Alan Kelly
Ceist:484. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth If she will publish a list of schools in Tipperary awaiting major works approval. [72175/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Facilities
Ceisteanna (484)
Freagraí scríofa
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,300 school building projects. In addition, over 200 SEN Repurposing projects have been delivered maximising the use of existing accommodation while creating opportunities for inclusion and integration.
Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. Supplementary capital funding of €210 million approved by Government has brought the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6 billion.
In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan.
Government departments are currently in the process of publishing their sectoral NDP Implementation Plans. The sectoral plan for the Education and Youth sector will be published shortly and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published in January 2026. This NDP Implementation 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 €171m in capital expenditure since 2020 in County Tipperary. This investment in County Tipperary has supported the completion of 66 school building projects, including 2 new school buildings. Currently there are 8 school building projects in construction.
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.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (485)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:485. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 406 of 21 October 2025, the progress made to reconfigure an annex building to provide two special education classrooms at a school (details supplied) so children are not walking off site daily to access a classroom elsewhere (in a domestic dwelling); to meet enrolment needs for September 2026, given the school caters for all of Connacht; and give certainty to parents and the school community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72182/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school to which the Deputy refers to was approved funding under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme 2024: Provision of Modular Accommodation under the Department’s Special Education Needs (SEN) Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme for reconfiguration works to provide 2 X SEN.
As the proposed annex building is not viable, the reconfiguration works were placed on hold until a more viable solution could be devised.
The DEY are currently working closely with the Project Management Team who are overseeing this project and a solution is currently in design stage.
The Project Management team are currently carrying out surveys in relation to this proposed solution & are also in contact with the Local Authority to ensure further progress.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (486)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:486. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the progress made over the past 12 months on each of her Department’s Programme for Government commitments, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72193/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My officials are working to consolidate the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the progress made over the past 12 months on each of my Department’s Programme for Government commitments. I will arrange to have the material compiled and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (487)
Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:487. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of early intervention classes, by county, from 2020 to 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72211/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) under the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, enables the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities/additional needs in the Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme (ECCE) programme. Its goal is to create a more inclusive environment in pre-schools, so all children availing of preschool, regardless of ability, can benefit from quality early learning and care. There has been a significant increase in resources and supports provided to children with additional needs accessing the AIM programme over recent years.
It is important to note that a diagnosis is not required in order to access AIM supports and that while some children require additional supports at preschool level, many will transition into mainstream classes thereafter. This trend has also been noted as students’ progress from primary level to post-primary.
Where the NCSE identifies need for an early intervention class, the class is sanctioned and supports are provided by my department to ensure the school can accommodate the class. Generally, these classes are resourced at a 6:1 student/teacher ratio and two special needs assistants are allocated to each class.
Early intervention classes are available in mainstream and special school settings for children aged 3 -5 years old with a diagnosis of autism. There is also a small number dedicated to children who are deaf/hard of hearing. These classes are intended to provide early support to children before they start school and can aid their transition to junior infants.
A list of schools with special classes, broken by location and class designation is published annually on the NCSE website. Also attached is a list of early intervention classes broken down by county for the school years 2020/2021 - 2025/26.
While the number of Early Intervention Classes continues to increase year on year, in some counties the number may have fallen. This normally reflects where the NCSE have redesignated the class as a primary special class to support the students transitioning from early years to primary school.
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.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (488)
Ryan O'Meara
Ceist:488. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the independent assessment on the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 from the school transport scheme, as per the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72226/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a substantial national operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The retirement age for school bus drivers has been set by Bus Éireann at 70 years of age, which also applies to all Bus Éireann road passenger services.
The policy and criteria also apply to drivers nominated by private operators who operate services as part of the School Transport Scheme, provided they hold the requisite license and satisfy an annual medical examination until they retire at age 70.
Under the new Programme for Government, a commitment has been made to "Carry out an independent assessment on the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 from the School Transport Scheme".
There is ongoing engagement between the Department and Bus Éireann to advance this commitment as quickly as possible.
