Written Answers Nos. 126-145
126. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the difficulties being encountered by students with dyslexia sitting State exams (details supplied); the plans her Department has in place to address these issues and to make appropriate accommodations for such students at exam time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30977/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and also to ensure that those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme. I welcome that the SEC has now commenced a comprehensive review of the scheme, in which it intends to give consideration to these and all relevant issues.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy with further detail about the RACE scheme, the review process and in relation to the correspondence provided by the Deputy.
127. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the proposed date for the completed construction of a school (details supplied); the reason for the delays to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31000/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project referred to by the Deputy will deliver a new 16 classroom primary school and accommodation, including 2 classrooms, for children with special educational needs at the old fire station in Dun Laoghaire.
The project currently has planning permission and is being brought to the level of employer-led design with a Design Team assigned to do so under the supervision of the Department’s project manager.
The process of appointing the Design Team from the Department’s Frameworks of Consultants was completed in September 2023 and the project is currently close to completion of Stage 2(b) of the architectural design process. Stage 2(b) involves detailed design and the preparation of tender documentation.
The next stage, subject to relevant Stage 2(b) approvals, will be Stage 3 tender stage. The period of time it takes to progress through each of the stages varies from project to project depending on its size and complexity and can often take longer than that indicated.
An enabling works programme is required for the project and will be undertaken prior to the project proceeding to tender.
The major building project referred to by the deputy is a significant priority for my department and the school and patron body will be updated as the project progresses.
128. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the schedule of grans for schools will be available for the 2025/2026 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31037/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Youth is committed to providing schools at both primary and post-primary level with as much detail regarding grants, grant amounts and expected payment timeframes for each academic year in as far in advance as is practicable.
For the 2025/26 academic year, officials in the Department are currently considering the presentation of schedules for grants that will include, as applicable across primary and post-primary, Standarised Testing, Capitation, Digital Strategy ICT, Deontas Breise Gaeilge, Free School Books, School Services Support Fund, Programme grants and DEIS grants.
129. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Education and Youth when special needs assistant allocations for mainstream classes for the 2025/2026 school year will be finalised by the NCSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31038/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have advised my department that all schools were advised on the 6 June of any change to their SNA allocations for the 2025/26 school year.
If a school feels like it has insufficient SNA support to meet the needs of its students an application can be submitted to the NCSE requesting a review of its allocation. Detailed information on the NCSE's SNA review process is published on the NCSE's?website. Each case is individually assessed and is based on the student profile of each school.
130. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a grant received by a school (details supplied) will be reviewed given the school has been refused the sensory room grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31101/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the new streamlined arrangements for the established of special educational needs (SEN) classes for 2025 an enhanced grant amount of €30,000 is applicable for each new SEN classroom sanctioned and opened for the 2025/26 school year. This is one single grant paid by my Department to replace the need for the school to apply individually for the following existing funding:
• SEN Start-Up Grant (€6,500)
• Loose F&E Grant (€2,500)
• ICT Grant (€6,700)
• Sensory Room Grant (€7,000)
• Under this process schools have flexibility as to how they deploy this funding subject to the understanding and acceptance that this would be the full and final capital grant covering core requirements in the areas of furniture and equipment, classroom ICT, sensory room fit out grant/creation of a quiet space, and room decoration.
• As the start-up grant was already paid to the school in question, for the opening of the new SEN classroom in 2025, already included provision of funding for a sensory room there is no additional funding available to the school for a sensory room.
131. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the possibility of making the driving theory test a mandatory element of the transition year cycle programme will be investigated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31104/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoad safety is a shared concern all across the country and it is one that requires a whole-of-society approach to address. I believe that the education sector can play an important role in supporting and promoting road safety education and awareness, particularly for our young people.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), in collaboration with my Department, An Garda Síochána, the Health and Safety Authority and the Higher Education Authority, has continuously been involved in the provision of comprehensive and integrated road safety education programmes. These programmes have been offered at all levels, from pre-school to third level, as well as in the wider community.
You may be aware that last October, following collaboration with my Department and a range of stakeholders, the new RSA transition year (TY) programme “Road Safety Matters” was launched to help students become safer road users. The programme, which has been developed by the RSA, is supported by An Garda Síochána and officially sponsored by Irish Public Bodies mutual insurance.
