Written Answers Nos. 299-329
299. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount expended by his Department and by each agency for which he is responsible on advertising, promotion, advertising companies and external communications companies or consultants in 2025 and the expected costs for 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11357/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department and the bodies under its aegis is set out in the tables below.
|
Public body |
Amount spent on the services in question in 2025 |
|
Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation |
€27,845 |
|
Office of Public Works |
€676,854 |
|
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery |
€72,816 |
|
State Laboratory |
€0 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman* |
€40,010 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
€1,521,850 |
|
National Shared Services Office |
€11,648 |
|
Public body |
Expected Costs for the services in question in 2026 |
|
Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation |
€40,000 |
|
Office of Public Works |
€650,000 |
|
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery |
€98,951 |
|
State Laboratory |
€0 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman* |
€45,000 |
|
Public Appointments Service |
€1,600,000 |
|
National Shared Services Office |
€0 |
* The Office of the Ombudsman entry also includes Office of the Commission for Public Service Appointments, the Standards in Public Office Commission, the Office of the Information Commissioner, the Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Information and the Office of the Protected Disclosures Commissioner.
300. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether any guidance has been issued to public bodies regarding the protection of defined benefit pension schemes from being used to address funding shortfalls or restructuring costs; and whether RTÉ has been assessed for compliance with such guidance. [11372/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe assets of a public sector defined benefit pension scheme may only be used in accordance with the regulations of the scheme, which are set out in the scheme's rules and trust deeds. The rules and trust deeds of funded pension schemes put in place for staff of commercial state bodies require Ministerial approval, that is the approval of the parent Minister and my consent, upon the establishment of the scheme and for any subsequent amendments.
All commercial state bodies are required to comply with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies including the annex on Remuneration and Superannuation, as amended in 2021. The Code of Practice provides clear guidance on the requirement for Ministerial approval for changes to pension schemes, such as the prerequisite for NewERA advice to inform the Ministerial approval process. It is also an obligation for each body to report on its compliance with the Code of Practice on an annual basis.
Regarding RTÉ, the assets of the defined benefit RTÉ Superannuation Scheme may only be used in accordance with the rules of the scheme. If RTÉ intend to propose a change to the scheme rules, this will firstly be a matter for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to consider. Should the Minister wish to approve a proposed amendment to the scheme rules he must also seek my consent.
301. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the coastal protection works/flood prevention works he plans to carry out in County Kerry during 2026; the amount of funding which has been made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11471/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra308. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the coastal protection works/flood prevention works he proposes to carry out in County Kerry during 2026; the amount of funding that has been made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11585/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 308 together.
Local coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. The OPW is working closely with Kerry County Council (KCC) to implement a number of initiatives to tackle coastal erosion and flooding in the county. The OPW are currently funding three local authority staff in KCC to manage the delivery of flood relief schemes, a Senior Executive Engineer, Executive Engineer and a Senior Staff member.
Minor Works Scheme
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The funding available for each scheme has recently been increased from €750,000 to €2 million. Further details related to this are due to be announced shortly.
The Minor Works Scheme is a demand led scheme. Funding allocated is based on the cost submitted by the local authorities for consideration.
Construction timelines are submitted to the OPW on applying for funding approval. KCC presently have one Minor Works application for the county awaiting approval. Maherabeg has been assessed by the OPW and a request for further information from KCC will be reviewed once submitted.
Since 2009, OPW has approved some 40 projects and €4.2m to KCC under the Minor Works Schemes. This includes circa €1.15 million in approved funding for 11 Studies undertaken by KCC under the Minor Works Scheme. These studies were carried out to help inform of options and fulfil requirements to progress schemes.
Flood Relief Schemes in Kerry
The Government has also committed to investing some €81m for the design and implementation of flood relief schemes for Co. Kerry. Tralee, Kenmare, Abbeydorney and Banna are in the first tranche of schemes to be progressed with Dingle, Killarney, Ballylongford, Listowel and Castleisland/Tullig in the second tranche.
