Written Answers Nos. 275-295
275. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the Office of Public Works will engage with the National Transport Authority about constructing an off-road cycleway in conjunction with the Sandymount flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67229/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSandymount Flood Alleviation Scheme is being led by Dublin City Council. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Council and the OPW was agreed and signed on 5th October 2023 with the OPW the funding authority for this flood relief scheme. Consultants were appointed in December 2024 to develop engineering options and a final design for the flood relief scheme.
The first Public Participation Day (PPD) was held in Sandymount in April 2025 to provide the local community with an opportunity to contribute to the early development of the design options for the scheme. In October 2025, the report on the public consultation was made available on the scheme's website at www.floodinfo.ie/frs/en/sandymount/home.
Dublin City Council has informed OPW that it is liaising internally on possible cycleway routes, and with other potential active travel projects in the Sandymount Flood Alleviation Scheme area. Funding for any cycleway routes integrated into a flood relief scheme for Sandymount, will be a matter for Dublin City Council to secure from other State Agencies, including the National Transport Authority.
276. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if any initiatives are being considered to promote hybrid work practices in private businesses in the context of worsening traffic congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66787/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the potential of remote and hybrid working to help tackle traffic congestion in our towns and cities, thereby reducing commuting times, improving work-life balance and contributing to the achievement of Ireland’s ambitions climate action goals. Remote and hybrid working also represent a significant opportunity for creating a more inclusive labour market and society, particularly for people with caring responsibilities, people returning to the workforce, older people and people with disabilities. This in turn provides employers with access to a larger talent pool, with remote and hybrid options representing powerful tools for staff recruitment and retention which improves labour market and economic performance overall.
The most recent data from the Central Statistics Office show that in the third quarter of 2025, nearly a million persons reported working from home at least some of the time. Within this, over half a million (557,800) persons were usually working from home (down from a peak of 846,700 in Q1 2021). There were 430,000 persons sometimes working at home in Q3 2025 (up relative to 400,500 a year previously).
The Work Life Balance Act 2023, which establishes the right to request remote working for all workers and initiatives such as the National Remote Work Strategy, reflect the Government’s commitment to facilitating remote and hybrid working in ways which maximise their economic, social and environmental benefits. Development and delivery of the 15 actions outlined the Strategy was overseen by the Remote Work Interdepartmental Group, based in my Department.
Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, re-affirms this commitment to promoting flexible working arrangements that benefit both workers and employers across all sectors.
In terms of Ireland’s evolving suite of policies and supports for remote and flexible work practices employees and employers, I would highlight the following:
• The right to request a remote working arrangement for all employees was commenced through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 20723 on 6 March 2024. Employers are obliged to have regard to the Code of Practice and the other requirements of the Act when considering requests for remote working. Providing a right to request supports and facilitates remote working in Ireland and brings clarity to the process of making and processing such requests for both businesses and employers.
• My Department recently commended a review of the working of the Work Life Balance Act, and as part of this, Minister Dillon launched a public consultation on 18 November. The consultation is available on the Department’s website and will close on 9 December. A final report of the review will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas in March 2026.
• The WRC published the Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect in 2021, while we introduced an enhanced income tax deduction for people working from home in Budget 2022.
• My Department continues to update the Guidance for Working Remotely website, which assists workers and organisations to implement remote and hybrid working practices in a safe and sustainable manner. In addition, the Government co-funds remote work skills training programmes, such as Leading and Hybrid Remote Teams provided by Laois Offaly ETB and Grow Remote, and The FORWARD Programme which provides SMEs personalised support to design, implement, and sustain effective remote work practices.
• The Government's commitment to promoting remote work is also evident through initiatives like the National Hub Network, facilitated by Connected Hubs. The Connected Hubs online platform was launched in May 2021 and is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. The platform provides hub owners and customers with a central, easy to use portal that offers and enables the booking of a range of services, particularly professional remote working spaces and meeting rooms.
• I am glad to report that we recently achieved our target of having 400 hubs across the country on-boarded to the Connected Hubs platform. Details of all the on-boarded hubs are available on the Connected Hubs website.
