Emer Currie
Ceist:269. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of grow digital vouchers granted to businesses in 2025 and to date in 2026, by county. [48454/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBusiness Supports
Ceisteanna (269)
Freagraí scríofa
The Grow Digital Voucher, which replaced the Trading Online Voucher, was introduced in September 2024. The voucher offers funding of up to €5,000 or 50% of eligible costs for new cloud-based software subscriptions for 1 year, including training and consultancy to set up this software.
The objective of the Grow Digital Voucher is to help small businesses leverage digital tools, boost efficiency, expand reach, and compete effectively, by streamlining operations. It is available to all businesses with up to 50 employees in all sectors and provides a wide range of elements including e-commerce and cyber security software, as well as analytics software including artificial intelligence systems and website development subscriptions. The Grow Digital Voucher significantly expands on the eligibility criteria, grant amount and sectors under the TOV.
There has been a marked increase in uptake of Grow Digital in 2026, with approvals built on the increasing engagement by small businesses with the Digital for Business programme, which in turn, is driving more focused engagement with digitalisation amongst small businesses.
The Digital for Business programme provides up to 3 days free consultancy which helps small businesses to identify where they are on their digital business journey, develop a digital adaptation plan based on their identified need and sets out a strategy to implement their digital adaptation plan. It is a prerequisite first step in order to qualify for the Grow Digital Voucher.
Below are the figures for both the Grow Digital Voucher and Digital for Business programme in 2025 and to date in 2026.
Digital For Business
|
LEO |
No of Clients Approved 2025[[1]] |
No. Clients approved 2026 to date[[1]] |
|
Carlow |
47 |
12 |
|
Cavan |
22 |
15 |
|
Clare |
36 |
9 |
|
Cork |
109 |
49 |
|
Donegal |
50 |
10 |
|
Dublin |
190 |
93 |
|
Galway County/City |
62 |
16 |
|
Kerry |
21 |
16 |
|
Kildare |
70 |
41 |
|
Kilkenny |
31 |
12 |
|
Laois |
29 |
17 |
|
Leitrim |
18 |
11 |
|
Limerick |
46 |
23 |
|
Longford |
24 |
12 |
|
Louth |
21 |
18 |
|
Mayo |
24 |
14 |
|
Meath |
28 |
22 |
|
Monaghan |
11 |
20 |
|
Offaly |
21 |
11 |
|
Roscommon |
24 |
17 |
|
Sligo |
22 |
11 |
|
Tipperary |
38 |
32 |
|
Waterford |
29 |
11 |
|
Westmeath |
51 |
22 |
|
Wexford |
76 |
27 |
|
Wicklow |
34 |
15 |
|
Total |
1,134 |
556 |
Grow Digital Voucher
|
LEO |
No of Clients Approved 2025 |
No. Clients approved 2026 to date [[1]] |
|
Carlow |
24 |
8 |
|
Cavan |
6 |
7 |
|
Clare |
12 |
4 |
|
Cork |
26 |
18 |
|
Donegal |
16 |
11 |
|
Dublin |
44 |
38 |
|
Galway County/City |
20 |
12 |
|
Kerry |
3 |
- |
|
Kildare |
20 |
13 |
|
Kilkenny |
11 |
12 |
|
Laois |
6 |
5 |
|
Leitrim |
4 |
6 |
|
Limerick |
10 |
6 |
|
Longford |
8 |
4 |
|
Louth |
5 |
- |
|
Mayo |
8 |
14 |
|
Meath |
2 |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
7 |
|
Offaly |
12 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
5 |
10 |
|
Sligo |
11 |
4 |
|
Tipperary |
11 |
11 |
|
Waterford |
10 |
6 |
|
Westmeath |
7 |
14 |
|
Wexford |
29 |
13 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
2 |
|
Total |
318 |
228 |
[1] Please note that the 2026 figures are provisional and are subject to change.
Industrial Development
Ceisteanna (270)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:270. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of WTE staff by job title currently working in IDA offices in Sao Paulo, Austin and Shanghai, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48464/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Foreign Direct Investment is a key element of Ireland's economic strategy, with investments by IDA Ireland client companies consistently generating highly skilled jobs nationwide. A total of 323 investments were secured by IDA during 2025, representing a 38% increase on the previous year, and which are expected to deliver over 15,300 new jobs in the coming years.
