Written Answers Nos. 324-340
324. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of international IDA visits to regions over the past ten years, broken down by city and county and by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16114/26]
View answerRegional development is a key focus of our Programme for Government and is central to the work of my Department and our enterprise development agencies. FDI has a significant impact in realising balanced regional growth, and investments by IDA Ireland client-companies consistently generate highly skilled jobs nationwide. IDA Ireland is continuing its strong commitment to regional development as one of four key strategic objectives of its current strategy, "Adapt Intelligently" and is targeting 550 of a total 1,000 investments, or 55%, in the regions over the period between 2025 and 2029. In 2025, the first year of the strategy IDA secured 323 investments, 183, or 57% of which were in regional locations.
IDA Ireland has a team dedicated to the delivery of investments, who work closely with colleagues overseas and in specialised sectors to secure investment to the regions. As the Deputy is aware, the availability of suitable property and strategic sites is a critical component of the regional value proposition and can be the key differentiator in investment decisions in the regions from both new and existing clients. In this regard, IDA facilitates sites visits for potential investors and IDA Ireland continues to collaborate closely with national and local stakeholders to foster the conditions necessary for enterprise, innovation, and job creation in the regions.
Reporting on site visits is available on a county basis only, and, as requested, the number of sites visits by international clients by county over the last ten years, is set out in the table below. These figures include visits by a multi-national company, where that company is considering new or expansionary investment activities in Ireland.
In interpreting the figures, it should be noted that potential clients may visit more than one county and may return to a location more than once and the figures being provided represent individual visits and therefore, may not be indicative of the number of companies that have visited. It should also be noted that site visits may not necessarily be a true measure of the overall level of FDI activity in a region or county and are only one measure of a company’s interest in a particular location and naturally, year-on-year, the number of visits to any location will vary.
I must also stress that, ultimately, individual investors decide which counties to visit, and where to locate their investments.
Table: IDA facilitated site visits by county between 2016 and 2025
|
County |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
|
Carlow |
7 |
6 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
9 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
|
Cavan |
2 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
7 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Clare |
19 |
21 |
40 |
22 |
20 |
16 |
28 |
13 |
22 |
18 |
|
Cork |
60 |
41 |
39 |
45 |
44 |
30 |
68 |
61 |
51 |
49 |
|
Donegal |
4 |
2 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
1 |
12 |
8 |
2 |
7 |
|
Dublin |
247 |
221 |
173 |
201 |
153 |
121 |
284 |
269 |
327 |
284 |
|
Galway |
41 |
34 |
38 |
40 |
31 |
21 |
46 |
54 |
62 |
42 |
|
Kerry |
3 |
6 |
8 |
13 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
10 |
9 |
3 |
|
Kildare |
5 |
5 |
4 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
14 |
8 |
10 |
8 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
8 |
10 |
3 |
6 |
8 |
13 |
5 |
6 |
10 |
|
Laois |
6 |
2 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
5 |
10 |
4 |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
5 |
8 |
|
Limerick |
33 |
38 |
52 |
48 |
37 |
26 |
57 |
35 |
42 |
49 |
|
Longford |
3 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
7 |
6 |
|
Louth |
9 |
7 |
11 |
16 |
10 |
14 |
40 |
20 |
22 |
24 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
10 |
7 |
5 |
|
Meath |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
3 |
8 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
|
Offaly |
5 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
7 |
4 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
8 |
7 |
10 |
6 |
9 |
29 |
15 |
18 |
20 |
|
Tipperary |
3 |
2 |
10 |
9 |
12 |
12 |
7 |
5 |
8 |
8 |
|
Waterford |
20 |
18 |
18 |
12 |
8 |
9 |
18 |
21 |
11 |
17 |
|
Westmeath |
19 |
18 |
13 |
20 |
20 |
14 |
22 |
22 |
42 |
36 |
|
Wexford |
6 |
6 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
4 |
6 |
3 |
3 |
7 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
|
Total site visits |
514 |
466 |
464 |
486 |
383 |
311 |
700 |
607 |
682 |
638 |
325. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of IDA supported jobs in Ireland over the past ten years broken down by county and by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16115/26]
View answerThe employment and economic impact of IDA client-companies for the Irish economy and society remain at record levels. IDA Ireland had over 1,880 client companies within its portfolio employing over 312,400 people at the end of 2025 which holds the share of total national employment at 11%. Additionally, my Department estimates that for every ten jobs generated by FDI directly, another eight are created in the wider economy.
