Written Answers Nos. 468-487
468. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures announced in Budget 2026 which will specifically support children with additional needs in mainstream settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55135/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra469. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide more detail on the way in which the 2026 allocation of SNAs and SETs will be deployed across mainstream and specialised settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55136/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra480. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the specific measures in Budget 2026 which will target behaviours of concern; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55217/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra498. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth of the €3 billion in funding provided to special education in Budget 2026, the amount that is for existing levels of service and the amount for new measures. [55292/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra513. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of additional special classes that will be sanctioned from the SEN allocation of Budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55326/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 468, 469, 480, 498 and 513 together.
This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective. It has always been a priority for this Government to ensure that our schools have the necessary resources to support children with special educational needs in the setting that best meets their needs. Over the last five years, since this Government came into office in 2020, over 1,900 new special classes have been provided so that there are now over 3,700 special classes available in our primary and post-primary schools. Over the same period 16 new special schools have been opened. Budget 2026 has provided a record level of funding in excess of €3 billion which builds on the sustained investment of this Government over recent years and is delivering real and meaningful change for children with special educational needs and their families nationwide.
This level of funding will see an additional 860 special education teachers and 1,717 SNAs to support children across mainstream, special classes and special schools. This means in 2026 we will have almost 24,900 SNAs in our education system. The SNA role is crucial in supporting the most vulnerable children to attend school and access education across all settings. The additional SNA posts are based on meeting the level of need that presents in our schools across special classes, special schools and mainstream settings. In total there will be over 46,500 dedicated staff to support children with special educational needs in our schools.
The additional Budget measures are just one part of how we improve the educational journey of children with additional needs. As well as the additional provision as set out in Budget 2026, the NCSE and the Department of Education continue to work closely to forward plan for the provision of special class and special school places. It is not just about how many special classes and special school places we create, we need to ensure that our forward planning caters for every child who needs this level of support at the earliest possible opportunity.
The NCSE and the Department of Education continue to work closely to forward plan for the provision of special class and special school places. As Minister I have been clear that every child who requires a special education place should have access to one as they need it. I am conscious of the stress for parents and children in not knowing where the place may be and the Department and NCSE have worked together tirelessly to ensure there are sufficient places available for all children known to the NCSE.
This will be achieved primarily through the repurposing of existing capacity, ensuring that every child has a place in a class that meets their needs. Building on considerable progress made in recent years, it is envisaged that some additional new special schools will also be established for the 2026/27 school year. In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning going forward and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child. An earlier date of 1 October was agreed so the NCSE can ensure classes are delivered earlier and this will give certainty to parents and schools which is something I am committed to providing.
This notification will provide the NCSE with valuable information as to which children will continue to require a special class as they progress to post-primary level and details on students who require a place for the first time. The NCSE is actively communicating this requirement nationally also. The earlier date will allow for earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, and it is the aim of the NCSE to sanction the majority of new special classes by 31 December 2025.
With regard to mainstream, 1,500 additional special education teaching posts have been allocated to mainstream classes over the last 4 years. It is a priority that schools get the level of resources required to support children who can avail of mainstream settings and the recent NCSE reviews following the 2025 Special Education Teacher (SET) allocations show that where a school needs additional support this will be provided. This process will continue in 2026.
Budget 2026 has provided the resources needed to continue the expansion of the Education Therapy Service (ETS). This service builds on the existing service provision within the NCSE. The NCSE currently provide continued support to mainstream schools through a Teacher Professional Learning service which includes follow up coaching and mentoring.
The ETS also provides supports to mainstream schools through the sustained support service which is operational in 22 schools in the eastern region and 28 schools in the western region during the 2025/2026 school year. These supports ensure that all children including those with additional educational needs have access to supports designed to maximise their participation and potential.
Guidelines on “Understanding Behaviours of Concern and Responding to Crisis Situations”, were published in December 2024 and a range of training opportunities is available to schools through the National Council for Special Education to support their engagement with the guidelines and with the broader issue of student behaviour. A private provider is currently contracted by the NCSE to provide Behaviours of Concern training. The provider is contracted to provide training through a direct delivery approach or through a train the trainer approach. The training will see the provision of whole-school Crisis Prevention training to all teachers and SNAs across Special Schools in the country. Training commenced during 2025. The NCSE report that they expect that one third of the training to special schools will be delivered in 2025. Funding secured in Budget 2026 will enable the training for Special Schools to be continued in 2026. Funding for behaviour training has also been secured in this budget and this funding will ensure that training will commence its roll out to Special Classes attached to mainstream schools in 2026.
