Thomas Gould
Question:412. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she is aware that an ASD class sanctioned in a school (details supplied) is still not open. [37369/25]
View answerSpecial Educational Needs
Questions (412)
Written 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.
Over 3,700 special classes will be operating across our schools for the coming school year, including just over 400 new special classes.
The NCSE have confirmed that the school referred to by the Deputy was not sanctioned a new special class for the coming school. While the NCSE had been in contact with the school during recent months, a new special class was not sanctioned at this time. The NCSE will continue to work with the school and consider sanctioning a new special class for the 2026/2027 school year or beyond.
A key element for the NCSE will be assessing what the level of need is locally in the area for the 2026/2027 school year.
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.
School Staff
Questions (413)
Ryan O'Meara
Question:413. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of plans to add school caretakers to her Department's payroll; the timeline for the implementation of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37401/25]
View answerWritten answers
Caretakers are valued members of our school communities who carry out work vital to the operations of our schools. At present, the majority of primary and post-primary schools receive assistance to provide for caretaker services under ancillary grant funding. The Department of Education and Youth is committed to ensuring that school caretakers will be afforded the opportunity to avail of a package similar to that which was agreed for school secretaries in February 2022 and subsequently implemented under Circular 0036/2022.
The implementation of revised salary and leave entitlements for school secretaries is now fully operational, and lessons learned from that process are playing a key role in the development of the deal to be offered to grant funded school caretakers. As there are obvious differences between the roles of school secretaries and school caretakers, a detailed survey was undertaken to inform my officials understanding of the current working patterns as well as terms and conditions of work for school caretakers, and the analysis of the survey results is nearing completion. In parallel with this, the Department are actively in communication with Fórsa on this important issue and regular bilateral meetings are occurring.
In the normal course, there are ongoing discussions with the public service unions on any and all matters relating to pay agreements. Any review of changes to the employment of school caretakers or other pay mechanisms, can occur only under those processes and any such proposals would need to be considered in detail by the Department, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the relevant unions.
School Transport
Questions (414)
Ged Nash
Question:414. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department can address a case where a child with a disability (details supplied) is experiencing difficulty accessing school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37409/25]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
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 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.
An application for school transport for children with special educational needs for the child referred to by the Deputy has been received and School Transport Section of my Department is currently assessing the application. Bus Éireann and School Transport Section of my Department will liaise with the family directly with regard to this matter when the application has been assessed.
School Staff
Questions (415)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:415. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37422/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department received an incomplete application from the school employer in relation to the teacher referred to by the Deputy. An official from my Department has been in direct contact with the school employer. The school may be in a position to submit a further application which will be considered for approval.
School Accommodation
Questions (416)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:416. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update regarding repairs to a school (details supplied) under the summer works scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37432/25]
View answerWritten answers
The purpose of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.
The CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works such as Windows, which could include the upgrade or replacement of windows and doors.
I can confirm my department has received an application under the CASWS for the school in question. However, it should be noted that applications will be assessed in accordance with availability of funding.
It is envisaged that approvals in any given year will involve a spread of categories rather than the traditional single category at a time. This is aimed at managing market capacity and maximising value for money opportunities for school authorities.
The CASWS will operate on a multi-annual basis with the first tranche of projects being announced in Q4 2025 for commencement in summer 2026. Under this scheme, approved applications from schools that are not reached for funding or market prioritisation reasons (as above) in 2026 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available for climate action summer works in subsequent years.
Full details of the new CASWS, Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/
Schools Building Projects
Questions (417)
Claire Kerrane
Question:417. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on plans for a new school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37439/25]
View answerWritten answers
The major building project for the school referred to by the deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning – Stage 2(b) Detailed Design, where the Design Team have secured all statutory applications and are preparing the suite of tender documents.
The brief for the project is to provide a new 16 classroom primary school with an additional classrooms for pupils with special educational needs.
The Stage 2(b) Submission has been received in my Department for review by the multi-disciplinary team, which is currently underway.
On completion of Stage 2(b) design, a meeting of all stakeholders will be organised and my Department will advise the School Authorities and their Design Team of the progression of the project, including comments for the Design Teams attention regarding the stage submission report.
As part of the NDP Review process, all departments, including my department, are currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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.
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.
