Written Answers Nos. 18-37
18. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the twenty-one students who attend a school (details supplied) and applied and paid for school transport through Bus Éireann can instead be accommodated on existing routes from Westport and Castlebar, following their own application being declined after all students were assessed as concessionary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54125/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme 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 in 2026, which equates to an increase of close to 50%.
In the 2025/26 school year over 181,000 children were transported daily in approximately 8,600 vehicles across 11,100 routes daily to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country. These daily trips cover over 100 million kilometres.
It is recognised that the School Transport Scheme is vital to families and its benefits extend to support parents and guardians who are accessing employment. It continues to support pupils living in rural and remote areas, children and young people with additional needs, as well as national sustainability and climate goals.
The scheme is demand-led based on the number of eligible children who apply and pay on time.
The portal for School Transport applications for the 2026/27 closed on 8th May to allow Bus Éireann to plan and assign routes for the upcoming school year. The portal reopened on 3rd July, but any applications or payments made after this date will be deemed as late and will not be assessed until all “on time” applications have been processed.
Routes may be altered or extended depending on the number and location of eligible children who will be availing of school transport for that year.
Bus Éireann has advised that all mainstream pupils who applied and paid on time for the 2026/27 school year to Colaiste Mhuire, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo will be provided with transport where an existing service operates to this school, and that all eligible pupils will have a service within guidelines.
19. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth to outline any progress toward providing a general purpose hall or sporting facilities for a school (details supplied). [53707/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application under my department’s Additional School Accommodation scheme in 2022. The school was approved funding for the provision of modular accommodation to provide for a mainstream classroom, a home school liaison room, staff room and staff toilets. This project was completed in 2023.
The school also sought funding for a new general purpose hall as part of their application but this was not approved. The school currently has a multi-purpose room of 116 square metres which can serve as a general purpose area. Information submitted by the school also indicates that the site has an extensive range of outdoor play facilities.
The school is benefiting from other significant capital investments. It has been selected for inclusion in the Department’s Climate Action Pathfinder Programme, which is jointly funded by my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). This project, which is currently on site, will provide a deep energy retrofit for the school. The upgrade works include the installation of energy-efficient heat pumps, LED lighting, and mechanical heat recovery with ventilation systems. In addition, the building fabric and airtightness of the school is being significantly improved, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure is also being provided on site.
My department also approved a recent application from the school to repurpose existing space to open a new special education needs classroom. This project is to be incorporated into the existing pathfinder project.
The Deputy will be aware that I published the €7.55 billion NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for the education and youth sectors for the period 2026 to 2030. The Plan sets out the department’s approach to prioritised investment in school infrastructure to ensure that every child has a school place and to support the overall operation of the school system and youth sector. There is a strong focus in our plan on maximising existing capacity and prioritising project rollout to meet the most urgent needs, particularly to support special education needs provision.
20. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures being taken to provide certainty to families in advance of the commencement of the 2026-2027 school year regarding school transport allocations and charges; the steps being taken to ensure that families receive timely confirmation of school bus placements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53983/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Since 2018, the number of students using school transport has increased by 54%, rising from almost 118,000 students in 2018 to 181,000 students in 2025.
Within this, the number of children and young people with special educational needs being supported on transport has increased from almost 13,500 in 2018 to over 24,400 in 2025. This is an increase of 82%.
The cost of the scheme has also increase by over 145% from €219m?in 2019 to?€537m?in 2025.
Another area of the school transport scheme that has increased significantly is the Summer Programme.
The number of pupils who travelled on dedicated school transport services during that time has risen from almost 4,000 in 2022 to over 9,000 in 2025 at a cost of €7.2 million.
It is recognised that the School Transport Scheme is vital to families and its benefits extend to support parents and guardians who are accessing employment.
It continues to support pupils living in rural and remote areas, children and young people with additional needs, as well as national sustainability and climate goals.
The scheme is demand-led based on the number of eligible children who apply and pay on time. 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.
The portal for School Transport applications for the 2026/27 closed on 8th May to allow Bus Éireann to plan and assign routes for the upcoming school year. The portal reopened on 3rd July, but any applications or payments made after this date will be deemed as late and will not be assessed until all “on time” applications have been processed.
