Written Answers Nos. 62-84
62. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is aware of the liquidation of a company (details supplied), and the reported financial difficulties experienced by the company since 2024; the number of investors believed to be affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35691/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra63. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is aware that approximately 1,600 investors, many of whom are former employees of a company (details supplied) from the Fingal area, may be affected by the liquidation of a company; and if any engagement has taken place with regulatory bodies regarding this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35692/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the oversight that exists in relation to the ongoing liquidation of a company (details supplied), appointed in January 2026; whether he has concerns regarding the level of communication being provided to affected investors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35693/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra65. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if any assessment has been carried out into claims from investors that assets connected to Arena Capital Partners may be being sold at significantly undervalued prices during the liquidation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35694/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra66. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether any investigation is planned or underway into the circumstances surrounding the collapse and liquidation of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35696/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra75. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if his Department has engaged with any State agencies or regulatory authorities regarding the impact of the liquidation of a company (details supplied) on former aviation sector workers and other constituents in the Fingal area [35716/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 and 75 together.
Under the Companies Act 2014, the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) exercises a supervisory role over the activities of liquidators of insolvent companies in the State. The Authority also operates a regime of restriction and disqualification undertakings in respect of directors of insolvent companies.
The CEA actively encourages members of the public to submit complaints, expressions of concern and protected disclosures (where applicable) to them where information comes to their attention that might suggest a breach of company law. I would urge anyone who has concerns about a potential breach to bring these concerns to the attention of the CEA.
Complaints regarding suspected breaches of Company Law should be notified to the CEA using the CEA Complaints Form available on the CEA’s website at: https://cea.gov.ie/en-ie/What-We-Do/Complaints-Concerns-Protected-Disclosures.
The CEA can also be contacted via their website (cea.gov.ie), by email at info@cea.gov.ie, or by telephone. Full contact details are available on their website.
The CEA is independent in the performance of its functions under Section 944D(4) of the Companies Act 2014. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that the law is enforced without the possibility of interference from any party.
Accordingly, as Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, I do not have any power to intervene in any action or decision taken by the Authority in the exercise of its statutory functions, as this would conflict with the statutory framework which was created to ensure its independence.
67. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the steps being taken to prepare for the implementation of the Digital Omnibus on AI, including how national planning is being aligned with the EU level timetable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35414/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for the question and welcome the opportunity to provide an update on the steps being taken to prepare for the implementation of the Digital Omnibus on AI.
The AI Act entered into force on 1 August 2024. It follows a staggered entry into application, with some parts already applicable such as certain prohibitions, AI literacy, and rules for general-purpose AI models. This progressive roll-out allows the Commission to build on the experience gathered in applying the first part of the rules. Stakeholder consultations throughout 2025 revealed implementation challenges that needed to be addressed so that the AI Act can be successfully rolled-out. The Digital Omnibus on AI introduces targeted amendments to address practical implementation challenges identified by stakeholders. These changes are designed to:
• increase legal certainty for businesses, regulators and citizens
• reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens
• support innovation while maintaining strong safeguards
On 7 May 2026, provisional agreement was reached between the Council presidency and European Parliament negotiators on a proposal to streamline certain rules regarding AI. This must be now endorsed by the Council and the European Parliament before being submitted to a legal/linguistic revision with a view to the formal adoption of the legislative act by the co-legislators in the coming weeks.
The political agreement reached on the AI Omnibus gives clarity on the timeline for the rules governing high-risk AI systems. Rules for systems used in certain high-risk areas, including biometrics, critical infrastructure, education, employment, migration, asylum and border control, will apply from 2 December 2027. For systems integrated into products such as lifts or toys, the rules will apply from 2 August 2028. This sequencing will help ensure that technical standards and other support tools are in place before the rules start to apply.
The Agreement reached also explicitly prohibits the AI-generated production of non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material. Ireland, alongside fellow Member States, was a strong advocate for this vital protection.
