Written Answers Nos. 243-262
243. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of WTE staff vacancies, by job title, currently in the Corporate Enforcement Agency; and when these vacancies will be filled, in tabular form. [40392/23]
View answerThe Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) has an approved staff complement of 76, which includes 60 civil servant employees and 16 seconded members of An Garda Síochána (AGS).
The CEA currently has 8 civil servant vacancies and 2 AGS vacancies which are set out by job title and the expected date for the filling of each in the table below.
|
Job Title |
Number |
Status |
|
Senior Criminal Enforcement Manager |
1 |
A successful candidate has been chosen and is due to commence employment with the CEA on 18th September 2023. |
|
Enforcement Lawyer |
1 |
The CEA ran a competition for two lawyers which yielded one successful candidate. The CEA is currently considering options in relation to the filling of the remaining vacancy. |
|
Forensic Accountant |
1 |
A recruitment campaign to fill this position is planned for Autumn 2023. |
|
Clerical Officer (x4) |
4 |
The recruitment in respect of the four Clerical Officer vacancies is being progressed through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and the CEA expects to fill these vacancies from the established PAS panel. |
|
Insolvency Manager |
1 |
This position is currently being filled on an acting-up basis. It is intended to advertise the position through open competition in the coming month(s). |
|
Detective Sergeant |
1 |
A candidate has been selected and a commencement date is awaited. |
|
Detective Inspector |
1 |
A competition advertised in June yielded no application. Consideration is being given as to how to proceed. |
244. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagements that he or any representative of his Department, or associated State agencies, have had with management of a factory (details supplied) since 2019; the current number of employees at this factory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40423/23]
View answerI have been assured that Enterprise Ireland (EI) continues to support the company referenced in the Deputy’s question and are actively encouraging them to look at wider business opportunities across the relevant market. Whilst the company are doing this, progress has been much slower than they had anticipated, driven largely by recent inflationary costs. EI are also supporting the company to explore the innovation networks and ecosystem available to them in Ireland and supportive to their innovation journey.
The factory was officially opened in November 2019 when the fit-out of the facility was completed. As a proposed manufacturer of infant formula supplying the Chinese market, the company is required to have their facility fully audited and approved for operations prior to the commencement of any production.
This process includes approval by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and also inspection and approval by the Chinese authorities (GACC). Delays to this mandatory regulatory approval process were encountered due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions. The facility was approved by DAFM for infant formula production in mid-2021 and latterly approved by GACC for infant formula production in September 2022.
In addition to the approval needed to operate an infant formula plant as outlined above, recent legislation changes in China now requires that all recipes for supply into the Chinese infant formula market must also have Chinese authorities’ approval for production. The Irish factory, through their parent company in Shanghai, submitted their recipes for approval in January 2023 and anticipate a decision before the end of 2023. Once that approval is received, the factory can move to trial production stage.
The Chairman of the company, the Irish based CEO, and executives of EI met at the factory in August 2023. DAFM officials were also facilitated during this visit.
There are currently 8 full time workers employed on site, across business development, HR and engineering, with an expectation to grow employment as the business builds.
245. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports his Department has in place to assist businesses in decarbonisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40661/23]
View answerMy Department is actively pursuing all opportunities for decarbonisation across the enterprise base and integrating climate action into all aspects of the Department and its agencies’ activities.
As part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Green Transition Fund (GTF) will accelerate the decarbonisation of Irish enterprise. Launched by my Department in June 2022 and administered by Enterprise Ireland (EI), the GTF comprises two separate streams of funding to support the different aspects of the decarbonisation journey for Irish enterprises.
The first stream ‘Climate Planning Fund for Business’ (CPFB) is aimed at building company capability to develop plans for lower-carbon products, processes, and business models. It comprises a range of offers to reflect the different levels of engagement and preparedness of companies. Grant offers include the following:
Climate Action Voucher which is an €1,800 consultancy support to develop an initial decarbonisation action plan.
GreenStart covers a consultancy grant to help companies to introduce environmental best practice systems and structures, achieve cost and resource reduction targets and lay a foundation for future environmental improvement projects with a maximum grant of €5,000.
GreenPlus is assistance for training projects aimed at developing a high level of environmental management capability, driving environmental efficiencies and achieving improved sustainability with a maximum grant of €50,000.
Strategic Consultancy grant assists large energy users develop a carbon reduction roadmap and includes maximum grant of €35,000.
