Written Answers Nos. 399-418
399. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 382 of 11 December 2025, the date by which his Department will furnish the information stated as “currently being collated”; if the evaluation framework for the built to innovate programme exists in draft or interim form; and to identify the official or unit responsible for finalising this material. [73616/25]
View answerThe Deputy will receive a response to Parliamentary Question No. 382 by the 29th of December (within ten working days). This will include the information requested with respect to the evaluation framework for the built to innovate programme the Deputy has referenced here. The response to Parliamentary Question 382 is currently being collated by the Construction and Enterprise Innovation Policy Unit.
400. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 383 of 11 December 2025, if his Department has, since 2022, made any formal request to the Central Statistics Office, Eurostat, or the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for the publication of residential construction productivity statistics, including GVA or hours worked; and if so, the dates of such requests and the outcome. [73617/25]
View answerThe Deputy can expect to receive the response to the Parliamentary Question No. 383 by 29th December (within ten working days).
The Government is committed to evidence based-policy development and the continual improvement of data availability and analysis on the Irish housing sector.
Under the previous Housing Plan, Housing for All, a cross-departmental data analytics working group was established to identify data gaps in the housing market and propose solutions aimed at effectively tracking housing delivery. The membership of the group includes representatives from D/HLGH, D/Finance, D/Public Expenditure, D/FHERIS, SOLAS, D/Transport, D/Social Protection, the CSO, and my Department. My Department will continue to liaise with the CSO and D/HLGH through this mechanism as necessary.
My Department has not made any formal requests to the CSO, Eurostat, or the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for the publication of residential construction productivity statistics. Construction productivity statistics are the primary responsibility of the CSO.
401. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if an application for a work permit be re-examined due to the urgent situation of the employer needing to employ this person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73661/25]
View answerThe Employment Permits system operates within the parameters set out in the Employment Permits Acts and Regulations. Under these provisions, certain occupations, including Dairy Farm Assistants, are subject to an annual quota.
The Employment Permits Regulations 2024 (Statutory Instrument No. 444/2024) established that, from 2nd September 2024, the maximum number of General Employment Permits that may be granted for Dairy Farm Assistants is 406. This quota has now been filled.
The applicant was informed on 01 December 2025, that the application was refused on this basis, and the associated fee is to be refunded. It is not possible to carry over applications in anticipation of the next quota being announced or to grant priority treatment to any individual application.
When the new quota opens, a new application submission will be required. Applications will be assessed in the order in which they are received and in accordance with the relevant statutory criteria.
My Department appreciates the challenges faced by employers in sourcing skilled workers and continues to keep the operation of the employment permits system under review to ensure that it meets the needs of the labour market while safeguarding the integrity of the system.
402. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will outline any engagement he has had with industry on the subject of new graduates being unable to obtain entry-level jobs in areas most affected by the adoption of artificial intelligence; if his Department has conducted any industry surveys to assess the existence of such a trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73807/25]
View answerI regularly engage with the enterprise sector and with the agencies under the remit of this department in relation to artificial intelligence (AI) and the labour market. In respect of graduate employment and entry level jobs and the impact of AI, I am not aware of any specific evidence. Instead, I would take a broader look at the labour market and highlight how well our economy is performing despite difficult external conditions.
If you look to the latest CSO Labour Force Survey (LFS), this showed that there were a record number of people at work in our economy, with total employment at 2.8 million. Furthermore, our economy is continuing to add and create jobs with total numbers at work were up 30,700 persons in the year to Q3. Ireland has record low rates of unemployment and record high rates of activity.
There is no doubt that AI will revolutionise many aspects of the labour market and how we go about our day-to-day work. Research from both this Department and the Department of Finance (see: Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe - www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/publications/artificial-intelligence-friend-or-foe/), pointed to the fact that the Irish labour market is more exposed to AI than many of our peer economies. This points to risks and opportunities. The same work also highlighted that younger workers (those aged 15-24 years) appear to be slightly more exposed to AI, relative to older workers. This reflects factors such as educational attainment (younger workers here tend to be more qualified).
While the pace of job creation within Ireland has slowed in recent months, much of this was anticipated, reflecting global headwinds and capacity constraints. I also note that the Department of Finance and the Central Bank Ireland both expect that unemployment will remain below 5% on average in 2026 and 2027.
