Written Answers Nos. 204-225
204. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide details of all Garda stations in Offaly and proposed funding for capital works in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14958/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no significant Capitol works planned for any Garda Stations in Offaly for 2025, however there are minor work ongoing in Garda Stations in the County. Furthermore the OPW are currently in the process of constructing a Divisional Headquarters in Portlaoise which will serve and provide Policing for the Laois/Offaly Division. Construction on the Main project commenced in November 2024. The construction should take 28 months with the project completed by Q2 2027.
Below is a list of all Garda stations in Offaly.
• Banagher
• Birr
• Clara
• Cloghan
• Clonbologue
• Daingean
• Edenderry
• Ferbane
• Kilcormac
• Kinnitty
• Rhode
• Shinrone
• Tullamore
205. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the proposed review of the National Development Plan; how the review will be undertaken; the timeframe for the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14970/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out the clear ambition to prioritise the delivery of transformative, critical and growth-enhancing infrastructure over the next 5 years.
To support these goals, the Government, led by my Department, has commenced work on setting the parameters, priorities and critical milestones for the Review. The Review will be carried out by Officials in my Department, as part of coordinating NDP allocations and critically reviewing proposals for funding from individual Departments.
The Review will use an evidence-informed approach to deliver on the Government's objective of infrastructure prioritisation through:
• reassessment of investment plans and capital programmes,
• updating project costings, and
• highlighting any challenges to delivery to ensure value for money.
In doing so, the Review will consider issues, such as:
• assessing sectoral capital expenditure and delivery,
• trade-offs given construction sector capacity constraints,
• development of appropriate cost estimates using benchmarking and sufficient contingency,
• National Planning Framework and climate considerations, and
• governance structures.
It is planned that the Review will be completed in line with the summer 2025 timeline set out in the Programme for Government.
206. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 520 of 19 March 2025, the position regarding a timeline for the completion of the Departmental review of the administration of the Power Up grant scheme; the basis for the missed deadline in February 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14659/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing to review issues that have arisen during the registration period of the Power Up grant, specifically in relation to businesses that were ineligible for the grant due to incorrect classification of their business type while registering for ICOB.
The review of those issues and discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the local authorities are ongoing.
It is important to note that over €400 million was paid out to SME's throughout the country in 2024 under ICOB and Power Up.
207. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of those attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14688/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no successful cybersecurity attacks to report in my Department in the years noted.
The Deputy will readily appreciate that my Department delivers services to the public over the Internet and therefore, like all large organisations, the public facing ICT systems which support this are consequently subject to unsuccessful and opportunistic access attempts on a daily basis.
Attackers frequently hide or obscure their actual location which means that it is generally difficult to reliably determine the point of origin.
In line with best practice, my Department adopts a “defence in depth” approach to cybersecurity protection with a combination of technological controls and processes in place. These controls include policies and practices on system patching and upgrades, penetration testing of internet facing systems, and least privileged access principles based on best practice. We also have an ongoing internal programme to increase staff awareness of cybersecurity risks and best practices. For operational and security reasons, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) advises that public bodies do not disclose details of systems and related projects/ processes as there is a risk that such disclosures could in turn compromise cyber security measures in place in those bodies. This constrains the level of detail which can be put into the public domain in relation to the ongoing programme of work around the Department’s cyber- security arrangements, cyber security tools and services employed.
However, I can advise that my Department conducts ongoing security assessments, penetration testing as well as evaluations against the relevant external specialist guidance and standards, such as the NCSC’s Cyber Security Baseline Standard and the NIS2 Directive which will shortly be transposed into Irish law.
208. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide an update on the State’s space strategy; the number of enterprises engaged in space activity in receipt of funding by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14702/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Space Strategy for Enterprise 2019 – 2025 (NSSE) sets ambitious goals for how Ireland intends to develop an economically sustainable and expanding space-active industry, delivering quality jobs for the economy of tomorrow.
