Louis O'Hara
Question:398. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth if school transport can be provided for a child (details supplied). [32005/25]
View answerSchool Transport
Questions (398)
Written answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
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.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy is not eligible for transport as he is attending his fourth nearest Post Primary Centre, however he can be considered for a seat on a concessionary basis for the 2025/26 school year under the terms outlined above. Application and payment have been made on time for the pupil.
In cases where families have applied to attend their nearest schools with regard to ethos and language, and have been advised by the school authorities that these schools are full, the Department will consider if the pupil(s) is eligible to the next nearest school.
While the closest school(s) may be full to capacity at present, each family must supply the documents mentioned below, to School Transport Section of the Department of Education and Youth.
• an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school(s), and
• a letter from each of the school authorities confirming that the school was full.
This information should be submitted to the School Transport Section of my Department for consideration. Contact details for the section can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/school-transport/#school-transport-customer-contact-form
The Bus Éireann family portal has now temporarily closed for applications and payments to allow for the assessment of all applications and payments received, and to 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.
State Examinations
Questions (399, 434)
Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin
Question:399. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will look to remove the question on “short story” Junior Cycle Higher Level English paper (details supplied) from the marking scheme entirely and have the marks divided up into the other questions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32006/25]
View answer
Darren O'Rourke
Question:434. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has plans to provide more clarity on the syllabus provided to English teachers for Junior Cycle exams; if there are plans to remove teachers freedom to choose specific examples of topics to cover, for example a short story; and if she plans to review the marking scheme for this year’s Junior Cycle exam. [32407/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 434 together.
As part of the ongoing process of Junior Cycle reform, a revised Junior Cycle English specification has been examined for all candidates since 2017. Assessment for certification in the State examinations is based on the aims, objectives and learning outcomes of the specification.
The Junior Cycle English specification, as published by the NCCA, includes guidelines for teachers on the choice of texts which should be studied by students in first year, as well as those to be studied in second and third year. The specification includes short stories among the texts which must be studied by students in both first and second/third year. In the case of novels, films and dramas to be studied for examination, teachers choose from those on the prescribed lists as set out in the circular. In the case of poetry, short stories, and non-literary texts, teachers have the freedom to choose specific examples.
My Department then issues a list of the prescribed materials for the second and third years of Junior Cycle English. Details of the prescribed material for those sitting their examinations this year issued to schools in Department of Education circular 0014/2022. This circular reinforces the specification, stating “Second and Third Year students MUST study texts as described” and includes “A number of short stories ” in the list of texts.
It is the role of the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to provide examinations and assessments in line with the subject specifications developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). I am advised by the SEC that examination papers and draft marking schemes are developed through a rigorous development process to meet the requirements of the relevant specification and standards of assessment. The examination paper development process involves a multi-stage process of drafting and setting, and various layers of scrutiny. Those involved are experts in the subject who are also experienced teachers.
In 2025, a total of 73,881 candidates registered to sit the 2025 Junior Cycle English examinations; 60,380 at Higher Level and 13,501 at Ordinary Level. Question 7 in this year’s Junior Cycle Higher Level examination asked candidates to respond to a question about any short story they had studied. The question was worth 15 marks from a total of 180 marks for the examination. I have been assured by the SEC that this year’s examination, including Question 7, was fully within the scope of the specification and in keeping with the aims, objectives and learning outcomes for Junior Cycle English.
I can further advise that all commentary and correspondence received by the SEC on the examinations from students, parents, teachers, professional bodies, and other interested parties is a normal part of the examinations process. Such observations regarding test instruments are an intrinsic part of the feedback that the SEC would expect to receive in any year, and it advises that all observations received in relation to a subject are reviewed by the SEC’s Chief Examiner in the context of preparing the marking scheme for that subject. The approach taken by the SEC to the development of marking schemes ensures consistency in the marking and fairness to all candidates. The marking scheme will be published by the SEC, as will the marking schemes in all other subjects, after the issue of the Junior Cycle results.
School Accommodation
Questions (400)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:400. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth the urgent remedial action she will take to deal with the structural defects at a school (details supplied), given that two classrooms are unusable due to roof water ingress and the presence of asbestos, and where progress on supplying a special education unit has been delayed due to the deteriorating condition of the school roof and the significant health and safety issues that arise from this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32007/25]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for roof works.The application in question is currently being reviewed by the technical area within the EWS. Once a technical recommendation has been received 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.
School Management
Questions (401)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:401. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a board of management will be reinstated at a school (details supplied). [32013/25]
View answerWritten answers
Under the provisions of the Education Act 1998, it is the duty of the patron to appoint, where practicable, a board of management. The patron of a school is the person or body of persons recognised as such by the Minister in accordance with the act. The board of management manages the school on behalf of the patron. The act also provides that the patron may appoint a person or persons to manage the school in circumstances where the appointment of a board is not practicable.
