John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:181. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on capital project for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9971/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (181)
Freagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the Department’s school building programme under the Additional School Accommodation scheme for a project that includes the provision of one mainstream classroom and the reconfiguration of existing accommodation to provide an additional mainstream classroom and one special education tuition classroom, along with ancillary works.
The project was approved to proceed to planning in May 2025. In October 2025, the school advised that planning permission had been secured and that the Design Team was progressing the required statutory approvals (Fire Safety Certificate and Disability Access Certificate). The school has since submitted a Stage 2b Completion Certificate. However, the Department has not yet received the full Stage 2b report, the statutory certificates, or an updated cost plan. When received the report 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, 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.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
My department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. In this regard, I have also published a list of the 105 school building projects in the first tranche to proceed to construction or tender over 2026 and 2027.
The first tranche of 105 school building projects includes 80 large scale and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects. These projects were prioritised with a strong focus on maximising existing capacity and prioritising project rollout to meet the most urgent needs particularly to support special education needs provision.
Firstly, to facilitate the 45 projects that are currently already at tender stage (Stage 3) so that they can progress to construction as smoothly as possible over the course of 2026 and 2027. Secondly, to facilitate 35 projects that currently have planning permission and are at pre-tender stage (Stage 2b) and have been prioritised to meet urgent requirements from a special needs perspective or to provide additional capacity to cater for demographics or to address very significant condition issues at the schools.
I recognise that there are schools with important building projects that are not included in the first tranche of prioritised projects.
As part of planning ahead for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender. The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing prioritisation process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, the department will also assess opportunities to undertake advance enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth progression to construction in 2028 and beyond.
Any interim accommodation requirements will continue to be assessed and considered by the department on a case-by-case basis to determine the prioritised needs and approach for addressing same.
The accommodation needs at this school will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (182)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:182. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a temporary bus could be provided to take students from the Mulhuddart_Tyrrelstown_D15 School Planning Area to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10927/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy is currently located on an interim basis in modular accommodation in Hansfield, Dublin 15, pending a move to their permanent location in Hollywoodrath.
Following communications with the department, the patron body and school are making the necessary arrangements for the provision of bus transport for students attending the school who are living in the Mulhuddart_Tyrellstown_D15 school planning area.
Online Safety
Ceisteanna (183)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:183. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures being adopted to not just protect, but to include education for young people on online safety and dangers of AI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10990/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Key to the Department of Education and Youth’s Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 is that all learners are given the opportunity to use digital technologies in their learning to reach their full potential and provide them with the necessary digital skills needed for an increasingly digital world. The Technology in Education unit of Oide (the Department funded support service for teachers and school leaders) together with its digital technology teams, design, develop and deliver a comprehensive range of teacher professional learning programmes to support the embedding of digital technologies in teaching, learning and assessment to support and foster the development of digital skills and knowledge.
Online safety and the safe and ethical use of digital technologies is a key component of the Digital Strategy. Under the strategy, Webwise, the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre, promotes the autonomous, effective and safe use of the internet through a sustained information and awareness strategy targeting school leaders, teachers, parents and children themselves. Webwise develops and disseminates resources that help teachers integrate digital citizenship and online safety into teaching and learning in their schools. Webwise also run campaigns addressing key topical issues as they arise. With the help of the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel, Webwise develops youth-oriented awareness raising resources and training programmes that promote digital citizenship and address topics such as online wellbeing, cyberbullying and more.
Webwise is the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre, providing free information, advice and resources for schools, families and young people on online safety and digital citizenship. Webwise is funded by the Department of Education and Youth and co-funded through the European Commission and is part of the Irish Safer Internet Centre. The Irish Safer Internet Centre is a partnership of four leading organisations Webwise, Hotline.ie, ISPCC[ ]and National Parents Council - with a mission to make the internet a better place for children and young people under the coordination of the Department of Justice.
Oide provides a variety of professional learning to teachers that places the learner at the centre of the learning experience. It provides school-based supports, workshops, specific resources and training online and in person. Oide has dedicated Wellbeing teams at Primary and Post-Primary. These teams support teachers and schools, through the Social Personal and Health Education curriculum, to develop and promote the personal development, health and wellbeing of the student, to create a positive school environment and culture, and, to prevent and tackle bullying, including online bullying and harassment.