The programme supports TY students, as well as their teachers, offering them a step-by-step guide to prepare them on their road safety journey. Students learn the importance of sharing the road, developing the knowledge, skills, values, and qualities to prepare them as road users. This will support them in becoming safe drivers if they decide to drive in the future.
There are 10 units in the programme including an overview session, learning to drive, components of a car, speed, alcohol, drugs, distractions, safety belts, vulnerable road users and an assessment. It can be taught over a 10-week period or longer. A road safety toolkit, which supports teachers and students alike, is also made available.
The units are designed in such a way that relevant questions on the driver theory test form part of the units, and I would hope that as students follow the programme those who wish to can use it as an opportunity to prepare for the driver theory test.
A total of 5,025 students from 88 post primary schools nationwide participated in the programme this academic year and there are now 236 teachers from 211 post primary schools trained to deliver the programme. A further 234 teachers have so far registered to attend professional learning on the programme in September 2025.
It is encouraging to see such early uptake and I welcome the RSA’s continuing work to enhance the accessibility of education programmes for schools. My Department will continue to work closely with the RSA to support their work in the ongoing rollout of the new TY module in particular, as well as its wider work in promoting road safety in the education sector.
In addition, schools can also avail of the Garda Lifesaver Project, a one-hour interactive programme delivered to Transition Year students by local Gardaí which highlights the impact of road traffic collisions on people’s lives.
132. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Youth following her announcement of €65 million in minor works and ICT funding for schools, if she will confirm the difference between funding allocated in 2024 and the funding for 2025.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30146/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recently announced €65 million in funding to support minor works grant and digital learning in schools.
My department recognises the importance of the Minor Works Grant to primary schools. The Minor Works Grant is provided to all primary and special schools, to enable them undertake small-scale minor maintenance and improvement works on a devolved basis. I recently announced that Minor works for the 20252/2026 school would be paid in June 2025.
Under Project Ireland 2040, a commitment was given that the Minor Works Grant would be paid in either December or January of the school year to all primary schools, including special schools. In recent years, my department’s approach has been to pay the Minor Works Grant to schools in advance of the start of the following school year, in order to facilitate a better lead in period for schools to plan any maintenance or minor works during the summer period.
Since 2020, €310 million in Minor Works Grants and Enhanced Minor Works Grants, have been allocated to schools. This includes the payment of Minor Works Grants totalling almost €30 million for the school year 2025/2026 which has issued this week
Primary and special schools need not apply for Minor Works Grant aid. Under the scheme, funding is made available to all primary and special schools on the following basis:
€5,500 basic grant plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil enrolled in the school on the 30th of September of the year prior to the issue of the grant. The €74 rate applies to a special needs pupil attending a special school or attending a special class attached to a mainstream school.
Schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed, to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200 million for schools in the form of the ICT Grant over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and outlines funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy).
To date, a total of €100 million of the €200 million committed for in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant. The NDP commitment did not guarantee a specific amount in each year however, it is anticipated that issuing €35m in 2025, as announced will enable the balance of €65 million remaining to issue to schools over the remaining years of the current strategy to 2027.
This funding underpins the ongoing commitment to supporting and enabling schools to continue to embed the use of digital technologies to enhance teaching, learning and assessment.
As part of the NDP Review process, all departments, including my department, are currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform with respect to NDP allocations for the period 2026-2030.? It is expected that there will be clarity on these allocations over the course of the summer period, and this will allow my department to plan its capital investment programme including Minor Works and ICT grants for the 2026 to 2030 period in line with prioritised needs and reflecting, as appropriate, wider Government priorities.
133. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the ICT grant allocation to each applicable school in County Monaghan in 2025; the corresponding allocations for 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31134/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I recently announced €35 million in funding to support digital learning in schools. €35 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will issue shortly to all recognised primary and post-primary schools.
This ICT funding is being provided to schools to help them continue to use digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment and which represents the third tranche of ICT funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and it's associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and commits to funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy).