The EU AI Act is a regulation and has direct legal effect in EU member states. National implementing measures are however required to help operationalise the regulatory system that provides the supervision and enforcement of the AI Act's obligations. The expected adoption of the Digital Omnibus will give additional time for businesses and competent authorities to make the necessary provisions meet their respective obligations under certain aspects of the AI Act.
The General Scheme gives further effect to the Government Decisions of 4 March 2025 and 22 July 2025, approving that Ireland will adopt a distributed model of competent authorities for the AI Act, leveraging established sectoral regulatory authorities, with a designated central authority to provide coordination and a number of centralised functions.
The General Scheme of the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 proposes to establish a new statutory independent body, the AI Office of Ireland, under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, to act as the Single Point of Contact and central coordinating authority for the implementation and enforcement of the EU AI Act in the State. It also provides for the empowerment of Competent Authorities, and rules on penalties for infringement of the Act.
Once it is available, my officials will evaluate the final text of the provisionally agreed Digital Omnibus on AI and will consider its implications on my Department’s ongoing work on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill and with national competent authorities through the national implementation committee for the AI Act.
68. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his Department's assessment of the role of artificial intelligence in enabling increasingly sophisticated forms of online violence against women in public life, as highlighted by recent UN findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35416/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note the important and harrowing UN findings that AI-enabled violence, including deepfakes, manipulated sexual imagery/videos and other forms of image-based abuse, is intensifying existing patterns of harassment and constraining women’s participation in public life.
This is completely unacceptable and must be addressed head on.
I would stress at the outset that Government takes this issue incredibly seriously.
Combatting all forms of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) is a central commitment. My colleague Minister Jim O'Callaghan has been leading on the implementation of the five-year 'Zero Tolerance' National DSGBV Strategy.
In my own Department, I have responsibility for the EU Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) which came into force on 02 August 2024. The AI Act aims to promote innovation and uptake of AI, while ensuring a high level of protection of health, safety and fundamental rights, including democracy and the rule of law. It follows a risk-based approach and introduces rules for AI systems based on the level of risk they can pose.
For the unacceptable risk category, the AI Act lists specific practices that are prohibited. Under Article 5, prohibitions include certain manipulative practices and social scoring. More recently on 7 May, provisional agreement was reached between the Council presidency and European Parliament negotiators to add a new provision in the AI act, prohibiting AI practices regarding the generation of non-consensual sexual and intimate content or child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In addition, certain AI systems need to meet transparency requirements including deep fakes which will have to be labelled as AI-generated. My Department worked closely with colleagues across Government to ensure that Ireland, alongside fellow Member States, was a strong and determined advocate for this vital protection.
The AI Act is designed as a flexible and future-proof regulation that allows to adapt the rules to the rapid pace of technological development, as well as the potential changes in the use of AI systems and emerging risks.
More broadly, my officials and I will continue to work with colleagues in the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in terms of dealing with this issue from an online safety perspective. A robust online safety framework is now in place in Ireland. Coimisiún na Meán has responsibility for implementing that framework, which includes applying and enforcing the online safety code to designated video-sharing platforms established in Ireland to ensure they minimise the availability of harmful online content. Under the lead of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, online safety will be a priority during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2026, including the protection of women and children, in particular, from the misuse of digital tools.
69. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to outline his Department's assessment of the regulatory, technical, and enforcement capacities required for Ireland to fully implement the EU AI Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35520/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act is an EU regulation which entered into force on 2 August 2024 and is directly applicable across the EU. The regulation applies in a phased manner over 36 months from entry into force.
The regulation is designed to provide a high level of protection to people’s health, safety and fundamental rights, and to promote the adoption of human-centric, trustworthy AI. It will provide a harmonised regulatory framework for AI systems placed on the market, or deployed, in the EU.
The AI Act required Member States to report, by 2 August 2025, on the status of the financial and human resource capacity of national competent authorities. This reporting must be completed every two years. Ireland submitted the first required report last August following consultation with the competent authorities and relevant Government departments, through the National AI Act Implementation Committee.