Since the portal closed, Bus Éireann have been assessing all applications and planning 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 that year.
Tickets have now begun to issue to families and will continue to issue throughout the summer. Where pupils are unsuccessful in receiving tickets, they will be notified as early as possible and refunds will issue from Bus Éireann.
21. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide funding to ensure that STEM officers remain in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50253/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the promotion of STEM and digital learning within our education system is a key priority for the Department and is reflected in multiple strategy documents, such as the STEM Education Policy Statement, Digital Strategy for Schools and the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy.
I commend the work being done by STEM officers and am aware that my Department has been in contact with the councils in the midlands in relation to their STEM Project Co-ordinators. The positions were funded under the EU Just Transition Fund, which my department had no role in. You will appreciate that the department receives many requests in relation to support/funding for initiatives, projects, resources, books etc. and given the range of funding already provided, the department is not in a position to replace this funding source.
Under the STEM Education Policy Statement 2017-2026 the department continues to provide support for STEM including STEM related curricular reform, ongoing provision of STEM professional development, guidelines for STEM partnerships between schools and business/industry, partnership with Research Ireland to support education and public engagement projects in STEM and ongoing support of informal STEM education projects such as Scifest, Stripe YSTE, Science Blast and iWish.
Again, I acknowledge the excellent work being undertaken by schools and local authorities. In recognition of these efforts, my department has outlined how alternative funding sources, such as Research Ireland's Discover Programme, may be available to support the project and assist in advancing this important work.
22. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the current status of an additional accommodation project application by a school (details supplied); when the school can proceed to the next phase given it is a DEIS 1 school and is in urgent need of upgrade; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54072/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn extension project at the school to which the Deputy refers has been approved to enter my Department’s pipeline of projects to provide four mainstream classrooms, eight special education tuition rooms and a four class-room special education needs base. It has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.
In early June, department officials contacted the school to advise that its project remains under review in the context of NDP parameters and the overall prioritisation of capital investment.
The project is currently at Stage 2a (Preliminary Design). Following the assessment of the Stage 2a report, a revised report was requested in April 2025 and subsequently submitted in August 2025. This report is currently being reviewed from a technical and cost perspective. All school building projects, including this one, must undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Infrastructure Guidelines. Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to ensuring that the overall school building programme remains within the funding parameters.
As with all school building projects, this project will be considered within the context of overall programme prioritisation and NDP funding parameters. My Department’s NDP Sectoral Investment Plan sets out my department’s focus on maximising existing capacity and prioritising project rollout to meet the most urgent needs, particularly to support special education needs provision. This targeted project rollout will build on significant capital investment across the school estate in recent years, including over €796.58 million in capital funding for Cork schools since 2020.
Project prioritisation is being informed by department analysis, engagement with patrons and schools, funding parameters and, where relevant, the department’s energy and condition inventory of the school estate which is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
The Department will continue to engage with this school as the review process progresses.
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that a roof replacement and insulation project has been approved for the school under the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme and this is currently at tender stage.
23. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she supports the establishment of a cross-Government youth infrastructure unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54157/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Education and Youth is committed to supporting the delivery of high-quality youth work and non-formal developmental opportunities to young people.
Responsibility for the youth facilities from which these supports are provided varies depending on the ownership and governance arrangements of individual premises. Youth infrastructure may be owned and managed by Education and Training Boards (ETBs), local authorities, youth organisations themselves, or by community and voluntary bodies and private entities.?
Given the diverse nature of the youth sector and the variety of ownership arrangements in place, responsibility for youth infrastructure is shared across a range of stakeholders at national and local level.?The Department of Education and Youth provides funding to support youth services and, through capital investment programmes, contributes to the development and enhancement of youth facilities.
The ownership, maintenance and day-to-day management responsibilities for individual youth facilities, however, generally rest with the relevant, youth service, property owner or managing body.?
This position will be reflected in the implementation plan that is being developed to support the youth strategy, Opportunities for Youth. This plan recognises that a range of departments, state agencies and other stakeholders have responsibilities in relation to the provision of youth spaces and youth facilities.