We are continuing to monitor the labour market and AI very closely. My department, through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published a very interesting paper on this very theme last October. The paper ‘How AI is transforming the Irish Labour Market’ (see: egfsn-skills-insight-note-2025-2-_how-ai-is-transforming-the-irish-labour-market-final-for-website.pdf - www.egfsn.ie/media/2y5derks/egfsn-skills-insight-note-2025-2-_how-ai-is-transforming-the-irish-labour-market-final-for-website.pdf) highlights the speed at which Ireland is moving in relation to AI. The research noted that Ireland leads in terms of the demand for AI jobs but also has a strong performance in relation to the supply of AI talent.
We have seen a doubling in AI jobs and usage since 2023. While this is a fast-changing field – it shows the inherent dynamism and resilience of the Irish labour market and this bodes well for productivity, growth and incomes. The paper used national level data to compare Ireland with other European and international economies but doesn’t go specifically into graduate or entry level jobs.
I will be keeping a very close eye on the impact of AI over the coming months and I would point to several projects underway within my Department that will shed on this key area. The EGFSN is funding or co-funding a number of very important pieces of AI related work, including a project on ‘Skills for Digital Specialists 2030’. I expect that this will be published in early 2026. This report will identify skills needs and skills gaps for ICT/digital specialists, including AI.
The EGFSN is also co-funding a new ‘Working in Ireland Survey’ on the Irish labour market being done by UCD. Research from this extensive, all-island study will be available in 2026 and will include work on AI and the labour market. My Department also has a working relationship with the OECD on AI related research and I expect this will continue next year.
403. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is considering the introduction of supports for new graduates unable to obtain entry-level jobs in areas most affected by the adoption of artificial intelligence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73809/25]
View answerI regularly engage with the enterprise sector and with the agencies under the remit of this department in relation to artificial intelligence (AI) and the labour market. In respect of graduate employment and entry level jobs and the impact of AI, I am not aware of any specific evidence. Instead, I would take a broader look at the labour market and highlight how well our economy is performing despite difficult external conditions.
If you look to the latest CSO Labour Force Survey (LFS), this showed that there were a record number of people at work in our economy, with total employment at 2.8 million. Furthermore, our economy is continuing to add and create jobs with total numbers at work were up 30,700 persons in the year to Q3. Ireland has record low rates of unemployment and record high rates of activity.
There is no doubt that AI will revolutionise many aspects of the labour market and how we go about our day-to-day work. Research from both this Department and the Department of Finance (see: Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe - www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/publications/artificial-intelligence-friend-or-foe/), pointed to the fact that the Irish labour market is more exposed to AI than many of our peer economies. This points to risks and opportunities. The same work also highlighted that younger workers (those aged 15-24 years) appear to be slightly more exposed to AI, relative to older workers. This reflects factors such as educational attainment (younger workers here tend to be more qualified).
While the pace of job creation within Ireland has slowed in recent months, much of this was anticipated, reflecting global headwinds and capacity constraints. I also note that the Department of Finance and the Central Bank Ireland both expect that unemployment will remain below 5% on average in 2026 and 2027.
We are continuing to monitor the labour market and AI very closely. My department, through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published a very interesting paper on this very theme last October. The paper ‘How AI is transforming the Irish Labour Market’ (see: enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/how-ai-is-transforming-the-irish-labour-market.html) highlights the speed at which Ireland is moving in relation to AI. The research noted that Ireland leads in terms of the demand for AI jobs but also has a strong performance in relation to the supply of AI talent.
We have seen a doubling in AI jobs and usage since 2023. While this is a fast-changing field – it shows the inherent dynamism and resilience of the Irish labour market and this bodes well for productivity, growth and incomes. The paper used national level data to compare Ireland with other European and international economies but doesn’t go specifically into graduate or entry level jobs.
I will be keeping a very close eye on the impact of AI over the coming months and I would point to several projects underway within my Department that will shed on this key area. The EGFSN is funding or co-funding a number of very important pieces of AI related work, including a project on ‘Skills for Digital Specialists 2030’. I expect that this will be published in early 2026. This report will identify skills needs and skills gaps for ICT/digital specialists, including AI.
The EGFSN is also co-funding a new ‘Working in Ireland Survey’ on the Irish labour market being done by UCD. Research from this extensive, all-island study will be available in 2026 and will include work on AI and the labour market. My Department also has a working relationship with the OECD on AI related research and I expect this will continue next year.
404. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has modelled the number of jobs that might be lost or not created across different AI uptake and adoption scenarios; if he will provide a breakdown of any such analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73810/25]
View answerThere is no doubt that AI will revolutionise many aspects of the labour market and how we go about our day-to-day work. Research from both this Department and the Department of Finance (see: Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe- - www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/publications/artificial-intelligence-friend-or-foe/), pointed to the fact that the Irish labour market is more exposed to AI than many of our peer economies. This points to risks and opportunities. The same work also highlighted that younger workers (those aged 15-24 years) appear to be slightly more exposed to AI, relative to older workers. This reflects factors such as educational attainment (younger workers here tend to be more qualified).
While the pace of job creation within Ireland has slowed in recent months, much of this was anticipated, reflecting global headwinds and capacity constraints. I also note that the Department of Finance and the Central Bank Ireland both expect that unemployment will remain below 5% on average in 2026 and 2027.
We are continuing to monitor the labour market and AI very closely. My department, through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) published a very interesting paper on this very theme last October. The paper ‘How AI is transforming the Irish Labour Market’ (see: enterprise.gov.ie/en/publications/how-ai-is-transforming-the-irish-labour-market.html) highlights the speed at which Ireland is moving in relation to AI. The research noted that Ireland leads in terms of the demand for AI jobs but also has a strong performance in relation to the supply of AI talent.
We have seen a doubling in AI jobs and usage since 2023. While this is a fast-changing field – it shows the inherent dynamism and resilience of the Irish labour market and this bodes well for productivity, growth and incomes. The paper used national level data to compare Ireland with other European and international economies but doesn’t go specifically into graduate or entry level jobs.
I will be keeping a very close eye on the impact of AI over the coming months and I would point to several projects underway within my Department that will shed on this key area. The EGFSN is funding or co-funding a number of very important pieces of AI related work, including a project on ‘Skills for Digital Specialists 2030’. I expect that this will be published in early 2026. This report will identify skills needs and skills gaps for ICT/digital specialists, including AI.
The EGFSN is also co-funding a new ‘Working in Ireland Survey’ on the Irish labour market being done by UCD. Research from this extensive, all-island study will be available in 2026 and will include work on AI and the labour market. My Department also has a working relationship with the OECD on AI related research and I expect this will continue next year.
405. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of work permits that have been issued by his Department to people working in artificial intelligence-related fields for each year since 2021; if he will provide a breakdown of this figure, by role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73811/25]
View answerThe Department assigns Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes to roles when processing employment permit applications. There are currently no SOC codes specifically associated with artificial intelligence (AI) related roles. Accordingly, we do not hold data that would allow us to identify permits issued exclusively for AI-related positions.
However, it is possible that some permits issued under broader SOC codes, such as software development, data analysis, or other ICT roles, are for individuals working in AI related fields. The Department does not capture this level of detail in its permit data.
The table below provides the number of employment permits issued for ICT roles for each year since 2021. Of these, a portion can be directly attributed to AI-related positions, based on job titles that explicitly reference AI. This figure does not include roles such as “Software Engineer” or “Data Scientist,” which may involve AI-related tasks, as this cannot be confirmed from the data available.
|
Year |
Information & Communication Activities |
Permits Explicitly AI Related* |
|
2021 |
4616 |
9 |
|
2022 |
10,832 |
71 |
|
2023 |
5009 |
10 |
|
2024 |
6787 |
151 |
|
2025 Jan - Nov |
3331 |
32 |
*AI related positions are identified solely by job titles containing “Artificial Intelligence” or “AI.”
The Department continues to monitor labour market trends, including developments in emerging technologies such as AI, to ensure that the employment permits system remains responsive to Ireland’s skills needs.
406. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department keeps a record of how much foreign investment was directed towards IDA- and Enterprise Ireland-supported companies in artificial intelligence-related activities; if he will provide a breakdown of these figures for each year since 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73812/25]
View answer407. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has modelled the amount of AI-related investment growth, FDI growth, and employment growth that Ireland will experience across different scenarios; if he will provide a breakdown of any such analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73813/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 406 and 407 together.
IDA Ireland’s 2025-29 strategy, Adapt Intelligently, published earlier this year, places a focus on partnering with the existing FDI base to retain and renew their Irish operations, alongside an emphasis on identifying new opportunities. The strategy was developed against a backdrop of developments that are reshaping the global FDI landscape including deglobalisation, digitalisation, and decarbonisation/sustainability and in the context of national policies, including the Programme for Government, Project Ireland 2040, and the Government’s White Paper on Enterprise.
