Written Answers Nos. 108-127
108. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the status of the works that were carried out to upgrade and improve Defence Forces buildings in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13374/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the details of the planned upgrades to be carried out to Defence Forces buildings in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13375/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.
Following the launch of the 5 year Built Infrastructure Programme for the Defence Forces in 2020, significant progress has been made in delivery on modernising the DF built environment. A number of significant projects were delivered/completed during 2021 including:
- Construction of 2 new gymnasia at Sarsfields Barracks, Limerick and at Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny combined cost of €6.2 million;
- Provision of a new Electric Target Range DFTC €2.1 million;
- NDA Range at Gormanstown €0.39m;
- Personnel Support Services Resource Centre, Camp Field, Collins Barracks, Cork €0.36m;
- Replacement of standby generators at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel €0.2m.
Other significant projects well advanced on site in 2021 included Block 8 accommodation (€4 million), refurbishment of Block H McKee (€6.4 million) and the remediation of Spencer Jetty (€3.1 million).
Building on the significant progress achieved in 2021, the capital allocation for 2022 is in the region of €35m. In addition, a further €10m is being provided to the Defence Forces for the purposes of maintenance of current stock.
This year’s allocation will enable the progression of the following Capital Projects to commence on site:
- Engineering Stores, Defence Forces Training Centre, €0.7 million;
- Cadet School HQ, Defence Forces Training Centre, €4.1 million;
- Upgrade to Barracks HQ, McKee Barracks, €1 million;
- Upgrade of Former USAC Block, Renmore, €10 million;
- Relocation of Printing Press, McKee Barracks, €1.9 million;
- Refurbishment of Block F, McKee Barracks, €8.3 million.
In addition the following major projects will be further progressed towards main contractor appointment with a view to onsite commencement in 2023 :
- Dredging, Haulbowline Naval Basin, €1.2 million;
- Refurbishment of Former Chief of Staff’s House, McKee Barracks, €2.2 million;
- Refurbishment of Block 9, Haulbowline, €5.5 million;
- CIS Workshop Facility, Defence Forces Training Centre, €7.3 million;
- ARW HQ, Defence Forces Training Centre, €4.4 million.
110. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the measures in place to ensure the health and well-being, particularly mental health, of Defence Forces personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13376/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA wide range of medical services are provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force. These include an annual medical examination, sick parades, attendance at GP surgery outside of sick parade and out-of-hours GP services, prescription services, laboratory services, physiotherapy, chiropody, radiology, ophthalmic examinations, in-patient and outpatient public hospital charges, routine dental treatment and the provision of overseas medical services, including global comprehensive medical insurance in the case of Defence Forces personnel (including dependents) assigned to longer term overseas administrative posts.
Commissioned Officers and members of the Army Nursing Service may also avail of private consultant appointments and diagnostic tests, and private/semi-private hospital treatment dependent on rank. The Programme for Government contains a committment to "ensure that all enlisted members of the Defence Forces have the same access to health care as officers currently do". A Working Group has been established with a view to bringing forward proposals on this matter.
Medical mental health services available to personnel include access to clinical psychology and psychiatry services. The psychology service assesses, diagnoses, treats and advises on strategies to prevent mental health disorders, and there are currently two Clinical Psychologists employed by the Defence Forces. Psychiatry services specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. There is currently one dedicated civilian consultant psychiatrist engaged by the Defence Forces.
In addition to these clinical supports, non-medical mental health services are provided by the Defence Forces Personnel Support Service (PSS). The PSS provides a welfare, information, psycho-social support and referral service to serving members of the Defence Forces and their families. The service is also available to civilian employees, and in a limited role to veterans. This service sustains and enhances the individual well-being of personnel, and promotes a safe and positive work culture, in order to support the effectiveness of the Defence Forces.
The service is delivered through a network of military Barrack PSS Officers and civilian Occupational Social Workers. This network of professionals is prepared to provide immediate help to service personnel and their families in a routine environment or at a time of crisis. This assistance can range from the simple provision of information to counselling or, if required, signposting and referral to specialist help and assistance.
