Written Answers Nos. 461-480
461. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if he will review a case (details supplied); if he will take into account that the school in question is the only girls-only school available to them in the area; if, in view of these exceptional circumstances, he will allow tickets to be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51522/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, at post primary level, pupils are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Bus Éireann have advised that the pupils in question are not eligible for school transport as they are attending their 5th closest post primary centre. While the pupils applied and paid on time for the current school year, they were not successful in obtaining concessionary tickets and the service is operating to capacity.
462. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to review a matter regarding the finishing of a soft play area for school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51529/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department approved funding for reconfiguration to provide one special education needs classroom (SEN) and the provision of modular accommodation comprising one mainstream classroom, one SET room and one art room under my Department’s Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme, for the school in question.
Under the terms of this scheme, a play area is provided as a condition for the provision of the SEN classroom. A set grant amount is provided to schools which allows them to purchase equipment for the soft play area. A maximum of €5000 is allowed per SEN class towards the purchase and installation of suitable play equipment. The onus is on the school authority to determine what equipment will be required based on the pupils needs and requirements in conjunction with the project managers.
463. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding DEIS Urban Band 1 status for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51565/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTackling education disadvantage and helping students reach their full potential is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth, and for the Government.?Currently, the DEIS programme supports almost 1,200 primary and post-primary schools, reaching approximately 260,000 students, with an annual investment of over €180 million.
The most recent expansion of the programme was in 2022. Schools were not required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme, and the model was applied fairly and equally to all schools.
As Minister, I am determined to close the performance gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools and introduce more innovative solutions to tackle disadvantage. A new DEIS Plan will be published by the end of the year, which will include a DEIS Plus scheme. The new DEIS Plan will focus on improving the opportunities and achievement levels of children at risk of educational disadvantage, developing more innovative approaches to tackling educational disadvantage, and working towards a more flexible system of supports to ensure that a school can receive the right support at the right time.
Any future allocation of overall resources will be considered within the context of the new DEIS Plan and the availability of resources.
464. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the basis on which music generation and ETB music services are funded; the means by which their ongoing costs met; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51573/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra465. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has assessed the funding model of music generation and educational training board music services for compliance with EU State-aid and competition law. [51574/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra466. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether there are plans to include independent/private schools in future funding or subsidy schemes in music education. [51575/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 464, 465 and 466 together.
My Department is committed to supporting the provision of non-mainstream music education for children and young people in a sustainable and inclusive way. This is done mainly through annual allocations to support Music Generation and schools of music within four Education and Training Boards. There are no plans to extend Exchequer funding for non-mainstream music education to independent or private schools.
Since 2014, my Department has provided annual funding to Music Generation to support the provision of performance music education to children and young people. Music Generation is a national programme that aims to transform the lives of children and young people through access to high quality performance music education in their locality. It is established as a Designated Activity Company and is a charity which adheres to the Charities Regulator’s Charities Code of Governance. Music Generation is delivered through 29 Local Music Education Partnerships (LMEPs) around the country, which provide vocal and instrumental music tuition for young people. Education and Training Boards are lead partners, and employ a Music Development Officer and an administrator.
In December 2017, as part of the Creative Youth Plan, Government announced its commitment to support the roll-out of Music Generation nationwide by 2022. The commitment to funding Music Generation was continued in the successor Creative Youth Plan of 2023-2027, and is also reflected in the Programme for Government.
In 2025, funding of €6.98m was provided to Music Generation. As well as funding delivery of services by the LMEPs, and ETB staffing, the funding supports central leadership and quality support and development. From the allocation, each LMEP receives DEY funding of €200,000 annually through their ETB, and is expected to raise matching funding locally. In 2022, an independent review of the funding and operational model of Music Generation was commissioned by my Department, which continues to work cooperatively with Music Generation in regard to the recommendations from the review.
Separately, schools of music within four ETBs have been funded by my Department for many years, under a long-standing mechanism to support specific objectives called Cooperation Hours. Through this mechanism, 68,781 teaching hours have been funded annually. The schools of music deliver a wide range of programmes and special projects for further development of talented young musicians.
In addition, the Non-mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme annually supports established, smaller-scale, non-mainstream music education or community music initiatives with limited or no access to other forms of public funding, through a cash grant. These are used to purchase instruments, other equipment and tuition. In 2025, the bursary totalled €100,000 and was distributed to 37 organisations across the country. Applications open at the beginning of each year for the bursary.
My Department is committed to working closely with Music Generation and the Education and Training Boards to support the continued provision of non-mainstream music education for the benefit of children and young people nationally.
467. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if consideration will be given to a regular review of all school transport routes, in particular those that are deemed to be at capacity but where spaces have been identified, in view that these available spaces could be awarded to concessionary pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51579/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra468. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the action her Department and Bus Éireann are taking to ensure that all school transport routes are being fully utilised, in particular those which are deemed to be at full capacity but where spaces have been identified, in view of the high demand for concessionary places on the services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51578/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 468 together.
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Families who wish to avail of school transport and have their eligibility status assessed should apply on-line in a timely manner to Bus Éireann on Bus Éireann’s website at www.buseireann.ie/schools.
All school transport services are reviewed over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
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.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who have completed the application process on time will be accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
With regard to ticket usage, it is recognised that all pupils issued with tickets will not travel every morning and every evening. In addition, certain after school activities may also result in pupils not travelling on certain days. Bus Éireann organises for vehicles to be full to capacity with tickets based on applications received and based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. For safety reasons, it is not possible to issue additional tickets over and above the seating capacity of the vehicle which could result in a potential overload situation arising and all pupils not being carried on the service.
The Department of Education is currently progressing a number of technological improvements to the School Transport Scheme, including the planned introduction of eTicketing. Not only will eTickets replace the current printed paper tickets but eTicketing will provide accurate information on ticket utilisation, which is currently not readily available.
469. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to review and increase the capitation grant for national schools in Budget 2026, in light of rising operational costs and the financial pressures faced by school communities. [51585/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and 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 commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years, including an over €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 has resulted in the standard rates increasing from €200 to €224 for primary schools and from €345 to €386 per student in post-primary schools with effect from September 2025. Over the last two Budgets there has been a circa 22% increase in the level of capitation grant rates paid to schools. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
The 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 €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.
In addition to these grants, €45 million in cost-of-living supports issued in November 2024 to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. This additional funding announced in Budget 2025 is designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. This funding was paid at a rate of €36 per pupil in primary schools and €55 per student in post-primary schools. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. Schools should also ensure that they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure.
The Department is aware that costs and funding can pose a problem for schools, and is constantly working to address this matter, and to enhance the financial and other supports available to schools. While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future Budget negotiations or fiscal parameters agreed by Government, the Department will continue to seek and prioritise the funding required to meet the ongoing costs of running schools.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. Contact details for FSSU can be found on www.fssu.ie.
470. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will confirm whether plans are in place to implement the commitment set out in the Programme for Government to reduce class sizes in primary schools to 20 pupils or fewer. [51587/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Programme for Government there is a commitment to aim to reduce the general pupil teacher ratio at primary level to 19:1 over the term of government and introduce targeted measures in schools with very large classes.
This will build on the progress which has been made by the previous Government. The general average of pupils to teachers in the Primary Staffing Schedule improved from 26 : 1 five years ago to 23 : 1 for the current school year, the lowest ever ratio at primary level. More favourable ratios are implemented for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools. Average class sizes in primary schools have improved from 24.1 to 22.2 through the investment we are making in schools.
I am considering how best to make further progress as part of the annual budgetary process in reducing the primary pupil teacher ratio in the context of Programme for Government implementation.
471. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason Bus Éireann will not reconsider its position regarding school transport (details supplied), to facilitate children from Moanroe, Newcastle West, County Limerick. [51600/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that the families who reside in the area referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for school transport as they are attending their 2nd nearest school. These pupils were successful in obtaining a seat on the service, however the pick-up point was changed for the 2024/2025 school year and due to a ticketing error this was not reflected in the tickets that issued. Bus Éireann further advise that the families reside 1.8kms to the nearest pick-up point and new tickets will be issued with these details.
472. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Education and Youth the details on the arrangements in place for 5th year students, who are being educated at home, to fulfil the additional assessment components in physics, chemistry, biology and business studies. [51616/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, through the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme, the specifications for all Leaving Certificate curricular subjects are scheduled to be redeveloped by 2029, in annual groupings.
The first tranche of 9 new and revised subjects have been introduced for this academic year and are available to study for all students commencing their Leaving Certificate studies including those educated at home, and will be examined for the first time in 2027. These new and revised specifications are available on curriculumonline.ie.
It is important to note that 28 Leaving Certificate subjects currently have components beyond written examinations and this will increase to all subjects as the various tranches of redeveloped subjects are introduced. Those components and the Additional Assessment Components (AACs) now being introduced take a variety of forms including, for example oral and practical examinations as well as coursework. This variety across subjects will continue.
The rationale for AACs includes ensuring students are rewarded for developing and demonstrating a broader range of competencies and skills than can be assessed in terminal written examinations only. In relation to coursework, the work is designed to be completed over an extended period of time, and is intended to be integrated into the regular teaching and learning experienced by students.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) have worked closely with the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to publish specific guidelines for the completion of Additional Assessment Components. The AAC guidelines explain the steps all students must follow during the two-year course, with teachers closely monitoring and authenticating their work across several distinct stages of activity. These activities contribute to the generation of student evidence of learning and achievement.