Tralee
As part of the design, to protect 717 properties, the consultant has carried out options assessment of 11 appraisal areas. Following this screening process a series of flood risk management options were developed for each area with both fluvial and coastal options. A Public Consultation Day will be held in the coming months, to bring all options appraised to the public for their feedback. It is programmed to submit the scheme to planning in Q3, 2027.
Kenmare
The scheme’s design is being progressed to protect 235 properties. The consultant has carried out options assessment and identified 6 fluvial options and 3 coastal options. These options have progressed through the Multi Criteria Assessment process. A Public Consultation Day will be held in the coming months, to bring all options appraised to the public for their feedback. It is programmed to submit the scheme to planning in Q2, 2027.
Banna
To progress this scheme design Kerry County Council is completing a wider flood risk assessment; including the channels to the north and general drainage from the Ballyheigue area.
Abbeydorney
The OPW Flood Relief Design section through liaison with Kerry County Council have initiated a scheme feasibility assessment of Abbeydorney Co. Kerry.
302. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when An Post pensioners will receive the rise that is overdue in their pensions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11493/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 5 February 2026, my Department received a request for my concurrence from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in respect of two proposed pension increases under the An Post Scheme. The request is under active review by officials in my Department, along with the report prepared by NewERA, in accordance with the approval process set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
Payment of any increase under the scheme, once Ministerial approval has been provided, is a matter for An Post and the Trustees of the scheme.
303. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the total amount of public funding spent to date on the hire of a WC facility on An Bhlascaod Mór; the duration of the current contract; if he will provide a breakdown of costs by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11545/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra304. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when the current contract for the provision of WC facilities on An Bhlascaod Mór is due to expire; whether it is intended to be renewed; on what basis any renewal decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11546/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra305. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the OPW has plans to construct or otherwise provide a permanent, State-owned WC facility for visitors to An Bhlascaod Mór; the estimated cost of such a facility; the proposed timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11547/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra306. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether the OPW will provide funding to upgrade the slipway and landing facilities on An Bhlascaod Mór; whether any assessments or feasibility studies have been carried out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11548/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 303, 304, 305 and 306 together.
An Blascaod Mór is the largest island of the Blasket islands, an archipelago located off the coast of west Kerry. The island is nationally significant due to the important literary and cultural output of its tiny community in the first half of the 20th century and the substantial collection of books, nearly 100 in all, written about life on the Blasket Islands in the past century. An Blascaod Mór forms part of the Blasket Islands Special Area of Conservation and the State-owned lands on the island now form part of Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí.
The Office of Public Works (OPW)’s involvement with An Blascaod Mór goes back to 1988. Ionad an Bhlascaoid, (the Blasket Centre) was developed with the assistance of locally-based voluntary group, Fondúíreacht an Bhlascaoid and officially opened in April 1994.
The State purchased the majority of the holdings on the island in 2009 and the OPW has restored a number of the houses on the island since, including the home of pre-eminent Blasket author, Tomás Ó Criomhthain. A €1.2 million clifftop Wild Atlantic Way Viewing Platform on the Blasket Centre site opened in 2020 and provides an accessible viewing point for visitors. A strategic partnership between the OPW, Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage enabled a major €2.9 million upgrade of the Blasket Centre that opened in 2022.
The OPW is focused on conserving and protecting An Blascaod Mór while providing facilities so visitors can appreciate and enjoy the Island. Recognising the importance of toilets and shelter for visitors, since 2023 the OPW has entered into arrangements with a private provider of existing facilities on the island to provide facilities and to maintain, clean and stock them. The latest contract in expired on 30 September 2025 and it is intended that a new arrangement will shortly be in place for 2026.
In terms of permanent welfare facilities for visitors, work is also underway. Developing such facilities is challenging given the high level of environmental and archaeological protections is in place. The Island village is a designated site of archaeological and of major heritage significance. There are specific planning considerations for the Island in the Kerry County Development Plan. The requirement for adequate water supply, sanitation and sewage disposal are central to any public toilet provision.
The OPW continues to plan for improved landing facilities on An Blascaod Mór. Planning permission for a pier was previously granted in 2003, however, there have been significant changes in the designated status of the Island and environmental regulations in the intervening period and as such any new infrastructure will require an entirely new set of consents.
