John Paul O'Shea
Question:524. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the capital project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9142/26]
View answerSchools Building Projects
Questions (524)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, I have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
My department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. In this regard, I have also published a list of the 105 school building projects in the first tranche to proceed to construction or tender over 2026 and 2027. This list includes 12 projects in County Cork.
These projects are in addition to €767.68 million in capital funding for Cork schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 157 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are also currently 20 school projects in Cork under construction.
I can confirm that my Department are actively engaged with the patron of the school referred to by the deputy in assessing options for both the immediate and longer term requirements of this school. This engagement is ongoing.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (525)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:525. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the capital project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9143/26]
View answerWritten answers
The school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Departments Adapt 4 programme - Programme Innovate.
A joint major building project for Le Chéile Secondary School and Gaelscoil an Chaisleáin will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post primary school and accommodation, including 6 classrooms for pupils with special educational needs, and a new 8 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms for pupils with special educational needs on the Ballincollig site.
Programme Innovate will be delivered by Integrated Project Teams consisting of highly skilled and experienced design professionals, architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors and various other consultants to deliver the projects.
This project is currently at the initial stages of architectural planning – Stage 1 where the Integrated Project Team carry out a site and current building assessment and initial design sketch schemes are created. My Department has received the Stage 1 report and the State 1 meeting took place in late January 2026 between my Department, the Integrated Project Team and school authorities. The meeting concluded with a request for the Design Team to submit a Stage 1 Addendum report addressing issues raised by the Department at the meeting. This Addendum will be considered when received by my Department.
It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of this project until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (526)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:526. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the capital project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9144/26]
View answerWritten answers
The project to which the deputy refers has been devolved to Cork Educational and Training Board.
The project brief is for a new post primary school building to accommodate a long-term projected enrolment of 1000 pupils and 4 special education needs classroom base.
Coachford Community College is currently at Stage 2b (post planning process) of the architectural design process which allows for detailed design and planning, obtaining the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents. The department awaits submission of a Stage 2b report. Once received, it will undergo a detailed technical and cost review in line with the Public Spending Code. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
The department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. In this regard, the department has published a list of the 105 school building projects in the first tranche to proceed to construction or tender over 2026 and 2027.
These projects are in addition to €767.68 million in capital funding for Cork schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 157 Cork schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are currently 20 school projects in County Cork under construction. Another 12 school projects will go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027, and this summer, 35 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Summer Works Scheme / Climate Action scheme.
The department recognises that there are schools with building projects that are not included in the first tranche of prioritised projects.
As part of planning ahead for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender. The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing prioritisation process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, the department will also assess opportunities to undertake advance enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth progression to construction in 2028 and beyond.
Any interim accommodation requirements will continue to be assessed and considered by the department on a case-by-case basis to determine the prioritised needs and approach for addressing same.
The accommodation needs at the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (527)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:527. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the capital project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9145/26]
View answerWritten answers
The project which the Deputy refers for Cholaiste Choilm is Devolved to Cork Educational and Training Board.
The project brief provides for a long-term projected enrolment of 1,300 pupils and 6 special education needs classroom base. The project is currently at Stage 2b of the design process, this allows for detailed design and planning, obtaining the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents. The department awaits submission of a Stage 2b report. Once received, it will undergo a detailed technical and cost review in line with the Public Spending Code. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
The department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. In this regard, the department has published a list of the 105 school building projects in the first tranche to proceed to construction or tender over 2026 and 2027.
These projects are in addition to €767.68 million in capital funding for Cork schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 157 Cork schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are currently 20 school projects in County Cork under construction. Another 12 school projects will go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027, and this summer, 35 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Summer Works Scheme / Climate Action scheme.
The department recognises that there are schools with building projects that are not included in the first tranche of prioritised projects.
As part of planning ahead for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender. The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing prioritisation process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, the department will also assess opportunities to undertake advance enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth progression to construction in 2028 and beyond.