The Defence Forces, through the PSS and working closely with the HSE, has and continues to engage in mental health education programmes for all members of the Defence Forces. These programmes include:
- Issuing an "Information Guide on Mental Health and Well Being in the Defence Forces";
- Providing access to "Mental Fitness" programmes through the Defence Forces Intranet;
- Providing Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training to all PSS personnel;
- Conducting Skills Training on Risk Management in suicide and self-harm mitigation (STORM) training with all overseas units;
- Conducting Safe Talk training throughout the Defence Forces;
- Providing Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training for all personnel;
- Issuing and giving presentations on "Defence Forces Guidelines on Suicide";
- Running courses on "Suicide and Self Harm Awareness"; and
- Providing Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) in conjunction with the HSE.
The Mental Health Wellbeing Strategy for the Defence Forces, which was launched on 2 December 2020, recognises the unique nature of the experience of military life in Ireland. The aim of the strategy is to provide a coordinated and effective mental health and support system for the personnel of the Defence Forces through the adoption of a series of measures between 2020 and 2023.
Eight supporting objectives (Governance, Resilience, Suicide, Stigma, Critical Incident Stress Management, a Comprehensive Approach, Military Families and a Model for Clinical Support) have been identified as essential components of the strategy to support the principal aim. It is intended that at the end of 2023, mental health and wellbeing support within the Defence Forces will be delivered in a coordinated, multi-disciplinary and directed manner that is designed to produce the best outcomes for the organisation and the military personnel and their families.
On 2nd November 2020, the Deputy Chief Of Staff (Support) issued an order for the convening of the Defence Forces Mental Health and Wellbeing Standing Committee which has responsibility for the implementation of the strategy. The Committee is chaired by the Officer In Charge of the Defence Forces Personnel Support Services and includes representatives of all subject matter experts in the area of mental health and wellbeing within the Defence Forces.
The Standing Committee has selected 15 milestones from the strategy for consideration. Each milestone has been allocated to a working group consisting of selected members of the Standing Committee and other key personnel and subject matter experts as required. Work plans have been created and the Working Groups report monthly to a full meeting of the Standing Committee. At these meetings progress achieved is assessed and guidance offered to counter obstacles or to provide direction for action.
Currently half of the milestones identified within the strategy are being addressed and it is expected that working groups will be stood up to address the remaining milestones during 2022. Some of the key milestones address issues regarding the support of families. The Standing Committee will produce a report at the end of 2023 and will be in a position to develop a follow on Mental Health Strategy for 2024-2029, which will look to build on the progress achieved and ensure the effective delivery of mental health and wellbeing within the Defence Forces to the end of the decade.
In addition, my Department funds a confidential counselling, referral and support service for serving members of the Defence Forces, civilian employees and Civil Defence volunteers. The service provides confidential counselling on a wide range of personal and work related issues, including but not limited to health, relationships, addictions, financial, bereavement, stress, conflict, critical incident and trauma. A Freephone confidential helpline is available on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year. The helpline provides for referral to appointment-based telephone or face-to-face counselling.
While I am satisfied that the available services offer comprehensive supports to Defence Forces members, I can assure the Deputy that they are kept under constant review.
111. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence if his Department will consider the recommendations set out in the Commission on the Defence Forces Report published in February 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13377/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission on the Defence Forces was established on foot of a commitment in the Programme for Government and the Government decision in December 2020 which also agreed its terms of reference and membership.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces was recently published. The Commission have undertaken a significant body of work encompassing wide-ranging terms of reference. The report contains 69 main recommendations and together with sub recommendations, there are 130 recommendations. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service.
The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces contains many detailed recommendations and there is a process underway to consider these recommendations in consultation with Ministerial colleagues and other stakeholders. The intent is to revert to Government with a proposed response and a high-level action plan in advance of the summer recess.