National Development Plan
Ceisteanna (489)
Jen Cummins
Ceist:489. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the detailed timetable for delivering the addition 14,000 special-education places under the National Development Plan 2026–2030; the plan to complete 300 school-building projects; where those capital school projects will be; and the number which will be ready by the start of the 2026/27 school year; in tabular form. [72230/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,300 school building projects. In addition, over 200 SEN Repurposing projects have been delivered maximising the use of existing accommodation while creating opportunities for inclusion and integration.
Government support for this investment, including by way of supplementary capital funding, has delivered real benefits for school communities. Supplementary capital funding of €210 million approved by Government has brought the total capital allocation for 2025 for my department to €1.6 billion.
In July the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan.
Government departments are currently in the process of publishing their sectoral NDP Implementation Plans. The sectoral plan for the Education and Youth sector will be published shortly and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published in January 2026. This NDP Implementation 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.
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.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (490)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:490. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 259 of 25 September 2025, for an update on the provision of an ASD unit in a school (details supplied); and the timeframe for this provision. [72236/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project providing a 2 Class SEN Base. The project is devolved to Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB) for delivery.
A Design Team was appointed in Q3 2025, and the Department is awaiting the Stage 1/2a report for review. Responsibility for progressing this project remains with DDLETB.
Education Policy
Ceisteanna (491)
Emer Currie
Ceist:491. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the implementation of a common application process for secondary schools in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72246/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The rollout of Apply to School marks a significant step towards fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a nationwide common application system.
In recent years, demographic shifts and increasing demand for special class provision for students with special educational needs have placed growing pressure on school admissions across the country. Duplicate applications, families choosing specific schools, and students applying from outside the local area can make it seem like schools are more full than they are. These factors can give an incomplete picture of how many places are available in schools.
In response to these challenges and a commitment in the Programme for Government to reforming the admissions process, my department is working towards a nationwide common application system.
As a first step, the Apply to School pilot was introduced to simplify and improve the admissions process for post-primary schools in five pilot areas. This new system provides families, for the first time, with a single online application and introduces synchronised, streamlined timelines for schools to manage admissions, issue offers, and update a central database to record accepted places. Other areas will be taken into consideration for future iterations of the pilot.
I wish to advise the Deputy that schools continue to operate in line with the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 and their own Admissions Policies. Under this process, some applicants may receive more than one offer, while others may not receive an offer until later in the process. The centralised system helps identify duplicate acceptances and supports families in achieving certainty on school places earlier.
The Department will closely monitor the outcomes of the admissions process to ensure that all local children are accommodated and to identify any required solutions if necessary. The Apply to School pilot will provide early clarity and robust data to support this commitment.
Learnings from the implementation of the pilot will inform the way forward for future iterations and deliver on the Programme for Government commitment, including for post primary level in Dublin 15.
I can assure the Deputy department officials will continue to work in consultation with stakeholders to develop an evidence-informed, tested, equitable solution for a nationwide Common Application System and to deliver this in an incremental way that ensures the admissions process safeguards the best interest of children.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (492)
Emer Currie
Ceist:492. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps her Department has taken to fulfil the Programme for Government pledge to roll out nationwide common application systems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72247/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The rollout of Apply to School marks a significant step towards fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a nationwide common application system.
The Apply to School pilot was introduced to simplify and improve the admissions process for post-primary schools in five pilot areas. This new system provides families, for the first time, with a single online application and introduces synchronised, streamlined timelines for schools to manage admissions, issue offers, and update a central database to record accepted places. Other areas will be taken into consideration for future iterations of the pilot.
I wish to advise the Deputy that schools continue to operate in line with the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 and their own Admissions Policies. Under this process, some applicants may receive more than one offer, while others may not receive an offer until later in the process. The centralised system helps identify duplicate acceptances and supports families in achieving certainty on school places earlier.
As part of this process, a second round of offers issued on 4 December. This ensures that any places that become available after the first round are allocated fairly and that every child is considered.
I want to reassure parents that there are sufficient first-year places in each pilot area for local children seeking a place. The Department will closely monitor the outcomes of the admissions process to ensure that all local children are accommodated and to identify any required solutions if necessary. The Apply to School pilot will provide early clarity and robust data to support this commitment.