FDI has a significant impact in realising balanced regional growth, and investments by IDA Ireland client-companies consistently generate highly skilled jobs nationwide, evidenced by the number of people directly employed in IDA client-companies across the country. In this regard, IDA Ireland continues its strong commitment to regional development as one of four key strategic objectives of its 2025–2029 strategy, Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation. This ambitious strategy aims to secure 550 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects outside Dublin, accounting for 55% of the 1,000 planned investments over the lifetime of the strategy and the IDA has set ambitious targets for every region in Ireland. Moreover, the overarching goal is to create 75,000 new jobs nationwide and generate a projected €250 billion in economic impact.
Importantly, a robust property and infrastructure ecosystem can be a key differentiator in winning FDI projects and IDA’s Regional Property Programme ensures the supply of land, buildings and infrastructure in regional locations as required by current and prospective clients of the IDA itself as well as Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs. In this regard, IDA’s Regional Property Programme 2025 - 2029 will consist of 23 projects across 21 locations in 8 regions and primarily manufacturing buildings. IDA will also continue acquiring land and providing infrastructure to support clients across the portfolio of existing business & technology parks and strategic sites nationally, including in the context of developing a small number of Next Generation Sites.
IDA’s strategy also focuses on partnering with existing clients to increase the competitiveness of their Irish operations through investment in RDI, digitalisation, talent development and sustainability, providing the foundation on which IDA clients can capture new growth opportunities, alongside an ongoing focus on attracting new investment to Ireland aligned with FDI growth drivers including AI & digital, semiconductors, sustainability and health.
IDA Ireland will continue to target investments from across the globe through its global network of offices, supported by a focus by Government on our competitiveness challenges which are being prioritised through major NDP investments, the Action Plan on Competitiveness and the recently published Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan.
As requested by the Deputy, the number of IDA supported jobs in Ireland over the past ten years broken down by county and by year is shown below:
|
County |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Cavan |
1,409 |
1,471 |
1,412 |
1,327 |
1,425 |
1,450 |
1,463 |
1,510 |
1,691 |
1,629 |
1,557 |
|
Donegal |
3,449 |
3,678 |
4,111 |
4,394 |
4,908 |
4,753 |
4,630 |
4,793 |
5,013 |
5,191 |
5,687 |
|
Leitrim |
576 |
645 |
690 |
701 |
710 |
713 |
815 |
1,008 |
1,115 |
1,204 |
1,196 |
|
Monaghan |
191 |
166 |
190 |
362 |
371 |
447 |
445 |
354 |
291 |
258 |
265 |
|
Sligo |
2,364 |
2,450 |
2,369 |
2,439 |
2,511 |
2,598 |
2,744 |
3,062 |
2,989 |
2,884 |
2,860 |
|
Dublin |
79,221 |
86,593 |
93,807 |
101,094 |
110,925 |
116,665 |
126,083 |
139,603 |
138,323 |
139,984 |
142,501 |
|
Kildare |
10,604 |
10,237 |
8,936 |
9,348 |
9,422 |
9,768 |
10,120 |
12,208 |
12,004 |
11,009 |
10,258 |
|
Louth |
3,748 |
4,140 |
4,258 |
4,301 |
4,967 |
4,758 |
5,090 |
4,986 |
4,013 |
4,125 |
4,048 |
|
Meath |
1,531 |
1,562 |
1,512 |
1,634 |
1,897 |
1,892 |
1,983 |
2,012 |
2,554 |
2,915 |
3,151 |
|
Wicklow |
2,507 |
2,563 |
2,558 |
2,968 |
2,761 |
2,893 |
2,914 |
2,913 |
2,851 |
2,755 |
2,827 |
|
Clare |
6,379 |
6,509 |
6,906 |
6,776 |
6,889 |
6,415 |
6,145 |
6,194 |
5,842 |
6,146 |
6,136 |
|
Limerick |
8,533 |
9,644 |
10,495 |
11,841 |
12,683 |
12,974 |
13,938 |
14,909 |
15,586 |
16,251 |
16,359 |
|
Tipperary |
3,618 |
3,460 |
3,775 |
3,867 |
4,254 |
4,343 |
4,474 |
5,067 |
5,270 |
5,516 |
5,630 |
|
Laois |
118 |
130 |
137 |
131 |
141 |
158 |
190 |
193 |
180 |
145 |
156 |
|
Longford |
867 |
877 |
846 |
1,040 |
1,317 |
1,236 |
1,450 |
1,621 |
1,865 |
1,787 |
1,572 |
|
Offaly |
1,080 |
1,107 |
1,167 |
1,213 |
1,194 |
1,232 |
1,240 |
1,378 |
1,414 |
1,437 |
1,299 |
|
Westmeath |
2,769 |
2,812 |
3,048 |
3,495 |
3,748 |
3,848 |
4,103 |
4,307 |
4,496 |
4,552 |
4,474 |
|
Carlow |
768 |
802 |
