Written Answers Nos. 471-490
472. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will address concerns regarding the preparedness of schools to treat medical emergencies, raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63365/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Board of Management of each school is responsible for the care and safety of all pupils.
Where the school is aware of potential difficulties that may arise as a consequence of a medical condition suffered by one or more pupils, it may be possible for the management authorities, working in conjunction with parents, teachers and children to put preventative measures in place to lessen the possibility of any difficulties arising or to ensure that, if a pupil suffers from an illness requiring, for example, the administration of medication, that appropriate treatment is available.
The administration of medicines in primary schools is the subject of an agreement between the Irish National Teachers Organisation and the organisation representing school management at primary level.
While this agreement specifies that no teacher can be required to administer medicine or drugs to pupils, it also sets out procedures that must be followed where a teacher or teachers agree to do so. The position is that either the parents of the child should make themselves available to administer medication as required, or where they wish the staff in the school to administer it, they should indemnify the school.
My Department cannot direct any member of the Board of Management or the teaching staff of the school to administer medical treatment to pupils, action and procedures which are normally carried out by medical professionals such as doctors and nurses.
Where a child requires adult assistance to assist in the administration of medicine and where the extent of assistance required would overly disrupt normal teaching time, SNA support may be allocated for this purpose. It is a matter for the Board of Management to ensure that SNAs are in a position to effectively meet the care needs of pupils for whom SNA support has been allocated in the school, when appointing an SNA. Where specific training is required, the Board of Management should liaise with the Health Service Executive (HSE) in order to ensure that the HSE provides guidance and training that enables the SNA to meet the care needs of the pupil in an appropriate manner. It is a matter for individual school authorities to make such arrangements locally.
On a wider level, issues concerning public health including those raised by the Deputy, are matters for the HSE Public Health. Specifically, the role of my Department is to communicate to the education sector, public health information and advice on public health matters as recommended by the HSE Public Health.
Regarding health and safety generally the body which has statutory responsibility for ensuring that health and safety requirements are met by all employers, including schools, is the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). The Authority also provides information and advice to organisations, including schools, to assist them in ensuring that their responsibilities in respect of health and safety in the workplace are met.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 sets out the responsibilities on individual school management authorities to have a safety statement in place in their schools. The Statement should identify potential hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of employees and pupils.
The HSA has published resources specifically for schools to support them in managing health and safety in the school environment. The HSA published Guidelines on managing Safety, Health and Welfare in Primary Schools is the outcome of a joint project undertaken by the HSA and Kilkenny Education Centre. Similar Guidelines for post-primary schools is the outcome of a joint project undertaken by the HSA, the Department of Education and Youth and the State Claims Agency. The HSA also provides a number of online training courses specifically for the school sector. Further details on the advice, resources and training courses available from the HSA can be obtained from the HSA's website www.hsa.ie.
My Department will review the contents of the report highlighted by the Deputy and will consult with the HSE if necessary, to determine whether there is a need to communicate further guidance on this matter to schools.
473. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to increase the availability of school options in the Dublin 7 area; whether there are changes planned for the school planning area in that area so as to allow for greater options for parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63408/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system, using data from a range of sources, including CSO census data, child benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, my department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from local authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:
• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
• Provision of a new school or schools.
If additional accommodation is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post primary schools, new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600-1,000 students and must be co-educational. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to gaelcholáistí, having regard to the alternative of establishing an Irish-medium unit (aonad) in an English-medium school.
New schools are only established in areas of demographic growth as the resources available for school infrastructure must be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place.
These arrangements also give an opportunity to patrons to apply for the patronage of new schools. The criteria used in deciding on the patronage of new schools place a particular emphasis on parental preference and language preferences and an analysis of existing provision in the areas where the schools are being established. This approach is underpinned by a 2011 Government decision.
When the department announces that a new school(s) entity is required, a prospective patron can choose the school(s) it wishes to apply for and complete an application form in that regard for each school, for submission to the department. The department provides details on the OPPS of the school(s) and the list of applicant patrons which have applied for patronage of the school(s). Parents can then access the OPPS website, which allows them to access the appropriate survey for their area, to input the details of the eligible child(ren) and to select their preferred patron and language of instruction (with the exception of the Irish-medium primary gaelscoileanna which have been designated as Irish-medium prior to the opening of the OPPS - in the case of these schools, parents can select their preferred patron). Parental preferences, as well as other considerations such as the extent of diversity of provision in an area (including Irish-medium provision), are key to the decision-making process and to whether at post-primary level a school would take the form of a gaelcholáiste or whether, if English-medium, the school would include an Irish-medium unit or "aonad".