The IDA strategy recognises AI and Digital as a key FDI growth driver that will cut across the core sectors of Technology; Content, Consumer and Business Services; International Financial Services; Pharmaceuticals; Medical Technologies and Engineering and the Green Economy. The targets set out in the strategy are based on extensive analysis and scenario planning related to the national, international, and sector-specific landscape. This included engagement with client companies, IDA teams in Ireland and overseas, my and other Government Departments, national and regional stakeholders, and external economic and FDI experts. Based on this analysis, IDA’s strategic objectives to 2029 are to:
• strengthen long-term investment;
• scale-cutting edge innovation;
• drive sustainable change; and
• maximise regional opportunities.
The strategy targets 1,000 investments to include:
• securing €7bn in new RD&I investment;
• delivering 550 regional investments from a TOTAL OF 1,000;
• reducing IDA client carbon emissions by 35%;
• creating 75,000 jobs and
• upskilling 40,000 people.
Across these growth drivers and within these sectors, IDA is targeting investment with AI-related activity including smart, sustainable manufacturing; intelligent, digitalised services; RD&I; high growth emerging companies; and future skills. Over the 2021 to 2024 period, AI had already become an increasing area of focus within investments won by IDA. This includes "new name" investment by emerging AI firms, in addition to AI related RD&I and talent development investment by IDA’s existing clients.
Total IDA Ireland investment, including AI/AI-related approvals per annum, 2021-2024
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
New Name |
104 |
103 |
83 |
69 |
|
Expansion |
87 |
89 |
67 |
56 |
|
RD&I |
43 |
37 |
46 |
64 |
|
Talent Development |
15 |
13 |
52 |
27 |
|
Green Capital |
- |
- |
- |
18 |
|
Total |
249 |
242 |
248 |
234 |
Enterprise Ireland also launched a new strategy “Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally (2025–2029)” earlier this year which also includes several strategic initiatives to boost SME digital and AI adoption. These include providing strategic company development and training grants to help Irish businesses to embrace the twin transition of sustainability and digitalisation; and to partner with the European Digital Innovation Hubs to support Irish businesses to map their digital journeys and identify appropriate technologies to drive growth. As of September, 67% of Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-up intake for 2025 was in innovative digital sectors.
Enterprise Ireland’s strategy prioritises regional enterprise development, innovation, and sustainability and building the capability of Irish companies to grow in world markets. Focus areas include digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation.
Enterprise Ireland works directly with leading edge Irish companies providing support through its High Potential Start Up funds for early-stage companies and its Research, Development and Innovation fund for more established companies to accelerate the development of these AI driven technologies. This acceleration is key to building a strong foundation for Irish enterprise as it grows to become the primary driver of the Irish economy.
Enterprise Ireland’s comprehensive approach to supporting digital transformation encompasses financial support, advisory services, training, technology adoption assistance, networking, and advocacy. Through these initiatives, EI helps Irish businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation, enhancing their competitiveness and positioning them for long-term success in a digitally driven global economy. By facilitating access to resources, expertise, and funding, Enterprise Ireland ensures that Irish companies are well-equipped to embrace AI and digital innovation and thrive in the digital age.
Irish enterprises across all technology sectors, including digital, IT services, life sciences, food technology, fintech and financial services, have embraced AI as an opportunity to deliver enhanced and more sophisticated products and services. As AI is all pervasive across every industry, it is difficult to be specific in terms of job numbers and the level of investment and other metrics in AI related activities using current survey methodology.
408. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of companies that have received funding from the Disruptive Technologies Fund since its inception; the number of these companies that have been acquired since receiving funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73815/25]
View answerThe Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) is a challenge-based Fund established under Project Ireland 2040. It is managed by my Department and administered by Enterprise Ireland.
The Fund seeks to invest in the development and deployment of disruptive technologies and applications on a commercial basis, drive collaboration between Ireland’s world-class research base and industry, facilitate enterprises to compete directly for funding in support of the development and adoption of these technologies and seed a new wave of start-ups.
To date, seven Calls have been completed, with a total value of approximately €531 million awarded to 124 cutting-edge projects. Under those Calls, over €326 million was awarded to 232 enterprise partners, of which 186 are SMEs and 46 Large/ MNCs. Some companies will have received more than one funding award under DTIF.
