Cormac Devlin
Ceist:272. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment for an update on a work permit for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork Permits
Ceisteanna (272)
Freagraí scríofa
The General Employment Permit application referenced by the deputy was received on 05 May 2026.
A decision to approve this application was made on 17 June 2026 and the General Employment Permit application referenced by the Deputy has since issued.
The applicant has been formally notified of the outcome.
To support applicants and employers, the Department has introduced a Self-Service Portal, which provides real-time updates on application status. In addition, a dedicated mailbox is available for Oireachtas members at tdepqueries@enterprise.gov.ie
Work Permits
Ceisteanna (273)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:273. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the current processing times for critical skills employment permit applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland operates a managed employment permits system designed to maximise the benefits of economic migration while minimising disruption to the domestic labour market. The system facilitates the entry of appropriately skilled non-EEA nationals to address identified skills and labour shortages and to support enterprise and economic growth.
The employment permits system is administered in accordance with the Employment Permits Act 2024 and associated Regulations. Permits may only be granted where all statutory criteria and legislative requirements are satisfied.
My Department has implemented a range of measures to improve processing times, including the allocation of additional resources and the introduction of more efficient processing methods, to ensure the system remains responsive to sustained demand across all permit types.
Currently, Critical Skills Employment Permit applications are being processed within 10 working days. These processing times are broadly consistent with those at the beginning of the year, despite continued strong demand.
Up-to-date processing dates are published on the Department’s website, and the Employment Permits Online System provides applicants with real-time updates on the status of their applications.
My Department continues to monitor processing times closely and is committed to ensuring that the employment permits system remains efficient, modern, and responsive to the needs of a dynamic labour market.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (274)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:274. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to urgently address pension parity, illness and bereavement leave (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46548/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
School secretaries and 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 under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court in relation to a number of claims, including a claim for a comparable pension entitlement, Acute illness and Bereavement leave. The parties remain in process, and my department remains committed to reaching 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.
State Examinations
Ceisteanna (275)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:275. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a Leaving Certificate query (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46416/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the delivery of the State examinations, including the preparation of all examination papers and test instruments. In accordance with its role, all matters relating to the drafting and setting of examinations and the marking of them fall within its remit. In view of this, I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (276)
Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin
Ceist:276. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will ensure that provision of school transport service in the Wexford/Wicklow area will be reviewed and addressed before the new academic year begins. [46443/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
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.
The closing date for applications and payments for the 2026/27 school year was 08 May 2026 and the Bus Éireann Family Portal is now temporarily closed.
Bus Éireann are currently assessing all on time applications and payments received and planning 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.
Where a child is eligible for transport and the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will get a seat on a school bus service, where a service is available.
Where a child is not eligible for school transport, but the application and payment process has been completed on time, they will be considered for any spare seats available after eligible children have been accommodated. These seats are called concessionary seats.
There may be more demand than availability for concessionary seats. In such cases, Bus Éireann will use a selection process to allocate tickets for the spare seats.
Tickets will begin issuing in July and continue to issue throughout the summer. Where pupils are unsuccessful in receiving tickets, refunds will issue from Bus Éireann.
The portal will reopen in early July 2026. Applications or payments/medical card details entered after the portal reopens will be considered late and a service may not be available. Additionally, late applications cannot be considered for a Remote Area Grant for the 2026/27 school year.
State Examinations
Ceisteanna (277)
George Lawlor
Ceist:277. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of concerns raised regarding the Leaving Cert higher level mathematics examination, particularly paper one; if she has received correspondence on this matter from a person (details supplied) setting out their concerns; her response to issues raised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46448/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the delivery of the State examinations, including the preparation of all examination papers and test instruments. The Department engages regularly with the SEC on a range of matters relating to the examinations, including recent concerns raised about the Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics paper.
In relation to the correspondence received, I can confirm that a response has issued.
