Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:511. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of teachers she hopes to have working in the education system by 2030. [55324/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEducation Policy
Ceisteanna (511)
Freagraí scríofa
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 this Government.
Recent analysis of teacher payroll data as of March 2025 shows that there is a record number of teachers employed with over 79,000 in all schools (43,000 primary, including special schools and 36,000 in post-primary). There are less than 1% resignations in the primary sector every year and 1.6% in post-primary.
Between 2018/19 and 2023/24, through record investment by Government, the number of teaching posts increased by 10,408 with 5,339 (14.3%) primary, and 5,069 (17.8%) post-primary allocated teaching posts. Further teaching posts in the special education sector were provided in recent budgets in 2024/25 and in the current school year 2025/26.
My Department has introduced a number of measures including a STEM bursary and a measure to assist teachers to gain permanent roles more quickly, to increase the numbers of teachers employed in our primary and post-primary schools
These measures that have led to:
• an increase of 20% in initial teacher education graduates (student teachers) between 2018 and 2023,
• a record number of registered teachers; the Teaching Council reported 94,928 teachers registered in the 2016/17 school year increasing to 122,743 teachers registered in 2023/24. Currently, the Teacher Council have reported that there are over 126,000 on the register representing a 33% increase in the number of teachers registered between 2017 and now.
Additionally, Budget 2026 has seen an increase of 1,042 teacher posts, including 860 additional teachers working across various special educational needs settings.
Pupil enrolment projections are a key tool for education planning in Ireland, offering insights into school attendance trends over the next 20 years. In March 2024 the Projections of full-time enrolment Primary and Post Primary level 2023 – 2042 report on enrolment projections was published (available here https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/collections/projections/). This report, forms part of a regular series by my Department and updates the 2021 national and regional projections which informs teacher demand and supply modelling. Officials of my Department are currently revising the enrolment projections, and expect to publish an updated report later this year.
The revised enrolment projection’s report will inform statistical projections on annual teacher demand and teacher supply at primary and post-primary level. The most recent analysis of teacher supply and demand Developing a Teacher Demand and Supply Model for Ireland 2021-2038 A Technical Report was published in March 2021. (see https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/developing-a-teacher-demand-and-supply-model-for-ireland-2021-2038-a-technical-report.pdf).
My Department frequently consults and engages closely with stakeholders on teacher supply issues through industrial relations forums, sectoral meetings, and direct discussions.
I am committed to considering further measures to strengthen the teaching workforce to ensure that schools have the support needed to provide an excellent education for every student.
Question No. 512 answered with Question No. 489.
Question No. 513 answered with Question No. 468.
Question No. 514 answered with Question No. 466.
Question No. 515 answered with Question No. 466.
Educational Disadvantage
Ceisteanna (516)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:516. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a case (details supplied) of a local school can be reviewed; if she will review the issues highlighted with regard to eligibility for DEIS status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55334/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The DEIS programme is a key policy of Government to tackle concentrated educational disadvantage at school level. The Minister for Education and Youth is determined to close the performance gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools and introduce more innovative solutions to tackle disadvantage. The new DEIS plan will be published this year and will include a DEIS plus scheme.
The plan will set out the Department of Education and Youth’s strategic vision, goals, and objectives to tackle educational disadvantage in all schools. The plan will focus on improving disadvantage in all schools, developing more innovative approaches to tackle educational disadvantage and working towards a more flexible system of support to ensure that schools can receive the right support at the right time. Schools will not be required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS programme. The process will be evidence-informed using available data.
Currently, the DEIS programme supports almost 1,200 primary and post-primary schools reaching approximately 260,000, with an annual investment of over investment of over €180 million. Budget 2026 allocates an additional €16 million in 2026, rising to €48 million in 2027 to introduce the DEIS plus scheme and support the implementation of the new DEIS plan.
Any future expansion of the programme and overall allocation of resources will be considered within the context of the new DEIS plan, which will be published at the end of the year.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (517)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:517. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department and each body under its aegis discloses expenditure on external consultancy and adviser fees, by category (details supplied) in their annual report and or financial statements for each accounting year; if they provide direct web links to the most recent publications where these Section 1.5 disclosures are set out for her Department and for each aegis body; and if they provide the total consultancy and adviser fees by the Section 1.5 categories for each of the past five years for her Department and for each aegis body, respectively; and the internal controls that are in place to ensure that these category-level disclosures are made annually and that procurement of such services complies with applicable competitive tendering rules, in tabular form. [55364/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Information in relation to consultancy expenditure in my Department is compiled annually in respect of previous years and published online at https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/department-of-education-and-skills-expenditure-on-consultancy/.
