Written Answers Nos. 300-325
300. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 254 of 29 January 2026, the outcome of the review being undertaken by her Department into the tender report submitted by the design team for the school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31596/26]
View answerThe major project for the school referred to by the Deputy is for a new school building to include 24 Mainstream Classrooms along with additional classrooms for children with Special Educational Needs and all associated site works.
The major building project is currently at Stage 3, Tender Action and Award.
The design team submitted the tender report to the department in October 2025. Following a detailed review, authorisation was sent to the school and Design Team to issue the Letter of Intent (LOI) on the 29th of April 2026.
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.
My department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of these 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. This list includes the project at Loreto Primary School Rathfarnam and 19 other projects in County Dublin.
These projects are in addition to €1843.91 million in capital funding for Dublin schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 253 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are also currently 56 school projects in County Dublin under construction. The 105 prioritised projects will progress to tender and/or construction on a rolling basis over the course of 2026 and 2027 and in the context of NDP funding parameters. The timing of project progression will reflect the need to carefully manage the rollout of these projects to construction on a controlled basis to ensure that projects are delivered efficiently, align with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and Capital Works Management Framework and remain within the parameters of NDP funding.
Department officials will continue to engage closely patron bodies, management bodies and schools with respect to the timing of the progression of projects to construction over the period 2026 to 2027. This will include continued engagement with respect to the progression of its project to construction.
The current status of all projects continues to be set out under item number ten at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/collections/building-works-for-the-construction-extension-and-refurbishment-of-schools/#school-building-projects-large-scale-additional-accommodation-scheme-current-status-lists. This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
301. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth the plans that exist to upgrade and modernise the school transport family portal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31612/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The Review of the School Transport Scheme 2030 examined the potential for change to certain scheme operational matters, such as technological improvements to the scheme. A recommendation of the review was to explore the potential for the technological improvements required to the application process and timelines, which will enable Bus Éireann to operate the scheme in a more efficient and user-friendly way.
Engagement is ongoing between the Department and Bus Éireann in relation to proposed upgrades of existing systems that support the family portal. The aim of the upgrades are to modernise the platform in order to support the significant increase in applications and activity year on year and to enhance the overall customer experience for all end users.
302. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth the company contracted to operate the software behind the school transport family portal; the terms of the service agreement with the company; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31613/26]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and a response will issue directly as soon as possible.
303. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth the building unit's position on amendments proposed by a school (details supplied) to the previously approved addition of accommodation at the school, first announced in 2022; if her Department will meet directly with the school management and their agent(s) to discuss the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31616/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy, that my department is in receipt of an application for capital funding, under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme from the school in question.
The purpose of the ASA Scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation or at available accommodation at other schools in the area.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the school was approved 4 Special education classrooms and ancillary accommodation in 2022 under the department's ASA Scheme. This project was devolved to the school authority for delivery. In 2023 the school requested the scope of the proposed works at the school be expanded. In light of the request for additional accommodation beyond the four Special education classrooms originally approved, it was agreed and the school was informed in October last year that consultation with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) would be necessary. The school was advised to contact their local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) in order to ensure their views would be considered in the consultation process. Consultation with the NCSE is ongoing.
The NCSE has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.
Over the last two years, my department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special education placements ahead of each new school year. My department continues to work with the NCSE in relation to the short-term requirements for special class and special school places and also the more strategic and longer-term requirements.
My department is currently reviewing the proposed revised scope of works for the school in question and as soon as a decision is reached, the school authority will be contacted directly.
304. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of a school building (details supplied), specifically in relation to ownership of the building and its contents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31629/26]
View answerThe former school site and building of Mohober National School in Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, is not owned by my department. Any query in relation to the building or its contents should be referred to the property owner.
305. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the future plans for a school building (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31630/26]
View answerThe former school site and building of Mohober National School in Mullinahone, Co. Tipperary, is not owned by my department. Any query in relation to future use should be referred to the property owner.
306. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Education and Youth to respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); if consideration has been given to reviewing the current arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31632/26]
View answerThe core function of the redeployment arrangements is to facilitate the redeployment of all surplus permanent/CID holding teachers, to other schools that have vacancies.
