Written Answers Nos. 400-419
404. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will equalise tax relief on taxsaver commuter tickets to ensure that lower paid workers are not forced to pay more for public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63317/25]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, Section 118(5A) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA) provides an exemption from benefit-in-kind (BIK) where an employer purchases a travel pass for an employee.
This is commonly known as the TaxSaver scheme.
Section 118B TCA provides that an employer and employee may also enter into a Revenue-approved salary sacrifice arrangement under which the employee agrees to sacrifice part of his or her salary, in exchange for the benefit.
This scheme was implemented as tax-exempt benefit-in-kind in order to keep the implementation as simple as possible and reduce administrative burden on the part of employers.
However, that means that, under these schemes, the qualifying benefit is exempt from income tax, PRSI and USC at whichever rate the taxpayer would otherwise be liable to pay. Although those individuals liable to tax at the higher rate will, as a result, effectively get tax relief at that rate, generally over the course of the tax year they will pay a significantly greater amount of income tax than individuals that are liable to the standard rate of tax. This is due to the progressive nature of the Irish personal income tax system.
In fact, it should be noted that Ireland has among the most progressive systems of taxes and social transfers of any EU or OECD country. Progressive income tax systems contribute to the redistribution of income and to the reduction of income inequality. Ireland’s income tax system generally ensures that the burden of taxation falls most heavily on those with a higher ability to pay. This means that those on lower incomes pay less income tax as a share of their income than those on higher incomes. It is my view that a broad-based, progressive income tax system, where the majority of income earners make some contribution according to their means, is the fairest and most sustainable income tax system in the long term.
Proposals in respect of tax expenditure measures are assessed in accordance with my Department's Guidelines for Tax Expenditure Evaluation. It is important to note that Government policy is based on the principle that tax expenditures should be used in limited circumstances where a demonstrable market failure exists, and the measure is more efficient than a direct expenditure intervention. In its comprehensive review of the Irish tax system, the Commission on Taxation and Welfare (2022) supported this position.
In considering proposals in respect of tax expenditures, the Government must be mindful of the public finances and the many demands on the Exchequer. Tax reliefs, no matter how worthwhile in themselves, lead to a narrowing of the tax base and a strong and convincing case for the benefits and outcomes needs to be articulated in order for due consideration to be given for the commitment of scarce taxpayer resources for such reliefs. The expansion of any tax expenditure creates a cost, and that cost must be recovered elsewhere.
It may be of interest to the Deputy that my Department’s Guidelines for Tax Expenditures Evaluation, last updated in 2024, now include that the impact of a tax expenditure from an equality perspective should be considered as part of both ex-ante and ex-post reviews.
As with all tax expenditures and measures, the TaxSaver scheme is kept under review by my officials. I believe the scheme is operating as intended and I have no plans at present to amend the scheme.
405. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if a location (details supplied) is showing on the flood plain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [64727/25]
View answerThe OPW, through the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, carried out the largest ever flood risk study in Ireland to date, which assessed 80% of properties at risk from Ireland’s main causes of flooding. The OPW Flood Maps, that show the flood risk for 300 communities, are a key output of the study together with 29 Flood Risk Management Plans, with the proposed flood relief measures to address the flood risk in each community.
The Flood Maps are available to the public to view at www.floodinfo.ie. However, it is important to note that they are community based maps. The maps were not designed to designate individual properties at risk. The maps show the probable extent of flooding based on current and future projections.
In recent correspondence on this matter the Deputy has raised the issue of flood insurance. As I have set out in my response to the correspondence, the Disclaimer and Conditions for Use of OPW flood maps on www.floodinfo.ie includes a provision that users of the website must not use the flood maps, or any other content of the website for commercial purposes. As such, the Disclaimer prevents insurance companies from using the flood maps generated by the OPW.
