Written Answers Nos. 641-660
641. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Education and Youth the definitive timeline for when the Kilkenny and Carlow ETB will receive the funding to proceed to the construction phase for schools (details supplied). [12211/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school building projects for Kilkenny City Vocational School and Coláiste Pobail Osraí have been devolved for delivery to Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB). These projects form part of a single campus development.
The project brief provides for the construction of two new multi-storey post-primary school buildings to accommodate a Long Term Projected Enrolment (LTPE) of 550 pupils including 2 special education needs classrooms for Kilkenny City Vocational School and an LTPE of 400 pupils for Coláiste Pobail Osraí.
The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural process, which allows for detailed design/planning, obtaining the necessary statutory permissions and the preparation of tender documents. A grant of planning permission has been received. KCETB, as delivery body, continues to liaise directly with the school authority to keep it updated on progress.
The department 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 €207.11 million in capital funding for Kilkenny schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 43 Kilkenny 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 5 school projects in Kilkenny 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 of the schools 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.
642. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current situation with respect to the payment of special education transport escorts; the measures her Department is taking to improve pay and conditions given the essential nature of this work; if her Department is considering the revision of the current grant-funded employment model and the possible introduction of annualised or retainer-style pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12246/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a school transport escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.
The Board of Management/ETB are responsible for the employment of the school transport escort. The Department of Education and Youth provides grant funding directly to the school for the employment of the school transport escort and sets the rate of pay.
It is recognised that school bus escorts play a vital role in supporting children with special educational needs in their journey to and from school.a
A review of the School Transport Scheme was completed in 2024. As a recommended action arising from the review, the Department committed to continuing the comprehensive analysis of matters relating to escort's pay, and the information provided to schools as the employer of the escort.
The work by School Transport Section regarding the employment of school bus escorts has been completed and an information pack has issued to schools. This pack is updated regularly and is also available on the Department’s website at: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/collections/services-for-schools-and-school-staff/#school-transport-escorts]
The commitment to review pay rates for school bus escorts has also been completed. Since that time, the rate of pay for escorts was increased to €15.20 per hour from 01 October 2024. It was further increased to €15.50 per hour effective from 01 March 2025 and €15.66 from 01 August 2025. The current rate per hour is €15.82 effective from 01 February 2026. Holiday pay will continue to be paid at 8%.
The Department of Social Protection (DSP) is responsible for the payment of jobseeker's benefits or allowances. Temporary Education Sector Workers (ESW), who have previously been in contact with the Department of Social Protection are issued with a repeat jobseekers application form and a holiday form in advance of school holiday periods. This advance process allows DSP to facilitate a more efficient service. Any queries relating to this process can be directed to the Department of Social Protection.
643. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding a permanent school building (details supplied); when it will proceed to tender; the way her Department intends to ensure that the building is delivered given the likely limits on capacity from September 2028 in its current temporary location. [12247/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at Stage 1 – preliminary design (assessment of site and location suitability and initial sketch scheme).
As part of the Stage 1 process the Design Team submit a Stage 1 Report to my Department. A preferred design option, including the scope and extent of works to be carried out form part of this report.
At the Stage 1 stakeholders meeting in March 2025 it was agreed that the Design Team would explore further design layout options and prepare a Stage 1 Addendum Report.
The Stage 1 Addendum Report has been received and is currently under review by Department officials.
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. This list includes 12 projects in County Cork.
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 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 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.
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 Owenabue ETNS will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
644. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the Support for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024, will be enacted. [12276/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025 completed its passage through the Oireachtas and was signed in to law in July 2025. The Act has two main purposes - to enable the delivery of ongoing supports to survivors of abuse in residential institutions and to allow the formal dissolution of Caranua, which essentially closed in 2021.
My Department is finalising arrangements for the rollout of the supports to be provided under the Act and it is intended to complete the commencement of the relevant provisions of the Act as soon as possible.
645. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12279/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision and care support for children and young people with special educational needs in our schools, including the allocation of special needs assistant (SNA) support to schools.
SNAs are very important in supporting students with additional and significant care needs take part in school life. Because of this, the department has been increasing SNA numbers for many years. There are now over 23,000 SNAs working in schools. By the end of the 2026/27 school year, this number will be close to 25,000 across mainstream classes, special classes, and special schools.