A new AI Office of Ireland will be established as a central and coordinating authority for the implementation of the AI Act in Ireland. It will provide a focal point for the promotion and adoption of transparent and safe AI in Ireland, to ensure that we fully capture the strategic opportunity that AI presents. Budget 2026 secured €1.5 million in start-up funding to establish the AI Office of Ireland by 2 August 2026.
Ireland will adopt a distributed model of implementation of the EU AI Act, building on the capacity and expertise of established sectoral regulators. Ireland’s decision to utilise a distributed model of existing sectoral regulators means Ireland is well placed to leverage existing experienced and established resources and operations in the first instance and then build on that robust and effective capacity as needed for subsequent years, in line with the AI Act's staggered timeline of enforcement.
As part of the estimates process, work is ongoing by the national competent authorities and their respective Departments to determine the appropriate level of financial resourcing required to ensure the effective fulfilment of Ireland’s obligations from the enforcement commencement date.
The AI Office of Ireland will act as the central coordinating authority for the implementation of the AI Act in the State, ensuring that all relevant authorities and stakeholders are aligned in their interpretation and application of the Regulation. While the Office will help facilitate coordination among regulators, the enforcement of the AI Act will remain the responsibility of the designated sectoral regulators. However, the Office will host a centralised pool of technical expertise in AI technologies as well as legal and regulatory affairs providing MSAs and other authorities with access to a framework of expertise to support them in fulfilling their mandates.
With regard to enforcement capacity, the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence and Non-Personal Data Bill, will address supervision and enforcement, providing for market surveillance authorities to appoint authorised officers with robust investigatory powers, and will establish an administrative sanctions regime, enabling the imposition of penalties in accordance with the AI Act.
On 19 November 2025, the European Commission published a Digital Package aimed at helping EU businesses to innovate, scale and reduce administrative burdens by simplifying and strengthening digital rules. The Digital Omnibus included the Digital Omnibus on AI (Regulation): covering targeted amendments to the Artificial Intelligence Act to address practical implementation challenges identified by stakeholders.
On 7 May 2026, the presidency of the Council of the European Union and European Parliament negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the Digital Omnibus on AI proposal. The provisional agreement introduces a fixed timeline for the delayed application of high-risk rules: the new application dates would be 2 December 2027 for stand-alone high-risk AI systems and 2 August 2028 for high-risk AI systems embedded in products. If formally adopted, this will provide both businesses and regulators more time to prepare to meet their obligations and for the supervision of certain aspects of AI systems.
The Government is fully committed to the comprehensive and timely implementation of all aspects of the AI Act, including the designation of competent authorities with the necessary regulatory, technical and enforcement capacities, the establishment of the AI Office of Ireland on a statutory basis, and Ireland’s national implementation, with whole-of-Government collaboration, is progressing to that end.
70. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current average waiting time for the examination of a trademark application by the Patents Office; the number of applications currently awaiting examination; and the steps being taken to reduce this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35588/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe average waiting time for the examination of a trade mark application by the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland (IPOI) is currently approximately 2.5 months, which is in line with the Office’s customer service targets.
As of 11 May 2026, there were 1,349 trade mark applications awaiting examination. This figure reflects normal workflow volumes and follows a 30% increase in trade mark application filings during 2025 compared with the previous year.
The Office has experienced a significant increase in demand for trade mark services in recent years. The trade mark examination function is fully resourced, with examiners trained and actively engaged in processing applications. This has enabled the Office to maintain examination throughput and service standards despite the substantial rise in application volumes. This position continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis.
The IPOI utilises modern ICT systems to support the efficient delivery of its services. These systems are subject to ongoing review to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and consistent with best practice across national intellectual property offices in the European Union. The Office continues to explore opportunities to enhance efficiency through the use of new technologies, where appropriate.
71. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide a breakdown of trademark applications pending registration for more than six months; the measures, including staff recruitment or IT upgrades, aimed at accelerating throughput; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35589/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Intellectual Property Office of Ireland (IPOI) has advised that as of 11 May 2026, there are 649 trade mark applications pending registration for more than six months.
All of these applications have been subject to initial examination by the Trade Mark Examination Team. Applications remaining outstanding at this stage are either classed as accepted but are subject to further third-party processes, such as oppositions, or remain pending where official objections have been raised by the Office under the relevant provisions of the Trade Marks Act 1996.
