Written Answers Nos. 303-322
303. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will look favourably on the staffing appeal of a school (details supplied) for September 2024 due to the extenuating circumstances of the case. [10248/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September.
The staffing arrangements include a provision whereby schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts, using projected enrolment.
The staffing process also contains an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
Information and application forms are available in Circular 0011/2024 on the Department website.
304. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education the reason County Meath was omitted from the redeployment programme for secondary school teachers, as recently announced by her Department; and when teachers in this county will be able to apply for a transfer to other counties. [10251/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of surplus permanent teachers to other schools where vacancies exist. Ensuring efficiency in the annual redeployment processes is significant in terms of managing the overall teacher numbers.
At Post-Primary level, following discussions between the relevant stakeholders, a voluntary redeployment scheme has operated on a pilot basis in specific regions in recent years. Permanent teachers employed in these regions are given an opportunity to volunteer for a transfer to other areas of the country only if such a transfer would free up a vacancy that would facilitate the redeployment of a surplus permanent teacher in the region.
The key purpose of the pilot voluntary redeployment scheme is to assist the Department to achieve its objective of redeploying all surplus permanent teachers. To date the pilot voluntary redeployment scheme has operated in 24 counties.
The teacher redeployment arrangements are reviewed annually by my Department involving the education stakeholders, including teacher unions and management bodies.
The review in respect of the 2023/24 redeployment process took place last December. The pilot voluntary redeployment scheme will operate in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan for the 2024/25 school year. The criteria for the allocation of teachers to schools including the redeployment arrangements for the 2024/25 school year is available on the Department's website.
Teachers who apply under the pilot voluntary scheme and are not facilitated with a transfer continue to have the option of applying for posts in their preferred location that are advertised in the normal manner.
305. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if there are any grants that a school (details supplied) could avail of to obtain the necessary funding to purchase and install a water fountain; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10305/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2020, my Department has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings.
These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn. There are also approx. 90 projects currently at the tender stage including a further 28 new school buildings. All these new school buildings are flagship projects in their area and transform the education infrastructure for those school communities.
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 school referred to by the Deputy is a new modern school building that was provided for the local school community in recent times.
My Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. These grants may be regarded as a common grant, from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities within the guidelines of DPER Circular 52/2020, where the funding must be used for the purposes in which it was given for.
The Summer Works Scheme is a mechanism for dealing with small-scale improvement works in schools. The scheme operates on a multi-annual basis and school authorities will be advised in due course of the next opportunity for submitting applications for such works.
306. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she will look favourably on the appeal made by the parents of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10314/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.
It must be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment/software for students from normal school resources or funds.
The Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by my Department to supplement the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum. Assistive technology can be seen as a critical enabler for those with special educational needs to gain the maximum benefit from a modern technologically focused education system. Where children with more complex disabilities require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the schools' existing provisions, schools may make an application for such equipment to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) under the terms of this scheme.
The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology/specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support.
Schools make applications directly to the SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
In order to qualify for equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme, a student must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the student to access the curriculum.
SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, in order to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
The type of equipment provided under the Assistive Technology Scheme is varied, and includes audiological supports for students with hearing impairment, braille equipment for children with visual impairment, and computer equipment with associated modified software for students with physical or severe communicative disabilities.
Communication devices or medical or therapy related devices which are not specific educational interventions or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access, and which have a general application outside of school, are not provided for under the Assistive Technology scheme, however. Such equipment is normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Based on the professional information provided to the SENO and in line with criteria set out in Circular 10/2013, the SENO was not in a position to recommend an assistive technology grant for the school concerned on behalf of the student. This decision issued to the school on the 9th of January 2024.
An appeal was made by the school and was received by the Department on the 27th of February 2024 and I can confirm to the Deputy that the equipment requested has now been sanctioned.
307. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education for an update on the phase 2 build at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10333/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Major Building Project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning -Stage 2(b) – Detailed Design, where the design team secure all statutory approvals and prepare the suite of tender documents.
A revised planning permission is required as the original grant of planning permission for phase 2 of the major project has expired. In line with Climate 2030 and 2040 targets, my Department have requested the design team to include additional decarbonisation features in their design. The Design Team are preparing that revision to include in their application for planning permission to the Local Authority.
