Written Answers Nos. 242-262
242. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will defer the decision to reopen the Irish Embassy in Tehran given the ruthless suppression of human rights by the regime in Iran, the murder of women and children by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian support for Russia in the latter's ongoing invasion of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60106/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Embassy in Iran was closed in 2012 for financial reasons. In 2021 the government decided to re-establish an Irish diplomatic presence in Iran in two phases. The first phase began in August 2021 with the appointment of a Chargé d’affaires in Tehran, with the Irish diplomatic mission co-located in the German Embassy in Tehran. The Irish Embassy in Ankara remains accredited to Iran. The second phase involves the re-opening of the Embassy in Tehran in 2023. While planning is underway on this basis, as with all Embassy openings, plans are regularly reviewed in the light of political and security developments.An Irish Embassy in Tehran will allow Ireland to more effectively deliver clear and firm messages directly to the Iranian government, including on issues like human rights and Iran’s nuclear activities. Ireland’s diplomatic presence since August 2021 has been critical for engagement with Iran on a number of key regional files we have worked on at the UN Security Council, including Yemen, Syria, and the Iran nuclear deal.
In my contacts with the Iranian Foreign Minister in September and October, and with the Iranian Ambassador in Dublin, I have made it very clear that Ireland expects Iran to uphold its international obligations, particularly the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. These instruments enshrine the rights of freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and the fundamental and unalienable rights of women and girls.The EU has also expanded its Human Rights Sanctions regime to include individuals involved in the death of Mahsa Amini and in the response of the security forces to protestors. The EU has also adopted sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities involved in the supply of drones to Russia.At UN level, the Security Council held a meeting on Iran’s transfer of drones to Russia on 19 October. The supply of drones to Russia is a serious violation of Iran’s obligations under UN Security Council 2231, which endorses the Iran nuclear deal. Under the JCPOA, Iran is prohibited from the export of drones. Ireland is facilitator of Resolution 2231, and we will present our final facilitator’s report in December. Ireland supported the call to hold a special session of the Human Rights Council on 24 November, which adopted a resolution establishing a fact finding mission to investigate and report on the situation in Iran. Officials from my Department will continue to monitor developments in Iran, and to raise our concerns directly with the Iranian government. We will continue to coordinate closely with our partners in the EU to ensure there is a joint, coordinated, and clear response to the actions of the Iranian authorities.
243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when a passport will be made available in the case of a person (details supplied); if all documentation required has been supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60127/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has contacted the applicant's parent in relation to the application.
244. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group has concluded its review of the colour vision requirements for joining the Defence Forces; if so, the findings and recommendations of same.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59995/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCandidates applying for positions in the Defence Forces are required to meet specific criteria for military service, as laid down in Defence Forces Regulations, made pursuant to the Defence Act 1954, as amended and extended.
The vision standards required for entry to the Defence Forces, as provided for in Defence Force Regulations, include that applicants colour vision must be normal. The Defence Forces colour vision standard is defined by the ability to pass the Ishihara Colour Plates. This is a ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’ test. It is universally accepted that the Ishihara Test is the ‘Gold Standard’ for the detection of all grades of colour vision deficiencies. To be accepted as an eligible candidate for entry into the Defence Forces, the applicant must have ‘normal results’. The only exception to this are applicants to the Defence Force Instrumentalists Stream.
The conditions for entry to and service in the Permanent Defence Force, including the methodologies used for assessments, are subject to continuous review and modification having regard to the needs of the organisation and the development of best practices.
At present, all applicants must have normal colour vision to join the Defence Forces.
A Defence Forces Colour Vision Working Group was established to review the colour vision requirements for entry to the Defence Forces. The recommendations of this working group are under review. The military authorities have advised that due to a number of competing priorities, the recommendations have not yet been fully considered.
However, I have sought an update on this matter from the military authorities and I will report back to the Deputy in due course.
245. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education when school transport will commence for a student (details supplied) with additional needs. [59896/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Transport is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the last school year over 121,400 children, including over 15,500 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country at a cost of over €289m in 2021.