In the case of the school referred to by the Deputy, the patron has determined that the appointment of a board of management is not practicable at this time and, in accordance with the provisions of the act, appointed a single manager to mange the school. The deputy will appreciate that the appointment of a board of management is solely a matter for the relevant school patron and that I have no role in this regard.
Commissions of Investigation
Questions (402)
Louis O'Hara
Question:402. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the work of the commission into historical sexual abuse in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32048/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders recommended the establishment of a Commission of Investigation in relation to historical sexual abuse as its principal recommendation and this has been accepted by Government. A high level Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) was convened to advise on the recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry and to consider the terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.
This group was tasked with advising on the recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry and the terms of reference for the Commission of Investigation in relation to historical sexual abuse. I am considering the advice of the IDG at present, following which I will bring a Memorandum to Government with proposed next steps. It is anticipated that this will take place in the coming weeks.
Further and Higher Education
Questions (403)
Seán Canney
Question:403. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will reverse austerity measures made during the financial crash regarding FET learners payments, as many prospective students are not able to take up places on suitable courses as the payment they would receive is well under that of a full weekly social welfare payment, despite them having travel and food costs and other costs associated with attending a course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32049/25]
View answerWritten answers
FET learners payments is the responsibility of the Minister for Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science and the question should therefore be re-directed.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (404)
Barry Heneghan
Question:404. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the proposed development works at a school (details supplied); the status of the application for additional classrooms and facilities for children with additional needs; if the lack of a school hall is being considered as part of any future building or extension plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32059/25]
View answerWritten answers
The purpose of my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by available accommodation at other schools in the area.
The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings to provide 4 Mainstream classrooms, 2 classroom SEN base and ancillary.
I can confirm that this project recently received my departments approval to go to Stage 2a (detailed design) of the architectural planning design process. This stage must include the development of the design along with an accurate cost plan which best meets the design as per the Stage 1 comments and recommendations from my department.
The main focus of resources over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics particularly at post-primary level and for special education needs provision. The immediate priority of my Department is providing new and replacement school places each year, to ensure that every child has a school place.
Investment and expenditure on GP rooms and PE Halls is an element of the overall expenditure and investment in the School Building Programme. The provision of GP rooms/PE Halls, at primary and post primary level respectively, and outdoor hard play areas form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings or where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school.
As part of the NDP Review process, all departments, including my department, are currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform with respect to NDP allocations for the period 2026-2030. It is expected that there will be clarity on these allocations over the course of the summer period, and this will allow my department to plan its capital investment programme for the 2026 to 2030 period in line with prioritised needs and reflecting, as appropriate, wider Government priorities. Maximising existing capacity in schools to meet needs is very important. The progression of prioritised individual projects to meet the most urgent needs in the 2026 to 2030 period that cannot be met through existing capacity across schools in the local area will be considered on a rolling basis from Autumn onwards after the NDP allocations are finalised.
State Examinations
Questions (405)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:405. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education and Youth when consideration will be given to making reasonable accommodation for students with dyslexia for State exams, such as the Junior and Leaving and Applied Leaving Certificates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32061/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and also to ensure that those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme. I welcome that the SEC has now commenced a comprehensive review of the scheme, in which it intends to give consideration to these and all relevant issues.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy with further detail about the RACE scheme, and the review process.
State Examinations
Questions (406)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:406. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a standard entitlement to additional time for State exams for students formally diagnosed with dyslexia will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32062/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and also to ensure that those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme. I welcome that the SEC has now commenced a comprehensive review of the scheme, in which it intends to give consideration to these and all relevant issues.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy with further detail about the RACE scheme, and the review process.
State Examinations
Questions (407)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:407. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason Ireland has not aligned with international best practice in the area of providing reasonable accommodations for students with dyslexia during State exams at secondary school level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32063/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and also to ensure that those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme. I welcome that the SEC has now commenced a comprehensive review of the scheme, in which it intends to give consideration to these and all relevant issues.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy with further detail about the RACE scheme, and the review process.
Teaching Qualifications
Questions (408)
Pádraig Rice
Question:408. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on the current qualification requirements for learning support teachers in Ireland (details supplied); if she has considered updating these qualification requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32081/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Teaching Council is the professional standards body for the teaching profession, which promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016. There are five routes of registration, the minimum registration requirements for each route are set out in the Schedule of the Regulations.
Under 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.
It is the Council’s responsibility to ensure that all teachers entering the profession in Ireland have met the required standards. These standards have been established following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, research, and in accordance with Department of Education policies and priorities and developed over a number of years.
