Written Answers Nos. 551-570
551. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will publish a list of early intervention pre-school classes that will be operational for the 2026/2027 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3908/26]
View answerThe 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.
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) under the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 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. 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. This trend has also been noted as students’ progress from primary level to post-primary.
Where the 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. Generally, these classes are resourced at a 6:1 student/teacher ratio and two special needs assistants are allocated to each class.
Early intervention classes are available in mainstream and special school settings for children aged 3 -5 years old with a diagnosis of autism. There is also a small number dedicated to children who are deaf/hard of hearing. These classes are intended to provide early support to children before they start school and can aid their transition to junior infants.
A list of all mainstream and special schools is available on my department's website on gov.ie. In addition, a list of schools with special classes; broken by location and class designation is available on the NCSE website: www.ncse.ie/special-classes. This includes early intervention classes.
The NCSE have formally sanctioned 168 (105 primary and 63 post-primary) new special classes in 159 schools across the country for the next school year 2026/2027. This is the first tranche of new special classes being sanctioned and is a number of months ahead of last year. The NCSE expect to continue to sanction further new special classes over the coming weeks. The earlier sanctioning of these classes will provide clarity for parents and allow schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE 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.
552. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the special school place for a student (details supplied); the engagement with the NCSE to secure a place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3912/26]
View answerThe 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.
As your query refers to an individual placement, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas email address.
553. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has secured a permanent site for a school (details supplied) which has been in interim accommodation for approximately 20 years; whether the school is included on any current or forthcoming school building programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3913/26]
View answerMy Department has reviewed a number of options for a permanent solution for the school referred to by the Deputy. This has involved engagement with a number of other stakeholders.
My Department has been in contact with the patron of the school to keep them updated and will update the patron directly on the current position.
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 including for new schools under the patronage of Education Together.
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. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs. The application from the school referred to by the deputy will be considered in this context.
The sectoral NDP Implementation plan for the Education and Youth sector will be published shortly including the first tranche of projects to progress to construction. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
554. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will publish the list of early intervention classes for 2026/2027, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3914/26]
View answerThe 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.
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) under the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 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. 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. This trend has also been noted as students’ progress from primary level to post-primary.
Where the 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. Generally, these classes are resourced at a 6:1 student/teacher ratio and two special needs assistants are allocated to each class.
Early intervention classes are available in mainstream and special school settings for children aged 3 -5 years old with a diagnosis of autism. There is also a small number dedicated to children who are deaf/hard of hearing. These classes are intended to provide early support to children before they start school and can aid their transition to junior infants.
A list of all mainstream and special schools is available on my department's website on gov.ie. In addition, a list of schools with special classes; broken by location and class designation is available on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie/special-classes. This includes early intervention classes.
The NCSE have formally sanctioned 168 (105 primary and 63 post-primary) new special classes in 159 schools across the country for the next school year 2026/2027. This is the first tranche of new special classes being sanctioned and is a number of months ahead of last year. The NCSE expect to continue to sanction further new special classes over the coming weeks. The earlier sanctioning of these classes will provide clarity for parents and allow schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE 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.
555. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on a new school build (details supplied). [3942/26]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is now at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning - Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, which includes the application for statutory approvals, which have been secured, and the preparation of tender documents.
My department received the Stage 2b submission report from the Design Team in March 2025. My department are currently carrying out a detailed review of this report by the multi disciplinary team and some comments were issued to the Design Team requesting clarification. The Design Team have addressed these comments and the responses to those queries are currently under ongoing detailed review.
In July 2025 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. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
The Department's National Development Plan (NDP) Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector will be published shortly and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published in January. This NDP sectoral investment plan will optimise outputs from the Department's NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
556. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1173 of 13 January 2025, the reason a lift was not installed as per the building specifications for work conducted in a school (details supplied); and the timeline for the urgent completion of works in the school. [4005/26]
View answerThe school to which the deputy refers to was granted capital funding for the provision of one special educational needs classroom under my Department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.
The programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects.
KSN had been appointed from my Department’s Framework, to design and tender the project at the school in question. This is a collaborative process between the Project Manager, School Authority and the Department.
The Project Management team are currently reviewing options following concerns raised from school authorities.
The Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this accommodation and will be working closely with the Project Managers and School Authority and will communicate with the school authorities regarding timelines and progress on same.
557. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1184 of 13 January 2026, if an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services; the way in which the core current funding increase of €4.5 million and capital funding of €4.0 million figures have been reached; where the additional €500,000 is coming from; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4015/26]
View answerArising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth organisations and youth services.
