Written Answers Nos. 584-603
585. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the annual wage structure of an SNA; if any assessment of years of service, experience and qualifications is included in this reimbursement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9825/26]
View answerSpecial Needs Assistants are valued members of our school communities who carry out vital work in our schools, supporting students with diverse needs. The current salary scale and structure applicable to Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) is set out in the Department of Education and Youth Circular 0006/2026
Under the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026 (PSA), which has been approved by Government and applies to all public servants, including SNAs, pay increases totalling 9.25% are provided for up to June 2026. These terms were collectively agreed with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. To date, SNAs have received pay increases amounting to 8.25%, with the remaining 1% scheduled for implementation on 1 June 2026. This Agreement also contains a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment. The PSA concludes on 30 June 2026.
As is standard practice, discussions with public service unions continue on all matters relating to pay agreements. Any review of terms and conditions including pay and pensions for SNAs will follow these established processes and be considered in detail by the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the relevant trade unions.
I note the Deputy has referred to experience in relation to wages and the criteria required to have incremental credit awarded to qualified Special Needs Assistants (SNA) is set out in Circular 0139/2006 and was agreed with the unions representing the Special Needs Assistants, School Management Representatives, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education.
To qualify for an award of incremental credit an SNA and their prior work experience being claimed must satisfy the eligibility criteria set out in the relevant circular. An award of incremental credit cannot be made where the eligibility criteria are not satisfied.
Finally, I note that the Deputy refers to SNA qualifications in his question. DEY Circular 51/2019 Recruitment and Appointment Procedures for Special Needs Assistants sets out the minimum educational requirement for SNAs which is a level 3 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications or three grade Ds in the Junior Certificate or equivalent. I acknowledge and applaud the many individuals who have completed appropriate courses, whether the Department funded SNA National training programme, which has been completed by 3,843 SNAs to date, or other Further Education courses, to enhance the knowledge, expertise, and skills they bring to these essential roles.
My department is currently working on the first Special Needs Assistant Workforce Development Plan (the plan), which will introduce policy developments which will bring clarity and direction to the SNA service. Minimum qualifications and continuous professional development are two of the key areas considered in the work undertaken under Pillar 3 - Learning and Development in the plan.
I am pleased to say that work on the plan, which will include actions to deliver an enhanced SNA service to children and young people in our schools is now at an advanced stage.
586. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the school in the National Rehabilitation Hospital; if a permanent site can be provided for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9829/26]
View answerI can confirm that my department has engaged with the patron of the school, Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board regarding the matter referred to by the Deputy. My department understands that the patron will liaise directly with the school management regarding the matter raised.
587. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of school management in relation to the lack of permanent accommodation within the National Rehabilitation Hospital school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9830/26]
View answerI can confirm that my department has engaged with the patron of the school, Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board regarding the matter referred to by the Deputy. My department understands that the patron will liaise directly with the school management regarding the matter raised.
588. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the number of students assigned to the school in the National Rehabilitation Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9831/26]
View answer589. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the number of staff assigned to the school in the National Rehabilitation Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9832/26]
View answer590. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the location of all schools that are located within hospitals to accommodate children in longer term medical care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9833/26]
View answer591. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of students currently assigned to schools that are located within hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9834/26]
View answer592. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of staff that are currently assigned to schools located within hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9835/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 588, 589, 590, 591 and 592 together.
Enabling 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 Department of Education and Youth provides funding and staffing for schools attached to seven hospitals and three CAMHS units where children are treated as inpatients. Hospital schools constitute a critical element of a child’s pathway to recovery while in the hospital setting. They provide opportunities to address children’s wellbeing needs in seeking to maintain continuity of learning and contact with peers, where possible.
While hospital schools are designated as special primary schools, they serve the needs of a broad range of students of various ages including students from both mainstream schools, special classes and special schools. Traditionally, and according to Department rules, newly admitted paediatric patients should be offered education in the hospital school after they have been in hospital for ten days. Children on repeat admissions should access education immediately for each subsequent period in the hospital.
A list of Hospitals schools and CAMHS schools is available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/organisation-information/special-schools/.
Preliminary enrolment data for the academic year 2025-2026 for these schools is available on the Gov.ie page - Primary schools enrolment figures (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/collections/primary-schools-enrolment-figures/#20242025) This data will be replaced by the final data for 2025-2026 in June 2026 at the link. The same page also contains final data for previous school years.
Since the 2025/2026 school year the staffing allocation of each hospital schools will be reviewed annually by the NCSE and is based on the needs of the students in each of the school.
The Department’s Inspectorate has carried out reports on both types of settings which may be of interest and can be accessed via the links below or directly through Gov.ie.:
• Review of education provision in schools attached to CAMHS units www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/review-of-education-provision-in-schools-attached-to-camhs-units/.
