Jen Cummins
Ceist:152. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to ensure every school has a school library. [38181/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Facilities
Ceisteanna (152, 153, 154, 155)
Jen Cummins
Ceist:153. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to expand the JCSP library to every publicly funded school in Ireland. [38182/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJen Cummins
Ceist:154. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of JCSP libraries that currently do not have librarians. [38183/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJen Cummins
Ceist:155. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the percentage of schools that have JCSP libraries. [38184/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 to 155, inclusive, together.
The JCSP Demonstration Library Project was developed in 2002 under the Early Literacy Initiative. It was introduced as a part of the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP), a targeted social inclusion programme aimed at students who are identified as being at risk of being socially or academically isolated or at risk of early school leaving before the (then) Junior Certificate has been achieved. The Demonstration Library Project is based in 30 schools, or four percent of post-primary schools, each with a professional librarian employed by the CDETB who work as part of a network to operate the library facility. This network of professionals are managed by the Senior Librarian and in total 32 librarians are employed as part of the project. Librarians are responsible, together with key school staff, for drawing up and implementing library strategies to tackle the literacy difficulties experienced by many JCSP students.
It should be noted that, as part of the implementation of the Framework for Junior Cycle, it was agreed to carry out a review of the JCSP and consider the extent to which the needs of students undertaking the JCSP are met through the reformed Junior Cycle. This review is currently ongoing, with the programme closed to new applicants. Social inclusion and library access, however, are being addressed through other programmes.
The new DEIS Strategy to 2035 commits to working in partnership with the Local Government Management Agency and the Public Library Service to strengthen strategic linkages between libraries and schools. This collaboration will underpin the provision of services that support children and young people in the community, particularly those experiencing educational disadvantage. The DEIS Strategy Implementation Plan includes an action in this regard.
Launched as part of the DEIS Strategy to 2035, DEIS Plus represents the most significant expansion of targeted supports since the establishment of DEIS. DEIS Plus is designed to provide enhanced, evidence-based supports to a cohort of 121 schools with the highest concentrations of children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage, identified through a refined data-based model that draws on a range of indicators associated with persistent and intergenerational disadvantage.
This approach ensures that additional resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact, and forms a core element of the wider €48 million full-year investment across both the DEIS Strategy and the DEIS Plus scheme. Approximately 30,000 children and young people attending DEIS Plus schools will benefit from these targeted supports. Schools in the DEIS Plus scheme will receive strengthened, research-informed supports across wellbeing, attendance, engagement, guidance, leadership capacity, community partnerships and access to services, including the introduction of a new positive mental health and wellbeing initiative to support a whole-school approach to student wellbeing. The DEIS Plus scheme also contains an action to provide funding to enhance library provision in post-primary schools.
The Public Library Service also offers a range of useful supports and services to schools. The Library Service published ‘The Library is the Place: National Public Library Strategy 2023-2027’ in July 2023. Under this strategy and the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy, the Department will further enhance the partnership with the Library Service to increase school usages of the resources that are available through the public libraries.
The Department will continue to consider how community-based and school-based supports can be strengthened under the implementation of the DEIS Strategy to 2035.
Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 152.
Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 152.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 152.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (156)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:156. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth when school caretakers will receive improved pay and terms and conditions of employment, as promised when they ended strike action; the status of this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38185/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School caretakers are at the heart of the school and are the key interface between students, parents, school leaders, and other staff. Without them, our schools would be unsustainable. In supporting these vital school staff members, we also support the school community as a whole.
My Department has been engaging with Fórsa and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation over the past number of months under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to a number of claims, including a claim for a comparable pension entitlement.
The matter was referred to the Labour Court. The parties remain in process, and my department remains committed and ready to engage with Fórsa to reach a resolution on this important matter. As with any industrial relations process, where engagement is sensitive and complex, the matters under discussion are confidential until this process concludes.