The purpose of the 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.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
I am pleased to confirm that the pupil has been deemed eligible for the School Transport Scheme.
Bus Éireann has advised that the parent of the pupil referred to by the Deputy in this case has been contacted directly and has been provided with the option of receiving the special transport grant or having a new transport service established for their child. This correspondence issued to the parent on the 21st October 2022. School Transport Section are awaiting a response from the parent on their preferred option.
246. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the process where a family can ensure siblings (details supplied) with additional needs are in the same school. [59900/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
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.
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.
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
As part of Budget 2023, my 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.
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: https://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.
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.
In 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. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in that area.
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. A school may use older siblings attending the school as one of their selection criteria. The 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. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. My Department does not seek to intervene in the selection criterion that is applied by schools.
The parent of the student, or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, may appeal a decision of this school to refuse admission. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(i) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due to the school being oversubscribed.
Where an applicant has been refused admission due to the school being oversubscribed, the applicant must request a review of that decision by the board of management prior to making an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998.
As the matter raised relates to an individual case I have so arranged to forward the details you have provided to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply
247. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education the status of the provision of a new secondary school in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59925/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHaving assessed the school's current accommodation and future needs, it is proposed that the optimum solution for the school in Lisdoonvarna referred to by the Deputy, is the provision of a new school building at a new site.
The Department is in discussions with the patron in this regard.
248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if a school place can be facilitated in the case of the son of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59938/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the responsibility of my Department to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in an area. Parents can choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted.It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to draft, publish and implement a school admission policy in accordance with the Education Acts 1998 to 2018. In schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in their school of first choice. The selection criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. My Department does not seek to intervene in the selection criterion that is applied by schools.The admission policy, including the selection criterion to be used where the school is oversubscribed, must comply with the Education Acts 1998 to 2018, be non-discriminatory and be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.Where a board of management make a decision to refuse admission, a parent/guardian can appeal that decision under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, and an independent appeals committee will be appointed to consider the appeal. The role of the section 29 hearing committee is to examine the application for enrolment and consider if it was correctly processed by the school, in accordance with the school’s Enrolment Policy. The section 29 appeals committee cannot consider matters that are not provided for within the school’s Enrolment Policy. If it is considered that a school has erred in their processing of an enrolment application, a section 29 appeal committee can examine how the application was processed by the school and identify if the school did not follow its Enrolment policy. In cases where an error occurred the section 29 appeal committee will consider if the error had a material effect on the application. Where an error had a material effect on the enrolment application, the section 29 appeal committee can direct the school to enrol the student or adjust the students ranking on the waiting list. My Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a student, except in circumstances where an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 has been allowed and the appeals committee directs that the school admit the child concerned. A section 29 appeal must be made no later than 63 calendar days from the date of the school’s decision to refuse admission.It is important to note that if a parent/guardian have been refused admission due to the school being oversubscribed, and they wish to appeal this decision they must first make a written request to the school seeking a review of the board of management’s decision. This request for a review to the board of management is time bound and must be made within 21 calendar days from the date of the decision by the school to refuse admission to the child.If a parent/guardian has been refused admission for a reason other than the school being oversubscribed, they may, but are not required to, request a review by the board of management within 21 calendar days from the date of the decision by the school to refuse admission to the child. Where a parent/guardian has been refused admission for a reason other than the school being oversubscribed and do not choose to seek a review by the board of management they may make an appeal to an independent appeals committee no later than 63 calendar days from the date of the school’s decision to refuse admission.Full details on the section 29 appeals process for refused enrolment are available on the Gov.ie website at the links below:https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/8248c-appeals-in-relation-to-refusal-to-admit-a-student-due-to-a-school-being-oversubscribed/https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/31c4f-appeals-in-relation-to-refusal-to-admit-a-student-for-a-reason-other-than-the-school-being-oversubscribed/In addition, Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) the Educational Welfare Service is the legal body which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school placement for their child. Contact details for TESS are available at the following link www.tusla.ie/tess/get-in-touch/ or by email at tessinfo@tusla.ie
249. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education the progress being made with the new premises for a school (details supplied) in Monasterevin; the target date for opening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59951/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major construction project for the school referred to by the Deputy commenced on site in October 2020. Works are progressing satisfactorily on site and it is anticipated that the school will be ready for occupation in quarter 1 2023.
250. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education the target date for the opening of the new secondary school under construction at Magee Barracks, Kildare town; the price paid for the site of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59967/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme.
ADAPT is an acronym which stands for the "Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering".
The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Project Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning to Tender and Construction.
The Project Manager has visited the school and is currently arranging site surveys for all projects on this ADAPT Programme.
The next step to be undertaken by the Project Manager will be the tender competitions for the appointment of the Design Team.
The Project Manager has begun initial engagement with my Department's Consultancy Frameworks in respect of all the projects on this ADAPT Programme and it is anticipated that the Design Team procurement process will be initiated shortly, when an Invitation to Tender will issue to those potential Design Team Consultants.
My department will shortly be in contact with the Patron and School regarding these appointments.
Upon appointment, the Design Team will proceed to Stage 1 of Architectural Planning – Preliminary Design, where the Design Team will assess the site and prepare their initial sketch schemes for the new school. A preferred design option, including the scope and extent of works to be carried out will be established during this early stage.
Until the project design is at the stage where statutory approvals, planning permission etc., are secured by the Design Team, it will not be possible to provide an estimated onsite date
The sales contract for the acquisition of 8 acre site at 'Magee Barracks' in Kildare Town was signed in July 2022. As this sales contract is subject to my department procuring planning permission in respect of the temporary school facility, it is not possible to comment on commercially sensitive sales details at this time.
251. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education the way that the free primary book scheme that was announced in Budget 2023, will be rolled out in a timely and affordable manner. [59978/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra252. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she has consulted with the relevant stakeholders that will be involved in the provision of the free primary book scheme that was announced in budget 2023. [59979/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 252 together.
As part of Budget 2023, I announced over €50 million to provide free books to primary school pupils within the free education scheme from September 2023. This measure will eliminate the cost to these families for all school books at primary school, including workbooks. It delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to extend the free school book pilot, currently in 102 DEIS primary schools, as resources permit. The free primary school books scheme will benefit up to 540,000 pupils in approximately 3,240 recognised primary schools, including over 130 special schools.
The implementation of the measure will build on the existing school book rental scheme which is available in some 96% of recognised primary schools. It also builds the free school books pilot provided to over one hundred primary DEIS schools in recent years.
My officials are continuing to engage as how the scheme will operate. Initial contact has been made with some of the education partners in relation to the measure. Over the coming period my Department will be engaging further with the education partners and other stakeholders to roll out the measure in time for the 2023/24 school year.
Guidance on the procurement of books will be developed as part of our further engagement process with schools, parent and management bodies and other stakeholders on this measure. The scheme will seek to ensure that value for money is achieved, and that schools will be supported to implement the scheme in a way that has the best learning outcomes for pupils. Schools will continue to have autonomy to choose books that meet curricular requirements.
253. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the difficulty that schools in south Kildare have in contacting the local SENO; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59987/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra254. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Education the number of SENOs in each area of Kildare and north Laois; the number of vacancies in each area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59988/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.
I 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.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), Advisors and Visiting Teachers for fulfilling the functions of the NCSE Council.
The NCSE has advised my Department of the following details in relation to SENOs in the areas of Kildare and North Laois. Identification, delivery and coordination of education services to students, schools and families are organised and managed through ten teams across five regions. Each team has a Team Manager.
SENOs are assigned to teams rather than counties and have a caseload of schools for which they are responsible.
The NCSE has a Regional Services Contact list which is available for viewing on: https://ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list. Kildare forms part of South East Team 2 which has 3 vacancies. Laois forms part of South-West team 2 and has no vacancies.
Each SENO has a caseload of schools for which they are responsible. A number of posts in Kildare are currently vacant and as happens in all similar type situations, a SENO point of contact has been assigned to the area who has been taking phone calls and emails from parents and schools and helping them with their queries.