Where objections are raised, responsibility rests with the applicant to address those matters before the application may proceed to acceptance or, where appropriate, refusal. This exchange can take a period of time, depending on the nature of the objections and the responses provided, and the IPOI facilitates open and ongoing engagement with applicants during this phase of the process.
Applications remain pending until such time as the objections raised are resolved, waived, or maintained. The Office continues to actively monitor case progression, to engage constructively with applicants and third parties, and to prioritise the timely resolution of cases wherever possible, while ensuring the integrity and robustness of the trade mark registration system.
The examination function within the IPOI is fully resourced and continues to meet required throughput and service standards. The Office is supported by modern ICT systems, which are kept under ongoing review, and it continues to explore appropriate technological enhancements to further improve efficiency and ensure alignment with best practices internationally.
72. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will provide a list of all capital projects and programmes including those delivered through IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Fáilte Ireland which have been completed on time and within budget in GALWAY in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35654/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra73. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the assessment that has been carried out as to Ireland's exposure to supply chain disruption as a result of current conflicts in West Asia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35679/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia and its potential implications for Ireland’s economy, including risks of supply chain disruption. In response, the Government is maintaining a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, working with EU partners and industry stakeholders to assess developments. Ireland’s broader policy approach remains focused on strengthening supply chain resilience, including through diversification of supply sources, investment in infrastructure, and contingency planning informed by lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The situation continues to evolve, and the Department will keep developments under active review to ensure that any emerging risks to Irish enterprise and supply chains are identified and addressed in a timely and proportionate manner.
74. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to set out the Government's definition of digital sovereignty and its approach to this issue at national and European level. [35680/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDigital sovereignty refers to the ability of Ireland and the European Union to act autonomously in shaping and governing digital infrastructure, data and technologies, in line with our economic interests and values, while remaining open to global trade, investment and collaboration.
Ireland supports maintaining the EU’s access to trusted non-EU providers, recognising that partnership is essential for innovation in emerging areas such as AI. Preserving the EU’s openness to trade and investment is vital to competitiveness, while proportionate, risk-based measures ensure security, uphold the Single Market, and reduce strategic dependencies.
At national level, strengthening digital sovereignty is closely linked to the Government’s commitment to driving digitalisation and AI adoption across the economy and society. The publication of Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future in February 2026 marked a significant step in this regard. Key priorities include enhancing digital skills, improving connectivity and infrastructure, advancing the digitalisation of public services, and supporting enterprise adoption of digital technologies. These are recognised as fundamental to long-term competitiveness and sovereignty.
At European level, Ireland signed the Declaration for European Digital Sovereignty in November 2025, joining fellow European Union Member States in a commitment to strengthen Europe's ability to act independently and competitively while remaining open to global competition. The Declaration establishes a common framework for enhancing Europe's digital capabilities while preserving access to open markets, interoperability, and international collaboration with partners who share European values.
Building on that consensus, Digital Security & Resilience will be a key priority for Ireland during the upcoming presidency of the EU council. This includes strengthening EU digital capabilities, secure critical infrastructure, semiconductors, connectivity, and cyber resilience.
Finally, Ireland is also an active member of the D9+ group of digitally advanced EU Member States. This group provides a valuable forum for sharing best practices, deepening international relationships, and supporting Europe’s global leadership in digital transformation. In line with the D9+ Ministerial Declaration adopted in March 2025 in Amsterdam, Ireland has supported calls for increasing the EU’s digital competitiveness and tech sovereignty in an open manner. This means having the ability to act autonomously on the world stage and in line with our values, while reaping the benefits of collaboration with global partners when possible. Ireland will continue this work in close cooperation with partner countries, including in preparation for the upcoming D9+ meeting in Luxembourg on 8 June 2026.
76. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he is aware of the layoffs at a company (details supplied); the steps being taken to engage and protect workers from said layoffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, on 27 April 2026, Covalen informed its employees of its intention to reduce its workforce. The details are a matter for the company. The proposed collective redundancies arise from a shift in client demand, resulting in a reduction in required services and a need to right-size management and support functions.
