Written Answers Nos. 87-106
87. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation how he ensures that all websites operated by his Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4822/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department, through the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), provides the underlying infrastructure and technical environment for the gov.ie family of Government websites which, as well as sites for Departments and offices, also includes sites such as ireland.ie and Citizens Information. The OGCIO’s design system and implementation approach ensures that accessibility for visually impaired users is a core requirement in the design, development and operation of all websites under its remit.
All OGCIO managed websites are built and maintained in full compliance with Irish and EU accessibility legislation, including the EU Web Accessibility Directive, the Accessibility of Public Sector Bodies Regulations 2020, and the forthcoming EU Accessibility Act 2025. They meet the WCAG 2.1 AA international accessibility standards, and work is underway to transition to WCAG 2.2 AA.
Accessibility is monitored continuously through automated testing, manual reviews and the regular audits carried out by the National Disability Authority (NDA) under the statutory monitoring framework. Accessibility statements are kept up to date, and any issues identified through audits or user feedback are addressed. Recent NDA assessments confirmed full compliance for gov.ie in the simplified review and a high score in the in-depth review. This places gov.ie among the most accessible public-service websites in Ireland.
To support high-quality user experience for visually impaired users, the OGCIO applies accessibility best practice, including compatibility with screen readers, maintaining appropriate colour contrast, and ensuring that all gov.ie enabled services can be operated using keyboard-only navigation.
While OGCIO manages the technical platform and centrally maintained content, individual Departments and Agencies remain responsible for ensuring that their own published material is accessible. OGCIO provides ongoing guidance and communications to support this work. In collaboration with the NDA, OGCIO has issued comprehensive accessibility standards for documents, videos, images and other online content, including requirements for alternative text, captions, appropriate heading structure, colour contrast, and avoiding PDFs where possible.
Through this combination of legislative compliance, technical standards, continuous testing and independent audit, my Department ensures that the websites it operates meet high accessibility standards for visually impaired users.
88. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if any website or other platform operated by his Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) in my Department is developing AI-enabled chatbot technology for integration with the gov.ie platform. This initiative aims to provide members of the public with accessible, real-time support with government services and information in line with the Digital Public Services Plan 2030 (www.gov.ie/en/deA). public beta test of the gov.ie chatbot is planned for the first quarter of this year.
The OGCIO also provides the underlying infrastructure and technical environment for a number of other Government websites, including ireland.ie and Citizens Information. Operational decisions, including communications and the deployment of features such as chatbots, are matters for those bodies.
OGCIO has supported the Citizens Information Board with the development of a pilot AskCI - an AI-powered chatbot that helps users find information on public services and entitlements in Ireland. This is currently in a pilot phase which commenced in late December 2025. AskCI is operated by the Citizens Information Board, operational decisions and communications regarding that service are a matter for the Board.
89. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total sums spent for each year from 2016 to 2025, inclusive of advertising, by his Department on social media or online platforms, including identifying separately payments to influencers on such platforms; and to set out the annual totals for that period to each specific platform, including but not limited to major platforms (details supplied). [4859/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department made the following payments to online platforms in the years in question.
|
Year |
Amount |
Company |
|
2016 |
Nil |
N/A |
|
2017 |
Nil |
N/A |
|
2018 |
Nil |
N/A |
|
2019 |
Nil |
N/A |
|
2020 |
Nil |
N/A |
|
2021 |
€143.88 |
You Tube |
|
2022 |
€143.88 |
You Tube |
|
2023 |
€143.88 |
You Tube |
|
2023 |
€2,459.99 |
|
|
2024 |
€147.88 |
You Tube |
|
2025 |
€167.88 |
You Tube |
90. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he or any of his officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for his Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4592/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department first issued a policy document on the use of Generative AI to all staff in July 2023. That policy highlighted some of the potential areas where Generative AI can deliver efficiencies but also set out the risks of using such technologies and the mitigations that staff in the Department must adopt to avoid those risks. This was based on guidance received from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
The Department's original Generative AI Policy was reviewed in April 2025 and an updated version was issued to all staff which encourages and fosters greater use of Generative AI. The general principle of the Departments Generative AI Policy is that the technology can be used in most situations where it can improve the efficiency of the work and functions of the Department. General use cases include research, creating initial drafts or layouts for documents and supporting decision making. However, Department staff have been advised that they must make their own value judgments and be transparent and vigilant about any significant use of Generative AI. Staff remain 100% responsible for all outputs and they must ensure it is fit for use and factually correct. Where appropriate approval processes are put in place to ensure that all generated content is reviewed by multiple officials before it is published.
