Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:208. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a trade mission to Singapore is likely to take place during Q3 2025. [21793/25]
View answerTrade Relations
Questions (208)
Written answers
Each year, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland prepare a programme of trade missions and events which support the goal of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland that are aiming to grow business overseas and increase domestic employment, and for showcasing opportunities for foreign direct investment in support of high-quality jobs and regional development throughout Ireland.
In recent years the majority of Ministerial-led trade missions have taken place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represent the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These missions have focused on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offerings of Irish companies to international buyers in a range of sectors including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and life sciences.
My Department works closely with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in developing the Ministerial-led trade mission programme. Currently there are no plans to have a trade mission to Singapore during Q3 2025. My Department will continue to work closely with its agencies to identify opportunities to help Irish companies access new markets and increase the levels of foreign direct investment into Ireland.
Trade Relations
Questions (209)
Catherine Connolly
Question:209. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to diversifying our economy, with particular regard to the development of indigenous industries and the identification of markets for our goods and services outside of the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16471/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to helping Irish companies to navigate the evolving trade landscape and mitigate tariff impacts, working with our dedicated export agency, Enterprise Ireland, to provide resources, guidance, and strategic supports. Enterprise Ireland has established a Trade & Tariff Response Team to brief Irish exporters on the latest developments and impacts and to date has engaged on a one-to-one basis with over 450 companies who export to the USA.
Enterprise Ireland will support Irish exporters as they continue to explore potential mitigation strategies to navigate these challenges, and to assess what opportunities may arise. Among the supports on offer are the Strategic Consultancy Grant which offers support to companies to hire external experts to assist companies in tackling strategic or short-term challenges in key business functions such as customs and supply chain impacts and the Market Discovery fund which provides a grant of up to €150,000 to assist companies develop new markets.
In addition to these targeted supports, Enterprise Ireland also offers support tailored to the needs of SMEs, ensuring they have access to the financial resources required to sustain and grow their businesses.
I am conscious that this is an evolving situation which will be closely monitored. My Department will continue to work with the enterprise agencies to support SMEs as the backbone of our economy and to provide them with the resources and support they need to thrive in a challenging economic environment.
Trade Relations
Questions (210)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:210. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the Government's response to the recent US tariffs on the EU; the details of the supports being considered for affected sectors. [17215/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to helping Irish companies navigate the evolving trade landscape and mitigate tariff effects, working with Enterprise Ireland to provide resources, guidance, and strategic supports. Enterprise Ireland has established a Trade & Tariff Response Team to brief Irish exporters on the latest developments and impacts and to date has engaged on a one-to-one basis with over 450 companies who export to the USA.
Similarly, my Department is engaging with IDA Ireland to shape the Government's strategic response to US tariffs. IDA’s priority is to maintain close partnerships with existing client companies while monitoring developments, assessing impacts, and providing insights to inform Ireland’s overall response. This engagement has informed IDA’s 2025-29 strategy, "Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation," which focuses on productivity-enhancing investments in RD&I, talent development, sustainability, and digitalisation.
These ambitions align well with the Programme for Government's commitment to develop a comprehensive Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity, which I have tasked my Department with delivering in an accelerated timeframe. This plan includes immediate, targeted measures, focusing on enhancing international trade promotion supports, addressing business costs, and improving energy security and infrastructure. Key actions include implementing advisory supports for exporters, accelerating progress on trade agreements like CETA, developing a strategic approach to market diversification, streamlining security clearance processes, and advancing a National Semiconductor Strategy.
I am conscious that this is an evolving situation which will be closely monitored. My Department will continue to work with the enterprise agencies to support Irish based enterprises to thrive in this challenging economic environment.
