Written Answers Nos. 345-363
345. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of jobs which have been created in County Kerry by the IDA during each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5231/26]
View answer347. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the IDA's plans to create new jobs in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5233/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 345 and 347 together.
Foreign Direct Investment is a key element of our economic strategy, with investments by IDA Ireland client companies consistently generating highly skilled jobs nationwide. In this context, I launched IDA Ireland's current strategy, ‘Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29', in February last year. Central to the IDA’s strategy is an emphasis on partnering with existing clients to identify opportunities to safeguard and strengthen long-term investment in Ireland, alongside attracting new investment to Ireland in FDI growth drivers including digitalisation and AI, semiconductors, health, and sustainability.
Supporting job creation in all regions is central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. In this regard, IDA client-company employment increased to 312,400 in 2025 and there are currently 169,967 people employed in IDA client companies outside Dublin, with FDI employment in every region and every county of Ireland. This represents 54% of all FDI employment nationally.
The South-West Region, comprising counties Cork and Kerry, is home to 245 IDA client companies, employing 53,535 people. There is a significant ecosystem of well-established companies across Technology, Life Sciences, International Financial Services and Engineering & Industrial Technologies in the region. The South-West has won significant investment across a range of sectors over a sustained period which has contributed significantly to employment growth and positive economic impacts on other sectors of the economy. Over the years requested by the Deputy, 2015-2025, FDI performance has been consistent with IDA supported employment increasing by 17,361 people, or almost 50%.
Referring specifically to Kerry, there were 1,955 people employed by 14 IDA client companies in 2015, and this has increased to 2,110 people employed by 17 IDA Client companies in 2025, an increase of almost 8%, or 155 people. Moreover, there were 4,627 people employed in 101 EI client companies in 2015, and this increased to 5,206 people in 89 client companies in 2024, an increase of 579, or 13%.
Employment in Kerry in IDA and Enterprise Ireland Client Firms 2015-2025.
|
- |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
IDA Client employment |
1,955 |
2,104 |
2,195 |
2,265 |
2,183 |
2,168 |
1,936 |
2,024 |
2,006 |
1,989 |
2,110 |
|
EI Client employment |
4,627 |
4,555 |
4,772 |
4,776 |
4,770 |
4,662 |
4,583 |
4,830 |
5,061 |
5,206 |
* |
|
Total |
6,582 |
6,659 |
6,967 |
7,041 |
6,953 |
6,830 |
6,519 |
6,854 |
7,067 |
7,195 |
* |
*2025 Enterprise Ireland Client Employment Figures are not yet available
Under its current strategy, IDA is targeting 550 of a total 1,000 investments to regional locations, including 155 in the South-West. The first year of this strategy, 2025, saw IDA Ireland achieving the highest ever number of investments, 323, a 38% increase on 2024, which are expected to create over 15,300 additional jobs in the coming years. 183 investments, 57% of all investments in 2025, were in regional locations.
I should also highlight that in March 2024, Astellas, an IDA Ireland Japanese pharma client turned the sod and commenced construction on a €330 million state-of-the-art facility in the Tralee Technology Park. This project is currently under construction and is projected to be fully operational by 2028. This is a transformative investment for Kerry. It will lead to significant job creation during the construction phase, and it will house more than 100 highly skilled science and engineering jobs on completion of the facility. As Astellas are already a significant employer in the Kerry region, operating an existing manufacturing site in Killorglin which attracts employees from across the county of Kerry, this recent announcement is a strong endorsement of what Kerry offers FDI investors.
Furthermore, in July 2025, Aenova, a leading pharmaceutical Contract Development & Manufacturing Organisation with a location in Killorglin announced a significant expansion of their Killorglin facility enabling the company to develop innovative drug delivery systems in the future. This expansion will create approximately 10 new highly skilled roles in the areas of R&D, Pharmaceutical Technology and Analytics in addition to the existing workforce.
Finally, I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully aware of the competitiveness challenge the country faces as it competes for foreign direct investment. We are taking the necessary steps to position Ireland for the future, and we will continue to place costs, planning, energy and R&D at the centre of our forward-looking policy making – all reflected in policy commitments in the new Programme for Government, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity and NDP priorities.
348. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Enterprise Ireland's approach to ensuring some level of digital sovereignty for Ireland and the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5235/26]
View answerIreland’s approach to digital sovereignty emphasises openness, international cooperation, and evidence-based risk management. Ireland supports maintaining the EU’s access to trusted non-EU providers, recognising that partnership is essential for innovation in emerging areas such as AI and quantum. Preserving the EU’s openness to trade and investment is vital to competitiveness, while proportionate, risk-based measures ensure security, uphold the Single Market, and reduce strategic dependencies.
Domestically, a key approach to strengthening digital sovereignty is through the Government’s commitment to broad digitalisation and AI adoption across the economy and society. The update of the National Digital and AI Strategy, which is a commitment of the Programme for Government, will be an important step in achieving this ambition. Enhancing digital skills, digital connectivity and infrastructure, the digitalisation of public services, and driving digitalisation and AI adoption in enterprises of all sizes, are recognised prerequisites to long-term competitiveness and sovereignty.
At European level, Ireland has recently signed the Declaration for European Digital Sovereignty, joining fellow European Union Member States in a commitment to strengthen Europe's ability to act independently and competitively while remaining open to global competition. The Declaration establishes a common framework for enhancing Europe's digital capabilities while preserving access to open markets, interoperability, and international collaboration with partners who share European values.
Finally, Ireland is also an active member of the D9+ group of digitally advanced EU Member States. This group provides a valuable forum for sharing best practices, deepening international relationships, and supporting Europe’s global leadership in digital transformation. In line with the D9+ Ministerial Declaration adopted in March 2025 in Amsterdam, Ireland has supported calls for increasing the EU’s digital competitiveness and tech sovereignty in an open manner. This means having the ability to act autonomously on the world stage and in line with our values, while reaping the benefits of collaboration with global partners when possible. Ireland will continue this work in close cooperation with partner countries, including in preparation for the upcoming Irish presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of the 2026.
349. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in view of the prevalence of the internet, digital communications and social media in society, the measures planned by his Department to foster a more secure digital environment; if legislative measures are required and if so when such legislation will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5390/26]
View answerOver the last few years, the Government has put in place a significant body of legislation providing the foundation for Ireland’s online safety framework, including the regulation of social media.
Coimisiún na Meán, as Ireland’s online safety and media regulator, is at the heart of the online safety framework. It was established under the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act, which transposed the EU Audio Visual Media Services Directive, and provides that An Coimisiún is independent in the exercise of its functions.
The OSMR Act, along with the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) under which An Coimisiún is Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation for which An Coimisiún is a competent authority, are the main elements of Ireland's online safety framework.
The DSA is an EU regulation that introduces new obligations on providers of online intermediary services, including online social media platforms, to protect users and consumers of online services. The DSA is designed to provide better protection of fundamental rights; more control and choice over online experiences; stronger protection of children online; and expedited removal of illegal content. The regulation has applied in full since 17 February 2024.
Under the online safety framework, it is for the regulated platforms to demonstrate that they have the correct safety measures in place to prevent illegal or harmful content being shown. A failure to adequately address these requirements can lead to significant financial sanctions and, under the OSMR Act, continued non-compliance can lead to criminal sanctions for senior management.
The specific use of AI by deployers (which may include social media companies) is subject to the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, the provisions of which come into effect on phased basis. A key objective of the regulation is to protect against harmful effects of AI systems in the Union in terms of health, safety and fundamental rights, while promoting the update of human centric and trustworthy AI.
The [EU AI Act] (www.enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/innovation-research-development/artificial-intelligence/eu-ai-act/) complements the protections provided for in the Digital Services Act by introducing stronger governance for AI developed or deployed within the EU. These provisions in particular will introduce transparency requirements, so AI generated images must be clearly labelled as being made by AI.
My Department has lead responsibility for national implementation of the EU AI Act and is working closely with other departments and regulators to ensure comprehensive and robust implementation of the Act. Government designated its national competent authorities during 2025, and the enforcement powers for competent authorities under the AI Act come into effect on the 2nd of August 2026.
My Department, in collaboration with other relevant government departments, is currently developing primary legislation to provide for the national implementation and enforcement of the EU AI Act, and the establishment of a central coordinating Office.
