Written Answers Nos. 429-448
431. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason the new build for schools (details supplied) has not progressed; when works will commence and conclude; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16422/26]
View answer439. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16447/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 431 and 439 together.
The Major building project referred to by the Deputy will deliver a 1,000 pupil Post Primary School and accommodation, including 6 classrooms for children with special educational needs at Le Fanu Road, Ballyfermot.
This project is currently planned to be delivered as part of Phase 2 of my Department's ADAPT 4 Programme - Programme Innovate.
This programme uses a professional external Programme Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Integrated Project Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning, to Tender and Construction.
This programme will be led by (IPT's) Integrated Project Teams consisting of highly skilled and experienced design professionals, architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors and various other consultants to deliver the projects.
The Project Manager was appointed in Q3 2023 and is in the process of preparing documentation for the tender process for the appointment of IPTs for the Phase 2 bundle of projects, which includes this project.
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 my 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.
My Department will continue to keep the school and it’s patron body updated as the project progresses.
432. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige sí ar an eolas faoi an cás go bhfuil ar páistí meán meánscoile Baile Fhormaid, Baile Átha Cliath, freastal ar dhá suíomh scoile difriúla toisc nár tosnaíodh ar an tógáil ar foirgnimh úr a bhí geallta do dhaltaí, a tuismitheoirí agus do na múinteoirí nuair a tháinig na trí meánscoil áitiúla (Coláiste Caritas, Coláiste Naomh Eoin, agus Coláiste Naomh Dominic) le chéile mar meánscoil úr St Setons, agus cad iad na céimeanna agus an amchlár chun an tógra seo a chuir ina gcrích. [16423/26]
View answerLeis an achoimre don tionscadal mór tógála dá dtagraítear ag an Teachta, cuirfear Iar-bhunscoil le haghaidh 1,000 dalta agus cóiríocht ar fáil, 6 sheomra ranga do leanaí le riachtanais speisialta oideachais san áireamh ag Bóthar Le Fanu, Baile Formaid.
Tá sé beartaithe an tionscadal seo a chur i gcrích faoi láthair mar chuid de Chéim 2 de Chlár ADAPT 4 - Clár Nuálaíochta mo Roinne.
Úsáideann an clár seo Bainisteoir Cláir seachtrach gairmiúil chun an Fhoireann Tionscadail Chomhtháite a chomhordú agus a thiomáint chun an tréimhse ama is fearr is féidir a bhaint amach don tionscadal trí na céimeanna Pleanála Ailtireachta, Tairisceana agus Tógála.
Beidh an clár seo faoi stiúir Foirne Tionscadail Chomhtháite (IPTanna) arb iad gairmithe dearaidh, ailtirí, innealtóirí, bainisteoirí tionscadal, suirbhéirí cainníochta agus comhairleoirí éagsúla eile a bhfuil ard-oilte agus taithí acu chun na tionscadail a chur i gcrích.
Ceapadh an Bainisteoir Tionscadail i Ráithe 3 2023 agus tá sé i mbun doiciméadacht a ullmhú don phróiseas tairisceana chun IPTanna a cheapadh do phacáiste tionscadal Chéim 2, an tionscadal seo san áireamh.
Mar is eol don Teachta, d’fhoilsigh mé le déanaí Plean Infheistíochta Earnála an NDP ar fiú €7.55 billiún é do na hearnálacha Oideachais agus Óige don tréimhse 2026 go 2030. Tá béim an-láidir sa Phlean Earnála seo de chuid an NDP ar an uasmhéadú a dhéanamh ar an acmhainn atá ann cheana féin agus ar thosaíocht a thabhairt do thionscadail tógála scoile chun freastal ar na riachtanais is práinní. Maidir leis seo, beidh gné láidir oideachais speisialta i gceist le cur i bhfeidhm an tionscadail.
As an infheistíocht iomlán €7.55 billiún, meastar go mbeidh thart ar... Úsáidfear €5 billiún le haghaidh rolladh amach tionscadal chun tacú le soláthar agus nuachóiriú foirgneamh scoile ar fud na gclár Mórscála, Cóiríochta Breise, Modúlach, agus Riachtanais Chóiríochta Bhliantúla Meán Fómhair. Le linn 2026 agus 2027 beidh obair thógála ar siúl ag thart ar. 10% de eastát na scoile. Nuair a bheidh na tionscadail seo críochnaithe, cuirfidh siad thart ar 57,000 áit scoile breise agus nuachóirithe ar fáil le fócas láidir ar riachtanais speisialta oideachais (RSO) i ngach tionscadal.
Leanfaidh mo roinn de bheith ag cur leis an dul chun cinn a rinneadh le blianta beaga anuas agus tionscadail á gcur i bhfeidhm go leanúnach ar bhonn tosaíochta chun freastal ar na riachtanais is práinní i dtéarmaí acmhainn bhreise a sholáthar agus áiseanna atá ann cheana a nuachóiriú. I ndáil leis seo, tá liosta foilsithe agam freisin de na 105 tionscadal tógála scoile sa chéad tráinse a rachaidh ar aghaidh chuig an leibhéal tógála nó tairisceana le linn 2026 agus 2027.
