Written Answers Nos. 381-400
381. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on Co-Operative Societies Bill 2022; when he expects the Bill to progress to the next stage; if he expects it will pass through the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14391/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing to work closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in relation to the drafting of the Co-operative Bill 2022. The Bill provides for a specific legislative framework for co-operative societies for the first time, with societies registering under the legislation being required to adhere to the co-operative ethos. It consolidates and modernises existing provisions and introduces modern corporate governance, financial reporting and compliance requirements, thereby providing confidence to stakeholders and making co-operatives more attractive to investors.
Due to the length of the Bill and its complex nature, it is not envisaged that drafting will be finalised and the Bill brought to Government for publication until end of Quarter 2 of this year. There has been strong support for modernising the legislation governing the co-operative model and my Department has continued to engage with relevant stakeholders to develop the Bill. Once the Bill is published I look forward to the support of Members of both Houses with a view to facilitating early enactment.
382. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on forecasted data taken from the Central Statistics Office earnings, hours and employment costs survey and using 2024 forecasts of wage growth of 5% as projected by the Central Bank and inflation of 2.9% as projected by the ESRI, all of which indicate two consecutive years of real wage decline, 2023 and 2024, projecting that workers will be worse off by the end of 2024 than they were in 2020. [14403/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government does not set the general wage level for private sector workers, this is a matter for individual employers and employees.
Periods of excess inflation, such as over the last 2 years, can indeed lead to a decline in real wage levels. However, these periods of price inflation are generally followed by a pick-up in nominal wage inflation, which over time will feed through to a return to real wage growth – particularly as levels of general price inflation normalise.
The Central Bank of Ireland’s most recent Quarterly Bulletin shows that while real wages declined by 0.7% in 2023 (comparing HICP inflation of 5.2% to growth in nominal compensation per employee of 4.5%), it is forecast that average wage growth per employee will outstrip inflation over the forecast horizon. The Central Bank predict inflation of 2 per cent in 2024, compared with growth in nominal compensation per employee of 5.3 per cent. This would indicate a return to real wage growth in 2024. The forecast projects this real wage growth to continue across the forecast period out to 2026.
In contrast, the ESRI have a more constrained view on nominal wage growth for 2024, due to a slowdown in nominal wage growth at the end of 2023. In this case a return to real wage growth may not materialise until later in 2024 when inflation has eased. The two distinct forecasts highlight the difficulties in forecasting during periods of heightened inflation.
Throughout the period of inflation, the Government have provided considerable support to workers and their families in dealing with the increased cost of living. Over the two-year period prior to Budget 2024 a total of €12 billion was provided in cost of living and doing business supports. Budget 2024 contained €1.2 billion package of cost of living supports announced in Budget 2024, the Government also approved a new tranche of Electricity Credits, with over 2.2 million households benefitting from three payments of €150 (including VAT) per household between December 2023 and April 2024.
Over the last several years, this Government has also advanced a range of measures to improve working conditions in Ireland, including the transition to a Living Wage, Pension Auto-Enrolment, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, an Additional Public Holiday, the Living Wage, and Remote Working. These measures bring significant economic and societal benefits, by means of increasing disposable incomes and addressing in-work poverty.
The Government remains committed to the welfare of workers throughout, and beyond, the period of increased cost of living.
383. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment what supports are available where an entrepreneur is seeking to set up a groundworks and civil engineer company in Ireland and Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14531/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Enterprise Offices provide a range of complementary supports to support people who want to start up or grow a business. The 31 LEOs across the country act as the "first stop shop" for businesses and entrepreneurs in Ireland and operate in each Local Authority area.
Businesses operating in the domestic market (regardless of numbers employed) such as sole traders, micro businesses and small and medium sized companies may avail of the soft supports available from the Local Enterprise Office, such as First Stop Shop, Mentoring and/or Training programmes.
The range of supports is designed to assist businesses to grow by being able to provide targeted, and appropriate, assistance at each stage of their development.
A business providing groundworks is a construction business and is not eligible for Local Enterprise Office Priming, Business Expansion, Feasibility, Technical Assistance for Microenterprise grants and Digital for Business consultancy. They are however, eligible for supports such as Lean, Green, training, management development and mentoring.
