUSLA’s Education Support Service (TESS) which is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. TESS can be contacted at 01-7718500. For ease of reference, I have provided you with a link to the relevant phone numbers for the Education Welfare Officers who are part of TESS assigned to various areas around the country: www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/local-area-offices.
834. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if she will consider introducing an universal scheme for swaps or redeployment for teachers, based on the principle of treating all teachers equally and given the fact that there is already an internal system within education and training boards for redeployment and job swaps for teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42385/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of surplus permanent teachers to other schools where vacancies exist. The redeployment of all surplus permanent teachers is key to the Department's ability to manage within its payroll budget.
The redeployment arrangements is the first method used to fill vacancies in the primary school system. At primary level, the Redeployment Panels are based on school patronage and it is the patron bodies that administer the redeployment panels. As such, the decision to facilitate a panel transfer rests with the relevant Patron.
At Post Primary level a voluntary redeployment scheme has operated on a pilot basis in specific regions in recent years. Permanent teachers employed in these regions were given an opportunity to volunteer for a transfer to other areas if such a transfer would free up a vacancy that would facilitate the redeployment of a surplus permanent teacher in the region.
The criteria for the allocation of teachers to primary and post-primary schools, including the redeployment arrangements, are available on the Department's website.
835. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education the status of two matters raised in correspondence by a school (details supplied) in relation to the provision of additional accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application under the Additional Schools Accommodation Scheme (ASA). Officials from my Department have recently corresponded with the school authority regarding the accommodation brief to cater for the Long-Term Projected enrolment, including appropriate provision for students with special education needs, and to identify any interim accommodation needs. On receipt of reply the application will be progressed and the school authority notified of the decision.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Department has reached agreement in principle, subject to contract, for the acquisition of land which will facilitate the provision of additional accommodation at the school. The conveyancing stage of the acquisition process has commenced and Heads of Terms have been agreed with the Vendor. The Deputy will appreciate that negotiations in respect of site acquisitions are, by their nature, sensitive and for that reason, I am not in a position to provide any further information at this time.
836. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if clarification will be provided on a matter (details supplied) in relation to the collection of children from school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42411/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department. In the last 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.
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.
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.
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.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes on behalf of my Department. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 3.2 kilometres to travel to a pick-up point.
Bus Éireann will try to facilitate requests for set down at addresses other than the child’s home address provided the alternate address is on the route of the existing service and the arrangements are the same throughout the school year.
However, in general, it is not possible to facilitate atypical school transport arrangements which involve additional mileage, inconvenience to other children on the service, additional cost to the State or where Bus Éireann have concerns regarding a child's safety.
837. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the under-provision of school transport places to pupils in Celbridge, County Kildare in time for the new academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42423/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra867. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the number of seats available in north County Kildare on the school transport service for the 2022-2023 academic year; if she will provide additional capacity by either engaging Bus Éireann or a contractor to augment services; and the number of concessionary tickets issued and the capacity for this cohort. [42875/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 837 and 867 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the 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.
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.
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.
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.
While it is not possible to provide the full figures requested by the Deputy at this time, as Bus Éireann are continuing to process applications and are 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. Bus Éireann have advised that the total number of mainstream tickets issued in Kildare as at 07/09/2022 for the 2022/23 school year was 5,642. This figure represents a 20% increase in the number of mainstream tickets issued in comparison to the 2021/22 school year.
838. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the processing of Department of Social Protection forms received from substitute teachers; if she will provide an update on a specific form (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42427/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Department of Social Protection application process for unemployment benefits, the employer is required to complete a form with employment and earnings details for the substitute teacher concerned. In its capacity as paymaster for school's teaching staff, Payroll Division completes these forms on behalf of schools with the details requested on the form. These forms can only be processed from the 1st of July when primary schools have closed for the summer holidays and claims for substitute cover have been entered on the OLCS system and approved by schools. Payroll Division receives many thousands of these forms over a very short time frame every summer. The turnaround time for completion and return of these forms is approximately three weeks. The forms are processed in chronological order of receipt.
Payroll Division has engaged with he Department of Social Protection with a view to streamlining the processing of these forms for education staff. Currently the process involves a paper form and other options are being considered.
In relation to the individual substitute teacher referred to by the Deputy, I can advise that the form has been processed and was returned to the teacher on 8th August 2022.
839. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42438/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the 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.
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.
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.
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.
Bus Éireann has advised that while the family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport under the terms of the school transport scheme, they were successful in obtaining seats on a school transport service. I am pleased to advise that tickets were issued to the family in question to travel on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year.
840. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will consider providing funding for the training of home tutors when working with students presenting with serious mental health problems and suicidal ideation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42471/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra841. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will consider including home tutors as employees of her Department given that continuity of work is not recognised even when a home tutor has worked for a number of years with students in providing home tuition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42472/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra842. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will consider ensuring home tutors who are governed by the home tuition scheme are given the right to, and made eligible for, sick pay and holiday pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42473/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra843. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will consider amending the current working conditions for home tutors as set out by her Department ensuring that home tutors governed by the home tuition scheme will be given the right to secure similar work outside of the official school calendar; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42474/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra844. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will consider amending the current working conditions for home tutors as set out by her Department in order that they can claim travel expenses such as those made available for leaving certificate and junior certificate supervision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42475/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 840 to 844, inclusive, together.
My Department's Home Tuition Grant Schemes provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. By its nature, it is intended to be a short term intervention.
The Home Tuition Grant Schemes are governed by annual circulars which sets out the purpose, eligibility criteria and details of the scheme. Circular 0046/2022 provides information in relation to the 2022/2023 Home Tuition Grant Scheme and can be accessed by clicking on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/circular/22b2a-home-tuition-grant-scheme-20222023-special-education-component/
As the Scheme is an educational service it is based on the school year. Therefore the periods which are covered for tuition and payment purposes reflect the school terms and do not include school holidays, bank holidays and weekends. This does not preclude tutors from securing similar work outside of the school calendar, such as providing tuition for other schemes such as the summer program.
For children and students who qualify under the Home Tuition Grant Schemes, sanction is given to approve a grant towards the engagement of a tutor who will provide home tuition for the child/student in question. Home tutors are engaged by the parents/guardian of the child who is to receive tuition and the tutor has no contractual relationship with the Department of Education.
In accordance with instructions from the Revenue Commissioners, payments under the Home Tuition Grant Scheme are subject to statutory deductions at source. In order to facilitate parents, my Department acts solely as payroll agents on behalf of the parents/guardian. The Department of Social Protection has determined that Home Tutors are engaged under a contract for service and are therefore self-employed and subject to PRSI Class S.
As outlined in Circular 0046/2022 tutor should ensure that they are fully aware of how the grant will issue under this scheme before any tuition is provided. A separate, detailed payment information note, www.gov.ie/pdf/38410/?page=1, which includes information on conditions of the scheme, rates and deductions can be accessed by clicking on the following link: www.gov.ie/pdf/38410/?page=1.
This note informs tutors that Home Tuition Grant Scheme only pays for actual tuition provided. It does not provide payment in respect of Travel costs incurred, expenses, tuition offered but not availed of by the student, sick pay, holiday pay and any period in which tuition is not pre-approved.
As tuition takes place outside the usual school structure it is important that home tutors are qualified to provide an educational programme. Accordingly, it is a condition of the scheme that parents/legal guardians recruit a tutor who is qualified in the sector in which tuition is being provided, and is registered with the Teaching Council for the duration of the approved tuition, up to and including issue of final payment. Where all efforts have failed to secure the services of a teacher qualified to teach in the sector concerned, the Department may consider the engagement of a person who is registered with the Teaching Council and has a primary degree (minimum Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant area, e.g. Psychology.
Students presenting with serious mental health problems and suicidal ideation who are in receipt of Home Tuition are catered for under the medical strand of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme. In order to qualify for this strand of the scheme a student must be enrolled in a school. The provision of child and adolescent mental health services lies specifically within the remit of the Department of Health and the HSE. HSE Primary Care Psychology Services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide a range of clinical support to children and young people with mental health needs. However, the Department of Education also plays an important role in supporting the wellbeing and mental health of our young people.
The Department’s Wellbeing Policy and Framework for practice has given recognition to the importance of promoting wellbeing in education. A broad range of supports, resources and professional learning opportunities are being provided to support schools to promote and support wellbeing and resilience. My Department's Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) commenced a national roll-out of CPD for all schools on the implementation of my Departments Wellbeing Policy in March, which will make initial training with follow-up support visits available for all schools in the country over the next three years. My Department's National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides a comprehensive psychological service to all primary and post primary schools. NEPS is a school-based service which means that all its psychologists work in schools with children, young people, teachers and parents, and are involved with school-related work, every day. The NEPS psychologist provides a range of services that may include supporting the wellbeing and inclusion of an individual pupil, through assessment and intervention. NEPS supports approximately 8000 individual children annually through this type of work. NEPS work also supports teachers in their work through providing professional learning opportunities, such as about trauma informed approaches, supporting autistic children, or delivering the Friends for Life programmes to help reduce anxiety. NEPS supports an estimated 25,000 teachers annually in this way.
The Department – through NEPS, Student Support Teams, Guidance Counsellors and other services - will also continue to signpost schools and students to the HSE/HSE-funded e-mental health services. The Department has built strong links with the Department of Health and both Departments are exploring ways to improve supports for young people, including around increased awareness, promoting help-seeking behaviour and sign-posting to the wide range of available services. We will continue to collectively explore ways of improving supports for children and young people.