Any interim accommodation requirements will continue to be assessed and considered by the department on a case-by-case basis to determine the prioritised needs and approach for addressing same.
The accommodation needs at the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
School Equipment
Questions (528)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:528. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of second-level schools introducing individual electronic devices for students because of a new senior cycle curriculum, and the significant financial pressure this places on families; if she will consider implementing a more centralised approach to both the procurement and the provision of digital devices and necessary ICT systems in schools, similar to that which applies for schoolbooks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9146/26]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, approximately €200 million has been committed through the National Development Plan for school ICT, with around €170 million already allocated to schools. The most recent tranche of the ICT Grant €35 million which issued to schools in January 2026. Funding is provided through annual ICT grants based on a flat-rate per school and a per-student amount, and must be used for ICT infrastructure, including networks, classroom technology, software and shared student devices. Clarity and certainty is being provided for the school system on annual grant payment timeline which is now set at December/January payment period for each year.
Schools are directly funded for ICT and have autonomy to determine which infrastructure and devices (including tablets or laptops) are implemented, in line with their Digital Learning Plans. Schools must also have Acceptable Use Policies in place and may use ICT funding to support new curricula and assessment.
Department guidance states that schools should support equitable access to ICT for all students and may provide loan schemes for devices where required. Schools are also advised to consult with parents and the wider school community when developing technology policies that may involve costs for families. However, there is no dedicated funding for one-to-one student devices, and ICT grants must also cover ongoing infrastructure and maintenance, limiting schools’ capacity to provide individual devices at scale.
The introduction of new or revised subject specifications for Leaving Certificate subjects, which commenced in the current school year, does not require each student to have their own computer, laptop or other device.
Youth Services
Questions (529)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:529. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to meet the Government’s stated commitments to developing youth places and spaces, given the lack of funding the Government have committed to the sector (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9148/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy may be aware, arising from Budget 2026 an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been secured to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment will support the implementation of Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024–2028 and represents a strong commitment to ensuring that all young people can access high-quality, inclusive supports in their communities.
The overall core current and capital funding available for youth services in 2026 will now total €94.1 million, an increase of 9.3% on the allocation for 2025. This enhanced investment strengthens the foundation for consistent and high-quality youth work provision, enabling services to expand their reach and respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population.
In relation to capital funding, €4.0 million will be available in 2026 - an increase of €3.5 million compared to the previous year. This marks the first time that the Youth Affairs Unit – and indeed the youth sector as a whole – has committed to a sustained capital allocation of €4 million per year through to 2030, providing long-term certainty and planning stability for youth services for the remainder of the NDP period.
This significant uplift will support targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment and digital infrastructure. Such improvements are central to ensuring that young people have access to safe, modern and inclusive spaces, reflective of contemporary youth work practice. All capital investment in the youth sector will continue to be aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) framework and forms part of the Department’s long-term approach to infrastructure planning and service development.
Work is under way within the Department to develop the approach to capital funding distribution from 2026 through to the conclusion of the NDP 2030 cycle.
This work will be guided by relevant actions in Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024-2028. In this context it is worth noting that a number of other departments and agencies have responsibilities in relation to the provision of youth spaces. These include the departments of Children, Disability and Equality; Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the Local Authorities and ETBs.
Engagement with the youth sector and relevant stakeholders will also form a key part of this process, ensuring that investment is effectively targeted to meet identified needs at local and national levels.
School Transport
Questions (530)
Emer Currie
Question:530. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the school transport scheme portal will launch for the 2026/27 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9149/26]
View answerWritten answers
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. It is made up of the Mainstream scheme at Primary and Post Primary level, as well as the scheme for pupils with Special Educational Needs. It is operated by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department.
The Bus Éireann Family Portal will begin accepting applications for the 2026/27 school year in the coming weeks. A media campaign will be run by the Department in tandem with Bus Éireann reminders encouraging families to apply and pay on time.
Following the closing date for payment or entering medical card details, the portal will close. This will give Bus Éireann time to assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the 2026/27 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
School Transport
Questions (531)
Emer Currie
Question:531. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the data set of school transport schemes and routes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9150/26]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.?
