Written Answers Nos. 141-160
141. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the officeholder of the day to State boards, authorities and other State-appointed bodies, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9055/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn making appointments to State boards under my remit, my Department operates in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines on appointments to State Boards, published in November 2014.
The Public Appointments Service has responsibility for managing an open, accessible and transparent system to support Ministers in making state board appointments and it is open to the public to apply for positions advertised on the stateboards.ie website.
Although the information requested in the Question may be available as part of the appointment process, under General Data Protection Regulation guidelines, my Department does not have access to this information once the appointment has been made.
The names of individuals currently serving on State Boards under the aegis of my Department are available on the following link:
membership.stateboards.ie/en/
142. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of senior staff members of his Department or of State bodies under the aegis of his Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9073/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not collect information on board membership of senior Departmental staff. Section 6(4) of the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 requires each public body to publish a list of designated public officials of the body, and the list for my Department can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/953ec3-regulation-of-lobbying/
The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Body to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table.
|
State Body |
Contact E-mails |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland (commercial body) |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency (commercial body) |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Uisce Eireann (commercial body) |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
143. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider opening the Croí Cónaithe scheme for rental properties and shortening the vacancy period in the instance where a departing tenant has left a property in bad repair and the landlord may not have the funds to bring it back up to standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9235/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra144. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider extending the Croí Cónaithe grant scheme to vacant properties where the professional advice has been given that a demolition and rebuild is required over a renovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9243/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All. In July 2022, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched as part of the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. The grant, which was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages, was expanded to include eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas from 15 November, 2022.
A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not previously been used as residential.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or if the property is on the Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000.
In the case of a top-up grant in respect of a derelict property not on the Derelict Sites Register, an independent report prepared by an appropriately qualified professional is required to be submitted along with the application confirming that the property is derelict.
The level of Grant is contingent on the works approved by the local authority and will be paid based on vouched expenditure following a final inspection by the local authority.
The refurbishment of a vacant property for occupation may involve development that requires planning permission. Where appropriate, an applicant under the scheme will be required to submit evidence that planning permission has been attained prior to final grant approval. In cases where a question arises in relation to whether a proposed development needs planning permission or is an exempted development, an applicant under the scheme will be required to submit a declaration of exemption under Section 5 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
The objective of the grant scheme is to bring existing properties back into use. While demolition and extension works can form part of an application for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, such works must be part of a wider refurbishment of the existing dwelling in keeping with the objectives of the scheme.
Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more and built before 1993. Proof of both vacancy and ownership are required to support the grant payment.
In respect of rental properties, there is already a scheme in place which facilitates the refurbishment of properties for rent to social housing tenants. The Repair and Leasing Scheme provides an upfront loan, to a maximum of €60,000 (including VAT) per unit, to owners of vacant properties, which require work to bring the units up to the required standard for rental. In return, the property is made available for social housing for a period of between 5 and 25 years. The cost of repairs is offset against reduced lease payments to the property owner.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. The schemes are focused on providing homes for applicants. There are no plans currently to extend the grant to allow for the rental of properties. However, it is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.
145. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of the turnover of staff in his Department for each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and the percentage of total staff this represents in each category. [9277/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have provided below figures on the turnover of civil servants employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs for each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. I have also provided the percentage of total staff which this represents in each category of staff.
2020 Staff Turnover
|
Grade |
Staff |
Leavers |
Turnover |
|
Assistant Secretary and higher |
25 |
2 |
8% |
|
PO & Equivalent |
128 |
7 |
5% |
|
AP & Equivalent |
315 |
14 |
4% |
|
HEO & Equivalent |
287 |
8 |
3% |
|
EO |
234 |
35 |
15% |
|
CO |
569 |
40 |
7% |
|
SVO |
44 |
0% |
|
|
Total |
1602 |
106 |
7% |
2021 Staff Turnover
|
Grade |
Staff |
Leavers |
Turnover |
|
Assistant Secretary and higher |
29 |
1 |
3% |
|
PO & Equivalent |
141 |
3 |
2% |
|
AP & Equivalent |
341 |
13 |
4% |
|
HEO & Equivalent |
319 |
12 |
4% |
|
EO |
226 |
31 |
14% |
|
CO |
567 |
35 |
6% |
|
SVO |
42 |
2 |
5% |
|
Total |
1665 |
97 |
6% |
2022 Staff Turnover
|
Grade |
Staff |
Leavers |
Turnover |
|
Assistant Secretary and higher |
30 |
3 |
10% |
|
PO & Equivalent |
133 |
13 |
10% |
|
AP & Equivalent |
350 |
21 |
6% |
|
HEO & Equivalent |
340 |
25 |
7% |
|
EO |
236 |
15 |
6% |
|
CO |
567 |
65 |
11% |
|
SVO |
46 |
3 |
7% |
|
Total |
1702 |
145 |
9% |
146. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will continue to raise the case of an imprisoned Irish citizen (details supplied) with the Iranian authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8998/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain deeply concerned about the continued detention of this Irish citizen, especially given his serious medical condition. I can assure the Deputy that the citizen's release remains a strong priority for me and my Department. To that end, there continues to be extensive engagement on the citizen's case with the Iranian authorities at senior political and official levels.