In addition to these digital and AI regulations, other laws are in place, such as the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998 and the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020 (also known as Coco’s Law), to protect against the creation and dissemination of illegal content, through digital platforms or other means. I am confident that this existing legal and regulatory framework provides robust and comprehensive protections to foster a secure digital environment.
350. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to engage with the family of child (details supplied) who cannot access a special class for academic year 2026-2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5125/26]
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.
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 through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
The NCSE is undertaking analysis of information provided through the Parents Notify process which closed on 1 October to plot demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year.
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.
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 is required.
Parents may apply to enrol their child in a school of their choosing. Enrolments to schools are a matter for each board of management and parents apply directly to schools.The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement and will continue to examine where provision is required for the 2026/27 school year.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
351. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will intervene to ensure that students sitting their Leaving Certificate exams through Irish in 2026 will not be disadvantaged with respect to bonus points due to an administrative decision taken by the State Examinations Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5131/26]
View answer359. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the change in policy with respect to the system of bonus points for writing post-primary exams in Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5142/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 351 and 359 together.
At present, there is an existing and longstanding policy in place for awarding bonus marks for written examinations in the Leaving Certificate examinations completed through the medium of Irish. The existing Irish bonus marks policy, not bonus points as referenced by the Deputy, encompasses written examinations only, as set out under Rule 29 of the ‘Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools 2004/2005’, This provision continues to apply for those students who will sit their written examinations this year, 2026.
As part of the ongoing commitment of Government and my Department to the promotion and support of the Irish language through the teaching and learning experienced by candidates, the application of bonus marks is being extended to include those components of the State examinations which are coursework and completed through Irish, where appropriate. This is primarily given the application of revised assessment arrangements under the Senior Cycle redevelopment programme whereby all new and revised Leaving Certificate Established subject specifications will incorporate components that are not a traditional written examination, and worth at least 40% of the total available marks.
The first Tranche of new and redeveloped subjects are currently being studied by fifth years, who will sit their Leaving Certificate examinations in 2027.
The extension of the Irish bonus marks to coursework will be applied to all subjects examined in 2027, not just those that have been redeveloped within Tranche 1. This is to ensure equity and fairness with the application of bonus marks irrespective of the subject choices of individual students. This delivers on the commitment made in Senior Cycle Redevelopment Implementation Support Measures document, published in May of last year.
These extended arrangements, as set out in the recently published departmental circular 0002/2026 ‘Bonus for the completion of additional assessment components through Irish’, will apply to all Leaving Certificate Established and Leaving Certificate Applied subjects in 2027 and in subsequent years.
The SEC has also recently published circular S10/26 ‘Application of the Irish Bonus in State Examinations’, outlining the operational dimensions of the policy change including the applicable criteria and parameters relating to the awarding of the bonus marks.
The extension of the Irish bonus marks acknowledges the value of the components concerned, their intended integration into the teaching and learning experienced by students, and builds on the established objective of encouraging the use of the Irish language by all learners, in all schools. It also recognises that with the introduction of the Tranche 1 subject specifications, a number of subjects which previously were examined by written examination only will have coursework components with a significant weighting. In these circumstances it is considered appropriate to include coursework components completed in Irish for the first time as to not do so would have the effect of reducing the effect of the current policy in those subjects.
The introduction of the extension outlined in circular 0002/2026 applies to students taking their Leaving Certificate examinations in 2027 and beyond. It does not apply to earlier cohorts, including 2026, as those annual cohorts will not engage with additional components under Senior Cycle Redevelopment in the same way as those in 2027 will do so.
My department has a long-standing policy of encouraging the active use of the Irish language by students and in school communities. The extension of the Irish bonus marks builds on this objective, encouraging the use of the Irish language by all learners, in all schools. The application of the Irish Bonus will be reviewed as subjects are redeveloped under the redevelopment programme.
352. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children in Kildare north who have not yet received a confirmed first year secondary school place for September 2026; the breakdown of these figures, by school planning area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5133/26]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority of mine.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €397 million in school infrastructure across County Kildare. The department is continually planning for and investing in existing and new schools to ensure that every child in the State has access to a school place.
Furthermore, the data sharing arrangements that were in place for the 2025/26 admissions process have been put in place again for the 2026/27 admissions process in school planning areas that are experiencing enrolment pressures, including areas in north Kildare. The admissions data provided by schools will allow the department to analyse duplicate applications as there can be significant overlap in areas.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools, and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result, there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. However, similar to previous years, my department will continue to work closely with patrons and schools in order to ensure that all pupils in north Kildare will receive an offer of a school place.
