Written Answers Nos. 507-527
507. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total expenditure by the Government in getting a project ready and refurbished for opening in 2025 (details supplied); the total expenditure to date including recently announced investment extension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5931/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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 the 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 school is now at capacity and additional accommodation is required to facilitate further enrolments. The property at Castleblaney provides a good location for expanding capacity with a permanent modular extension at the school and the Department is engaging with the patron, Cavan and Monaghan ETB in this regard.
My Department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for children with special educational needs.
508. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether students with dyslexia will be eligible for extra time in the Leaving Certificate examinations from 2026; when the eligibility criteria and application process will be formally published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5933/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme. I welcome that the SEC has today issued a circular to schools setting out the details of an interim scheme of additional time for students with specific needs sitting State examinations in 2026.
I am advised that approximately 30,000 candidates across the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations who currently receive a direct intervention accommodation through the RACE scheme will be granted 10 minutes of additional time in each written examination paper in 2026.
The interim scheme delivers on a key Programme for Government commitment to develop an appropriate mechanism allowing additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances. The SEC intends to develop these arrangements from 2027 onwards, drawing on the findings of research commissioned as part of the RACE review, the learning that emerges from the 2026 experience, and continued engagement with stakeholders.
I understand that the SEC have already responded directly to you, and that they will issue an updated response following today’s announcement.
509. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she can provide an update on the status of the proposed new build school for a school (details supplied), which is currently sharing a campus with adult and residential services; if there is a timeline for when works will begin; when works will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5934/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major project for the school referred to by the Deputy will be delivered under my Departments ADAPT Programme.
ADAPT is an acronym for "Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering". The ADAPT Programme uses a professional external Programme Manager to co-ordinate and drive the Design Team to achieve the best possible timeframe during the stages of architectural planning.
The brief for St. Michael’s House Special School is the development of a 20 classroom Special School at Malahide Road, Clontarf, Dublin 3 (Mount Temple Comprehensive School site).
The project is currently at Stage 1 – Preliminary Design which includes reviewing all information provided as part of the Project Brief. It also involves establishing and analysing all site factors and constraints which may impact on the project’s viability.
It is not possible to provide a date for the commencement or completion of the project at this early stage of the process.
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.
510. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans for the roll-out for extra time in examinations for dyslexic students; if it will be in place in time for the mock examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5939/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme. I welcome that the SEC has today issued a circular to schools setting out the details of an interim scheme of additional time for students with specific needs sitting State examinations in 2026.
I am advised that approximately 30,000 candidates across the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations who currently receive a direct intervention accommodation through the RACE scheme will be granted 10 minutes of additional time in each written examination paper in 2026.
The interim scheme delivers on a key Programme for Government commitment to develop an appropriate mechanism allowing additional time for students with specific needs and in certain circumstances. The SEC intends to develop these arrangements from 2027 onwards, drawing on the findings of research commissioned as part of the RACE review, the learning that emerges from the 2026 experience, and continued engagement with stakeholders.
I have asked the SEC to provide you with further details of today’s announcement.
511. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department is actively engaging with unions and school management bodies to resolve the ongoing dispute relating to school secretaries and caretakers; whether all reasonable steps are being taken to reach agreement and avoid further disruption to schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5942/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool secretaries and caretakers are at the heart of the school and are the key interface between students, parents, school leaders and other staff. Without them, our schools would be unsustainable. In supporting these vital school staff members, we also support the school community as a whole.
My Department has been engaging with Fórsa and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation over the past number of months under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to a number of claims including a claim for a comparable pension entitlement.
The matter was referred to the Labour Court and a hearing took place on 12th January 2026. Both parties await the recommendation of the Court. The parties remain in process, and my department remains committed and ready to engage with Fórsa to reach a resolution on this important matter.
As with any industrial relations process, where engagement is sensitive and complex, the matters under discussion are confidential until this process concludes.
512. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a school (details supplied) will be awarded the additional funding required to complete a project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5948/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy maybe aware, the purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies, or to provide funding to facilitate inclusion and access for pupils with special needs. It does so by ensuring the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are in need of resources as a result of an emergency situation.
An emergency is deemed to be a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action, and in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope works to address the emergency situation. The EWS is intended to remedy an emergency situation and usually provides only an interim measure until a permanent solution can be delivered under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS) which deals with upgrade works to the school.
With regards additional funding to complete the toilet facilities, this funding was rejected as the works being sought did not fall under the EWS. The school in question therefore appealed this decision. This is currently being assed under the EWS appeals process.
Once this review process is complete the EWS team will engage further with the school as appropriate.
