Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
427. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount the Department of Education and Youth estimated as its required budget for 2026; if it was more than was allocated by his Department in Budget 2026; if so, the amount by which; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36723/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Budget 2026 bids submitted by the Department of Education and Youth is a matter for the Department of Education and Youth.
Budget 2026 allocated €13.1 billion for the Department of Education and Youth, representing an uplift of €843m or 6.9% compared to the REV 2025 allocation of €12.2 billion. This did not include contingency items which were funded in the Revised Estimate Volume (REV).
REV 2026 allocated €13.5 billion for the Department of Education and Youth. Compared to the 2025 REV allocation, the increased funding in 2026 represents a €1.2 billion or 10% uplift.
In April, the Government agreed that additional funding of €646 million will be provided to the Department of Education and Youth in 2026. This estimate is subject to Dáil Éireann approval and will increase the Department of Education and Youth’s allocation to €14.1 billion. Compared to the 2025 REV allocation, this increased funding represents a €1.9 billion or 15.3% uplift, representing Government's commitment to supporting the continued delivery of high-quality education and youth services.
