Written Answers Nos. 771-790
771. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if her Department plans to allow people who are contracted by Bus Éireann to drive buses for children with additional needs to continue to do so after they reach 70 years of age; her views on the current policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39273/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There was an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 132,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the same time last year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
While over 90% of services are contracted locally, Bus Éireann apply stringent assessments of each individual driver on school routes. This includes vetting and background checks.
It is Bus Éireann company policy that normal retirement age for all Bus Éireann staff is currently 66 years. However, Bus Éireann part-time school bus drivers and drivers nominated by private operators who operate service as part of the School Transport Scheme may continue to perform in the role provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70. This policy and criteria is applied to all drivers who provide school transport services on behalf of Bus Éireann equally.
The age limit on school bus drivers was increased to 70 years a number of years ago. While Bus Éireann have informed the Department there is no plan to increase the age limit further at this time, the matter will continue to be kept under review.
772. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the reason four children (details supplied) have not been granted school transport for this school year; and the other options, if any, available to the family for the children to obtain transport to and from school. [39296/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There was an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 132,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the same time last year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
The closing date for new applications for the 2023/2024 school year was Friday 28th April 2023. The closing date for payment/entering medical details for tickets for the 2023/2024 school year was Friday 9th June 2023.
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 my Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme and subject to the following conditions:
• an application is made by the deadline date
• there is an existing service in place
• there is spare capacity on the service;
• routes will not be extended or altered, additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis;
The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has confirmed that the pupils referred to by the Deputy are not eligible under the terms of the scheme as they are attending their second nearest primary school.
An application and payment was received on time for these pupils in the 2023/24 school year, however they were unsuccessful in obtaining concessionary tickets and the existing service is currently operating to capacity at present.
773. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when the distance requirement will be reduced in respect of eligibility for school transport at primary and second level, taking into account road safety concerns for pupils in view of increased traffic levels on the road network, and also the difficulties for parents working outside the home and having to make arrangements for children to be left at and collected at pick-up points some distance from their homes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39299/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There was an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 132,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the same time last year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
A review of the School Transport Scheme is nearing completion. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately.
The final report of the review will include recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme. Once approved by Government, it is planned that the review will be published.
774. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when the review of school transport will be finalised and the expected timeline for publication of this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39300/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There was an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 132,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the same time last year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
A review of the School Transport Scheme is nearing completion. The review is being conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness and sustainability, and to ensure that it serves students and their families adequately.
The final report of the review will include recommendations on the future operation of the Department’s School Transport Scheme. Once approved by Government, it is planned that the review will be published.
777. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education if there are plans to include/continue the use of HEPA filters in school classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39318/23]
View answerMy Department’s guidance in relation to managing ventilation in a Covid environment sets out the practical steps for improving ventilation and where poor ventilation continues to exist in a particular room/area, air cleaners may be considered as an additional measure in conjunction with other methods of ventilation that are available. This was in line with the Expert Group guidance which identified that in areas with poor ventilation that structural interventions and measures to increase natural ventilation should be completed. Where such structural interventions or measures were not possible in the short term, that consideration should be given to using stand-alone HEPA filter devices in poorly ventilated spaces pending the completion of structural interventions.
My Department provided additional support in the context of Covid-19 through the provision of CO2 monitors and payment of enhanced minor works grants to schools in the free scheme, circa €100 million in 2020 and €32 million in 2021. This funding enabled schools to address both their reconfiguration requirements and also to address small-scale ventilation improvements at school level. Primary schools also received standard Minor Works Grant totalling €90 million during this period.
As there is no one solution that fits all scenarios, each school required bespoke analysis and an appropriate ventilation solution matched to the specific room size and volume. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools were best placed to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs in line with the Department’s Guidance.
Schools that identified inadequate ventilation in a room can utilise their minor works grant (for minor improvements) or apply for emergency works grant assistance to address ventilation enhancements on a permanent basis. If a school feels that its individual space may require specific technical specialist advice then the assistance of a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect can be sought. In the case where a school has difficulty engaging a Chartered Engineer or Registered Architect my Department can assist, with a dedicated ventilation team available to support school principals in this regard.
