Written Answers Nos. 450-472
450. Deputy David Maxwell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will examine the continued inclusion of certain IT-ICT, business support, administrative and sales roles on the critical skills occupations list in view of anecdotal and reported evidence suggesting that many qualified graduates and experienced professionals in Ireland are currently experiencing difficulty securing employment in these fields. [14556/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s economic migration policy is designed to address verified and persistent skills shortages across the economy. The system is vacancy-led and managed through the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List, both of which my Department reviews on a regular basis.
A comprehensive review of the occupation lists is currently under way. This process began with an eight-week open public consultation, which closed on 19 September last year. I’m pleased to say we received the highest number of submissions of any review to date, a clear signal of how engaged stakeholders are with the future shape of our skills and migration system.
When assessing any proposed changes to the Lists, we take into account a wide range of labour-market indicators, as well as whole-of-Government considerations. This includes examining verified labour-market data, the availability of suitably skilled workers domestically, and the potential impact of inward migration on housing, transport, healthcare and other public services.
With regard to the Deputy’s reference to anecdotal or reported evidence of challenges faced by graduates or experienced professionals seeking employment in certain IT/ICT, business support, administrative or sales roles, I would emphasise that the occupation lists are evidence-based. If representative bodies, employers, sectoral organisations, or indeed individuals have evidence-driven information indicating that an occupation no longer meets the criteria for inclusion on the CSOL, they may make a submission to that effect as part of the review process.
Submissions that demonstrate clear, data-supported evidence of reduced shortages or of sufficient domestic labour supply are actively considered as part of the Department’s evaluation. Where the evidence supports a change, the Department can amend the lists accordingly, including the removal of occupations from the CSOL.
The Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group has convened to consider labour-market evidence and Departmental inputs. My Department is now finalising the outcome of the overall review, and we expect to publish the updated occupation lists in the coming months. I remain committed to ensuring that the employment permits system remains responsive, evidence-based, and supportive of Ireland’s wider economic and social priorities.
451. Deputy David Maxwell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the criteria, labour market data and consultation processes used to determine which occupations remain on or are removed from the critical skills occupations list; and whether any review is planned or underway in 2026. [14557/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s economic migration policy is designed to address verified and persistent skills shortages across the labour market. The Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List form the basis of this system, and my Department undertakes regular, evidence-based reviews to ensure the Lists remain up to date and aligned with economic needs.
A range of criteria and labour-market indicators are used to determine whether an occupation should remain on, be added to, or be removed from the CSOL. These include:
• Analysis of vacancy and employment trends, including data from the CSO, the public employment service, and sector-specific surveys.
• Availability of suitably skilled workers within the domestic and EEA labour markets.
• Wage trends and recruitment difficulties reported by employers.
• Input from relevant Government Departments and agencies, particularly where an occupation impacts broader national priorities such as housing delivery, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
A structured consultation process also forms an essential part of each review. This includes:
• A formal public consultation inviting submissions from employers, representative bodies, trade unions, education providers, and individuals.
• Targeted stakeholder engagement with sectors experiencing skills challenges or undergoing structural change.
• Consideration of submissions that provide clear, evidence-based information on labour-market conditions.
Stakeholders who wish to propose the removal of an occupation from the CSOL may do so through this consultation process. Submissions that demonstrate credible labour-market evidence—such as an adequate supply of qualified graduates or experienced workers in Ireland are fully assessed as part of the review. Where the evidence supports such a change, my Department can amend the Lists accordingly.
The Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group also plays a central role in reviewing the emerging labour-market data and cross-government impacts, ensuring the Lists remain aligned with Ireland’s economic and social objectives.
A new review of the occupation lists is currently under way, and my Department is analysing the data and submissions received. Work on this review will continue into 2026, with updated Lists expected to be published following the completion of this process. The employment permits system will continue to be responsive, evidence-driven, and reflective of broader national priorities.
452. Deputy David Maxwell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider the inclusion of skilled trades occupations on the critical skills occupations list, including but not limited to plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and bricklayers, given the well-documented shortages in these professions and their importance in supporting housing delivery and infrastructure development. [14558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s economic migration policy is designed to address verified and ongoing skills shortages across the economy. The system is vacancy-led and is managed through the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List, both of which are reviewed on a regular basis by my Department.
