Written Answers Nos. 71-90
71. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education the financial supports available to primary schools (details supplied) that are struggling to pay utility bills due to the capitation grant of over €100,000 not keeping at pace with rising utility costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14336/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €200 per pupil in primary schools and €345 per student in post-primary schools.
Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. At post-primary level, schools with fewer than 200 students receive ancillary-related grants on the basis of having 200 students.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2025 I am pleased to have secured over €30 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This represents an increase of circa 12% on current standard rates and enhanced rates. This increase is on top of the circa 9.2% increase from last year’s budget. This will bring the standard rate of Capitation grant to the level of €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools from September 2025. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
In addition to these grants, €45 million in cost-of-living supports issued in November 2024, to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. This additional funding announced in Budget 2025 is designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. This funding was paid at a rate of €36 per pupil in primary schools. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. Schools should also ensure that they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure.
The Department of Education is aware that costs and funding can pose a very real problem for schools, and is constantly working to address this matter, and to enhance the financial and other supports available to schools.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by my Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. Contact details for FSSU can be found on www.fssu.ie.
74. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education to confirm if a school (details supplied) in County Mayo is deemed the second nearest school for a family in relation to the school transport scheme. [14349/25]
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 172,500 children, are transported daily in approximately 7,900 vehicles across 10,300 routes daily to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. These daily trips cover over 100 million kilometres. This figure includes over 143,800 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 21,700 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs. Transport is also provided for children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and those residing in IPAS/EROC centres. The total expenditure on the scheme in 2024 was €512m.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, 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.
Eligible children who complete the application process and pay or enter their medical card details on time will get a seat on a school bus service, if a service is available.
Children who are not eligible for school transport but complete the application and pay or enter their medical card details on time will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated. These spare seats are called concessionary seats.
There may be more demand than availability for concessionary seats. In such cases, Bus Éireann will use a selection process to allocate tickets for the spare seats.
Temporary alleviation measures (TAMs) will continue for the 2025/26 school year at post-primary level. This means that, if there are available services and enough capacity, transport will be provided for concessionary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school but are attending their second nearest school or post-primary centre. This is only if they apply on time and pay or enter medical card details on time.
Bus Éireann has advised that the child referred to by the Deputy is attending their third closest post primary school/centre and are therefore not eligible under the terms of the scheme. Bus Éireann further advise that an application was received on 02 March 2025 and payment was received on 08 March 2025 for the 2025/26 school year.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Following the closing date for payment or entering medical card details, the Bus Éireann family portal will close. This will give Bus Éireann time to assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the 2025/26 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
Once routes have been finalised, Bus Éireann will assign tickets for each school transport service. Tickets will begin to issue in mid-July and will continue to issue throughout July and August. Families who are unsuccessful in obtaining a seat will be notified via email and a refund will issue.
75. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education to outline the current criteria for school transport applications for both primary and post-primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14359/25]
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 172,500 children, are transported daily in approximately 7,900 vehicles across 10,300 routes daily to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. These daily trips cover over 100 million kilometres. This figure includes over 143,800 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 21,700 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs. Transport is also provided for children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and those residing in IPAS/EROC centres. The total expenditure on the scheme in 2024 was €512m.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have 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.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Temporary Alleviation Measures (TAMS) at post primary level are continued for the current school year. Under these measures, transport will be provided where there is a route in operation and where capacity exists for concessionary post primary pupils who are eligible for transport to their nearest school, are attending their second nearest school and who applied and paid on time.
The Bus Éireann on-line application system for the 2025/26 school year is now open and applications can be made on www.buseireann.ie/schools.
The School Transport 2030 report, which was published in early 2024 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. The recommended changes to the future operation of the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year.
As indicated at the time of the launch of the review, a number of pilots were being considered by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. As also indicated at the time of the launch of the review, it was intended that following closure of the application process for the 2024/2025 school year consideration would be given to further potential pilots.
A total of 14 pilot projects are underway this school year. These pilots are currently being evaluated and they will provide valuable insights into the impact of increased demand on the scheme, the potential for integrating public transport with school transport services, and opportunities to promote more sustainable modes of transport. The findings from the evaluation will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme.
Further information on plans for the 2025/2026 school year will be available shortly.
76. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on industrial relations talks underway seeking to provide school secretaries access to the single public service pension scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14398/25]
View answerThe Department of Education has been providing a payroll service for former grant funded school secretaries with effect from 1st September 2023. The provision of this payroll service is part of a package agreed with Fórsa, the trade union representing school secretaries, following a series of engagements at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in 2022. The agreement provided for secretaries, who signed up for the package, to be moved to a pay scale aligned with that of Grade III/CO and for some enhanced terms and conditions including improved leave entitlements and maternity provisions. This was implemented under Circular 36/2022. The agreement however did not grant public servant status to school secretaries and therefore this cohort does not have access to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
The school remains the employer of school secretaries and it is their obligation to provide access to a PRSA scheme for employees. For secretaries who are paid through the Department-administered payroll, a facility is now being offered to join a PRSA scheme administered by Cornmarket with contributions being deducted at source. Should secretaries wish to avail of this option, they can contact Cornmarket directly – the participation of individuals in any scheme is a matter between the individual and the service provider.
