Written Answers Nos. 284-303
284. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider adding poultry farms to the eligible list for general work permits due to the shortage of available workers in this field (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50340/26]
View answerIreland's employment permits system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills or labour shortages in the State in the short to medium term but is not a substitute or pretext for avoiding the challenge of up-skilling our resident workforce.
Access to employment permits is facilitated through the occupations lists, identifying highly skilled occupations with enduring shortages on the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and roles already well served by the labour market to which an employment permit cannot be granted are on the Ineligible Occupations List (IOL). Occupations not appearing on the IOL are eligible for an employment permit.
The role of poultry farm worker is listed on the IOL and is therefore not currently eligible for an employment permit.
Employment permit policy is kept under constant review to ensure it remains responsive to labour market needs. The review of the occupations lists process involves a public consultation inviting stakeholder submissions, consideration of research undertaken by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), and the Skills and the Labour Market Research Unit (SLMRU) in SOLAS.
The process is a delicate balancing act and is overseen by the Interdepartmental Group on Economic Migration Policy which includes representatives of key Government Departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Changes to the eligibility of an occupation, may be considered based on evidence and the support of the lead policy Government department, and where:
- no suitable Irish/EEA workers are available;
- industry has made efforts to train or recruit domestically;
- a genuine skills shortage exists, rather than unattractive working conditions and;
- public policy and development goals are not undermined.
Over 400 submissions were received as part of the most recent review of the occupations lists from a wide range of stakeholders across a variety of sectors. I announced the outcome of the review in May 2026, giving approval for 32 changes to jobs now eligible for employment permits. The review report can be accessed on the Department's website and is titled "Employment Permits Occupations Lists: Report of the Review 2025".
While poultry farming occupations where not submitted for consideration during the most recent review, my Department remains open to receiving detailed evidence from stakeholders demonstrating ongoing labour shortages, recruitment difficulties and the case for providing employment permit eligibility to roles within the poultry sector.
My Department will continue to monitor labour market developments and review employment permit policy to ensure that it supports enterprise, responds effectively to genuine skills and labour shortages, and remains aligned with Ireland's wider economic, social and workforce needs.
285. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the assessment his Department has made of the contribution of pubs to employment throughout the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50446/26]
View answer286. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has undertaken an assessment of the increasing rate of pub closures throughout the State and the potential implications for employment, tourism and local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50475/26]
View answer287. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his views on whether the continued closure of pubs throughout Ireland poses a risk to employment, tourism and local economic activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50487/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 285, 286 and 287 together.
It is important to acknowledge the challenges Irish enterprise has faced over the last number of years, and I am aware of the concerns of hospitality businesses, particularly, when dealing with the rising cost of doing business. At the same time, it is also important to acknowledge the key role played by hospitality businesses in Ireland in terms of employment. According to the Labour Force Survey, almost 177,000 people were employed in the Accommodation and Food Service Sector in 2026 Q1.
When detailing business closures in the sector, I should, at the outset, clarify that the information available to my Department relates to companies registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). This does not include businesses operating as sole traders or unincorporated entities. However, overall total business closures (defined as liquidations plus voluntary strike-offs) in the Accommodation and Food Services sector which includes pubs, were more than 12% lower in Q1 2026 than in Q1 2025, falling from 157 to 137. Business openings in January and February were unchanged between 2025 and 2026 and exceeded total closures in both quarters. Nonetheless the support of a vibrant hospitality sector right across the country remains vitally important, and is one of my key priorities with Tourism being under my remit at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.
