Written Answers Nos. 37-66
37. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 6 October 2022, if he will provide an update on his Department’s engagement with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on the issue of employment protection for Reserve Defence Force members engaged in voluntary military service in support of the Permanent Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22806/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence (Amendment) Act 2021 serves to update the Defence Legislation on the use of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) on a voluntary basis, on-island and overseas, in support of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) and where it is in the best interests of the PDF. In light of RDF members being deployed on a voluntary basis, it is necessary to consider preparation of employment protection measures. In this regard, I wish to advise the Deputy that engagement has taken place by my officials with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). Further meetings will be scheduled in the near future.
The contribution from officials in DETE on this matter has been both informative and welcome. With their continued assistance, engagement has also commenced between my officials and both employer and employee bodies on this matter.
Information around practical and operational matters being prepared by the military authorities will be particularly relevant in terms of follow-on engagement with DETE and the employer and employee bodies. While there is a suggestion that legislation to underpin employment protection is preferable, the intention at this stage is to develop a Code of Practice with regard to employment protection measures, in consultation with all stakeholders.
I would also advise the Deputy that there is ongoing engagement by officials and the military authorities on an informal basis, with RDFRA, the Representative Association representing the RDF, on a range matters relating to their members, including the practical and operational matters associated with the deployment of the RDF on a voluntary basis, in support of the PDF.
38. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there has been an increase in Defence Force Veterans becoming homeless; what is the increases; the reason for the increase; the solutions that are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22720/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither the Defence Forces nor my Department monitor the incidence of homelessness amongst former members of the Defence Forces.
My Department provides support to two recognised Veterans Associations which represent all former personnel of the Defence Forces, the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE), and the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA). My officials engage on an ongoing basis with these associations. As part of the Service Level Agreements in place with my Department, an annual grant of €130,000 is paid to ONE and a grant of €30,000 is paid to IUNVA. As a further means of assistance, my Department has secured a total of €700,000 from the Dormant Accounts Fund since 2021 in order to assist ONE and IUNVA with specific special projects.
Over the past number of years the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have assisted ONE in its plans to establish a network of Veterans Support Centres (VSCs) around the country. ONE has established a total of 15 VSCs to date. The VSCs are available to ALL veterans to seek support and advice, not just to ONE members. In line with the commitment in the current Programme for Government, my Department continues to facilitate, where possible, the establishment of further VSCs around the country.
Additionally, ONE currently provides board and lodgings for 51 retired members of the Defence Forces in its four residential homes in Brú na bhFiann, Smithfield, Dublin, Beechwood House, Letterkenny, Custume House, Athlone, and Brú na Farraige, Cobh, Co. Cork, the latter of which was opened in October 2021 and was part-funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund. Development of ONE’s fifth home in St Luke’s, Cork City is currently in progress, and will also draw on Dormant Accounts funding.
IUNVA operates 8 drop-in centres at its 22 posts around the country and accommodates 4 retired members of the Defence Forces in its residence in the Curragh Camp. IUNVA is currently in the process of developing a drop-in centre and residential home for a further 4 veterans of the Defence Forces in Cavan with assistance from the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Veterans can also apply through the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund if in need of financial support. The Fund provides support to veterans of the Defence Forces and their families who experience periods of financial difficulty. It operates in a confidential and supportive manner to provide much-needed support to military veterans and their dependents, regardless of rank or length of service, and who are resident in the State and overseas. This support is provided on a case-by-case basis and it is organised and distributed through committees of serving military personnel, in each of the Formations and Services.
39. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures that are being taken to ensure that there is suitable aircraft available to Irish Air Corps to provide sufficient surveillance of Russian aircraft and ships in the Irish EEZ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22886/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government, both at home and overseas.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron, working in conjunction with the Naval Service, patrol the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using the two CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft which are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment. The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is nearing completion with delivery of the aircraft expected this year at a cost of some €228 million inclusive of VAT. These aircraft will feature updated and upgraded equipment to ensure that the Air Corps can continue to deliver the required capability required of an island country.