Employment Support Services
Questions (211)
Paul Murphy
Question:211. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has made provision to protect the employment of 750 workers in a company (details supplied) in the event of a withdrawal of the company from Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21866/25]
View answerWritten answers
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd is a leading global pharmaceutical company, headquartered in Israel with operations in over 60 countries. Teva’s product and service portfolio includes generic medicines, biopharmaceuticals, specialty medicines, OTC products, a distribution business, API, and contract manufacturing.
Teva Ireland (Waterford) was established in 1985. Products at the Waterford site involve multiple APIs, steroids, along with complex device designs that incorporate multiple moving parts with extremely tight tolerances. IDA is engaged with site leaders of the company on an ongoing basis. and is not aware of any plans for the company to withdraw operations from Ireland.
More generally, in the face of ongoing global competition and a changing trade and investment landscape, Ireland has a strong platform for growth as reflected in the latest Annual Business Survey of Economic Results. Expenditure within the economy by FDI companies increased by 6.5% to €38.6 billion during 2023 showcasing the resilience and adaptability of our economic framework. Payroll rose by 7.6% to €23.9 billion; spending on Irish services and materials grew by 4.7% to €14.6 billion and total exports of €421 billion marked a 7.3% increase year-on-year. In addition, capital expenditure of €13.2 billion, represented the second highest level on record reflecting strong levels of investment activity. In tandem, in-house R&D investment by IDA Ireland clients during 2023 reached €9 billion, marking an increase of more than 26% on the previous year. These figures speak to the significant contributions of FDI companies to the Irish economy and to the conducive environment for further growth and investment.
Maximising the contribution of FDI has always been a key focus of IDA Ireland in seeking to spread the benefits of FDI across Ireland. Despite challenging economic circumstances, Ireland has consistently performed well in attracting Foreign Direct Investment over many years. The sustained winning of investments has had a significant and positive impact on Ireland’s regions and their local economies such as Waterford.
Enterprise Support Services
Questions (212)
William Aird
Question:212. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will reopen the increased cost of business grant scheme, as a vital measure for small and medium businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21932/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Increased Cost of Business scheme was introduced in March 2024 and the Power Up grant was introduced in October 2024. Both schemes are now closed, however, in total, €400 million in grant aid was successfully paid to SMEs right across the country in 2024 under these grants.
My Department is aware of issues that have arisen during the registration period, in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB.
In order to address this, the Government this week approved an appeals process that will give those businesses in the retail, hospitality and beauty sectors that were not eligible for ICOB and the Power Up grant because of the misclassification issue, an opportunity to register for those grants.
This is not a re-opening of those grant schemes, rather this is designed to allow those who originally misclassified their business sector an opportunity to register for the grants.
It is intended to open the appeals process as soon as possible following discussions with the local authorities who previously administered both the ICOB and Power Up grant schemes on behalf of my Department.
Enterprise Support Services
Questions (213, 214)
Brendan Smith
Question:213. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if additional financial support will be made available to local authorities and community groups to develop enterprise centres or work spaces, taking in to account the importance of such facilities in assisting job creation, particularly in smaller towns and villages; if he is aware of the substantial costs on local authorities and community groups in developing such centres at present, which impacts severely on councils with a low rates base; if his Department and the statutory agencies under the remit of his Department will give this request further urgent consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22005/25]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:214. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of the importance of developing enterprise centres and work spaces, a new scheme of grant-aid will be introduced to assist local authorities and community groups with such developments, taking into account the importance of such work spaces for the economy in all regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22006/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 214 together.
Balanced regional enterprise development remains a key focus for my Department and for the Government, as affirmed in the White Paper on Enterprise. I very much appreciate the contribution made by enterprise and remote working hubs throughout the country. These facilities allow people to live and work in their local communities and provide vital services to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs. We have invested significantly in the development of these facilities, and we remain committed to further support for the sector.
Substantial funding has been provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development towards the development of remote working facilities. Successful projects are developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities with many vacant and derelict buildings renovated to include remote working facilities through programmes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. In addition, the Connected Hubs Call provided funding of €14 million to almost 200 projects between 2021 and 2022, enabling successful applicants to add additional capacity to existing infrastructure in remote working hubs throughout the country.