There are no plans at present to establish new primary or post primary schools in the Dublin 7 area.
The department has published a comprehensive Education Plan 2025 that outlines a significant body of work being undertaken this year to deliver for everyone in our school and youth services’ communities.
The department also recently announced the launch of an online, school-specific survey of parents and guardians, and primary school communities in-line with the department’s Education Plan 2025. The survey asks primary school parents and guardians and parents and guardians of children not yet in school to indicate their preferences on important aspects of school provision and choice, such as the future patronage and ethos of their school.
I encourage all parents and guardian with children in primary school and all parents and guardians of children not yet in primary school to complete a survey and “Have Your Say” about the primary school that your children attend now or will attend in the future. I also encourage all primary school staff and all primary school board of management members to complete a survey in respect of your primary school. Go to www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey for information on the survey and a link to the survey itself. It is a short, straightforward, online survey that can be completed in a matter of minutes.
474. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth for details and progress of upgrades on schools in the Dublin 7 area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63409/25]
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, repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. Circa 80% of new special classes in 2025/26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation.
Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. Supplementary capital funding of €210 million approved by Government has brought the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6 billion.
In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs. It is planned that circa 80 school building projects will progress to construction across 2026 and 2027 as part of a 2-year rolling programme.
All Government departments are expected to publish their sectoral NDP Implementation Plans in November. My department’s 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.
My department has invested over €53m in capital expenditure in Dublin 7 since 2020. This investment has supported the completion of 10 school building projects of which 1 was a new school building with a further 3 projects are in construction. €8m of this investment has been in smaller scale school building improvements across the Summer Works (SWS), Emergency Works (EWS) schemes and through the Minor Works Grant, ensuring ongoing enhancements to school facilities.
The current status of all projects is set out under item number ten at the following link (www.gov.ie). This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.?
475. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth the process for schools to change patronage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63410/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to seeking to increase choice for parents by ensuring that families can access both multi/non-denominational and faith-based education.
The schools recon?guration process, supporting transfers of schools to multi-denominational patrons in response to the wishes of local communities, has been developed in order to meet demand from parents and to accelerate the delivery of multi-denominational schools.
Under the Education Act 1998, the legal responsibility for transferring patronage rests with the current school patron in the first instance. A school patron may write to me as Minister for Education and Youth in relation to transfer of patronage of a school under their patronage under Section 8 of the Education Act 1998 and request that the patron register is amended accordingly.
When a transfer of patronage is planned, there are many matters that need to be discussed and agreed in advance by the existing patron and the incoming patron including practical and legal considerations.
The voice of the parent and school community is important in the context of a decision to transfer patronage and/or to change to a multi-denominational ethos. Transfer of school patronage requires time and meaningful engagement with the school community, directly supported by the school patron.
Further information for school communities regarding transfers of patronage can be found on the schools reconfiguration page at the following link: www.gov.ie/schoolsreconfiguration
I recently announced the launch of an online, school-specific survey of parents and guardians, and primary school communities in line with the department’s Education Plan 2025.
The survey asks primary school parents and guardians and parents and guardians of children not yet in school to indicate their preferences on important aspects of school provision and choice, such as the future patronage and ethos of their school.
I encourage all parents and guardians with children in primary school and all parents and guardians of children not yet in primary school to complete a survey and “Have Your Say” about the primary school that your children attend now or will attend in the future. I also encourage all primary school staff and all primary school board of management members to complete a survey in respect of your primary school. Go to www.gov.ie/primaryschoolsurvey for information on the survey and a link to the survey itself. It is a short, straightforward, online survey that can be completed in a matter of minutes.
The survey, which will run until the 16th of December, is not a final step. Where there is clear support from parents and guardians for change to be considered, a further process of inclusive dialogue will begin.
476. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide the most recent total number of teachers in Irish primary schools, by number, per category (details supplied). [63435/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is attached. It should be noted that these are the current number of posts allocated but may be subject to change during the school year.
|
Mainstream Classroom posts (including teaching principal) 2025/26 |
Special Education Teacher (full and part time posts) 2025/26 |
Special Class Teachers 2025/26 |
HSCL posts 2025/26 |
English as Additional Language (EAL) (full and part time posts) 2025/26 |
Other posts (administrative principal , administrative deputy principal, substitute supply panel etc) 2025/26 |
Total permanent, temporary and part time posts 2025/26 |
|
24123 |
9929.18 |
2629 |
413 |
1260.5 |
2503.23 |
40857.91 |
477. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the research undertaken on the role of Irish language youth workers and volunteers outside Gaeltacht communities, considering the new pilot on the role of Irish language youth workers in Gaeltacht communities; the research that will be taken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63468/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Youth recognises the importance of supporting the Irish language within the youth work sector and is committed to exploring opportunities to strengthen this area. Currently, the Youth Affairs Unit supports Irish language youth work through its core funding schemes and targeted initiatives.
The Youth Services Grant Scheme (YSGS) is the principal funding stream for universal youth work, supporting 35 national and regional organisations to deliver services, build sectoral capacity, and uphold standards. It currently includes two Irish language youth organisations — Feachtas and Ógras — which promote Irish language and culture through youth work. The scheme is undergoing reform to expand access to new national organisations, including Irish language youth organisations that meet eligibility criteria.
The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) is the Youth Affairs Unit’s second-largest universal scheme, supporting approximately 1,200 voluntary youth clubs nationwide. Administered by education and training boards (ETBs), it provides annual grant aid to help clubs deliver youth work activities in their communities. The scheme is open to all voluntary youth clubs and currently supports several Irish language clubs nationwide. This promotes linguistic inclusion and cultural relevance in local provision.
The Youth Affairs Unit is also funding a research pilot on the role of Irish language youth workers in Gaeltacht communities. This evidence-informed initiative is being delivered in partnership with Mayo and Sligo and Leitrim ETB, Kerry ETB, Muintearas, and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The three-year project is underway in Mhaigh Eo Thuaidh, Corca Dhuibhne, and Uíbh Ráthach, where youth workers are evaluating their practice using a shared methodology. The research explores how young people engage with youth services through Irish, and the social and personal benefits of these interventions. Findings will inform future youth work and Irish language policy and practice.
In terms of broader policy context, the department is currently working within the framework of two national strategies and one action plan that guide its approach to Irish language youth work.
The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010–2030 highlights the critical role of youth services in sustaining Irish as a community language, particularly in the Gaeltacht. It states, “in order to address the threat to the sustainability of the Gaeltacht as a linguistic entity, priority will be given to language planning activities necessary to stabilise the position of Irish as the community language”. These plans include specific actions under the heading of youth services, such as the promotion of language awareness among young people. In line with this, the department currently funds Tionscnamh Óige Mhuintearais under the UBU Your Place Your Space scheme. Based in Leitir Móir, Galway, the service provides targeted support to young people aged 10–24 across South Connemara, addressing issues such as social marginalisation, mental health, and drug and alcohol misuse. It also delivers workshops for young people who are unemployed or not in education, employment or training (NEETs), with a strong emphasis on cultural and linguistic inclusion through Irish.
The department’s Opportunities for Youth strategy also provides a policy framework for youth work provision in Irish. Action 4 commits to ensuring a range of opportunities for young people across schemes and services, with a focus on key themes including mental and social wellbeing, supports for NEETs, inclusion and outreach, participation in arts and culture, civic engagement, and the digital environment. These themes are highly relevant to Irish language youth work, particularly in Gaeltacht and minority-language communities. Action 5 calls on funded organisations and delivery bodies to proactively communicate and promote available opportunities, including through digital engagement tools. This responds directly to feedback from young people about limited awareness of services in their area and supports greater visibility of Irish language youth work.