School Admissions
Questions (418)
Pádraig Rice
Question:418. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been brought to the lack of availability of co-educational primary schools in Cork (details supplied); the actions her Department is taking to increase the availability of co-education learning opportunities for children and parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37538/25]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority of mine.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system, using data from a range of sources, including CSO census data, child benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Togher is located in Glasheen_CorkCity school planning area. Approximately half of the schools in the area are co-educational. Eight of the 18 primary schools and four of the eight post primary schools in the school planning area are co-educational. While all new schools established by my department are co-educational, the decision-making authority for any change of status in existing schools is the patron/trustees of the schools concerned and it is open to any patron to submit proposals to the Department for consideration. Any proposed change involves extensive consultation at local level and must be well planned and managed in a manner that accommodates the interests of students, parents, teachers, local communities and contributes to an inclusive education system. The Patron and relevant stakeholders are also advised to consider the implications that any change of status proposal may have on factors such as school accommodation, funding, staffing and school transport so that an informed decision can be made.
Since 2011, new arrangements have been in place for the establishment of new schools involving the forecasting of demand for school places based on demographic exercises carried out by the department. The criterion for schools ensures that all new schools are co-educational, but ethos is a matter for the patronage process. New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure must be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase to ensure that every child has a school place.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country and almost €0.7 billion in county Cork under the National Development Plan (NDP), involving the completion of over 1,375 school building projects. Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. A recent Government decision has approved €210m supplementary capital funding for my department to support the provision of special education accommodation and meet school place needs. This brings the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6bn.
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.
Educational Disadvantage
Questions (419)
Michael Cahill
Question:419. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently review the DEIS categorisation thresholds and ensure that DEIS rural schools are no longer punished for geography rather than need (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37550/25]
View answerWritten answers
Tackling educational disadvantage and supporting students to fulfil their full potential in life is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth, and for the Government. The DEIS programme is a key policy of Government to tackle concentrated educational disadvantage at school level. It provides a targeted range of supports and is additional to the universal supports provided to all schools, such as the introduction of free school books and free hot school meals.
My department invests over €180 million annually to provide additional supports to almost 1,200 schools in the DEIS programme which supports approximately 260,000 students.
The impact of socio-economic factors on educational outcomes can be different between urban and rural settings and the DEIS resource allocation model takes account of that. While urban and rural disadvantage share many characteristics, such as poverty, unemployment and poor housing conditions, the evidence suggests that disadvantage in a rural context does not have the same impact on educational performance. The DEIS programme is based on the premise that in order to have the maximum possible impact on providing opportunities for students most at risk of educational disadvantage, extra resources must be targeted as closely as possible at those students with the greatest level of need.
My department is committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality, where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. Migrant children and young people in our schools have faced enormous challenges in their lives and are one of the most vulnerable groups of children in Ireland. My department provides a range of supports through the National Educational Psychological Service, English as an additional language teacher allocation and the special education teaching allocation to help resource schools to support children in IPAS accommodation or from Ukraine.
My department has adapted to the dynamic landscape of student enrolment particularly with the increase of newly arrived students into the country who require support with English as an additional language. The department's policies enable flexible resource allocation, including additional EAL hours and special education teaching positions, to meet these varying needs.
As Minister, I am determined to close the performance gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools and introduce more innovative solutions to tackle disadvantage. A new DEIS Plan will be published in 2025. Recognising the need to ensure that all children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage should be supported to achieve their potential through education, a key element of that plan will include working towards a more flexible system of supports to ensure that a school can receive the right support at the right time.
Teaching Council of Ireland
Questions (420)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:420. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth if an application by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37575/25]
View answerWritten answers
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 a function of the Council under the Teaching Council Acts (s7(2)) to act as the competent authority for recognition of qualifications obtained by a person who has applied under this Act for registration as a teacher.
The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016 - see: /www.teachingcouncil.ie/en/publications/registration/revised-teaching-council-registration-regulations-2016.pdf. As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The qualification requirements for each route are set out in the Schedule. My Department has no role in the registration of individual teachers.
The Teaching Council is the regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. Its role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating the professional standards in teaching. It does this through statutory registration of teachers, ensuring that a highly qualified profession, whose members meet and uphold high standards of professional competence and conduct.
