Written Answers Nos. 164-185
164. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the cost of transporting children to and from school by taxi, by county, for each year from 2020 to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52932/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
In the current school year already almost 178,000 children and young people are being transported on a daily basis to schools throughout the country.
Of those 178,000 pupils, services facilitate over 100,000 mainstream pupils who are eligible for transport, as well as over 49,000 concessionary pupils.
The total expenditure on the scheme in 2024 was €512m.
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available, however the information will be issued directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
165. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the implementation plan of the National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024-2028, which was published in September 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52958/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOpportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services is the strategic framework for the youth work sector, published in September 2024. The strategy aims to build awareness of youth services, strengthen youth services, and ensure that youth services remain accessible and of value to young people across Ireland.
The implementation of the strategy will be reported on via the Young Ireland governance structures. Both implementation, and the cooperation of all relevant actors will be supported through a new National Youth Sector Reference Group as well as a group comprising representatives from departments and agencies that provide funding to or interact with the youth sector. Action 50 in the Education Plan for 2025 aims to establish these structures by the end of 2025.
My officials are drafting an operational action plan to support implementation of the strategy, and engagement with stakeholders involved in the delivery of these actions will take place in early course.
Work is progressing on the delivery of several other actions for which the department has lead responsibility.
Under Action 7, a workforce survey was developed in late 2024 and disseminated to youth workers to establish baseline data and information. This data is being analysed at present. In March 2025, a questionnaire issued to youth organisations to provide my department with a more in-depth understanding of the challenges experienced by youth organisations in workforce recruitment and retention.
Under Action 8, work has begun on a review of the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme. The review will assess how the scheme operates, the extent to which the scheme is meeting its objectives, and whether the processes and procedures that underpin the scheme are fit for purpose.
Under Action 9, extensive progress has been made on the development of a comprehensive mapping tool. This includes the creation of an internal dashboard, which forms a foundational element of Phase 1. It is intended to create a dynamic map designed to serve as a central resource for young people and their guardians and educators to improve awareness of and access to youth services across the country.
166. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the status of a school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52960/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project referred to by the Deputy is devolved for delivery to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB).
The project brief is to provide an extension to the existing school building, as well as the appropriate refurbishment of those existing buildings to be retained for ongoing educational use.
The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural process, which allows for detailed design/planning, obtaining the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents. When this stage has been finalised and approved, the next stage is tendering for a contractor and then onwards to construction in due course.
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of the project. WWETB will be engaging directly with the school authority to keep it informed of progress.
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 1,400 school building projects. Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. Supplementary capital funding of €210 million approved by Government has brought the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6 billion.
In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
My department is now preparing an NDP implementation plan which is due for publication later in the Autumn. This plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
167. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the amount that has been given to the youth sector for capital projects in the past ten years, broken down per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52978/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Youth is strongly committed to supporting youth services through targeted capital investment.
Between 2016 and 2025, over €25 million in capital funding was allocated by the Youth Affairs Unit to youth organisations and services. This funding was administered by the then Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, prior to the transfer of function to the Department of Education and Youth on 01 May 2025.
Capital investment over this period supported a broad range of initiatives, including the Youth Capital Funding Scheme (YCFS) for both UBU Your Place Your Space services and National Youth Organisations, capital support for the establishment of new UBU services, and allocations to Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) clubs. In addition, funding was provided for ICT infrastructure upgrades, enhancing digital capacity and service delivery across both National Organisations and UBU services.
Capital funding allocations provided to Youth Organisations and Services for the period 2016 to 2025
|
Year |
Overall Capital Allocation |
|
2016 |
€3.0m |
|
2017 |
€2.29m |
|
2018 |
€3.20m |
|
2019 |
€3.20m |
|
2020 |
€4.10m |
|
2021 |
€3.0m |
|
2022 |
€2.70m* |
|
2023 |
€2.70m |
|
2024 |
€0.45m |
|
2025 |
€1.0m |
*Inclusive of capital funding carried over from 2021 of €1.20m.
168. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the new toilet block in a school (details supplied) will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53010/25]
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 (ASA) Scheme. The project will provide three general classrooms, a science room with preparation area, a construction room with preparation area, a home economics room, a graphic design laboratory, a music room, a project store, two SET rooms, ancillary accommodation, and a one-classroom SEN base. The project was devolved to the Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Training Board (MSLETB) for delivery.
I can confirm that the Department granted approval for the project to proceed to the planning stage in Q3 2024. The Department is currently awaiting submission of the post-planning (developed design) report from the school for review.
In addition, the MSLETB has received approval from the Department to utilise the modular framework for the procurement and delivery of a bespoke toilet block. While we await official confirmation regarding the completion of the modular block, MSLETB have advised that the works are now complete. It is now a matter for MSLETB to submit the final paperwork and completion certificates for this modular project.
The Department will continue to work closely with the MSLETB to provide guidance and support as this ASA project progresses.
169. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review and address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53022/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
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.
The competitive process is conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under national and EU procurement legislation.
Bus Éireann has provided guidance on the process on its website at: www.buseireann.ie/contractors
Further queries and observations regarding the process should be addressed to: BESchooltenders@buseireann.ie
170. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review and address concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53024/25]
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.
171. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the dates students will receive their junior certificate and leaving certificate results for the 2026 State examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53036/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, including the issuing of Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate results to students.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the 2026 State examinations result dates.
172. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the serious concerns raised by parents, educators and school leaders regarding the recently published NCSE guidelines for the SNA review process for 2025-26; if she will consider suspending or reviewing these guidelines pending meaningful consultation with stakeholders; if she will address specific issues (details supplied); if she will provide assurances that SNA supports will not be reduced due to bureaucratic constraints, that appeals processes will be robust and accessible and that criteria for care needs will be co-developed with practitioners and parents to ensure fairness and transparency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53053/25]
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.
Special needs assistants (SNAs) play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools by helping to ensure that these students can access an education to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
My department has been steadily building on the number of SNAs in our education system. There are now over 23,000 SNAs allocated to schools, working in our education system committed to supporting and nurturing children with special educational needs, enabling them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential. This is the highest number ever.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) issues guidance each year to schools regarding SNA reviews and the guidance for 2025/26 school year issued on the 12 September 2025.
It is important to clarify some of the issues raised since publication of the guidelines.
The process for allocating SNAs has been in place since 2014 and is not changing this year. There has been no freeze on SNAs, in fact the number of SNAs in our schools has increased by 43% in the last 5 years alone.
Schools were issued with their allocations for the 2025/26 school year in June and the SNA review window from 15 September to 24 October relates to schools who believe they do not have sufficient SNAs to support their care needs at present.
A school can apply to the NCSE at any time during the school year, as in previous years, for a review where emerging or new care needs arise. An emerging care need for example would be changing care needs in their existing student enrolment, newly identified care need or a new enrolment(s) with care needs.
The NCSE has written to all schools since the publication of the guidelines to clarify that a school can request a review during the school year and not just in the review period set out in the guidelines.
The following are the reasons for the timeline of reviews contained in the guidance:
• Supports the earlier announcement of allocations for the 2026/27 school year to align with the release of the annual staffing schedule.
• Management bodies, staff representative bodies, schools and SNA’s have all requested the department to ensure that SNA allocations issue earlier each year and ideally should align with the general staffing allocation in February each year.
• Supports the SNA workforce by giving them early clarity on their roles.
• Facilitates the SNA Redeployment Scheme.
The role and responsibilities for SNAs has also not changed. SNAs remain responsible for meeting primary care needs for students with special educational needs.
New special classes continue to be supported with additional SNAs each time a new class opens – this has not changed. The NCSE guidelines set out the number of SNAs per each category of special class and there is no change to those baseline allocations.
Any school who has concerns about the level of their SNA allocation should contact their local special education needs organiser. This has always been the case and remains today.
The NCSE assesses the level of need within the school as a whole and this is critical to ensure that the care needs of the entire school are identified and that the school is resourced to meet this identified need. There continues to be separate allocations for mainstream and special classes in individual schools.