In view of the SEC’s statutory responsibility for the delivery of State examinations, your query has been forwarded to them so that they can provide a more detailed response in regard to the Leaving Certificate higher level mathematics paper.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (278)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:278. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 27 May 2026, the total number of general learning disability special classes in the school system; and whether there are plans to increase this number. [46459/26]
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.
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 ncse.ie/special-classes.
The information held on the department's Geographical Information System (GIS), particularly in relation to student demographics, is a key component when forecasting the need for additional special class and special school places. My department and the NCSE have undertaken analysis of the trends in special class and special school provision over recent years by county and local school planning area. In total there are 314 local school planning areas.
My department and the NCSE identify the need for special educational provision with consideration to demographical and statistical data and in regard to an areas existing school provision and future capability. In addition, part of the forward planning process as to where new classes, schools or expansion is required looks at how far students are travelling to access an education that meets their needs. This is an important factor which has been incorporated into the decision-making process. Consideration is also given to the information the NCSE hold at local level on the number of children and young people seeking a special school place in a region.
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.
565 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 56 inclusive special classes. Further new special classes may be confirmed in the coming weeks. Of the 565 new special classes, 366 are being established in primary schools and 199 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
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.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (279)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Ceist:279. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update on the review of the RACE scheme; if she plans on further increasing additional time allowances in line with international norms and calls from advocacy groups for 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46474/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has responsibility for the operation and delivery of the State examinations, and facilitates access to the examinations through its scheme of reasonable accommodations at the certificate examinations, otherwise known as the RACE scheme.
In view of this, I have asked the SEC to respond directly to the Deputy about the ongoing review of the RACE scheme.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (280)
Máire Devine
Ceist:280. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Education and Youth the supports available to parents of a child (details supplied) with a diagnosed autism spectrum disorder who has been refused placement in a special class in 20 different schools; if she will review this specific case with a view to identifying an appropriate school placement; and if she will advise on the next steps available to the family to secure an appropriate educational placement for the child in line with their assessed needs. [46496/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 promotes that students will be supported to receive an education in the most inclusive setting possible.
The NCSE is, in the first instance, the primary body responsible for the matter the Deputy has raised. I will arrange for your query to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply. Deputies are also welcome to raise such queries with the NCSE directly through their dedicated Oireachtas email address.
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.
565 new special classes have been sanctioned to date, including 56 inclusive special classes. Of the 565 new special classes, 366 are being established in primary schools and 199 in post-primary schools. New special classes are being established in every county with 135 new special classes confirmed for Dublin. Some further new special classes may be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The earlier sanctioning of new classes provides clarity for parents and allows schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. The vast majority of new special classes being announced are being provided in available school accommodation which is being reconfigured as a special class. Each special class at primary level is allocated 1 teacher and 2 SNAs and at post-primary level, schools receive 1.5 teachers and 2 SNAs. Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website.
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.
Oideachas Gaeltachta
Ceisteanna (281)
Seán Kyne
Ceist:281. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Kyne den Aire Oideachais agus Óige cén uair a bheas cead á thabhairt do Scoil (sonraí thíos) brú ar aghaidh le Céim 2A go dtí 2B; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [46498/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tá an tionscadal i gColáiste Croí Mhuire curtha faoi chúram an Bhoird Bainistíochta lena sheachadadh. Déanann an treoir cheadaithe soláthar do shíneadh chun freastal ar 200 dalta agus dhá sheomra ranga do Riachtanais Speisialta Oideachais (RSO). Tá an tionscadal ag Céim 2a faoi láthair, is é sin an chéim ina bhfuil an dearadh forbartha go hiomlán agus pleanáilte ó thaobh costais de mar ullmhúchán do cheaduithe reachtúla a lorg. Fuair an Roinn Aguisín Céim 2a go déanach i mí an Mhárta 2026, agus tá sé faoi athbhreithniú faoi láthair ag Foireann Ghairmiúil agus Theicniúil na Roinne. Ní féidir dul ar aghaidh go Céim 2b a údarú ach amháin nuair a bheidh an t-athbhreithniú seo críochnaithe agus nuair a thugtar aghaidh go sásúil ar gach breithniú teicniúil, pleanála agus costais. Go dtí go gcríochnófar an próiseas seo, ní féidir amlíne chinntitheach a sholáthar lena cheadú chun dul ar aghaidh go Céim 2b nó chun an tionscadal iomlán a thabhairt chun críche.