A new review of the occupation lists is currently under way. This review commenced with an open public consultation, which closed on 19 September and attracted a wide range of submissions, including from stakeholders in the construction and built-environment sectors. I would note that previous reviews have already resulted in a significant number of construction-related roles becoming eligible for employment permits, supporting increased housing delivery.
For this current review, my Department has worked in close cooperation with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that the employment permits system is aligned with the national objective of expanding housing supply. This engagement is focused on identifying pathways to ensure that occupations essential to improving housing output can access the permits system where justified.
It is also important to note that the vast majority of construction roles are already eligible for a General Employment Permit (GEP). This route provides a clear and accessible pathway for employers to recruit skilled trades where shortages are demonstrated. In contrast, the Critical Skills Occupations List is intended for higher-skilled professional roles and is accompanied by significantly higher minimum annual remuneration requirements, which are scheduled to increase, and normally require the worker to hold a relevant third-level degree or equivalent qualification. As such, CSOL is not the primary mechanism through which most construction-trade shortages are addressed; instead, the GEP continues to serve as the main channel supporting workforce needs in the construction sector.
In considering changes to the occupation lists, my Department assesses not only labour-market evidence but also wider whole-of-Government factors. These include the potential impact of inward migration on housing demand, transport capacity, healthcare, and other public services.
The Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group has now met and considered the available labour-market evidence and relevant departmental inputs. My Department is currently finalising the outcome of the review, and the updated occupation lists will be published in the coming weeks.
I remain committed to ensuring that the employment permits system continues to be responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with key national priorities including, importantly, the delivery of housing.
453. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when a decision will be made on a general employment permit application (details supplied), given four of the five applications submitted together have been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14565/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Employment Permit application referenced was received on 20 December 2025.
A decision to grant this application was made on 18 February 2026 and the General Employment Permit application referenced by the Deputy has since issued.
The applicant has been formally notified of the outcome.
To support applicants and employers, the Department has introduced a Self-Service Portal, which provides real-time updates on application status. In addition, a dedicated mailbox is available for Oireachtas members at: tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie
454. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will consider updating the critical skills occupations list; if he will consider the addition of trade professions to the list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14930/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s economic migration policy is designed to address verified and ongoing skills shortages across the economy. The system is vacancy-led and is managed through the Critical Skills Occupations List (CSOL) and the Ineligible Occupations List, both of which are reviewed on a regular basis by my Department.
A new review of the occupation lists is currently under way. This review commenced with an open public consultation, which closed on 19 September and attracted a wide range of submissions, including from stakeholders in the construction and built-environment sectors. I would note that previous reviews have already resulted in a significant number of construction-related roles becoming eligible for employment permits, supporting increased housing delivery.
For this current review, my Department has worked in close cooperation with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that the employment permits system is aligned with the national objective of expanding housing supply. This engagement is focused on identifying pathways to ensure that occupations essential to improving housing output can access the permits system where justified.
It is also important to note that the vast majority of construction roles are already eligible for a General Employment Permit (GEP). This route provides a clear and accessible pathway for employers to recruit skilled trades where shortages are demonstrated. In contrast, the Critical Skills Occupations List is intended for higher-skilled professional roles and is accompanied by significantly higher minimum annual remuneration requirements, which are scheduled to increase, and normally require the worker to hold a relevant third-level degree or equivalent qualification. As such, CSOL is not the primary mechanism through which most construction-trade shortages are addressed; instead, the GEP continues to serve as the main channel supporting workforce needs in the construction sector.
In considering changes to the occupation lists, my Department assesses not only labour-market evidence but also wider whole-of-Government factors. These include the potential impact of inward migration on housing demand, transport capacity, healthcare, and other public services.
The Economic Migration Interdepartmental Group has now met and considered the available labour-market evidence and relevant departmental inputs. My Department is currently finalising the outcome of the review, and the updated occupation lists will be published in the coming weeks.
I remain committed to ensuring that the employment permits system continues to be responsive, evidence-based, and aligned with key national priorities including, importantly, the delivery of housing.
455. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment when seasonal work permits will be allocated for seasonal workers in the horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14939/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Employment Permits Act 2024 provides for the introduction of a Seasonal Employment Permit (SEP) to address the demand for a time-limited permission for employment in roles of a genuinely seasonal nature. As this is the first permit type of its kind to operate in the State, my Department has undertaken a pilot scheme to assess its viability and inform future policy development.
