Written Answers Nos. 766-785
767. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a county-by-county breakdown of the number of children availing of the school transport scheme for primary, secondary and special schools, in tabular form. [19332/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe county-by-county breakdown of the number of primary and post primary children, and children with special educational needs availing of school transport is attached.
As the Deputy will be aware, the School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs. Transport is also provided for children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and those residing in IPAS/EROC centres.
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 who reside remote from their nearest school.
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 kms from and are attending their nearest national school. At post primary level, they are eligible where they reside not less than 4.8 kms from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre. Distance is determined by the Department/Bus Éireann and rules have regard to ethos and language.
Children who are eligible for school transport and who complete the application process on time (apply on time and pay on time) are accommodated on school transport services where such services are in operation and where there is capacity to do so.
Children who are not eligible but who apply for school transport are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats.
Because of the nature of concessionary transport for non-eligible children and the priority of providing places for eligible children, there may be an excess of demand over supply for concessionary places. In these cases Bus Éireann will allocate tickets for spare seats using an agreed selection process.
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 or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Under the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, children are eligible for transport where they are attending the nearest recognised school that is or can be resourced to meet their special educational needs.
The National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) acts in an advisory role to my Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs.
A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class / special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Skills criteria.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
768. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 25 February 2026, if she will provide assurance that an ASD class will be provided for a school (details supplied); the timeframe in which this will be delivered; whether it is dependent on the capital project for which funding has been sought by the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19334/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously advised to the Deputy, a Stage 1 (preliminary design) report was submitted to my Department in April 2025. This report is currently undergoing a comprehensive technical and cost review in line with the Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines. As the Deputy will appreciate, the project must complete the full due diligence process before a final scope of accommodation can be confirmed.
The inclusion and delivery timeframe for special need classes will be determined through this design and assessment process. While the capital project will ultimately provide the long term accommodation required, my Department will continue to work closely with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to ensure that any immediate or emerging needs for SEN provision in the area can be addressed, including through interim accommodation solutions where necessary.
The €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the Education and Youth Sectors 2026–2030 places a strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritising projects that address the most urgent needs, including special education requirements. This project will continue to progress in line with these prioritisation parameters.
769. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will review correspondence (details supplied); the position regarding the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19344/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe criteria required to have incremental credit awarded to qualified Special Needs Assistants (SNA) is set out in Circular 0139/2006 and was agreed with the unions representing the Special Needs Assistants, School Management Representatives, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the Department of Education.
To qualify for an award of incremental credit an SNA and their prior work experience being claimed must satisfy the eligibility criteria set out in the relevant circular. An award of incremental credit cannot be made where the eligibility criteria is not satisfied.
Regarding the SNA to which you refer, the Department received three applications for Incremental Credit from the applicant on the 26/01/2026. The relevant unit in the Department is currently assessing the applications and will be in contact with the applicant regarding the outcome of all three applications in due course.
770. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to an issue presenting for a school (details supplied); the reason for delay in attending to the issue identified a number of months ago; if works will be carried out as a matter of urgency to ensure the space attached to the ASD class can be used safely by children and adults; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19345/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was granted capital funding for the provision of one Special Educational Needs (SEN) classroom under my Department’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation Programme.
This programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. Kerrigan Sheanon Newman Project Management (KSN) has been appointed, from the Department’s Framework, to design and tender the project and oversee all elements of construction.
The project was substantially completed in Q4 2024. My Department recently received correspondence regarding an issue with the fencing around the softplay. The Project Manager had advised a contractor is due to visit the school this week to assess the fencing.
My Department is fully aware of the issue and will be working closely with the project managers and the school authority in this regard.
771. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to ensure that children with complex disabilities can access specialised early-years placements where no appropriate service exists within their immediate CDNT catchment area; whether flexibility is permitted across CHO boundaries in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19351/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) under the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, enables the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities/additional needs in the Early Childhood Care & Education Scheme (ECCE) programme. Its goal is to create a more inclusive environment in preschools, so all children availing of preschool, regardless of ability, can benefit from quality early learning and care. There has been a significant increase in resources and supports provided to children with additional needs accessing the AIM programme over recent years.
It is important to note that a diagnosis is not required in order to access AIM supports and that while some children require additional supports at preschool level, many will transition into mainstream classes thereafter. This trend has also been noted as students’ progress from primary level to post-primary.