My Department led the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy - “AI – Here for Good”. As part of this Strategy, the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) play a key role in providing advice and guidance on the deployment of AI tools across the public sector including to my Department. The National AI Strategy and this cross-government engagement will continue to inform my Department's future approach in seeking to leverage A.I. in relation to the work and functions of the Department.
91. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4610/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department has a premium subscription to X, which costs €103.32 per year, to verify and safeguard its account and reassure platform users of account authenticity.
92. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the status of a general employment permit renewal application in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4799/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland operates a managed employment permits system, which seeks to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising disruption to Ireland’s labour market. The system is designed to facilitate the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to fill skills and/or labour shortages required to develop and support enterprise for the benefit of our economy.
The Employment Permits Unit processes applications in date order. The renewal application for the employment permit referenced was received on 06 November 2025.
The Employment Permits Online portal is currently displaying that the status of this application is "awaiting processing".
Individuals who have submitted a valid renewal application for an employment permit may continue to work in their current role while a decision is pending, even if their existing permit has expired. This provision ensures continuity of employment and mitigates the risk of disruption during the renewal process.
Renewal applications continue to be processed on an ongoing basis. At present, first-time applications are prioritised to facilitate labour market entry, and work is in progress to improve processing times for renewals.
To support applicants and employers, the Department has introduced a Self-Service Portal, which provides real-time updates on application status. In addition, a dedicated mailbox is available for Oireachtas members at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie.
93. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment how he ensures that all websites operated by his Department are accessible to the visually impaired. [4815/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Departments Corporate Services Division works closely with highly skilled and experienced web development companies that build our websites in line with established accessibility best practices, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), in order to meet the requirements of the EU Web Accessibility Directive. From the outset of a website development project, accessibility is considered in design, structure, and functionality—such as ensuring clear content hierarchy, sufficient colour contrast, responsive layouts, and compatibility with assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard-only navigation. Following the completion of a website development project, an independent accessibility monitoring and reporting company is also engaged to carry out an accessibility review to identify any remaining potential issues, and to produce clear, actionable reports. Any findings are assessed and addressed as part of our ongoing website maintenance and improvement process.
94. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if any website or other platform operated by his Department uses an AI-enabled chatbot; if there are plans to use chatbots; in what circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4833/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not currently use AI-enabled chatbots on any of its websites. The Corporate Services Division in my Department is exploring and scoping specific use cases for the use of AI technologies, including Chatbots, and will implement them where they provide efficiencies or help provide members of the public with improved access to government services and information in line with the Digital Public Services Plan 2030.
My Department led the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy - “AI – Here for Good”. As part of this Strategy, the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) play a key role in providing advice and guidance on the deployment of AI tools across the public sector including to my Department. The National AI Strategy and this cross-government engagement will continue to inform my Department's future approach in seeking to leverage A.I. in relation to the work and functions of the Department.
95. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the total sums spent for each year from 2016 to 2025, inclusive of advertising, by his Department on social media or online platforms, including identifying separately payments to influencers on such platforms; and to set out the annual totals for that period to each specific platform, including but not limited to major platforms (details supplied). [4852/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has set out the total amount spent on advertising, across online media in tabular form below, for the periods requested above.
