Written Answers Nos. 161-180
161. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance to outline any consent to settle provisions within insurance law, whereby insurers are required to seek an insured’s approval before settling a third-party claim, in the context of reports that insurers are settling claims for amounts and reasons that are disputed by the insured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22299/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. As the Deputy will appreciate, I am unable to comment on individual cases and media reports relating to same.
As the Deputy will be aware, the duties of insurers are outlined in Section 16 of the Consumer Insurance Contracts Act 2019, which requires that an insurer shall “notify a consumer of a claim as soon as practicable after the insurer is informed of the claim”. This requirement took effect from 1 September 2020, as provided for under the Consumer Insurance Contracts Act 2019 (Commencement) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 329/2020).
Furthermore, under the Consumer Protection Code from the Central Bank of Ireland, insurers must advise the policyholder of “the final outcome of the claim including the details of the settlement”. It is particularly important that insurers engage with their policyholders in the event of a claim, to ensure that they correctly ascertain all the facts of the case and can challenge the claim should sufficient evidence be presented to allow them to do so. While the Central Bank of Ireland does not adjudicate on individual consumer complaints, the Code sets out how a regulated entity must engage with a consumer on complaints, which includes complaints around the handing of insurance claims.
In situations where a person is not satisfied with the actions of an insurance provider in terms of the settlement of a claim, it is advisable that that person make a complaint to the firm's internal complaint resolution process. The Consumer Protection Code requires that if after 40 days the complaint has not been resolved to the customer’s satisfaction, the regulated entity must inform the consumer that they may refer their complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).
The FSPO is a statutory official who acts as an independent arbiter of disputes, which consumers may have with their insurance company or other financial service provider. The FSPO can be contacted either by email, at info@fspo.ie, or by telephone at 01-567-7000. Investigations by the FSPO are free of charge to the complainant.
Finally, Insurance Ireland also operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to insurance, which can be accessed at: feedback@insuranceireland.eu
162. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will investigate the extent of the maintenance required to make safe the structure known locally as Ballyshaun Castle (details supplied); if information boards will be provided at each location giving a brief history of the structures; if there are grants available to local community groups or property owners for such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22183/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW will respond directly to the deputy on this matter
163. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress to date in resolving the imminent threat of flooding of homes at Ballagh, County Roscommon, within the next 12 months based on GSI modelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22229/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW will respond directly to the deputy on this matter
164. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is aware of the 2,500 care workers excluded from the pay deal agreed with Government to avert strike action by employees of voluntary organisations; the rationale for excluding these critical workers in the care sector, who care for the most vulnerable citizens; if he will correct this exclusion and ensure all workers doing the same work receive the increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22235/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am presuming the Deputy is referring to private organisations which are grant funded in line with Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, Section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2014 and Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. Recognising the importance of these organisations, in terms of service delivery, I understand that the relevant departments engaged, through the WRC, last October and that there is a process of ongoing engagement currently being facilitated by the WRC.
If the Deputy requires further details, in relation to specific organisations, grants or agreements reached involving such bodies they can be obtained, from the relevant Minister.
165. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of complementary admissions being issued each year at the Custom House visitor centre (details supplied); when the visitor centre will be properly operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22283/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW will respond directly to the deputy on this matter
166. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made on sourcing a cash safe for the Custom House visitor centre (details supplied); the number of complementary visitors admitted over the past five years; his views on whether this issue should be relatively easy to rectify; when the visitor centre will receive the long awaited cash safe that will enable it to process cash payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22292/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW will respond directly to the deputy on this matter
167. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses, broken down by each local authority area in the State, that registered for the increased cost-of-business grant by close of scheme, in tabular form. [22232/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest stats regarding the ICOB scheme are laid out in the table below. Please note that I along with my Government colleagues have today Wednesday 15th May announced a substantial range of measures to reduce costs for small and medium sized businesses.
Amongst the range of measures I have decided to reopen the ICOB portal from today to 29th May. If a rate paying business owner has not registered, they should do so now. We have received feedback that the process of registering is simple and quick.