The Industrial Development (Service Industries) Order 2010 allows for grant aid to construction related service businesses such as civil engineering. In summary, if a business providing civil engineering services submits a business plan that includes an export plan to their Local Enterprise Office, subject to evaluation it may be eligible for grant support.
I suggest that the individual in question contacts their Local Enterprise Office, for further advice and information.
384. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14622/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received a collective redundancy notification from the company concerned on 2 April 2024.
The rules governing collective redundancies are set out in the Protection of Employment Act 1977, as amended. Collective redundancies arise where, during any period of 30 consecutive days, the employees being made redundant are:
• 5 employees where 21-49 are employed,
• 10 employees where 50-99 are employed,
• 10% of the employees where 100-299 are employed,
• 30 employees where 300 or more are employed.
Employers must comply with a number of obligations when proposing collective redundancies.
Section 12 of the Act provides that employers proposing a collective redundancy must notify the Minister of the proposed collective redundancy at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect.
Employers must also consult with and provide information to employees and their representatives. This consultation period must last at least 30 days and employers may not issue notices of redundancy during this period.
385. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of WTE senior digital forensic investigators and senior analysist investigators both at the grades of HEO working for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in the years of 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [14795/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see below the number of WTE senior digital forensic investigators and senior analyst investigators who are working in the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission for 2023 and to date 2024:
|
EOY 2023 |
YTD 2024 |
|
13 |
12 |
386. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the Cooperative Societies Bill 2022; when drafting is expected to be completed; and if there is a timeline for the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14936/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing to work closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in relation to the drafting of the Co-operative Societies Bill 2022. The Bill provides for a specific legislative framework for co-operative societies for the first time, with societies registering under the legislation being required to adhere to the co-operative ethos. It consolidates and modernises existing provisions and introduces modern corporate governance, financial reporting and compliance requirements, thereby providing confidence to stakeholders and making co-operatives more attractive to investors.
Due to the length of the Bill and its complex nature, it is not envisaged that drafting will be finalised and the Bill brought to Government for publication until end of Quarter 2 of this year. There has been strong support for modernising the legislation governing the co-operative model and my Department has continued to engage with relevant stakeholders to develop the Bill. Once the Bill is published I look forward to the support of Members of both Houses with a view to facilitating early enactment.
387. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on the advanced building solution facility in Drogheda, County Louth; when he expects construction to commence on the facility and any other related details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15293/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIDA’s regional property programme ensures the continued supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations to meet the needs of current and prospective clients of IDA, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. The timely provision of appropriate, cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of Multi-National Companies (MNCs) remains essential to winning Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Under its current Strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021 – 2024, the IDA is committed to delivering 19 Advanced Building Solutions or “ABS” across six regions in 15 locations whilst also working with Local Authorities on advance planning permissions for additional building solutions. This includes the delivery of an Advanced Building Solution at Mell Drogheda, Co Louth, where IDA Ireland holds a circa 19-hectare landbank, to help position Drogheda and the wider Mid-East region as an attractive location for FDI investments. In this regard, I am advised that the planning application has been lodged with the Local Authority (Louth County Council) for the Advanced Building Solution in Drogheda and IDA awaits this decision. It is not possible to confirm when construction will commence in the absence of this planning decision.
Over the past years, IDA’s Regional Property Programme has enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale to regional locations. IDA will continue to work with commercial property developers and Local Authorities to market other property solutions across all regions, including, of course, the Mid-East and Drogheda .
FDI performance in the Mid-East Region, which comprises counties Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, has been strong, with IDA Ireland client company employment in the region growing by 10% over the last five years. There are 113 IDA client companies in the Mid-East Region, employing 21,861 people. County Louth is home to 36 IDA Ireland client companies directly employing 4,485 people.
In recent years, IDA Ireland supported companies specifically including Yapstone, Becton Dickinson and ITRenew in Drogheda, and Simply NUC in Dunleer, and ABB, Panasonic Avionics, Kaseya, Prometric, Hiab (Cargotec) and TrustLabs Inc have announced investments and expansions for Co. Louth which has driven the demand for property solutions.
388. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the implementation of the North East Regional Enterprise Plans, considering the need to provide employment in the area and reduce the outward commute from towns such as Drogheda, Ardee and Dunleer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15349/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraBalanced regional enterprise development is a key policy of mine and is reaffirmed in the Government’s White Paper on Enterprise. My Department contributes to this agenda in several ways, including through the development, implementation and oversight of nine Regional Enterprise Plans.