During my enquiries last February in relation to Question No. 165 of 12 February 2025, see: www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2025-02-12/165/#pq_165, the Teaching Council informed me that the person that the Deputy is referring to in this query, has made an application for registration under Route 2 (Post Primary). However, they have not yet completed an induction period which means they are not eligible to progress any further with this application. The applicant will be eligible to apply for registration once the proposed timebound provision opens to applications.
To assist further with teacher supply challenges, I announced last April that I would work with the Teaching Council to introduce this proposal to enable eligible teachers who have qualified outside of Ireland to apply for registration and complete their induction requirement here.
I see this as an important step in encouraging more teachers to work and start their careers here in Ireland and I am pleased to note that significant progress has been made towards realising this measure.
Under the Teaching Council Act, the Council makes regulations for the purposes of registration through statutory instrument, including to amend or replace existing regulations. A further Statutory Instrument (SI) is required to establish the proposed creation of this timebound provision.
The drafting of the legislation is progressing, and the Teaching Council is currently in consultation with the Data Protection Commissioner as required in accordance with Article 36 (4) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Please note the current timeframes publicised are indicative and not definitive in relation to the progression of the drafting of the legislation and other tasks associated with the making of the new Registration Regulations. Also, it is important to be aware that applicants will likely have to meet certain eligibility and qualifications requirements prior to approval.
Given that there is a procedure, and specific steps required, it is not possible to give any specific detail in relation to the timeframe for enacting of the legislation and the opening of the timebound provision at this time, but I am hopeful this will be in place in the coming months.
School Accommodation
Questions (421)
John McGuinness
Question:421. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth if an application for emergency works relative to health and safety in the name of a school (details supplied) will be expedited and approved. [37598/25]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for external environment works. The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation and, on this basis, the school was advised to submit further documentation and clarifications.
Once this has been received the EWS team will review the application and 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.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (422)
Barry Ward
Question:422. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 407 of 1 July 2025, if her attention has been drawn to the particular shortage of special classes for children with a general learning disability, not related to ASD, within mainstream schools in the wider Stillorgan and Blackrock areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37602/25]
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.
My department works closely with the NCSE on the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. Building on successive budgets, Budget 2025 secured funding for up to 400 new special classes in mainstream schools, and an additional 300 special school places for the 2025/26 school year. This will deliver 2,700 new places for children.
Just over 400 new special classes are being provided for the coming 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.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department recently published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of new measures introduced to support forward planning going forward and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child. An earlier date of 1 October has been set in which parents must do so. This notification will provide the NCSE with valuable insights as to which children will continue to require a special class as they progress to post primary level and details on students who require a place for the first time. The earlier date will also allow for earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, and it is the aim of the NCSE to sanction the majority of new special classes by 31 December 2025.
This new parents notify process, which was introduced for the first time this year ensures that the NCSE have a clearer lens on the level of need for special class and special school places and the particular needs of children and young people. This is a key element when NCSE approach schools to establish a particular type of special class. The vast majority of children and young people being notified to the NCSE continue to require an autism special class.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
Education and Training Provision
Questions (423)
Sean Fleming
Question:423. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a response will issue to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37627/25]
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 NCSE actively encourage expressions of interest from schools to open special classes, and I appreciate and commend the efforts taken by boards of management in expressing their interest. However, it is not always possible to open a special class in every school that expresses an interest.
When assessing the needs in the local area, the NCSE identify schools in the neighbouring vicinity with available special class vacancies or capacity and assess their capability with consideration to demographical and statistical data.
Schools not sanctioned this year, such as the school referred to by the Deputy will remain as a potential option for future classes. Local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. The NCSE advise that the school already have four special classes.
The allocations of special education teaching posts for the next school year were published on 11 February and all schools received an email notification from the NCSE of their allocation.
For the 2025/26 school year close to 15,000 special education teachers have been allocated to schools to support these children and young people.
The allocation model uses a variety of statistical data to complete allocations. This data includes, enrolment data, data on educational needs profiles (literacy and numeracy) and data on educational disadvantage. This data is sourced from within the education sector to ensure it is validated and assured. The only external data used is the Pobal HP Deprivation Index which is used by Irish government departments for identification of disadvantage.