• Beyond workspace provision, hubs offer vital business supports such as mentoring, start-up accelerators, and sector-specific programmes. By promoting innovation and collaboration, Connected Hubs is shaping the future of work while contributing to balanced regional growth and sustainable development across Ireland, stimulating local economies and reducing congestion and emissions through reduced commuting.
• In 2021 and 2022 a new targeted scheme was implemented to support the development of facilities in hubs across Ireland. Almost €14 million in funding to some 200 projects was allocated via these 'Connected Hub Calls'.
• In addition, the Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme was opened in 2022 to help raise awareness of the Connected Hubs platform and to encourage greater usage of hubs.
• A national marketing campaign – In Good Company – was launched in October 2025 to encourage SMEs to adopt flexible hub-based working models. This campaign builds on the awareness raising efforts of previous nationwide campaigns.
• I intend to launch the first National Hub Strategy shortly in collaboration with my colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. This strategy was developed following extensive engagement with relevant stakeholders such as hub managers, local authorities, government departments and agencies. The strategy will present a series of actions to support the future development and sustainability of remote working and enterprise hubs and to increase digital opportunities for local communities across the hub network. In this context it is also of note that the Programme for Government includes a commitment for a further iteration of the Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme
• Under the aegis of My Department, Enterprise Ireland collaborates with partners to ensure businesses can leverage Ireland’s expanding network of remote working hubs, which provide professional workspaces closer to home. Enterprise Ireland-funded enterprise centres complement the Connected Hubs network by providing incubation space, mentoring, and accelerator programmes for start-ups and scaling companies.
• More broadly, Enterprise Ireland acknowledges the growing importance of flexible and hybrid work arrangements in enhancing business competitiveness, attracting talent, and supporting sustainable growth and is actively assisting its private sector clients in adopting hybrid work models through strategic initiatives, funding programmes through:
- Digital Transformation: Enterprise Ireland provides supports such as the Digitalisation Voucher and advisory services to help companies implement cloud-based systems, collaboration tools, and cybersecurity measures essential for hybrid working.
- Leadership Development: Through programmes like Leadership 4 Growth and management training, Enterprise Ireland equips business leaders with the skills required to manage dispersed teams effectively and maintain productivity in hybrid environments.
- Innovation and Competitiveness: Enterprise Ireland’s RD&I funding encourages companies to adopt new technologies that enable flexible work arrangements, ensuring they remain competitive in global markets.
Future trends in relation to remote and flexible working are difficult to predict and will being influenced by many factors, including the preferences of employers and employees, labour market conditions and the evolution of Ireland’s enterprise base. However, I have am confident that remote and flexible working-underpinned by Government policy and investments- will be permanent features of working life in Ireland, with significant benefits across a range of economic, social and environmental indicators.
Finally, I understand the need to monitor the impacts of new ways of working. To this end, my Department is co-funding to the Working in Ireland Survey, undertaken by University College Dublin. This is the second iteration of the Survey, first undertaken in 2021, and aims to interview several thousand persons across Ireland about their experiences of working life - including remote working. I understand that the fieldwork has been completed and that we can expect research output in the coming months. In addition, the Department of Taoiseach has requested that the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) undertake research into the Evolution and Impact of Remote and Hybrid Working in Ireland. A working group has been established to oversee the research, which is expected be completed by mid-2026.
I think these pieces of research will be a useful input into the debate which will help inform the direction of remote working policy over the next few years.
277. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to list all funding schemes, grant programmes and any other financial supports that are currently administered by his Department and its agencies; the expected launch and closing dates for applications for each scheme in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66927/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is currently being collated by my Department and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is finalised.
278. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the plans which are in place to protect 25 jobs in County Kerry, given the recent announcement that a company (details supplied) is under threat and could be wound up; if all routes to find replacement owners or investors have been investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66967/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy thoughts are with those affected by developments in the company. I know that uncertainty can be very concerning for those impacted. The Companies Act governs matters relating to insolvency and liquidation processes, and receivers and liquidators are independent in the exercise of their functions. however, it is not appropriate for me to comment specifically or intervene on company level matters that may be in a receivership process or before the Courts.
For other businesses that are currently struggling with costs, I would recommend that they contact either their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) or log onto the National Enterprise Hub (NEH) to enquire about the supports that are currently available to assist them in mitigating some of their costs.