School Management
Ceisteanna (157)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:157. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Youth the role IPB play in providing insurance for ETB schools and how that interacts with State indemnity; the estimated average cost per student; the number of students and schools covered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38206/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Education and Training Boards (ETBs) or their schools are not encompassed by the State Indemnity.
Insurance cover for ETB schools is arranged as part of the overall insurance cover of the ETB concerned which is provided to the ETB through Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurance Ltd (IPB). Such insurance encompasses ETB schools, head offices and other educational settings.
The total insurance premium payable by the ETB reflects the risk profile of the entire ETB and is not broken down by individual school or other setting. As a result, it is not possible to provide an average insurance cost for a single school or student.
School Funding
Ceisteanna (158)
Brian Brennan
Ceist:158. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether there is any avenue for funding for a school to recoup costs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38209/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, I announced €35 million in grant funding for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) which issued in January 2026, to all recognised primary and post-primary schools.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 and its associated implementation plan is underpinned by funding of €200 million for schools in the form of the ICT Grant over the course of the strategy, committed to under Ireland’s National Development Plan (NDP). The funding allocation model is provided for in the National Development Plan and outlines funding to issue over the period of the NDP, applied by the Department for the Digital Strategy duration (to 2027 for the current strategy).
As outlined in the associated circular for Digital Strategy ICT Grant Funding, schools can utilise the funding to support school cybersecurity solutions. Full details on what the funding can be used for can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/circulars/grant-scheme-for-ict-infrastructure-2026/
As outlined in circulars for Digital Strategy ICT Grant Funding, schools are required to have Digital Learning Plans in place. The digital learning plan is a strategic document designed to guide and enhance the embedding of digital technology into teaching, learning, and assessment practices. Developed in line with the digital learning framework it assists schools in identifying needs and setting priorities as part of the school improvement process, including ICT infrastructure and professional learning which underpin the use of the ICT grant funding provided. The digital learning plans enhance this support and inform training and support needs.
Schools are required to also have an up-to-date Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) in place. An AUP is a core school policy that sets out expectations for the safe, acceptable, and responsible use of the internet and digital technologies, and AI. The AUP is a set of guidelines on the use of different aspects of the internet and is required to include guidelines on the use of different aspects of the Internet including cybersecurity.
Oide-Technology in Education (the area within my department's support service for teachers specialising in digital technology in teaching and learning), offer advice and supports to schools on digital learning.
Cyber security is an emerging concern for schools. To address some of these issues and support schools, in recent years Oide TiE has developed a range of cybersecurity guidance and resources for schools, available on the Oide TiE website. The Department and Oide TiE also engage with the National Cybersecurity Centre to inform these supports.
Oide – TiE and the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC) have recently collaborated to develop a ‘Quick Guide- Cybersecurity for Schools’. Oide TiE also provide an online training course on cyber security for school leaders.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (159)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:159. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth the discussions that are taking place with a landowner in respect of the acquisition of CI zoned land at Ballisk Common, Donabate adjacent to schools (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38359/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, the department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system, using data from a range of sources, including CSO census data, child benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
My department also conducts granular analysis below the level of a school planning area, particularly where a school planning area encompasses both high growth urban settlement areas and a more rural hinterland. Our analysis of school place demand in urban areas experiencing high population growth has indicated that demand in the urban area can be 10-20% higher than the school planning area as a whole.
Major new residential developments have the potential to alter the demand for school places at a local level. In that regard, as part of the demographic demand analysis, the department monitors planning and construction activity in the residential sector. This involves the analysis of data sources from local authorities and the CSO along with the engagement with local authorities and the construction sector. In this way, up-to-date information on significant new residential developments is obtained and factored into the demographic analysis exercise. This is necessary to ensure that schools infrastructure planning is keeping pace with demographic changes, at a local level, where there is a constantly evolving picture with planned new residential development.
Where demographic data indicates that additional provision is required, the delivery of such additional provision is dependent on the circumstances of each case and may, be provided through:
• Utilising existing unused capacity within a school or schools,
• Extending the capacity of a school or schools,
• Provision of a new school or schools.