Once the statutory approvals have been secured, the design team can complete their Stage 2(b) documentation for review by my Department. Upon receipt, review and approval of the Stage 2(b) submission, my Department will update the School Authorities and the design team with regards to the further progression of the project.
308. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais cé mhéid airgid a chaitheann an Rialtas in aghaidh na bliana ar an gComhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta. [10381/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar is eol don Teachta, bunaíodh an Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta faoi fhorálacha Alt 31 den Acht Oideachais 1998 le freastal a dhéanamh ar riachtanais oideachais na scoileanna Gaeltachta agus na scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge. Tá feidhmeanna maidir le múineadh na Gaeilge i scoileanna eile na tíre ag an gComhairle chomh maith. Baineann ról na Comhairle leis an mbunoideachas agus leis an iar-bhunoideachas agus tá trí mhór-réimse oibre ann: § Soláthar acmhainní teagaisc § Seirbhísí taca § Taighde In aitheantas ar an ról tábhachtach seo, d’ardaigh an Roinn a leithdháileadh maoinithe don Chomhairle ó €2,840,000 in 2022 go €3,040,000 in 2023 agus tá méid comhchosúil leithdháilte aici do 2024. Áirítear leis an bhfigiúr seo leithdháileadh de €297,000 do chlár oibre COGG maidir leis an bPolasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta. In 2023 fuair COGG maoiniú de €35,000 ó Fhoras na Gaeilge maidir lena gcuid oibre ar chlubanna leabhair.
309. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the ground rents payable by her Department or agencies under its remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in the years 2016 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10411/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of ground rents paid by my Department from 2016 to end 2023 is contained in the attached document. Information with regard to ground rents payable in 2024 is currently not available.
With regard to payment by agencies under my remit, the matters raised by the Deputy are dealt with at local level by the agencies rather than centrally within my Department. The detailed information requested by the Deputy is not therefore available within my Department.
310. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on a school project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10519/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
As the Deputy may be aware, for school planning purposes, the Department of Education divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System (or GIS) 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 the Department’s projections of school place requirements.
Having considered the projected requirements in each school planning area, the Department then makes an assessment of the existing capacity within that particular area and its ability to meet any increased demand. Additional provision is made as necessary, where the existing capacity is insufficient for future needs.
With regard to the timing of the establishment of the school referred to by the Deputy, further analysis has since been conducted on the necessity for the establishment of planned new schools taking into account a number of factors including the pace of delivery of the expected additional residential development in the school planning areas, associated enrolments and the capacity in existing schools in the areas.
My Department is satisfied that the existing demand can be accommodated at present by the existing and growing schools in the school planning areas. As a result, the establishment of the planned new school has been deferred.
The pace of delivery of additional residential development in the school planning areas, along with updated enrolment data and demographic data will be kept under review and this will inform the timing of school requirements. My Department will continue to liaise with the Local Authorities in respect to the projected completion of planned residential developments.
In this context, the timing of the establishment of this school is being kept under review in the context of demographic analysis and the pace of residential development in the area.
311. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education the action her Department is taking to ensure that a project in a school (details supplied) is delivered at the earliest opportunity, given the many delays already faced and the pressing need for increased capacity to cater for secondary school students in the Newcastle and Rathcoole areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10522/24]
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. The project brief includes the Demolition of the existing school and the phased construction of a 1,000 pupil School with classrooms for Children with special Special Education needs and a PE Hall.
The project is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action Award, the tender process was undertaken and a contractor identified. The next steps for the project will be the completion of the tender process and progression to Stage 4 – Construction.
My Department want to reassure the school community that the school building project remains a priority for delivery, in line with the accommodation issues present at the school.
My Department will update the school authorities when there is a further update on the progression of the major project.
312. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education if she has any plans to raise the retirement age for Bus Éireann school bus drivers to bring it into line with Local Link and other providers' policies, and to allow those who want to keep working to do so. [10523/24]
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.
While over 90% of services are contracted locally, Bus Éireann apply stringent assessments of each individual driver on over 7,000 school routes. This includes vetting and background checks.
