Written Answers Nos. 175-195
176. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if consideration has been given to notifying passport holders that their current passport will expire within a certain period for example, six months, thereby prompting renewal applications in a timely manner. [15848/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach year the Passport Service proactively plans for the demand forecasted for the following year. Part of this planning involves a public communications strategy carried out by my Department, with a view to ensuring passport demand is manageable throughout the year, by encouraging citizens to apply in plenty of time for their passport prior to travel.
The 2022 communications campaign for passports ran throughout the year over print, broadcast and digital mediums, as well as stadium, event and airport advertising. It included advertisements in national and local radio, as well as advertisements in national press and social media. My Department also issued a press release at the end of 2022, which contained a reminder to citizens to check the validity of their passports and to renew if required. This press release received significant coverage across national media.
My Department has rolled out a similar media and communications campaign for 2023, with a Digital First focus. The campaign aims to encourage citizens to check their passport before booking travel, and to apply for their passport online and in plenty of time. This campaign began in December, with digital, print and social media advertisements. Radio advertisements commenced in January, followed by outdoor advertising in February. All advertisements remind citizens to check the validity of their passports before booking travel.
Indications are that the campaign has had the desired effect. The Passport Service received over 148,000 applications in January, the second highest monthly figure on record. Over 92% of these applicants applied online. The number of applications coming in remains high, and the Passport Service has issued over 275,000 passports to date in 2023.
The Passport Service will continue to consider ways in which to enhance this essential citizen service, including a passport renewal reminder service as part of future system enhancements.
177. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport applications for two siblings (details supplied) in County Mayo will be processed on time for their travel with their family. [15992/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, supporting documents for these applications were received by the Passport Service on 22 February 2023. The Passport Service requested further supporting documents from the parent on 15 March 2023. These supporting documents were received on 22 March 2023. Turnaround time from receipt of further supporting documents is 15 working days. These applications are within the turnaround time and have not yet reached their issue by date.
178. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on his efforts to secure the release of a person (details supplied) who is currently being held in an Iranian prison; if he is aware of the declining health of the person and the urgency this poses in terms of the person's release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16009/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain extremely concerned about the continued detention of this Irish citizen, especially given his ill health. I can assure the Deputy that the citizen's release remains a strong priority for me and my Department.
To that end, there continues to be extensive engagement by the Government with the authorities in Iran on the case, including through my own discussions with the Foreign Minister of Iran.
In our engagement we are stressing the urgent importance of the citizen being released from prison on humanitarian grounds, in light of his deteriorating medical condition.
My Department is providing ongoing consular support and assistance to the citizen, and to his family - with whom I have been in direct contact. We are liaising with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the matter.
As with all consular cases, it would not be appropriate to discuss the specific details of the case.
179. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence given the time that has elapsed since receipt of the independent review group report into the Defence Forces, when it will be published; if the Government has considered the report; if there is a delay in publication due to advice received from the Attorney General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15832/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra181. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will confirm or deny that among the recommendations of the independent review group report on the Defence Forces is the establishment of a tribunal of inquiry to expose and address any cultural issues within the Defence Forces with regard to abuse, bullying, sexual harassment and other wrongdoing. [15834/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 181 together.
On Tuesday last, following Cabinet approval, I published the report of the Independent Review Group on dignity and equality issues in the Defence Forces.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has agreed to progress, as a priority, the report’s recommendations. These include the:
- Establishment of a statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in dealing with complaints, including sexual misconduct.
- Setting up an External Oversight Body to increase transparency and accountability; and to drive necessary culture change throughout the Defence Forces.
- Urgently reforming the existing mechanisms for making a complaint to restore faith and trust in the complaints process.
- Preparing legislation to:-
- establish an independent complaints mechanism for serving members of the Defence Forces;
- establish the External Oversight Body on a statutory basis; and
- amend the Defence Act, 1954 to ensure that all allegations of rape, or aggravated sexual assault in the Defence Forces in the State be referred to An Garda Síochána for investigation.