At primary level, schools are required, under the panel arrangements, to fill their vacancies from the Main Redeployment Panel. Once all teachers on the Main Panel have been redeployed, permanent vacancies are offered to teachers on the Supplementary Redeployment Panel, comprised of eligible fixed-term (temporary/substitute) and part-time teachers. At that point, fixed-term vacancies may be advertised through open competition.
Once a redeployment panel has been exhausted in an area, schools with permanent vacancies in that area may proceed to open competition to fill these vacancies. It is open to any teacher to apply for these vacancies as they arise.
The redeployment arrangements for the 2026/27 school year are set out in Circular 0025/2026. These arrangements are reviewed each year, in consultation with the education partners, including the teacher union. Arrangements for next year’s redeployment will be reviewed towards the end of the year.
307. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she plans to open additional special classes at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31634/26]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
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. 464 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, of which 11 are inclusive special classes. Further details on additional 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.
Of the 464 new special classes, 305 are being established in primary schools and 159 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county with 105 new special classes confirmed for Dublin so far.
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.
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.
308. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for a list of Department of Education owned sites in Dublin 15; and whether a second special school has been identified as per the recommendation of the D15 Special Education Taskforce. [31636/26]
View answerA Taskforce to support forward planning of special education provision in Dublin 15 was established in October 2024. Its report, containing 21 recommendations, has been submitted to the Minister and will be published shortly. Work is already progressing on key actions, including the establishment of the new Education Therapy Service, additional capitation for special schools, and significant capital investment under the NDP.
The Department and the NCSE are working closely to secure additional special class and special school capacity for the 2026/27 school year. To date, 12 new special classes have been sanctioned for Dublin 15, bringing the total to 94, up from 33 in 2020, with further classes expected. Special school capacity is also being expanded, including at Danu Community Special School, and two of the four newly announced special schools will be established in Co. Dublin for 2026/27.
In relation to Department-owned sites in Dublin 15, the following Dublin 15 schools are located on Minister-owned property:
16675V – Scoil Naomh Lucais
19505L & 91315O – SN Oilibhéir & Scoil Phobail Chuil Mhín
20098I – Castleknock Educate Together NS
20130B – St Patrick’s NS
20186F & 20231H – Castaheany Educate Together NS & St Benedict’s NS
20201V & 16675V – Tyrrelstown Educate Together NS & Scoil Naomh Lucais
20231H – St Benedict’s NS
20309S & 20137P – Mary Mother of Hope JNS & SNS
20384J & 20394M – Powerstown Educate Together NS & Gaelscoil an Chuilinn
20392I – Pelletstown ETNS
68083N – Le Chéile Secondary School
68101M & 20383H – Hansfield ETSS & Hansfield ETNS
68306H – Edmund Rice College
70081V & 20548N – Rath Dara Community College & Danu Community Special School
76130P – Luttrellstown Community College
76130P & 20241K – Luttrellstown Community College & Scoil Choilm CNS
76574F – Ériu Community College
91316Q – Blakestown Community School
91339F – Hartstown Community School
309. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth if an emergency works application will be expedited and a grant allocated in respect of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31640/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. 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 a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.
The school in question submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for toilet facility works.
As previously noted, the EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation and, on this basis, the school was advised to submit a revised scope of works with an accompanying itemised cost breakdown.
Once this has been received the EWS team will review the revised application and will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
310. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of employees under the supervision and substitution scheme in each of the years from 2020 to 2025; if any participants in this scheme have transitioned to other roles within the schools in which they are employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31649/26]
View answerThe Supervision and Substitution Scheme allows for the supervision of students during breaks and before and after school and to allow for substitution to cover certain categories of teacher absences. This includes providing substitution cover for short term and unexpected absences in schools, such as all uncertified sick leave absences or to cover the first day of force majeure leave or illness in family leave.
With effect from the beginning of the 2013/14 school year, participation in the Supervision and Substitution scheme is compulsory for all post primary teachers, save for those who had availed of the opt-out arrangements prior to this date.
