Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputies for their questions and contributions. I think we can all agree with Deputy Boyd Barrett that the quality of school buildings varies hugely. I have the privilege from time to time of opening new schools. I am really impressed with the quality of building and facilities but that reminds me how much we need to do to bring the older ones up to standard. Some of our schools are very old indeed. The budget for school building is now more than €1 billion a year. It has increased dramatically but it is clear we will need to increase it some more given rising building costs in particular. I know the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Deputy Donohoe, and the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, are working on that at the moment. I agree with Deputy Boyd Barrett on the benefits of additional field trips by students.

Deputy O'Sullivan mentioned a number of school projects in County Cork and specifically brought our attention to ASD provision and the need to do more of that, with which I firmly agree. Both Deputies Moynihan and O'Sullivan mentioned the new special schools in Glamire and Carrigaline. There is a relatively new one in my constituency, Danu Community Special School. The Government's preference is still very much for mainstreaming but special schools are needed in certain circumstances. Home tuition is also an option in other circumstances. I agree that we need to prioritise the whole issue of special needs and having a dedicated Minister with a dedicated budget was a good innovation on behalf of this Government, which I hope will continue into the next one.

Deputy Dillon raised the issue of special education teacher allocations. I am advised that schools were advised of their allocations on 6 February. There will be 14,600 special education teachers in the forthcoming school year. That is an increase of 1,000 on 2021 and the highest number ever of special education teachers. The allocation model has been in place since 2017. I am told a limited change was made to the method following consultation with unions, management bodies and schools to hear their views on the strengths and shortcomings of the allocation model. It distributes the total available number of posts in line with the school's profile. Of all schools, 67% saw their allocation increase or retained their previous allocation. Of those who saw a decrease, in almost all cases, it was five hours or less. I appreciate that nobody will welcome or want a decrease for the kids attending their school.

Deputy Barry raised the industrial relations dispute regarding tutors. This is an industrial relations dispute. I am sure it will be resolved - they always are - if not by negotiation, there is always the option of a referral to the WRC or Labour Court where all arguments can be heard and it can make a recommendation.

Deputy Durkan raised the issue of school places in County Kildare, an area that has seen a huge increase in population in recent years. I am advised that in County Kildare, there are 3,500 junior infant pupils and that 4,000 first enrol every year. Enrolment pressures can be driven in some cases by duplication of applications, applications from outside the area and parental or student choice. In the majority of areas, including across most of County Kildare, there are sufficient places available to meet the needs of children in the area. The Government has invested more than €250 million in new school infrastructure in County Kildare. While some applicants may not have received an offer of a school place yet for 2024-25, families can be assured that all children in an area who require a school place will be provided with one. The Government and the Minister are happy to give the assurance to the Deputy that will be the case. We are working with schools and patrons to ensure there are sufficient places available and that everyone has a place for September next year.

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