Written Answers Nos. 237-252
237. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the Garda is still actively using a premises (details supplied); and if so, how long it will remain there. [7930/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if returning a premises (details supplied) to use as an Intreo centre is being considered. [7931/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra239. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what long-term uses are being considered for a premises (details supplied). [7932/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 237 to 239, inclusive, together.
The premises referred to is State owned and is part of the Office of Public Works’ property portfolio. It was previously used by the Department of Social Protection for the provision of Intreo services. The Department has informed the Office of Public Works (OPW) that it is now providing Intreo Centre services for the Dublin 1, 3 and 7 areas in the Parnell Street Intreo Centre, Dublin 1. While the Department reviews its business requirements on an on-going basis, there are no plans at present to return to the Navan Road location.
The building was subsequently allocated to An Garda Síochána (AGS) on a temporary basis and they are still actively using it. The length of time they will remain there has not yet been decided
The future use of the property is under consideration in light of office accommodation requirements across OPW’s client base, including An Garda Síochána, and the wider policy objectives of Government.
240. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason the publication of an OPW funded study into coastal erosion in Strandhill, County Sligo has not been released publicly to date; the reason it has taken almost two years to complete and release this report findings; when the draft report is set to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8011/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoastal protection and localised flooding issues are matters, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. To assist Local Authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website. This data enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
Funding was sought and allocated to Sligo County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for a Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management Study for Strandhill Bay in April 2021, with additional funding allocated in 2022 following a further request. In November 2022, Sligo County Council drew down funding of some €71,000 following submission of the draft report. An updated draft final report was submitted to the OPW in May 2023.
The study was commissioned by Sligo County Council and the timing and publication of the report is a matter for the Council.
241. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what supports are in place for financial assistance by way of grants for a sole trader (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7410/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would recommend that anyone looking to start their own business first speak with their Local Enterprise Office (LEO). The LEOs are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. In the first instance the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and provide information and referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols.
I would particularly recommend that anyone exploring self-employment enquire about the Start Your Own Business (SYOB) Programme, which assists participants in assessing their business idea, its viability and then making an informed decision on whether to proceed or take a step back. The programme is designed to guide participants through the various aspects of business and business planning with no prior business knowledge necessary.
Government recognises the importance of trades and tradespeople to the economic landscape and wish to encourage individuals to secure their own futures by pursuing self-employment. However, there are significant challenges to providing direct grant support to domestically trading firms which include avoiding excessive displacement, funding activity that would have taken place anyway, and ensuring we don’t raise barriers to entry for entrepreneurs and new firms by supporting incumbents, thereby reducing competition and innovation for consumers.
The LEOs can provide a referral to Micro Finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not for profit lender that offers small business loans of between €2,000 and €25,000 (unsecured). Loans for commercially viable proposals can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their Local Enterprise Office, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged.
In addition, there are a number of Tax Credits which can be applied for as a sole-trader, such as the Start Up Refunds for Entrepreneurs (SURE) scheme, which is a tax refund scheme that allows eligible people to get a refund of up to 41% of the capital they invest in starting a business. Under the SURE scheme, you may be entitled to a refund of PAYE income tax that you paid over the 6 years before the year in which you invest.
For further information on the assistance available to Sole Traders and the steps involved in setting up as such, I would strongly recommend speaking to a business advisor in a Local Enterprise Office as they have the experience and knowledge to help individuals with these decisions.
242. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are any regulations surrounding fire retardancy on furniture goods sold in Ireland and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7483/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Industrial Research and Standards (Fire Safety) (Domestic Furniture) Order, 1995, S.I. No. 316/1995 (the "Order") and the Standard Specification (Fire safety requirements for components of furniture) Declaration, 2011, I.S. 419:2011 (the "Standard Specification") (together, the 'Irish Furniture Fire Regulations' - IFFR) sets the levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture, furnishings, and other products that contain upholstery in the interests of fire safety.
Currently any furniture placed on the Irish market must comply specifically with the Irish Furniture Fire Regulations (IFFR), and with the Irish standard I.S. 419:2011.
243. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are any guidelines for businesses to follow in relation to employees who are in the process of IVF; are employees provided with any protections in terms of guaranteed time off for medical appointments, job security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7498/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government fully understands the importance of progressing policy proposals on reproductive health leave. However, this is a complex policy area and one which requires detailed assessment and sufficient consideration in advance of introducing legislation.
A qualitative research study commissioned by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth is currently being considered as part of the development of Government policy and legislative proposals on reproductive health leave.