The third progress report on the implementation of the NSSE was published in August 2024, covering the period July 2022 to December 2023. There were several positive developments during this reporting period and of the 19 actions set out in the Strategy, 4 are completed and 15 remain on schedule for delivery.
Ireland manages its investment in space enterprise activity primarily through its membership of the European Space Agency (ESA) which allows Irish companies and researchers to competitively bid for ESA contracts.
In line with the NSSE, Ireland has significantly grown both its public and private investment in ESA in recent years with an almost doubling of space related spending from €21.31 million in 2018 to €40.28 million in 2024.
This increase in investment is having a positive impact on our Space enterprises as they continue to win contracts with the ESA. Since the launch of the Strategy the number of Irish based companies engaging with ESA increased by 66%, up from 70 in 2019 to 116 in 2024, surpassing the original target of 100 set out in the Strategy. Our investment is also resulting in other commercial contracts being won by Irish enterprises with established companies in the global space industry.
While under the ESA membership model, space active Irish companies are not directly funded by the State, they can avail of other State funding instruments. Under the Department’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, which is administered by Enterprise Ireland, two space-related projects have been awarded funding of over €14million to develop earth observation services and for R&D in areas such as optical communications, satellites and spacecraft payload modelling.
209. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within his Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14670/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA breakdown by year of the expenditure specifically sought in the Deputy’s question PQ 14670/25 is detailed below:
|
- |
2022 (€) |
2023 (€) |
2024 (€) |
|
Cyber Security |
353,524.24 |
271,600.37 |
358,996.40 |
210. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Enterprise; Trade and Employment if he intends to reintroduce the Employment (Restriction of Certain Mandatory Retirement Ages) Bill 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14773/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 25 March 2025, Government approved the publication of the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025. The Bill sets out measures which will allow, but not compel, employees to remain in employment until the state pension age of 66. This was a commitment in the Government's response to the Report of the Commission on Pensions. It is part of an overall package of measures designed to improve the adequacy and predictability of people's income in retirement.
211. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise; Trade and Employment to urgently intervene and allow for an emergency work permit in respect of a person (details supplied) given the shortage of chefs in Killarney, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14789/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Section informs me that under the Employment Permits Acts 2024 in order to work in the State all non-EEA nationals require a valid employment permit or relevant immigration permission from the Minister for Justice which allows them to reside and work in the State without the requirement for an employment permit.
The Irish State’s general policy is to promote the sourcing of labour and skills needs from within the workforce of the European Union and other EEA states. However, where specific skills prove difficult to source within the EEA, an employment permit may be sought in respect of a non-EEA national who possesses those skill, provided the role is eligible.
There is no provision in the legislation to issue an emergency work permit, and every application must comply with all of the legislative requirements for the particular employment permit type. Details on how to apply for an Employment Permit are available on my Department’s website through the following link: enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/workplace-and-skills/employment-permits/.
The Employment Permits Section of the Department informs me that the application referenced in the details supplied was refused for a number of reasons, including the fact that the required Labour Market Needs Test had not been carried out correctly. As the legislation allows no discretion where this requirement is not met, the application was correctly refused.
The refusal to grant an employment permit in this instance does not preclude the applicant from submitting another application for an employment permit.
212. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications made for general employment permits in 2024, and the number of applications which were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14883/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages in the State required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy.
The Employment Permits legislation sets out the criteria which must be satisfied in order for an Employment Permit to be issued. The legislation sets out both mandatory and discretionary reasons for refusal of an employment permits (sections 32 and 33 of the EP legislation).
The Employment Permits section has provided a list of the most common reasons for refusal of an employment permit application which are set out below:
• the role applied for is ineligible
• The applicant doesn’t possess the relevant qualifications
• Contract or Documentation issues
• Salary below the minimum threshold
• Immigration Issues
• The Labour Market Needs test has not been carried out correctly
The Employment Permit Section of my Department informs me that in 2024, a total of 26,018 General Employment Permit Applications were received and 19,479 were issued.
213. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the top ten export countries from 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14943/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra214. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the top ten import countries from 2019 to 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14944/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 214 together.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) compiles statistical data in relation to Ireland's exports and imports. The data requested by the Deputy, which is set out in the tables in the attachment, has been compiled from CSO sources. This data is provided in respect of imports and exports of both goods and services.
215. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the additional supports that will be provided to support the retail sector, particularly small and medium size enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14960/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe broad range of supports for the retail sector, including training programmes and funding, to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail can be found on the National Enterprise Hub.
Two such supports are the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) and the Grow Digital Voucher. Both the EEG and the Grow Digital Voucher are available to all eligible business with up to 50 employees, regardless of sector. The EEG now offers grant assistance of up to a maximum of €10,000 with a 75% contribution rate from Government for a broad range of measures to support the investment in technologies and equipment identified through the Green for Business Scheme.
The Grow Digital Voucher offers up to €5,000 to small businesses to invest in technology such as online booking systems, stock control, AI, cyber security, and payroll software. These grants are designed to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of small businesses.
Although now closed, in 2024 over €400 million was paid to SMEs right across the county, including retailers in particular, under the Increased Cost of Business and Power Up grant schemes.
The Programme for Government includes a number of initiatives to support SMEs, in particular the retail and hospitality sectors, acknowledging the increased cost pressures on these sectors. This includes changes to VAT, PRSI and other measures in line with the normal budget process, assisting businesses in adopting sustainable practices and digital technologies and taking steps to tackle retail crime. Small businesses continue to be the backbone of our local and national economies and we are working to ensure that the Programme for Government actions aimed at supporting small businesses are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
I recently Chaired my first meeting of the Retail Forum in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This was established in 2014 and remains an important platform for engagement with the retail sector. It allows for open discussions between retail stakeholders and Government on issues of importance to it and affords members the opportunity to identify practical actions to be implemented by government, or by the sector itself, to ensure its economic resilience.
216. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if additional supports will be provided for the retail sector taking into account the particular pressures on this sector due to the increasing prevalence of shopping through international online enterprises and its adverse impact on Irish retailers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14961/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSmall businesses continue to be the backbone of our local and national economies, and we are working to ensure actions aimed at supporting small businesses, including retail businesses, are implemented in an effective and timely manner.
In 2024 the Department of Enterprise introduced a package of targeted supports for businesses to digitalise. These supports are designed to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of small businesses, including retailers.
The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Grow Digital Voucher offers businesses with up to 50 employees in all sectors up to €5,000 towards deployment of a wide range of digital software solutions. This new offering will cover a wider range of digital interventions available to a broader range of businesses. This includes a range of elements including e-commerce software, e-invoicing software, cyber security software, as well as analytics software including artificial intelligence systems and website development subscriptions.
The LEOs Digital for Business consultancy scheme provides expert digital consultants to help businesses explore technology adoption opportunities. The LEOs are committed to assisting small businesses to engage with Digitalisation and are fully committed to assisting them in achieving basic digital intensity, towards the target of 90% by 2030. This Programme is designed to help small businesses across all sectors to prepare and implement a plan for the adoption of digital tools and techniques across their operations. It provides third party consultancy to assist small Businesses in identifying where they are on their digital business journey and in developing a digital adaptation plan based on their identified needs and is now a prerequisite of applying for the new Grow Digital Voucher.
The Grow Digital Portal, is a website with a 5-minutes assessment that helps businesses, including retailers, to assess their progress on digitalisation and opportunities for improvement as well as presenting relatable case studies of businesses that have benefited from technology adoption.
The broad range of supports for the retail sector, including training programmes and funding to help retailers adapt to new challenges and opportunities in retail can be found on the National Enterprise Hub.
217. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education for an update on the efforts being made by her Department to support parents and communities in helping children to navigate online risks. [14658/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe wellbeing of all learners is a key priority of the Department of Education, as well as the empowerment of parents and school communities through education and information. The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 sets out the Department’s policy approach to continue the progress made in embedding digital technology across the curriculum and in all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment.
Online safety and the safe and ethical use of digital technologies is a key component of the strategy.
Webwise is part of the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre, part of the Irish Server Internet Centre, supporting teachers, students and parents on online safety. Webwise provide a wide range of training material and resources. The Irish Safer Internet Centre partners are Webwise, Hotline.ie, ISPCC Childline and National Parents Council. Webwise is funded by the Department of Education and the EU Internet Safety Initiative.
Webwise (webwise.ie) promotes the autonomous, effective and safe use of the internet by young people through a sustained information and awareness strategy targeting school leaders, teachers, parents and children themselves with consistent and relevant messages. It develops and disseminates resources that help teachers integrate digital citizenship and online safety into teaching and learning in their schools.
The webwise.ie resource includes a dedicated School/Teachers Hub, a Parents Hub and a Youth Hub. These give practical information and advice on the safe, ethical and responsible use of the internet and address key issues such as cyberbullying, sexting, image sharing, respectful communication, social media, popular apps and more. Webwise will continue to develop and disseminate relevant resources and run campaigns addressing key topical issues as they arise.
The Department published guidelines in 2023 for parents called Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free. The aim is to support parents of primary school children who wish to agree collectively on a voluntary agreement on the use of smartphones for their primary school age child.
Following on from these guidelines, a “Digital Citizenship Champions” programme was developed. It is designed to equip primary teachers with essential knowledge, skills and resources to effectively teach and champion digital citizenship in schools and through their local education centres. An “Agree to Agree” pilot online safety initiative is also underway across three education centres and involves 21 primary schools.
In 2024, all schools, both primary and post-primary, were instructed to implement a restriction on the use of mobile phones during the school day. This policy approach is based on the growing concerns expressed about the impact of the use of mobile phones during the school day.
Coimisiún na Meán is responsible for Ireland’s Online Safety Framework and issues relating to social media and online platforms falls within its remit. The Department through Webwise is engaging with An Coimisiún, including on assisting in raising awareness of its new educational resources being developed about the rights of children and young people under the Online Safety Framework, and aligning and embedding those in Webwise and OIDE Technology in Education content.
The Programme for Government commits to continuing to implement the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)/Relationships and Sexuality (RSE) curricula and provide resources and training for their effective delivery. Addressing relevant issues, and online safety, through this curricular content, will support our children and young people to develop empathy and awareness, safeguarding themselves and others as they navigate the online world.
In addition, Oide, the Department funded support service for teachers and school leaders, provides a variety of professional learning to teachers that places the learner at the centre of the learning experience. It provides school-based supports, workshops, specific resources and training online and in person. Oide has dedicated Wellbeing teams at Primary and Post-Primary.
Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying was published in 2022. Cineáltas is dedicated to the prevention and addressing of bullying, cyber bullying, racist bullying, gender identity bullying and sexual harassment, among other areas, in schools. Cineáltas incorporates each of the nine components of UNESCO’s Whole Education Approach to prevent and address bullying. An implementation plan for Cineáltas was published in 2023 and work on Implementation of its 61 actions is well advanced.
218. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education to issue as a matter of extreme urgency and as previously promised, enhanced medical cards to all survivors of industrial schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14812/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra239. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education if she will meet with survivors and advocates for industrial school survivors, (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14813/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra243. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education the supports and services now in place nationwide for survivors of industrial schools since funding was allocated in November 2023 of €275,246 and again in 2024 of €275,246 (total funding to date of €550,492) to an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14834/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra244. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education to expedite the long-delayed Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 through the Oireachtas, as quickly as possible in order that survivors of industrial schools will at long last have access to the 'enhanced' medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14835/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra245. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education to expedite the issuing of the Health Amendment Act card, as it offers far more supports and benefits to survivors of industrial schools than the 'enhanced' medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14836/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 218, 239, 243, 244 and 245 together.