The national consultation held earlier this year, to inform the Action Plan for Irish in English-Medium Schools, delivered a clear message: children and young people said they wanted to learn Irish, to be able to speak it and to have more opportunities to use Irish both in and beyond the classroom. As part of this work, the Youth Affairs Unit is leading two actions:
• To increase awareness of and encourage student participation in existing Irish language youth club networks
• To support the establishment of Irish language youth club networks in areas where these are not currently available
Overall, these commitments reflect a growing recognition across Government of the need to support Irish language youth work. The department will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders and monitor developments in this area as part of its broader work to promote inclusion and cultural participation among young people.
478. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth given the research pilot on the role of Irish language youth workers in Gaeltacht communities underway, if she will provide a timeline for this; when interim findings will be expected; when future Irish language policy and practice will be shaped by this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63469/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe department is currently funding an Evidence-Informed Action Research Pilot focused on the role of Irish language youth workers in Gaeltacht communities. This collaborative initiative involves Mayo and Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (ETB), Kerry ETB, Muintearas, and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The research is designed to explore how An Oibrí Óige and other youth work practitioners engage with young people and their families through Irish, and how these interactions influence access to, participation in, and outcomes from youth services.
The project is being implemented across three Gaeltacht case study areas: Mhaigh Eo Thuaidh (Gaeltacht Iorras), Corca Dhuibhne, and Uíbh Ráthach. Practitioners in each site are undertaking a process evaluation of their local projects using a shared methodology. Over the course of a three-year funding cycle, the research will document and review the benefits, achievements, limitations, and challenges of Irish language youth work in these contexts.
Progress to Date:
• Foróige has been awarded the contract as the participating national organisation across all three sites.
• Interviews for an Oibrí Óige have concluded across all three research areas, with youth workers due to take up their roles in the coming weeks.
• The evaluation and research framework is currently being established between the Department, both ETBs, and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
It is envisioned that an interim annual report will be developed to capture progress each year, with overall findings published at the end of the pilot. The findings will be captured through a formative evaluation framework that explores whether young people enjoy the interventions, benefit from them, and engage meaningfully through the Irish language. This evidence will shape future policy and practice, ensuring that Irish language youth work is strengthened and sustained in Gaeltacht communities across the country.
479. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on actions taken, or to be taken, to meet Action 2.6.2.3 of the Action Plan for Irish in English Medium Schools; the supports that will be provided to ensure that greater awareness of and encouragement of participation in existing Irish language youth clubs that is planned will be met; if there will be additional supports from Budget 2026 aside from any increases to the youth services grant scheme (YSGS) to meet this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63470/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra480. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she can provide an update on actions taken, or to be taken, to meet Action 2.6.2.4 of the Action Plan for Irish in English Medium Schools; what supports will be made available to support the establishment of Irish language youth clubs and afterschool activities in areas where these are not currently available; if there will be additional supports from Budget 2026 aside from any increases to youth services grant scheme to meet this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63471/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra481. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if funding for Irish language youth clubs and afterschool activities will be supported outside of the Youth Affairs budget, or if funding for the implementation of the relevant actions of the Action Plan for Irish in English Medium Schools comes from Youth Affairs alone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63472/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 479, 480 and 481 together.
The Department of Education and Youth recognises the importance of supporting the Irish language within the youth work sector and is committed to exploring opportunities to strengthen this area. This commitment is reflected in the implementation of the Action Plan for Irish in English-Medium Schools, particularly Actions 2.6.2.3 and 2.6.2.4, which focus on increasing awareness of existing Irish language youth clubs and supporting the establishment of new clubs where they are not currently available.
It should be noted that afterschool activities fall under the remit of the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality, and as such, this department cannot comment on those provisions.
The strategic direction for youth clubs and services will be guided by the Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services, published in September 2024. The strategy aims to build awareness of youth clubs and services, strengthen provision, and ensure accessibility for all young people.
Under Action 9, significant progress has been made on the development of a comprehensive mapping tool, including an internal dashboard. This dynamic map will serve as a central resource for young people, guardians, and educators to improve awareness of and access to youth clubs and services across the country. Irish language youth clubs will be included as part of this mapping exercise, ensuring visibility and promoting participation. This work feeds directly into Action 2.6.2.3 of the Action Plan for Irish in English-Medium Schools, which seeks to increase awareness of and encourage greater participation of children and young people in existing Irish language youth clubs.
The overarching vision is to ensure that all young people — including those who wish to engage through the Irish language — have access to safe, inclusive, fit-for-purpose spaces that support meaningful engagement, development, and participation, and that they know where these clubs are and how to access them.
