Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:216. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on talks to resolve the dispute involving school caretakers and secretaries. [54127/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Staff
Ceisteanna (216)
Freagraí scríofa
Recognising the vitally important role of secretaries and caretakers within school communities, my officials have been working intensively with stakeholders, with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, to establish a platform for meaningful discussion and resolution. I believe that all parties have a responsibility to make sure that these talks succeed and that both sides must come together with an open mind without preconditions or preconceived ideas of a final outcome.
I very much welcome Fórsa’s agreement to withdraw strike action and enter discussions in the WRC. On Friday 5th September, following constructive engagement under the auspices of the WRC, an agreement was reached that would see the parties engage in a process facilitated by the WRC.
Parties commenced engagement on Wednesday 10th September, and are now working towards finding a resolution with the assistance of the WRC. This is a confidential process, and as with any industrial relations process the matters under discussion are confidential.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (217)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:217. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the construction of a school (details supplied); and if there is a target completion date. [54128/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy will deliver a new 750 pupil post-primary school with accommodation and 4 classrooms for children with special educational needs.
This project is being delivered as part of my Department's ADAPT Programme which uses a professional external Programme Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Integrated Project Team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of Architectural Planning, to Tender and Construction.
This ADAPT 4 Programme – Programme Innovate will be led by Integrated Project Teams (IPT’s), consisting of highly skilled and experienced design professionals, architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors and various other consultants to deliver the projects.
The procurement process to appoint the IPT has recently concluded. The IPT have now commenced the first stage of Architectural Planning - Stage 1 - Preliminary Design (assessment of site and location suitability, and initial sketch scheme).
It will not be possible to provide a timeframe for the progression of the project to tender and construction stages until such time as the necessary statutory approvals have been secured.
My Department will keep the school and patron body informed of the progression of this project through the stages of architectural planning.
In July, 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 roll-out 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 roll-out 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 year. 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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (218, 219)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:218. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports that are available to schools in north Wexford to assist where a student experiences mental health difficulty. [54129/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMalcolm Byrne
Ceist:219. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports that are available to schools in south Wicklow to assist where a student experiences mental health difficulties. [54130/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 218 and 219 together.
I thank the Deputy for his questions regarding mental health supports in schools.
At the outset, it is important to note that the provision of child and adolescent mental health services lies specifically within the remit of the Department of Health and the HSE. HSE Primary Care Psychology Services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provide a range of clinical supports to children and young people. Where a parent has significant concerns about their child’s mental health, they can request a referral for their child to the CAMHS through their GP. The GP may also be able to signpost to other relevant support services.
My department has built strong links with the Department of Health to explore ways to improve supports for children and young people more broadly, including around increasing awareness, promoting help-seeking behaviour, school staff training, and signposting the wide range of services available to children and young people.
My department has also been working closely with the Department of Health and the HSE to agree a protocol to facilitate referral pathways to local services, on foot of Recommendation 10 of the HSE’s mental health policy Sharing the Vision. This collaboration will assist in the creation of a Single Point of Access to mental health services for children and young people as per the HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Office Action Plan.
I would like to take this opportunity to further outline the work of my department in this area more broadly and the role of my department’s National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). All schools have access to:
• a NEPS psychologist for general support and advice.
• support from a NEPS psychologist in the event of a Critical Incident.
• National and Regional Support and Development service for school staff, which is advertised through the Education Support Centres of Ireland and covers areas such as trauma informed practice, cluster group support for post-primary special education teachers and special class teachers, training for Student Support Teams and supporting reluctant school attendance/school avoidance behaviour.
• access to either a NEPS psychologist or a SCPA psychologist for individual pupil casework where a priority need is established. SCPA – the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments - is operated through the use of a panel of psychologists who must meet qualification criteria set by the Department. It is an interim measure intended to supplement the NEPS service and meet current urgent needs for psychological assessment of children and young people.