It would be inappropriate for me to engage in speculative discussion regarding the recommendations in the Commission’s report or the outcome of an ongoing deliberative process, prior to completion of that process and Government consideration of any proposed plan of action.
112. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Defence the details of the implementation of the pledges made by Ireland at the 2021 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial, Korea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13378/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland and other troop contributing countries register capabilities and contingents available for deployment to UN Peacekeeping Operations overseas on the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System (PCRS). These capabilities are additional to those already deployed or committed to other operations.
This provides the UN with a dynamic up-to-date catalogue of actual trained and available capabilities to draw from when establishing or reinforcing a UN mission.
In December 2021, I participated in a UN Peacekeeping Ministerial hosted by the Republic of Korea and reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to strengthen peacekeeping by announcing six new pledges, responding to the UN’s identified needs.
The new pledges were identified following direct engagement with the UN’s Office of Military Affairs and included the protection of the health of peacekeepers and civilians by providing Buddy First Aid Kits to over a thousand Ghanian UN peacekeepers serving alongside members of the Irish Defence Forces in UNIFIL (Lebanon) and MINUSMA (Mali). Arrangements are being made with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) for the purchase and distribution of these kits
Funding support was also pledged for the UN’s Digital Transformation Strategy along with funding to support Sudan in preparing for the transition from peacekeeping to peacebuilding. An allocation of €800,000 through the UN’s Climate and Security Mechanism was also pledged to support the UN Mission in South Soudan (UNMISS), in countering climate related security risks. These pledges are being progressed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
A pledge to provide a master trainer from An Garda Siochana to lead Crime Led Intelligence 'train the trainer' courses for four weeks per annum is being progressed by the Department of Justice.
Ireland's existing pledges to provide training were enhanced by the deployment in January 2022 of a Defence Forces master Counter Improvised Explosive Devices trainer to work with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Entebbe. In addition, Ireland will continue to invite other Troop Contributing Countries to join our pre-deployment and other relevant training courses at the Irish UN School at the Defence Forces Training Centre and deliver training on core capabilites overseas as the need arises.
Ireland continues to be a very active supporter of UN Peacekeeping and in particular working with others to try and drive forward the implementation of the UN's Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) and A4P+ initiatives which are so important in delivering improved and reformed UN peacekeeping operations.
113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 407 of 22 February 2022, the net loss to a person (details supplied) over the course of their lifetime due to the application of section 13(2) of the Army Pensions Act 1923 (as amended) and subsequent decision to reduce their disability pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13379/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA reduction was made from the Disability Pension of the person in question on foot of Section 13 (2) of the Army Pensions Act, 1923, as amended, which provides that:
“Any compensation which may be received from or on behalf of the person alleged to be responsible for the act which caused the wounding … may be taken into consideration in fixing the amount of any pension, allowance or gratuity which might be awarded under this Act to or in respect of such person and if such compensation is received after the award of any such pension or allowance the Minister may review the award and, having regard to the amount of such compensation, either terminate or reduce the amount thereof.”
The underlying objective of section 13(2) is to prevent double compensation in respect of the same disablement. The person in question was awarded civil compensation by the Courts in respect of the same injury for which he received a Disability Pensions under the Army Pensions Acts.
Since the reduction commenced in 1988 the gross Disability Pension of some €314,000 has been reduced by approximately €127,000 to the end of February 2022. A reduction of €3,648 per annum (fixed) will apply to the Disablility Pension of €13,750 per annum (this will increase in line with applicable pension increases) for the remainder of the lifetime of the person in question.
The Disability Pension reduction under Section 13(2) was made on the basis of an actuarial assessment of the value of the civil compensation received in 1986 for the same injury and should be viewed in that context.
114. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the promotion competition for enlisted personnel which was due to commence in 2021; when the competition is expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13461/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NCO promotion competition that the Deputy refers to was originally scheduled to run in late 2021.
There has been ongoing consultation between civil/military management and the Representative Body, PDFORRA, to take account of a number of proposed changes to ensure improved efficiency of the competition process. This consutation process is almost completed and it is expected that the NCO Competition will be launched shortly.
115. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the number of promotions pending throughout the Defence Forces by branch and rank in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13462/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table attached outlines the variance between current strength and the establishment strength, by Branch and by rank, within Permanent Defence Force as at 31st January 2022, the latest date for which such information is available.
Vacancies, where current strength is less than the establishment strength, are filled on an ongoing basis in line with promotional arrangements and, in certain cases, direct entry competitions and re-entry of ex PDF personnel. A number of initiatives are being implemented to counter current staffing challenges and these will play a role in restoring and retaining capacity and boosting specialist numbers.
It is normal, at a particular point in time, for some ranks to be oversubscribed and others to be undersubscribed. For example, whilst there are vacancies at the rank of Captain overall in the PDF, as can be seen in the attached table, there are currently substantially more Lieutenants than are provided for in the establishment.
116. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding his Departments implementation of recommendations within the Public Service Pay Commission 2019 on recruitment and retention in the Defence Forces, particularly in relation to options to tackle barriers to extended participation in the Permanent Defence Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13463/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Public Service Pay Commission on Recruitment and Retention in the Defence Forces was accepted in full by the Government. A High Level Plan titled "Strengthening our Defence Forces” was also agreed and published on the same date. The high level plan comprised 15 individual projects most of which have now been completed or at an advanced stage.
Four projects relating to remuneration provided immediate benefits to Permanent Defence Force (PDF) members. Projects have also been completed dealing with enhanced professional military education, bespoke leadership training, a mental health, and wellbeing strategy, non-pay retention measures, consideration of the provision of additional specialist posts in certain areas, a review of technical pay groups, and a review of recruitment processes.
A project dealing with workforce planning is being progressed through the joint civil/military Strategic Human Resources Group. A further project considered options for incentivised long service arrangements for certain Officer and NCO ranks. A project dealing with a review of pay structures was superseded by the Commission on the Defence Forces, which was tasked in its terms of reference, among other things, to examine the evolution of all remuneration systems and structures currently in place in the Defence Forces.
The project examining Barriers to Extended Participation in the PDF was split into two phases. Phase 1 focussed on reviewing mandatory retirement ages for Commissioned Officers. Phase 2 examined the contracts of service and mandatory retirement ages for enlisted personnel.
The recommendations arising from the review requires consideration from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, in relation to implications on costs and pensions.
In December 2021, I secured agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform which will allow an extension in service limits for Privates and Corporals, who were recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1 January 1994, to remain in service up to 50 years of age, subject to them meeting certain criteria including medical and fitness standards.
In addition, I also secured arrangements that will facilitate the extension of service limits of Sergeants recruited to the Permanent Defence Force since 1994. Details in relation to the proposal for these Sergeants will be finalised following further discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
The other recommendations in the review, which include recommendations in respect of mandatory retirement ages for Commissioned Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer ranks, will be considered in the forum of an Inter-Departmental Working Group established by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to consider mandatory retirement ages for public service groups who have fast accrual pension arrangements.
117. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education when a person (details supplied) who has an intellectual disability will be granted a school place. [13144/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
This year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs. This includes additional teaching and care supports.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with additional needs nationwide. The NCSE, through the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), is available to support both families and schools regarding a suitable placement.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is working in close collaboration with the NCSE to ensure that the necessary provision is put in place on a timely basis throughout the country.
As the query refers to an individual placement case, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
118. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Education if there is funding available to schools for bike racks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13165/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of bicycles is encouraged and secure cycle parking facilities are provided as part of major new builds and refurbishment projects, and in accordance with Planning Permission Conditions.
Where no major project is being undertaken, the relevant mechanisms for addressing the type of issue raised by the Deputy are the Minor Works Grant for small-scale works or the Summer Works Scheme for medium to larger works.
The Deputy may be aware funding of €62 million under the Minor Works Grant issued in December 2021 and a further €65 million for Summer Works projects was announced in January 2022.