Áirítear leis an gcéad tráinse de 105 tionscadal tógála scoile 80 tionscadal ar scála mór agus tionscadal scéime Cóiríochta Scoile Breise. Tugadh tús áite do na tionscadail seo agus béim láidir á leagan ar an acmhainn atá ann cheana a uasmhéadú agus tús áite a thabhairt do chur i bhfeidhm tionscadal chun freastal ar na riachtanais is práinní go háirithe chun tacú le soláthar riachtanas oideachais speisialta.
Ar an gcéad dul síos, chun na 45 tionscadal atá cheana féin i gcéim na tairisceana (Céim 3) a éascú ionas gur féidir leo dul chun cinn go dtí an tógáil chomh réidh agus is féidir i rith 2026 agus 2027. Ar an dara dul síos, chun 35 tionscadal a éascú a bhfuil cead pleanála acu faoi láthair agus atá i gcéim na réamhthairisceana (Céim 2b) agus ar tugadh tús áite dóibh chun freastal ar riachtanais phráinneacha ó thaobh riachtanas speisialta de nó chun acmhainn bhreise a sholáthar chun freastal ar dhéimeagrafaic nó chun acmhainn bhreise a sholáthar chun freastal ar dhéimeagrafaic nó chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar shaincheisteanna suntasacha riocht na scoileanna.
Tuigim go bhfuil scoileanna ann a bhfuil tionscadail thógála tábhachtacha acu nach bhfuil san áireamh sa chéad tráinse de thionscadail tosaíochta.
Mar chuid den phleanáil chun cinn don chéad tráinse eile tionscadal a rachaidh ar aghaidh chuig tairiscint, leanfaidh an próiseas tosaíochta faoi stiúir na roinne ar aghaidh le linn 2026 agus 2027 chun dul chun cinn tionscadal aonair tríd an bpíblíne dearaidh a mheas agus a mheas agus aird á tabhairt ar an ngá leanúnach chun an cumas atá ann cheana a uasmhéadú agus na riachtanais tosaíochta a chinneadh amach anseo. Beidh rannpháirtíocht le páirtithe leasmhara tábhachtacha agus scoileanna aonair mar chuid den phróiseas seo agus beidh tionchar aige ar dheireadh thiar ar na chéad chéimeanna eile de chur i bhfeidhm an chláir chuig tairiscintí. Cuirfidh an Suirbhé Fuinnimh agus Coinníoll eastát na scoileanna, atá faoi stiúir na roinne agus a thabharfar chun críche níos déanaí in 2026, bonn fianaise breise ar fáil chun tosaíochtaí a mheas.
Bunaithe ar an bpróiseas tosaíochta leanúnach seo, féadfar roinnt tionscadal a chur leis an liosta le linn 2026 agus 2027 ag féachaint dá dtosaíocht agus dá bpráinn riachtanais agus aird á tabhairt freisin ar an gcumas leanúnach iad a chur ar aghaidh chuig tairiscintí agus tógáil laistigh de pharaiméadair an mhaoinithe fhoriomláin. I gcás inarb iomchuí, déanfaidh an roinn measúnú freisin ar dheiseanna chun oibreacha cumasúcháin roimh ré a dhéanamh do na tionscadail is práinní agus is casta chun dul chun cinn réidh chuig an tógáil a éascú in 2028 agus ina dhiaidh sin.
Leanfaidh mo roinn de bheith ag measúnú agus ag breithniú aon riachtanais eatramhacha cóiríochta ar bhonn cás ar chás chun na riachtanais tosaíochta agus an cur chuige chun aghaidh a thabhairt orthu a chinneadh.
Breithneofar na riachtanais chóiríochta ag an scoil dá dtagraítear ag an Leas-Uachtarán mar chuid den phróiseas tosaíochta foriomlán atá faoi stiúir na roinne, i gcomhairle le pátrún na scoile agus údaráis na scoile.
Leanfaidh mo Roinn de bheith ag coinneáil na scoile agus a comhlacht pátrúnachta ar an eolas de réir mar a théann an tionscadal ar aghaidh.
433. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth if smaller schools can open special classes; if not, if they are precluded due to size; if size is a factor in this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16440/26]
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.
Budget 2026 has provided funding for 3,000 new special educational places within our education system and the NCSE is currently examining where this provision is best placed for the 2026/27 school year.
In order to ensure new special classes can open as quickly as possible the NCSE prioritise working with medium and larger primary schools who do not already have a special class and have available accommodation to accommodate new special class. This approach maximises the use of existing space which can be reconfigured efficiently while also ensuring that new provision continues to be established. It also increases the number of schools with special classes providing parents with greater choice and reducing the distances that some students are travelling to access a special class place.
My department and the 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 in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year. 351 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.
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.
434. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige an bhfuil aon cinneadh glacadh chun féachaint ar cás ar leith a dhéanamh do Scoil Lir, Baile Átha Cliath, chun stádas Deis a bhronnadh air in aineoinn í bheith lasmuigh den amchlár chun an stádas sin a fháil toisc gur osclaíodh í i ndiaidh an spriocdáta ach go bhfuil na bun dúshláin agus a bhreis uirthi a cháilleoidh mar scoil Deis agus Deis+ í; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [16442/26]
View answerIs tosaíocht domsa mar Aire Oideachais agus Óige aghaidh a thabhairt ar mhíbhuntáiste oideachasúil. Is tionscnamh beartais ríthábhachtach é clár DEIS chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar míbhuntáiste oideachais ag leibhéal na scoile. Cuireann DEIS le tacaíochtaí uilíocha trí acmhainní breise a chur ar fáil do scoileanna a bhfuil na leibhéil is airde de mhíbhuntáiste oideachais comhchruinnithe acu, rud a chabhraíonn le cothromas a chur chun cinn agus freastal ar riachtanais leanaí agus daoine óga.
Faoi láthair, tacaíonn clár DEIS le beagnach 1,200 bunscoil agus iar-bhunscoil, ag freastal ar thart ar 260,000 scoláire, le hinfheistíocht bhliantúil de bhreis is €180 milliún. Leithdháileann Buiséad 2026 €16.5 milliún breise in 2026, ag ardú go €48 milliún in 2027, chun tacú le cur i bhfeidhm Straitéis DEIS nua agus an scéim DEIS Móide a thabhairt isteach, a thosóidh i mbliana.
Na scoileanna a cuireadh san áireamh i leathnú an chláir in 2022 ná iad siúd a raibh na leibhéil is airde de mhíbhuntáiste oideachais comhchruinnithe i measc leanaí agus daoine óga iontu, mar a sainaithníodh ag an leagan beachtaithe den tsamhail sainaitheanta DEIS. Níor ghá do scoileanna iarratas a dhéanamh le bheith san áireamh sa chlár DEIS. Cuireadh an tsamhail i bhfeidhm go cothrom agus go comhionann ar gach scoil, lena n-áirítear iad siúd a bhí cheana féin sa chlár DEIS, lena chinntiú gur cuireadh sa bhanda is fearr a léirigh a leibhéal míbhuntáiste iad.
Táim tiomanta aghaidh a thabhairt ar mhíbhuntáiste oideachais i ngach scoil chun a chinntiú gur féidir le gach leanbh a lánacmhainneacht a bhaint amach. Chun na críche sin, foilseofar Straitéis nua deich mbliana go dtí 2035 do DEIS sna seachtainí amach romhainn. Tabharfaidh an straitéis nua réitigh nuálacha isteach chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar mhíbhuntáiste oideachais agus leanfaidh sí de bheith ag tabhairt aghaidh ar an mbearna idir scoileanna DEIS agus scoileanna nach scoileanna DEIS iad.
Le linn a shaolré, díreoidh an Straitéis DEIS nua ar dheiseanna agus leibhéil ghnóthachtála leanaí agus daoine óga atá i mbaol míbhuntáiste oideachais a fheabhsú, cur chuige níos nuálaí a fhorbairt chun dul i ngleic le míbhuntáiste oideachais, agus oibriú i dtreo córas tacaíochtaí níos solúbtha chun a chinntiú go bhfaighidh scoil an tacaíocht cheart ag an am ceart.
Déanfar aon athruithe amach anseo ar an tsamhail sainaitheanta agus ar leithdháileadh foriomlán acmhainní a mheas i gcomhthéacs na Straitéise nua deich mbliana do DEIS.
Tá an Roinn Oideachais agus Óige tiomanta do chóras scoile ardchaighdeáin agus cuimsitheach a chothú a sholáthraíonn deis chomhionann do gach leanbh rath a bhaint amach. Tá clár DEIS fós lárnach don ghealltanas sin, agus cinnteoidh an Straitéis DEIS atá le teacht go ndíreofar tacaíochtaí ar bhealach cothrom agus go bhfreagróidh siad do riachtanais athraitheacha ár bpobal scoile, arna dtreorú ag rannpháirtíocht pháirtithe leasmhara agus ag samhail leithdháilte neartaithe atá bunaithe ar riachtanais.
Mar chuid den Straitéis deich mbliana nua, déanfaidh an roinn athbhreithniú ar an gCreat DEIS reatha d’fhonn an chaoi a dtomhaistear míbhuntáiste agus an chaoi a dtacaítear le scoileanna a bheachtú. Cuirfidh an próiseas sin réimse fianaise agus aiseolas ó pháirtithe leasmhara san áireamh chun a chinntiú go n-aithnítear scoileanna a fhreastalaíonn ar leibhéil shuntasacha riachtanais go cuí sa tsamhail nuashonraithe.
Mar chuid den straitéis nua, scrúdóidh beachtú samhail DEIS conas is féidir aghaidh a thabhairt ar phatrúin míbhuntáiste atá ag teacht chun cinn agus ag forbairt ar bhealach níos éifeachtaí, agus conas is féidir leis an gcóras freagairt ar an mbealach is oiriúnaí do scoileanna a bhfuil leibhéil mhéadaitheacha riachtanais acu.
435. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige an bhfuil aon cinneadh glactha le aitheantas ar leith i bhfoirm maoiniú nó achmhainní scoile breise a bhronnadh ar Scoil Lir, Baile Átha Cliath, atá stádas Deis diúltaithe uirthi in aineoinn na dúshláin roimh an scoil, na páistí scoile agus an ceantair scoile [16443/26]
View answerIs tosaíocht domsa mar Aire Oideachais agus Óige aghaidh a thabhairt ar mhíbhuntáiste oideachasúil. Is tionscnamh beartais ríthábhachtach é clár DEIS chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar míbhuntáiste oideachais ag leibhéal na scoile. Cuireann DEIS le tacaíochtaí uilíocha trí acmhainní breise a chur ar fáil do scoileanna a bhfuil na leibhéil is airde de mhíbhuntáiste oideachais comhchruinnithe acu, rud a chabhraíonn le cothromas a chur chun cinn agus freastal ar riachtanais leanaí agus daoine óga.
Faoi láthair, tacaíonn clár DEIS le beagnach 1,200 bunscoil agus iar-bhunscoil, ag freastal ar thart ar 260,000 scoláire, le hinfheistíocht bhliantúil de bhreis is €180 milliún. Leithdháileann Buiséad 2026 €16.5 milliún breise in 2026, ag ardú go €48 milliún in 2027, chun tacú le cur i bhfeidhm Straitéis DEIS nua agus an scéim DEIS Móide a thabhairt isteach, a thosóidh i mbliana.
Na scoileanna a cuireadh san áireamh i leathnú an chláir in 2022 ná iad siúd a raibh na leibhéil is airde de mhíbhuntáiste oideachais comhchruinnithe i measc leanaí agus daoine óga iontu, mar a sainaithníodh ag an leagan beachtaithe den tsamhail sainaitheanta DEIS. Níor ghá do scoileanna iarratas a dhéanamh le bheith san áireamh sa chlár DEIS. Cuireadh an tsamhail i bhfeidhm go cothrom agus go comhionann ar gach scoil, lena n-áirítear iad siúd a bhí cheana féin sa chlár DEIS, lena chinntiú gur cuireadh sa bhanda is fearr a léirigh a leibhéal míbhuntáiste iad.
Táim tiomanta aghaidh a thabhairt ar mhíbhuntáiste oideachais i ngach scoil chun a chinntiú gur féidir le gach leanbh a lánacmhainneacht a bhaint amach. Chun na críche sin, foilseofar Straitéis nua deich mbliana go dtí 2035 do DEIS sna seachtainí amach romhainn. Tabharfaidh an straitéis nua réitigh nuálacha isteach chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar mhíbhuntáiste oideachais agus leanfaidh sí de bheith ag tabhairt aghaidh ar an mbearna idir scoileanna DEIS agus scoileanna nach scoileanna DEIS iad.
Le linn a shaolré, díreoidh an Straitéis DEIS nua ar dheiseanna agus leibhéil ghnóthachtála leanaí agus daoine óga atá i mbaol míbhuntáiste oideachais a fheabhsú, cur chuige níos nuálaí a fhorbairt chun dul i ngleic le míbhuntáiste oideachais, agus oibriú i dtreo córas tacaíochtaí níos solúbtha chun a chinntiú go bhfaighidh scoil an tacaíocht cheart ag an am ceart.
Déanfar aon athruithe amach anseo ar an tsamhail sainaitheanta agus ar leithdháileadh foriomlán acmhainní a mheas i gcomhthéacs na Straitéise nua deich mbliana do DEIS.
Tá an Roinn Oideachais agus Óige tiomanta do chóras scoile ardchaighdeáin agus cuimsitheach a chothú a sholáthraíonn deis chomhionann do gach leanbh rath a bhaint amach. Tá clár DEIS fós lárnach don ghealltanas sin, agus cinnteoidh an Straitéis DEIS atá le teacht go ndíreofar tacaíochtaí ar bhealach cothrom agus go bhfreagróidh siad do riachtanais athraitheacha ár bpobal scoile, arna dtreorú ag rannpháirtíocht pháirtithe leasmhara agus ag samhail leithdháilte neartaithe atá bunaithe ar riachtanais.
Mar chuid den Straitéis deich mbliana nua, déanfaidh an roinn athbhreithniú ar an gCreat DEIS reatha d’fhonn an chaoi a dtomhaistear míbhuntáiste agus an chaoi a dtacaítear le scoileanna a bheachtú. Cuirfidh an próiseas sin réimse fianaise agus aiseolas ó pháirtithe leasmhara san áireamh chun a chinntiú go n-aithnítear scoileanna a fhreastalaíonn ar leibhéil shuntasacha riachtanais go cuí sa tsamhail nuashonraithe.
Mar chuid den straitéis nua, scrúdóidh beachtú samhail DEIS conas is féidir aghaidh a thabhairt ar phatrúin míbhuntáiste atá ag teacht chun cinn agus ag forbairt ar bhealach níos éifeachtaí, agus conas is féidir leis an gcóras freagairt ar an mbealach is oiriúnaí do scoileanna a bhfuil leibhéil mhéadaitheacha riachtanais acu.
436. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige an bhfuil plean leagtha síos maidir le an Gaelcholáiste úr i Sráid Synge, Baile Átha Cliath; na céimeanna bliaintiúl ar gá tarlú ó thaobh seomraí ranga, múinteoirí cáilithe le Gaeilge, seomraí foirne, athnuachaint foirgnimh agus tógáil úr, clós scoile nach bhfuil roinnte le scoil Béarla, achmhainn breise agus iomlán seilbh an suíomh i gceann sé bliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [16444/26]
View answerTá mo roinn ag obair le hIontaobhas Scoileanna Éamainn Rís (ERST) chun a chinntiú go n-éireoidh leis an scoil aistriú go Gaelcholáiste comhoideachais de réir a chéile. Beidh an chéad chéim den aistriú sin, a mbeidh iontógáil an 1ú Bliain amháin i gceist leis, ar siúl i mí Mheán Fómhair 2026.
Maidir le riachtanais chóiríochta na scoile, tá oifigigh ó mo roinn tar éis cuairt a thabhairt ar an scoil agus tá measúnú déanta acu ar riachtanais láithreacha na scoile. Tá Bainisteoir Tionscadail ceaptha chun maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar na riachtanais chóiríochta seo agus tá tuarascáil á hullmhú lena hathbhreithniú ag an roinn. Tá sé beartaithe na riachtanais chóiríochta seo a chur chun cinn a luaithe is féidir, agus beidh an obair riachtanach críochnaithe in am don Ghaelcholáiste a chéad scoláirí a ghlacadh i Meán Fómhair 2026.
Mar chuid de na hullmhúcháin d’aistriú SBC Shráid Synge go Gaelcholáiste, tá earcaíocht dhíreach déanta ar mhúinteoirí a bhfuil Gaeilge acu. Tá an Roinn tar éis dul i gcomhairle le bainistíocht agus le foireann teagaisc na scoile chun a fháil amach cé acu de na baill foirne atá ag iarraidh fanacht sa scoil agus cé acu atá ag iarraidh iarratas a dhéanamh ar aistriú chuig scoil Bhéarla faoin scéim ath-imlonnaithe do mhúinteoirí. Tá an próiseas ar siúl faoi láthair, agus is é an cuspóir atá leis ná ath-imlonnú tráthúil na foirne a éascú agus a chinntiú ag an am céanna go bhféadfaidh an scoil leanúint dá curaclam a sheachadadh go héifeachtach.
Tá ionadaithe ó COGG agus Oide i dteagmháil leis an scoil ar bhonn leanúnach chun tacaíocht agus uasoiliúint a chur ar fáil. Tá an dá cheann acu ar fáil chun tacaíocht leanúnach a thabhairt do bhaill foirne na scoile ar spéis leo fanacht sa scoil agus múineadh trí mheán na Gaeilge.
437. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige an bhfuil plean leagtha síos maidir le an Gaelcholáiste úr i Sráid Synge, Baile Átha Cliath; ar bhuail sí le bord bainistíocht, comhairle na dtuistí nó an príomhoide úr chun an fís maidir leis an Gaelcholáiste seo ag fás ó an tús i mí Meán an Fhomhair i mbliana go dtí seilbh iomlán ar foirgnimh an sean coláiste Béarla i gceann sé bliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [16445/26]
View answerTá mo roinn ag obair le hIontaobhas Scoileanna Éamainn Rís (ERST) chun a chinntiú go n-éireoidh leis an scoil aistriú go Gaelcholáiste comhoideachais de réir a chéile. Beidh an chéad chéim den aistriú sin, a mbeidh iontógáil an 1ú Bliain amháin i gceist leis, ar siúl i mí Mheán Fómhair 2026.
Áiríodh leis an obair seo cumarsáid agus cruinnithe rialta idir na páirtithe ábhartha a bhfuil baint acu leis an aistriú go Gaelcholáiste agus le mo roinn. I measc na bpáirtithe seo tá ERST, cathaoirleach an Bhoird Bhainistíochta, Príomhoide SBC Shráid Synge agus an Príomhoide Tánaisteach nuacheaptha go dtí an Gaelcholáiste.
Maidir le riachtanais chóiríochta na scoile, tá oifigigh ó mo roinn tar éis cuairt a thabhairt ar an scoil agus tá measúnú déanta acu ar riachtanais láithreacha na scoile. Tá Bainisteoir Tionscadail ceaptha chun maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar na riachtanais chóiríochta seo agus tá tuarascáil á hullmhú lena hathbhreithniú ag an roinn. Tá sé beartaithe na riachtanais chóiríochta seo a chur chun cinn a luaithe is féidir, agus beidh an obair riachtanach críochnaithe in am don Ghaelcholáiste a chéad scoláirí a ghlacadh i Meán Fómhair 2026.
