Written Answers Nos. 270-289
270. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the number of schools that have temporary classroom accommodation on their site by school enrolment division; and the duration that each school has used temporary school accommodation. [2391/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTemporary accommodation in schools may be rented or purchased and funded by the Department or by the school authority itself, with or without Department sanction. For that reason it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a complete picture in respect of all temporary accommodation at schools as requested.
As the Deputy will appreciate, within the context of a rapidly increasing school population combined with arriving Ukrainian children, my Department's priority is to ensure that every child has access to a physical school place. In this regard, it is sometimes necessary to make use of temporary accommodation in order to meet the accommodation needs of schools.
The timing and duration of the accommodation need is also considered in determining the optimum accommodation solution – a short-term accommodation requirement does not require a long-term accommodation solution. For example, a school may require a temporary building in circumstances where a major school construction project is planned. Such temporary accommodation is removed when the major project concerned is completed. The length of time it is necessary to make use of temporary rented accommodation will vary from project to project.
There are over 1,300 school building projects within the current pipeline across the various stages of planning, design, tender and construction - most of which are expected to be either under construction or completed in the period 2021 to 2025. The progression and completion of these projects is and will make further inroads on the replacement of rented sites and buildings with knock-on savings on the rental budget. Good progress continues to be made with the rollout of projects, and the current status of projects being delivered is listed in tabular format, on a county by county basis, on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie and is updated regularly.
Many schools based in rented buildings and on rented sites are already part of the pipeline of projects under the school building programme and their longer-term accommodation will be addressed as part of these projects. Maximising the opportunities to achieve value for money involves matching, as best as possible, the accommodation requirement with the appropriate accommodation solution. This is relevant for all accommodation projects progressed by the Department.
The changing landscape in relation to enrolments including that of arriving Ukrainian children means that accommodation requirements can vary locally and regionally and between short, medium and long-term and this is a relevant factor considered by the Department in determining the type of accommodation solution to be put in place.
The attached table lists the number of primary and post primary schools with rental accommodation on site and the year the rental commenced.Info
271. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will outline the protocol in place in instances in which a pupil has failed to secure enrolment in a school and cannot secure home tuition. [2392/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
Where a board of management makes a decision to refuse admission, a parent/guardian can appeal that decision under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998, and an independent appeals committee will be appointed to consider the appeal.
A section 29 appeal must be made no later than 63 calendar days from the date of the school’s decision to refuse admission.
Full details on the section 29 appeals process for refused enrolment are available on the Gov.ie website at the links below:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/8248c-appeals-in-relation-to-refusal-to-admit-a-student-due-to-a-school-being-oversubscribed/ and
www.gov.ie/en/publication/31c4f-appeals-in-relation-to-refusal-to-admit-a-student-for-a-reason-other-than-the-school-being-oversubscribed/.
It is important to note if a student has been refused admission due to the school being oversubscribed, and a parent/guardian wishes to appeal the decision they must firstly make a written request to the school seeking a review of the board of management’s decision, within 21 calendar days from the date of refusal. If they have been refused admission for a reason other than the school being oversubscribed, they may, but are not required to, request a review by the board of management.
This Department has no authority to compel a school to admit a student, except in circumstances where an appeal under section 29 of the Education Act, 1998 has been allowed and the appeals committee directs that the school admit the child concerned.
The Educational Welfare Services within Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) is the legal body which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school placement for their child.
Contact details for TESS are available at the following link www.tusla.ie/tess/get-in-touch/ or by email at tessinfo@tusla.ie.
The Department published Circulars 0024/2023 and 0031/2023 on gov.ie - Home Tuition (www.gov.ie) detailing the Home Tuition provisions for children without a school place.
If a parent is unsuccessful with a section 29 appeal they may be able to qualify for home tuition.
The Home Tuition Grant Scheme is available to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school.
Home tuition is provided as an interim measure only for children for whom a placement in a recognised school is not currently available and should not be regarded as an optional alternative to a school placement.
Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) has the responsibility to support a family when applying or home tuition if the child/young person is without a school placement.
Home tutors are engaged by the parents/guardian of the child who is to receive tuition and the tutor has no contractual relationship with the Department of Education.
It is a condition of the scheme that parents/legal guardians recruit a tutor who is qualified in the sector in which tuition is being provided, and is registered with the Teaching Council for the duration of the approved tuition. Where all efforts have failed to secure the services of a teacher qualified to teach in the sector concerned, the Department may consider the engagement of a person who is registered with the Teaching Council and has a primary degree (minimum Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in a relevant area, e.g. Psychology.