Employment and economic impact of IDA clients on Irish economy and society remains at record levels. IDA client employment increased by 1.5% to 312,400 in 2025, which is line with national employment growth and holds share of total national employment at 11%.
Ireland continues to remain attractive to new investors with 78 of the 323 investments coming from companies new to Ireland. IDA’s 2025-29 strategy also emphasises partnering with companies to strengthen long term investment, and the efficacy if this approach is reflected in the 68 expansions from existing client companies in 2025.
This strong FDI performance in 2025 reflects Ireland’s continued competitiveness on the world stage. IDA operates a network of offices across the globe engaging with a diverse range of sectors including technology, life sciences, financial services, and advanced manufacturing.
Currently, IDA Ireland has offices in 25 overseas locations, covering 55 countries, and the agency continuously reviews its strategic approach to winning investment for Ireland.
The table below outlines the number of WTE staff, by job title based in IDA offices located in Sao Paulo, Austin and Shanghai as of 23rd June 2026.
|
|
Sao Paulo |
Austin |
Shanghai |
|
Country Manager |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
Sales & Marketing Executive |
|
2 |
2 |
|
Market and Research Analyst |
|
|
1 |
|
Office Administrator |
|
|
1 |
Working alongside IDA Ireland, my Department continues to place significant importance on promoting Ireland as a destination for Foreign Direct Investment and to strengthen Ireland’s business environment and FDI value proposition and to support strategic sectors in line with the IDA's current strategy.
Enterprise Support Services
Ceisteanna (271)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:271. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of WTE staff by job title currently working at Enterprise Ireland offices in Riyadh, Boston and Madrid, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48465/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The number of Whole Time Equivalent staff currently working in Enterprise Ireland offices in Boston, Madrid and Riyadh are set out below.
Boston
|
Job Title |
WTE |
|
Senior Market Adviser |
3 |
|
Graduate |
1 |
Madrid
|
Job Title |
WTE |
|
Overseas Manager |
1 |
|
Senior Market Adviser |
1 |
|
Market Adviser |
2 |
|
Graduate |
1 |
|
Executive Assistant |
0.5 |
Riyadh
|
Job Title |
WTE |
|
Senior Market Adviser |
2 |
|
Executive Assistant |
0.5 |
Social Media
Ceisteanna (272)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:272. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number of complaints made by his Department to social media or online marketing companies about specific online posts or accounts for each year from 2020 to 2025, and to date in 2026. [48611/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department can confirm that no complaints have been made to social media or online marketing companies in relation to specific online posts or accounts. My Department’s use and management of social media is carried out in accordance with its published Social Media Policy, which is available at
Social Media Policy - DETE: enterprise.gov.ie/en/social-media-policy/.
Residential Institutions
Ceisteanna (273)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:273. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education and Youth for a detailed response to the issues raised in relation to the agreed supports package for the survivors of Ireland’s industrial and reformatory schools (details supplied). [48589/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, Government is delivering a package of ongoing supports to survivors of abuse in residential institutions such as industrial schools and reformatories, building upon the already significant response to this issue to date.
The package of supports, which were initially approved by Government in June 2023, is comprised of a number of elements, including health, education and advocacy supports and other initiatives in the areas of housing and funeral costs.
Responsibility for the delivery of these supports rests with a number of Departments, agencies and other bodies.
My Department published information on the supports to be provided and opened to applications for the health and education supports, on Friday 6 March. This information can be found at www.gov.ie/survivorsupports and will be updated as appropriate.
My Department is responsible for confirming eligibility for the health and education supports to be provided under the Support for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Act 2025, and for making payments under that Act.
To date, approximately 1000 confirmation of eligibility applications have been received. My Department is engaging with applicants to either confirm that they are eligible or to otherwise progress their applications (for example, to request further necessary documentation).
Applications for supports are also being processed on an ongoing basis. My Department is sharing relevant information with the HSE to enable the provision of specific medical cards to eligible survivors. The issuing of those cards to survivors is an operational matter for the HSE. With regard to the appointment of health liaison officers by the HSE, this is primarily a matter for the HSE and the Department of Health.
My Department is also issuing education supports payments to survivors, with approximately 700 such applications having been processed to date.