When the NCSE completes the SNA review and if additional SNA support is identified as being required it will be provided. This has always been the case.
The NCSE carried out a record number of reviews in 2025 to ensure that children who most needed SNA support could access it. This will continue for 2025/26 school year. I want to assure you that the department and the NCSE, through all of our policy and guidance such as resource allocations, take a child centred focus and approach to ensure that all children in our schools with special education care needs are provided with a supportive environment and the resources needed to help them develop and be prepared for life after school.
The NCSE has confirmed they will be engaging with stakeholders to clarify any issues raised.
173. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the opt-out arrangements for children in primary schools where parents choose to withdraw their child from the new relationships and sexuality education, RSE, curriculum under SPHE; if her Department has set out clear guidelines for schools on how such opt-outs should be managed; and if she will outline the current opt-out arrangements for children who do not participate in religious instruction, and whether similar policies will apply in respect of RSE. [53066/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provisions of Section 30(2) (e) of the Education Act 1998 provide that a school shall not require a student to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the conscience of the parent / guardian of the student or in the case of a student who has reached the age of 18 years, the student. It is expected that this right will be upheld by schools on foot of a parental request. Parents are recognised as the primary educators of their children and are valued partners in the education process.
The manner in which any school ensures that the right to not attend religion instruction classes is upheld, is a matter for the school concerned. Each individual school must determine the particular arrangements which are most appropriate in its individual circumstances having regard to local issues such as available space, supervision requirements and how the school concerned organises classes etc. The Department has not issued specific guidance to schools to mange such requests.
Schools are encouraged to engage openly with parents who have concerns about aspects of the curriculum. Parents who wish to withdraw their child from particular elements of Wellbeing are advised to meet with their child’s teacher and/or school principal to discuss their concerns.
174. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to consider giving greater devolved power over school spending to school management; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53081/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 15 of the Education Act 1998 requires the board of management, in carrying out its functions, to have regard to the efficient use of resources and, in particular, to the efficient use of State funds.
Schools’ expenditure is comprised of several factors such as salary costs, capital expenditure and current expenditure.
Salary costs:
The direct salary costs for teachers and SNAs staff are paid for centrally by the Department, as the Department allocates these staff to schools in accordance with published schedules and pays these salaries through its payroll systems. Secretaries that have accepted the WRC agreement who have onboarded to Department payroll are also now paid directly from the Department’s payroll systems and the ancillary grants for the school have been reduced accordingly.
Ancillary staff that are paid by the school are funded via the ancillary and capitation grants paid to schools as per Circulars 0040/2009 and 0048/2009 - /www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/capitation-grant/
Capital Expenditure:
The Department offers a range of capital funding supports to schools through devolved schemes, including the Minor Works Grant, which provides school management with autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds, recognising that each school setting is unique and that individual schools are best placed to determine how best to use this funding to meet their particular needs.
Current expenditure:
Boards of Management have a statutory duty to ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to ensure school financial resources including grants are managed appropriately and efficiently and in a manner that provides for appropriate accountability to the relevant parties. All expenditure by or on behalf of the board of management must be approved by the board and by the relevant ETB for community national schools and ETB schools.
The 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 are getting best value for money for all school expenditure in accordance with Circular 0060/2013 - circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/education/2013/60.pdf. Schools Procurement Unit (SPU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on procurement matters. Contact details for SPU can be found on www.spu.ie.
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.
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.
175. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a child (details supplied) is still without school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53118/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
Under the terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they 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.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
Bus Éireann has advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy resides 2.5 kms from home to school, their nearest school and school of attendance. This pupil is not eligible for transport as they do not meet the distance criteria under the primary school transport scheme.
Bus Éireann further advise that the pupil mentioned was unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary seat for the 2025/26 school year and the existing service is currently operating to capacity.
176. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review correspondence from a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53137/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently address the underinvestment in schools, the overcrowded classrooms, the stretched resources and the growing demands on staff (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53401/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 203 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the recent Budget announcement includes a record level of investment in education and youth services by the Government.