The Supervision scheme is compulsory for Primary School teachers while there is no provision to opt-out of the scheme at primary level.
Circular 0047/2017 subsequently set out the arrangements whereby teachers who previously opted out from compulsory participation in the Supervision and Substitution scheme under Circular 0006/2014 could opt back in to the Supervision and Substitution scheme.
With effect from the beginning of the 2013/14 school year, each teacher participating in the scheme has been required to provide 43 hours supervision and substitution per annum.
Teachers working less than full hours other than those employed on a casual basis will have a liability to deliver supervision and substitution on a pro-rata basis.
There are currently 2488 (includes those on career break) teachers in the post primary Voluntary or Community and Comprehensive Sector who are opted out of the Supervision and Substitution Scheme, of a total of 24,524 teachers (2024/25 school year). The majority of teachers therefore participate in the S&S scheme.
Details of the hours carried out by individual teachers as part of these schemes at both Primary and Post Primary level, along with other roles performed, are recorded locally in schools and this detail is not held by the Department.
Department of Education Circular 006/2014 sets out details of the Supervision and Substitution Scheme (S&S) which operates in post primary schools. Circular 33/2013 sets out the details of the Supervision scheme as it operates in Primary schools.
311. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children seeking a special class or a special school place for the 2026/2027 school year in County Kerry; the number of additional special classes and special school places that will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31660/26]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
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. 464 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, of which 11 are inclusive special classes. Further details on additional new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
Of the 464 new special classes, 305 are being established in primary schools and 159 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county with 17 new special classes confirmed for Kerry so far.
There continues to be an increasing need to provide additional special school places to support students with complex needs. To meet this need, sixteen new special schools have been established in recent years, and capacity has been expanded in a number of others. Five of these were established for the 2025/26 school year in counties, Cork, Dublin (2), Monaghan and Tipperary.
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.
When looking to provide additional capacity the department’s preferred option is to increase provision in existing special schools if possible. Where this is not possible in a region, the department and NCSE will consider the need to establish a new special school.
In planning for increased special school places, my department and the NCSE review all of the available data on the growing need for special school places across the country. This involves a detailed analysis of enrolment trends and the potential for existing special schools in a region to expand.
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.
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.
312. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a school (details supplied) was not included in the list of DEIS Plus schools; if there is any mechanism for the school to appeal this exclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31672/26]
View answerAddressing educational disadvantage and ensuring that every child and young person can reach their full potential is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth and for the Government. The new DEIS Plus scheme, which will commence this year, launched as part of the DEIS Strategy to 2035, represents the most significant expansion of targeted supports since the establishment of DEIS. DEIS Plus is designed to provide enhanced, evidence-based supports to a cohort of 121 schools with the highest concentrations of children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage, identified through a refined data-based model that draws on a range of indicators associated with persistent and intergenerational disadvantage.
This approach ensures that additional resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact, and forms a core element of the wider €48 million full-year investment across both the DEIS Strategy and the DEIS Plus scheme. Approximately 30,000 children and young people attending DEIS Plus schools will benefit from these targeted supports.
Schools in the DEIS Plus scheme will receive strengthened, research-informed supports across wellbeing, attendance, engagement, guidance, leadership capacity, community partnerships and access to services, including the introduction of a new positive mental health and wellbeing initiative to support a whole-school approach to student wellbeing. This targeted enhancement of supports will not result in any dilution of resources for schools that do not meet the criteria for inclusion in the scheme.
It is important to stress that a school not identified through the DEIS Plus model does not in any way imply that the department is saying that disadvantage does not exist within that school community. DEIS Plus schools were identified using a refined, rules-based model built on nationally available pupil-level administrative data. The model draws on a range of indicators associated with persistent and intergenerational disadvantage, including small-area deprivation, lone parenthood and unemployment, Traveller and Roma identity, and children living in State-funded emergency accommodation or international protection accommodation. These indicators are applied consistently across all schools using enrolment data from the past three years.