To support a more coordinated approach across Government, Opportunities for Youth provides for the establishment of an interdepartmental and interagency group on State-funded youth work services.
This group will bring together relevant departments and agencies that support or fund youth services to develop a renewed whole-of-government vision for state-funded youth work services, improve coherence and complementarity across schemes, and promote a more joined-up approach to supporting young people.
This collaborative structure will also support the development of a shared understanding of the role of youth work services, including youth facilities and spaces, in meeting the evolving needs of young people.
The deputy may also wish to note that work is currently underway within the department to finalise the details of the 2026 youth capital funding scheme.??The scheme will support the purchase of essential equipment, upgrades to youth facilities and digital infrastructure for youth organisations and youth services.??
The department is also currently progressing a national youth services mapping project, which is being developed to strengthen the evidence base for planning, funding and supporting youth services across the country.
24. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the school transport scheme will recognise designated feeder schools (details supplied) for the purpose of eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54200/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
It is recognised that the School Transport Scheme is vital to families and continues to support pupils living in rural and remote areas, children and young people with additional needs.
The scheme is demand-led based on the number of eligible children who apply and pay on time. 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.
A recent review of the scheme found that having a fee helps make better use of resources and prevents seats on school buses from going unused, which in turn helps to protect and sustain the scheme for all families who need it. However, the School Transport Scheme remains heavily subsidised by the State, with over 92% of the overall cost covered.
In order to ensure value for money, school transport fees will need to be considered again in the context of Budget 2027.
A number of changes to the School Transport Scheme were introduced in Budget 2011, which derived from recommendations in the Value for Money Review of the Scheme. These changes encompassed a number of elements including the cessation of catchment boundary areas to determine eligibility at post primary level. For that reason, for the past 15 years, the eligibility criteria has been that a pupil must be attending their closest school and meet the distance criteria to be deemed eligible for school transport.
The current terms of the Scheme will continue to apply for the 2026/2027 school year in which primary school children are eligible if they live 3.2 km or more from their nearest national school and post-primary school children are eligible if they live 4.8 km or more from their nearest post-primary school or education centre.
These rules also take into account the language and ethos of the school.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, but who completed the application process on time, are considered for spare seats that may exist after eligible children have been facilitated; such seats are referred to as concessionary seats. There may be more demand than availability for concessionary seats.
Once routes have been finalised, Bus Éireann will assign tickets for each school transport service.
25. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department is aware of the situation in a school (details supplied) in Naas in relation to requirements for another teacher for the upcoming academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54123/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary factor in determining the level of staffing resources allocated to an individual school is the applicable staffing schedule for the relevant school year, together with pupil enrolment as recorded on the preceding 30 September.
The staffing schedule operates as a standardised allocation mechanism, using enrolment bands to determine the number of classroom teaching posts assigned to each school.
At primary level, the staffing schedule plays a central role in supporting the sustainability of schools by aligning staffing resources with enrolment patterns in a clear, consistent, and equitable manner, ensuring that schools of a similar type are treated uniformly, irrespective of location.
St. Corban’s NS had three sixth classes leave the school at the end of the current school year and had originally sought to enroll two Junior Infant classes for the 2026/27 school year prior to agreeing to accept a third junior infant class in response to local school place pressures in the Naas area.
The enrolment at St. Corban’s National School decreased from 498 pupils in September 2024 to 460 pupils in September 2025. Based on an enrolment of 460 pupils, the school is allocated 19 mainstream classroom teachers for the 2026/27 school year. The school's projected enrolment for September 2026 is approximately 471 pupils in total and remains below the threshold for a twentieth mainstream teacher.
There have been several engagements from my officials with the principal in this matter. The principal has been advised to keep in contact with the Teacher Allocation section of my Department in relation to any additional enrolments that may arise during the summer months which may meet the threshold for additional staffing under projected enrolments criteria.
Within the staffing arrangements of Circular 0025/2026, there are options available to schools to apply for additional staffing. Schools experiencing rapid increases in enrolment can apply for additional permanent mainstream posts, using the projected enrolment criteria. There is also a staffing appeals mechanism for schools to apply to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board, under certain published criteria.
Class sizes in schools are affected by a variety of factors including enrolment fluctuations and available accommodation.