My foremost concern is the potentially impacted employees and their families during this uncertain time.
IDA Ireland has been engaging with the company in Dublin at a senior level to ensure that the company is aware of the full range of available IDA supports that can be availed of at this time.
IDA Ireland has established internal processes for managing potential and actual job loss situations with its client companies. This involves proactive engagement with site leadership of the company and its parent company to explore options to avoid or minimise any job losses.
In the event of any announced or pending job losses, IDA partners with other support agencies at a local level to implement the Job Loss Protocol. This provides a coordinated response by relevant Government Departments and agencies at a local level to support impacted employees. The types of supports that may be provided include:
• Provision of a detailed skills profile for the site; a talent catchment map and timings for when individuals will be available, provided by the company.
• Identification of other employers who may be hiring across IDA and EI client companies.
• Sharing of skills profiles with other companies who may be hiring and direct engagement with HR departments, when appropriate through IDA and EI.
• Briefings by local Department of Social Protection/Intreo officials to impacted employees on social welfare and employment support services to support impacted employees’ transition to new employment opportunities.
• Identification of training and further education opportunities for employees (ETBs; Skillnet; Universities)
• Exploring opportunities to start your own business through LEOs and Enterprise Ireland.
IDA Ireland is also fully respectful of the consultation process that may be underway by any company and its employees or representatives following any announcement or proposed announcements.
Ireland has a robust framework of legislative protections and supports for workers who are impacted by redundancy.
The Redundancy Payments Act 1967, as amended, requires employers to pay a statutory redundancy payment to eligible employees who are being made redundant and have more than 2 years’ service.
The Protection of Employment Act 1977, as amended, imposes certain legal obligations on employers proposing collective redundancies. Employers are required to consult and provide information to employees' representatives for a 30-day period, before any notice of redundancy can issue.
Employers proposing collective redundancies must also notify the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes effect.
Collective redundancies arise where, during any period of 30 consecutive days, the employees being made redundant are: 5 employees where 21-49 are employed; 10 employees where 50-99 are employed; 10% of the employees where 100-299 are employed; 30 employees where 300 or more are employed.
Where redundancies occur which fall below collective redundancy thresholds, employers are still legally obliged to conduct the redundancy process fairly and to use reasonable selection criteria in selecting employees for redundancy. In accordance with the principles of fair procedures and natural justice, any such process should normally include a consultation with potentially affected employees.
If an employee believes their employer has failed to comply with collective redundancy rules or they believe their employment rights have been breached, they can make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). For most employment rights issues, complaints to the WRC must be made within 6 months of the date of the alleged breach. The WRC can extend this time period to 12 months if the employee can demonstrate reasonable cause.
77. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the protections the State will put in place for workers who are losing their jobs and being replaced with artificial intelligence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraArtificial Intelligence is a transformative technology with major potential for Ireland’s economy and society. Harnessing its benefits is essential to future-proof industries and maintain global competitiveness.
I understand there is concern and uncertainty out there in relation to AI’s impact on the labour market. Our recently published Digital & AI Strategy sets out our ambition to seize the AI opportunity, but it is equally important that we understand how it will change our labour market and equip people for this change. There are several ways in which we are working to do so.
My Department is continually monitoring the impact of AI on Ireland’s labour market.
Through the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, we published research last year which found Ireland leads on AI job demand and has strong AI talent supply. This is encouraging. Later this year they'll publish a forward-looking skills study to 2030. An extensive, all-island study currently being worked on with UCD will include work on AI and the labour market. That evidence base will feed directly into policy.
It is clear that given the rapid advancement of AI technology the development of new capabilities and capacities in the workforce will be necessary, as it is very likely that new types of jobs will emerge.
The recently published ESRI and the Department of Finance’s recent report, Artificial Intelligence and Income Inequality in Ireland, underlines that forward looking government policy, particularly focused on lifelong learning and reskilling programmes, can play a decisive role in reducing the potential impact of AI on jobs.