I can inform the Deputy that I have received correspondence from the individual concerned and will be responding directly in relation to the issues raised.
As the Deputy will be aware, in June 2023 Government approved proposals for the delivery of a package of ongoing supports and services for survivors of abuse in residential institutions, relating to health, education, advocacy and trauma-informed practice. This package of supports was developed following consideration of the final report of the survivor-led Consultative Forum, of which the individual concerned was a member, along with other relevant reports and submissions.
The delivery of the health and education supports approved by Government requires the passage of legislation, and this is provided for in the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024. The Bill completed Dáil Committee Stage last year and it is my intention to progress the passage of the legislation in the coming period.
With regard to the health supports, Government approved the provision of a package of health supports and services to survivors in Ireland, similar to the supports previously provided to survivors of the Magdalen Laundries and which are to be provided to former residents of Mother and Baby Homes. Survivors living abroad will be able to avail of a payment of €3,000 to support their health needs. This is the same approach taken in respect of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme.
It is acknowledged that some survivors have called for the provision of a Health Amendment Act (HAA) Card for survivors. However, HAA cards were introduced to meet the clear health needs of a very specific group of individuals who had contracted a serious and life-threatening condition, i.e. individuals who had contracted Hepatitis C through the administration within the State of contaminated blood and blood products.
The approach taken in the Bill is therefore consistent with the approach taken in respect of the Magdalen Laundry and Mother and Baby Homes schemes and will ensure that survivors have access to a range of health supports through the HSE, including GP services, home nursing and home helps, chiropody and podiatry, and physiotherapy.
With regard to the provision of advocacy supports, which was identified by survivors as a particular need, my Department has engaged Sage Advocacy, an independent advocacy organisation with a strong track record in providing advocacy supports to vulnerable adults, older people and healthcare patients, to provide information, support and advocacy services for survivors to assist them in engaging with and accessing relevant services and supports.
Sage Advocacy been delivering this service since late-2023 and has recruited a number of staff, including Regional Advocates who are based around the country. These Regional Advocates are engaging directly with relevant service providers on behalf of individual survivors, in areas such as social protection, housing and health. Sage has also been implementing a communications and outreach plan to promote awareness of its availability. This has included engaging directly with survivors, survivor groups and other relevant stakeholders.
219. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education to outline the work being done by her Department to promote digital literacy and online safety programmes in primary and post-primary education. [14657/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of digital skills and literacy must start from a young age. The Department of Education’s response to the provision of digital skills and literacy within early childhood and care and school settings includes:
• Curriculum at all levels
• Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027
• STEM Education Policy Statement 2017-2026
• Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033.
Existing curriculum from early childhood to senior cycle offers multiple opportunities for the development of digital skills and digital literacy. Reform of the curriculum at all levels is already underway which will ensure that our young people are equipped with the necessary digital skills and literacy required to participate fully in society.
Primary
The Coding in Primary Schools Initiative was undertaken by the NCCA from 2017-2019. It included:
• Initial desktop audit of 22 jurisdictions with a focus on identifying the presence of coding in the curriculum
• Follow-on in-depth curriculum investigation which explored how six international jurisdictions integrated coding and computational thinking into their curricula
• Review of literature on computational thinking and its importance for children’s learning as well as its place in a primary curriculum.
The initiative found that:
• An ever-increasing number of primary schools are moving beyond the current curriculum and are already teaching about coding and computational thinking in their classrooms.
• A playful, child-centred, project-based approach to the teaching of coding and computational thinking was very effective.
• The identification of three aspects of digital competence—creating with technology, understanding technology, and using technology— as fundamental to the inclusion of coding and computational thinking in a curriculum.
