Written Answers Nos. 121-140
121. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline plans in relation to opening five new special schools for the 2025-26 school year; if these additional school places will be created through the redesignation of existing schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30866/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware five new special schools will be established for the next school year, two in County Dublin and one each in counties Cork, Monaghan and Tipperary. This will bring to 129 the number of NCSE supported special schools in the country.
The new special schools will operate under the patronage of their local Education and Training Board (ETB). Dedicated working groups are progressing the established of each school.
It is envisaged that existing buildings will be repurposed, in the first instance, to facilitate the opening of the new special schools for the 2025/26 school year. This will allow the schools to open as quickly as possible.
These new special schools being established will generally support children with autism and complex educational needs.
Special schools generally operate on the basis of one teacher and at least two SNAs per class grouping of six students. Further supports can be provided if required to meet the needs of the children enrolling in the school.
Parents and families looking to apply for admission to the new special school will be supported and guided by the NCSE at local level and kept updated on developments.
These schools will initially enrol the number of students as outlined in the table below, however, will expand as the schools become more established in their communities.
|
School |
Capacity 2025/26 |
|
Nenagh Community Special School |
12 |
|
Lucan Community Special School |
30 |
|
Belmayne Community Special School |
30 |
|
North Cork Community Special School |
24 |
|
Monaghan Community Special School |
18 |
1 special school has completed its admissions process, a second has made offers of admission, 2 have recently opened for admissions and the final special school is publishing an Admissions Notice and Admissions Policy this week.
A number of other special school places have been made available by expanding capacity in existing special schools. My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
122. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth regarding the Department's decision to not provide school transport for students of a school to their temporary location (details supplied), to outline the alternative options available to families for transport to the temporary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30985/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The school referred to by the Deputy is currently located in interim accommodation on a school campus site in Citywest, Dublin. Bus transport has been provided for the school to this location by the Planning and Building Unit. This is a private arrangement and is not within the remit of my Department's School Transport Scheme. The site in Citywest is outside the SPA and this is the reason transport was provided.
It is intended that the school will move to modular accommodation on an interim site in Newcastle for September 2025. My Department has advised the school and patron body that the private bus transport arrangement will not be provided to the Newcastle site. The reason for this is that the Newcastle site is within the SPA.
Bus Éireann have advised that the new location of Rathcoole ETNS has been updated on their system and they have completed the re-assessment of all new applications to this school for the 2025/26 school year.
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. A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
The closing date for new applications for school transport services for the 2025/26 school year was Friday 25 April 2025. Any new applications made after the closing date are considered late applications and this may mean that a seat is not available.
The closing date for payment or entering medical card details was 06 June 2025. Payments or medical card details submitted after the deadline date will be deemed late. A late submission of payment or medical card details may mean that a seat is not available.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Bus Éireann will review applications/services over the coming summer months. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year. Once routes have been finalised, Bus Éireann will assign tickets for each school transport service. Tickets will begin to issue in mid-July and will continue to issue throughout July and August. Families who are unsuccessful in obtaining a seat will be notified via email and a refund will issue.
123. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will introduce pension parity for school secretaries and caretakers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30983/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department recognises the vitally important role of secretaries and caretakers within school communities, as a key link between students, school leaders and other staff, ensuring that both the core needs of the school are met. Without them, our schools would be unsustainable.
Where a school employs a staff member to support those functions those staff are not public servants but employees of individual schools and responsibility for terms of employment rests with the school.
Since September 2023 my department has been providing a payroll service for former grant funded school secretaries. This happened on foot of an Agreement reached in 2022, under the auspices of the WRC, that secretaries would move to a centralised pay roll managed by the Department and receive new terms and conditions of employment. These included a pay scale aligned with that of Grade III/CO in ETBs, improved annual leave entitlements, improved maternity provisions and paid sick leave in excess of the statutory requirement.
