Thursday, 23 Feb 2023

Written Answers Nos. 217-236

Middle East

Ceisteanna (217)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

217. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide details of his priority discussions with his European Union counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council in January 2023 on the situation of the occupied Palestine territory, as referenced in a recent Parliamentary Question reply; if there were any outcomes as a result of these discussions; the further steps he intends to take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9405/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

At the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 January 2023, EU Foreign Ministers had a lunchtime exchange with the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mohammad Shtayyeh, and Palestinian Foreign Minister, Dr Riad Malki, affording them the opportunity to brief EU Ministers on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. There was a strong message of support from the High Representative and EU Ministers for a two-State solution. The discussion also covered the importance of a clear timeline towards holding national Palestinian elections and progressing with the Palestinian reform plan.

Taking concrete steps to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the European Union and the Palestinian Authority was a key a priority that I stressed to EU counterparts in advance of the meeting. In this regard, I warmly welcome the commitment to set up an annual high-level political dialogue between the EU and the Palestinian Authority. I also welcome that the perspective of launching negotiations on a full Association Agreement, which would formally be concluded upon Palestinian statehood, was also discussed.

As the Deputy is aware, there have been further troubling developments on the ground since the meeting in January, which have warranted a firm public response from the international community, including the EU. In this regard, I underline in particular the condemnation by EU High Representative Borrell, following his trilateral meeting with the Saudi Foreign Minister and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, of the decision by the Israeli Government to “legalise”, under Israeli law, nine settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank.

I also welcome that there was agreement at this trilateral meeting on the urgent need to revive and safeguard the prospect of the two-State solution and on follow-up work with a view to developing proposals to mobilise members of the Arab League, the EU, and relevant international partners to coordinate efforts in this space.

This is consistent with the priorities that I set out to EU partners during the course of our discussions at the January FAC, in particular the need for clear messaging on the issue of Israeli settlement activities and for renewed and concrete efforts to restore a political horizon.

Middle East

Ceisteanna (218)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

218. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the context of his recent reply concerning the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, how he proposes that the international community should practically support the Palestinian Authority in its recourse to legal and political responses to the occupation; the role he envisages for civil society in this regard; the action that has been taken by Ireland's European Union partners to impede the further development of illegal settlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9406/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am deeply concerned by the recent negative developments in the occupied Palestinian territory and reiterate that the focus of all parties, including the international community, must be on urgent de-escalation and on the restoration of a genuine political horizon.

I welcome that the UN Security Council, following a request by the Palestinian Authority, expressed itself in clear terms on this issue in its Presidential Statement of 20 February, reiterating that “continuing Israeli settlement activities are dangerously imperilling the viability of the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines”.

In a joint statement following their trilateral meeting on 13 February, EU High Representative Borrell, the Saudi Foreign Minister and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, condemned the decision by the Israeli Government to “legalise”, under Israeli law, nine settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank. I welcome that there was also agreement at this trilateral meeting on the urgent need to revive and safeguard the prospect of the two-State solution and on follow-up work with a view to developing proposals to mobilise members of the Arab League, the EU, and relevant international partners to coordinate efforts in this space.

As the Deputy is aware, Ireland also supported the request of the UN General Assembly to the International Court of Justice for an advisory opinion on issues arising from Israel’s continuing occupation of Palestinian territory and I welcome that these proceedings have now been formally launched.

Ireland is committed to funding civil society organisations and human rights defenders, including Palestinian civil society, through the Irish Aid programme. Ireland is a member of the West Bank Protection Consortium, which plays a leading role in supporting threatened communities in the occupied Palestinian territory and coordinating the provision of essential services to them, including material assistance and legal aid. Ireland’s membership of the Consortium underlines our commitment to reducing the vulnerability of Palestinian communities living in Area C of the West Bank. Civil society organisations and human rights defenders play a critical role in promoting international law, peace, human rights and democratic values.

Middle East

Ceisteanna (219)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

219. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the prospects for a two state solution given the new Israeli Governments' stated position that Jews alone have an exclusive and inalienable right to all parts of the land of Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9419/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

I am aware of the position to which the Deputy refers and would recall that it is Ireland’s long-standing position that policies and practices of successive Israeli governments relating to illegal settlements and their expansion, as well as expulsions, forced transfers and demolitions, undermine prospects for a two-State solution, and are a major obstacle to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.