In addition, existing curriculum at each level offers multiple opportunities for the development of digital skills and digital literacy. Reform of the curriculum at all levels is already underway which aims to ensure that our young people are equipped with the necessary digital skills and literacy to recognise mis and dis information and AI-generated online content.
Digital skills and literacy are also supported through the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033 which identifies digital literacy as a core skill for all learners in a technology-driven world. It prioritises building critical thinking, problem-solving and digital skills so learners can recognise and respond to misinformation, disinformation, and AI-generated content.
Recent concerns regarding the availability of AI tools and apps that digitally remove clothing from images, creating fake nude content, highlight the importance of continued vigilance in relation to children’s online safety, age-appropriate access and responsible use of digital technologies in our schools. In a rapid response to emerging risks, my Department, in collaboration with Webwise, published updated information and guidance for parents and schools on the risks, harms and safeguarding issues associated with nudification apps on 9 January 2026, available via the Webwise website.
Building on this, my Department will reinforce existing guidance and supports for schools in relation to online safety and responsible use of digital technologies and will keep these arrangements under ongoing review in emerging risks associated with AI tools, including nudification apps.
The Department recently issued a communication to all schools highlighting the updated information and guidance for parents and schools on the risks, harms and safeguarding issues associated with nudification apps, and reminding schools of the range of online safety supports available through Webwise and the Department. It also reminded schools of the importance of maintaining an up-to-date Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) so that school policies continue to reflect emerging technologies, risks and safeguarding concerns for students and teachers.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (184)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:184. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason Balbriggan was excluded in the recently published list of schools to receive building upgrades given its rapidly expanding young population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10935/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department’s NDP Sectoral Investment Plan 2026-2030 involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
The first tranche of 105 projects covers the initial two-year period of NDP rollout. The criteria for identifying the first tranche of prioritised projects to go to construction / tender in 2026 and 2027 included the condition of the school, projects in areas with capacity pressures, growing demographics and projects in the pipeline for a long time.
The 105 prioritised projects consist of 80 large-scale and ASA (additional school accommodation) projects along with 25 projects to be delivered under the Modular Accommodation Programme.
The next tranche of projects will be finalised and published afterwards (post 2027) following a stakeholder engagement process to identify the next most urgent priorities.
A department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender. The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding.
My departments total capital expenditure to date since 2020 in Balbriggan was €35.66 million.
My department will continue to engage with patrons regarding projects at schools under their patronage. As part of this engagement any interim accommodation needs or required works will be explored. This engagement will also inform the next tranche of prioritised projects.
Defective Building Materials
Ceisteanna (185)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:185. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason there is still no scheme or plan to address school buildings with defective concrete blocks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11030/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, in June 2025 My Department engaged with a number of schools affected by defective concrete blocks. As part of this engagement it was noted that My Department is taking a programme approach to the issue at hand and this will inform the pathway for all affected schools.
My Department plans to conduct a site visit to the affected schools over the coming weeks. My Department is aware of the urgent nature of the works required and will keep the school informed throughout the process.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (186)
Shane Moynihan
Ceist:186. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the criteria used in prioritising school building projects for progression to tender and/or construction in 2026 and 2027 as part of the Education NDP Sectoral Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10457/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department’s NDP Sectoral Investment Plan 2026-2030 involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
The first tranche of 105 projects covers the initial two-year period of NDP rollout. The next tranche of projects will be finalised and published afterwards (post 2027) following a stakeholder engagement process to identify the next most urgent priorities. This stakeholder engagement will be undertaken in 2026 and 2027 and will include an assessment of how well existing capacity is maximised and enrolment policies and processes are prioritising local special education provision and mainstream requirements. The Department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
The criteria for identifying the first tranche of 105 prioritised projects to go to construction / tender in 2026 and 2027 included the condition of the school, projects in areas with capacity pressures, growing demographics and projects in the pipeline for a long time.