In relation to caretakers, currently the majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools receive assistance to provide for caretaking services under grant schemes therefore caretakers, unlike secretaries are not paid directly by the Department.
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. Once an agreement is reached a process of onboarding caretakers to payroll and adjustments to grant funding will be undertaken, similar to that implemented for secretaries.
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.
124. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reasons a school (details supplied) in south Tipperary that had previously had a new special class sanctioned has had the class withdrawn without any engagement to overcome the issues; if she will urgently review this decision by the NCSE which has left a number of students without an appropriate class place; how this class could have been sanctioned and publicly announced by her office only to be withdrawn; how a number of schools in south Tipperary which were given a verbal agreement to open ASD classes but were subsequently halted leaving a number of students without an appropriate class place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30152/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
It is important to remember that 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.
This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that children will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
399 new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the coming school year 2025/2026. Given that the Deputy has referenced 4 separate schools, I will seek an urgent update from the NCSE on their engagement with these schools and come back with an update shortly to the Deputy.
Any school that wants to open new special classes should be commended. However, it may not be possible to open new special classes in every school that wishes to open them. A key element is local need and how that need can be met in existing special classes in the area.
125. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the STEM education policy statement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30704/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you for your question regarding the STEM Education Policy Statement 2017–2026.
Since the launch of the policy statement, the Department of Education and Youth has made significant progress towards enhancing STEM teaching and learning across all levels of education from early learning and care to post-primary school level. The STEM Education Implementation Plan to 2026 (published March 2023) was informed by the Gender balance in STEM recommendations (published March 2022) and STEM and the Arts recommendations (published March 2023)
Achievements include:
• STEM related curricular reform and embedding of the curricula throughout primary and post-primary schools to ensure students develop essential skills from an early age.
• Ongoing provision of STEM professional development for in-service teachers by the Department of Education and Youth support service for example in the 2023/2024 academic year, 2,408 primary-level NQTs from 1,316 schools applied to commence the Droichead process as part of the Oide STEM Support Programme.
• Pilot STEM projects rolled out in over 150 schools, focusing on project-based learning, coding, robotics, and real-world applications, which have increased student engagement.
• Equitable access STEM/STEM and the Arts role models and career awareness activity. Ongoing support of STEM Passport for Inclusion which is led by Maynooth University.
• A bursary announced in Budget 2025 for student teachers to increase the number of qualified STEM (including science, maths, chemistry, physics, engineering) teachers in post-primary schools.
• Support of national STEM competitions is ongoing to inspire young people to pursue STEM pathways.
• A bursary announced in Budget 2025 for student teachers to increase the number of qualified STEM (including science, mathematics, chemistry, physics, engineering) teachers in post-primary schools.
• 2024 also included the expansion of upskilling programmes, aimed at increasing the number of qualified teachers in high-demand subjects and reducing out-of-field teaching. New upskilling programme in computer science will commence in 2025 and complement existing programmes in maths and physics.
These initiatives support our commitment to equipping students with the skills needed for Ireland’s innovation-driven economy. Ongoing monitoring ensures the policy remains relevant and effective.
A progress report will be published in the coming months which will include next steps as we approach the policy’s conclusion in 2026.
126. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide further funding for the ICT and minor works grants for schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30081/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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. On 29th May I announced that schools would receive Minor Works grants in June 2026 for the 2025/2026 school year.
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
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.
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.
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
Funding is made available to all primary schools on the basis of a €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.
All schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements in accordance with priority needs that they have identified.
The works that can be undertaken under the minor works scheme include maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds, repairs and painting, improvement or replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the purchase or repair of standard furniture and PE equipment, the purchase of IT equipment, ventilation improvements, and enhancements to outdoor learning environments.
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.
127. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of newly qualified primary school teachers employed in the State in each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31302/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTeaching remains an attractive profession in Ireland and there are now more teachers employed in primary schools across the country than ever before. My Department publishes data on teacher numbers in June of each year and is available for the deputy to view on the Departments’ website: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/teacher-statistics/
The data show that the numbers employed at primary level has risen from 35,700 teachers in the 2014/15 school year to 46,668 teachers employed in the previous school year 2023/24 - an increased headcount of 30% in the 10-year period.
|
School Year |
Total Primary Teachers employed |
|
2023/2024 |
46,668 |
|
2022/2023 |
42,478 |
|
2021/2022 |
42,999 |
|
2020/2021 |
42,012 |
|
2019/2020 |
41,565 |
|
2018/2019 |
40,726 |
|
2017/2018 |
39,697 |
|
2016/2017 |
38,189 |
|
2015/2016 |
36,806 |
|
2014/2015 |
35,700 |
The increase over the years has varied depending on funding available and the staffing schedule but has averaged 1,200 additional teachers per year coming into the payroll system.
During the same period, the number of teachers registered with the Teaching council under route 1 increased from 41,696 in 2014/15 to 55,417 in 2023/24 school year, an increase of 33%. While this is different to the numbers employed it shows the overall supply of Primary teachers is keeping pace with the level of demand over the period, with an average of 1,500 new primary teachers registering each year.
|
The number of Primary NQTs who qualified and were eligible to apply for Teaching Council registration under Route 1- Primary |
|
|
2024 |
1855 |
|
2023 |
1976 |
|
2022 |
1898 |
|
2021 |
1940 |
|
2020 |
1864 |
|
2019 |
1751 |
|
2018 |
1844 |
|
2017 |
1717 |
|
2016 |
2002 |
|
2015 |
916 |
The cost of living for all young professionals starting their careers remains a challenge, especially in the Dublin region. As Minister for Education and Youth, one of my key priorities is ensuring teaching is an attractive career. In February of this year, I announced the launch of the Professional master’s in education (PME) refund scheme. This scheme is a positive step for newly qualified teachers who completed their PME in 2024, as it helps reduce some of the financial burden as they begin their careers.
128. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider more flexibility on the Irish criteria for students in relation to at-risk schools that are on the border of a Gaeltacht area and which rely on feeders from both English- and Irish-speaking primary schools; if a hybrid approach could be considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18853/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria for recognition as a Gaeltacht School were set out in circular 0034/2017 for post-primary schools when schools were invited to join the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme in 2017.
There are 11 criteria for post-primary schools, including the requirement to “deliver high-quality educational experiences through Irish to all students focusing particular attention on the differentiated language needs of native Irish speakers, as well as learners of Irish”.
A validation process for recognition as a Gaeltacht School was completed in 2024. This involved a validation visit from the Inspectorate to evaluate the implementation of the criteria for the scheme. A small number of post-primary schools required an additional period of time to make further progress on the implementation of the criteria. Officials from my department have since visited most of these schools to discuss their particular circumstances.
There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to continue to provide support to Gaeltacht schools through the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme. The supports provided include additional language support hours for Irish, an annual grant to purchase Irish-language resources and access to the innovative e-Hub project. These supports also continue to be available to schools that are still on their journey towards official recognition.
As part of my department’s work on the new policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht, a taskforce is being established to explore issues and opportunities relating to the various models of Irish-medium education provision. The establishment of this taskforce will facilitate collaboration between the department and key stakeholders in this area. The taskforce will also look at models of education within the Gaeltacht, which will inform future decisions in relation to Irish-medium education provision at post-primary level in Gaeltacht schools.
129. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 330 of 8 May 2025, if she will provide an update on her Department’s plan to publish a timeline for these pilot projects; if her Department has instructed Bus Éireann to change concessionary tickets to eligible tickets following pilot projects being completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31313/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport 2030 report was published in early 2024 following a comprehensive analysis and review of the scheme as it currently operates. The recommended changes to the future operation of the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. It is proposed to expand access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030.
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year where the Department began testing the feasibility of a number of approaches through a series of pilot programmes; these pilot programmes are held in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann.
