Written Answers Nos. 374-388
374. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education the number of children in south Tipperary in need of an ASD class; the number of places available for children in south Tipperary in need of an ASD class; the measures being taken to ensure all children in need of an ASD class in south Tipperary are facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10196/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra375. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education the number of children in north Tipperary in need of an ASD class; the number of places available for children in north Tipperary in need of an ASD class; the measures being taken to ensure all children in need of an ASD class in north Tipperary are facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10197/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra379. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education if provision is being made at the new primary school in Carrick-on-Suir for an ASD class; if so, if she will provide details; if not, the measures being taken to ensure all children in need in Carrick-on-Suir are facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10215/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 374, 375 and 379 together.
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 co-ordinating 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. Over the last three years, 21 new special classes at primary and 11 new special classes at post-primary have been provided in Co. Tipperary.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my Department that the school is scheduled to open a new ASD class. This class is currently planned to open for the 2023/2024 school year. It’s expected that this class will provide an additional 6 special class places for the area.
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.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my Department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes. The Department has also previously written to all post-primary schools in October 2022 to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 3 to 5 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
If the recent growth in the need for special classes continues, it is expected that a similar level of new special classes will be needed at primary level over the next three years as have been provided over the last three years. At post-primary level however, it is expected that we will need to double the number of new special classes being provided over the next three years as compared to the last three years.
The NCSE has advised my Department that it continues to work with schools to ensure that there are sufficient places available in special classes to meet the needs of children. It is expected that the NCSE will confirm where new special classes at primary and post-primary level have been sanctioned for the coming school year over the next few weeks. This is in keeping with timelines in previous years.
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.
376. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education if she will sanction the retention of a teacher at a school (details supplied) in view of the projected enrolment for September 2023 which is in excess of both the retention and appointment figure in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10207/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. Information on the appeals process and application forms are available in Circular 0006/2023.
377. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if a place can be found in a mixed school for a student (details supplied); and if she will verify the schools in this student's catchment area. [10208/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
The address provided is in Donnycarney is in the Beaumont_Coolock D5 Planning Area. 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.
The following Primary Schools fall under the Beaumont_Coolock D5 School Planning Area:
- St Vincent De Paul's Girls Senior School
- St Vincent Convent Infant NS
- S N MHUIRE NA MBRATHAR
- CROMCASTLE GREEN B N S
- SCOIL NAIS IDE CAILINI
- SCOIL FHIACHRA SOISIR
- ST FIACHRAS SEN N S
- ST DAVIDS N S
- ST JOHN OF GOD N S
- GAELSCOIL CHOLMCILLE.
378. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if additional supports will be provided for service providers (details supplied), in view of the substantial increase in energy costs and the difficulties caused for these operators; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10213/23]
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 3,800 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
In May 2022, following engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in May 2022 it was confirmed that a contribution would be provided to address the impact of the increased cost of fuel for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 of 2022 for contractors operating on the Department’s school transport scheme. As part of the cost of living package announced on budget day, it was confirmed that the temporary fuel contribution would be extended and further funding secured for the 2022/2023 school year. Bus Éireann will issue communication to contractors shortly.
380. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education if she will consider allowing students of a third-level institution (details supplied) to apply for the Gaeltacht grant to cover fees to attend mandatory Gaeltacht placements for those studying primary teaching, particularly in light of the cost-of-living increases faced by these students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10232/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are four state-funded higher education institutions (HEIs) providing primary initial teacher education (ITE) and one independent private provider of primary ITE.
The current requirements for Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes takes the form of 2 x 2 week placements, which are outlined in the Teaching Council’s Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education.
Budget 2020 provided for the re-instatement of the grant to cover the full cost of the Gaeltacht Learning Periods (GLPs) for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary ITE programmes, with effect from the 2020/2021 academic year. The grant was previously funded by my Department up to the 2012/2013 academic year, when it was ceased due to financial constraints. The rate of student grant for 2023 has been set at an average of €815. This will cover the cost of the undertaking the fortnightly course in 2023. This grant will be made available for undergraduate and post-graduate students in State-funded primary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes.
381. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education if a student (details supplied) who is in need of access to a local ASD class will be facilitated as a priority given the student's age; if the psychology report which recommends access to an ASD unit will oblige schools in the area for which an application has been made to accept the student; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10254/23]
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 106 special classes in Co. Tipperary. Of these, 71 special classes are at primary level and 35 are at post-primary level. Over the last three years, 21 new special classes at primary and 11 new special classes at post-primary have been provided in Co. Tipperary.
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.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my Department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes. The Department has also previously written to all post-primary schools in October 2022 to advise them of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 3 to 5 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
If the recent growth in the need for special classes continues, it is expected that a similar level of new special classes will be needed at primary level over the next three years as have been provided over the last three years. At post-primary level however, it is expected that we will need to double the number of new special classes being provided over the next three years as compared to the last three years.
The NCSE has advised my Department that it continues to work with schools to ensure that there are sufficient places available in special classes to meet the needs of children. It is expected that the NCSE will confirm where new special classes at primary and post-primary level have been sanctioned for the coming school year over the next few weeks. This is in keeping with timelines in previous years.
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.
As your query refers to an individual placement case, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
383. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to regularise the working conditions of special needs school bus escorts, who are currently forced to sign on the dole for approximately 11 weeks a year, when schools are closed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9920/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra415. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the challenges faced by those who are employed as special needs bus escorts, in cases in which they are required to obtain social welfare support outside of school term as in the case of a person (details supplied); if she plans to request that the Intreo service improves and streamlines the system for claimants who work in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10001/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 415 together.