The OPW commissioned a suite of environmental and ecological reports to underpin this process which were completed in 2025. These studies highlighted the importance of balancing the protection of the biodiversity of the island with the provision of safer landing facilities.
The project is now at Feasibility stage. Engineering / design consultants were appointed in November 2025 to identify any further surveys required as part of the planning process, and to produce a feasibility report with an options appraisal for improvement to the landings at An Blascaod Mór and Dún Chaoin. This feasibility report is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
307. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if additional funding will be provided for small scale and large, drainage scheme projects in 2026 given the value of smaller scale flood mitigation works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11571/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHistorically, flood risk management focused on the arterial drainage of river catchments to improve agricultural land. Maintenance of Arterial and Drainage District channels, designated under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Local Authorities respectively. In 1995, due to increased urban flooding, the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 was amended to facilitate the OPW’s implementation of localised flood relief schemes to provide flood protection to cities, towns and villages.
Through the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two thirds of the population against the risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. The Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans, an output of CFRAM, provided the evidence for a proactive approach to designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities. Investment of €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan to 2030, has allowed the OPW to treble the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning, or construction to some 100 schemes.
The OPW has a statutory duty to maintain Arterial Drainage Schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995, as amended, in proper repair and effective condition, and conducts its ongoing programme of maintenance in-line with environmental best practice. Arterial drainage maintenance is an ongoing programme of works of a cyclical nature. Arterial drainage schemes result in improved drainage outfall and a level of flood protection for 242,800 hectares of agricultural land, in excess of 20,000 properties, 77 towns and villages and 2,400km of roads. The OPW has allocated €23,511,000 in funding to conduct its maintenance programme for these schemes for the 2026 period. The total funding amount is reviewed by the OPW on a yearly basis and adjusted as necessary, through engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
The OPW has no plans for further catchment-wide arterial drainage schemes. However, to target the management of flood risk outside of cities, towns and villages, in 2009 the OPW introduced the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of this Scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any application under the scheme will be considered against revised criteria. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the Scheme shortly.
309. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if there is a canteen in his Department headquarters; and if the Minister can provide assurances that all meat sold or provided in that canteen is of Irish origin.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11180/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a canteen facility located in our offices in 23 Kildare Street. I understand the majority of meat products (Beef, Pork and Lamb) are 100% sourced from Irish suppliers. A portion of the poultry served in the canteen is sourced from Belgium and the Netherlands. I am advised that the need for poultry sourced from the EU is due to high demand on Irish sourced poultry.
310. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the amount expended by his Department and by each agency for which he is responsible on advertising, promotion, advertising companies and external communications companies or consultants in 2025 and the expected costs for 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11350/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have set out below advertising expenditure by my Department in 2025 and forecasted for 2026. Advertising is undertaken to support the work of my Department across the broad range of activities within my remit.
The advertising activity by the agencies under my department’s aegis is an operational matter for those bodies, and I do not have any direct function in these matters.
|
|
Agency / Platform |
Amount |
|
2025 |
Meta |
€4,549.19 |
|
|
|
€2,274.63 |
|
|
Spark Foundry |
€18,300.87 |
|
|
Javelin |
€19,646.00 |
|
|
Total |
€44,770.69 |
|
2026 |
|
|
|
|
Forecast |
€200,000.00 |
311. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he has received notification of collective redundancies by a company (details supplied) in Ireland. [11490/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of 11 Feb 2026, my Department has not received a collective redundancy notification from the company.
The rules governing collective redundancies are set out in the Protection of Employment Act 1977, as amended.
Under the Act, collective redundancies arise where, during any period of 30 consecutive days, the employees being made redundant are:
5 employees where 21-49 are employed; 10 employees where 50-99 are employed; 10% of the employees where 100-299 are employed; and 30 employees where 300 or more are employed.
Employers must comply with a number of obligations when proposing collective redundancies. Section 12 of the 1977 Act provides that employers proposing a collective redundancy must notify the Minister of the proposed collective redundancy at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect.