To date, a total of €100 million of the €200 million committed for in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant. While the NDP commitment did not guarantee a specific amount in each year however, it is anticipated that issuing €35m in 2025, as announced by the Minister, will enable the balance of €65 million remaining to issue to schools over the remaining years of the current strategy to 2027.
This funding underpins the ongoing commitment to supporting and enabling schools to ensure the continued embedding of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the breakdown of ICT grants paid to County Monaghan schools for both 2023/2024 and 2024/25 school years is attached.
|
Roll Number |
Official Name |
County Description |
Total Grant |
|
64750G |
Patrician High School |
Monaghan |
€14,068.80 |
|
64760J |
St Louis Secondary School |
Monaghan |
€15,041.60 |
|
64770M |
Our Lady's Secondary School |
Monaghan |
€27,596.80 |
|
64810V |
St. Macartan's College |
Monaghan |
€20,240.00 |
|
64820B |
St. Louis Secondary School |
Monaghan |
€17,808.00 |
|
64830E |
Monaghan Collegiate School |
Monaghan |
€4,876.00 |
|
72170H |
Ballybay Community College |
Monaghan |
€13,035.20 |
|
72171J |
Largy College |
Monaghan |
€18,318.72 |
|
72180K |
Inver College |
Monaghan |
€24,404.80 |
|
72190N |
Castleblayney College |
Monaghan |
€15,610.08 |
|
72210Q |
Beech Hill College |
Monaghan |
€31,226.56 |
|
76091I |
Coláiste Oiriall |
Monaghan |
€13,916.80 |
|
Total |
|
|
€216,143.36 |
134. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the ICT grant allocation to each applicable school in County Cavan in 2025; the corresponding allocations for 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31135/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I recently announced €35 million in funding to support digital learning in schools. €35 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will issue shortly to all recognised primary and post-primary schools.
This ICT funding is being provided to schools to help them continue to use digital technologies in their teaching, learning and assessment and which represents the third tranche of ICT funding under the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and it's associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and commits to funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy).
To date, a total of €100 million of the €200 million committed for in the NDP for the strategy has issued to schools through the ICT grant. While the NDP commitment did not guarantee a specific amount in each year however, it is anticipated that issuing €35m in 2025, as announced by the Minister, will enable the balance of €65 million remaining to issue to schools over the remaining years of the current strategy to 2027.
This funding underpins the ongoing commitment to supporting and enabling schools to ensure the continued embedding of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the breakdown of ICT grants paid to County Cavan schools for both 2023/2024 and 2024/25 school years is attached.
135. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update in relation to a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31172/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline for a project under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme to provide a one classroom SEN base. The project is devolved for delivery to the school authority.
The Stage 2b (developed design) report was received by my Department in April 2025 and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the public Infrastructure Guidelines.
Upon completion of this review process my Department officials will communicate with the school authority regarding the next steps to advance this significant project.
136. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on funding (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31175/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn August 2024, the then Minister for Education wrote to all primary and post-primary schools advising of a ban on the use of mobile phones during the school day, noting that schools are best placed to determine the specific approach and policy required to achieve a school day that is free from mobile phone use by students and asking that schools consult with their students and parents in developing the approach that is best suited to their own circumstances.
The restriction on the use of mobile phones during the school day is intended to address growing concerns including the potential for distraction during class time, the risk of accessing inappropriate content and cyberbullying, and the potential for decreased social interaction with peers.
To support schools to implement their approach, a funding allocation on a per capita basis is being made available on application to those schools that choose to provide an infrastructural solution to implement their policy, such as portable secure lockable pouches or phone storage boxes.
A circular outlining the criteria, application process and terms of this funding is currently being finalised for issue to schools. It is intended that it will issue shortly and funding issue can commence before the end of June to schools applying to enable them to procure their preferred solution and implement this for the 2025-2026 school year. Schools applying over the summer months and September will receive funding from October on. Schools applying thereafter will receive funding in before the end of 2025.
The Department also opted to establish a procurement mechanism for portable secure mobile phone pouches for schools, whereby schools can easily order quality equipment, with value for money through agreed pricing, delivery and warranty. It had been anticipated that this mechanism would be available for schools to order from June on. However, due to issues arising during the process, and following advice from the CSSO the decision was taken to cancel the tender. A new tender process will commence shortly with a view to establishing the mechanism tor schools to access in autumn 2025.