The insurance industry has its own flood modelling tools for assessing the level of risk that it is willing to underwrite in relation to individual properties. Insurance Ireland, the representative body of the insurance industry, has highlighted to the OPW that it does not use the OPW flood maps to inform its flood modelling. The decision on whether to offer insurance, the level of premiums charged and the policy terms applied are matters for individual insurers. Insurance companies make commercial decisions on the provision of insurance cover based on their assessment of the risks they would be accepting on a case-by-case basis.
Insurance Ireland operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be contacted at 01 676 1914 or feedback@insuranceireland.eu. Similarly, Brokers Ireland, the representative body for insurance brokers in Ireland, has access to a wide range of providers and products, and can offer advice for customers when sourcing cover. Brokers Ireland can be reached at 01 661 3067. Furthermore, where an individual considers that they have been treated unfairly, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01 567 7000.
The Department of Finance has the lead policy responsibility for insurance matters, including flood insurance. The Department of Finance engages with the insurance industry on all aspects of insurance reform, including flood cover issues and efforts continue to be made to encourage a responsive approach to the provision of flood insurance from the insurance industry. In accordance with the EU framework for insurance (Solvency II Directive), the Government cannot direct the provision or pricing of insurance products.
The OPW in partnership with Galway County Council have appointed Arup in conjunction with Hydro-Environmental Ltd. to assess, develop and design a viable, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Ballinasloe. Ryan Hanley Ltd. has also been appointed to undertake the environmental appraisals for the scheme. The Ballinasloe Flood Relief Scheme is currently at scheme development and preliminary design stage with the Statutory Public Exhibition period scheduled to commence in Q2 2026. Further information on this Scheme is available at, www.floodinfo.ie/ballinasloefrs.
406. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on securing a consultant to perform the assessment of the flood mitigations for a location (details supplied) along with others impacted by the River Dower in the locality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65060/25]
View answerThe Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest study of flood risk in Ireland to date, was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2018. The 29 Flood Risk Management Plans were a key output of CFRAM, identifying proposed flood relief measures nationwide.
It is not possible to progress all 150 new and additional flood relief schemes identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans simultaneously, due to the limited availability of the required professional and specialised engineering skills in the OPW, local authorities, and in the consultancy market. However, the Government is committed to funding these projects through the €1.3bn available under the National Development Plan.
Since 2018, and working with local authorities, the OPW has trebled, to some 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning or construction.
To date, the OPW has completed nine flood relief schemes in County Cork. This includes the Bandon, Clonakilty, Douglas, Dunmanway, Fermoy North, Fermoy South, Mallow North, Mallow South & West, and Skibbereen flood relief schemes. These completed schemes protect 1,750 properties from flooding.
Currently, there are ten major flood relief schemes at scoping, development and design, or construction stage in County Cork: Ballinhassig, Ballymakeera/Ballyvourney, Bantry, Blackpool, Carrigaline, Glashaboy, Lower Lee (Cork City), Macroom, Midleton, and Morrison’s Island. Once completed, these ten schemes will provide protection to a further circa 3,800 properties, with an economic benefit to the State in damages and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €380m.
There are also nine further proposed flood relief schemes in the next phase known as Tranche 2, including Castlemartyr. As Mogeely is a short distance upstream of Castlemartyr, an existing Area of Potentially Significant Flood Risk (APSFR), the Castlemartyr APSFR has been extended to include the village of Mogeely, as well as the village of Ladysbridge.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme (Minor Works Scheme) was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
To date, some €7m has been approved for projects in County Cork under the Minor Works scheme. Further details are available at https://www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/
In September 2024, the OPW approved funding of €81,800 under the Minor Works Scheme for flood mitigation works in Castlemartyr. Works included maintenance of the river channel and the removal of overhanging/fallen trees that were obstructing the river flow. In August 2025, the OPW also approved funding of €116,200 under the Minor Works Scheme for a study to explore the possibility of flood mitigation solutions in the catchment upstream of Mogeely. Projects subject to approved funding are the responsibility of the relevant local authority to advance.
