Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
601. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether there is additional support for special schools for sanitary products for special schools who cater for children aged 4-18 plus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11723/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and the Programme for Government includes a commitment to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that they can meet their day-to-day running costs.
The Government allocated €39 million in Budget 2026 towards increased capitation funding for primary, post-primary and special schools to provide additional financial support towards their running costs.
Enhanced rates of capitation currently apply to all students in special schools. The increased capitation rates will result in up to 139 special schools now receiving increased rates of capitation for students aged 12 and over, on a similar basis as their peers in mainstream post-primary schools. This adjustment reflects the higher costs associated with education provision for older students and ensures funding on a fair and equitable basis across educational settings for all students.
These increases will take effect from September 2026.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, includes the commitment to provide free period products in schools to ensure no student is held back due to period poverty. Arising from the work of the inter-departmental group led by the Department of Health, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) established a procurement framework that includes period products across Governments departments and other bodies. During development of this Framework, at the request of my department, it was arranged that it could be accessed by any primary or post-primary school, including special schools.
My department will continue to participate in the work of the inter-departmental group and work to ensure the Programme for Government commitment is progressed.