As part of re-opening the ICOB scheme and given the greater impact that increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sector, as noted in the DETE-DSP joint working paper titled ‘An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’, it has been agreed that business operating in these sectors should receive a second payment for approved businesses or a double payment for new registrations under this scheme.
|
Local Authority |
Total Businesses Registered |
|
Carlow County Council (101) |
1100 |
|
Cavan County Council (102) |
1249 |
|
Clare County Council (103) |
2165 |
|
Cork City Council (104) |
4122 |
|
Cork County Council (105) |
5107 |
|
Donegal County Council (107) |
2634 |
|
Dublin City Council (108) |
8220 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (109) |
2613 |
|
Fingal County Council (110) |
2968 |
|
Galway City Council (111) |
2063 |
|
Galway County Council (112) |
2085 |
|
Kerry County Council (113) |
2521 |
|
Kildare County Council (114) |
2969 |
|
Kilkenny County Council (115) |
1363 |
|
Laois County Council (116) |
1014 |
|
Leitrim County Council (117) |
521 |
|
Limerick City and County Council (118) |
3390 |
|
Longford County Council (119) |
888 |
|
Louth County Council (120) |
2325 |
|
Mayo County Council (121) |
2612 |
|
Meath County Council (106) |
2457 |
|
Monaghan County Council (122) |
1379 |
|
Offaly County Council (123) |
1055 |
|
Roscommon County Council (124) |
983 |
|
Sligo County Council (125) |
1096 |
|
South Dublin County Council (126) |
3527 |
|
Tipperary County Council (127) |
2831 |
|
Waterford City and County Council (128) |
2160 |
|
Westmeath County Council (129) |
1542 |
|
Wexford County Council (130) |
2900 |
|
Wicklow County Council (131) |
2303 |
|
Total |
74162 |
168. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding issued to businesses under the increased cost-of-business grant by close of scheme, by local authority area, in tabular form. [22233/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest data on funding, as at 15th May, regarding the ICOB scheme is set out in the table below.
In addition, please note that I, along with my Government colleagues, have today Wednesday 15th May announced a substantial range of measures to reduce costs for small and medium sized businesses.
Amongst the range of measures it was agreed that ICOB portal would be re-opened from today to 29th May. If a rate paying business owner has not registered, they should do so now. We have received feedback that the process of registering is simple and quick.
As part of re-opening the ICOB scheme and given the greater impact that increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sector, as noted in the DETE-DSP joint working paper titled ‘An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland ’, it has been agreed that business operating in these sectors should receive a second payment for approved businesses or a double payment for new registrations under this scheme.
|
Local Authority |
Total Submissions |
Total Properties |
Approved Submissions |
Approved Amount |
Paid Submissions |
Paid Amount |
|
Carlow County Council (101) |
951 |
1100 |
114 |
€227,775.30 |
114 |
€227,775.30 |
|
Cavan County Council (102) |
1118 |
1249 |
1 |
€298.49 |
1 |
€298.49 |
|
Clare County Council (103) |
1837 |
2165 |
217 |
€452,150.39 |
217 |
€452,150.39 |
|
Cork City Council (104) |
3806 |
4122 |
1202 |
€3,194,355.03 |
1012 |
€2,703,868.91 |
|
Cork County Council (105) |
4722 |
5107 |
0 |
€0.00 |
0 |
€0.00 |
|
Donegal County Council (107) |
2300 |
2634 |
50 |
€88,962.79 |
50 |
€88,962.79 |
|
Dublin City Council (108) |