I also recognise that some schools are operating in the context of particularly complex local pressures within their wider communities. While these challenges are often well understood locally, they are not always captured in datasets that can be fairly and consistently applied across the entire school system. A rules-based national model must consider all schools on the same basis; it cannot substitute locally held knowledge for data that are not available or comparable nationwide.
My department is committed to ensuring that all schools are treated equally and fairly in the manner in which they have been identified for inclusion in the DEIS Plus scheme. Schools that were not satisfied with the outcome following the application of the DEIS Plus identification model to their school enrolment data may appeal that outcome.
Information on the appeal process can be found at the following link. www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/deis-plus-scheme-appeal-process/.
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.
314. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth the name, location, roll number, and current stage of all additional school accommodation scheme school building projects in County Offaly that are currently at the ‘Approved’ or ‘Tender Stage’ and could commence works if additional capital funding was brought forward; the estimated capital required for each such project to proceed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31693/26]
View answer315. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth the name, location, roll number, current stage of development for each school building project in County Offaly under the additional school accommodation scheme that is not yet on site; the date it reached that stage; the estimated capital required for its progression to the next stage; the specific reasons for any delays in projects at the ‘Approved’ or ‘Tender Stage’; the potential impact of increased capital allocation on their commencement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31694/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 314 and 315 together.
The schools referred to were approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for various projects providing accommodation including mainstream classrooms, special education classrooms and specialist rooms. The projects are devolved for delivery.
The delivery of a school building project involves five core stages:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Design
Stage 2 – Design Development.
• Stage 2a: Develop design, cost the project, and prepare for statutory approvals.
• Stage 2b: Secure planning permission and prepare tender documentation.
Stage 3 – Tender Action.
Stage 4 – Construction.
Stage 5 – Handover and Final Account.
The attached table shows the progression of each project through the various stages and provides the information requested by the Deputy for the listed Offaly schools. With regard to the Deputy's query on estimated capital allocations for each project, the Department cannot release cost details at this stage, as such information is commercially sensitive.
A definitive timeline for completion cannot be provided for projects that have not yet proceeded to construction. The progression of such projects is dependent on a range of contingent factors that can arise at each stage of the delivery process, including design development, statutory approvals, procurement, and the availability of construction capacity, all of which must be managed within the capital funding allocations set out under the National Development Plan In addition, for projects that secure planning permission before they can advance to tender or construction, the duration of the planning process is outside the Department’s control and can vary depending on local authority timelines.
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.
The 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. This list includes 4 projects in Co. Offaly.
These projects are in addition to €107.03 million in capital funding for Offaly schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 30 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are also currently 4 school projects in Offaly under construction. In addition, since 2020 a total of 47 special classes has been opened in Offaly, of which 12 were sanctioned for September 2026.
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.
The accommodation needs at these schools will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the schools’ patrons and school authorities.
316. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the additional school accommodation scheme project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31695/26]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the school approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project providing 1 SET Room (prefab replacement), 1 SEN classroom and 1 Central Activity Space. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.
A Stage 2b (post planning) report was submitted to my department and remains under review. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Infrastructure Guidelines. Given the detailed nature of the evaluation process, the need to ensure full cost compliance, and the requirement to align the project with the prioritisation framework under the National Development Plan, this review process is necessarily thorough. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall programme.
My Department recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. 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, my 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.
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.
317. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update further to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31696/26]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the Department’s school building programme under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project to provide one special educational need (SEN) classroom. Approval to planning for this project was granted in March 2021. Subsequently, the school requested that a central activity space be included within the project brief, and this was agreed with the Department. Delivery of the project has been devolved to the school authority.
Since that time, there has also been ongoing engagement and correspondence between the Department, the design team, and the school regarding the expansion of the scope of the project to include a second SEN classroom. However, such additional accommodation has not been approved, and the approved brief remains the provision of one SEN classroom with a central activity space.
In 2024, the Department advised that a revised Stage 2a (Developed Design) report was required to reflect the amended scope of the approved project. This report has not yet been received. Once submitted, it will be assessed from both a technical and cost perspective, in accordance with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
Any revised Stage 2a submission must adhere strictly to the approved brief, as the Department has not approved the provision of two SEN classrooms as part of this project.