Furthermore, my department’s Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice provides schools with a framework to support the well-being and mental health of their school community. This framework is founded on research and international best practice as to how schools can best support the well-being and mental health of children and young people. The framework encourages schools take a whole school, preventative, and reflective approach to school self-evaluation to identify and prioritise the needs of their own school communities in relation to the promotion of well-being and mental health
This framework encourages schools to:
• provide children and young people with opportunities to build core social and emotional skills and competencies,
• provide children and young people with opportunities to experience supportive relationships within the school setting and to learn through those relationships and,
• provide children and young people with opportunities to be part of a school environment and culture that feels both physically and psychologically safe, an environment in which children and young people feel a sense of belonging and connectedness, in which they feel their voice is heard, and they feel supported.
A dedicated well-being portal has also been developed and is now available, bringing together all the well-being supports and resources that have been developed by the department and the department’s support services, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/campaigns/wellbeing-in-education/
It may also be of interest to the deputy that, in 2023, my department allocated €5 million to establish the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot, a pilot programme of counselling and mental Health supports for primary schools in 2023. In Budget 2025, the pilot received additional funding to further develop the programme. The Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot 2023-2025 consists of two strands. Strand 1 is provides one-to-one counselling to support small numbers of children in schools in counties Cavan, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan and Tipperary. The Department of Education and Youth created panels of pre-approved private counsellors to provide counselling supports under the pilot. In October 2024, the department announced the extension of Strand 1 of the Counselling in Primary Schools Pilot to 61 urban DEIS primary schools in Dublin North City and Dublin South-West in areas with some of the highest levels of disadvantage in the State.
All updates on the programme, including any plans for future expansion of this programme into the areas referred to by the Deputy will be published on the program's webpage: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/counselling-in-primary-schools-pilot-cps-p-2023-2025/
My department continues to review our overall approach to fostering good mental health and well-being in our schools so that children and young people are enabled to reach their potential.
Question No. 219 answered with Question No. 218.
School Equipment
Ceisteanna (220)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:220. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the process by which Oide and her Department generally approves the use of new technology in schools, including on a trial or pilot basis. [54131/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is the responsibility of each individual school to select the digital resources, if any, that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum. The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 does not mandate or prescribe the use of any particular devices or technologies in teaching and learning, and it is concerned with the deeper embedding of digital technologies in education, to develop digital literacy and competency, critical thinking, and enhance collaborative learning. it is not merely about replacing physical textbooks and resources with digital versions accessed via a digital device.
It should be noted that under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day to day management of schools. Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications being fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made.
Schools, in conjunction with parents, are responsible for decisions on the use of digital technology, including tablet devices, laptops, and learning platforms, and how best to manage their integration into classroom practice reflective of their own context and requirements.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in 2022 and is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy to support its implementation, which was committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP).
Under this current strategy a total of €135m has issued to schools, with the most recent tranche of funding of €35 million issued to all recognised primary, special schools and post-primary schools in May 2025. This funding issued directly to schools, as they are best placed to determine the needs of their own students and have autonomy to do so. This funding can be used on ICT infrastructure as required in the schools, and can provide for loan schemes for devices for students as appropriate.
The technology in education unit of Oide (the Department funded Integrated Teacher Education Support Service) offers advice and supports to schools on digital learning. Advice sheets are available on digital technology in education, including on the adoption of laptops and tablets in schools.
Finally, to further assist schools, the OGP, HEAnet, as well as my Department, have established a number of frameworks of providers of digital devices including tablets, pcs and laptops, with appropriate specifications, agreed pricing, and levels of service, as well as providing framework management. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.
School Facilities
Ceisteanna (221)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:221. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review a case (details supplied) where a Health and Safety Authority inspection highlighted risks arising from the lack of storage facilities for PE and other equipment; the reason this matter has been processed under the additional school accommodation scheme, where it does not relate to ASD provision or classroom needs but to the omission of a storage facility during the original building project; if funding will be provided to address this urgent storage requirement as a stand-alone matter; and if she will ensure this matter is treated as a priority given the ongoing health and safety concerns. [54142/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The large scale capital project for the extension and refurbishment of the school referred to by the Deputy, to cater for a 30 classroom school, reached substantial completion in January 2025.
The school was designed with storage facilities required for all of the accommodation at the school.
My Department officials were informed by the school authority that the school had made a decision for the PE Hall storage provided in the plans, to be used for alternate purposes. At an advanced stage of the project, it was not possible for my Department to provide additional accommodation under the existing contract.
