Written Answers Nos. 193-212
193. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn the fact that two US military personnel from US Cyber Command or other cyber operations have been operating in Ireland over the past five years (details supplied). [57142/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are international and domestic procedures for authorising the arrival of military personnel from another State to operate in or be based in Ireland. For instance, in line with Article 7 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, prior approval by the Irish State is required for the appointment of military, naval or air attachés to a diplomatic mission resident in Ireland. Ireland has not received any requests in respect of personnel from US Cyber Command to operate in or be based in Ireland.
194. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps that Ireland has taken to address human rights violations in Bahrain at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva; the actions that have been taken to call for the release of political prisoners in Bahrain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57160/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRespect for human rights is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy and we consistently seek to raise our concerns on human rights issues through the most appropriate and effective channels.
Officials from my Department have raised concerns over the human rights situation in Bahrain directly with the Bahraini authorities, including the detention of political prisoners and conditions in prisons.
Ireland also engages on the issue of human rights in Bahrain as a member of the European Union. At the most recent EU-Bahrain Human Rights Dialogue on 27 October 2022, issues of concern raised by the EU included freedom of expression, prison conditions, right to a fair trial, and the death penalty. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, has made representations to the Bahraini authorities on the detention of a number of individuals.
At the most recent Universal Periodic Review of Bahrain at the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 7 November 2022, Ireland urged Bahrain to uphold freedom of religion and belief for all persons including members of the Shia community; we regretted the reintroduction of the death penalty in 2017 following a moratorium of several years; and we urged Bahrain to carry out independent and prompt investigations into all allegations of torture or other forms of ill-treatment and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
We also recommended the immediate release of all individuals who have been arbitrarily arrested, and for the creation of a safe and enabling environment for civil society organisations and human rights defenders.
Ireland will continue to monitor developments in Bahrain, and calls on the Bahraini Government to deliver on its stated commitment to make progress in relation to human rights.
195. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of naval vessels that have been bought from New Zealand in 2021 and 2022; if he is satisfied that the State has the capacity to store and / or moor the ships; and if there is an adequate number of fully-trained personnel to service the ships. [57170/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
Two Inshore Patrol Vessels have been purchased from the New Zealand Government to replace the decommissioned LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. The two vessels are undergoing an extensive programme of works in New Zealand and following completion of works it is planned that they will be transported to Ireland in 2023.
The Defence Forces have reviewed the requirements and consider that the ships are suitable for Irish operations in the Irish Sea on the East and South-East Coast. The Defence Forces believe that the vessels are suitable in terms of allowing for increased patrol day outputs from available crews, given the reduced crewing requirement for these vessels and the reallocation of existing crews from decommissioned vessels that are being disposed of as they have reached the end of their service life. In addition, as the Deputy will be aware, there has been significant recent investments made in improving the infrastructure at the existing Naval Service base with more to come in 2023. To that end, I am satisfied that the current infrastructure provision is sufficient to enable the Naval Service to carry out its current operational requirements.
Notwithstanding the current staffing challenges, the Naval Service continues to carry out all roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime security operations surveillance in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and their ongoing capacity to do so is carefully monitored. I am advised that the fleet is managed and maintained to ensure maximum availability to meet operational requirements.
196. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 252 of 10 November 2022, if she will confirm that Castlelyon Green, Newcastle is in the catchment area for schools (details supplied); and if so, if she will arrange for the catchment area maps to be updated and recirculated to all the local schools. [57050/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the Department's Geographical Information System, the schools referred to by the Deputy, as well as Castlelyon Green, are in the Newcastle_Rathcoole School Planning Area.
The Education Act requires that the Minister for Education, as a function, to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education in recognised schools and to do all such acts and things as may be necessary to further the objects of the Act. The Act also bestows on the Minister all such powers as are necessary or expedient for the purpose of performing functions. It also stipulates that in carrying out her functions, the Minister must have regard to the resources available and the practices and traditions relating to the organisation of existing schools and their right to manage their own affairs in accordance with the Act and any charters, deeds, articles of management or other such instruments relating to their establishment or operation.
The question of enrolment in individual schools, including the setting of catchment areas, is the responsibility of the Board of Management on behalf of the school Patron and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters.
School planning areas provide a useful means of projecting demographic demand in a localised area or areas, thereby allowing my Department to determine oncoming growth at a relatively localised level to inform recommendations and decisions on where additional school places may be needed.
However, there can be a high degree of inward and outward mobility of children between school planning areas, particularly in urban areas, and parents are free to apply to enrol their children in any school, whether that is in the school planning area in which they reside or not.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.
197. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she can advise in relation to unit places and enrolment at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57052/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my Department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years. The NCSE have sanctioned 38 new special classes at primary level and 18 new special classes at post-primary level over the last 3 years in County Limerick.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
At local level, the NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe.
The NCSE have sanctioned a total of 2,545 special classes nationwide, with 1,803 at primary and 742 at post-primary. As the demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, my Department and the NCSE are engaging with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes. My Department has also recently written to all post-primary schools to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list .
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school.
My Department wants to reassure you also that it will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
198. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if an application has been made for an ASD class by a school (details supplied) given that over 20 children from the area have had to go to schools in other areas due to the lack of an ASD class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57059/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if her Department has liaised with a school (details supplied) on the possibility of providing an ASD class given that over 20 children from the area have had to go to schools in other areas due to the lack of an ASD class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57060/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
The NCSE has advised my Department that the school is approved for 3 ASD classes upon completion of a new school build, and that there are no outstanding applications for the school.
My Department is committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. My Department strives to ensure that every child has access to an educational experience that is appropriate to their needs and supports both their academic and personal development.
Our policy, which is set out in the Education of Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (EPSEN) is that children with SEN should be educated in mainstream placements with additional supports provided as appropriate.
Where children require more specialised educational settings, such as special classes or special schools, the Department and National Council for Special Education (NCSE) ensures that the necessary resources and supports for such placements are provided in line with the needs of the child.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
At local level, the NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe. As part of Budget 2023, additional funding is being provided to allow the NCSE recruit additional staff, including SENOs. These additional resources should ensure that the NCSE can better support parents and schools in relation to the provision of special education needs places.
Significant improvements have been made to the forward planning process for special education places over the last 2 to 3 years, including:
- the inclusion of special classes in all new schools by default (e.g. 4 class in a 1000 pupil post-primary school).
- improving the use of Geographic Information Systems in planning for special classes and special school places and
- increased engagement with key stakeholders such as patron bodies and management bodies, particularly at post-primary level.
As of 31st October there have been 393 new special classes open for the 2022/2023 school year, bringing the total of special classes to 2,545 opened nationwide. The 393 new special classes for 2022/23 is broken down by 260 at primary level and 133 at post primary level
The NCSE is statutorily responsible for planning and coordinating provision at both a local and a national level and advising my Department in this regard. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe.
As part of Budget 2023, the Department’s budget was substantially increased, by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 the Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education. This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023. This includes additional teaching and care supports.
For 2023, at least a further 370 special classes will open, taking the total number of special classes to over 2,900 in 2023.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list .
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
200. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD units built in each primary and secondary school in south Kildare over the past five years; the location of those units; the number of places in the units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57083/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my Department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years. The NCSE have sanctioned 20 new special classes at primary level and 9 new special classes at post-primary level over the last 3 years in County Kildare.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
At local level, the NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe.
When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school at primary or post-primary level, school authorities can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure an existing space within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under the Department’s Additional School Accommodation, or ASA, Scheme.
The NCSE have sanctioned a total of 2,545 special classes nationwide, with 1,803 at primary and 742 at post-primary. As the demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, my Department and the NCSE are engaging with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes. My Department has also recently written to all post-primary schools to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
201. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD units in planning to be built in each primary and secondary school; the location of those units; the number of places that the units will have; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57084/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my Department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
At local level, the NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe.
When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school at primary or post-primary level, school authorities can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure an existing space within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under the Department’s Additional School Accommodation, or ASA, Scheme.
The NCSE have sanctioned a total of 2,545 special classes nationwide, with 1,803 at primary and 742 at post-primary. As the demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, my Department and the NCSE are engaging with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes. My Department has also recently written to all post-primary schools to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
202. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if research has been carried out by her Department into the number of ASD places needed in primary and secondary schools in south Kildare for the next five years; if so, the number that are required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57085/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two to three years, my Department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with over 600 new special classes sanctioned at primary level, almost 300 new special classes sanctioned at post-primary level and five new special schools established over the last three years. The NCSE have sanctioned 20 new special classes at primary level and 9 new special classes at post-primary level over the last 3 years in County Kildare.
My Department is engaging intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
At local level, the NCSE is continuing to engage with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes for the next school year 2023/2024. Every support will be made available to schools to progress the opening of special classes in the shortest possible timeframe.
The NCSE have sanctioned a total of 2,545 special classes nationwide, with 1,803 at primary and 742 at post-primary. As the demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, my Department and the NCSE are engaging with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes. My Department has also recently written to all post-primary schools to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
My Department is committed, in conjunction with the NCSE, to continue to work with parents, schools, patrons and all stakeholders to ensure that there are sufficient appropriate places for students with additional needs and to support all students to achieve their potential.
