Written Answers Nos. 319-339
319. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether in recent special needs assistant review cycles, any revised guidance has issued to the National Council for Special Education distinguishing between level 2 and level 3 primary care needs for the purpose of determining reductions in SNA allocation; and if she will clarify the policy basis for any such distinction [13546/26]
View answer320. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the safeguards which exist within the special needs assistant review appeals process to ensure that schools are not discouraged from lodging appeals; whether any departmental guidance addresses the possibility of further allocation changes following an appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13547/26]
View answer321. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the quality assurance procedures that are in place within the National Council for Special Education to ensure accuracy in SNA allocation correspondence issued to schools; whether any internal review has taken place following instances of incorrect allocation notifications, and if she will outline the governance framework governing such communications. [13548/26]
View answer323. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of primary schools in County Cork that have experienced a reduction in special needs assistant allocation following National Council for Special Education review during the 2024 and 2025 school years; and whether her Department is satisfied that reductions are being applied consistently and proportionately [13550/26]
View answer365. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the SNA appeals mechanism permits a reduction in allocation beyond that originally notified where an appeal is submitted; and to outline the procedural safeguards in place to ensure that the exercise of the right of appeal does not expose schools to additional allocation loss. [13782/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 319 to 321, inclusive, 323 and 365 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision and care support for children and young people with special educational needs in our schools, including the allocation of special needs assistant (SNA) support to schools.
SNAs are very important in supporting students with additional and significant care needs take part in school life. Because of this, the department has been increasing SNA numbers for many years. There are now over 23,000 SNAs working in schools. By the end of the 2026/27 school year, this number will be close to 25,000 across mainstream classes, special classes, and special schools.
Since 2020/21, the number of SNAs in schools has grown by 45%. Every county has seen an increase in SNA support over this period. SNAs work as part of a whole-school team to support students with special educational needs. This team also includes nearly 22,000 special education teachers nationwide.
The number of SNAs a school needs can change for different reasons, such as changes in student numbers, changes in individual care needs, or students moving from primary to post-primary school. When the NCSE reviews SNA allocations, it looks closely at the care needs of students in each school. This helps make sure that SNA support goes where it is most needed. The role of the SNA is set out in DEY Circular 30/2014 and the NCSE process for SNA reviews is consistent with its provisions.
Every SNA review undertaken by the NCSE is a detailed and specific review of the care needs profile in that individual school. Where the NCSE identify during the review that the care needs have increased in an individual schools the necessary SNA resources to support those needs schools are provided.
Minister Naughton and I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities in recent days. In light of concerns raised I as minister have paused the review of the SNA allocations.
Minister Naughton and I, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach are engaging intensively to ensure that all of the concerns raised are really understood and children with special educational needs are fully supported.
No further letters on SNA review outcomes will issue until these engagements have concluded in the coming weeks.
The 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.
322. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth Education the current operational status of the special needs assistant redeployment scheme referenced in Circular 0032/2025; whether it is fully operational nationwide; and the way allocation reductions are managed in schools pending full implementation of the scheme [13549/26]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for their question. Work to develop a SNA Redeployment Scheme is at an advanced stage. This important policy initiative will ensure that competent, knowledgeable, and experienced SNAs are retained in our schools, building capacity in the workforce and enhancing the service to children with special educational needs.
Undertaken in conjunction with work on the first SNA Workforce Development Plan (the plan), the SNA Redeployment Scheme will be operated by the National Council for Education (NCSE). For the first time, it will allow SNAs in posts which may no longer be required for reasons such as falling enrolments, reduced care needs or changing demographics, to be redeployed to a school which has a vacant post.
The scheme is being implemented for the 2025/26 school year, providing an opportunity for redeployment of SNAs as the need arises for the start of the 2026/27 school year. The NCSE will be supported by the SNA Workforce Development Unit and relevant units within my department.
It is important to note that SNAs in surplus standard posts identified through the NCSE’s SNA Review process will remain in the relevant school for the rest of the academic year. Assuming no change to SNA allocations in the meantime, eligible SNAs in standard posts (both full-time and part-time) who opt for redeployment may be redeployed to a new post in September 2026.
The NCSE will provide support to schools and SNAs through webinars to provide further information on the operation of the SNA Redeployment Scheme. Schools and SNAs are encouraged to raise any issues/queries with their staff representatives and management bodies so that my department and the NCSE can address these together during regular consultations, both in the lead up to the Scheme’s launch and throughout its implementation during the 2025/26 school year.
Updates and final details of the SNA Redeployment Scheme, including a comprehensive circular and guidelines, will be published on the NCSE website and the SNA Information Hub on www.gov.ie as work progresses.
328. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review correspondence (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the proposed ASD classroom; the current status of the school’s application with her Department; the stage the project is at within the approval process; the anticipated timeline for a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13561/26]
View answerThe school referred to was approved to enter the Department's pipeline of projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme. The project will provide two Science labs and one prep area, one Home Economics, one Music room, one Textiles room, a two class Special Education Needs (SEN) base and ancillary accommodation. This project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.
A Stage 1 preliminary design report was submitted to the Department in April 2025. This report is currently under review from a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in my Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
My department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes last month, which is several months earlier than last year. 301 have been sanctioned to date and many more new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks. The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level, schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs. 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.
The accommodation needs at this school will also be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led NDP prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
329. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will confirm the total number of special needs assistants and whole time equivalents that were employed by the State in each of the years 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13565/26]
View answer364. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether any revised circular, directive, operational instruction or internal policy guidance was issued to the National Council for Special Education or to Special Educational Needs Organisers in advance of the 2026 SNA review cycle altering the weighting of mainstream primary care needs; and if so, to provide details. [13781/26]
View answer367. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the net national change in mainstream SNA posts, excluding special class allocations, between the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 school years; and to provide the number of primary schools experiencing a reduction of one or more full-time equivalent SNA posts for September 2026. [13784/26]
View answer380. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the annual national budget allocation for SNA resources for the years 2020 to 2025 inclusive, and the projected budget for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13975/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 329, 364, 367 and 380 together.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision and care support for children and young people with special educational needs in our schools, including the allocation of special needs assistant (SNA) support to schools.
SNAs are very important in supporting students with additional and significant care needs take part in school life. Because of this, the department has been increasing SNA numbers for many years. There are now over 23,000 SNAs working in schools. By the end of the 2026/27 school year, this number will be close to 25,000 across mainstream classes, special classes, and special schools.
Since 2020/21, the number of SNAs in schools has grown by 45%. Every county has seen an increase in SNA support over this period.
SNAs work as part of a whole-school team to support students with special educational needs. This team also includes nearly 22,000 special education teachers nationwide. The number of SNAs a school needs can change for different reasons, such as changes in student numbers, changes in individual care needs, or students moving from primary to post-primary school.
When the NCSE reviews SNA allocations, it looks closely at the care needs of students in each school. This helps make sure that SNA support goes where it is most needed. The role of the SNA is set out in DEY Circular 30/2014 and the NCSE process for SNA reviews is consistent with its provisions.
Every SNA review undertaken by the NCSE is a detailed and specific review of the care needs profile in that individual school. Where the NCSE identify during the review that the care needs have increased in an individual schools the necessary SNA resources to support those needs schools are provided.
Minister Naughton and I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities in recent days. In light of concerns raised I as minister have paused the review of the SNA allocations.
Minister Naughton and I, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach are engaging intensively to ensure that all of the concerns raised are really understood and children with special educational needs are fully supported.
No further letters on SNA review outcomes will issue until these engagements have concluded in the coming weeks.
The table below shows a list of the SNA numbers allocated per year from 2020/21 to 2026/2027.
It is important to remember that when the NCSE allocates a SNA post, the board of management as the employer, is responsible for filling the vacancy. The decision on whether to employ a full time SNA to fill a full-time post or to employ an equivalent number of part time SNAs rests with the employer.
The 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.
|
School Year |
No of SNAs Allocated |
|
2020/2021 |
17,014 |
|
2021/2022 |
18,004 |
|
2022/2023 |
19,169 |
|
2023/2024 |
20,363 |
|
2024/2025 |
21,579 |
|
2025/2026 |
23,179 |
|
2026/2027 * |
24,896 |
|
*For school year commencing 01/09/2026 |
|
330. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the launch of a new school bus route between schools (details supplied); whether a commencement timeline is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13570/26]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy is currently located on an interim basis in modular accommodation in Hansfield, Dublin 15, pending a move to their permanent location in Hollywoodrath.
Following communications with the department, the patron body and school are making the necessary arrangements for the provision of bus transport for students attending the school who are living in the Mulhuddart_Tyrellstown_D15 school planning area.
331. 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. [13572/26]
View answerThe school to which the deputy refers was originally approved to enter the Department’s school building programme under the Additional School Accommodation scheme for a project that includes the provision of one Mainstream Classroom, one Special Education Tuition Classroom and a two classroom special Educational Needs Base. The project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The school has submitted its Stage 1/2a report, which has been approved to advance on the condition that the Department’s professional and technical comments are fully incorporated into the design prior to it proceeding to planning. My Department is currently awaiting the submission of the Stage 2b (developed design) report. Once received, the report will undergo a comprehensive technical and cost review. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in my Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
More recently the provision of one Mainstream classroom was delivered under my Department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme at this school.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Education & Youth 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.