The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for children and young people with special educational needs. Where the NCSE identifies need for an early intervention class, the class is sanctioned and supports are provided by my department to ensure the school can accommodate the class. Generally, these classes are resourced at a 6:1 student/teacher ratio and two special needs assistants (SNAs) are allocated to each class.
Early intervention classes are available in mainstream and special school settings for children aged 3 -5 years old with a diagnosis of autism. There is also a small number dedicated to children who are deaf/hard of hearing. These classes are intended to provide early support to children before they start school and can aid their transition to junior infants.
Each school prepares and publishes their own admissions policy and runs their own admissions process in line with the Admissions Act. Individual schools will determine the outcome of applications received by them in accordance with their own admissions policy and procedures.
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.
772. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a decision will be made for a school transport application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19355/26]
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 is made up of three separate schemes, the school transport scheme for primary, post primary and for children with special educational needs. Transport is also provided for children who have arrived in Ireland from Ukraine and those residing in IPAS/EROC centres.
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 who reside remote from their nearest school.
Bus Éireann have advised that they have reviewed the service in question and a seat has become available. The Bus Éireann Local Office will contact the family directly to advise further and arrange.
773. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the National Youth Work Advisory Committee as prescribed under Section 17 of the Youth Work Act 2001 will be reconstituted; if plans for its reconstitution will be part of the implementation of Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024 - 2028; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19375/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOpportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services is the strategic framework for the youth work sector, published in September 2024. The strategy aims to build awareness of and strengthen youth services, and ensure that youth services remain accessible and of value to young people across Ireland. Department officials have drafted an operational action plan to support implementation of the strategy, and consultation with stakeholders involved in the delivery actions is taking place in advance of the finalisation and publication of the plan. The department has received significant input already from the sector, which is reflected in the plan.
The implementation of Opportunities for Youth, and the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, will be supported through a new National Youth Sector Reference Group (NYSRG), as well as a group comprising representatives from departments and agencies that provide funding to or interact with the youth sector.
The establishment of the NYSRG is being informed by a process of stakeholder mapping and will focus on the design of a consultative forum, that will concentrate on the identification of policy priorities, outputs, and outcomes. The Group will include representatives from across the youth sector, including academics and youth representatives. This will support a balanced and transparent input from across the wider youth sector into national decision-making. A key pillar of this will be the representation of the views of young people, including young people of diverse backgrounds, so that they can influence decision-making in respect of youth work services.
The aim of the Interdepartmental and Interagency Group on State-funded Youth Work Services will be to develop a renewed and whole-of-government vision for the role of state-funded youth work services, including the role of youth work within the wider landscape of provision for children and young people. In turn this will improve coherence and complementarity across schemes and ensure a joined-up approach to supporting young people. This group will comprise relevant departments and state agencies that provide support or funding to youth services, to achieve greater cooperation, coherence and, where appropriate, integration of services.
This will be an important enabler for the further development of a shared understanding of the State’s vision for youth work services in the context of the evolving needs of young people. This includes the role of cross-government funders within a delivery and policy landscape that has altered significantly since the enactment of the Youth Work Act, 2001.
It is intended that, informed by progress to date, further actions for delivery in 2027 and 2028 will be identified after the first phase of delivery. It is anticipated that actions during the second phase will include a review of the Youth Work Act, 2001.
774. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding additional infrastructure such as additional transport and after-school facilities for North Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19377/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department supports and encourages the use of school buildings for community, sport and recreational use where feasible.
As the Deputy may be aware, the 'Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours' were published in June 2024. The Procedures replaced the ‘Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours’ which had been in use prior to this.
The Procedures highlight the value and importance of school buildings and school sports facilities being used outside of school hours.
With respect to the use of school buildings by external groups and organisations, and the making of schools available for community, sport and recreational use, any decision on the use of school buildings and property is a matter for the property owner, taking into consideration the requirements of the school, students and staff. Also it is important that any proposed arrangement does not impede upon the future development of the school, given that the priority for schools is educational provision for its pupils.
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 who reside remote from their nearest school.
Children are eligible for school transport where they satisfy the distance criterion and are attending their nearest national school or post primary education centre, having regard to ethos and language.
The Bus Eireann portal is not yet open for 2026/27 applications, however details will be available shortly on the application and payment deadlines for the upcoming school year.