Additionally my Department, in conjunction with the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD, launched a new initiative called Safe Routes to School on the 18th March 2021. This will support active travel infrastructure for selected schools around the country. The programme, which is the next phase in the Government’s investment in active travel, will see funding provided from the €1.8 billion committed under the Programme for Government, to support walking/scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools.
The Safe Routes to School programme aims to create safer walking and cycling routes within communities, alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing walking and cycling facilities. The improvements to the school commute could range from an upgraded footpath or new cycle lane to a complete reworking of a school’s entrance.
119. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education the number of ASD primary school places that are available for children with autism in County Wexford; the number of children that are on a waiting list for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13174/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
This year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes additional teaching and care supports.
As a result, the number of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over the last two years, my Department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special needs placements ahead of each new school-year.
I am satisfied that this more joined up approach is delivering. Through this intensive intervention, we have seen an additional 300 special classes, providing 1,800 new places, opened nationwide for the 2021/22 school-year.
I also acknowledge that notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some parts of the country where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.
The NCSE has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents and seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
In terms of County Wexford, I can confirm that the NCSE is aware of an identified need for additional special classes for students with autism in primary and post-primary schools. Work has been underway with stakeholders for a number of years to meet the demand for places.
We are always grateful to those schools that have responded, and continue to respond positively to meet the educational needs of children in their communities.
Currently, a network of 47 primary special classes, including 6 Early Intervention ASD classes and 19 post primary special classes provide specialist placements for students with autism in County Wexford. 5 of these classes were newly established at primary level and 3 at post primary level giving a total of 8 new special classes for the current school year. Each class has placements for up to a maximum of 6 students per class .
The NCSE is continuing to engage with primary and post-primary schools throughout County Wexford regarding the establishment of additional special classes for 2022/23 and beyond. There are specific plans in place to open additional special classes and every support will be made available to progress their opening in the shortest possible timeframe with a particular focus on September next.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
I should also clarify that the NCSE does not maintain waiting lists for schools. Boards of management of individual schools are responsible for such enrolment matters.
I want to reassure 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 an education.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the type and location of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at ncse.ie/special-classes.
120. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Education the steps she is taking to replace the current HEA net broadband connection to a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when a service provider will be awarded a contract by her Department to supply the school with a new highspeed fibre broadband connection; when the school will avail of fibre broadband; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13211/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates the Schools Broadband Programme at an annual cost of some €13m, providing connectivity to schools through a range of technologies at the best level of connectivity available based on local infrastructure. The school referred to by the Deputy is currently on the best available service of 12mb wireless broadband connection, which is a dedicated service to the school.
The school referred to is in the National Broadband Plan Intervention Area, for which implementation is underway. My Department is engaging with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications on this implementation to prioritise school connectivity, with all schools in the NBP to be provided with high speed broadband infrastructure by 2023. My officials have confirmed with colleagues in the Department of Environment. Climate and Communications that this school has recently been connected to the National Broadband Ireland (NBI) infrastructure.
The Schools Broadband Programme operates subject to procurement regulations through a publicly procured Framework of Providers of Broadband Services. This requires broadband services to be contracted to those providers following a mini-competition. My officials are preparing a mini-competition currently which will include this school in order to upgrade to the NBI infrastructure. The school will be contacted in due course to arrange installation to the high sped connection.
121. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education the details of the independent non-governmental organisations, including organisations with charitable status, non-profit organisations, religious bodies including churches, social enterprises, clubs, societies that her Department has supported with financial assistance from 1 January 2020 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13236/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding allocated to my Department, as set down in the annual Estimates, is used to meet costs associated with the provision of educational services in our schools and for various related functions. The allocation is used primarily to fund the salaries of teaching and non-teaching school staff, the development of school infrastructure, capitation funding for the ongoing running costs of schools, the payment of pensions to retired school staff, the costs associated with the school transport scheme and the general administration costs of my Department.