This includes increases to capitation funding for primary and post primary schools to help with running costs. There is also funding to implement a new DEIS Plus scheme from September 2026 to support those at the highest risk of educational disadvantage.
It will also fund 860 additional special education teachers and over 1700 additional SNAs to support pupils with special education needs. There is also provision for school transport services and the roll out of school therapy in special schools.
In addition, in 2026, the National Development Plan will support progressing the delivery of school building projects.
177. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to examine the case to urgently increase capitation funding for primary schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53142/25]
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.
As part of the capitation package in Budget 2026, I am pleased that a total of €39m was secured for a permanent increase in mainstream capitation grant funding for schools, bringing the mainstream rate of capitation to €274 per pupil in primary schools and to €406 in post-primary schools for the 2026/2027 school year.
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.
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 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.
178. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth if consideration will be given to approving the establishment of a special class in a school (details supplied) for the 2026-27 academic year, in view of the fact the school has identified an available classroom to accommodate such a class, that the school is centrally located, and that there is strong local demand from families for the provision of such a class; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53171/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with additional 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).
The NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie.
The NCSE will have a clear picture of the local demand for special class places for the 2026/2027 school year after they review and assess all of the information which has been provided through the parents notification process which closed on 1 October last week.
Once the NCSE has fully collated and assessed this information, the NCSE will be in a position to engage with schools across the country to open new special classes. The NCSE will also have due regard to any vacant places in existing special classes in an area and any places that will be become available through the normal movement of children leaving primary or post-primary school.
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.
179. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on school transport for a student (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53175/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
The pupil in question has been deemed eligible for transport under the school transport scheme for children with special educational needs. Unfortunately, Bus Éireann has reported difficulties in recent weeks in specific locations with a small number of contracted services, where it has not yet been possible to provide vehicles and/or drivers. The pupil referred to is assigned to one of these routes.
These difficulties have arisen in some cases due to lack of driver or contractor availability, or where either zero bids were received for a service, despite repeated efforts to procure one. The Bus Éireann School Transport team is working intensively to ensure that transport arrangements are put in place as soon as possible.
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 vetting of a contractor to operate this service.
In such circumstances where there is no existing suitable service available to meet a child's needs, and while Bus Éireann are in the process of sourcing a dedicated service, the Department offer a Special Transport Grant (STG) to families of eligible children towards the cost of private transport arrangements based on the number of days attended from the date of application until a suitable dedicated specialised service becomes available.
Work is continuing in order to resolve this matter and Bus Éireann are committed to providing transport to these students as quickly as is possible.
School Transport Section have written to the family concerned regarding the Special Transport Grant
180. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will extend entitlement to the Health (Amendment) Act card to all survivors of industrial and reformatory schools, in recognition of the poorer health outcomes documented in survivor consultation reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53207/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra181. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will establish a dedicated industrial and reformatory school survivors trust fund, ring-fenced and administered independently, to provide health, housing, and education supports for survivors and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53208/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the €500,000 allocated in 2009 for the creation of a national memorial to survivors of industrial and reformatory schools; if any expenditure has taken place to date; when a national memorial will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53209/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra183. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will expedite proposals to provide a full contributory State pension to survivors of industrial and reformatory schools, on the same basis as pensions extended to Magdalene survivors, given that survivors were subjected to forced labour without social insurance contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53211/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that survivors of industrial and reformatory schools who reside abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom, will receive equal pension entitlements and supports as survivors resident in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53212/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra185. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review current access to medical and psychological supports for survivors of industrial and reformatory schools; if she will expand entitlements to include unlimited trauma counselling, psychiatric services, mobility aids, and access to the Treatment Purchase Fund, as proposed in the 2020 survivor-led consultation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53213/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide a costing of introducing a contributory State pension and enhanced HAA medical card scheme for survivors of industrial and reformatory schools, based on the current estimated survivor population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53215/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra187. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will confirm that ring-fenced funding will be allocated in Budget 2026 for survivor supports, including pensions, health entitlements, and the completion of a national memorial; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53216/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 180 to 187, inclusive, together.