The OPW is actively engaging with delivery partners and other stakeholders on lessons learned and is piloting a new delivery model in Counties Donegal and Kilkenny to inform delivery of future Tranche 2 schemes nationally.
The OPW has ongoing engagement with Cork County Council in relation to flood risk at Mogeely, Castlemartyr, and other communities in Cork and the optimal means of implementing flood relief measures for these areas.
407. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of female apprentices, by trade that are currently employed by the OPW, in tabular form. [65175/25]
View answerThe total number of female apprentices, by trade, currently employed by OPW is as follows:
|
Apprenticeship Name |
Number of Female apprentices |
|
Civil Engineering Technician |
1 |
|
ICT Specialist – Cyber Security |
1 |
|
Stonecutting & Stonemasonry |
1 |
|
Accounting Technician |
1 |
|
TOTAL |
4 |
408. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the total number of applicants in each local authority for the power-up grant in 2025; the number of successful applicants; the total amount awarded per local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65019/25]
View answerThe ICOB and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million to SMEs across the country in 2024. These grant schemes closed for applications in 2024, however, the ICOB and Power Up Reclassification Appeals process opened in July 2025 for businesses who had misclassified their businesses sector when initially applying for the grants. This appeals process is now closed and all payments have been made by Local Authorities to eligible businesses.
The information requested for 2025 is set out in the below table.
|
Local Authority |
Applications |
Approved and Paid |
ICOB paid |
Power Up paid |
Total Grant Amount |
|
Carlow County Council |
55 |
24 |
€42,405.40 |
€96,000.00 |
€138,405.40 |
|
Cavan County Council |
90 |
42 |
€51,600.01 |
€168,000.00 |
€219,600.01 |
|
Clare County Council |
81 |
32 |
€52,622.83 |
€128,000.00 |
€180,622.83 |
|
Cork City Council |
252 |
134 |
€307,328.48 |
€536,000.00 |
€843,328.48 |
|
Cork County Council |
340 |
150 |
€264,439.87 |
€600,000.00 |
€864,439.87 |
|
Donegal County Council |
126 |
81 |
€119,998.68 |
€324,000.00 |
€443,998.68 |
|
Dublin City Council |
574 |
428 |
€1,041,096.03 |
€1,712,000.00 |
€2,753,096.03 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
148 |
119 |
€274,177.02 |
€476,000.00 |
€750,177.02 |
|
Fingal County Council |
125 |
44 |
€92,904.12 |
€176,000.00 |
€268,904.12 |
|
Galway City Council |
94 |
43 |
€104,743.64 |
€172,000.00 |
€276,743.64 |
|
Galway County Council |
216 |
173 |
€275,508.92 |
€692,000.00 |
€967,508.92 |
|
Kerry County Council |
85 |
13 |
€23,511.81 |
€52,000.00 |
€75,511.81 |
|
Kildare County Council |
118 |
62 |
€118,635.79 |
€248,000.00 |
€366,635.79 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
80 |
70 |
€117,267.45 |
€280,000.00 |
€397,267.45 |
|
Laois County Council |
19 |
14 |
€23,376.30 |
€56,000.00 |
€79,376.30 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
12 |
10 |
€5,291.23 |
€40,000.00 |
€45,291.23 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
77 |
35 |
€69,548.56 |
€140,000.00 |
€209,548.56 |
|
Longford County Council |
8 |
5 |
€5,083.61 |
€20,000.00 |
€25,083.61 |
|
Louth County Council |
83 |
66 |
€113,612.48 |
€264,000.00 |
€377,612.48 |
|
Mayo County Council |
65 |
35 |
€67,772.19 |
€140,000.00 |
€207,772.19 |
|
Meath County Council |
98 |
35 |
€49,092.47 |
€140,000.00 |
€189,092.47 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
80 |
78 |
€65,012.15 |
€312,000.00 |
€377,012.15 |
|
Offaly County Council |
67 |
42 |
€73,586.78 |
€168,000.00 |
€241,586.78 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
45 |
37 |
€49,034.20 |
€148,000.00 |
€197,034.20 |
|
Sligo County Council |
58 |
17 |
€23,151.41 |
€68,000.00 |
€91,151.41 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
289 |
124 |
€292,065.79 |
€496,000.00 |
€788,065.79 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
69 |
54 |
€55,965.47 |
€216,000.00 |
€271,965.47 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
40 |
29 |
€66,751.88 |
€116,000.00 |
€182,751.88 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
28 |
24 |
€27,937.94 |
€96,000.00 |
€123,937.94 |
|
Wexford County Council |
75 |
39 |
€69,453.89 |
€156,000.00 |
€225,453.89 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
70 |
33 |
€61,376.98 |
€132,000.00 |
€193,376.98 |
|
TOTAL |
3567 |
2092 |
€4,004,353.38 |
€8,368,000.00 |
€12,372,353.38 |
409. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a new school building project (details supplied) has gone to tender, as mentioned in her statement in Dáil Éireann on 12 November 2025; when the tender will be published on eTenders; if she can confirm the deadline for tender submissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64660/25]
View answerThe large scale capital project for the school referred to by the Deputy is the provision of a new 600 pupil school building, including a 2 classroom SEN and all associated ancillary accommodation.
The Department recently authorised the project to Proceed to Stage 3 - Tender Action and Award. The Design Team are finalising the required documents, and it is expected the tender will be published on e-tenders as soon as possible.
The Department is committed to the delivery of the project for Gaelcholáiste Reachrann.
410. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will intervene in a pension anomaly situation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64667/25]
View answerOfficials in the Pension Unit of my Department are aware of the case in question. A review of the file will be conducted and, if necessary, they will consult with other relevant sections of my Department for clarification on the matters raised by the Deputy. On completion of the review my officials will contact the person concerned directly and provide an update on their pension entitlements.
411. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a proposal for a new school building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64683/25]
View answerThis building project for the school referred to by the deputy is part of a campus project that has been devolved for delivery to the local Education and Training Board.
The project will provide for the construction of a new primary school building for a separate school and the development of an 8 classroom primary school plus special education needs classes (SEN) for the school referred to.
This project received Department approval to progress to Stage 2A (detailed design) of the architectural planning design process in quarter 3 of 2025. This stage included the development of the design, and an accurate cost plan that best meets the design, as agreed. My department now awaits submission of a stage 2a report and will continue to engage with the local ETB to provide practical advice and assistance on the project.
In relation to the issue of the current inadequate play area for the pupils referred to, my department is in discussions with the patron with regard to potential options to assist the school on this matter.
412. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the processing of school transport applications for children with disabilities for the current school year; whether it is the case that the CIE office in Broadstone is processing applications across multiple counties; the number of staff currently assigned to this work; and whether additional resources will be allocated to address the backlog and ensure that all eligible children can access school transport as soon as possible. [64692/25]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
In the current school year already over 23,000 pupils are travelling daily on dedicated school transport services for children with additional needs.
Currently, over 5,900 new applications under the school transport scheme for children with special educational needs have been received for the 2025/26 school year. It is important to note that while there is a closing date for applications, the Department accept applications all year round so this number is expected to increase.
The above figure includes new applications from pupils who have moved address or school, pupils who will be placed on existing services where there is capacity, and pupils who will require new services which involve a procurement process. This figure also includes applications where families will request a special transport grant where the pupil is deemed eligible for transport, however, it may not be possible for them to travel on school transport services because of their individual requirements.
All applications are received in the School Transport Section of my Department and processed immediately, there is currently no backlog in relation to these applications.
Where a new service is sanctioned, Bus Éireann are required to go through a procurement and vetting process. Where a procurement of a school transport service and the recruitment of a school transport escort is required, this may take several weeks to put in place.