The additional funding of €8.0 million for 2026 is comprised of €4.5 million in additional current funding and €3.5 million in additional capital funding.
This funding increase of €8 million brings the overall core current and capital funding available to support existing youth services and infrastructure to over €94.1 million for 2026 and represents a 9.3% increase on the corresponding funding of €86.1 million available in 2025.
The additional core current funding of €4.5 million will support the existing level of service for youth organisations and youth services. This increased funding will enable youth services and providers to maintain and expand existing supports, enhance service delivery, and respond to emerging needs in local communities.
The additional capital funding of €3.5 million represents a significant increase on the 2025 capital allocation of €0.5 million. This €4.0 million youth capital fund for 2026 will enable targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure in a modern youth work environment to ensure safe, modern and inclusive spaces for young people. Capital investment in the youth sector will be aligned with the National Development Plan framework and forms part of the department’s approach to long-term infrastructure planning and service development.
As the Deputy will know, Ireland will host the EU presidency in the latter half of 2026. This will include a strong focus on youth, and in addition to the above core subhead funding, provision has been made separately for costs associated with the youth elements of the presidency.
558. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1184 and No. 1187 of 13 January 2026, when her Department will engage with the sector on the approach to capital funding distribution and use in the youth sector in 2026 through to the conclusion of the 2030 National Development Plan funding cycle; when the capital application for 2026 will open to youth organisations given the need for organisations to plan to apply, drawdown and spend funding before year end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4016/26]
View answerAs outlined previously, the Department has secured a significant increase in both current and capital funding for youth services in Budget 2026, including €4 million in capital investment to support essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment and digital infrastructure.
The Department is currently considering the approach to the distribution and use of capital funding for 2026 and for the remainder of the National Development Plan period to 2030. This work includes the development of the 2026 capital application process. While the specific opening date for applications has not yet been confirmed, I can assure the Deputy that the department will engage with the sector and will provide clear guidance and sufficient lead-in time for organisations to plan, apply, draw down and spend funding within the year.
All capital investment will continue to be aligned with the National Development Plan framework and with the priorities set out in Opportunities for Youth, the National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024–2028.
Once the capital framework and timelines are finalised, the Department will communicate directly with youth organisations and Education and Training Boards to ensure they are fully informed and prepared to participate in the 2026 capital process.
559. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 1182 of 13 January 2026, if she will provide a list of names of just special schools across the State that have an early intervention class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4042/26]
View answerThe 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.
The NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas email address.
560. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide substitute cover for primary teachers availing of statutory breastfeeding breaks under Circular 0053/2023; the status of discussions with unions on introducing such cover to prevent loss of teaching time for pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4045/26]
View answerThe Department’s Circular 0052/2023 titled 'Breastfeeding Breaks for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools’ outlines the current provisions for breastfeeding breaks for teachers. Within a 104 week period after the birth of the child, a teacher who has returned to work is entitled to breastfeeding breaks without loss of pay for up to one hour per day, for the purpose of breastfeeding or lactation.
Under the provisions of the Circular, Breastfeeding breaks may be taken in the form of:
a) one break of 60 minutes, or
b) two breaks of 30 minutes each, or
c) three breaks of 20 minutes each.
In relation to substitute cover, paragraph 2.10 states:
"Substitute cover for breastfeeding breaks is not paid by the Department. At post primary level, the breaks should be covered through the Supervision and Substitution Scheme.”
The short term nature of these breaks would make any further substitution provision difficult to implement on payroll systems and would be considered cost-increasing in nature.
The Circular does provide that where it is not possible for the employer to facilitate the breastfeeding breaks pattern, as initially requested by the teachers, alternate patterns must be explored and agreed upon.
The Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) forms part of the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for Teachers, the purpose of which is to provide a forum for claims and proposals relating to the salary, and other terms & conditions of service for teachers. The Council is comprised of representatives from the Teacher Unions, the School Management Bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the Department of Education and Youth. The TCC is independently chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
It is not currently planned to make any amendments to the terms of this scheme for teachers as set out in Circular 0052/2023.
561. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the accommodations for students with dyslexia and other learning differences under the RACE scheme, initially confirmed to be in place for the 2026 leaving certificate examinations, will be introduced in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4168/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and also to ensure that those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme. The SEC has confirmed that, within the context of the comprehensive review that is underway, it is working on a scheme of additional time which will be piloted for the 2026 examinations. This information has been confirmed in the RACE Instructions for Schools 2026 issued in October. The SEC is working actively to confirm details of the additional time scheme. In the interim, candidates and schools have been encouraged to apply as normal for accommodations under the RACE scheme.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to you with further detail about the ongoing review of the RACE scheme.
562. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider the inclusion of schools designated as DEIS after 2022 for the Junior Certificate School Programme digital library service; if she will examine the Junior Certificate School Programme digital library service for DEIS schools; if she has plans to extend the Junior Certificate School Programme digital library service for DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4170/26]
View answerThe Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) is a national programme sponsored by the Department of Education and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. Introduced in 1996, it is a social inclusion programme that is aimed at students who are identified as being at risk of being socially or academically isolated or at risk of early school leaving before the (then) Junior Certificate has been achieved.
Since its introduction, JCSP has expanded from 32 schools in 1996 to 240 schools in 2010. The programme expanded on a phased basis, to almost all post-primary schools participating in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) in 2010. The JCSP is also offered in Special Schools, Children Detention Schools, and Youth Encounter Projects (YEP).
Of the current 220 schools within JCSP, 172 are designated DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) and 48 are non-DEIS schools. There are 8 Gaelscoileanna, 2 High Support Units, 17 Special Schools and 4 YEP.
One of the initiatives under the JCSP is the JCSP Demonstration Library Project. School librarians work as part of a network of librarians in the JCSP Demonstration Library Project. Within the Demonstration Library Project, there are 32 professional librarians employed by the CDETB who are based in 30 schools that operate the library facility. They are managed by the Senior Librarian.
Librarians are responsible, together with key school staff, for drawing up and implementing library strategies to tackle the literacy difficulties experienced by many JCSP students. An important element of the JCSP is the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy 2024 to 2033 which promotes a school approach, and which incorporates the Library Demonstration Project. Each year, each library receives a grant from JCSP. The grant funds literacy and numeracy initiatives, book buying and resources for the library.
As part of the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle (2015), it was agreed to carry out a review of the JCSP and consider the extent to which the needs of students undertaking the JCSP are met through the Junior Cycle. This review is currently ongoing, with the programme closed to new applicants but current provision continuing for the present.
It should be noted that the public libraries provide access to a wide range of resources, facilities and activities that aim to support schools in developing children's literacy, numeracy, creativity, and communication skills. The development of existing partnerships between schools and libraries provides many benefits for both the schools and for public libraries.
A partner library branch has been identified for every school based on catchment area. In the case of certain schools, some of the services will be provided by the mobile library, school library van or through the library headquarters, to be determined at local discretion. Under the collaborative approach, each library service will make contact with the school principal over the year to provide information in relation to the library services and resources available to each school.
In this regard, the Department continues to work in partnership with the national library service. We are exploring ways to strengthening this partnership through the library service five-year strategy published in July 2023, and the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024 to 2033. This strategy was launched in May 2024 and developed between the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The strategy is set across all stages of the learner's journey from early learning and care to post-primary school. It aims to promote the development of essential literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills, knowledge, and dispositions with a particular focus on learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The DEIS programme is a key policy initiative of Government to address concentrated educational disadvantage at school level. Currently, the DEIS programme supports almost 1,200 primary and post-primary schools, reaching approximately 260,000 students, with an annual investment of over €180 million. Budget 2026 allocates an additional €16.5 million in 2026, rising to €48 million in 2027, to support the implementation of the new DEIS Strategy and introduce the DEIS Plus scheme, which will commence in 2026.
A new DEIS Strategy, which will include a DEIS Plus scheme, will be published in Q1 2026. The DEIS Plus scheme will provide additional support to schools with the highest levels of need, in line with the Government’s commitment. It will target a cohort of schools with the very highest concentrations of children and young people experiencing intergenerational disadvantage where there is a significant gap in outcomes and where there are barriers to those children and young people achieving their potential.
The details of the DEIS Plus scheme are currently being finalised within an overall programme of work to tackle educational disadvantage and will be outlined in the new DEIS Strategy. Future allocation of overall resources will be considered within the context of the new DEIS Strategy and the availability of resources.
563. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the issues at school (details supplied); if she will ensure her officials facilitate the retention of the pitch in any location planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4222/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that approval was given to the school in question for the delivery of 4 Mainstream classrooms, 3 Special education tuition rooms, 2 Special education classrooms, 1 UAWC by traditional build with repurposing to create 1 Special education classroom. This project has been devolved to the school authorities for delivery.