The 2025/26 school year will see almost 86% of schools either increase their allocation of hours or retain their previous allocation. Of schools who will see a reduction this is driven by demographic change in the geographic area and a reduction of enrolments in the school. The vast majority of these schools will see a reduction of under five hours.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs, including the allocation of special needs assistants (SNAs). The NCSE has advised my department that all schools have been informed of their SNA allocation for the 2025/26 school year.
As the NCSE is responsible for the allocation of SNAs to schools, I have forwarded the school's details to them for their attention and direct reply.
Deputies are also welcome to raise such matters with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at: oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie
It is open to any school which feels like it has insufficient SNA support to meet the needs of its students to submit to the NCSE a request seeking a review of its allocation. Detailed information on the NCSE's SNA review process is published on the NCSE's website: ncse.ie
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.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (424)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:424. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on a school building project (details supplied); if it will be ready to accept students in September 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37664/25]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that my department received an application in 2018 under the Additional Schools' Accommodation (ASA) scheme for funding for the provision of eighteen special education classrooms.
In this regard my department approved the provision of modular accommodation of four classrooms for the school in question to cater for their immediate needs. This project is complete.
I can assure the Deputy that enabling children with special educational needs to receive a befitting education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
My department works closely with the National Council of Special Education (NCSE) on the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. The NCSE has sanctioned 399 new special classes for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 17 are in Tipperary, 9 at primary and 8 at post primary level. These classes will be added to the 138 special classes currently in operation in the county. There are also 3 special schools in Tipperary with approximately 409 students enrolled. One of the five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year will open in Nenagh. This school will initially enroll 12 students, this is in line with the level of need established by the NCSE at a local level. Offers of places were made to families at the end of May.
The NCSE continues to review the SEN provision requirements in South Tipperary and the wider area in relation to the delivery of special school places.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that an accommodation brief was agreed with the school to provide 14 special education classrooms and ancillary accommodation. Furthermore an official from my department met with representatives of the school and discussed the current building, the site and the programme for a new build as well as the department's intention to run a mini-competition utilising the Sustainable Timber Modular Framework. I am pleased to advise also that in recent weeks a tender process commenced for this mini-competition. Given the scale of the project proposed for this school it is not possible to provide a time-frame for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured. However, I can confirm that a September 2025 delivery date is not achievable.
School Accommodation
Questions (425)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:425. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 74 of 25 June 2025, if the application for emergency works will be granted as a matter of urgency given that the necessary documentation has been supplied by the school (details supplied) to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37690/25]
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 back from the technical team, the EWS team will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
School Equipment
Questions (426)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:426. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated cost of providing an allowance covering the cost of a device (details supplied) for each child in a school that teaches using such a device rather than traditional textbooks. [37697/25]
View answerWritten answers
I recently announced €35 million in funding to support digital learning in schools. €35 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. Through the ICT Grant, and the Minor Works grant schemes, schools are directly funded for their ICT infrastructure. Schools have autonomy to determine which infrastructure to implement, including software and devices such as tablet devices, in accordance with their digital learning plans. The funding can also be used to provide loan schemes for devices as needed.
The ICT grant funding is being provided to schools to help them continue to use digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment and this is the third tranche of ICT funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027. The funding issues as a lump sum per school, plus a per capita amount, with an enhanced per capita rate for students enrolled in DEIS and Special schools and to pupils in mainstream special class primary settings. Using this model of funding, all schools are treated equally, fairly and transparently, and are allocated an amount per student.
Schools, in conjunction with parents, are responsible for decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements.
Under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day to day management of schools. Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications being fully considered by the Boards of Managements before a decision is made.
Oide-Technology in Education (the area within my department's support service for teachers specialising in digital technology in teaching and learning, offer advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and commits to funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy). Including the most recent grant, a total of €135 million of the €200 million committed to in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant. While the NDP commitment did not guarantee a specific amount in each year however, it is anticipated that issuing €35m in 2025, will enable the balance of €65 million remaining to issue to schools over the remaining years of the current strategy to 2027.
This funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment to supporting and enabling schools to ensure the continued embedding of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment.
I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to costs of digital technology, including tablets, and my Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs. As referenced, in 2017, a circular letter issued to schools with measures to be adopted to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs including such ICT devices. See: assets.gov.ie/12695/2045e7ccec684f72b55d93930e45372c.pdf
That circular also instructed schools to consult with parents and their school community on the issue of ensuring costs are reasonable for parents, and how to avoid costs acting as a barrier. This circular specified that wherever possible, generic rather than branded items should be specified (e.g. uniform, clothing, IT tablets, sports equipment etc.).