Mar ullmhúchán d’aistriú na scoile go dtí Gaelcholáiste, tá roinnt d’fhoireann teagaisc na scoile ag cur le scileanna agus tá múinteoirí Gaeilge á n-earcú. Tá ionadaithe ó COGG agus Oide i dteagmháil leis an scoil ar bhonn leanúnach chun tacaíocht agus uasoiliúint a chur ar fáil. Tá an dá cheann acu ar fáil chun tacaíocht a thabhairt do bhaill foirne ar spéis leo fanacht sa scoil agus múineadh trí mheán na Gaeilge.
438. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige an eol di gurb St Seton i mBaile Fhormaid, Baile Átha Cliath an céad cumasc de trí meánscoil le stádas Deis, agus gur gealladh do tuismitheoirí, daltaí agus pobal an ceantair a bhí amhrasach faoin tógra nuair a fógraíodh ar dtús é tamaill maith de blianta ó shin go mbeadh buntáiste ag eascairt as an tógra micléinn bheith ar campus amháin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [16446/26]
View answerIs cónascadh de thrí mheánscoil le stádas DEIS í Meánscoil Naomh Seton, Bóthar Le Fanu, Baile Formaid, Baile Átha Cliath 10, Coláiste Caritas, Coláiste Naomh Eoin De La Salle agus Coláiste San Doiminic. Ar iarratas na bpátrún, d’aontaigh mo Roinn leis an gcónascadh le héifeacht ó Mheán Fómhair 2023, mar aon le ceadú do thionscadal mórscála faoin gclár Adapt 4.
Leis an tionscadal mór tógála dá dtagraítear dó ag an Teachta, cuirfear Iar-bhunscoil le haghaidh 1,000 dalta agus cóiríocht ar fáil, 6 sheomra ranga do leanaí le riachtanais speisialta oideachais san áireamh ag Bóthar Le Fanu, Baile Formaid. Áirítear sa sceideal cóiríochta don tionscadal seo soláthar do halla corpoideachais agus seomra aclaíochta, limistéar tuirlingthe agus bailithe do dhaltaí, agus láithreacha bogshúgartha agus cruashúgartha seachtracha leordhóthanacha.
Tá sé beartaithe an tionscadal seo a chur i gcrích faoi láthair mar chuid de Chéim 2 de Chlár ADAPT 4 - Clár Nuálaíochta mo Roinne.
Úsáideann an clár seo Bainisteoir Cláir seachtrach gairmiúil chun an Fhoireann Tionscadail Chomhtháite a chomhordú agus a thiomáint chun an tréimhse ama is fearr is féidir a bhaint amach don tionscadal trí na céimeanna Pleanála Ailtireachta, Tairisceana agus Tógála.
Beidh an clár seo faoi stiúir Foirne Tionscadail Chomhtháite (IPTanna) arb iad gairmithe dearaidh, ailtirí, innealtóirí, bainisteoirí tionscadal, suirbhéirí cainníochta agus comhairleoirí éagsúla eile a bhfuil ard-oilte agus taithí acu chun na tionscadail a chur i gcrích.
Ceapadh an Bainisteoir Tionscadail i Ráithe 3 2023 agus tá sé i mbun doiciméadacht a ullmhú don phróiseas tairisceana chun IPTanna a cheapadh do phacáiste tionscadal Chéim 2, an tionscadal seo san áireamh.
Mar is eol don Teachta, d’fhoilsigh mé le déanaí Plean Infheistíochta Earnála an NDP ar fiú €7.55 billiún é do na hearnálacha Oideachais agus Óige don tréimhse 2026 go 2030. Tá béim an-láidir sa Phlean Earnála seo de chuid an NDP ar an uasmhéadú a dhéanamh ar an acmhainn atá ann cheana féin agus ar thosaíocht a thabhairt do thionscadail tógála scoile chun freastal ar na riachtanais is práinní. Maidir leis seo, beidh gné láidir oideachais speisialta i gceist le cur i bhfeidhm an tionscadail.
As an infheistíocht iomlán €7.55 billiún, meastar go mbeidh thart ar... Úsáidfear €5 billiún le haghaidh rolladh amach tionscadal chun tacú le soláthar agus nuachóiriú foirgneamh scoile ar fud na gclár Mórscála, Cóiríochta Breise, Modúlach, agus Riachtanais Chóiríochta Bhliantúla Meán Fómhair. Le linn 2026 agus 2027 beidh obair thógála ar siúl ag thart ar. 10% de eastát na scoile. Nuair a bheidh na tionscadail seo críochnaithe, cuirfidh siad thart ar 57,000 áit scoile breise agus nuachóirithe ar fáil le fócas láidir ar riachtanais speisialta oideachais (RSO) i ngach tionscadal.
Leanfaidh mo roinn de bheith ag cur leis an dul chun cinn a rinneadh le blianta beaga anuas agus tionscadail á gcur i bhfeidhm go leanúnach ar bhonn tosaíochta chun freastal ar na riachtanais is práinní i dtéarmaí acmhainn bhreise a sholáthar agus áiseanna atá ann cheana a nuachóiriú. I ndáil leis seo, tá liosta foilsithe agam freisin de na 105 tionscadal tógála scoile sa chéad tráinse a rachaidh ar aghaidh chuig an leibhéal tógála nó tairisceana le linn 2026 agus 2027.