Ó 2020 i leith, tá os cionn €6.9 billiún infheistithe ag mo roinn inár scoileanna ar fud na tíre faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta, lena mbaineann breis is 1,400 tionscadal tógála scoile a chur i gcrích mar aon le breis is 4,000 oibreacha feabhsúcháin ar mhionscála chun freastal ar riachtanais chothabhála tosaíochta chun sprioc éifeachtúlachta fuinnimh agus aeráide a chur chun cinn. Ina theannta sin, tá athúsáid agus barrfheabhsú na hacmhainne cóiríochta atá ann cheana ar fud eastát na scoile ina phríomhchumasóir do sholáthar tráthúil agus áitiúil d’acmhainn ranga speisialta ar bhealach a thacaíonn leis an gcleachtas is fearr maidir le cuimsiú agus comhtháthú. Tá thart ar 80% de na ranganna speisialta nua in 2025/26 á n-éascú i gcóiríocht seomra ranga athchóirithe. Tá fíorbhuntáistí curtha ar fáil ag an infheistíocht seo do phobail scoile.
Deimhníodh leithdháileadh caipitil iomlán de €7.55 billiún don Roinn Oideachais agus Óige don tréimhse 2026-2030 faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta. Mar chuid de leithdháileadh an PFN seo leagfaidh mo Roinn béim láidir ar sholáthar do leanaí a bhfuil riachtanais speisialta oideachais acu, le béim faoi leith ar riachtanais áiteanna scoile bliantúla a chomhlíonadh. Maidir le tionscadail ar mhórscála agus tionscadail Scéime Cóiríochta Scoile Breise a chur i bhfeidhm, is é an cur chuige a bheidh ann ná leanúint d’acmhainn an eastáit scoile reatha a uasmhéadú a oiread agus is féidir ar an gcéad dul síos agus an acmhainn bhreise riachtanach a sholáthar trí thionscadail spriocdhírithe agus tosaíochta a chur i bhfeidhm thar an tréimhse 2026 go 2030 chun freastal ar na riachtanais is práinní agus is tosaíochtaí.
Mar chuid de Phlean Forfheidhmithe PFN don earnáil oideachais agus óige, foilsíodh an chéad sciar den thionscadal chun dul ar aghaidh chuig tairiscint agus/nó tógáil le linn 2026 agus 2027 i mí Eanáir 2026. Leanfar leis an tosaíocht chun tuilleadh sciartha tionscadal a aithint chun dul ar aghaidh chuig tairiscint agus tógáil le linn thréimhse an PFN, agus cuirfear tús le comhairliúchán le páirtithe leasmhara i mí an Mheithimh 2026.
Déanfaidh ár bPlean Forfheidhmithe PFN aschur ó leithdháiltí an PFN a bharrfheabhsú, le fócas láidir ar acmhainn scoile atá ann cheana a uasmhéadú, tionscadail tosaíochta a chur chun cinn i gcás nach leor acmhainn áitiúil ar fud scoileanna sa cheantar, agus seachadadh inacmhainne a chinntiú, a thairgeann luach ar airgead, agus a fhreastalaíonn ar riachtanais fheidhmiúla.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (282)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:282. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether she is aware of difficulties with sourcing school transport for in-school July Provision; and the actions she has taken to resolve this. [46501/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
School transport services for the Summer Programme 2026 may be available to pupils who normally avail of transport under School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) during the school year.
All schools who registered for the Summer Programme 2026 and who required SEN transport were asked to submit their details to the School Transport Section. These details are forwarded to Bus Éireann who will endeavour to arrange transport for the required pupils.