My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development are continuing to work together to develop the first strategy for the National Hub Network, following consultation with key stakeholders. I expect the draft strategy to be brought to Government in this quarter.
The Deputy will be aware that, since 2017, my Department has allocated more than €150 million to support regional enterprise development initiatives, including many enterprise centres and hubs, across the country through Enterprise Ireland’s schemes, such as the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the Border Enterprise Development Fund.
The Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund and administered by Enterprise Ireland, is currently open for applications. The scheme includes four streams ranging from delivery of major local enterprise infrastructure such as building enterprise hubs to funding for services delivered to SMEs to drive innovation and enhance their competitiveness. While they are independent, the Government will work collaboratively with the local authorities to deliver innovative projects. The local authorities have supported many of the enterprise hubs delivered to date, as project partners or through direct funding contributions.
The point made by the Deputy relating to the financial capacity of different local authorities has been raised with my Department and is worth considering. The Deputy may be aware that the Smart Regions scheme has an element of funding ring-fenced for the Northern and Western region, specifically targeted at improving opportunities and facilities in this area.
My Department does not have plans to introduce another regional enterprise development scheme at this time, given the Smart Regions scheme is in place. I expect, however, that funding of enterprise hubs will be kept under review as we consider future approaches to regional enterprise development. An independent review of the Regional Enterprise Plan initiative is currently under way and I know the local authorities are providing feedback on key issues as part of that review, including the availability of funding.
Question No. 214 answered with Question No. 213.
Enterprise Support Services
Questions (215)
Brendan Smith
Question:215. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the grant aid available through his Department in Enterprise Ireland for the development of community enterprise centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22007/25]
View answerWritten answers
Enterprise Ireland, as an agency of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has historically provided grant aid to support the development and sustainability of community enterprise centres across Ireland. These centres play a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship, offering workspace, mentoring and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses.
In 2020 a €12 million Enterprise Centres Fund was launched in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This was followed by an additional €8.24 million in November 2020. This funding aimed to assist both not-for-profit and for-profit enterprise centres that experienced significant income reductions due to the pandemic. Grants ranging from €10,000 to €150,000 were provided to help centres implement recovery plans over a 6 to 12-month period.
The development and support of community enterprise centres has been significantly bolstered by the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and Border Enterprise Development Fund, administered by Enterprise Ireland. Since 2017, Enterprise Ireland has approved €126 million in funding for these schemes to support 79 innovative enterprise projects across the country. This funding aims to drive job creation and enterprise development in each region throughout Ireland.
The current funding initiative, the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, administered by Enterprise Ireland and co-funded under the European Regional Development Fund, includes four streams ranging from delivery of major local enterprise infrastructure, such as building enterprise hubs, to funding for services delivered to SMEs to drive innovation and enhance their competitiveness. This scheme offers support from €50,000 towards feasibility costs, up to €10 million for local infrastructure towards enterprise support projects.
School Transport
Questions (216)
Sorca Clarke
Question:216. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education the number of people who are in receipt of the remote area grant. [21821/25]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 terms of my Department’s School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2kms at primary and 4.8kms at post-primary and are attending their nearest School/Education Centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are eligible for school transport but for whom no service is available may be offered the Remote Area Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements following an application and payment/input of medical card details within the prescribe time limit. The Remote Area Grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.
1,732 families were in receipt of the Remote Area Grant for the 2023/24 school year.
School Transport
Questions (217)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:217. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education the number of providers that are enrolled with Bus Éireann to provide school transport services for children with special educational needs in Cork for each of the years 2020 to 2024; the efforts being taken to enrol more providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21748/25]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors. The transport services provided under the scheme for pupils with special educational needs are dedicated services from the pupil's home to school. In this regard, Bus Éireann procure services when they are advised by the School Transport Section within my Department that a pupil requires a service.