The accommodation needs of this school will also be considered as part of the Department’s ongoing National Development Plan (NDP) prioritisation process. Progression of this project will form part of the Department’s broader work under the NDP Implementation Plan.
At this time, it is not possible to provide indicative timelines for advancement to subsequent stages, as progress is dependent on a range of contingent factors, including receipt and satisfactory assessment of the revised Stage 2a report.
318. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Education and Youth the annual costs of renting the land and prefab classrooms for a school (details supplied) for each of the years 1998 to 2025, inclusive. [31718/26]
View answerTemporary accommodation in schools may be rented or purchased. The school referred to by the Deputy is being funded for the rental of modular units and land. Given the commercial sensitivities associated with the procurement of this rental accommodation, my department cannot release the cost information sought.
Since 2020, the Department of Education has provided €159.47 million in capital funding for Clare schools. Over this period, a total of 30 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are currently 7 school projects in Clare under construction. Another 2 school?projects will go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027, and this summer, 9 schools?are approved to?undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. In addition, since 2020 a total of 48 special classes have been opened in Clare, of which 10 were sanctioned for September 2026.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector 2016-2030 involving €7.5 billion 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.
319. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of concerns regarding the administrative burden associated with the home tuition scheme, including the requirement for monthly paper-based submissions, strict deadlines, and the rejection of claims due to minor discrepancies such as signature variations; and if she will outline any plans to review and streamline the process, including consideration of digital solutions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31724/26]
View answerAs part of the home tuition scheme, the Department of Education and Youth acts as a payroll agent only on behalf of parents/legal guardians who have been approved for grant payments under the scheme. The Department does not have any contractual relationship with the home tutor who is, in the context of home tuition, self-employed.
For convenience and for planning purposes, the payment claim form and other documents that set out the rules for claiming payment are published on the Department of Education and Youth website for each academic year during the preceding summer.
As set out in the directions on the payment claim form, and to comply with governance rules concerning the home tuition payment scheme, it is the responsibility solely of the parent/legal guardian to complete and submit forms for payment processing. When signing the payment claim form, both the parent/legal guardian and tutor have agreed to this condition.
There are twelve payment periods for home tutors in this academic year. These were planned to allow for a consolidated and organised pay issue structure in the Department’s Special Needs and Tuition Grants section, which processes home tuition payments. The deadline for submission of the payment claim form for each of the periods is set out on the form itself. The dates that were selected by the Department provide adequate time for the postal submission of the form after the close of each period. The payment dates for monies being lodged to tutor bank accounts are aligned with immutable pay issue dates for the Department’s Non-Teaching Staff (NTS) Payroll, which also issues payments to c. 30,000 SNAs, caretakers and secretaries.
When received and to ensure good governance standards, each payment claim form is reviewed to ensure validity and scheme compliance. Where it is determined that discrepancies exist or that additional verification is required, the Department contacts the parent/legal guardian only. Currently this process results in the original payment claim form being returned to the parent/legal guardian for review and annotation. In each case a preaddressed, pre-paid envelope is enclosed to promote prompt return of the claim form. Where it arises that a payment claim form misses a deadline, it automatically transfers to the next pay issue date. To ensure data and process integrity, amendments to signed paper documents cannot be accepted by phone or e-mail.
In line with the Department of Education and Youth Statement of Strategy 2025-28, devising a digital solution that would see the home tuition payments claim process move online is being explored. Until such a system can be put in place, the Department will continue to minimise disruption to payment processing while ensuring that governance standards and scheme integrity are upheld.
320. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth for any update regarding the Educate Together School that is planned for a site (details supplied); and if there is a timeframe for the proposed building. [31782/26]
View answerThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will deliver a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms for children with special educational needs.
The project currently has planning permission and is being brought to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of the department’s project manager.
The process of appointing the Design Team from the department’s Frameworks of Consultants was completed in September 2023 and following their due diligence review, the design team are currently completing Stage 2(b) of the architectural design process. Stage 2(b) involves detailed design and the preparation of tender documentation. The next stage, subject to relevant Stage 2(b) approvals, will be Stage 3 tender stage. The period of time it takes to progress through each of the stages varies from project to project depending on its size and complexity and can often take longer than indicated. Enabling works will be required for this project prior to project progressing to stage 3.