Both the department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for children with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore receive an interim Special Transport Grant (STG). This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until the service starts.
413. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether there is a mandate for the inclusion of special education classes in all new schools sanctioned by her Department; and if so, whether this is an automatic requirement or decided on a case-by-case basis. [64693/25]
View answerIn order to make accommodation provision to meet the needs of students with special education requirements, my department has close engagement with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) which has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. When the NCSE sanction a special class in a school, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to re-configure existing spaces within the school building to accommodate the class or to construct additional accommodation. Similarly, where special schools wish to expand provision, the school can apply to my Department for capital funding to accommodate additional placements.
This advance planning is building on the significant work to date in delivering additional classrooms for students with special education needs. Dedicated classrooms for pupils with special education needs are now included as standard in all new accommodation briefs for new school buildings and major extension projects. The Department would normally include 2 SEN classes with a new 8-classroom primary school and increase the number of SEN classes based on the size of the primary school being provided. Similarly with a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school, the department is now looking to include 6 SEN classes.
My department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) reviewed the forward planning for special education needs (SEN) and highlighted the urgent need for additional SEN special classes. In order to respond to this need at pace, my Department is progressing urgent building projects that involve the repurposing of existing space in schools for SEN purposes. These projects will ensure that existing school capacity is optimised and that teaching spaces are adaptable and flexible to facilitate a student-centred approach to learning. Potential repurposing options will be school and site specific, presenting different opportunities and challenges. To support the delivery of these classes in good time for the 2025/26 school year, a new streamlined approach to funding was made available to repurpose accommodation for SEN. A SEN Start Up grant of €30,000 for each new SEN classroom sanctioned and opened for the 2025/26 school year was payable to the school directly following receipt of NCSE notification of sanctioned classes. Additional funding for small scale repurposing works up to a maximum of €70,000 per class was also available to schools on an application basis. Further information on SEN repurposing supports can be accessed on www.gov.ie.
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 1,300 school building projects. In addition, repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. Circa 80% of new special classes in 2025/26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation.
Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. Supplementary capital funding of €210 million approved by Government has brought the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6 billion.
In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs.
414. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the plans of the NCSE for the 2026 academic year for the Dublin northwest area, including the number of new special education places needed. [64694/25]
View answer415. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of new special education places that will be provided in the Dublin northwest area, broken down by whether they will be in mainstream settings, special classes, or special schools; and to specify whether any new special schools or classes are due to open by September 2026. [64695/25]
View answer416. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth how far beyond 2026 the NCSE and the Department have planned regarding the provision of sufficient special education places at primary and post-primary level; and to provide details of any long-term forecasts or capital and workforce planning work currently underway. [64696/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 414, 415 and 416 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs.
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 2026 has provide for 4,000 new specialist places for the 2026/27 school year.
The information held on the department's Geographical Information System (GIS), particularly in relation to student demographics, is a key component when forecasting the need for additional special class and special school places. My department and the NCSE have undertaken analysis of the trends in special class and special school provision over recent years by county and local school planning area. In total there are 314 local school planning areas.
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 the NCSE hold at local level on the number of children seeking a special school place in a region.
Due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years. My department and the NCSE has engaged with post-primary stakeholders regarding this required increase in provision. However, it is also important that provision continues to be provided in settings as local demand requires.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning 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 was set for parents to do so.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with valuable information as to which students 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 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.
The NCSE will have a clear picture of the local demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year after they review and assess all of the information which has been provided through the parents' notification process which closed on 1 October.
Once the NCSE has fully collated and assessed this information, the NCSE will be in a position to engage with schools across the country to open new special classes. The NCSE will also have due regard to any vacant places in existing special classes in an area and any places that will become available through the normal movement of children leaving primary or post-primary school.