The Regional Enterprise Plans are driven by regional stakeholders and focus on undertaking collaborative projects that help strengthen the regional enterprise ecosystem.
The North-East Regional Enterprise Plan is overseen at a regional level by a Steering Committee made up of stakeholders from counties Louth, Cavan and Monaghan. The North-East Steering Committee last met on 15 September 2023.
My Department oversees implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plans at the national level. Together with Minister Simon Coveney and Minister of State Dara Calleary, I attended the Regional Enterprise Plans National Oversight Group (NOG) meeting on 26 October 2023. Regional Enterprise Plan Chairs were in attendance, together with representatives from the enterprise agencies, the Head of the LEO network, the County and City Management Association and other organisations with a focus on regional enterprise development. The next meeting of the NOG will take place on 25 April.
The Deputy will be interested to know that the Mid-Term Progress Report on the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan which gives an update on all strategic objectives and associated actions in the Plan was published just this week on my Department’s website.
The first Strategic Objective of the North-East REP aims to develop a strong and coherent messaging proposition for the region highlighting its unique attributes for investment including talent, sectoral strengths and placemaking/quality of life. The actions under this objective include developing strategic partnerships across industry and supporting the retention of talent in the region through remote working opportunities.
To support projects aligned to the Regional Enterprise Plans, my Department has secured up to €145 million for the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, which is co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund. The overall objective of this scheme is to drive job creation and enterprise development in each region of the country. This funding builds on the €126 million my Department has already approved since 2017 in regional enterprise funding. The North-East region has secured almost €22 million from that funding for thirteen enterprise projects.
The first call of €35 million under the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme is open for applications on Enterprise Ireland’s website. There will be further calls under this fund in the coming years.
The enterprise agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, together with the Local Enterprise Offices, are also working to deliver balanced enterprise development.
68% of new jobs created in 2023 in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland were located outside Dublin. 6,744 jobs were supported by Enterprise Ireland client companies in Louth last year.
The IDA Ireland’s most recent results for 2023 show that of the 248 investments won, 132 went to regional locations, with county Louth home to 36 IDA Ireland client companies directly employing 4,485 people.
In addition, in 2023, the Louth Local Enterprise Office supported 212 client companies, creating 26 new jobs. The North-East region as a whole saw a 5% increase in jobs created, with 551 client companies supported, creating 168 new jobs.
389. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures he is considering for SMEs to assist in high staffing costs due to the proposed increases in minimum wage, sick pay entitlements, pension contributions and employer PRSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15207/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra390. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the current volatile business environment and national competitiveness difficulties experienced by SME’s are being considered in changing the current planned phased measures scheduled to commence in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15208/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 389 and 390 together.
The Government has advanced a range of measures to improve working conditions in Ireland, including the transition to a Living Wage, Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, an Additional Public Holiday, the Living Wage, and Remote Working. These improvements will bring wider societal benefits and will serve to bring Ireland in line with other advanced economies.
My Department, in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection, assessed the cumulative impact of changes to working conditions, including Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme, Parent’s Leave and Benefit, Statutory Sick Pay, the Additional Public Holiday, the Living Wage, and Remote Working. This report was published on the 5th March. The paper recognises that businesses may face rising costs, in particular in the short term. Reflecting the findings of this assessment, a range of measures are being brought forward to assist businesses in adjusting to these increased costs as well as more generally to improve cost competitiveness of firms.
These measures include making available up to €15 million to Local Enterprise Offices to enable a top up payment of up to €3,000 in the Energy Efficiency Grant for businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors bringing the grant up to €8,000; preparation of an options paper on the application of the lower 8.8% rate of Employer PRSI contribution; a range of measures to reduce red tape and the administrative burden on business, including: an enhanced SME Test; accelerating the roll out of a fully functioning National Enterprise Hub with staff available to provide immediate advice and support to vulnerable firms.
This Government has adopted an active approach in supporting Irish businesses across multiple crises over the last number of years, including the introduction of unemployment supports during the COVID -19 pandemic, the provision of financial supports to firms facing the implications of Brexit, and more recently, through the period of increasing overhead costs. My Department is fully committed to supporting businesses and the measures included in Budget 2024, and more recently in the measures announced following the publication of the ‘Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’ reflect this.
391. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education the reason an individual (details supplied) was denied a place in a special school despite an assessment stating they should have such a place. [13583/24]
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 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, €2.6 billion was spent 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 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 there will be over 41,500 qualified and committed people in schools 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 happy to announce, 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 71 are in Dublin, 48 at primary level and 23 at post-primary level. This brings to 534 the number of special classes in Co. Dublin, 408 at primary level and 126 at post-primary level.
In relation to the student referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that the NCSE continues to work closely with the family regarding special education placements options. The special educational needs officer (SENO) remains available to the family to provide further advice and information on appropriate placements.
Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
392. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the reason a school which applied for additional accommodation for two SET rooms in 2019 and additional classroom accommodation in 2020 is still awaiting sanction from her Department to proceed with this construction project (details supplied). [13596/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question was approved a project under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide 1 mainstream classroom and 2 SET rooms.
The project was devolved to the school authority for delivery, and they have recently submitted the tender report which is under review by my department officials.
Once this review is complete, department officials will liaise with the school authority on the outcome and the next steps to progress this project.
My department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects involving circa. 300 projects currently at construction including 34 new school buildings and over 800 projects completed since 2020 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues. We continue to have a strong pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme. My department has 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., this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction. 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.
Last year, my department received supplementary funding to help alleviate funding pressures which was reflective of my department’s strong delivery of school building projects particularly to support mainstream provision accommodating Ukrainian students and special education needs provision. My department 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. My department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in Ballyhass National School and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that Ballyhass National School - as for all projects on our school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the Public Infrastructure Guidelines. It is a challenging construction environment across all sectors (Education, Housing, Transport etc.) and my department is also required to manage the timing, scope and cost of individual projects to remain within budgetary parameters for the overall programme – this involves constant review throughout the project life cycle.
393. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD places available in primary schools in Ballincollig, Cork for the September 2024 school term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13603/24]
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 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, €2.6 billion was spent 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, the 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, the establishment of a further four new special schools for the 2024/25 school year in Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick was announced. 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 Co. Cork, 52 at primary level and 24 at post-primary level. This brings to 496 the number of special classes in County Cork, 351 at primary level and 145 at post-primary level.
In Ballincollig Local School Planning Area (LSPA), there are 3 new classes opening this school year 2023/2024, 1 at primary level and 2 at post-primary level. This brings the total number of special classes in Ballincollig LSPA to 14: 9 at primary level and 5 at post-primary level.
Planning for special classes and special school places in County Cork and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new classes for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
In planning and providing for additional school accommodation, the department must also have regard to construction inflation pressures and competing demands on suppliers of modular accommodation and project management services.
In general, demographics have been falling at primary level and are due to continue to decrease. Therefore my department considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing spare accommodation capacity at primary level in the first instance, before considering any applications for further accommodation needs. This is in line with public spending requirements. In relation to the provision of primary special classes, the shared preference of both my department and the NCSE is to use and reconfigure existing school accommodation to provide special classes. Given the number of primary special classes available already and the falling demographics, it is also likely that most of the new additional special classes may be required in larger population centres in a local school planning area.
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, the department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
My department wrote to all post-primary schools requesting that each school begin planning to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school. The department and the NCSE continue to have engagement with post-primary school management bodies in relation to the provision of special classes.
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) remain 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.
394. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will address matters in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13604/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my department received an application under the Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) Scheme in 2021 from the school in question for funding for three special education needs classrooms.
The purpose of my department’s Additional Schools' 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 or at other schools in the area.
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 National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes. The capacity at other schools in the area is also considered as part of the assessment of any accommodation needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
The main focus of my department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. 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.
As you may be aware the department’s Technical team carried out an in-depth review of the school site in 2021. The review confirmed that the school and the site are at maximum capacity and that it would not be possible to provide the required accommodation on site unless vast amounts of existing single storey accommodation was to be demolished and replaced with two storey accommodation.
At that time, considering all the relevant impediments to deliver the brief of accommodation and the site constraints, the Department was not in a position to provide funding for the significant demolition of the school building. In light of this, officials in my department contacted the NCSE to advise them of same and to establish the special classes in other schools in the area.