The LEOs, located in the 31 Local Authorities, offer a suite of supports designed to assist small businesses to reduce their costs and become more productive and more competitive. These include consultancy and grants available to small businesses across all sectors, in the areas of Lean, Green, and Digital. These supports focus on enhancing productivity and improving competitiveness in small businesses and can help business owners identify opportunities to save time, money and energy.
The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Kerry continues to play an extremely important role, as part of this supportive ecosystem, providing a signposting service for all government supports available to small businesses within their Local Authority Area and information/referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g. Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Údarás na Gaetachta.
For businesses located in Gaeltacht areas such as Ballinskelligs, Údarás na Gaeltachta, carries out the role of the other enterprise agencies, creating employment, and offering business development programmes, and Grant schemes, ensuring that their clients have equal access to these services.
The National Enterprise Hub (NEH) is an all-of-government service, staffed by expertly trained advisors and is focused on helping businesses access a range of government supports. The hub brings together information and resources on over 250 government supports from 32 different Departments and State Agencies.
Information and support can be accessed through the website or by speaking to an advisor by phone or via live chat. This free service makes it easier for business owners to access and avail of supports such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors, including retail, tourism and hospitality, food and beverages.
279. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 will become law. [67027/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 was published on 1 April 2025.
The Bill will deliver a new employment right by providing that, in general, an employer may not enforce a contractual retirement age which is below the pensionable age (age 66) if the employee does not consent to retire.
The Bill completed Second Stage in the Seanad on 25 November 2025.
The timeline for the enactment of the Bill is a matter for the Oireachtas. Once enacted, there will be an appropriate lead-in time in advance of commencement of the legislation during which there will be a communications campaign to ensure employers and employees fully understand the implications of this new employment right.
280. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the progress in emission reduction targets in areas that are the responsibility of his Department; which measures are particularly successful and which measures are underperforming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67047/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, my Department has responsibility to reduce industry on-site emissions by 20% by 2025 and 35% by 2030, and by 20% and 45% respectively for commercial buildings emissions.
Reaching our decarbonisation targets for industry and commercial premises will require businesses to make investments in new processes, heating systems and efficiency, shifting away from those that rely on fossil fuels and other unsustainable practices. The state is supporting these investments through our enterprise development agencies. We are working with them more closely than ever to ensure decarbonisation happens in a way that improves the competitiveness and resilience of our economy, rather than harming it. Helping industry to engage with, adapt to, and realise opportunities from this transition, will be critical to the long-term, sustainable growth of Irish enterprise and competitiveness in global markets.
Last year I published the Roadmap for the Decarbonisation of Industrial Heat. It outlines the necessary trajectory to meet our binding greenhouse gas abatement targets for industry, and decarbonise our manufacturing sectors, including the cement, metals, food, drink and life sciences sectors. The Roadmap sets out the key policy interventions to decarbonise heat use by industry.
To meet the complementary competitiveness and decarbonisation objectives, I launched a €300m Environmental Aid Fund in June 2024 alongside the publication of the Roadmap. The Fund is being used by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to support investment in energy efficiency and promote the uptake of energy from renewable sources.
The enterprise agencies, IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, have approved 30 investments since the fund launched to a value of €132m, with associated emissions savings of approximately 146,000 tonnes of CO2 following the completion of these projects. The agencies are also supporting 29 projects that predate the fund which are valued at €61.8m and have an expected emissions savings of 98,000 tonnes of CO2.
The manufacture of cement is a significant proportion of industry’s emissions and accounts for over 40% of industrial emissions and around 5% of national emissions. Specifically, Cement sector emissions decreased by 15.6% between 2023 and 2024, now accounting for 2.3 million tonnes of CO2.
In 2024, my department published public procurement guidance, which was issued to all Government departments and Local Authorities, to enable the procurement of lower carbon cement and concrete for public projects commencing design from 1st September 2024.
This is part of a ‘multi-pronged’ approach to decarbonising the cement sector. My department engages directly with the sector and chairs the cross-governmental ‘Cement and Construction Sector Decarbonisation Working Group’. My Department is engaging with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), including its concrete standards committee, to harmonise Irish standards with EU regulations and enable innovation in low-carbon construction materials.
