Written Answers Nos. 345-362
345. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if she will sign off on the next stage of additional accommodation application for a post-primary school, in Cork’s north inner city (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16577/24]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers, includes an extension to the existing school buildings, decanting if required, necessary to satisfactorily develop the post primary school on its existing site to cater for an enrolment of 700 pupils. The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority and it has appointed a design team to progress the project.
The Stage 2b architectural report has been received by my Department and is currently under review from both a technical and cost perspective. My Department will revert to the school authority directly on the outcome and the next steps to progress this project.There is an overall pipeline of some 1300 projects across the school system. The current status of all projects is listed on a county by county basis at www.gov.ie. and this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
My Department has a strong track record of delivery of school building projects and this was achieved again in 2023 notwithstanding the wider construction sector environment of high inflation, labour shortages and supply chain issues.
Under Project Ireland 2040, we are investing over €5 billion during the period 2021 to 2025, to add capacity and develop and upgrade school facilities across the country for the almost one million students and over 100,000 staff that learn and work in our schools every day.
My Department is very appreciative of the strong support provided by Government for our education budget. As part of the supplementary budget, €405m additional capital funding was provided in 2023. This helped to alleviate capital funding pressures that arose in 2023 which was reflective of the strong delivery by my Department of school building projects – particularly to support mainstream provision accommodating Ukrainian students and special education needs provision. My Department’s overall capital out-turn for 2023 was €1.264 billion.
We continue to have a strong pipeline of projects for delivery under the school building programme involving circa. 300 projects currently at construction, which include 34 new school buildings. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places. The Department has always operated a tightly prioritised approach to the school building programme, focused over recent years on the delivery of additional capacity where required, and this will continue to be the case.
346. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education if the new school buildings for a school (details supplied) will include dedicated special education classrooms; the proposed number of students who will be enrolled at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16580/24]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the building project for the school to which he refers has been devolved for delivery to Cavan & Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB).
The project is currently at Stage 4 (Construction stage) and works commenced on site in August 2023. The project is expected to reach completion in Q4 2024, provided there are no delays.
The project will provide a five mainstream classrooms in total. Regarding special class provision, the planning and co-ordination of education and support services to children with special educational needs is a statutory function of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need. When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school (primary or post-primary), school authorities can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure an existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class and/or to construct additional accommodation under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation Scheme (ASA). Similarly where special schools are requested to expand provision or wish to refurbish existing facilities, they may also apply to my Department for capital funding to carry out these works.
Based on the current primary school teacher ratio, a 5 classroom school would be expected to cater for up to 163 pupils with the appointment figure for a 6th mainstream post now at 164 pupils. However, in relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an admissions policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998 and the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018.
347. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the special education provision available at a school (details supplied); if there are proposals to increase that number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16581/24]
View answerEnabling 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.
For 2024, €2.7 billion is being spent on special education, an increase of €113 million, and this is dedicated to providing supports for children with special educational needs. This will allow for, amongst other things, the opening of up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools and 300 additional special school places.
This includes funding to support children with special educational needs in mainstream classes; funding for new special classes and new special school places; additional special educational teachers, special needs assistants (SNAs) and funding for the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
In 2024, the number of teaching and SNA posts in our schools will increase with an additional 744 teachers and 1,216 SNAs added to deliver up to 2,700 new places for children with special educational needs. This will mean we will have over 41,500 qualified and committed people in our schools who are focused wholly and exclusively on supporting these children.
The NCSE has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
Over the last number of years, my department and the NCSE have introduced a number of strategic initiatives to plan for and provide sufficient special class and special school places.
These initiatives are bearing fruit with almost 1,300 new special classes sanctioned and seven new special schools established over the last four years.
My department engage intensely with the NCSE in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in relation to forecasting demand for special class places, an analysis of available school accommodation, consideration of improved data sharing arrangements and a particular focus on the provision of special classes at post-primary level.
As a result of this forward planning, two new special schools have been established for this current school year in Cork and Dublin, with further capacity being expanded in 11 other special schools.
In addition, four new special schools will be established for the 2024/25 school year in counties Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick. This will bring to 11 the number of new special schools established in recent years.
Along with the two new special schools opening this school year, 391 new special classes – 255 at primary and 136 at post-primary level – have been sanctioned by the NCSE.
Of these 3 are in Monaghan, 2 at primary level and 1 at post-primary level. This brings to 42 the number of special classes in County Monaghan, 28 at primary level and 14 at post-primary level. The vast majority of these class are autism classes and have a teacher/student ratio of 1:6. There are two such classes in the school referred to by the Deputy.