875 |
1,149 |
1,200 |
1,309 |
1,469 |
1,361 |
1,454 |
1,414 |
1,428 |
|
Kilkenny |
895 |
1,053 |
990 |
1,043 |
1,026 |
1,087 |
1,216 |
1,158 |
1,392 |
1,714 |
2,172 |
|
Waterford |
6,833 |
7,624 |
8,024 |
8,349 |
8,028 |
8,304 |
8,972 |
9,240 |
9,052 |
9,019 |
9,391 |
|
Wexford |
2,583 |
2,740 |
2,987 |
3,140 |
3,549 |
3,588 |
3,720 |
3,640 |
3,647 |
3,626 |
3,404 |
|
Cork |
34,219 |
36,808 |
38,496 |
41,077 |
42,909 |
45,529 |
48,284 |
50,024 |
50,712 |
50,369 |
51,425 |
|
Kerry |
1,955 |
2,104 |
2,195 |
2,265 |
2,183 |
2,168 |
1,936 |
2,024 |
2,006 |
1,989 |
2,110 |
|
Galway |
15,778 |
17,342 |
18,855 |
20,567 |
21,164 |
21,619 |
22,900 |
24,787 |
24,360 |
24,741 |
25,430 |
|
Mayo |
3,901 |
4,065 |
4,331 |
4,663 |
4,796 |
4,869 |
5,035 |
5,338 |
5,243 |
5,422 |
5,507 |
|
Roscommon |
1,059 |
1,063 |
1,235 |
1,300 |
1,405 |
1,520 |
1,589 |
1,667 |
1,645 |
1,660 |
1,625 |
|
TOTAL |
196,955 |
211,645 |
224,205 |
240,484 |
256,383 |
266,136 |
282,948 |
305,357 |
305,008 |
307,742 |
312,468 |
326. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the contact he and his Department have had with a company (details supplied) following the announcement of significant job losses in the company; the actions he and his Department are taking to safeguard jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16116/26]
View answerFirstly, my thoughts are with all workers facing potential redundancy and I understand this is very difficult time for those involved.
Ireland has a robust framework of legislative protections and supports for workers who are impacted by redundancy.
The rules governing collective redundancies are set out in the Protection of Employment Acts 1977-2024. Under the Acts, collective redundancies arise where, during any period of 30 consecutive days, the employees being made redundant are:
5 employees where 21-49 are employed; 10 employees where 50-99 are employed; 10% of the employees where 100-299 are employed; and 30 employees where 300 or more are employed.
The 1977 Act imposes a number of obligations on an employer that proposes a collective redundancy. This includes undertaking a 30-day information and consultation process with the employees’ representatives and notifying the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment of the proposed redundancies at least 30 days before they take effect.
I received a collective redundancy notification from the company on 17 February 2026. I understand that the 30-day consultation with employees’ representatives is currently underway, as required by law.
I am informed that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides supports to primary producers which are effectively aimed at maintaining the raw material supply base for meat processors.
327. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 283 of 19 February 2026, if the information requested can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16136/26]
View answerGiven the volume of legislation, primary and secondary, under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, it has not been possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy within the time available. Officials are currently preparing the material, and the Department will provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
328. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she expects any of the sectoral plans under the NDP to be revised, with particular focus on education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15936/26]
View answerAs 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.
Over the course of the NDP period, my department will continuously monitor, review, and update the plan to ensure it remains responsive to emerging priorities and evolving needs across the school estate. The department will also explore all opportunities to further enhance the plan, leveraging innovation and best practice to maximise impact. A strong focus will be maintained on ensuring value for money, optimising the use of available resources, and delivering sustainable, high-quality infrastructure that supports the long-term needs of schools and communities. It is also worth noting the National Development Plan is due to be reviewed by 2028, the outcome of which may necessitate a further review of the Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors.