As set out in Circular 0024/2023*, it is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to source a tutor at the earliest possible opportunity to allow for applications for registration/vetting to be made by the tutor to the Teaching Council, if necessary. This Department does not keep lists of tutors available to carry out home tuition, however to help parents source a home tutor for this scheme in their local area, the Irish Primary Principals' Network (IPPN) has created a Home Tuition Noticeboard for Parents to help them source a suitable candidates. This noticeboard is available on www.educationposts.ie. It may also be helpful to contact local schools in the first instance, or alternatively, the Department is aware that many parents use education provider websites to advertise for tutors or indeed place advertisements in local newspapers or on shop/community notice boards.
Application forms for the home tuition scheme for students who are temporarily without a school place, are without an offer of a school place and are actively seeking a school placement in a recognised school grant scheme are available from the local Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) or the appointed social worker. Educational Welfare Officers are available to assist parents with the application for home tuition, if needed.
If a parent/guardian is unsuccessful sourcing a tutor for home tuition they should contact Tusla Education Support Service (TESS).
Contact details for the EWO in each region can be obtained from Educational Welfare Service, Child and Family Agency, Floors 2-5, Brunel Building, Heuston South Quarter, Dublin 8, phone 01-7718633 or via their website at www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/#EWO.
Home schooling is administered by the Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS).
272. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the number of active and paused new school building projects as of 15 January, by location. [2393/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is an overall pipeline of some 1300 projects across the school system. The current status of all projects is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was achieved again in 2023 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.
Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing over €5 billion during 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, €405m additional capital funding was provided in 2023. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2023 which was reflective of the strong delivery by my Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision accommodating Ukrainian students and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital outturn for 2023 was €1.264 billion.
We continue to have a strong pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme involving circa. 300 projects currently at construction, which include 34 new school buildings. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places. The Department has always operated a tightly prioritised approach to the school building programme, focused over recent years on the delivery of additional capacity where required, and this will continue to be the case.
273. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide, in tabular form, a list of second-level education institutions aided by her Department whose fee status has changed from fee-charging to non fee-charging since 2000, indicating the year the school entered the free scheme, the school's roll number and the school planning area in each case. [2435/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the attached table is a list of schools that have changed status from Fee-Charging to non-fee-Charging since 2000.
Please find attached data indicating the year the school entered the free scheme, and the school's roll number and planning area in each case
274. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide, in tabular form, a list of second-level education institutions aided by her Department whose school gender has changed from girls to mixed since 2000, indicating the year the school began admitting boys, and the school's roll number and planning area in each case. [2436/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the decision-making authority in respect of the status of existing schools, including whether they are single or mixed gender, belongs to the Patron, subject to the agreement of my Department.
New schools are established by my Department to meet demographic need and, generally, such new school provision (primary and post-primary) is mixed gender in nature. Co-educational schools provide greater flexibility than single sex schools in terms of meeting demographic and school accommodation requirements in an area. Single-gender provision may, however, be made if there is an identified imbalance between the capacities of single-gender schools in the area.
In relation to existing schools the decision making authority for a change of status belongs to the Patron and this is subject to the agreement of my Department. Any proposal to change the status of a school must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders, parents, teachers, students and local communities and follow decisions taken at local level.
Attached is list of 7 post primary schools which were approved a change in status from girls only to co-education since 2000.Info
275. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide, in tabular form, a list of second-level education institutions aided by her Department whose school gender has changed from boys to mixed since 2000, indicating the year the school began admitting girls, and the school's roll number and planning area in each case. [2437/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the decision-making authority in respect of the status of existing schools, including whether they are single or mixed gender, belongs to the Patron, subject to the agreement of my Department.
New schools are established by my Department to meet demographic need and, generally, such new school provision (primary and post-primary) is mixed gender in nature. Co-educational schools provide greater flexibility than single sex schools in terms of meeting demographic and school accommodation requirements in an area. Single-gender provision may, however, be made if there is an identified imbalance between the capacities of single-gender schools in the area.
In relation to existing schools the decision making authority for a change of status belongs to the Patron and this is subject to the agreement of my Department. Any proposal to change the status of a school must involve consultation with all of the relevant stakeholders, parents, teachers, students and local communities and follow decisions taken at local level.