Planning for special classes and special school places in County Monaghan and nationwide is currently underway ahead of the 2024/25 school year. The locations of new classes for 2024/25 will be confirmed by the NCSE shortly.
As demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years, due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates, my department and the NCSE have engaged with post-primary stakeholders in relation to the provision of special classes.
My department wrote to all post-primary schools requesting that each school begin planning to provide for up to four special classes to meet the needs of children progressing from primary school. The department and the NCSE continue to have engagement with post-primary school management bodies in relation to the provision of special classes.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes. Local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE's website at: www.ncse.ie/regional-services-contact-list
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the types and locations of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at: www.ncse.ie/special-classes
My department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
348. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) will receive any update on the agreed extension for four additional classrooms. [16586/24]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved a project under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme to provide a 3 Mainstream Classrooms, 2 SET rooms, 2 Classroom SEN base and Demolition of 1 Prefab unit.
The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.
My Department received the revised Stage 1 cost plan from the Design Team and this has recently been reviewed by my Department's Professional and Technical officials. The outcome of this review is being shared directly with the school authority.
349. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education if a school (details supplied) will receive any update on the agreed extension for four additional classrooms, two learning support rooms and two special needs classrooms and associated rooms.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16587/24]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved a project under my Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme to provide a 3 Mainstream Classrooms, 2 SET rooms, 2 Classroom SEN base and demolition of 1 Prefab unit.
The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.
My Department received the revised Stage 1 cost plan from the Design Team and this has recently been reviewed by my Department's Professional and Technical officials. The outcome of this review is being shared directly with the school authority.
350. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education the status of progress on the proposed new school (details supplied); if the project is in the capital school building programme; and the projected timeline for construction. [16594/24]
View answerThe project to which the Deputy refers, was approved funding as a large scale capital project. It is devolved for delivery to Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB)
I am pleased to advise that the project is currently at stage 2b of the architectural design process (developed design). At this stage the design team will obtain the statutory planning approvals, prepare a set of fully detailed Tender documents, and prepare an accurate pre-tender cost plan.
Once these approvals are in place, the project can proceed to tender and construction in due course.
At this juncture, it is not possible to give a date for its completion.
LOETB as the devolved delivery body, will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
351. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education the reason for the reduction of funding for pupils in the Summer Programme over the past two years; if this decision will be reviewed; the engagement she has had with teachers in relation to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16596/24]
View answerDetails of the 2024 Summer Programme were published on the 21st March 2024. The Department of Education recently announced that funding of €40m has been secured again to ensure that a comprehensive summer programme will be available in 2024. This builds on the successful summer programmes of the last three years. The full funding of €40m is available and, as in previous years, all of the funding is utilised to meet the needs of our most vulnerable children.
All schools, once again, have an opportunity to run a programme over the summer months for those children who need it the most. These children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting.
The main priority again in 2024 is that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.
All of the measures for the 2024 summer programme have been designed to maximise the number of schools and children taking part in the school-based programme.
Since 2019, the Summer Programme has gone from strength to strength. In 2023, approximately 1,400 schools and more than 50,000 children took part in the Summer Programme. This is compared to the 13,000 children who took part in 2019.
A key barrier to the participation of schools previously has been the availability of staff, particularly those experienced staff already working in the schools. In 2023, to maximise the use of the Summer Programme budget, teachers and SNAs working on the school-based scheme were paid a higher personal rate of pay. Consequently, the Department saw a much larger number of schools taking part, particularly in primary schools and the Department is anxious for this to continue.
Schools are also given the flexibility to engage staff that are not employed in their schools to support their summer programme. A staff portal is now available on EducationPosts.ie for teachers and SNAs to register their interest in working on a school-based programme in a Special School. Student teachers and students in relevant disciplines such as therapy, social care and nursing and others, including early childcare workers and carers, will also be able to register their interest in working on this year’s Programme.
In 2023, the Inclusion Programme and Special Class elements from 2022 were combined to form one cohesive scheme for mainstream schools where the aim was to bring a more targeted approach for children with special educational needs. While the capitation rate in mainstream schools was raised to €45 in 2023, the €30 rate per week for 2024 is in line with the rate for the Inclusion Programme in previous years. This rate is cognisant of all costs associated with running a summer programme and is very favourably compared to the normal capitation during the school year, which is approximately €5 per week. To assist schools further this year, in the special class group or the combined group setting, schools also have the flexibility to consider how best to align the existing resource allocation to accommodate more children into these groups.