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.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.
329. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth when an urgent project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage; the timeline for this project to go to construction;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15666/26]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my 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 room, 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 my Department in April 2025. This report is currently undergoing 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.
As the Deputy will be aware, the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030 was recently published. 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, also published was a list of the 105 school building projects in the first tranche to proceed to construction or tender over 2026 and 2027. This summer, 8 schools in Co. Cavan are approved to undergo works as part of the Summer Works Scheme/Climate Action Scheme.
These projects are in addition to €92.61 million in capital funding for Cavan schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 24 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 4 school projects in Cavan under construction.
My Department 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 engaging with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately form 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 my 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.
330. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide clarification regarding the refusal of incremental credit to a teacher for previous teaching experience in a private school (details supplied); if the refusal will be reconsidered given the information outlined regarding qualifications and experience; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15681/26]
View answerThe terms and conditions of employment of teachers in Ireland who are paid out of monies provided by the Oireachtas are formally agreed at the Teachers' Conciliation Council. This Council is comprised of representatives of the teacher unions, school management bodies, the Department of Public Expenditure, and the Department of Education chaired by an official of the Workplace Relations Commission.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the Department’s Circular 10/2001 for Primary teachers. The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers were agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC).
The position regarding the teacher’s application for incremental credit to whom you refer is that according to the Teaching Council of Ireland’s records the applicant was not a qualified primary trained teacher during the period of service claimed, therefore, the application for incremental credit was refused.
The applicant qualified as a primary teacher and registered with the Teaching Council on 25/08/2020.
The teacher has been awarded incremental credit for other teaching service since the date of registration with the Teaching Council.
331. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department and the NCSE will engage with persons (details supplied) to ensure an appropriate school place is provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15716/26]
View answerEnabling 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 advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
As your query refers to an individual placement, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas email address.
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
332. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the additional school accommodation application submitted by a school (details supplied); when her Department expects to complete its assessment of the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15720/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that an application under the department’s Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme has been received from the school in question. The school applied for additional accommodation in June 2025 and the application is currently under assessment.
The department uses a geographic information system (GIS), which facilitates the analysis of data from a range of sources, including CSO census data, child benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
As part of the demographic demand analysis, my department also factors in planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from local authorities and the CSO, along with regular engagement with local authorities. This ensures that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes at a local level, where the picture can quickly evolve due to new large scale residential development.
Given the general downward direction of overall enrolments in the area the department's focus for the assessment of such additional accommodation applications will be as follows:
• Analyse the extent to which enrolments at this school and neighbouring schools are serving the local area in the first instance. This will identify if some of the pressures on local capacity are arising from the enrolment of pupils from outside the local area where there may be other school provision opportunities available to them.
• In assessing accommodation capacity at this school and neighbouring schools, an assessment will need to be made on how best to utilise existing capacity in the context of both mainstream and SEN requirements in the local area.
The above sets the parameters for the department’s decision-making processes and this will, where necessary, involve engagement with school patrons and relevant individual schools as appropriate.
My department has provided €118.56 million in capital funding for schools in the county referred to between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 27 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 5 school projects in County Louth under construction. We also have a large modular accommodation programme delivering urgently needed school places.
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.
My department has had ongoing contact with the school in relation to this application and the accommodation needs of the school will be considered in the above context and a decision on this application will issue to the school shortly.
333. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on whether the postgraduate master’s in education (PME) refund scheme will open for applications; the expected timeline for a decision on the matter, the number of applications currently being processed from the previous scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15743/26]
View answerThis Government is committed to ensuring that every child has a positive school experience, with access to qualified and engaged teachers who are dedicated to supporting their learning.
A range of measures have been introduced to support schools in their recruitment efforts. One such measure is the PME Fee Refund Scheme. The Department published Circular 0069/2024 Professional Master of Education (PME) Fee Refund Scheme in September 2024. This circular provided the eligibility criteria and application process for the scheme.
Over 1,800 applications were received with over 1,500 teachers paid for teaching service during the 2024/25 school year. The scheme has now closed, and no further applications are being accepted. Following an assessment of its effectiveness, it has been decided that the scheme will not be extended.
334. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the implementation of the teacher supply measures announced in April 2025, including proposals to allow for permanent contracts after one year of service; the expected commencement date of any such measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15744/26]
View answerEnsuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
A range of teacher supply measures were announced by Minister McEntee in April 2025. It was announced that teachers who have taken up their first contract in a viable teaching post in September 2025 will become eligible for a permanent contract in September 2026.