The 105 prioritised projects consist of 80 large-scale and ASA (additional school accommodation) projects along with 25 projects to be delivered under the Modular Accommodation Programme.
The 80 large-scale and ASA projects are estimated to cost just under €1.6bn.
Of the 80 projects,
· 45 projects that are already at tender stage (Stage 3)
· 35 projects that have planning permission and are at pre-tender stage (Stage 2b).
Regarding the 45 projects that are currently already at tender stage (Stage 3), these projects are being progressed on a rolling basis to ensure that the Department of Education continues to operate within NDP funding parameters.
These projects include 19 new school buildings of which the majority are either special schools or primary/post-primary schools that are currently operating from interim accommodation and have an urgent need for permanent accommodation.
Regarding the 35 projects that currently have planning permission and are at pre-tender stage (Stage 2b), these have been prioritised to meet urgent requirements from a special needs perspective or to provide additional capacity to cater for demographics or to address very significant condition issues at the schools. These projects include new school buildings for 12 schools – of which the majority of these schools are either special schools or primary/post-primary schools that currently are operating from interim accommodation and have an urgent need for permanent accommodation. It is envisaged that these projects will be progressed to tender over the course of 2026 and 2027 and within the context of NDP funding parameters.
The 25 modular projects primarily relate to additional SEN capacity for the 2026/27 school year. The number of modular projects is set to increase as further NCSE sanctions are issued. With over 260 SEN classes already approved for 2026/2027, additional projects will be prioritised to facilitate their opening through the Modular and SEN repurposing programmes.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (187, 194)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:187. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she accepts, in relation to the current school secretaries and caretakers dispute, that the underlying issue is one of historic pay and pension inequality and insecure employment; and if she will commit to fully implementing any Labour Court recommendation that seeks to address these long-standing issues. [11010/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:194. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on giving secretaries and caretakers pension parity and leave entitlements; the possible solutions being put forward by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 194 together.
School 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.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (188)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:188. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth when her Department will provide a date for the Stage 2A review meeting to three schools in Dublin 7 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10926/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The joint major building project for the schools referred to is currently at Stage 2(a) of Architectural Planning - Developed Design - which is a crucial element of the architectural planning process as it is at this stage that the design is developed to a stage where it can be fully cost planned and prepared to lodge for statutory approvals.
The Design Team submitted their Stage 2(a) Submission report to my Department in January 2024 for review. Upon review, some key concerns were identified by Department officials, and the school authorities and Design Team were advised in advance that in place of the Stakeholders meeting, there would be a further interim Stage 2(a) workshop to discuss and assist the Design Team in progressing their Stage 2(a) submission in a positive manner.
The Design Team were asked to complete a review and audit of the floor area schedules, and to also refine some design elements in order to meet the approved schedule of accommodation.
A further interim workshop was held on 22nd March 2024, between my Department and the Design Team Architect, where further refinements and adjustment to floor area were discussed.
Upon receipt of the revised Stage 2(a) Report Department officials carried out an initial review and arranged an architectural workshop with the Design Team Lead in May 2025 to discuss further.
In early June 2025 a further meeting was held with the wider Design Team, school authorities and Department officials in attendance. At that meeting the school were provided with a progress update and advised that the Design Team was due to submit an Addendum S2a Report to the Department.
The outstanding information for the Addendum Stage 2a Report was received in the Department on 31st October 2025.
A date for the Stage 2a Stakeholders Meeting will be advised upon completion of the Addendum Report review.
I recognise that there are schools with important building projects that are not included in the first tranche of prioritised projects.
As part of planning ahead for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender. The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing prioritisation process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, the department will also assess opportunities to undertake advance enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth progression to construction in 2028 and beyond.
Any interim accommodation requirements will continue to be assessed and considered by the department on a case-by-case basis to determine the prioritised needs and approach for addressing same.