As of the end of August 2023, 42 schools have applied for additional funding under the emergency works scheme to assist with ventilation. Of these, 35 have been approved, 2 were incorrectly classified as ventilation-related and assessed separately, 4 applications were rejected, and 1 application is awaiting the school to revert with further information. None of these applications were for the funding of HEPA filters and contact was made with each of the schools who had applications rejected to advise them how best to proceed.
778. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education to provide the number of students that applied for a school transport ticket for 2023/2024 on a county basis, broken down into standard, concessionary and unsuccessful applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39319/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There was an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 132,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the same time last year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
In relation to the Deputy's request for the number of students that applied for a school transport ticket for 2023/2024 on a county basis, broken down into standard, concessionary and unsuccessful applicants; Bus Éireann have submitted the data requested on the attached table.
|
Tickets Issued SCYR2223 at 11/09/22 |
Tickets Issued SCYR2324 at 08/09/23 |
% Increase SCYR2223 vs SCYR2324 |
||||||||
|
County |
Concessionary |
Eligible |
Total |
Concessionary |
TAM |
Eligible |
Total |
Concessionary |
Eligible |
Total |
|
Carlow |
866 |
1678 |
2544 |
638 |
360 |
1884 |
2882 |
15.24% |
12.28% |
13.29% |
|
Cavan |
1270 |
2543 |
3813 |
1058 |
324 |
2607 |
3989 |
8.82% |
2.52% |
4.62% |
|
Clare |
942 |
2784 |
3726 |
602 |
450 |
2948 |
4000 |
11.68% |
5.89% |
7.35% |
|
Cork |
4112 |
12348 |
16460 |
3243 |
1359 |
13060 |
17662 |
11.92% |
5.77% |
7.30% |
|
Donegal |
2439 |
7471 |
9910 |
2041 |
661 |
7611 |
10313 |
10.78% |
1.87% |
4.07% |
|
Dublin |
460 |
2097 |
2557 |
428 |
112 |
2209 |
2749 |
17.39% |
5.34% |
7.51% |
|
Galway |
3016 |
7287 |
10303 |
2349 |
1154 |
7852 |
11355 |
16.15% |
7.75% |
10.21% |
|
Kerry |
1771 |
4051 |
5822 |
1392 |
534 |
4357 |
6283 |
8.75% |
7.55% |
7.92% |
|
Kildare |
1620 |
4039 |
5659 |
1370 |
372 |
4219 |
5961 |
7.53% |
4.46% |
5.34% |
|
Kilkenny |
1556 |
2505 |
4061 |
1197 |
423 |
2653 |
4273 |
4.11% |
5.91% |
5.22% |
|
Laois |
420 |
1406 |
1826 |
303 |
220 |
1490 |
2013 |
24.52% |
5.97% |
10.24% |
|
Leitrim |
750 |
1405 |
2155 |
562 |
231 |
1415 |
2208 |
5.73% |
0.71% |
2.46% |
|
Limerick |
1408 |
3808 |
5216 |
1040 |
615 |
3988 |
5643 |
17.54% |
4.73% |
8.19% |
|
Longford |
827 |
1544 |
2371 |
455 |
352 |
1558 |
2365 |
-2.42% |
0.91% |
-0.25% |
|
Louth |
919 |
3183 |
4102 |
531 |
390 |
3646 |
4567 |
0.22% |
14.55% |
11.34% |
|
Mayo |
1337 |
3848 |
5185 |
991 |
452 |
4070 |
5513 |
7.93% |
5.77% |
6.33% |
|
Meath |
1858 |
3339 |
5197 |
1615 |
598 |
3599 |
5812 |
19.11% |
7.79% |
11.83% |
|
Monaghan |
1017 |
2866 |
3883 |
862 |
276 |
2928 |
4066 |
11.90% |
2.16% |
4.71% |
|
Offaly |
1028 |
1923 |
2951 |
666 |
406 |
1934 |
3006 |
4.28% |
0.57% |
1.86% |
|
Roscommon |
727 |
1222 |
1949 |
578 |
194 |
1354 |
2126 |
6.19% |
10.80% |
9.08% |
|
Sligo |
847 |
1443 |
2290 |
767 |
272 |
1572 |
2611 |
22.67% |
8.94% |
14.02% |
|
Tipperary |
1976 |
3692 |
5668 |
1391 |
839 |
4003 |
6233 |
12.85% |
8.42% |
9.97% |
|
Waterford |
864 |
2143 |
3007 |
537 |
383 |
2332 |
3252 |
6.48% |
8.82% |
8.15% |
|
Westmeath |
918 |
2025 |
2943 |
630 |
375 |
2206 |
3211 |
9.48% |
8.94% |
9.11% |
|
Wexford |
2335 |
4483 |
6818 |
1212 |
1261 |
4616 |
7089 |
5.91% |
2.97% |
3.97% |
|
Wicklow |
1093 |
2638 |
3731 |
790 |
300 |
2708 |
3798 |
-0.27% |
2.65% |
1.80% |
|
Total |
36376 |
87771 |
124147 |
27248 |
12913 |
92819 |
132980 |
10.41% |
5.75% |
7.11% |
779. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education to provide details of each of the bus routes provided under the school transport scheme for 2023/2024 for County Wicklow; the operating status of each of those routes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39320/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There was an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 132,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the same time last year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Children are eligible for mainstream 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.