Applicants are also being contacted to encourage them to submit health and education supports applications where they have not already done so.
With regard to applications for housing and funeral costs supports, these are a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Social Protection respectively are being delivered through the local authorities and Community Welfare Offices.
Local authorities have identified an appropriate member of staff within the housing section of each local authority who can act as a dedicated liaison and contact point for survivors. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has also written to each local authority requesting that they consider the housing needs of survivors on compassionate grounds when assessing social housing support applications from survivors.
Within the Department of Social Protection, Community Welfare Officers have been instructed to give specific consideration to the funeral costs of survivors of abuse in residential institutions.
Sage Advocacy has also been engaged by my Department to deliver advocacy supports to survivors and it can be contacted via its website, www.sageadvocacy.ie, or by phone at 01 536 7330.
School Admissions
Ceisteanna (274)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:274. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will engage with the mother of a five-year-old child (details supplied), who has no school place for this September, despite his mother applying to 23 schools so far. [48360/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
The National Council for Special Education (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 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.
Education Schemes
Ceisteanna (275)
Joanna Byrne
Ceist:275. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding a school's (details supplied) Summer Programme funding; if they will receive adequate funding to ensure their allocation of staff fully meets the needs of all those children participating; when will they be approved for the Summer Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48400/26]
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 been engaging directly with the school in relation to their allocation for the Summer Programme.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Ceisteanna (276)
Mark Ward
Ceist:276. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the upper limit for student to teacher ratio per classroom; if this is taken into consideration when allocating teachers to a school; if this information is considered in appeals by schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48433/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally.
Class sizes in schools are affected by a variety of factors including enrolment fluctuations and accommodation available.
Schools are best placed to determine the appropriate numbers in any class and so the configuration of classes and the deployment of classroom teachers are done at local school level.
The Department's guidance to schools is that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible taking all relevant contextual factors into account. School authorities should also, where possible, use their autonomy under the staffing schedule to implement smaller class sizes for junior classes.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (277)
Tony McCormack
Ceist:277. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason a new school (details supplied) provided in 2024 to meet modern day educational needs was not constructed in compliance with the plans submitted for permission and approved by Offaly County Council; who in her Department made the decision not to complete the building to designs submitted by her Department and approved by the local authority; and to ensure before planning permission expires that the project is completed to the approved design. [48453/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department recently provided a new school building on a greenfield site for the school referred to by the Deputy comprising four mainstream classrooms, one Special Education Needs (SEN) classroom, and associated ancillary accommodation. At present, the school has staffing for two mainstream classes and one SEN class. This indicates that there is significant spare accommodation capacity available within the existing school building.
Since 2020, my Department has invested over €6.9 billion in schools nationwide under the National Development Plan (NDP), delivering more than 1,400 school building projects and over 4,000 small-scale improvement works. A key priority has been the effective use of existing accommodation, including the repurposing of available space to support the timely provision of additional school places, particularly for children with special educational needs.
A capital allocation of €7.55 billion has been confirmed for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026–2030. Under this programme, priority will be given to meeting urgent school place requirements including for special education places and ensuring the optimal use of the existing school estate before additional capital projects are progressed.
In this context, large-scale projects and additional accommodation works will be prioritised based on demonstrable need, including capacity pressures at local level. My Department will continue to advance projects on a phased basis under the NDP Implementation Plan, with further project tranches to be identified over the lifetime of the programme in consultation with patrons, evolving demographic and housing projections and a department led energy and condition survey. I want to assure the Deputy that my department is always conscious of meeting its statutory obligations including for the school referred to.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (278)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:278. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 584 of 17 February 2026, when a reply will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48459/26]
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 the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs.
I have recently met with the parents of the student referred to by the deputy. The student will continue to be supported in their existing placement. An ongoing review will take place ahead of the 2027/28 school year.
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.
Education Schemes
Ceisteanna (279)
Eoghan Kenny
Ceist:279. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the application for July provision for a child (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48470/26]
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.
On making an application for the home-based programme, both schools and parents received acknowledgement emails which outlined that decisions regarding a student's placement on the programme would be communicated after the school-based applications had been reviewed. In this respect, it can be confirmed that sanction letters for the home-based programme commenced issuing on the 18th June 2026.
