Tuesday, 16 Jun 2026

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (465)

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

465. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason SEBD schools do not have access to parenting programmes to support families in their schools. [45410/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

This 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.

Matters in relation to the provision of Health Service Executive (HSE) services and the deployment of HSE staff should be directed to the HSE or to the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality.

The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) supports schools in implementing the Continuum of Support framework with each school taking responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and supports for children and young people with special educational needs.

The Continuum of Support is the framework developed by NEPS for schools to identify, plan and provide support for children and young people who experience difficulties with their learning.

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 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.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (466)

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

466. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth how long the placement for student teachers is in an SEBD school; and the circular which covers that. [45411/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future included a commitment to make modules and placement experiences relating to special education a universal component of Initial Teacher Education (ITE), subject to assessment.

This commitment was advanced through the March 2025 announcement of a mandatory two-week placement focused on special education for all ITE students. This placement may take place in a range of special education settings, including Special Schools, Special Classes, and SEBD (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties) schools, depending on availability and suitability.

The duration of the placement in an SEBD school is therefore two weeks, in line with the overall mandatory special education placement requirement.

In preparation for the commencement of this placement, and to inform the development of a Guidance Note for ITE providers, the Teaching Council surveyed all ITE providers to establish a comprehensive insight into existing provision of school placement experiences relating to special education.

Informed by those survey findings, a data-mapping exercise, and consultation with ITE providers and education partners, a Guidance Note for HEIs has been developed and issued by the Teaching Council to support implementation of these placements for all student teachers from September 2026.

In addition, a Note to Schools was issued in April 2026 advising of the commencement of the mandatory special education placement and outlining the arrangements for hosting student teachers in special education settings, including SEBD schools.

There is no standalone circular specific to SEBD placement. The placement is governed by the Teaching Council’s Guidance Note on Special Education Placement, issued to ITE providers in 2026, and by the Department’s Note to Schools issued in April 2026.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (467, 468)

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

467. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to provide additional allowances to SEBD schools for property damage due to a child's challenging behaviour. [45412/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

468. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to provide SEBD schools with an allowance for tetanus injections and other medical expenses incurred. [45413/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 468 together.

The Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet the elevated day-to-day running costs.

The commitment in the Programme for Government builds on the progress which has been made in recent years. The Department has secured €39 million in Budget 2026 towards increased capitation funding for primary, post-primary and special schools to provide additional financial support towards their running costs. This will see an increase in the standard capitation rates paid to schools of €50 per pupil for primary schools from €224 to €274 and of €20 per student for post-primary schools from €386 to €406. This will also allow for an increase of €20 in capitation rates for Urban Band One DEIS primary schools, increasing the mainstream pupil rate in these schools to €294.

The increased capitation rates will also see special schools now receive the same rates of mainstream capitation, for young people aged 12 and over, as for their peers in mainstream post-primary schools. These increases will take effect from September 2026. This funding will benefit schools around the country in managing their day-to-day running costs.

The increases announced in Budget 2026 are in addition to the 12% increases as part of Budget 2025. The last three Budgets have resulted in an increase in the level of capitation grant rates of 49.7% (€91) paid to primary schools and 28.5% (€90) paid to post-primary schools.

The Department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.

The current standard rate of capitation grant is €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.

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 reach their full potential.

Question No. 468 answered with Question No. 467.

Departmental Surveys

Ceisteanna (469)

Roderic O'Gorman

Ceist:

469. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide clarity on the reason her Department has only published national results from the Primary School Survey for parents of children in denominational, single-sex and/or English medium schools; to request that national or regional rather than school-specific reports be published to include responses from parents/guardians of those in Gaelscoileanna, co-educational and multi-denominational schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45414/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

On 4 November 2025, my department published a 'Framework and action plan for delivery of increased choice for parents on education provision at primary level'. The main focus of this framework and action plan was an online, school-specific survey. The survey ran from 4 November to 16 December 2025.

Through the survey, my department has obtained clear information on the preferences of parents and guardians about the primary schools which their children currently attend, or will attend in coming years, on a number of important areas of primary school provision, including patronage/ethos, co-education or single-sex school provision and language of instruction (English or Irish).

On 4 June, my department issued primary schools (including gaelscoileanna, co-educational schools and multi-denominational schools) with their school-specific results and explanatory information, marking the next stage in the process of engaging school communities on the future direction of their schools.