The Department engages with Bus Éireann on a daily basis in relation to policy and operational matters.
Challenges in sourcing drivers and contractors has been reported in all transport sectors.
Bus Éireann continue to engage regularly with existing contractors, and are currently running a comprehensive national, social and local media campaign to advertise for more school transport contractors and drivers into the scheme.
Targeted campaigns seeking taxi/bus operators takes place through NTA bulletins and mailing lists of registered licensed operators.
As part of the wider focus on contractor and driver requirements, a taskforce has been established which is being chaired by the Department of Transport to address these shortages nationally.
The data requested by the Deputy is provided in the attached table.
|
Year |
Number of providers catering for pupils with Special Educational Needs in Cork |
|
2020 |
211 |
|
2021 |
212 |
|
2022 |
205 |
|
2023 |
200 |
|
2024 |
202 |
Note: Data is taken from Period 13 of each year.
State Examinations
Questions (218)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:218. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education if, as part of the reform of junior certificate grades, she will allow students access to their marked papers and to final percentages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21778/25]
View answerWritten answers
On 22 April I announced changes to the Junior Cycle grade bands for students in 2025 and future years, adjusting the top four grade bands to become evenly distributed. This will have a positive impact on students, ensuring their grades are more reflective of their work and effort, as well as of the work of our teachers.
In making this change, it is considered critically important that grade bands remain sufficiently broad to ensure that students can focus on learning and engaging in school, and on becoming independent, resourceful and confident learners.
It is a core principle of the Junior Cycle Framework that there should be a move away from focusing on terminal examination as the main mode of assessment. Rather than emphasising examinations only, or marginal gains in examination performance, it is vital that students' learning and engagement remains at the heart of Junior Cycle. Providing exact marks or percentages, by increasing the focus on examination performance, would run counter to this goal, hence it is not intended to provide additional information such as percentages or exact marks to students. It may be useful to note that the dual approach to assessment increases the prominence given to classroom-based assessment and formative assessment, acknowledging that students learn best when teachers provide feedback that helps students to understand how their learning can be improved.
The state-certified examination is but one element of a more balanced, broader approach to assessment at Junior Cycle. All aspects of assessment contribute to providing a comprehensive picture of student achievement which is captured in the Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement (JCPA).
It is vital that we adhere to this core principle so that students' learning and engagement remains at the heart of Junior Cycle.
Cycling Facilities
Questions (219)
Malcolm Byrne
Question:219. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education the measures that are in place to encourage students to cycle to school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21779/25]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
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.
Under the proposed revised eligibility criteria, the proposal is, over time, to reduce the distance criteria to 1km and 2km at primary and post-primary respectively (from the current 3.2km and 4.8km respectively) and all children who meet this distance criteria from their school of attendance will be accommodated on transport where there is an existing route. The distance criteria will not apply in towns and cities that are served by public transport as in these towns, children will be encouraged to use public transport that is available to them. In recommending this reduced distance criteria, the Steering Group was mindful that distance should not be reduced to the extent so as to discourage walking/cycling but that it should encourage more families to use school transport. It is also recommended in the review that measures should be pursued to support active travel including liaising with the Safe Routes to School Programme and this is being pursued by officials in my Department in conjunction with the Department of Transport.
The Deputy may be aware that the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was developed in partnership by the NTA and Green-Schools, An Taisce, in 2020, as a response to the need to support schools to increase walking and cycling to school. All schools in the state were eligible to apply to the programme and information was circulated in March 2021 from the Departments of Education and Transport to schools nationwide.
In addition to the above, Ireland’s 2nd National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development – ESD to 2030 – aims to ensure that all learners have the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development and is co-sponsored by the Department of Education, Department for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
Under ESD to 2030, the Department of Education has progressed a range of initiatives to support and encourage ESD in schools including:
- Funding for schools and organisations to support ESD related projects including a bike library, cycle training and cycle promotion.
