Written Answers Nos. 844-863
845. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education the grants and supports available for the installation of electric vehicle charging points in school car parks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42540/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department produces guidance for School Authorities, and their Design Teams, who are involved in providing new or additional Educational Accommodation. Access to this guidance is provided on my Department’s website which details the Design and Technical Guidance together with the procedures which must be followed where funding is being made available from the Department.
This website was updated in 2020 with regard to guidance for the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging in schools.
This direction and guidance is provided in the Energy Conservation and Mechanical and Electrical Building Services Design Note 202001 July 2020 and details how design teams are to provide EV charging in schools.
EV Charging is provided in all new school and major extension projects and all Summer Works Electrical upgrade projects and external works.
EV charging is also provided for in the energy efficient retrofit pathfinder scheme for schools.
My Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are involved in this pathfinder since 2017. 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.
846. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education if she will review concerns raised by a primary school teacher (details supplied) in respect of their difficulties with the Department’s sick leave policies; and if she will arrange for the appropriate official to review the matter. [42545/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that the concerns raised by the teacher concerned have been reviewed and staff from the Primary Payroll section of my Department have been in direct contact with the teacher to resolve the issues raised.
847. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of a new school building for a school (details supplied); the stage at which the project is at in the capital programme; when an application for planning permission will be made; and the timeline for the completion of the school. [42585/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has been in contact with the patron of the school in question and it has been agreed to increase the enrolment capacity of the school to 1,000 pupils. My Department has already approved interim accommodation to support this growth and this devolved project is currently completed.
My Department is engaging with the patron of the school in question in order to put an appropriate solution in place for the necessary additional accommodation with a view to delivering the project as quickly as possible.
848. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if additional ASD classrooms will be provided for a school (details supplied) on a phased basis during the delivery of the new school building programme rather than all at the end of the programme. [42586/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has been in contact with the patron of the school in question and it has been agreed to increase the enrolment capacity of the school to 1,000 pupils. My Department has already approved interim accommodation to support this growth and this devolved project is currently completed.
My Department is engaging with the patron of the school in question in order to put an appropriate permanent accommodation solution in place including the provision of classrooms for students with special education needs.
The NCSE has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents and seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all students who have been identified as needing special class placements.
The NCSE is currently engaging in a process of establishing new classes by looking at local information in relation to projected demand for future special class places.
849. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if additional funding will be provided to the DEIS connects programme for schools such as in the case of a school (details supplied) to ensure that all children have access to laptops or other devices. [42587/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools is the main policy initiative of my Department to address educational disadvantage at school level.
The renewed DEIS Plan published in 2017 sets out the vision for future interventions in the critical area of educational disadvantage policy and builds on what has already been achieved by schools who have benefitted from the additional supports available under the initial DEIS programme introduced in 2005.
In March I announced a major expansion of the DEIS programme. The expansion has allowed for the inclusion of 322 additional schools in the DEIS programme from September 2022. This means that the DEIS programme now supports over 240,000 students in over 1,200 schools.
My Department will spend approximately €170 million in 2022 on providing supports to schools in the DEIS programme. This will increase to over €180 million from 2023. My Department’s investment in DEIS in the 2022/23 school year includes providing for;
- HSCL supports to all DEIS Urban Primary and DEIS Post Primary schools. .
- Additional posts for DEIS Band 1 primary schools to allow for a reduced pupil teacher ratio.
- Curriculum supports
- Priority access to continuing professional development
- School Excellence Fund - DEIS
- DEIS grants and enhanced book grants.
DEIS Connect programme does not form part of the resources provided by my Department under the DEIS programme.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in April 2022 and builds on the achievements of the previous Digital Strategy for Schools. It aims to further support the school system so that all students across our schools have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an ever-evolving digital world successfully. The strategy was developed following an extensive consultation process and is underpinned by an overall investment of €200 million. €50 million has already issued directly to schools, with DEIS schools receiving a 10% increase on the per capita amount.
In addition, €50 million in grant funding was issued to schools in November 2021 as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) to address the needs of their learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide. My Department also issued a once-off grant in December 2021 to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme.
While the digital funding provided to schools recently is not allocated for individual programmes, such as DEIS Connect, schools can use the funding to address their own ICT requirements including the provision of devices to students, software and other ICT solutions.
Dublin Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board received in the region of €48,000 in digital funding in 2021 in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy.
850. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education when a school (details supplied) will be able to avail of fibre broadband; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42595/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe delivery of high quality internet connectivity for all schools is a key objective of my Department. It is accepted that good connectivity is essential to ensure that schools are facilitated to progress the embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning and for the implementation of new and revised curriculum.
My Department operates the Schools Broadband Programme at an annual cost of some €13m, providing broadband connectivity to schools through a range of technologies at the best available connectivity based on local infrastructure. The school referred to by the Deputy is currently on 50mb wireless broadband connection, which is a dedicated service to the school.