I want to reassure you also that my Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
203. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she will consider a submission by a school (details supplied); if a decision will be reversed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57086/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere schools are amalgamating there is a provision for the allocation of a concessionary mainstream teaching post in cases where the approved number of mainstream teachers in the schools at the time the amalgamation takes place exceeds the number of mainstream posts warranted by the total enrolment of the newly amalgamated school on the basis of the staffing schedule.
The continued allocation of the concessionary post is dependent on the teachers concerned remaining on the staff of the school and the appropriate enrolment figures being maintained.
In the situation outlined, a teacher has resigned from the school and the school has the required number of mainstream posts allocated as per the staffing schedule so the concessionary post is due to be suppressed. As the resignation has occurred mid-year, and in order to avoid disruption to the school, the school have been informed that they can retain the post for the remainder of the 2022/23 school year.
Staffing arrangements for the 2023/24 school year will be published early next year and at that stage, schools will be able to establish their staffing for September 2023.
204. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education the status of the works being carried out at a school (details supplied). [57095/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Major Building Project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at Stage 3 (tender action). The tender process normally takes between 6-8 months to complete.
205. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if consideration is being given to increasing the rates of pay for SNAs who opt into the Summer Education Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57096/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor 2022, staff that worked on the school-based summer programme received their personal rate of pay.
Under the home-based summer programme, grant funding is made available so that parents/legal guardians can engage the services of a Teacher or an SNA to provide tuition or care support as appropriate in the child’s home. Teachers and SNAs are paid per hour of tuition/care support delivered in line with agreed terms and public service pay agreements.
Public service pay is dealt with through centralised engagement and collective bargaining between Government and the public service unions.
206. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education the number of special education places available at primary school level in Dublin in 2019, 2020 and 2021, in tabular form. [57097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question. Please find a table attached with information on the number of special classes available in primary schools in the Dublin region for the school years 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. The vast majority of these classes provide for 6 children.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
For 2022, my Department will spend in excess of €2.3 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs.
For 2023, this spend will be substantially increased by over 10%, meaning that for 2023 my Department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the Department’s total allocation for 2023.
This includes additional teaching and care supports. It also includes funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) for an additional 54 psychologists to provide services to special schools and special classes.
In 2022, funding for an additional 980 teachers and 1,165 special needs assistants was provided. For 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 special needs assistants in our schools next year.
For the first time ever we will have over 19,000 teachers working in the area of special education and over 20,000 Special needs assistants. Together we have almost 40,000 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.
My Department and the NCSE continue to work very closely in planning for the delivery of new places required to meet forecasted demand.
I am satisfied that this approach is delivering. We have seen 393 new special classes open, bringing the total of special classes to 2,545 opened nationwide for the 2022/23 school-year. The 393 new special classes for 2022/23 is broken down by 260 at primary level and 133 at post primary level.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie
2018/2019 School Year
|
Postal Code |
Classes |
|
Dublin 1 |
2 |
|
Dublin 3 |
3 |
|
Dublin 5 |
14 |
|
Dublin 6W |
2 |
|
Dublin 7 |
9 |
|
Dublin 8 |
7 |
|
Dublin 9 |
6 |
|
Dublin 10 |
5 |
|
Dublin 11 |
4 |
|
Dublin 12 |
8 |
|
Dublin 13 |
9 |
|
Dublin 14 |
6 |
|
Dublin 15 |
19 |
|
Dublin 16 |
4 |
|
Dublin 17 |
2 |
|
Dublin 18 |
2 |
|
Dublin 22 |
10 |
|
Dublin 24 |
20 |
|
Dublin County |
60 |
|
Grand Total |
192 |
2019/2020 School Year
|
Postal Code |
Classes |
|
Dublin 1 |
4 |
|
Dublin 3 |
3 |
|
Dublin 5 |
14 |
|
Dublin 6W |
2 |
|
Dublin 7 |
9 |
|
Dublin 8 |
7 |
|
Dublin 9 |
6 |
|
Dublin 10 |
6 |
|
Dublin 11 |
6 |
|
Dublin 12 |
9 |
|
Dublin 13 |
9 |
|
Dublin 14 |
6 |
|
Dublin 15 |
19 |
|
Dublin 16 |
4 |
|
Dublin 17 |
2 |
|
Dublin 18 |
2 |
|
Dublin 22 |
10 |
|
Dublin 24 |
21 |
|
Dublin Co |
60 |
|
Grand Total |
199 |
2020/2021 School Year
|
Postal Code |
Classes |
|
Dublin 1 |
4 |
|
Dublin 3 |
4 |
|
Dublin 5 |
19 |
|
Dublin 6W |
4 |
|
Dublin 7 |
11 |
|
Dublin 8 |
7 |
|
Dublin 9 |
7 |
|
Dublin 10 |
6 |
|
Dublin 11 |
7 |
|
Dublin 12 |
12 |
|
Dublin 13 |
10 |
|