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of my Department’s Post Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from their nearest post primary school/centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
SSIA do not currently provide any bus services for schools in Dublin West. A number of routes are in operation to schools in Dublin 15 under the Primary, Post primary and Special Educational Needs School Transport Schemes, which are outlined in the spreadsheet attached.
|
POSTPRIMARY |
Luttrellstown Community College, Dublin 15 (76130P) |
|
PRIMARY |
Gaelscoil an Chuilinn, Dublin 15 (20394M) |
|
PRIMARY |
SN OILIBHEIR, Dublin 15 (19505L) |
|
PRIMARY |
SCOIL NAISUNTA CHNUACHA, Dublin 15 (18623M) |
|
PRIMARY |
SCOIL NAISUNTA CHNUACHA, Dublin 15 (18623M) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Scoil Choilm Community NS (20241K) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST FRANCIS XAVIER SENIOR N S (19470S) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Luttrellstown Community College (76130P) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Scoil Choilm Community NS (20241K) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SACRED HEART N S (19755L) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Scoil Ghrainne Community National School (20247W) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Powerstown Educate Together National Sch (20384J) |
|
SENPRIMARY & PRIMARY |
CASTLEKNOCK EDUCATE TOGETHER NS (20098I) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Hansfield Educate Together National Scho (20383H) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Danu Community Special School (20548N) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Danu Community Special School (20548N) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SCOIL BRIDE C (18047C) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Le Cheile Secondary School (68083N) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Danu Community Special School (20548N) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Danu Community Special School (20548N) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
TYRRELSTOWN EDUCATE TOGETHER NATIONAL SC (20201V) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
CASTLEKNOCK EDUCATE TOGETHER NS (20098I) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Danu Community Special School (20548N) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Le Cheile Secondary School (68083N) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Coláiste Pobail Setanta (76098W) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SCOIL MHUIRE SIN (19694R) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SACRED HEART N S (19755L) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SCOIL MHUIRE SIN (19694R) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST PATRICKS SENIOR SCHOOL (19636D) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST PATRICKS SENIOR SCHOOL (19636D) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
TYRRELSTOWN EDUCATE TOGETHER NATIONAL SC (20201V) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Mary Mother of Hope Junior National Scho (20309S) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Danu Community Special School (20548N) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Danu Community Special School (20548N) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Luttrellstown Community College (76130P) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Luttrellstown Community College (76130P) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Coláiste Pobail Setanta (76098W) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Danu Community Special School (20548N) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Pelletstown Educate Together National Sc (20392I) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Eriu Community College (76574F) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Luttrellstown Community College (76130P) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SCOIL NAIS MHUIRE SOIS (19605P) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Danu Community Special School (20548N) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Hansfield Educate Together Secondary S (68101M) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Eriu Community College (76574F) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Coláiste Pobail Setanta (76098W) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Coláiste Pobail Setanta (76098W) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Powerstown Educate Together National Sch (20384J) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SACRED HEART N S (19755L) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST BRIGIDS MXD N S (00697S) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST BRIGIDS MXD N S (00697S) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Powerstown Educate Together National Sch (20384J) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST BRIGIDS MXD N S (00697S) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Edmund Rice College D15 (68306H) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Edmund Rice College D15 (68306H) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Blakestown Community School (91316Q) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Hansfield Educate Together Secondary S (68101M) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Blakestown Community School (91316Q) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SN OILIBHEIR (19505L) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
CASTLEKNOCK EDUCATE TOGETHER NS (20098I) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Hansfield Educate Together Secondary S (68101M) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST PHILIP THE APOSTLE JUNIOR N S (19601H) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SCOIL BRIDE B (18046A) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Hansfield Educate Together National Scho (20383H) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Scoil Phobail Chuil Mhin (91315O) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SCOIL THOMAIS (19769W) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Edmund Rice College D15 (68306H) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Blakestown Community School (91316Q) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST PATRICKS SENIOR SCHOOL (19636D) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Powerstown Educate Together National Sch (20384J) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST PHILIPS SENIOR N S (19643A) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Pelletstown Educate Together National Sc (20392I) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Scoil Phobail Chuil Mhin (91315O) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Powerstown Educate Together National Sch (20384J) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Powerstown Educate Together National Sch (20384J) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