As the Deputy is aware the school referred is in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) Intervention Area, implementation of which is underway. My Department is working closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) on this implementation to prioritise school connectivity, with all schools in the NBP Implementation Area to be provided with high speed broadband infrastructure by 2023. My officials have confirmed with colleagues in the DECC that this school is scheduled to be connected to the National Broadband Ireland (NBI) infrastructure in the coming weeks. A soon as possible thereafter, the service to the school will be upgraded to avail of this infrastructure through the Schools Broadband Programme.
In the meantime, the school may wish however to contact the Schools Broadband Service Desk (tel. 1800 334466) to ensure that they are receiving the maximum service on their current connection, and to investigate if internal networking issues may be impacting services in the school.
851. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education when the permanent extension to a school (details supplied) will commence given that it is growing to a 1000-pupil school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42603/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra854. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if she will consider front-loading ASD classes to a school (details supplied) given that it is growing to a 1000-pupil school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42606/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 851 and 854 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has been in contact with the patron of the school in question and it has been agreed to increase the enrolment capacity of the school to 1,000 pupils. My Department has already approved interim accommodation to support this growth and this devolved project is currently completed.
My Department is engaging with the patron of the school in question in order to put an appropriate permanent accommodation solution in place including the provision of classrooms for students with special education needs.
The NCSE has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents and seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
The NCSE is currently engaging in a process of establishing new classes by looking at local information in relation to projected demand for future special class places.
852. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education when additional ASD classes will be provided to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42604/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
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.
The NCSE have informed the Department that they have been in on-going engagement with St Kevin's Community College (70042L) regarding the provision of ASD special classes.
The school had applied for an extension to the current school building, to accommodate the enrolment of 650 students. The Department’s Planning and Building Unit authorised an extension for two ASD special classes, which were sanctioned by the NCSE, and three mainstream classes. Until these building works were completed, temporary accommodation was provided for the start of the 2021/2022 school year.
The school’s enrolment increased beyond the initial estimation, to approximately 1000 students. Due to this enrolment increase; the planned extension to the school was modified. The school is now required to submit updated paperwork to the School Capital Appraisal Section of the Department of Education’s Planning and Building Unit. To facilitate the increased enrolment the temporary accommodation is currently used by the school to accommodate increased enrolment in mainstream classrooms.
853. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) will receive additional funding through the digital strategy grant to continue its DEIS connect programme given that it is growing to a 1000-pupil school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42605/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDelivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools is the main policy initiative of my Department to address educational disadvantage at school level.
The renewed DEIS Plan published in 2017 sets out the vision for future interventions in the critical area of educational disadvantage policy and builds on what has already been achieved by schools who have benefitted from the additional supports available under the initial DEIS programme introduced in 2005.
In March I announced a major expansion of the DEIS programme. The expansion has allowed for the inclusion of 322 additional schools in the DEIS programme from September 2022. This means that the DEIS programme now supports over 240,000 students in over 1,200 schools.
My Department will spend approximately €170 million in 2022 on providing supports to schools in the DEIS programme. This will increase to over €180 million from 2023. My Department’s investment in DEIS in the 2022/23 school year includes providing for;
- HSCL supports to all DEIS Urban Primary and DEIS Post Primary schools. .
- Additional posts for DEIS Band 1 primary schools to allow for a reduced pupil teacher ratio.
- Curriculum supports
- Priority access to continuing professional development
- School Excellence Fund - DEIS
- DEIS grants and enhanced book grants.
DEIS Connect programme does not form part of the resources provided by my Department under the DEIS programme.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in April 2022 and builds on the achievements of the previous Digital Strategy for Schools. It aims to further support the school system so that all students across our schools have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an ever-evolving digital world successfully. The strategy was developed following an extensive consultation process and is underpinned by an overall investment of €200 million. €50 million has already issued directly to schools, with DEIS schools receiving a 10% increase on the per capita amount.
In addition, €50 million in grant funding was issued to schools in November 2021 as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) to address the needs of their learners at risk of educational disadvantage through the digital divide. My Department also issued a once-off grant in December 2021 to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme.
While the digital funding provided to schools recently is not allocated for individual programmes, such as DEIS Connect, schools can use the funding to address their own ICT requirements including the provision of devices to students, software and other ICT solutions.
Dublin Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board received in the region of €48,000 in digital funding in 2021 in respect of the school referred to by the Deputy.
855. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of additional ASD classes in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42607/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
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.
The NCSE have informed the Department that the school currently has two ASD special classes. The class that enrolled in September 2021 are operating out of the temporary accommodation provided in April 2022 by the Department of Education’s Planning and Building Unit. The class that enrolled in September 2022 are operating out the main school building.
The school have progressed their accommodation request to the point where a contractor has been engaged to provide a two class extension, which will be used for the ASD special classes. At the moment, the school does not have capacity to accommodate additional students with special class recommendations until the permanent building is completed.
856. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education if she will approve a remote area grant for a person (details supplied). [42673/22]
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 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.
In line with normal practice, all eligible children who completed the application process by the 29th April 2022 and registered for a ticket by the 29th July 2022 will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Bus Éireann has advised that an application for school transport for the pupil referred to by the Deputy to attend the above referenced school was a late application which was received on 31st May 2022.