In addition, four Pilatus PC-12 aircraft have been purchased for the Air Corps in recent years. The PC-12 aircraft are capable of carrying out a wide variety of roles including the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) role providing a substantially increased capability with their state of the art surveillance technology.
The Air Corps is not currently equipped to monitor and communicate with aircraft overflying Irish airspace, military or otherwise. However, on a routine basis the Air Corps monitors and communicates with foreign military aircraft where such aircraft are flying in the airspace in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, where air traffic control is provided by the Defence Forces.
AirNav Ireland (formerly part of the IAA) exercises Air Traffic Control responsibilities for both sovereign airspace and also airspace over the high seas, largely off the western seaboard. All air traffic, both civil and military, is monitored and controlled by AirNav Ireland in respect of this airspace and in line with ICAO rules it is normal practice for them to be informed by the relevant State of any military flights operating in Irish controlled airspace.
The Deputy may wish to note that the development of a primary radar capability was one of the recommendations made in the report of the Commission of the Defence Forces last year, and in response to that, a project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, has commenced work on planning for military radar capabilities. This includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems. Delivery of primary radar is extremely complex and will take some time to deliver. However, delivery has been prioritised by Government and this year’s increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding to explore the development of a primary radar capability.
40. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his engagement with the relevant stakeholders in ensuring safe guarding of communication subsea cables in Irish waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22885/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service, as the State's principal sea-going agency, is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main daily tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks in tandem with maritime defence and security operations (MDSO). As such any Naval Service patrol should be viewed as a multi-faceted activity. This activity is augmented by the Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) using the two CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft which are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment.
Following an extraordinary EU Energy Council meeting in October 2022 to discuss the EU’s energy security in response to the attacks on Nordstream 1 and 2, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications sought support from my Department in relation to additional measures that could be put in place by the Defence Forces to ensure that critical off-shore infrastructure including data cables are protected.
While the Defence Forces have limited sub-sea capabilities, enhanced maritime patrolling of the Irish Sea in the vicinity of priority offshore energy infrastructure commenced in 2022 and remains ongoing. This enhanced patrolling is being conducted by a mixture of air and naval platforms. Officials from my Department and the Defence Forces continue to engage with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to the protection of Ireland’s offshore energy infrastructure and data cables.
41. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence how he is implementing the recommendations of the Commission on Defence in relation to capital investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22687/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces reinforced the requirement for significant capital investment in defensive equipment programmes and on upgrading and modernising Defence Forces built infrastructure. The approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission.
In 2023 an overall capital allocation of €176m was approved by Government as part of Budget 2023. This is a 25% increase on 2022 and is the single biggest annual capital investment ever provided to Defence. It includes a substantial increase in the allocation to the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme with a total capital allocation of €45m. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.
Many of the military equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times, so the additional funding now provided will further enable the Department and the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver on scheduled projects over the coming years. A significant number of building projects will advance under the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme, which will modernise and upgrade defence built infrastructure over the coming years.
Work has commenced on planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar. This is one of the early actions identified in the High Level Action Plan published in response to last year's Commission report. Work carried out to date includes identification of requirements and research into various delivery options, as well as consideration of approaches internationally. This has included a visit to another Member State. Delivery of primary radar is extremely complex and will take some time to deliver. Delivery has however been prioritised by Government and this year’s increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding to explore the development of a primary radar capability.
Beyond the specific early actions identified in the High Level Action Plan, significant enhancements to the State’s defence infrastructure and equipment which were already underway continued over the last 12 months. In terms of Defence Equipment:
• 30 armoured utility vehicles were delivered in 2022.
• 220 non-armoured vehicles were delivered.
• 10 refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were delivered in 2022 as part of the overall upgraded programme of the overall fleet.
• Mid-life refit of LÉ Róisín was completed and has commenced on the LÉ Niamh.
• 2 x Inshore Patrol Vessels were purchased for €26m, for delivery in 2023, as part of the mixed fleet development
• 2 x new Airbus C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft are near completion to be delivered in 2023.