CASTLEKNOCK EDUCATE TOGETHER NS (20098I) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Rath Dara Community College (70081V) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST FRANCIS XAVIER J N S (19435Q) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Hansfield Educate Together Secondary S (68101M) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Powerstown Educate Together National Sch (20384J) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Edmund Rice College D15 (68306H) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Hansfield Educate Together Secondary S (68101M) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SCOIL MHUIRE SIN (19694R) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Hansfield Educate Together Secondary S (68101M) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Scoil Phobail Chuil Mhin (91315O) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SACRED HEART N S (19755L) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SCOIL BRIDE B (18046A) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
LADYSWELL N S (19850F) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Eriu Community College (76574F) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Danu Community Special School (20548N) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SCOIL BRIDE C (18047C) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
SCOIL MHUIRE SIN (19694R) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Castleknock Community College (76062B) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Castleknock Community College (76062B) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Rath Dara Community College (70081V) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Eriu Community College (76574F) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
CASTLEKNOCK EDUCATE TOGETHER NS (20098I) |
|
SENPOSTPRIMARY |
Scoil Phobail Chuil Mhin (91315O) |
|
PRIMARY IPAS/UACTR |
LADYSWELL N S |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST FRANCIS XAVIER J N S (19435Q) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
St. Patrick’s Junior NS (19545A) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
MARY MOTHER OF HOPE SENIOR NS (20137P) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST PATRICKS SENIOR SCHOOL (19636D) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Powerstown Educate Together National Sch (20384J) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
Pelletstown Educate Together National Sc (20392I) |
|
SENPRIMARY |
ST PHILIPS SENIOR N S (19643A) |
School Transport
Questions (532)
Emer Currie
Question:532. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the eligibility criteria for school transport scheme eligibility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9151/26]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
With regard to ethos, the Department of Education and Youth classifies schools as being one of the following - of religious denomination, interdenominational or multi-denominational.
At Post Primary level, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest post primary school/education centre subject to limited exceptions. The scheme has regard to ethos and language, in that exceptions to eligibility for the scheme, are considered in the case of minority religions and the Irish language.
The scheme at Post Primary level provides transport for children of minority religion for whom there is less choice of school given the dispersed nature of these schools and also facilitates the viability of those minority religion schools.
This ethos criteria does not apply to schools mentioned by the Deputy.
Departmental Data
Questions (533)
John Paul O'Shea
Question:533. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline all summer works approved for schools in Cork for 2025 and thus far in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9180/26]
View answerWritten answers
The purpose of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis that, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works.
It is envisaged that approvals in any given year will involve a spread of categories rather than the traditional single category at a time. This is aimed at managing market capacity and maximising value for money opportunities for school authorities.
In November 2025, my colleague the former Minister of Education and Youth, Helen McEntee TD, announced the first tranche of approvals under the new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. 297 projects were approved to proceed and involve primary, post primary and special schools, along with projects in all counties and across all categories of works. A total of 35 schools in Cork have been approved for commencement in 2026.
Full details of the of the announcement and the list of schools approved in the first tranche, the Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link; www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/.[]
School Staff
Questions (534)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:534. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will work to allow a smooth redeployment of teachers throughout the ETB system; without having to resign from one ETB to re-apply for a job in another; her views on whether this will help to improve teacher retention issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9195/26]
View answerWritten answers
As set out in the Education Act 1998 (as amended) it is the school/ETB that is the employer of the teachers that are employed in the school/ETB.
Each individual ETB is it’s own, unique employer and is responsible for the recruitment and appointment of teachers to the ETB.