I understand that this earlier date does not suit every family, however, it is important that an earlier date was introduced to ensure the NCSE can provide clarity and certainty for families much earlier than in previous years. It will also enable schools to plan more efficiently and will see classes needing significant building works open in time for September's intake of students.
I would like to stress that the NCSE will continue to support all children made known to them after the October deadline also, however, it is important for planning purposes that we set an earlier timeframe for which the NCSE has as much local knowledge and detail as possible in order to plan what new provision is required.
417. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the NCSE’s expression of interest process for 2026 school places for children with special educational needs, given that the online form closed in October 2025 and has since been removed from the NCSE website; and the alternative mechanism has been put in place for parents to express interest beyond that deadline, as was previously indicated in the Minister’s statement of 15 September 2025. [64697/25]
View answer418. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of parents that have completed the NCSE expression of interest form for 2026; and the number of parents the NCSE had expected or invited to complete it but have not yet done so. [64698/25]
View answer420. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated number of children expected to require special education places in second-level settings, including mainstream supported places, special classes, and special schools in the Dublin northwest area over the next five years. [64700/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 417, 418 and 420 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs.
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 2026 has provide for 4,000 new specialist places for the 2026/27 school year.
The information held on the department's Geographical Information System (GIS), particularly in relation to student demographics, is a key component when forecasting the need for additional special class and special school places. My department and the NCSE have undertaken analysis of the trends in special class and special school provision over recent years by county and local school planning area. In total there are 314 local school planning areas.
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 the NCSE hold at local level on the number of children seeking a special school place in a region.
Due to increasing demographics and increasing prevalence rates demand for new special classes at post-primary level is expected to increase significantly over the next few years. My department and the NCSE has engaged with post-primary stakeholders regarding this required increase in provision. However, it is also important that provision continues to be provided in settings as local demand requires.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning 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 was set for parents to do so.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with valuable information 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 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.
The NCSE will have a clear picture of the local demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year after they review and assess all of the information which has been provided through the parents' notification process which closed on 1 October.
Once the NCSE has fully collated and assessed this information, the NCSE will be in a position to engage with schools across the country to open new special classes. The NCSE will also have due regard to any vacant places in existing special classes in an area and any places that will become available through the normal movement of children leaving primary or post-primary school.
I understand that this earlier date does not suit every family, however, it is important that an earlier date was introduced to ensure the NCSE can provide clarity and certainty for families much earlier than in previous years. It will also enable schools to plan more efficiently and will see classes needing significant building works open in time for September's intake of students.
I would like to stress that the NCSE will continue to support all children made known to them after the October deadline also, however, it is important for planning purposes that we set an earlier timeframe for which the NCSE has as much local knowledge and detail as possible in order to plan what new provision is required.
419. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether a school in Dublin 11 (details supplied) has scope for expansion beyond its current size; and whether any such expansion is being planned or funded by the Department or the NCSE. [64699/25]
View answerEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an appropriate 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 class and special school places are provided.
This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that children will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning 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 was set for parents to do so.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with valuable information 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 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.
Once the NCSE has fully collated and assessed this information, the NCSE will be in a position to engage with schools across the country to open new special classes. The NCSE will also have due regard to any vacant places in existing special classes in an area and any places that will become available through the normal movement of children leaving primary or post-primary school.
Budget 2026 has provided funding for 3,000 new special educational places within our education system and the NCSE is currently examining where this provision is best placed for the 2026/27 school year.
In order to ensure new special classes can open as quickly as possible the NCSE prioritise working with medium and larger primary schools who do not already have a special class and have available accommodation to accommodate new special class. This approach maximises the use of existing space which can be reconfigured efficiently while also ensuring that new provision continues to be established. It also increases the number of schools with special classes providing parents with greater choice and reducing the distances that some children are travelling to access a special class place.
However, 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.
The NCSE will have a clear picture of the local demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year after they review and assess all of the information which has been provided through the parents' notification process which closed on 1 October.