The information in respect of state bodies under the aegis of my Department and within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my Department. State bodies have been provided with the question and have been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
Procurement contract details are recorded in my Department's Contracts Register, which is reviewed by regularly to assess accumulated spend and compliance. Webinars and guidance materials are provided to relevant staff to support them in meeting procurement law requirements.
Budget 2026
Ceisteanna (518)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:518. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the breakdown of the 2025 carryover in the Budget 2026 measures. [55385/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The €95 million carryover referenced in the Budget 2026 Expenditure Report, under the section Reconciliation of 2026 Expenditure Ceiling, relates to measures introduced in Budget 2025 that commence in 2025 and extend into the following year. Specifically, certain measures in Budget 2025 are aligned with the school calendar year, meaning Budget 2025 funding is allocated for the school year 2025/26, which started in 2025 (August/September to December), with the remaining full-year costs falling into 2026 (January to July/August).
This carryover amount primarily reflects measures announced in Budget 2025 such as the increase in school capitation rates, with the primary rate rising to €224 and the post-primary rate to €386, as well as the recruitment of 768 additional special education teachers and 1,600 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs). These measures received initial funding in 2025, with the remaining full year allocation carried over into 2026.
Budget 2026
Ceisteanna (519)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:519. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the financial breakdown of the key policy adjustments and expansion of services in Budget 2026. [55386/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy that Budget 2026 provides an increase of €845 million in current funding to my Department's Vote, in addition to an overall €1.6 billion in capital funding, which was previously secured. This brings the overall allocation for my Department in 2026 to €13.1 Billion. The additional funding builds on significant increases in recent budgets and further enhances the investment in Ireland’s education and youth sectors. The significant increased investment is the largest education budget in the history of the state and reflects the government’s commitment to a quality inclusive school system and improved learning outcomes for every student.
The Budget documentation published sets out funding for key measures and actions agreed for the coming year. The key features of Budget 2026 include:
• A significant increase in school funding with state funding per pupil – known as the capitation rate – increasing from €224 to €274 per student in primary schools and from €386 to €406 per student in post-primary schools. Over the last three Budgets this has resulted in an increase in the level of mainstream capitation rates of almost 50% paid to primary schools and 29% paid to post-primary schools.
• Funding for an additional 860 special education teachers and 1,717 special needs assistants (SNAs) to support children across mainstream, special classes and special schools. This is the highest ever number of SNAs allocated and so in 2026 we will have over 24,900 in our education system. This is in recognition of the growing needs of children across all settings. In total there will be over 46,500 dedicated staff to support children with special educational needs in our schools.
• The National Development Plan in 2026 will support progressing the delivery of over 300 school building projects currently at construction with the majority expected to be completed in 2026 and 2027. It is also envisaged that circa 80 school building projects will progress to construction across 2026 and 2027 as part of two-year rolling programme. There will be a strong special education dimension which will include facilitating the establishment of circa. 3,000 additional school places in special classes and special schools for the 2026/27 school year primarily through the repurposing of existing capacity.
• The Programme for Government 2025 commits to the introduction of an Education Therapy Service (ETS), with additional €16 million allocated in 2026, to continue the roll out of school therapy within special schools and extend it into mainstream schools. This will help to ensure all children and young people have access to essential speech and language and occupational therapy in a timely manner.
• Funding of €48 million has been secured to implement a new DEIS Plus scheme, commencing in September 2026 to support pupils and students at the highest risk of educational disadvantage and at risk of educational disadvantage in both DEIS and non-DEIS schools through a new DEIS Plan.
• Over €69 million in additional funding for the School Transport Scheme to provide more places for children, including those with special educational needs, and to cover additional bus contractor costs.
• Funding of €3 million will be made available to provide for enhanced School Leadership with additional deputy principals in primary and post primary schools for the 2026/27 school year.
• Increased funding of €19 million will be provided for the continuation of important curricular development and related teacher education. This includes support for the ongoing delivery of Senior Cycle Redevelopment along with a range of other planned enhancements in the teaching and learning experience in our schools.
• Increase in funding by €8m for Youth services to support the sustainability and expansion of existing services for young people. It will enable upgrades to facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure. The investment strengthens a resilient, inclusive youth sector for communities nationwide.
• Funding in 2026 will establish a Convention on Education, fulfilling a key Government commitment which will focus on primary and post-primary but will include the transition experiences from early childhood education to primary and from post-primary to further and higher education. It offers a unique chance for all stakeholders to shape Ireland’s education system for the future.
• Additional funding is being provided to support any changes to the Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examination (RACE) Scheme in 2026 arising from the comprehensive review being conducted by the State Examinations Commission.
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.
Question No. 520 answered with Question No. 404.
Question No. 521 answered with Question No. 404.