To stimulate demand for renewable biogases and other renewable fuels, the forthcoming Renewable Heat Obligation will create a market for renewable heating fuels such as biomethane. The scheme encourages sourcing biomethane from indigenous Irish producers, creating economic opportunities in rural areas and helping meet the government’s target of 5.7 TWh of biomethane per year by 2030, while also boosting energy security and reducing fossil fuel imports.
There is now growing evidence of a decoupling of industry emissions from economic growth, with emissions having decreased by 4.6% in 2024 relative to 2023 and overall, by 13.6% relative to 2018. Fuel switching away from more carbon intensive fossil fuels to lower carbon and renewable fuels is driving this change. We now need a further shift to electrification in manufacturing processes and improved uptake of renewable bioenergy sources such as biomass and biomethane to deliver on the national abatement targets for industry.
Commercial buildings emissions have reduced by 11.2% or 98,000 tCO2eq. between 2018 and 2024. However, emissions increase by 8.2% over 2023 levels due to an increase in heating degree days in 2024, meaning and increased need for space heating in businesses such as offices, retail units, and hotels on the cold days of the year. The general trajectory remains downward, despite these fluctuations.
My Department, and key state agencies, will continue working to ensure that all businesses in Ireland are activated and engaged in the green transition and the broader sustainability agenda. This will be a crucial component of ensuring Ireland’s economy remains competitive, resilience and sustainable as we progress towards our target to be net zero by 2050.
281. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has examined the impact of poor local and regional road conditions on investment, tourism and job creation in rural towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67130/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn efficient and integrated transport system, with adequate capacity and levels of service comparable to other countries with which we compete, is vital to move both people and goods quickly, effectively, and sustainably. While specific issues relating to national and regional roads are more properly a matter for the Minister for Transport, I am conscious of the impacts that our transport infrastructure can have on the enterprise base, and in particular on investment in rural or isolated regions.
These issues are nuanced and affect different regions of the country and sectors of the economy, including tourism, in different ways. My Department, through its engagement with its enterprise development agencies, monitors the infrastructure needs of enterprise in areas where infrastructural issues have been identified as a concern for enterprises as they consider investment.
Where relevant, this includes issues identified with specific roads, as well as monitoring more broadly the delivery of other transport infrastructure to support regional enterprise. I am aware that there are some cases in which work to improve our transport infrastructure has been slower than anticipated.
Accelerating infrastructure delivery is a key focus of Government, including through the establishment of an Infrastructure Taskforce and an Infrastructure Division within the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER). In July, DPER published its Report on Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement with Emerging Themes on Infrastructure, which includes analysis of key barriers to infrastructure delivery in Ireland. This document will inform a Final Report and Action Plan on Accelerating Infrastructure, which will set out concrete actions to support more efficient infrastructure delivery.
282. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide a list of the civil society organisations and civil society groups which the Minister or Ministers of State within his Department met regarding the Omnibus Package on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. [67225/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra283. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to list the businesses and business groups which he, or Ministers of State within his Department met regarding the omnibus package on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. [67226/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that neither I, nor the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, nor the Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail have met with any of the organisations or groups referenced in her questions regarding the Omnibus proposal on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
284. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when the second National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, under development since 2023, will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67227/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and my Department established a dedicated Business and Human Rights Stakeholder Forum with the participation of individuals with relevant expertise and responsibilities from key organisations across business, civil society, trade unions and academia to assist with the development of the second National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
The Stakeholder Forum has met twice, proving invaluable in shaping the draft Plan. At the second Stakeholder Forum meeting, officials outlined the draft action points forming the basis of the new Plan. Following this meeting, stakeholder members provided further written feedback to be considered. This feedback continues to be reviewed across all relevant Government Departments to ensure the identified actions are deliverable during the lifetime of the plan.
As many of the suggested actions relate to the work of other Government Departments, we still await their agreed inputs to move forward with a set of actions that are feasible, actionable and specific in place. Officials from my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continue to liaise with the relevant officials across Government. It is taking some time to work through the suggested updated actions with these officials as some of the updates are technical in nature. This work continues, and we are nearing its completion. Once a final set of actions is agreed with other Government Departments, it can then be presented to the Stakeholder Forum for their views.