I can assure the Deputy, in light of receipt of the engineer's condition report from the school in question, my department's Technical Team will review the contents thereof and officials from my department will consult with the school authority on completion of the review.
395. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education when funding will be provided to a school (details supplied) to accommodate the provision of ASD places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13606/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my department received an application under the Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) Scheme in 2021 from the school in question for funding for three special education needs classrooms.
The purpose of my department’s Additional Schools' 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 or at other schools in the area.
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 National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and all available alternative accommodation within the school is already being used for classroom purposes. The capacity at other schools in the area is also considered as part of the assessment of any accommodation needs.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
The main focus of my department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics. 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.
As you may be aware the department’s Technical team carried out an in-depth review of the school site in 2021. The review confirmed that the school and the site are at maximum capacity and that it would not be possible to provide the required accommodation on site unless vast amounts of existing single storey accommodation was to be demolished and replaced with two storey accommodation.
At that time, considering all the relevant impediments to deliver the brief of accommodation and the site constraints, the Department was not in a position to provide funding for the significant demolition of the school building. In light of this, officials in my department contacted the NCSE to advise them of same and to establish the special classes in other schools in the area.
I can assure the Deputy, in light of receipt of the engineer's condition report from the school in question, my department's Technical Team will review the contents thereof and officials from my department will consult with the school authority on completion of the review.
396. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education the number of secondary school ASD places available in Cork city and county for September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13607/24]
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 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, €2.6 billion was spent 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 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 there will be over 41,500 qualified and committed people in schools 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 happy to announce, 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 County 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 attached document lists the autism classes sanctioned in Cork for the 2023/24 school year. Planning for special classes and special school places in County Cork and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new classes for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
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 wrote to all post-primary schools requesting that each school begin planning to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school. The department and the NCSE continue to have engagement with post-primary school management bodies in relation to the provision of special classes.
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) remain 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.
|
School Roll No. |
School Name |
No. of Classes |
|
62630J |
St. Aloysius School |
1 |
|
62693K |
Presentation Secondary School |
2 |
|
91499E |
Kinsale Community School |
6 |
|
62200H |
Coláiste Muire |
2 |
|
62540I |
Coláiste Eamann Rís |
5 |
|
62560O |
Colaiste Chriost Ri |
1 |
|
68263P |
Cork Educate Together Secondary School |
3 |
|
68264R |
Edmund Rice College |
3 |
|
71110H |
Nagle Community College |
3 |
|
91388S |
Carrigaline Community School |
4 |
|
62060R |
Bandon Grammar School |
2 |
|
62061T |
Colaiste Na Toirbhirte |
2 |
|
62170B |
Sacred Heart Secondary School |
1 |
|
62650P |
Ursuline Secondary School |
1 |
|
70910L |
Kinsale Campus, Cork College of FET |
3 |
|
70950A |
Clonakilty Community College |
2 |
|
91396R |
Douglas Community School, Clermont Avenue |
2 |
|
62090D |
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal |
2 |
|
62530F |
North Monastery Secondary School |
3 |
|
62590A |
St. Vincent's Secondary School |
4 |
|
62621I |
Nano Nagle |
2 |
|
62730N |
St. Patrick's College |
2 |
|
71101G |
St. Aidan's Community College |
3 |
|
71123Q |
Terence Mac Swiney Community College |
2 |
|
91400F |
Mayfield Community School |
2 |
|
62310O |
De La Salle College |
3 |
|
68385G |
Le Cheile Ballincollig |
2 |
|
71030J |
McEgan College |
1 |
|
91386O |
Ballincollig Community School |
3 |
|
62210K |
Nagle Rice Seconday School |
3 |
|
62330U |
Patrician Academy |
2 |
|
62440E |
Scoil na mBráithre Chríostaí |
2 |
|
71020G |
Davis College |
3 |
|
76067L |
Colaiste Pobail N Mhuire |
1 |
|
81009B |
Boherbue Comp School |
4 |
|
76086P |
Maria Immaculata Comm College |
1 |
|
76090G |
Colaiste Pobail Bheanntraí |
1 |
|
91387Q |
Beara Community School |
2 |
|
91516B |
Skibbereen Community School |
2 |
|
62180E |
Colaiste Muire |
2 |
|
62360G |
Christian Brother's Sec School |
3 |
|
62380M |
St. Mary's High School |
3 |
|
70970G |
Cobh Community College |
3 |
|
71050P |
St. Colman's Community College |
4 |
|
76333G |
Carrigtwohill Community College |
2 |
397. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education what options are available for a person (details supplied) who has applied to a school and has been turned down for a place; if assistance will be provided to acquire a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13632/24]
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 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, €2.6 billion was spent 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 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 there will be over 41,500 qualified and committed people in schools 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 happy to announce, 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 8 are in Carlow, 6 at primary level and 2 at post-primary level. This brings to 53 the number of special classes in Co. Carlow, 36 at primary level and 17 at post-primary level.
