Séamus McGrath
Question:65. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the construction phase will commence for a school (details supplied). [67441/26]
View answerSchools Building Projects
Questions (65)
Written answers
The major school building project for Cork Educate Together Secondary School, will deliver a new 600 pupil post-primary school building and accommodation, including classrooms for children with special educational needs.
The school is assigned to my Departments Design & Build delivery programme which uses a professional external Programme Manager to progress the project through the relevant stages of architectural planning, tender, and construction.
The project is currently at Stage 3 – Tender Award Stage. The date for return of completed tenders was 27th March 2026. Tenders were then reviewed by the Programme Manager and their Multidisciplinary Technical Team. The Tender Report was recently submitted for review to my Department by the Programme Manager.
Due diligence by my Department is a critical part of the overall completion of the Stage 3 process and is essential to ensuring quality and value for money, and that projects are progressed within overall budgetary parameters.
Upon completion of the tender process, an indictive timeframe of the completion of the new school building for Cork Educate Together Secondary School would be available.
The new school building for Cork Educate Together Secondary School is one of the priority projects for my Department.
My Department will continue to keep the school and its patron body updated on progress during the tender review stage.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (66)
Catherine Callaghan
Question:66. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the progress of the additional accommodation scheme for a school (details supplied); the current status of the project within the Department's planning and approval process; to indicate the stage the project has reached; and to provide an estimated timeframe for the next steps in progressing the scheme. [67440/26]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my Department's pipeline of school building projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide a four-classroom special education needs base and associated ancillary accommodation. The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.
A Stage 1 (Preliminary Design) Report was received by my Department in Q1 2026 and is currently under review. In line with the Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines, all projects are subject to the necessary technical and cost assessment as part of this process. Given the complexity of the evaluation and the need to ensure full cost compliance and alignment with the National Development Plan, this review is necessarily thorough. Managing timing, scope and cost is essential to ensuring projects can be delivered within the overall capital budget available.
As with all school building projects, progression through the remaining stages will be considered in the context of the funding available under the National Development Plan and the overall prioritisation of projects within the Department's capital programme. While it is not possible to provide definitive timelines for progression at this stage, the project will continue to be advanced in accordance with the Department's Infrastructure Guidelines and the NDP.
School Staff
Questions (67)
Mark Ward
Question:67. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the proposed 1% local bargaining payment due to post-primary teachers from 1 September 2025; when this will be paid; and to outline what has caused the delay. [67419/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, contained a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations could negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment.
The application of a 1% increase to public service pay scales, as submitted by various trade unions including the ASTI and TUI under the local bargaining provision of the PSA, was agreed between the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) and the Public Services Committee of ICTU in September 2026.
My Department is engaging with relevant parties on an enabling circular in respect of the Post Primary sector. As these discussions are taking place within the industrial relations process, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.
School Transport
Questions (68)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:68. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will examine a situation that is affecting school students in the Killorglin area (details supplied). [67668/26]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport routes. Bus Éireann endeavours, within available resources, to ensure that each eligible child has a reasonable level of school transport service in the context of the Scheme nationally.
Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible child having to travel more than 3.2 kms to or from a pick-up/set down point or to have travel and waiting times in excess of 1.5 hours per day. Routes are planned on the basis of the locations of children who are eligible for school transport only.
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that children are brought safely to and collected safely from Bus Éireann designated pick up and set down points.
Bus Éireann has advised that this is a drop off point for many pupils who make their way down to the schools and is within pick up point guidelines for pupils.
School Transport
Questions (69)
Niamh Smyth
Question:69. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the closure of a school transport route will be urgently reviewed (details supplied). [67364/26]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Children are eligible for school transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre, as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann has advised that this service commenced on 26 August 2026.
70. Reply not received from Department.
Departmental Data
Questions (71)
Brendan Smith
Question:71. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware of concerns about geoblocking for listeners (details supplied) in this State considering that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the British Secretary of State and the Minister for Communications in February 2010 which provided for the widespread availability of services in this State. [67653/26]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the decision by the BBC last year to limit access to the BBC Sounds app to the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom.
While there is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Ireland and the UK, signed in 2010, its primary purpose was to ensure a smooth transition to digital terrestrial television (DTT) on the Island. It did additionally refer more generally to cooperation on the availability of public service broadcasting, including facilitating widespread availability of BBC services in Ireland.
However, as the MOU deals with terrestrial television services, it does not address ancillary or streamed services of broadcasters in either jurisdiction, such as an audio app like BBC Sounds. Notwithstanding this, there was engagement between officials from my Department and their UK counterparts on this matter at the time of the announcement by the BBC.
This is an operational matter for the BBC, and the BBC did subsequently announce that they had made a new service available on their website that allows for non UK listeners to access their radio content, including BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle. They have also advised that access to BBC podcasts is also being made available on third party apps internationally.