The accommodation needs at St John Boscos JNS & SNS and Mary Help of Christians will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (189)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:189. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth the decision-making processes on allocations of school building projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10100/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department’s NDP Sectoral Investment Plan 2026-2030 involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
The first tranche of 105 projects covers the initial two-year period of NDP rollout. The next tranche of projects will be finalised and published following a stakeholder engagement process to identify the next most urgent priorities. This stakeholder engagement will be undertaken in 2026 and 2027 and will include an assessment of how well existing capacity is maximised and enrolment policies and processes are prioritising local special education provision and mainstream requirements. The Department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
The criteria for identifying the first tranche of 105 prioritised projects to go to construction / tender in 2026 and 2027 included the condition of the school, projects in areas with capacity pressures, growing demographics and projects in the pipeline for a long time.
The 105 prioritised projects consist of 80 large-scale and ASA (additional school accommodation) projects along with 25 projects to be delivered under the Modular Accommodation Programme.
The 80 large-scale and ASA projects are estimated to cost just under €1.6bn.
Of the 80 projects,
• 45 projects that are already at tender stage (Stage 3)
• 35 projects that have planning permission and are at pre-tender stage (Stage 2b).
Regarding the 45 projects that are currently already at tender stage (Stage 3), these projects are being progressed on a rolling basis to ensure that the Department of Education continues to operate within NDP funding parameters. These projects include 19 new school buildings of which the majority are either special schools or primary/post-primary schools that are currently operating from interim accommodation and have an urgent need for permanent accommodation.
Regarding the 35 projects that currently have planning permission and are at pre-tender stage (Stage 2b), these have been prioritised to meet urgent requirements from a special needs perspective or to provide additional capacity to cater for demographics or to address very significant condition issues at the schools. These projects include new school buildings for 12 schools – of which the majority of these schools are either special schools or primary/post-primary schools that currently are operating from interim accommodation and have an urgent need for permanent accommodation. It is envisaged that these projects will be progressed to tender over the course of 2026 and 2027 and within the context of NDP funding parameters.
The 25 modular projects primarily relate to additional SEN capacity for the 2026/27 school year. The number of modular projects is set to increase as further NCSE sanctions are issued. With over 260 SEN classes already approved for 2026/2027, additional projects will be prioritised to facilitate their opening through the Modular and SEN repurposing programmes.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (190)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:190. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on whether the capital funding allocated for school building and refurbishment projects in Dublin south-west is adequate given the scale of need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I should explain that applications relating to the provision of funding for issues relating to an existing school building can fall under a number of different delivery mechanisms including, most frequently, the Summer Works Scheme and the Emergency Works Scheme.
The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. 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 the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS).
The purpose of the SWS is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.
The Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (which was previously named the Summer Works Scheme) places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Schools can now undertake additional measures such as insulation upgrades, LED lighting installation, EV charger provision, bike rack facilities to support active travel and other climate-focused works alongside traditional maintenance.
The newly announced Climate Action Summer works opened for applications on the 1st May and the application window closed on the 30th of June 2025, full details of the scheme can be found under Summer Works Scheme. The EWS is open for applications year-round. It is open to the school to make an application under the most appropriate scheme.
School Costs
Ceisteanna (191, 203)
Pa Daly
Ceist:191. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps she is taking to reduce the burden on parents brought on by so called voluntary contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10479/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEoghan Kenny
Ceist:203. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline the Government’s decision-making processes on voluntary contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10099/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 203 together.
Voluntary contributions can be requested by schools; however, it must be made absolutely clear to parents that there is no requirement to pay, and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own choice, and there is no compulsion to pay.
No charge may be made, in respect of instruction in any subject of the school curriculum or for recreation or other activities where all pupils are expected to take part. However, certain charges may be legitimately requested such as payments in respect of extra-curricular activities, provided such activities are not obligatory and individual pupils can choose whether or not to participate. The cost must reflect the true cost involved.
The Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018 is an important piece of legislation which has introduced a more parent-friendly, equitable and consistent approach to how school admissions policy operates for the almost 4,000 primary and post-primary schools.
Section 64 of the act prohibits the charging of fees or seeking payment or contributions for an application for admission to or for continued enrolment in a school.
My 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.