My department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. The availability of places is a matter for each individual school in the context of their Admissions legislation. The information requested is not available at this time.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
I want to assure the Deputy that my department will continue to work to ensure a school place for every child in north Kildare.
353. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of outstanding first year applications for September 2026 for schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5134/26]
View answer355. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of students currently on waiting lists for secondary schools in areas of Kildare north for September 2026 (details supplied); the criteria being used to manage these waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5136/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 353 and 355 together.
I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority of mine.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €397 million in school infrastructure across County Kildare. The department is continually planning for and investing in existing and new schools to ensure that every child in the State has access to a school place.
Furthermore, the data sharing arrangements that were in place for the 2025/26 admissions process have been put in place again for the 2026/27 admissions process in school planning areas that are experiencing enrolment pressures, including areas in north Kildare. The admissions data provided by schools will allow the department to analyse duplicate applications as there can be significant overlap in areas.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools, and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result, there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted.
My department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. The availability of places is a matter for each individual school in the context of their Admissions legislation. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Apply to School pilot was introduced to simplify and improve the admissions process for post-primary schools in five pilot areas, including Celbridge. For the first time, this system provides families with a single online application process and introduces synchronised and streamlined timelines for schools to manage admissions and issue offers.
While the Apply to School system facilitates the submission of a common applications system for parents, the individual schools retain responsibility for issuing offers based on these applications in accordance with the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 and their published admissions policy. The Department does not issue offers and does not hold a centralised record of offer outcomes for individual schools.
However, similar to previous years, my department will continue to work closely with patrons and schools in order to ensure that all pupils in the area receive an offer of a school place.
354. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which her Department is using the data generated through the apply to school pilot to identify capacity shortfalls in Kildare north; the actions being taken on foot of this data; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5135/26]
View answerThe rollout of the pilot Single Online Application for Schools represents a significant step towards improving the school admissions system and delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a nationwide common application system. The Apply to School pilot was introduced to simplify and improve the admissions process for post-primary schools in five pilot areas, including Celbridge. For the first time, this system provides families with a single online application process and introduces synchronised and streamlined timelines for schools to manage admissions and issue offers.
The number of first-year places available in each school is published in the schools’ annual admissions notices, which are available on the individual school websites. According to these admissions notices for the 2026–2027 school year, the three post-primary schools in the Celbridge region are offering a combined total of 390 first-year places. I can confirm that the number of applications for places made in the Celbridge school planning area, in respect of all pupils including those from outside the school planning area using the online Apply to School System, was 573.
It should be noted that some parents may have exercised their right to submit paper-based applications and late applications to the schools, details of which are not available to the Department. While the Apply to School system facilitates the submission of a common applications system for parents, the individual schools retain responsibility for issuing offers based on these applications in accordance with their published admissions policy. The Department does not issue offers and does not hold a centralised record of offer outcomes for individual schools. However, similar to previous years, my department will continue to work closely with patrons and schools in order to ensure that all pupils in the area receive an offer of a school place.
I trust this clarifies the extent of the information requested which my department is in a position to provide at this stage of the admissions process.
356. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the level of engagement her Department has had with the boards of management of secondary schools in areas of Kildare north regarding enrolment pressures for September 2026 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5137/26]
View answer357. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the long-term plan to address sustained enrolment pressure in Celbridge and Maynooth; the projected demand for secondary school places over the next five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5138/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 357 together.
I 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.
The projected peak year for post primary enrolments in the Celbridge school planning area is 2026 and enrolments are projected to decrease thereafter. Post-primary enrolments in the Maynooth school planning area are projected to increase slightly to a projected peak in 2030.
I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority of mine.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €397 million in school infrastructure across County Kildare. The department is continually planning for and investing in existing and new schools to ensure that every child in the State has access to a school place.
The current status of all projects is set out under item number ten at the following link (www.gov.ie). This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
The Department has put in place a number of measures to support parents and post-primary schools, including in North Kildare school planning areas, with a view to helping the admissions process for 2026/27 run as smoothly as possible.