It is important to note that the capitation rate for special schools, which is the sector that the Department is actively encouraging to participate in the programme remains at €60 as it has been in 2023 to reflect the unique circumstances of running a programme in those settings.
The Department is satisfied that the full range of supports which underpin the summer programme ensures that it remains a well-supported and important measure in supporting children with special educational needs.
352. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Education the number of schools in County Carlow which have applied for ASD units; the number which were successful; the reasons for which those that were not successful; the timeline on delivery of the units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16612/24]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has the responsibility for planning and coordinating school supports for children with special educational needs.
The 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. In planning and providing for additional school accommodation, the Department must also have regard to construction inflation pressures and competing demands on suppliers of modular accommodation and project management services.
It may not be possible or appropriate to open new special classes in every school who expresses an interest in opening a new class.
In general, demographics have been falling at primary level and are due to continue to decrease. Therefore, the Department considers it prudent to maximise the use of existing spare accommodation capacity at primary level in the first instance, before considering any applications for further accommodation needs. This is in line with public spending requirements. In relation to the provision of primary special classes, the shared preference of both the Department and the NCSE is to use and reconfigure existing school accommodation to provide special classes. Given the number of primary special classes available already and the falling demographics, it is also likely that most of the new additional special classes may be required in larger population centres in a local school planning area.
At local level, the NCSE is currently reviewing the overall demand for such provision in the area alongside the availability of space in local schools. The NCSE and the Department continue to engage on a regular basis in relation to the provision of additional special education placements. This involves regular weekly meetings and ongoing meetings with NCSE regional teams.
Since 2020 my Department has received applications from 3 Post Primary schools and 15 primary schools under my Departments Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme for special classes in County Carlow.
15 school's applications were successful and details of all current Additional School Accommodation scheme projects are available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie.
3 applications are currently under consideration with 1 of these applications previously refused due to special class not being sanctioned by the NCSE. However, the NCSE have since sanctioned a class for this school and when the assessment process is finalised the school authorities will be contacted directly with a decision.
I can assure the Deputy that the provision of required school places, including for children with special educational needs, is a priority for my Department and officials are working to ensure that there is sufficient provision to meet the school place needs in the school in question and the wider School Planning Area for future years.
353. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if any grant-aid is available towards improvement works at primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16617/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the purpose of the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The SWS operates on a multi-annual basis for categories of works such as roof works, window replacement, mechanical and electrical works, external works etc. and was last opened for applications in 2019.
The Department is leading an ambitious sustainability agenda and has progressed a wide array of measures to improve the overall sustainability of our school buildings. It is a priority for Government to deliver on Ireland’s ambitious climate agenda and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This includes targets around the decarbonisation of Ireland’s public buildings.
As part of it’s planning for 2024 and beyond, Department officials are considering and planning for the next phases of the summer works programme and the opportunities this may create to support the sustainability agenda. In this regard, it is envisaged at this stage that, a Multi-Annual SWS with a focus on climate action and energy conservation will be the focus for the next summer works scheme to be opened for applications. The arrangements and timing of that SWS is still under consideration and schools will be updated in due course.
354. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education when a local school place in Dublin 15 will be provided to a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16686/24]
View answerMy 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 for the relevant year, the student should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will 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 student not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
As part of planning for September 2024, post-primary schools in Castleknock and Carpenterstown were contacted by the Department, and data on applications for admission has been received by the Department across these areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.
The sharing of this data has been of assistance in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. However, there is an identified requirement for additional first year places in the above school planning areas and the Department have been liaising with schools and patrons in this respect, with a view to advancing a solution as soon as possible.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted.
I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the Dublin 15 School Planning Areas for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
355. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education when a local school place in Dublin 15 will be provided to a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16687/24]
View answerMy 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 for the relevant year, the student should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will 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 student not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
As part of planning for September 2024, post-primary schools in Castleknock and Carpenterstown were contacted by the Department, and data on applications for admission has been received by the Department across these areas of enrolment pressure, and updated data on offers and acceptances continues to be received as admissions processes transact.
The sharing of this data has been of assistance in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. However, there is an identified requirement for additional first year places in the above school planning areas and the Department have been liaising with schools and patrons in this respect, with a view to advancing a solution as soon as possible.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted.
I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the Dublin 15 School Planning Areas for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
356. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education which school building projects if any in Dublin Mid-West have been awarded additional funding from the National Development Plan; to list these schools and how much has been allocated; what is the purpose of this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16707/24]
View answerSince 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects and with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings.
