Séamus McGrath
Question:234. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 will commence. [27692/26]
View answerLegislative Process
Questions (234)
Written answers
The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 was signed into law by the President on 16 December 2025. I anticipate that this Act will be commenced in Q3 of 2026.
It will allow employees who do not consent to retire at their contractual retirement age to notify their employer that they intend to remain in their employment until they reach the pensionable age (66). The pensionable age is the age at which people may first access their State Pension. This is a significant step in helping to protect employees as they approach retirement.
As I stated during the Act’s legislative process, there will be an appropriate lead in time in advance of commencement. My Department is working with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to develop clear communications for both workers and employers on the rights and responsibilities arising from this Act.
The WRC is in the process of consulting with social partners in the context of the drafting of a new Code of Practice. This approach will support a smooth commencement of the legislation and ensure that the new employment right is implemented consistently and fairly.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (235, 238, 246)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:235. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a building project for a school (details supplied); the phases of the project; the pieces of the plan delivered in each phase; the date for completion and opening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27371/26]
View answerEoin Ó Broin
Question:238. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide information specifically in relation to the PE facilities being provided in a school build project (details supplied); to include information on outdoor and indoor PE settings in the plan. [27390/26]
View answerEoin Ó Broin
Question:246. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether there is scope for altering the proposed sports facilities at a school in County Dublin (details supplied) to make provision for astro-turf facilities to support sports such as soccer. [27578/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 235, 238 and 246 together.
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is being delivered by my Department’s Design & Build Programme and will deliver a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school and accommodation, including 6 classrooms, for children with special education needs on a site at Kishogue Cross, Griffeen Avenue, Lucan, Co Dublin. The new 1,000 pupil post-primary school will be provided with a PE Hall with Fitness Suite as well as 6 hard play ballcourts and secure hard and soft special education play area.
The Letter of Acceptance (LOA) issued to the successful contractor in November 2024, allowing the contractor to commence on site. The project is being delivered in one phase, with the school expected to be completed and handed over in early Quarter 3 2026.
Under the Department’s Design & Build Programme, school building projects, including the building project referred to by the Deputy, provides for ballcourts with a tarmac hard surface. It is current Department policy to fund a standard tarmac surface for hard play ballcourt surfaces rather than an alternate surface e.g. Astroturf. There are additional costs associated with the delivery of hard surfaces other than tarmac and associated ongoing maintenance burdens and costs to school authorities for the upkeep of alternate surfaces once installed. Astro pitches may be considered only in exceptional circumstances or self-funded by school authorities.
There is a pilot project underway to research alternate ballcourt surfaces to help inform the Department’s future thinking and policy in relation to hard play area surfaces. However, the Department must tightly prioritise available capital funding for the provision of additional capacity to meet mainstream and special education needs, and any potential future measures regarding playing surfaces will be considered in the context of the overall capital funding position.
School Enrolments
Questions (236)
Tom Brabazon
Question:236. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of junior infant enrolments in the Donaghmede Dublin 13 school planning area for September 2026 and September 2027, in tabular form. [27385/26]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority of mine.
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.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
I wish to advise the Deputy, the Department does not produce projections on a standard by school planning area basis.
The provision of primary school places and the operation of admissions processes are matters for individual school authorities, in line with their published admissions policies and relevant legislation. Schools determine their own intake numbers and maintain their own enrolment and waiting list information.
The Department does not centrally collate or hold a definitive dataset of available places or waiting lists by school planning area.
Information on junior infant intake numbers for individual schools is published in each school’s Admissions Notice on their respective websites.
In academic year 2024-2025, the latest year we have final standard data available, there were 549 pupils in mainstream junior infants classes in the Donaghmede Dublin 13 school planning area. We expect to publish enrolments by standard data for 2025-2026 in June 2026.