Funding is also provided to enable the Department to make grant payments to Education and Training Boards to meet costs associated with the provision of certain educational services and to the various agencies and bodies that come under the aegis of my Department. Funding is also allocated for a range of programmes and initiatives.
The annual Appropriation Account for my Department's Vote provides detailed information regarding expenditure and receipts for the year.
In the course of its work, my Department makes a significant number of payments every year. Such payments are made to individuals and organisations both by way of grants and also for the provision of goods and services to it. Some of the recipients of this funding may be non-governmental organisations, some of which may fall into one or more of the categories referred to in the Deputy’s question. However, as such labels are not necessarily assigned to payees on the Department’s Financial Management System it is not possible to provide an accurate and complete list of such categories of funding recipients.
122. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education if the Health Protection Surveillance Centre will issue further guidelines to schools following the change to Covid-19 measures on 28 February 2022; if not, if a circular (details supplied) replaces previous guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13267/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 17 February 2022, NPHET reviewed the remaining public health measures including the infection prevention control measures and restrictions in school settings.
Having closely considered relevant epidemiological data and other matters as set out in their letter of 17 February 2022, the Government accepted the recommendation of the NPHET to remove remaining restriction relating to mask-wearing and physical distancing in schools.
It is no longer a requirement for staff or pupils/students to wear a face mask in schools. Staff and pupils/students can continue to wear a face mask if they wish to do so on a personal basis and schools should continue to make masks available on request as they are currently doing. Funding to support the purchase of PPE, including masks, will continue to be made available to schools.
The current guidelines which are set out in Information note SD 0003/2022 and are published on gov.ie at the following Link .
Continued use of good infection prevention and control measures such as hand washing, respiratory hygiene and ventilation is advised. In general, schools should now resume normal school routines and normal teaching and learning activities.
123. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education when works approved under the emergency works scheme will be undertaken for a school (details supplied) in County Cork [13282/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the school to which he refers was approved funding under the Emergency Works Scheme to address issues in relation to their play areas and paths. The Emergency Works Team are awaiting a tender report from the school, which once received will be assessed and if it is in order the school will be granted permission to appoint the contractor. As this is a devolved project responsibility for progressing the works lies with the school authority.
124. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education the number of additional pupils that have received places in special education classes this academic year in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13346/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.
This year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs.
This includes additional teaching and care supports.
As a result, the number of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs nationwide.
Over teh last two years, my Department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special needs placements ahead of each new school-year.
I am satisfied that this more joined up approach is delivering. Through this intensive intervention, we have seen an additional 300 special classes, providing 1,800 new places, opened nationwide for the 2021/22 school-year.
I also acknowledge that notwithstanding the extent of this investment, there are some parts of the country where increases in population and other issues have led to concerns regarding a shortage of school places.
The NCSE has well established structures in place for engaging with schools and parents and seeks to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.
The NCSE is continuing to engage with primary and post-primary schools throughout the country regarding the establishment of additional special classes for 2022/23 and beyond. There are specific plans in place to open additional special classes and every support will be made available to progress their opening in the shortest possible timeframe with a particular focus on September next.
It is of course open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.
I want to reassure 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 an education.
Information on the list of schools with special classes, the type and location of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at ncse.ie/special-classes.
125. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if the recruitment of special needs assistants is in line with the additional resources secured in Budget 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13347/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn light of the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the introduction of the new Frontloaded Allocation Model for SNAs for students in mainstream classes in primary and post -primary schools was deferred for a further year to the beginning of the 2022/23 school year.
In order to minimise disruption for schools, in the current circumstances, and to provide for continuity of allocations, the following arrangements for the allocation of Special Needs Assistants for mainstream classes for the 2021/22 school year were announced:
- Existing mainstream class SNA allocations in schools on 30 April 2021 were maintained and automatically rolled over into the 2021/22 school year.
- No school received an allocation less than that which they had on 30 April 2021.
- SNAs currently in mainstream settings can continue in post for the 2021/22 school year in the normal way.