In the case of the child referred to by the Deputy, Department officials have been engaging directly with the parent in relation to their allocation for the Summer Programme.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (280)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:280. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the major building project at a school (details supplied); when progress to the next stage can be expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48480/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As previously advised the school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme. A design team has been appointed to progress the project through the necessary architectural stages of design, statutory approvals, procurement and construction.
In March 2026, a Stage 2b report was submitted to my Department. Given the scale and complexity of this project the Stage 2b report will require a thorough and intensive review from both a technical and cost perspective. All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence as outlined in the 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.
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, the 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.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (281)
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:281. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the recent loss of a teacher at a school (details supplied); if this is purely down to enrolment numbers falling or if there are other areas that may mitigate this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48484/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally.
The enrolment of the school referred to by the Deputy fell from 381 pupils to 354 pupils, which is 19 pupils below the threshold required to retain the 16th class teacher. As a result, the school's mainstream staffing is to reduce to 15 in September.
The staffing arrangements for the 2026/27 school year are set out in Circular 0025/2026. That circular contains information and application forms on the staffing appeals process, where schools may appeal their staffing allocation to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The appeal submitted by the school was unsuccessful. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
School Staff
Ceisteanna (282)
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:282. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware of the recent loss of a teacher at a school (details supplied); if this is purely down to enrolment numbers falling or if there are other areas that may mitigate this decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48485/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level is the staffing schedule for the relevant school year and pupil enrolments on the previous 30 September. The staffing schedule operates in a clear and transparent manner and treats all similar types of schools equally.
The staffing arrangements for the 2026/27 school year are set out in Circular 0025/2026. That circular contains information and application forms on the staffing appeals process, where schools may appeal their staffing allocation to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board. The appeal submitted by the school was unsuccessful. The Appeals Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Ceisteanna (283)
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:283. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth given the increasing use of the Irish language in many suburban parts of Dublin, whether she intends to improve the pupil-teacher ratio in schools in these areas similar to the boost given to such schools in Gaeltacht areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48486/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At post-primary level, Irish-medium schools both within and outside of the Gaeltacht are allocated one additional WTE.
At primary level, the pupil-teacher ratio is the same for Gaeltacht primary schools as it is for schools outside of the Gaeltacht, although the retention thresholds are different.
Schools participating in the Gaeltacht School Recognition Scheme are allocated additional Irish language support hours, based on school enrolment. Details of this allocation are set out in circulars relating to the scheme, most recently in Circulars 0015/2026 (for primary schools) and 0016/2026 (for post-primary schools).
The Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht was launched by my department in November 2025. One of the actions under the policy, to support pupils’ and students’ development of language proficiency, is the allocation of language support hours for Irish to all Irish-medium schools on a phased basis.
These hours have been made available to Irish-medium post-primary schools and to primary schools outside of the Gaeltacht with DEIS status from the 2025/26 school year. Aonaid lán-Ghaeilge will also receive these hours from the start of the 2026/27 school year.
These hours help schools to support the diverse language needs of pupils, including those for whom both Irish and English are additional languages, and to develop the linguistic richness of all pupils.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Ceisteanna (284)
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:284. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth the consideration being given to improving the pupil-teacher ratio in primary schools for the coming year, which would mean the retention of many teachers facing a loss this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48487/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Budget 2026 provided an increase of €845 million in core current funding for education and youth on the figure allocated for 2025, while the total investment figure also includes €1.6 billion allocated for 2026 as part of the National Development Plan 2026–2030.
This funding reflects the Government’s continued commitment, under the Programme for Government, to ensuring that every child and young person can learn, thrive and reach their full potential. It builds on the progress made in recent years, while recognising that further work is needed to make education more inclusive and equitable for all.
Funding has been provided for 860 special education teachers, across special schools and mainstream settings, along with more than 1700 SNAs; a €48 million full-year investment across both the DEIS strategy and the DEIS Plus scheme. Approximately 30,000 children and young people attending DEIS Plus schools will benefit from these targeted supports.