- A quarterly ESD Newsletter that issues to all schools and promotes good ESD practice including sustainable transport and active travel
- A Sustainability Toolkit for schools to support them in developing their Sustainability Policy Statement in accordance with the School Sector Climate Action Mandate.
• The sustainability audit for schools includes questions on promoting sustainable transport
• The sustainability guidelines document includes information and resources for schools on Active Travel
• Note: All schools in receipt of ESD funding commit to completing their schools Sustainability Policy Statement.
ESD themes and principles are embedded across the curriculum at all levels. In addition, a new Leaving Certificate subject Climate Action and Sustainable Development will be introduced in 42 network schools from September 2025. The new subject includes teaching and learning about the impact of transport on national and global emissions and what a just transition would look like for the transport sector.
The An Taisce/ Green Schools programme is engaged with over 90% of our schools. The programme has ten themes including travel, which aims to increase the number of students walking, cycling, scooting, using public transport or carpooling to school. The Travel theme is funded by the Department of Transport and supported by the National Transport Authority.
Green-Schools have dedicated Travel Officers throughout the country who work closely with schools to support them through the 7 Step process of the Travel theme. These officers offer assistance with conducting Environmental Reviews; beginning the schools Action Plan; hosting Days of Action and can help schools apply for cycle training and parking.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (220)
Rory Hearne
Question:220. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the case of a child with additional needs in Dublin 9 (details supplied); if she will respond to the details of the case; the immediate supports that can be made available to the child’s family in respect of access to appropriate educational supports; the extent to which her Department has been engaging with the different stakeholders involved in this case and the outcome of these engagements to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21786/25]
View answerWritten answers
This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
The NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I have forwarded this issue to them for their attention and direct reply.
Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.
Through the accelerated provision of additional special class and special school places over recent years, there are now just over 28,000 students enrolled in special classes and special schools. 2,700 new places are being created in 2025 and these, together with the over 1,200 existing places which will become available due to children and young people moving on from primary schools and post primary schools, will mean that there is close to 4,000 places available for the coming school year. The NCSE has engaged in a process with parents and schools to identify children requiring a place for the 2025/26 school year and the 3,900 places available should meet the need that exists.
Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 399 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 98 are in County Dublin 79 at primary and 19 at post primary level.
This will add to the 602 special classes currently in operation in the county. There are also 40 special schools in Dublin with approximately 2,600 students enrolled. Two of the five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year will open in Lucan and Belmayne also. These schools will open for enrolment shortly.
My department has requested the NCSE to work closely with schools and families to ensure that children can access these places as quickly as possible. My department has also written to all schools opening new special classes asking them to commence their admission processes as soon as possible.
Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the NCSE locally for planning purposes. Local SENOs are available to assist and advise parents and can provide details on schools with available special educational places. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available on the NCSE website.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
School Transport
Questions (221)
Sorca Clarke
Question:221. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she will consider establishing a school bus route run by Bus Éireann from Delvin to Mullingar; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21803/25]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
The closing date for new applications for the 2025/26 school year was Friday 25 April 2025. Any new applications made after the closing date are considered late applications. A late application may mean that a seat is not available.
Under the 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.
The Bus Éireann family portal continues to accept payments or medical card details until 06 June 2025. Payments or medical card details submitted after the deadline date will be deemed late. A late submission of payment or medical card details may mean that a seat is not available.
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.
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.
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.
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 the 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 in the current 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 2025/26 school year will be available shortly.
School Transport
Questions (222)
Sorca Clarke
Question:222. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education if she is aware that families are paying over €900 per year to pay for private transfers to bring their children to and from school as Bus Éireann does not service this route; if a family (details supplied) is eligible for the remote area grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21804/25]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
The closing date for new applications for the 2025/26 school year was Friday 25 April 2025. Any new applications made after the closing date are considered late applications. A late application may mean that a seat is not available.
