Malcolm Byrne
Question:424. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a breakdown of the new teaching posts that will be funded under Budget 2026. [73346/25]
View answerThursday, 18 December 2025
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Written answers
I can confirm that Budget 2026 provides for an increase of €1.2 billion in funding to my Department's Vote, in addition to an overall €1.6 billion in capital funding that was previously secured through funding for the revised National Development Plan agreed earlier this year. This brings the overall allocation for my Department in 2026 to €13.5 Billion. The additional funding builds on the significant increases in recent budgets and further enhances the investment in Ireland’s education and youth sectors. The significant increased investment is the largest education budget in the history of the state and reflects the government’s commitment to a quality inclusive school system and improved learning outcomes for every student.
The 2026 Budget documentation which was published sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. The key points are as follows:
• Funding for 860 additional teachers for special education working in special classes and special schools, as well as special education teachers in mainstream settings, to support children with special educational needs. In total, there will be over 46,500 dedicated staff working in schools in 2026 to support children with special educational needs.
• Funding for 1,717 additional SNA posts, bringing the total number of SNAs in schools to almost 24,900. This is the highest ever-number of SNAs allocated supporting the care needs of children in mainstream, special classes and special schools.
• Funding of €48 million has been secured to implement a new Delivering Equality of Opportunity In Schools (DEIS) Plus scheme, commencing in September 2026 to support pupils and students at the highest risk of educational disadvantage and at risk of educational disadvantage in both DEIS and non-DEIS schools through a new DEIS Plan – further details to be published.
• Funding of €3 million will be made available to provide for enhanced School Leadership with additional Deputy Principals in primary and post primary schools for the 2026/27 school year.
• Other posts may be created as policies are developed and implemented throughout 2026.