Redundancies that fall below collective redundancy thresholds do not need to be notified to my Department.
312. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the commencement date for the Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11505/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Act 2025 was signed into law by the President on 16 December 2025. I anticipate that this Act will be commenced in Q3 of 2026.
It will allow employees who do not consent to retire at their contractual retirement age to remain in employment until they reach the pensionable age (66), should they wish to do so. The pensionable age is the age at which people may first access their State Pension. This is a significant step in helping to protect employees as they approach retirement.
As I stated during the Act’s legislative process, there will be an appropriate lead in time in advance of commencement. My Department is working with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to develop clear communications for both workers and employers on the rights and responsibilities arising from this Act.
The WRC has begun the process of consulting with social partners in the context of the drafting of a new Code of Practice. This approach will support a smooth commencement of the legislation and ensure that the new employment right is implemented consistently and fairly.
313. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of claims or cases adjudicated upon by the Workplace Relations Commission mediation service in each of the past five years; the breakdown of those claims by who brought the claim, either employee or employer, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11523/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra314. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of cases that were brought by an employee against an employer to the Workplace Relations Commission’s mediation service, which were deemed to have a valid claim in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11524/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra315. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of cases that were brought by an employee against an employer to the Workplace Relations Commission’s mediation service, which were deemed not to have a valid claim in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11525/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra316. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of cases that were brought by an employer against an employee to the Workplace Relations Commission’s mediation service, which were deemed to have a valid claim in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11526/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra317. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of cases that were brought by an employer against an employee to the Workplace Relations Commission’s mediation service, which were deemed not to have a valid claim in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11527/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra318. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of cases, in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, where an employee complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission was deemed not to have a valid claim at mediation stage, the complaint subsequently proceeded to a full hearing, and the complaint was upheld, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11528/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra319. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of cases, in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, where an employee complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission was deemed not to have a valid claim at mediation stage, the complaint subsequently proceeded to a full hearing, and the complaint was not upheld, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11529/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question Nos 313, 314, 315,316,317, 318 and 319 together.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is an independent, statutory body under the aegis of my Department. The WRC’s primary functions include the inspection of employment law compliance, the provision of information on employment law, mediation, adjudication, conciliation, facilitation, and advisory services.
The WRC provides statutory mediation under Section 39 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015 where an individual has referred an employment or equality complaint for adjudication, and both parties have agreed to participate in discussions to attempt to resolve the matter before an adjudication hearing takes place.
Participation in mediation is voluntary and either party can choose not to participate. There is no cost to the parties to participate in mediation. Pre-adjudication mediation is confidential under the legislation, and any agreement reached is legally binding on the parties. A Mediator cannot determine whether a complaint is well founded or not, they are there purely in a facilitatory capacity, to assist the parties in reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement. If no such agreement is reached, then the claim will proceed to an adjudication hearing. Employers cannot make employment or equality complaints against their employees.
The below table provides data on the number of mediation cases heard by the WRC between 2021 and 2025.
• "New Mediation Cases", refers to cases where either the complainant or respondent was agreeable to mediation.
• "Mediations That Took Place", refers to the number of instances where the parties voluntarily engaged in meaningful discussions with a view to resolving the matter by agreement.
• "Mediations Resolved", refers to the number of cases where both parties signed a legally binding mediated agreement to resolve the case.
• "Cases Withdrawn After Mediation Before Adjudication", refers to the number of cases where parties engaged with WRC Mediation Services but did not sign a mediated agreement and the Complainant subsequently withdrew the case before an adjudication hearing took place.
• "Total Diverted from Adjudication" refers to the total of row 3 and row 4 combined and reflects the impact of Mediation Services on cases referred for adjudication.
