Tuesday, 21 Mar 2023

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (718, 732, 741)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

718. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the plans her Department has to provide a secondary school in Newcastle, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13219/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mark Ward

Ceist:

732. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education her Department's plans to provide a secondary school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13362/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mark Ward

Ceist:

741. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if there are plans to establish a secondary school in Newcastle, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13422/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 718, 732 and 741 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including Child Benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.

The level of demand volume across school planning areas with an increasing net requirement ranges from small to medium increases that are likely to be accommodated by existing schools through to significant projected growth that may require additional provision. Where data indicates that additional provision is required at primary or post primary level, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the particular circumstances of each case and may be provided through either one, or a combination of, the following:

- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,

- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,

- Provision of a new school or schools.

My Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in a number of school planning areas (SPA's) including the school planning area of Newcastle/Rathcoole .

Where capacity issues 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 there are not available to all pupils

- External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area

Similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, my Department is engaging with patron bodies to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming year(s) which may necessitate action including, where required, the provision of modular accommodation solutions.

The projected peak enrolment year for the Newcastle/Rathcoole post-primary School Planning Area is 2025. The combined current 2022 enrolment in the two post primary schools in the SPA is 1,384 pupils. Major building projects are in train for the two post primary schools in the Newcastle/Rathcoole SPA as follows:

- Colaiste Pobail Fola Community College - Project to deliver a 1,000 pupil school with accommodation for pupils with special education needs is at Stage 2b (detailed design) of architectural planning.

- RN91301D Holy Family Community School - Project to deliver a 1,000 pupil school with accommodation for pupils with special education needs is at Stage 3 (tender stage) of architectural planning.

New schools are established by my Department on the basis of identified demographic demand in an area, and only after consideration of the capacity of existing schools to absorb the expected school place demand.

Additionally, my Department will continue to liaise with the local Council in respect of its review of the Development Plan with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements.

It is expected that the building projects for the two schools referred to will cater for the future demand in this school planning area - the requirement for additional school places in the Newcastle/Rathcoole school planning areas will be kept under on-going review.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (719, 731, 740)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

719. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the action her Department is taking to ensure a project at a school (details supplied) is delivered at the earliest opportunity given the many delays already faced, and the pressing need for increased capacity to cater for secondary school students in the Newcastle and Rathcoole areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13220/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Mark Ward

Ceist:

731. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the action her Department is taking to ensure the paused building project at a school (details supplied) is delivered at the earliest opportunity given the many delays already faced; and the pressing need for increased capacity to cater for secondary school students in the Newcastle and Rathcoole areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13361/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

740. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Education if every effort will be made to commence construction at a school (details supplied) in the coming months, given the announcement that a large number of school construction projects have been put on hold due to cost evaluation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13421/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 719, 731 and 740 together.

The Project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning - Stage Tender Action and Award.

My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, my Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023.

We are currently at a very advanced stage with these discussions. Progress has been made and I am anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. I want to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. I am well aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for me. I have engaged directly with Minister Donohue on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.

We will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage. Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond.

The current status of all projects are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (720)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

720. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) is one of the school building projects delayed due to funding constraints; her plans to address this to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13245/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The building project for the school referred to by the deputy has been devolved for delivery to Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB). The project is currently at Stage 3 of the delivery process. The Department recently received the Tender Assessment Report for consideration before issuing approval to Stage 4 Construction.

The Department’s Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of overall requirements and available funding. Our most immediate priorities are to cater for September 2023 requirements.The Department's Planning and Building Unit is also currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2023 in the context of its available funding. The Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for 2023, the Department is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023. Key priorities for the Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the College 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. This school is among the many school accommodation needs across the country being considered as part of this process.

While at this stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for approval to construction, the Department and LMETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress in this regard.

Question No. 721 answered with Question No. 685.

Ukraine War

Ceisteanna (722)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

722. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of children from Ukraine currently living in Mullingar, County Westmeath who are availing of school transport and to which school, in tabular form. [13262/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Due to the risk of disclosing information on individuals, school-level data on the enrolment and transport of Ukrainian pupils living in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath cannot be provided.

However Bus Éireann have confirmed that there are 15 pupils in total from Ukraine currently living in Mullingar Co. Westmeath and availing of school transport.

School Accommodation

Ceisteanna (723)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

723. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education the length of time a school (details supplied) has been vacant; her Department's plans for the property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13294/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I can confirm that the construction of a new school building for the school that had occupied the property referred to by the Deputy was completed in 2017. The property and site was subsequently acquired by my Department under redress from the Sisters of Mercy in 2019. It is intended that the site will continue to be used for education purposes.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (724)

Paul Kehoe

Ceist:

724. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a list of the 58 school building projects that are currently facing delay, in order of prioritisation, and by the criteria used in determining prioritisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13295/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

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

Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing €4.4 billion over the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.

My Department is very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by my Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.