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.
My department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of these 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. This list includes this project referred to be the Deputy.
The 105 prioritised projects will progress to tender and/or construction on a rolling basis over the course of 2026 and 2027 and within the context of NDP funding parameters. The timing of project progression will reflect the need to carefully manage the rollout of these projects to construction on a controlled basis to ensure that projects are delivered efficiently, align with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and Capital Works Management Framework and remain within the parameters of NDP funding.
Department officials will continue to engage closely patron bodies, management bodies and schools with respect to the timing of the progression of projects to tender and/or construction over the period 2026 to 2027.
The Department will continue to liaise with the school’s patron body in relation to the school’s interim accommodation needs pending delivery of the permanent school building and provide updates on progress and next steps.
321. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to examine issues regarding a school in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31809/26]
View answerThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
As your query refers to a number of individual placements, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas email address.
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 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. 464 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, of which 11 are inclusive special classes. Further details on additional new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Schools seeking to establish new special classes should continue to engage with the NCSE at local level.
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.
322. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will detail his strategy to support public sector broadcasting in both the long and short-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31784/26]
View answerThe level of public funding to public service media is determined in accordance with the Broadcasting Act 2009. Under the current system, every five years Coimisiún na Meán submit recommendations in respect of requisite level of public funding required to permit RTÉ and TG4 to fulfil their statutory public service objects. The most recent funding recommendation, covering the years 2026 and 2027, was submitted by Coimisiún na Meán to me as Minister on 30 June 2025. The Government published its response in December 2025.
In 2026, public funding allocated to:
• RTÉ has been increased from €225m to €240m (or 6.7%) in accordance with the multi-annual commitment made in July 2024; and
• TG4 has been increased from the Revised Estimates 2025 base of €60m to €65.4m (or 9%), which includes once-off capital allocation of €1.5m.
In its response to Coimisiún na Meán's funding recommendation, the Government set out that in relation to 2027 and in the context of the Budgetary resources available, the Government will:
• in respect of TG4 and RTÉ, take into account the Coimisiún na Meán funding recommendation for that year;
• in respect of RTÉ, seek to allocate €260m of public funding in accordance with the previously announced multi-annual allocation to provide certainty to RTÉ to allow it to implement its strategy and transformation; and
• in respect of TG4, take into account any further recommendation made by Coimisiún na Meán with regard to editorial control of Irish-language news services provided by TG4.
At the EU level, Article 5 of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) sets out an overarching framework governing the funding procedures that must in place in respect of public service media. To give effect to Article 5 of EMFA and to recommendations made by the Future of Media Commission, in April 2025 I published the revised General Scheme of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill. I intend to seek the approval of Government to publish the Bill in the coming weeks.
The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill will, inter alia, enhance accountability, transparency and value-for-money in our public service media providers by:
• improving the legislative underpinning for the corporate governance of RTÉ and TG4, including by assigning the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of RTÉ; and
• reforming the system by which Coimisiún na Meán assesses the performance of, and recommends funding for, RTÉ and TG4.
The Bill, when enacted, will replace the current 5-yearly review of the adequacy of public funding with a 3-yearly appraisal of funding and performance in which Coimisiún na Meán will identify the performance commitments and outputs and associated financial inputs, performance indicators and metrics which shall apply to RTÉ and TG4 for a 3-year period. The 3-yearly appraisal will be carried out in accordance with a methodology which shall be adopted by Coimisiún an Meán following a public consultation. The 3-yearly appraisal will also replace the annual statement of performance commitments prepared by RTÉ and TG4 under section 102 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as Coimisiún na Meán, rather than the providers, will ultimately be setting performance commitments.