In the meantime, it is open to schools to procure mobile phone storage solutions in advance of this mechanism being available. All purchases must be in compliance with Public Procurement Procedures. Further information and support on procurement is available from the Schools Procurement Unit at www.spu.ie.
137. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth when construction will commence for the delivery of a new classroom for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31176/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department's pipeline of school buildings for a project delivering one mainstream classroom. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The Stage 3 tender report was recently received by my Department and is currently being reviewed from a cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, are subjected to the required due diligence as specified in the Department's infrastructure guidelines. Managing timing and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
Once this review is completed, my Department will contact the school authorities with the outcome for the progression of this much needed project.
138. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the delivery of a new classroom at a school (details supplied); the current stages completed and outstanding within the project lifecycle for delivery of this permanent building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, my department has provided a modular build project of 7 mainstream classrooms, 5 special education tuition rooms, 1 science lab with prep area & 1 art room which was delivered on site in 2024. Also, my department provided a reconfiguration project of two mainstream classrooms to provide 2 special education classrooms which was delivered on site in 2025.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan (NDP), involving the completion of over 1,375 school building projects. Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. A recent Government decision has approved €210m supplementary capital funding for my department to support the provision of special education accommodation and meet school place needs. This brings the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6bn.
As part of the NDP Review process, all departments, including my department, are currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform with respect to NDP allocations for the period 2026-2030. It is expected that there will be clarity on these allocations over the course of the summer period, and this will allow my department to plan its capital investment programme for the 2026 to 2030 period in line with prioritised needs and reflecting, as appropriate, wider Government priorities. Maximising existing capacity in schools to meet needs is very important. The progression of prioritised individual projects to meet the most urgent needs in the 2026 to 2030 period that cannot be met through existing capacity across schools in the local area will be considered on a rolling basis from Autumn onwards after the NDP allocations are finalised.
My department has no current ASA applications on hand for any additional accommodation for the school in question. Should the school wish to make an application in the future the relevant application form is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/additional-accommodation-scheme/
139. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an application by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31178/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for roof works.
The application in question is currently being reviewed by the EWS team. Once the application has been reviewed the EWS team will engage further with the school as appropriate. The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
140. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on an application for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31179/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Department's ADAPT Programme.
The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Programme Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the design stages of architectural planning to Tender and Construction.
The Brief for the major project is the development of a 10 Classroom Special School at the current site of St. Bríd’s Special School, Pavilion Rd, Castlebar, Co. Mayo including the Demolition of Existing School Buildings, construction of a New School Building and all associated site works.
The Design Team has recently been approved to progress Stage 2(a) – Developed Design, where the preferred agreed design option can be developed to a stage where it can be fully cost planned and prepared to lodge for all statutory approvals, including planning permission.
Upon receipt, review and approval of the Stage 2(a) Submission, my Department will advise the school and design team of the further progression of the project to the next stage of architectural planning.
141. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated cost of providing training to student teachers and qualified teachers to complete work placements in special education settings; and the resources already being provided to help qualified teachers upskill and become more knowledgeable of children with extra educational needs or disabilities. [31211/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA range of options are available to teachers in regard to Special Education Teacher training. These are provided within initial teacher education (ITE) programmes for student teachers and teacher professional learning (TPL) programmes for established teachers. The programmes provided include flexible on-line opportunities right through to funding for post-graduate programmes for special education teachers.
Inclusive education is a mandatory element of initial teacher education (ITE) programmes. Within further updated standards which the Teaching Council adopted in 2020, known as Céim Standards for Initial Teacher Education, inclusive education was further strengthened as one of seven core elements which must underpin all aspects of programmes of ITE.
In March of this year, my Department initiated a process to move towards a mandatory assessed placement period in a special education needs (SEN) setting for all student teachers, supported by appropriate modules.
In seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the current landscape of school placement provision in special education settings, my Department have asked the Teaching Council to conduct a survey across all ITE providers. That survey is now underway and a report on the data gathered will be compiled and presented to the Council’s Education Committee and Council in July 2025. This will, hopefully, support the Council’s interim decision-making in relation a two-week assessed student placement period in a SEN setting.