The strong level of delivery is a key driver of capital pressures in the Department. In addition to the normal pressures on the school building budget, there are also additional pressures in the context of requirement to accelerate delivery of accommodation for children with Special Education Needs and also in respect of capacity for continued inflow of Ukrainian and other IP students – particularly at post-primary level where accommodation pressures are more acute

My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for the remainder of 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. Over 70% of the NDP allocation for 2023 is needed to cover expenditure on contractual commitments on existing projects at construction carried forward from 2022. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, my Department is at the advanced stages of engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023. Progress has been made and the Department is anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. My Department wants to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. My Department is aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for my Department having engaged directly with Minister Donohue on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.

I think it is best for communications to be done at individual school level and that is the approach we have taken. The Department will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.

Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The current status of all projects are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.

School Funding

Ceisteanna (725)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

725. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education the number of schools in counties Carlow and Kilkenny that have had their capital funding halted; when funding will be reinstated, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13304/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

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

Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing €4.4 billion over the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.

My Department is very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by my Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.

The strong level of delivery is a key driver of capital pressures in the Department. In addition to the normal pressures on the school building budget, there are also additional pressures in the context of requirement to accelerate delivery of accommodation for children with Special Education Needs and also in respect of capacity for continued inflow of Ukrainian and other IP students – particularly at post-primary level where accommodation pressures are more acute

My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for the remainder of 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. Over 70% of the NDP allocation for 2023 is needed to cover expenditure on contractual commitments on existing projects at construction carried forward from 2022. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, my Department is at the advanced stages of engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023. Progress has been made and the Department is anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. My Department wants to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. My Department is aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for my Department having engaged directly with Minister Donohue on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.

I think it is best for communications to be done at individual school level and that is the approach we have taken. The Department will be providing an update to individual schools, including any schools impacted in counties Carlow and Kilkenny, when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.

Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The current status of all projects are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.

Question No. 726 answered with Question No. 677.

Question No. 727 answered with Question No. 677.

Question No. 728 answered with Question No. 677.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (729)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

729. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education if she will ensure that a child (details supplied) who was denied a place on the school bus to their secondary school in 2022 although they availed of this bus for the previous three years, is provided with transport in the coming school year, which is their only means of getting to school; if she will review the circumstances of this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13323/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

In July 2022, Government announced funding for the waiving of school transport scheme fees for the coming school year as part of a wider package of cost of living measures.

Families were expected to complete a ticket registration for the 2022/23 school year which closed on 29 July 2022.

As outlined in the previous Parliamentary Question, Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is eligible for transport as they are attending their nearest Post Primary Centre. However, no ticket request was received for this pupil by the deadline of 29/07/2022.

The Bus Éireann family portal is now open for new applications only for school transport services for the 2023/24 school year. New applications are considered as:

- Pupils who will be attending junior infants in primary school or first year in post-primary school for the first time in 2023.

- Pupils that may move home address or will be attending a new school for the 2023/24 school year

Applications can be made by visiting www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport.

The closing date for new applications is Friday 28 April 2023. Any new applications made after the closing date are considered late applications and families are not guaranteed a seat.

Families do not need to make a new application if they have already applied in previous year(s) as their child’s application will ‘rollover’ for the 2023/24 school year.

The Bus Éireann family portal will be open to accept payments/medical card details from the 3 April 2023 until 9 June 2023. Payment made after the deadline date will be deemed late and a seat may not be available to families at that stage.

Payments/medical card details must be submitted for:

- new applicants, and;

- Pupils who have previously applied/availed of school transport and require a seat on a service for the 23/24 school year.

Children (who are eligible for school transport) and who possess valid medical cards (GMS Scheme) are exempt from paying the annual charge however, their medical card details must be submitted to Bus Éireann.

Families are strongly urged to make sure that they pay/enter valid medical card details on or before the deadline of 9 of June 2023.

The annual charge for School Transport Services for the 2023/24 school year is set out below:

Category of Pupil	Annual Charge
Primary Eligible/ Concessionary Pupil	€50
Post Primary Eligible/ Concessionary Pupil	€75
Maximum annual charge for families	€125

Families are asked to note that the closing date for payment/registering medical cards has been brought forward so that Bus Éireann can process applications, arrange transport and issue tickets to families as soon as possible for the 2023/24 school year.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (730)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

730. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a list of schools affected by the stalling of construction projects; if schools where construction is underway such as a school (details supplied) in Cashel are also affected; if so, the reason that particular school was not notified of this; the reason queries from the school relating to the non-availability of funding to draw down were not responded to; how she plans to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13333/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme project referred to by the Deputy is progressing as per approval letter issued by the Department in January 2022.

This project has been devolved to the school authorities for delivery and 70% of the overall funding approved was issued to the school on the 9th March 2023.

Question No. 731 answered with Question No. 719.

Question No. 732 answered with Question No. 718.

Departmental Correspondence

Ceisteanna (733)

James Lawless

Ceist:

733. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Education if she will examine the case of a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13377/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the state examinations.