The WRC does not track the outcome of cases that were with Mediation Services and later progressed to an adjudication hearing. Therefore it is not possible to provide any data in relation to same.
|
|
|
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
|
1 |
Number of New Mediation Cases |
2950 |
2304 |
1926 |
1546 |
1670 |
|
2 |
Number of Mediations That Took Place |
1034 |
894 |
785 |
658 |
501 |
|
3 |
Number of Mediations Resolved |
554 |
526 |
443 |
313 |
241 |
|
4 |
Cases Withdrawn After Mediation Before Adjudication |
515 |
427 |
402 |
478 |
471 |
|
5 |
Total Diverted from Adjudication |
1069 |
953 |
845 |
791 |
712 |
The number of mediations that have taken place under the auspices of the WRC has increased by 106% in the last 5 years and continues to grow year on year, demonstrating that mediation is a fast, informal, non-adversarial and cost-effective method of resolving workplace disputes for employees, employers, and the State that results in mutually beneficial outcomes.
320. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the schedule of special education classes to come; the number of classes; and the way in which the data collected by the NCSE been reflected in future announcements. [11583/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to remember that the majority of children and young people with special educational needs are supported by their classroom teacher, special education teachers and SNAs to attend mainstream classes with their peers.
Where students have more complex needs a special class can be provided and for students with the most complex needs a special school place can be provided.
The Government is committed to the continued accelerated provision of additional special class and special school places for the 2026/27 school by providing at least 3,000 new places in locations where it best meets existing and future demand.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body tasked with sanctioning new special education provision in our schools.
Budget 2026 provides funding for over 400 new special classes and at least 400 new special school places for the 2026/2027 school year.
My department and the NCSE have worked closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to ensure that new special classes for the next school year are confirmed earlier.
The NCSE has sanctioned 301 special classes this year with more planned in the coming weeks. Careful consideration is given to the local level of need and the ability of schools in the area to open new special classes. My department and the NCSE consider the level of need by local school planning areas. There are 314 local school planning areas. A key focus is working to establish new special classes in large and medium primary schools with none or just 1 special class and in post-primary schools with no special class.
The sanctioning of these new special classes is a number of months ahead of last year and should provide greater clarity for parents. It will also provide schools with more time to establish new classes.
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 information coming to the NCSE is a key element of planning for further special class and special school provision.
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.
Further information on more new special classes and increased special school capacity, including plans to establish new special schools, will be confirmed very shortly.
321. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11584/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCork Life Centre is an out-of-school education setting which caters for young people who have disengaged from or encountered difficulties in mainstream education.
Since the 1970s out-of-school education settings, that operate outside of the traditional mainstream education system, have evolved on an ad-hoc basis. These out-of-school education settings vary in structure and design.
Children attending Cork Life Centre are included on the Section 14 register of children who are in receipt of an education in a place other than in a recognised school, maintained by Tusla’s Alternative Education Assessment and Registration Service.
For several years, the State has provided support to Cork Life Centre in the form of teaching hours and a non-pay grant. The total number of co-operation hours allocated to Cork Life Centre by my department and Department of Further and Higher Education, Innovation & Science via Solas/ Cork Education and Training Board (CETB) is 6,000. My department also provides an annual non-pay grant of €177,500.
The Review of Out-of-School Education Provision, published in May 2022, was a commitment under the DEIS Plan 2017. The review was an in-depth analysis of out-of-school provision and sets out a strategic policy direction for children and young people who have either disengaged, or are at risk of disengaging, from school.
An implementation group was established in October 2022 to develop a standardised framework of support for young people at risk of disengaging from education. The implementation group engaged with Cork Life Centre as part of its work.
In 2022 Cork Life Centre management requested that my department engage with it in respect of its future sustainability. In October 2022 an agreement was reached with its management to provide Cork Life Centre with recognised school status, subject to certain requirements being met.
Work is still ongoing in this regard, and my department will continue to engage with and support Cork Life Centre on the matters arising.
325. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason full-time, fully qualified post-primary teaching service completed outside the EU/EEA continues to be excluded from salary scale recognition for Irish teachers returning home; whether this policy is currently under active review; the status of any working groups or consultations examining the recognition of overseas teaching experience; and the measures being considered to ensure that experienced teachers, including those qualified in subjects where we have a shortage of teachers, such as mathematics and Gaeilge, are not financially discouraged from returning home. [6020/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria for the award of incremental credit are set out in the Department’s Circulars 10/2001, for primary teachers, and 29/2007 and 29/2010, for post-primary teachers. The criteria for the award of incremental credit to recognised teachers were agreed under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC).