Youth Services
Ceisteanna (522)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:522. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will support the local version of the National Youth Council of Ireland's All Ages for Youth Work campaign by providing increased funding to County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55421/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I 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 County Kerry.
My department remains committed to supporting youth work at both national and local levels, and recognises the importance of initiatives such as the National Youth Council of Ireland’s All Ages for Youth Work campaign in promoting inclusive, community-based engagement. 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.
Historical Sexual Abuse
Ceisteanna (523)
Louis O'Hara
Ceist:523. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the work of the commission into historical sexual abuse in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55427/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The establishment of a Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools was approved by Government on 8 July 2025.
The Commission will examine the handling of allegations, suspicions and concerns of historical sexual abuse in primary and post-primary schools, as recommended by the recent Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders. Together with this broader remit to consider all primary and post-primary schools, the terms of reference for the Commission include a Survivor Engagement Programme where survivors can choose to provide an account of their experience in a more informal, non-adversarial process.
Mr. Justice Michael MacGrath has been appointed as the Chair of the Commission, which was established under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004. Mr. Justice MacGrath brings considerable experience to the role, having been appointed to the High Court in January 2018 and subsequently to the Court of Appeal in June 2024. His appointment as Chair of the Commission is effective from 1 October 2025.
The Commission is independent in its work. It is currently undertaking preliminary work to establish its structures and processes. It will seek initial expressions of interest from people who wish to provide information to it in due course, and when this process begins, it will be advertised by the Commission.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (524)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:524. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of staff in full time positions that left their employment in a school in Cork (details supplied) between September 2021 and August 2025, by year, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55430/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy is funded, resourced, and supported by my department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). This includes ongoing advice and guidance available to the school staff, school management and school patron. This is provided through the various teams and agents working with the school including NCSE, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), the Inspectorate and the in-school therapy team and reflects this Government’s commitment to ensure that children and young people with the most significant needs are prioritised for support.
The school has been granted an additional supernumerary teacher from the start of the 2025/26 school year. The school has also been granted an additional special needs assistant (SNA) based on identified needs in the school.
As patron, Cork Education and Training Board (ETB) is continuing to develop the capacity of all its individual special schools to meet the needs of students and the whole school community. In the case of this particular school, Cork ETB has put in place additional supports which will help the school to meet the challenges that are arising and to support the school in its continuing development.
The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for individual school authorities. In that regard there are more than 3,700 individual employers (boards of management of primary schools and post primary schools, as well as ETBs). Once the Department allocates teaching posts or teaching hours to a school it is the responsibility of the school and the board of management to utilise the allocation.
The Department does not collect data on recruitment by individual employers.
School Facilities
Ceisteanna (525, 526, 527)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:525. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department's Circular 0046/2025 still applies and remains relevant to the storage system to be used by schools for mobile phones; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55434/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:526. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth if schools that do not wish to avail of pouches for phone storage purposes can secure any other security devices/methods now available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55435/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:527. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that a device (details supplied) in presently in over 50 schools in Ireland, the UK and the EU; her views on whether these systems constitute a more cost-effective method of securing students phones; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55436/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 525, 526 and 527 together.
The restriction on the use of mobile phones during the school day is intended to address growing concerns including the potential for distraction during class time, the risk of accessing inappropriate content and cyberbullying, and the potential for decreased social interaction with peers.
To support schools to implement this policy approach, funding of €9 million was allocated in Budget 2025 for the provision of mobile phone storage solutions for students in post-primary schools. Circular 0046/2025 issued to schools in June of this year, outlining the criteria, application process and terms of this funding.
This funding allocation, on a per capita basis, has been made available on application to post-primary schools that choose to provide an infrastructural solution to implement their policy. The per capita rate is €25 per student.
In accordance with circular 0046/2025, funding must be used for the purchase of secure mobile phone storage solutions, including, but not limited to, secure portable mobile phone pouches, locked boxes and other suitable solutions.
Under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day-to-day management of schools. Where a school opts to use a particular phone storage solution to support its mobile phone restriction policy then the type of phone storage solution chosen is a matter for the school.
The Department also opted to establish a procurement mechanism for portable secure mobile phone pouches for schools, whereby schools can easily order quality equipment, with value for money through agreed pricing, delivery and warranty. A framework has now been established with two suppliers on it, to assist and enable post-primary schools to procure mobile phone signal blocking pouches. All relevant templates and guidance have been published on www.spu.ie .
Some 450 post-primary schools have now applied for funding (up to the end of September). Payment has issued to 417 eligible schools at a cost of €5.6m. Processing of the balance of those schools received is underway. The scheme remains open to new applications until the end of November 2025, with payments scheduled in October and December 2025.
Question No. 526 answered with Question No. 525.
Question No. 527 answered with Question No. 525.