Following extensive engagement with representatives of the horticulture sector, as well as with the lead Government Departments and relevant State agencies, the SEP pilot was designed to operate specifically in the soft-fruit subsector where seasonal labour challenges are most acute.
As part of this pilot, two employers were approved as Approved Seasonal Employers (ASEs). One of these employers proceeded to recruit workers under the SEP, and the first group of seasonal migrant workers arrived during the course of the pilot period.
The SEP pilot scheme formally operated from 14 April to 13 November 2025, providing my Department with a full season of operational experience, including the end-to-end process from employer approval through to the arrival and employment of workers.
A comprehensive review of the pilot covering its design, implementation, worker protections, employer experience, and overall effectiveness is currently being drafted. The findings of this review, including recommendations for the potential future operation of the Seasonal Employment Permit, will be finalised in the coming weeks.
456. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on Ireland's Spaces Strategy for Enterprise, including performance on goals set out in the 2019 to 2025 strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15113/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Space Strategy for Enterprise 2019-2025 set out an ambitious plan to grow a sustainable, innovation-driven space-active industry in Ireland, built around five key pillars: investment, skills development, awareness of space, sectoral business strategy, and the international promotion of Ireland’s capabilities.
When the Strategy was launched in 2019, 70 Irish companies were engaged with the European Space Agency (ESA). By the end of 2025, the number of Irish-based enterprises benefitting from engagement with ESA had grown to 126, exceeding the Strategy’s target of 100 companies and reflecting a significant expansion of space-related activity among Irish SMEs, start-ups and established enterprises.
The target to increase public and private investment in ESA by 50% over the lifetime of the Strategy was also achieved ahead of schedule.
Progress has been made across all parts of the Strategy: 15 of the 19 actions have now been achieved with some ongoing by their nature, whilst the remainder continue to be progressed. A Progress Report for January - December 2024 will be published shortly on the Department’s website and will provide further detail on delivery under the Strategy. Earlier progress reports are also available on the Department's website.
Building on the momentum of the Strategy, Government approved a record investment of €170 million at the ESA Ministerial Council last November, up from €125 million in 2022. This increased investment secures Ireland’s ESA subscription to 2030 and reinforces our determination to strengthen Ireland’s role in Europe’s space programme while maximising commercial returns for Irish enterprise.
Work on the next iteration of the Strategy has commenced with a preliminary scoping exercise being drafted as the basis for the development of a refreshed Strategy in 2027.
457. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on progress of recommendation no. 40 of the Action Plan for Competitiveness & Productivity on incentivising pension fund and institutional investor participation in the financing of scaling Irish enterprise. [15123/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting Irish SMEs to scale and grow remains a key priority for the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and is a core theme of the Government’s Action Plan for Competitiveness and Productivity. Scaling SMEs continue to face a structural disadvantage arising from persistent gaps in access to venture capital, scale-up financing and public market liquidity.
In 2025, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment published Market Demand for and Supply of Scaling Finance in Ireland, which identified a €1.1 billion funding gap for deals from €3 million and for Series A and later-stage rounds over the next three to five years. This gap contributes to founders selling early or seeking overseas investment, with the risk of businesses relocating and the associated loss of jobs and expertise to the State. This scaling finance gap cannot be met solely through public financing. Mobilising private institutional and retail investment is therefore essential to ensuring that sufficient long-term, patient capital is available to support the growth and expansion of Irish start-ups and scale-ups.
In response, my Department has developed a Finance for Scaling Implementation Strategy. The Strategy aligns with commitments in the Programme for Government and advances specific actions in the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity aimed at supporting institutional investor participation in the financing of scaling Irish enterprise. Its objective is to build an ecosystem in which firms have access to a reliable and diverse range of funding options to scale.
Key elements of that Strategy are an examination of the barriers to investment by pension funds and institutional investors, and framing concrete policy actions to address those barriers. My colleague Minister Burke plans to bring that Strategy to Government in the next few weeks and to publish it afterwards.
In the meantime, work is already underway in my Department consulting with stakeholders and reviewing international initiatives that have successfully unlocked institutional investment abroad.
458. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will make a statement on the need for greater supports for young people in Ireland and her plans to allocate additional, targeted funding for same. [13991/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, I was pleased to announce that arising from Budget 2026, an additional €8 million in current and capital funding has been allocated to support the sustainability and development of youth services. This brings the overall core current and capital funding available to support existing youth services and youth work infrastructure to €94.1 million for 2026, representing a 9.3% increase on the corresponding funding available in 2025.
