Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
62. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation within the context of projected overspends from the Department of Education, the way in which he intends to limit the spending of other Government departments this financial year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27569/26]
View answerAs published in the Revised Estimates Volume for 2026 last December, the total allocation for the Department of Education and Youth this year is €13.5 billion, comprising €11.8 billion in current and €1.7 billion in capital funding. Compared to the 2025 REV allocation of €12.2 billion the increased funding in 2026 represents a 10% uplift, demonstrating Governments commitment to supporting the continued delivery of high-quality education and youth services. Substantial investment has been provided to the Department of Education and Youth in recent years. Between 2021 and 2025, expenditure has increased by €3.5 billion or 37% from €9.3 billion to €12.7 billion in 2025.
My Department actively monitors spending developments throughout the year and is in ongoing engagement with all other Departments as part of this to identify any spending risks and mitigations.
Regarding the Department of Education and Youth, no government decision has been taken in relation to any additional funding or the application of a levy to other departments at this time. Government discussions are ongoing. Should a decision be taken to provide additional funding to the Department of Education further detail regarding this will be provided at that time and by way of presentation in a Revised Estimate for Education.