School Admissions
Questions (237)
Tom Brabazon
Question:237. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of first year places offered for the 2026-2027 school year for post primary schools within Donahmede Dublin 13 school planning area. [27386/26]
View answerWritten answers
I can assure the Deputy that the provision of school places to meet the needs of children and young people at primary and post primary level, including children and young people with special educational needs is an absolute priority of mine.
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.
My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area. In relation to school admissions, it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of all schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998.
The provision of post-primary school places and the operation of admissions processes are matters for individual school authorities, in line with their published admissions policies and relevant legislation. Schools determine their own intake numbers and maintain their own enrolment and waiting list information.
The Department does not centrally collate or hold a definitive dataset of available places or waiting lists by school planning area.
Information on first-year intake numbers for individual schools is published in each school’s Admissions Notice on their respective websites. National enrolment data is available on gov.ie.
Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 235.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (239)
John Lahart
Question:239. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans for a school (details supplied) and its location and so on; the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27416/26]
View answerWritten answers
Enabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
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. 387 have been sanctioned to date and many more new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
I recently announced the establishment of four new special schools for the upcoming school year 2026/2027; a vital step in ensuring that children and young people with special educational needs have access to the specialist supports and environment they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
The four new special schools will be located in Balbriggan and Citywest in Co. Dublin, Bray in Co. Wicklow, and Monasterevin in Co. Kildare.
Parents and families looking to apply for admission to the new special school will be supported and guided by the NCSE at local level and kept updated on developments.
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 achieve their full potential.
National Student Survey
Questions (240)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:240. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the complete results of the national survey carried out by her Department on primary school preferences will be published, including data from parents of children in pre-school and children currently attending non-denominational primary schools relating to their school ethos preference. [27434/26]
View answerWritten answers
On 4 November 2025, my department published a 'Framework and action plan for delivery of increased choice for parents on education provision at primary level'. The main focus of this framework and action plan was an online, school-specific survey. The survey ran from 4 November to 16 December 2025.
Through the survey, my department is obtaining clear information on the preferences of parents and guardians about the primary schools which their children currently attend, or will attend in coming years, on a number of important areas of primary school provision, including patronage/ethos, co-education or single-sex school provision and language of instruction (English or Irish).
The results of the survey will help my department to plan how education at primary level is provided.
As set out in the framework and action plan, initial high-level summary results are to be published in early 2026, with a Q2 2026 timeframe for the school-level data.
In line with this commitment, I recently announced the high-level national and county summary results in respect of the preferences of parents with children currently in primary school. My department is continuing its detailed analysis of the survey data and is preparing finalised school-specific reports. These school reports will also include the preferences of parents and guardians of children who are not yet in primary school and will be issued to all primary schools in early May. This is in line with the Q2 2026 timeframe that was previously stated by my department.
The preliminary national findings indicate that:
• Approximately 60% of parents in denominational schools wish to retain that ethos.
• Approximately 73% of parents in the 276 single-sex primary schools favour a move to co-education.
• Approximately 87% of parents in English-medium schools support maintaining English as the primary language of instruction.
While these figures provide a national overview, it is important to note that it is the preferences within each individual school community that will determine future direction. Demand for change, or continuity, will vary from school to school. A good response rate at individual school level will also be relevant in assessing the parental preferences.
School Discipline
Questions (241)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:241. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the list of primary schools in the south Conamara region, by name, address, daily language used, patronage and religious ethos of each school, in tabular form. [27435/26]
View answerWritten answers
Please find attached list of primary schools located in South Conamara LEA.
Patron data is of 2024-2025 academic year, we expect to publish patron data for 2025-2026 in June.
Departmental Inquiries
Questions (242)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:242. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the list of schools operating entirely through the medium of Irish in Gaeltacht areas that are multi-denominational or non-denominational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27436/26]
View answerWritten answers
Please find attached requested data, lists of Irish medium multi-denominational or non-denominational schools in Gaeltacht areas.
Data is as per preliminary enrolment data for 2025-2026 which can be found at the link below.
We expect to publish final enrolment data for 2025-26 in June 2026.
