Written Answers Nos. 101-121
101. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if further funding will be made available to a school (details supplied) at the earliest opportunity for the provision of much needed SEN classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40708/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting students with special educational needs to fulfil their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
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.
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.
In addition, I recently announced inclusive special classes as part of a new approach to supporting students with additional needs. This is one of many ways my department is actively engaging to meet the increased demand.
546 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 47 inclusive special classes. More new special classes will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
The department and the NCSE continue to make a range of supports available for schools opening special classes which include the provision of teacher and special needs assistant (SNA) resources, enhanced capitation grants, assistive technology grants, the school transport scheme, dedicated training and guidance and resource documents. The earlier a school agrees to establish a new special class the more time that is available to access training, complete any refurbishment works, recruit new staff and complete admissions processes.
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.
102. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the climate action summer works scheme is being extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40709/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme (CASWS) is to enable individual school authorities to undertake small-scale building works on a devolved basis that, ideally, can be carried out during the summer months or at other times that avoid disrupting the operation of the school. The CASWS operates on a multi-annual basis across a number of categories of works. The scheme opened for applications on the 1 May 2025 and the application window closed at 5.30 p.m. on the 30 June 2025, during which time over 1,400 applications were received.
It is envisaged that approvals in any given year will involve a spread of categories rather than the traditional single category at a time. This is aimed at managing market capacity and maximising value for money opportunities for school authorities.
In November 2025, the Department announced the first tranche of approvals under the new Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. 297 projects were approved to proceed and involve primary, post primary and special schools, along with projects in all counties and across all categories of works.
Given that funding is limited in any particular year it is necessary to prioritise applications. Under the new climate action summer works scheme which operates on a multi-annual basis, like previous summer works schemes, applications from schools that are not reached for funding or market prioritisation reasons in 2026 will qualify to be assessed for purposes of the funding available for climate action summer works in subsequent years.
It is anticipated that the next tranche of approvals will be in the latter half of 2026.
Full details of the of the announcement and the list of schools approved in the first tranche, the Circular (0029/2025) for the scheme and guidance documents for schools can be found at the below link;
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/summer-works-scheme/
103. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the sanctioned additional accommodation scheme project at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; the projected completion timeline for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40778/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the school referred to by the Deputy, my Department is awaiting the submission of the post-planning (Developed Design) report for review. Department officials have engaged directly with the design team and MSLETB to address a planning-related query raised by MSLETB, and there are currently no outstanding queries with the Department.
My Department will continue to work closely with MSLETB to provide guidance and support on this project.
104. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the sanctioned additional accommodation scheme project at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; the projected completion timeline for this project;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40779/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my departments pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide two special educational needs (SEN) classrooms. This project was devolved to the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) for delivery.
The Stage 1 (preliminary design) report was recently received by my department and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of my departments Infrastructure Guidelines. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall program.
Although this project is not within the first tranche of school building projects recently published in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, it remains part of my department’s overall pipeline of school building projects. The NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
My department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities.
As part of planning ahead for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender. The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing prioritisation process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, my department will also assess opportunities to undertake advance enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth progression to construction in 2028 and beyond.
Any interim accommodation requirements will continue to be assessed and considered by my department on a case-by-case basis to determine the prioritised needs and approach for addressing same.
The accommodation needs at this school will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
105. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the sanctioned additional accommodation scheme project at a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; the projected completion timeline for this project;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40780/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my department’s pipeline of school building projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide twelve general classrooms, one science laboratory with preparation area, one art room, one music room, two multimedia rooms, a two classroom special educational needs (SEN) base and staff room. The project was devolved to the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board for delivery.
This project is currently at Stage 1 (preliminary design). My department currently awaits the submission of the Stage 1 report. On submission of this report, my department will carry out a detailed review from both a technical and cost perspective. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall programme.
It is not possible to provide indicative timelines for progression at this stage, as advancement is contingent on a range of factors, many of which are outside the Department’s control. In particular, the planning process, with responsibility resting with the relevant planning authority to assess applications in accordance with statutory requirements. The duration and outcome of this process can vary and may have a significant impact on overall project progression.
Furthermore, as the preliminary Stage 1 report has not yet been received, and the Department is currently awaiting this documentation. Until such time as this report is available and assessed, it is not feasible to provide a timeline.
106. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the sanctioned additional accommodation scheme project at a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; the projected completion timeline for this project;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40781/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously advised the project is currently at Stage 1 (preliminary design). My department currently awaits the submission of the Stage 1 report, which, when received, will be reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective. All school building projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to ensuring that the overall school building programme remains within the funding parameters.
107. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the sanctioned additional accommodation scheme project at a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; the projected completion timeline for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40782/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved to enter my departments pipeline of school building projects under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to provide five mainstream classrooms, two special education tuition rooms, two special education classrooms, one textiles room, one multimedia room, and ancillary. The project was devolved to Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education Training Board for delivery.