Nearly all of the actions under Pillar I and Pillar II have been agreed or are being finalised, the majority of which are being brought forward by my Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, officials continue to engage with relevant Departments to agree and finalise actions under Pillar III, Access to Remedy. There was a clear call from stakeholders for meaningful actions to be included under this pillar and we are striving to reflect this in the Plan.
While it has taken longer than expected to complete this work, I do think it is important that time has been taken to ensure we can present an ambitious plan with clear, deliverable actions that represent the expectations of stakeholders. Once the actions with other relevant Departments can be agreed, it will be presented to the Stakeholder Forum for consideration, with a view to publishing soon thereafter. A date has yet to be confirmed.
The finalised plan will cover a multi-annual timeframe and will reflect new developments in the international understanding of business and human rights, including new EU instruments. It will have key performance indicators which will have assigned responsibilities and timelines to adhere to. I expect this to bring human rights to the fore in the minds of Irish businesses so they can demonstrate their conscientious performance as required by the public.
285. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the actions his Department is taking to support Irish small and medium enterprises seeking to enter new export markets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66662/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo achieve sustainable, diversified growth and enhanced economic resilience, it is vital that the Irish-owned enterprise sector fulfils its potential to scale and succeed on global markets. As an agency of my Department, Enterprise Ireland (EI), is responsible for helping prospective and emerging exporters to build company scale and expand their reach.
Enterprise Ireland's Strategy 2025–2029, titled "Delivering for Ireland, Leading Globally", outlines a comprehensive plan to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a combination of financial, policy, and strategic initiatives.
From a position of strength and resilience, Irish enterprise is facing challenges due to trade volatility, digital transformation altering business models and processes, and climate change. The new Strategy seeks to support Irish business to navigate these challenges via delivery of support to accelerate sustainable Irish business to start, compete, scale and connect.
In response to the US trade tariffs, Enterprise Ireland launched two new grants to support Enterprise Ireland client companies to assess and respond to the impact of US trade tariffs.??The roll-out of the supports was aligned to the launch of the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification.
The new supports help companies to develop tariff mitigation strategies and to be market diversified are:
• Enterprise Ireland’s Market Research Grant?offers funding of up to €35,000 for companies to assess the full impact of tariffs, gain market insights and develop mitigation strategies.???
• Enterprise Ireland’s New Markets Validation Grant offers funding of up to €150,000 for companies to develop market entry strategies for new markets or new products.
These grants, combined with Enterprise Ireland’s trade tariff response team and its global team across 42 international offices, are key supports in assisting Irish exporters to take concrete?operational and diversification measures to safeguard profitability and protect jobs against the cost pressures introduced by the tariffs.
Enterprise Ireland has advised that there is a good pipeline of companies applying for the new financial supports. These financial supports are part of a range of supports that are available to address companies Export Development needs, and they have been promoting these solutions to support business plans and market diversification strategies.
286. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she has assessed the role of rural schools as key community hubs; the risks posed by funding pressures; and whether her Department can support initiatives to sustain rural schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67147/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet the elevated day-to-day running costs.
The commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years. My Department has secured €39 million in Budget 2026 towards increased capitation funding for primary, post-primary and special schools to provide additional financial support towards their running costs. This will see an increase in the standard capitation rates paid to schools of €50 per pupil for primary schools from €224 to €274 and of €20 per student for post-primary schools from €386 to €406. This will also allow for an increase of €20 in capitation rates for Urban Band One DEIS primary schools, increasing the mainstream pupil rate in these schools to €294. The increased capitation rates will also see special schools now receive the same rates of mainstream capitation, for young people aged 12 and over, as for their peers in mainstream post-primary schools. This funding will benefit schools around the country in managing their day-to-day running costs.
The increases announced in Budget 2026 are in addition to the 12% increases as part of Budget 2025. The last three Budgets have resulted in an increase in the level of capitation grant rates of 49.7% (€91) paid to primary schools and 28.5% (€90) paid to post-primary schools. The effective date for these increases will be September 2026.
The Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.
The current standard rate of capitation grant is €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
Schools should also ensure that they are availing of the available OGP procurement frameworks and getting best value for money for all school expenditure, in accordance with [Circular 0060/2013 (www.circulars.gov.ie/pdf/circular/education/2013/60.pdf)]. Schools Procurement Unit (SPU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on procurement matters – [www.spu.ie].