As Minister for Tourism, I set out government's policy, A New Era for Irish Tourism in December 2025, and this has a clear focus on enhancing Ireland's attractiveness to visitors through the development and marketing of strong food, drink and culinary offerings. This promotion of our offering, includes annual campaigns that highlight its quality and authenticity. Irish food and drink now strongly features in international marketing, TV co-productions, and in-market events led by my Agencies, and acknowledges the key role that our hospitality sector plays in making Ireland a hiqh quality tourism experience for visitors. My Department remains committed to backing businesses in this sector, as demonstrated by the introduction of the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality sector which took effect on July 1st, and we will ensure that the actions aimed at supporting small businesses in the Programme for Government are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
The Government has taken an active approach in supporting SMEs, including hospitality firms. The Cost of Business Advisory Forum was established in June 2025. The Forum brings together key representative bodies across enterprise, industry, manufacturing, retail, hospitality and agrifood sectors, alongside senior officials across Government departments and State agencies. The Forum has met regularly over the last eight months with each meeting devoted to a distinct thematic area of concern to businesses such as energy and security of supply, insurance costs, planning and infrastructure regulations, water services costs, legal costs, reporting and compliance regulations as well as banking, payments, and financial services. Representatives across different sectors – including SMEs – have reiterated the real world impacts of sustained and increasing cost pressures and regulatory demands on day to day operations, investment capacity, and competitiveness, particularly for smaller enterprises.
I attended the last meeting of the Forum alongside Minister Dillon and Minister Smyth, and noted the significant work completed by the Forum and reaffirmed their commitment to bringing this report to Government and giving full consideration to the Forum’s findings. The final report, informed by extensive stakeholder input and cross government collaboration is expected to be presented to Government this month and it will play a key role in shaping future approaches to supporting a competitive, resilient, and sustainable enterprise environment.
I am also pleased to inform that the Small Business Unit was established in my department last year, fulfilling a Programme for Government commitment. The Unit has been tasked with ensuring that the needs and issues of small businesses have a dedicated focus and are recognised and acknowledged across Government. There are a number of tools this Unit and my Department will use to enable its work. First, through the rigorous implementation of the SME Test. The SME Test tasks policy makers to consider the impact that any new policy, legislation, or regulation, may have on SMEs, and to mitigate against those impacts where appropriate. Secondly, access to grants and support programmes have been simplified through the launch of the National Enterprise Hub. The NEH is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland and has over 250 different supports for businesses from 32 Departments and agencies. Third, the Small Business Unit has responsibility for the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). We are ensuring the LEOs are properly resourced to help small businesses. A review of the full suite of LEO supports is currently underway while my Department and EI have completed a review of applications for all LEO grant schemes to reduce the number of questions and simplify requirements.
Pubs are small businesses and often important community hubs and tourism destinations in their own right - and the Government will remain actively engaged with the sector on measures which we can take to support their growth and viability.
288. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing Workplace Relations Commission funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50502/26]
View answerThe Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, and advisory services.
The WRC’s 2026 funding allocation (excluding pension provisions) was €22.084 million. The estimated cost of increasing WRC funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, based on the 2026 allocation, is set out in the following table.
|
Increase |
(€m) |
Estimated total based on 2026 allocation (€m) |
|
5% |
1.104 |
23.188 |
|
10% |
2.208 |
24.292 |
|
20% |
4.417 |
26.501 |
|
25% |
5.521 |
27.605 |
|
50% |
11.042 |
33.126 |
The Programme for Government commits to support the central role of the WRC together with the Labour Court in industrial relations and employment rights.
I am satisfied that the funding allocated to the WRC is sufficient to enable it carry out its important work.
289. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing Health and Safety Authority funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50503/26]
View answerThe HSA’s allocation for 2026 from Vote 32, under subhead C.5, was €37,685 million. The table below sets out the estimated costings of increasing funding to the HSA by 5%,10%, 20%, 25% and 50% respectively.
290. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the estimated cost of increasing Corporate Enforcement Authority funding by 5%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 50%, in tabular form. [50504/26]
View answerThe 2026 budget for the Corporate Enforcement Authority is €11.732m.
The below table illustrates estimated increases of 5%,10%, 20%, 25% and 50% on the 2026 budget.
|
- |
Total (Million) |
|
2026 Allocation |
€11.73 |
|
+5% |
€12.32 |
|
+10% |
€12.91 |
|
+20% |
€14.08 |
|
+25% |
€14.67 |
|
+50% |
€17.60 |
291. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide funding to celebrate a significant event in Portmagee, County Kerry, the 100th Anniversary of the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles Lindbergh and the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50517/26]
View answerMy Department does not directly fund tourism festivals, such funding is administered by Fáilte Ireland, our national tourism development agency.