Action 2.6.2.4, which seeks to support the establishment of Irish language youth clubs in areas where these are not currently available, will be implemented in conjunction with Irish language youth service providers and Education and Training Boards (ETBs), supported by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI). This collaborative approach ensures that provision is locally responsive and aligned with national policy objectives, fostering vibrant opportunities for young people to engage with the Irish language in their communities.
As these two actions primarily fall under Youth Affairs as the policy lead, the associated funding will be drawn from the Youth Affairs budget.
I am therefore 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 the youth sector. This significant investment strengthens the foundation for inclusive, high-quality provision — ensuring continuity, expanding reach, and enabling clubs and services to respond to the evolving needs of Ireland’s diverse youth population. Importantly, this includes support for Irish language youth clubs and services.
The department remains firmly committed to supporting Irish language youth clubs at both national and local levels and recognises the vital role of inclusive, community-based engagement in all areas. The increased funding will enable Irish language youth clubs and services to continue delivering tailored supports and safe, welcoming spaces for young people across the country, while also allowing new clubs to join Youth Affairs-funded schemes. The primary mechanism for new Irish language youth clubs to access funding is through the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS).
The Budget 2026 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 the 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 Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the percentage of the current youth services grant scheme that is being spent on Irish language youth work; her plans to increase this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63473/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Youth recognises the importance of supporting the Irish language within the youth work sector and is committed to exploring opportunities to strengthen this area. Currently, the Youth Affairs Unit supports Irish language youth work through its core funding schemes and targeted initiatives.
The Youth Services Grant Scheme (YSGS) is the principal funding stream for universal youth work, supporting 35 national and regional organisations to deliver services, build sectoral capacity, and uphold standards. It currently includes two Irish language youth organisations — Feachtas and Ógras — which promote Irish language and culture through youth work.
In 2025, Feachtas received €121,436 and Ógras €253,847 funding under the Youth Services Grant Scheme which represents 2.45% of the combined funding support of €15,291,086 made available to these 35 organisations.
An additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This 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 the 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 the Department will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.
483. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the engagement she has had with Irish language youth organisations as part of her engagement with relevant stakeholders as part of her broader work to promote inclusion and cultural participation among young people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63474/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Education and Youth is committed to promoting inclusion and cultural participation among young people, including through engagement with Irish language youth organisations. Currently, Feachtas and Ógras receive funding through the Youth Services Grant Scheme (YSGS). In addition, funding is also available to Irish language youth clubs across the country through the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS), which is administered by local Education and Training Boards (ETBs). These clubs include Feachtas, Ógras, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Óige na Gaeltachta, and Muintearas.
As part of this work, the Minister engaged directly with Feachtas and Ógras at the National Youth Organisation Forum held in the Department of Education and Youth on 1 October 2025. During this forum, the Minister participated in round-table discussions with these organisations on a range of youth-related topics, including the promotion of the Irish language within the youth sector. In addition, the Minister has had direct dialogue with other national youth organisations such as the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) and Foróige, both of which are actively working to promote inclusion and cultural participation, including initiatives that support the Irish language.
The Department remains committed to working in partnership with these organisations to ensure that Irish language youth work and clubs continues to grow and that young people across Ireland have access to vibrant, culturally rich opportunities that celebrate our linguistic heritage.
484. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update in relation to a school construction project (details supplied); when this school will proceed to tender and construction; which project this school is part of; the other schools which are in this bundle; the stages the other schools are currently at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63548/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for delivery as part of a programme of school building projects (Project Dargle bundle).
The brief for the project is to provide an extension and refurbishment to the existing school building to accommodate a long-term projected enrolment of 1,000 pupils and also provide a 4 classroom Special Education Needs base for the school.
The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process (pre-tender stage). A full grant of planning permission was received in March 2024. The NDFA are currently working to conclude the pre-tender stage following which a Stage 2b report will be submitted to the Department.
Once the Stage 2b report has been submitted, the project will be subject to the necessary review and due diligence in accordance with the Public Infrastructure Guidelines.
While at this early stage it is not possible to provide a timeline for completion of this project, the NDFA will continue to engage directly with the school authorities to keep them fully informed of progress on this important project
In July, the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs.