These circulars provide for the award of incremental credit in respect of overseas teaching service, both within and outside the EU. Where a school satisfies the criteria set out in the circulars to have service at that school recognised for incremental credit, an award of incremental credit can be made. There is no contractual entitlement to incremental credit.
Criteria such as whether the school is subject to state funding, which can be of relevance when examining claims relating to private teaching schools, and the length of time the school has been in existence, must be satisfied for service at that school to be recognised for incremental credit. Where schools do not satisfy the required criteria, then service at that school cannot be considered towards incremental credit.
Teachers must be on the Department of Education’s teacher payroll or teaching in an Education and Training Board school before an application can be processed. An award of incremental credit is based on the incremental credit application submit to either the Department or an ETB, it is not possible to process an incremental credit application ahead of the teacher’s return to Ireland.
The criteria for the award of incremental credit for teachers are subject to review by way of an incremental credit committee, which is a sub-committee of the Teachers Conciliation Council, and which meets on an ongoing basis. Through the Teachers Conciliation Council, the teacher unions have lodged a claim concerning the recognition of private post primary teaching service outside the EU towards the award of incremental credit. The Department examined this as part of the 2025 budgetary process. However, it was not possible to secure funding to progress this request through the 2025 budgetary process. The Department is continuing to examine ways in which the matter may be progressed in the future.
326. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will issue a directive/circular to all schools to ensure that the 1916 Proclamation is given pride of place in all schools, as it once was; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6759/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Education Act 1998 in Ireland, the Board of Management of a school is primarily responsible for the management of the school on behalf of the patron and for the benefit of the students. The school principal, under the direction of the board, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school. Therefore, it is a matter for each school to decide on how best to serve the school community. While schools may choose to display the 1916 Proclamation, it is not mandatory.
While the curricular frameworks provide clear pathways for schools to include the 1916 Proclamation as part of broader learning about Irish history and identity, it is a matter for each school to decide whether to display a copy of it.
My department recognises the importance of national symbols, including the Proclamation, as valuable educational tools for fostering civic pride and historical awareness. This was clearly demonstrated during the 2016 Centenary Programme, when schools nationwide participated in commemorative activities, and it continues to be a significant part of Irish history education in schools today.
The 1916 Proclamation remains a powerful symbol of the fight for national freedom and sovereignty, and its teachings continue to resonate with students today. Schools are encouraged to adapt the Proclamation for a new generation, reflecting on the contemporary challenges and priorities for future Irish generations.
327. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to examine an increase in the budget for schools across all schemes that are currently operating (details supplied). [72006/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet 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.
OGP frameworks are available to schools for a number of categories including facilities management, managed services, professional services, and utilities. Schools should ensure that they are availing of these available OGP procurement frameworks in order to get the best value for money for all school expenditure, in accordance with Circular 0060/2013. The benefits arising from these frameworks include cash savings, administrative savings from reduced duplication of tendering, greater purchasing expertise, improved consistency, enhanced service levels and legal certainty. Schools Procurement Unit (SPU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on procurement matters- www.spu.ie
Schools in financial difficulty are encouraged to contact my Department for advice and support. The Department is committed to offering all available and appropriate supports to schools, which may include an advance in capitation grant funding or other measures.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters.
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 has recently closed for applications, while the EWS is open for applications year-round. It is open to any school to make an application under the most appropriate scheme
The department recognises the importance of the Minor Works Grant to primary schools.? The Minor Works Grant is provided to all primary and special schools, to enable them undertake small-scale minor maintenance and improvement works on a devolved basis.??
Schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed, to decide how best to use this funding to address the school’s particular needs.??
Since 2020, €310 million in Minor Works Grants and Enhanced Minor Works Grants have been allocated to schools. This includes the payment of Minor Works Grants totalling almost €30 million for the school year 2025/2026, which issued in June.
Primary and special schools need not apply for Minor Works Grant aid.? Under the scheme, funding is made available to all primary and special schools on the following basis:?