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/collections/data-on-individual-schools/.
On 4 November 2025, my department published a 'Framework and action plan for delivery of increased choice for parents on education provision at primary level'. The main focus of this framework and action plan was an online, school-specific survey. The survey ran from 4 November to 16 December 2025.
Through the survey, my department is obtaining clear information on the preferences of parents and guardians about the primary schools which their children currently attend, or will attend in coming years, on a number of important areas of primary school provision, including patronage/ethos, co-education or single-sex school provision and language of instruction (English or Irish).
The results of the survey will help my department to plan how education at primary level is provided.
My department is continuing its detailed analysis of the survey data and is preparing finalised school-specific reports which will be issued to all primary schools in early May.
Irish medium multi-denominational or non-denominational schools in Gaeltach
Special Educational Needs
Questions (243)
Niall Collins
Question:243. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will advise regarding a NEPS assessment for a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27446/26]
View answerWritten answers
Further to the Deputy's query regarding the involvement of NEPS with a student (details supplied), I have made enquiries and I understand a request for involvement has been received in NEPS. The assigned psychologist for the student’s school is due to meet with the student’s parents this week.
Departmental Inquiries
Questions (244)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:244. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason teachers (details supplied) lose part of their supplementary pension; the rationale for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27447/26]
View answerWritten answers
Public service employees who are fully insured (primarily those who pay Class A PRSI) under the social insurance system operated by the Department of Social Protection may be entitled to a range of social insurance related payments from that department by virtue of their PRSI contributions. One such payment is the State Pension (Contributory) (SPC), which is payable to eligible persons on reaching age 66.
In general, in cases where an individual does not qualify for the state pension (SPC) on retirement, or where the individual qualifies for it at less than the full rate of SPC, pre-existing public service pension schemes make provision for an award of an Occupational Supplementary Pension (OSP), subject to meeting certain eligibility criteria.
In this regard, I refer the Deputy to Circular 12/2024 – ‘Arrangements for Occupational Supplementary Pensions (OSP)’ which sets out the process and administrative arrangements that apply in respect of OSP under pre-existing civil and public service pension schemes. In particular, paragraph 4 sets out the criteria for the payment of supplementary pension, the Deputy will note paragraph 4 (iii), the individual must not be engaged in full-time paid employment, and the individual must not be self-employed.
It should also be noted that where the individual is engaged in part-time employment the OSP is stopped for the days on which the retiree works.
Public servants, including teachers, who pay D class PRSI are not eligible for an occupation supplementary pension. However, all public servants regardless of their PRSI class, who return to work in the public sector, are subject to the rules of pension abatement.
Public sector pension policy, including that relating to the teaching sector, is determined by Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The rules of the relevant pension scheme are in general set out in statute, or in the relevant circulars and in this regard cannot be deviated from.
I trust this has addressed the Deputy’s query, further information is available on Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation webpage - https://www.publicservicepensions.gov.ie/en/topic/supplementary-pensions/. My department has also provide further guidance on the following link - https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/occupational-supplementary-pensions-teachers-and-non-teaching-staff/.
Departmental Inquiries
Questions (245)
Paul Murphy
Question:245. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the future of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27498/26]
View answerWritten answers
Further information on this matter has been requested by my Department and we will revert directly to the Deputy on this matter once clarification is received.
Question No. 246 answered with Question No. 235.
Departmental Inquiries
Questions (247)
John Clendennen
Question:247. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a matter regarding a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27611/26]
View answerWritten answers
I refer to recent correspondence in relation to proposed safety measures at the school in question and can advise the Deputy as follows.
Individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care. The issue of road safety measures within the vested areas of schools are therefore a matter for the school authority. Road safety outside the vested site areas of schools on public roads, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter, for the relevant Local Authority. Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools to ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children. The Department of Education and Youth therefore has no function in this matter.
