Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
313. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth if consideration will be given to the cost-of-living crisis and ensure that low to middle-income workers are a priority in the upcoming budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31678/26]
View answerOver the past number of years, the Government has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to strengthening our education and youth sectors. This includes increased capitation funding for schools, the allocation of thousands of additional teaching and Special Needs Assistant posts, enhanced supports for school leadership, smaller class sizes, targeted measures to address teacher supply, increased funding for youth services, the introduction of an Education Therapy Service and implementation of a new Delivering Equality of Opportunity In Schools (DEIS) Plus scheme and the provision of free schoolbooks at both primary and post-primary levels to ease financial pressure on families.
As we look ahead to Budget 2027, my priority remains clear: to continue delivering on the commitments set out in the Programme for Government and to support students, staff, and families across the education sector.
In the lead-up to the Budget, my Department is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders which include contributions from education partners, as well as organisations involved in broader areas of public policy. As in previous years, these submissions will be carefully considered and will help shape the specific priorities I will be advocating for in Budget 2027.
In addition to the above, the next round of national public sector pay deals is to be negotiated. The outcomes of this process will inform the pay conditions for a large cohort of staff working across the education and youth sectors.
As I am sure the Deputy appreciates, it would not be appropriate for me to outline any more specific plans at this stage of the budgetary process.