The Circular provides that schools should also consult with parents on their views and suggestions on cost reduction initiatives. Schools should provide parents with a list of all required items and indicate the likely costs of these required items at best value stores. Where an exclusive supply arrangement applies, it should be reviewed regularly and tendered for in accordance with procurement requirements.
To further assist schools, the OGP, HEAnet, as well as my Department, have established framework of providers of digital devices including tablets, pcs and laptops, with appropriate specifications, agreed pricing, and levels of service, as well as providing framework management. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.
Finally, back-to-school costs can be a burden for many families. Removing the cost of schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks in primary schools from the start of the 2023/24 school year has been shown to be a huge step in addressing the cost of sending children to school. €47 million is allocated in 2024 to continue implementation of the schoolbooks scheme at primary level. Further funding of over €67 million is allocated to provide free schoolbooks and classroom resources for Junior Cycle students in recognised post-primary schools in the free scheme for the 2024/25 school year. This will benefit approximately 212,000 Junior Cycle students and add to the 563,000 pupils in primary and special schools who benefited from this initiative in the current school year.
School Equipment
Questions (427, 428)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:427. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated cost of a pilot programme to cover the cost of a device (details supplied) per student in all DEIS schools who teach using such devices rather than traditional textbooks. [37698/25]
View answerDarren O'Rourke
Question:428. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated cost of a pilot programme to cover the cost of a device (details supplied) per student in 20 school’s irrespective of DEIS status who teach using such devices rather than textbooks. [37699/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 and 428 together.
It should also be noted that under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day to day management of schools. Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications being fully considered by the Boards of Managements before a decision is made.
Where schools choose to implement a one to one device policy, The cost per device will vary from school to school, including owing to software that may apply, e textbooks in accordance with year group and so on. On that basis, it would not be feasible or appropriate to assign a particular sum for a device.
Schools, in conjunction with parents, are responsible for decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements.
Oide-Technology in Education (the area within my department's support service for teachers specialising in digital technology in teaching and learning, formerly PDST-TiE) offer advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools.
As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced €35 million in funding to support digital learning in schools. €35 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. Through the ICT Grant, and the Minor Works grant schemes, schools are directly funded for their ICT infrastructure, with schools having the autonomy to determine which infrastructure to implement, including software and devices such as tablet devices, in accordance with their digital learning plans. This can include the provision of loan schemes for devices as needed.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and commits to funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy). Including the funding recently issued, to date, a total of €135 million of the €200 million committed to in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant. While the NDP commitment did not guarantee a specific amount in each year however, it is anticipated that issuing €35m in 2025, will enable the balance of €65 million remaining to issue to schools over the remaining years of the current strategy to 2027.
This funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment to supporting schools to embed the use of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment.
Further to this, I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by educators and parents in relation to costs of digital technology, including tablets, and my Department continues to work to help support schools and families meet these costs. As referenced, in 2017, a circular letter issued to schools with measures to be adopted to reduce the cost of school uniforms and other costs including such ICT devices. See: assets.gov.ie/12695/2045e7ccec684f72b55d93930e45372c.pdf
That circular also instructed schools to consult with parents and their school community on the issue of ensuring costs are reasonable for parents, and how to avoid costs acting as a barrier. This circular specified that wherever possible, generic rather than branded items should be specified (e.g. uniform, clothing, IT tablets, sports equipment etc.).
The Circular provides that schools should also consult with parents on their views and suggestions on cost reduction initiatives. Schools should provide parents with a list of all required items and indicate the likely costs of these required items at best value stores. Where an exclusive supply arrangement applies, it should be reviewed regularly and tendered for in accordance with procurement requirements.
To further assist schools, the OGP, HEAnet, as well as my Department, have established framework of providers of digital devices including tablets, pcs and laptops, with appropriate specifications, agreed pricing, and levels of service, as well as providing framework management. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.