I should explain that applications relating to the provision of funding for issues relating to an existing school building can fall under a number of different delivery mechanisms including, most frequently, the Summer Works Scheme and the Emergency Works Scheme and could include the upgrade or provision of car parking/set down areas.
The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (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 (SWS).
The purpose of the SWS is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (which was previously named the Summer Works Scheme) places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Schools can now undertake additional measures such as insulation upgrades, LED lighting installation, EV charger provision, bike rack facilities to support active travel and other climate-focused works alongside traditional maintenance.
The newly announced Climate Action Summer works opened for applications on the 1st May 2025 and the application window closed on the 30th of June 2025, full details of the scheme can be found under [Summer Works Scheme]. The EWS is open for applications year-round. It is open to the school to make an application under the most appropriate scheme.
In the case of the school in question it should be noted that there are currently no outstanding EWS or SWS projects. It is also open for the school to use their minor works grant for any upgrade works required to the school including external works.
The Deputy may be aware that the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Programme was developed in partnership by the NTA and Green-Schools, An Taisce, in 2020, as a response to the need to support schools to increase walking and cycling to school. The programme aims to:
• Improve safety at the school gate by providing ‘front of school’ treatments to alleviate congestion and improve access;
• Improve access routes to school by improving walking and cycling infrastructure; and
• Increase the number of students who cycle to school by expanding the amount of cycle parking
All schools in the state were eligible to apply to the programme and information was circulated in March 2021 from the Departments of Education and Transport to schools nationwide. Schools that have applied and have not been included in the first two rounds of funding will not be required to reapply, as they will come into the programme on a rolling basis.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (248)
John Clendennen
Question:248. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27612/26]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers to was granted capital funding for the provision of 2x SEN in March 2026 under the SEN Reconfiguration & Modular Accommodation Programme.
The Department has a significant modular accommodation programme in place to assist schools in the provision of additional capacity, including in respect of facilitating the establishment of special classes.
This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects.
Rogerson Reddan & Associates were appointed from the Department’s Framework to design and tender the project.
This consultant lead the project through the various stages of planning process and construction. The school authority has devolved responsibility for delivery of this project.
The design team is currently progressing the final drawings. Preliminary architectural drawings are now complete, and the M&E and C&S drawings are underway. We expect to have all construction issue drawings ready this week.
Departmental Inquiries
Questions (249)
John Clendennen
Question:249. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27613/26]
View answerWritten answers
The project to which the Deputy refers, has been devolved for delivery to Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).
This project is currently at Stage 2B of the architectural design process. This stage allows for detailed design and planning, obtaining necessary statutory permissions and preparation of tender documents. A Stage 2B report been submitted to my department from LOETB. The report is undergoing a detailed technical and cost review in line with the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, are subject to the due diligence requirements of the Public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program. Once the review is complete, the outcome will be communicated to LOETB as the delivery body for this project who will continue to engage directly with the school authorities to keep them fully informed.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6.7 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,400 school building projects along with over 4,000 small-scale improvement works to meet priority maintenance needs and advance energy efficiency and climate goal. In addition, repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. Circa 80% of new special classes in 2025/26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation.
Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities.
In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector along with the first tranche of projects to progress to tender and/or construction during 2026 and 2027 was published in January 2026. This NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
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.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (250)
John Clendennen
Question:250. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27614/26]
View answerWritten answers
The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department's pipeline for school building projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide three Special Education Needs (SEN) classrooms, and a summer works windows replacement project. This project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.
This project is currently at Stage 2b (developed design) of the architectural design process. This stage includes obtaining all statutory approvals, preparing a set of fully detailed Tender documents, and preparing an accurate pre-tender cost plan.
The Stage 2b report was submitted to my Department in March 2026 and it is currently under review from both a technical and cost perspective. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in the Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
My Department remains committed to providing ongoing guidance and practical support in the delivery of this project and will continue to engage closely with patron bodies, management bodies and schools on the progression of projects to tender and construction during 2026–2027.