The continued establishment and expansion of settlements is a violation of international law and is unacceptable. Ireland reiterated this position at the UN Security Council on 19 December, which focused on the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2334. On that occasion, Ireland also led a joint press statement by a number of States demanding that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and that it fully respect all of its legal obligations in that regard.

It is deeply concerning that the stated intentions of the Israeli Government continue to show disregard for the clear international consensus around this issue. It is important that the international community supports the Palestinian Authority in its recourse to legal and political responses to the occupation. In this regard, I welcome that the UN Security Council adopted, by consensus on 20 February, a Presidential Statement addressing a number of concerning recent developments. In this Statement, the Council expresses its opposition to “all unilateral measures that impede peace, including, inter alia, Israeli construction and expansion of settlements, confiscation of Palestinians’ land, and the ‘legalization’ of settlement outposts, demolition of Palestinians’ homes and displacement of Palestinian civilians”. The EU High Representative High Representative for Foreign Affairs has also condemned the decision by the Israeli Government to “legalise”, under Israeli law, nine settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank.

Ireland remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting two-State solution, with the Jerusalem as the capital of both States, on the basis of international law and agreed international parameters.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (220)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

220. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if a passport can issue on time for travel for a minor (details supplied) in County Mayo, in order that they can accompany their family. [9431/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs

With regard to the specific application about which the Deputy has enquired, this application is within the current turnaround time and has not yet reached its issue by date. The current estimated issue date for the application is 22 March 2023. The turnaround time for paper-based applications is 8 weeks.

The Passport Service would like to advise the Deputy to encourage his constituents to use Passport Online for their passport applications and renewals, being the quickest, most convenient and least expensive channel for applicants.

Departmental Projects

Ceisteanna (221)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

221. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9385/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

The current number of live studies is 3. In addition there are 2 live reviews and 1 live research project as commissioned by my Department. The details are set out in the table below.

Activity	Details	Scheduled date of completion
Study	Project 88 under the White Paper is a Defence funding study to capture in a new way the expected long-term costs of meeting Ireland's Defence requirements using a ten year planning horizon linked to the proposed new framework of fixed cycle reviews.	March 2023
Study	The Curragh Plains - Public Consultation & Consultancy Study	March 2023
Study	DG-ECHO national risk assessment policies and horizon scanning methodologies	March 2024
Review	Review of high level command and control in the Defence Forces ( White Paper Project 26)	Ongoing
Review	Review of Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) Service (White Paper Project 16)	March 2023
Research	Planned publication from the Military Service (1916-1923) Pensions Collection	Quarter 2 2023

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (222)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

222. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education the number of new ASD classrooms for County Tipperary, and their locations. [9299/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education

I 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 106 special classes in Co. Tipperary. Of these, 71 special classes are at primary level and 35 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.

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.

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 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.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (223)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

223. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education her views on the additional funding that was approved for the school transport scheme as part of the budgetary process; and if any additional funding was allocated in Cork to add additional capacity to cater for pupils who did not get a seat on school transport for the 2022/2023 school year. [9300/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The 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 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.

The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.

Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time are now accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.

In addition, temporary alleviation measures have been continued for the current 2022/23 school year, pending completion of the review and this means that transport is provided for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied by the 29th April 2022 and registered for a ticket by the 29th July 2022.

Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.

Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.

As part of the budgetary process, some additional funding was approved for the scheme which allowed officials in consultation with Bus Éireann to consider and evaluate where temporary additional capacity may be available.

However, it is important to stress that this was subject to capacity considerations. It has become increasingly difficult to source additional contractors due to the lack of availability of buses, drivers, and an increase in fuel and maintenance costs.

There are now currently over 130,000 children on primary and post-primary mainstream school transport scheme services. This is an increase of over 26,000 tickets issued on the 2021/2022 school year. Families from all counties have benefited from an increase in tickets issued for the current school year as Bus Éireann have sourced additional capacity where it has been possible to do so. Bus Éireann have confirmed that over 17,000 mainstream tickets have issued in Cork, which is an increase of over 350 tickets since October 2022.