School Transport Section are not aware of any issues in relation to sourcing transport for schools in this regard but if a school transport service cannot be provided, the Department can offer families a Special Transport Grant (STG) for the days that their child attended school.
If a school has any queries in this regard, they can contact School Transport Section directly via the Customer Contact Form at cs.education.gov.ie/
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (283)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:283. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the situation regarding years of service spent teaching in the UK not being deemed as reckonable service for the purpose of retirement from teaching under the 55/35 scheme, even though those same years are recognised as years of service under the service allowance from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46514/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 55/35 arrangement is provided for under the terms of the pre-2013 public service pension schemes, as set out in the relevant statutory instruments governing teachers’ superannuation.
In particular, the requirement that reckonable service must arise within employments that are part of the Public Sector Transfer Network reflects a long-standing and consistent policy approach across all public service pension schemes.
These provisions apply uniformly across the public service, and there is no facility within the current legislative framework to reckon service completed outside the Irish public service for the purposes of meeting the qualifying conditions.
Overseas service, including service in the public sectors of other jurisdictions, is therefore not reckonable for Irish pension purposes, notwithstanding that such service may give rise to separate pension entitlements abroad.
This position is not specific to teachers but applies across comparable public service pension schemes. Any change to these arrangements would therefore involve wider public service pension policy considerations and would need to be examined in that broader context.
It should also be noted that matters relating to pension scheme or eligibility criteria fall to be considered through the established public service industrial relations and collective bargaining frameworks, in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
This department must administer the schemes in accordance with the governing legislation and with agreed public service pension policy.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (284)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:284. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the total number of taxis contracted to her Department nationwide for the most recent year for which the requested data is available; the total expenditure in respect of these contracts by the Department; the total number of passenger journeys made, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46533/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2025 my Department incurred a cost of €2,735.23 on taxi usage for official purposes in Ireland. This expenditure is in respect of staff in the Department of Education and Youth.
The total number of taxis contracted nationwide for 2025 was 123. The number of passenger journeys made, broken down by county was 122 in Dublin and 1 in Meath.
My Department's policy for official taxi usage is to ensure the efficient and effective use of this resource and to ensure costs are kept to a minimum. Taxi usage by Department officials is acceptable only when there is an unavoidable business need and are used in circumstances where public transport is not available or feasible.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (285)
John Connolly
Ceist:285. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Education and Youth when the stage 1 preliminary design assessment of site and location suitability and initial sketch scheme report for the enhancement and development works at a school (details supplied) was received by her Department; when the stage 1 stakeholders meeting will be scheduled with the board of management of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46537/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I refer to the query raised by the Deputy regarding the Stage 1 report for Coláiste Muire Máthair, Galway.
The report was received in my department on 18th July 2025.
A Stage 1 report requires a full due diligence review by department officials as a preferred design option, including the scope and extent of works to be carried out form part of this report.
The report is currently under review and upon completion of that due diligence review the Stage 1 stakeholders meeting will be scheduled.
Since 2020, my department has invested over €6.9 billion in our schools throughout the country under the National Development Plan, involving the completion of over 1,400 school building projects along with over 4,000 small-scale improvement works to meet priority maintenance needs and advance energy efficiency and climate goal. In addition, repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. Circa 80% of new special classes in 2025/26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation. This investment has delivered real benefits for school communities.
A total capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth has been confirmed for the period 2026-2030 under the National Development Plan. As part of this NDP allocation my department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. In relation to project rollout for Large-Scale projects and Additional School Accommodation scheme projects, the approach will be to continue to maximise the capacity of the existing school estate as much as possible in the first instance and provide necessary additional capacity through targeted and prioritised project rollout over the course of 2026 to 2030 period to meet the most urgent and prioritised needs.
As part of the NDP Implementation Plan for the education and youth sector, a first tranche of projects to progress to tender and/or construction during 2026 and 2027 was published in January 2026. Prioritisation will continue to identify further tranches of projects to proceed to tender and construction over the NDP period, with stakeholder consultation to commence in June 2026.