Under the terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for school transport where they have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability and are attending the nearest recognised school/class that is resourced to meet their special educational needs. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers.
Bus Éireann plans and manages the countrywide network on behalf of the Department to ensure that services are provided in line with the specific requirements of the Department. While Bus Éireann operate a small number of routes directly, the majority of school transport routes are operated by private contractors. Bus Éireann is responsible for contracting private operators in line with procurement legislation for school transport routes nationwide.
Bus Éireann is also responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes on behalf of my Department. New school transport routes are established on a demand-led basis, subject to eligibility requirements. A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
The closing date for new applications for the 2023/2024 school year was Friday 28th April, 2023. The closing date for payment/entering medical details for tickets for the 2023/2024 school year was Friday 9th June 2023.
Bus Éireann are currently processing applications, arranging transport and assessing all applications to determine whether they are eligible or concessionary and to include Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) as soon as possible for the 2023/24 school year. Arising from this, 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 2023/24 school year.
Pending completion of the School Transport review, there will be no removal or downsizing of buses/routes for the 2023/2024 school year.
The information required by the Deputy in relation to bus routes provided under the school transport scheme for 2023/2024 for County Wicklow and the operating status of each of those routes is not readily available at present. Bus Éireann is currently compiling this detail and department officials will forward the information to the Deputy directly as soon as it becomes available.
780. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education for an update on the new build for (details supplied); the timeline for the completion of a detailed design and for the submission of planning permission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39321/23]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects. This school is in the bundle referred to as ‘Project Boyne’
The project, which is to be built on the site adjacent to the school, is currently at Stage 2b (planning) of the architectural process. A planning application was lodged with Wicklow County Council and planning permission was granted in Quarter 4 2022. Further surveys aimed at informing the works requirements for this project were carried out in Q1 2023 and reports are currently being finalised.
When Stage 2b has been approved, the next stage is tendering for a contractor and then onwards to construction. It is not possible to provide a date for the practical completion of the project in advance of the outcome of the required procurement process. The NDFA will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
781. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education for an update on the development of an educational master plan at Fassaroe, Bray; the number of schools that will be located at this site; the timeline for delivery of those schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39322/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, a suitable site has been identified and the Department has reached an agreement in principle, subject to contract, for the acquisition of a site at Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow. It is planned that this site will provide a permanent location for North Wicklow Educate Together Bray.