Following on from the 3-year appraisal, RTÉ and TG4 will each develop and publish 3-year Statements of Strategy. Accordingly, subject to the Bill completing the legislative process in a timely fashion, the next funding recommendations to be submitted by Coimisiún na Meán will be in respect of each of the years 2028 – 2030, be carried out under the provisions set out in the Bill and will be accompanied by performance commitments and indicators to apply to RTÉ and TG4. In accordance with the Bill, the Government will consider the funding recommendations of Coimisiún an Meán and publish a response.
The reformed system for assessing the funding and performance of public service media set out in the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill is intended to ensure appropriate levels of public funding are provided to RTÉ and TG4 to allow them to fulfil their public service remit in an effective and efficient manner over the long-term.
323. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when he expects the application process for the Community Sports Facilities Fund to open and the scheme details to be published; the minimum contribution required by applicants towards total project costs; the projected theme for this funding round; if two separate capital projects for the same club can be accommodated in the one application if the costs of the projected works fall below the maximum local project threshold of €200,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31603/26]
View answerIn line with previous rounds of the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF), a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. I have asked my department to prepare for a 2026 round of the CSFF in the coming months. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
My Department is currently collating feedback from sporting clubs and organisations from this most recent round and this is very valuable input to our ongoing preparations for the next round. New guidelines will be published in advance of the next round and these will include, inter alia, the own-funding requirements for applicants.
My aim is to have as many eligible sporting bodies as possible applying, by simplifying the application process and guide and carrying out a wide-reaching communications and engagement campaign.
My Department adopts a flexible approach to accommodating grantees who wish to include separate projects under a single capital application for the same club, once the total costs are below the maximum relevant CSFF threshold and the works to be funded are in line with the terms and conditions of the CSFF.
324. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide an update on funding that was previously allocated for a swimming pool in Loughrea, County Galway under the local authority swimming pool programme; if that funding is still available for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31633/26]
View answerGovernment support for new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools was previously provided through the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP). In May 2009, the then Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism approved a grant of €1.7m to Galway County Council under the LASPP for the construction of a swimming pool in Loughrea. However, the local authority advised the Department in April 2012 that it was not proceeding with the swimming pool project in Loughrea. In July 2013, the Department informed the local authority that funding was withdrawn.
Capital support for new swimming pools is now provided through the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Applications under LSSIF must be made by either a local authority or a National Governing Body of Sport. To date, €297 million has been allocated under LSSIF including €41.4 million for swimming pool and aquatic infrastructure projects. It is noted that no application was received for Loughrea swimming pool under LSSIF. Investment in a swimming pool for Loughrea is ultimately a matter for the local authority.
While the LSSIF is closed to applications at present, my current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF. This process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round, but I am committed to ensuring sustained investment in sports facilities to meet our ambitious goals for sports participation nationwide.
325. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to consider legislating to mandate that social media platforms must provide access to a child friendly complaints function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31659/26]
View answerSection 45 of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 provides for Coimisiún na Meán to make online safety codes and states that those codes may provide for the handling of complaints by service providers.
Coimisiún na Meán has since adopted the Online Safety Code, which came into full force in July 2025. The Code obliges designated video-sharing platform services (VSPS) to take measures to protect children online and, separately, to establish and operate transparent, easy to use and effective procedures for handling and resolving complaints made by users to those VSPS in relation to the implementation of measures relating to age-assurance, content rating, parental controls and reporting and flagging. The Code requires that VSPS ensure that information on the complaints handling procedures are prominent, accessible and easily identifiable for users.
Additionally, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 provides that Coimisiún na Meán has the power to develop an individual complaints mechanism that would allow it to process complaints about a relevant provider’s compliance with its systemic obligations under the Online Safety Framework.
Implementation of the Online Safety Code and exercise of its functions under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 are a matter for Coimisiún na Meán, which is independent in the exercise of its functions.
The Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 transposes the Audiovisual Media Services Directive in Ireland. That Directive is currently being reviewed and it is expected that the European Commission will adopt a proposal for amendments later this year.
The EU Digital Services Act (Regulation EU 2022/2065) also has provisions on complaints procedures. That Regulation is a policy matter under the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment while Coimisiún na Meán is the Digital Services Coordinator designated under the Digital Services Act.