However, ETBs must take account of the provisions of Circular 59/2016, which sets out the revised procedure and sequence for filling available teacher posts/hours, including Permanent Posts and Fixed-term Hours, with Permanent Posts in the first instance being offered by means of a CID where a fixed-term teacher qualifies for such, the offer of an enhance CID where an existing part-time CID holder qualifies for such, submitting remaining vacancies for filling by redeployment in accordance with the agreed arrangements and offering unassigned permanent hours to a part-time CID holder on a CID basis, including taking account of the teachers with the longest service.
The ETB, based on the teacher’s date of commencement of duty in the ETB in a permanent/CID capacity, determines the seniority of teachers.
Any changes to facilitate the redeployment of teachers throughout the ETB system, other than in the context of the existing redeployment system, will negatively impact the existing process for the filling of available teacher posts and could potentially negatively impact the seniority of existing teachers within an ETB and as such, it is not currently intended to introduce a system to facilitate the redeployment of teachers throughout the ETB system, outside of the redeployment process currently in place.
School Staff
Questions (535)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:535. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will make changes to ensure that the service of a teacher is recognised when they resign from an ETB to work in another in order that seniority follows the teacher, not the school that they work in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9196/26]
View answerWritten answers
As set out in the Education Act 1998 (as amended) it is the school/ETB that is the employer of the teachers that are employed in the school/ETB.
The Board of Management/ETB, based on the teacher’s date of commencement of duty in the school/ETB in a permanent/CID capacity, determines the seniority of teachers.
The seniority of a teacher who is redeployed via the panel or who voluntarily moves into a school will commence from the date of taking up duty in the new school.
As each school/ETB are the employers of the teachers that are employed there, and the seniority of the teachers in each school/ETB is determined in line with the above process.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (536)
Michael Murphy
Question:536. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the Stage 2B submission made on 13 October 2005 for the additional accommodation project at a school (details supplied); when a decision is expected to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9200/26]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the deputy refers was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project providing one construction studies room, one technology preparation area, one graphics room, one art room, two project stores, a four classroom special educational need (SEN) base, and repurposing of existing woodwork room to provide one engineering room. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The project was approved to progress to Stage 2a in February 2025. More recently a Stage 2a report has been submitted and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, are subject to the required due diligence specified in the Department's Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
My department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. In this regard, I have also published a list of the 105 school building projects in the first tranche to proceed to construction or tender over 2026 and 2027.
The first tranche of 105 school building projects includes 80 large scale and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects. These projects were prioritised with a strong focus on maximising existing capacity and prioritising project rollout to meet the most urgent needs particularly to support special education needs provision.
Firstly, to facilitate the 45 projects that are currently already at tender stage (Stage 3) so that they can progress to construction as smoothly as possible over the course of 2026 and 2027. Secondly, to facilitate 35 projects that currently have planning permission and are at pre-tender stage (Stage 2b) and have been prioritised to meet urgent requirements from a special needs perspective or to provide additional capacity to cater for demographics or to address very significant condition issues at the schools.
I recognise that there are schools with important building projects that are not included in the first tranche of prioritised projects.
As part of planning ahead for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender. The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing prioritisation process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, the department will also assess opportunities to undertake advance enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth progression to construction in 2028 and beyond.
Any interim accommodation requirements will continue to be assessed and considered by the department on a case-by-case basis to determine the prioritised needs and approach for addressing same.
The accommodation needs at this school will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
Home Schooling
Questions (537, 539, 540, 541)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:537. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which home-educated students will be graded on their Additional Assessment Component (AAC’s), particularly when the principle of teacher authentication underpins these AACs; if she can provide assurances that home-educated students will be marked in the same manner as any other student; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9205/26]
View answerDarren O'Rourke
Question:539. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which the AAC component of leaving cycle exams in biology, which state that there is a need for regular, comprehensive engagement by the teacher with each student throughout the complete process will affect home-educated students; the measures are in place to ensure that home-educated students have their AAC’s reviewed and graded the same as other school students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9207/26]
View answerDarren O'Rourke
Question:540. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if under the new Leaving Certificate AAC’s can only be completed by students in school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9208/26]
View answerDarren O'Rourke
Question:541. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if home-educated students completing the additional assessment component of their Leaving Certificate are treated the same as home-tutored candidates in terms of supervision and grading; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9209/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 537, 539, 540 and 541 together.