I emphasised our deep concerns and reiterated the urgent importance of the citizen's release from prison on humanitarian grounds in my recent direct contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran and with the Ambassador of Iran to Ireland.
My Department is providing ongoing consular support and assistance to the citizen and his family, and is liaising closely with the Government of France in the context of his dual nationality.
As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to discuss the specific details of the case.
147. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the officeholder of the day to State boards, authorities and other State-appointed bodies, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9052/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no State boards, authorities or other State-appointed bodies under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
148. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of senior staff members of his Department or of State bodies under the aegis of his Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9070/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe names of the Department of Foreign Affairs' officers who are Designated Public Officials, are publicly available on the Department's website at the following links:
www.dfa.ie/ie/maidir-linne/ce-muid-fein/antachtumbrustocaireachtarialail/
www.dfa.ie/about-us/who-we-are/regulation-of-lobbying-act-2015/
There are no state bodies under the aegis of this Department.
149. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if a sports facility (details supplied) in County Kilkenny can be reopened. [8999/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that the Club in question have had access to military facilities on a non-regularised and unlicensed basis. As a result of recent building inspections, I am advised that the building in question will would require considerable remediation works to conform with the required health safety standards.
I am sure the Deputy will understand that safety concerns must always take precedence and ahead of allowing the recommencement of such usage, on a formal basis. The matter of the remediation works is under consideration by my Department having regard to the existing and competing demands on the building programme.
150. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will provide details of the turnover of staff in his Department for each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and the percentage of total staff this represents in each category. [9277/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details of turnover in my Department for the years in question are set out in the tables below.
2020 Staff Turnover
|
Grade |
Staff |
Leavers |
Turnover |
|
Assistant Secretary + |
4 |
1 |
25% |
|
PO & Equivalent |
20 |
3 |
15% |
|
AP & Equivalent |
52 |
3 |
6% |
|
HEO |
73 |
1 |
1% |
|
AO |
5 |
0 |
0% |
|
EO |
106 |
9 |
8% |
|
CO |
98 |
9 |
9% |
|
SVO |
13 |
1 |
8% |
|
Total |
371 |
27 |
7% |
2021 Staff Turnover
|
Grade |
Staff |
Leavers |
Turnover |
|
Assistant Secretary + |
4 |
1 |
25% |
|
PO & Equivalent |
21 |
3 |
14% |
|
AP & Equivalent |
52 |
6 |
12% |
|
HEO |
83 |
5 |
6% |
|
AO |
6 |
1 |
17% |
|
EO |
104 |
4 |
4% |
|
CO |
92 |
11 |
12% |
|
SVO |
12 |
3 |
25% |
|
Total |
374 |
34 |
9% |
2022 Staff Turnover
|
Grade |
Staff |
Leavers |
Turnover |
|
Assistant Secretary + |
3 |
2 |
67% |
|
PO & Equivalent |
23 |
1 |
4% |
|
AP & Equivalent |
55 |
5 |
9% |
|
HEO |
85 |
4 |
5% |
|
AO |
7 |
2 |
29% |
|
EO |
110 |
11 |
10% |
|
CO |
92 |
15 |
16% |
|
SVO |
11 |
0 |
0% |
|
Total |
386 |
40 |
10% |
151. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if any members of the Defence Forces conducted a risk analysis on devices (details supplied) and communication systems used in State-run buildings. [8926/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the military authorities that the Defence Forces do not comment on any risk assessments conducted on devices or any communications systems for security reasons.
152. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the officeholder of the day to State boards, authorities and other State-appointed bodies, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9047/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe only State body currently under the aegis of this Department is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non-military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
The number of retired senior civil servants and public servants appointed by the Minister for Defence to the Army Pensions Board, after being recommended on draft lists submitted by the Public Appointments Service, in each of the past ten years, is one.
153. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of senior staff members of his Department or of State bodies under the aegis of his Department who are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities; if it is intended to issue directions as to the appropriateness of such involvement in these bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9065/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraNone of the members of my Department's Management Board, are also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities.
The only State body currently under the aegis of this Department is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927. The Act specifies that the Board shall consist of a chairman and two ordinary members. The two ordinary members must be qualified medical practitioners of whom one must be an officer of the Army Medical Corps. The chairman and the non-military ordinary member are appointed by the Minister for Defence with the concurrence of the Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Army Medical Corps ordinary member is appointed by the Minister for Defence on the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.
I am not aware of any current member of the Army Pension Board who is also on the boards of bodies registered for lobbying purposes under the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015, or on the board of bodies which have had to disclose that they engaged in lobbying State authorities and they have not been requested to make a declaration in this specific respect.
154. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she can confirm or provide a timeline for when the school completion programme and the home school community liaison scheme will return to the remit of the Department of Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9184/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Completion Programme (SCP) and the Home School Community Liaison scheme (HSCL) along with the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS) form the three strands of Tusla Education Support Service (TESS). These three strands work together collaboratively with schools, families and other relevant services to achieve the best educational outcomes for children and young people. TESS is under the remit of my Department and my Department provides the funding for all three strands of TESS.
DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme is a key policy initiative of my Department to address educational disadvantage at school level.
The Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) scheme is an integral element of the DEIS programme. It is a school-based intervention that seeks to promote partnership between parents, teachers and community family support services. A HSCL Coordinator is a teacher, who is released from teaching duties, for a maximum of five years, in order to work intensively with and support parents/guardians. The overarching goal of the HSCL Coordinator is to improve educational outcomes for children through their work with the key adults in the child’s life. HSCL continue to be employed by the Board of Management of the school or by the Education and Training Board during their assignment to the HSCL role.
My Department issued circular 0016/2019 "Home School Community Liaison Scheme: Assignment of HSCL Coordinators within DEIS schools". This informs all DEIS Urban Primary and DEIS Post Primary school management and staff regarding the process for assigning teachers as HSCL Coordinators, as well as outlining the attributes required for the HSCL post and the job description/role of the HSCL Coordinator. The contents of the circular were agreed with teacher unions and management bodies.
The School Completion Programme (SCP) is funded by my Department via TESS. SCP is a central element of DEIS and delivers a range of local interventions in disadvantaged communities that support the retention of young people in education. The programme enables local communities to develop tailored strategies to maximise the participation levels of those at risk of early school-leaving in the education process. It entails targeting individual young people of school-going age and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes.
There are currently 122 school completion projects with local management committees. At present, management of the school completion programme initiatives and employment of staff generally occurs at local level.
155. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she has engaged with school completion officers regarding their pension entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9185/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra156. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she has engaged with school completion officers regarding their pension entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9186/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
Since 1 January 2021, responsibility for the administration of the School Completion Programme (SCP), transferred back from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to my Department.
SCP is one strand of the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) and is funded by my Department via Tusla. This programme is a central element of the DEIS plan (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), a key policy initiative of my Department to address educational disadvantage at school level.
Since I took over responsibility for SCP in January 2021, I have secured additional funding to provide for an extension of SCP supports to 28 additional schools that were included in DEIS for the first time in September 2017, and a 5% overall increase in funding for the School Completion Programme, effective from September 2021. In addition, I negotiated a further increase of 5% for SCP under Budget 2023. This complements the recent expansion of the DEIS programme announced by me in 2022.
There are currently 122 SCP projects with local management committees. Presently, management of the SCP initiatives, including the employment of staff, occurs at local level.
The initial focus for my Department was on the development of the legislative platform to support the transfer of functions from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
This body of work has now been completed and my Department is now considering all other aspects of the programme, including governance and structures for SCP and all matters involved therein.
157. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if school completion officers will be given access to free counselling or external supervision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9187/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 1 January 2021, the administration of the School Completion Programme (SCP), transferred from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to my Department. The SCP forms part of the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS). While the arrangements between Tusla and the SCP are not impacted by the change in ministerial responsibility, Tusla now reports to my Department in respect of the SCP; SCP is funded by my Department via Tusla.
There are currently 122 school completion projects with local management committees (LMC). At present, management of the SCP generally occurs at local level, including staffing arrangements and supports.
Requests for counselling services or external supervision for SCP staff can be requested from the local management committee in the first instance.
158. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education if she will provide details of the turnover of staff in her Department for each of the years 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form; and the percentage of total staff this represents in each category. [9277/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information within the scope of the Deputy’s question is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
159. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if, her Department will immediately sanction funding for a second ASD classroom in a school (details supplied) given the current ASD accommodation will be required to facilitate the additional mainstream classroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8957/23]
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.
There are currently 420 special classes in Co. Cork. Of these, 299 special classes are at primary level and 121 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.
The NCSE have advised my Department that the school referred to by the Deputy have one existing ASD class which opened in September 2021. The school received sanction for an additional ASD class on 17 November 2022, with the view to opening this class in September 2023.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
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
In relation to school building projects, I can confirm that the school referred to by the Deputy has received approval in 2022 for 1 additional SEN class base within a building extension under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme. The delivery of this project is devolved to the school and is currently at Stage 1. In addition, the purchase of a 1x100m2 modular classroom is approved to facilitate the opening of 2nd SEN Class for Sept 2023.
160. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education if she will consider revising the requirement of having a H3 grade or equivalent in leaving certificate Irish in order to complete a professional master's qualification in education in view of the shortage of primary school teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8962/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department specifies the minimum entry requirements in the core subjects: Irish, English and Mathematics for entry into primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes to ensure that primary teachers have the capacity to lead in these significant areas of student learning. The current Leaving Certificate entry requirement is a H4 in Irish.
All candidates, including school leavers, mature students and university graduates must hold the required level of Leaving Certificate Irish, English or Mathematics or an approved equivalent for entry into primary ITE programmes.
In the case of a student wishing to enter a postgraduate programme and who does not meet the minimum entry requirement in Irish, English or Mathematics, it is open to the person to repeat the Leaving Certificate Examination or pursue a course of study leading to one of the alternative qualifications in the subject(s) concerned as outlined in recently published Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) Entry Requirements and Procedures for 2023. Link: gov.ie - How to qualify as a primary teacher (www.gov.ie)