Fáilte Ireland funds tourism festivals under two separate schemes. The Strategic Tourism Festival Investment Scheme which opened in 2025, awarded funding to successful applicants for the period 2026 to 2028.
Separately, in 2026, Fáilte Ireland has made €623,250 in funding available to 31 local authorities under the 2026 Regional Festivals Fund, which will support approximately 250 festivals across the country. The 2026 Regional Festivals Fund allocation represents an increase on 2025 levels, ensuring that every local authority now receives a minimum of €10,000 to support local festival activity. In addition, a further €310,000 in funding is available to local authorities in 2026 specifically to support food festivals, and strengthen Ireland’s evolving culinary tourism offering.
It is important to note that festivals may access funding under programmes implemented by other government Departments, such as the LEADER programme or the Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Funding Scheme implemented by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
I understand that the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has also previously made funding available to local authorities for the development of community-led commemorative programming. Through this allocation local communities have been supported as they identify and decide how to mark significant historical local events and personalities.
As such, given the funding provided to local authorities by both Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, groups wishing to seek funding support for local festivals or events such as the one mentioned, should contact their local authority in the first instance.
292. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the amount of funding allocated to tourism development projects in County Kerry for each of the past five years and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50519/26]
View answerCounty Kerry has benefited from a substantial range of Fáilte Ireland investment and programme supports across capital development, outdoor activity infrastructure, destination development, festivals, digital capability, marketing and strategic partnerships over the period referenced. This funding is closely aligned with the Wild Atlantic Way Regional Tourism Development Strategy and Kerry’s Destination Experience Development Plans, with an emphasis on sustainable growth, visitor dispersion, extension of the tourism season and increased local economic impact.
Significant investment in tourism development projects is also delivered through several Government programmes and international funding mechanisms, such as LEADER. In addition to funding provided by individual local authorities, wider regional and central Government schemes also make an important contribution to capital investment and tourism regeneration regionally, for example through the RRDF.
Key tourism development projects supported by Fáilte Ireland in County Kerry since 2021 include:
|
Project |
Amount Granted by FI |
Notes |
|
Blasket Centre and Great Blasket Island |
€1.6875M |
Total project cost: €2.25M. Delivered with OPW and other partners |
|
Bray Head, Valentia Island |
€2.23M |
Improvements to Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point and Signal Tower visitor experience |
Funding under the following schemes was provided as follows:
|
Scheme |
Amount Granted by FI |
Notes |
|
Destination Towns Scheme |
€550,000 |
In respect of Tralee |
|
Outdoor Dining Scheme |
€1.5869M |
€690,348 under Strand A supporting 257 businesses, plus €896,624 under Strand B for projects in Killarney and Dingle |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme |
€500,000 |
Allocated to co-funded outdoor recreation projects between 2018 and 2021. |
|
New Horizons Small Grant Scheme |
€720,000 |
Four Skellig Coast-linked projects received funding: Leading Lights at Cromwell Point (€120,000), the Transatlantic Cable Station (€200,000), the Portmagee Whiskey and Seine Boat Experience (€200,000), and The Old Barracks, Cahersiveen (€200,000) |
|
Platforms for Growth 2: Water Sports Facilities |
€1.4M |
Funding for best-in-class permanent water-sports facilities at Fenit (due to open July 2026). Further investment in similar facilities under this scheme is planned for two further sites in County Kerry: Ballybunion and Maherabeg |
|
The Kingdom of Kerry Greenways |
€50,000 |
Provided for an interpretation plan for the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways, covering Tralee to Fenit and Listowel to Abbeyfeale |
|
Digital that Delivers |
€3.4396M |
Awarded to 78 businesses in Kerry (to June 2026) under this Digital transformation and training initiative designed to enhance the online presence and commercial capabilities of visitor attractions, activity providers and day tours across the tourism sector |
|
Regional Festivals Fund; Food Festivals Fund |
€85,250 |
To support local funding to festivals in County Kerry, administered by Kerry County Council |
|
Other Festival Funding |
€264,500 |
Provided to festivals in Kerry under the Strategic Tourism Festival Investment Scheme and St Patrick’s Day festival funding |
|
Home of Halloween |
€300,000 |
Comprising 3 x €100,000 annual payments to Kerry County Council over 2025 – 2027 under the ‘Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme’
|
Kerry’s funding profile shows sustained investment in signature outdoor assets, heritage experiences, destination towns, digital transformation and festivals. The combined supports strengthen Kerry’s position as a flagship Wild Atlantic Way destination while addressing priorities around sustainable tourism, off-season growth, business capability and enhanced visitor experiences across the county.
293. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports available to enterprises in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50520/26]
View answerI recommend that any small business owner looking to avail of government supports to first explore the National Enterprise Hub (NEH), which was established as a signposting service to improve access to supports and reduce friction for business owners.
The NEH helps businesses navigate and access over 250 government supports available from 32 different Government bodies. These resources are available through the online portal at www.neh.gov.ie, or by speaking directly with one of the advisors who will help diagnose the needs of the individual business and directing them to the appropriate available supports or put them in direct contact with the relevant agency.
This service has proven to be a key resource for businesses to identify and find supports available to them and has become the first stop shop for business owners across the country. I would encourage every business owner in Kerry to visit the NEH website and explore the supports that may be available to them.
The NEH is hosted and operated by Enterprise Ireland and has handled over 14,000 enquiries since launching in July 2024. Monthly volumes have grown steadily, with 940 queries received in May 2026 alone.
Furthermore, I would recommend small businesses based in Kerry contact their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) located in Tralee. The LEO offers direct grant assistance to small businesses, with priority given to enterprises in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors who have the potential to develop into exporting entities and graduate to Enterprise Ireland’s portfolio.
The LEOs also offer consultancy and grants to small businesses of all sectors in the areas of LEAN, Green and Digital to digitalise, decarbonise and streamline a business. In addition, small businesses of all sectors can avail of training and mentoring programmes offered by the LEOs which are administered by experts well-versed in the range of supports to aid business owners across their business journey.
The LEOs can also assist businesses owners with applications to Micro-finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not-for-profit lender that offers small business for commercially viable proposals. MFI loans can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their Local Enterprise Office, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged.
294. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the plans in place for the development of new enterprise hubs in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50521/26]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, since 2017, my Department has approved over €150 million in regional enterprise development funding through Enterprise Ireland schemes, supporting enterprise ecosystems and regional job creation across all parts of the country.
With regards to enterprise hubs specifically, it should be noted that this funding has contributed to more than 60 pieces of physical infrastructure across the country in the same period, a clear indication of this Government’s commitment to the development of the sector.
In Kerry specifically, this includes Regional Enterprise Development Funding of €3.8 million for the RDI Hub in Killorglin, and €297,000 for the Sneem Enterprise Centre, as well as other investment in areas such as clustering and training activities.
The most recent Regional funding scheme, the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme, provided for four streams of support one of which was for infrastructure such as, Enterprise Hubs. This is European Regional Development Fund scheme administered by Enterprise Ireland, which closed for new applications on the 12th of June.
All applications made before this date are under consideration by Enterprise Ireland and will go through an independent verification and approval process before the remainder of the funding available under the scheme is allocated in accordance with this process. It would be inappropriate to comment on what might be approved under this fund while this process is ongoing.
Following the closure of the Smart Regions Enterprise Innovation Scheme and its final funding allocations, my Department intends to review previous regional enterprise schemes to thoroughly consider the impact and value for money of investment so far in the sector and consider what the best approach to such funding might be going forward. This is particularly timely now that the Regional Enterprise Development funding for major projects, which began in 2017, has been in place for long enough to examine some longer-term outcomes.
Decisions on how to structure future funding models in order to achieve the most effective outcomes will be made in the light of this review.
295. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment further to previous requests, to give favourable consideration to introducing paid miscarriage leave in line with Northern Ireland and the UK (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50631/26]
View answerPregnancy loss is unfortunately something that is experienced by a considerable portion of our society, and Government recognises that it can be an extremely difficult and distressing time. Women often do not have the choice to take time to grieve and recover.