In relation to general capacity requirements, it is open to the school to make contact with my Department’s, Schools Capacity Planning area to discuss their remaining needs and to see what alternate options would be available to them.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (222, 223, 224)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:222. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of full time teaching posts that were not filled in DEIS schools for the terms 2023/2024; 2024/2025; 2025/2026, respectively. [54171/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDarren O'Rourke
Ceist:223. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of full time teaching posts that were vacant in DEIS schools for the terms 2023/2024 and 2024/2025. [54172/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDarren O'Rourke
Ceist:224. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of days children in DEIS schools across the State did not have a full time teacher for a certain subject for the terms 2023/2024 and 2024/2025, respectively. [54173/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 223 and 224 together.
Ensuring that every child's experience in school is positive and that they have qualified, engaged teachers available to support them in their learning is a priority area of action for the Government.
Like many sectors, recruitment challenges exist in the education sector. The number of teachers is at a record high, with over 79,000 currently employed. Teaching posts have grown by over 10,400 in the past five years, outpacing student growth.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers for teaching positions is managed by individual school authorities. There are over 3,000 individual primary school authorities, responsible for this process, including boards of management, as well as Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
The latest teacher payroll data, as of March 2025, shows there are 79,225 teachers employed in our schools across the country with 43,221 at primary level including special schools. The number of unfilled posts remain low at 2.5% as of March 2025. There are less than 1% resignations in the primary sector each year and 1.6% in post-primary.
The data available on unfilled allocated posts in DEIS schools indicates that in the school year 2023/24, there were a total of 542 unfilled teaching posts in DEIS schools, which would equate to 2.3% of all posts. The equivalent data for the school year 2024/25 indicated that there was a total of 627.6 unfilled allocated teaching posts in DEIS schools, representing 2.6% of all allocated posts in DEIS schools. Data for the 2025/26 school year is currently unavailable.
My Department cannot provide exact figures on the number of days children in DEIS schools across the State did not have a full-time teacher as the number of hours each student was taught by a teacher without a full-time contract is not recorded.
In circumstances where teaching posts are unfilled for a period of time, or where a vacancy arises in a school due to a teacher taking leave, such vacancies may be filled by substitute teachers, on either a casual or non-casual contract basis.
Substitutable leave absences may be filled by schools in several ways. A substitute teacher may be recruited locally by a school, and a claim for payment for the teacher may be submitted to my Department, via the Online Claims System. Alternatively, the absence may be covered by schools under a number of schemes, which are managed locally by schools, including the Supervision and Substitution Scheme.
To address teacher supply issues, my Department has implemented several measures that have led to:
• an increase of 20% in Initial Teacher Education graduates (student teachers) between 2018 and 2023, and
• a 30% increase in the number of teachers registered with the Teaching Council since 2017.
I am committed to addressing teacher supply, and announced new teacher supply measures in recent months including assisting teachers gain permanent roles more quickly. Several measures are already in place to support teachers who either qualified in the State or abroad and who are working abroad. Measures introduced in recent budgets include more flexible substitution measures, promotion of the teaching profession as a career and workforce planning for teachers and SNAs, reflect the commitment to ongoing investment in the education system to address teacher supply.
My Department invests over €180 million annually in the DEIS programme, supporting nearly 1,200 schools and 260,000 students. A new DEIS Plan will be published in 2025, focusing on improving outcomes for children at risk of educational disadvantage, promoting innovation, and enabling a more flexible allocation of supports. Future expansion and resource allocation will be guided by this plan and available funding.
Additionally, Budget 2026 has seen an increase of 1,042 teacher posts, including 860 additional teachers working across various Special Educational Needs settings.
The profession is attractive, with strong demand for teacher education programmes with 1,846 newly qualified primary teachers registered with the Teaching Council in 2024. Salaries are competitive, with primary teachers currently starting at €44,879 rising to €85,000 under the current pay deal and first preference data from the CAO published in February showed an increase in primary of 9%.
In addition to recently announced measures, I will continue to consider further measures to strengthen the teaching workforce and ensure that schools have the support needed to provide an excellent education for every student.
Question No. 223 answered with Question No. 222.
Question No. 224 answered with Question No. 222.