My Department has secured €39 million in Budget 2026 towards increased capitation funding for primary, post-primary and special schools to provide additional financial support towards their running costs. This will see an increase in the standard capitation rates paid to schools of €50 per pupil for primary schools from €224 to €274 and of €20 per student for post-primary schools from €386 to €406. This will also allow for an increase of €20 in capitation rates for Urban Band One DEIS primary schools, increasing the mainstream pupil rate in these schools to €294. The increased capitation rates will also see special schools now receive the same rates of capitation, for young people aged 12 and over, as for their peers in mainstream post-primary schools. This funding will benefit schools around the country in managing their day-to-day running costs.
The increases announced in Budget 2026 are in addition to the 12% increases as part of Budget 2025. The last three Budgets have resulted in an increase in the level of capitation grant rates of 49.7% (€91) paid to primary schools and 28.5% (€90) paid to post-primary schools.
School Facilities
Ceisteanna (192)
James O'Connor
Ceist:192. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on works and repairs in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11071/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The project referred to by the Deputy, Cobh Community College, Carrignafoy has been devolved to Cork Education and Training Board (CETB) for delivery.
The project brief provides for an extension and refurbishment to accommodate a long-term projected enrolment of 600 pupils including 4 Special Education Needs (SEN) classrooms.
The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process. This stage allows for detailed design and planning, obtaining necessary statutory permissions and preparation of tender documents. The department awaits submission of a Stage 2b report. Once received, it will undergo a detailed technical and cost review in line with the Public Spending Code. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
The department have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
The department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. In this regard, the department have also published a list of the 105 school building projects in the first tranche to proceed to construction or tender over 2026 and 2027.
These projects are in addition to €767.68 million in capital funding for Cork schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 157 Cork schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are also currently 20 school projects in County Cork under construction.
The first tranche of 105 school building projects includes 80 large scale and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects. These projects were prioritised with a strong focus on maximising existing capacity and prioritising project rollout to meet the most urgent needs particularly to support special education needs provision.
Firstly, to facilitate the 45 projects that are currently already at tender stage (Stage 3) so that they can progress to construction as smoothly as possible over the course of 2026 and 2027.? Secondly, to facilitate 35 projects that currently have planning permission and are at pre-tender stage (Stage 2b) and have been prioritised to meet urgent requirements from a special needs perspective or to provide additional capacity to cater for demographics or to address very significant condition issues at the schools.
The department recognises that there are schools with important building projects that are not included in the first tranche of prioritised projects. As part of planning ahead for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender. The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing prioritisation process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, the department will also assess opportunities to undertake advance enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth progression to construction in 2028 and beyond.
Any interim accommodation requirements will continue to be assessed and considered by the department on a case-by-case basis to determine the prioritised needs and approach for addressing same.
The accommodation needs at the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
Oideachas trí Ghaeilge
Ceisteanna (193)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:193. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Minister for Education and Youth na ceantair pleanála scoile sa Stát nach bhfuil bunscoil lánGhaeilge iontu a ainmniú, agus cad iad na bearta i ngach cás acu atá déanta ag a Roinn chun an bearna sin a líonadh [10905/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
**Translation into Irish to follow**
As the Deputy may be aware, there are 314 School Planning Areas across the country and there are currently 253 operational Gaelscoileanna. A list of the School Planning Areas that do not have an all-Irish primary school (or Gaelscoil) will be sent to the Deputy as requested.
My Department’s recently published NDP Sectoral Investment Plan provides information on the direction of travel for Irish medium provision and noted that there has been €466m capital investment since 2020. Further investment is planned for Irish medium provision as part of NDP rollout of projects in 2026 and 2027.
The Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, includes a commitment to establish Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí where there is demand and support parents choosing Irish-medium education for their children.
On 4 November 2025, my department launched the Primary School Survey, which included a question to establish parental interest in Irish medium provision. The survey, which is the largest of its kind ever undertaken in Ireland, was school specific and aimed to assess parental demand and preferences for different types of primary school provision.
Through the survey, my department is obtaining clear information on the preferences of parents and guardians about the primary schools which their children currently attend, or will attend in coming years, on a number of important areas of primary school provision, including language of instruction (Irish or English).
There will be further clarity on the outcomes of this survey later in 2026.