Four sample examination papers (two at Higher Level, two at Ordinary Level) in each of the Tranche 1 subjects, totalling 72 papers including Irish language versions, were published by the SEC in April 2025.
In addition, sample briefs for the AACs in each of the relevant Tranche 1 subjects were published last week by the SEC, and a live brief for the AACs in all relevant Tranche 1 subjects will be issued in January 2026.
Both the sample examination papers and sample briefs are available online to all students and their teachers regardless of setting.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has statutory responsibility for the administration of the State certificate examinations. This includes setting out the requirements for the authentication of coursework components, in line with overall examinations and assessment policy, in subjects where the AAC or its current equivalent take the form of coursework. Those requirements are currently outlined in relevant circulars issued by the SEC. These circulars and guidance detail the requirement for a chain of accountability and oversight by a school or recognised centre.
The State examinations coursework authentication process is an ongoing process of engagement and oversight over a period of time by teachers of all students, rather than a single ‘point in time’ engagement.
The authentication process for coursework is intended to ensure that each piece of coursework presented for assessment is the candidate’s own individual work, completed in full compliance with coursework regulations and requirements. To ensure inter-candidate equity across all students entered as examination candidates and to maintain the integrity of the examinations, there is a requirement that candidates are required to present their own unaided work and that each candidate completes their work under the same conditions as all other candidates.
The SEC intends to shortly publish a consolidated set of ‘Coursework Rules and Procedures’, which will apply to all coursework completed during the 2025/26 school year and to all coursework including the new AACs in subsequent years. These consolidated Coursework Rules and Procedures will include details of the roles and responsibilities of students/candidates, teachers and school management in respect of the completion, authentication and submission of valid coursework.
473. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will increase the capitation grant for primary schools in Budget 2026, in order to ensure that schools can cover essential running costs such as heating, electricity, cleaning, insurance and maintenance, and to reduce reliance on voluntary contributions from parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51619/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and 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 commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years, including an over €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 has resulted in the standard rates increasing from €200 to €224 for primary schools and from €345 to €386 per student in post-primary schools with effect from September 2025. Over the last two Budgets there has been a circa 22% increase in the level of capitation grant rates paid to schools. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
The 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 €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.
In addition to these grants, €45 million in cost-of-living supports issued in November 2024 to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. This additional funding announced in Budget 2025 is designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. This funding was paid at a rate of €36 per pupil in primary schools and €55 per student in post-primary schools. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. Schools should also ensure that they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure.
The Department is aware that costs and funding can pose a problem for schools, and is constantly working to address this matter, and to enhance the financial and other supports available to schools. While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future Budget negotiations or fiscal parameters agreed by Government, the Department will continue to seek and prioritise the funding required to meet the ongoing costs of running schools.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. Contact details for FSSU can be found on www.fssu.ie.
474. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the construction of a new school building (details supplied), and when it is expected to be completed and opened to students. [51622/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra475. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the construction or opening of a new school building (details supplied) is delayed, the measures that will be put in place for children enrolled in that class to ensure that they are provided with an appropriate education. [51623/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 474 and 475 together.
The school to which the Deputy refers was granted approval for the provision of three mainstream classrooms, four science rooms plus preparation areas, two technical/design communication graphics rooms, four special education tuition (SET)rooms, one staff room, in additional accommodation. The project also incorporates reconfiguration works to existing classroom accommodation to create three Special Educational Needs (SEN) classrooms plus ancillary accommodation under my Department's SEN Reconfiguration and Modular accommodation Programme.
This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and helps ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. ?Kerrigan Sheanan Newman Project Management (KSN) were appointed, from my Department’s Framework,?to design and tender the project and oversee all elements of construction.???
This additional accommodation project is well advanced is substantially complete and currently ready for occupation. The reconfiguration element of the project to provide the SEN accommodation is due to commence in Q4.
My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this accommodation and will be working closely with the Project Managers and School Authority to keep it updated on overall project delivery and timelines.
476. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth if consideration will be given to a family for transfer to a school transport route (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51624/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs. Bus Éireann are required to tender services in line with procurement guidelines and are responsible for the allocating and Garda vetting clearance of contractors to operate school transport services.
Bus Éireann advised that this route resumed on 22nd September and while there have been some operational issues, the Bus Inspector has been liaising with all the families and the school on this matter.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that the route is being reviewed and the option of a second service is being assessed, however this will require sourcing an additional mini bus.
All options are being reviewed and the Bus Inspector will continue to liaise with the families directly.
477. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will increase the capitation grant for schools in the upcoming Budget, in order to ensure that schools have sufficient funding to cover essential running costs such as heating, electricity, cleaning, insurance and maintenance, and to reduce the need for schools to fundraise or request voluntary contributions from parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51632/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and 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 commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years, including an over €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 has resulted in the standard rates increasing from €200 to €224 for primary schools and from €345 to €386 per student in post-primary schools with effect from September 2025. Over the last two Budgets there has been a circa 22% increase in the level of capitation grant rates paid to schools. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
The 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 €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.
In addition to these grants, €45 million in cost-of-living supports issued in November 2024 to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. This additional funding announced in Budget 2025 is designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. This funding was paid at a rate of €36 per pupil in primary schools and €55 per student in post-primary schools. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. Schools should also ensure that they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure.
The Department is aware that costs and funding can pose a problem for schools, and is constantly working to address this matter, and to enhance the financial and other supports available to schools. While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future Budget negotiations or fiscal parameters agreed by Government, the Department will continue to seek and prioritise the funding required to meet the ongoing costs of running schools.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. Contact details for FSSU can be found on www.fssu.ie.
478. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps her Department is taking to address the shortfall in capitation funding for primary schools, given that many schools are currently unable to meet their basic operational costs without relying on parental contributions and fundraising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51633/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and 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 commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years, including an over €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 has resulted in the standard rates increasing from €200 to €224 for primary schools and from €345 to €386 per student in post-primary schools with effect from September 2025. Over the last two Budgets there has been a circa 22% increase in the level of capitation grant rates paid to schools. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
The 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 €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.
In addition to these grants, €45 million in cost-of-living supports issued in November 2024 to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. This additional funding announced in Budget 2025 is designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. This funding was paid at a rate of €36 per pupil in primary schools and €55 per student in post-primary schools. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. Schools should also ensure that they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure.
The Department is aware that costs and funding can pose a problem for schools, and is constantly working to address this matter, and to enhance the financial and other supports available to schools. While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future Budget negotiations or fiscal parameters agreed by Government, the Department will continue to seek and prioritise the funding required to meet the ongoing costs of running schools.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. Contact details for FSSU can be found on www.fssu.ie.
479. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider introducing a mechanism to automatically adjust the capitation grant in line with inflation and rising utility costs, to ensure that schools are not forced to divert time and resources away from teaching and learning in order to fundraise for basic necessities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51634/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and 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 commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years, including an over €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 has resulted in the standard rates increasing from €200 to €224 for primary schools and from €345 to €386 per student in post-primary schools with effect from September 2025. Over the last two Budgets there has been a circa 22% increase in the level of capitation grant rates paid to schools. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
The 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 €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.
In addition to these grants, €45 million in cost-of-living supports issued in November 2024 to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. This additional funding announced in Budget 2025 is designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. This funding was paid at a rate of €36 per pupil in primary schools and €55 per student in post-primary schools. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils. Schools should also ensure that they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure.
The Department is aware that costs and funding can pose a problem for schools, and is constantly working to address this matter, and to enhance the financial and other supports available to schools. While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future Budget negotiations or fiscal parameters agreed by Government, the Department will continue to seek and prioritise the funding required to meet the ongoing costs of running schools.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. Contact details for FSSU can be found on www.fssu.ie.
480. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Education and Youth the up-to-date position with the provision of a new school building in County Kildare (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51740/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere continues to be an increasing need to provide additional special school places to support children with complex needs. To meet this need, sixteen new special schools have been established in recent years, and capacity has been expanded in a number of others. Five of these were established for the 2025/26 school year in counties, Cork, Dublin (2), Monaghan and Tipperary.
The new special schools established over recent years have focused on providing additional places in our largest urban areas – Dublin and Cork. The department and NCSE have already begun planning in relation to further expanding special school capacity for the 2026/27 school year. It is estimated that a further 300 new special school places may be required each year for the coming years.
When looking to provide additional capacity the department’s preferred option is to increase provision in existing special schools, if possible. Where this is not possible in a region, the department and NCSE will consider the need to establish a new special school.
In planning for increased special school places, the department and NCSE review all of the available data on the growing need for special school places across the country. This involves a detailed analysis of enrolment trends and the potential for existing special schools in a region to expand.
Arrangements are in train to provide accommodation to facilitate the expansion of Craddockstown Special School. It is intended that existing modular accommodation will be repurposed to facilitate this. It is anticipated this will be available to the school by December 2025. The school patron Kildare and Wicklow Education Training Board (ETB) in consultation with the NCSE has made contingency arrangements in the intervening period. My department is aware that the school is engaging directly with the parents in this regard.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs and will continue to review and monitor the situation for further special school capacity in South Kildare.