The NCSE have run three SENO competitions to date this year in an effort to fill these vacancies and are now in a position to assign candidates to this team. They currently have three candidates in clearance for these positions and expect to have the vacancies filled in January 2023.
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.
255. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if additional classrooms will be built in locations in which planning permission is already in place but funding approval is needed for the build as a matter of urgency in view of the fact that Ireland is seeing an increase in the number of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60005/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements. Projections of post primary school place requirements are informed by multiple factors, including primary school enrolments in the area and primary to post primary transfer patterns.
The most recent analysis undertaken by my Department projects that over 90% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level show decreasing enrolments for the period to 2025 compared with 2021, whereas some 88% of school planning areas at post-primary level are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2028, with most expected to reach a peak in the next two or three years.
While my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
My Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues across school planning areas through ongoing discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities.
This close engagement will allow my Department to identify at an early stage particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.
256. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Education if she will provide clarification on the perimeter of a school (details supplied) for the purposes of accessing a green area for the students, which would require a fence around it and need to be beside the school in order to keep the children safe. [60030/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was established in 2019 to meet emerging requirements for special school places in the area. The school is co-located with Rath Dara Community College.
Both schools are under the patronage of Dublin Dun Laoghaire ETB and my Department's engagement with the patron is ongoing regarding the schools' requirements with respect to accommodation and associated facilities.
257. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the contracts that have been granted without having to go to public tender; the companies that were granted these contracts and nature of the work involved; the qualifying criteria that was applied to any company awarded such a contract in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60079/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department makes a return of contracts awarded without a competitive tender as part of the annual Appropriation Account. The details of these contracts with a value over €25000 are listed in tabular form for 2020 and 2021 on the tables attached. Nineteen cases in 2020 and twenty cases in 2021 were awarded on a non-competitive basis. The report in respect of 2022 contracts will be compiled in 2023 and is not yet available.
258. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the progress of a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60101/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that the school referred to has been approved for a project under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. This project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority. The initial approval was revised in May 2022 and will provide for the following accommodation at the school; Six General Classrooms, One WC for Assisted Users, Two Science Labs and shared Prep Area, One Computer Lab, One Technology Room and Prep Area, One Home Economic room, Toilets, Lockers, Circulation, Stairs and a Two-Classroom SEN Base.I can advise the Deputy that a revised Stage 1 Report has been submitted to my Department and is currently being reviewed by my officials. This review is nearing completion and correspondence will issue to the school regarding the outcome of the review in due course.
259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education when access to an autism class in mainstream education can be made available to a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60123/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
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.
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.
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.
As part of Budget 2023, my 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.
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
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.
As the matter raised relates to an individual case, I have also arranged to forward the details you have provided to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which primary and second level school places as well as adequate special needs classes continue to be made available in such numbers as to meet the demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60126/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
It is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
- Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area.
- School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area.
- Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school, they are not available to all pupils.
- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area.
My Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues across school planning areas through ongoing discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities.
This close engagement will allow my Department to identify at an early stage particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.
Under Project Ireland 2040, the education sector will receive a total of approximately €4.4 billion capital investment over the period 2021-2025. This significant investment allows us to move forward with certainty on our ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland.
Approximately 1,200 school building projects under the Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction – most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period up to 2025. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040 may be viewed on my Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
School place needs across all school planning areas will continue to be kept under review, using refreshed Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and other updated information as they become available.
In regards to Special Needs places 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 are working closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process to ensure a targeted approach to meet demand for special needs placements ahead of each new school-year and is committed to delivering an inclusive educational environment for all pupils.
My Department and the NCSE continue to work closely in planning for the delivery of new places required to meet forecasted demand.
Through this intensive intervention, for the 2022/2023 school-year we have seen 383 new special classes open, bringing the total of special classes to 2,535 opened nationwide for the 2022/23 school-year. The 383 new special classes for 22/23 is broken down by 253 at primary level and 130 at post primary level.