Back-to-school costs can be a burden for many families. Removing the cost of schoolbooks, workbooks and copybooks in primary schools from the start of the 2023/24 school year has been shown to be a huge step in addressing the cost of sending children to school. €47 million is allocated in 2024 to continue implementation of the schoolbooks scheme at primary level. Further funding of over €67 million is allocated to provide free schoolbooks and classroom resources for Junior Cycle students in recognised post-primary schools in the free scheme for the 2024/25 school year. This will benefit approximately 212,000 Junior Cycle students and add to the 563,000 pupils in primary and special schools who benefited from this initiative in the current school year.
Question No. 428 answered with Question No. 427.
School Accommodation
Questions (429)
Sean Fleming
Question:429. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Youth when approval will be given for additional school accommodation to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37700/25]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question has submitted an application for capital funding, under my department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme, for an additional mainstream classroom, a special education tuition room and a special education classroom.
The purpose of the 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.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that in 2022 the school was approved one mainstream classroom and this project is currently at stage 1. The school has ongoing communications with my department’s delivery section in relation to this project.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,375 school building projects. Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. A recent Government decision has approved €210m supplementary capital funding for my department which brings the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6bn.
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.
I can confirm that the school’s current application under the ASA scheme is under assessment and officials will contact the school directly when a decision has been made. I assure the Deputy that we will advance this matter as quickly as possible and that we are very conscious that where additional school accommodation is required, a significant lead-in time is necessary for a variety of reasons.
School Transport
Questions (430)
Sean Fleming
Question:430. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Youth his views on correspondence with regard to school transport (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37707/25]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education
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, 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.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Following the closing date for payment or entering medical card details, the Bus Éireann family portal will close. This will give Bus Éireann time to assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the 2025/26 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
Once routes have been finalised, Bus Éireann will assign tickets for each school transport service. Tickets will begin to issue in mid-July and will continue to issue throughout July and August. Families who are unsuccessful in obtaining a seat will be notified via email and a refund will issue.
Bus Éireann has advised that their Local Office is currently assessing a suitable pick-up point for the child referred to by the Deputy and their Local Office will liaise directly with the family once the route has been assessed.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (431)
Claire Kerrane
Question:431. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a school (details supplied) has been denied an additional special needs assistant (SNA) by the NCSE following a recommendation made for the additional SNA by the local SENO following a formal review of the school's staffing allocation; why this recommendation was ignored; if she will seek a review by the NCSE of this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37727/25]
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, including the allocation of special needs assistants (SNAs). The NCSE has advised my department that all schools have been informed of their SNA allocation for the 2025/26 school year.
As the NCSE is responsible for the allocation of SNAs to schools, I have forwarded the school's details to them for their attention and direct reply.
Deputies are also welcome to raise such matters with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.
It is open to any school which feels like it has insufficient SNA support to meet the needs of its students to submit to the NCSE a request seeking a review of its allocation. Detailed information on the NCSE's SNA review process is published on the NCSE's website.
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.
School Staff
Questions (432)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:432. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will urgently review a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37736/25]
View answerWritten answers
From the outset, the Department wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to the person named.
The provisions of the Bereavement Leave Scheme for teachers are outlined in the department’s Circular 0078/2022, which states:
2.2 Bereavement Leave must be availed of at the time of the bereavement, to facilitate the teacher with time off from work. And:
2.6 Where a teacher is already absent on other approved leave (e.g. Sick Leave, Maternity Leave, Carer’s Leave, Parental Leave, Marriage Leave) when the bereavement occurs, it cannot be replaced with Bereavement Leave.
The terms and conditions of the Bereavement Leave Scheme were agreed with the Education Partners, that is School Management Bodies and the relevant Trade Unions, and have general application to all teachers. Unfortunately, there is no provision within this scheme to postpone or defer Bereavement Leave to a later date.
The Parental Leave Scheme for teachers is outlined in Circular 0054/2019 - Chapter 5 and Information Note TC/IN 0010/2023, and is regulated by the Parental Leave Act 1998, as amended.
Please note the Parental Leave Act 1998, as amended states "the entitlement to parental leave is subject to the condition that it is used to take care of the child concerned". Regrettably, any entitlements to Parental Leave shall cease in the event of the passing of a child. There are no guidelines set out within the Parental Leave Act to allow for continuation of such leave.
Full details on the current leave schemes which are available to teachers is documented on the Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/breaksleave-for-school-staff/