School Funding
Ceisteanna (225)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:225. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the amount budgeted for DEIS schools last year but not spent. [54174/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tackling educational disadvantage and supporting students to fulfil their full potential in life is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth, and for the Government. The DEIS programme is a key policy of Government to tackle concentrated educational disadvantage at school level. It provides a targeted range of supports and is additional to the universal supports provided to all schools, such as the introduction of free schoolbooks and free hot school meals.
My department invests over €180 million annually to provide additional supports to almost 1,200 schools in the DEIS programme which supports approximately 260,000 students. This funding includes the provision of enhanced teaching allocation in DEIS Band 1 primary schools, 528 HSCL coordinator posts assigned to DEIS schools and an allocation of some €36 million to the School Completion Programme. All DEIS schools are also paid an annual DEIS Grant.
Further information on the supports provided under the DEIS programme is available at the following link:
DEIS Delivering Equality of Opportunity In Schools
In relation to the current school year, the total DEIS Grant paid to post-primary schools is €5,615,813 and the total DEIS Grant paid to primary schools is €15,966,383. DEIS Grants for the 2025/26 school year issued to schools in June 2025.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (226)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:226. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will work with the NCSE to ensure that the request from a school (details supplied) to open two additional autism classes will be sanctioned without delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54187/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) have begun preparatory work in relation to planning for the provision of further new special class and special school places for the 2026/27 school year and beyond.
As you are aware parents were asked to notify the NCSE of their requirement for a special class for the 2026/27 school year by 1 October 2025. The NCSE is now collating and assessing the information gathered through this notification process. Once complete the NCSE will be in a position to engage with schools across the country to open new special classes.
In order to ensure new special classes can open as quickly as possible the NCSE prioritise working with medium and larger primary schools who do not already have a special class and have available accommodation to accommodate new special class. This approach maximises the use of existing space which can be reconfigured efficiently while also ensuring that new provision continues to be established. It also increases number of schools with special classes providing parents with greater choice and reducing the distances that some children are travelling to access a special class place.
However, as in other years where schools have no available accommodation, particularly at post-primary level and there is known demand in a local area, my department will continue to provide additional classroom accommodation to provide necessary places.
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.
The school referred to by the Deputy already has 3 special classes and any school willing to open further new special classes is to be commended.
The NCSE will assess what additional provision is required in local areas and what schools have capacity to accommodate required provision. My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (227)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:227. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a school bus service will be available for a pupil (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54212/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Unfortunately, difficulties have arisen in a number of locations, with a small number of contracted services, where it has not yet been possible to provide vehicles/drivers.
I am pleased to advise that a contract has now been awarded to operate the service referred to by the Deputy. The Bus Éireann local office has advised that this service will commence on the 08 October.
Both the department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for children with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore receive an interim Special Transport Grant (STG). This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until the service starts. The School Transport Section in my department has provided details of the grant to the family.
Education Schemes
Ceisteanna (228)
Marie Sherlock
Ceist:228. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the implementation group will be established to oversee implementation of the recommendations of the review of out-of-school education provision published in May 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54218/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In May 2022, my department announced the publication of a report on the Review of Out-of-School Education Provision. This review focused on the education provision for learners under 16 years of age who have encountered difficulties staying in mainstream education.
Arising from that review, a number of recommendations were made to inform future policy and provide a sustainable option within the education system to further serve this group of learners.
In October 2022, an implementation group was established to progress the recommendations contained in that report and to develop a standardised framework of support for young people at risk of disengaging from education.
In addition to officials from my department, membership of the group included the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), National Association of Principals & Deputy Principals (NAPD), Children’s Rights Alliance (CRA), Tusla Education Support Services (TESS), Jigsaw, Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), the National Parents Council (NPC), Department of Justice and the Irish Second Level Students Union (ISSU). The group was chaired by Dr Jacinta Stewart.
The implementation group consulted widely with a range of stakeholders, agencies, and other interested parties including children and young people, parents, school leaders and practitioners from out-of-school education provision.
The implementation group has now completed its work and I expect to receive a copy of the report very shortly.
Online Safety
Ceisteanna (229)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:229. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he is aware of the ‘Gen Free: Free to be Kids’ campaign; to outline the new measures his Department is proposing to enhance online safety for children;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54090/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Online safety, and in particular protecting children online, is a key Government priority. I welcome the work of all stakeholders promoting online safety for children, including the 'Gen Free: Free to be Kids campaign', which notes the detrimental impact of unregulated access to the internet and social media on our children and young people.