Taking into account the underlying demographic trends and the level of potential increase in school place requirements arising from the projected increased population for the Bray area as identified in the Wicklow County development Plan 2022-2028, the Department anticipates a future requirement for at least one new primary school.
The Fassaroe site will be master planned to make allowance for this future educational requirement in the area. This site is subject to an SHD application, which is currently with An Bord Pleanála for decision. Once this process has concluded a master plan will be carried out as part of the design process for North Wicklow Educate Together.
782. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education to provide details of schools that have been provided with funding to transport students to off-site facilities, such as PE facilities, when those educational facilities are not provided on-site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39323/23]
View answerMy Department can confirm that four schools currently in interim accommodation have been provided with funding to transport students to PE facilities where there is no such facility on site. These schools are as follows:
Blackrock ETSS (roll number 68387K) located at 16 Simmonscourt Rd, Dublin 4.
Cork ETSS (roll number 68263P) located at c/o Griffith College, Wellington Rd, Cork.
Gorey ETSS (roll number 68386I) located at Fort Road, Gorey, Wexford.
Harold’s Cross ETSS (roll number 68365A) located at 151/153 Harold’s Cross Road, Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W.
783. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the new build timeline for a school (details supplied); the acquisition of a site at Fassaroe, Bray; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39324/23]
View answerThe acquisition of the site at Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow is at an advanced stage of the conveyancing process. It is intended that this site will provide a permanent location for the school referred to by the Deputy.
A major building project for this school is included on the Department's school building programme. This site is subject to an SHD application, which is currently with An Bord Pleanála for decision.
Once this process has concluded the project will progress to the architectural design & planning stages.
784. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education the measures that are available to a school (details supplied) to enable students to access off-site PE facilities in a safe manner and which do not result in students and teachers needing to assign a significant portion of time walking to and from the off-site facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39325/23]
View answerI wish to confirm to the Deputy that investment and expenditure on PE Halls is an element of the overall School Building Programme. Almost 95% of the post primary schools that made 2020 Annual Schools Returns have indicated to the Department that they either have a PE Hall, access to a nearby PE Hall, or a project in train that will deliver a new PE Hall which can be used as a sports facility.
The provision of GP rooms and PE Halls, at primary and post primary level respectively, and outdoor hard play areas, form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings. This is also the case where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school. Practically all schools have outdoor play areas and many schools use adjacent off site local facilities, including community halls, public parks, playing fields and swimming pools.
Furthermore, as per any new school building, where the site area and building configuration permits, an area may be reserved suitable for use as a practice playing field.
With regard to the school referred to by the Deputy, my Department are in ongoing discussions with the school patron in relation to their current use of off site PE facilities including transport.
785. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education when a project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage, in view of the urgent need to provide this much-needed accommodation due to an increased enrolment at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39419/23]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers has been approved funding under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for the provision of an Engineering Room, an Engineering Preparation Room, a Construction Preparation/Store area and a Home Economics Room.
This project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery. The school's design team are currently preparing the submission of a stage 2b (planning) report which will be reviewed by my Department's officials in order to progress the project to the next stage of the architectural process.
786. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Education the options that are available for school transport for a pupil (details supplied). [39423/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
There was an increase of 21% in tickets issued to eligible students and an increase of 38% in tickets issued on a concessionary basis in the 2022/23 school year compared to the 2021/22 school year.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 132,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the same time last year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class/special school or unit, that is or can be resourced to meet the child's special educational needs under the Department of Education criteria.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
There was a 30% increase in the number of special educational transport journeys from 2019 to the 2022/2023 school year, and already over 1,400 new applications have been received since July for the 2023/2024 school year.
New applications for the 2023/2024 school year will be catered for through a mix of new services (some being individual), children being accommodated on existing services where capacity exists, extensions of existing routes and grants to families.
Bus Éireann have advised that the service for the pupil in question is going through the procurement process at present.