The EWS team is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
513. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of an additional accommodation project application by a school (details supplied); when the school can proceed to the next phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5949/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline for a project under my Department's Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project will provide four mainstream classrooms, eight special education tuition (SET) rooms and a four classroom special educational needs (SEN) base and ancillary. The project was devolved for delivery to the school authority.
The project is currently at Stage 2a (developed design), and a submission was received by my Department, however additional information was requested to address some Mechanical and Electrical issues. A response has now been received by the Department and together with original Stage 2a (developed design) addendum, is under review from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. Once the review is completed, the outcome will be communicated to the school authority to keep them fully informed of progress.
In July 2025, 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 the 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 the 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.
514. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth if an organisation (details supplied) will be invited to the national convention on education as a key education stakeholder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5959/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, last July it was announced that a National Convention on Education would be established, bringing together all stakeholders in education.
The Convention will be chaired by Professor Anne Looney and will meet four times over weekends in 2026 on the following dates:
21-22 March 2026
9-10 May 2026
26-27 September 2026
14-15 November 2026
I am working with my officials to develop this exciting, once in a generation opportunity for children, young people, parents, educators and wider society to help shape Ireland’s education system for decades to come.
The Convention will comprise 150 people across 4 groups:
Children and young people (30 people)
Parents and guardians (30 people)
School employees and early years educators (30 people)
Education stakeholders (60 people)
The expression of interest process for membership of the first three groups of the Convention closed on Friday January 16th. Selection criteria will be applied to ensure diversity in participants who will be taking part in the Convention. Participation in the education stakeholder group will be via direct invitation and final decisions on the membership of this group will be made in the coming weeks.
515. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of a school place for a child (details supplied). [5986/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
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 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 email address.
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.
516. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the planned extension to a school (details supplied) in County Wexford. [6003/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers to was approved to enter my Departments pipeline of school building projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme to provide six general classrooms, five special education tuition (SET) rooms, one graphics room, one art room and project store, one textiles room, a two classroom special educational needs (SEN) base, and ancillary accommodation.
The project was devolved for delivery to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board.
The Stage 1 (preliminary design) report was received by my Department and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. 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. Once the review is completed, the outcome will be communicated to the WWETB as the delivery body for this project.
517. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the planned extension to a school (details supplied) in County Wexford [6004/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers to was approved to enter my Departments pipeline of school building projects under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide two Special Educational Needs (SEN) classrooms and three Special Education Tuition (SET) rooms.
The project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The Stage 1 (preliminary design ) report was recently received by my Department and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. 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.
Once the review of the Stage 1 submission is completed, the outcome will be communicated to the school authority in due course.
518. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the planned extension to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [6005/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline for a project under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme. The project will provide a three classroom Special Educational Needs (SEN) base and one technology room and preparation area.
The project was devolved to the school authority for delivery.
In June 2025, the project was approved to proceed to Stage 2a (detailed design) of the architectural planning design process. My Department now awaits the submission of the Stage 2A report from the school authority for review. This stage must include the development of the design along with an accurate cost plan which best meets the design as agreed at Stage 1.
My Department will continue to engage with the school authority to provide practical advice and assistance on this project.
519. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the planned extension to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [6006/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy, was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project providing a two classroom Special Educational Needs (SEN) base. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The project is currently at Stage 2b (post planning) and the Stage 2b report has not yet been submitted to the Department. Once received, it will be reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, are subjected to the required due diligence as specified in the Department's infrastructure guidelines.
In July 2025, 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.
520. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the planned extension to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [6007/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy, was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project providing one Special Education Tuition room. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery.
I can confirm that the Stage 2b (post planning) report was submitted to the Department and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, are subjected to the required due diligence as specified in the Department's infrastructure guidelines.
In July 2025, 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.
The ongoing review of this school building project is being considered as part of the Department's NDP.
521. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the planned extension to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [6008/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a project providing seven Special Education Tuition (SET) rooms and to convert the currently shared SET room into a home school liaison room. The project is devolved for delivery to the school authority.
I can confirm that the Stage 2b (post planning) report was submitted to the Department in November 2025 and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. All projects, including this one, are subjected to the required due diligence as specified in the Department's infrastructure guidelines. The ongoing review of this school building project is being considered as part of the department's NDP.
In July 2025, 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.
522. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on the ongoing absence of speech and language therapy, SLT, support for the language class at a school (details supplied); and to advise when a replacement SLT will be provided, or the alternative arrangements can be put in place to ensure that the children’s therapeutic and educational needs continue to be met. [6024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
Students with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) or Speech Sound Disorder (SSD) have access to speech therapy services either through the speech and language therapy services provided in special class settings by the Health Service Executive (HSE), or through the HSE’s primary care service.