Coimisiún na Meán is at the heart of our online safety framework, and was established under the Online Safety and Media Regulation (OSMR) Act, which transposed the AudioVisual Media Services Directive. That Act is one of three main elements of Ireland's online safety framework, the others being the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), under which An Coimisiún is Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, and the EU Terrorist Content Online Regulation for which An Coimisiún is also a competent authority on supervision and enforcement.
Under the OSMR Act, in October 2024, An Coimisiún adopted a new Online Safety Code for designated video-sharing platforms established in Ireland, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X. The Code sets out what these platforms must do to protect users, in particular, to protect children from harmful content online. Part B of the code contains specific obligations for the platforms to put in place robust age assurance measures to prevent children from accessing adult content such as pornography or extreme violence.
Additionally, as Digital Services Coordinator under the DSA, An Coimisiún assists the European Commission, which is the lead regulator for very large online platforms to ensure they put in place the systems and processes required to minimise the availability of illegal content. In particular, it works with the European Commission to ensure platforms address the risk of exposure of children and young people to illegal and harmful online content.
Failure to adequately fulfil these obligations can lead to significant financial sanctions and continued non-compliance can lead to criminal sanctions for senior management.
The Online Safety Framework is relatively new and the focus now is on implementation to ensure platforms meet their regulatory obligations. However, in terms of new measures, it is my view that robust age verification is essential for keeping children safe online. In June of this year, I met the main social media companies and reiterated this point to them. I am determined to make progress on this key issue and will work with other EU member states, including in the context of Ireland's Presidency of the EU next year, on effective and practical solutions that respect European law and have regard to the rights of children, while protecting them from harm. I am committed to working across Government and with all stakeholders to ensure children and young people can be safe from harmful or illegal content online, in particular, through robust age verification.
Sports Facilities
Ceisteanna (230)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:230. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport for an update and timeline for completion of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54183/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established under the National Sports Policy, published on 25 July 2018, to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (formerly the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme).
Grants totalling €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects were allocated under the second round of the LSSIF in November 2024. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the LSSIF since 2020 now reaches €297 million.
Cork County Council made an application for funding under LSSIF 2024 in order to develop the project referred to in the question. They were successful in their application and were awarded €2 million in funding.
All new public investment proposals must comply with the Infrastructure Guidelines published by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The project is currently progressing through the first gateway as required under the Guidelines. Once the project has cleared all approval gates the Department will proceed to contract stage and the project can proceed.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (231)
Rory Hearne
Ceist:231. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to put affordability central to housing policy; his plans to ensure the majority of new homes are genuinely affordable i.e. below current market prices and rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53908/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government's commitment to a new Starter Home programme has affordability, and the chance to own a home, at its core. Implementation of the programme will be advanced in a new national housing plan.
While this work is being undertaken, the measures and schemes in Housing for All continue to advance delivery of secure and affordable housing. Affordable housing schemes are now operating at scale and the affordable housing delivery programme continues to expand and develop year on year, supported by unprecedented levels of state investment.
Key schemes such as the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, the Help to Buy Incentive, the First Home Scheme and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant are available to help make home ownership more affordable.
Cost rental is gaining traction as a new tenure type. It is a key element of the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector. Nearly 4,000 cost rental homes have been delivered by Approved Housing Bodies, the LDA and Local Authorities since the launch of Housing for All.
We will continue to liaise with our delivery partners to further the development of the affordable housing delivery programme and to ensure that each scheme, individually and working together, responds effectively to affordable housing need at national and at local level.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (232)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:232. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the means by which he will ensure that any party reform or planning policy does not simply favour large developers at the expense of local communities, quality standards and affordability, given that the Central Bank has publicly stated that planning rules, not financial constraints, are now the principal barrier to increasing housing supply; and if he will publish the full impact assessment before enacting those reforms. [53947/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The delivery of housing which supports sustainable communities and quality design is a key focus of the National Planning Framework (NPF), first published in 2018 and revised in 2025. The NPF sets out the Government’s strategy for planning that supports a compact growth approach to development, facilitated by sustainable forms of mobility (i.e. public transport, cycling and walking), with objectives that promote a cleaner environment and biodiversity protection and enhancement.