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. There are multiple possible configurations.
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.
26. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on pupil teacher ratios of classrooms in primary education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54062/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is investing a record €14.1 billion into education and schools through Budget 2026.
This record level of investment has allowed the Government to invest in tackling educational disadvantage and supporting those with special educational needs to achieve their full potential. It has enabled huge investment in the school buildings programme, in curriculum reform, in school leadership and in continuous professional development for teachers.
Under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to aim to reduce the general pupil: teacher ratio at primary level to 19:1 over the term of the Government and introduce targeted measures in schools with very large classes.
This will build on the progress which has been made by the previous Government. The general average of pupils to teachers in the primary staffing schedule improved from 26 : 1 five years ago to 23:1 for the current school year. Average class sizes in primary schools have improved from 24.1 to 22.2 through the investment we are making in schools.
The Department’s primary staffing schedule is the key factor for determining the level of staffing resources provided at individual school level. This school year, the primary staffing schedule operates on a general average of 23 pupils to every 1 teacher, which is historically the lowest-ever ratio of pupils to teachers at primary level.
More favourable ratios are implemented for DEIS Urban Band 1 schools.
The numbers employed in our schools have now reached the highest-ever level. Teacher numbers at primary level have increased by almost 6,000 between 2019 and 2025. This has led to a steady improvement in both the pupil : teacher ratio and in average class size statistics during this period.
The latest figures in relation to the pupil: teacher ratio show an improved ratio of pupils to teachers, improving from 15 : 1 to 12.8 : 1 at primary level, when comparing the 2019/20 school year to the 2023/24 school year. This compares favourably with the OECD pupil : teacher ratio of 14 : 1.
I am very conscious of the primary staffing schedule and the need to prioritise teacher allocations in primary schools.
I am considering how best to make further progress as part of the annual budgetary process in reducing the primary pupil : teacher ratio in the context of Programme for Government implementation.
27. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth the degree to which the ‘procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours’ is monitored and measured; if barriers to access have been identified and if they will be addressed; if she supports the call by an organisation (details supplied) for a dual-use facilities strategy and recognise the importance of schools in this regard (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54039/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department conducts an annual Schools Data Collection survey (SDC) each October which asks schools a range of questions in relation to the day-to-day operation of the schools including the use of school facilities outside of school hours.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment on the use of school buildings outside of hours, schools are strongly encouraged to make their facilities available to the community outside of school hours, in line with the provisions of the “Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours”.
The department published procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours to assist school authorities when entering arrangements with local and community groups. A key principle of these procedures is that such arrangements should be self-financing. At a minimum, any charges applied should cover costs such as maintenance, utilities, additional insurance, legal requirements, and any other associated overheads.
The Department of Education and Youth supports and encourages the use of all school buildings for community and recreational purposes, where feasible. However, the decision on the use of school property is a matter for the property owner taking into consideration the current and future requirements of the school, the students and the staff. Also, it is important that any proposed arrangement does not impede upon the future development of the school, given that the priority for schools is educational provision for its pupils.
28. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of schools in County Clare that were notified of a reduction in their special needs assistant allocation arising from the National Council for Special Education's 2025-2026 review process; the current status of those allocations following the pause announced in February 2026; if every school who was notified of a reduction will retain the number of SNAs they had previously; if this has been communicated to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53904/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is strongly committed to supporting children with special educational needs to achieve their full potential and the Programme for Government makes a number of commitments to deliver on this objective.
By the end of this year there will be over 25,000 special needs assistants (SNAs) in our mainstream classes, special classes and special schools. It should be noted that in the last 5 years in County Clare, the number of SNAs have grown from 394 to 519, which is an increase of 32%.
I visited a number of schools in county Clare last year and saw first hand the wonderful work that is being done in those schools to support children with special educational needs.
SNAs play a key role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in schools.
In February I confirmed that I had listened to and engaged intensively with stakeholders to ensure that all of the concerns raised were fully understood and it was agreed that there will be no reductions to special needs assistants for the next school year 2026/27.
The SNA allocation circular for 2026/27 advised schools that there would be no reduction in NCSE allocated SNAs for the school year and the NCSE advised all schools of their allocations on the 3rd of June.