If additional accommodation is required, the aim to try and facilitate this, as much as possible, by way of expansion of existing schools rather than establishing new schools. The expansion of existing schools is consistent with wider Government objectives under Project Ireland 2040 for an increased emphasis on compact growth. In respect of post primary schools, new post primary schools must have a student enrolment capacity of 600-1,000 students and must be co-educational. A lower threshold of 400 students may apply to gaelcholáistí, having regard to the alternative of establishing an Irish-medium unit (aonad) in an English-medium school.
The pace of delivery of additional residential development in the Donabate SPA, along with updated enrolment data and demographic data will be kept under review and this will inform the timing of further school requirements in the area.
It must be noted that the demographic data of school going and pre-school children aged from 0 to 18 living in Donabate shows that, while the demand for school places remains strong, there isn't a significant increase in demand. This will be kept under review.
The development of a two school primary school campus on lands in Corballis, Donabate forms part of my department school building programme. This will provide additional primary school capacity to cater for the increasing demand for school places associated with the new residential developments. In addition, there is available capacity in Donabate Community College that will cater for increased demand for post primary school places.
Through the Statutory Plans process, the department regularly engages with Fingal County Council in respect of its County Development Plan and Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any future medium to long-term school place requirements across all Fingal settlement areas, of which Donabate is one. The department engages with all consultation phases of these plans to ensure that there is an adequate amount of appropriately zoned and suitably located sites for future school place provision and that they are in line with the requirements of objectives as identified in the National Planning Framework.
Due to the commercially sensitive nature of site acquisitions generally, it is not possible to comment further at this stage.
School Funding
Ceisteanna (160)
Niall Collins
Ceist:160. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the additional resources that will be made available to primary schools listed following the recent Deis Plus announcement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38368/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Addressing educational disadvantage and ensuring that every child and young person can reach their full potential is a key priority for me as Minister for Education and Youth and for the Government. The DEIS Plus scheme, which will commence this year, launched as part of the DEIS Strategy to 2035, represents the most significant expansion of targeted supports since the establishment of DEIS. DEIS Plus is designed to provide enhanced, evidence-based supports to a cohort of 121 schools, 96 primary and 25 post-primary schools, with the highest concentrations of children and young people at risk of educational disadvantage, identified through an evidence-based model that draws on a range of indicators associated with persistent and intergenerational disadvantage.
This approach ensures that additional resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact and forms a core element of the wider €48 million full-year investment across both the DEIS strategy and the DEIS Plus scheme. Approximately 30,000 children and young people attending DEIS Plus schools will benefit from these targeted supports.
Schools in the DEIS Plus scheme will receive strengthened, research-informed supports across wellbeing, attendance, engagement, guidance, leadership capacity, community partnerships and access to services, including the introduction of a new positive mental health and wellbeing initiative to support a whole-school approach to student wellbeing.
Supports to be provided to DEIS Plus primary schools include:
• A home school community liaison (HSCL) coordinator post for all DEIS Plus primary schools.
• All primary schools allocated an additional teacher post to allow for the assignment of a Positive Mental Health and Wellbeing (PMHW) coordinator.
• All primary schools in DEIS Plus are allocated an administrative principal.
• Reduced threshold for the allocation of administrative deputy principals for primary schools to 251 students.
• Two release days for deputy principals in all primary schools in DEIS Plus with between 151 and 250 pupils, and one release day those in schools with 150 pupils or fewer.
• DEIS grant alignment – alignment of the DEIS Grant calculation with up-to-date data and new resource allocation methodology resulting in an increase for all primary schools in the DEIS Plus scheme.
• Introduction of a pilot project to provide whole-school guidance hours for primary schools in the DEIS Plus scheme.
• Increased Inspectorate and Oide professional learning support.
• Funding to have a breakfast clubs to combat food insecurity in homes and to ensure that children and young people come to school ready to learn.
• Provision of free period products to all DEIS Plus schools in 2026 where required to ensure dignity and that no student is held back due to period poverty. This will expand to all schools from 2027.