In 2026, the core current funding allocation of €90.1 million will support existing youth services and youth organisations across both targeted and universal provision for young people. This significant investment contributes directly to sustaining and enhancing participation levels across all youth funding schemes, which now involve over 450,000 young people nationwide.
UBU Your Place Your Space (UBU) is the largest youth services scheme funded by the Department of Education and Youth, targeting young people aged between 10 to 24 who are identified as marginalised, vulnerable and at risk of not flourishing. The UBU scheme provides funding to 258 targeted youth services across the 16 education and training boards (ETBs) that coordinate delivery of funding to the services in their local ETB areas. Funding provided under the UBU funding scheme has increased by over €10 million or 24% over the period 2021 to 2025.
In Budget 2025, €1.2 million was secured for the establishment of ten new UBU services across the country which will provide targeted youth worker-led support for up to an additional 1,000 young people, bringing the total number of services to 258. The services were established at the end of 2025 and are expected to be fully operational in 2026. Over €53 million has been allocated to the UBU scheme in 2026.
The Resilience and Effectiveness (R&E) Initiative is a UBU initiative to support UBU funded organisations to deliver more efficient and comprehensive services to young people, while ensuring that they have sufficient resilience to operate effectively in the medium to long term. Over €1.1 million has been allocated to R&E in 2026.
The R&E initiative has been designed to address specific issues or concerns within individual UBU funded organisations, whether to address ongoing financial challenges or to increase service provision for young people. The process is open to all organisations funded under Strand A of the UBU scheme who meet the eligibility criteria set by the department. The role of each ETB is to identify and prioritise funded organisations within its functional area that should be considered under this initiative. Funded organisations seeking to be awarded an amount under this initiative submit a short form to their relevant ETB demonstrating how they meet the eligibility criteria.
In line with the Government’s wider commitment to end child poverty, the Child Poverty and Well Being Office in the Department of the Taoiseach engaged with Youth Affairs Unit to run a pilot in 2025 to address holiday hunger during the summer months. The pilot targeted young people aged 10 to 18 who were engaged with UBU youth services, with the aim of providing a hot or substantial meal to those attending during June, July and August 2025. The target group consisted of young people who are at risk of not having access to a hot meal or any substantial meal during the official school closure periods. 41 UBU youth services, across the 16 education and training boards (ETBs), took part in the pilot, with over 3,200 young people benefitting from the programme. Following the pilot’s success in 2025, the department intends to run the pilot again this year (2026), subject to sanction, and expression of interest details will be issued to ETBs in due course.
The Targeted Youth Employability Support Initiative (TYESI) is a youth work programme which aims to engage and support young people aged 15 to 24 years who are not in employment, education or training. The focus of this youth work programme is on soft skills and developing these skills in relation to employability. The focused interventions are intended to provide community-based support to assist young people to attain a level of confidence and agency to engage in a wide range of currently available progression routes, programmes or services, for example: Youthreach, Community Training Centres, Community Employment Schemes, Traineeships, Apprenticeships, Pathways to Work and/or progress into employment. The programme focuses on five outcome areas: communication skills, confidence and agency, resilience and determination. The TYESI is delivered by youth organisations, supported by the ETBs. In 2026, over €1.2 million has been allocated to the TYESI, an increase of almost 7%.
Finally, capital funding of €4.0 million will be available to support youth organisations and youth services in 2026, representing a significant increase of €3.5 million compared to the 2025 allocation. This capital funding will enable targeted investment in essential upgrades to youth facilities, equipment, and digital infrastructure in a modern youth work environment to ensure safe, modern and inclusive spaces for young people. All capital investment in the youth sector will be aligned with the National Development Plan framework and forms part of the department’s approach to long-term infrastructure planning and service development. This marks the first time that the youth sector has had clear visibility and certainty regarding capital funding over a multi-year period. Establishing a defined capital envelope under the National Development Plan provides a more stable and predictable basis for planning, allowing youth organisations, education and training boards to prepare projects in a structured and strategic way. It also supports better value for money and more coherent long-term development of youth facilities nationally.
The approach to capital funding distribution and use in the youth sector in 2026 through to the conclusion of the 2030 National Development Plan funding cycle is currently being developed and the department will engage with the sector on same in due course.