Our NDP Implementation Plan will optimise outputs from the NDP allocations, with a strong focus on maximising existing school capacity, progressing priority projects where local capacity across schools in the area is insufficient, and ensuring delivery that is affordable, offers value for money, and meets functional needs.
I would like to advise the Deputy, over this period, my Department has provided €264.25 million in capital funding for Galway schools. Over this period, a total of 89 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. 10 school projects to go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027 were included in the NDP Implementation Plan.
There are currently 18 school projects in Galway under construction.
This summer, 20 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.
In addition, since 2020 a total of 108 special classes have been sanctioned in Galway, of which 30 were sanctioned for September 2026.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (286)
Emer Currie
Ceist:286. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of students that have attended a school (details supplied) in the past ten years from the Lucan north area. [46538/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The historical enrolment figures for Edmund Rice College are tabulated below:
|
Year |
Total Enrolment |
|
2025-26 |
912 |
|
2024-25 |
813 |
|
2023-24 |
678 |
|
2022-23 |
516 |
|
2021-22 |
350 |
|
2020-21 |
249 |
|
2019-20 |
335 |
|
2018-19 |
55 |
|
2017-18 |
20 |
These figures are the final enrolment counts, and they can be found along with final enrolments for all post-primary schools at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/collections/post-primary-schools-enrolment-figures/
Departmental Priorities
Ceisteanna (287)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:287. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth to support a technology conference (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46555/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All invitations are considered as the Minister's schedule and diary allows. Invitations can be sent to the Minister via post or by email to minister@education.gov.ie. To date, no invitation has been received by the Minister's office with regards to this conference.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (288)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:288. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of students enrolled at each school year through primary school and post-primary school in the State; the estimated cost of restoring the Capitation Grant for Gaeltacht summer colleges at the rate per child of the scheme previously operated by her Department before its abolition; and the estimated cost of restoring the primary school library fund at the rate per child of the scheme previously operated by her Department before its abolition, in tabular form. [46572/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The preliminary enrolment figures at school level are:
|
School Year 2025-2026 |
|
|
Number of Pupils Attending Primary Schools |
535,600 |
|
Number of Pupils Attending Special Schools |
10,126 |
|
Number of Pupils Attending Post-primary Schools |
429,657 |
|
Total number of pupils |
975,383 |
Further breakdowns of the preliminary school year enrolment statistics for 2025-2026 are available here assets.gov.ie/static/documents/a6426536/Preliminary_Statistical_Bulletin_25_26_school_year.pdf
The capitation grant for Gaeltacht summer colleges has not been paid by the Department of Education and Youth since 2008. Funding for the Gaeltacht summer colleges sector is a matter for the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
I can advise the Deputy that, based on the department’s preliminary enrolment data figures for 2025-26, the cost of restoring the school libraries fund to primary schools by €4.52 per pupil would be
Number of pupils: 535,600
Cost: €2,420,912
Furthermore, the estimated additional costing in relation to the provision of libraries in schools would be substantial. For example, the provision of a librarian in each school would have an estimated cost of €212,000,000 per annum. This would include many different factors in addition to librarians such as provision of the physical space, fixtures and fittings, IT facilities, library assistants, stock (physical and digital), national co-ordinator, professional development etc. In order to have accurate costings an evaluation would be required to include an assessment of the different school structures as each school type would require different works etc.
As the Deputy would be aware, once off funding of €20 million was made available in May 2022 to enable all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme to improve their existing literacy resource banks.
Webinars and the Public Library Resource Guide for Schools provides information for primary and post-primary schools to develop and expand reading and literacy collections within the school setting. The Public Library Supports for Schools are jointly agreed by the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
A teacher’s card is made available to every teacher in every school, which enables each teacher to borrow items for his/her class. As no doubt the Deputy is aware, library membership is completely free of charge for everyone in every library in the country.