Teacher numbers at primary level have reached the highest ever level in the current school year. Currently there are over 43,000 teaching posts allocated across the primary school system. This represents an increase of just over 5,000 teachers when compared with the 2019/20 year and this has led to a steady improvement in the pupil:teacher ratio and average class size during this period. In recent budgets, prioritisation was given to reducing the pupil teacher ratio in primary schools, which has brought the teacher allocation ratio to an average of 1 classroom teacher for every 23 pupils in all primary schools, the most favourable ratio ever seen at primary level. A three-point reduction in the retention schedule, which was introduced in 2021, assists schools that would otherwise be at risk of losing teaching posts.
The latest figures in relation to pupil:teacher ratio shows an improved ratio of pupils to teachers from 15:1 to 12.8:1 at primary level when comparing the 2019/20 school year to the 2024/25 school year. In the same period, the primary staffing schedule improved from 26:1 to 23:1 and average class sizes at primary have improved from 24:1 to 22.2:1.
The Government has significantly invested in our schools and in our teacher workforce in recent years. Further progress in this area will be considered as part of the annual budgetary process.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (285)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:285. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide additional support for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48492/26]
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 been engaging directly with the school in relation to their allocation for the Summer Programme.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (286)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:286. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of the proposed additional ASD special classes at a school (details supplied); the reason for any delay in progressing these classes where approval has reportedly been indicated; the expected timeline for delivery; and the steps being taken to ensure sufficient ASD class provision in the area given the clear and growing demand. [48550/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy has been approved for inclusion in the Department’s pipeline of school building projects under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme, for a project comprising two special educational needs classrooms. The delivery of this project has been devolved to the school authority.
A Stage 2b (Detailed Design) report was submitted to the Department in Q2 2026 and is currently under review. In line with the Department’s Infrastructure Guidelines, all projects are subject to the necessary technical and cost assessment as part of this process. Given the complexity of the evaluation and the need to ensure full cost compliance and alignment with the National Development Plan, this review is necessarily thorough.
Department officials have engaged with the school authority regarding the status of the project. However, it is not possible at this stage to provide a definitive timeline, as progression to the next phase is contingent on the outcome of the review and the project’s alignment with the prioritisation framework under the National Development Plan.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (287)
John Brady
Ceist:287. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Youth the cost of renting or purchasing prefabs and modular units for schools in County Wicklow for each of the years 2016 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and the details of the school and location of units and costs of land rental if applicable [48557/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department will arrange for this information to be issued directly to the Deputy.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (288)
John Brady
Ceist:288. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Youth the cost of renting buildings and land in County Wicklow for educational purposes for each year 2016 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form, and the school and location. [48558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The costs of rental accommodation in Co Wicklow from 2016 to present is provided on the attached document. The more granular details requested by the Deputy cannot be released due to commercial sensitivity.
School Curriculum
Ceisteanna (289)
Keira Keogh
Ceist:289. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the options available to an individual who wishes to have their TY Online Driver Education Programme considered for the school curriculum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48562/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Transition Year is a valuable programme for students that offers opportunities to develop future life skills for personal, social, and academic development, and to experience other aspects of adult and working life.
Each school designs its own Transition Year programme, within the guidelines of the Transition Year Programme Statement, to suit the needs and interests of its students. In establishing its own distinctive programme content, schools are advised to take into consideration students’ needs alongside the views of parents, employers, and the wider interests of the local community.
It is the current policy of the Department not to endorse publications, products, or services from individual, commercial, or other providers.
The Department does not recommend any specific services to schools and allows schools and teachers to determine the most appropriate programmes for their students. Choices regarding educational materials, textbooks and other educational products/initiatives are made by individual schools and their boards of management, not by the Department.
The Deputy may wish to advise the individual to explore offering the proposed programme as a TY micro-module that would be available to schools should they wish to incorporate them into their programme design. A TY micro-module is typically designed to provide a concentrated learning experience, within the parameters of the TY Programme Statement, to enhance the educational experience of students. They can be designed and delivered as standalone components or designed to be integrated with other TY components.
TY micro-modules can be developed for a duration of up to 10, 20, or 30 hours, whilst having the flexibility for schools to decide on the most suitable balance of class contact time and self-directed, independent learning. Schools can offer micro modules that are designed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) or external providers.
In addition, the Deputy may wish to note that the Road Safety Authority (the RSA) provides a Transition Year road safety module for use by schools. This Module was developed by the RSA in partnership with my Department and has been available to schools since September 2024.