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management - [www.fssu.ie].
Schools in financial difficulty are encouraged to contact my Department for advice and support. The Department is committed to offering all available and appropriate supports to schools, which may include an advance in capitation grant funding or other measures.
287. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will consider expanding water safety education in second-level schools, particularly for coastal counties, including County Kerry, to ensure students receive age-appropriate information on riptides, currents and coastal hazards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66767/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccess to water safety education is currently available to students at Junior and Senior Cycle. At Junior Cycle all students undertaking a level 3 programme study a Physical Education specification designed for 135 hours engagement over the three years of Junior Cycle. The course offers a level of flexibility that allows each individual school to design a programme that can be delivered using the resources and supports available to it. Aquatics is one of the physical activities included in the specification, which are the instrumental medium for students to achieve learning outcomes. One of these outcomes is that students should be able to: “Demonstrate an understanding of personal survival and water safety considerations”.
It is worth noting that other short courses can also be developed by schools themselves or by other bodies, using a template provided by the NCCA. It is therefore open to a school or other body to develop a targeted short course in Aquatics for use in schools. Further details on how to develop a short course for Junior Cycle can be accessed at the following link: [www.juniorcycle.ie/Planning/Short-Course-Development].
In the Leaving Certificate Physical Education specification, learners’ physically active participation is central to teaching and learning. To enable this to happen, students learn about the different theoretical perspectives through their participation in three different physical activities. These activities are selected from six distinct physical activity areas which reflect the activities more commonly included in school physical education programmes currently. In the Physical Activity area, Aquatics students learn about water-based activities that utilise swimming and/or diving skills and techniques for performance water safety, or recreational purposes. Learners may choose one of the following activities: lifesaving, survival swimming, swimming strokes, water-polo, synchronised swimming.
The Physical Education curricula at both primary and post-primary level have been developed on the understanding that facilities available to schools vary. Consequently, they offer a level of flexibility that allows each individual school to design a programme that can be delivered using the resources and supports available to it. However, it is recognised that the particular context of the school, the physical education programme it can facilitate and the level of community facilities will have a bearing on the level of choice that can be managed. The physical education teacher, in consultation with the learners, will agree the range of activities that can be accommodated and supported for Physical Education. In relation to physical education facilities, many schools have PE halls and practically all schools have outdoor play areas. In addition, many schools use adjacent local facilities, including community halls, public parks, playing fields and swimming pools. Access to these facilities is arranged directly by schools and the Department is not involved in these arrangements.
It can be noted that Water Safety Ireland has produced a range of relevant resources to assist schools with providing education in relation to water safety. These are available at the following link: [www.watersafety.ie/education/].
288. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the funding streams available for secondary schools to upgrade/refurbish home economics rooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66777/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Summer Works Scheme provides for funding to be devolved to individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works which, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis for a number of categories which includes the upgrade/refurbishment of home economics rooms.
The new CASWS was open to all schools to apply for funding and closed for applications on the 30th of June 2025. In the past week 297 projects were approved under the new CASWS. It is anticipated that the next tranche of approvals will be announced in the latter half of 2026.
Full details of the new CASWS, Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link:
[gov.ie - Summer Works Scheme] (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/) .
289. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth in view of the record number of exemptions from the study of Irish now affecting over 60,000 post-primary students, representing more than 14% of the school population, the number of exemptions granted to DEIS schools; the provision her Department has made to ensure that alternative arrangements have been made to support those schools, to reduce the number of exemptions in those schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66781/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that my department is committed to the Irish language as a core element of the school curriculum. Irish is a vital part of our national identity and educational heritage, and its promotion remains a key priority.
In certain circumstances, a primary pupil or post-primary student may be granted an exemption from studying Irish. School management holds the authority to grant an exemption.
Statistics on exemptions from the study of Irish are available on our website: [www.education-statistics-doeirl.hub.arcgis.com/search?collection=Dataset&q=exemptions]
In 2024/25, 20,713 (34%) exemptions from the study of Irish held at post-primary level are held by students enrolled in a DEIS school.
The number of exemptions from the study of Irish held by students should be seen in the broader context:
• School enrolments at post-primary level have increased from 362,899 in 2018/19 to 425,411 in 2024/25, representing an increase of 17% at post-primary level.