A Special Transport Interim Grant is available to families of children with special educational needs who, following the application process, are eligible under the terms of the school transport scheme and are awaiting a School Transport service to be put in place. The Department will be in direct contact with families in regard to full details of this grant.
This grant is a once off payment. The interim grant is offered from the date of application to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements that families have to put place until a transport service is ready to commence.
787. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education the proposals, if any, there are to expand the school completion programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39424/23]
View answerThere are currently 122 projects included in the SCP, which forms part of the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS). Funding for SCP is provided by my Department via TESS, and TESS have responsibility for oversight of SCP.
The programme is a central element of the DEIS plan (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), a key policy initiative of my Department to address educational disadvantage at school level.
Since responsibility for the administration of the SCP transferred back from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to my Department in January 2021, I have secured additional funding to provide for an extension of SCP supports to 28 additional schools that were included in DEIS for the first time in September 2017, and a 5% overall increase in funding for the School Completion Programme, effective from September 2021. In addition, I negotiated a further increase of 5% for SCP under Budget 2023. This complements the recent expansion of the DEIS programme announced by me in 2022.
A programme of work to explore the allocation of resources to schools to address educational disadvantage is currently being undertaken by my Department. To support this work, my Department have invited the OECD Strength Through Diversity: Education for Inclusive Societies Project to review the current policy approach for the allocation of resources to support students at risk of educational disadvantage in Ireland. This review will provide an independent expert opinion on the current resource allocation model for the DEIS programme which will include the SCP and, drawing on international examples, inform a policy approach for an equitable distribution of supplementary resources to support students at risk of educational disadvantage attending all schools, both DEIS and non-DEIS.
788. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán a tuairimí maidir le méadú ar an deontas faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí do Choláistí Gaeilge do cúrsaí samhraidh do mhic léinn atá ag fanacht i lóistín an Choláiste, chun filleadh ar an leibhéal tacaíochta a bhí ar fáil roimh an gcúlú eacnamaíochta; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [37341/23]
View answerIs é cuspóir Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (SFG) - atá ar an scéim is sine atá á riar ag an Roinn, tacú le deiseanna breise sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga a chur ar fáil sa Ghaeltacht do lucht freastail iar-bhunscoileanna agus tríú leibhéal na tíre. Ceaptar go bhfuil tuairim is 1 milliún foghlaimeoir tar éis leas a bhaint as an scéim ó bunaíodh í 50 bliain ó shin in 1972.
Tugadh ardú beagnach 20% ar dheontais aon-oíche faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge anuraidh. Mar thoradh air seo, ardaíodh deontas do bhrú nó lóistín coláiste ar bhonn pro-rata ón ráta €5 in 2019 go €6 ag tús 2022 agus ansin go €7 ag deireadh na bliana seo chaite. Seo an t-ardú is suntasaí ar an deontas seo le deich mbliana anuas.
Le bliain anuas tá céimeanna eile glactha i dtaobh tacú le Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí atá dírithe ar fhás agus ar fhorbairt na h-éarnála:
* Ardaíodh fá 20% an deontas a íoctar le teaghlaigh aitheanta faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge de chuid na Roinne ó €10 go €12. Faigheann teaghlaigh íocaíocht laethúil ó choláistí chomh maith le fóirdheontas laethúil €12 na Roinne.
* Ardaíodh an deontas tosaithe do theaghlaigh nua ó €2,000 go dtí €6,000. Is ardú ionann le 300% é seo. Leathnaíodh na hearrí a ceadaíodh faoin deontas freisin chun bunchleapacha agus tochtanna a chlúdach.
* Ardaíodh uaslíon na scoláirí ar iostas a bhí ceadaithe ó 12 go 16.
* Ardaíodh go suntasach an ciste atá ar fáil faoin tionscnamh DEIS Gaeltachta chun deiseanna breise a thabhairt do lucht freastail iar-bhunscoileanna DEIS na tíre freastal ar chúrsa Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.