Under the 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.
Bus Éireann have advised that the family referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for transport as they are attending their fifth nearest post primary school.
The remote area grant is only payable to pupils who are eligible for transport but have no service.
The Bus Éireann family portal continues to accept payments or medical card details until 06 June 2025. Payments or medical card details submitted after the deadline date will be deemed late. A late submission of payment or medical card details may mean that a seat is not available.
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.
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.
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.
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 2024/25 school year.
As indicated at the time of the launch of the review, a number of pilots were being considered by the 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 2024/25 school year consideration would be given to further potential pilots.
A total of 14 pilot projects are underway in the current 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 2025/26 school year will be available shortly.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (223)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:223. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education the specific Government guidelines for SEN places nationwide. [21808/25]
View answerWritten answers
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive a befitting education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me, 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.
Through the accelerated provision of additional special class and special school places over recent years, there are now just over 28,000 students enrolled in special classes and special schools. 2,700 new places are being created in 2025 and these, together with the over 1,200 existing places which will become available due to children and young people moving on from primary schools and post primary schools, will mean that there is close to 4,000 places available for the coming school year. The NCSE has engaged in a process with parents and schools to identify children requiring a place for the 2025/26 school year and the 3,900 places available should meet the need that exists.
My department and the NCSE identify the need for special educational provision with consideration to demographical and statistical data and in regard to an areas existing school provision and future capability. In addition, part of the forward planning process as to where new classes, schools or expansion is required looks at how far students are travelling to access an education appropriate to their needs. This is an important factor which has been incorporated into the decision-making process. Consideration is also given to the information NCSE hold at a local level on the number of children seeking a special school place in a region.
A particular focus this year was placed on medium and larger primary schools with available accommodation and no existing special class to open a new special class. This not only ensures that classes can open quickly as existing accommodation can be reconfigured in a more streamlined and efficient manner, but also that provision is established in as many schools as possible as we expand provision nationally. This provides parents more options when deciding which schools to apply to and ensures that provision continues to grow in a diverse number of schools across regions. This focus will remain to the fore when planning for the 2026/27 school year.
My department is aware that 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.
In October 2022, 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. Last year my department issued a circular to all schools setting out new measures to support the forward planning of special education provision. Included in this circular was a reminder of the need for post primary schools to continue planning for this level of provision.
As in other years where schools have no available accommodation, particularly at post-primary level and there is known demand in a local area, my department will continue to provide additional classroom accommodation to provide necessary places.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
School Admissions
Questions (224)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:224. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education if she or her Department are aware that each school has its own subjective criteria for children to be accepted into the school; if there are plans to standardise the admissions process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21809/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, all schools have admissions policies which have been developed following consultation with the school community including parents of students attending school and staff of the school, and which have been approved by the patron. All schools must publish their admissions policy on the school's website.
The admissions policy, including the selection criterion to be used where the school is oversubscribed, must comply with the 2018 act, be non-discriminatory and be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.
All schools must clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. Schools have discretion in relation to their admission criteria and how they are applied. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves.
However, I am acutely aware that there can be stresses for families when there is high demand for places in an area or in a particular school. It is in that context that the Programme for Government sets out a commitment to roll out a nationwide common application system to reduce stress on parents and students during application periods. Common application systems are in place in a small number of specific areas, such as at post primary level in Limerick, Ennis and Howth and for primary special classes in Dublin 15. There are a lot of benefits to the system, particularly in terms of identifying capacity pressures at an early point and avoiding duplication on waiting lists.
Learnings from the implementation of these systems will inform the way forward to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment, including for post primary level across school planning areas in Dublin.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (225)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:225. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education if she will consider expanding SNA duties and roles beyond their current ones; and if she plans to recognise that SNAs often go above and beyond their limited roles for the children. [21810/25]
View answerWritten answers
I want to assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the invaluable contribution that Special Needs Assistants make to the educational experience and overall wellbeing of students in our schools. I also recognise that SNAs demonstrate a deep commitment to their roles and the students that they work with, frequently going above and beyond their core duties.