All schools reviewed by the NCSE and allocated additional resources will receive them in the upcoming school year.
The 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.
29. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of special education teachers and SNAs allocated to schools in County Mayo for the past three years; if further increases are planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53692/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis government is fully committed to supporting children with special educational needs to achieve their full potential.
The primary responsibility for the education of all pupils, including those with special education learning or care need, is the class teacher or subject teacher.
The special education teaching (SET) allocation provides schools with additional teaching hours to support the learning needs of students and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) play a central role in the successful inclusion of students with additional and significant care needs in to enable them to achieve their best outcomes and reach their full potential.
It should be noted that schools in County Mayo have seen an overall increase of almost 10% in special education teachers and over 18% increase in the number of SNAs in the last 3 years.
In addition to the NCSE allocations an additional temporary 352.5 SET hours per week and 22.5 SNA posts is assigned under the temporary Ukrainian/IPAS scheme of support for schools in Mayo.
Where the NCSE identifies the need for additional resources going forward they will be provided so that are available to schools ahead of the relevant 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 reach their full potential.
30. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the measures that have been taken to control costs on school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54199/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme, which Bus Éireann operates on behalf of my department, has expanded significantly in recent years thanks to sustained Government investment.
Since 2018, the number of students using school transport has increased by 54%, rising from 117,800 to 181,000 students in 2025. This includes more than 24,400 children and young people with special educational needs (SEN); an 82% increase since 2018.
There has been an increase of over?145%?in investment in the scheme from 2019 to?2025. The scheme expenditure was?€219m?in 2019 rising to?€537m?in 2025. Cost increases have been especially marked?in respect of special educational needs (SEN) transport, which now represents almost?60%?of the scheme’s total costs. The SEN scheme reflects the department’s continued commitment to inclusive access and tailored supports.
The scheme is heavily subsidised, with the approximate cost to the State per mainstream pupil currently being €1,400 annually. The current estimated cost per SEN pupil is €13,400.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by private contractors under the School Transport Scheme.
My department works with Bus Éireann to analyse costs to the scheme on an on-going basis.
As part of Budget 2026 additional investment has been allocated to meet increased costs. In addition, extra funding was subsequently approved by Government for the Department of Education and Youth to help ensure that high-quality services are maintained for children and young people across the country.
Addressing budgetary pressures form a key part of our ongoing budgetary planning process, whilst ensuring we continue to deliver a quality, inclusive transport service within available resources and in line with Government priorities.
The Department will continue to work with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services Reform and Digitalisation to ensure a value for money approach and agree the appropriate financial resources required. The Department remains focused on responsible management of demand, ensuring equitable service delivery within available resources.
31. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether her Department has examined the introduction of a centralised admissions system for school places similar to that operated in Northern Ireland; whether any feasibility study or policy review has been undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53889/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the challenges faced by parents, pupils and schools in managing the annual school admissions process and a commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department is working towards a nationwide common application system. As a first step, the Apply to School pilot scheme was launched in October 2025 for the 2026/2027 admissions cycle. The pilot was introduced for 15 post-primary schools in five school planning areas namely Athenry, Celbridge, Clonakilty, Greystones, and Tullamore_Killina. Detailed post-project evaluations with the schools who participated in the pilot have subsequently been completed. Apply to School received very positive feedback, obtaining an 80% customer effort score and contained some helpful recommendations around the direction of travel for increased system functionality. For October 2026, the pilot with enhanced functionality is being expanded to ten school planning areas by adding a new adjacent area to each of the original five areas.
While the rollout of the pilot Apply to School system for schools and the feedback received from parents and schools provides invaluable insight, the department has also examined centralised and coordinated admissions models operated in other jurisdictions, including Northern Ireland, as part of its ongoing work to develop a national Common Application System. This examination is ongoing and has been undertaken with careful regard to the specific characteristics of the Irish education system, including its patronage structure, the operational framework for school admissions, and its constitutional and legislative context, which differ in important respects from those in other jurisdictions. The learning from the pilot Apply to School system at post primary level and international comparators is informing the Department's approach, while recognising that any system introduced in Ireland must be designed to reflect Irish circumstances rather than transposed directly from elsewhere.
32. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is satisfied with the level of provision under the Summer Programme and the way in which it operates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54195/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of this year’s Summer Programme were published on the 6th May 2026. Funding of €62 million has been secured to ensure the continuance of the annual investment in the 2026 Summer Programme. As in previous years, all of the funding will be utilised to meet the associated costs and ensure a comprehensive programme.
All schools have been given an opportunity to run a programme over the summer months for those children who need it most so that these children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting
The main priority again in 2026 is that those children with complex special educational needs, especially in special schools, have access to a school-based programme.
In response to the Deputy’s question about the level of provision and the way the Summer Programme operates, various supports have been introduced to encourage schools to participate. For special schools, these include:
• a bespoke pilot programme,
• the appointment of a National Coordinator,
• a shorter school day,
• additional grant funding
• and school transport.
For all schools, supports include:
• key leadership roles like the Summer Programme Organiser and Summer Programme Manager,
• higher personal rate of pay for staff,
• a workforce portal to recruit external staff,
• faster payment to staff,
• and enhanced capitation.
As in 2025, the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Social Protection have partnered together in a pilot project designed to combat holiday hunger. Schools who provide meals during the school term have the option of offering them during their summer programmes. This will help to reduce the costs for schools running a summer programme and will ease the burden on parents.
Where a school does not run a school-based programme or there is no place on the programme for an eligible child, schools have been invited to make an application for the home-based programme.
33. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the resources she is providing to support small schools. [53706/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government understands and recognises the value that small schools play in their communities and wishes to support schools to continue in this important role. Small schools receive enhanced support through lower teacher appointment and retention thresholds, additional staffing protections, and funding based on a minimum enrolment of 60 pupils.
A more favourable allocation and retention rate exists to support smaller schools. For example, a school can appoint a second classroom teacher with an enrolment of 14 pupils. A small school may retain its second mainstream teaching post with as few as 11 pupils, its third post at 45 pupils, and its fourth post at 75 pupils.
Additionally, a reduced enrolment threshold applies for the appointment of a second teacher (11 pupils rather than 14) where a school is 8km or more away from the nearest school of the same type of patronage/language of instruction.
Single primary schools on islands are allocated a second classroom teacher, regardless of enrolment; two such schools currently benefit from this measure.
There is a significant measure for small schools that allows a school to gain a post once they reach the appointment threshold and retain a post if they will reach the retention threshold. This measure is not available to other schools. The effect is that smaller schools can received an allocated teaching post in the current year, as opposed to the following year as is the case for larger 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 capitation grant supports day-to-day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance and general up-keep. The ancillary grant provides for the cost of employing ancillary services staff such as caretakers.
Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding for general running costs and ancillary funding 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.
Significantly, primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils are paid the capitation and the ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils.
The current small schools project is being implemented on a pilot basis to support collaboration and sharing of resources among small schools. The small schools action research project launched in July 2021, officially commenced in January 2022.
The pilot project will continue until the end of this calendar year to provide adequate time for the final evaluation to take place. This final evaluation is key to setting out important learnings to inform future evidence-based policy development and long-term strategic planning for all small schools. This is to give effect to implementing the Programme for Government commitment to introduce a new national small school's project for all 1,300 small primary schools to protect these school communities and develop new administrative supports.
34. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education and Youth the progress being made to create an alternative to the assessment of needs reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53969/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Assessment of Need (AON) process is provided for under the Disability Act 2005 and is under the remit of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Proposed revisions to the AON process and reports arising from that process are a matter for the HSE in tandem with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
35. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to advance the delivery of the new school facilities at a school (details supplied) that have been long delayed. [53319/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently completing Stage 2(b) of the architectural design process. Stage 2(b) involves detailed design, securing all Statutory Approvals and the preparation of tender documentation.
In April 2026, Minister Naughton met with Senator Boyle and school representatives in Leinster House. In May 2026, Building Unit Officials visited the school to discuss urgent needs, including enabling works for additional classrooms in the neighboring vacant primary school (St Mary’s originally secured as decant accommodation) and enabling works to address other areas. The Building Unit are currently preparing a report with recommendations and will be in contact with all stakeholders in due course. I also visited the school on Friday, May 22nd.