Attached is list of 9 post primary schools which were approved a change in status from boys to co-education since the year 2000.Info
276. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide, in tabular form, a list of second-level education institutions aided by her Department whose ethos or religion has changed from catholic to interdenominational or multidenominational since 2000, indicating the year the school changed its ethos, and the school's roll number and planning area in each case. [2438/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the decision-making authority for any change of ethos is the patron/trustees of the schools concerned, it is open to any patron to submit proposals to the Department for consideration.
Any proposed change involves extensive negotiations at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system. The Department has received no proposal from a post primary school to change its ethos/religion from Catholic to inter-denominational or multi-denominational since 2000.
Since 2000, there has been 103 new Post Primary schools established throughout Ireland. 90 of these (90%) have been established as a Multi-Denominational schools.
At primary level, progress has been made towards increasing the numbers of multi-denominational schools in recent years. There are currently 168 primary schools with a multi-denominational or inter-denominational ethos. For historical reasons, most primary schools are State-aided parish schools, with the local Bishop as patron, although this pattern is changing. It is recognised, including by the Catholic patrons, that more diverse provision is required to cater for our changing society.
The Schools Reconfiguration for diversity process, supporting transfers of schools to multi-denominational patrons in response to the wishes of local communities, has been developed in order to accelerate the delivery of multi-denominational schools. During 2022/23 a structured engagement process took place with school communities in a number of towns and areas of cities that had no multi-denominational primary schools. This process aimed to identify potential schools and to engage with school authorities, school staff and the school communities with a view to agreeing on a transfer of patronage and change of ethos, where there was sufficient demand for this. Following consultation with relevant stakeholders, it is intended that the review of the 2022/23 engagement process will be finalised and published in Q1 2024. It is envisaged that it will include a framework for delivering on the Government commitment for increasing multi-denominational provision. A significant amount of work has been done by the Department on the scope, logistics and practical arrangements for a potential survey of primary schools in relation to reconfiguration and details will be announced in due course.
The Government’s goal remains to establish a strong process, that has the support of patrons and local communities, and which will enable us to continue to increase the number of multi-denominational primary schools across the country.
277. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Education if there are plans to add autism spectrum disorder or ASD units, and approve an additional ASD class for a school (details supplied) to meet the significantly increased demand in the catchment area. [2468/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my Department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
In 2023, my Department spent over €2.6 billion on special education and further progress will be made this year as an additional €113m will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my Department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My Department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for this current school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools and that a further four special schools for the 2024/25 school year will be established.
Along with the two new special schools, 389 new special classes – 253 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in this current 2023/2024 school year.
Of these 6 are in Westmeath, 4 at primary and 2 at post-primary level. This brings to 59 the number of special classes in County Westmeath, 39 at primary level and 20 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/pupil ratio of 1:6.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my Department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
My Department has communicated to all post-primary schools of the need to begin planning to provide additional special classes. It is envisaged that all post-primary schools will be required to provide special classes over the next 2 to 4 years, with an approximate average of 4 special classes in each school.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list.
My Department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
As your question relates to a specific school, my Department will ask the NCSE to consider the matter and provide a direct response.
278. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if she can address a query raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2511/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 24 of the Education Act 1998, the Minister for Education, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is authorised to determine the terms and conditions of employment for teachers employed in approved posts funded by monies provided by the Oireachtas.
The Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) forms part of the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers, the purpose of which is to provide a forum for claims and proposals relating to the salary, and other terms & conditions of service for teachers. The Council is comprised of representatives from the Teacher Unions, the School Management Bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education. The TCC is independently chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission. The terms and conditions of teachers employed in State funded teaching posts are formulated at TCC.
The current terms and conditions of the Voluntary Search and Rescue Leave Scheme for teachers are contained in my Department's Circular Letter 0025/2023.
In accordance with the terms of that circular, only members of the following voluntary search and rescue organisations are entitled to apply for Voluntary Search and Rescue Leave:
Irish Coast Guard;
Royal National Lifeboat Institution;
Community Inshore Rescue Service;
Irish Water Safety;
Mountain Rescue Ireland; and
Irish Cave Rescue Organisation.
279. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education what she is doing to assist with the shrinking play area at a school (details supplied) due to extensions and a growing school population in the area; if she will make a record of the current situation regarding inadequate parking space at school and the ongoing safety issues presenting due to same; and if she will review this case urgently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2512/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy, that my Department is not in receipt of a current application from the school in question, for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme.