In addition to funding for increased capacity on the school transport scheme, funding has been secured to address the impact of the rise in the cost of fuel for contractors operating on the Department’s school transport scheme.

As the School Transport Scheme is demand led, the exact cost of additional capacity for the 2022/2023 school year it is not yet known.

School Enrolments

Ceisteanna (224)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

224. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if there are any plans to increase the capacity of a school (details supplied) for the academic year beginning September 2023. [9314/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.

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 may be necessary. This 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. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

While my Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in Killester Raheny and Clontarf , 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.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (225)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

225. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) can apply for a refund for monies paid for transport for her child when approval was granted but services had not commenced. [9350/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The 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 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.

The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.

The purpose of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability.

The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education 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 (SEN), 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.

Bus Éireann has advised that a school transport service commenced on the 31st of January 2022 for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The family has received payment of the Special Transport Grant for the period August 2021 to the end of October 2021. The family can claim the Special Transport Grant for the period November 2021 to end of January 2022, by completing a statement of attendance for the child with the school Principal and submitting it to [e-mail]. If the family wish to contact my Department in relation to the Special Transport Grant, they can contact School Transport Section at the email address above where officials from my Department will be happy to assist with any queries.

Bullying in Educational Institutions

Ceisteanna (226)

Richard O'Donoghue

Ceist:

226. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the increase in bullying in schools; if more resources can be made available to schools to provide counselling services for students seeking help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9365/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I am aware that the prevalence of specific types of bullying such as cyberbullying has increased in recent years. I launched Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying my Department’s whole education approach to preventing and addressing bullying in schools on 1st December 2022. This landmark new Action Plan is dedicated to the prevention and addressing of bullying, cyber bullying, racism, gender identity bullying or sexual harassment, among other areas, in schools.

Cineáltas was developed by the Department of Education in collaboration with a diverse and dedicated Steering Committee led by Dr. Noel Purdy of Stranmillis University College in Belfast. Cineáltas is informed by the views of children and young people, parents, school staff, education partners and individual members of the public and succeeds in placing the students at the very heart of the plan.

The development of Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying has been informed by an extensive consultation process:

- Over 50 presentations were made to the steering committee

- Over 4,600 responses were received to the public consultation questionnaire

- 78 submissions were received to the public request for submissions

- 41 school staff and board of management members participated in school focus groups

- 170 children and young people were consulted including children with special educational needs, Traveller and Roma children, children from Ukraine and refugees.

Under the relationships and partnerships key area within Cineáltas, my Department has committed to piloting a programme of counselling supports for primary schools. I announced in the Budget that €5 million will be invested in piloting this programme. This will serve to support the very positive work which already takes place in the area of well-being in our schools. The details of the programme are currently being finalised.

Other areas in Cineáltas that strengthen the provision of mental health supports in this area includes:

- working closely with the Department of Health to explore ways to improve well-being and mental health supports for children and young people, including raising awareness, promoting help seeking behaviour and signposting of available services

- increasing the number of National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) Psychologists available within the school sector and take proactive measures to promote the study of educational psychology

- developing guidance for the establishment of a student support team model in larger primary schools

An implementation plan for these actions and the other actions contained within Cineáltas is currently being developed by my Department and an implementation and evaluation group will be established.

The implementation of the 61 actions in this Action Plan will greatly enhance and compliment the work that schools already do to ensure that all the children and young people are kept safe from harm and that the well-being of children and young people is at the forefront of everything we do.

My Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. This involves direct support in the event of a critical incident, access to national and regional support and development work to build school capacity to support students, access to a NEPS psychologist for responses to queries arising, and access to individual pupil casework where there is a need via a NEPS psychologist or through the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).

The Department of Education plays an important role in supporting the well-being and mental health of our young people. The Department’s Well-being Policy and Framework for practice has given recognition to the importance of promoting well-being in education. The approach set out in the Well-being Policy is a whole school and preventative approach which has multiple components that include providing children and young people with opportunities to build core social and emotional skills and competencies, experience supportive relationships within the school setting and be part of a school environment and culture that feels both physically and psychologically safe.

Aligned with this policy, a number of supports are currently being offered to schools to support well-being and mental health.