Some of the steps set out for integration of coding and computational thinking include:
• Continuing with interagency collaboration, for example, with PDST, Education Centres, DES Digital Cluster Initiative and Webwise, to ensure a joined-up approach in the work with schools on digital technologies and to inform the ongoing redevelopment of the primary curriculum.
• Adopting and supporting a playful, child-centred, project-based approach to teaching coding and computational thinking.
• Creating an explicit space in the curriculum, for example, in ‘science and technology’ to enable teaching and learning of the fundamental skills and concepts of coding and computational thinking, alongside integration across the curriculum.
The findings from the report were taken into consideration in the redevelopment of the primary curriculum.
• The Primary Language Curriculum highlights the important of Digital Literacy which supports the child’s ability to locate, select and critically analyse relevant information in text, visual and audio. It also includes the capacity to engage with digital technology in creative and imaginative ways.
• The Primary Curriculum Framework, published in March 2023 outlines ‘being a digital learner’ as one of seven key competencies. This seeks to support children to become curious, creative, confident, and critical users of digital technology while fostering responsible, safe and ethical use of technology. The framework also proposes that digital technology would become part of the curriculum area of Science, Technology and Mathematics with its own subject specification for third to sixth class.
• The Primary Mathematics Curriculum, 2023 provides for children to investigate, develop, select, apply, interpret, model and compare a variety of problem-solving situations and strategies as they explore Mathematics and deepen their mathematical understanding. They apply their mathematical knowledge and skills in flexible, efficient and creative ways to solve problems; conduct investigations; and develop and share their computational thinking.
• The Science, Technology and Engineering (STE) Education Curriculum specification to be published in September 2025 places an emphasis on developing children’s awareness and appreciation of the nature of STEM, while engaging in scientific inquiry, computational thinking and the design thinking process. Computational thinking encourages children to use logic and reasoning to break down problems into manageable parts, to apply prior knowledge to new contexts and to focus on important information relevant to the process of problem-solving.
Post-Primary
The Framework for Junior Cycle – which underpins all learning in the first three years of post-primary – has an explicit focus on development of digital skills. At Junior Cycle the student is expected to use technology and digital media tools – to learn, to communicate, and to do so in a responsible and ethical way.
Specific short course in Digital Media Literacy – students learn to use digital technology, discriminate between multiple sources of information and to participate safely and effectively in an online environment.
In Junior Cycle English, the course highlights the use of non-literary texts such as media texts (advertisements, media broadcasts) and opinion pieces (articles, speeches, social media posts) to interpret meaning, compare, evaluate effectiveness of, and respond to media and digital media
Many Classroom-based assessments at Junior Cycle require students to conduct research and reflect on their findings and of course digital literacy is in play there
Leaving Certificate Computer Science is the study of computing and algorithmic processes. It includes how programming and computational thinking can be applied to the solution of problems, and how computing technology impacts the world around us. Resources and information on professional learning are available on Compsci.ie and Oide.ie.
At Senior Cycle similarly there are opportunities to learn with and about digital media literacy in subjects like history, English, politics and society – and similarly we will soon have an updated SPHE specification too which also has some learning outcomes that deal with digital literacy and online safety.
Online Safety
Online safety and the safe and ethical use of digital technologies is a key component of the Department’s Digital Strategy for Schools. The strategy recognises that the education system must equip children and young people with the appropriate digital skills necessary in a digital world.
Webwise is part of the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre who support teachers, students and parents on online safety. They provide a wide range of training material and resources. The Irish Safer Internet Centre partners are Webwise, Hotline.ie, ISPCC Childline and National Parents Council.
Webwise promotes the autonomous, effective and safe use of the internet by young people through a sustained information and awareness strategy targeting school leaders, teachers, parents and children themselves, with consistent and relevant messages. It develops and disseminates resources that help teachers integrate digital citizenship and online safety into teaching and learning in their schools. Webwise is funded by the Department of Education and the EU Internet Safety Initiative.