There are, however, sixty-three special classes for pupils with Developmental Language Disorder or Severe Speech Sound Disorder attached to mainstream primary schools in dispersed geographical locations including in the school referred to by the Deputy. These classes, cater for pupils with a very specific set of language needs for a maximum of two years.
The Inspectorate's report - Educational provision for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder: Special Classes attached to Mainstream Primary Schools in Ireland recognised how schools highly value the services of the speech and language therapists (SLTs) allocated to them to support the work of the special classes. There was evidence that many SLTs shared professional knowledge very effectively with teachers. Co-professional approaches between SLTs and teachers have huge potential to integrate educational and therapeutic practice to support pupils’ needs. Inspectors described some very effective collaboration between SLTs and teachers, sometimes exemplified by joint classroom practice focused on agreed language programmes.
However, the report also referred to a reduction of HSE-provided SLT supports to the classes in recent years. Notwithstanding the reductions in provision, teachers acknowledged the expertise SLTs contributed to assessment while also advising on approaches, individual planning, co-teaching and individual therapy.
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 officials have asked the NCSE to contact the HSE directly in relation to the lack of a SLT in the class referred to in the correspondence.
523. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Education and Youth to advise on a policy matter (details supplied); if she will allow retrospective flexibility of the deadline for notifying the NCSE and obtaining a letter of eligibility from a SENO for parents applying for a special school or class place for the 2026-27 school year for their child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6053/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
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.
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.
The NCSE is undertaking analysis of information provided through the Parents Notify process which closed on 1 October to plot demand for special class places for the 2026/27 school year.
An earlier date of 1 October was set for parents to complete the Parents Notify process this year. I understand this earlier date may not suit every family. However, it was introduced to ensure the NCSE can provide clarity for families earlier than in previous years. It will also support forward planning and equip the NCSE with timely information as to what students would be leaving school, transitioning to post-primary specialist places or those seeking specialist placement and entering the education system for the first time.
This information is critical when examining where provision needs to be placed to meet demand. This earlier date in October coincides with when schools begin enrolment processes so affords parents the opportunity to enrol in existing classes. Many mainstream schools, particularly at post-primary level commence admissions processes for the following school year on 1 October annually.
The new timeline will afford greater lead in times for schools that require repurposing or major building works to get works complete and allow schools to recruit staff and undertake the training needed so that children are fully supported in these placements.
I would like to stress that the NCSE will continue to support all children and young people made known to them after 1 October. However, it is critical that the NCSE has as much local information as possible, as early as possible, to effectively plan what new provision is required.
The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement and will continue to examine where provision is required for the 2026/27 school year.
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.
524. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the grant schemes that schools can apply for to develop their sporting and recreational facilities; the application process for these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6054/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvestment and expenditure on sports facilities in both primary and post-primary schools is an element of the overall expenditure and investment in the School Building Programme. Practically all schools have outdoor play areas and many schools use adjacent local community facilities. The provision of outdoor play areas form part of the accommodation brief for all new school buildings or where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school. Co-operation between schools and local sporting organisations in sharing their sporting facilities provides opportunities to apply for sports grants including the Sports Capital Grant administered by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. The provision of capital funding for outdoor recreation facilities is just one way in which we support increased physical activity. The redeveloped primary curriculum specification for physical education extends the time available for PE with a particular emphasis on community partnerships and the use of the outdoor environment generally.
Following a total capital allocation of €1.6 billion for 2025, the Government announced a further 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. 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 tender and construction will be published by my department shortly. This 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. Funding will also be invested to support curricular delivery and well-being across schools by prioritising the development of Physical Education halls and sporting facilities (including yards and play areas) for schools in conjunction with the Sports Capital Fund to deliver for both schools and communities.
My Department's Climate Action Summer Works Scheme provides a mechanism for school authorities to make small-scale improvements to school buildings and also the schools external areas such as outdoor play areas. Schools can also use their minor works grant to upgrade outdoor play areas while repairs to existing areas may be considered under the department’s Emergency Works Scheme.
525. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current procedures used in terms of enrolment figures to allocate capitation grant funding to primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6072/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra526. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there is a contingency fund regarding capitation grants for schools whose enrolment increases by more than 20% within a single academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6073/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra527. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she plans to amend the current procedures of basing a schools capitation grant on the school's enrolment figures from 18 months previously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6074/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra528. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if procedures are in place to expedite the transition for a school (details supplied) of its capitation grant from its current allocation based on its 2024 enrolment figures of 62 to the school's September 2025 enrolment figures of 103; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6075/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 525, 526, 527 and 528 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.