Taken together, these measures demonstrate the department’s clear commitment to strengthening supports for young people and expanding targeted, impactful youth services nationwide. These increases in both current and capital funding ensure that young people - particularly those most at risk - have access to high-quality supports that meet their needs.
459. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth to consider reviewing the SNA allocation for a school (details supplied), considering the recent reduction of 60% to their mainstream SNA allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14009/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra461. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools in Clare, and every county, that will lose SNAs because of the NCSE review, in tabular form; if there will be any job losses, or if persons affected will all be redeployed; the steps being taken to increase the number of SNAs in schools; how the appeals process will operate given that schools could not report pupils who need SNAs unless they have had an assessment of needs, for which there is a large waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14030/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra466. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth regarding the SNA allocation reviews in schools, whether there have been changes to the criteria recently, or what the basis is for reductions (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14054/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra487. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department can intervene in the case of a school (details supplied) to ensure that adequate special needs assistant provision is obtained following the SNA review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14189/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra501. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth the changes in SNA allocation arising from school-led reviews and NCSE-led reviews from November 2025 to present in County Galway, including allocation before and after reviews, by school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14325/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra535. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will confirm that the SNA review outcome letters that have already issued to schools in the past few weeks will be rescinded until the conclusion of the further engagement that is being undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14590/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 459, 461, 466, 487, 501 and 535 together.
This 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.
Special education funding will exceed €3 billion in 2026 – up 58% since 2020 and the highest amount ever provided.
The number of special needs assistants (SNAs) allocated to schools nationally has increased by 45% between the 2020/21 school year and the present. By the end of the 2026/27 school year there will be close to 25,000 SNAs in our mainstream classes, special classes and special schools.
SNAs play a key role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
It is important to note that there have been increases in SNAs in all counties and across all education settings since 2020, including mainstream, special classes and special schools.
I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities.
It has now been agreed that there will be no reductions to special needs assistants for the next school year 2026/27.
All schools reviewed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and allocated additional resources will receive them in the upcoming school year.
It was agreed that the SNA redeployment scheme, the SNA workforce development plan and changes to a 2014 circular outlining the role of a SNA will be advanced before any further decisions are taken.
The priority will be to ensure that the child-centred approach to the provision of special education is retained and enhanced in these policy developments.
After these key documents are agreed and published, the NCSE can commence reviews of supports provided to schools for the 2027/28 academic year which will uphold the integrity of the process, which allocates supports based on the needs of children.
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.
460. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total number of buildings leased by her Department, or bodies or agencies under its aegis, during 2025; the total cumulative sum paid under these leases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14017/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Youth does not directly lease school buildings in the vast majority of such contracts funded by the department. In most cases, the department funds school authorities to enter into lease arrangement for the use of traditional buildings in respect of interim school accommodation needs.
The majority of schools based in leased buildings are already part of the pipeline of projects under the school building programme. In 2025, the department funded €8.06 million for 165 rented contracts entered into by school authorities for such buildings. This excludes lease arrangements for modular units.
462. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools that have had an SNA review conducted by the NCSE in the past year; the number of those schools which saw a reduction in their SNA allocation following review by the NCSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14035/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra470. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total number of SNA posts that were found to be in excess of the level of need in their current placement and thus reallocated following the recent Statewide NCSE SNA review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14073/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra471. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total number of SNA posts in Kildare that were found to be in excess of the level of need in their current placement and thus reallocated following the recent Statewide NCSE SNA review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14074/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra480. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools which have submitted appeals following the outcome of NCSE-led SNA review; the number of those appeals that have been decided on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14135/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 462, 470, 471 and 480 together.
This 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.
Special education funding will exceed €3 billion in 2026 – up 58% since 2020 and the highest amount ever provided.
The number of special needs assistants (SNAs) allocated to schools nationally has increased by 45% between the 2020/21 school year and the present. By the end of the 2026/27 school year there will be close to 25,000 SNAs in our mainstream classes, special classes and special schools.
SNAs play a key role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
It is important to note that there have been increases in SNAs in all counties and across all education settings since 2020, including mainstream, special classes and special schools.
I have listened carefully to all of the issues raised by parents and school communities.
It has now been agreed that there will be no reductions to special needs assistants for the next school year 2026/27.
All schools reviewed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and allocated additional resources will receive them in the upcoming school year.
