Written Answers Nos. 386-404
386. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide the number of primary and secondary school children and children travelling to special schools from the Donabate and Portrane area in the 2025 school year; and to include a breakdown of children attending these schools by roll numbers, in tabular form. [68343/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnabling 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.
Parents may apply to enrol their child in a school of their choosing. Enrolments to schools are a matter for each board of management and parents apply directly to schools, therefore, the information requested by the Deputy is held at a local level.
While the department holds enrolment data which is published by school year on the ww.gov.ie website, it does not hold the requested data in respect of individual children.
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 (www.ncse.ie/school-leaders/special-classes/)
My department and the NCSE are committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to achieve their full potential.
387. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth her views on a matter (detail supplied). [68309/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra388. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Youth is she is aware of the difficulties teachers are experiencing contacting the payroll section in order to have their queries answered (details supplied). [68306/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 388 together.
I wish to inform that the deputy that a member of my payroll department has contacted the teacher concerned.
The payroll division of my department relies on schools to notify it of any changes to teachers work pattern in a timely manner and this information is in turn to make adjustments to a teacher's salary. The instructions from the school were issued late to the department which meant that the teacher received full salary for periods of time when she should have received a lesser amount of salary. The overpayment of salary will be recovered and the timeline involved with the recovery has been explained to the teacher concerned.
By way of background, it may be helpful to outline the role and responsibilities of the Payroll Division. The Division provides payroll services to more than 3,700 schools and approximately 170,000 current and former school staff.
In February 2025, an online customer contact form for payroll-related queries was introduced. The form was also made available to customers for other areas of my department should as Pension Unit and School Transport.
This online contact form replaced the multiple individual email addresses previously used by schools and staff members to contact the department and in particular Payroll Division. The introduction of the online form has enabled the Department to streamline the processing of queries, improve the allocation of work across payroll teams, and provide greater consistency in responses to routine payroll-related enquiries.
Given the significant volume of queries received by the Division, response times can vary throughout the year. During peak periods, when query volumes are particularly high, some enquiries may take longer to process and respond to.
It is important to note that the Payroll Division's telephone services have not been discontinued. Telephone support remains available, with differing contact hours provided for schools, current staff, and former staff, reflecting the distinct needs and requirements of each customer group.
389. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department will engage with a family and school to assist in providing school transport assistance for a pupil (details supplied) due to the very particular family circumstances. [68355/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBus Éireann is responsible for the planning, timetabling of school transport routes and issuing of tickets 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.
Bus Éireann have advised what the while the pupil is eligible for transport, unfortunately there are not sufficient eligible pupils to warrant the establishment of a transport service.
Where there are not enough eligible children to establish or retain a school transport service or other reasons, families may be offered the Remote Area Grant (RAG). This grant helps eligible families with the cost of making their own transport arrangements when school transport cannot be provided.
The family in question is eligible for the remote area grant and school transport section will contact them directly to advise further on how to claim this grant.
390. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the considerations given to recognising service prior to 1 May 2015 in calculating the exgratia lump sum for school secretaries and caretakers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68391/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra391. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the provisions being made for school secretaries and caretakers who retired between the commencement of the dispute and the date of acceptance of the Labour Court proposals in July 2026, given that the recommended exgratia lump sum applies only to staff aged 40 and over at the point of acceptance and may exclude those who retired earlier despite long service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68390/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.
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 to try and resolve this dispute over the past year, under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court, in relation to a number of claims.
On 1st September 2026, following intensive and constructive engagements at the WRC, a set of proposals to settle three of the four claims was recommended by the WRC which both parties have agreed to recommend for acceptance. The issues agreed upon were a pay framework for caretakers, bereavement leave for school secretaries and caretakers, and sick leave/acute illness leave for school secretaries and caretakers.
With regards to the claim for a comparable pension entitlement, following hearings in the Labour Court a recommendation was issued by the Court to the parties on 15 July 2026. My Department will closely consider the recommendation of the Court and engage with colleagues in Government as appropriate.
As the parties remain in process, it is not appropriate to make any further comment until such time as the process concludes.
392. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will intervene to fast-track home tuition funding approvals currently delayed in the Department's section in Athlone, which are leaving thirteen children unable to return to their second year at an early intervention pre-school (details supplied) despite local SENO approval; if she will reform the system to allow automatic two-year approvals for home tuition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68375/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department’s Home Tuition Grant Scheme provides funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. By its nature, it is intended to be a short-term intervention. It is the preferred approach of the department that children are educated in recognised school settings where they can access the full range of educational supports and opportunities available.