Applications received after the deadline date may not secure a seat on a service and cannot be considered for a remote area grant for the current school year. Should the circumstances remain the same and there is no service in place for the 2023/24 school year, the family may be considered for a remote area grant from the commencement of the 2023/24 school year.
857. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) will be accommodated on the appropriate bus route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42689/22]
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.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
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.
In addition, temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level will be continued for the 2022/2023 school year pending completion of the review of the School Transport Scheme. This will mean that transport arrangements will continue to be provided for a number of post-primary students who are attending their second nearest school, who have applied and registered on time and who live more than 4.8km from their nearest school.
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 an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil(s) referred to by the Deputy in this case were both issued with tickets on the 23rd August 2022.
858. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if she will address a matter concerning school transport for a family in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42751/22]
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.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupils referred to by the Deputy in this case were issued with tickets on 30th August 2022.
859. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if she will ascertain from Bus Éireann the number of children who availed of concessionary school transport previously but have now been displaced as a result of the free school transport measure introduced for children eligible for school transport; the assistance that will be given to working families who have consistently paid for school transport for their children as concessionary pupils; if the school transport service will be extended in order that they can continue to avail of transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42787/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra881. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education the number of concessionary school bus ticket holders who have been refused a bus ticket to date in 2022 due to the additional demand following the Government’s decision to introduce free school travel; the steps that she will take to ensure that all those who were in receipt of tickets last year will receive their tickets this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43039/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra887. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education the number of school bus transport applicants for concessionary tickets for the 2022-2023 school year; the number of applications from primary and secondary students, respectively, for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43073/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra888. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education the number of school bus transport applicants who were refused concessionary tickets for the 2022-2023 school year; the number of applications from primary and secondary students, respectively, for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43074/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 859, 881, 887 and 888 together.
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, 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.
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.
As of 1st September 2022, 121,000 tickets for the 2022/2023 school year have been issued to applicants for the new school year. The number of tickets allocated will continue to change on a daily basis as Bus Éireann continue to process all remaining applications.
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available, as Bus Éireann are continuing to process applications and to issue 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.
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.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time and who confirmed to Bus Éireann that they require a ticket by the 29th July 2022 will be accommodated on school transport services for the 2022/23 school year where such services are in operation.
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 on when all eligible children have been catered for.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible pupils/students and the priority of providing places for eligible ticket holders, 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.
860. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to two siblings (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42800/22]
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.
I am pleased to advise that the children referred to by the Deputy are eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme and were issued tickets on board a school transport service for the 2022/23 school year.
861. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education the status of the community contribution refund that is due to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42804/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently working with the Patron of this school on the implementation of the new school lease for the school. The issue of the community contributions will be addressed once the new school leases are implemented.
862. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) has been and continues to be covered by State indemnity insurance since 2012 and, as such, did not require separate building insurance from that date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42805/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in my Department's Governance Manual for Board of Management of Primary Schools, Boards of Management are obliged to take out public liability insurance, contents insurance and employers’ liability insurance.
My Department does not require schools, such as this one, that are on Minister owned land to hold buildings insurance. However, prior to making changes to any insurance policy, my Department would strongly suggest that it is discussed by the school with the relevant school patron.
863. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education the details of projects and schools given funding under the education catch-up summer scheme in Cork city. [42807/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn May the Government announced an expanded summer programme to allow primary and post-primary schools to offer a summer programme for students with complex special educational needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage. The total funding available to provide summer programmes in 2022 is up to €40 million.
The programme was developed following extensive engagement with education stakeholders, parent and disability advocacy groups.
The programme aims were to support pupils to maintain their connection with education, to build their confidence and increase their motivation, to promote wellbeing, and for those who were at key transition stages, helping to ensure they continue their education journey in September either in school or in further/higher education or training.
The programmes on offer during the summer were:
- Inclusion Programme (Primary) for all primary schools for mainstream pupils with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage (2-3 weeks in duration)
- Special Classes and Special School Programme at primary level (2-5 weeks in duration)
- DEIS Numeracy and literacy Camps/Campaí Samhraidh in DEIS primary schools (one week per camp)
- Inclusion Programme (Post-Primary) for all post-primary schools for students with complex needs and those at greatest risk of educational disadvantage (2 weeks in duration)
A home based programme was also available for pupils with complex needs where no school-based programme was available (4 weeks, up to 40 hours in total)
The supports to assist this year's programme was built on the success of the 2021 programme and incorporated feedback from education stakeholders as to how to better support the programme for all involved in summer 2022.
The programmes could be run at any time over the summer, providing schools with autonomy to split the programme weeks to best meet the needs of pupils and staff participating in the programme.
All recognised primary and post primary schools were given the opportunity of running a programme. Detailed statistical information is not currently available regarding this year's programme as payments claims are still being processed. The closing date for schools to submit their returns is the 9th September. Information will not be available until later in the year regarding the Deputy's request.