It is Bus Éireann company policy that normal retirement age for all Bus Éireann staff is currently 66 years. However, Bus Éireann part-time school bus drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate service as part of the School Transport Scheme may continue to perform in the role provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70. This policy and criteria is applied to all drivers who provide school transport services on behalf of Bus Éireann equally.
The age limit on school bus drivers was increased to 70 years a number of years ago. While Bus Éireann have informed the Department there is no plan to increase the age limit further at this time, the matter will continue to be kept under review.
313. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the shortage of school bus drivers, and the impact this is having on students and their families each year. [10524/24]
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 €382.02 million.
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 is continuing to prioritise sourcing vehicles and drivers, for the current school year this was through a mix of targeted campaigns seeking taxi/bus operators through NTA bulletins and mailing lists of registered licenced operators, continued engagement with existing contractors, and a national and local media advertising campaign seeking additional drivers and contractor operators for the Scheme has also taken place and is supported by additional targeted social media campaigns. Further information can be found at buseireann.ie/schooltransport.
As well as beginning the planning process earlier for the 2024/2025 school year, the Department engage with Bus Éireann on a daily basis in relation to operational matters. Monthly operational and quarterly strategic meetings are also held. The Department continue to engage closely with Bus Éireann in relation to the current and future availability of drivers and contractors as reported as a wider issue nationally.
As the Deputy is aware, a review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately.
The School Transport Scheme 2030 report has now been published, which marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. Throughout the review, the value of the School Transport Scheme to both families and in supporting wider Government policies has been very apparent. In summary, school transport not only plays an important part in supporting children's access to education, but it also aligns to wider Government objectives.
Overall the recommended changes to the future operation of the Scheme concern:
• expansion of the current eligibility criteria,
• addressing current operational challenges
• charges and grants and
• over time, moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure optimum value for money to the Exchequer
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations will commence in September 2024. This will include a shared effort between my Department and the Department of Transport to pilot and introduce greater integration of the roll out of transport networks with school transport routes, with a view to expanding provision of transport and reducing the reliance over time on individual car trips for school journeys. It is intended subject to resources to commence implementing the revised eligibility criteria in the 2025/2026 school year.
Families who wish to avail of school transport scheme services for the 2024/2025 school are advised to apply online on the Bus Éireann application portal which is opening shortly. Eligibility will be determined by Bus Éireann once applications are submitted.
314. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education the plans to address the shortage of secondary school places in the Greystones Municipal District; if she is aware of the population growth in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10535/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the Department from post-primary schools across areas of enrolment pressure, including in Greystones, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. However, there is an identified requirement for additional first year places in the Greystones area and the Department has been liaising with schools and patrons in this respect.
My Department is aware that a number of students did not initially receive an offer of a first year place in post primary school in Greystones for the 2024/25 school year and identified a requirement for further increased provision at schools to meet this need.
Following consultation, Greystones Community have recently agreed to increase their first year intake by 2 classes. This will increase available capacity by over 50 first year places. There will be further clarity very shortly regarding further additional provision in the 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.
Schools are required, under the Education Act, to offer places in line with their Admissions Policy, and work through their waiting lists accordingly. Where a student accepts one of the newly-created places, but already has a place in a different school, that original place will become available. My Department will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that there are sufficient places available to meet the overall requirements.
As per population growth, In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a Geographical Information System, using data from a range of sources, including CSO Census data, 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.
Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, my Department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from Local Authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
The 2023 demographic exercise indicates that 79% of the 314 school planning areas at primary level show static or decreasing enrolments for the period to 2027 compared with 2022. At post-primary level some 78% of school planning areas are anticipated to have increased enrolments for the period to 2030, with most expected to reach a peak within the next two or three years.
In line with the Department's demographic projections of post primary school place requirements, there has been a continued growth in enrolments throughout many School Planning Areas in County Wicklow. The most recent demographics project a peak year in 2024 and decline thereafter for post primary level in Greystones school planning area. In response, the Department is providing further significant additional post primary capacity, including a new 1,000 pupil school building for Greystones Community College. Greystones Community College was established in 2020 as a regional solution for the Kilcoole and Greystones area. The project to deliver this new school building is at Stage 3, tender stage. The permanent building project will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school with accommodation, including 4 classrooms, for children with special educational needs. The project is being delivered under my Department’s Design & Build programme and is currently at tender stage. The Invitation to Tender issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects issued to my Department's Framework of Design & Build Contractors. The tender process currently takes approximately 8-12 months. Tender returns have been received and are currently being evaluated. Once a Contractor has been appointed, it is anticipated that construction will commence shortly thereafter.