• 1 X new Airbus C295W Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2025.
• MOWAG Gunnery Simulator in the Curragh was officially opened in September 2022.
In terms of Defence Infrastructure, the largest amount of projects were finished in one year with the following projects completed:
• Upgraded Spencer Jetty and refurbished Block 8 Accommodation at Haulbowline Naval Base,
• Block H Accommodation McKee; and
• 2 new gyms in Kilkenny and Limerick.
• Projects underway include a new Cadet School HQ and new accommodation buildings in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa and Collins Barracks.
• Curragh Plains consultancy project progressed with the public consultation closed in November 2022
The primary return on Defence capital investment will be the retention of necessary military capabilities which provide the means by which the Defence Forces contribute to national and international peace and security and fulfil all other roles assigned by Government. These sectoral benefits, will, in turn, deliver wider societal benefits by providing a robust national security infrastructure which aligns and complements related national goals encompassing sustainability, economic recovery, social cohesion and overall societal well-being.
43. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of Navy patrols cancelled or delayed because of staffing issues this year to date. [22910/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency and is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The primary day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. In terms of fishery protection the Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary.
Scheduled patrol days can be impacted by a range of factors including adverse weather conditions, unscheduled maintenance as well as staffing issues such as crewing shortages.
A total of 39 scheduled Naval Service patrol days have been cancelled due to staffing issues this year up to 30 April. This figure is inclusive of 12 cancelled planned patrol days for LÉ Róisín before she was placed in operational reserve with effect from 31 January, as a result of previously acknowledged recruitment and retention difficulties in the Naval Service, in particular for specialist positions.
Notwithstanding some challenges being experienced, the Naval Service continues to carry out the roles assigned by Government, including fishery protection and maritime surveillance operations.
45. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline his Department’s plans for the Defence Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22894/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government remains fully committed to the advancement of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). The 2015 White Paper on Defence is quite clear that there is a continued requirement to retain and develop the Reserve.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF) equally serves to reinforce that commitment and as the Deputy will be aware, that Report contains many recommendations on the future role and structure of the RDF.
Two recommendations from the report, which have been identified as Early Actions, relate to the RDF, namely the establishment of the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA), and the development of a Regeneration Plan for the Reserve.
I'm pleased to say that the set up of the ORA has commenced and suitable office space has been identified. The appointment of staff is already actively in train with the appointment of a Colonel to lead the ORA. The office is also currently staffed with a Lieutenant Colonel from the RDF. Further personnel will be assigned to the Unit.
The development of the Regeneration Plan will be the initial focus of the ORA and this is also in train.
This process will also take into consideration the CoDF recommendations relating to the structure and strength of the RDF, such as increasing the future RDF establishment strength which includes that the future establishment of the RDF should be increased and should include, at a minimum, an Air Force Reserve of 200, and a Navy Reserve of 400.
The Deputy may also be aware that a recruitment drive for the RDF in 2022 resulted in over 1000 applications being received, which is very encouraging, and I understand that the majority of those applications are now being progressed.
There has also been progress on the medical phase of the induction process with the outsourcing of Part 2 medicals nearing completion. The outsourcing of the contract for Part 2 medicals over a four-year period for both the PDF and the RDF, amounts to 10,000 medicals in total.
It is planned to include 600 RDF induction medicals per year as part of this overall target over the 4 year period. With the remainder of the 2022 applications already progressing, the military authorities have advised me that consideration is now being given to a further recruitment initiative for the RDF later in 2023.
I would like to assure the Deputy that it is my aim, and that of the Chief of Staff, to ensure that the regeneration of the RDF remains a key goal in 2023 and beyond.
46. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his plans to enable all members of the Permanent Defence Forces to benefit from the same access to private healthcare as officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22881/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contained a commitment to "ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to healthcare as officers currently do". This commitment was subsequently endorsed as a recommendation of the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces published in February 2022, and is one of the early actions for implementation from that report under the High Level Action Plan published by Government in July 2022.