Since 2020, my Department has provided €228.24 million in capital funding for Donegal schools. A total of 73 schools have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. 1 school project was included in the NDP Implementation Plan to go to tender or construction in 2026 and 2027.
There are currently 8 school projects in Donegal under construction. This summer, 26 schools are approved to undergo works as part of the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme.
In addition, since 2020 a total of 60 special classes have been sanctioned in Donegal, of which 11 were sanctioned for September 2026.
36. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the school building project for a school (details supplied); when the school will be approved to proceed to the next stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53311/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project at St Joseph's College to which the Deputy refers is devolved to Le Cheile Trust for delivery.
The project is currently at Stage 2b of the architectural design process. This stage allows for detailed design and planning, obtaining necessary statutory permissions and preparation of tender documents. Planning permission has been granted. A Stage 2b report was submitted to the Department in April 2026. It is currently undergoing a detailed technical and cost review in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
My department has a strong track record of delivering the school building programme with over €7 billion invested since 2020. This has delivered approximately 1,400 completed school building projects and over 4,000 smaller-scale improvement projects. Over €264.25 million in capital funding has been invested in County Galway schools since 2020. Over this period, a total of 89 schools in County Galway have been upgraded either through provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or provision of modular accommodation. There are also currently 18 school projects in County Galway under construction.
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 department-led prioritisation process underway for 2026 and 2027, consultation with school patrons began this month. A further tranche of priority projects is targeted for publication in 2027, informed by departmental analysis, engagement with patrons and schools, funding parameters, and—where relevant—the department’s energy and condition inventory of the school estate, due for completion by year-end.
The department is also implementing a more strategic, data-driven approach to project appraisal and prioritisation. This includes the development of the School Profile Report, the formalisation of a clear prioritisation framework, and the use of demographic, capacity, energy and condition data to guide decisions. These reforms will ensure that projects progress in a transparent, consistent and evidence-based manner.
The current status of all projects continues to be set out under item number ten at the following link: www.gov.ie. This is updated on a regular basis to reflect project progress through the various stages of capital appraisal, site acquisition, design, tender and construction.
37. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on sanctioned ASD classes in Dublin northwest (details supplied). [53938/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the request for an update on the sanctioned ASD classes in Dublin Northwest, please see the following:
19208F Holy Spirit BNS Ballymun
This school was approved to enter the Department’s pipeline of school buildings under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme for a repurposing works project providing two special educational needs (SEN) classrooms. The project is devolved to the school authority for delivery with the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) providing assistance.
My department approved this project to Stage 3 (tender) and it is expected that the Stage 3 report will be submitted by the school authority shortly.
19209H Holy Spirit GNS Ballymun
This school 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).
The school submitted applications for additional funding under the Department's Additional School Accommodation Scheme earlier this year which were reviewed by my department’s Professional & Technical Unit and an initial letter of approval was issued to the school on 28 May 2026.
The project has now been devolved to the school authority to progress to the next step for delivery.
19302U Virgin Mary BNS Ballymun
The school was sanctioned to open one special class for September 2026 by the NCSE. The school received the €30,000 Start Up Grant.
The school submitted an application for additional funding under the Department's Additional School Accommodation Scheme in February 2026. The application was reviewed by my Department’s Professional & Technical Unit and an initial letter of approval was issued to the school on 11 June 2026.
The project has been devolved to the school authority to progress to the next step for delivery.
18910P Our Lady of Victories BNS Glasnevin
The school was sanctioned to open a special class for September 2026 by the NCSE. The school received €30,000 Start Up Grant 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) on 3 June 2026. The application was reviewed by my Department’s Professional & Technical Unit and was approved the maximum figure of €80,000.
The department is currently engaging with the school authority in relation to further information submitted by the school relating to costs.
18911R Our Lady of Victories GNS Ballymun
The school was sanctioned to open a special class for September 2026 by the NCSE. The school received €30,000 Start Up Grant and was advised additional funding was available if required. To date, no application has been received.
Officials at my department will continue to liaise with each of the school authorities to ensure these vital projects are progressed in a timely manner.