Further information on the services to schools can be found at Services to Schools | Libraries Ireland. Libraries Ireland also offer a Digital Library Service, and anyone with a library card can access the eBooks, Audio books and eLearning Resources.
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.
Since 2023 my department has issued a grant to provide free schoolbooks for all children and young people enrolled in all recognised primary schools, including special schools. In 2024 this grant was extended to provide free schoolbooks for all Junior Cycle students, and since September 2025 to include all Senior Cycle students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. Where any surplus funding remains after all other schoolbooks and related classroom resources costs have been met, a school has the discretion to purchase library books, audio books and other material to increase the literacy (in English, Irish or other languages) and numeracy resources for their school.
'Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033: Every Learner from Birth to Young Adulthood' and five-year implementation plan was published in May 2024 by the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. This strategy aims to promote the development of essential literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy skills. Work is continuing in relation to action 1.3.5 of the Strategy, ‘Explore the potential for an expanded programme of library support services to ELC settings, primary and post primary schools.
I hope this information is of assistance to the Deputy.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (289)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:289. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the applications currently being considered for capital funding; the estimated cost and timeframe, by any Irish medium or Gaeltacht school; the estimated cost of updating the Drumcondra Irish language test and expanding the test to all schools in the State; the estimated cost of adding an additional week of immersion in the Gaeltacht to the programme for trainee teachers; the estimated cost of increasing COGG funding by 5%, by 10%, by 15%, by 20%, and by the cost of inflation since Budget 2026; the cost of both the Gaeltacht teaching allowance and the Irish medium teaching allowance in the past years of their full operation; and if her Departments estimated a cost for its restoration for Gaeltacht and Irish medium teachers, respectively, in 2026, in tabular form. [46578/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that there are currently 26 applications for capital funding from schools that are at various stages of the assessment process. It is not possible to give an estimated cost of the projects at this stage. My department endeavours to process all applications in line with NDP funding priorities as quickly as possible. However, the Deputy will appreciate that applications for smaller projects such as repurposing to create special education classrooms, can be progressed more quickly than large scale projects. Officials engage with the relevant school authorities regarding the assessment process in relation to their application.
Standardised tests for Irish have been available for Irish-medium (TGD-G) and English-medium (TDG-R) primary schools since 2010. The redevelopment of these tests is currently underway by the Educational Research Centre (ERC). It is envisaged that the project will take 4.5 - 5 years for each of the tests to be completed with costs for the development estimated in the region of €5 million.
Schools currently receive grant funding to purchase standardised tests and the amounts are reviewed from time to time. Schools currently receive:
• €6.00 per pupil in English-medium schools, with a minimum payment of €140
• €7.50 per pupil in Irish-medium schools, with a minimum payment of €162.
These funds should be used to buy test instruments and materials such as teachers’ manuals, scoring services or test-related software. Any remaining funds, after covering test costs, may be used to buy additional tests to better understand pupils’ needs and support inclusion.
With regards to the Gaeltacht Learning Period, the current mandatory requirement for primary initial teacher education programmes, is a two-week placement. The cost is c. €2.3 million. An additional week added to the Gaeltacht Learning Period would cost €1,188,070, based on current rates and expected intake of students in the upcoming year.
COGG funding in 2026 amounts to €4,816,000. The estimated cost of increasing COGG’s funding is set out below:
|
|
+5% |
+10% |
+15% |
+20% |
+*3.50% |
|
€4,816,000 |
€5,056,800 |
€5,297,600 |
€5,538,400 |
€5,779,200 |
€4,984,560 |
In addition to core funding, funding for six Education Officers seconded to COGG is paid directly from my department’s teacher payroll, at a cost of €5,416,000. Should additional core funding result in the need for additional staff, this cost would also increase.
In relation to the Gaeltacht teaching allowance and the Irish medium teaching allowance, the current pay agreement, Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026, contains a local bargaining provision under which employers and trade unions/associations may negotiate additional changes in rates of pay and/or conditions of employment.