A Working Group on Medical Care was established in 2021 to bring forward proposals and identify an approach to implementing the Programme for Government commitment. Its work included analysing the range and cost of treatments currently provided to Officers and how best to provide this access to enlisted personnel. The Working Group reported during 2022.
Following detailed discussions between officials from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, sanction has now been provided to regularise the provision of secondary healthcare for all Defence Forces, in line with what is currently available to Officers. This is in addition to the comprehensive package of primary healthcare benefits already available to all members of the Permanent Defence Force.
The details of how this will be implemented are now being considered with a view to introducing it as expeditiously as possible.
47. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence his views on proposals for an Irish naval vessel and personnel to participate in Operation Irini, part of which is to involve training of the Libyan Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22025/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe core task of the EU Common Security and Defence naval operation, Operation Irini, is to contribute to preventing arms trafficking within its agreed Area of Operation in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution UNSCR 2292 (2016) and subsequent Resolutions on the arms embargo on Libya.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Dáil recently approved the deployment of an Irish Naval Service vessel and associated support staff in accordance with the “Triple Lock” provisions of the Defence Acts.
In the course of the Dáil debate on the deployment, a number of issues arose, including any role the Naval Service might have in capacity building and training of the Libyan Coastguard as well as the arrangements in place in relation to search and rescue and the assistance provided to persons found in distress on the high seas.
In relation to the former, let me reiterate the Government’s position that there are no circumstances in which members of the Naval Service will be involved in capacity building and/or training to the Libyan Coastguard. Indeed, Ireland will declare caveats to this effect on formally joining the operation.
In any event, it should be noted that the capacity building and training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy element of the mandate is not currently in operation and, as such, is suspended.
As regards the issue of Safety of life at Sea/ Search and Rescue, I would recall that the motion approved by the Dáil includes an amendment to the effect that the naval vessel participating in Operation Irini will be subject to the obligation under international law to provide assistance to persons in distress at sea.
The Government was happy to accept this amendment on the basis that it restates the pre-existing obligation on Ireland under the United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Sea, an obligation to which the Naval Service would have to give effect whether in the context of Operation Irini or otherwise.
While Operation Irini has no mandate for Safety of life at Sea/ Search and Rescue (SOLAS/SAR), the involvement in a SAR/SOLAS event while operating as part of Operation Irini cannot be totally ruled out.
In the event that an Operation Irini ship is involved in SOLAS/SAR, the mission direction is that those migrants rescued by the ship should be taken to and disembarked to a European Coastguard ship as soon as possible so that the Operation Irini ship can return to its mandated operations with the minimum of delay.
The naval vessel LÉ William Butler Yeats has been selected to undertake the Operation Irini deployment and will be due to depart for the Mediterranean in mid June for 46 days in total.
48. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to outline the role and current strength of the First Line Reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22631/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe First Line Reserve (FLR) is intended to provide a pool of trained personnel who are available at short notice to supplement Permanent Defence Force (PDF) units in times of emergency. There is no set establishment for the FLR.
The existing regulatory framework provides for former members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) to join the Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve. This is subject to their meeting certain criteria. Direct entry to the FLR is limited to personnel who are departing the PDF and have undertaken, either voluntarily or on foot of a contractual commitment, to complete a period of service in the FLR.
The Military Authorities have advised that as of 31 March 2023, the strength of the First Line Reserve (FLR) is 275, comprising of 3 Officers, 43 Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and 229 Privates.
I agree that the FLR is an area, which requires attention. It is our aim, in the context of work arising from the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF), to build on the preliminary work we have done so far examining the contribution of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF), including its legislation, the regulations governing the RDF, and in tandem, the development of the FLR.
This will have to be balanced with the broad range of other recommendations from both the CODF and the IRG report.
I wish to point out however that significant progress has been achieved over the past number of years regarding the RDF.
There has been the introduction of the new Defence Force Regulation DFR R5 in 2022,; the recent deployment of Reservists overseas, which was made possible by the Defence (Amendment) Act 2021; and more recently, the establishment of the Office of Reserve Affairs (ORA) whose initial focus will be on a Regeneration Plan for the RDF.