Please note that there were no advertisements placed through online channels in the period from 2016-2019. There were no payments to influencers.
|
Year |
Online/ Digital Media Platform |
Total Spend |
|
2020 |
|
€4,204.75 |
|
|
|
€4,204.75 |
|
|
|
€867.88 |
|
|
|
€723.31 |
|
|
Total |
€10,000.69 |
|
2021 |
|
€12,559.95 |
|
|
|
€8,143.45 |
|
|
|
€17,185.31 |
|
|
|
€14,680.71 |
|
|
Tuairisc.ie |
€1,512.90 |
|
|
Total |
€54,082.31 |
|
2022 |
|
€35,288.44 |
|
|
|
€30,425.04 |
|
|
|
€40,498.32 |
|
|
|
€40,498.32 |
|
|
Tuairisc.ie |
€2,952.00 |
|
|
Total |
€149,662.12 |
|
2023 |
|
€15,174.07 |
|
|
|
€14,530.72 |
|
|
|
€21,503.51 |
|
|
|
€21,503.51 |
|
|
Programmatic Display / Website Advertising |
€5,083.60 |
|
|
Public Appointment Service |
€1,236.15 |
|
|
Tuairisc.ie |
€5,596.50 |
|
|
Total |
€84,628.05 |
|
2024 |
|
€1,475.13 |
|
|
|
€8,354.38 |
|
|
|
€4,063.03 |
|
|
Tuairisc.ie |
€620.23 |
|
|
Total |
€14,512.77 |
|
2025 |
|
€4,549.19 |
|
|
|
€2,274.63 |
|
|
Programmatic Display / Website Advertising |
€7,337.95 |
|
|
The Journal.ie |
€5,305.91 |
|
|
Total |
€19,467.68 |
96. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the budget for the Health and Safety Authority for the years 2020 to 2025, inclusive; the number of inspections carried out by the HSA in each of those years; the number of staff in place to carry out such inspections in each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5081/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Authority is primarily funded through an Exchequer Grant from my Department. In addition to its Exchequer Grant, the Authority’s resources are supplemented by its capacity to generate Own Resource Income (ORI) primarily through the activities of the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) and the Control of Major Accident Hazards involving Dangerous Substances (COMAH).
The table below details the Exchequer grant funding provided to the HSA each year from 2020 to 2025.
|
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Total exchequer allocation per published Rev (€m) |
20,502 |
24,755 |
26,471 |
28,909 |
32,785 |
34,757 |
It is important to note that while the Authority’s human resources include staff in both administration and inspector grades, not all staff classified under inspector grades are directly involved in conducting inspections.
Inspector grades comprise Grade I (senior inspectors), as well as Grade II and Grade III inspectors. However, staff in these grades undertake a variety of roles across the Authority’s legislative mandates, which encompass occupational health, occupational safety, chemicals, accreditation, and market surveillance of products.
The below table sets out the number of staff at each Inspector grade at the end of each respective year.
|
|
Q4 2020 |
Q4 2021 |
Q4 2022 |
Q4 2023 |
Q4 2024 |
Q4 2025 |
|
Inspector Grade I |
19 |
19 |
21 |
22 |
21 |
24 |
|
Inspector Grade II |
49 |
49 |
51 |
62 |
60 |
77 |
|
Inspector Grade III |
49 |
65 |
64 |
71 |
83 |
74 |
|
Total |
117 |
133 |
136 |
155 |
164 |
175 |
In addition to conducting general and specialist inspections, investigations, and accreditation assessments, inspector-grade staff may also contribute to policy development and implementation at the national, European, and international levels. As a result, the number of personnel in inspector grades does not directly correspond to those engaged exclusively in inspection activities, given that inspections constitute only one aspect of the Authority’s overall responsibilities.
The below table sets out the number of inspections carried out by the Authority each year from 2020 to 2025.
|
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Total HSA inspections conducted |
9,135 |
9,882 |
10,203 |
9,996 |
11,390 |
11,828* |
*The total number of inspections conducted in 2025 will be finalised in the HSA Annual Report 2025 when it is published later this year.
97. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the cost of the temporary special school in Castleblayney, County Monaghan to date; the additional cost of the temporary portacabins; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4634/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra98. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a site has been located for a permanent special school in Castleblayney, County Monaghan; if proposed sites have been considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4635/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 98 together.
The State owned property in Castleblaney has been repurposed to a high standard and this has facilitated the opening of Monaghan Community Special School for the 2025/26 school year.
The project is being delivered under my Department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. The programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. This is a collaborative process between the Project Manager, School Authority and the Department. The Project Manager is currently overseeing delivery of the residual elements to ensure the successful completion of the project. The cost of the project will be known when the project is fully completed and the final account has been furnished to the Department.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children with special educational needs. My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
The school is now at capacity and additional accommodation is required to facilitate further enrolments. The property provides a good location for developing the school. The Department considers that additional capacity is feasible on the site and can be provided in a timely manner through the provision of modular accommodation. The Department, together with Cavan Monaghan ETB will continue to work closely together to bring this project to fruition.
99. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale for the removal of sailing as an eligible activity for the additional assessment component of the leaving certificate physical education curriculum; if she will review this decision in light of sport’s national significance, and youth participation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4514/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, through the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme, the specifications for all Leaving Certificate curricular subjects are scheduled to be redeveloped by 2029, in annual groupings referred to as tranches. The revised specification for Leaving Certificate Physical Education (LCPE) will be implemented in schools for those starting fifth year from the 2026/27 school year.
The new specification includes an Additional Assessment Component, called the Physical Education Project, worth 50% of the final available marks. The LCPE Additional Assessment Component provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding and application of physical education knowledge and skills described in the learning outcomes across the specification. This assessment is intended to integrate with and support ongoing learning, motivating students to engage deeply with the processes of planning, performing, and improving in physical activities while engaging with issues affecting physical activity.
LCPE was first introduced in 2018. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) initiated an early enactment review process in the 2022/2023 school year when students had completed the curriculum and assessment arrangements as set out in the specifications. The full report of the early enactment review was published in March 2023 and is available on the NCCA website.
In 2024 as part of the development process for the Tranche 2 subjects, the NCCA convened an LCPE Development Group to redevelop the specifications for Leaving Certificate Physical Education. During the Group's deliberations, the challenges identified in the early enactment review were considered, including difficulties reported about monitoring and assessing students’ activities when pursued outside of school, and also challenges with oversight of learning and assessment when engagement occurs primarily outside the PE class.
While the opportunities for students to undertake assessment in external pursuits was recognised, concerns were raised regarding the practicalities of teachers being able to authenticate such work. Further concerns related to equitable access for all students to curriculum-based learning experiences, with significant consideration given to ensuring that the role of performance is framed in a way that supports inclusive, school-based learning rather than reliance on external participation in outside activities. In addition, the need for assessment arrangements, recognising organisational limitations relating to the availability of examiners with relevant expertise across all physical activities was discussed by the Group.
While not all activities can be accommodated within the arrangements for assessment for certification, the subject continues to value and support students’ engagement in a wide range of physical activities beyond the school environment. The specification, including Appendix 2 that outlines the list of physical activities eligible for selection to demonstrate student learning for the Additional Assessment Component, will be reviewed following the completion of examinations by the first cohort of students.
The guidelines to support the Additional Assessment Component associated with the revised PE specification are available on www.curriculumonline.ie. This provides clear guidance on how to complete the Additional Assessment Component and how to meet clear descriptors of quality.
100. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a decision will be made on application for additional funding for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4565/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school in question was approved funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for works to the toilet block in the school. During the course of this project, a request for additional funding was received from the school in question. This request was subsequently refused as the works outlined did not fall within the remit of EWS.
An appeal was subsequently submitted and this appeal is under consideration. Once a final decision is reached, the school will be notified directly of the outcome.
101. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she or any of her officials have used artificial intelligence to write speeches, produce social media content for her Department, or to issue responses to parliamentary questions, since she took office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4591/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, my Department has a limited trial of a generative AI tool currently in progress. The scope of this trial includes using AI to assist with general knowledge-based support tasks, such as, the summarisation of content, proposing responses to general informational queries, searching for and explanation of information.
The tool does not operate autonomously. All outputs are subject to human oversight and are reviewed, verified, and validated by authorised personnel prior to any use.
102. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department has a paid subscription with a social media company (details supplied). [4609/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo. The Department of Education and Youth does not have a paid subscription with the social media platform X.
103. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 345 of 11 June 2024, the reason there has been a delay of almost four years for the delivery of the approved extension to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4628/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that my department is in receipt of an application for capital funding under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme from the school in question.
My department is working closely with the school authority as there is significant technical challenges with the school’s site. My department is also working with the relevant stakeholders to identify a feasible solution to meet the school’s accommodation needs.
The Department can identify opportunities to transform existing schools as part of energy retrofit projects, and the Department’s Pathfinder programme has been developing effective solutions in this regard, as we plan for a future wider rollout. The plan for working this through at national scale will be informed by the outcome of an Energy and Condition survey of all schools which is currently underway. It has already been completed across schools in five counties and the remaining counties are due for completion by mid-2026. The subsequent analysis of this significant amount of data will take some time but will help determine priorities going forward in relation to retrofit and refurbishment projects. The process may ultimately identify a requirement for the replacement of some accommodation, but this is not expected to be widespread. This overall process is particularly valuable in facilitating a proportionate assessment of a school’s accommodation upgrade needs relative to all other schools and allow an effective prioritisation of capital investment.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of almost 1,400 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.
The NDP Implementation Plan for the Education and Youth sector and the first tranche of projects to progress to construction will be published by my department shortly. 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 will be in further contact with the school authorities in due course.
104. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there is a contingency fund available for schools whose enrolment increases by more than 20% within a single academic year in relation the Capitation Grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4629/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason schools are paid capitation on the previous enrolment from 18 months ago (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4630/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra106. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will expedite the transition to September 2025 enrolment figures for a school (details supplied) to immediately prevent a deficit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4631/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra111. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth to review correspondence (details supplied); if she will address the funding concerns outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4722/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth if consideration will be given to the request for changes to the system of calculating capitation payments in respect of primary schools with particular reference to increased enrolments as outlined in correspondence (details supplied) highlighting the pressures on a school with a considerable increase in enrolment and no additional capitation for that cohort of pupils; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4749/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth the proposals, if any, she has to amend the system for calculating capitation payments, taking into account the additional pressures on schools where there have been increases in enrolments but no additional payments; if she accepts that the present system needs to be updated considering population increase and population movement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4751/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 104, 105, 106, 111, 113 and 114 together.
The 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. The 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. These increases will take effect from September 2026. 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 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.
For primary and special schools capitation grant the first instalment in January is based on 70% of the previous school year’s enrolments. The second instalment in June is calculated using the current school year’s enrolments in order to determine the overall grant entitlement for the year. This is then reduced by the value of the first instalment paid in January.
For example, for the 2024/25 school year 70% of the capitation grant was paid in January 2025 using the published enrolments from September 2023. Then the balancing payment was paid in June 2025, using September 2024 enrolments, which calculated the overall grant entitlement for the year 2024/25, and then reduced this by the value of the first instalment paid in January 2025. Therefore, the capitation grant for the 2024/25 school year is based on the current school year’s published enrolments.
Schools in financial difficulty are encouraged to contact the 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.
The Department is constantly engaging with a number of schools in this respect. Schools that have contacted the Department have been referred to the FSSU. Officials from the Department will make contact with the relevant schools. We encourage these schools to engage with the FSSU, and the school’s Patron, in order to work to rectify the financial challenges at the school.
