Between 2021 and 2024, education expenditure increased significantly by €2.6 billion or 29% from €9.3 billion to €11.9 billion in 2024. This reflects an average annual uplift of nearly 9%, which is in line with the average annual uplift of total Government expenditure over this period. There was a further €0.8 billion or 7% increase in expenditure in 2025, bringing total spending to €12.7 billion. This represents Governments commitment to prioritising the continued delivery of high-quality education and youth services.
Budget 2026 allocated €13.1 billion to the Department of Education and Youth, an increase of €843 million, or 6.9%, on the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) 2025 allocation of €12.2 billion. REV 2026 subsequently increased the Department’s allocation to €13.5 billion, representing a €1.2 billion, or 10%, increase on REV 2025.
Furthermore, in April the Government agreed to provide an additional €646 million for the Department of Education and Youth in 2026, increasing the total allocation to €14.1 billion. This represents an increase of approximately €1.9 billion, or 15.3%, compared to REV 2025.
The €646 million additional funding facilitates a partial increase of fee charges for the School Transport Scheme and the provision of a range of supports and staffing to accommodate additional children with Special Educational Needs. As a result, supporting a workforce of over 114,500 in the education sector which represents the highest level of teachers and SNAs allocated across schools in the history of the State.
The Further Revised Estimates Volume (FREV) for the additional funding was approved by Dáil Éireann in June. At end June, the Department of Education and Youth’s gross expenditure was €6.5 billion, €304 million or 4.9% higher than the same period in 2025 and within the limit provided for by FREV 2026. Current expenditure was €5.9 billion, €386 million or 6.7% higher year-on-year and Capital expenditure was €635 million, €63 million or 9.1% lower year-on-year.
This Government remains committed to ensuring that children and young people have access to high-quality education and appropriate supports, and the substantial increase in the Department’s funding allocation for 2026 clearly demonstrates that commitment.