I would like to assure the Deputy that it is my intention, and that of the Chief of Staff, to ensure that the momentum behind the regeneration of the RDF will be maintained throughout 2023 and beyond, thereby enabling us, going forward, to create a Reserve Defence Force that can seamlessly train, operate and deploy with the Permanent Defence Force, both nationally and internationally.
50. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to detail his Department’s engagement with European Union partners in respect of the defence of critical infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22899/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department works closely with a number of European Union working groups in order to enhance and build societal resilience including the protection of critical infrastructure.
My Department is the focal point for the new European Critical Entities Resilience Directive which aims to enhance the resilience of critical entities that provide services essential for vital societal functions or economic activities in the internal market. This Directive creates a framework to support Member States in ensuring that critical entities are able to prevent, resist, absorb and recover from disruptive incidents, whether they are caused by natural hazards, accidents, terrorism, insider threats, or public health emergencies. My Department has coordinated with sector specific experts throughout the negotiation of the Directive and will continue to do so as we transpose the legislation into Irish law. This coordination is being achieved through the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, which I chair.
Key elements of this directive include that Ireland needs to adopt a national strategy and carry out risk assessments to identify entities that are considered critical or vital for the society and the economy. On their part, critical entities once identified will need to carry out risk assessments of their own and take technical, security and organisational measures to enhance their resilience and notify incidents. My Department works with other Member states and the European Commission through the Critical Entities Resilience Group (CERG) which provide complementary support to Member States and critical entities, by developing an EU-level overview of cross-border and cross-sectoral risks, best practices, guidance material, methodologies, cross-border training activities and exercises to test the resilience of critical entities, among others.
Officials from my Department are also active participants in the EU presidency-led Ad Hoc working party on preparedness, response capability and resilience to future crises and the Civil Protection – Critical Entities Resilience (PROCIV-CER) working group. Both these working groups focus on supporting the implementation of the Critical Entities Resilience directive by providing a forum for discussion on best practices, guidance material and methodologies in the enhancement of societal resilience and protection of critical infrastructure across the European Union.
In advance of the transposition of this directive, the European Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach by the Union to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure was agreed. This requires all Member States to conduct stress tests of critical infrastructure, particularly in the Energy sector, by the end of 2023. My Department is working closely with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and with Critical Entities in the Energy sector to undertake these stress tests by the agreed deadline of end 2023.
51. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if the Government will instigate a public tribunal on bullying and sexual abuse in the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22022/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile acknowledging the high regard in which the Defence Forces is held and the many honest hardworking individuals amongst its ranks, as I have already stated, one cannot but be disturbed and upset by the contents in the Report of the Independent Review Group. The conclusions are stark and shocking and go to the very heart of issues relating to dignity, mutual respect and equality issues in the Defence Forces.
As I have already indicated, a completely honest appraisal of the problems and a comprehensive plan to address them is the only way to honour the contribution of serving and retired personnel and rebuild trust.
As the Deputy will also be aware from my previous statements today, the Government has agreed to progress, as a priority, the report’s recommendations including the establishment of a statutory inquiry to investigate whether there have been serious systemic failures in dealing with individual complaints in relation to interpersonal issues, including but not limited to sexual misconduct.
In line with this commitment, I have consulted with the Attorney General in respect of its establishment and obtained assistance in the preparation of draft terms of reference for the Inquiry.
I initially met with a number of stakeholders on 27th March, including a cohort of serving members, the Representative Associations and Women of Honour, to advise them that I intended to bring the Report to Government on Tuesday 28th March. While I could not share the Report with the groups at that time, I did commit to meeting with each group again, once they had an opportunity to consider it in full.
I subsequently met again with stakeholders on 2 May last, including the Defence Womens Network, the Defence Forces Representative Associations, the Women of Honour group and the Men and Women of Honour group. In addition, the Secretary General, Department of Defence met with the Defence Forces Veteran Associations and with Civil and Civilian Employee Unions.