Under current legislation, the Maternity Protection Acts 1994-2004 provide for an employee to be entitled to full maternity leave in the case of a stillbirth after 24 weeks gestation.
But there is a clear and growing policy demand for statutory pregnancy loss leave before 23 weeks, as reflected in Government commissioned research (PLACES report) and recent Private Members’ Bills.
Government put forward a 12 month timed amendment to the Organisation of Working Time (Pregnancy Related Leave) Private Members Bill 2025 on 09 July 2025 to allow for sufficient time to develop Government legislative proposals in line with the principles of the Bill.
In January 2026 I met with the Oireachtas Cross-Party Group on Pregnancy loss in to discuss the Government motion on this Private Members Bill.
I have also engaged with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality on this topic and DCDE is supporting my Department with this work.
Officials in my Department have carried out extensive research and engaged with international counterparts including in the UK, Northern Ireland and Malta to learn about forthcoming or recent legislative change in this area.
Policy development is currently at an advanced stage with engagement ongoing with other Government Departments and the Office of the Attorney General. I hope to bring proposals to Government before the summer recess but no Government decision has been made at present.
296. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will address concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding Ireland’s role in the importation of goods produced through forced labour and hazardous child labour, including enforcement gaps, delays in corporate accountability measures, and the adequacy of penalties and regulatory powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50642/26]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment recognises the importance of addressing the risk of adverse human rights and environmental impacts in global supply chains. The appropriate legislative initiatives are best progressed at EU level in recognition of the complex, international nature of many supply chains and to ensure harmonisation, promote policy coherence and avoid the risk of fragmentation within the EU single market.
My Department is leading preparations for the full implementation of two such EU initiatives. Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 prohibits the placing and making available of products made with forced labour on the EU market, as well as their export from the EU. The Regulation entered into force in December 2024 and will fully apply from December 2027.
Ireland’s National Competent Authorities under this regulation, which will have lead responsibility for enforcing its provisions in Ireland, were designated in December 2025.
The Workplace Relations Commission will have primary responsibility for investigating suspected cases of products made with forced labour in Ireland, as well as for issuing any prohibition orders against products confirmed as having been made with forced labour, while the relevant Market Surveillance Authority will have responsibility for enforcing any orders. Ireland’s competent authorities will be supported in this work by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners (Customs).
The relevant Market Surveillance Authority, supported by Customs, will also be responsible for enforcing any prohibition orders issued by other Member States, as well as by the European Commission against a third country imported product confirmed as having been made with forced labour.
The Regulation also makes provision for effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties applicable to economic operators for non-compliance with prohibition orders. Member States are required to notify the European Commission of the penalties they intend to adopt for the purposes of enforcing the Regulation by December this year.
The Workplace Relations Commission and Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment are also providing Ireland’s representation on the EU’s Union Network against Forced Labour Products, composed of Member State competent authorities and the European Commission, which met for the first time in late 2025 to prepare for the regulation’s full implementation and ensure a coordinated approach across the EU.
My Department is also leading on the transposition of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which provides that in-scope companies will, for the first time, have legal obligations to conduct risk based human rights and environmental due diligence and integrate due diligence into all corporate policies and risk management systems.
In-scope companies will be required to identify those parts of their chain of activities where adverse in human rights or environmental impacts are most likely to occur and are most severe, and to carry out an in-depth assessment of those prioritised areas.
The Directive also requires Member States to provide for effective, proportionate and dissuasive penalties for companies that fail to comply with their due diligence requirements. My Department is working to ensure transposition of the Directive by the July 2028 deadline, with the first tranche of companies coming within scope in 2029.
297. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether under consumer law a hotel is obliged to indicate all taxes or services fees in the overall price when a customer is making a booking or reservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50728/26]
View answerUnder Irish and EU consumer protection law, all businesses which offer services to consumers must ensure that their pricing is clear and transparent, including hotels and providers of other non-residential accommodation.
While there are no sector-specific pricing rules for hotels, where they operate a restaurant, bar or cafe, specific legislation for displaying food and drink prices must be followed.