Scéimeanna Rannach

Ceisteanna (227, 228)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

227. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais cén fáth nach n-íoctar na teaghlaigh atá ag coinneáil scoláirí faoin scéim scoláireachta chuig scoileanna dara leibhéal ar na hoileáin gach mí; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [9378/23]

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

228. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Oideachais fáth nach n-íoctar na teaghlaigh atá ag coinneáil scoláirí faoin scéim scolaireachtaí chuig scoileanna dara liebhéal ar na hoileáin ar laethannta nach bhfuil na scoláirí ann de bharr droch aimsire, tinneas, cluichí agus turais scoile de bharr go mbíonn othu na seomrai a choinneáil dóibh na laethannta seo agus go mór mhór le droch aimsir agus tinneas is minic a tharlaíonn sé gan choinne; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [9379/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 227 agus 228 le chéile.

Is féidir liom a dheimhniú go gcuirtear na scéimeanna atá leagtha amach sna ceisteanna ar fáil tríd an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán (RTCEGSM), mar sin ba cheart aon cheisteanna a chur chuig mo chomhghleacaí, an tAire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán.

Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 227.

Departmental Projects

Ceisteanna (229)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

229. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9386/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The current number of live studies, reviews and research projects in progress, undertaken or commissioned by my Department is set out in the table below.

Title of current study/ review / research undertaken or commissioned	End Date
OECD Review of Calculated Grades and Accredited Grades	Q1 / Q2 2023
An Independent Review of Department of Education public funding to Music Generation	March 2023
Thematic evaluation on provision and practice in relation to Creativity in settings and schools	Feb – June 2023
Thematic evaluation on provision and practice in relation to Education for Sustainable Development in setting and schools	Feb – June 2023
Review Anti-bullying procedures for Primary and Post Primary schools 2013	Q1 of 2023
Review of the School Transport Scheme	Q1 2023
Review of national and international literature on Irish-medium and minority language education to inform the development of a new policy on Irish-medium education	Q1 2023
Research into the impact of CLASS hours	Q 1 2023
Research on Guidance in Special Schools	February 2023
Development of an evaluation framework for Teachers’ Professional Development	March 2023
Section 29 Internal Review	Q2 2023
The IPA Review of Risk Management	Q2 2023
Report on enrolment practices in special classes in post primary schools	April 2023
Review of EPSEN Act 2004	Q3 2023
Report on Nurture rooms	Nov 2023
Enhancing the involvement of children and young people, and parents, in the school / setting inspection process	Q4 2023
Small Schools Action Research Project	December 2023
Evaluation of the Digital Learning Framework	2023
Evaluation of the School Excellence Fund digital & STEM Programme	2023
Review of the National Parents Council Post – Primary	2023
Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS 2021)	End 2023
National Assessment in Mathematics and English Reading (NAMER 2021)	End 2023
Independent evaluation of NTRIS STAR pilot	2024
Review of resource allocation to address educational disadvantage	2024
Research and Evaluation Study on the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme	End 2024
Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA 2022)	Mid 2025

School Staff

Ceisteanna (230)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

230. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if her Department will reconsider the teacher allocation to a school (details supplied) for the 2023-2024 academic year, given the school has a projected figure of 518 students and will be just one student short for a further teacher allocation and given the demand for school places in the area is particularly high. [9416/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.

For the 2023/24 school year, the staffing schedule for primary schools has been improved by one point and schools will be provided with class teachers on the basis of 1 teacher for every 23 pupils which is a historical low ratio. Lower thresholds apply to DEIS Urban Band 1 schools.

The staffing process contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria, to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The Appeals Board will meet next month and schools will be informed of the outcome of their staffing appeal in due course.

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (231)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

231. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide schedules by school planning areas of current and future capital investment projects that will provide for the projected future need and to enrolment pressures in the Naas, Clane, Leixlip, Maynooth and the Celbridge areas in County Kildare; and if she will provide the same information in respect of Lucan, County Dublin, the Dublin 15 area, Dunboyne and Laytown, County Meath and Bray and Greystones areas of north County Wicklow. [9428/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

As 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.

My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was maintained in 2022 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.

There were circa. 180 school building projects delivered during 2022 and a further 273 school building projects remained under construction at the start of 2023 - most of which will be completed this year. My Department has circa 300 projects currently at construction, and a further circa 1,000 projects in the pipeline, at various stages of planning and design.