• In 2024/25, there were 56,555 non-Irish nationals enrolled in post-primary schools.
• Over 17,000 students from Ukraine are currently enrolled in our schools, over 10,000 at primary level and over 7,000 at post-primary.
• The number of children with more complex special educational needs is increasing and this is evidenced by the almost 1,700 new special classes that have been provided in mainstream schools over the last five years and special school enrolments are increasing by 300 each year.
• There are almost 28,000 students with special educational needs enrolled in special classes and special schools in the 2024/2025 school year. This equates to almost 3% of our overall primary and post-primary student population.
The department is strengthening supports for Irish language education more generally through a number of means including:
• The department has recently published a new policy on Irish-medium education outside of the Gaeltacht.
• An action plan for Irish in English-medium schools has also recently been published.
• Redeveloped Irish language curriculums at primary and Junior cycle level and work ongoing at senior cycle level.
• Supports and resources provided through COGG including very successful upskilling Irish language classes, a guidance toolkit which promotes careers and third level education opportunities with Irish, development of Irish resources to support learners with special educational needs, the development of An Tairseach, a portal to provide access to resources for Gaeltacht and Irish-medium schools and resources to support PE through Gaeilge.
• Teacher education and training including empowering teachers to use differentiated approaches in teaching the Irish language, in order to support children and young people with a diversity of needs.
• Funding to Foras na Gaeilge to progress a number of initiatives including the Gaelbhratach programme, further development of Seideán Sí and the development of an Irish/ Irish Dictionary.
• Ongoing work on the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) project in conjunction with the department’s support service OIDE and COGG.
• Ongoing teacher professional learning provided by Oide, the department’s professional learning support service.
Tackling educational disadvantage and supporting students to achieve their full potential is a key priority for the Minister for Education and Youth. The DEIS programmes is a key policy of Government to tackle concentrated educational disadvantage at school level. It provides a targeted range of supports in addition to the universal supports provided to all schools.
Post-primary schools in the DEIS programme receive a range of additional supports such as:
• Access to the Schools Completion Programme
The SCP works with students who are at risk of earl school leaving.
• Additional Guidance hours
Post-primary schools in the DEIS programme have access to extra guidance hours.
• Access to the Home School Liaison scheme (HSCL)
The HSCL scheme provides support to families, schools and communities to encourage and help students attend and stay in school.
• Access to the School Meals programme
• Professional supports through Oide
Principals and teachers working in DEIS schools have access to a range of professional supports through Oide
290. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the budgetary provision made by her Department since 2020 to support programmes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66782/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the deputy that my department provides funding for the programmes outlined as follows:
The Creative Schools initiative provides opportunities for children and young people to build their artistic and creative skills; to communicate, collaborate, stimulate their imaginations, be inventive, and to harness their curiosity. Creative Schools is open to primary and post-primary schools as well as Youthreach Centres and special schools. The programme is led by the Arts Council in partnership with the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
Department of Education and Youth funding is as follows:
|
Creative Schools |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Pay |
378,000 |
420,000 |
420,000 |
420,000 |
420,000 |
420,000 |
|
Non Pay |
660,000 |
660,000 |
660,000 |
660,000 |
660,000 |
660,000 |
|
Total |
1,038,000 |
1.080,000 |
1,080,000 |
1,080,000 |
1,080,000 |
1,080,000 |
The Active School Flag Programme promotes physical activity, using a whole-of-school approach, anchored by student voice and student leadership.
It supports schools to find ways to increase the range, variety and type of physical activity opportunities throughout the school day, so that primary and post-primary schools become ‘enabling environments’ for physical activity, for all their members.
The Active School Flag programme is a Department of Education and Youth initiative, and is jointly funded by my department and the Department of Health through the Healthy Ireland initiative.
Department of Education and Youth funding is as follows:
|
Active Flag Programme |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Total |
200,562.12 |
200,562.00 |
211,959.12 |
211,641.49 |
425,500 |
620,000 |
ESD to 2030, Ireland’s 2nd National Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development, aims to ensure that all learners have the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal target 4.7.
ESD to 2030 funding has been delivered to organisations and schools through an open call since 2022 for projects that support implementation of ESD to 2030 in schools.