Áirítear leis an gcéad tráinse de 105 tionscadal tógála scoile 80 tionscadal ar scála mór agus tionscadal scéime Cóiríochta Scoile Breise. Tugadh tús áite do na tionscadail seo agus béim láidir á leagan ar an acmhainn atá ann cheana a uasmhéadú agus tús áite a thabhairt do chur i bhfeidhm tionscadal chun freastal ar na riachtanais is práinní go háirithe chun tacú le soláthar riachtanas oideachais speisialta.
Ar an gcéad dul síos, chun na 45 tionscadal atá cheana féin i gcéim na tairisceana (Céim 3) a éascú ionas gur féidir leo dul chun cinn go dtí an tógáil chomh réidh agus is féidir i rith 2026 agus 2027. Ar an dara dul síos, chun 35 tionscadal a éascú a bhfuil cead pleanála acu faoi láthair agus atá i gcéim na réamhthairisceana (Céim 2b) agus ar tugadh tús áite dóibh chun freastal ar riachtanais phráinneacha ó thaobh riachtanas speisialta de nó chun acmhainn bhreise a sholáthar chun freastal ar dhéimeagrafaic nó chun acmhainn bhreise a sholáthar chun freastal ar dhéimeagrafaic nó chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar shaincheisteanna suntasacha riocht na scoileanna.
Tuigim go bhfuil scoileanna ann a bhfuil tionscadail thógála tábhachtacha acu nach bhfuil san áireamh sa chéad tráinse de thionscadail tosaíochta.
Mar chuid den phleanáil chun cinn don chéad tráinse eile tionscadal a rachaidh ar aghaidh chuig tairiscint, leanfaidh an próiseas tosaíochta faoi stiúir na roinne ar aghaidh le linn 2026 agus 2027 chun dul chun cinn tionscadal aonair tríd an bpíblíne dearaidh a mheas agus a mheas agus aird á tabhairt ar an ngá leanúnach chun an cumas atá ann cheana a uasmhéadú agus na riachtanais tosaíochta a chinneadh amach anseo. Beidh rannpháirtíocht le páirtithe leasmhara tábhachtacha agus scoileanna aonair mar chuid den phróiseas seo agus beidh tionchar aige ar dheireadh thiar ar na chéad chéimeanna eile de chur i bhfeidhm an chláir chuig tairiscintí. Cuirfidh an Suirbhé Fuinnimh agus Coinníoll eastát na scoileanna, atá faoi stiúir na roinne agus a thabharfar chun críche níos déanaí in 2026, bonn fianaise breise ar fáil chun tosaíochtaí a mheas.
Bunaithe ar an bpróiseas tosaíochta leanúnach seo, féadfar roinnt tionscadal a chur leis an liosta le linn 2026 agus 2027 ag féachaint dá dtosaíocht agus dá bpráinn riachtanais agus aird á tabhairt freisin ar an gcumas leanúnach iad a chur ar aghaidh chuig tairiscintí agus tógáil laistigh de pharaiméadair an mhaoinithe fhoriomláin. I gcás inarb iomchuí, déanfaidh an roinn measúnú freisin ar dheiseanna chun oibreacha cumasúcháin roimh ré a dhéanamh do na tionscadail is práinní agus is casta chun dul chun cinn réidh chuig an tógáil a éascú in 2028 agus ina dhiaidh sin.
Leanfaidh mo roinn de bheith ag measúnú agus ag breithniú aon riachtanais eatramhacha cóiríochta ar bhonn cás ar chás chun na riachtanais tosaíochta agus an cur chuige chun aghaidh a thabhairt orthu a chinneadh.
Breithneofar na riachtanais chóiríochta ag an scoil dá dtagraítear ag an Leas-Uachtarán mar chuid den phróiseas tosaíochta foriomlán atá faoi stiúir na roinne, i gcomhairle le pátrún na scoile agus údaráis na scoile.
Leanfaidh mo Roinn de bheith ag coinneáil na scoile agus a comhlacht pátrúnachta ar an eolas de réir mar a théann an tionscadal ar aghaidh.
440. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on proposed building works at a school (details supplied); when she expects works to progress to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16448/26]
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 two mainstream classrooms. The project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The Stage 1/2A Report was received in December 2025 by my department and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with Infrastructure Guidelines. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
As the Deputy will be aware, 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.
441. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on an application for modular units by a school (details supplied); when she expects such units to be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16450/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that an application under the department’s Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme was received from the school in question.
The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream classroom and Special Education (SEN) accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year, where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or by available accommodation at other schools in the area.
As the Deputy is aware, I have recently published the NDP (National Development Plan) Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors. 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. Twelve school?projects in the county referred to by the deputy were included in the 105 prioritised projects in the first tranche of projects to progress to tender or construction over the course of 2026 and 2027. This list of projects were prioritised from those projects in the department’s pipeline which were sufficiently advanced to enable them to go to tender or construction over the course of 2026 and 2027.