In June 2023, the Government approved the provision of a package of supports to survivors of abuse in residential institutions, such as industrial schools and reformatories, comprised of ongoing health, education and advocacy supports.
While the provision of health and supports required the passage of legislation, in November 2023 the Department entered a grant funding arrangement with Sage Advocacy, a specialist independent advocacy organisation, to provide advocacy supports to survivors wishing to engage with other relevant services.
Government approved the legislation required to roll out health and education supports in April 2024 and the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025 completed its passage through the legislative process in July 2025.
It is estimated that approximately 10,000 survivors who previously received an award of redress from the Residential Institutions Redress Board, or a similar court award or settlement, will be eligible for the supports provided under the Act. The provision of these supports marks a new phase in the State’s response to this issue and builds on previous initiatives including the establishment of a redress scheme, the provision of funding supports through Caranua and other supports and services.
The package of health supports and services which is provided for in this Bill will ensure survivors who are resident in the State will have access to a range of health supports through the HSE, including GP services, home nursing and home helps, chiropody and podiatry, and physiotherapy. This approach is consistent with the approach taken previously in respect of survivors and former residents of the Magdalen Laundries and Mother and Baby Institutions.
This entitlement will be for life and will not be subject to means-tests or periodic reviews.
Survivors living abroad will be able to avail of a payment of €3,000 in lieu of this package of supports, to support their health needs. This is the same approach taken in respect of the Mother and Baby Institutions.
With regard to the HAA card provided for under the Health (Amendment) Act 1996, it is important to note that this was introduced specifically to meet the very significant health needs of a particular group of individuals who had contracted a serious and life-threatening condition, i.e. individuals who had contracted Hepatitis C through the administration within the State of contaminated blood and blood products.
The Act also provides for the establishment of a new scheme involving the payment of cash grants ranging from €500 to €2,000 (depending on NFQ level and whether the course is full-time or part-time) to survivors who are engaging in further and higher education. This scheme will also ensure that survivors are not required to pay the Student Contribution Charge where this would otherwise apply.
My Department is finalising the administrative arrangements for the delivery of these supports and it is expected that they will be open for applications from survivors in the coming weeks. The required funding has been allocated to the Department in 2025 and funding for future years will be sought in accordance with established budgetary processes.
With regard to memorialisation, the Department of Education and Youth has, for a number of years, ring-fenced capital funding of €500,000 for the purpose of establishing a national memorial for children who were victims of abuse in residential institutions, which was one of the recommendations contained in the Final Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, the Ryan Report, published in 2009.
A number of previous initiatives to establish the memorial have been unsuccessful, due to both a lack of consensus regarding the nature of such a memorial and issues relating to planning. This included a proposal to develop a specific memorial integrated with the Garden of Remembrance.
As the Deputy will be aware, Government has approved proposals for the development of a National Centre for Research and Remembrance in Dublin 1. The Centre will be comprised of a number of elements including –
• a museum and exhibition space, the development of which will be led by the National Museum of Ireland;
• a research centre and repository of records related to institutional trauma in the 20th century, which will form part of the National Archives;
• a place for reflection and remembrance;
• social housing; and
• educational and community facilities.
The National Centre will stand as a site of conscience and will be a national memorial to honour equally all those who were resident in Industrial Schools, Magdalen Laundries, Mother and Baby Homes, Reformatories and related institutions. This will reflect the connections between those institutions while also fulfilling the Government’s commitment to establish a national memorial in response to the recommendation of the Ryan Report.
With regard to pensions, it is acknowledged that some survivors have sought the provision of a pension-type payment similar to that provided to survivors of the Magdalen Laundries, and this matter was discussed in detail during the passage of the Act. However, it should be noted that those payments reflect the very particular circumstances involved, where the women were engaged, as adults, in some cases for many years, in commercial work without pay or the required social insurance contributions.