- A significant programme of reform and culture change delivered by external experts, with measures to eradicate reprisals and retaliation, and develop new policies on gender, inclusion and diversity.
As I have previously stated, I believe that this report is a watershed moment. While it correctly acknowledges the high regard in which the Defence Forces is held, and its decades of peacekeeping roles, it nonetheless, signals the critical need for fundamental and immediate cultural change which goes to the very heart of issues relating to dignity, mutual respect and duty of care. Bullying, misogynistic behaviour, and any form of sexual misconduct is simply unacceptable, and has no place in a 21st century workplace.
I will to assure the Deputy that I will be progressing a comprehensive programme of actions to address the extremely serious shortcomings identified in this report.
I am absolutely determined that this report must be, and will be, the catalyst for transformation of Ireland’s Defence Forces.
180. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence with regard to the work of the independent review group, what is to happen to the transcripts of submission made to the independent review group report on the Defence Forces by the victims and survivors of abuse, bullying and wrongdoing; if he will ensure these transcripts are carefully maintained and not destroyed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15833/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDocuments held by the Independent Review Group (IRG), which were generated as part of the body of work undertaken since its establishment on 25 January 2022, in line with the Terms of Reference, will be returned to my custody, as Minister for Defence, in compliance with the National Archives Act, 1986 (as amended).
I can assure the Deputy that the appropriate safeguards will be put in place by the IRG to make certain that any documents which contain sensitive or confidential material, that were provided to the Group in circumstances of confidentiality, including transcripts of submissions made to the Group, will remain private and confidential. The Chair of the IRG has initiated the appropriate steps in this regard before the documents are deposited.
The identity of the brave members of the Defence Forces who shared their experiences with the IRG will not be compromised in any way. Whilst the documents will remain in my possession, until such time as they are sent to the National Archives, the documents will not be accessible to any individual/official or any person, unless directed by a court order.
182. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on the transfer of the school completion programme to her Department; if consideration has been given to governance of the programme; if it is likely the programme will move away from localised management to a more centralised governance structure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15791/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2021, responsibility for the administration of the School Completion Programme (SCP), transferred back from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to my Department.
The SCP forms part of the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS). Funding for SCP is provided by my Department via TESS, and TESS have responsibility for oversight of SCP.
The programme is a central element of the DEIS plan (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), a key policy initiative of my Department to address educational disadvantage at school level.
Since I took over responsibility for SCP in January 2021, I have secured additional funding to provide for an extension of SCP supports to 28 additional schools that were included in DEIS for the first time in September 2017, and a 5% overall increase in funding for the School Completion Programme, effective from September 2021. In addition, I negotiated a further increase of 5% for SCP under Budget 2023. This complements the recent expansion of the DEIS programme announced by me in 2022.
There are currently 122 SCP projects with local management committees. Presently, management of the SCP initiatives, including the employment of staff, occurs at local level.
The initial focus for my Department was on the development of the legislative platform to support the transfer of functions from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
This body of work has now been completed and my Department is now considering all other aspects of the programme, including governance and structures for SCP and all matters involved therein.
183. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if she will outline what, if any, supports or resources are available to mainstream, non-DEIS schools regarding home-school community liaison, administration, counselling and therapeutic funds; and if her Department intends to increase supports in these areas. [15792/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) is a programme that provides targeted resources to schools with the highest levels of educational disadvantage in order to support students and assist them to achieve their potential in education. The DEIS programme has been rolled out to a number of schools throughout the country. Where a school has a non-DEIS status, they are also provided with relevant supports.
The Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) scheme seeks to promote partnership between parents, teachers and community family support services, with a view to supporting improved attendance, participation and retention. HSCL is a school-based intervention provided to address the needs of students and their families in disadvantaged areas through acknowledging and developing the role of the parent as prime educator. This is achieved through targeting the families of students most at risk of educational disadvantage and putting in place a range of appropriate support interventions in order to improve educational outcomes for children. HSCL supports are available to non DEIS schools, such examples include: a pilot project which supports Traveller and Roma pupils in approximately 50 schools, This comprises of 1 HSCL, 2 community education workers and 1. Educational welfare officer. My Department has also allocated 10 HSCL Coordinator posts in 14 non-DEIS post-primary schools.
The recent extension of the DEIS programme to new schools is just one component of work in my vision for an inclusive education system which supports all learners to achieve their potential. While the DEIS programme supports those schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage, I also recognise that there are students at risk of educational disadvantage in all schools. Following the National Census 2022 held on the 3rd April last, it is envisaged that an updated HP Deprivation Index will be generated by Pobal and will be available in Q3 of 2023. My Department will engage with Pobal in relation to this process. The updated HP Deprivation Index, when available, will be considered by my Department to help inform future resource allocation to tackle educational disadvantage. The next phase of work will consider all schools, within and outside the DEIS programme and explore the overall allocation of resources, to schools to tackle educational disadvantage. Part of this programme of work will involve consultation with relevant stakeholders over the coming months.
In relation to administrative supports, my Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.
In relation to therapeutic and counselling supports, the provision of child and adolescent mental health services in Ireland lies specifically within the remit of the Department of Health and the HSE. However, The Department of Education plays an important role in supporting the wellbeing and mental health of our young people. The Department’s Wellbeing Policy and Framework for practice has given recognition to the importance of promoting wellbeing in Education. The approach set out in the Wellbeing 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.
A number of supports are currently being offered to all schools to support wellbeing and mental health.
- Schools are encouraged to use a reflective, school self-evaluation approach to identify and prioritise the needs of its own school community in relation to the promotion of wellbeing and mental health, and to respond to meeting those needs. To support schools in this work the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) is currently providing training to schools to ensure that the promotion of wellbeing will be at the core of the ethos of every school. Schools will be navigated through an introduction to the Wellbeing Framework and how to use the School Self Evaluation (SSE) process in guiding wellbeing promotion in their schools. These seminars will be supported by two webinars and in-school visits. - NEPS has developed training for school staff on the promotion of wellbeing and resilience in schools which include upskilling school staff on the use and implementation of therapeutically-informed approaches in schools. These include trauma-informed approaches, approaches based on the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy, and attachment-aware approaches. The approaches outlined in the training are based on research findings, on the experience of experts in their fields and on the experience of practicing psychologists working in schools. The training will build the capability of school staff in both primary and post-primary settings, including for school leaders, teachers and SNAs.
- NEPS provides training for school staff on the Friends for Life programmes to help reduce anxiety in children and also the Incredible Years Classroom Management System.
The programmes and initiatives set out above are in addition to the educational psychological support that NEPS provide to all primary and post-primary schools. NEPS works closely with the HSE and its agencies to ensure those who may require the provision of therapy or counselling are referred on to the appropriate clinical services for intervention and support.
I announced in the budget that €5 million will be invested in piloting a programme of counselling supports for primary school students. This will serve to support the very positive work which already takes place in the area of wellbeing in our schools. The details of the programme are currently being finalised.
184. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if she is aware the teacher shortage is still impacting schools in the Clondalkin, Dublin 22 area; if she is aware there is no sub panels available to the schools; if she is aware this is having a negative impact on the school experience of pupils due to staff in place being diverted; and what action her Department is taking to ensure solutions are found. [15793/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recruitment of teachers is a priority area of action for the Department given the importance of ensuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have available to them qualified, engaged, and supportive teachers to support them in their learning.
My Department is undertaking a comprehensive programme to support the supply of teachers. The programme is being implemented on a national rather than a regional basis and, in general, actions are not targeted at a specific locations.
The Department conducted a survey in December 2022 of supply panels in the Dublin area to better understand the challenges and identify areas that could assist the recruitment of teachers. As part of the survey supply panels were invited to submit suggestions and ideas that might support the recruitment process. A number of suggestions are currently being considered by the Department as to their feasibility for implementation.