This is precisely why the new National Digital & AI Strategy, commits to supporting workers in managing the impacts of potential job displacement by ensuring access to agile, fit-for-purpose and high-quality upskilling and reskilling opportunities.
My colleague Minister James Lawless has been working on a number of key deliverables within the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to ensure the alignment of skills provision to support workers to adapt to changes arising from AI. These include:
• Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future to ensure the skills ecosystem remains future-focused.
• A new online one-stop-shop AI Skilling Platform for employers and individuals.
• A nationwide Digital and AI skilling campaign to highlight opportunities.
• A new National Skills Observatory to analyse labour market dynamics and skills development across all skills needs, identifying gaps in provision, and enabling additional skills initiatives.
• Enhanced upskilling opportunities with SOLAS and Skillnet.
Finally, it is important to note that Ireland's labour-market conditions remain strong. Employment stands at 2.83 million, up 56,700 year-on-year to Q4 2025, with record participation and near-record low unemployment.
78. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of funding for an additional ASD unit at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35379/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my department is in receipt of an application from the school in question under the additional school accommodation scheme (ASA) for re-purposing of vacant existing accommodation to create 2 special educational needs (SEN) classrooms. The school was requested to reduce the scope of the works required, as the option put forward by the school's consultant was well in excessive of a project of this scale.
My department will continue to liaise with the school authorities including their patron body to advance progression of this important project. The Deputy will be aware of the published NDP Infrastructure Investment Plan for the Education and Youth sector and my department's commitment to ensure the prioritisation of urgent projects which meet functional needs and ensure good value for money.
79. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth when decisions will be made by the Primary Staffing Appeals Board in relation to schools' staffing appeals for 2026/2027 teaching allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35389/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Education and Youth when decisions will be made by the Primary Staffing Appeals Board in relation to schools’ staffing appeals for 2026/27 teaching allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35803/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 97 together.
The primary school staffing arrangements for the 2026/27 school year are set out in Circular 0025/2026. These arrangements contain an appeals mechanism for schools to submit a staffing appeal under certain criteria to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board.
The Primary Staffing Appeals Board will meet in May, June and October to consider staffing appeals for the 2026/27 school year.
The first meeting of the Board will take place this week and schools will be notified of the outcome of their appeals later in the week.
80. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether a 'comprehensive assessment of behavioural function' is a mandated requirement in special schools and ASD units when addressing high-risk behaviours of concern; the specific personnel or clinical professionals tasked with carrying out these assessments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35452/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra81. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth the specific professional qualifications and clinical experience required for National Council for Special Education personnel and school staff who hold responsibility for managing and understanding 'behaviours of concern'; if these requirements are equivalent to the behaviour specialist standards mandated in the adult intellectual disability sector (specifically a Master's degree in Behavioural Science and supervised clinical experience); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35453/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 81 together.
The Board of Management of each school is responsible for the care and safety of all of the pupils in their school. Schools should supervise and support children who are distressed or exhibiting behaviours which are of concern to others until they have recovered and are able to re-engage in the classroom.
Schools may seek advice from their local National Educational Psychological Services psychologist, from the NCSE’s Support Service as to how children with behavioural needs can best be supported in school.
Training is available for schools in relation to the provision of support for children with special educational needs from the NCSE’s Regional Support Service. This service can, as part of the designated training modules, provide guidance for schools in relation to the management of difficult behaviour.
A range of guidance is available for schools in relation to the management of student behaviour. Tusla's Educational Support Service, has published guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour which all schools are required by law to have in place. The Department published the "Understanding Behaviours of Concern and Responding to Crisis Situations in Schools" guidelines. These guidelines were developed in response to an identified need for clearer guidance for schools. These guidelines were developed in response to an identified need for clearer guidance for schools. They aim to enhance schools' understanding of behaviours of concern and support them in effectively managing crisis situations. The guidelines will support schools to develop a whole school positive approach to behaviours with particular emphasis on prevention, early intervention and de-escalation.