In relation to the home tuition applications referred to by the Deputy, these were received by department officials on the 14th of September 2026. Following an initial review of the applications, further information was required to progress them and was requested from the preschool provider. This information was subsequently received on the 17th of September 2026.
Applicants are advised at the outset that applications may take up to 15 working days to process, once all required documentation has been received. While the department endeavours to process applications as quickly as possible, each application must be fully assessed before a decision can issue.
Applications are currently being processed and every effort is being made to conclude the assessment process at the earliest opportunity. Once completed, decisions will issue directly to the applicants.
In relation to the Deputy's suggestion that home tuition approvals be granted automatically for a two-year period, such an approach would not be in keeping with the purpose of the scheme which is to provide a compensatory educational service that is short-term in nature. Eligibility under the scheme is assessed on an annual basis or more often as the need arises for this reason. Accordingly, there is no provision for an automatic two-year approval under the scheme.
393. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on school transport provision for students (details supplied); and whether arrangements will be in place when these students commence on a full timetable. [68419/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by private contractors. The procurement of services can take a number of weeks.
Bus Éireann have advised that services for the pupils in question are currently in the procurement process. The families will be contacted by Bus Éireann directly once contractors have been sourced.
Both the Department and Bus Éireann are very conscious of the challenges faced by parents awaiting transport for children with special educational needs. Families of children who are eligible for these services may therefore receive an interim Special Transport Grant (STG). This is a once off payment, paid retrospectively to families once the School Transport service is in place and is intended to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements the family had put in place until the service starts. The families referred to by the Deputy have all been provided with information relating to this grant.
394. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige [68356/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla Education Support Service (TESS) is under the remit of my department. TESS operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention. TESS has three strands namely the statutory Educational Welfare Service (EWS) and the two school support services; the Home School Community Liaison scheme (HSCL) and the School Completion Programme (SCP).
It is important to note that referrals to the EWS in respect of a child with no school place are received on an ongoing basis throughout the school year. Each school holds responsibility for their own admissions and manages their own waiting list according to the individual school policy. Educational welfare officers prioritise referrals received in relation to children who are without a school place.
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. My department and the NCSE are committed to ensuring that sufficient special education placements will be available for children and young people for the coming school years.
In 2026, over €3 billion will be spent supporting students with special educational needs. It will ensure that specialist capacity continues to grow by providing 3,000 specialist places. The majority of these places will be available in special classes within mainstream schools. It will increase our special educational posts by 860 special education teacher, 3,000 additional SNAs (bringing the total to over 26,000 for 2026 and into 2027).
This will mean we will have over 46,000 professionals dedicated to supporting students with special educational needs in our schools. This is one of the highest annual increases in posts to date and is a firm reminder of this government’s commitment to supporting students with special educational needs. Special education teachers provide additional teaching to students attending mainstream classes with special educational needs using a wide variety of teaching approaches. Local SENOs remain available to assist and advise the parents of children with special educational needs. In instances where a child is unable to secure a place through the normal admissions processes.
In addition, an annual school capacity management process is undertaken to ensure that sufficient school places are available to meet demand each year at both primary and post-primary level, including for children and young people with special educational needs. This process involves ongoing analysis of enrolment trends, demographic data and projected intake at school planning area level, as well as direct engagement with schools, patrons and management bodies. Each school planning area is kept under review on an ongoing basis, with particular regard to projected pupil intake, existing school capacity and emerging enrolment pressures.
In general, the demand for school places has lessened across the Country and there is a surplus of school places available to children and young people. However, where potential capacity pressures are identified, my department engages directly with the relevant schools and patrons, including through data-sharing arrangements where appropriate, to better understand application patterns and overlapping demand. This supports timely interventions to ensure sufficient school places are available for the forthcoming school year.
395. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Youth if a full review of the school transport scheme has been scheduled; when this will be carried out; the scope and criteria of this review; and if points (details supplied) will be included. [68448/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth that has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service have grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 181,000 pupils including over 24,000 pupils with Special Educational Needs in 2025 which equates to an increase of over 50%. Since 2018, investment in the scheme has more than doubled, from €200 million to €537 million.
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.
In cases where families have applied to attend their nearest school with regard to ethos and language and have been advised by the school authorities that these schools are full, the Department will consider if the pupil(s) is eligible to the next nearest school.
While the closest school(s) may be full to capacity at present, each family must supply the documents mentioned below, to School Transport Section of the Department of Education and Youth.
an application for enrolment was made within the deadline dates specified by the school(s), and
a letter from each of the school authorities confirming that the school was full.
