Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
485. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of students registered in transition year in 2026; the estimated cost of increasing the transition year grant by €100 from September 2027 to December 2027; and the estimated cost for a full year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45548/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the first part of the Deputy’s question refers to the 2025/26 school year. The preliminary figure for the number of students registered in Transition Year for the 2025/26 school year as per the October Returns is 62,065 students. This figure represents the fourth consecutive year of record Transition Year enrolment.
The Transition Year Grant is currently paid as a full year cost in June of each year based on the number of recognised Transition Year students enrolled in the school per that year’s October Returns. On this basis, it is not possible to estimate the cost of the grant for the 2027/28 school year as schools have yet to complete the October Returns process in respect of the 2026/27 school year.
To assist the Deputy, however, the increase referenced may instead be indicatively modelled using the current preliminary enrolment figures for the 2025/26 school year as a base. This increase would see a doubling of the current Transition Year grant rate from the restored €100 grant rate to €200 per recognised Transition Year student. The proposed increase would be a full year cost increase effective from September 2027 as the new rate would be paid in full in June 2027 for the 2027/28 school year. Accordingly the total cost of the Transition Year grant would then amount to €12.4 million payable in June 2027.
The Transition Year grant is an important part of supporting schools in offering this valuable programme. It should be noted, however, that schools in the Free Education Scheme are also supported in offering Transition Year through the payment of regular capitation payments which are received in addition to the Transition Year Grant.
The Post-Primary Schoolbooks Scheme will provide free schoolbooks and core classroom resources to all students in post-primary schools in the?Free Education Scheme from the current school year. Under this scheme the per capita rate paid to schools for students in Transition Year is €142 in line with recognised student enrolment.
Transition Year is also supported through the payment of teachers’ salaries and the provision of capital funding to schools.
I remain committed to the goal set out in the Programme for Government to promote the expansion of the Transition Year programme and address the barriers faced by some students in accessing it.?My officials and I continue to explore the measures that can be taken to achieve this, including considering supports to offset costs associated with the programme.