On an annual basis, the Department of Education provides funding for two distinct categories of post-graduate programmes for Special Education Teachers:
• Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Teacher Professional Learning for Special Education Teachers.
• Graduate Certificate in Autism Education for teachers working with Autistic Pupils in Special Schools, Special Classes or as Special Education Teachers in mainstream Primary and Post-Primary Schools.
The programmes are of one academic year’s duration. The Post-Graduate Diploma includes an eight weeks’ block release from the participants’ schools/centres for attendance at the relevant programme venue and the remainder of the year involves teaching in participants’ own educational settings.
In 2025 approximately €1.2m has been allocated for these programmes to provide for over 300 places to teacher professional learning for teachers working with students with special educational needs.
The NCSE offer full school support to all staff and provide support for teachers with training needs in special education, through the NCSE support service which manages, co-ordinates and develops a range of supports in response to identified teacher training need. The NCSE continually updates TPL courses and designs new courses in response to the needs of teachers. Detailed information on the comprehensive programme of TPL seminars on a variety of special educational needs topics is published on the NCSE http://www.ncse.ie/tpl
142. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures the Government is taking to tackle the inequalities between school children with extra educational needs or disabilities. [30281/25]
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.?
In 2025 over €2.9 billion will be spent supporting children with special educational needs. This figure builds on previous years and represents over a quarter of the education budget. It will provide for, amongst other things, 400 new special classes and 300 new special school places. It will also increase our special educational posts by 768 special education teacher and 1,600 special needs assistant (SNA) posts nationwide.
There have been a number of recent initiatives introduced by this government to better support children with special educational needs, for example the Educational Therapy Support Service (ETSS) which sees 39 occupational and speech and language therapy posts embedded within the NCSE.?The service is designed to build the capacity of teachers (and other school personnel as relevant) to provide as effectively as possible for the needs of all students.?
Furthermore, my department is working with the Department of Health, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the HSE to develop and strengthen more coherent structures to enable children and young people to access therapeutic supports across both health and education.
As a result of this engagement the enhanced in-school therapy supports pilot commenced in September 2024?delivering in school?supports to sixteen special schools via the HSE’s Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) and supported by the NCSE. The purpose of the programme is to provide the effective delivery of in-school therapy supports to children and supplement existing services being provided through CDNTs.
Another significant recent initiative of this government is the National Therapy Service. This new service which will be delivered by the NCSE building on it's work previously completed through the School Inclusion Model (SIM) Educational Therapy Support Service (ETSS). It will ensure that children with the greatest level of need will receive the greatest level of support, through universal, targeted and individualised interventions provided by therapists in schools. Work is ongoing on the establishment of this service.
My department has also introduced new practices to support forward planning. They have requested that parents notify the NCSE by 1 October 2025, four months earlier than previously, to enable the NCSE gather key data required for forward planning. The earlier date will allow for earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, and it is the aim of the NCSE to sanction the majority of new special for September 2026 by 31 December 2025.
My department has also requested schools to review their admission policies to ensure that they are in keeping with best practice and policy in the area in special education. By reviewing these policies it will ensure that children with special educational needs are not precluded from certain classes which they are entitled.
In addition, a number of pilots are in train designed to remove barriers and encourage inclusive practices, pilots such as the Towards Inclusion Pilot and the Nursing Programme Pilot are in operation in a number of schools throughout the country. As these pilots develop they will be built on and rolled out to more schools.
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 reach their full potential.
143. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of retired officials that were re-engaged by her Department on a consultancy basis in the past four years and to date in 2025; the reason for engaging them; the costs incurred in respect of their engagement; and if her Department requires consultants to declare conflicts of interest in advance of utilising their services. [31269/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll consultancy engagements by my Department are conducted in compliance with relevant government procurement frameworks and standards. This includes adherence to regulations concerning conflicts of interest.
Information in relation to consultancy expenditure in my Department is compiled annually in respect of the previous year and published online at www.gov.ie/en/collection/department-of-education-and-skills-expenditure-on-consultancy/ The data in respect of 2025 will be published online in Q1 2026.
