Written Answers Nos. 321-340
321. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total sums of money recovered from schools in fraud or suspected fraud cases, and the total number of schools in the years 2016 to 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53226/26]
View answerIn cases involving financial irregularities, including those arising from the overstatement of enrolment figures, it is the Department’s policy to engage with the school management and patron to ensure that an appropriate investigation is carried out at school level and that the matter is referred to An Garda Síochána where appropriate.
The Department’s approach is to agree repayments with the school that are reasonable and fair. The Department will revert to the Deputy with these figures, as soon as they can be provided.
322. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a school building project (details supplied).; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53227/26]
View answerThe building project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) as part of a programme of school building projects (Project Dargle).
The brief is to provide a new build replacement post primary school for a long-term projected enrolment of 1,000 pupils including both general classrooms, specialist rooms, and a 4 class Special Education Needs (SEN) base.
The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural planning design process with a full grant of planning permission received for the school in 2024.
My department has a strongtrack recordof delivering the school building programme with over €7 billion invested since 2020.This has delivered approximately 1,400 completed school building projects and over 4,000 smaller-scale improvement projects. Over €276.10 million in capital funding has been invested in County Wicklow schools since 2020. Over this period, a total of 44 schools in County Wicklow have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are also currently 9 school projects in County Wicklow under construction.
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 department-led prioritisation process underway for 2026 and 2027, consultation with school patrons began this month. A further tranche of priority projects is targeted for publication in 2027, informed by departmental analysis, engagement with patrons and schools, funding parameters, and—where relevant—the department’s energy and condition inventory of the school estate, due for completion by year-end.
The Department is also implementing a more strategic, data-driven approach to project appraisal and prioritisation. This includes the development of the School Profile Report, the formalisation of a clear prioritisation framework, and the use of demographic, capacity, energy and condition data to guide decisions. These reforms will ensure that projects progress in a transparent, consistent and evidence-based manner.
323. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the mechanisms in place for reporting of historical physical and mental abuse at schools in Ireland; the mechanisms used to address these cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53228/26]
View answerThe Department of Education and Youth takes child protection very seriously and considers that the protection and welfare of children is a fundamental responsibility of all involved in the care and education of children.
Tusla is the agency of the State with the statutory responsibility to assess all reports of child welfare and protection concerns and as such the department of education does not have powers to investigate child protection concerns. Any concern or allegation of a child protection nature, including reports of historical abuse, received by staff in the Department of Education and Youth is immediately passed on to the relevant authorities, that is Tusla-the Child and Family Agency or An Garda Síochána, as appropriate. The school authority is also informed of the alleged concern received. Tusla decides whether an allegation of abuse is founded or unfounded and liaises with An Garda Síochána for investigation of the criminal aspects of a case. An Garda Síochána has overall responsibility for the direction of any criminal investigation.
The Children First Act 2015 and Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 set out what individuals and organisations need to do to keep children safe and how to deal with concerns about a child’s safety or welfare.
Following the publication of the Children First Guidance in 2017, new Child Protection procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools were published. The procedures provide detailed direction to school management and staff on the identification of and response to child protection concerns and were last updated in May 2025. The procedures outline when schools are required to report retrospective abuse allegations to Tusla-the Child and Family Agency and/or An Garda Síochána. The procedures also contain advice for the school on how to respond to an adult who may disclose abuse that took place in their childhood.
The obligations and responsibilities which arise from the procedures have been taken very seriously by schools since their implementation and there is a very strong culture of child protection across the school sector. Resources to support child protection procedures are available at: www.gov.ie/childprotectionschools
324. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to ensure that the change of date for the NCSE Parents Notify Portal deadline to 1 September 2026 is directly and adequately communicated to crucial frontline stakeholders; if she will address concerns that the mid-summer announcement occurred while schools, parent networks, and child development network teams (CDNTs) are on recess or at reduced capacity; the direct channels being used to inform these clinical and educational professionals so they are not left to discover system changes via the media; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53250/26]
View answerThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
In order to support the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and forward planning my department published Circular 0063/2026. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with critical information on children who continue to need a special class as they progress to post-primary level as well as details on students who require a place for the first time.
This year to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2027/28 school year, an earlier date of 1 September was set for parents and to provide necessary documentation by 15th September 2026 or as soon as is reasonably practicable thereafter.
The NCSE will continue to engage with parents/guardians and schools on this, to ensure all of the relevant information is provided as quickly as possible to facilitate comprehensive forward planning.
My department and NCSE will have a targeted communication strategy to reach out to parents over the
summer to advise of the Parent Notify process.