At these most recent meetings, draft proposed terms of reference for the forthcoming Statutory Inquiry were shared. I have requested the groups to provide feedback in writing to me so that their observations can be included for consideration in preparing the terms of reference.
I look forward to hearing the feedback from each of the Groups and of course, I am prepared to participate in further engagement and consultation with stakeholders on the nature of the Inquiry and the proposed terms of reference.
60. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education regarding school places in the Dublin Mid-West constituency, when her Department expects to have ascertained the full extent of capacity issues in schools in the area for the coming school year 2023/2024; if she will make this information available once it is collated; and the action that will be taken to ensure that schools in each area within the Dublin Mid-West constituency can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in their area. [22531/23]
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.
On foot of such demographic analysis my Department has delivered significant expanded capacity in Dublin West, including the new schools for Citywest & Saggart Community National School, Citywest Educate Together National School, Adamstown Community College and Kishogue Community College. There are also a large number of building projects on site or in train across Dublin West including new school buildings for the recently established Coláiste Pobail Fola, Gaelscoil Lir, Rathcoole Educate Together National School and Griffeen Community College. New school buildings or extensions are also in train for Holy Family Community School, Tallaght Community School, St. Joseph's College, Lucan Community College, Scoil Chrónáin, Adamstown Castle Educate Together National School, St. Thomas Junior National School & Scoil Áine, Lucan; Scoil Mochua, Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin, Gaelscoil na Camóige and St. Thomas Junior NS, Tallaght. Multiple smaller projects providing additional accommodation are also at various stages of planning and delivery. In total, school building projects in the Dublin West area will provide over 10,000 new and replacement school places, including places for students with special educational needs.
While my Department is aware of demand for additional school places 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.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
My Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues across Dublin Mid-West schools through ongoing discussions with the relevant school patrons and authorities. This close engagement is allowing my Department to identify particular capacity requirements for the 2023/24 school year and forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train. My officials are working closely with relevant school patrons and I can assure the Deputy that my Department will put any required solutions in place to ensure that there are sufficient school places available. It is expected that further clarity in this respect will be available in the coming weeks.
62. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education the steps her Department has taken to mitigate the impact of inflation on the standard of living of teachers. [22564/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very aware of the impacts of rising prices which are a source of concern for society, and of course for those working in the education sector.
Overall, the government has made €7.1 billion available to support workers and families affected by cost of living pressures this year. These measures include a top up to child benefit, universal credits applied to electricity bills, social welfare increases, and lower rates of excise on fuel.
In addition to these measures, the Government has also provided for further pay increases for public sector staff to October 2023 (totalling 8.5% to 9.5% increases over the entire agreement) including for over 100,000 staff in the school sector as well as retired staff.
In terms of teacher pay specifically, by October, a teacher on point 1 of the scale will earn over €41,000 per annum, an increase of more than €10,000 since 2012. A teacher on point 14 of the scale will earn at least €62,430, and those on the top point will earn at least €77,000.
In addition, as part of the agreement, there is a specific provision in relation to new entrant teacher pay that allows for the skipping of an incremental point. Taken with earlier similar measures, new entrant teachers will move up the salary scale more quickly.
Building Momentum also provided for a sectoral bargaining process to deal with outstanding claims. The teaching unions have decided to use this fund to settle certain claims including the restoration of a Professional Masters in Education allowance to new entrant teachers and increases in principal allowances in the primary sector.
Taken together these measures have provided for significant improvements in the pay of teachers in the last 2 years.
In terms of any further increases or measures around pay, these would need to be considered in the context of the public sector generally and as part of the talks on a successor agreement to Building Momentum, led by my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, expected to take place this year.
In summary, in addition to pay increases for teachers, many actions have been taken which have helped to mitigate the impact of inflation for society generally which will also have been of benefit to teachers. I believe it is clear that a lot has been done to help and address the challenges being faced at present and I can assure the Deputy that the Government will continue to monitor the situation.