My Department is currently progressing a major building project for Temple Carrig School in Greystones under the National Development Plan. Temple Carrig Secondary School Greystones is also a co-educational school and it was established in 2014. There is a project underway to provide accommodation at this school for 1,000 pupils, which is currently at Stage 1, preliminary design stage. A project for 4 Modular mainstream classrooms has also been approved. These classrooms are now on site and the project is completed.
In addition to the above projects, there is also the existing school in the adjacent Kilcoole School Planning Area, Coláiste Craobh Abhann, for which there is a major project approved to expand the school to 1,000 pupils. This project is currently at Stage 2b and is being delivered by the National Development Finance Agency.
The Department will continue to liaise with Local Authorities in respect of their County Development Plan and any associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas.
I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Greystones for the 2024/25 school year and into the future. Families can be assured that any necessary solution will be delivered so that all of the children in the Greystones School Planning Area will receive a first year place.
315. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education if she is aware of the serious shortage of teachers at a school (details provided), and that this is exacerbated by the rapidly growing population in the catchment area; whether the school is being prioritised for additional teacher provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10555/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
While schools in certain locations are experiencing challenges in both recruiting teachers and obtaining substitute teachers, the vast majority of sanctioned teacher positions are filled. The rate of resignation and retirement is very low by any standard and is consistent with previous years.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for individual school authorities, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24 of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012). In that regard, there are more than 3,700 individual employers (boards of management of primary schools and post-primary schools, as well as ETBs).
Budget 2024 contained a range of measures that demonstrate my commitment to continued investment in our education system.
• A professional masters’ of education incentive scheme will be introduced for newly qualified teachers graduating in 2024. Those newly qualified teachers who graduate with a PME will, subject to some conditions, be eligible for an incentive payment of up to €2,000 in 2025.
• An additional 1,000 posts of responsibility will be provided in the school system for the 2024/25 school year. This is in recognition that school leaders play a key role in improving educational outcomes by creating a positive school climate and environment as well as motivating and empowering educators and learners within their school communities.
These new measures are in addition to a range of targeted measures that I have introduced in recent times, including:
• At primary level, I approved 610 additional places on initial teacher education programmes for this and the next academic year (2023/24 and 2024/25).
• Ensuring initial teacher education providers created existing flexibilities that enable student teachers to support schools, either while on placement, or in a substitute capacity. In 2022/23, more than 2,700 3rd and 4th-year undergraduate student teachers registered under Route 5 with the Teaching Council and provided valuable support to schools as substitute teachers. In February this year there were 3,500 registered under Route 5 on the Teaching Council register.
• Continuing the operation of primary substitute teacher supply panels in 2023/24, with 590 teaching posts allocated to 166 panels covering nearly 2,900 schools. This scheme provides substitute cover for teachers employed in primary schools who are absent on short-term leave.
• Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) employed in primary schools from 14 November 2023 may apply to the Teaching Council to complete the Droichead process while employed on a Supply Panel or Principal Release Time Post. The measure has been extended to the end of the 2024/2025 school year. This measure increases the attractiveness of these posts to NQTs, and supports primary schools to provide substitute cover.
• Encouraging retired teachers to provide substitute cover. A communications campaign ran in early 2023 resulting in an increase in the number of teaching days provided by retired teachers of 49%, an increase of over 17,000 days between the 2021/22 school year, and the 2022/23 school year. A new communications campaign has begun recently to encourage retired teachers to return to teaching.
• The 50 day pension abatement waiver, for retirees returning to work, has been extended for a further two years to the end of 2025.
• Restrictions on job-sharing teachers and those on a career break from working as substitutes have been reduced.
• The Teaching Transforms campaign continues to promote the teaching profession and encourage students to follow a career in teaching. The campaign uses digital, radio and video media, and is supported by a dedicated webpage, www.gov.ie/teachingtransforms
The teacher allocation ratio in primary schools is now at the lowest ever seen at primary level. The average student-per-teacher ratio in primary schools reduced by 10% between 2017 and 2023.
