Written Answers Nos. 206-223
206. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the current status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if the project will be expedited and the necessary funding provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5723/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department recently received an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school authority referred to by the Deputy.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and accommodation for students with special education needs is available to cater for students enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
When the assessment process is completed, the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.
207. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Education if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) whose child had a place confirmed in an autism class for the academic year of 2023-2024 but had the place subsequently revoked; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5743/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs (SEN) to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.
It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my Department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
For 2023, the spend by my Department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my Department will spend over €2.6 billion providing supports to children and young people with special educational needs and their schools.
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 funding to support children with SEN in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers and special needs assistants.
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 mainstream, 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 6 new special classes in Co. Sligo over the last 3 years. Of these, 1 special class is at primary level and 5 are at post-primary level.
There are a total of 25 special classes in Co. Sligo. Of these, 13 are at primary level and 12 are at post primary level.
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 which children can be supported to attend a mainstream class and with regard to 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 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 written to all post-primary schools to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes.
My Department and the NCSE met with the main post-primary school management bodies last week to share a list of schools who could potentially open new special classes in September 2023. The NCSE will now engage directly with those schools to sanction special classes.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
In relation to the specific details supplied, my Department has sought an update on the matter from the NCSE and my Department will share this update with you shortly.
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.
208. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education if staff engaged in the provision of school-based psychological services in primary schools have substance abuse training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5746/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools.
In line with best international practice, NEPS provides a consultative model of service, with a focus on empowering school staff to support pupils across a range of needs.
NEPS offers both a casework service and a support and development service providing access for all schools to the following:
- A Casework Service for individual children where there is a need for intensive consultation and assessment via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
- A school staff Support and Development Service, to build school capability to provide a comprehensive continuum of support in schools
- Ongoing access to advice and support for schools and
- Psychological support in the event of a Critical Incident
The role of a NEPS Educational Psychologist is to support the wellbeing, inclusion and participation of all students in schools through the application of psychological theory and practice. NEPS has particular regard for children with special educational needs (SEN) and those at risk of educational disadvantage. The NEPS casework service focuses on the provision of psychological services for a pupil, working either directly with the pupil and/or with the child’s teachers and parents to facilitate a common understanding of the concerns which may include substance misuse. The psychologist will engage in collaborative assessment, intervention planning and monitoring of outcomes for the pupils.
NEPS establishes and strengthens co-operative linkages with other relevant statutory and voluntary bodies and encourages schools to do the same. Where necessary the NEPS psychologist will signpost schools to the appropriate external supports which could include supports for those affected by substance abuse.
209. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on an application to the school transport section for a concessionary school bus ticket for a sibling of a student (details supplied) with special educational needs, which was submitted in July 2022, where there has been no communication with the applicant’s family since the application was submitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5749/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 4,200 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €332.2m.
The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs is to provide a reasonable level of transport service for children with a diagnosed disability and / or special educational need, who, because of the nature of their disability, may not be in a position to avail of a school bus service which would be time-tabled to pick up other children along the route of service.
A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class / special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education criteria.
My Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the specialised nature of transport provision for children with special educational needs. This is reflected in the standard of dedicated service provided and the fact that these services are generally planned and timetabled to operate on a door-to-door basis. In certain cases, my Department also provides funding to schools for the employment of escorts to accompany children whose care and safety needs require this level of support while they travel to and from school.
Given the concerns regarding the welfare of children with special educational needs, it is not always practical to make these services available to children who are capable of travelling on standard mainstream school transport services.
Children who are attending mainstream schools may apply for school transport in accordance with the terms of my Department’s School Transport Schemes for Primary and Post Primary Schools.
The family of the child referred to by the Deputy has been advised of my Department’s decision.
210. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the new school building for a school (details supplied); if the basis for any delays on the project to date could be outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5757/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a large pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. The main elements of this pipeline currently involve in excess of 1,300 school building projects for delivery under the Department’s Large Scale and Additional Accommodation Scheme. These projects are currently in progress across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction.