Families who wish to avail of school transport and have their eligibility status assessed should apply on-line in a timely manner to Bus Éireann on Bus Éireann’s website at www.buseireann.ie.
Following the closing date for application and payment, all school transport services are reviewed over the summer months. Arising from this review, routes may be altered, extended or withdrawn depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
In accordance with the terms of my Department's School Transport Scheme, school transport services operate during the standard school year and facilitate a child's attendance in school.
775. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently increase the funding levels of the minor works scheme, in line with the huge increases in the costs or repair and maintenance services in recent times (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19401/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra776. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will consider basing the minor works scheme on the square footage of the school and not pupil numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19406/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 775 and 776 together.
Under Project Ireland 2040, a commitment was given that the Minor Works Grant and ICT grants would be paid in either December or January of the school year. In recent years, my department’s approach has been to pay the Minor Works Grant to schools in advance of the start of the following school year, in order to facilitate a better lead in period for schools to plan any maintenance or minor works during the summer period.
Since 2020, €340 million in Minor Works Grants and Enhanced Minor Works Grants, have been allocated to schools. This includes the payment of Minor Works Grants totalling almost €30 million for the school year 2026/2027 which has issued in December 2025.
Primary and special schools need not apply for Minor Works Grant aid. Under the scheme, funding is made available to all primary and special schools on the following basis:
€5,500 basic grant plus €18.50 per mainstream pupil and €74 per special needs pupil enrolled in the school on the 30th of September of the year prior to the issue of the grant. The €74 rate applies to a special needs pupil attending a special school or attending a special class attached to a mainstream school.
Schools have the autonomy to use this funding for maintenance and small-scale improvements to school buildings and grounds. Given that each school setting is different, individual schools are best placed, to decide how best to use this funding to address their particular needs.
As part of planning for a strengthened maintenance regime, December 2028/January 2029 is being set as planned payment timeline for the introduction of an increase in minor works grant funding at primary and Special school level and an introduction of minor works grant at post-primary level.
Engagement to commence in 2026 with relevant stakeholders to develop appropriate methodology for targeting this increased investment on maintenance that will be based on data from the Departments energy and condition survey of the school estate that is due to be completed and validated by the end of 2026.
777. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the acute lack of ASD unit places for children attending schools in County Wexford and in the south east generally; the steps she will take to ensure that a suitable place is found for a child (details supplied), who has been unable to find a placement for the next school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19407/26]
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.
The NCSE has advised that the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) is working closely with the family of the student named regarding options for school placements and other special education supports for the coming school year.
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 in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year. 351 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. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level, schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs.
Of the 351 new special classes, 237 are being established in primary schools and 114 in post-primary schools. Further details on additional new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for students with special educational needs and will continue to review and monitor the situation as to where new specialist provision is required.
778. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the provision of new appropriate special classes at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19410/26]
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.
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 in January of this year, which is several months earlier than last year. 351 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. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level, schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
Of the 351 new special classes, 237 are being established in primary schools and 114 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county with 78 new special classes confirmed for Dublin so far. Further details on additional new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Schools seeking to establish new special classes should continue to engage with the NCSE at local level. In sanctioning new special classes, the NCSE have due regard to the level of need in an area and the existing provision, including how many places are expected to be available through the normal movement of students from primary to post-primary or finishing school. Budget 2026 provides funding for over 400 new special classes.
My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements remain available for students with special educational needs and will continue to review and monitor the situation as to where new specialist provision is required.
779. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will outline when a school (details supplied) will be issued with approval to proceed to Stage 2a; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19415/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter the Department's pipeline of projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme. The project will provide nine mainstream classrooms, four Special Education Tuition (SET) rooms, one Multimedia room, one Textiles room, three Science labs and two prep areas, one Art room, one Home Economics room, one Graphics room, one Construction room and prep area, one Engineering room, four class Special Education Needs (SEN) base and a PE hall.
This project was approved to proceed to Stage 2a (developed design) in May 2023. Following a comprehensive review from a technical and cost perspective, a revised Stage 2a report was requested in May 2024.
The revised Stage 2a submission was received by my Department in November 2024. On review, it was noted that the school authorities had applied for planning permission in October 2023 without prior approval from the Department, and that the final Grant of Planning was issued on 12 December 2024.