The purpose of my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (or ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom accommodation and accommodation for pupils with special education needs is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
At primary level, this situation generally arises to cater for a school’s accommodation requirements where an additional teaching post has been sanctioned by Teacher Allocation Section, or the requirement for a new class for pupils with special education needs has been identified by the NCSE, and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes.
The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. As a result, the current priority under the Additional Accommodation scheme is the provision of essential classroom accommodation to meet demographic demand or where an additional post is being appointed.
Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €3.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 840 school building projects, and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has received correspondence from the school in question regarding retrospective funding for the play area at the school. Officials in my Department will consider the correspondence received and will liaise with the school authority directly.
It is also open to the school in question to apply for my Department's Emergency Works Scheme, which will consider applications for funding to address any immediate health and safety issues arising.
The Department has a general policy to conserve the external recreational and sports facilities on school grounds as best as possible. Where this is not achievable to facilitate the location of an extension or modular building, it is the intention these areas are replaced where suitable alternative locations are available on the school site.
Each school site presents its own unique technical challenges and it is expected that school design teams take the following factors into account when developing project designs:
Scope for a two-storey rather than single storey extension to minimise footprint on the existing school site;
Requirement for existing Ball Court etc. to be relocated elsewhere on site where feasible; and
Site topography and gradient.
The Department is conscious that a well-designed external environment enhances the educational experience for all pupils. This is reflected in the Department’s Design Guidelines for delivery of school building projects. However, it is important to note that these are guidelines and flexibility is required on how they are implemented at individual project level having regard to the size and constraints of individual school sites.
I want to reassure the Deputy of the Departments commitment to ensuring school building projects are delivered in a manner that conserves external play areas as best as possible.
280. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the conditions at a school (details supplied); what steps she is taking to address this; when the school can expect progress on a permanent address; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2532/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe large scale capital project at the school referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 - Tender Action and Award. A new grant of planning was obtained in October 2023. There is a preferred bidder identified and my Department will be in contact with the School and the Design Team in relation to the progression of the project.
281. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education for a detailed timeline for the development, construction and delivery of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2558/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers, is devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). The large scale project provides for an extension to the existing school, the demolition of a section of the building and the refurbishment of some of the existing buildings. My Department approved a submission from the school authority to increase the original brief in the context of a significant increase in projected new enrolments in the area. This allowed for a project to cater for a 1,000 pupil school plus 6 special education needs classes.
A planning application was submitted to Wicklow County Council who have requested further information, which the Design Team are currently in the process of procuring the additional surveys requested. KWETB will submit the Stage 2b report for review once the necessary statutory planning permissions have been obtained.
At this stage, it is not possible to provide an accurate timeline for completion of the project. KWETB will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
282. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education for details of, including an estimated timeline and how long the tendering process for a school (details supplied) will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2559/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project, to which the Deputy refers, is devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). The large scale project provides for an extension to the existing school, the demolition of a section of the building and the refurbishment of some of the existing buildings.
A planning application was submitted to Wicklow County Council who have requested further information. The design team are currently in the process of procuring the additional surveys requested by the local authority. KWETB will submit the Stage 2b report for review once the necessary statutory planning permissions have been obtained. Following a review and approval of the Stage 2b report, the ETB will be approved to commence tendering for a contractor in due course.
As the design team are currently ensuring compliance with the request from the local authority, it is not possible to provide an accurate timeline for the tendering process or completion of the project. KWETB will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
283. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education how long after the tender is awarded that construction will or can start for a project such as a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2560/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers, is devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). The large scale project provides for an extension to the existing school, the demolition of a section of the building and the refurbishment of some of the existing buildings.
KWETB will submit the Stage 2b report for review once the necessary statutory planning permissions have been obtained, after which the project will progress to tender stage in due course.
At this stage, it is not possible to provide an accurate timeline for completion of the project. KWETB will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
284. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education the estimated date that construction of a school (details supplied) will be completed; when the school will be available for the school community to start using it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2561/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project to which the Deputy refers, is devolved for delivery to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB). The large scale project provides for an extension to the existing school, the demolition of a section of the building and the refurbishment of some of the existing buildings.
My Department approved a submission from the school authority to increase the original brief in the context of a significant increase in projected new enrolments in the area. This allowed for a project to cater for a 1,000 pupil school plus 6 special education needs classes.
A planning application was submitted to Wicklow County Council who have requested further information, which the Design Team are currently in the process of procuring the additional surveys requested.