The current status of all projects continues to be set out under item ten on my Department’s website under building works for the construction, extension and refurbishment of schools. This is updated regularly to reflect project progress through capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender, and construction stages.
Departmental Inquiries
Questions (251)
John Clendennen
Question:251. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she is aware of the BUSS model (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27620/26]
View answerWritten answers
Enabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
The Education Therapy Service (ETS) is a standalone commitment under the Programme for Government and represents a major cross departmental initiative to strengthen supports for children with special educational needs. The new therapy service announced in June 2025 will be delivered by the NCSE. The ETS will see therapy supports provided in special schools on a phased basis, starting in 45 special schools in the 2025/2026 school year. It is important to highlight that this is the initial phase and a wider roll-out to further special schools will take place within the 2026/2027 school year. This new initiative will see all schools benefit in the coming years, as it is rolled out in time, to mainstream schools.
The ETS will see Occupational and Speech and Language Therapists employ a multi-tiered model of support which includes supports at a universal, targeted and individualised level. The ETS is an additional support for children with special education needs. It is to supplement and not replace existing children’s health and disability services, and it is intended that it will work in a complementary manner to strength overall provision.
In addition to the ETS, the NCSE has developed an education-based therapy support service known as the Educational Therapy Support Service (ETSS). The ETSS was established in June 2024 within the NCSE and initially comprised 39 therapists, providing 2 strands of support, Regional Therapy and Sustained In-School Therapy to both mainstream and special schools.
Sustained in-school support (SIT) is provided to schools for a defined period of 18-24 months in line with the School Inclusion Model. 22 schools in the Eastern region and 28 schools in the Western Region are currently availing of this service.
Regional therapy support provides Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) with follow on/implementation support by NCSE therapists. The focus of this support is to build the capacity of schools and to embed the learning from TPL into their teaching practice, through In-school coaching and co-facilitation of interventions, strategies and resources, with a focus on whole school (Tier 1) and targeted/school support levels (Tier 2) of a multi-tiered system of support. Regional Therapy seminars are available nationally for the 2025/2026 school year.
It is important to recognise that teachers use a number of specialist programmes to support students with special educational needs. At all times, the focus of the department and the NCSE is on doing what is right for the child and underpinning any educational interventions with evidence-based approaches. For that reason, the department does not promote one particular approach for meeting the needs of children with special educational needs and recognises that children with dyslexia or literacy difficulties may benefit most where a range of teaching approaches is employed by the class teachers.
The provision of therapy supports for children with disabilities and the Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT) service is the responsibility of the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality, and the Health Service Executive (HSE), any queries in this regard should be addressed directly to that department and the HSE. Queries relating to primary care and mental health therapy services is the responsibility of the Department of Health.
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 achieve their full potential.
School Transport
Questions (252)
John Clendennen
Question:252. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether school transport can be supplied for a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27632/26]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Eireann has advised that the pupil mentioned by the Deputy reside 4.7 kms from home to school, their nearest school and school of attendance. This pupil is not eligible for transport as they do not meet the distance criteria under the post primary school transport scheme.
Bus Eireann further advise that they are currently reviewing transport options for this pupil for the 2026/27 school year.
Departmental Inquiries
Questions (253)
John Clendennen
Question:253. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the recruitment campaign for the education therapy services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27641/26]
View answerWritten answers
As you are aware on 6th February 2026, the Department of Education and Youth announced the phased rollout of the new Education Therapy Service (ETS), delivered by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). It is important to highlight that this is the initial phase of the ETS rollout providing supports in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Tipperary, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow.
The NCSE has recently completed a recruitment campaign for Senior and Staff Grade Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists, with interviews completed and panels formed. The NCSE are currently offering posts to successful candidates. The continued rollout of the ETS will be supported by phased recruitment campaigns throughout 2026 to ensure therapy needs across the school system are met, including a recruitment campaign in Donegal, Kerry, Cavan and Waterford by the end of June 2026. A rolling national campaign will continue later in 2026.