My department will publish all school-specific reports and the explanatory information pack for schools on the gov.ie website in mid-June. High-level survey results at a national level, including a county breakdown of the results, will also be published at that time.

Where the survey results show demand for change, Boards of Management have the opportunity to consider being included in the first group of schools to action the survey results, following a period of engagement and consultation with their school community, including their parents and Parent’s Association, Student Council, school staff and local community, including parents with children not yet in school. Schools are being asked to inform my department and their patron by 31 October 2026 if the school requests to be included in the first group of schools to action the survey results.

The survey results are intended to support meaningful local engagement and informed decision-making at school level. My department will continue to support and engage with schools as they consider their individual results and next steps.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (470)

Jen Cummins

Ceist:

470. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of specifically SEBD schools across Ireland; the counties they are in; and the number of students enrolled in each, in tabular form. [45415/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

Enabling students with special educational needs to receive an education that meets their needs is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for me, my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The vast majority of students with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where students with more complex needs require additional supports, special class and special school places are provided. This is in keeping with policy on an inclusive education, which advocates that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.

Special schools support children and young people aged between 4 and 18 years of age with the most complex special educational needs and ensure positive links are established and fostered between the home, school and other agencies for these students.

The NCSE advise that there are seven schools with a designation of Schools for Emotionally Disturbed Children (SEBD). However, it is important to remember that a number of special schools have diversified since they were established to enrol students from their local area with varying degrees of complex needs. This diversification allows children and young people to attend their local special school without the need to travel long distances so as to receive the supports they need.

There continues to be an increasing need to provide additional special school places to support students with complex needs. To meet this need, sixteen new special schools have been established in recent years, and capacity has been expanded in a number of others. Five of these were established for the 2025/26 school year in counties, Cork, Dublin (2), Monaghan and Tipperary.

I recently announced the establishment of four new special schools for the upcoming school year 2026/2027; a vital step in ensuring that children and young people with special educational needs have access to the specialist supports and environment they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

The four new special schools will be located in Balbriggan and Citywest in Co. Dublin, Bray in Co. Wicklow, and Monasterevin in Co. Kildare. Parents and families looking to apply for admission to the new special schools will be supported and guided by the NCSE at local level and kept updated on developments.

A list of all mainstream and special schools is available on my department's website on gov.ie. In addition, a list of schools with special classes; broken by location and class designation is available on the NCSE website https://ncse.ie/special-classes.

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.

Schools with a designation of Schools for Emotionally Disturbed Children (SEBD)

Roll Number	Official Name	County	Total Enrolment 2024
18569J	ST DECLAN'S SPECIAL SCH	Dublin	36
18863J	BENINCASA SPECIAL SCHOOL	Dublin	42
18904U	ST PETER'S SPECIAL SCH	Dublin	62
19316I	ST PAUL'S HOSPITAL SPECIAL SCHOOL	Dublin	54
19409P	CASA CATERINA S S	Dublin	29
19500B	PHOENIX PARK SPECIALIST SCHOOL	Dublin	18
19523N	School of the Holy Spirit Special School	Kilkenny	84

School Transport

Ceisteanna (471)

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

471. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the implementation of the school transport scheme review; and which recommendations have been implemented to date. [45455/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth that has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 181,000 pupils including over 24,000 pupils with Special Educational Needs in 2025 which equates to an increase of over 50%. Since 2018, investment in the scheme has more than doubled, from €200 million to €537 million.

The School Transport 2030 report was published in early 2024. The recommended changes to the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer.

It was outlined at the time the Review was published that the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria would further increase demand for the scheme. Therefore, it was considered prudent to implement the changes on a phased basis.

As part of this phased rollout, 14 School Transport pilots commenced in the 2024/25 school year. A further 11 pilots were approved for the 2025/26 school year. For these pilots, the distance criteria for pupils are reduced to 2km for primary and post primary and the need for a pupil to be attending their nearest school is removed.

Due to ongoing challenges in the wider transport sector, including availability of drivers and vehicles, any expansion of services must be carefully planned and phased. While pilot projects are considered in select areas to test revised eligibility criteria, these pilots are limited in scope and capacity.

All pilots are being monitored, and a further evaluation will take place at the end of the current school year. Findings from these evaluations will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme subject to the availability of resources.?