The results of the survey will help my department to plan how education at primary level is provided. The survey preferences on education through Irish will inform future school planning and consultation around opportunities to provide increased education provision through Irish.
In addition to the survey, on 6 November 2025, my department published a ‘Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht’. The policy sets out my department’s vision that high-quality Irish-medium education will be available to all, in inclusive and multicultural educational settings.
A Taskforce on Models of Provision for Irish-medium Education was established in November 2025 as a key action under the policy. The role of the taskforce is to provide a platform for collaboration between my department and key stakeholders to develop a pathway to increase provision of Irish-medium education.
The taskforce's work is expected to be completed within one year. It will make recommendations to my department on areas such as the criteria for Irish-medium education provision, how to support schools transitioning to Irish-medium education and mechanisms to facilitate expansion of provision.
It is also worth noting that new schools are only established in areas of demographic growth, as the resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to ensure that every child has a school place. Given the general downward demographic trends at primary and post-primary level, it is not expected that there will be any significant requirement for the establishment of new mainstream schools over the coming years. In this context, the taskforce will have an important role in identifying viable and sustainable solutions to support increased provision of Irish-medium education, at both primary and post-primary level.
Question No. 194 answered with Question No. 187.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (195)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:195. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the new building at a school in Glanmire, County Cork (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10571/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The project referred to by the Deputy has been devolved to the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) for delivery.
The project brief for Coláiste an Phiarsaigh provides for a long term projected enrolemtn of 750 pupils including four Special Educational Needs (SEN) classrooms.
The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process. This allows for detailed design and planning, obtaining the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents. Planning permission was granted in November 2025. The department awaits submission of a Stage 2b report. Once received, it will undergo a detailed technical and cost review in line with the Public Spending Code. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
The department have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
The department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. In this regard, the department published a list of the 105 school building projects in the first tranche to proceed to construction or tender over 2026 and 2027.
These projects are in addition to €767.68 million in capital funding for Cork schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 157 Cork schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are also currently 20 school projects in County Cork under construction.
The first tranche of 105 school building projects includes 80 large scale and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects. These projects were prioritised with a strong focus on maximising existing capacity and prioritising project rollout to meet the most urgent needs particularly to support special education needs provision.
Firstly, to facilitate the 45 projects that are currently already at tender stage (Stage 3) so that they can progress to construction as smoothly as possible over the course of 2026 and 2027. Secondly, to facilitate 35 projects that currently have planning permission and are at pre-tender stage (Stage 2b) and have been prioritised to meet urgent requirements from a special needs perspective or to provide additional capacity to cater for demographics or to address very significant condition issues at the schools.
The department recognises that there are schools with important building projects that are not included in the first tranche of prioritised projects. As part of planning ahead for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender. The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing prioritisation process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, the department will also assess opportunities to undertake advance enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth progression to construction in 2028 and beyond.
Any interim accommodation requirements will continue to be assessed and considered by the department on a case-by-case basis to determine the prioritised needs and approach for addressing same.
The accommodation needs at the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 121.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (197)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:197. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider a joint fund with the Department of Transport for safety works outside of schools, to create a standardised approach to safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9601/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While there are currently no plans to explore the establishment of a joint fund with the Department of Transport for safety works outside of schools I should explain that applications relating to the provision of funding for issues relating to an existing school building can fall under a number of different delivery mechanisms including, most frequently, the Summer Works Scheme and the Emergency Works Scheme and could include the upgrade or provision of play areas and/or car parking and set down areas. For areas outside the boundary of the schools grounds the local authority should be contacted in the first instance.
The purpose of the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) is to provide funding specifically for unforeseen emergencies. 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 the minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation. The EWS usually provides an interim solution until such time as a comprehensive solution can be provided under the Summer Works Scheme (SWS).
The purpose of the SWS is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis and, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school.
The Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (which was previously named the Summer Works Scheme) places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Schools can now undertake additional measures such as insulation upgrades, LED lighting installation, EV charger provision, bike rack facilities to support active travel and other climate-focused works alongside traditional maintenance.