Dublin 14 |
7 |
|
Dublin 15 |
26 |
|
Dublin 16 |
5 |
|
Dublin 17 |
2 |
|
Dublin 18 |
2 |
|
Dublin 22 |
14 |
|
Dublin 24 |
29 |
|
Dublin County |
67 |
|
Grand Total |
243 |
2021/2022 School Year
|
Postal Code |
Classes |
|
Dublin 1 |
4 |
|
Dublin 2 |
1 |
|
Dublin 3 |
5 |
|
Dublin 4 |
3 |
|
Dublin 5 |
21 |
|
Dublin 6 |
2 |
|
Dublin 6W |
7 |
|
Dublin 7 |
17 |
|
Dublin 8 |
9 |
|
Dublin 9 |
10 |
|
Dublin 10 |
6 |
|
Dublin 11 |
7 |
|
Dublin 12 |
15 |
|
Dublin 13 |
11 |
|
Dublin 14 |
7 |
|
Dublin 15 |
30 |
|
Dublin 16 |
7 |
|
Dublin 17 |
3 |
|
Dublin 18 |
4 |
|
Dublin 22 |
15 |
|
Dublin 24 |
33 |
|
Dublin County |
77 |
|
Grand Total |
294 |
207. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be provided to an eligible student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57104/22]
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.
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.
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.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme, however an application was not submitted by the closing date 29 April and the family did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July. Bus Éireann’s Local Office is currently assessing school transport routes and if a seat becomes available, the family referred to by the Deputy will be contacted directly by their Local Office.
208. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when school transport will be provided to an eligible student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57107/22]
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.
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.
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.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme, however an application was not submitted by the closing date 29 April and the family did not complete the ticket registration process by the closing date of 29 July. Bus Éireann has advised they are currently reviewing late applicants. Bus Éireann’s Local Office is currently assessing school transport routes and if a seat becomes available, the family referred to by the Deputy will be contacted directly by their Local Office.
209. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 9 November 2022, the reason that an invitation for tenders to establish a single supplier contract for the provision of initial teacher education has been issued on eTenders; if the four existing State-funded higher education institutions were asked to increase the number of ITE places they offer before this invitation for tenders was issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57115/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy is referring to the request for tenders recently published by my Department for the provision of two Irish-medium teacher education programmes, including a full-time four-year Irish-medium Bachelor of Education (primary teaching) initial teacher education programme.
Over the last number of years, as part of the overall implementation of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education, my Department has introduced a number of measures to increase the supply of teachers who can deliver high quality Irish-medium education. These measures include the introduction of two new Irish-medium teacher education programmes. One of these programmes is an Irish-medium Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) (primary teaching) initial teacher education programme, which commenced in Marino Institute of Education in 2019. The contract for the delivery of the programme was awarded to Marino Institute of Education following a procurement process. This programme is delivered entirely through the medium of Irish and school placements take place in Irish-medium and Gaeltacht schools. Candidates for the programme must also meet specific Irish language entry and exit criteria.
The contract for the Irish-medium B.Ed. programme, which was awarded to Marino Institute of Education, provides for five cohorts of students, with the final cohort commencing in 2023. To continue to meet the objectives of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education and to ensure that there will be an intake to an Irish-medium B.Ed. programme in September 2024, the Department recently published the new request for tenders to which the Deputy refers.
As the specific aim of this programme is to increase the supply of teachers who can deliver high quality education through the medium of Irish, the Department did not request the four primary providers to increase their intake on the primary General Stream B.Ed. progamme.
I wish to clarify that the enrolments previously provided were for the Primary Initial Teacher Education General Stream Programmes and did not include the enrolments for the B.Ed. Irish medium programme in Marino as outlined in the table.
Approved Enrolment on the B. Ed through the medium of Irish for the years 2019-2022.
|
Year |
2019/2020 |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
2022/2023 |
|
Approved Enrolment |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
210. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education her views on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57118/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe process to identify schools for inclusion in the DEIS programme is based on the principle of concentrated disadvantage. It aimed to identify those schools with the highest proportion of students from areas designated as disadvantaged. 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
My Department provides a wide range of supports to all schools, including those outside of the DEIS programme, to support the inclusion of all students and address barriers to students achieving their potential.