The second stream ‘Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund’ (EERIF) supports capital investment and Research, Development & Innovation in decarbonisation.
The EERIF is targeted at companies of different sizes and stages of engagement in their decarbonisation journey to put in place energy monitoring systems, thereby establishing the carbon footprint of their enterprise; to make investments in decarbonising their manufacturing processes; and to support Research, Development and Innovation in low carbon products and processes. It includes the following component parts:
Capital investment for Energy Monitoring & Tracking Systems which assists companies to put in place monitoring and targeting systems to begin accounting for the carbon footprint of their activities and includes a maximum grant of €50,000.
Capital investment for decarbonisation processes - assisting investment in carbon reducing technologies in manufacturing combustion processes to include a maximum grant of up to €1,000,000.
Exploring Innovation Grant to help in the planning of research, development or innovation projects in the areas of sustainability and decarbonisation with maximum support of €35,000.
Research & Development funding to assist the development of new or substantially improved products, services or processes, in the areas of sustainability and decarbonisation with variable associated grants.
Agile Innovation grant to assist businesses in the development of new or substantially improved products, services or processes, in the areas of sustainability and decarbonisation with maximum support of €150,000.
To date, there have been 194 company approvals to the value of €7,176,787 under the two streams of the Green Transition Fund.
The Local Enterprise Offices also offer supports to assist businesses decarbonisation efforts. Green for Business was launched in August 2023, to supersede Green for Micro. The eligibility criteria have been adjusted to support all businesses with up to 50 employees, to align with the capital Energy Efficiency Grant. A company may also avail of a second Green for Business assignment where warranted. To August 2023, there were 314 Green for Micro projects approved. There are 54 draft applications for the newly renamed Green for Business.
To support the implementation of green projects, the Energy Efficiency Grant was launched in May 2023. It supports the investment in technologies and equipment identified in a Green for Micro, Green for Business; GreenStart or a SEAI Energy Audit. The aim of the scheme is to reduce the impact of enterprises on the environment thereby increasing the agility and resilience of these businesses. The grant will cover 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €5,000.
246. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Education to provide a list of second-level education institutions aided by her Department, in tabular form, that did not provide either physics or physics and chemistry in 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2022; and to provide a list of second-level education institutions aided by her Department that did not provide either chemistry or physics and chemistry for the corresponding years. [39500/23]
View answerThe information that the Deputy requested is set out in tabular form in the attached spreadsheets. The information is based on the annual October Returns which were submitted to the Department by Post Primary schools.
247. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost to the Exchequer to provide free school transport to all primary and post-primary school students in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39518/23]
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.
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 scheme is operated by Bus Éireann on a cost recovery basis. The scheme is a demand led scheme and costs can vary from year to year based on the number of children for whom services are provided for in any given year and any additional costs incurred due to external factors such as for example the impact of Covid-19, the requirement to provide transport for children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine and the cost of living measures announced by Government in 2022 as they related to school transport.
The cost of operating the scheme has increased from €200.2m in 2018 to €338.9m in 2022. The number of pupils travelling on school transport services over the period 2018/19 to 2022/23 has increased from some 117,800 pupils to over 151,000 pupils.
The waiving of school transport fees for the 2022/2023 school year was announced by Government as a cost of living measure. The estimated cost of parental fees forgone as a result is some €19.5m. Additional costs were also incurred to provide the additional services to cater for the increased demand that arose as a result of this fee waiver.
248. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a National Educational Psychological Service psychologist. [39519/23]
View answerThe cost of employing one main grade Educational Psychologist in the NEPS service is €78,435 per annum. This includes pay and non pay costs.
249. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Education the reason that it is not possible to pay a substitute teacher where a fixed-term or permanent position remains vacant following an advertisement process; the reason that a casual substitute teacher, in particular, cannot be appointed and paid where there is no named person filling the post, even where the school has a substitute teacher available to cover most of the days as it seeks a candidate to fill the position permanently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39522/23]
View answerThe Department is aware that a number of schools are experiencing some challenges recruiting teachers for this school year. The Department meets on a regular basis with school management bodies and teacher unions on this very important issue, and has recently met with school management bodies in this regard.Fixed term replacement teacher posts must be filled according to the current rules for teacher recruitment. These include that the recruited teacher shall be offered a fixed term contract. There is also a requirement that a person employed in a teaching position is registered with the Teaching Council in order to be paid by the public purse. This is provided for under legislation and therefore it is not possible for the State to pay a person whose Teaching Council Registration is pending.There is an exception to this rule which permits an unregistered person to be employed in a substitute capacity for up to 5 days in place of a teacher. Teachers who carry out substitute work and who are not on supply panels or who do not hold a permanent/fixed term contract in their own right, can be used to fill vacant posts where a school cannot secure a teacher on a longer-term basis. However, the school must continue to seek to recruit a teacher on a longer-term contract for that post.The Department will continue to work intensively with all stakeholders to develop and implement solutions to address the teacher recruitment challenges being experienced by some schools.
250. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education if school transport will be provided to a student (details supplied), considering their circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39531/23]
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.
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.
Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms 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 are eligible for school transport if they satisfy the distance criteria and are attending their nearest post primary school/centre.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that the family, to whom the Deputy refers, are eligible for school transport however they made a late application on 11th August 2023. The service that could accommodate this family is operating to capacity with no seats available. The application closing date was Friday 28th April 2023 and the payment closing date was Friday 9th June 2023 for school transport applications for the 2023/2024 school year.
251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if all efforts are being made to ensure the daughter of a person (details supplied) has a school place for this academic year; the action likely to be taken, given the stress the situation is causing to the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39532/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, for school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a Geographical Information System to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including Child Benefit data, school enrolment data and information on residential development activity is used for this purpose. Additionally, Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform my Department's projections of school place requirements.
While the Department is aware of increasing pressures and demand for additional school places in the Celbridge area, it is important to note that where enrolment pressures arise, it may not be as a result of lack of accommodation but may be driven by the following factors:
• Duplication of applications – pupils have applied for a place to a number of schools in the area
• School of choice – pupils can’t get a place in their preferred school while there are places in other schools in the town/area
• Some towns/areas have single sex schools and while places are available in the school they are not available to all pupils
• External draw – pupils coming from outside the local area
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
The Department is working to establish the true extent of any capacity issues through ongoing discussions with the relevant school authorities. In that context, similar to the process adopted in advance of the current academic year, the Department is engaging with patron bodies and school authorities, including those of schools in the Celbridge area, to identify particular capacity requirements for the forthcoming years which may necessitate further action to that already in train.
Additionally, the Department will continue to work to advance the planned and current projects in the Celbridge School Planning area and to ensure sufficient places for both mainstream provision and for pupils with special education requirements.
The Educational Welfare Services (EWS) of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) is the statutory agency that can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The local service is delivered through the national network of Educational Welfare Officers (EWO). Contact details are available at www.tusla.ie/get-in-touch/education-and-welfare/
252. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education if the Government plans to fund SNA teachers for primary school-aged children who attend Montessori schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39535/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education will be substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the department’s total allocation for 2023.
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 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs in our schools next year.
For the first time ever we will have over 19,000 teachers working in the area of special education and over 20,000 SNAs. Together we have almost 40,000 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting children with special educational needs.
My department provides these resources to state-recognised schools to ensure that children with special educational needs have access to an appropriate education. These resources are not allocated to bodies other than recognised schools. The Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has responsibility for early learning and care, and school age childcare.
SNAs play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs into mainstream education, special classes and special schools ensuring that these students can access an education that enables them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
The purpose of the SNA scheme is clarified in circular 0030/2014 and explains that SNA support is provided specifically to assist recognised primary, post-primary and special schools to cater for the care needs of pupils with disabilities in an educational context.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
253. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the status of the building application submitted by a school (details supplied); when a decision will be made in respect of the application; when works are likely to commence and be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39564/23]
View answerI am pleased to advise that the project referred to by the Deputy was granted funding under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide 1 engineering room, 1 engineering preparation room, 1 construction preparation/store area and 1 home economics room. The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority and was approved to progress to stage 2b (planning). Once the stage 2b report is received, it will be reviewed by my Department, and the recommendations will be communicated directly to the school authority. At this stage of the project, it is not possible to provide a timeframe for delivery.
My Department recently received a further application from the school authority under the ASA scheme seeking funding for a new Gym / PE hall and social space for students. The main focus of the Department’s resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on the provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level, and for provision to meet the needs of children with special educational needs. The Department will continue to work to ensure that capital investment in schools is targeted in the most efficient and effective way to support schools in meeting the education needs of their students and communities.