A further end of year review will assess the level of efficiency in terms of usage of the supply panel teachers on individual panels. Further adjustments may be necessary to ensure that the supply panels are operating at an optimal level nationally.
A number of measures have been implemented to support the supply of substitute teachers. These include:
- Additional primary substitute teacher supply panel posts have been provided in locations where significant challenges in sourcing substitution continue. This brings the total to 610 posts on 151 panels covering more than 2,840 schools, including 2 supply panels with 14 posts allocated in Clondalkin.
- As a temporary measure post primary teachers can provide additional hours substitute cover in the subject they are qualified to teach. The number of additional hours that can be taught per term has been increased from 20 to 35 for the remainder of the 2022/23 school year.
- For 2022/23, higher education institutions have introduced flexibility in the delivery of initial teacher education programmes to allow student teachers to provide more substitute cover.
- The Teaching Council introduced regulations allowing for the registration of 3rd and 4th year undergraduate student teachers under registration Route 5 (Student Teachers). More than 2,700 student teachers have registered under route 5 to date. This initiative supports the employment of student teachers to cover substitutable vacancies.
- The Department has adjusted the provision of CPD by the teacher support services to reduce the need for substitution. In addition, the support services have released seconded personnel to provide substitute cover to schools.
- A waiver of abatement for retired teachers returning to teach for up to 50 days in each of the three calendar years, 2021 to 2023 inclusive has been agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
- For 2022/23, job-sharing teachers may be employed to work in a substitute capacity during the period they are rostered off, in their own or in other schools, and the limits on substitute work applying to teachers on career break have also been suspended.
- The Department provided details of the staffing arrangements for the 2023/24 school year to primary and post primary schools before the end of January. This will facilitate schools to begin recruitment for the 2023/24 school year earlier than in 2022.
- Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) who qualify outside Ireland may now complete induction (Droichead) in Ireland under a new measure implemented by the Teaching Council. This measure seeks to enhance the supply of NQTs available to schools.
Measures targeted at supporting the long term supply needs of the system have also been put in place.
- At primary level, I recently approved 610 additional places on ITE programmes over the next two academic years (2023/24 and 2024/25).
- At post primary level, the Department has increased the number of places on teacher upskilling programmes in mathematics, Spanish and physics. The programmes are delivered outside of class time and are offered at no cost to the teacher. Approximately 170 places were provided in the first intake across the three programmes with an increase in places to over 300 in 2023.
- A new programme for post primary teachers to up-skill in Irish is planned for commencement in 2023/2024. The Department is also considering additional upskilling programmes in other priority subject areas.
- The Department introduced a scheme to allow post-primary schools to share teachers, the aim of which is to recruit teachers in high-demand subjects and give teachers a full-time teaching contract. It is expected that a pilot of the scheme will be introduced in a number of locations for the 2023/24 school year.
In addition to the above measures, the Teaching Transforms campaign continues to promote the teaching profession and encourage students to follow a career in teaching. The campaign uses digital, radio and video media, and is supported by a dedicated webpage, www.gov.ie/teachingtransforms. I am pleased to note that CAO first preference choices for post primary teaching have increased this year by 11%.
The Department meets on a regular basis with the school management bodies and the teacher unions on this very important issue and we will continue to work intensively with all stakeholders to develop and implement creative solutions to address the teacher supply challenges for schools.
185. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education which schools in the Clondalkin, Dublin 22 area have had their building projects paused due to funding issues; and if she will provide a comprehensive update on actions her Department is taking to ensure the projects are delivered at the earliest opportunity. [15794/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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 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.
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.
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.
186. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education if her Department has any plans to centralise and take over responsibility for the project management of school building projects and tenders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15795/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
The overall approach is to facilitate devolved delivery of school building projects with centralised guidance and supports provided and funded by the Department.