The newly announced Climate Action Summer works opened for applications on the 1st May and the application window closed on the 30th of June 2025, full details of the scheme can be found under Summer Works Scheme (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/). The EWS is open for applications year-round. It is open to the school to make an application under the most appropriate scheme.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (198)
Mark Ward
Ceist:198. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special education places notifications submitted by schools after the 1 October deadline; the reason the October deadline was chosen; the way in which she plans to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11052/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This 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.
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.
The NCSE has advised my department of an increasing number of children and young people who have come to their attention since the 1 October timeline. My department and the NCSE have worked on proposals to address the needs of children and young people coming forward to the NCSE after 1 October. I am pleased to say that my department is confirming that the NCSE are now in a position to issue letters of eligibility to children and young people who have made contact with them after the 1 October timeline and who meet the criteria for a special class or special school placement. The NCSE are commencing this process this week.
Each school prepares and publishes their own admissions policy and runs their own admissions process in line with the Admissions Act. Individual schools will determine the outcome of applications received by them in accordance with their own admissions policy and procedures. I want to reassure families that they will be supported in seeking a placement and that no child or young person should be prevented from starting school. There are a wide range of supports in mainstream classes, special classes and special schools for children and young people with additional needs.
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.
School Facilities
Ceisteanna (199)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:199. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will approve the funding to carry out the alterations required to facilitate disability and wheelchair access in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10772/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school to which the Deputy refers submitted an application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for Special Need Facilities/ Universal Access works.
The school's EWS application was refused on the basis that works being sought did not qualify for funding under the EWS.
The application in question is currently being reviewed by the Department of Education’s EWS team under the appeals process.
The EWS operates on the basis of a minimal scope of works required to remedy an emergency situation and, on this basis, the school was advised to submit further information. Once this has been received the EWS team will review the revised application and 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.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (200)
Brian Brennan
Ceist:200. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for reassurance of progress on, and a timeline for, school building projects in the Wicklow-Wexford constituency that were not included in the first tranche of the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan Rollout for 2026-2027 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10973/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, I have recently published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. This NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
Of the total €7.55 billion investment it is envisaged that circa. €5 billion will be used for project rollout to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the Large Scale, Additional Accommodation, Modular, and Annual September Accommodation Needs programmes. Over the course of 2026 and 2027 there will be construction work at circa. 10% of the school estate. These projects will, when completed, provide circa 57,000 additional and modernised school places with a strong SEN focus in all projects.
Additionally, SEN reconfiguration projects are recognised as a key priority within our overall delivery framework and, reflecting their importance, are being actively progressed accordingly.
My department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. The first tranche of 105 projects covers the initial two-year period of NDP rollout. This list includes 1 project in County Wexford and 3 projects in Wicklow.
These projects are in addition to €174.6 million in capital funding for County Wexford schools and €254.93 million in capital funding for County Wicklow schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 58 schools in County Wexford and 42 schools in County Wicklow have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are also currently 7 school projects in County Wexford and 8 schools projects in County Wicklow under construction.
The first tranche of 105 school building projects includes 80 large scale and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects. These projects were prioritised with a strong focus on maximising existing capacity and prioritising project rollout to meet the most urgent needs particularly to support special education needs provision.
Firstly, to facilitate the 45 projects that are currently already at tender stage (Stage 3) so that they can progress to construction as smoothly as possible over the course of 2026 and 2027. Secondly, to facilitate 35 projects that currently have planning permission and are at pre-tender stage (Stage 2b) and have been prioritised to meet urgent requirements from a special needs perspective or to provide additional capacity to cater for demographics or to address very significant condition issues at the schools.
I recognise that there are schools with important building projects that are not included in the first tranche of prioritised projects.
As part of planning ahead for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender. The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing prioritisation process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, the department will also assess opportunities to undertake advance enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth progression to construction in 2028 and beyond.
Any interim accommodation requirements will continue to be assessed and considered by the department on a case-by-case basis to determine the prioritised needs and approach for addressing same.
The accommodation needs at the schools queried with Large Scale or Additional Accommodation projects will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities, and within NDP funding parameters.
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.