In relation to the student referred to by the Deputy, the NCSE has advised my department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) has been in contact with both the family and the school regarding a school place. The SENO remains available to the family to provide support and guidance.
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 and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children for this school year and future years.
398. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education when three additional classroom and a temporary ASD classroom will be approved for a school (details supplied) considering that they are urgently required; when can they expect to get approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13633/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question was approved capital funding under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme for 2x Special Education Needs Classrooms. This project has been devolved to the school authorities for delivery and is currently at stage 1 - preliminary design.
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.
I can also confirm that my Department has recently received a further application for the ASA scheme from the school in question. This application is being considered by my officials and a decision will issue to the school authorities as soon as possible in this regard.
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 the Department’s fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department has broadened its delivery streams and is utilising Modern Methods of Construction, including Modular Accommodation, as well as traditional construction delivery methods. Modular accommodation has particular advantages in terms of overall timelines and also climate impact in that they generally use decarbonised heating sources.
In overall terms, it is important to have a range of delivery mechanisms for delivering school accommodation to support the current very strong and ambitious roll out of school building projects. This is particular relevant given the overall challenging construction sector market.
Since 2020 my Department has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in our schools throughout the country, including the completion of over 750 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 34 new school buildings.
School building projects at construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places.
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 main focus of my Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics.
Officials from my Department will be in touch with the school authorities in relation to this application as soon as the assessment process has been completed.
399. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if school bus escorts will be compensated for their loss of earnings due to enforced school closures on polling days, such as 8 March 2024; if the practice of not compensating these low paid workers will be reviewed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13658/24]
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 €382.02m.
There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a School Transport Escort, where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.The Department of Education provides grant funding for the employment of the School Transport Escort and sets the rate of pay.The Principal/Board of Management/Education Training Board Ireland (ETBI) is responsible for the operation of the school and is the employer of the School Transport Escort and therefore responsible for all employment matters relating to their School Transport Escort.
School Transport Escorts are paid an agreed hourly rate for each hour worked. At the start of the contract of employment and/or beginning of the school year, the School Transport Escort should be informed of their normal working hours expected on a daily/weekly basis. School Transport Escorts are recommended that to engage directly with their employer in relation to any queries they have.
It is recognised that School Bus Escorts play a vital role in supporting children with Special Educational Needs in their journey to and from school. The School Transport Section in the Department are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of matters as they relate to the escort and the information provided to schools. An information pack for schools is being developed and will be reviewed and updated regularly. As part of this comprehensive review the terms of employment and rate of pay for school bus escorts are also being examined, and the Department will continue to keep the rates under review.
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. As part of this review one of the actions outlined is that pay rates for School Bus Escorts is to be reviewed in full by the end of 2024.
400. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the status of a build for a school (details supplied); if a contractor has been appointed; if a timeline is available for the commencement and completion of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13669/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including four classrooms, for children with special educational needs.
This project is being delivered under my Department’s Design and Build Programme and is currently at tender stage.
The Invitation to Tender issued in April 2023, as part of a bundle of projects for 10 schools issued to the Department's Framework of Design and Build Contractors. Given the scale of works involving new purpose-built accommodation for 10 schools, some of which are on campus sites, the tender process involves a very large volume of documentation and drawings. Tender returns have been received and the analysis and review is at an advanced stage.
My Department is very conscious of the importance in getting these projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, delivered as quickly as possible. The due diligence by the Department is a critical part of the overall completion of the Stage 3 process and is critical to ensuring quality and value for money, and that projects are progressed within overall programme parameters.
Once a contractor has been appointed, it is anticipated that construction will commence shortly thereafter.