Large and more complex delivery programmes are typically managed and delivered on a more centralised basis with project management supports.
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.
Project Management and procurement by its nature can be detailed and complex and my Department is very conscious of the need to support the school system with good procurement guidance and arrangements to facilitate strong National Development Plan rollout.
Key initiatives include:
- The Planning & Building Unit has a number of consultant and contractor Frameworks in place that are used for call-off tenders in the appointment of construction teams to deliver on our capital works programme. These are updated as their lifespan expires and are regularly reviewed with regard to capacity and fitness for purpose.
- Guidance for schools and Design Teams on procurement in respect of school building projects.
- A wide variety of frameworks to facilitate delivery such as Project Managers, Architects, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, D&B Contractors, Modular Accommodation etc.
- Professional support for key delivery partners such as ETBs and other stakeholders in the form of Project Manager resource
- A dedicated Procurement Team within the Planning and Building Unit to provide strategic support and expertise to assist with rollout of NDP including ongoing replenishment of existing frameworks and development of new ones
In addition my Department’s Capital Works Programme and individual schemes such as summer works, energy retrofit, maintenance and emergency works provides many procurement opportunities across the entire country for small, medium and large scale consultants and contractors to tender and work on school projects. My Department’s summer and emergency works schemes in particular by their nature of smaller scale, facilitate procurement often at a local level.
187. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education what action her Department is taking to increase capacity across secondary schools in the Clondalkin, Dublin 22 area, given that each secondary school reports oversubscription for the coming 2023-24 school year ; if she will provide an update on efforts of her Department to ascertain the true extent of capacity issues in the area as advised in previous responses on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15796/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for my Department.
In order to plan for school place needs, 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.
While my Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in Clondalkin, 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's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
The Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues through ongoing discussions with the relevant school authorities. In that context, similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, the Department is engaging with patron bodies and school authorities, including those of schools in the Clondalkin area, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train.
188. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education if any contact has been made with a school (details supplied) regarding the commencement of construction on a building; if she is aware of the urgency of the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15813/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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. 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.
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.
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.
We will be providing an update to individual schools (including the school referred to by the Deputy) 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.
189. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education if she will review a decision on a grant for assistive technology for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15824/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by my Department to supplement the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum.
Last April, my Department announced the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and associated grant funding for all recognised primary and post-primary schools for digital technology infrastructure. This strategy will advance the embedding of digital technologies across teaching, learning and assessment, building on the work under previous strategies. It aims to further support the school system so that all students across our schools have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to navigate an ever-evolving digital world successfully.
As part of this strategy an ICT Grant will be provided to schools, with €200 million committed over the period of the Strategy, €50m of which has already been provided to schools. This approach facilitates multi-annual planning by schools to allow them to plan effectively for all of their children.
Under the Assistive Technology scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
The type of equipment provided under the assistive technology scheme is varied, and includes audiological supports for students with hearing impairment, braille equipment for children with visual impairment, and computer equipment with associated modified software for students with physical or severe communicative disabilities.
Communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, and which have a general application outside of school, are not provided for under the Assistive Technology scheme, however. Such equipment is normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology/specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support.
In order to qualify for equipment under the assistive technology scheme, a student must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the student to access the curriculum.
It must also be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. Schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.
Schools make applications directly to the SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
The Assistive Technology Scheme is currently being reviewed by my Department to ensure that it is still working for these children and that the resources are allocated appropriately and support other Department ICT funding as efficiently as possible. The review in ongoing and is expected to complete by mid-2023.
Based on the professional information provided to the SENO and in line with criteria set out in Circular 10/2013, the SENO was not in a position to recommend an assistive technology grant for the school concerned on behalf of the student referred to by the Deputy.