• A Review of Educational Provision for Children Attending Hospital Schools www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/collections/inspectorate-publications-evaluation-reports-and-guidelines/.
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.
593. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of school transport applications submitted in Waterford from 2022 to 2025; and the number of those applications that were approved during this period, in tabular form. [9842/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of the 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.
The information is not readily available in the manner requested by the Deputy, however, 3042 tickets were issued to children and young people attending schools in Waterford in 2022. In 2025, 3492 tickets issued to children and young people attending schools in Waterford. Not all applications result in school transport places. Some families close their application, or receive a grant where there are less than 10 eligible applications and there is no service available, while others do not apply or pay in full before the deadline closing date.
The scheme is a demand led scheme based on the number of eligible children who apply.
Under the current terms of the mainstream scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2km from and are attending their nearest primary school, and reside not less than 4.8km from and are attending their nearest post primary centre, as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
All eligible pupils have a service where one is available. Pupils who do not meet the eligibility criteria are considered concessionary pupils. Where concessionary pupils have applied and paid and time and there is a service available they will be accommodated. In the current school year there are approximately 100,000 eligible pupils and 50,000 concessionary pupils on mainstream services.
594. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures she is taking to address the use of AI tracking software in schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9846/26]
View answerThe use of AI in relation to tracking students attainment must be done in line with existing data privacy regulations. The inputting of sensitive, proprietary or personal data should be avoided and GDPR applies. Educators must be aware of the AI systems they are using, ensuring that they are used in ways that are responsible, just, and fair.
The Department of Education and Youth’s Guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools, published in October 2025, emphasises the need to comply with GDPR and data privacy laws and to protect personal data when using AI tools. This includes ensuring that the AI systems used are reliable, fair, safe, and trustworthy and that the management of educational data is secure, protects the privacy of individuals, and is used for the common good. It recommends that the inputting of sensitive, proprietary or personal data should be avoided and GDPR applies.
In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act 1998, the board of management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. Schools must comply with data protection requirements when requesting and collating information from parents and guardians. The responsibility for compliance with data protection legislation rests with each school board of management
Schools are data controllers and are therefore responsible for compliance with GDPR. Schools must comply with their GDPR obligations around how they collect and use personal data.
The Data Protection Commision (DPC)is the national independent authority responsible for upholding the fundamental right of individuals to have their personal data protected. It is the supervisory authority responsible for monitoring the application of the GDPR. The statutory powers, duties and functions of the DPC are as established under the Data Protection Act 2018.
In 2024 the DPC published a Data Protection Toolkit for Schools online to assist with specific concerns and challenges faced by schools, following consultation with a number of organisations in the education sector. The Toolkit is available on the DPC’s website and includes guidance on the use of technology in schools, including the arrangements of third-party service providers.
Schools can consult with their management body and/or the DPC if they require further advice.
595. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the DEIS review; when the review will conclude; the way in which schools outside of DEIS can engage in the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9848/26]
View answerTackling educational disadvantage and supporting students to realise their full potential in life is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth, and for the Government. The DEIS programme is a key Government policy aimed at addressing concentrated educational disadvantage at school level.
Currently, the DEIS programme supports almost 1,200 primary and post-primary schools, reaching approximately 260,000 students, with an annual investment of over investment of over €180 million. Budget 2026 allocates an additional €16.5 million in 2026, rising to €48 million in 2027, to introduce the DEIS Plus scheme and support the implementation of the new DEIS Strategy.
The OECD’s 2024 Review of Resourcing Schools to Address Educational Disadvantage in Ireland highlighted the role of the DEIS programme in providing an education system that consistently outperforms many other OECD countries but also exhibits relative socio-economic fairness, making it one of the stronger performers globally. However, the review also highlighted that important differences in outcomes persist for students who experience high levels of deprivation.
This review has provided an independent expert opinion on the current resource allocation model for the DEIS programme and, drawing on international examples, informs a policy approach for an equitable distribution of supplementary resources to support students at risk of educational disadvantage attending all schools, both DEIS and non-DEIS.
In addition, in 2024 and 2025, the Department also carried out consultation workshops, focus groups and other engagements with principals, deputy principals, teachers, the Home School Community Liaison officers, the School Completion Programme team (SCP), and education partners and stakeholders, including children and young people. This work has been extremely important in informing policy development in this area.
The new DEIS Strategy will set out the Department of Education and Youth’s strategic vision, goals, and objectives to tackle educational disadvantage in all schools. The Strategy has a focus on developing more innovative approaches to addressing educational disadvantage and working towards a more flexible system of support to ensure that all schools can receive the right support at the right time. This will involve a more dynamic resource allocation model where levels of resources more accurately follow the levels of need identified by objective data.