A total of 14 pilot projects are underway in the current school year. These pilots are being evaluated to provide valuable insights into the impact of increased demand on the scheme, the potential for integrating public transport with school transport services, and opportunities to promote more sustainable modes of transport.
It is intended to continue current pilots for the upcoming school year. They will be monitored during the year and a further evaluation will take place at the end of the 2025/2026 school year. The findings from these evaluations will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme.
Work is also underway to identify where further pilot programmes may be conducted. A number of approaches are being examined including the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify how many additional children would become eligible and where they are located. A digital mapping project of all existing school bus routes has been developed and there is ongoing collaboration with the Department of Transport, Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority in regard to planned expansion of public transport routes to explore where integration may be possible.
Implementation of the recommendations of the review will continue to be planned subject to resources being available to meet the increased demand.
130. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of roof repairs at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30789/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Summer Works Scheme is to devolve funding to individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works which, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The Summer Works Scheme plays an important role in the maintenance and upgrade of the condition of our schools. It provides important opportunities for enhancing the facilities in a school such as upgrading science laboratories and enhancing the energy efficiency of schools through upgrade works to roofs, windows, heating systems etc.
The project mentioned by the Deputy for a Summer Works (SWS) roof repairs project at Gorey Community School, Esmonde Street, Co Wexford RN 91492N has been under constant review by my Department. However, due to the complex nature of the project and the fact that the school is involved in a number of competing projects, such as a proposed extension to the school which would undo works undertaken by SWS roof if installed first, and the school has been selected for the Energy Retrofit Pathfinder Programme, my Department have been working with the school to prioritise the most urgent works.
As part of this ongoing engagement, officials from my Department held a meeting with the school principal on May 30th on the issue of exploring the possibility of the delivery of the roof project as part of the works taking place during the Pathfinder Programme. My officials are continuing to engage with the school in this regard.
131. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the timeframe in which a permanent special school will be delivered in Monaghan. [31311/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their 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.
The new special school in Monaghan will be located in Castleblaney and will operate under the patronage of Cavan/Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB). This school will initially enrol 18 students. A former ETB school property is being repurposed to facilitate the opening of the new special school.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, 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 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.
The expansion of schools, including the school in question, will be considered in that context.
I want to assure you also that my department will continue to support the NCSE and schools through the provision of the necessary funding and capital investment to ensure all children are successful in accessing an education.
132. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the action her Department is taking to increase the number of school bus drivers in view of ongoing recruitment challenges of bus drivers under the school transport scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31252/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school transport scheme is a demand led scheme based on the number of children who apply. The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and directly recruited drivers, and private contractors who recruit their own drivers to operate on the scheme.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme. There are currently over 8,000 vehicles operating on the scheme.
The competitive procurement process is conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under national and EU procurement legislation.
At the beginning of the current school year, Bus Éireann reported particular issues with availability of drivers and contractors. This included a number of contractors handing back contracts unexpectedly, and the receipt of zero bids for contracts tendered out in certain areas. This is against a backdrop of significant shortages of drivers in the labour market overall and competing demands for drivers to deliver additional public transport initiative.
Bus Éireann has frequent engagement with existing contractors. A national and local media advertising campaign seeking additional contractor operators for the Scheme is currently in place supported by additional targeted social media campaigns.
As part of a national focus on driver requirements, the Department has facilitated a working group between the Department of Education and Youth, Department of Transport, Bus Éireann and Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) to increase the availability of drivers within both the school transport scheme and other public transport areas nationally, through existing and potential training schemes.
As a result of work undertaken by the working group, a transport taskforce has now been established which is chaired by the Department of Transport. The aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues and put forward recommendations and measures to address these issues.
133. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth how she intends to tackle soaring school running costs; if she will initiative a comprehensive review of school running costs and schools funding; if she will increase school capitation by 20% for primary schools in budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31222/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools. This has included a €30 million permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs through Budget 2025. This represents an increase of circa 12% on current standard rates and enhanced rates. This increase is on top of the circa 9.2% increase from Budget 2024.
My Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.
The current standard rate of capitation grant is €200 per pupil in primary schools. Budget 2025 will bring the standard rate of capitation grant to the level of €224 per pupil in primary schools from September 2025. Enhanced rates will also be paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
Any possible further increases will be part of Budget 2026 negotiations. The Department of Education will continue to seek and prioritise the additional funding required to meet the ongoing costs of running schools as part of the annual Estimates process.
The Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet the elevated day-to-day running costs.
The estimated cost of increasing capitation grant funding by 20% to Primary schools in the Free Education Scheme effective from September 2026 would be approximately €9.8 million first year cost and €29.2 million full year cost.
134. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to her Department’s announcement of 29 May 2025 regarding minor works and ICT funding for schools, when she expects these grant funding payments to issue to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I recently announced €65 million in funding to support digital learning in schools and minor building works. €35 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has now issued 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.
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 being provided to primary and special schools for the school year 2025/2026 which has issued this week .
135. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures she is taking to ensure children with Down's syndrome have access to school places and supports appropriate for their particular needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31226/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra174. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on the under-provision of adequate specialist places for children with Down's syndrome in County Kildare and throughout the State more broadly; if she will consider collecting data on Down's syndrome children in the education system with a view to create targeted placements; and if she will consider reviewing the diagnostic criteria applied to Down's syndrome learners to secure specialised supports towards being needs based. [31114/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 174 together.
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an appropriate education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
It is my department’s policy, in accordance with the principles of inclusive education, that students with additional learning needs are supported in mainstream classes along with their peers, with additional supports provided as necessary. 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 class and special school places are provided.
The department provides for a range of placement options and supports for schools and students with special educational needs in order to ensure that wherever a child is enrolled, they will have access to an appropriate education. This includes special classes and special schools designated for children with mild, moderate, and severe or profound learning disabilities.
In order to access these classes the student must have a professional report or recommendation stating a need for this level of support. A diagnosis such as Down Syndrome is not required.
The functions of the NCSE include planning and coordinating the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs in conjunction with schools and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The NCSE, through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports as required. The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year and where special provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need.
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.
136. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the implementation of the review of the school transport scheme. [30837/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport 2030 report was published in early 2024 following a comprehensive analysis and review of the scheme as it currently operates. The recommended changes to the future operation of the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. It is proposed to expand access to the scheme so that an additional 100,000 pupils can be carried by 2030.
A phased implementation of the review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year where the Department began testing the feasibility of a number of approaches through a series of pilot programmes; these pilot programmes are held in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann.
A total of 14 pilot projects are underway in the current school year. These pilots are being evaluated to provide valuable insights into the impact of increased demand on the scheme, the potential for integrating public transport with school transport services, and opportunities to promote more sustainable modes of transport.
It is intended to continue current pilots for the upcoming school year. They will be monitored during the year and a further evaluation will take place at the end of the 2025/2026 school year. The findings from these evaluations will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme.
Work is also underway to identify where further pilot programmes may be conducted. A number of approaches are being examined including the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify how many additional children would become eligible and where they are located. A digital mapping project of all existing school bus routes has been developed and there is ongoing collaboration with the Department of Transport, Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority in regard to planned expansion of public transport routes to explore where integration may be possible.
Implementation of the recommendations of the review will continue to be planned subject to resources being available to meet the increased demand.
137. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth the progress made on introducing a new common application system for children applying to special schools and classes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31232/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children with special educational needs.
The taskforce to support the forward planning of special education provision in the Dublin 15 area was established last October. The Dublin 15 area has experienced significant increases in population growth in recent years, with high levels of migration into the area there is significant demand for special educational provision in the locality. The taskforce is currently working on a report with recommendations to be presented to both myself and Minister McEntee within the coming weeks.