- Priority consideration was given by the NCSE to applications for increased support for the 2021/22 school year. In particular, applications from schools with no SNAs and developing schools were prioritised with determinations made before 30 June. Other applications were processed in order of date received.
- As in previous years, where circumstances change during the course of the 2021/22 school year that materially increase the level of care need in a school to the extent that the school can clearly demonstrate that it cannot be met within the existing SNA allocation, the school may apply to the NCSE for a review. Detailed information on the NCSE exceptional review process is published on the NCSE website ncse.ie/for-schools
Budget 2022 provided for an additional 1,165 SNA posts covering primary and post-primary, as follows:
- 574 to support students in new special classes
- 46 to support students in new special school places
- 545 to support students in mainstream classes
The recruitment and appointment of Special Needs Assistants is a matter for the individual school authority.
Working is ongoing in terms of the SNA allocation for the school year 2022/2023 and consultation with the education partners will form a key component and details will be announced in the near future.
126. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education the progress made by her Department in expanding the training programme for special needs assistants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13348/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpecial Needs Assistants (SNAs) play a huge role in helping to ensure the inclusion of pupils with significant care needs in education and in school life. This was acknowledged in the Comprehensive Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme (SNAs) published by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in 2018.
The Review made a number of recommendations regarding SNAs and the need for a more broadly based set of supports including therapeutic supports for pupils with complex needs. The Review also referenced the training needs of SNAs. The policy advice was considered by the Department and it was decided that priority should be given to the development of a training programme for SNAs who may not have had a recent opportunity to access a training programme tailored to their role.
A public procurement competition was held for the development and delivery of a new national training programme for SNAs. A detailed specification of need and learning outcomes was developed and published for the competition. Formal accreditation to the National Qualifications Framework was not a requirement for the programme. Following evaluation of the tenders received, the contract was awarded to University College Dublin (UCD) School of Education, in conjunction with UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems.
UCD has a strong reputation in the world of education and training. It brings with it a wealth of experience and research knowledge in the training and has very strong quality assurance arrangements for its programmes. Feedback from programme participants is a key feature of this quality assurance process.
This programme aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and expertise of SNAs whose work is central to the inclusion of students with additional care and complex needs in school life.
The programme consists of five modules, delivered online over a 10-month period. Flexibility is a key part of the approach to the delivery of the programme and participation is voluntary.
The programme is fully funded by the Department and delivered at no cost to the participating SNA.
Each participant who completes the programme successfully will receive a certificate from UCD School of Education which may be of assistance in pursuing further education.
€2.45m will be allocated to this programme over a 4 year period based on a full uptake of 3,500 SNAs. Each phase of the programme has been fully subscribed to date. 500 have completed the programme and the first award ceremoney took place on the 25 February 2022. A new cohort of 1,000 commenced the programme September last.
This programme allowed SNAs the opportunity to refresh and update their knowledge and skills and provide an opportunity to interact with educators and colleagues in a learning and supported professional environment.
This is the first national training programme for SNAs employed in schools and is tailored to their needs. As this is the first programme, it is appropriate to take the time to review outcomes which will inform the future approach to ongoing training and professional development of SNAs. Part of that consideration will include accreditation.
127. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education the total number of special education teachers supporting pupils in primary, secondary and special schools this academic year; if the number has increased since the previous academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13349/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2021 provided for an additional 145 special education teachers which brought the total provision to 13,765 in 2021.
Budget 2022 provides for an additional 620 new SET posts in special education. This new investment is required to meet the needs of students with special educational needs enrolled in mainstream classes; students to be enrolled in new special classes and new special school places and the needs of new and developing schools.
This will bring the total number of SET in the mainstream school system to 14,385 in 2022
Special Schools and Special Classes
There are currently 2,148 special classes nationwide, an increase of 300 in the current school-year with a further 287 special classes provided for in Budget 2022 to open from September next
There are currently 126 special schools nationwide, with two new schools opened in Cork and Dublin in the current school-year with approximately 1,400 teachers supporting over 8,000 students in these schools.