The guidelines place a strong focus on prevention and early intervention strategies for the management of crisis situations in which physical intervention may be employed only as the last part of a comprehensive, positive and planned behavioural approach by the school. The guidelines also provide information on dynamic risk assessment.
The NCSE recently launched Relate, a comprehensive resource to support behaviour using neurodiversity affirming approaches. This resource is accompanied by a full breadth of training supports from the NCSE Behaviour and Wellbeing team, including in person visits, sustained support to special schools, the behaviour for learning programme for post primary schools, and in person and sustained support in special classes and primary schools.
The NCSE recruit Advisors who are seconded teachers and Behaviour and Wellbeing Facilitators to the Behaviour for Learning and Wellbeing and Autism inclusion team. The NCSE Behaviour for Learning and Wellbeing Advisor and Autism Advisor posts are secondment opportunities. Secondments are available to teachers in post who have not availed of secondment in the previous 5 years. Advisors provide teacher professional learning to schools.
The Behaviour and Wellbeing Facilitators posts are permanent and are an open competition. The essential requirements are the following:
• A recognised university NFQ Level 8 degree in a relevant discipline such as teaching, education, psychology or social care
• A related post graduate NFQ Level 9 qualification in the area of Special Education, Psychology, Intellectual Disability or other relevant field
• At least five years’ experience of working with children or young people in a special education context
• Have a full Irish Drivers licence with access to a car
All members of the NCSE Autism Behaviour Inclusion Team work within the scope of NCSE Relate and the Autism Good Practice Guidance and are committed to neurodiversity affirming practice.
Finally, the Department of Education aims to facilitate every individual through learning, to achieve their full potential and to ensure that the education system upholds the rights of every individual to receive an education appropriate to their needs.
To support this, there has been significant growth and investment in disability and special education related supports for students in Ireland. In 2026, investment in special education has increased to €3 billion and allows for the recruitment of an additional 860 special education teachers, 1,717 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) and the provision of an additional 3,000 places in special schools and special classes as well as the roll out of the new Educational Therapy Service.
82. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of primary- and post-primary schools that require students to have a digital device for learning instead of traditional textbooks; the number of these that are DEIS schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35455/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the responsibility of each individual school to select the digital resources, if any, that it will use to support its implementation of the curriculum. The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 does not mandate or prescribe the use of any particular devices or technologies in teaching and learning, rather it advocates for the deeper embedding of digital technologies in teaching and learning to develop digital literacy and competence, critical thinking and collaborative practice. It is not merely focused on using digital devices as an alternative to physical textbooks or resources.
Accordingly, there is no Department requirement for students to use personal digital devices for schoolwork or homework. The most recent data the department has on hand following a survey issued by the SIU section in relation to the Free School Books Scheme, indicates that 173 post-primary schools sought parent provision of a digital device in the 2024/2025 school year, 36 of those were DEIS, rising to 227 post-primary schools for 2025/2026 44 of those were DEIS , reflecting local, school-level decisions on digital learning approaches.
The Department does not hold data on the number of individual student devices, as decisions of this nature are made at school level.
Where digital devices are used as part of teaching and learning, schools are expected to ensure that no child is disadvantaged due to lack of access to technology. Schools are also required to comply with data protection and child wellbeing obligations, and to set out their approach to digital technology use in relevant policies, including the Acceptable Use Policy, in consultation with parents and pupils, as appropriate.
It should be noted that under the Education Act, the Boards of Management of Schools have responsibility for the day-to-day management of schools. Decisions regarding the use and deployment of digital technology in schools is therefore a matter for the Board of Management of each school in the context of their digital learning planning. Schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents when planning for the introduction of digital technologies including devices with cost and other implications being fully considered by the Boards of Management before a decision is made.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 was published in 2022 and is underpinned by funding of €200m over the course of the strategy to support its implementation, which was committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP).
Under this current strategy a total of €170m has issued to schools, with the most recent tranche of funding of €35 million issued to all recognised primary, special schools and post-primary schools in January 2026. This funding issued directly to schools, as they are best placed to determine the needs of their own students and have autonomy to do so. This funding can be used on ICT infrastructure as required in the schools and can provide for loan schemes for devices for students as appropriate.
This funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment to support schools to embed the use of digital technologies in teaching learning and assessment, providing funding to support each school in its digital learning planning, fairly and transparently, regardless of the individual approach taken by the school.
To further assist schools, the OGP, Asiera (formerly known as HEAnet), as well as my Department, have established a number of frameworks of providers of digital devices including tablets, pcs and laptops, with appropriate specifications, agreed pricing, and levels of service, as well as providing framework management. Schools are encouraged to avail of these frameworks which will enable them to comply with procurement requirements and achieve agreed, transparent, pricing.
My Department is committed to ensuring that enactment of Senior Cycle Redevelopment contributes positively to student experience in Senior Cycle including through revised assessment arrangements that allow all students demonstrate their strengths and learning. There is no requirement under the new subject specifications for students to have their own laptops, and decisions on device use rest with school boards, who are advised to prioritise affordability and equity and to consult with parents.
83. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35457/26]
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. There is not a lower capitation rate for voluntary secondary schools. 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 €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 are encouraged to avail of the 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 of Education and Youth, is an important source of advice and support to schools on financial matters.
Addressing educational disadvantage in all schools is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth. The DEIS programme is targeted at schools with the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage,. Schools in the DEIS programme, regardless of school type, receive a DEIS grant relative to the schools’ individual level of disadvantage and calculated based on the number of children enrolled in the school. This is separate from the capitation grant referenced above. Other supports include additional staffing, access to leadership posts, the home-school-community liaison scheme, access to the school completion programme and priority access to NEPS and Oide training.
I recently announced the DEIS Strategy to 2035 which is the first long-term, whole-system approach to addressing educational disadvantage. This strategy recognises education as central to breaking cycles of disadvantage, expanding opportunity, and ensuring long-term security. It sets out a more flexible model of support, so that resources are aligned with each school’s level of need as it changes over time. The increase in DEIS Grant and HSCL allocation for some schools in the DEIS programme, and the allocation of HSCL on a pilot basis to a selection of schools that are not in the DEIS programme is a first step in the move to that more dynamic model. No schools are losing resources in relation to this work.
The O’Connell School, post-primary in Dublin 1, referenced in this query, will have recently received communication from the Department notifying them of an increase in their DEIS Grant under the new DEIS Strategy, reflecting the Department’s recognition of the concentration of children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage within the school. The school referenced is also in receipt of a full HSCL post under the DEIS programme.
The new DEIS Plus scheme, which will commence this year, launched as part of the strategy, represents the most significant expansion of targeted supports since the establishment of DEIS. While an appeals process is currently open to certain DEIS schools not granted DEIS Plus status, there are no additional schools included in the DEIS programme at this time. It is important to stress that schools not identified through the refined DEIS identification model does not in any way imply that the department is saying that disadvantage does not exist within in the school community. A detailed paper on the refined DEIS identification model is available on gov.ie.
As work continues on the actions in the DEIS Strategy to 2035, we will continue to work closely with schools and the education stakeholders. Any future allocation of resources will be considered over the lifetime of the DEIS Strategy to 2035 and in the context of available resources.
There are also a range of universal supports available to all schools to support children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage, including NEPS psychological services, special education teaching (SET) and English as an additional language (EAL) supports, free schoolbooks, Inspectorate guidance for schools, and the school meals programme.
84. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the practice of schools terminating teachers contracts just as they are about to become eligible for a contract of indefinite duration; the actions her Department undertaking to reduce this practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35469/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012).
Department Circulars 20/2026 (Primary) and 21/2026 (Post Primary) set out the criteria for the award of a CID.
As set out in the circulars, all first fixed-term contracts must be terminated at the end of the first school year. If the employment is continuing for the following year, it must be automatically re-advertised by the employer and a new recruitment process undertaken for the filling of the post for the second year. Therefore, the employer cannot provide a CID or a new fixed term contract to any teacher unless it advertises and interviews first. The school/ETB must also have a viable post available.
An award of a CID can be made where the criteria set out in the circular have been satisfied.