I can assure the Deputy department officials will continue to work in consultation with stakeholders to develop an evidence-informed, tested, equitable solution for a nationwide Common Application System and to deliver this in an incremental way that ensures the admissions process safeguards the best interest of children.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (493)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:493. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a teacher will be sanctioned to ensure a school (details supplied) can operate a new autism class from January 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72255/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Enabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs 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.
Almost 1,900 classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE in the last five years, sixteen new special schools have been established and many more expanded. For the 2025/26 school year alone over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned bringing the total number of special classes nationwide to over 3,700. Five new special schools were established and capacity is being expanded in a number of other special schools.
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 through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
This notification process will provide the NCSE with critical information on children who continue to need a special class as they progress to post-primary level as well as details on students who require a place for the first time.
This year to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes for the 2026/27 school year, an earlier date of 1 October was set for parents to complete the process. It is expected that these special classes will be sanctioned in the coming weeks.
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.
The school referred to by the Deputy is located in interim accommodation on a rented site. The accommodation recently provided also includes for their junior infant mainstream intake for next year. There is no further room for expansion on this site and all of the accommodation now on site is required to cater for the schools mainstream intake until their permanent accommodation is delivered. It is not possible for any of the accommodation currently on site to be used to establish a SEN class.
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.
Education Policy
Ceisteanna (494)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:494. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department fully covers the cost of assistive technology advised for students in schools. [72274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under 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 Assistive Technology Scheme, provided by my department, supplements the overall funding approach for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum. For children with more complex disabilities who require such equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have or which cannot be provided for them through the schools' existing provisions, schools can apply for this equipment under the terms of the Assistive Technology Scheme.
To do this, schools make applications directly to their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
To qualify for equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme, a student must have been diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential to allow the student to access the curriculum.
SENOs will review the application, and professional reports provided in support of same, to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my department as to whether or not assistive technology is required; and based on this recommendation, my department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
The level of funding granted depends on the type of equipment requested and the information submitted by the school in support of the application, such as quotes and other documentation. In the vast majority of Assistive Technology applications, the Department sanctions sufficient funding to cover the cost of the required equipment.
Where an Assistive Technology grant has been sanctioned, but the school wishes to appeal the amount of the grant, or the specific equipment for which sanction has been granted, the can do so using the following appeal form: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/assistive-technology-appeal-by-school-form.pdf.
Commissions of Investigation
Ceisteanna (495)
Jen Cummins
Ceist:495. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the commission of investigation into sexual abuse in schools will begin. [72276/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government announced the establishment of the Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools in July 2025 and Mr. Justice Michael MacGrath was appointed to Chair of the Commission, effective from 1 October 2025.
The Commission is independent in the performance of its functions. It is now in its establishment phase and is currently undertaking essential preparatory work. When it is ready to hear from those who may wish to provide it with information, this will be widely advertised.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Chair of the Commission has recently published the following update: www.gov.ie/en/commission-of-investigation-into-the-handling-of-historical-child-sexual-abuse-in-schools/publications/commission-of-investigation-into-the-handling-of-historical-child-sexual-abuse-in-schools/#an-update-from-the-chair-of-the-commission-mr-justice-michael-macgrath-4-december-2025.
Commissions of Investigation
Ceisteanna (496)
Jen Cummins
Ceist:496. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth for a timeline for the commission of investigation into sexual abuse. [72277/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The establishment of a Commission of Investigation into the Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools was approved by Government in July 2025. Mr. Justice Michael MacGrath was appointed as Chair of the Commission, effective from 1 October 2025.
Under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2024, the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions and it is a matter for the Commission to determine the approach it will take to investigating the handing of historic child sexual abuse in schools within its terms of reference. The Commission will have a five-year timeframe in which to complete its investigation and furnish a report to the Minister for Education and Youth.