Teaching remains an attractive career choice;
• Starting pay for Primary teachers is over €41,000 since October under the extension to Building Momentum. Further increases will arise under the new public sector pay agreement once it is ratified by union members.
• Over 3,700 newly qualified teachers have registered with the Teaching Council in 2023, with over 120,000 now on the Teaching Council register.
My Department continues to engage closely with education stakeholders to develop further, innovative measures to address teacher supply issues.
316. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education what is being done to ensure that a child (details supplied) receives a place in a primary school ASD unit for 2024/2025. [10598/24]
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 and 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 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, two new special schools have been 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 Meath, Kildare, Wexford 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 76 are in Cork, 52 at primary level and 24 at post-primary level. This brings to 496 the number of special classes in Co. Cork, 351 at primary level and 145 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6.
The NCSE has advised my department that they have no record of the student referred to by the Deputy. The student's details have been passed to the NCSE who will contact the parents directly.
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. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available 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.
317. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the emergency works grant application for a school (details supplied); if this application will be expedited to reflect genuine safety concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10605/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for works to the school’s life safety systems. This application was assessed and approved by my Department and the school has been informed of this approval.
318. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education the timeline for the removal of the nearest school rule in relation to the school transport scheme; if she will consider early removal of the rule, or a pilot removal, for a school (details supplied) that has a substantial student base residing in Westport, County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10609/24]
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 traveling 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 €382.02 million.
As the Deputy is aware, a review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately.
The School Transport Scheme 2030 report has now been published, and includes the main actions that have been planned for the 2024/25 school year. Some of the actions outlined in the report are:
Continue criteria for Temporary Alleviation Measures at post-primary level and primary level and regularise for the 2025/2026 school year.
Implement aspects of the review in pilots.
Commence planning for the 2025/2026 school year to provide for additionally on the scheme under revised scheme eligibility criteria of reduced distance criteria and removal of nearest school criteria.
It is proposed that the implementation plan will be reviewed at the end of 2024 with a view to making recommendations for the next implementation plan, with a view to full implementation by the year 2030.
A phased implementation of the Review’s recommendations for increased eligibility, pursued in conjunction with a concerted collaborative effort between the Department of Education and the Department of Transport to pilot and introduce greater integration of the rollout of rural transport networks with routes to school, is likely to provide the best opportunity to achieve that overall trajectory while reducing the reliance over time on dedicated transport provision for school journeys.
The pilot projects will provide a valuable insight on the impact on the scheme of increased demand, the possibilities to integrate public transport services with school transport services and the possibilities to facilitate more sustainable modes of transport.
Details for the proposed pilot projects are being finalised and there will be further information available shortly.
Families residing in the pilot scheme areas will be communicated with separately in regard to the pilot schemes, how they should apply and to inform them what the changes will mean for them for the 2024/2025 school year.
319. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Education her views on the situation at a school (details supplied); and when this unacceptable situation will be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10633/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school in question.
The purpose of my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) 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. Where there is a need for accelerated delivery of such accommodation my Department utilises Modern Methods of Construction, including my Department's Modular Accommodation Framework, to meet the accommodation need. My Department has additionally put Project Management provision in place to support schools in the expedited delivery of this accommodation.
I am pleased to confirm that the school has accepted a significant proposed brief of accommodation under the ASA scheme and a Project Manager has been appointed to progress this project at the school. My Department is currently engaging with the school in relation to contingency options which are required for the project to be delivered. My officials remain available to the school authorities in relation to this matter.
320. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the status of the additional accommodation application by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10642/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department has recently received an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, from the school authority in question.
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 application is currently being assessed by my officials. Once the application has been assessed, the school authority will be contacted directly with a decision.
321. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if a new ASD class will be provided at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10643/24]
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 and 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 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, two new special schools have been 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 Meath, Kildare, Wexford 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 3 are in Monaghan, 2 at primary and 1 at post-primary level. This brings to 42 the number of special classes in County Monaghan, 28 at primary level and 14 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 County Monaghan and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. Schools and parents will be notified as soon as possible where new special classes are to be established.
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.
322. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education to outline the progress in respect of a school building project at (details supplied); the current status of the project; when the project is expected to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10672/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major project 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.
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.