In this regard, my department had extensive and constructive engagement with the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO), who represent primary school teachers, and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER). The INTO elected to use its funding under the 1% local bargaining tranche to introduce a series of allowances, which have been agreed with my department and verified by DPER, including a Gaeltacht Allowance and a Teaching through Irish allowance.
As such matters under industrial relations processes are confidential to the parties it would not be appropriate to comment any further at this time.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (290)
Michael Murphy
Ceist:290. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of a case in which a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary that identified demand for an additional Summer Programme class for vulnerable pupils, has yet to receive amended sanction for the required staffing and class allocation despite the programme being due to commence within days; the steps she will take to ensure that all eligible pupils can participate in the programme as planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46633/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Details of the 2026 Summer Programme were communicated to all schools on the 6th May 2026.
All schools have been offered the opportunity to run a school-based programme for children with the most complex special educational needs and those at risk of educational disadvantage. Where a school does not intend to run a school-based programme or there is no place on the programme for an eligible child, schools were invited to make an application for the home-based programme.
As communicated to all schools at the outset, it is intended that schools will be engaged with on an individual basis in the week commencing the 25th May. During that period, schools will receive a follow-up email confirming the number of pupils approved to participate in this year’s programme, along with their school’s assigned staffing allocation. This approach ensures that each school receives clear, tailored information to assist with effective planning.
In the case of the school referred to by the Deputy, Department officials have confirmed that they have been engaging directly with the school in relation to their allocation for the Summer Programme.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (291)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:291. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 893 of 9 June 2026, if she will provide clarification regarding funding approved given the school has received no notification of this; if she is conscious that the SEN repurposing small scale works scheme does not provide the full funding required for the significant cost of works required; if the school’s application for significant repurposing works in excess of €80,000 will be prioritised for review, given timeframes and to ensure the works can go ahead as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46714/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school to which the Deputy refers was sanctioned to open two special classes for September 2026 by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). The school received two €30,000 Start Up Grants (total €60,000) and was advised additional funding was available if required.
The school submitted an application for additional funding under the SEN Repurposing Small Scale Works Scheme (maximum available funding per classroom of €80,000 inclusive of fees and VAT) in March 2026. The application was reviewed by my Department’s Professional & Technical Unit at the time and based on the information provided the application was approved and funding was issued. Following further engagement with the school and the provision of additional information, approval was granted for the maximum level of funding available under the scheme. The school was notified of same.
The school subsequently informed my Department that it had not received this email notification. A copy of the original notification, which detailed the level of funding approved and contained Professional & Technical Comments which confirmed that the funding is appropriate for the two classes based on Professional & Technical Unit's review, was issued to the school.
The project has now been devolved to the school for delivery. Officials at my Department will continue to liaise with the school to ensure this vital project is progressed in a timely manner.
Grant Payments
Ceisteanna (292)
Emer Currie
Ceist:292. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth if initiatives such as youth clubs or youth cafes located in a clubs facilities (details supplied) are eligible for the local youth club grant scheme 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46725/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS) supports volunteer-led youth clubs and groups by providing grant aid towards their operational costs. The scheme is administered at a local level by the sixteen Education and Training Boards (ETBs) which assess and approve applications for funding within each ETB functional area.
The primary focus of the scheme is to assist local volunteer-led youth clubs/groups that provide a programme of youth work activities for young people. In addition, other clubs/groups that work with young people, but are not specifically providing youth work, are also eligible to apply for funding under the scheme.???
Clubs/groups whose primary focus is sport are not eligible to receive funding under the LYCGS. Such clubs/groups are directed to other funding supports, for example major sporting organisations, Sport Ireland and local sports partnerships.
ETBs assess applications for funding on a club-by-club basis and any club wishing to avail of youth funding under the LYCGS should contact the youth department of their local ETB. Youth officers within each ETB will provide details of the grant supports available and assistance with the LYCGS application process for clubs eligible to apply for grant support.