In relation to job security, the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 to 2015 protects employees from being unfairly dismissed from their jobs. It places the onus on the employer to show there were substantial grounds to justify a dismissal and stipulates that fair procedures must be followed when dismissing an employee. A complaint can be brought to the Workplace Relations Commission for adjudication in the event of a suspected breach of the Act.
244. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to review the case of a person (details supplied); to provide advice on how they can get staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8093/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that the renewal employment permit applications concerned in the details supplied were refused as the positions on offer were for roles which are on the Ineligible List of Occupations - occupations for which employment for which a General Employment Permit cannot be granted.
It also appears from the information received that the employees concerned have not been employed in the positions for which their original Employment Permits were granted. This is not permissible under the Employment Permits legislation. A condition of the Employment Permit is that If the role of an employee changes the employer must notify the Employment Permits section of the Department of this change immediately. The Employment Permits Section of the Department were not informed of any change in roles in respect of these employees.
As the employees concerned were employed as plasterers they cannot be moved to a different role. It is also not possible to change the description of the roles on offer to general tradesmen as suggested in the additional information received in respect of the applications concerned.
Further information is available on the Department's website at Employment Permits - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie) enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/.
245. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education when she expects to publish the policy on Irish medium education outside the Gaeltacht; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7406/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork is progressing in my Department on the development of the new policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht.
The steering committee which includes representatives drawn from relevant Government Departments and Agencies, is continuing to oversee the development of the policy.
A public consultation process has been conducted to gather the views of stakeholders, including young people, parents, education professionals, education stakeholders and Irish-language organisations. There were three phases in this consultation – an online questionnaire and a call for written submissions, a series of focus groups with primary school pupils and post-primary school students, and stakeholders, and bilateral meetings between officials from my Department and stakeholders.
The Sealbhú research centre in DCU has undertaken an analysis of the information gathered during the consultation. The reports are currently being reviewed by the Steering Committee and will be published online in due course.
A number of actions are being taken to ensure that the new policy will be informed by current research:
• A review of national and international literature has been commissioned through a public procurement process and has been carried out by Sealbhú, DCU. This research focuses on teaching through the medium of minority languages in various jurisdictions with contexts similar to the Irish context
• A report giving an overview of provision for Irish-medium education outside of Gaeltacht areas was compiled and published by my Department.
• Research has been carried out on Irish-medium Aonaid and Sruthanna (Units and Streams) in English-medium schools.
• Two composite reports on inspection findings on the quality of educational provision in Irish-medium primary and post-primary schools were published in spring 2021. A report on inspection findings from visits to Irish-medium early learning and care settings is also being prepared.
I look forward to progressing this important work of strengthening Irish-medium education provision and building on the positive outcomes already being achieved in the implementation of the Policy on Gaeltacht Education. My Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders in the development of this policy.
246. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the lack of special education needs classes and supports in a school (details supplied); if the school can be assessed for the viability of establishing these services within its existing school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7408/24]
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 €113 million 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 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, two new special schools are being established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In December 2023, I was also very happy to announce with my colleague Minister Foley, the establishment of a further four new special schools for the 2024/25 school year in Enfield, South Kildare, Gorey and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 390 new special classes – 254 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening this current school year.
Of these 14 are in Wicklow, 9 at primary and 5 at post-primary level. This brings to 104 the number of special classes in County Wicklow, 73 at primary level and 31 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/pupil ratio of 1:6.
In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that this school recently expressed an interest in opening a special class. Planning for special classes and places in Co. Wicklow and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The NCSE are currently assessing the needs in the local area and available accommodation options and the school will be notified as soon as possible if a special class can be established.
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.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes.
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.
247. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education regarding the recommendations of the Oireachtas Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community, specifically those pertaining to the exemption from Irish for dyslexic children and young people, if she is aware of the disappointment of The Dyslexia Association of Ireland that their points and views/recommendations which they presented to the Committee on 12 October 2022 have not been sufficiently taken into account in the Committee’s report or its recommendations; if she will confirm why the recommendations of The Dyslexia Association of Ireland were not adequately considered; if the views of The Dyslexia Association of Ireland will be fully taken into account before making any final decision regarding the new policy for the allocation of exemptions from Irish for dyslexic children and young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7416/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that I am considering the report of the Oireachtas Committee on the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and the Irish-speaking Community which was published on 7th February.
In my own evidence to the Committee, I very much addressed the daily challenges faced by children with special educational needs and the importance of recognising these genuine challenges, and, where it is possible to do so, to seek to alleviate them while still recognising the importance of the Irish language.
My Department consulted widely with stakeholders, including the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, in drafting the circulars on exemptions from the study of Irish and are very conscious of their concerns. I can assure the Deputy, that I will give detailed consideration to the Oireachtas Committee’s report and in doing so, will take account of the views of all stakeholder groups.
248. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education when the remaining ten retired school secretaries will receive their pay arrears which are outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7420/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraStaff working in the NTS Payroll section of my Department recently contacted all school secretaries who opted into the new arrangements but who did not come on to my Department’s payroll because of retirement prior to the "go-live" date of 01/09/2023. Contact was also made with the schools in which these secretaries were last employed.
The reason for these contacts was to gather information regarding the date when the secretary ceased employment so that any arrears due could be accurately calculated.
128 school secretaries were contacted and to date 122 have reverted with the required information. Work is being finalised in relation to individual arrears calculations. It is expected that the arrears will issue towards the end of February/early in March 2024.
Arrears to these secretaries will be facilitated by payments that will be made directly to the schools in which they last worked. The schools will then disburse the arrears directly to the secretaries involved.
The arrears due to school secretaries is the difference between the new Grade III salary and the grant funded salary for the 21/22 and 22/23 school years. Calculation of the arrears include pay increases that are in line with those given under Building Momentum and, also, increments payable since September 2021 for the calculated Grade III salary.
249. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education when a school (details supplied) will be approved for an additional mainstream classroom which is required for the next school year commencing September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7422/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application, under the Additional School Accommodation scheme, from the above named school. The purpose of the Additional School Accommodation scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by other schools in the area.
The consideration of the accommodation requirements for the school in question forms part of the Planning and Building Unit’s overall assessment of its work programme and priorities in the context of available capital funding.
The provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my Department. My officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider area for 2024/25 and future years.
In the context of making the most effective use of our capital allocation, and mindful of climate action goals, we are working to make sure that all school accommodation capacity is being maximised. We are looking at how each individual school's accommodation can be best utilised and at capacity across schools in each school planning area.
This application is currently under consideration. When a final decision has been reached it will be communicated by my Department to the school authorities.
250. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 23 January 2024, whether she believes it is desirable or appropriate for principals or deputy principals to work from home, given their responsibility for enforcing school policies on a day-to-day basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7431/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 267 of 23 January 2024, my Department has no policy in place which facilitates School Principals or Deputy-Principals to work from home. The right to request remote working will be available to all employees under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 and a Code Of Practice in relation to this issue is currently being developed by the Workplace Relations Commission.
It is understood that the legislation giving effect to this element of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 will come into force as soon as possible following the publication of the code being developed by the WRC. My Department will review the Code of Practice once it has been published and it's application to the education sector.
251. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education whether there is a single project manager appointed in her Department for each school building or renovation; who oversees all aspects of same and accounts to the Minister at regular intervals by order; if not, if she will create such appointments or roles; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7441/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTypically, each school building project requires the appointment of a design team which consists of multidisciplinary team members including Quantity Surveyors, Engineers and Architects and other members as required. Design teams are led by a Design Team Leader, whose responsibility typically lies with the Architect appointed on the project. The role of the Design Team Leader is similar to a project manager, they are responsible to coordinate the design team with the progression of the school project from inception to completion. Also throughout the project the design team leader is required to engage directly with the client and end users on a continuous basis from start to finish including acting as an employer’s and client`s representative during the construction phase. Typically the Architect is also the key member liaising with my Department’s Planning and Building Unit.
Some of the larger and more complex school building projects and programmes have project management supports approved by the Department to assist design teams with progression and delivery of projects. The Department’s Design and Build Programme which typically involves large new school buildings being procured and delivered as part of a bundle of projects are an example of a programme that has project management supports. Delivery partners used by the Department’s Planning and Building Unit such as NDFA, ETBs etc. also use project management supports to assist with project delivery.
Irrespective of the delivery mechanisms used, there is a requirement for regular updates to the Department’s Planning and Building Unit on the progression of school building projects through the various stages of architectural planning. The summary status of all projects is set out on the www.gov.ie website and updated on a regular basis.
252. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education whether the tender review process for a school (details supplied) was concluded on 18 January 2024 with a construction firm appointed to finish the job; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7442/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe large scale capital project for the completion of a school referred to by the deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award. A tender report is under review by Department Officials. When this review is complete my Department will be in contact with the School Authority and the Design Team to progress the project and to authorise the issue of the Letter of Intent to the lowest tenderer.
I want to reassure the Deputy and the Mercy Convent Primary School community that the school building project will be progressed and delivered.
My Department will update the school authorities when there is a further update on the progression of the major project.
Until the contractor is appointed it is not possible to provide an estimated completion date. However once the contractor has been appointed, it is expected that it will take approximately 15 months to complete the project.