Educational sector workers, including special needs bus escorts, who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during the school breaks can apply for a jobseeker’s payment but must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive this payment. This includes completing the relevant claim application forms and supporting documentation in a timely manner. Seasonal workers, including educational workers, should apply for Jobseeker’s Benefit as soon as they become unemployed. A jobseeker’s payment is paid for days of unemployment where the person is not being remunerated by their employer, including receipt of any holiday pay entitlement during the school break.
Educational sector workers who are employed on a temporary basis and who have previously been in contact with the Department, are issued with a repeat jobseeker’s application form and holiday form in advance of the school holiday periods. This advance process facilitates an efficient service to these customers and allows for speedy processing of their claim when the period of unemployment actually arises.
However, it is important to note that educational sector workers are still required to sign on for each period of unemployment and satisfy all the qualifying conditions for Jobseeker’s Benefit, including the 3 waiting days at the start of the claim if it does not link to a previous jobseeker's claim. As each claim is assessed individually, and each person's employment history, including previous claims, is different, the payment due will also be different.
Scheme areas are monitored on an on-going basis and processing procedures are reviewed to ensure that claims are paid to customers as quickly as possible.
The working conditions of special needs school bus escorts are a matter for the Minister for Education.
I trust that this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
384. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of schools in County Wexford that receive funding for breakfast clubs; the number of those that are DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10032/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra419. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of schools in County Wexford that receive funding for breakfast clubs; the number of those that are DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10033/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra426. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection how many DEIS schools in Wexford have been receiving the school meals programme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10153/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 384, 419 and 426 together.
The School Meals Programme provides funding towards the provision of food services to some 1,600 schools and organisations benefitting 260,000 children. The objective of the programme is to provide regular, nutritious food to children to support them in taking full advantage of the education provided to them. The programme is an important component of policies to encourage school attendance and extra educational achievement.
Budget 2023 has provided €94.4 million for the programme with an additional €14.5m now being provided to allow access to all DEIS schools from September 2023.
Entry to the School Meals Scheme has been confined to DEIS schools in addition to schools identified by the Department of Education as having levels of concentrated disadvantage meaning that their students would benefit from access to the School Meals Programme. Participation in the scheme is entirely voluntary and schools must reapply for funding in advance of each school year.
There are 43 DEIS schools in Wexford that participate in the School Meals Programme. The number of schools that receive funding for breakfast clubs is 27 of which 24 are DEIS schools.
I am committed to continuing to expand the school meals programme and building further on the significant extension of the programme in recent years. In this regard, I intend to complete the roll-out of the Hot School Meals to all DEIS primary schools and special schools from September 2023, benefiting 64,500 children. I will also bring forward proposals in the coming weeks regarding commencing the roll-out of the Hot School Meals to non-DEIS primary schools.
In addition, the final report from the evaluation of the school meals programme was recently received which I am currently reviewing. This report will help to inform future decisions around this important programme.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
385. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9476/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
An application for Carer's allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 12 October 2022.
Additional information in relation to the person’s application was requested by a Deciding Officer (DO) on 11 November 2022.
On 23 November 2022, the requested documentation was received. However, on the 20 December 2022 the person notified the Department of a change in their spouse's employment circumstances. As a result, correspondence seeking further details was issued on 9 January 2023.
A response was received from the person concerned on 17 January 2023. On 20 February 2023, the Deciding Officer requested clarification in relation to the information provided.
Once this clarification is received, the application will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
386. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending access to child benefit payments to asylum seekers and those in direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9486/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo receive Child Benefit in Ireland, parents must be habitually resident in the State. Applicants for International Protection do not satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition and are therefore not eligible for Child Benefit.
Applicants for International Protection, who are awaiting a decision on their application, are offered accommodation by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Those who accept IPAS accommodation are provided with material reception conditions, including food and health services together with other facilities and services designed to ensure their needs are met while seeking the protection of the State.
My Department administers the daily expenses allowance which is paid to protection applicants who reside in accommodation provided by IPAS in order to meet incidental, personal expenses. The Government has provided €20.15 million for the allowance in 2022. The current weekly rates of payment are €38.80 per adult and €29.80 per child. There are approximately 10,100 adults and 2,100 children residing in IPAS provided accommodation in respect of whom daily expenses allowance is being paid.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
387. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has yet to receive the extra €10 allocated to those over 80 years who are claiming the State pension, as is the person's entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9488/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll State Pension (contributory) recipients automatically receive an extra €10.00 allowance per week from the first Friday after their 80th birthday. This extra allowance is not payable on the Increase for Qualified Adult allowance.
As the person concerned is the beneficiary of an Increase for Qualified Adult allowance on their spouse’s State Pension (contributory), they are not entitled to the extra €10.00 over 80 allowance.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
388. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will consider extending the living alone allowance to people who qualify for an increase for a qualified adult to their spouse's or partner's State pension, but whose partner is in long-term nursing home care, and they are now living on their own; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9501/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Living Alone Allowance is a payment for people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments, including State Pension (Contributory), State Pension (Non-Contributory), Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension, Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension, Widow's/Widower's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, Incapacity Supplement under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme, Deserted Wife's Benefit, and who are living alone.
It is also paid to people aged under 66 who live alone and are in receipt of Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension, Incapacity Supplement or Blind Pension.
The Living Alone Allowance is not means tested and the payment is made as an increase to the recipient’s primary social welfare payment.
A claimant must be in receipt of a primary Social Protection payment in order to qualify for the Living Alone Allowance. It cannot be paid to dependents of the recipient of the primary payment. Any change to this would have to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