The State Examination Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for the administration of the State certificate examinations. This includes setting out the requirements for the authentication of coursework components, in line with overall examinations and assessment policy.
In view of this, I have asked the SEC to respond directly to you with the information you have requested.
Home Schooling
Questions (538)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:538. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of home-educated second level students in the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9206/26]
View answerWritten answers
Tusla’s Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS) is under the remit of my department. AEARS is responsible for the regulation of provision of education in places other than recognised schools, including children who are home schooled or children who are enrolled in a non-recognised independent school.
Assessments are carried out by an authorised person in line with the ‘Guidelines on the Assessment of Education in Places other than a Recognised School’, issued by my department.
The data requested by the Deputy for home schooled students (aged 12-16) as of the end of 2025 is as follows:
|
Total of home schooled children aged 12-16 on the Section 14 Register |
1,276 |
|
Total number of open applications (awaiting assessment, assessment complete and awaiting registration) for home schooled children aged 12-16 to be included on the Section 14 Register |
179 |
|
Total |
1,455 |
In addition, the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is available from my department to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. Home Tuition is provided as an interim, short-term measure and should not be regarded as an optional alternative to a school placement.
My department provides home tuition under the following categories -
• home tuition for children with special educational needs and on medical grounds,
• home tuition in respect of maternity-related absences, and,
• home tuition for children temporarily without a school place or an offer of a school place or children in care without a school place
The following table outlines the total number of post-primary children currently in receipt of Home Tuition under each category:
|
Year |
No School Place |
Children in Care |
Maternity Related |
Mental Health |
Medical |
SEN - No School Place |
|
2025/2026 |
108 |
6 |
3 |
344 |
89 |
29 |
Question No. 539 answered with Question No. 537.
Question No. 540 answered with Question No. 537.
Question No. 541 answered with Question No. 537.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (542)
Mark Ward
Question:542. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a school (details supplied) is included in the emergency summer works scheme for 2026; the way in which they can apply for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9212/26]
View answerWritten answers
The purpose of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis that, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works.
It is envisaged that approvals in any given year will involve a spread of categories rather than the traditional single category at a time. This is aimed at managing market capacity and maximising value for money opportunities for school authorities.
In November 2025, my colleague the former Minister of Education and Youth, Helen McEntee TD, announced the first tranche of approvals under the new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. 297 projects were approved to proceed and involve primary, post primary and special schools, along with projects in all counties and across all categories of works.
My Department can confirm an application was received from the school in question however the school was not on the list of approvals in the first tranche. Given that funding is limited in any particular year it is necessary to prioritise applications. Under the new climate action summer works scheme which operates on a multi annual basis, like previous summer works schemes, applications from schools that are not reached for funding or market prioritisation reasons in 2026 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available for climate action summer works in subsequent years.
It is anticipated that the next tranche of approvals will be in the latter half of 2026.
Full details of the of the announcement and the list of schools approved in the first tranche, the Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link; www.gov.ie/en/de.
School Accommodation
Questions (543)
Mark Ward
Question:543. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the application by a school to replace their 50-year-old prefabs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9213/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard, there will be strong special education dimension to the project rollout.
Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be work at circa 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
My department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. In this regard, I have also published a list of the 105 school building projects in the first tranche to proceed to construction or tender over 2026 and 2027.
Between 2020 and 2025, the Department of Education has provided €1794.95 million in capital funding for Dublin schools. There are currently 64 school projects in Dublin under construction.
I can confirm to the Deputy that the school's application is being considered by my officials and they have been in contact with the school authorities in relation to this application. My officials remain available to work with the school authorities throughout this process. I can assure the Deputy that the application will be progressed as soon as possible and an official decision will issue to the school authorities directly.