In line with the rollout and development of the ETS, we will continue to engage with the HSE on the ETS model of service, to ensure a safe service provision of schools supports between HSE and NCSE services, as NCSE therapists are assigned to schools.
It is envisioned that further phases will be rollout in the 2026/2027 school year to ensure therapy needs across the school system are met.
My Department and the National Council for Special Education (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 Transport
Questions (254)
John Clendennen
Question:254. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the School Transport 2030 review including progress made towards implementation of the recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27642/26]
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The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 180,000 pupils in 2025, which equates to an increase of close to 50%.
Under the current terms of the schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest primary school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Any pupils who do not meet these criteria are deemed not eligible, or otherwise known as concessionary applicants, and are allocated a ticket based on the availability of a seat when all eligible children have been catered for. Where demand exceeds available tickets, Bus Éireann will allocate tickets using an agreed selection process.
The School Transport 2030 report was published in early 2024 following a comprehensive analysis and review of the scheme as it currently operates. The recommended changes to the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. It is proposed to expand access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030. It was outlined at the time of the review’s publication that due to the scale of the scheme it would be prudent to implement the changes on a phased basis.
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann. A total of 14 pilot projects took place that year have continued for the 2025/2026 school year.
Following the closing date for payment for the 2025/2026 school year the Department, in collaboration with Bus Éireann, assessed where dedicated school transport/pilots may be successfully delivered, and a further 11 pilots were approved.
All pilots – including those which commenced in the 2024/2025 school year – are being monitored and a further evaluation will take place at the end of the 2025/2026 school year. Findings from these evaluations will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme.
Implementation of the recommendations of the review will continue to be planned subject to resources being available to meet the increased demand.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (255)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:255. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the rollout of the Schools Photovoltaic Programme; the number of schools at primary and secondary level that have taken it up; if any schools indicated they will not take it up; the reasons they have outlined; the amount which has been spent on the scheme to date; the overall budget for the scheme to provide for solar panels on all schools in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27655/26]
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The Schools PV Programme provides eligible schools with up to 6 kilowatts peak of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on their roofs, which equates to approximately 14 solar panels.
The Schools PV Programme is funded by the Government’s Climate Action Fund in line with the Government’s recognition that taking action on climate change is central to Ireland’s social and economic development. It is assisting schools in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprint as part of the response to meeting the 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Plan targets for the schools’ sector.
The overall programme will see up to 24 megawatts of installed renewable energy provision on schools with associated savings in the region of €5.5 million per year across 4,000 schools.
The installation of solar PV panels schools directly assists schools to reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs, while also educating pupils and the wider school community about the benefits of solar technology.
The update of the programme has been very positive to date. A total of 3135 have so far sought tenders and applied for funding through the Schools PV Programme.
With respect to the remaining schools invited to apply to the Schools PV Programme, Oof these, 154 schools had already received solar panels, prior to the launch of the Schools PV Programme, all new schools built post 2019 include PV panels, and a further 130 are due to receive them through other Department of Education and Youth funded capital projects.
150 schools indicated that they had explored unsuccessfully the possibility of installing solar panels. This may be due to a range of factors, including roof or electrical limitations, schools operating from rental accommodation, or those sharing an MPRN with another organisation, such as schools located within hospital settings. Schools with roofing or electrical limitations will have the opportunity to avail of the programme as these limitations are addressed.
A further 97 schools have yet to engage with the programme. My department has been again actively engaging with these schools over the past number of weeks to encourage them to apply for funding or to understand their reasons for not participating in the scheme.
To date, a total of 2,573 schools have confirmed that their PV systems have been installed. It is important to note that there can be a delay between installation and confirmation to the Department, so the actual number of completed installations is likely higher.
My Department is not releasing the exact budget or the total funding approved to date for the programme at this stage as it remains an active delivery initiative and the information is commercially sensitive. The Department of Education and Youth continues to monitor expenditure under the scheme to ensure it delivers value for money.