My 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 and water charges and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as common grants that the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
All recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme will benefit from additional capitation funding in 2022 - an increase of circa 40% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates. The additional grant will be paid at the rate of €75 per pupil at primary level and €113 at post-primary level. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs (SEN).
Arrangements are being made to issue this payment as soon as possible and schools can use this to cover additional energy costs and other increased day-to-day operating costs. In the context of the current cost of living crisis, my Department expects that this very significant additional funding being made available to schools will be sufficient to meet increased running costs.
I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge how our school communities have gone above and beyond to welcome into our schools the many children and young people fleeing war in Ukraine.
My Department has established the Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) to support the needs of children arriving in Ireland from Ukraine.
These Education and Language Teams are hosted by the 16 regional education and training boards (ETBs) and are staffed by existing regionally-based education support personnel.
The primary role of the REALT is to assist children in finding school places and to support schools in the area to meet the needs of these children as they emerge, to advise and support my Department in developing new capacity where required, and to co-ordinate the provision of education services to children and families across their defined area. These teams are ensuring that clear, accessible information flows are in place between schools, local education support services and national support structures in relation to arrivals from Ukraine.
The REALT teams lead a network of other key agencies, including Tusla Education Support Service (TESS), NEPS regional personnel, NCSE regional personnel and Management body local nominees working together with local schools.
The REALT are supporting existing services and co-ordinating the following work areas:
- Aligning current school capacity with the placement of Ukrainian families, as much as possible.
- Identifying additional capacity within their geographic areas to prepare for situations where demand may exceed available school capacity, and working with my Department and other organisations with a view to making this additional capacity available.
- Assisting families and schools with accessing information on school places for children and young people from Ukraine who have moved into the area.
- Assisting families and schools with accessing resources and supports for additional capacity, wellbeing, language and educational needs.
- Assisting with engaging resources for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) tutors who would assist with the English language needs of children and young people from Ukraine, and their parents / guardians.
- Liaising with other local co-ordinating structures that may be established to coordinate the delivery of public services for families from Ukraine.
Contact details for the REALT are available on gov.ie - Information for schools – Ukraine (www.gov.ie).
211. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education the reason that persons with e-mail addresses (details supplied) were not issued with emails to confirm their registration for a bus ticket in July 2022; if she intends instructing Bus Éireann to issue these applicants with bus tickets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57137/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if she will request Bus Éireann to issue school bus tickets to late applicants who would otherwise have been eligible for school transport in view of the fact that the Bus Éireann website was down for reprogramming earlier in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57143/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if there are any outstanding applications with her Department from Bus Éireann for approval of either extra or larger buses for school transport in order to meet the demand; if there are applications outstanding; the details of the applications; when the applications are likely to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57144/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra214. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education if it is intended to reduce the distance that a student has to reside from a primary and secondary school in order to qualify for school transport for the 2023-2024 school year and onwards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57145/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 211, 212, 213 and 214 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.
All children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time are 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 have continued for the 2022/2023 school year.
Under these measures, transport is 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.
As part of the budgetary process, some additional funding has been approved for the scheme which has allowed officials in the Department of Education, in consultation with Bus Éireann, to consider and evaluate where additional capacity may be available. Bus Éireann have been prioritising areas where there were “on time concessionary pupils” who had tickets previously.
It is important to stress that this is subject to capacity considerations. Constraints in sourcing vehicles and drivers in certain areas of the country may also mean that it may take a number of weeks to explore solutions for additional capacity.
Officials in School Transport Section liaise with Bus Éireann on a daily basis in relation to the operation of the School Transport Scheme, this includes requests for sanction for additional capacity.
A strong emphasis is placed on advertising the closing date through both website and social media platforms. Bus Éireann advertised the closing date through their website and social media platforms. The closing date was also advertised through the Department of Education, Public Representatives and other forms of media channels.
The email notifications that are issued are intended as a reminder but are not required for a ticket request to be made. 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.
The Department has undertaken a review of the School Transport Scheme.
The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme and how it currently operates, its broader effectiveness and sustainability and that it adequately supports the provision of services to students and their families.
The review encompasses the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs and the Primary and Post-Primary School Transport Schemes in terms of how each element of the schemes currently operate, to include eligibility criteria, trends, costs and cost drivers, and overall effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the schemes. The review will also examine the potential for integration of different strands of the scheme and a more co-ordinated approach with other Government Departments that also use transport services.
Wider considerations relating to operation of the scheme are taking place in the current phase of the review which is now underway. The Steering Group will continue to report to me on an interim basis as the review progresses, with a view to presenting a final report with recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme.