Enterprise Ireland does not track company acquisitions as part of its key performance indicators or metrics, nor does it link acquisitions to specific programmes or funding supports.
409. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs which have been created in AI-related companies each year since 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73825/25]
View answerMy Department and the Central Statistics Office use a European standard (NACE codes) to classify businesses by their primary economic activity and using this can determine numbers employed by economic activity.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) spans a range of business areas and has no specific NACE code. Therefore, providing insights on employment created in AI related companies requires alternate approaches.
By way of example, data from the company Indeed shows the share of job postings on its website that contain Artificial Intelligence (AI) terms. 11.2% of job posting contained AI terms in November 2025 and this was up from 5.6% in November 2021. The data can be further explored at this link: data.indeed.com/#/ai
Government’s ambition is that Ireland’s future growth will be built on innovation. We want to drive digital and AI innovation across the spectrum of enterprise.
Enterprise Ireland’s Strategy 2025-2029 Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally includes several strategic initiatives to boost SME digital and AI adoption including to:
• Provide strategic company development and training grants to help Irish businesses to embrace the twin transition of sustainability and digitalisation.
• Partner with the European Digital Innovation Hubs to support Irish businesses to map their digital journeys and identify appropriate technologies to drive growth
As of September, 67% of Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU (High Potential Start-up) intake for 2025 was in innovative digital sectors.
IDA Ireland identified digitalisation and AI as one of the four key growth areas for foreign investment in Ireland over the next five years.
A 2025 report by Trinity Business School estimated that AI adoption could enhance Ireland's GDP by more than €250 billion by 2035. To crystallise this will require widespread adoption of digital and AI technologies across the enterprise base to increase productivity and competitiveness.
Government will drive this adoption, working through its enterprise agencies, with a dual approach strategy that supports both foundational digital adoption for traditional SMEs and advanced AI enablement for technology native firms.
410. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the details of the reasons for the delay with building works for a school (details supplied) a project that was authorised by the Department of Education and Youth to proceed to the tender stage in November 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68635/25]
View answerI am delighted to advise the Deputy that approval has been given to Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board to issue the Letter of Acceptance to the preferred contractor for the project to which he refers. This will facilitate the project to progress to construction in the very near future. As the Deputy is aware, the project is part of a school campus project at Kilbride, County Wicklow. It has been devolved for delivery to KWETB.
The brief for Gaelcholáiste Na Mara is to provide a new post primary school to accommodate a long-term projected enrolment of at least 400 pupils including 2 classrooms for students with special educational needs.
The brief for Gaelscoil an Inbhir Mhóir provides for the construction of a new 16 classroom primary school including 2 classrooms for pupils with special educational needs within this new Education Campus on a greenfield site in Kilbride.
In November 2024, the campus project was authorised to proceed to Stage 3 Tender stage. In Quarter 2, 2025 the Stage 3 Tender Report was submitted to the Department. In July 2025, following a review of the submission, approval was given to KWETB to issue the Letter of Intent to the successful tenderer.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the approval to issue the Letter of Acceptance to the contractor was given to KWETB recently, and this will allow the project to progress to construction shortly. Once appointed, a contractor programme of works including estimated completion timelines will be shared with KWETB and the Department and this information will be provided to the school authorities.
The Department remains committed to providing ongoing guidance and practical support as required. KWETB as the delivery body will continue to engage directly with the school authority to keep it fully informed of all progress.
411. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 181 of 10 December 2025, if she plans to increase the provision of early intervention ASD classes in line with the increase in children presenting with ASD; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73283/25]
View answer412. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth her long-term plans in relation to the provision of early intervention ASD classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73284/25]
View answer414. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children who applied for an early intervention class in 24/25 that have received a place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73286/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 411, 412 and 414 together.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has responsibility for the provision of services to children of pre-school age. The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) provided by that department, enables the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities/additional needs in the Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme (ECCE) programme.
Its goal is to create a more inclusive environment in pre-schools, so all children availing of preschool, regardless of ability, can benefit from quality early learning and care. This is keeping with the general policy position of supporting children with additional needs to access supports and services with their peers and siblings in their local community. There has been a significant increase in resources and supports provided to children with additional needs accessing the AIM programme over recent years.