KWETB will submit the Stage 2b report for review once the necessary statutory planning permissions have been obtained.
At this stage, it is not possible to provide an accurate timeline for completion of the project. KWETB will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
285. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education when funding will be given to complete the building of a new national school in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2585/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, in order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, the 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. Current and planned residential development activity, as well as Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets, additionally inform the Department’s forecasts of school place needs.
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 school; and
Provision of a new school or schools.
Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €3.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 840 school building projects, and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have over 210 modular accommodation projects that are very well advanced for delivery or at construction stage. This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
The Department’s overall approach is to ensure that available capacity is maximised to the greatest extent possible as part of its consideration of applications for additional accommodation. Additionally, the Department is working to ensure that projects in the pipeline for planning and delivery are focused on maximising their alignment with overall capacity requirements.
The main focus of the Department’s capital funding over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs. The Department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places. This reflects our fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.
The overall position with regard to potential modernisation and replacement of existing infrastructure will be kept under review as capital funding allocations for future years are clarified. The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will be engaging with Departments on NDP allocations over the coming months.
The Department is considering the optimum way forward for Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Shannon following a technical report on the condition of the school buildings. Given complexities with the existing school properties there is a particular challenge in identifying a solution to the school’s current accommodation needs that will support the continued effective operation of the school while presenting a sustainable solution to meet the primary school place needs in Carrick on Shannon in the longer term.
Officials in my Department have met with the school patron and school authority to discuss how this might be addressed, following on from this, the relevant application forms to support the school's immediate accommodation needs have been sent to the school.
286. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when school transport route number F2050 will be re-instated to transport children to a school (details supplied) in County Galway; the need for this service, which has been withdrawn since 18 October 2023 to be re-instated immediately due to the challenges being faced by the students affected and their parents as a result of the withdrawal of the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2603/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and directly recruited drivers, and private contractors who recruit their own drivers to operate on the scheme. As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme. There are currently in the region of 7,000 vehicles operating on the scheme.
The competitive procurement process is conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under national and EU procurement legislation.
Bus Éireann has reported challenges in sourcing drivers and contractors in certain areas. This is against a backdrop of significant shortages of drivers in the labour market overall and competing demands for drivers to deliver additional public transport initiatives such as Connecting Ireland and Bus Connects/Local Link services.
Bus Éireann has advised that the service referred to by the Deputy is currently in the procurement process. Bus Éireann’s local office are in the process of sourcing a suitable contractor/driver. Once a suitable contractor/driver is sourced transport will commence, families will been informed in this regard.
Families that have queries can contact their local Bus Éireann office. Operating hours are usually 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Families can also submit queries via the ‘contact form’ which can be found on the Bus Éireann website (buseireann.ie/schooltransport).
287. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Education when school transport route number 5060 will be re-instated to transport children from Moycullen to a school (details supplied), given the need for this service to be re-instated immediately due to the challenges being faced by the students affected and their parents as a result of the withdrawal of the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2604/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year over 161,600 children, including over 135,000 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 19,800 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
The total cost of the scheme in 2023 was €382.02m.
There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and directly recruited drivers, and private contractors who recruit their own drivers to operate on the scheme. As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme. There are currently in the region of 7,000 vehicles operating on the scheme.
The competitive procurement process is conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under national and EU procurement legislation.
Bus Éireann has reported challenges in sourcing drivers and contractors in certain areas. This is against a backdrop of significant shortages of drivers in the labour market overall and competing demands for drivers to deliver additional public transport initiatives such as Connecting Ireland and Bus Connects/Local Link services.
Bus Éireann has advised that the service referred to by the Deputy is currently in the procurement process. Bus Éireann’s local office are in the process of sourcing a suitable contractor/driver. Once a suitable contractor/driver is sourced transport will commence, families will been informed in this regard.
The Department has established an “Exceptional No Service Interim Grant” to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements families may have to put in place until their service begins. The Department has contacted families directly in regard to this payment.
Families can submit queries they may have via the ‘contact form’ which can be found on the Bus Éireann website (buseireann.ie/schooltransport).
288. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education why the number of resource teachers assigned to a school (details supplied) has been reduced from seven to one; if she will reverse this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2624/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my Department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
In 2023, my Department spent over €2.6 billion on special education and further progress will be made this year as an additional €113m will be dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
I can confirm that the Special Education Teacher for mainstream classes in the above mentioned school is unchanged and remains at 125 hours (5 fulltime teaching posts).
289. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education if she will provide a schedule of official flights and costs of same taken by her in 2023; if a schedule will be provided of all hotels in which she stayed in 2023, including hotel names and cost per night while on official State business; and if the same information will be provided in respect of all accompanying staff and advisers. [2640/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHereunder in tabular format is details of official state business undertaken by me in 2023 together with that of my accompanying Advisors and Department officials.
Ministers Foley’s Foreign Trips - 2023
|
Trip and Flight Schedule |
Flight Costs |
Accommodation |
Accommodation Cost |
|
Dublin -Philadelphia and New York 10th – 15th March 2023Dublin to Philadelphia 10th MarchNew York JFK International Airport – Dublin 16th March (GMT) |
€1639.34 (€671.51 Philadelphia, €967.83) |
Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Philadelphia & Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel NYC |
Kimpton Hotel Palomar 10th -12th March €197.76 per nightFitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel 12th -14th March €172.80 per night & 14th - 15th March €226.01 |
|
Dublin – Strasbourg (Dublin to Paris Charles De Gaule Airport 28th September Euro Airport Basel – Dublin 29th September |
€736.40 |
Hotel Les Haras |
€301.55 |
|
Dublin – Messines11th November |
€168.11 |
No accommodation required as this was a day return trip. |
€0.00 |
|
Dublin –LondonDublin to London City Airport 16th – 18th November |
€388.79 |
The Bloomsbury Hotel 16-22 Great Russell Street Wc1B 3Nn London United Kingdom |
€538.14 |
Accompanying Department officials and Advisors
|
Name |
Trip and Flight Schedule |
Flight Costs |
Accommodation |
Accommodation Cost |
|
Official |
Dublin – Philadelphia and New York 10th – 15th MarchDublin to Philadelphia 10th MarchNew York JFK International Airport – Dublin 16th March (GMT) |
€1640.02(Dublin - Philadelphia: €635.49, New York – Dublin €1004.53) |
Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Philadelphia & Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel NYC |
Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Philadelphia 10th -12th March €197.76 per nightFitzpatrick Grand Central 12th -14th March €172.80 per night & 14th - 15th March €226.01 |
|
Advisor |
Dublin - Philadelphia and New York 10th – 15th MarchDublin to Philadelphia 10th MarchNew York JFK International Airport – Dublin 16th March (GMT) |
€1482.76 (Dublin - Philadelphia: €635.49, New York- Dublin: €847.27) |
Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Philadelphia & Fitzpatrick Grand Central NYC |
Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Philadelphia 10th -12th March €197.76 per nightFitzpatrick Grand Central 12th -14th March €172.80 per night & 14th - 15th March €226.01 |
|
Official |
Dublin – Strasbourg Dublin to Paris Charles De Gaule Airport 28th September Euro Airport Basel – Dublin 29th September |
€742.83 |
Hotel Les Haras |
€301.55 |
|
Official |
Dublin – StrasbourgDublin to Paris Charles De Gaule Airport Return (26th - 29th September |
€253.43 |
Maison Rouge |
€442.28 per night |
|
Official |
Dublin –StrasbourgDublin to Paris Charles De Gaule return (26th - 28th September ) |
€166.39 |
Mercure Strasbourg Centre Gare Hotel |
€201.87 per night |
|
Advisor |
Dublin – Strasbourg (Dublin to Paris Charles De Gaule Airport 28th September Euro Airport Basel – Dublin 29th September |
€725.01 |
Hotel Les Haras |
€282.25 |
|
Official |
Dublin - Messines 11th November |
€168.11 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Advisor |
Dublin - Messines 11th November |
€168.11 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Official |
Dublin - London City Airport 16th – 17th November |
€363.06 |
The Bloomsbury Hotel |
€538.14 |
|
Official |
Dublin – London City Airport 16th –17th November |
€363.06 |
The Bloomsbury Hotel |
€538.14 |
|
Official |
Dublin – London City Airport 16th – 17th November |
€388.79 |
The Bloomsbury Hotel |
€536.89 |
|
Official |
Dublin – London City Airport 16th – 17th November |
€363.06 |
The Bloomsbury Hotel |
€538.14 |
|
Advisor |
Dublin – London City Airport 16th NovemberLondon Heathrow Airport to Dublin 18th November |
€293.43 |
The Bloomsbury Hotel |
€538.14 |