In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs. It is planned that circa 80 school building projects will progress to construction across 2026 and 2027 as part of a 2-year rolling programme.
All Government departments are expected to publish their sectoral NDP Implementation Plans in November. My department’s 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. This will be the context for assessing all project rollout for the 2026 to 2030 period including in relation to St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge.
Regarding the details of the other projects in the Dargle bundle as requested by the Deputy, I can confirm that Project Dargle comprises of seven post-primary schools as listed below. All are similarly at Stage 2b of the architectural design process (pre-tender).
• St Joseph's Secondary School, Rochfortbridge, Co Westmeath
• Moate Community School, Co.Westmeath
• Castlepollard Community College, Co.Westmeath
• Avondale Community College, Co.Wicklow
• Arklow CBS, Co.Wicklow
• Colaiste Bhride, Carnew, Co.Wicklow
• St Kevins Community College, Dunlavin,Co.Wicklow
The current status of all projects is listed on a county-by-county basis at .gov.ie. and this is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
485. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider a request to establish a special class within a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63554/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2026 has provided funding for 3,000 new special educational places within our education system and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is currently examining 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.
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 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.
The NCSE will have a clear picture of the local demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year after they review and assess all of the information which has been provided through the parents' notification process which closed on 1 October.
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 become available through the normal movement of children leaving primary or post-primary school.
I would like to stress that the NCSE will continue to support all children made known to them after the October deadline also, however, it is important for planning purposes that we set an earlier timeframe for which the NCSE has as much local knowledge and detail as possible in order to plan what new provision is required.
486. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools that have been awarded the active school flag post primary; the successful schools, by county; the schools that applied that were not successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63571/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Active School Flag Post-Primary Programme was formally launched on 5 November, based on a pilot project with 42 secondary schools. An application process for up to 50 new schools will be opened in December 2025. Two information webinars are taking place on 2nd and 3rd December for interested schools.
This marks a milestone moment in the progression of the ASF initiative, which has been running successfully at primary school level for over 15 years. It also reflects a commitment made in the 2025 Programme for Government to expand the initiative to promote physical activity and health among school communities.
Active School Flag Post Primary (ASFPP) promotes physical activity, using a whole-of-school approach, anchored by student voice and student leadership.
ASFPP supports schools to find ways to increase the range, variety and type of physical activity opportunities throughout the school day, so that schools become ‘enabling environments’ for physical activity, for all their members.
487. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the means by which the use of recording devices and voice activated computers under the scheme of reasonable accommodations at certificate examinations is validated and verified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63573/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra488. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the means by which the use of recording devices and voice activated computers under the scheme of reasonable accommodations at certificate examinations is quality assured; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63574/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 488 together.
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.
In view of this, I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy.
489. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 194 of 7 October 2025, when the review of the assistive technology scheme will be completed; and the timeframe recommended changes from this review will come into effect. [63577/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assistive Technology Scheme supplements the overall approach to providing funding to schools for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment in order to access the school curriculum.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is currently finalising a review of this scheme to ensure it is effectively supporting the children it is intended to serve, and that resources are being allocated as efficiently as possible.
There has been widespread consultation in relation to the scheme and the consensus from stakeholders was that the application system needs to be quicker and easier and that all of the children who need assistive technology to access the curriculum should receive it.
In addition, the application process is being streamlined so that children can get the equipment in the shortest time possible. This will be a simpler process for schools by way of a new portal for schools to submit applications. This portal is currently under development and is intended to be rolled out as soon as possible.
I expect the review to be finalised before the end of this year, and in advance of this I'm pleased to say that I have secured additional funding for this scheme in Budget 2026 to recognise the growing need for assistive technology in our schools.
490. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an urgent update on special educational needs provisions for a school (details supplied). [63591/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers to was granted capital funding for the provision of one Special Educational Needs Classrooms under my Department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.
The programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects.
KSN has been appointed from my Department’s Framework, to design and tender the project at the school in question. This is a collaborative process between the Project Manager, School Authority and my Department.
Site works has already commenced on site with the expected completion date in Q1 2026.
My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this accommodation and will be working closely with the Project Managers and School Authority to keep it updated on overall project delivery and timelines.