In support of the NPF objectives, the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities, “the Settlement Guidelines”, were issued as Ministerial Guidelines in January 2024, under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
The Settlement Guidelines expand on higher-level policies of the NPF, setting policy and guidance in relation to the growth priorities for settlements, residential density, urban design and placemaking and introduce development standards for housing. This includes a series of ‘key indicators of quality urban design and placemaking’ centred around sustainable and efficient movement, a vibrant and diverse mix uses, open space and natural amenities and an attractive built form. These indicators will inform development strategies for settlements, neighbourhoods or an individual sites throughout the plan making and development management processes. Another key focus of the Settlement Guidelines is to support innovations with regard to compact forms of ‘own door’ housing that can deliver more diverse and affordable forms of housing at medium densities.
Fulfilling the objectives of the NPF will require a substantial increase in housing output of all types, and need for a renewed focus on the delivery of apartments, particularly in city and town centres and areas accessible by public transport. The delivery of apartments is particularly challenging and there is a considerable gap between the cost of building an apartment and comparable market prices. Increased costs also present an ongoing challenge to the delivery of social and affordable housing schemes.
The Planning Design Standards for Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities, “the Apartment Guidelines” were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) in July 2025. The Apartment Guidelines apartment mix/typologies, space standards, dual aspect ratios, floor to ceiling heights, stair/lift cores, and amenity spaces. The overall purpose of the Guidelines is to reduce costs and strike an effective regulatory balance, ensuring that apartment development meets the needs of society in terms of standards and quality, while promoting an increased level of output overall.
Under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2024, Ministerial Guidelines will, over time, be reviewed and replaced, as appropriate, with National Planning Statements (NPSs). In the interests of clarity, all existing guidelines will continue to have effect until such time as they are replaced by an NPS or revoked.
Housing Policy
Ceisteanna (233)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:233. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason he believes he can credibly claim that its housing strategy is working when homelessness and emergency accommodation figures, particularly among children, are at a record high; and the specific trigger points and corrective mechanisms are in place to adjust policy if these outcomes continue to worsen. [53948/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Supporting individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness is a priority for my Department and Government.
Increased supply is key to addressing homelessness, meeting need and addressing the challenges in the housing market. Government is fully committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver social, affordable and cost rental homes at scale and to continue accelerating housing supply across all tenures.
We are delivering the largest social housing build since the 1970s. Housing supply has increased significantly since the publication of Housing for All in 2021. In particular, 32,787 social homes have been delivered through Build, Acquisition and Leasing schemes from 2022 to 2024. This increased supply of social housing is supporting the increased allocation of homes to households on the social housing waiting list, including households in emergency accommodation. The number of households in emergency accommodation is unacceptably high and accelerating exits is a priority.
Budget 2026 has continued the record level of investment in social housing, with €2.9bn in capital allocated to support the delivery of social homes by local authorities. This continued investment in the social housing programme will increase the supply of stock available to allocate to households on the social housing waiting list, including households in emergency accommodation. It is important that local authorities ensure that sufficient allocations are being made to families in emergency accommodation and a key focus for me is to reduce the time that families are spending in emergency accommodation.
Ensuring that families and children experiencing homelessness are supported with accommodation and supports is critical. Budget 2026 provides an allocation of €513.5m to provide homeless emergency accommodation and supports. Capital funding of €50m has been allocated to support the provision of quality emergency and transitional accommodation.
The Government's new Housing Plan will be published shortly. The Plan will contain a suite of robust and targeted actions that will increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens. The Plan will also include a range of measures to address homelessness and reaffirm Programme for Government commitments including the commitment to develop a holistic, cross departmental approach to homelessness prevention and the commitment to ensure special supports for children impacted by homelessness.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (234, 235)
Barry Ward
Ceist:234. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review and extension of the first homes scheme, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53950/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBarry Ward
Ceist:235. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the expansion of the first homes scheme to first time buyers of second-hand homes, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53951/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 235 together.
The First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme designed to help bridge the gap between a purchaser’s deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home, within regional price ceilings, for eligible first-time buyers, Fresh Start applicants and those who wish to build their first home.