The NCSE is leading work at local level with school principals on running the admissions trial for another year. The key focus of my department has been working with the NCSE and school patron bodies to secure additional special classes. This has involved extensive engagement over recent weeks and months.
The Common Application System Trial conducted for special classes in Dublin 15 forms part of a larger single application system and the lessons learned will contribute to the development of a larger system nationwide. My Department is working to pilot a Single Application System for admission to first year and to special classes at post-primary schools in certain areas as a step towards a nationwide common application system as included in the Programme for Government.
138. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to expand the National Educational Psychological Service to support an increased number of assessments each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31233/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools. This involves direct support in the event of a critical incident, access to national and regional support and development work to build school capacity to support students, access to a NEPS psychologist for responses to queries arising, and access to individual pupil casework where there is need via a NEPS psychologist.
My department is making every effort to recruit additional educational psychologists. Since January 2023, NEPS has supported bursaries for Trainee Educational Psychologists who are enrolled in the University College Dublin Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology and Mary Immaculate College Limerick’s Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology. This has also been extended to students enrolled in Maynooth Universities professional doctorate in educational psychology.
Those in receipt of a bursary commit to joining NEPS upon graduation. There are over 70 Trainee Educational Psychologists in receipt of a bursary who are expected to join NEPS upon graduation.
The Public Appointments Service recently advertised a recruitment campaign for Educational Psychologists recently and successful candidates should be appointed shortly.
139. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth when her Department will make a decision on the provision of an emergency works grant to a school (details supplied) to enable it undertake repairs to its roof which has multiple leaks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30076/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for roof works.
My Department has recently received the requested leak detection report which is currently undergoing a technical review, once a technical recommendation has been received the EWS team will 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 Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Youth the funding to date this year for independent youth projects in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31113/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting youth services is apriority for the Department of Education and Youth, ensuring that young people in Dublin and across the country, have access to valuable resources and opportunities.
In 2025, the 31 Youth Services represented by the Independent Youth Projects in Dublin were allocated a total of €13,459,281 in funding from the Department of Education and Youth. To date, 50% of these allocations have drawn down by City of Dublin ETB for disbursement, with the remaining 50% set to be drawn down over the next two financial quarters. The table below details the funding allocated to these projects this year:
|
UBU |
2025 Full Year Allocation |
|
An Siol |
€68,948 |
|
Ballyfermot Youth Service |
€662,924 |
|
Ballymun Regional Youth Resource |
€1,325,480 |
|
Bradog Youth Service |
€877,099 |
|
Bru Youth Service |
€423,689 |
|
Cabra for Youth |
€305,404 |
|
Canal Communities (Bluebell Youth Project) |
€361,846 |
|
Candle Community Trust |
€181,862 |
|
Cavan Centre |
€410,738 |
|
Cherry Orchard Youth Service |
€398,109 |
|
Clay Youth Project |
€336,426 |
|
Core Youth Service |
€424,097 |
|
Donnycarney YP |
€217,398 |
|
Eastwall Youth Development |
€157,303 |
|
Exchange House |
€517,136 |
|
FamiliBase |
€447,537 |
|
Finglas Youth Resource |
€691,482 |
|
Kilmore West Youth Project |
€172,631 |
|
Poppintree Youth Service |
€276,275 |
|
Rialto Youth Project |
€502,268 |
|
Ringsend and Irishtown YP |
€240,105 |
|
Rutland Area Youth Service |
€625,117 |
|
Solas Project |
€364,679 |
|
South Area Youth Service (SAYS) |
€333,142 |
|
Sphere 17 |
€1,456,951 |
|
St Andrews YP |
€333,243 |
|
St John Bosco YS |
€232,212 |
|
St Ultans Childcare |
€72,348 |
|
Swan Youth Service |
€695,619 |
|
SWICN Computer Clubhouse |
€189,211 |
|
Trinity Youth Service |
€158,002 |