7471 |
8220 |
47 |
€147,540.25 |
0 |
€0.00 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (109) |
2483 |
2613 |
128 |
€386,536.03 |
63 |
€202,002.04 |
|
Fingal County Council (110) |
2757 |
2968 |
158 |
€334,011.50 |
91 |
€193,595.34 |
|
Galway City Council (111) |
1878 |
2063 |
532 |
€1,390,806.29 |
532 |
€1,390,806.29 |
|
Galway County Council (112) |
1832 |
2085 |
579 |
€1,097,962.08 |
534 |
€1,020,112.34 |
|
Kerry County Council (113) |
2304 |
2521 |
0 |
€0.00 |
0 |
€0.00 |
|
Kildare County Council (114) |
2867 |
2969 |
1151 |
€2,456,554.84 |
1128 |
€2,418,283.01 |
|
Kilkenny County Council (115) |
1208 |
1363 |
948 |
€1,690,577.76 |
771 |
€1,368,190.33 |
|
Laois County Council (116) |
909 |
1014 |
16 |
€28,464.98 |
0 |
€0.00 |
|
Leitrim County Council (117) |
468 |
521 |
33 |
€54,837.88 |
33 |
€54,837.88 |
|
Limerick City and County Council (118) |
2727 |
3390 |
1380 |
€2,817,521.00 |
825 |
€1,780,448.23 |
|
Longford County Council (119) |
753 |
888 |
705 |
€1,059,853.88 |
293 |
€432,099.05 |
|
Louth County Council (120) |
1912 |
2325 |
4 |
€4,984.49 |
4 |
€4,984.49 |
|
Mayo County Council (121) |
2456 |
2612 |
197 |
€407,896.40 |
97 |
€188,948.81 |
|
Meath County Council (106) |
2320 |
2457 |
25 |
€94,451.84 |
25 |
€94,451.84 |
|
Monaghan County Council (122) |
1198 |
1379 |
71 |
€114,852.00 |
71 |
€114,852.00 |
|
Offaly County Council (123) |
949 |
1055 |
254 |
€423,115.04 |
254 |
€423,115.04 |
|
Roscommon County Council (124) |
952 |
983 |
259 |
€456,894.16 |
0 |
€0.00 |
|
Sligo County Council (125) |
997 |
1096 |
64 |
€141,424.81 |
64 |
€141,424.81 |
|
South Dublin County Council (126) |
2951 |
3527 |
98 |
€310,368.06 |
3 |
€7,675.30 |
|
Tipperary County Council (127) |
2361 |
2831 |
38 |
€43,903.92 |
21 |
€23,435.51 |
|
Waterford City and County Council (128) |
1895 |
2160 |
495 |
€1,091,846.19 |
17 |
€33,122.82 |
|
Westmeath County Council (129) |
1367 |
1542 |
925 |
€1,619,566.77 |
925 |
€1,619,566.77 |
|
Wexford County Council (130) |
2675 |
2900 |
1623 |
€3,247,806.63 |
0 |
€0.00 |
|
Wicklow County Council (131) |
2013 |
2303 |
39 |
€72,204.20 |
2 |
€6,253.18 |
|
Total |
66437 |
74162 |
11353 |
€23,457,523.00 |
7147 |
€14,991,260.96 |
169. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will reopen the increased cost-of-business grant. [22234/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is very aware that SMEs have faced a number of economic shocks in recent years which have resulted in cost increases.
While most of these shocks have been international in nature – most significantly, energy price inflation – there have been costs associated with domestic measures, including the transition to a Living Wage and the introduction of Statutory Sick Leave.
I along with my Government colleagues have today Wednesday 15th May announced a substantial range of measures to reduce costs for small and medium sized businesses.
Amongst the range of measures I have decided to reopen the ICOB portal from today to 29th May. If a rate paying business owner has not registered, they should do so now. We have received feedback that the process of registering is simple and quick.
As part of re-opening the ICOB scheme and given the greater impact that increased costs are having on the hospitality and retail sector, as noted in the DETE-DSP joint working paper titled ‘An Assessment of the Cumulative Impact of Proposed Measures to Improve Working Conditions in Ireland’, it has been agreed that business operating in these sectors will receive a second payment for approved businesses or a double payment for new registrations under this scheme.
170. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if Bus Éireann will review its ageist school transport policy on over-70s bus drivers, given that other publicly funded public bus services do not have this restriction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22138/24]
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.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
It is Bus Éireann company policy that normal retirement age for all Bus Éireann drivers is currently 70 years. this includes Bus Éireann part-time School Bus Drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate services as part of the School Transport Scheme. They 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.
Bus Éireann and Department officials meet regularly to discuss operational and policy matters.
The age limit on school bus drivers was increased to 70 years a number of years ago. While Bus Éireann keep the age limits of drivers under review, they have informed the Department that there is no plan to increase the age limit further at this time.
171. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the use of chemical pesticide weed killers on school grounds; if she will promote the use of alternative methods of weed removal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22172/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department encourages best practice in relation to the upkeep of school property. This would include proper care and maintenance of school grounds, as well as matters relating to health & safety.
The Health & Safety manual for each school should include the need to follow correct procedures on the use of various products and materials including those for the maintenance of school grounds. This may also incorporate the use of suitable alternative products where appropriate, or different methods for maintaining school grounds.
172. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education if she will provide an update on when progress made on a school building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22173/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide a 3 classroom SEN Early Intervention extension under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme.
In Q2 2023 the school authority submitted their Stage 1 report. This was forwarded to my Departments Professional and Technical team for review. The submission required clarification and comments issued to the school requesting additional information to complete this review. This information was received in Q1 2024 and combined comments issued to the school approving the project to progress to Stage 2b detailed design stage.
It is now up to the school authority to instruct the appointed Design Team to prepare a Stage 2b Report for submission and review by officials at my Department.
173. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education if an ASD placement will be secured for a person (details supplied) who is waiting two years for a placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22191/24]
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.
The NCSE has advised my department that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) continues to work closely with the family regarding special education placements options. The NCSE is actively working on enhancing capacity in the local area and remain available to assist and advise the parent of students with special educational need. The local SENO will continue to keep the family updated on developments at a local level.
Almost 300 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE nationwide for the 2024/25 school year, and of these 30 are in County Dublin. This means there is now over 3,000 special classes in our education system. The NCSE continue to sanction classes for the coming school year. As these new classes are sanctioned, the NCSE will support families to make applications for places.
My department engages 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.
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.
174. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the reason for reducing the level of funding per student under the primary schoolbook grant from €96 to €80 per child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22217/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2024 over €47 million was allocated to continue implementation of the schoolbooks scheme at primary level. On the 8th May I announced details of year 2 of the Primary Schoolbooks Scheme which provides at a minimum free schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks to pupils in recognised primary and special schools. More than 563,000 pupils enrolled in approximately 3,230 primary schools, including over 130 special schools will continue to benefit from this scheme.
Revised guidance for the 2024/25 school year was published on my Department’s website at, www.gov.ie/schoolbookschemes, and has issued to schools.
As the scheme is now implemented in every recognised primary and special school it is expected that schools have used the funding provided in the 2023/24 school year to purchase stocks of schoolbooks and other classroom resources. Many of these items are now available to schools for reuse in the 2024/25 school year and in future school years. The funding allocated to the scheme in the 2024/25 school year takes account of this.
Schools will receive €80 per pupil enrolled as of September 2023. It is open to schools to look at their requirements and plan their budget across each of the years collectively. They may choose to spend more than €80 per pupil in 6th class and in turn, spend less than that per pupil in 1st class. In other words, while schools will receive the money at the same per capita rate for all pupils they can choose to spread that expenditure differently across the years depending on the requirements. Special schools that have students enrolled in Junior Cycle programmes will receive funding at the Junior Cycle per capita rate set out under the new Junior Cycle Schoolbooks Scheme.
As part of the on-going evaluation of the scheme, all schools will be asked to provide data on their expenditure in order to inform the guidance, implementation, costs and efficiency of the scheme for future years.
175. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education if a student (details supplied) will be awarded a place on the school bus for the school of their chosen ethos. [22218/24]
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.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application and payment process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Under the terms of the scheme, the availability of concessionary transport varies from year to year based on the capacity on the buses running on all of the various routes and the number of eligible children accommodated on each route.