Any changes to the terms and conditions agreed for these secretaries under Circular 36/2022 can occur only under industrial relations processes and any such proposals would need to be considered in detail by this Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
77. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education when her Department officials last met with the Data Protection Commissioner to ensure the highest standards are being met by the Department, and all agencies under its remit, in terms of compliance with data protection legislation. [14437/25]
View answerMy department is committed to the highest standards of data protection compliance for the personal data it processes and takes its obligation with data protection legislation very seriously.
My department engages with the Data Protection Commission to discuss potential data processing changes as necessary and consults with them formally where required.
Engagement with the Data Protection Commission is just one of the many actions taken by my department to ensure compliance with the GDPR and the Data Protection Act. My department has put in place the appropriate technical and organisational measures in order to ensure compliance, as outlined in the Data Protection Policy available here: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/35780/9e70e0ffab584d7cbb7d11b31a9b4ee5.pdf#page=1.
Such measures include mandatory training for all staff, appointment of a Data Protection Officer and publication of privacy notices to inform data subjects how their data is being processed and of their rights in relation to same.
Agencies under the remit of my department are separate data controllers legally and are responsible for their own compliance with data protection legislation. Where data sharing between my department and these agencies occurs, agreements have been put in place to govern this.
78. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will give urgent consideration to the inclusion of a school in a programme (details supplied) as it would be extremely beneficial for the pupils and this diverse school community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14455/25]
View answer80. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if she will give urgent consideration to the inclusion of a school in a programme (details supplied) as such a development would be extremely beneficial for the pupils and this diverse school community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14458/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 80 together.
Tackling educational disadvantage and supporting students to fulfil their full potential in life is a key priority for me as Minister for Education, and for the Government. The DEIS programme is a key policy of Government to tackle concentrated educational disadvantage at school level. It provides a targeted range of supports and is additional to the universal supports provided to all schools, such as the introduction of free school books and free hot school meals.
My department invests over €180 million annually to provide additional supports to almost 1,200 schools in the DEIS programme which supports approximately 260,000 students.
The DEIS programme is targeted at schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage. Schools that were included in the most recent expansion of the programme in 2022 were those with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage as identified through the refined DEIS identification model. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme and the model was applied fairly and equally to all schools. A detailed paper on the refined DEIS identification model is available on gov.ie.
It is possible for two neighbouring schools to have a different profile in terms of proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and the relative weighting of disadvantage apportioned in each. The designation of neighbouring schools to different DEIS status does not mean that there is no educational disadvantage present in one school, but that the concentrated level of educational disadvantage of the two schools is different. Gender of students, ethos of the school or the designation of a school as single or mixed is not a factor in the DEIS identification model.
The DEIS programme is based on the premise that in order to have the maximum possible impact on providing opportunities for students most at risk of educational disadvantage, extra resources must be targeted as closely as possible at those students with the greatest level of need.
As Minister, I am determined to close the performance gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools and introduce more innovative solutions to tackle disadvantage. A new DEIS Plan will be published in 2025. This plan will focus on improving the opportunities and achievement levels of children at risk of educational disadvantage, developing more innovative approaches to tackling educational disadvantage, and working towards a more flexible system of supports to ensure that a school can receive the right support at the right time.
79. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Questions No. 411 of 5 February 2025 and 599 of 19 March 2025, the reason a child (details supplied) has still not received an assessment for dyslexia; the reason the assigned psychologist has not meet with the parent to outline the way in which the pupil can be supported, as indicated in the previous response; if she will ensure that this pupil and their family are provided with the supports they need from NEPS as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14456/25]
View answerI would like to thank Deputy Carthy for his question regarding access to the Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS).
I have made enquiries in relation to the pupil referred to and I understand that the pupil has been referred to NEPS and the process will commence this term. In the interim if the parent/guardian has a concern they should engage with the school.
81. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education to outline the background and rationale for advising a home economics teacher currently working in a secondary school in Louth (details supplied), and who previously worked as a teacher in the same subject in the North of Ireland for 19 years, as to why she must complete skills training and assessment in order to get fully registered with the Teaching Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14465/25]
View answerUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with the statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State.
The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher.