The webwise.ie resource includes a dedicated School/Teachers Hub, a Parents Hub and a Youth Hub. These give practical information and advice on the safe, ethical and responsible use of the internet and address key issues such as cyberbullying, sexting, image sharing, respectful communication, social media, popular apps and more. Throughout the implementation of the Digital Strategy, Webwise will continue to develop and disseminate relevant resources and run campaigns addressing key topical issues as they arise.
All schools are expected to have an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) in place that sets out rights, privileges, responsibilities and sanctions associated with the use of the internet for school purposes including the use of smart phones and personal devices. The policy is drawn up by school leaders, teachers and management and generally in consultation with parents.
The Department published guidelines in 2023 for parents called Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free. The aim is to support parents of primary school children who wish to agree collectively on a voluntary agreement on the use of smartphones for their primary school age child.
Following on from these guidelines and the need to support teachers in upskilling in digital citizenship, a “Digital Citizenship Champions” programme was developed. It is designed to equip primary teachers with essential knowledge, skills and resources to effectively teach and champion digital citizenship in schools and through their local Education Centre. 75 primary teachers who opted to participate in the programme are being trained to deliver a range of practical interactive workshops. In addition, an “Agree to Agree” pilot online safety initiative is currently underway across three education centres and involves 21 primary schools. It will facilitate each school in collaborating, designing and implementing an Internet and Technology Use Agreement particular to their individual circumstance. It will also raise awareness of the ‘Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free’ guidelines and all the education resources available through Webwise.
In 2024, all schools, both primary and post-primary, were instructed to implement a ban on the use of mobile phones during the school day. This policy approach is based on the growing concerns expressed about the impact of the use of mobile phones during the school day and builds on the “Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free” initiative for primary school children.
In addition to the above, Oide, the Department funded support service for teachers and school leaders, provides a variety of professional learning to teachers that places the learner at the centre of the learning experience. It provides school-based supports, workshops, specific resources and training online and in person. Oide has dedicated Wellbeing teams at Primary and Post-Primary. These teams support teachers and schools, through the Social Personal and Health Education curriculum, to develop and promote the personal development, health and wellbeing of the student, to create a positive school environment and culture, and, to prevent and tackle bullying, including online bullying and harassment.
220. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education the number of actual and attempted cyberattacks on her Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, the countries of origin of those attacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14687/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra225. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education the total sum spent on cybersecurity measures within her Department during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [14669/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 225 together.
My Department takes the issue of cyber security very seriously. The Information Communications Technology Unit, within my Department, takes a whole-of-team approach to protect my Department's data and IT systems. Departmental staff are supported in this function by IT security vendors and third-party support companies.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is an operational arm of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), and is the primary cyber security authority in the State. The NCSC provides a range of cybersecurity services to operators of Critical National Infrastructure, Government Departments and Agencies.
My Department's cyber security protocols are supported by the work of the NCSC and the national computer security incident response team, CSIRT, which provides early warnings, alerts, announcements and dissemination of information about risk and incidents to my Department.
My Department has previously been advised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) that, for security reasons, not to disclose details of its cyber security operations (including details of commercial relationships, audits/exercises and expenditure) which could in any way compromise the Department’s information security posture. In particular, it is not considered appropriate to disclose any information, which might assist malicious actors to identify potential vulnerabilities.
221. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education to urgently examine and allow an appeal for the retention of a mainstream teacher in a school in County Kerry, in light of the reasons outlined (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14738/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally.
The primary school staffing arrangements for the 2025/26 school year are set out in Circular 0011/2025. These arrangements contain an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
The school referred to by the Deputy has submitted a staffing appeal which will be considered by the Primary Staffing Appeals Board and the school will be notified of the outcome of the appeal shortly.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
222. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education if she can confirm that a student council exists in every second level school in the State; the importance she attaches to student councils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14705/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraChildren and young people have a right to have their voices heard and taken seriously in all matters that affect them. My department is committed to embedding a culture of participation of children and young people in policy development at a national level and at a school level.