The permanent building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered under my Department's Design and Build programme which uses a professional external Project Manager to progress projects through the stages of architectural planning, tender and construction.
As part of the conditions of sale of the permanent site for the school at Glenheron, Greystones, the lodgement of the application for planning permission for the project was under the remit of the vendor and my Department worked closely with the vendor in relation to the planning application for the new school. The final grant of planning permission for the school project referred to by the Deputy was received on 19th May 2022.
My Department progressed 8 Design & Build (D&B) projects (Lots 1 & 2) to construction in 2021. A further 10 projects (Lots 3, 4 & 5) issued to tender in June 2021, prior to the grant of planning permission for the school referred to by the Deputy in May 2022. A further 10 projects (Lot 6), including the project for the school referred to by the Deputy, are due to proceed to tender shortly.
My Department is currently assessing overall requirements for 2023 and associated work programme and will update individual schools, including the school referred to by the Deputy, in due course.
211. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will review and approve an application by a person (details supplied) in respect of incremental credit. [5813/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC). This Council is comprised of representatives of teachers, school management, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Department of Education. The Council is chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in my Department’s Circulars 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers.
To-date, my Department has not yet received an application for incremental credit from the person named. However the relevant unit of my Department has been in contact with the person named to discuss the matter with them and to assist them in submitting an application for incremental credit should they wish to do so.
212. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education the total amount that has been paid to survivors of institutional abuse based off the State’s indemnification of the religious orders in 2002. [5825/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Institutions Redress Scheme was established in 2002 to provide fair and reasonable awards to those who, as children, suffered abuse in residential institutions under the supervision or regulatory authority of the State. Just over €970 million has been paid to survivors of institutional abuse as awards under the Scheme.
214. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education the criteria used to establish which subjects will be funded for post-primary teachers who wish to return to college and add a further subject; the last year this was revisited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5827/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018, my Department established a Steering Group on Teacher Supply to facilitate multi-agency engagement and to lead on a coordinated programme of actions to support the supply of teachers. Arising from the work of this Group and its various substructures, the Teacher Supply Action Plan was published in November 2018.
The Action Plan called for the development of upskilling programmes in targeted subject areas for existing teachers, and following a request from my Department, the HEA issued a funding call to ITE providers for upskilling programmes in mathematics, physics and Spanish in late 2019. These were identified by the Steering Group as among the most challenging subjects in terms of teacher recruitment. Following the successful completion of the funding call, these programmes commenced in January 2021.
My Department funds the Teacher Fee Refund Scheme which provides funding towards the cost of course participation and examination fees on successful completion of teacher professional learning courses. The funding is available for courses that are directly relevant and of benefit to schools and that are subject to certification/award by an appropriate accreditation authority recognised by the Department of Education . In the 2023 Circular which deals with refunds for courses completed in the period 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022 one of the priority areas highlighted was upskilling for post primary teachers leading to registration with the Teaching Council in an additional subject, to support teacher supply at post-primary level.
215. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education if it is possible for a post-primary teacher who returns to study a further subject to apply for funding in cases in which there is a need by her Department for teachers for certain subjects; if her Department will fund subjects that are outside of the ones currently on offer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5828/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018, my Department established a Steering Group on Teacher Supply to facilitate multi-agency engagement and to lead on a coordinated programme of actions to support the supply of teachers. Arising from the work of this Group and its various substructures, the Teacher Supply Action Plan was published in November 2018.
The Action Plan called for the development of upskilling programmes in targeted subject areas for existing teachers, and following a request from my Department, the HEA issued a funding call to ITE providers for upskilling programmes in mathematics, physics and Spanish in late 2019. These were identified by the Steering Group as among the most challenging subjects in terms of teacher recruitment. Following the successful completion of the funding call, these programmes commenced in January 2021.
My Department funds the Teacher Fee Refund Scheme which provides funding towards the cost of course participation and examination fees on successful completion of teacher professional learning courses. The funding is available for courses that are directly relevant and of benefit to schools and that are subject to certification/award by an appropriate accreditation authority recognised by the Department of Education . In the 2023 Circular which deals with refunds for courses completed in the period 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022 one of the priority areas highlighted was upskilling for post primary teachers leading to registration with the Teaching Council in an additional subject, to support teacher supply at post-primary level.
216. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works on a school (details supplied) will move to the next stage of works. [5854/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the deputy refers has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of bundled school building programmes. This project is part of the bundle referred to as ‘Project Nore'.
The project is currently at Stage 3 of the delivery process and following a Departmental review of the Tender Assessment Report, approval for Stage 4 construction will follow.
At this stage, it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the projects; the NDFA will be engaging directly with relevant school authorities to keep them informed of progress.
217. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education when refurbishment works on a school (details supplied) will move to the next stage of works. [5855/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the deputy refers has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of bundled school building programmes. This project is part of the bundle referred to as ‘Project Nore'.
The project is currently at Stage 3 of the delivery process and following a Departmental review of the Tender Assessment Report, approval for Stage 4 construction will follow.
At this stage, it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the projects; the NDFA will be engaging directly with relevant school authorities to keep them informed of progress.
218. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education the amount that her Department spent on works under the emergency works scheme in each of the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [5856/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to inform the Deputy that the expenditure for the Emergency Works Scheme for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 is set out in the table below
|
Emergency Works Scheme |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
€49 Million |
€50 Million |
€4 Million |
219. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education the current status of a new-build application that has been sanctioned for a new school (details supplied); when the project will be allowed to progress for a planning application; and when construction will commence on site. [5858/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers to was approved funding under my Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to build 5 Mainstream Classrooms, a 2-Class SEN Base, 1 SET Room, 2 Science Labs, 2 Science Prep Areas, 1 Music Room, 1 Art Room, 1 DCG Room, 1 Textiles Room, 1 Woodwork Room, 1 Tech Prep Room & 2 Project storage rooms. The project has been devolved to the Board of Management of the school for delivery.
I can confirm that my Department has received a Stage 1 Report from the school. This report is currently being reviewed by officials in my Department.
A decision will be conveyed to the school authority as soon as this review has been completed.
220. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on accommodation for a school (details supplied); when this additional accommodation project will proceed to tender; the reason for delays in the procurement process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5864/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved funding under my Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to build 1 Mainstream Classroom with Assisted User Ensuite WC & 1 SET Room. This project has been devolved to the Board of Management of the school for delivery.
I can confirm that my Department has received a Stage 2B Report from the school. This report is currently being reviewed by officials in my Department. A decision will be conveyed directly to the school authority as soon as this review has been completed.
221. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education the position regarding a bus to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5867/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 147,900 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 4,200 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €332.2m.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education and Skills on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
A School Transport application has not yet been received in School Transport Section in respect of the pupil named by the Deputy.
The parent/guardian should contact the school principal of the school that their child is attending who will assist in making an application for school transport to the SENO that is affiliated with their school. The family can contact school_transport@education.gov.ie if they require any assistance.
222. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if a series of matters (details supplied) will be clarified in relation to the newly announced changes to summer courses, requiring online courses to have eight hour synchronous time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5886/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra223. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if a series of matters (details supplied) will be clarified with regard to newly announced changes to summer courses, requiring online courses to have eight-hour synchronous time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5901/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 223 together.
The summer course programme for teachers contributes to the continuum of teachers’ professional learning, promotes innovation and excellence in teaching, learning and assessment, and is supportive of the goals set out as per the new national priorities. The principal objective of the summer course programme is to improve the learning experiences of teachers and to ensure that their learning has a lasting impact on pupils’ learning outcomes and experiences.
Following consideration of a review of the Summer Course Programme my Department intends to introduce some changes to the format of online summer courses. This is part of a process of improvement CPD provision overall and to ensure that courses offered to primary teachers make a direct impact on the learning experiences and outcomes of pupils in schools.
I am aware that course providers, including the INTO, and teachers have expressed concerns regarding some of these changes. Following requests from a number of providers, my Department has met with them to discuss their concerns. These are being considered and my officials will engage further as required.