Any future expansion of the DEIS programme and overall allocation of resources will be determined within the context of the new DEIS Strategy, which will be published in the coming weeks.
596. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason no schools in County Mayo were included in the most recent list of school building projects progressing to tender and construction for 2026–2027, given the significant and well-documented accommodation pressures in the county, particularly in relation to special education provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9851/26]
View answerMy department’s NDP Sectoral Investment Plan 2026-2030 involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. 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 foclus in all projects.
The first tranche of 105 projects covers the initial two-year period of NDP rollout. The criteria for identifying the first tranche of prioritised projects to go to construction / tender in 2026 and 2027 included the condition of the school, projects in areas with capacity pressures, growing demographics and projects in the pipeline for a long time.
The 105 prioritised projects consist of 80 large-scale and ASA (additional school accommodation) projects along with 25 projects to be delivered under the Modular Accommodation Programme.
The next tranche of projects will be finalised and published afterwards (post 2027) following a stakeholder engagement process to identify the next most urgent priorities.
A 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. 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 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.
My departments total capital expenditure 2020 to 2025 in Co. Mayo was €159.04 million. 61 projects have been completed 2020 to 2025 either as Large Scale, Additional School Accommodation or Modular there is also 16 school building projects in construction. The approved Summer Works Scheme including Climate Action for delivery 2026 is 16.
My department will continue to engage with patrons regarding projects at schools under their patronage. As part of this engagement any interim accommodation needs or required works will be explored. This engagement will also inform the next tranche of prioritised projects.
597. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a decision will issue on the accommodation plans submitted by a school (details supplied) which have been with her Department for ten months without an update, despite repeated follow-up by the board of management; the status and expected timeline for review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9852/26]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme. The project will provide six mainstream classrooms, one textiles room, two science laboratories, one science preparation area, one graphics room, one art room, one engineering room, one technology room, one shared engineering/technology preparation area and a two classroom special educational needs (SEN) base, along with ancillary accommodation. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The project is at Stage 1 (preliminary design). My Department received the Stage 1 report in Q2 2025, and it is now being reviewed for a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public 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.
598. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the extension and upgrade to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9859/26]
View answer599. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the omission of a school (details supplied) from her Department’s priority list of building development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9860/26]
View answer600. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will engage with school management in a school (details supplied) in relation to previous commitments to carry out an extension and upgrade to the school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9861/26]
View answer601. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the frustration of school management in a school (details supplied) in relation to previous commitments to carry out an extension and upgrade to the school building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9862/26]
View answer602. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the basis for the decision to not include a school (details supplied) in her Department’s priority list of building development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9863/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 598, 599, 600, 601 and 602 together.
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently completing Stage 2(b) of the architectural design process.
Stage 2(b) involves detailed design, securing all Statutory Approvals and the preparation of tender documentation.
The brief for this major project is to provide a New Build Extension and Refurbishment of the existing Protected Structures to extend school capacity to 1,000 and to provide additional classrooms for Students with Special Educational Needs.
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 1 project in County Donegal.
These projects are in addition to €220.78 million in capital funding for Donegal schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 66 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 14 school projects in Donegal under construction.
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 St Eunans College will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
I can confirm that a request to visit this school has been received by my office and is currently under consideration.
603. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether Youthreach experience as a resource person is counted for incremental credit when moving into a post-primary teaching role; if so, the reason the same experience is not uniformly recognised for those remaining in Youthreach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9890/26]
View answerThe Department of Education and Youth’s Circular 0023/2023 sets out the criteria for the Award of Incremental Credit to Post Primary Teachers who have prior service as a Youthreach Resource Person or a Youthreach Co-ordinator.
The criteria for the Award of Incremental Credit under circular 0023/2023 states that persons appointed as teachers in a recognised post primary school and who have service as a Youthreach Resource Person or a Youthreach Co-ordinator may apply to have all service in those grades considered as “Previous Approved Teaching Service in the Republic of Ireland” as per Circular 0029/2007.
Circular 0023/2023 only allows for previous service as a Youthreach Resource Person or a Youthreach Co-ordinator to be recognised.
The regulations and procedures in relation to the awarding of incremental credit in recognition of previous equivalent or relevant experience for Youthreach resource persons and Youthreach co-ordinators are governed by Circular 0019/2018. This circular outlines that the awarding of incremental credit in recognition of prior equivalent or relevant experience is at the discretion of the Chief Executive of the respective ETB and, as such, queries regarding same should be directed to the ETB as the employer, in the first instance.