6 retired civil servants have provided consultancy services directly to the Department for the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
In addition to consultancy work, retired civil servants can also be re-engaged by my department for other purposes. Such engagements would include serving as committee/board members/chairpersons or on interview panels. Available details in relation to re-engaged civil servants for such services are provided annually as part of the appropriation account returns and can be viewed at https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/publications/appropriation%20accounts/
The table below gives the available number and cost of retired civil servants re-engaged by my department as recorded in the Appropriation Accounts:
|
Year |
Number |
Total Cost (€) |
|
|
2021 |
40 |
€85000 |
https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/find-report/publications/2022/vote-26-education.pdf |
|
2022 |
37 |
€106000 |
https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/find-report/publications/2023/vote-26-education.pdf |
|
2023 |
52 |
€177000 |
https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/find-report/publications/2024/vote-26-education.pdf |
The appropriation account for 2024 is currently being audited by the C&AG and will be published when this audit is complete.
144. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to follow through in the Programme for Government’s plan to ensure, through the NDP process, that adequate funding is available for new school places in areas of demographic growth and new special education provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28258/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan (NDP), involving the completion of over 1,375 school building projects. Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. A recent Government decision has approved €210m supplementary capital funding for my department which brings the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6bn.
As part of the ongoing National Development Plan (NDP) Review process, all Government departments, including the Department of Education, are currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to examine capital funding allocations for the 2026–2030 period.
The Programme for Government highlights the importance of improving national infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on areas such as housing, energy, water, transport, and digitalisation. In this context, the NDP Review is prioritising investment that directly supports the delivery of 300,000 additional homes by 2030, and boosts national competitiveness.
The Department of Education submission for the NDP Review highlights the essential role of school infrastructure in meeting the needs of a growing population, especially in areas of demographic growth and for new special education provision.
It is expected that greater clarity around funding allocations will be provided over the summer. This will enable the Department to plan its capital investment programme for 2026–2030 in line with identified and prioritised needs. A key objective remains to maximise the use of existing school capacity, while also progressing critical projects—particularly those required to meet urgent demographic and special education needs—on a rolling basis from Autumn onwards, once allocations are confirmed.
145. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will include school secretaries and caretakers in the public service pension scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27338/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department recognises the vitally important role of Secretaries and Caretakers within school communities, as a key link between students, parents, school leaders and other staff, ensuring that both the administrative and the caretaking needs of the school are met. Without them, our schools would be unsustainable.
The Department of Education and Youth is not the direct employer of former grant funded school secretaries, but rather has been providing a payroll service for this cohort of secretaries with effect from 1st September 2023. The provision of this payroll service is part of a package agreed with Fórsa, the trade union representing school secretaries, following a series of engagements at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in 2022. This was implemented under Circular 0036/2022. The agreement provided both pay stability and additional employment benefits for secretaries, who signed up for the package, such as:
• a pay scale aligned with that of Grade III/CO in ETBs
• improved annual leave entitlements
• improved maternity provisions
• paid sick leave in excess of the statutory requirement.
It also made some provision for incremental credit, recognising previous relevant experience in their current or previous employing school. In addition, it was agreed that pay increases under future national agreements will be passed onto secretaries and this has happened with each pay increase since the implementation of the agreement.
The agreement which was given effect under Circular 36/2022 did not grant public servant status to school secretaries and therefore this cohort do not have access to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The granting of such status is not a matter that this department can decide unilaterally, and proposals in this regard will need to be considered in detail by this department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
For secretaries who are paid through the Department-administered payroll, a facility is available to join a PRSA scheme administered by Cornmarket with contributions being deducted at source. Secretaries who wish to avail of this option can contact Cornmarket directly. As the school remains the employer of school secretaries, it is their obligation to provide access to a PRSA scheme for employees.
At present, work is ongoing to review results of a comprehensive survey which will enable my officials to confirm their understanding of the current working patterns as well as terms and conditions of work for school caretakers. The Department is committed to ensuring that school caretakers will be afforded the opportunity to avail of a similar package offered to school secretaries in the near future.
Any changes to the terms and conditions agreed for these secretaries under Circular 0036/2022 can occur only under industrial relations processes and any such proposals would need to be considered in detail by this Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, as the granting or otherwise of public servant status is not within the scope of this Department.