€5,500 basic grant plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil enrolled in the school on the 30th of September of the year prior to the issue of the grant. The €74 rate applies to a special needs pupil attending a special school or attending a special class attached to a mainstream school.
328. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which she is working to ensure that children with disabilities in Cork north-west and County Cork have equal access to education, including sufficient special class and special school places, appropriate transport, and in-school therapy supports; the number of children with additional needs in this region currently without an appropriate school place or adequate in-school supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71902/25]
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.
In 2026, over €3 billion will be spent supporting students with special educational needs. It will ensure that specialist capacity continues to grow by providing 3,000 specialist places. The majority of these places will be available in special classes within mainstream schools. It will increase our special educational posts by 860 special education teacher and over 1,700 special needs assistant (SNA) posts. This will mean we will have almost 46,000 professionals dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs in our schools. This is one of the highest annual increases in posts to date and is a firm reminder of this government’s commitment to supporting students with special educational needs.
Budget 2026 has also afforded a number of new initiatives such as funding for the roll out of the Education Therapy Service (ETS), the introduction of extra special education teaching hours for post-primary schools to support coordination and transition efforts and indeed a special school package to support the unique challenges these schools face.
The Department of Education and Youth and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) will also, this year, look at the profile of existing special schools. This work will ensure children and young people with complex educational needs can apply to their local special school and not have to travel long distances to access an education that meets their 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.
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.
For the 2025/26 school year the NCSE advise that a small number of special class places remain in many counties in the country for those still seeking placement. While these places may not be in a preferred school, vacancies do exist.
My department and the NCSE continue to work closely with school patron bodies, school management bodies and schools to confirm new special classes for the next school year 2026/2027. The NCSE began sanctioning new special classes last month, which is several months earlier than last year. 301 have been sanctioned to date and many more new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Of the 301 new special classes, 199 are being established in primary schools and 102 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county with 30 for Cork so far.
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.
329. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken in advance of the new school year to ensure that difficulties experienced in the previous academic year regarding Bus Éireann school transport passes are not repeated; whether his Department is working with the Department of Education and Youth to accurately assess the number of students who will require school transport services; the measures which have been put in place to increase capacity where required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. The scheme has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 181,000 pupils by the end of 2025, which equates to an increase of circa 50%.
Under the current terms of the mainstream scheme, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Families are required to register their details on the Bus Éireann Family Portal to have their eligibility for transport assessed and to make applications under the scheme: https://buseireann.ie/schooltransport/
The Portal will open for applications for the 2026/27 school year shortly.
Following the closing date for payment or entering medical card details, the portal will close. This will give Bus Éireann time to assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the 2026/27 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process is completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.
Where a child is not eligible for school transport, but the application and payment process is completed for them on time, they will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated. These seats are called concessionary seats.
There may be more demand than availability for concessionary seats. In such cases, Bus Éireann will use a selection process to allocate tickets for the spare seats.
The scheme is a demand led scheme based on the number of eligible children who apply. It is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and directly recruited drivers, and private contractors who recruit their own drivers to operate on the scheme.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by private contractors under the School Transport Scheme.
Over 90% of school bus services are provided by private contractors, each contractor recruits school vehicle drivers directly.
As part of a national focus on driver requirements, the Department facilitated a working group between the Department of Education and Youth, Department of Transport, Bus Éireann, and Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) to increase the availability of drivers within both the school transport scheme and other public transport areas nationally, through existing and potential training schemes.???
As a result of work undertaken by the working group, a taskforce was established which is chaired by the Department of Transport. The aim of the taskforce is to work collaboratively to identify contributing factors to the recruitment issues and put forward recommendations and measures to create a pipeline of workers to address these issues.
This taskforce is currently examining all challenges and opportunities to ensure a fully resourced transport workforce, such as drivers, mechanics, and craftworkers. All factors impacting issues such as recruitment, training and retention will be considered as a part of the taskforce’s work programme.
Bus Éireann has actively sought to recruit more contractors and drivers for the School Transport Scheme. A national and local media campaign was launched in 2025 to attract professional drivers. Further information can be found at: https://www.buseireann.ie/contractors