The First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company is responsible for the operation and management of the First Home Scheme on behalf of its shareholders - the State, Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB.
The Programme for Government states it will work with the banks to expand the First Home scheme to first time buyers of second-hand homes and extend the scheme to 2030. In May of this year, Government approved an additional €30 million State commitment to the scheme, and to extending the scheme to June 2027, bringing the total State commitment to the scheme to €370 million, matched 50:50 by the participating banks. The total funding commitment across all participants is, therefore, €740 million.
While the Government’s clear priority is accelerating and increasing new housing supply, in relation to the expansion of the scheme to include second hand homes, I have requested the First Home Scheme to undertake the required analytical and technical work to examine the potential for such an expansion and the matter is under consideration.
Question No. 235 answered with Question No. 234.
Planning Issues
Ceisteanna (236)
Joe Neville
Ceist:236. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department are evaluating plans to introduce a separate, streamlined planning process for infrastructure delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53970/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Planning and Development Act 2024 (Act of 2024) was enacted in October 2024 and is in the process of being commenced. The Act of 2024 introduces a range of measures to streamline the planning process for infrastructure delivery.
The Act of 2024 introduces statutory time periods for decision making for An Coimisiún Pleanála (An Coimisiún) for the first time. The headline time periods for An Coimisiún will range from 18 weeks for appeals of decisions of planning authorities to 48 weeks for larger-scale Strategic Infrastructure Developments. The varying timelines reflect the differing complexities of applications dealt with by An Coimisiún.
The Act of 2024 also makes important reforms in relation to Judicial Review (JR). It:
• removes the requirement to apply for leave to apply for JR proceedings which reduces time and removes unnecessary additional legal costs to all parties.
• requires that an application for JR may only be made on the grounds of challenge raised by the applicant in the statement of grounds filed with their application and sets out limited criteria by which the Court may allow subsequent amendments to that statement of grounds.
• provides that an applicant for JR will not be permitted to plead a ground in JR proceedings unless they have a sufficient interest in the matter to which the ground relates.
The Act also includes provisions to deal with spurious planning submissions and appeals. Statutory declarations must be submitted with all submissions and objections on planning applications, appeals and judicial reviews stating that it is not being done for the purposes of delaying a development or for receiving a payment. There is also a ban on requesting payment for not opposing a development.
My Department is currently putting arrangements in place to implement a phased commencement of the Act of 2024 to facilitate the transition to the new legislation across the planning system. It should be noted that the existing provisions in the Planning and Development Act 2000 will remain in place until the relevant provisions in the Act of 2024 are commenced.
Further, it should be noted that consent for certain large scale infrastructure projects such as certain Road and Railway projects fall under the remit of the Department of Transport under the Roads Act 1993 and the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001.
Homeless Persons Supports
Ceisteanna (237)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:237. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he has taken to reduce the number families made homeless because of domestic/sexual/gender-based abuse. [53989/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Supporting families and individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness is a priority for Government. Critical to addressing homelessness is increasing the supply of housing.
Budget 2026 has continued the record level of investment in social housing, with €2.9bn in capital allocated to support the delivery of social homes by local authorities. This continued investment in the social housing programme will increase the supply of stock available to allocate to households on the social housing waiting list, including households in emergency accommodation.
Budget 2026 provides an allocation of €513.5m to provide homeless emergency accommodation and supports. Capital funding of €50m has been allocated to support the provision of quality emergency and transitional accommodation. A key focus of local authorities and their service delivery partners is to support households in emergency accommodation to exit emergency accommodation to a tenancy.
Housing supply has increased significantly since the publication of Housing for All in 2021. In particular, 32,787 social homes have been delivered through Build, Acquisition and Leasing schemes from 2022 to 2024. This increased supply of social housing is supporting the increased allocation of homes to households on the social housing waiting list, including households in emergency accommodation.
Ireland signed the Lisbon Declaration in June 2021, which committed all signatories to work towards ending homelessness by 2030. The Government reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to the Lisbon Declaration in the Programme for Government. I am continuing to work closely with the National Homeless Action Committee, which I chair, to ensure that there is a continued focus by the various stakeholders on cross-collaboration and additional measures that we can take to eradicate homelessness. I invited Cuan, the statutory Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence agency under the remit of the Department of Justice, to join the National Homeless Action Committee in September 2025.