* Ina theannta sin, cuireann an Roinn maoiniú ar fáil do scéim ÁRAINN Gaeltachta a thugann deis do dhaltaí iar-bhunscoile ar fud na hÉireann bliain scoile iomlán a chaitheamh ag freastal ar mheánscoil ar cheann d’Oileáin Árann. Cuirtear breis is €150,000 ar fáil gach bliain chun tacú le suas le 30 dalta iar-bhunscoile.
Ní gá a lua go leanfar ag breathnú ar bhealaí breise le cabhrú tuilleadh leis an earnáil amach anseo.
789. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason Parliamentary Question Nos. 541 and 542 of 25 July 2023, which were due for response to this Deputy on 25 July 2023 were not issued until the late afternoon of 26 July 2023 (details supplied); if the delay in responding will be explained; if she, or anyone in her Department in any way by any means sought this delay; the reason the information requested in the Parliamentary Question was released to a newspaper before the Parliamentary Question response issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37391/23]
View answerIn order to provide the Deputy with the most up-to-date information in responding to Question’s 541 and 542 of 25 July, my officials had requested additional information from An Post which resulted in a delay in responding.
In regard to the matter raised by the Deputy in details supplied, the response to the media query was only released after the reply had been transmitted to the Oireachtas. I am informed that the reply to these Questions was transmitted to the Oireachtas at 1.15 pm on Wednesday 26 July.
790. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of new TV licences issued and the number of TV licence renewals for week 4 of July 2023 versus the corresponding period in 2022; the number of licence renewals for week 1 of August 2023 versus the corresponding period in 2022; the number of direct debit new licences in July 2023 versus 2022; the number of direct debit licence renewals in July 2023 versus 2022; if she will provide this information in tabular form; the cumulative reduction in both new and renewed licences to date since the beginning of July; the amount of revenue that cumulative amount equates to; how she plans to tackle the trend of falling TV licence fee revenue; how she will replace the revenue lost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37561/23]
View answerThe table following provides details of TV licences issued for the fourth week of July and the first week of August in 2022 and 2023. Total issued for the months of July and August, the variation between 2023 and 2022 and the reduction in revenue over the period is also provided.
Every effort is made by An Post to ensure compliance with the Statutory requirements in relation to TV licences, and a considerable amount of time and resources is spent by An Post in undertaking its role as collection agent. The figures are likely to reflect public sentiment regarding the RTÉ controversy. Together with An Post, my Department continues to monitor figures, while NewERA are assessing the potential impact.
I will continue to monitor RTÉ's financial position, with the support of NewERA before making any decision on funding for RTÉ. It is important to note that the licence fee supports a broad range of content including sport, culture, current affairs, music, entertainment and more, across many broadcasters and independent producers, not just RTÉ, and it is vital that people continue to purchase or renew their TV licence.
The current figures reflect the critical need to rebuild trust in RTÉ. RTÉ have committed to this and have already introduced a number of measures to increase transparency within the organisation. The independent examinations which I have established are an important element of this reform.
As the Taoiseach has recently stated, Government is committed to reforming the TV Licence fee. A lot of work has already been undertaken to examine how the licence fee could be reformed, and how collection processes could be improved, and the Technical Group on Reform and Enhancement of the TV Licence System which I established, has submitted their report to me. In light of the current situation in RTÉ, the approach to the reform must be comprehensive and for this reason, while the report is under active consideration, any decision on the longer term funding model will be contingent on reform and addressing governance issues that have emerged at RTÉ.
|
TV Licence July/Aug |
- |
- |
- |
|
2023 |
2022 |
Difference |
|
|
July Wk 4 |
10,661 |
14,151 |
(3,490) |
|
direct debits |
16,779 |
14,112 |
(2,667) |
|
Total July |
53,882 |
76,769 |
(22,887) |
|
Aug Wk 1 |
9,631 |
15,030 |
(5,399) |
|
Total August |
54,664 |
77,736 |
(23,072) |
|
Total Jul-Aug |
108,546 |
154,505 |
(45,959) |
|
Revenue lost |
(€7,353,440) |