The current status of approved projects and those projects already completed under the school building programme is listed on a county by county basis on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/d73cb-building-works-for-the-construction-extension-and-refurbishment-of-schools/ and is regularly updated.

Social Welfare Appeals

Ceisteanna (232)

Michael McNamara

Ceist:

232. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a decision on their jobseeker's allowance appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9285/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 31 January 2023. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were also received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 31 January 2023 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Social Welfare Rates

Ceisteanna (233)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

233. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the current rate provided to consumers via the free electricity allowance, in light of the ever-increasing charges on electricity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9311/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

The Household Benefits Package (HHB) comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. My Department will spend approximately €285 million this year on HHB for over 507,000 customers.

People over the age of 70 receive the HHB package, with one package provided per household. The package is also available to people living in the State aged 66-69 years who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments or who satisfy a means test. The package is available to some people under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments.

Any decision to enhance the HHB package would have cost implications and could only be considered while taking account of the overall budgetary context and the availability of financial resources.

The Government is very aware of the increased cost of living and, in Budget 2023, has provided an unprecedented response that aims to ease the financial pressure on households throughout the State.

As part of the Government's cost of living measures in Budget 2023, an Autumn Cost of Living Double Payment was paid to Social Protection recipients in October.

In November, a €200 Lump Sum Payment was paid to pensioners and people with a disability receiving the Living Alone Allowance, a €500 Cost of Living Payment was paid to people receiving Carer’s Support Grant and a €500 Cost of Living lump sum was paid to people in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension and Blind Pension. A €400 additional Lump Sum payment was also paid to all households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance Payment. A double month of Child Benefit was paid and a €500 lump sum payment was made to people in receipt of Working Family Payment.

In December, a Christmas Bonus Double Payment was paid to 1.3 million Social Protection recipients including pensioners, carers and people with disabilities.

From January 2023, the maximum rate of core Social Welfare rates was increased. There were proportionate increases for qualified adults and for people getting a reduced rate. The weekly full rate for a qualified child increased to €42 for children under 12 years of age and to €50 for children aged 12 years and over.

Also, from January 2023, a new Fuel Allowance means threshold was introduced for people aged 70 years and over. The new means threshold is €500 for a single person and €1,000 for a couple. Under the formula used to assess means for the Fuel Allowance for over 70s, the threshold for capital that is disregarded in the assessment was increased from €20,000 to €50,000. The weekly means threshold for those aged under 70 was increased by €80 to €200 above the appropriate rate of State Pension (Contributory). Similarly, the allowable means for HHB purposes for those aged between 66-69 not in receipt of a qualifying payment was also increased by €80 to €200 above the appropriate rate of State Pension (Contributory).

The enhanced electricity credit of €600 is another important Government measure announced in the Budget. This will benefit all households. The first two €200 lump sums were applied to electricity bills in November and January and the third of €200 will be applied to electricity bills next month.

The Government continues to monitor the cost-of-living situation closely and further supports were announced this week, including the payment of another lump sum of €200 in April to long-term Social Welfare recipients including pensioners.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

State Pensions

Ceisteanna (234)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

234. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 352 of 6 December 2022, if those people already receiving a pension on a reduced rate due to extended caring responsibilities of over twenty years will have their pension reviewed and increased once the new enhanced State pension is implemented in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9316/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

This Government acknowledges the important contribution that carers provide and is fully committed to supporting them in that role. Accordingly, the current State Pension (Contributory) system gives significant recognition to those whose work history includes an extended period outside the paid workplace, often to raise families or to provide another full-time caring role. PRSI Credits, Homemaking Disregards and HomeCaring Periods recognise caring periods of up to 20 years outside of paid employment in the calculation of a payment rate.

Despite these measures, some long-term carers of incapacitated dependents may still face barriers in accessing the State Pension. They may, for example, have difficulty establishing the minimum number of 10 years' paid contributions.

As the Deputy is aware, I announced a series of landmark reforms to the State Pension system in September. The measures are in response to the Pensions Commission’s recommendations and represent the biggest ever structural reform of the Irish State Pension system.