The Commission is now in its establishment phase and is currently undertaking essential preparatory work. When it is ready to hear from those who may wish to provide it with information, this will be widely advertised.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Chair of the Commission has recently published the following update: www.gov.ie/en/commission-of-investigation-into-the-handling-of-historical-child-sexual-abuse-in-schools/publications/commission-of-investigation-into-the-handling-of-historical-child-sexual-abuse-in-schools/#an-update-from-the-chair-of-the-commission-mr-justice-michael-macgrath-4-december-2025.
Home Schooling
Ceisteanna (497, 498)
Robert Troy
Ceist:497. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a home school liaison officer will be reinstated to a school (details supplied). [72321/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRobert Troy
Ceist:498. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if home school liaison officers can only be appointed to urban based DEIS schools (details supplied). [72323/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 497 and 498 together.
Tackling educational disadvantage and helping students reach their full potential is a key priority for the Minister for Education and Youth. The DEIS programme is a key policy initiative of Government to address concentrated educational disadvantage at school level.
Currently, the DEIS programme supports almost 1,200 primary and post-primary schools, reaching approximately 260,000 students, with an annual investment of over €180 million. Budget 2026 allocates an additional €16.5 million in 2026, rising to €48 million in 2027, to support the implementation of the new DEIS Strategy and introduce the DEIS Plus scheme.
The DEIS strategy will set out the Department of Education and Youth’s strategic vision, goals, and objectives to tackle educational disadvantage in all schools. The strategy will focus on improving disadvantage in all schools, developing more innovative approaches to tackle educational disadvantage and working towards a more flexible system of support to ensure that schools can receive the right support at the right time.
Any changes to the allocation of resources will be considered within the context of the new DEIS Strategy which will be published in early 2026.
Question No. 498 answered with Question No. 497.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (499)
Ged Nash
Ceist:499. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the building unit in her Department will engage with Louth County Council in relation to a school build (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72345/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved for delivery to Louth County Council.
The brief for this major school building project is to provide an 8-classroom school with an additional 4 classroom Special Educational Needs (SEN) base included. The project has been devolved for delivery to Louth County Council.
The project is currently at stage 4 (construction) of the delivery process. The length of time a project takes to deliver depends on several factors, including scale and complexity and is subject to the time it takes to progress through the various design stages, and the statutory approval process.
The Department has been actively engaged with the Design Team and Louth County Council throughout the process and will continue to engage to provide practical advice and assistance on this important project.
Since 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.
Government departments are currently in the process of publishing their sectoral NDP Implementation Plans. The sectoral plan for the Education and Youth sector will be published next week and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published in January. This NDP Implementation 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.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (500)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:500. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the proposed building works at a school (details supplied); if she is aware of the length of the delays associated with the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72405/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter the department’s pipeline for a project under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project will provide one Multi-Media room, one Textiles room, one Graphics room, one Construction room, one Technology prep room, one Science lab & prep area and one Project store. The inclusion of a PE Hall or GP/Dining Hall depends on site feasibility, constraints, and input from the Local Authority and Heritage Officer. The project was devolved for delivery to the Cork Education & Training Board.
The Stage 1 report has been submitted and is currently under review. Once this review is complete, my Department will be in a position to provide clarity on the accommodation to be progressed. Given the complexities of this project, the evaluation will require a comprehensive review from both technical and cost perspectives to ensure full compliance with cost requirements, procedural standards, and the defined project scope. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the public Infrastructure Guidelines.? Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
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.
Government departments are currently in the process of publishing their sectoral NDP Implementation Plans. The sectoral plan for the Education and Youth sector will be published next week and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published in January. This NDP Implementation 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.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (501, 520)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:501. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of post-primary applicants for the 2026-2027 intake for the three secondary schools in Greystones; the number of places available across the three schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72406/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJennifer Whitmore
Ceist:520. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of post-primary applicants for the 2026-2027 intake for the three secondary schools in Greystones; the number of places available in across the three schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72549/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 520 together.
As the Deputy is aware, Greystones is one of the areas participating in the Department’s Apply to School pilot for post-primary admissions. This new system provides families, for the first time, with a single online application and introduces synchronised, streamlined timelines for schools to manage admissions, issue offers, and update a central database to record accepted places.