This significant investment allows the Department to move forward with certainty on its ambitious plans and deliver high quality building projects, with a real focus on sustainability, for school communities across Ireland. The strengthened focus on refurbishment of existing school stock will have different strands and will include a PE build and modernisation programme which will enable students in post-primary schools to have access to appropriate facilities to support PE provision, particularly also in the context of the roll-out of PE as a Leaving Certificate subject. It is in this context that a request for a Gym/PE Hall will be considered for the school referred to by the Deputy and a decision issued directly to the school authority shortly.
254. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education what planning has taken place to secure new special classes in primary schools in Dublin 15 for September 2024 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39567/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
For 2023, the spend by my department on special education has been substantially increased by over 10% on last year, meaning that for 2023 my department will spend over €2.6 billion on special education.
This level of educational funding and support is unprecedented and represents in excess of 27% of the department’s total allocation for 2023.
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 2023, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 686 teachers and a further 1,194 SNAs.
For the first time ever there will be over 19,000 teachers working in the area of special education and over 20,000 SNAs. Together we have almost 40,000 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 education 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.
Earlier this year, Minister Foley and l announced the establishment of two special schools for the 2023/24 school year, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
Along with the two new special schools, 388 new special classes – 252 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE for opening in the 2023/24 school year.
Of these new special classes 7 are in the Dublin 15 area - 4 at primary level and 3 at post-primary level. These new classes will bring the total number of special classes in Dublin 15 to 57.
The number of special class and special school places required in any school year for each locality requires detailed planning and engagement between my Department, the NCSE and schools to ensure sufficient mainstream, special class and special school places are provided for. The planning activity between all stakeholders occurs all year round and the NCSE continuously engages with schools regarding the establishment of additional special classes.
My Department engages intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. Planning work for the school year 2024/2025 has already commenced. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. The local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
I can assure the Deputy that 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 and education.
255. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 5 July 2023, if she can provide an update (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39573/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my Department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question for special class accommodation.
The purpose of the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is working to ensure that there is appropriate school accommodation in place to meet the school place needs of all children. In the first instance, this is focused on ensuring that the use of existing school accommodation capacity is fully optimised. Where additional capacity is required this can be provided by means of modular accommodation where accelerated delivery is required, or by means of traditional construction projects.
I can confirm that the school in question have applied for a traditional construction project to provide a 2 class SEN base to accommodate two classes currently open within the school. This application required particular technical consideration given the complexities of the situation. My Department will be in further contact with the school regarding a proposed brief as soon as possible.
256. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education to provide a breakdown of the total number of applications for school transport for the 2022 and 2023 school years, by county, in tabular form; the number of the cohort in receipt of free school transport that availed of the scheme for 2022 and 2023; the number of the cohort that applied, by county, that paid a fee to include the number who were granted a place and not granted a place for 2022 and 2023; the number that applied, by county, for concessionary tickets for each of the past five years, to include the year 2023 and those that were granted a concessionary ticket and not granted a concessionary ticket for each of those years; the reason one cohort of students was automatically guaranteed a free school transport place for the 2023 school year without having to reapply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39590/23]
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.
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.
There has been an overall increase in both applications and tickets issued for the 2023/2024 school year in comparison to the 2022/2023 school year.
While some of information is not available in the manner requested by the Deputy, a spreadsheet has been provided by Bus Éireann in the table attached. Please note that the information provided was accurate at the time of issue. The 2023/2024 data is subject to variation as Bus Éireann issue more tickets issue over the coming weeks.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding pupils being assigned a free school transport place for the 2022/23 school year, all school transport fees were waived for the 2022/2023 school year as part of a wider cost of living package. In relation to the query of applications for the 2023/24 school year without having to reapply, I can advise that for eligible pupils availing of transport under the mainstream school transport primary and post primary scheme; eligible applications automatically roll over to the following school year on the Bus Éireann school transport portal. However families are requested to pay the required fee or enter medical card details by the closing date in order for tickets to issue.
In relation to pupils travelling on the school transport scheme for children with special educational needs and pupils from Ukraine/children residing in IPAS accommodation, I can advise that applications automatically roll over to the following school year on the Bus Éireann school transport portal and as transport is free for these pupil, tickets issue automatically.
There is no separate application process for concessionary seats, children who are not eligible for school transport, but who complete 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.
Because of 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.
In addition, temporary alleviation measures continue for the 2023/24 school year, pending completion of the school transport scheme review. This means that transport is provided where such services are in operation, and where there is capacity to do so, for post-primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school and are attending their second nearest school and who apply and pay on time.