Firstly, the Department has written to all parents and guardians of children in sixth class with advice and guidance regarding the admissions process for post-primary for the 2026/27 school year. This letter advised parents to apply to multiple schools in areas where there is high demand and requested parents to take steps to avoid holding multiple places.
Secondly, the Department has improved the central Post-Primary On-line Database IT system that schools use to register student enrolments. This is an important improvement and assists schools to manage the enrolment process and provide real-time notification to schools where a new student has accepted a school place in more than one school. This will help identify duplicate enrolments at a very early stage.
Furthermore, the data sharing arrangements that were in place for the 2025/26 admissions process have been put in place again for the 2026/27 admissions process in school planning areas that are experiencing enrolment pressures, including areas in north Kildare, such as Maynooth. The admissions data provided by schools will allow the department to analyse duplicate applications as there can be significant overlap in areas.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools, and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result, there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted.
My department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. The availability of places is a matter for each individual school in the context of their Admissions legislation. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Apply to School pilot was introduced to simplify and improve the admissions process for post-primary schools in five pilot areas, including Celbridge. For the first time, this system provides families with a single online application process and introduces synchronised and streamlined timelines for schools to manage admissions and issue offers.
While the Apply to School system facilitates the submission of a common applications system for parents, the individual schools retain responsibility for issuing offers based on these applications in accordance with the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 and their published admissions policy. The Department does not issue offers and does not hold a centralised record of offer outcomes for individual schools.
However, similar to previous years, my department will continue to work closely with patrons and schools in order to ensure that all pupils in the area receive an offer of a school place.
As per the department's analysis of the Kildare North school planning area for the 2024/25 academic year, there were more first year places available than 6th class children and 4.46% of first year places were unfilled.
Overall, in Co. Kildare, across 30 post primary schools, 5.75% of places were unfilled.
I can assure the Deputy that Department officials will continue to actively engage with schools and patrons to ensure that there is appropriate provision for all students across North Kildare for the 2026/2027 school year and into the future.
358. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports or guidance being provided to families in Kildare north who have not yet received a secondary school place for September 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5139/26]
View answerI can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority of mine.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €397 million in school infrastructure across County Kildare. The department is continually planning for and investing in existing and new schools to ensure that every child in the State has access to a school place.
Furthermore, the data sharing arrangements that were in place for the 2025/26 admissions process have been put in place again for the 2026/27 admissions process in school planning areas that are experiencing enrolment pressures, including areas in north Kildare. The admissions data provided by schools will allow the department to analyse duplicate applications as there can be significant overlap in areas.
The Deputy will appreciate that there can often be significant overlap across areas and schools, and the nature of the admissions processes is quite complex. As a result, there can be multiple iterations, where applicants may accept a place but subsequently be offered and accept a place at a second school, freeing up capacity at the first school accepted. However, similar to previous years, my department will continue to work closely with patrons and schools in order to ensure that all pupils in north Kildare will receive an offer of a school place.
My department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
I want to assure the Deputy that my department will continue to work to ensure a school place for every child in north Kildare.
360. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige an bhféadfadh sí sainiú a dhéanamh ar na cúrsaí atá dírithe ar an gcóras oideachais lán-Ghaeilge agus Gaeltachta i ngach institiúid oiliúna múinteoirí, agus ar na modúil atá dírithe ar an oideachas lán-Ghaeilge agus Gaeltachta i gcúrsa ar bith i ngach institiúid oiliúna múinteoirí; agus a shainiú cé acu an bhfuil na modúil sin éigeantach nó roghnach sna cúrsaí lena mbaineann. [5191/26]
View answerTá roinnt clár Oiliúna Tosaigh Múinteoirí (OTM) trí mheán na Gaeilge ann, agus tá siad miondealaithe mar seo a leanas:
Cláir OTM Bunscoile:
• Baitsiléir san Oideachas Trí Mheán na Gaeilge (Bunmhúinteoireacht) Institiúid Oideachais Marino (IOM): Bunchéim ceithre bliana trí mheán na Gaeilge atá deartha go sonrach chun múinteoirí a ullmhú le haghaidh Gaelscoileanna agus scoileanna Gaeltachta.