The Programme for Government also sets out a number of additional measures which the Government will take to address homelessness, including commitments to provide special supports for children impacted by homelessness, focussing social housing allocations on getting families out of long-term homelessness, and ensuring a holistic, cross departmental approach to homelessness prevention. These commitments will be reflected in the new Housing Plan.
The response to Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross-Departmental and multi-agency issue, with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. Responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims rests with my colleague the Minister for Justice working in conjunction with Cuan.
In 2017, my Department issued policy and procedural guidance to local authorities relating to the role they can play to assist victims of domestic violence. The issuing of this 2017 policy and guidance was a significant action in the second national strategy on DSGBV 2016-2021, and has since played an important role in addressing the housing needs of victims and survivors of DSGBV, providing direction to local authorities in supporting victims of domestic violence. It covers a range of scenarios that may arise for victims of domestic violence currently in receipt of social housing support and those seeking social housing supports. These include provisions around the use of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme, or the Rental Accommodation Scheme, where a victim has a joint interest in the family home, or ownership of alternative accommodation, but would otherwise qualify for social housing support.
In June 2022, the Department of Justice published Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV 2022-2026 which is a cross-Departmental and multi-agency plan with overall policy coordinated by the Department of Justice. As an action in this strategy, my Department committed to a review of the 2017 Policy and Procedural Guidance for Housing Authorities in relation to assisting victims of domestic violence with emergency and long-term accommodation needs in order to ensure continuing effectiveness and consistency in responses to assist victims of domestic violence. My Department is currently engaging with Cuan in relation to this review and proposed recommendations arising from the review.
In terms of housing supports, applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended. It is a matter for the local authority to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority. Decisions on the allocation of social housing support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned. Each application must be considered on its own merits and the individual circumstances taken into account. Local authorities will prioritise allocations to those households they consider to be most in need, which can include victims of domestic violence.
The HAP Place Finder service assists households in or at immediate risk of homelessness primarily by providing access to deposits and advance rental payments. These elements are the core financial supports and are available to prospective tenants in all local authority areas. To qualify for specific additional supports available to homeless households, a household must have been determined by the relevant local authority to be homeless within the meaning of section 2 of the Housing Act 1988. The operation of local homeless services, including the Place Finder Service, is a matter for each local authority.
Since 11 July 2022, each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 35% above the prescribed maximum rent limit. Up to 50% discretion can be provided in the case of homeless households in the Dublin region. It is a matter for the local authority to determine, whether, and to what extent, the application of the flexibility is warranted.
My Department, working with Cuan, supports the development of Domestic Violence Refuges through the Capital Assistance Scheme. Eighteen priority areas have been identified nationally for the development of Domestic Violence Refuges.
CAS provides up to 100% capital funding to Approved Housing Bodies to advance Domestic Violence Refuge projects in partnership with Domestic Violence groups. My Department and the Housing Agency work closely with the relevant local authorities and Cuan to support, provide technical advice, and advance these projects from initial design through to construction and completion.
My Department has also published “Domestic Violence Refuge Accommodation Project Brief Design Guidelines” to assist Approved Housing Bodies and their design teams develop funding applications for Domestic Violence Refuges. My Department is also funding a project manager for such projects to help Approved Housing Bodies effectively and efficiently navigate the development process. These collaborative supports have noticeably enhanced the ability of groups to navigate early stages of project development, including with the identification and purchase of suitable sites and developing viable proposals.
Recognising the level of non-accommodation facilities needed for Domestic Violence Refuges is greater than typical social housing developments, my Department provides 100% CAS funding which also covers the full costs of ancillary services for residents, such as counselling rooms, children’s spaces and secure outdoor spaces. This is a departure from the normal CAS model, which usually provides reduced funding support for non-accommodation facilities, and ensures there isn't an undue fundraising burden placed on Domestic Violence Groups advancing priority refuge projects.
In addition to the above supports, a new protocol was established in 2020 when the Minister for Social Protection agreed to make rent supplement more accessible to victims of domestic violence. This measure aims to ensure that they are not prevented from leaving their homes because of financial or accommodation difficulties.