Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
605. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department will review the adequacy of iScoil funding in light of the fact that 381 eligible referrals were refused places since the 2022-2023 academic year due to limited capacity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39734/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra606. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department will establish a target that no eligible child referred to iScoil should be refused a place solely due to funding or capacity limitations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39735/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra607. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether any assessment has been carried out into the long-term educational outcomes for children who were eligible for iScoil but were refused a place due to capacity limitations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 605 to 607, inclusive, together.
The iScoil programme is an autonomous online learning community that provides for a specific cohort of young people who meets their eligibility criteria, having been referred by Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) - Educational Welfare Service (EWS). iScoil aims to support the young person’s re-engagement with education, achieve accreditation, and progress to school, further education, or training.
Is important to note that iScoil is not intended as an educational option for children on reduced timetables or those awaiting a suitable school placement. In cases where the young person is in receipt of limited home tuition, they remain enrolled in school and are not without an education placement. These students continue to be supported through their schools, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and Tusla Education Support Service (TESS).
My Department keeps the range of educational supports available to children and young people under ongoing review, including the needs of those who are temporarily unable to access full-time mainstream education. An independent evaluation of iScoil’s home-based provision is currently underway and is expected to be completed in Summer 2026. Once complete, the findings of that evaluation will be reviewed by my Department and will be considered in the wider context of education, including engagement with key stakeholders.
In relation to the long-term educational outcomes for children who were eligible for iScoil but were not offered a place, it is expected that the aforementioned independent evaluation will provide more up-to-date information on this cohort.
My Department recognises the increasing demand for iScoil and has substantially increased both funding and capacity in recent years. While the number of referrals has almost doubled between the 2022/2023 and 2025/2026 academic years, the number of funded places has increased by more than 200% since 2021. This demonstrates the Department’s continued commitment to supporting this vulnerable cohort.
My Department will continue to engage with iScoil and TESS regarding levels of demand, programme outcomes, governance arrangements and the findings of the forthcoming independent evaluation, including consideration of future funding requirements and programme capacity.