Since 2020/21, the number of SNAs in schools has grown by 45%. Every county has seen an increase in SNA support over this period.
SNAs work as part of a whole-school team to support students with special educational needs. This team also includes nearly 22,000 special education teachers nationwide.
The number of SNAs a school needs can change for different reasons, such as changes in student numbers, changes in individual care needs, or students moving from primary to post-primary school.
When the NCSE reviews SNA allocations, it looks closely at the care needs of students in each school. This helps make sure that SNA support goes where it is most needed.
The role of the SNA is set out in DEY Circular 30/2014 and the NCSE process for SNA reviews is consistent with its provisions.
Every SNA review undertaken by the NCSE is a detailed and specific review of the care needs profile in that individual school. Where the NCSE identify during the review that the care needs have increased in an individual schools the necessary SNA resources to support those needs schools are provided.
Minister Naughton and I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities in recent days. In light of concerns raised we have paused the review of the SNA allocations.
Minister Naughton, myself, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach are engaging intensively to ensure that all of the concerns raised are really understood and children with special educational needs are fully supported.
No further letters on SNA review outcomes will issue until these engagements have concluded in the coming weeks.
The 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.
646. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth to consider introducing a special education equipment grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12280/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Assistive Technology Scheme, as set out in my Department’s Circular 0010/2013, funding is provided to schools towards the cost of computers and specialist equipment, which are required for educational purposes.
The Assistive Technology Scheme supplements the overall funding approach for digital technology and equipment to support children for education purposes. All equipment provided under this scheme supports children who require essential specialist equipment to access the school curriculum. For children with more complex disabilities who require such equipment to access the school curriculum, which they do not already have, or which cannot be provided for them through the schools' existing provisions, schools can apply for this equipment under the Assistive Technology Scheme.
Under the terms of this scheme, to qualify for assistive technology equipment, a student must be diagnosed with a physical or communicative disability and must also have a recommendation in a professional assessment that the equipment is essential to allow the student to access the curriculum.
Schools make application directly to their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO), providing details of the student’s special educational needs or disability, including details of the approach taken by the school in making relevant interventions.
SENOs will review the application and the supporting professional reports to establish whether the criteria of the scheme have been met. They will then make a recommendation to my department as to whether assistive technology is required. Based on this recommendation, my department will decide on the level of grant, if any, to be provided.
Communication devices or medical or therapy-related devices which are not specific educational interventions or equipment specifically required as essential for school educational access and which have a general application outside of school, are not provided for under the Assistive Technology Scheme. Such equipment is normally provided for children with disabilities by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
647. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the deadline to notify the NCSE regarding special class places for the 2027-2028 school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12282/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
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.
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. The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes.
My department and the NCSE engage on a weekly basis in relation to the forward planning of special class and special school provision to meet the present, and future need, of students with special educational needs.
It is expected that a similar number of special class and special school places may need to be provided over each of the next few years, that was provided in recent years. As more and more special classes open in primary schools and as the overall level of enrolments at primary level reduce, it is expected that over time the normal annual progression of students from primary special classes to post-primary will provide a significant number of places each year for younger students seeking a special class placement. At post-primary level, my department has already written to all schools asking them to prepare to provide on average four special classes each.
Special Education forward planning arrangements for the 2027-2028 school year remain under consideration and will be developed in consultation with stakeholders including school patron bodies and school management bodies.
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.
648. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the strategies in place to notify parents and schools about the NCSE deadline for special class places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12283/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
In order to support the NCSE and forward planning my department published Circular 0039/2025. This circular informs school management and patrons of measures introduced to support forward planning and reiterates the need for parents to inform the NCSE through the Parent Notify process that they are seeking a special educational placement for their child.
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 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.
This new timeline was publicised widely and communicated with schools and special education advocacy groups and parent representative bodies. The NCSE also undertook a lot of work at local level to ensure that families were aware of the process and consequently report a significant level of engagement and contact from families before 1 October.
The NCSE advise that the majority of children and young people coming to them through the Parent’s Notify process are already enrolled in school supported by existing special education teachers and special needs assistants.
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 has commenced this process.
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.
649. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is considering a matter regarding salaries (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12284/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am keenly aware of the valuable work that Principals and Teachers within Special Schools do in supporting pupils with special education needs and I recognise the very important work done by the Principals and Teachers in the running of these schools.
Amendments to Teachers' Terms and Conditions, including pay and allowances, give rise to significant cost issues and can only be achieved through engagement and collective bargaining agreements between the Government and the public service unions or through the Teachers Conciliation Council (TCC) forum.
The current pay agreement, Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, contains a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment. As these industrial relations processes are confidential to the parties it would not be appropriate for to provide further comment.
650. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she will consider providing special schools with an AP1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12285/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
My department actively engages with the representative bodies for special schools, in order to help to address some of these additional challenges these schools face over their mainstream counterparts.
Following close engagement with special schools, and awareness of the challenges facing special schools a number of new measures have been introduced to support special schools. Firstly, the extension of administrative deputy principal posts to all special schools has been instrumental in assisting principals with leadership and management functions and to support learning and parental and community engagement.
Secondly, the allocation of 100 post-primary teaching posts to ensure a greater range of the national curriculum subjects can be taught to improve student progression and transition.
An increase in funding to ensure that the Summer Programme continues to expand for students with special educational needs.
In addition to these budgetary measures, my department is also working closely with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to further support special schools in relation to a range of issues relating to administration, curriculum and training.
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.
651. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide pathways to enable mobility between the health and education sector to transition into special education posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12286/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
Labour force mobility and providing educational routes for people to change professions is a process under the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).
Matters in this regard should be directed to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).
652. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if consideration will be given to instating a school transport route for a school (details supplied) for the coming school year for young people travelling from neighbouring areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12288/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, 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.
With regard to ethos, the Department of Education and Youth classifies schools as being one of the following - of religious denomination, interdenominational or multi-denominational.
At Post Primary level, eligibility for school transport is to the nearest post primary school/education centre subject to limited exceptions. The scheme has regard to ethos and language in that exceptions to eligibility for the scheme are considered in the case of minority religions and the Irish language.
The scheme at Post Primary level provides transport for children of minority religion for whom there is less choice of school given the dispersed nature of these schools and also facilitates the viability of those minority religion schools.
Bus Éireann has advised that pupils residing in the Tallaght, Saggart and Citywest areas are not eligible for transport to the school referred to as there are closer Post Primary Schools in the area.
Bus Éireann has also advised that there are currently no school transport services operating to this school.
In cases where families have applied to attend their nearest schools with regard to ethos and language, and have been advised by the school authorities that these schools are full, the Department will consider if the pupil is eligible to the next nearest school.
While the closest school(s) may be full to capacity at present, each family must supply the documents mentioned below, to School Transport Section of the Department of Education and Youth.
• an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school(s), and
• a letter from each of the school authorities confirming that the school was full.
Contact details for school transport section can be found at:
653. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of any discrepancy between the acceptance/calculation of incremental credit applications between primary and secondary school teachers teaching abroad in non-EU states; if this discrepancy differs on whether the school is public or privately run; if her Department is preparing any changes to this process to allow for more teachers abroad to return home to appropriate pay and conditions; if she will investigate a particular case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12296/26]
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.
There is no contractual entitlement to 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.
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. 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.
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. My 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. My Department is continuing to examine ways in which the matter may be progressed in the future.
This Government is fully committed to ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education delivered by qualified and dedicated teachers. There are now more teachers working in our schools than ever before. Teacher attrition remains low, with fewer than 3% resigning or retiring annually, one of the lowest rates in the OECD.
My Department has introduced a range of measures to further increase the supply of teachers, including:
• Faster access to permanent roles; induction pathways for overseas-qualified teachers.
• Launch of a €2,000 STEM bursary for student teachers.
• Expanded upskilling programmes in Irish, French, Politics & Society, and Computer Science, complementing existing maths and science initiatives.
• Continued promotion of the profession through the Teaching Transforms campaign.
• Post-primary teachers may provide up to 35 additional hours per term; restrictions on job-sharers and career-break teachers have been eased.
• A teacher workforce planning project, supported by UNESCO and the EU Commission, will deliver recommendations in mid-2026 to ensure the profession remains attractive.
My Department continues to engage closely with stakeholders to address teacher supply and retention challenges. These measures reflect our commitment to ensuring that every school has the resources needed to provide an excellent education for all students.
654. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the guidelines and recommendations arising from phase 2 of the School Transport Report will commence implementation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12302/26]
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%.
It was outlined at the time of the review’s publication that the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria will likely increase demand for the scheme. On this basis, it would be prudent to implement the proposed changes on a phased basis to ensure its rollout is as smooth as possible.
A phased implementation of the School Transport Review’s recommendations began at the start of the 2024/2025 school year where the Department began testing the feasibility of a number of approaches through a series of pilot programmes; these pilot programmes are held in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, the Department of Transport and Bus Éireann.
A total of fourteen pilot projects took place in the 2024/2025 school year and will continue for the current school year.
Following the closing date for payment for the 2025/2026 school year the Department, in collaboration with Bus Éireann, assessed where dedicated school transport/pilots may be successfully delivered, and a further eleven pilots were approved. The Department has asked Bus Éireann to review where additional capacity may be available for concessionary pupils who paid on time and would become eligible if the revised school transport scheme criteria was rolled out in full.?
Due to ongoing challenges in the wider transport sector, including availability of drivers and vehicles, any expansion of services must be carefully planned and phased. While pilot projects are being considered in select areas to test revised eligibility criteria, these pilots are limited in scope and capacity.
All pilots – including those which commenced in the 2024/2025 school year – are being monitored and a further evaluation will take place at the end of the 2025/2026 school year. Findings from these evaluations will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme.?
Implementation of the review recommendations will continue to be planned subject to resources being available to meet the increased demand.
655. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth to specify how the €69 million allocated in Budget 2026 will be expended in relation to the measures outlined in the School Transport Report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12303/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children.
In the current school year over 181,000 children and young people are being transported on a daily basis to schools throughout the country.
Close to €70m of additional permanent funding is being allocated to school transport services. This is to provide for the additional demand for pupils with special educational needs on school transport services and increased bus contractor running costs.
It will also provide for additional funding on the School Transport Scheme fleet, and to work towards implementing improved technology such as planning for e-ticketing on school transport services. E-ticketing will enhance students’ experiences on school transport and allow for greater visibility on seat usage. With better data, this will inform future route planning and maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.
656. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth in light of recent media commentary regarding the introduction of e-tickets, to address the fact that in last September's national coverage highlighted supply and demand pressures as the predominant issue rather than e ticketing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12304/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the 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.
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. 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.
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: [www.buseireann.ie/contractors].
With regard to ticket usage, it is recognised that all pupils issued with tickets will not travel every morning and every evening. In addition, certain after school activities may also result in pupils not travelling on certain days. Bus Éireann organises for vehicles to be full to capacity with tickets based on applications received and based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. For safety reasons, it is not possible to issue additional tickets over and above the seating capacity of the vehicle which could result in a potential overload situation arising and all pupils not being carried on the service.
My department is currently progressing a number of technological improvements to the School Transport Scheme, including the planned introduction of eTicketing. Not only will eTickets replace the current printed paper tickets but eTicketing should provide accurate information on ticket utilisation, which is currently not readily available.
657. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth how the current loophole, in which individuals use incorrect or falsified Eircodes to obtain bus tickets, is being monitored and enforced; the safeguards that are in place (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12305/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra658. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the situation in Castletown, where 15 children may "temporarily" relocate within the catchment area to qualify for school transport; the measures that will be taken should all applicants thereby become eligible; in particular, whether the Department will provide a second bus in such circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12306/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 657 and 658 together.
Bus Éireann operate the School Transport Scheme on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Bus Éireann has advised that the school transpor application procedure contains an online validation with the An Post National directory of Eircodes.
This Eircode solution also contains the geo-coordinates of each address location, so that they are able to pinpoint the address geographically to its exact location. In relation to the matter raised by the Deputy of using falsified eircodes, School Transport tickets are posted to the addresses declared on an application. If addresses have been falsified, tickets will not be received to the correct address.
The onus is on parent/guardian to ensure accurate information is provided at the time of application.
Bus Éireann investigate any matter of allegedly providing false addresses, the findings could mean that a ticket is terminated where it is deemed the child is not eligible for transport. .