Implementation of the recommendations of the review will continue to be planned subject to resources being available to meet the expected increased demand.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (472, 473)

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

472. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the timeline for the full implementation of the school transport scheme review recommendations up to 2030; and if delays have occurred, the reasons for same. [45456/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

473. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures arising from the school transport scheme review which were intended to increase flexibility for families in choosing schools; and if these measures have been implemented. [45457/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 472 and 473 together.

The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth that has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 181,000 pupils including over 24,000 pupils with Special Educational Needs in 2025 which equates to an increase of over 50%. Since 2018, investment in the scheme has more than doubled, from €200 million to €537 million.

The School Transport 2030 report was published in early 2024. The recommended changes to the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer.

It was outlined at the time the Review was published that the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria would further increase demand for the scheme. Therefore, it was considered prudent to implement the changes on a phased basis.

As part of this phased rollout, 14 School Transport pilots commenced in the 2024/25 school year. A further 11 pilots were approved for the 2025/26 school year. For these pilots, the distance criteria for pupils are reduced to 2km for primary and post primary and the need for a pupil to be attending their nearest school is removed.

Due to ongoing challenges in the wider transport sector, including availability of drivers and vehicles, any expansion of services must be carefully planned and phased. While pilot projects are considered in select areas to test revised eligibility criteria, these pilots are limited in scope and capacity.

All pilots are being monitored, and a further evaluation will take place at the end of the current school year. Findings from these evaluations will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme subject to the availability of resources.?

Implementation of the recommendations of the review will continue to be planned subject to resources being available to meet the expected increased demand.

Question No. 473 answered with Question No. 472.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (474, 475, 476)

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

474. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth to review the rules governing concessionary school transport, in particular the prohibition on increasing capacity where additional demand exists; and if changes are being considered. [45458/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

475. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if Bus Éireann is permitted to reallocate existing transport resources, including vehicles from underutilised routes, where such changes would not result in additional cost to the State. [45459/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

476. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason the option for parental contributions towards extended or enhanced school transport services was removed; and if there are plans to reintroduce such flexibility. [45460/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 474, 475 and 476 together.

The School Transport Scheme is managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth. It is a significant operation transporting over 181,000 pupils to and from school daily on over 11,200 routes throughout Ireland, including the provision of services for over 24,000 pupils with additional needs.

Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits and subject to available resources.

Families are required to register their details on the Bus Éireann Family Portal to have their eligibility for transport assessed and to make applications under the scheme: https://buseireann.ie/schooltransport/.

The closing date for applications and payments or entering medical card details was Friday 08 May 2026. Applications or payments/medical card details received after this date will be considered late.

The portal will reopen on 1st July, but any applications, payments or medical card details entered after that point will be deemed as late, and families will not be guaranteed a seat on a school transport service.

This will give Bus Éireann time to assess all applications and plan for routes and services for the 2026/27 school year. Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of children who will be availing of school transport for the following school year.

Bus Éireann endeavours wherever possible to ensure all vehicles are full to capacity. Services in all locations are considered when planning mainstream services for the upcoming school year.

Children who are not eligible for school transport may apply for transport on a concessionary basis in accordance with the terms of the School Transport Scheme and subject to the following conditions:

• an application is made by the deadline date

• there is an existing service in place

• there is spare capacity on the service;

• routes will not be extended or altered, additional vehicles will not be introduced, nor will larger vehicles or extra trips using existing vehicles be provided to cater for children travelling on a concessionary basis;

• no additional State cost will be incurred;

Demand for school transport has grown significantly, with the number of students using the scheme rising from over 120,000 in 2019 to 181,000 in 2025. More than 24,400 children and young people with special educational needs now use SEN transport services, an 82% increase since 2018, reflecting the Government’s commitment to supporting safe and reliable school transport for all eligible students.

A recent review of the School Transport Scheme found that having a fee helps make better use of resources and prevents seats on school buses from going unused, helping to protect and sustain the scheme for all families who need it.

The School Transport Scheme will remain heavily subsidised by the State, with over 92% of the overall cost covered. For the 2026/27 school year, a primary school ticket will cost the equivalent of 55 cent per school day, and a post-primary ticket will cost approximately 60 cent per school day. No family will pay more than €1.32 per day, regardless of how many children use the service.

It is important to note that transport will continue to be provided free of charge for eligible medical card holders and all eligible children and young people with special educational needs using transport services.

As part of its operation of the scheme Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning, timetabling of school transport routes and issuing of tickets. The earlier closure of the portal for the 2026/27 school year will give Bus Éireann additional time to plan routes.