In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (734)

Denise Mitchell

Ceist:

734. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education the 58 school building works which are currently under review by her Department; and the 29 schools which have had works put on hold or cancelled, in tabular form. [13379/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

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

Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing €4.4 billion over the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.

My Department is very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €300m additional capital funding was provided in 2022. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2022 which was reflective of the strong delivery by my Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2022 was €1.12 billion.

The strong level of delivery is a key driver of capital pressures in the Department. In addition to the normal pressures on the school building budget, there are also additional pressures in the context of requirement to accelerate delivery of accommodation for children with Special Education Needs and also in respect of capacity for continued inflow of Ukrainian and other IP students – particularly at post-primary level where accommodation pressures are more acute

My Department's Planning and Building Unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for the remainder of 2023 in the context of its available funding. My Department's published NDP allocation for 2023 is €860 million. Over 70% of the NDP allocation for 2023 is needed to cover expenditure on contractual commitments on existing projects at construction carried forward from 2022. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023. As part of its planning ahead for the remainder of 2023, my Department is at the advanced stages of engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in relation to capital funding pressures in order to continue to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023. Progress has been made and the Department is anxious to bring this to resolution very soon. My Department wants to reassure the Deputy and the relevant school communities that school building projects that are currently on hold due to capital funding pressures will be progressed and delivered – it is a question of timing. My Department is aware of the urgency in getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible. The outcome of our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will provide better clarity on the timelines for the progression of these projects. This is a key priority for my Department having engaged directly with Minister Donohue on this matter and will continue to do so with a view to getting our funding pressures resolved as quickly as possible.

I think it is best for communications to be done at individual school level and that is the approach we have taken. The Department will be providing an update to individual schools when our engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform concludes. In tandem with this, my Department’s Planning & Building Unit will also be updating Patron Bodies and School Management Bodies at that stage.

Key priorities for my Department's work programme include continuing strong delivery to support the operation of the school system with particular regard to planning ahead for the 2023/24 school year and beyond and also with particular regard to supporting special needs provision. The current status of all projects are listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and is updated on a regular basis to reflect their progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.

School Equipment

Ceisteanna (735)

Réada Cronin

Ceist:

735. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the number of HEPA filters that have been installed in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13398/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Managing ventilation is one of a suite of public health measures in place to keep our schools safe.

Updated guidance for schools on Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools was provided in 2021 following the work of an expert group that carefully considered the role of ventilation in managing COVID-19.

The updated guidance for schools is also fully in line with the most recent guidance on non-healthcare building ventilation during COVID-19, published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in January 2022 and general advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in non-healthcare settings published by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in May 2022.

The Expert Group established by the Minister for Health note, in its report published in April 2021, that very good advice is contained in the Department of Education’s Practical Steps for the Deployment of Good Ventilation Practices in Schools. They also note that it must be emphasised that ventilation should be delivered as part of a layered strategy of protective measures to control the spread of viruses. Along with these preventative actions, ventilation further reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission in schools.

The Expert Group guidance outlines that Carbon Dioxide (CO2 ) monitors can play a part in providing a useful general indication that areas/rooms may not be adequately ventilated. My Department have funded and delivered in excess of 42,000 monitors to schools nationwide at a cost of over €4 million.

The Expert Group guidance also identifies that in areas with poor ventilation, structural interventions and measures to increase natural ventilation should be completed and if not possible in the short term, that consideration should be given to using stand-alone HEPA filter devices in poorly ventilated spaces pending the completion of structural interventions.

As noted in my Department’s Guidance where the recommended measures in the Practical Steps have been considered and poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners may be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available.

To provide additional support in the context of Covid-19 the payment of a minor works grant totalling €45m for primary schools and special schools, plus a once-off Covid-19 minor works funding of €17m for post-primary schools, was issued in December 2021. Schools used this money for a variety of purposes, including investment in ventilation systems. However the Department does not hold information in this regard.

Schools that identify inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise the minor work grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis. A dedicated team has been established in the Department to support schools that may have concerns about ventilation.

To date 36 schools have applied for additional funding under the emergency works scheme to assist with ventilation. Of these, 30 have been approved, two were incorrectly classified as ventilation-related and assessed separately, one application was rejected as the application form was not fully complete, we are waiting for two schools to revert with further information and one school’s application is currently being assessed by our Technical Team. None of these applications were for the funding of Hepa filters and contact was made with the school who had their application rejected to advise them how best to proceed.

In conclusion, my Department is fully aware of the importance of good ventilation in schools. Our approach, as part of a layered strategy of protective measures to control the spread of the virus, is fully consistent with the Expert Group recommendations on good practices, the use of portable CO2 monitors and the targeted deployment of HEPA air filter devices where necessary for poorly ventilated areas. However, it is important to note that air cleaners do not remove CO2. The best way to reduce CO2 levels in a room is to dilute it with fresh air.

School Equipment

Ceisteanna (736)

Réada Cronin

Ceist:

736. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if every classroom now has HEPA filtration installed; if not, the reason; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13399/23]