Telecommunications Services
Questions (72)
Brendan Smith
Question:72. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the widespread concerns in Northern Ireland in relation to limited access to RTÉ channels for many viewers with further difficulties emerging with the availability of television streaming services; if he is also aware of the concerns of viewers in this State particularly in border counties such as Cavan and Monaghan due to the non availability of access to the player platforms of channels (details supplied) which traditionally have been popular channels in such areas. [67641/26]
View answerWritten answers
There is an existing legislative obligation on RTÉ and TG4 to make their broadcasting service free-to-air to the whole community of Ireland, in so far as it is reasonably practical. However, cases arise where they cannot broadcast certain content outside the State due to rights restrictions by external rights holders such as sports bodies, independent producers etc.
It is often the case that the rights to content are offered to broadcasters on a geographic or territorial basis and another broadcaster in the UK may have already acquired exclusive rights to broadcast in Northern Ireland. Both RTÉ and TG4 do endeavour to secure rights on an all-island basis where possible.
With regard to access to UK broadcasters in this jurisdiction, there is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Ireland and the UK, signed in 2010. While the primary purpose of this MOU was to ensure a smooth transition to digital terrestrial television (DTT) on the Island, it also refers more generally to cooperation on the availability of public service broadcasting, including ensuring widespread availability of TG4 in Northern Ireland and facilitating widespread availability of BBC facilities here and RTÉ in Northern Ireland. However, as the MOU deals with terrestrial television services, it does not address "over-the-top" or streamed services of broadcasters in either jurisdiction.
It should be noted that both RTÉ and TG4 are widely available on the Freeview platform in Northern Ireland. However, I am advised there are a number of technical reasons as well as commercial rights reasons why viewers in either jurisdiction may not be able to access content on over-the-top internet platforms, such as BBC Player.
House Prices
Questions (73)
Denise Mitchell
Question:73. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps being taken to regulate online bidding in housing sales to ensure that bids are genuine and not being used to artificially inflate house prices; and whether he will consider introducing rules similar to those in a number of Australian states which ensure underquoting of guide prices by estate agents in the second hand housing market is tackled by requiring an estimated selling price is backed by comparable sales evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67264/26]
View answerWritten answers
House auction bidding is regulated primarily through the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PRSA), which licenses and regulates auctioneers and estate agents, and by the bidding process rules followed by licensed firms, including requirements for proof of funds, bid recording, and transparent handling of offers.
The PSRA’s remit in oversight of licensed estate agents is to ensure agents operate in compliance with the legislation and ensure transparency in engaging with both their clients and potential purchasers. Where licensed agents fail to comply with the respective legislation, the PSRA may investigate complaints received, or open an investigation of its own volition.
Under Regulation 15 of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 (Minimum Standards) Regulations 2020, which deals with offers to purchase property by private treaty, Property Services Providers (PSPs) must:
- bring all offers received in respect of a private treaty sale to their client (unless their client has instructed otherwise);
- acknowledge receipt of all offers in writing;
- not imply to any person including their client that an offer has been received, if this is not the case; and
- notify their client if the PSP themselves is making an offer, or if an offer has been made by someone else within the licensed business, or if the person making an offer is related to the PSP or anyone else within the licensed business.
Section 55 of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 provides that a PSP must give an advised market value for land, where requested by a vendor. Section 56 states that the PSP cannot advertise the land for sale at a price less than the advised market value provided under Section 55 unless the vendor requests it to be adjusted.
I have asked my Department to examine the current bidding process in the Irish context and also to compare it to what takes place in other jurisdictions. This work will inform work going forward on this area.
Pension Provisions
Questions (74)
Ken O'Flynn
Question:74. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will set out the statutory basis under which Irish Water (Uisce Éireann) may award pension increases to members of its funded defined benefit pension schemes without requiring ministerial authorisation; if he will confirm that Irish Water is not subject to the approval process outlined in Circular 16/2021 for commercial semi state bodies; the reason for this divergence in governance compared with other State bodies operating funded DB schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67349/26]
View answerWritten answers
Uisce Éireann operates two defined benefit pension schemes, namely the Uisce Éireann (Ex-Ervia) Scheme and the Uisce Éireann (Ex-Local Authority) Scheme. Each scheme was established pursuant to Ministerial consent and operates under a distinct legislative and governance framework.
For the Ex-Ervia Scheme, the award of pension increases is at the discretion of the employer and is subject to my consent as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, in conjunction with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. This requirement is explicitly set out in the Trust Deed and Rules governing the scheme and aligns with the approval process set out in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 16/2021.
Employees who transferred to Uisce Éireann from local authorities become members of the Uisce Éireann (Ex-Local Authority) Scheme. Section 28 of the Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 (as amended) provides that these pension benefits will be no more and no less favourable than those that would have applied had the employee remained in local authority employment.
Accordingly, the Trust Deed for the Ex-Local Authority Scheme does not reference Ministerial consent for pension increases but provides that benefits are aligned with those payable within the local authority framework. In practice, pension increases under this scheme mirror those granted across the wider local authority and public service sector.
Referendum Campaigns
Questions (75)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:75. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Governement plans to hold a referendum on the public ownership of water. [67375/26]
View answerWritten answers
Establishment of Uisce Éireann in public ownership is already firmly secured in legislation under the Water Services Acts 2007 to 2022. These Acts additionally confirm Uisce Éireann as the national authority for water services and detail its functions and responsibilities.