Question No. 475 answered with Question No. 474.

Question No. 476 answered with Question No. 474.

School Transport

Ceisteanna (477)

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

477. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she acknowledges that the eligibility criteria under the school transport scheme may disproportionately affect rural families where alternative schools lack services such as afterschool care; and if a review is planned. [45461/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth

The purpose of my Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.

Under the current terms of the School Transport Schemes, children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.

The scheme is demand led based on the number of children who apply. It is managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth and has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 181,000 pupils including over 24,000 pupils with Special Educational Needs in 2025 which equates to an increase of over 50%. Since 2018, investment in the scheme has more than doubled, from €200 million to €537 million.

A minimum number of 10 eligible children residing in a distinct locality, as determined by Bus Éireann, are required before consideration may be given to the establishment of school transport services, provided this can be done within reasonable cost limits.

Children who are eligible for school transport but for whom no service is available may be offered the Remote Area Grant towards the cost of making private transport arrangements. The Remote Area Grant is also payable for eligible children who may have to travel 3.2 kms or more to or from a designated pick up/set down point.

The School Transport 2030 report was published in early 2024. The recommended changes to the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer. It was outlined at the time the Review was published that the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria would further increase demand for the scheme. Therefore, it was considered prudent to implement the changes on a phased basis.

As part of this phased rollout, 14 School Transport pilots commenced in the 2024/25 school year. A further 11 pilots were approved for the 2025/26 school year. For these pilots, the distance criteria for pupils are reduced to 2km for primary and post primary and the need for a pupil to be attending their nearest school is removed. Due to ongoing challenges in the wider transport sector, including availability of drivers and vehicles, any expansion of services must be carefully planned and phased. While pilot projects are considered in select areas to test revised eligibility criteria, these pilots are limited in scope and capacity.

All pilots are being monitored, and a further evaluation will take place at the end of the current school year. Findings from these evaluations will guide the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme subject to the availability of resources. Implementation of the recommendations of the review will continue to be planned subject to resources being available to meet the expected increased demand.

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (478)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

478. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will sanction an autism unit at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45496/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department's pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation scheme for a project to provide three mainstream classrooms, one technical graphics room, one music room, one home economic room, one science lab and prep area and a two-classroom special educational needs (SEN) base and ancillary. The project is devolved to Kerry Education and training board authority for delivery.

This project is currently at Stage 2b (detailed design) of the architectural design process. The stage 2b report was submitted to my Department and is currently undergoing a comprehensive review from both a technical and cost perspective. All projects, including this one, are subject to the full due-diligence requirements set out in the Department’s 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.

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 the 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.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Ceisteanna (479)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

479. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated cost to reduce the pupil teacher ratio by one point in primary schools, and in post-primary schools, respectively, from September 2027 to December 2027; and the estimated cost for a full year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45542/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

At primary level, classroom teachers are allocated to schools at a general average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils. In DEIS Band 1 schools, teachers are allocated at a lower ratio, at an average of 17:1, 21:1 and 19:1 for junior, senior and vertical schools respectively. Each one point reduction in the staffing schedule at primary level for DEIS and non-DEIS schools requires between 350 and 400 additional teaching posts, at an approximate cost of between €9.3 and €10.7 million in the first year, and €28 to €32 million per annum thereafter. At post-primary level, a reduction in the pupil teacher ratio from 19:1 to 18:1 would create an additional c. 1175 posts at an estimated cost of €32 million in the first year and €96 million per annum thereafter. Salary costings will rise in line with pay agreements.

The estimated one-off capital cost of reducing the pupil teacher ratio by one point at primary level is circa €25 to €35 million, while at post-primary level, it is circa €60 to €75 million. This estimated cost is based on certain assumptions regarding the number of new teaching posts generated and available accommodation capacity.

School Funding

Ceisteanna (480)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

480. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated cost of increasing the capitation grant for primary schools by €75 from September 2027 to December 2027; and the estimated cost for a full year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45543/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet the elevated day-to-day running costs.

This commitment builds on the progress made in recent years. The Department of Education and Youth has secured €39 million in Budget 2026 towards increased capitation funding for primary, post-primary and special schools to provide additional financial support towards their running costs. This will see an increase in the standard capitation rates paid to schools of €50 per pupil for primary schools from €224 to €274 and of €20 per student for post-primary schools from €386 to €406.