To address your query in relation to the Irish language requirements, while an Irish exemption may be granted to some learners, in accordance with Department of Education Circulars Circular 0054/2022 (Primary) and Circular 0055/2022 (Post-Primary) such exemptions are in exceptional circumstances as outlined in those circulars. As the first official language in Ireland, and for fundamental cultural and historical reasons which are inextricably linked to Irish identity, the study of the Irish language is a key aspect of the learning experiences that are considered appropriate for students in recognised schools in Ireland. For these reasons, Irish is a core subject in the curriculum determined by the Minister for recognised Irish schools. That is the expectation in all educational settings, including Special Educational Needs (SEN) settings, and schools are expected and encouraged to provide all pupils, to the greatest extent possible and in a meaningful way, with opportunities to participate in Irish language and cultural activities at a level appropriate to their learning needs. In that context, a core principle is that all learners are equally entitled to be taught by teachers who can mediate the curriculum appropriately.
The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004 provides that people with special educational needs are educated in an inclusive environment, as far as possible and have the same right to access and benefit from education as children who don’t have these needs.
The Teaching Council has published Céim: Standards for Initial Teacher Education, which set out the requirements which all programmes of qualification for teaching in Ireland must meet in order to gain accreditation from the Teaching Council. It is also a benchmark for anybody seeking to register as a teacher in Ireland.
Céim includes core elements that ITE programmes must contain, including Inclusive Education: which "includes the fostering of appropriate learning environments, including digital ones, which support the development of student teachers’ ability to provide for the learning needs of all pupils by utilising, for example, a universal design for learning framework." This is intended to provide the foundational competencies teachers will need in order to teach in SEN settings.
There are a number of Graduate and Post-graduate Diplomas in the field of Special Education which are approved by the Department of Education and can be used to add this sector to a teacher’s registration where the teacher also holds an accredited teacher education qualification.
The Teaching Council works within Department policy and central to this policy is that all teachers teaching children with Special Educational Needs should be qualified Primary or Post-Primary teachers in the first instance and may then apply for one of the DE recognised qualifications in Special Educational Needs as outlined in Circular 0044/2019.
School Staff
Questions (409)
Séamus McGrath
Question:409. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will address the current policy that denies incremental credit to post-primary teachers with experience in private schools outside the EU, while primary teachers in similar positions are granted credit; if she will consider aligning the policy to ensure fairness across sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32082/25]
View answerWritten answers
The criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the Department of Education’s Circulars 10/2001 for Primary teachers, and 29/2007 and 29/2010 for Post-Primary teachers. The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers was agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC).
These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of overseas teaching service, both within and outside the EU. Where a school satisfies the criteria set out in the circulars to have service at that school recognised for incremental credit, an award of incremental credit can be made.
Criteria such as whether the school is subject to state funding, which can be of particular relevance when examining claims relating to private teaching schools, and the length of time the school has been in existence, must be satisfied in order for service at that school to be recognised for incremental credit.
Where schools do not satisfy the required criteria, then service at that school cannot be considered towards incremental credit. Teachers must be on the Department of Education’s teacher payroll or teaching in an Education and Training Board school before an application can be processed.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit for teachers are subject to review by way of an incremental credit committee, which is a sub-committee of the Teachers Conciliation Council, and which meets on an ongoing basis.
Through the Teachers Conciliation Council, the teacher unions have lodged a claim concerning the recognition of private post primary teaching service outside the EU towards the award of incremental credit.
The department examined this as part of the 2025 budgetary process. However, it was not possible to secure funding to progress this request through the 2025 budgetary process.
The department is continuing to examine ways in which the matter may be progressed in the future.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (410)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:410. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure further SNA allocation is given to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32094/25]
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.
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.
School Accommodation
Questions (411)
John Lahart
Question:411. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on developments to be undertaken at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32096/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department arranged a site visit to the school referred to by the Deputy recently in the context of the planning associated with undertaking proposed improvement works to the school building. This is in addition to works already carried out during the school's Easter holidays. The visit included engagement with the school authority regarding the proposed works.
My Department will continue to work directly with the school with a view to improving the school’s accommodation.
School Transport
Questions (412)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:412. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth ; if she will review a school bus route to allow students to enrol in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32097/25]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Bus Éireann has advised that the current school transport service operates from Earl of Desmond Hotel into Flemby NS and Caherleeheen NS at present.
My Department has received an application from the patron for the closure of Flemby NS, which is currently under consideration. Department officials will contact the patron again shortly with it's decision.
The pupils referred to by the Deputy would not be eligible for transport to Ballyfinane National School as it is not their closest school with capacity.