This Government recognises the challenges for schools in meeting the needs of children with special educational needs. On my many school visits, transitions remains a key issue of concern for parents and children. In particular the challenge for children with special educational needs in moving from a familiar one class setting at primary level to multiple classes, sometimes in a large post primary school can be daunting. As the numbers of children with special educational needs moves form primary to post primary in line with demographics, it is essential that post primary schools can ensure alignment of supports for children with special educational needs in mainstream as well as in special classes. Additional funding is being provided to ensure this can happen without reducing the core contact time with children through the special education teacher allocation.
Budget 2026 will see targeted investment being provided to help with planning and transitioning for children with special educational needs from our special schools into further and higher education and adult services as appropriate. The details of how this will be implemented will be worked through with our education partners, parents and advocacy groups in the days and weeks ahead. This will build on excellent work we have seen in some pilot projects which has made a small start in this area but I am conscious that much more needs to be done.
Budget 2026 will also allow for further investment in other key areas of special education provision. There will be additional funding to help with enhanced training requirements for teachers and SNAs and additional grant funding to external bodies to assist with supports for children with special educational needs.
This budget also carries a focus on assistive technology and additional funding is being provided to allow for the implementation of the review of the AT scheme which is designed to make it easier for schools to access supports.
I would also point to the other initiatives that we are providing for in Budget 2026 that will have a particular benefit to children with special educational needs, such as the increases in the capitation rates which are being provided to support children with special educational needs in our special classes and special schools. On my visits to schools this issue has been consistently highlighted to me and I know this increase to the base capitation rate is vital to schools to reflect the higher costs associated with running a classroom for smaller numbers of children and to support those children’s individualised needs.
As can be seen from the record funding provided for Special Education in 2026, my department is committed to continuing to work closely with all stakeholders in education to ensure we build on this progress in 2026 and beyond.
The Budget documentation published earlier this week sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. As the Deputy may be aware, in line with standard practice, the final allocation of funding for my Department for 2026 will be set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is due to be published later this year. Further details on the 2026 allocations for my Department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.
470. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth the timeline for the approval of projects under the summer works scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55137/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.
It is envisaged that approvals in any given year will involve a spread of categories rather than the traditional single category at a time. This is aimed at managing market capacity and maximising value for money opportunities for school authorities.
The CASWS will operate on a multi-annual basis and as outlined in the circular the first tranche of projects are due to be announced in Q4 2025 for commencement in summer 2026. Under this scheme, approved applications from schools that are not reached for funding or market prioritisation reasons (as above) in 2026 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available for climate action summer works in subsequent years.
Full details of the new CASWS, Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/
471. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 471 of 30 September 2025, if he will further engage with Bus Éireann regarding a person’s response to the reply received (details supplied); to provide clarity on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55145/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Eligible children who complete the application process and pay or enter their medical card details on time will get a seat on a school bus service, if a service is available.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Where practicable, and subject to considerations of cost and logistics, routes are planned to avoid an eligible child having to travel more than 3.2 kms to or from a pick-up/set down point or to have travel and waiting times in excess of 1.5 hours per day.
Bus Eireann review all school transport services over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
Home pick-up is not a feature of the School Transport Scheme.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that the family, to whom the Deputy refers, are eligible for school transport. These pupils were successful in obtaining a seat on a service for the 2025/26 school year. The family reside 1km from the pick-up point.
472. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a school in which no children with ‘primary care needs’ are enrolled will not receive SNA allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55150/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra474. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which the NCSE will ensure that the SNA allocation process adequately identifies and supports children whose needs are not immediately visible in the classroom, for example, autistic children who mask their distress, in order that they are not effectively excluded from access to education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55149/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 472 and 474 together.
This government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
I know the central role that our special needs assistants (SNAs) play in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
That is why the number of SNA posts available for allocation has continued to increase annually resulting in more SNAs than ever now being employed in our schools. Budget 2026 provides for an additional 1,700 SNA posts, the largest number ever allocated in a single year, meaning the total number of SNAs available in our schools next year will be close to 25,000.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for allocation of SNA posts to schools and in this capacity has reviewed and notified school allocations for the 2025/26 school year based on the care needs of the enrolled students.