[<a ref="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2023-09-20_pq256-20-09-23_en.pdf">Stats</a>]
257. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the number of applicants, by county, in tabular form, who did not receive a seat on the school transport scheme 2023/2024. [39601/23]
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.
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 close to 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 7% when compared with the same time last year, the number of tickets increases on a regular basis as capacity becomes available. 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 applicants, by county, in tabular form, that did not receive a seat on the school transport scheme 2023/2024; it is not possible to provide this information as Bus Éireann continue to issue tickets to families where capacity is available.
Bus Éireann have advised however that the number of tickets issued to pupils, by county to date is in the table below. Please note, these figures are taken from a point in time and are subject to change.
|
Mainstream Only |
School Year 2023/24 |
|
County |
Total number of mainstream tickets issued |
|
Carlow |
2882 |
|
Cavan |
3989 |
|
Clare |
4001 |
|
Cork |
17661 |
|
Donegal |
10310 |
|
Dublin |
2749 |
|
Galway |
11352 |
|
Kerry |
6282 |
|
Kildare |
5956 |
|
Kilkenny |
4272 |
|
Laois |
2012 |
|
Leitrim |
2208 |
|
Limerick |
5640 |
|
Longford |
2364 |
|
Louth |
4566 |
|
Mayo |
5507 |
|
Meath |
5811 |
|
Monaghan |
4066 |
|
Offaly |
3005 |
|
Roscommon |
2125 |
|
Sligo |
2611 |
|
Tipperary |
6229 |
|
Waterford |
3252 |
|
Westmeath |
3211 |
|
Wexford |
7086 |
|
Wicklow |
3799 |
258. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the number of school transport appeals on file, by county, in tabular form; and if there is a date for a decision given the school year has started. [39602/23]
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.
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.
Decisions made by, or on behalf of, the Department of Education regarding the provision of school transport services and/or grant-aid under the terms of the School Transport Schemes may be appealed to the School Transport Appeals Board.
This Board is independent in the performance of it’s functions but acts in accordance with (a) its Terms of Reference as determined by the Minister and (b) a set of Operating Procedures.
A total of 1,035 appeals have been received to date for 2023/2024 school, of which 899 appeals were received since July. Of the total appeals received, 716 are awaiting their consideration. The table below outlines the appeals awaiting consideration by county, in tabular form.
The Board meet once per month, however they may be required to carry out additional meetings where necessary where a large volume of appeals are received.
Totals for Consideration by County (716)
|
COUNTY |
NUMBER FOR CONSIDERATION |
|
Carlow |
5 |
|
Cavan |
23 |
|
Clare |
22 |
|
Cork |
179 |
|
Donegal |
8 |
|
Dublin |
23 |
|
Galway |
60 |
|
Kerry |
12 |
|
Kildare |
79 |
|
Kilkenny |
41 |
|
Laois |
15 |
|
Leitrim |
5 |
|
Limerick |
13 |
|
Longford |
5 |
|
Louth |
16 |
|
Mayo |
12 |
|
Meath |
44 |
|
Monaghan |
9 |
|
Offaly |
14 |
|
Roscommon |
18 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
28 |
|
Waterford |
9 |
|
Westmeath |
21 |
|
Wexford |
33 |
|
Wicklow |
16 |
|
TOTAL |
716 |
259. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the status of an appeal (details supplied). [39603/23]
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.
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.
On the 23rd of August 2023 an appeal in respect of school transport for the family referred to by the Deputy was lodged with the School Transport Appeals Board. The Board will liaise directly with the appellants when the appeals are due for consideration.
260. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the status of an appeal (details supplied). [39604/23]
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.
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.
On the 29th of August 2023 an appeal in respect of school transport for the family referred to by the Deputy was lodged with the School Transport Appeals Board. The Board will liaise directly with the appellants when the appeals are due for consideration.
261. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the status of an appeal (details supplied). [39605/23]
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.
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.
On the 2nd of August 2023 an appeal in respect of school transport for the family referred to by the Deputy was lodged with the School Transport Appeals Board. The Board will liaise directly with the appellants when the appeals are due for consideration.
262. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the status of an appeal (details supplied). [39606/23]
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.
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.
On the 2nd of August 2023 an appeal in respect of school transport for the family referred to by the Deputy was lodged with the School Transport Appeals Board. The Board will liaise directly with the appellants when the appeals are due for consideration.