The Government is committed in its aim to deliver a world-class public water services utility which brings best practice, cost effective water services and supports economic development and job creation in local communities.
The published Programme for Government does not make any commitment regarding a referendum on the public ownership of water services. The focus going forward is on supporting Uisce Éireann in its plans for delivery of key strategic projects in our cities and regions.
Planning Issues
Questions (76)
Emer Currie
Question:76. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he expects the new planning regulations in relation to childcare planning to be published that will update the 2001 planning guidelines under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. [67505/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government sets out a number of priorities for Government in relation to access to early learning and childcare services including a commitment to ‘review the 2001 Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities to ensure childcare spaces are provided and put to use’.
Further to the commencement of Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 in October 2025, provisions for National Planning Statements have been introduced to replace the provisions for Ministerial guidelines issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The timing of the issuing of National Planning Statements is based on Government priorities.
The current Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities (which remain in force until revoked or replaced by a new National Planning Statement) set out a methodology for calculating an adequate provision of childcare places and ensure consistency in the approach to the consideration of land use planning and development management aspects of childcare provision. National Policy Objective 41 of the Revised National Planning Framework 2025 also supports the strategic planning and alignment of planned population and employment growth with educational investment and prioritises the timely delivery of childcare facilities and schools on well-located sites within or close to existing built-up areas, to support the development of sustainable communities.
In addition, planning authorities have extensive powers and responsibilities to plan for childcare and community infrastructure through the statutory development plan process. The 2001 Childcare Guidelines require planning authorities to assess existing childcare provision and, where appropriate, prepare Childcare Capacity Assessments for major developments. Development plans must also include objectives relating to the social and community needs of the population. The Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2022) provide further guidance and require local authorities to consider the future provision of social, recreational and community infrastructure, including childcare facilities, when making zoning decisions.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 strengthens this framework by requiring planning authorities to prepare strategies for the creation, improvement and preservation of sustainable places and communities, including the provision of amenities and services to meet social and community needs, including those of children. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), who play an important role as policy holders for the Early Learning and Childcare sector, has been liaising with my Department with regard to the planning process. A Forward Planning and Delivery Unit has now been established inside the DCDE to identify areas of future need and forecast demand to ensure that local early learning and school-age childcare capacity matches projected population growth. The DCDE also chairs an Early Learning and Childcare Planning Matters Working Group, which includes my Department and the Department of Education and Youth, to create a forum for information sharing and discussion in relation to current and future policy related to planning of early learning and childcare services, including examining the role of the existing Childcare Guidelines for Planning Authorities.
Further the commencement of Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act, which relate to statutory plans, the Minister for Children, Equality and Disability is now designated as a prescribed body (statutory consultee) to be notified by local authorities in the making of new development plans and urban plans. The regulations associated with Part 4 of the Act which relates to planning consents and will be commenced later this year, will also designate the Minister for Children, Equality and Disability, as a prescribed body regarding local development proposals that have a potential impact on local childcare infrastructure provision.
Defective Building Materials
Questions (77)
Cathal Crowe
Question:77. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, given the increasing cost of building materials, he and his Department will consider increasing the maximum grant payable under the defective concrete blocks scheme so that homeowners are not left significantly out-of-pocket due to the potential mismatch between the maximum grant cap and the actual rebuild cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67425/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 as amended by the Act of 2025 underpins the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB).
A number of amendments contained in the 2025 Act came into operation on 25 February 2026 and more recently further provisions commenced on 27 May 2026.
Following updated cost reports from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and advice from the Expert Group established to consider the matter, increases in the grant scheme remediation rates were provided for over and above the original amounts contained upon commencement of the current grant scheme in 2023. Along with the rates the overall Scheme Cap increased by 10% from €420,000 to €462,000.
Section 11 of the Act allows the Government to further increase the rates and grant cap subject to certain conditions. There are no immediate plans to do so at present. However, my Department does keep the position under review.
Defective Building Materials
Questions (78)
Cathal Crowe
Question:78. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which the evolving technical standard I.S.465:2026 will resolve anomalies faced by homeowners who are affected by defective concrete blocks who have timber-frame inner leafs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67420/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 as amended by the Act of 2025 sets out the framework under which the Grant Scheme which provides grant funding to people whose homes have been affected by Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) operates.
A number of amendments contained in the 2025 Act came into operation on 25 February 2026 and more recently further provisions commenced on 27 May 2026.
The Scheme is underpinned by a national testing standard known as IS:465. The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) on 2 June 2026 published a revised version of this standard-I.S. 465:2026.
Under the terms of the Scheme the Housing Agency act as agents on behalf of the local authorities. Once a home has met the damage threshold for entry to the scheme, the Housing Agency works with Chartered Engineers from an approved framework to help assess applications under the scheme and determines the appropriate remediation option and grant amount.
Noting the above, the specific circumstances outlined by the Deputy will be considered by the Housing Agency in determining the appropriate remediation option. As Minister, I have no function in relation to individual cases.
79. Reply not received from Department.
80. Reply not received from Department.
81. Reply not received from Department.
82. Reply not received from Department.
83. Reply not received from Department.