This project is currently at Stage 1 (preliminary design). The Stage 1 report was submitted to my department in December 2025 and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines.
Although this project is not within the first tranche of school building projects recently published in the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, it remains part of my department’s overall pipeline of school building projects.
The NDP Sectoral Plan involves a very strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard there will be a strong special education dimension to project rollout.
My department will continue to build on the progress made over recent years with the continued rollout of projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities.
As part of planning ahead for the next tranche of projects to progress to tender, the department-led prioritisation process will continue over the course of 2026 and 2027 to assess and evaluate the progression of individual projects through the design pipeline having regard to the continual need to maximise existing capacity and determine the prioritised needs going forward. This process will involve engagement with key stakeholders and individual schools and will ultimately inform the next tranches of programme rollout to tender.
The department-led Energy and Condition Survey of the school estate, which will be finalised later in 2026, will provide an additional evidence base for assessing priorities.
Based on this ongoing prioritisation process some projects may be added to the list over the course of 2026 and 2027 having regard to their prioritisation and urgency of need and taking account also of the ongoing ability to progress them to tender and construction within the parameters of overall funding. Where appropriate, my department will also assess opportunities to undertake advance enabling works for the most urgent and complex projects to facilitate a smooth progression to construction in 2028 and beyond.
Any interim accommodation requirements will continue to be assessed and considered by my department on a case-by-case basis to determine the prioritised needs and approach for addressing same.
The accommodation needs at this school will be considered as part of the ongoing overall department-led prioritisation process, in consultation with the school’s patron and school authorities.
108. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the sanctioned additional accommodation scheme project at a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; the projected completion timeline for this project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40783/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the deputy refers was approved funding for the provision of 3 x Modular Mainstream Classrooms, 1 x Modular Textiles Room & 1 x Modular SEN Class Base under my department’s SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.
My department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of this accommodation and are currently engaging with MSLETB regarding timelines for the delivery of this project.
109. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding plans for additional accommodation at a post-primary school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40784/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter the departments pipeline of school buildings for a project to provide one mainstream classroom. This project was devolved to the Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Education and Training Board for delivery.
I can confirm that approval to proceed to construction was granted in August 2024. The project is currently on site and is expected to reach completion for the commencement of the new school year.
110. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the events in development as part of the presidency cultural programme associated with Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40393/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Presidency offers a unique opportunity for Ireland in the European Union to showcase the best of Irish arts and culture, both traditional and contemporary. My Department is developing an expansive culture programme which will ensure that Irish citizens can participate in this occasion and reflect on Ireland’s role in the EU.
In April I announced an allocation of €1.1m to deliver an enhanced programme of cultural activity in every local authority in the country during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This investment forms a key component of the wider culture programme for Ireland’s Presidency. The programmes which will be supported under the local authority strand encompass a diverse array of festivals, family-friendly and community events, exhibitions, concerts, talks and workshops in each local authority area, with every artform represented.
Of course the Presidency is also an opportunity to bring the best of Irish arts and culture to European audiences. My Department, through Culture Ireland will deliver a programme of across Europe presenting the best Irish contemporary artists working today. In addition, there will be an opening event at Dublin Castle and in Brussels to mark the start of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
I will be announcing details of the wider cultural programme next month, following the official launch of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
111. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if a schedule of contracts will be provided that his Department and bodies under his aegis have had with an organisation (details supplied) and/or its subsidiaries; the value of each; the type and/or name of each project; if any project has been abandoned, paused, put on hold and completed; if any projects over ran on cost and delivery; and if so, the details of same. [40413/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has had no contracts or projects with the company in question. Concerning any possible contracts or projects with subsidiaries of that company, the Deputy should note that my Department does not record details of corporate ownership.
In relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department, this is an operational matter for the bodies themselves.
112. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will outline all additional powers and functions being given to Coimisiún na Meán under the provisions of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40552/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra113. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to clarify if Coimisiún na Meán have or will have powers to conduct three-yearly appraisals of the funding needs of RTÉ and TG4; to set performance targets for these organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40553/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra114. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the estimated annual cost to the Exchequer or to licence fee payers of the new three-yearly public service content reviews and the operation of funding schemes under Ciste na Meán; the number of additional staff Coimisiún na Meán expects to recruit for these new functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40554/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra115. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide the criteria that Coimisiún na Meán use to define “public service content”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40555/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra116. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will confirm that Coimisiún na Meán will be responsible for selecting members of the audience councils for both RTÉ and TG4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40556/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra117. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to clarify if he intends to increase the scope of information-gathering powers for Coimisiún na Meán particularly as they relate to the Digital Services (Levy) Act 2024, media service codes and the Terrorist Content Online Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40557/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will confirm whether Coimisiún na Meán will have the power, subject to Ministerial approval, to increase the mandatory percentage that RTÉ must pay into the independent programmes account above 25% of its public funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra119. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide a full list of the existing powers and functions of Coimisiún na Meán and detail any additional powers and functions he intends providing to the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40559/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra120. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total number of regulatory functions Coimisiún na Meán will hold once the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2026 is enacted, including functions relating to funding, content, online safety and public service media oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40560/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra121. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will confirm if any proposals around three-yearly reports and funding recommendations produced by Coimisiún na Meán will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40561/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120 and 121 together.