• Máistir Gairmiúil le hOideachas (Bunscoil) - An Conair Lán-Ghaeilge - Institiúid Oideachais Marino (IOM): Cé nach cúrsa ar leithligh é, cuireann IOM sruth trí mheán na Gaeilge tiomnaithe ar fáil laistigh dá gclár MGO ó Mheán Fómhair 2025. Dearadh an conair seo le haghaidh céimnithe ar mian leo múineadh i scoileanna Gaeltachta agus i scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge.
Cláir OTM Iar-bhunscoile:
• Máistir Gairmiúil le hOideachas (MGO) - Ollscoil na Gaillimhe: Máistir Gairmiúil le hOideachas (MGO) le haghaidh múinteoireachta iar-bhunscoile a chuirtear ar fáil go hiomlán trí mheán na Gaeilge agus a ullmhaíonn céimithe le bheith ina múinteoirí i scoileanna lán-Ghaeilge.
Faoi Alt 38 d’Acht na Comhairle Múinteoireachta, tá cláir oiliúna tosaigh múinteoirí faoi réir athbhreithnithe agus creidiúnaithe ag an gComhairle Múinteoireachta, chun críocha clárúcháin. Rinne an Chomhairle athbhreithniú ar a beartas maidir le caighdeáin do chláir oiliúna tosaigh múinteoirí agus d’fhoilsigh sí caighdeáin nuashonraithe i gCaighdeáin Céim um Oiliúint Tosaigh Múinteoirí in 2020. Tá ról ríthábhachtach ag Céim maidir le cáilíocht agus éifeachtacht na hoiliúna múinteoirí in Éirinn a mhúnlú.
Leagtar amach i gcaighdeáin Céim na riachtanais nach mór do gach clár Oiliúna Tosaigh Múinteoirí a chomhlíonadh chun creidiúnú gairmiúil a fháil ón gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta, rud a chinntíonn go bhfuil oideachas múinteoirí comhsheasmhach, cuimsitheach agus ailínithe le dea-chleachtas. Trí chaighdeáin shoiléire a leagan síos maidir le dearadh cláir, acmhainní a chur ar fáil agus socrúchán scoile, cuidíonn Caighdeáin Céim le creat láidir a chruthú a thacaíonn le forbairt oideoirí inniúla agus machnamhacha.
Tá cláir atá creidiúnaithe faoi Chaighdeáin Céim le haghaidh Oiliúna Tosaigh Múinteoirí bunaithe ar na réimsí staidéir riachtanacha seo a leanas: Bonnstaidéir, Staidéir Ghairmiúla, agus Socrúchán Scoile. Ceanglaítear ar gach clár Oiliúna Tosaigh Múinteoirí (OTM) ar leibhéal na bunscoile aghaidh a thabhairt ar an nGaeilge. Ní fhoilsíonn an Chomhairle Múinteoireachta sonraí a bhaineann go sainiúil le clár ar leith, toisc go bhfuil gach Institiúid Ardoideachais freagrach i gcónaí as clár a dhearadh agus a chinntiú go gcomhlíonann múinteoirí faoi oiliúint na caighdeáin atá leagtha amach i gCéim.
361. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Youth when NCSE will issue a decision to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal regarding an SNA allocation appeal and respond to correspondence sent to her raising serious concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5197/26]
View answerEnabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs 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 students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students 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 students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
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.
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.
362. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the new school building project for a school (details supplied) will be published on eTenders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5199/26]
View answerThe brief for the large scale capital project for the school referred to by the Deputy is the provision of a new 600 pupil school building including all associated ancillary accommodation.
I am pleased to confirm that the project was authorised to proceed to tender on 12 November 2025.
Tender submissions are expected in February 2026, following a request for extension to the return period.
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 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.
363. Deputy Ann Graves asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a person (details supplied) will get a place in an autism class; the reason their school was refused a special needs autism class, while a new temporary modular building was installed and one classroom is vacant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5212/26]
View answerThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) 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.
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 through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
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.
Schools seeking to establish new special classes should continue to engage with the NCSE at local level. In sanctioning new special classes, the NCSE have due regard to the level of need in an area and the existing provision, including how many places are expected to be available through the normal movement of students from primary to post-primary or finishing school. Budget 2026 provides funding for over 400 new special classes.
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 is required.
The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement and will continue to examine where provision is required for the 2026/27 school year.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