261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) will be awarded special and close observation in school given their propensity to collapse due to ongoing health issues, who is currently attending a special school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60132/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question raised and would advise the following.
The Special Needs Assistant (SNA) scheme is designed to provide schools with additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills.
For a child to require or qualify for access to SNA support, a child must have an assessed disability. The care needs outlined must be of such significance that they are beyond that which would normally be expected to be provided to a child by the child’s class teacher, support teacher, or other school teachers, or beyond the level of assistance which could be offered to the student by his/ or her fellow pupils in school. The care needs must also be those beyond which could normally be provided for by alternative supportive approaches or modifications of the classroom environment, teaching approaches and/or assistive technology or specialist equipment.
Circular 30/2014 provides examples of the primary care needs which would be considered significant, and which might require SNA support, these include non-nursing care needs associated with specific medical conditions: such as frequent epileptic seizures or for pupils who have fragile health.
SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school based resource. The deployment of SNAs within schools is a matter for the individual Principal/Board of Management of the school. SNAs should be deployed by the school in a manner which best meets the care support requirements of the children enrolled in the school for whom SNA support has been allocated.
The NCSE has responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs including the allocation of SNAs and reviews, my Department does not have a role in making individual school determinations.
Additional SNA support may also be sanctioned by the NCSE where there are individual children who have significant care needs which require support above the level of support already sanctioned to the school. In such circumstances, the school may apply to the NCSE for access to additional care supports, clearly outlining the reason why the additional support is necessary.
All schools have the contact details of their local SENO, and the SENO is available to offer assistance and advice to the school. The school should contact the SENO when it considers that additional SNA support is required, the SENO will clarify to the school the information that is required for a review its SNA allocation. Further information on the application process is published on the NCSE website ncse.ie/guidelines-and-applications-forms-for-special-schools.
Nursing support for children with complex needs in school is provided directly by the HSE or through a HSE funded provider. A few schools employ nurses funded from their own resources. There is currently no national standardised process for the allocation of nursing supports in schools for children with complex needs. Where a school has identified children with complex needs who require nursing support, they are directed to the HSE. Please contact the HSE direct for further information in this regard.
Separately the National Nursing Programme Pilot for Children with Complex Healthcare Needs is a nationwide pilot scheme to be run in partnership between HSE and NCSE. It will run for the 2022/23 school year. The pilot is to be evaluated and the outcome will inform the provision of nursing support for students with complex healthcare needs into the future.
HSE Primary Care currently funds Paediatric Home Care Packages (PHCPs), through which preferred private healthcare providers deliver nursing care in the home environment to children with complex healthcare needs.
The pilot nursing scheme will, for eligible students, extend the PHCP from their home into the school setting. This will allow an agency nurse attend school with the student for an agreed number of hours per week, and travel to and from school with them, if necessary. There are other eligibility criteria for students and schools.
An application and assessment process will confirm the eligibility of the student for the scheme, determine the number of hours to support the student, assess any necessary environmental changes, and confirm whether funding is available for their nursing support hours. A transition and ongoing review process will facilitate the student’s transition into school and monitor their progress.
For further information on this scheme can be accessed on the NCSE’s website at the following page: ncse.ie/national-nursing-programme-pilot-for-children-with-complex-healthcare-needs alternatively the school can contact the NCSE direct.
262. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the Roadmap for Social Inclusion objective on the implementation of benchmarking the State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59963/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025, Government has committed to finalising an approach for the benchmarking and indexation of pension payments.
A smoothed earnings method to calculating a benchmarked/indexed rate of State Pension payments was also recommended by the Commission on Pensions.
In September, I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system. The measures are in response to the recommendations from the Commission on Pensions and represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.
As part of this, a smoothed earnings method to calculating a benchmarked/indexed rate of State Pension payments will be introduced as an input to the annual budget process and will be submitted to Government in September each year (from 2023).
My Department has also committed to considering and preparing a report for Government on the potential application of the benchmarking approach to other welfare payment areas. Now that Government has approved an approach in relation to pension payments, my Department will examine potential benchmarking approaches to other social welfare payments in 2023.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