Prior to the publication of ESD to 2030, a small amount of funding was provided to An Taisce/ Green Schools to support the delivery of the green schools programme.
Under the open call for ESD to 2030 funding for organisations, a range of organisations including An Taisce/ Green Schools have received funding from my department since 2022. An Taisce/ Green Schools has been provided with the following funding from my department:
|
An Taisce/ Green Schools |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Total |
10,000 |
15,000 |
5,000 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
2022: €5,000 was provided for a Food and Biodiversity project
In 2023, 2024 and 2025: Funding was provided primarily for the OECD 2030 Future of Education Project, the Global Goals Bookless project and the development of learning modules and resources for schools.
A full list of ESD to 2030 grantees is available on the ESD to 2030 webpage: [National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development in Ireland] (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/national-strategy-on-education-for-sustainable-development-in-ireland/).
Core funding for the An Taisce/ Green Schools programme is provided by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
My department provides funding to Foras na Gaeilge to support the Gaelbhratach programme, primarily to enhance the promotion of spoken Irish outside the Irish classroom in English-medium schools as follows:
|
Foras Na Gaeilge/ Gaelbhratach |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Primary |
60,000 |
60,000 |
60,000 |
90,000 |
90,000 |
90,000 |
|
Post-primary |
60,000 |
60,000 |
60,000 |
90,000 |
90,000 |
90,000 |
|
Total |
120,000 |
120,000 |
120,000 |
180,000 |
180,000 |
180,000 |
Core funding for the Gaelbhratach programme is provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
291. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether there will be any additional funding allocated under the summer works scheme for the 2025-2026 term; if not, the reason only five schools in the Wicklow Wexford constituency were successful in their applications under this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66795/25]
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 that, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works.
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, In November 2025 the Minister announced the first tranche of approvals under the new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. 297 projects were approved to proceed and involve primary, post primary and special schools, along with projects in all counties and across all categories of works. The investment in the first tranche of applications is in the region of €90m. It should be noted that 14 schools in Counties Wicklow and Wexford were approved in the first tranche.
Given that funding is limited in any particular year it is necessary to prioritise applications. Under the new climate action summer works scheme which operates on a multi annual basis, like previous summer works schemes, applications from schools that are not reached for funding or market prioritisation reasons 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 of the announcement and the list of schools approved in the first tranche, the Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link;
[gov.ie Summer Works Scheme (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/).]
292. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether any additional funding will be allocated under the summer works scheme for the 2025/2026 term; if not, the reason only five schools in the Wicklow-Wexford constituency were successful in their applications under this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66796/25]
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 that, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works.
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, In November 2025 the Minister announced the first tranche of approvals under the new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. 297 projects were approved to proceed and involve primary, post primary and special schools, along with projects in all counties and across all categories of works. The investment in the first tranche of applications is in the region of €90m. It should be noted that 14 schools in Counties Wicklow and Wexford were approved in the first tranche.
Given that funding is limited in any particular year it is necessary to prioritise applications. Under the new climate action summer works scheme which operates on a multi annual basis, like previous summer works schemes, applications from schools that are not reached for funding or market prioritisation reasons 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 of the announcement and the list of schools approved in the first tranche, the Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link;
[gov.ie Summer Works Scheme (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/]).
293. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a national school pupil in County Kerry (details supplied) will be provided with assisted technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66802/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
All equipment provided under this scheme supports children with more complex disabilities who, in order to access the school curriculum, require essential specialist equipment. It must be clear that the existing I.T. equipment in the school is insufficient to meet the child's needs. Where necessary, schools may also purchase new or additional equipment or software for students from normal school resources or funds.
The Department has not received an application for assistive technology in respect of the student referred to by the Deputy. However, officials from my Department have engaged with the school and the Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) with a view to progressing this matter.
294. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if, under the new SNA review guidelines, an emergent/above-SERC need arises in an autism class and a school requests a review, if the NCSE will conduct its review of the autism class exclusively or will the school have to undergo a whole-school SNA review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66806/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra295. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if it is determined following an SNA review that additional SNA support is required in an autism class, if schools can be asked to staff above-SERC needs from their mainstream allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66807/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 294 and 295 together.
Enabling students 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 students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students 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 students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
The NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.
Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas query line at [oireachtasqueries@ncse.ie].
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