If a school believes it has insufficient SNA support to meet the needs of its students an application can be submitted to the NCSE requesting a review of its allocation. Detailed information on the NCSE's SNA review process is published on the NCSE's website. The NCSE provides support through the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) who is available to discuss deployment of SNA support. The NCSE's in-school support service is also available to schools to offer further guidance and support. Further information is available on the NCSE website.
The purpose of the SNA service is defined in circular 0030/2014 and explains that SNA support is provided specifically to recognised primary, post-primary and special schools to support students with significant care needs in an educational context. The role and responsibilities of SNAs have not changed since the publication of this circular.
My department is currently developing a SNA workforce development plan which will bring further clarity and direction to the SNA service. The plan which is being developed in consultation and collaboration with education stakeholders including existing SNAs, school management bodies, parents and children is scheduled for delivery later in 2025.
473. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason it is acceptable that level 1 needs, as identified and prescribed by qualified professionals, are not recognised within the new NCSE framework; the reason professional reports are no longer required as part of the process; who will determine the needs of a child has under this system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55151/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised.
As the matter raised relates to a NCSE process. 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 matters with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie
475. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a list of all studies, research and reports commissioned by her Department that were outsourced, in each of the past five years, in tabular form; the names of the companies to which each study, research and report was outsourced; the total cost for each; the number of reports finalised and presented to her that have yet to be released by her Department; the dates on which any such reports yet to be released were first provided to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55159/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are currently collecting this information and will revert directly to the Deputy with the details requested as soon as possible.
476. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the application by a school (details supplied). [55200/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling children with special educational needs to receive an appropriate education is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which promotes that children will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
Budget 2026 has provided funding for 3,000 new special educational places within our education system and the NCSE will now examine where this provision is best placed for the 2026/27 school year.
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 the 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.
My department recently published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child. An earlier date of 1 October was set for parents to do so.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with valuable information as to which children will continue to require a special class as they progress to post-primary level and details on students who require a place for the first time. The earlier date will allow for earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, and it is the aim of the NCSE to sanction the majority of new special classes by 31 December 2025.
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.
477. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the capital programmes that may be available to youth projects (details supplied), to expand their operations. [55201/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to announce that, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population, including young people in East Wicklow, such as those engaged through Crosscare’s The Vault Youth Service in Arklow.
My department remains committed to supporting youth work at both national and local levels. The increased funding will enable youth services to continue delivering tailored supports and safe, welcoming spaces for young people across the country.
The Budget documentation published sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. As the Deputy may be aware, in line with standard practice, the final allocation of funding for my Department for 2026 will be set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV), which is due to be published later this year. Further details on the 2026 allocations for my Department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.
478. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the Departmental funding allocation for youth affairs for 2026; if she can provide a breakdown of this funding in terms of existing levels of service, new development measures and capital funding; if she can provide a detailed breakdown of the €8 million additional funding to youth affairs being made available in Budget 2026, in terms of capital and current; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55214/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to announce that, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population.
The Budget documentation published sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. As the Deputy may be aware, in line with standard practice, the final allocation of funding for my Department for 2026 will be set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is due to be published later this year. Further details on the 2026 allocations for my Department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.
479. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide details on the design of the in-school therapies being rolled out in special schools in 2025, especially in relation to the staffing arrangements for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55216/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Education Plan 2025 confirms government commitment to and approval of the establishment of the Education Therapy Service (ETS).
As indicated previously, it is anticipated that the ETS will commence in 45 special schools at a later stage in the 2025/26 school year and will be supported by a panel of 90 therapists comprising of senior and staff grade. Further roll out of the service will occur on a phased basis with a wider roll-out to further special schools commencing in the 2026/27 school year. In time, it is intended that this service will be available to schools with special classes and mainstream schools. This is not to replace HSE services but rather to compliment existing supports recognising that special schools support children with complex needs.
It is anticipated that school selection for the initial phase will be complete early in the 2025/2026 school year to ensure that selected schools have the opportunity to engage with the ETS prior to therapist assignment.
The development and delivery of this service will be informed by detailed engagement, which is on-going, with our colleagues in the HSE and stakeholders and will build on the National Council for Special Educations’ (NCSE) work previously completed through the Educational Therapy Support Service (ETSS) and the School Inclusion Model.
In addition to the ETS, the NCSE have been developing an education -based therapy support service known as the ETSS. This service currently provides two strands of support to schools, Regional Therapy and Sustained In-School Therapy to both mainstream and special schools.