It is important to note that a diagnosis is not required in order to access AIM supports and that while some children require additional supports at preschool level, many will transition into mainstream classes thereafter.
To further supplement the provision of services for these children my department also provides a number of early intervention classes in mainstream and special school settings for children aged 3-5 years old with a diagnosis of autism. There are also a small number dedicated to children who are deaf/hard of hearing.
These classes are intended to provide early support to children with the most complex of needs before they start school and can aid their transition to junior infants. A professional recommendation for placement in such a class is also a requirement. Early Intervention classes are generally resourced with one special education teacher and two special need assistants (SNAs) to every six students. It is important to note that the Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016: www.teachingcouncil.ie/assets/uploads/2025/10/SI.2025.0482_TC_Registration_Regulations.pdf
For the 2025/26 school year the total number of autism early intervention special classes is 158. The vast majority of young children with additional needs are supported to attend their local Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) setting and do not need to attend a primary school or special school to access early years support. Where the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) identifies need for an early intervention class, the class is sanctioned and supports are provided by my department to ensure the school can accommodate the class.
3,000 new specialist places will be created in our education system for the 2026/27 school year.
The NCSE is currently collating the data and information received by 1 October through the Parents Notify process and are engaging with schools regarding where specialist provision is best placed for the 2026/27 school year. It is expected that many of these special classes will be sanctioned by 31 December 2025.
413. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if it is her Department's view that the AIM model provides sufficient support to ensure the learning and safety of those with autism diagnoses and their peers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73285/25]
View answerThe information requested is not held by the Department of Education and Youth.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has responsibility for the provision of services to children of pre-school age. The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) provided by that department, enables the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities/additional needs in the Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme (ECCE) programme.
Questions in relation to the ECCE programme should be directed to that Department.
415. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Youth when funding will be approved for an application for furniture and equipment in the practical rooms in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73291/25]
View answerThe furniture and equipment (F&E) area within my Department deals with the provision of furniture and equipment across a number of different streams including the replacement of specialist F&E, to which the issue the deputy has raised refers. As part of the planning for the provision of F&E generally, there has to be a balance between the volume of demand, and the ability of my Department to provide funding to meet this demand.
As part of business planning the F&E area identifies the main pressure points within the area and allocates resources accordingly. The provision of specialist equipment has been identified as a key area for focus in 2025 and it is anticipated that the area will focus on the progression of applications on hand, which will include the school in question.
416. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department can instruct the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to provide an eligibility letter for a special school placement in a case with exceptional circumstances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73292/25]
View answer417. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has had any engagement with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) regarding allowing eligibility letters for special school placement to be provided after the October 1st deadline in cases with exceptional circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73293/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 417 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
An earlier date of 1 October was set for parents to complete the Parents Notify process this year. I understand this earlier date may not suit every family. However, it was introduced to ensure the NCSE can provide clarity for families earlier than in previous years. It will also support forward planning and equip the NCSE with timely information as to what students would be leaving school, transitioning to post-primary specialist places or those seeking specialist placement and entering the education system for the first time.
This information is critical when examining where provision needs to be placed to meet demand. This earlier date in October coincides with when schools begin enrolment processes so affords parents the opportunity to enrol in existing classes. Many mainstream schools, particularly at post-primary level commence admissions processes for the following school year on 1 October annually.
The new timeline will afford greater lead in times for schools that require repurposing or major building works to get works complete and allow schools to recruit staff and undertake the training needed so that children are fully supported in these placements. It is expected that the NCSE will sanction many of these special classes by 31 December 2025.
I would like to stress that the NCSE will continue to support all children and young people made known to them after 1 October in their existing placement with appropriate supports. However, it is critical that the NCSE has as much local information as possible, as early as possible, to effectively plan what new provision.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for students with special educational needs and will continue to review and monitor the situation as to where new specialist provision is required.
418. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a breakdown of the €69 million investment allocated to strengthen the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73295/25]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children.
In the current school year over 180,000 children and young people are being transported on a daily basis to schools throughout the country.
Close to €70m of additional permanent funding is being allocated to school transport services. This is to provide for the additional demand for pupils with special educational needs on school transport services and increased bus contractor running costs.
It will also provide for additional funding on the School Transport Scheme fleet, and to implement improved technology such as e-ticketing on school transport services. E-ticketing will enhance students’ experiences on school transport and allow for greater visibility on seat usage. With better data, this will inform future route planning and maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.