The proposal to allow for permanent contracts after one year of service is an initiative to increase job security and to make teaching a more attractive, sustainable career. This measure will see teachers who started teaching in September 2025 gain a permanent contract a year earlier than they would have previously, by qualifying for the award of a contract of indefinite duration (CID), where they have been re-appointed following a competitive recruitment process.
This will provide teachers with the certainty that they need, particularly for those who may be considering large financial commitments, such as those applying for mortgages.
This new measure will apply to both newly qualified teachers, and to those teachers who have not yet managed to secure a permanent position, where those teachers satisfy the relevant criteria.
Officials within my Department are currently engaging with the teacher unions and the school management bodies to finalise the details of the new scheme. These details will be published once this process has been completed. This process is expected to conclude by the end of Q1 this year.
The introduction of this measure is aimed at addressing the situation where teachers are providing ongoing service over a number of years without access to permanency.
Additionally, it was announced that eligible teachers who qualified outside of Ireland, could complete their induction (Droichead) requirements within the State. New regulations have been introduced to enable this, and incremental credit is also available to teachers returning from abroad, depending on the teaching experience gained.
My Department has also introduced a STEM bursary and expanded post-primary teacher upskilling programmes which are in addition to more flexible substitution measures, extended to the current school year.
The Teaching Transforms campaign continues to promote the teaching profession and encourages students to follow a career in teaching.
A comprehensive workforce plan for the education sector, a commitment under the Programme for Government is in development. Additionally, a new project, supported by UNESCO and the EU Commission, will create a strategic plan for managing Ireland’s teaching workforce is part of the workforce planning activity currently underway. This two-year project involves consultations with key stakeholders to develop recommendations with a report due in 2026.
Separately, preparations are being made to host an education convention, another Programme for Government commitment, that will bring together all stakeholders to share their experiences, expectations, and hopes for the future of our education system.
My Department frequently consults and engages closely with stakeholders on issues such as teacher supply through industrial relations forums, sectoral meetings, and direct discussions with teacher unions. I am considering further measures to strengthen the teaching workforce and ensure that schools have the support needed to provide an excellent education for every student.
335. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Youth to consider the creation of a Gaelscoil in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15776/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that requirement for school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity.
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system, using data from a range of sources, including CSO census data, child benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, my department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from local authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:
• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
• Provision of a new school or schools.
If additional accommodation is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post primary schools, new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600-1,000 students and must be co-educational. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to gaelcholáistí, having regard to the alternative of establishing an Irish-medium unit (aonad) in an English-medium school.
New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place.
The total capital spend 2025 in the Fingal County Council area was €69.4 million.
There are currently 7 Gaelscoileanna in Fingal County Council local authority area. Three of these schools are on the Schools Capital Programme. These projects are being designed to deliver an additional 24 mainstream classes in these Gaelscoileanna. There are currently no definitive plans to establish any new Gaelscoileanna in Fingal County Council local authority area.
The department will continue to liaise with local authorities in respect of their county development plan and any associated local area plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term school accommodation requirements across school planning areas.
336. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to reduce delays in delivering permanent accommodation for rapidly growing schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15784/26]
View answerThe nature of a large capital programme is that timelines for delivery can vary. However, my department endeavours to manage the overall school building programme, across an estate incorporating 4,000 schools, to ensure that projects are delivered in the shortest possible timeframe. My department has a strong track record of delivery with over 1,400 completed school building projects, including large-scale projects, additional accommodation, and modular buildings delivered since 2020. The department also completed more than 4,000 smaller-scale school building improvements through emergency works and summer works schemes during this timeframe.
Delays can occur in large capital programmes for many reasons, including factors beyond the department’s control, for example identifying and acquiring a site, planning permission issues, procurement challenges. These factors are managed as effectively as possible whilst continuing to prioritise the most urgent projects where capacity is already fully utilised and deploying modular accommodation where near-term additional space is needed. The department also must manage the rollout of projects within the parameters of its NDP funding, the Capital Works Management Framework and the Infrastructure Guidelines.
I published our sectoral plan to give more clarity to schools, over 105 schools are included in the first tranche of projects going to tender and/or construction during 2026 and 2027. 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.