As a statutory professional standards body, the Teaching Council is required by law, under the Teaching Council Acts (s7(2)) to act as the competent authority for recognition of qualifications obtained by a person who has applied under this Act for registration as a teacher. One of the ways the Council ensures and regulates standards is by ensuring that all teachers entering the profession in the Republic of Ireland have met the required standards. A person who has completed teacher education qualifications outside the State and is seeking to register with the Teaching Council must have their qualifications assessed to determine that they are comparable and equivalent to accredited qualifications in Ireland. This operates in line with EU Directive 2005/36/EC, which sees all applications from teachers who qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland processed individually and in the same manner, regardless of whether they qualified within or outside the EU.
The qualifications of these teachers are assessed on an individual and holistic basis for the purposes of registering as a teacher. Qualifications are assessed for comparability with graduates of initial teacher education programmes accredited by the Teaching Council.
In line with the EU Directive 2005/36/EC, the qualifications of teachers who qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland (ROI) are assessed prior to registration to ensure they are of a comparable standard to those achieved by graduates of accredited programmes in Ireland. Where significant differences arise, conditions (qualification shortfalls) are applied to a teacher’s registration. Teachers have three years from the date of conditional registration to address conditions via an aptitude test or an adaptation period.
The Teaching Council is the regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. Their role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating professional standards in teaching. They do this through the statutory registration of teachers, ensuring a highly qualified teaching profession, whose members meet and uphold high standards of professional competence and conduct.
82. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education if a person (details supplied) can get assisted technology and an SNA, following refusal of the assisted technology and the school’s decision not to apply for an SNA, even though the SENO says this person falls under the guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14466/25]
View answerUnder the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment.
It must be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.
The Assistive Technology Scheme is provided by my Department to supplement the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. Assistive technology can be seen as a critical enabler for those with special educational needs to gain the maximum benefit from a modern technologically focused education system. Where children with more complex disabilities require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the schools' existing provisions, schools may make an application for such equipment to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) under the terms of this scheme.
The NCSE, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology/specialised equipment is required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in making recommendations for support.
Schools make applications directly to the SENO, providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
In order to qualify for equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme, a student must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential in order to allow the student to access the curriculum.
SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my Department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my Department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
Based on the professional information provided and in line with criteria set out in Circular 10/2013, the SENO was not in a position to recommend an assistive technology grant for the school on behalf of the child concerned, specifically as the information provided did not confirm a diagnosed disability or a medical condition. This decision will be communicated to the school in the coming days.
It is open to the school to appeal this decision. The appeals process is outlined on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/237c68-assistive-technology-grant/. Any such appeal will be dealt with as a priority by my Department. Separately, where an appeal has been unsuccessful, but new information becomes available, it is open to the school to submit a new application to the SENO for consideration.
In relation to special need assistants (SNAs), they play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools. They help ensure that these students can access an education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential. However, SNAs are not allocated to individual children but to schools as a school-based resource. Principals/board of managements deploy SNAs within schools to meet the care support requirements of the children enrolled whom SNA support has been allocated. This provides schools flexibility in how the SNA support is utilised.
The NCSE has published the SNA allocations for the 2024/25 school year. For ease of reference these allocations are broken down by school type and are available on the NCSE's website.
If a school feels like it has insufficient SNA support to meet the needs of its students an application can be submitted to the NCSE requesting a review of its allocation. Detailed information on the NCSE's SNA review process is published on the NCSE's website. Each case is individually assessed and is based on the student profile of each school.
83. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education for an update on the emergency works application of a school (details supplied). [14490/25]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for fabric defect works.
The application in question is currently being reviewed by the technical area within the EWS. Once a technical recommendation has been received back from the technical team, the EWS team will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
84. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question 343 of 18 February 2025, to list the 14 pilot projects underway for 2025 and any findings thus far; to outline how future pilots will be chosen; if there is opportunity for input into this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14491/25]
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 172,500 children, are transported daily in approximately 7,900 vehicles across 10,300 routes to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. These daily trips cover over 100 million kilometres. This figure includes over 143,800 pupils travelling on primary and post primary services, 21,700 pupils with special educational needs, and 6,800 pupils who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine. The total expenditure on the scheme in 2024 was €512m.
The purpose of the Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
The School Transport 2030 report, which was published in early 2024 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. The recommended changes to the future operation of the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year.
As indicated at the time of the launch of the review, a number of pilots were being considered by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. As also indicated at the time of the launch of the review, it was intended that following closure of the application process for the 2024/2025 school year consideration would be given to further potential pilots. A total of 14 pilot projects are underway this school year. A list of the pilot projects is attached.
These pilots are currently being evaluated and they will provide valuable insights into the impact of increased demand on the scheme, the potential for integrating public transport with school transport services, and opportunities to promote more sustainable modes of transport. The findings from the evaluation will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national roll out of a revised School Transport Scheme.
Further information on plans for the 2025/2026 school year will be available shortly.
85. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if additional funding is being provided to her Department this year due to additional expenditure arising following storm Éowyn; if additional funding is provided, the programmes and schemes that will benefit from this additional expenditure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14578/25]
View answerFollowing the recent weather events and associated fallout from Storm Eowyn the Department of Education’s Planning and Building Unit and in particular the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) were in contact with a number of schools who have suffered critical damage. This will be primarily dealt with via insurance and supplemented, where necessary, through the Department’s Emergency Works Scheme.
The main purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide for unforeseen emergencies that impact on school buildings. An emergency is defined as a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
In respect of schools that have suffered minor damage, the option is open to these school to use the minor works grant (MWG), - also under the Planning and Building Unit, - or capitation funding, which is provided by the Department on an annual basis, to repair this damage. Alternatively, schools may wish to engage with their respective insurance companies in this regard.
My Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, and general up-keep, and the ancillary/SSSF grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary/SSSF funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.
The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €200 per pupil in primary schools and €345 per student in post-primary schools.
Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. At post-primary level, schools with fewer than 200 students receive ancillary-related grants on the basis of having 200 students.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2025 I am pleased to have secured over €30 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This represents an increase of circa 12% on current standard rates and enhanced rates. This increase is on top of the circa 9.2% increase from last year’s budget. This will bring the standard rate of Capitation grant to the level of €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools from September 2025. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
In addition to these grants, €45 million in cost-of-living supports issued in November 2024, to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. This additional funding announced in Budget 2025 is designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. This funding was paid at a rate of €36 per pupil in primary schools and €55 per student in post-primary schools. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. Schools should also ensure that they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. Any schools that are experiencing financial difficulty can contact the FSSU for guidance and support. Contact details for FSSU can be found on www.fssu.ie.
86. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason a grant application by a club (details supplied) was not successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14237/25]
View answerThe Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), which was established on foot of the National Sports Policy 2018 - 2027, provides funding for large sports facility projects requiring investment beyond the scope of the funding limits under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme). The total investment under the LSSIF since 2020 amounts to €297 million, with 68 projects receiving funding allocations including nine swimming pool projects. The second round of the LSSIF, which commenced in April 2024, received an unprecedented demand for funding, amounting to €665 million from 96 submissions. On 4 November 2024, grants amounting to €173 million were announced, benefiting 35 individual projects.
Due to the significant demand, a range of applications did not receive an LSSIF allocation including the project which the Deputy has queried. The Department is currently assessing and preparing a LSSIF reserve list and, until that process has concluded, the Department will not be in a position to provide for feedback on individual projects. All remaining valid applications will be assessed and placed in a prioritised order on this reserve list and, should additional LSSIF funding become available, projects on the reserve list may then be funded.
87. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when funding will be paid out to organisations who were successful under the sports capital grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14343/25]
View answerOver a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP), representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. To date over 890 of the allocations made in 2024 have progressed to formal approval stage or have drawn down funding.
All grants under the CSFF are provisional and grantees must get formal approval before they a grant can be drawn down. An email issued to all grantees advising how to obtain formal grant approval grant and providing contact details in the event that they require further assistance from the Department.
88. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when his Department officials last met with the Data Protection Commissioner to ensure the highest standards are being met by the Department, and all agencies under its remit, in terms of compliance with data protection legislation. [14450/25]
View answerMy Department has a strong record in ensuring that the highest standards are being met in terms of compliance under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Data Protection Unit offers advice and support to staff in relation to contracts and agreements, Data Protection Impact Assessments, and Records of Processing Activities. Mandatory Data Protection training is provided to ensure that processing of personal data is conducted in accordance with the principles set out in GDPR, and that the rights of data subjects are exercised in compliance with the legislation.
These measures have resulted in a high level of awareness of Data Protection compliance requirements, as evidenced by the low number of data breaches reported. There were 6 data breaches reported in 2024, none of which met the threshold for being reported to the Data Protection Commissioner.
I wish to advise the Deputy that officials from my Department last met with the Data Protection Commission in September 2024. The Údarás na Gaeltachta liaison division sought consultation with the office of the Data Protection Commissioner in relation to the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024, and to amendments to the Data Protection Act 2018 concerning elections to the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Officials from my Department would have ongoing engagement with the Data Protection Commissioner's office by phone and email as the need arises.
89. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to review a sports capital grant for a club in County Kerry (details supplied); to take into consideration the very significant increase in costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14498/25]
View answerOver a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland. This included a grant of €145,343 to the club referred to by the Deputy.
The deadline for CSFF appeals was 29 October 2024 and at this juncture all 247 appeals received have been dealt with by my Department. No appeal was received from the club in question.
90. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if his Department offers financial support grants or programmes to community sports teams travelling abroad for training camps (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14499/25]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.
With the exception of its High Performance Programme, Sport Ireland does not provide direct funding for clubs or individuals but instead channels funding to the relevant National Governing Body of Sport (NGB), in this case the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). Clubs and individuals are advised to contact their relevant NGB to see what support might be available to assist in this regard.