Pupils residing at The Earl of Desmond are 11.7 km from home to Ballyfinane NS and 6.4 km from home to Caherleeheen NS.
Education Policy
Questions (413)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:413. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views of existing restrictions on teachers taking parental leave in individual days as can contribute to a lack of continuity between students and individual teachers; if she intends to review existing restrictions on teachers taking parental leave in individual days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32125/25]
View answerWritten answers
The purpose of Parental Leave is to allow a teacher a period of unpaid leave to care for their child.
In line with the provisions of the Parental Leave Act (as amended), a teacher may avail of Parental Leave in blocks of at least one week up to a maximum of 26 weeks. Each period of Parental Leave must be a minimum duration of 7 consecutive days including weekends, school closures and days on which a teacher is not timetabled for attendance occurring within that period.
In certain circumstances a teacher may avail of Parental Leave in the form of individual days where a child has particular medical problems that require the attendance of a parent with the child at hospital, clinic or therapeutic appointment on a regular basis. In such circumstances, certification from the hospital or clinic in respect of the absence must be submitted to the employer and retained on the teacher's personnel file.
The Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) forms part of the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers, the purpose of which is to provide a forum for claims and proposals relating to the salary, and other terms & conditions of service for teachers.
The Council is comprised of representatives from the Teacher Unions, the School Management Bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and the Department of Education and Youth. The TCC is independently chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission. The terms and conditions of teachers employed in State funded teaching posts are formulated at TCC. The current entitlement for Parental Leave for teachers, as detailed in the Department's Circular Letter 0054/2019, exists by virtue of a collective agreement at TCC.
It is not currently planned to make any additional amendments to the terms of the Parental Leave Scheme for teachers as set out in Circular 0054/2019 and Information Note TC/IN 0010/2023.
School Staff
Questions (414)
Niall Collins
Question:414. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the case of an allowance for a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32127/25]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to inform the Deputy that officials from the payroll section in my Department have been in contact with the school employer. The Department provides a payroll service to schools and acts on their instruction within agreed terms and conditions. My officials have requested further information in relation to this matter from the school. When the information requested is received the matter will be progressed by payroll staff.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (415)
Robert Troy
Question:415. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an urgent update on the provision of a new modular SEN at a school (details supplied). [32131/25]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the deputy refers was granted approval for the provision of one special educational needs classroom under my Department's Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.
This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. The use of the Department’s Modular Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of contractors are minimised to the greatest extent possible.
Department records indicate that the school authority has yet to submit the signed form of acceptance which is the contractual commitment for initiation of the project into delivery stage. Department officials will contact the school authority to discuss the project.
School Transport
Questions (416)
Alan Kelly
Question:416. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will establish a school bus route for the 30 plus secondary school children living in the Nenagh/Silvermines area travelling to Borrisoleigh daily. [32132/25]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.Bus Éireann have advised that the Borrisoleigh Post Primary Centre is the second closest post primary centre for pupils living in the Nenagh/Silvermines area generally. In this regard pupils may fall under the Temporary Alleviation Measures outlined above.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
The Bus Éireann family portal has now closed for applications and payments. Bus Éireann will now assess all applications and payments received 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.
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.
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.
Temporary alleviation measures (TAMS) will continue for the 2025/26school year at post-primary level. This means, 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 nearest school or post-primary centre. This is only if they apply on time and pay or enter medical card details on time.
School Staff
Questions (417)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:417. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she intends to introduce job-sharing arrangements for primary school principals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32135/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Job Sharing Scheme for teachers is contained in Chapter 8 of my Department’s Circular Letter 0054/2019 titled ‘Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers Employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools’. The purpose of the scheme is assist teachers in combining work and personal responsibilities/choices. Under the terms of the Circular, Job Sharing is not available to the following:
i. Primary: Principal, Home School Liaison Co-ordinator, teacher on secondment
ii. Post Primary: Principal, Deputy Principal, Home School Liaison Co-ordinator, teacher on secondment
As is the case with all non-statutory leave, each scheme is tailored to the needs of each individual sector following detailed consultation with the relevant stakeholders.
The Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) forms part of the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers, the purpose of which is to provide a forum for claims and proposals relating to the salary, and other terms & conditions of service for teachers.
The Council is comprised of representatives from the Teacher Unions, the School Management Bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and the Department of Education and Youth. The TCC is independently chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission. The terms and conditions of teachers employed in State funded teaching posts are formulated at TCC. The current eligibility criteria of the Job Sharing Scheme, as detailed in the Department's Circular Letter 0054/2019, exists by virtue of a collective agreement at TCC.
It is not currently planned to make any amendments to the terms of the Job Sharing Scheme for teachers as set out in Circular 0054/2019.