A student participation unit was established in my department in April 2023 to help my department to make sure that the voices of children and young people inform policy development across the department.
In May 2023, an expert group on student participation, chaired by Professor Laura Lundy, was established to advise my department on how best my department could progress its work in this area. The expert group made five high-level recommendations which have been accepted in full by my department. The report of the expert group was published on 10 October 2024. On the same date, my department published its Student Participation Implementation Plan. This plan contains 50 actions to be implemented by end of 2026. Some of the key actions my department has committed to implement are:
• a new training plan for department staff to involve children and young people in policy development
• publication of an annual report on student participation in policy development
• to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of children and young peoples’ participation in decision-making among students, parents, teachers, school leaders, school staff and boards of management
• to review and update the guidance to support the establishment of student councils in post-primary schools to ensure that they are representative. Guidance will also be developed for primary schools
A key focus of my department’s work in 2025 is, in consultation with children and young people, reviewing and updating the guidance to support the establishment of student councils in post-primary schools and to develop guidance for primary schools.
99.6% of post-primary schools have indicated to my department that they have established student councils.
My department is also continuing to progress the Charter Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill has been passed by the Seanad and is currently awaiting progression to Committee Stage in the Dáil.
One of the key concepts of the Bill is the need for a school to consult with the school community on individual school plans, policies and activities. This approach will help ensure that the various views of staff, students and parents will be heard and responded to by schools on policies and issues.
Further information on my department’s Student Participation Implementation Plan can be found at gov.ie/itstartswithyou.
223. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education the reason her Department issued a statement to schools in February 2025 to disregard a purported circular; if there has been a problem with fake circulars; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14706/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department was notified of a document circulating that was being purporting to be a circular from the Department of Education on 27 February.
The fake circular was titled “Arrangements for making up days in light of school closures in primary schools for 2024/26 school year” and contained misinformation.
It was therefore of the utmost importance that my department counteract this immediately and a clarification was issued on 6pm that same evening. The quick response from my officials meant the misinformation didn’t not gain the traction it may have otherwise.
This was the first instance of this in the department.
The legitimacy of all Department of Education circulars can be confirmed by checking gov.ie/education
224. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if she will engage with the parents of a child (details supplied) who has additional needs but has been unable to secure an appropriate place in a secondary school for this coming September, despite extensive engagement with the National Council for Special Education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14710/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
As your query refers to an individual placement, I will arrange to have it referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.
Through the accelerated provision of additional special class and special school places over recent years, there are now just over 28,000 students enrolled in special classes and special schools. Budget 2025 provides for an additional 2,700 specialist places, made up of 400 new special class and 300 additional special school places. On top of this, there will be over 1,000 places available through the normal annual movement of students progressing from primary to post-primary and students graduating from post-primary or special schools. There also remains special class vacancies in some areas of the country.
Of the 400 new special classes places provided for in Budget 2025, the NCSE has advised that 336 of these classes have already been sanctioned for the 2025/26 school year. Of these 56 are in Dublin, 38 at primary and 18 at post primary level.
This will add to the 602 special classes currently in operation in the county. There are also 40 special schools in Dublin with approximately 2,600 students enrolled. Two of the five new special schools for the 2025/26 school year will open in Lucan and Belmayne also. These schools will open for enrolment shortly.
In Dublin and indeed nationwide, the NCSE continue to engage intensely with schools and school patron bodies to confirm further classes. As the NCSE progress the sanctioning of the remaining special classes they will inform parents.
Where new special classes have been sanctioned, I would urge schools to progress the admission of students as soon as possible to ensure that the NCSE can continue to evaluate demand in local areas, sanction classes as required and assist parents in securing a school place.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
