Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
483. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the additional funding being provided to schools to support the implementation of the revised primary school curriculum, by teacher training, classroom resources and administrative supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51771/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant investment of over €9 million was made available to primary and special schools at the end of 2024. This was to ensure that schools have essential resources and materials to deliver a curriculum that meets the needs of all learners. The first of the grants were specifically aimed at supporting the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and Arts education.
There will be multi-annual funding to support all areas of the curriculum, with future allocations depending on budgetary considerations and emerging needs as we roll out the curriculum nationwide.
This investment demonstrates the Department’s ongoing commitment to enhancing primary education and supporting all primary and special schools in providing a robust, well-rounded age-appropriate curriculum.
2025 figures are unavailable, however, in 2024 my Department invested in the region of €74 million in the professional development of our teaching staff. As well as direct programme delivery, running and administration costs, this figure includes the cost of over 415 seconded teacher educators and funding for substitute teacher cover in schools, where deemed appropriate. Given the integrated nature of design, development and product adopted by Oide and other PLE providers, it is not possible to completely disaggregate the costs associated with curriculum changes, digital skills, teaching methods, inclusive education and leadership.