The current status of all projects is set, out under item number ten, at the following link (www.gov.ie). This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender, and construction.
337. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth the combined costs of all projects that are currently at Stage 2a or 2b approval by her Department of education for school building projects across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15832/26]
View answerAs 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. This includes the completion of circa 300 school buildings currently in construction.
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 with a capital investment of €1.6 billion.
These prioritised projects will progress to tender and/or construction on a rolling basis over the course of 2026 and 2027 and within the context of NDP funding parameters. The timing of project progression will reflect the need to carefully manage the rollout of these projects to construction on a controlled basis to ensure that projects are delivered efficiently, align with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and Capital Works Management Framework and remain within the parameters of NDP funding.
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 80 large-scale and ASA projects are estimated to cost just under €1.6bn.
Of the 80 projects,
• 45 projects that are already at tender stage (Stage 3)
• 35 projects that have planning permission and are at pre-tender stage (Stage 2b).
Regarding the 45 projects that are currently already at tender stage (Stage 3), these projects are being progressed on a rolling basis to ensure that the Department of Education continues to operate within NDP funding parameters.
These projects include 19 new school buildings of which the majority are either special schools or primary/post-primary schools that are currently operating from interim accommodation and have an urgent need for permanent accommodation.
These 105 projects will provide over 27,000 additional and modernised school places a particular priority is the expansion of capacity in our special schools.
• The first tranche of projects covers the initial two-year period of NDP rollout, and 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. This stakeholder engagement will be undertaken during 2026 and 2027 and will include an assessment of how well existing capacity is maximised and enrolment policies and processes are prioritising local special education provision and mainstream requirements. 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.
• Provision of additional special classes each year to meet annual needs with target to have up to 80% of them opened through re-purposing existing accommodation.
• Continued strong focus on expansion of capacity at existing special schools and opening some new special schools where necessary. This will assist with the rollout of the Education Therapy Services.
The list of all projects and the stages are available on the Departments website and updated to show progression on a monthly basis .
Cost information about projects is commercially sensitive and is therefore not put in the public domain as it may impact on the Department getting the best possible outcome from procurement processes.
The current status of all projects continues to be set out under item number ten at the following link: [www.gov.ie]. This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
338. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth to publish in full the current national criteria, weighting factors, assessment instruments and decision thresholds used by the National Council for Special Education in determining annual Special Needs Assistant allocations to primary schools; and to confirm whether any amendments, recalibrations or procedural changes were introduced for the 2026/27 review cycle. [15925/26]
View answer339. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of primary schools notified of a reduction of two or more Special Needs Assistant posts for the 2026/27 school year prior to the decision to pause the review process; and to provide a county-by-county breakdown of same. [15926/26]
View answer340. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total whole-time equivalent Special Needs Assistant allocation to primary schools in County Cork for the 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 school years respectively; and to confirm whether the 2026/27 figure reflects the position before or after the pause of the review process. [15927/26]
View answer341. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether a formal impact assessment, equality screening, child rights assessment, financial analysis or cost modelling exercise was conducted prior to issuing Special Needs Assistant reduction notifications for the 2026/27 school year; and, if so, to provide the title, date of completion and authoring body of each such assessment. [15928/26]
View answer356. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Education and Youth what the pause in the deployment of special needs assistants means for school communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16103/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 338, 339, 340, 341 and 356 together.
This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
Special education funding will exceed €3 billion in 2026 – up 58% since 2020 and the highest amount ever provided.
The number of special needs assistants (SNAs) allocated to schools nationally has increased by 45% between the 2020/21 school year and the present. By the end of the 2026/27 school year there will be close to 25,000 SNAs in our mainstream classes, special classes and special schools.
SNAs play a key role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
It is important to note that there have been increases in SNAs in all counties and across all education settings since 2020, including mainstream, special classes and special schools.
I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities.
It has now been agreed that there will be no reductions to special needs assistants for the next school year 2026/27.
All schools reviewed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and allocated additional resources will receive them in the upcoming school year.
It was agreed that the SNA redeployment scheme, the SNA workforce development plan and changes to a 2014 circular outlining the role of a SNA will be advanced before any further decisions are taken.
The priority will be to ensure that the child-centred approach to the provision of special education is retained and enhanced in these policy developments.
After these key documents are agreed and published, the NCSE can commence reviews of supports provided to schools for the 2027/28 academic year which will uphold the integrity of the process, which allocates supports based on the needs of children.
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