These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
It is also planned that close to 90 projects currently at tender stage, including 28 new school buildings, will be authorised to proceed to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total, around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation.
These projects moving to construction in this next phase will add in the region of 200,000 m2 of additional and modernised permanent capacity across the school estate and involve 28 new school buildings and 61 extensions at existing buildings.
These projects will help schools cater for growing populations in their areas and include 138 classrooms for children with special education needs, which is a key priority for Government.
This is a record level of investment in school buildings. It will expand the number of school places, significantly increase provision for special education and upgrade and modernise our school infrastructure. The impact of this will be felt in communities, right around the country.
The status of all projects in the pipeline, including those at tender stage, is set out by County at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/d73cb-building-works-for-the-construction-extension-and-refurbishment-of-schools/#school-building-projects-large-scale-additional-accommodation-scheme-current-status-lists and is updated on a regular basis.
357. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education to review a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16712/24]
View answerThe 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.
A review of the School Transport Scheme has been completed. This review was conducted with a view to examining the current scheme, its broader effectiveness, and sustainability and to ensure it services students and their families adequately.
The School Transport Scheme 2030 report has now been published. It marks the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967. The Government is committed to working to achieve the report’s recommendation of expanding access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030.
For the 2024/2025 school year it remains that, 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.
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 2024/2025 school year is Friday 26 April 2024. The closing date for payment/entering medical details for tickets for the 2024/2025 school year is Friday 07 June 2024.
Bus Éireann has advised that eligibility for each student contained in the details supplied by the Deputy will be assessed, and a report will issue to the Department of Education as soon as this information is available.
358. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she continues to monitor the required extra classroom accommodation/spaces at a school (details supplied), with particular reference to the time by which she can anticipate the completion of the school in line with specification, if and when she expects this accommodation to be completed and made available [16719/24]
View answerThe major project referred to by the Deputy is at Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.
My Department’s planning and building unit is currently assessing its work programme and priorities for 2024 in the context of overall requirements. The large scale capital project remains a priority for delivery.
A tender report is under review by Department Officials. When this review is complete my Department will be in contact with the School Authority and the Design Team to progress the project and to authorise the issue of the Letter of Intent to the lowest tenderer. Until the contractor is appointed it is not possible to provide an estimated completion date. However once the contractor has been appointed, it is expected that it will take approximately 15 months to complete the project.
Since 2020, my department has invested in the region of €4.3 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 34 new school buildings.
These 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.
There are also 90 projects currently at the tender stage including a further 28 new school buildings. All these new school buildings are flagship projects in their area and transform the education infrastructure for those school communities.
This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.
359. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she has evaluated the school place requirements at primary and second level in Naas, County Kildare, with particular reference to the need to ensure that children will have access to the adequate number of spaces to meet their requirements in the coming school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16720/24]
View answerThe provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Naas. As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across areas of known enrolment pressure including Naas.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified. The Department has also been made aware of existing capacity within Naas, and has had positive engagement from a patron regarding the provision of additional first year places if the existing capacity is not sufficient.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. In that context, while some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place. This includes engagement in areas which were not included in the more detailed data sharing arrangements for 2024/25. As part of this engagement with patrons, the Department is also collaboratively planning towards 2025/26 and future years, as part of forward planning generally.
The Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years. Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for the Naas School Planning Area.
There are currently a number of active projects at primary and post primary level in the Naas School Planning Area which will increase local capacity, including new school building project for Mercy Convent, Naas which is at Stage 3, new school building project for St. Corban’s NS, Naas which is currently at Stage 2b, and an extension and refurbishment project for St. Mary’s Girls Post Primary school to increase LTPE 900 which is currently at Stage 2b.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on the Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The picture in relation to school place requirements is very dynamic, noting that children may also move into an area during the course of the school year (including from overseas). This is a particular issue in parts of the country where expansion of residential development has been contributing to mid-year demand for places.
Department officials will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the Naas School Planning Area for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
360. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the total number of school places required at primary and second level in Celbridge, County Kildare, with particular reference to the needs emerging in September next; if the three-school project is advancing at appropriate pace to meet all of the requirements, including replacement for a school (details supplied); and if it is anticipated that adequate spaces will be made available by September next. [16721/24]
View answerThe provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in North Kildare. As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across areas of known enrolment pressure including Celbridge School Planning Area.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified. To date, additional 1st year places have been made available in Celbridge which has ensured there is sufficient capacity for September 2024 to meet the needs of all the local children.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. In that context, while some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place. This includes engagement in areas which were not included in the more detailed data sharing arrangements for 2024/25. As part of this engagement with patrons, the Department is also collaboratively planning towards 2025/26 and future years, as part of forward planning generally.
The Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years. Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for the North Kildare area.
The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a bundled school building programmes. The schools will be delivered as part of a campus development at Donaghcumper, Celbridge.
The project is currently at Stage 1 of the architectural design process. The process of appointing the design team was recently completed in Q1 2024. The design team will now take the project through the various stages of design and architectural planning. It is not possible to provide a timeline for the project at this early stage.
The NDFA have and will continue to engage directly with the school authorities to keep them informed of progress.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on the Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The picture in relation to school place requirements is very dynamic, noting that children may also move into an area during the course of the school year (including from overseas). This is a particular issue in parts of the country where expansion of residential development has been contributing to mid-year demand for places.
Department officials will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the Celbridge School Planning Area for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
361. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the degree to which she anticipated an adequacy of school places at primary and second level at Leixlip, County Kildare, with a view to ensuring adequate accommodation availability at both primary and second level by September next; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16722/24]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
As the Deputy may be aware, in order to plan for school place needs, 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.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. In that context, while some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place. This includes engagement in areas which were not included in the more detailed data sharing arrangements for 2024/25. As part of this engagement with patrons, the Department is also collaboratively planning towards 2025/26 and future years, as part of forward planning generally.
The Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years. Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline for Kildare.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on the Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The picture in relation to school place requirements is very dynamic, noting that children may also move into an area during the course of the school year (including from overseas). This is a particular issue in parts of the country where expansion of residential development has been contributing to mid-year demand for places.
Department officials will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in Kildare and the Leixlip School Planning Area for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
362. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the extent to which she is satisfied that all school placement requirements, both primary and second level in Maynooth, County Kildare, can be met by September next; if new catchment areas are proposed to meet the requirements of those who fall between catchment areas for the purpose of placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16723/24]
View answerThe provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority for the Department.
My Department is aware of pressures for school places for the 2024/25 school year in Maynooth. As part of planning for September 2024, data on applications for admission has been received by the department from post-primary schools across areas of known enrolment pressure including Maynooth School Planning Area.
The sharing of this data has been very effective in the identification of school place requirements across the areas. In the majority of areas across Kildare, through the work of schools, patrons, management bodies and the Department, there are sufficient school places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Department is working with schools and patrons to make additional places available in a small number of areas where a need has been identified. To date, additional 1st year places have been made available in Maynooth and Celbridge which has ensured there is sufficient capacity for September 2024 to meet the needs of all the local children.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. In that context, while some applicants may not yet have received an offer of a school place for 2024/25, families can be assured that all children who require a school place will be provided with one. The Department is continuing to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there are sufficient school places available, and to put any required solutions in place. This includes engagement in areas which were not included in the more detailed data sharing arrangements for 2024/25. As part of this engagement with patrons, the Department is also collaboratively planning towards 2025/26 and future years, as part of forward planning generally.
The Department has invested significantly in schools in County Kildare over recent years. Under the National Development Plan, a total of almost €250m has been invested in schools in County Kildare over the last five years. This investment has focused on provision of additional capacity to cater for its increasing population and there are further significant projects in our pipeline including for the North Kildare area.
These projects include recently completed new school buildings in Maynooth. Additionally, a number of further new school buildings and extensions are at construction or planned in Maynooth School Planning Area. The project to provide an 8 classroom primary school with 2 classroom SEN base at Gaelscoil Ruairí is currently at Stage 2b and the project at Presentation Girls School is to provide 4 mainstream classrooms, 3 Special Education Tuition rooms and reconfiguration for special education Classroom is at Stage 2a. The project brief Stage 1 for a new school building for Gaelcholáiste Maynooth has been completed.
The Capital Programme details the school projects that are being progressed under Project Ireland 2040. The current status of large-scale projects being delivered under Project Ireland 2040, may be viewed on the Department's website at, www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
The picture in relation to school place requirements is very dynamic, noting that children may also move into an area during the course of the school year (including from overseas). This is a particular issue in parts of the country where expansion of residential development has been contributing to mid-year demand for places.
Under the Education Act 1998, the question of enrolment policy in individual schools, including the setting of catchment areas, is the responsibility of the Board of Management on behalf of the school patron. The 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 Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 requires schools to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied. Living in a particular catchment area is one criteria that a school may apply. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. The Department does not intervene in the criteria set by a school.
Department officials will continue to work with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students in the Maynooth School Planning Area for the 2024/25 school year and into the future.