It was agreed that the SNA redeployment scheme, the SNA workforce development plan and changes to a 2014 circular outlining the role of a SNA will be advanced before any further decisions are taken.
The priority will be to ensure that the child-centred approach to the provision of special education is retained and enhanced in these policy developments.
After these key documents are agreed and published, the NCSE can commence reviews of supports provided to schools for the 2027/28 academic year which will uphold the integrity of the process, which allocates supports based on the needs of children.
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.
463. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special schools operated the July provision in 2025; the number of special schools planning to operate same this academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14040/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra467. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department is considering measures to encourage broader uptake of the July provision among special school staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14055/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 463 and 467 together.
The Summer Programme is an educational programme for children with complex special educational needs which is run during the summer months. All primary, post primary and special schools will be given an opportunity to run a programme for those children who need it the most. These children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting.
The main priority in 2026 will be ensuring that those children with the most complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, should have access to a school-based summer programme.
The Summer Programme is reliant on schools and their staff choosing to participate on a voluntary basis. To encourage schools to run a Summer Programme, a range of supports and measures have been introduced. For special schools, these include a bespoke pilot programme, a national coordinator, a shorter school day and additional grant funding. For all schools, supports include key leadership roles, higher personal rate of pay for staff, enhanced capitation, a transport grant and earlier staff payments.
All the supports and incentives introduced have been developed and designed to increase participation by allowing all schools to provide the Summer Programme. These measures are aimed at maximising the number of children who can participate in a school-based programme with a specific focus on ensuring children with the most complex needs receive the targeted support.
Despite these measures and incentives, it is ultimately a matter for schools to decide if they wish to run a school-based programme. Where a school-based programme is not being run or a place is unavailable, the Home-based Programme is available for those children with complex special education needs
In 2025, almost 2,000 individual school-based programmes were delivered, continuing the positive upward trend in participation seen in previous years. Of these, 81 special schools delivered a school-based programme, representing 56% of special schools. It is anticipated that the number of special schools and children taking part will be even higher in 2026, although this will only become known after all summer programmes have been concluded.
Details of the 2026 Summer Programme have not yet been published but are expected to be published in the coming weeks. Once published, specific information relating to the terms and conditions applicable to special schools will be found on the School-based Summer Programme webpage at: www.gov.ie/summerprogramme
464. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools that have contacted the FSSU this year; the proportion of the schools in contact with FSSU which represent special schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14041/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchools 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 Department is constantly engaging with a number of schools in this respect. Schools that have contacted the Department have been referred to the FSSU.
In the 2023/2024 school year 31 schools were referred to the FSSU 1 of which was a special school.
In the 2024/2025 school year 61 schools were referred to the FSSU 1 of which was a special school.
In the 2025/2026 school year to date, 28 schools were referred to the FSSU 1 of which was a special school.
The Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet the elevated day-to-day running costs.
The commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years. The Department has secured €39 million in Budget 2026 towards increased capitation funding for primary, post-primary and special schools to provide additional financial support towards their running costs. This will see an increase in the standard capitation rates paid to schools of €50 per pupil for primary schools from €224 to €274 and of €20 per student for post-primary schools from €386 to €406. This will also allow for an increase of €20 in capitation rates for Urban Band One DEIS primary schools, increasing the mainstream pupil rate in these schools to €294. The increased capitation rates will also see special schools now receive the same rates of mainstream capitation, for young people aged 12 and over, as for their peers in mainstream post-primary schools. These increases will take effect from September 2026. This funding will benefit schools around the country in managing their day-to-day running costs.
The increases announced in Budget 2026 are in addition to the 12% increases as part of Budget 2025. The last three Budgets have resulted in an increase in the level of capitation grant rates of 49.7% (€91) paid to primary schools and 28.5% (€90) paid to post-primary schools.
The Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.
The current standard rate of capitation grant is €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
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
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters, including budgeting and cashflow management. Contact details for FSSU can be found on www.fssu.ie.
465. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review correspondence (details supplied); if she will outline the position in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14042/26]
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 terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme, children are eligible for transport where they reside not less than 3.2 kms from and are attending their nearest primary school as determined by the Department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, will be considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Bus Eireann has advised that the family to whom the Deputy refers is not eligible for school transport to the school of attendance as they do not meet the distance criteria, however, there is currently capacity on a service close to their home address. The family should input their payment details on their family portal account in order for tickets to issue.
468. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth if there is any requirement for schools within an area to offer the Leaving Certificate Applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14056/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra494. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the criteria for establishing an LCA class; if there is a minimum required number of LCA classes per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14262/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 468 and 494 together.
The Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme is one of a number of options made available by the Department of Education and Youth for Senior Cycle students which schools can choose from.
Under the Education Act 1998, the School Board of Management (BOM) appointed by the school’s patron, is the body charged with the direct governance of a school and the school principal manages the school on a day-to-day basis. Each School has the autonomy to design their own timetables and decide which subjects and programmes the school will offer.
It is the responsibility and choice of each individual school to decide to put in place the LCA programme, based on the educational needs and interests of their students. It is also for schools to decide on the admittance of a student to the programme, in their school. Schools are encouraged to provide maximum access to these options and to have clear procedures in place regarding how the available places are allocated to students.
Unfortunately a school may not always be able to accommodate every student’s subject or programme choice. This can be due to many reasons, such as classroom space, staffing limitations, time limitations and other considerations.
469. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a school building project (details supplied) will proceed to tender stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14072/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major project for the school referred to by the Deputy is now at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning - Stage 2(b) - Detailed Design, which includes the application for statutory approvals, which have been secured, and the preparation of tender documents.
My department received the Stage 2b submission report from the Design Team Autumn 2024 . My department commenced a detailed review of this report by the multi disciplinary team. On completion of this review, my Department issued comments to the Design Team requesting clarification. The Design Team have recently returned this information and their response is currently under review.
My Department will continue to liaise with the school and their patrons with regards the further progression of the project.
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.
My department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of these 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 the project at St. Annes Special School, The Curragh and 9 other projects in County Kildare.
These projects are in addition to €397.08 million in capital funding for Kildare schools between 2020 and 2025. Over that period, a total of 47 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are currently 9 school projects in Kildare under construction.
Another 12 school projects will go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027, and this summer, 5 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Summer Works Scheme / Climate Action scheme. In addition, since 2020 a total of 74 special classes have been opened in Kildare, 11 of which were sanctioned for September 2026.
The 105 prioritised projects will progress to tender and/or construction on a rolling basis over the course of 2026 and 2027 and within the context of NDP funding parameters. The timing of project progression will reflect the need to carefully manage the rollout of these projects to construction on a controlled basis to ensure that projects are delivered efficiently, align with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and Capital Works Management Framework and remain within the parameters of NDP funding.
Department officials will continue to engage closely with patron bodies, management bodies, and schools with respect to the timing of the progression of projects to tender and/or construction over the period 2026 to 2027. This will include continued engagement with St. Annes Special School, The Curragh, with respect to the progression of its project to tender.
The current status of all projects continues to be set out under item number ten at the following link: www.gov.ie. This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
472. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which her Department will provide adequate funding to a school (details supplied) to cover operational expenses; if her Department will engage in a meaningful way to resolve the significant financial difficulties the school is facing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14075/26]
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 the elevated day-to-day running costs.
The commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years. The Department has secured €39 million in Budget 2026 towards increased capitation funding for primary, post-primary and special schools to provide additional financial support towards their running costs. This will see an increase in the standard capitation rates paid to schools of €50 per pupil for primary schools from €224 to €274 and of €20 per student for post-primary schools from €386 to €406. This will also allow for an increase of €20 in capitation rates for Urban Band One DEIS primary schools, increasing the mainstream pupil rate in these schools to €294. The increased capitation rates will also see special schools now receive the same rates of mainstream capitation, for young people aged 12 and over, as for their peers in mainstream post-primary schools. These increases will take effect from September 2026. This funding will benefit schools around the country in managing their day-to-day running costs.
The increases announced in Budget 2026 are in addition to the 12% increases as part of Budget 2025. The last three Budgets have resulted in an increase in the level of capitation grant rates of 49.7% (€91) paid to primary schools and 28.5% (€90) paid to post-primary schools.
The Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.
The current standard rate of capitation grant is €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.
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 the Department for advice and support. The Department is committed to offering all available and appropriate supports to schools, which may include an advance in capitation grant funding or other measures.
The Department is constantly engaging with a number of schools in this respect. Schools that have contacted the Department have been referred to the FSSU.
The Financial Support Services Unit (FSSU), funded by the Department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters.