This will also allow for an increase of €20 in capitation rates for Urban Band One DEIS primary schools, and DEIS Plus primary schools, increasing the mainstream pupil rate in these schools to €294. The increased capitation rates will also see special schools now receive the same rates of mainstream capitation, for young people aged 12 and over, as for their peers in mainstream post-primary schools. These increases will take effect from September 2026. This funding will benefit schools around the country in managing their day-to-day running costs.

The increases announced in Budget 2026 are in addition to the 12% increases as part of Budget 2025. The last three budgets have resulted in an increase in the level of capitation grant rates of 49.7% (€91) paid to primary schools and 28.5% (€90) paid to post-primary schools.

The department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.

The current standard rate of capitation grant is €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.

OGP frameworks are available to schools for a number of categories including facilities management, managed services, professional services, and utilities. Schools are encouraged to avail of the available OGP procurement frameworks in order to get the best value for money for all school expenditure, in accordance with Circular 0060/2013. The benefits arising from these frameworks include cash savings, administrative savings from reduced duplication of tendering, greater purchasing expertise, improved consistency, enhanced service levels and legal certainty. Schools Procurement Unit (SPU), funded by the department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on procurement matters - www.spu.ie.

While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future Budget negotiations or fiscal parameters agreed by Government, the Department of Education and Youth will continue to seek additional funding in order to assist schools to meet ongoing running costs.

The estimated cost of increasing mainstream rates of capitation grant funding by €75 to all primary schools including special schools in the Free Education Scheme effective from September 2027 would be approximately 14.2 million first year cost and 42.5 million full year cost.

School Funding

Ceisteanna (481)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

481. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated cost of increasing the capitation grant for post-primary schools by €50 from September 2027 to December 2027; and the estimated cost for a full year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45544/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Youth

The Government is committed to increasing funding to support schools and the Programme for Government commits to increasing capitation funding to schools of all types to ensure that schools can meet the elevated day-to-day running costs.

This commitment builds on the progress made in recent years. The Department of Education and Youth has secured €39 million in Budget 2026 towards increased capitation funding for primary, post-primary and special schools to provide additional financial support towards their running costs. This will see an increase in the standard capitation rates paid to schools of €50 per pupil for primary schools from €224 to €274 and of €20 per student for post-primary schools from €386 to €406.

This will also allow for an increase of €20 in capitation rates for Urban Band One DEIS primary schools, and DEIS Plus primary schools, increasing the mainstream pupil rate in these schools to €294. The increased capitation rates will also see special schools now receive the same rates of mainstream capitation, for young people aged 12 and over, as for their peers in mainstream post-primary schools. These increases will take effect from September 2026. This funding will benefit schools around the country in managing their day-to-day running costs.

The increases announced in Budget 2026 are in addition to the 12% increases as part of Budget 2025. The last three budgets have resulted in an increase in the level of capitation grant rates of 49.7% (€91) paid to primary schools and 28.5% (€90) paid to post-primary schools.

The department is committed to providing funding to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. The two main grants are the capitation grant to cater for day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep, and the ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities, except for the employment of relevant secretaries as per Circular 0036/2022.

The current standard rate of capitation grant is €224 per pupil in primary schools and €386 per student in post-primary schools. Primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. Enhanced rates are also paid in respect of pupils with special educational needs and Traveller pupils.

OGP frameworks are available to schools for a number of categories including facilities management, managed services, professional services, and utilities. Schools are encouraged to avail of the available OGP procurement frameworks in order to get the best value for money for all school expenditure, in accordance with Circular 0060/2013. The benefits arising from these frameworks include cash savings, administrative savings from reduced duplication of tendering, greater purchasing expertise, improved consistency, enhanced service levels and legal certainty. Schools Procurement Unit (SPU), funded by the department, is an important source of advice and support to schools on procurement matters- www.spu.ie

While not wishing to pre-empt the outcomes of any future Budget negotiations or fiscal parameters agreed by Government, the Department of Education and Youth will continue to seek additional funding in order to assist schools to meet ongoing running costs.

The estimated cost of increasing mainstream rates of capitation grant funding by €50 to all post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme effective from September 2027 would be approximately 6.7 million first year cost and 20.1 million full year cost.

School Funding

Ceisteanna (482)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

482. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the estimated cost of increasing the capitation grant for Urban Band One DEIS primary schools by €75 from September 2027 to December 2027; and the estimated cost for a full year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45545/26]