332. 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. [13573/26]
View answerThe building project which the Deputy refers to at Colaiste Ghobnatan, Machromtha, Cork is devolved for delivery to the Cork Education and Training Board (CETB).
The project brief provides for a Long-Term Projected Enrolment of 300 post-primary pupils.
The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process. This stage allows for detailed design and planning, obtaining necessary statutory permissions and preparation of tender documents. Planning permission has been granted. A stage 2b report was recently submitted to the department by CETB which 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, the department 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 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.
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 also currently 20 school projects in Cork 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.
The department recognises 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 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.
333. 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. [13574/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the school was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project to provide one mainstream classroom and the reconfiguration of existing accommodation to provide an additional mainstream classroom and one special education tuition classroom, along with ancillary works.
The Department has yet to receive a full Stage 2b report which includes the statutory certificates and an updated cost plan. Once received, the report will undergo a comprehensive technical and cost review. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in my Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
The accommodation needs at this school will also be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led NDP prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
334. 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. [13575/26]
View answerThe school to which the deputy refers was originally approved to enter the Department’s school building programme under the Additional School Accommodation scheme for a project that includes the provision of a two Special Educational Needs Classrooms (SEN) base, one Special Education Tuition Classrooms (SET) and Ancillary Accommodation. The project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.
Following this, the approved scope of accommodation was increased to include an additional SEN classroom, bringing the total provision for SEN to a three-classroom SEN base. As the scale of the project has expanded, a revised Stage 1/2a (pre-planning) report was required. A revised report has been submitted to my Department and is currently under review from a technical and cost perspective. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in my 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, the Department of Education & Youth 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.
335. 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. [13576/26]
View answerThe school to which the deputy refers was approved to enter the Department’s school building programme under the Additional School Accommodation scheme for two Special Educational Needs Classrooms (SEN, one staffroom and ancillary.
The school are currently required to submit an Addendum Stage 1 report to the Department. When submitted this report will undergo a comprehensive technical and cost review. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in my Department’s infrastructure guidelines.
More recently the provision of four mainstream classrooms and three special education tuition (SET) under my Department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme was delivered in this school.
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.
336. 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. [13577/26]
View answerThe school in question was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline for a project under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project will provide a four-classroom special educational needs (SEN) base, seven general classrooms, two science labs with one prep area, one home economics room, one technology room with prep area and ancillary. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority with the assistance of Cork Education and Training Board (CETB).
The Stage 2b (developed design) report was submitted by CETB in December 2025. This report will undergo a comprehensive technical and cost review. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in my Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines.
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 €767.88 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 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 CETB and school authorities.
337. 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. [13578/26]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my Department's pipeline of projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme. The project will provide two mainstream classrooms, a three-class special educational needs (SEN) base and alterations to existing building to repurpose for existing SEN base.
A revised Stage 1 preliminary design report was submitted to my Department in quarter 3 2025. This report will undergo a comprehensive technical and cost review. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in my Department’s infrastructure guidelines.
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.
338. 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. [13579/26]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my Department's pipeline for a project under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme. The project will provide four general classrooms, two special education tuition (SET) rooms, one graphics room and a three class special education needs (SEN) base. The project was devolved to the school for delivery.
The Stage 2a (developed design) report was submitted to my Department in January 2026. This report will undergo a comprehensive technical and cost review. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in my Department’s infrastructure guidelines.
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.
339. 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. [13580/26]
View answerThe school to which the Deputy refers was originally approved under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for a project comprising ten mainstream classrooms, three SET rooms, reconfiguration of the existing school to provide a three class Special Education Needs (SEN) base, a general-purpose hall, and ancillary spaces. The Stage 1 (preliminary design) report, submitted in December 2023, presented two options: refurbishing and extending the existing school, or constructing a new school building.
Following the Stage 1 submission and a site visit by my Department’s professional and technical personnel, the refurbishment option was deemed unviable. The new-build option was identified as the only feasible approach, particularly to allow delivery through a phased construction programme.
As a result of this assessment, the project brief has been further expanded to provide twelve mainstream classrooms, six SET rooms, seven SEN classes, a general-purpose hall, and associated ancillary accommodation.
The project is at Stage 2a (developed design) and my Department are awaiting submission of this report. Once received, the report will undergo a comprehensive technical and cost review. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in my Department’s infrastructure guidelines.
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.