I propose to take question no. 40552, 40553, 40554, 40555, 40556, 40557, 40558, 40559, 40560, and 40561 together.
Government approved the publication of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill on the 19th May and it is scheduled for 2nd Stage in the Dáil tomorrow. The Bill was informed by the recommendations of the report of the Future of Media Commission (FOMC), the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), and the Expert Advisory Committee on Governance and Culture in RTÉ.
The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill will enhance accountability, transparency and value-for-money in our public service media providers by:
• improving the legislative underpinning for the corporate governance of RTÉ and TG4, including by assigning the Comptroller and Auditor General as auditor of RTÉ; and
• reforming the system by which Coimisiún na Meán assesses the performance of, and recommends funding for, RTÉ and TG4.
Set out below are some of the amendments contained within the Bill, in line with the Deputies questions:
Coimisiún na Meán - Functions
Coimisiún na Meán’s existing powers and functions are:
• regulation of television, video on demand and sound broadcasting services in accordance with the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 as amended by the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act of 2022
• the development and application of Ireland’s Online Safety Code in accordance with the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009 (as amended), and enforcement of the Code and necessary supervision of regulated entities.
• act as Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator under the provisions of the Digital Services Act.
• deciding whether hosting services are exposed to terrorist content under the Terrorist Content Online Regulation of 2024.
• implementation of the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising Regulation.
In relation to new powers I can advise the following addition functions are to be provided:
• the recently published Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill will clarify and strengthen An Coimisiún’s regulatory and supervision role with regard to public service media providers (RTÉ and TG4).
• The Media Regulation Bill will assign new responsibilities to An Coimisiún in relation to media mergers and the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act.
• An Coimisiún is also due to assume responsibility for the monitoring and enforcement of transparency provisions in the AI Act in respect of services that it already regulates, such as social media platforms and will act as a Market Surveillance Authority in relation to prohibited practices in respect of the same services.
Public Service Media
The Bill, when enacted, will replace the current 5-yearly review of the adequacy of public funding with a 3-yearly appraisal of funding and performance in which Coimisiún na Meán will identify the performance commitments and outputs and associated financial inputs, performance indicators and metrics which shall apply to RTÉ and TG4 for a 3-year period. The 3-yearly appraisal will be carried out in accordance with a methodology which shall be adopted by Coimisiún an Meán following a public consultation. The 3-yearly appraisal will also replace the annual statement of performance commitments prepared by RTÉ and TG4 under section 102 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as Coimisiún na Meán, rather than the providers, will ultimately be setting performance commitments. Both the Report and Government response will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
As well as the 3 Yearly Review, Coimisiún na Meán shall carry out two annual reviews:
• the first due 30 June of each year which will examine the degree to which RTÉ and TG4 met their performance targets and received adequate funding in the previous year line with EMFA;
• the second due 31 October of each year which will examine compliance with various State aid requirements (such as separate accounting of public service and commercial revenues and expenditure)
The Bill provides that the cost of this mechanism may be recovered by levy on RTÉ and TG4 only, thus ensuring the cost will not fall on commercial television and radio broadcasters
Independent Programmes Account
In terms of the independent programmes account, the Bill provides that Coimisiún na Meán may, following a recommendation made in the context of the 3-year review of the adequacy of public funding and subject to Ministerial agreement, provide by order for a higher figure than 25% if appropriate.
Public Service Content
Coimisiún na Meán will carry out 3-yearly reviews of public service content (which is defined within the Bill) to assess gaps in public service content provision in the Irish and English languages and to recommend measures to address these gaps.
The Broadcasting Fund will be converted into a fund known as Ciste na Meán, which will continue to be funded on an annual basis by 7% of net TV licence fee receipts and Exchequer allocation, out of the resources available to Ciste na Meán, Coimisiún na Meán will prepare and operate public service content funding schemes to fund the production of new public service content and measures to develop the capacity of public service content providers.
Audience Council
The Bill will expand the role of the audience councils by providing for the independence of the audience councils of RTÉ and TG4 and the selection of members of both councils by Coimisiún na Meán following a public competition
Information-Gathering Powers
Coimisiún na Meán already has extensive powers to require information from a provider following the opening of a formal investigation. Outside of investigations and as part of its supervisory function, it also has the power to require, by notice in writing, a regulated provider to provide Coimisiún na Meán with information relating to compliance with an Online Safety Code. The Bill will extend this information gathering power to require regulated entities to provide information relating to compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA), media service codes and rules and the Terrorist Content Online Regulation