In relation to hotel bookings, the total price must be provided to the consumer at the point of booking and before they enter into the contract, as outlined in the Consumer Rights Act 2022. This price must be inclusive of all taxes, and any additional charges/service fees must also be clearly communicated to the consumer. If it is not possible for a business to provide their prices or additional fees prior to entering into the contract, they must provide the consumer with clear information on how the prices will be calculated.
Furthermore, under the Consumer Protection Act 2007, businesses must not provide false, misleading or deceptive information in relation to the price of their services. They must also not mislead consumers by omitting, concealing or withholding information on the price of a service or by providing pricing information that is unclear, unintelligible, ambiguous or untimely, and may lead them to make financial decisions they would not otherwise make. Such practices would be considered misleading commercial practices under consumer protection law.
298. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme 2026 application (details supplied) submitted in 2025 under the climate action works category; whether the application has now been assessed; the stage it has reached in the evaluation process; the timeframe for a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50323/26]
View answerThe purpose of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis that, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works.
It is envisaged that approvals in any given year will involve a spread of categories rather than the traditional single category at a time. This is aimed at managing market capacity and maximising value for money opportunities for school authorities.
In November 2025, my department announced the first tranche of approvals under the new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. 297 projects were approved to proceed and involve primary, post primary and special schools, along with projects in all counties and across all categories of works.
My department can confirm an application was received from the school in question however the school was not on the list of approvals in the first tranche. A preliminary assessment was undertaken on all 1,430 applications received under the Climate Action Summer works scheme however, given that funding is limited in any particular year it is necessary to prioritise applications.
Under the new climate action summer works scheme which operates on a multi annual basis, like previous summer works schemes, applications from schools that are not reached for funding or market prioritisation reasons in 2026 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available for climate action summer works in subsequent years.
It is anticipated that the next tranche of approvals will be in the latter half of 2026.
Full details of the of the announcement and the list of schools approved in the first tranche, the Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link:www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/
299. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps she will take to address the need for primary and secondary school places with the expansion of the Shankill and surrounding areas, specifically with the development of Shanganagh castle and Woodbrook, Shankill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50339/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that requirement for school places is kept under on-going review in the context of available information on population, enrolments and residential development activity.
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.
Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, my department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from local authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
My department also conducts granular analysis below the level of a school planning area, particularly where a school planning area encompasses both high growth urban settlement areas and a more rural hinterland. Our analysis of school place demand in urban areas experiencing high population growth has indicated that demand in the urban area can be 10-20% higher than the school planning area as a whole.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:
- Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
- Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
- Provision of a new school or schools.
If additional accommodation is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post primary schools, new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600-1,000 students and must be co-educational. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to gaelcholáistí, having regard to the alternative of establishing an Irish-medium unit (aonad) in an English-medium school.
New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place.
A new school entity was announced in 2018 to serve the Woodbrook/Shangannagh area where significant residential development was proposed. The patronage process and opening of this new school in 2021 was deferred as the level of residential development planned had not materialised at that time. However, a project to deliver a 16 classroom school building for this area is currently at Stage 1 of architectural planning. The department is aware of planned developments in this area by the LDA and are monitoring the pace of delivery of these developments.
A project to provide additional capacity for Gaelscoil Phádraig is currently at Stage 1 of architectural planning.
At post primary level there is a project for a new school building for North Wicklow ETSS currently at Stage 1. In addition, there is a project for Loreto Secondary School currently at Stage 2b to cater for 1000 pupils overall. Furthermore, there are plans to increase capacity at Woodbrook College currently at Stage 1 of architectural planning.
Details of large-scale projects being delivered under the school building programme may be viewed on my department's website at www.gov.ie and this information is updated regularly. In addition, a list of large-scale projects completed from 2010 to date may also be viewed on the website.
My department is satisfied that the existing demand can be accommodated at present by the existing and growing schools in the area.
The pace of delivery of additional residential development in the school planning areas, along with updated enrolment data and demographic data will be kept under review and this will inform the timing of school requirements. My department will continue to liaise with the LDA in respect to the projected completion of planned residential developments.
300. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the evaluation of tenders for the new building project at school (details supplied) is expected to conclude; the anticipated date for the award of the construction contract; whether her Department remains on schedule for commencement of construction in late Quarter 3 of 2026; the projected completion and handover dates for the school building; the measures being taken to minimise the risk of delays during construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50342/26]
View answerThe large scale capital project for the school referred to by the Deputy is for the provision of a new 600 pupil school building including all associated ancillary accommodation, with the inclusion of additional classrooms for children with Special Educational Needs configured within the existing layout.
The invitation to tender issued in late Q4 2025. Tenders have recently been returned and are been evaluated in accordance with procurement guidelines. It is envisaged construction could commence in late Quarter 3 of 2026.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6.9 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.
This investment has delivered real benefits for school communities.
A total capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth has been confirmed 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.
As part of the NDP Implementation Plan for the education and youth sector, a first tranche of projects to progress to tender and/or construction during 2026 and 2027 was published in January 2026. Gaelcholáiste Reachrann was included in this tranche. Prioritisation will continue to identify further tranches of projects to proceed to tender and construction over the NDP period, with stakeholder consultation to commence in June 2026.
Our 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.
I would like to advise the Deputy, over this period, my Department has provided €1,906.47 million in capital funding for Dublin schools. A total of 261 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. 20 school projects were included in the NDP Implementation Plan to go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027 including Gaelcholáiste Reachrann.
There are currently 54 school projects in Dublin under construction. This summer, 53 schools?are approved to?undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.
In addition, since 2020 a total of 529 special classes have been sanctioned in Dublin, of which 128 were sanctioned for September 2026.
301. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will investigate a case (details supplied) and engage with the family. [50343/26]
View answerMy 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.
Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and where the school has places available for the relevant year, the student should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process will be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some student not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.
In accordance with the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, schools are required to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies. The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools themselves. It is an important feature of the act that schools can only make a decision on an application for admission that is based on the school’s admission policy.
Under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, the parent of the student, or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student, may appeal a decision of this school to refuse admission. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(i) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due to the school being oversubscribed. An appeal may be made under Section 29 (1)(c)(ii) of the Education Act 1998 where the refusal to admit was due a reason other than the school being oversubscribed.
TESS has no record of a referral in relation to this child. Under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, statutory school attendance is 6-16 years. If the parent requires any further advice or guidance at this time, they can contact the regional office for their area. The contact details are 01 5252166 or by email tess.dml@tusla.ie.
302. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth to address an issue of an overpayment claim on a pension (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50363/26]
View answerI can confirm that the Payroll Division of my department was notified of Mr O’Donoghue’s passing on 8 December 2025 and took action to cease pension payment at the earliest possible opportunity. As you will appreciate, year-end payroll processing is undertaken in advance to facilitate annual reconciliation activities and ensure that scheduled payment dates are met. Regrettably, in some instances where a pension or salary is due to cease during this period, an overpayment can arise.
In relation to the entitlement to a spouse's pension, I can advise that the Pension Unit issued the relevant application form to Ms O’Donoghue in February 2026 and is currently working with her to finalise this matter. My department remains committed to resolving all outstanding matters as promptly as possible and will continue to do so with sensitivity, professionalism and due regard to the circumstances involved.
303. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the capacity and availability of places in special schools, particularly in County Mayo; and the steps being taken to increase the number of places available for children with additional needs. [50396/26]
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.
The enrolment figures for special schools are available on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie.
There continues to be an increasing need to provide additional special school places to support students with complex needs. The new special schools established over recent years have focused on providing additional places in our largest urban areas – Dublin and Cork.
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.
Four new special schools were recently announced by Ministers Naughton and Moynihan to be established in Balbriggan, CityWest, Bray and Monasterevin. Dedicated working groups including the Department, the NCSE and relevant patron body continue to meet to support the establishment of the new special schools. The NCSE will continue to advise parents at local level on developments. This brings to twenty the number of new special schools established in recent years, and capacity has been expanded in a number of others.
The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for students with special educational needs and will continue to review and monitor the situation nationwide as to where new special schools are required.