In relation to the area referenced by the Deputy, Bus Éireann have advised that there is 1 mainstream service operating to this school, carrying 32 mainstream eligible pupils and 21 concessionary pupils. 11 concessionary pupils were unsuccessful in obtaining tickets for the 2025/26 school year. The above information from Bus Éireann would also apply to these families when applying for the 2026/27 school year.
659. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on the Education Leave for Injuries Bill 2025 for teachers and SNAs, currently proceeding through Seanad Éireann. [12309/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department is aware of the Education (Leave for Injuries) Bill 2025 introduced by Senators Laura Harmon, Nessa Cosgrove, Patricia Stephenson and Malcolm Noonan which is due to be discussed in the Seanad shortly.
Under section 24 of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012) the board of management is the employer of teachers, SNAs and other staff of the school. In the case of community national schools, the ETB is the employer and not the board of management.
The board’s role as an employer includes responsibility for the recruitment and dismissal of teachers, SNAs and other staff within the school, subject to relevant Department circulars, employment legislation and sectoral agreements. The role also includes but is not limited to, health and safety, building, promoting, and maintaining positive staff relations.
It is recognised that there is an unusual tripartite relationship between the teachers/SNAs employed in Oireachtas funded roles, whereby the Department of Education and Youth facilitates the payment of salary to teachers/SNAs on its payroll system, but the Board of Management is the employer.?
Currently where a teacher or SNA is injured in the discharge of their duties, including during approved school activities, they may apply for paid leave schemes such as the Leave of absence following Assault or the Sick leave scheme. Teachers may also apply for the Occupational Injury Leave scheme.
Both the Leave of Absence following Assault for Teachers and SNAs and the Occupational Injury scheme for Teachers allows for leave of 3 months (92 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period. In exceptional cases, such as where a significant period of hospitalisation is required or in situations of a second or subsequent incident of assault or injury, the leave may be extended for a further period not exceeding 3 months (91 days) at full pay, subject to an overall limit of 6 months (183 days) at full pay in a rolling 4-year period.
A teacher who has exhausted the maximum period of paid leave under the above schemes and who is still medically unfit to resume duty may avail of Sick Leave under the Sick Leave scheme, subject to the normal rules of that scheme.
Teachers and SNAs also have access to the Employee Assistance Service, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. The Employee Assistance Service offers supportive services which may include short term counselling.
In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, it is the responsibility of individual school authorities to have a safety statement in place in its school and to ensure as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of its employees and those who are in anyway affected by the work activities of the school. The safety statement should identify potential hazards, assess the risks to health and safety and put appropriate provision in place to safeguard the safety and health of employees and pupils.
The body which has statutory responsibility for ensuring that health and safety requirements are met by all employers, including schools, is the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). Guidelines for managing safety, health and welfare at work were developed following consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Employers may have ‘Employer Liability insurance’ and ‘Public Liability insurance’ which may be used to cover medical and related expenses for Teachers and SNAs injured at work.
Any amendment to public service pay and conditions, including pension arrangements, are determined through centralised engagement and collective bargaining between the Government and public service unions.
My department will continue to engage with the Education Partners through the established Industrial Relations Fora in place and will engage with the legislative process which is in place for the introduction, debate, and enactment of new bills.
660. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on transport for a person (details supplied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12338/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department of Education and Youth on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
I am pleased to advise that an application for school transport was received on 12th May 2025 for the pupil referred to and they have been deemed eligible for school transport under the terms of the above scheme.
There is a facility within the Special Educational Needs Transport Scheme for the appointment of a school transport escort where a child’s care and safety needs while on school transport are such as to require the support of a School Transport Escort.
The Board of Management/ETB are responsible for the employment of the school transport escort. The Department of Education and Youth provides grant funding directly to the school for the employment of the school transport escort and sets the rate of pay.
Bus Éireann has advised that the service is not currently operating as the school authority require a second escort on this pupil's service and have not yet appointed same. The school authority has advised that they are actively working through the process.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for students with special educational needs.
In such circumstances where there is no existing suitable service available to meet a child's needs, and while Bus Éireann are in the process of establishing the service for the child referred, the Department has offered an Interim Special Transport Grant (STG) to the family towards the cost of private transport arrangements. This is based on the number of days attended from the date of application until a suitable service becomes available.