Where schools are contacted by parents, we would ask them to advise parents to contact the NCSE directly, if they have not already done so. My department and the NCSE have met with key education stakeholders to inform them of the new Circular letter.
My department and the NCSE have met with the Special Education Consultative Forum to request special education advocacy groups and parent representative bodies to inform their members of the need to contact the NCSE by 1 September. The NCSE will highlight the timeline via their website, media and social media channels.
My department is engaging with the Department of Social Protection to issue a ‘push notification’ on the matter to families in receipt of child benefit. In recognition of the role of health professionals in writing reports, my department is also writing to inform the Health Service Executive and the Child Development Network Teams senior management of the continuation of the Parents Notify process.
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.
325. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will urgently, on health and safety grounds, send a team from the planning and building unit of her Department to inspect the extremely poor condition of a school building in County Clare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53256/26]
View answerA school building project for Gaelscoil Ui Choimin is currently at Stage 2a of the architectural design process. It is devolved for delivery to Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).
To address any issues with regards to the present accommodation the school are advised to consider the submission of an Emergency Works application. The Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that need resources because of an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a permanent solution can be delivered.
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 EWS is open to primary and post primary schools with permanent recognition and in non-rented accommodation. To make an application schools must complete the online Emergency Works Application Form available through the Esinet system. Once received the EWS team will review and engage with the school directly as appropriate.
326. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide a detailed update on plans to build a new school in County Clare (details supplied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53257/26]
View answerThis project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved for delivery to Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB).
The project brief provides for the Construction of a new build single storey primary school incorporating four general classrooms and one classroom special educational needs unit.
It is currently at Stage 2a (detailed design) of the architectural process. A Stage 2a meeting took place in in February 2026 at the conclusion of which an addendum report was requested. This report was received by the Department at the end of June 2026 is currently under review from a technical and cost perspective.
My department has a strongtrack recordof delivering the school building programme with over €6.9 billion invested since 2020.This has delivered approximately 1,400 completed school building projects and over 4,000 smaller-scale improvement projects. Over €165.84 million in capital funding has been invested in County Clare schools since 2020. Over this period, a total of 31 schools in County Clare have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are also currently 6 school projects in County Clare under construction.
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 department-led prioritisation process underway for 2026 and 2027, consultation with school patrons began this month. A further tranche of priority projects is targeted for publication in 2027, informed by departmental analysis, engagement with patrons and schools, funding parameters, and—where relevant—the department’s energy and condition inventory of the school estate, due for completion by year-end. Projects will need to be at an appropriate stage of readiness to be considered.
The Department is also implementing a more strategic, data-driven approach to project appraisal and prioritisation. This includes the development of the School Profile Report, the formalisation of a clear prioritisation framework, and the use of demographic, capacity, energy and condition data to guide decisions. These reforms will ensure that projects progress in a transparent, consistent and evidence-based manner.
The current status of all projects continues to be set out under item number ten at the following link: www.gov.ie. This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
327. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the amount spent on emergency works, summer works, additional accommodation scheme, and any other capital works programme on schools (details supplied) in the past six years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53298/26]
View answerThe schools referred to by the Deputy have had a cumulative spend of over €3.1 million over the past six years. The spend is broken down by programme in the table below.
|
- |
St. John Bosco Junior Boys' School |
St. John Bosco Senior Boys' School |
Mary Help of Christians Girls' National School |
|
Emergency Works Scheme |
22,146 |
- |
688,731 |
|
Summer works |
- |
- |
- |
|
Additional Accommodation Scheme |
- |
- |
- |
|
Large Scale |
- |
1,276,279 |
- |
|
Minor Works |
75,551 |
109,224 |
109,807 |
|
ICT Grant |
56,914 |
102,633 |
105,488 |
|
Other Capital |
16,747 |
587,175 |
1,292 |
|
Total |
€171,358 |
€2,075,311 |
€905,318 |
328. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the DEIS Plus appeal by a school (details supplied); when this school can expect to be notified of the outcome; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53330/26]
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 and was 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.
The Department of Education and Youth 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 enrolment data were invited by the department to have that outcome reviewed through a formal appeal process. The appeal process, as set out in Circular 0045/2026, opened on 27 April and closed on 25 May.
The appeal process was designed to ensure that the DEIS Plus identification model was applied consistently, transparently and fairly across all eligible schools. Schools were afforded the opportunity either to correct inaccuracies identified in enrolment data submitted through POD or PPOD, or to request verification that the model had been correctly applied to their existing data. The grounds for appeal were limited to matters directly related to the enrolment data underpinning the model.
