Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 April 2026
136. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the mechanisms in place to support agencies under her remit with the increased costs of employing staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31358/26]
View answer137. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the mechanisms in place to support agencies under her remit to manage the increase in the minimum wages in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31376/26]
View answer138. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the mechanisms in place to support agencies under her remit to manage increasing operating costs including insurance, energy and fuel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31394/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 137 and 138 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that governance matters, including financial management and budgetary issues, are considered on an ongoing basis through my Department’s engagement with the agencies and bodies operating under my remit.
These bodies are responsible for managing their day-to-day operations, including responding to cost pressures such as pay and non pay within the parameters of their approved budgets and governance frameworks. My Department maintains regular oversight and engagement with aegis bodies to monitor financial sustainability and to ensure appropriate governance and financial controls are in place.
Funding for agencies under my remit is considered as part of the annual Estimates process, which takes account of Government priorities, available resources, and the overall fiscal context. Where additional or emerging cost pressures are identified, these can be examined in the context of this process or through ongoing engagement between my Department and the relevant bodies.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to work closely with agencies under its remit to support effective financial management and service delivery, while ensuring compliance with public financial procedures and value-for-money principles.