The purpose of the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodate is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school's existing accommodation.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of almost 1,400 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. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published by my department shortly. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
In relation to the matter of the location of the 2 modular units for 2 special education classrooms, I can confirm that department officials have been engaging with the school authorities over the last few months and remain available to engage with them in relation to agreeing the location for same. I can assure the Deputy that my department is very cognisant of the requirement around the delivery of accommodation for the school in question and is working to advance matters as quickly as possible.
564. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has assessed and accepts the points made by the fire safety and fire compliance company retained by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4223/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that approval was given to the school in question for the delivery of 4 Mainstream classrooms, 3 Special education tuition rooms, 2 Special education classrooms, 1 UAWC by traditional build with repurposing to create 1 Special education classroom. This project has been devolved to the school authorities for delivery.
The school has also submitted a further application for the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme and this is under consideration. The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school's existing accommodation.
In relation to the matter of the location for the 2 modular units for 2 special education classrooms and compliance with Fire Safety Regulations, I can confirm that departmental officials remain available to engage with the school authorities in relation to agreeing the location for same. I can assure the Deputy that my department is working to advance matters as quickly as possible.
565. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will ensure that the pitch at school (details supplied)) is not impacted on by facilitating a third modular building adjacent to the two already proposed for ASD classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4224/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that approval was given to the school in question for the delivery of 4 Mainstream classrooms, 3 Special education tuition rooms, 2 Special education classrooms, 1 UAWC by traditional build with repurposing to create 1 Special education classroom. This project has been devolved to the school authorities for delivery.
I can also confirm that my department has received an application from the school in question under the Additional School Accommodation scheme for a third modular building.
The purpose of the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education Needs (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the schools existing accommodation.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of almost 1,400 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. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published by my department shortly. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
The application for a third modular unit is being considered in this context and the school will be contacted directly in relation to this matter.
566. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth if an assessment has been carried out in relation to the impact of children from Newcastle commuting to other schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4225/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Primary and Post Primary Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
In cases where families have applied to attend their nearest schools with regard to ethos and language, and have been advised by the school authorities that these schools are full, the Department will consider if the pupil is eligible to the next nearest school.
While the closest school(s) may be full to capacity at present, each family must supply the documents mentioned below, to School Transport Section of the Department of Education and Youth.
• an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school(s), and
• a letter from each of the school authorities confirming that the school was full.
Contact details for school transport section can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/school-transport/#school-transport-customer-contact-form.
School Transport Section have requested more detail from the Deputy regarding this query and will revert to him directly when a response is received.
567. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth if current zoned land is being assessed in future calculations regarding second-level school provision in Newcastle; how quickly further assessments would take place once additional lands are rezoned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4226/26]
View answerTo ensure alignment of school provision with the rollout of additional residential development, the department, through the various consultation phases of the Statutory Plan process, liaises with all 31 Local Authorities in respect of their County Development Plans, all associated Local Area Plans and Masterplans with a view to identifying any medium to potential long-term school place and accommodation requirements across school planning areas and with the purpose of ensuring that there is an adequate amount of appropriately zoned and suitably located sites for future school place provision, which are in line with objectives as identified in the National Planning Framework. The recently announced revised housing targets will see an intensification of the Statutory Plan process by local authorities for the foreseeable future. My department officials, who have consistently engaged in this process throughout 2025, will continue to do so going forward into 2026 and beyond.
My Department continues to liaise with South Dublin County Council in respect of potential longer-term requirements for educational provision in all areas of South Dublin including Newcastle. My Department engages further on such matters with the Council through the review of the County Development Plan, preparation of Local Area Plans and other relevant statutory planning processes.
568. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth the minimum projected pupil size number sanctioned to facilitate a new second level school building in specific geographic areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4227/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that requirement for school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity.
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.
Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, my department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from local authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:
• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
• Provision of a new school or schools.
If additional accommodation is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post primary schools, new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600-1,000 students and must be co-educational. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to gaelcholáistí, having regard to the alternative of establishing an Irish-medium unit (aonad) in an English-medium school.
New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place.
My department will continue to liaise with local authorities in respect of their county development plan and any associated local area plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas.
570. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the commencement of building works for the new Cork Educate Together Secondary School. [4292/26]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will deliver a new 600 pupil post-primary school building and accommodation, including classrooms for children with special educational needs.
Department officials and the external project management consultants are currently reviewing the works and site-specific requirements to ensure the tender documents are up to date and in line with the Departments’ technical guidelines documents.
In July 2025 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 the department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector will be published shortly and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published in January. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
My Department will continue to keep the school and its patron body updated as the project progresses.