Further information on the supports provided under the DEIS Plus scheme can be found at: gov.ie/deis
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (161)
John Brady
Ceist:161. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Youth her position regarding a new special school (details supplied); the number of places that will be available; the enrolment procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38414/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Four new special schools were recently announced by Ministers Naughton and Moynihan to be established in Balbriggan, CityWest, Bray and Monasterevin. Dedicated working groups including the Department, the NCSE and relevant patron body continue to meet to support the establishment of the new special schools. It is expected that details in relation to the admissions process and number of places will be confirmed shortly. The NCSE will continue to advise parents at local level on developments.
The NCSE remains available to provide advice and support to all families seeking specialist placement.
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 achieve their full potential.
Sports Funding
Ceisteanna (162)
Seamus Healy
Ceist:162. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the up-to-date position regarding the upcoming Community Sports Facilities Fund; the status of the opening of the new OSCAR portal; the timelines for the 2026 CSFF round and any regional briefings or webinars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38088/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. I have asked my Department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026 which I expect to open in the coming months. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
My Department is currently collating feedback from sporting clubs and organisations and this provides valuable input to our ongoing preparations for the next round. This includes, inter alia, considering the impact of the increase in costs since the last round of grants were approved in 2024. New guidelines will be published in advance of the opening of the next round which will include grant amount thresholds, eligibility and likely assessment criteria.
My aim is to have as many eligible sporting bodies as possible applying, by simplifying the application process and guidelines, and by carrying out a wide-reaching communications campaign.
All clubs and organisations registered with the Department's will be automatically notified when the next round of the CSFF is opened. The CSFF is currently temporarily closed for registrations in order to facilitate migration to a new IT system. Organisations that are currently registered will automatically transfer to the new portal. The new system portal will be launched and open to new registrations in the coming weeks. Further details on this will be published and communicated broadly.
Sports Organisations
Ceisteanna (163)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:163. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if all national governing bodies have achieved 40% female representation on their boards, management committees and executive committees; whether equivalent 40% male representation is in place on the governing structures of female sports organisations, including the Camogie Association and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38362/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. Its remit includes the allocation of funding to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) for the design and implementation of a range of targeted programmes and initiatives to promote increased sports participation. Sport Ireland also provides support to NGBs towards achieving the target of 40% female representation on boards and it monitors and reports on progress.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Orders.
Grant Payments
Ceisteanna (164)
Cathy Bennett
Ceist:164. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports that exist to replace windows in a private dwelling housing a young autistic child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38304/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People, to assist those in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The suite of grants, which include the Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, are funded by my Department with a contribution from the local authority.
The Housing Adaptation Grant for Disabled People is available to assist in the carrying out of works that are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a house more suitable for the accommodation of a disabled person who is a member of the household. The detailed administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval, apportionment of funding, and prioritisation of grant applications, is the responsibility of each local authority.
The Exchequer funding available for these grants in 2026 increased substantially by €30 million to €129.5 million, or over €152 million when accounting for the local authority contribution, continuing the year on year increases since 2014.
My Department carried out a review of the Housing the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People scheme including a review of the Means Test, and the Report on the Review is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/report-on-the-review-of-the-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
The Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and Disabled People) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 612 of 2024), which came into effect on 1 December 2024, provide the legal basis for the introduction of the recommendations set out in the review. The key changes include an increase in the grant limits of over 30% and the income thresholds by 25% whilst also revising the means test. The legislation also adjusts the burden sharing for local authorities by reducing the local authority funding contribution to 15% (from the previous 20%).
The grants available operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes and vice versa. The schemes are means tested and grant assistance is available to applicants whose assessed household income, after disregards and deductions, is up to €75,000 per annum. The household income approach is intended to spread the benefits of the grant scheme as widely as possible and to ensure fairness and value for money in operation of the scheme towards those with the greatest needs. Local authorities, in administering the scheme, work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with the applicants' financial circumstances and within the parameters of the Grant Scheme.