A department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools.
I can confirm that the application from the school in question is currently being considered in the above context and once a decision has been made the school authority will be contacted directly.
442. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a school was not included in the announced list of projects, confirmation of the school’s current position within future phases of the National Development Plan; the realistic timeline for redevelopment or significant investment. [16480/26]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is part of a campus project with John Bosco Junior and Senior National Schools and is currently at Stage 2(a) of Architectural Planning - Developed Design - which is a crucial element of the architectural planning process as it is at this stage that the design is developed to a stage where it can be fully cost planned and prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
The Design Team submitted their Stage 2(a) Submission report to my Department in January 2024 for review. Upon review, some key concerns were identified by Department officials, and the school authorities and Design Team were advised in advance that in place of the Stakeholders meeting, there would be a further interim Stage 2(a) workshop to discuss and assist the Design Team in progressing their Stage 2(a) submission in a positive manner.
The Design Team were asked to complete a review and audit of the floor area schedules, and to also refine some design elements in order to meet the approved schedule of accommodation.
A further interim workshop was held on 22nd March 2024, between my Department and the Design Team Architect, where further refinements and adjustment to floor area were discussed.
Upon receipt of the revised Stage 2(a) Report Department officials carried out an initial review and arranged an architectural workshop with the Design Team Lead in May 2025 to discuss further.
In early June 2025 a further meeting was held with the wider Design Team, school authorities and Department officials in attendance. At that meeting the school were provided with a progress update and advised that the Design Team was due to submit an Addendum S2a Report to the Department.
The outstanding information for the Addendum Stage 2a Report was received in the Department on 31st October 2025.
A date for the Stage 2a Stakeholders Meeting will be advised upon completion of the Addendum Report review.
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 Mary Help of Christians will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
443. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children in Clare seeking special education school places; the current level of unmet need; the projected demand for places for the next five years; the criteria used to determine special class allocation, of the new special education classes announced; the number of the schools which have the infrastructure to meet the needs of the new classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16487/26]
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 promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
The information held on the department's Geographical Information System (GIS), particularly in relation to student demographics, is a key component when forecasting the need for additional special class and special school places. My department and the NCSE have undertaken analysis of the trends in special class and special school provision over recent years by county and local school planning area. In total there are 314 local school planning areas.
My department and the NCSE identify the need for special educational provision with consideration to demographical and statistical data and in regard to an areas existing school provision and future capability. In addition, part of the forward planning process as to where new classes, schools or expansion is required looks at how far students are travelling to access an education that meets their needs. This is an important factor which has been incorporated into the decision-making process. Consideration is also given to the information the NCSE hold at local level on the number of children and young people seeking a special school place in a region.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
My department and the 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 in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year.
351 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. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
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.
444. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Education and Youth the immediate steps which will be taken to address a serious health and safety issue at a school (details supplied); the criteria under which these applications were assessed; the reason the situation was not classified as an emergency given the clear health and safety risks involved; and the interim and long-term measures that will now be put in place. [16517/26]
View answerThe school in question applied for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for toilet works.
The purpose of the EWS is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the Summer Works Scheme.
The schools application was not in line with the minimal scope of works required to remedy the emergency situation and the was asked multiple times to revise the scope of works and associated cost breakdown in line with the EWS criteria. The most recent submission by the school still does not meet this criteria and in order to progress the issue a technical site visit will be facilitated by the EWS team.
445. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if an application by a school (details supplied) for urgent emergency works will be reconsidered. [16523/26]
View answer450. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to address serious health and safety issue at a school (details supplied); the reason applications for emergency works were refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16599/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 450 together.
The school in question applied for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for toilet works.
The purpose of the EWS is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the Summer Works Scheme.
The schools application was not in line with the minimal scope of works required to remedy the emergency situation and the was asked multiple times to revise the scope of works and associated cost breakdown in line with the EWS criteria. The most recent submission by the school still does not meet this criteria and in order to progress the issue a technical site visit will be facilitated by the EWS team.
446. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide details of the number of schools in Dublin Fingal West that had initially participated in a review of SNA allocation for the 2026/27 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16532/26]
View answerThis 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.
447. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to list all schemes, funding programmes, capital funds, grant streams or other expenditure headings administered by her Department in 2025 and 2026 which result in allocations, awards, or spending that can be identified with a specific geographical location including county, district, town, or project site, to group these by funding stream or programme heading; to indicate, for each scheme, whether details of allocations or awards are published online; and if so, where such information may be accessed. [16548/26]
View answerMy department is not in a position to answer this parliamentary question at present as I am awaiting additional information requested. A reply will be provided once the information has been received.
448. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide the web link to her Department’s Q4 2025 published report of purchase orders/payments over €20,000, in line with the FOI model publication scheme requirements; the date on which this report was published; and if it has not yet been published, the planned publication date. [16566/26]
View answerThe Payments over €20,000 Report for Q4 2025 has not yet been published as my department is currently collating all information in relation to this quarter. I expect that the report will be published later this month.