It would not be appropriate to comment on individual schools or on the status of any individual appeal until the process has concluded. It is anticipated that schools will be informed of the outcome in July 2026.
329. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 277 of 25 June 2026, the reason a general purpose hall was omitted from the build at a school (details supplied) despite the enrolment of the school being known at the time of application and planning was granted. [53353/26]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that phase 1 of this school's project saw the delivery of a new school building on a greenfield site comprising four mainstream classrooms, one special education (SEN) classroom, and associated ancillary accommodation. The timelines for proceeding with phase 2 will be determined in due course and will also factor in the level of increase in enrolments in the interim.
At present, the school has staffing for two mainstream classes and one SEN class. This indicates that there is significant spare accommodation capacity available within the existing school building.
A capital allocation of €7.55 billion has been confirmed for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026–2030. Under this programme, priority will be given to meeting urgent school place requirements and ensuring the optimal use of the existing school estate before additional capital projects are progressed.
In this context, large-scale projects and additional accommodation works will be prioritised based on demonstrable need, including capacity pressures at local level. The department will continue to advance projects on a phased basis under the NDP Implementation Plan, with further project tranches to be identified over the lifetime of the programme.
The primary focus of the department remains the provision of sufficient school places for all children, including those with special educational needs. My department will continue to monitor the development of enrolments at the school in question in relation to the requirement for further accommodation and within the context of NDP Implementation priorities.
330. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the expected timeline for the National Council for Special Education to process applications received through the Parents Notify portal for the 2027-2028 school year; whether applications will be assessed on a rolling basis as they are received or only after the portal closes on 1 September 2026; the anticipated timeframe within which parents can expect to receive eligibility or review outcome letters following submission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53406/26]
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 NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded 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.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0063/2026. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with critical information on children who continue to need a special class as they progress to post-primary level as well as details on students who require a place for the first time.
This year to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2027/28 school year, an earlier date of 1 September was set for parents and to provide necessary documentation by 15th September 2026 or as soon as is reasonably practicable thereafter.
The Parents Notify process provides the NCSE and the department with the information for the potential need for specialist placements in working with schools to forward plan for special education provision.
The NCSE will continue to engage with parents/guardians and schools on this, to ensure all of the relevant information is provided as quickly as possible to facilitate comprehensive forward planning.
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.
331. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide details of all grant schemes currently available through her Department for which individuals or community groups are eligible to apply; the purpose of each grant scheme; the eligibility criteria; the application process; the opening and closing dates for applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53414/26]
View answerAs the information requested by the Deputy is not held in a readily-accessible format in my Department, it has not been possible to provide a list of grant schemes for which individuals or community groups are eligible to apply within the time available.
I will revert directly to the Deputy with a response when this information has been compiled.
332. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures being taken to improve education and awareness around women's health issues, including menstruation, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and reproductive health, within the primary and secondary school curriculum; whether the Department plans to expand age-appropriate women's health education in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53458/26]
View answer333. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has reviewed the extent to which women's health issues, including menstrual health, endometriosis, and PCOS are covered in the SPHE and RSE curricula; the steps being taken to ensure students receive comprehensive and evidence-based education on these topics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53459/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 333 together.
Menstrual education is included in Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) across Primary, Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle education.
In the Primary curriculum, menstruation is included under the Health Education strand of the Wellbeing specification.
In Junior cycle and Senior cycle, further opportunities are provided to deepen students’ understanding of reproductive health. In the context of Junior Cycle SPHE this includes learning about fertility and menstruation. Classroom learning materials developed to support the new Junior Cycle SPHE curriculum include lessons specifically designed to empower young people to talk openly about menstruation and to seek support and medical advice if they experience ongoing menstrual-related pain and discomfort that interferes with everyday.
In Senior Cycle SPHE students learn about male and female fertility across the life-cycle. In addition, there is a focus on developing young people’s health literacy skills, which includes building their understanding and confidence in accessing reproductive health information and services.
Menstruation education is also included in the Leaving Certificate Biology course.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the Programme for Government,Securing Ireland’s Future, includes a commitment to provide free period products in schools to ensure no student is held back due to period poverty. I am pleased to confirm to the Deputy that the DEIS Plus Plan, which I announced on 25 March 2026, includes an allocationto fund period products for DEIS Plus schools for the 2026/2027 school year. Further allocations will be sought to expand provision in the future. Arising from the work of the inter-departmental group led by the Department of Health,the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) established a procurement framework that includes period products across Government departments and other bodies. During development of this Framework, at the request of my Department, it was arranged that it could be accessed by any primary or post-primary school.
334. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports in place for financing books for children who are home schooled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53512/26]
View answerThe Constitution acknowledges the family as the primary and natural educator of the child and sets out the rights and duties of the State in the matter of education. The Constitution makes explicit that the State does not oblige parents to send their children to any particular type of school. Parents are free to provide education in their homes, in non-recognised schools, or in schools recognised or established by the State.
In line with the provisions of Section 14(1) of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, Tusla’s Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service (AEARS) is responsible for the regulation of the provision of education for children in places other than in a recognised school, including children who are homeschooled or who are enrolled in a non-recognised school. This is to ensure that such children receive a certain minimum education.
The funding provided under my department’s Primary and Post-Primary Schoolbooks Scheme is specifically to provide free schoolbooks and core classroom resources to all students enrolled in primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. There is therefore no funding available from my department towards the cost of schoolbooks where parents opt to homeschool their children.
335. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently examine an application for the Summer Programme formerly July Provision for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53516/26]
View answerDetails of the 2026 Summer Programme were communicated to all schools on the 6th May 2026.
All schools have been offered the opportunity to run a school-based programme for children with the most complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage.
Where a school does not intend to run a school-based programme or there is no place on the programme for an eligible child, schools were invited to make an application for the home-based programme.
The online application portals for school-based programme and the home-based programme were open to schools to apply from the 6th May to the 15th May inclusive. The portals were also re-opened from the 2nd June to the 5th June inclusive.
With regard to the child referred to by the deputy, department officials have engaged with the school to ensure participation can be facilitated.
336. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there are plans to continue using a site in County Meath (details supplied) after a permanent school is built; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53525/26]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy is located in interim accommodation on the Dunshaughlin GAA Site. The Department is currently arranging for the provision of additional interim accommodation to meet the school’s projected accommodation requirements for the 2026/27 academic year. The school will move into its permanent accommodation once complete.
The Department is currently reviewing whether there are any other requirements for the accommodation and will engage with the landowner in that regard once the review is complete.
337. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a project can be prioritised (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53558/26]
View answerThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project providing a two-classroom special educational needs base. This project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.
This project is currently at Stage 2b (Detailed Design). My Department is awaiting submission of the Stage 2b Report from the School Authority and, upon receipt, will undertake a detailed assessment of the submission.
In line with the Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines, all projects are subject to technical and cost compliance assessments. Given the complexity of this project, and the need to ensure value for money and alignment with National Development Plan (NDP) objectives, the Stage 2b review process will necessarily be comprehensive and thorough.
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. Progression of this project will form part of my Department’s broader work under the NDP Implementation Plan.
338. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether, having regard to the approach adopted by the State Examinations Commission following concerns raised in relation to the 2023 Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics examination, the Commission will undertake a detailed analysis of candidate performance at various stages of the marking process for the 2026 higher level mathematics examinations; whether, in light of concerns expressed by students, parents and mathematics teachers regarding the 2026 papers, if she will request the Commission to issue a public statement outlining the measures in place to ensure fairness for candidates and to provide reassurance regarding the impact on their results; whether the findings of such analysis may inform any refinement of the marking scheme or standard-setting process where warranted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53563/26]
View answer339. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will request the State Examinations Commission to publish, following the issue of results, the Chief Examiner's analysis of candidate performance in 2026 higher level mathematics, including performance on questions that generated significant concern among teachers and students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53564/26]
View answer340. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she has reviewed the submission made by the Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association (IMTA) regarding the 2026 Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics examinations; whether the concerns raised therein have been referred to the State Examinations Commission and the Chief Examiner for consideration during the marking process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53565/26]
View answer341. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the Department of Education or the State Examinations Commission has requested or commenced an analysis of candidate performance in the 2026 Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics examinations compared with previous years; whether such analysis will inform the standard-setting process and the finalisation of marking schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53566/26]
View answer342. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether the Chief Examiner for Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics has been requested to examine concerns raised by students, parents and the Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association regarding Question 8 and Question 10 of the 2026 examination papers; whether candidate performance on these questions will be specifically reviewed during the marking process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53567/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 338 to 342, inclusive, together.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the delivery of the State examinations, including the preparation of all examination papers and test instruments. In accordance with its role, all matters relating to the drafting and setting of examinations and the marking of them fall within its remit. Any such correspondence received in my Department has been brought to the SEC's attention. My Department has not received a submission made by the Irish Mathematics Teachers' Association (IMTA) regarding the 2026 Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics examinations.
In view of the SEC’s statutory responsibility for the delivery of State examinations, your query has been forwarded to them so that they can provide a more detailed response.