Due to the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places, in these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post-primary level will continue for the 2024/2025 school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
Bus Éireann will examine all applications and services for school transport for the 2024/2025 school year following the payment closing date of 07 June. Arising from the analysis, routes may be altered, extended, or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
176. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education if schools (details supplied) are recognised by the State as having a distinct ethos in terms of parental choice with regard to the provision of school bus places. [22219/24]
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.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
With regard to ethos, the Department of Education classifies schools as being one of the following - of religious denomination, interdenominational or multi-denominational.
At Post Primary level, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest post primary school/education centre subject to limited exceptions. The scheme has regard to ethos and language in that exceptions to eligibility for the scheme are considered in the case of minority religions and the Irish language. The scheme at Post Primary level provides transport for children of minority religion for whom there is less choice of school given the dispersed nature of these schools and also facilitates the viability of those minority religion schools.
177. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education the current situation regarding a proposed extension at a school in County Cork (details supplied); when her Department will sign off on the proposed design; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22237/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide one mainstream classroom along with two SET Rooms plus Ancillary Accommodation.
A Stage 1/2a report was submitted in March 2024. The submission required clarification and additional information was requested from the school which has now been received. The report is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines.
Upon completion of this review process my Department officials will communicate with the school authority regarding the next steps to advance this significant project.
178. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education the number of students offered a new ASD primary school place in south Roscommon for September 2024; the number of new places available for September 2024; the schools with availability; the number of places available; the specific steps she is taking to address the annual difficulty in sourcing primary school ASD places in south Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22242/24]
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.
Almost 300 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE nationwide for the 2024/25 school year, of these 3 are in County Roscommon. The majority of these classes are autism classes and have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6. The NCSE advise my department that a number of additional special classes are being confirmed and finalised both in South Roscommon and in Athlone and this should meet the need for special class places for children known to the NCSE for the coming school year.
My department engages 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 almost 300 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE nationwide for the 2024/2025 school year. The NCSE continue to sanction classes for the 2024/2025 school year and a list of the location of new classes will be confirmed shortly.
Parent 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 the parents of children with special educational needs. Parent may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website.
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.
179. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education the reason that after receiving official sanction on 30 April 2019 for a school building project, a school (details supplied) is still waiting for construction to commence; and if she will confirm a date to commence the project as a matter of urgency. [22243/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide 2 classroom SEN base.
A Stage 2b report has been submitted and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines.
Upon completion of this review process my Department officials will communicate with the school authority regarding the next steps to advance this significant project.
180. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if funding is available for a secondary school student from a disadvantaged area to access the DBS International Soccer Academy Transition Year Programme 2024-25; if so, the way to apply for this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22263/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTransition Year is a valuable programme for students that offers opportunities for life skills, personal, social and academic development and experience of adult and working life. Transition Year has a unique and important value in the life of students.
There is no specific funding source for schools aimed at a student's participation in a specific programme at Transition Year. A Transition Year grant is paid on a per capita basis, at a rate of €95 per annum per student.
The management authority of each school carries responsibility for making decisions regarding the Transition Year programme in that school. Each school designs its own Transition Year programme, within set guidelines, to suit the needs and interests of its students. In establishing its own distinctive programme content, the school takes into account the possibilities offered by local community interests.
If the school in question is a DEIS school they would receive a DEIS grant annually, which must be directed at those children and young people most at risk of educational disadvantage. The DEIS grant should be utilised to attain the targets set in the schools DEIS Action Plan for Improvement across the DEIS themes. When expending the DEIS grant schools need to assess and decide if the item/service is relevant to their DEIS action plan and whether there are any existing schemes or support programmes available before considering expenditure of funds under the DEIS grant.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media has advised my Department that Sport Ireland is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels, and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Sport Ireland channels funding through the relevant National Governing Body of sport. Funding for football is allocated to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). It has also advised that students are recommended to engage with the FAI to discuss their individual needs and how they may be supported by the governing body.
