Written Answers Nos. 364-374
364. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Questions No’s 1139 1140, 1141, 1142, 1143 of 13 January 2026, the legislative basis for the deadline; the commitment which can be offered where the needs of a child changes after 1 October; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5265/26]
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.
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.
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.
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.
365. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on a new permanent school building (details supplied), including tender progress, anticipated construction start date, and interim accommodation arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5266/26]
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.
366. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the average class size at primary and post-primary level for each county between the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; whether further reductions are planned within the lifetime of the Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5267/26]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government there is a commitment to aim to reduce the general pupil teacher ratio at primary level to 19:1 over the term of the government and introduce targeted measures in schools with very large classes.
Priority was given in recent Budgets to reducing the pupil teacher ratios in primary schools which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the most favourable ratio ever seen at primary level. More favourable ratios are implemented for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools.
In 2015, teachers were allocated to primary schools at a general average of 28 pupils for every one teacher. In the same 10 year period, average class sizes in primary schools have improved from 24.9 to 22.2 and the pupil : teacher ratio (commonly referred to as PTR) shows the ratio of pupils to teachers improve from 16:1 to 12.8:1. In addition to the reductions in the teacher allocation ratio, a three-point reduction in the retention schedule, which was introduced in 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts.
I am considering how best to make further progress, as part of the annual budgetary process, in reducing the primary pupil teacher ratio in the context of Programme for Government implementation.
The requested data on class sizes in primary schools is attached. Class data for the 2025-2026 academic year will be published in the summer. In post-primary schools, pupil enrolments vary by subject and so the concept of average class size does not apply. Furthermore, enrolments of pupils per subject is available at school level only so average class size per subject is not available.
The data supplied is collated from the 2020 to 2024 Primary Class Size tables published on my Department’s website and can be found at this link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/class-size-information-at-individual-primary-school-level/
367. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 843 of 23 July 2024 (details supplied), the number of primary school teachers in each county in 2025-2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5329/26]
View answerBudget 2026 provides for a total of €13.1 billion investment in education and in youth services in Budget 2026 – an almost 7 per cent increase on last year. Budget 2026 provides an increase of €845 million in core current funding for education and youth on the figure allocated for 2025, while the total investment figure also includes €1.6 billion allocated for 2026 as part of the National Development Plan 2026 – 2030.
This funding reflects the Government’s continued commitment to ensuring that every child and young person can learn, thrive and reach their full potential. It builds on the progress made in recent years, while recognising that further work is needed to make education more inclusive and equitable for all.
The number of fulltime permanent and fixed-term teaching posts allocated to primary schools in the current year, per county, is attached.
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368. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review the case of a child with additional needs in Dublin 9 (details supplied) not having an appropriate school place; if she will liaise with the NCSE in relation to same; if she will provide an update on this case and advise on the next steps for the child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5335/26]
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.
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.
369. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a letter of eligibility for an ASD special class placement has been refused by the National Council for Special Education in respect of a child (details supplied); whether she will consider issuing the letter on an exceptional basis in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5347/26]
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.
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.
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.
370. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she is aware of the urgent need for the establishment of a second ASD special class at a school (details supplied); the reason approval has not been granted notwithstanding the school’s stated capacity, preparedness and engagement with the National Council for Special Education; the current position regarding this request; whether a decision will be made as a matter of urgency to facilitate staffing and planning for the 2026–2027 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5348/26]
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 the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
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.
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.
371. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has had any engagement with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality regarding increased childcare provision using school sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5357/26]
View answerI have not had any recent direct engagement with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality regarding increased childcare provision using school site.
However my Department supports and encourages the use of school buildings for community and recreational purposes, where feasible, including childcare and after school uses. Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours are available for each school to refer to for guidance in relation to the use of school buildings outside of school hours, including any planned pre school, after school and creche arrangements.
However, the decision on the use of school property is a matter for the property owner taking into consideration the current and future requirements of the school, the students and the staff. Also it is important that any proposed arrangement does not impede upon the future development of the school, given that the priority for schools is educational provision for its pupils.
372. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No.1179 of 13 January 2026, the reason the standardised school year was not applied in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5372/26]
View answerThe standardised school year runs from 1st September to 31st August. Primary schools and special schools are required to be open for tuition for all pupils for a minimum of 182 school days. While post-primary schools must be open for tuition for all students for a minimum of 166 school days.
The expectation is that the school year will normally commence during the week in which the 1st September falls. However, a school year may commence in the week prior to that in which 1st September falls in circumstances where otherwise it would not be practicable for the school to meet the overall requirement of a minimum of 166 at post-primary level or 182 days at primary level. Teachers are not required to work anymore than their contracted days. A teacher is paid from the 1st September to 31st August following the standardised school year.
Teachers are paid for the number of days they work, including in a case where a teacher recommences the term prior to the 1st of September.
373. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the efforts which will be made in 2026 to ensure that new contracts for the school transport scheme will be issued without delay after the expiry of the current term in June; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5381/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
It is a demand led scheme based on the number of eligible children who apply. The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and private contractors.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contact management arrangements to include services provided by contractors. This includes the procurement tendering process to include services provided by contractors under the scheme. This is a competitive process conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under national and EU procurement legislation. Contracts are awarded in line with procurement guidelines.
374. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the provision of additional accommodation at a school (details supplied) will be progressed without further delay in view of the recent establishment of additional classes and no additional accommodation provided to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5391/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my department is in receipt of an application for capital funding under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) from the school in question.
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 school’s application is still under consideration and as soon as a decision has been reached, the school will be contacted directly by my department.