I wish to advise the Deputy that schools continue to operate in line with the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 and their own Admissions Policies. The availability of places is a matter for each individual school in the context of their Admissions legislation. Enrolment data for previous school years is available on the Department website. Enrolment data for the 2024/25 school year is available on the Departments website at www.gov.ie.
Each post-primary school is required to publish an Annual Admission Notice, which sets out the number of places available for first year for the relevant academic year. These notices are published by the schools themselves and are publicly accessible.
I want to reassure parents that there are sufficient first-year places in each pilot area for local children seeking a place. The Department will closely monitor the outcomes of the admissions process to ensure that all local children are accommodated and to identify any required solutions if necessary. The Apply to School pilot will provide early clarity and robust data to support this commitment.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (502, 521)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:502. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of post-primary applicants for the 2026/2027 intake for the three secondary schools in Greystones who received an offer of a place in each of the three secondary schools; the number who received a place in two of the secondary schools; the number who received a place in a single secondary school; and the number of children who received a place in no secondary school in the first round of offers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72407/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJennifer Whitmore
Ceist:521. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of post-primary applicants for the 2026-2027 intake for the three secondary schools in Greystones who received an offer of a place in each of the three secondary schools; the number who received a place in two of the secondary schools; the number who received a place in a single secondary school; and the number of children who received a place in no secondary school in the first round of offers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72550/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 502 and 521 together.
The rollout of Apply to School marks a significant step towards improving the school admission system and fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a nationwide common application system.
As the Deputy will be aware, Greystones was one of five areas involved the pilot Apply to School system. The pilot provides a single online application form for parents or guardians who want to apply for a first-year place for their child in participating schools, including for special classes. Parents will be able to apply to any or all schools within their pilot area on one online application.
It is important to note that while the Apply to School system facilitates applications, the issuing of offers remains the responsibility of each individual school in accordance with its admissions policy. The Department does not issue offers and does not hold a centralised record of the offer outcomes for each school.
The Department is engaging with the participating schools to review the pilot and gather any necessary data in order to evaluate the system. At this point, the Department does not hold the specific breakdown requested by the Deputy in relation to the 2026/27 intake.
School Enrolments
Ceisteanna (503, 522)
Jennifer Whitmore
Ceist:503. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale for the decision to bring in a common enrolment process for the Greystones area that did not allow parents to input a preference for a particular school/s as is provided for in a common enrolment process in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72408/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraJennifer Whitmore
Ceist:522. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale for the decision to bring in a common enrolment process for the Greystones area that did not allow parents to input a preference for a particular school as is provided for in a common enrolment process in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72551/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 503 and 522 together.
The rollout of the pilot Single Online Application for Schools marks a significant step towards improving the school admission system and fulfilling the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a nationwide common application system. The Apply to School pilot was introduced to simplify and improve the admissions process for post-primary schools in five pilot areas. This new system provides families, for the first time, with a single online application and introduces synchronised, streamlined timelines for schools to manage admissions, issue offers, and update a central database to record accepted places.
I am aware of the Common Application System (CAS) in Limerick City. My department is taking lessons from the implementation of the system and other such systems as well as feedback from the ongoing Apply to School pilot to inform development towards the full Programme for Government commitment for a national system. Measures such as the expression of preference for school(s) require comprehensive examination and consultation to ensure that any new system is equitable and transparent. There are multiple potential approaches for the implementation of a preference system, particularly given the complexity of admissions legislation. Different implementations would have different outcomes in terms of maximising the proportion of children who secure a place in a preferred school. Implementations may also vary significantly in their outcomes across different areas, where the numbers of schools, flow into and out of the area, and school of choice factors could all have a major impact on the likelihood of children securing a place in their preferred local school. It is important, therefore, that any proposed new system that impacts on a child’s school place is robustly scrutinised and tested before being rolled out.
My department is committed to ensuring that any new system produces the optimal outcome for children and I can assure the Deputy that officials in my Department will continue to work in consultation with stakeholders to develop an evidence-informed, tested, equitable solution for a nationwide Common Application System and to deliver this in an incremental way that ensures the admissions process safeguards the best interest of children.