It is open to the school to appeal a decision under the scheme to the Department. The appeals process is outlined on the Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/237c68-assistive-technology-grant/
It is also open to parents to contact SENOs directly to discuss their child’s special educational needs, using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/seno-contact-information
190. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question Number 266 of 23 March 2023, if this reply is reflective of the Cabinet decision on the review of the school building programme of 21 March 2023 and decisions taken and announced subsequently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15831/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe reply to the previous parliamentary question referred to by the Deputy is reflective of the Cabinet decision on the review of the School Building Programme.
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.
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.
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.
191. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education if she will outline a specific timetable for the construction and delivery of a new school building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15852/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA major building project for the school in question has been devolved for delivery to Louth County Council. Following submission of the Tender Report, the Department authorised Louth County Council to issue the Letter of Intent to the preferred tenderer. The Supplementary Tender Report was subsequently submitted to the Department in recent weeks and is currently under review. The Department will make contact with Louth County Council following completion of this review.
Running parallel to the review of this particular Supplementary Tender Report, the 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 €0.86 billion. High construction inflation remains a continuing feature of the construction sector for 2023.
As part of its planning ahead for 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 be able to adequately support the operation of the school system with rollout of school building projects to construction in 2023. The Department will keep Louth County Council fully updated on developments regarding the progression of this project.
192. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if discussions are expected to allow Irish to be an optional subject at post-primary level (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15875/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that there are no discussions planned to allow Irish to be an optional subject at post-primary level.
All children educated in Ireland are expected to have had the opportunity to study Irish to an appropriate standard.
The Irish language is accorded special status in Ireland and is protected by various pieces of Legislation and in particular Article 8 of our Constitution which states that “The Irish Language as the national language is the first official language”. The Education Act 1998 recognises the particular responsibility of the education system with regard to supporting the Irish language. The language has particular social, historical and educational importance and is part of the unique cultural heritage of the Irish people. It is an aim of Government to increase on an incremental basis the use and knowledge of Irish as a community language.
In recognising the linguistic, social and cultural importance of Irish and English in Ireland, both languages are included as core subjects in the national curricula for recognised primary and post-primary schools and centres for education in Ireland. This has been the case since the foundation of the State and the importance of the teaching of both languages in this way has been re-affirmed on a number of occasions by the State, including most recently in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030. Indeed, the most recent curricular changes at primary and junior cycle level have emphasised not only the importance of learning both languages but also the wider benefits of bilingualism. The development of these new language curricula reflects this department’s reassertion of its commitment to the Irish language and to progressing the language education related actions of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
193. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if there is any grant scheme for solar panels (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15886/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is really positive news for our schools that Budget 2023, through the Climate Action Fund, will enable the provision of Photovoltaic Panels in schools up to 6KW output. It is intended the provision of the solar panels will be fully funded for schools. PV panels will assist schools with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.
In respect of the roll out of PV panels, my Department's Officials are working closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications colleagues in relation to the arrangements for this multi-annual scheme and details will be announced in due course.
As part of planning for the rollout of this multi-annual scheme, the capacity surveys of the school system that are currently underway will also include obtaining up to date data on the number of schools that have solar panels currently. This is important preparatory work in planning for the rollout of this multi-annual scheme.
194. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) can avail of employment in the Irish education system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15912/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recognition of teacher qualifications is matter for the Teaching Council, the body with statutory responsibility for establishing and maintaining standards in the teaching profession. If a person is not a registered teacher they will need to contact the Teaching Council.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).
In accordance with 3.1 and 3.2 of Chapter 2 of Department Circular 0044/2019 (primary) and 1.1 and 3.1 of Department Circular 0031/ 2011 (post primary), which are available on the www.gov.ie website, schools are required to employ appropriately qualified and registered teachers and ensure that unemployed teachers should be offered employment in preference to those who have retired.
195. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Education if she has published the National Council for Special Education policy advice on education provision in special classes and special schools submitted to her Department on 12 January 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15977/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Policy Advice is currently under review and publication will follow shortly. The Policy Advice will be the subject of an extensive consultation process with education stakeholders and partners, as well as with disability representative organisations, and parental representatives.