One of the most important reforms agreed by Government is enhanced State Pension provision for people who have been caring for incapacitated dependents for over 20 years. It will do this by attributing the equivalent of paid contributions to long-term carers to cover gaps in their contribution record and by establishing a register of family carers for this purpose.

Department officials are currently working to implement the reforms, including the drafting of legislation and development of administrative and IT systems for implementation by January 2024. This will include identifying the eligibility criteria for those who will be attributed the equivalent of paid contributions for periods of long-term caring.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

State Pensions

Ceisteanna (235)

Richard O'Donoghue

Ceist:

235. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Social Protection if discussions are expected to increase the State pension by at least ten euro (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9364/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

On Budget Day last September, I announced the largest Social Protection package in the history of the state. A package that has seen the Government spend more than €2.1 billion on Social Protection measures, including over €880 million in order to provide for a €12 increase to the weekly rate of social welfare payments that came into effect from January 2023. This supports both pensioners and those of working age and includes a proportionate increase for qualified adults.

The rate increase is accompanied by a wide range of additional measures in 2023, including a significant increase in Working Family Payment thresholds which targets working families for critical support. This was on top of a range of 8 lump sum payments paid through Quarter 4 2022 to benefit a range of customers including pensioners, people with disabilities, carers, those living alone, and families with children. An Autumn and Christmas bonus were paid, the latter of which was, for the first time, paid to long term illness benefit recipients.

Taken together, for many household types, the combination effectively matches, or exceeds, inflation.

The ESRI post-Budget analysis shows that Budget 2023 general increases, when combined with one-off measures delivered in 2022 to support households with the cost of living, will be effective in protecting most households from rising prices.

The Department provides a range of schemes to those over State Pension Age - this includes State Pension (Contributory), State Pension (Non-Contributory) and Widows (Contributory) Pension along with a number of smaller schemes. It is estimated that the full year cost to increase these schemes by €10 is €372 million. This includes increases to personal rate and also includes a proportionate increase for the qualified adults.

This costing is based on the estimated number of recipients in 2023 and is subject to change in the context of emerging trends and associated revision of the estimated numbers of recipients.

I am satisfied that the total social welfare budget package for 2023 has been designed to protect the most vulnerable in society. But we are aware that the cost of living continues to present challenges for people throughout the state who are feeling the effects of persistently high prices.

That is why Government has announced additional support for people over the coming months, including:

- A €20 lump sum payment to be provided to people on long-term Social Protection payments, on the same basis as the Christmas bonus, and including Working Family Payment recipients.

- For people receiving Child Benefit, a €100 lump sum payment for each child to be paid in June.

- An additional payment of €100 to be paid for each child for whom Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is paid.

Together, these supports will provide over €410 million in additional supports to households and families in need.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Departmental Projects

Ceisteanna (236)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

236. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Social Protection the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9397/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

My Department currently has thirteen (13) live studies in progress. Details of these are set out in tabular format below:

	Live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned	Expected completion date
1.	Survey of employers to ascertain their views of the Department’s employer services.	Ongoing on a quarterly basis
2.	Employer Youth Activation Charter Consultation Process.	Quarter 1 2023
3.	Joint Research Programme on Poverty and Social Inclusion conducted with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).	Quarter 4 2023
4.	OECD - Joint Research Centre (JRC) evaluation of the Community Employment and Tús Schemes.	Quarter 4 2023
5.	Research into the drivers and mitigating actions relating to Food Poverty based on case studies of two geographic locations (one urban, one rural).	Quarter 2 2023
6.	The Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund.	Due to be published in Quarter 1 2023
7.	Strategic Review of the Abhaile service.	Quarter 1 2023
8.	Review of the Rural Social Scheme.	Quarter 4 2023
9.	Satisfaction surveys of Jobseeker and JobPath services to ascertain customers' views of the Department’s services.	Ongoing on an annual basis
10.	Review of request for access to the Free Travel Scheme by those who are medically unfit to drive due to a diagnosis of epilepsy.	Quarter 1 2023
11.	Report on Costs Transparency in Occupational Pension Schemes.	Quarter 2 2023
12.	Report on extension of eligibility for Fuel Allowance to those in receipt of the Working Family Payment.	Quarter 3 2023
13.	Report on the Duration of Parent’s Benefit for Lone Parents.	Quarter 1 2023