The Department subsequently sought an explanation from the Patron and the Board of Management as to why this key step in the process had been bypassed. In their response, the school authority stated that they had always acted in line the professional advice of their appointed design team, both in the submission of stage reports and in lodging statutory applications. They further advised that no additional works would be undertaken on the project until Department officials had completed their review of the Stage 2a report.
The revised Stage 2a report is currently the subject of a detailed technical and cost review in accordance with the Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines. As the Deputy will appreciate, the project must progress through the full due-diligence process before the Department can confirm the final scope of accommodation.
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. This project will be considered in the context of the NDP rollout and in line with my Department prioritisation parameters.
780. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding a school (details supplied); if a permanent site can be provided for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19442/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role of a hospital school, is to enable primary and post-primary student access to education during their stay in hospital, allowing patients the opportunity to continue their education whilst receiving their prescribed treatment. This also includes communication with the student’s base school.
The National Rehabilitation Hospital School (NRHS) is located on a shared campus with the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) and has access to accommodation within the hospital. This facilitates student ease of access to treatment. It is envisaged that the NRHS will continue to operate within the NRH and a separate site will therefore not be required.
My department has engaged with the patron of the school, Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB regarding the matters referred to by the Deputy. My department understands that patron representatives are currently engaging with the hospital management and NRH buildings facilities regarding both the current and future use of shared areas within the NRH. My department will continue to liaise with the patron regarding this matter with a view to ensuring the educational needs of all students are supported as the students engage with rehabilitation programmes within the NRH.
781. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of school management in relation to the lack of permanent accommodation at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19443/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role of a hospital school, is to enable primary and post-primary student access to education during their stay in hospital, allowing patients the opportunity to continue their education whilst receiving their prescribed treatment. This also includes communication with the student’s base school.
The National Rehabilitation Hospital School (NRHS) is located on a shared campus with the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) and has access to accommodation within the hospital. This facilitates student ease of access to treatment.
My department has engaged with the patron of the school, Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB regarding the matters referred to by the Deputy. My department understands that patron representatives are currently engaging with the hospital management and NRH buildings facilities regarding both the current and future use of shared areas within the NRH. My department will continue to liaise with the patron regarding this matter with a view to ensuring the educational needs of all students are supported as the students engage with rehabilitation programmes within the NRH.
782. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her attention has been drawn to children in the Tullamore/Killina pilot online schools admission system who are being accepted to school in Killina but advised that they will have to charter a private bus due to the nearest school rule; if the Minister will consider eliminating the 'nearest school' rule for schools in the Tullamore/Killina pilot online schools admission system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19464/26]
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.
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 or retention of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.
Families are required to register their details on the Bus Éireann Family Portal to have their eligibility for transport assessed and to make applications under the scheme: https://buseireann.ie/schooltransport/.
The Portal will open for applications for the 2026/27 school year shortly. Following the closing date for payment or entering medical card details, the portal will close. This will give Bus Éireann time to assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the 2026/27 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.
School Transport Section is aware of the rollout of the pilot Single Online Application for Schools and will be working closely with my departments planning and building unit and with Bus Éireann to ensure that all applications within these pilot areas are assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Families within these pilot areas should apply and pay/enter medical card details in the normal manner.
783. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to engage with a school (details supplied) which has specific needs in excess of those covered under the Deis Plus band; to advise them on the additional measures which can be put in place or availed of to address their serious issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19468/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing educational disadvantage and helping students reach their full potential is a priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth and for Government. Currently, the DEIS programme supports almost 1,200 schools, reaching approximately 260,000 students, with an annual investment of over €180 million. Budget 2026 allocates an additional €16.5 million in 2026, rising to €48 million in 2027, to support the implementation of the new DEIS Strategy and introduce the DEIS Plus scheme, which will commence this year.
The DEIS Plus scheme will provide additional supports to schools with the highest levels of need, in line with the Government’s commitment. It will target a cohort of schools with high concentrations of children and young people experiencing intergenerational disadvantage where there is a significant gap in educational outcomes and there are barriers to those children and young people achieving their potential.
The details of the DEIS Plus scheme are currently being finalised within an overall programme of work to address educational disadvantage and will be outlined in the new DEIS Strategy, which will be published soon. Future allocation of overall resources will be considered within the context of the new DEIS Strategy and the availability of resources.
Schools will not be required to apply for inclusion in the DEIS Plus scheme. The process to identify schools for inclusion will be evidence-informed, using available data.
784. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans for reconstituting the National Youth Work Advisory Committee, a statutory body under Section 17 of the Youth Work Act 2001; to clarify if the restoration of this statutory committee is envisaged within the implementation actions for Opportunities for Youth 2024-2028; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19475/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOpportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services is the strategic framework for the youth work sector, published in September 2024. The strategy aims to build awareness of and strengthen youth services, and ensure that youth services remain accessible and of value to young people across Ireland. Department officials have drafted an operational action plan to support implementation of the strategy, and consultation with stakeholders involved in the delivery actions is taking place in advance of the finalisation and publication of the plan. The department has received significant input already from the sector, which is reflected in the plan.
The implementation of Opportunities for Youth, and the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, will be supported through a new National Youth Sector Reference Group (NYSRG), as well as a group comprising representatives from departments and agencies that provide funding to or interact with the youth sector.
The establishment of the NYSRG is being informed by a process of stakeholder mapping and will focus on the design of a consultative forum, that will concentrate on the identification of policy priorities, outputs, and outcomes. The Group will include representatives from across the youth sector, including academics and youth representatives. This will support a balanced and transparent input from across the wider youth sector into national decision-making. A key pillar of this will be the representation of the views of young people, including young people of diverse backgrounds, so that they can influence decision-making in respect of youth work services.
The aim of the Interdepartmental and Interagency Group on State-funded Youth Work Services will be to develop a renewed and whole-of-government vision for the role of state-funded youth work services, including the role of youth work within the wider landscape of provision for children and young people. In turn this will improve coherence and complementarity across schemes and ensure a joined-up approach to supporting young people. This group will comprise relevant departments and state agencies that provide support or funding to youth services, to achieve greater cooperation, coherence and, where appropriate, integration of services.
This will be an important enabler for the further development of a shared understanding of the State’s vision for youth work services in the context of the evolving needs of young people. This includes the role of cross-government funders within a delivery and policy landscape that has altered significantly since the enactment of the Youth Work Act, 2001.
It is intended that, informed by progress to date, further actions for delivery in 2027 and 2028 will be identified after the first phase of delivery. It is anticipated that actions during the second phase will include a review of the Youth Work Act, 2001.
785. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will confirm whether any of the governance or advisory structures envisaged in Opportunities for Youth are intended to replace, replicate, or supersede statutory bodies set out in the Youth Work Act 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19476/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOpportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services is the strategic framework for the youth work sector, published in September 2024. The strategy aims to build awareness of and strengthen youth services, and ensure that youth services remain accessible and of value to young people across Ireland. Department officials have drafted an operational action plan to support implementation of the strategy, and consultation with stakeholders involved in the delivery actions is taking place in advance of the finalisation and publication of the plan. The department has received significant input already from the sector, which is reflected in the plan.
The implementation of Opportunities for Youth, and the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders, will be supported through a new National Youth Sector Reference Group (NYSRG), as well as a group comprising representatives from departments and agencies that provide funding to or interact with the youth sector.
The establishment of the NYSRG is being informed by a process of stakeholder mapping and will focus on the design of a consultative forum, that will concentrate on the identification of policy priorities, outputs, and outcomes. The Group will include representatives from across the youth sector, including academics and youth representatives. This will support a balanced and transparent input from across the wider youth sector into national decision-making. A key pillar of this will be the representation of the views of young people, including young people of diverse backgrounds, so that they can influence decision-making in respect of youth work services.
The aim of the Interdepartmental and Interagency Group on State-funded Youth Work Services will be to develop a renewed and whole-of-government vision for the role of state-funded youth work services, including the role of youth work within the wider landscape of provision for children and young people. In turn this will improve coherence and complementarity across schemes and ensure a joined-up approach to supporting young people. This group will comprise relevant departments and state agencies that provide support or funding to youth services, to achieve greater cooperation, coherence and, where appropriate, integration of services.
This will be an important enabler for the further development of a shared understanding of the State’s vision for youth work services in the context of the evolving needs of young people. This includes the role of cross-government funders within a delivery and policy landscape that has altered significantly since the enactment of the Youth Work Act, 2001.
It is intended that, informed by progress to date, further actions for delivery in 2027 and 2028 will be identified after the first phase of delivery. It is anticipated that actions during the second phase will include a review of the Youth Work Act, 2001.