In recognition of the evolving nature of the SNA role, and in line with commitments made under the Programme for Government, my department has commenced work on the first SNA Workforce Development Plan (the plan) which is due for delivery later this year. The plan is being developed in direct consultation and collaboration with SNAs and other key stakeholders including school leaders, teachers, parents and students, giving all parties an opportunity to provide input.
The plan which includes a review of the SNA contract is being developed in direct consultation and collaboration with SNAs and other key stakeholders including school leaders, teachers, parents and students, giving all parties an opportunity to provide input and share views on the future development and direction of the SNA service. The are five key areas that the plan will address:
– Pillar 1 - Review and development of the SNA role
– Pillar 2 - Establishment of a quality framework
– Pillar 3 - Establishment of a SNA learning and development programme
– Pillar 4 - Supporting SNA recruitment, retention and diversity
– Pillar 5 - Development of a communications strategy
The work under Pillar 1 includes an extensive review of Department of Education circular 0030/2014 which is the current circular setting out the role of the SNA. A sub-working group has been established for this purpose and is working with key stakeholders to ensure that the new circular will provide clarity around the SNA role and duties for all in the school community.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (226)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:226. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education if she plans to introduce clear guidelines in relation to what qualifies as children’s needs for a space in school; and the reason the NCSE and her Department do not work cohesively to achieve this clear wording. [21811/25]
View answerWritten answers
This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
As you are aware special classes are established under a particular designation of student need, e.g., Mild/Moderate/Severe to Profound Learning Disability or for particular conditions e.g. Autism or Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Enrolment into these classes is closely linked to its designation. This ensures that these classes continue to meet the needs of the students for which they were intended and for this reason, a diagnosis and/or professional report is required in order for students to be enrolled.
My department recently issued a circular 0023/2025 which reminded schools that a new assessment was not required for children transitioning from a primary special class into a post-primary special class. It is important that children progressing from primary to post-primary level can do so without the need to provide a more up-to-date recommendation.
This specialist provision is provided for children with the most complex of needs. However, it is important to remember that the majority of children and young people with special educational needs are educated in mainstream classes with their peers. These children are supported by special education teachers and SNA to attend mainstream classes and no professional reports are required to access these supports in school.
In a separate circular letter 0080/2024 to all schools in October 2024, my Department also set out clearly the criteria for admission to autism special classes.
In working to develop a more inclusive education system, we want to support as many students as possible to attend their local mainstream schools. This means that children are not required to travel long distances to attend special schools or classes and can attend school in their local communities.
15,000 special education teachers have been provided to enable schools to achieve this. In practical terms this means schools get a substantial additional teaching allocation to support children with special education needs who are in mainstream classes. Importantly, children are not required to have a diagnosis, recommendation or report to access this support.
Allocations of special education teaching (SET) posts for the next school year have recently been provided to schools and SNA allocations will be confirmed by the NCSE to schools in the coming weeks. The NCSE also publish SET and SNA allocations on their website.
Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 399 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. These will be added to the 3,335 special classes already in operation nationwide. There are also 129 special schools with approximately 9,000 students enrolled. Five of these are new for the 2025/26 school year and will open for enrolment shortly.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
Education and Training Boards
Questions (227)
Micheál Carrigy
Question:227. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on the current live panel for administrative posts under the Board of Education; and if a person (details supplied) who is on the panel which is due to expire in June 2025, is likely to be offered a position before the panel concludes. [21817/25]
View answerWritten answers
All open competitions are administered by Public Jobs, the Department of Education has no oversight of their panels and is therefore unable to answer this question. It would be more suitable being referred with the relevant information to Public Jobs. The candidate can reach Public Jobs through their messages Portal.