Sustained in-school support (SIT) is provided to schools for a defined period of 18-24 months in line with the School Inclusion Model. 22 schools in the Eastern region are currently availing of this service and 28 schools in the Western region will receive support under SIT from September 25.
Regional therapy support provides Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) with follow on/implementation support by NCSE therapists. The focus of this support is to build the capacity of schools and to embed the learning from TPL into their teaching practice, through In-school coaching and co-facilitation of interventions, strategies and resources, with a focus on whole school (Tier 1) and targeted/school support levels (Tier 2) of a multitiered system of support. Regional Therapy seminars will be available nationally for the 2025/2026 school year.
My Department and the National Council for Special Education (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.
481. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the breakdown of the €8 million additional funding to youth affairs being made available in Budget 2026; the breakdown in terms of capital and current; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55246/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to announce that, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population.
The increased funding will support both operational delivery and infrastructure improvements across the youth sector. It will enable services to maintain and expand tailored supports for young people, while also facilitating essential upgrades to facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure where appropriate.
The Budget documentation published sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. As the Deputy may be aware, in line with standard practice, the final allocation of funding for my Department for 2026 will be set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is due to be published later this year. Further details on the 2026 allocations for my Department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.
482. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the capital funding as part of the €8 million additional funding to youth affairs being made available in Budget 2026 includes funding under Project Ireland 2040 where €7.55 billion will be invested in the education and youth sector over the period 2026-2030; if there will be capital funding from NDP external to the €8 million being made available to youth affairs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55247/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to announce that, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population.
The capital funding element of this €8 million forms part of the broader investment framework under Project Ireland 2040, which will see €7.55 billion invested in the education and youth sector over the period 2026–2030. This strategic investment supports the delivery of essential infrastructure and resources across the sector, including targeted capital improvements for youth services, to ensure safe, modern, and inclusive environments for young people.
Accordingly, there is no separate capital funding for youth affairs external to the National Development Plan (NDP) allocation. All capital investment in the youth sector is aligned with the NDP framework and forms part of the Department’s approach to long-term infrastructure planning and service development.
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.
483. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the breakdown of the €8 million allocation for youth work in Budget 2026; the way in which this investment allows for sustainability and expansion of existing youth services for young people and service providers; the way in which it will also support essential upgrades to youth facilities equipment, and digital infrastructure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55248/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to announce that, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population.
The increased funding will allow youth services and providers to maintain and expand existing supports, enhance service delivery, and respond to emerging needs in local communities. It will also enable targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure — ensuring that services remain safe, accessible, and fit for purpose in a modern youth work environment.
The Budget documentation published sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. As the Deputy may be aware, in line with standard practice, the final allocation of funding for my Department for 2026 will be set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is due to be published later this year. Further details on the 2026 allocations for my Department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.
484. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the breakdown of the way in which the funding under Project Ireland 2040 where €7.55 billion will be invested in the education and youth sector over the period 2026-2030 will be broken down; the amount that will be allocated for youth services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55249/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,300 school building projects. In addition, over 200 SEN Repurposing projects delivered maximising the use of existing accommodation while creating opportunities for inclusion and integration.
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 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 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
485. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide information on the uplift that youth organisations both universal and targeted will be expected to receive as a result of Budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55250/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to announce that, arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population.
My department remains committed to supporting youth work at both national and local levels, and recognises the importance of inclusive, community-based engagement in urban areas. The increased funding will enable both universal and targeted youth services to continue delivering tailored supports and safe, welcoming spaces for young people across the country.
The Budget documentation published sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. As the Deputy may be aware, in line with standard practice, the final allocation of funding for my Department for 2026 will be set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is due to be published later this year. Further details on the 2026 allocations for my Department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete
486. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there are plans to direct the State Examinations Commission (SEC) to introduce extra time as a reasonable accommodation for students with specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia and dyscalculia, in the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations; the current status of the SECs review of this issue; the timelines for implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that the Programme for Government commits to developing an appropriate mechanism to allow additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances, and also to ensure that those who use assistive technology can do so in State examinations.
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme.
I welcome that the SEC is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the scheme in which it is giving consideration to these and all relevant issues.
I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy with further detail about the RACE scheme and the ongoing system wide review of the scheme.
487. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 349 of 17 July 2025, the status of an additional needs application from a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; the status regarding the delivery of a new toilet block; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55260/25]
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. MSLETB and the school has confirmed that the works are now completed.
The Department will continue to work closely with the MSLETB to provide guidance and support as this ASA project progresses.