This information should be submitted for consideration to School Transport Section of the Department through the Case Management System which can be accessed by following this link; https://cs.education.gov.ie
The School Transport 2030 report, a comprehensive review of the School Transport Scheme, was published in early 2024. The recommended changes to the schemes include expansion of the current eligibility criteria, addressing current operational challenges and moving towards better integration with public transport to ensure the best value for money to the Exchequer.
It was outlined at the time the Review was published that the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria would further increase demand for the scheme. Therefore, it was considered prudent to implement the changes on a phased basis.
As part of this phased rollout, 14 School Transport pilots commenced in the 2024/25 school year. A further 11 pilots were approved for the 2025/26 school year, all 25 pilots are continuing for the 2026/27 school year. For these pilots, the distance criteria for pupils are reduced to 2km for primary and post primary and the need for a pupil to be attending their nearest school is removed.
Due to ongoing challenges in the wider transport sector, including availability of drivers and vehicles, any expansion of services must be carefully planned and phased. While pilot projects are considered in select areas to test revised eligibility criteria, these pilots are limited in scope and capacity.
An evaluation of the pilots in the 2025/2026 school year is currently underway. The findings from the evaluation will inform the planning and implementation needed for a national rollout of a revised School Transport Scheme subject to increased financial investment and where there are available resources and capacity to meet the expected increased demand.
396. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a teacher will be added to her Department's payroll and commence receiving their salary; the reason for the delay; and whether payment of any outstanding salary can be expedited. [68476/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department provides a payroll service to over 3,700 schools. The staffing allocation for Meenkilly National School for the 2026/2027 school year is a Principal plus 3 mainstream class teachers and 1 Special Education teacher. The payroll area of my department is currently paying 5 teachers in this school and as there is no allocation for Ms. Shanahan she cannot be added to the payroll at this time.
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.
On the basis of an enrolment of 101 pupils on 30 September 2025, the mainstream staffing allocation of the school for the current school year is Teaching Principal and 3 classroom teachers.
Within the staffing arrangements, there is a staffing appeals mechanism for schools to apply to an independent Primary Staffing Appeals Board, under certain published criteria. The next meeting of the Primary Staffing Appeals Board will be held in October. Information and application forms are available in Circular 0025/2026.
397. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the commencement of the next phase of a school building project (details supplied) and preparatory works being undertaken by her Department in this regard. [68529/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy, that a major building project for the school in question is currently in progress.
This large-scale capital project is for the construction of a new extension and the refurbishment of existing facilities to accommodate 1,000 pupils, including provision for Special Educational Needs classrooms. The project is currently being delivered under my department's Modular Framework and consists of 9 general classrooms and 2 specialist classrooms. The project also includes the repurposing of part of the existing accommodation to include classrooms for children with Special Educational Needs in the interim.
The Deputy will be aware that 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 ongoing.
It is in this context that any future project or phases for the school in question will be considered, and I can assure the deputy that department officials have been in contact with the patron in relation to this matter.
398. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Youth to review and increase capacity on the post-primary school transport route serving Burncourt and surrounding areas to schools in Mitchelstown, in view of the significant demand for places and the number of students currently unable to obtain a seat on the service; whether additional capacity will be provided for concessionary passengers on this route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The pupils in the areas referred to by the Deputy are not eligible for transport as they are not attending their nearest post primary centre. Pupils who are not eligible can only be accommodated where spare capacity allows, once eligible students have been facilitated in the first instance. As all eligible pupils have been accommodated on the route, additional capacity is not warranted.
As you may be aware, there is further information available on the department's website, which details the eligibility criteria, scheme parameters, appeals process and contact information: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/school-transport/
Hopefully, this provides additional clarity on the matter raised.
400. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth If she is aware that the new initiative allowing newly qualified teachers to secure contracts of indefinite duration may disadvantage experienced teachers who have worked continuously for several years but have not yet secured permanent or fixed-term positions; and whether consideration will be given to extending similar opportunities to teachers with several years’ service who are currently reliant on substitute work. [68542/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartment Circulars 20/2026 and 21/2026 set out the revised criteria for the award of a CID in Primary Schools and in Post Primary Schools. The circulars amended the criteria for eligibility for a CID from a period of two years of continuous service to a period of one year of continuous service, subject to satisfying the required criteria and where the school will have a viable post available in the following school year. The revised criteria apply to both newly qualified teachers and teachers who have held their qualifications for a number of years, where they satisfy the criteria set out in the circulars.
401. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education and Youth if her Department would consider a dedicated activity and inclusion grant for special classes participating in the Summer Programme, based on the additional costs associated with providing suitable activities, outings and community-based experiences. [68539/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Summer Programme is an educational programme for children with complex special educational needs which is run during the summer months. All primary, post primary and special schools are given an opportunity to run a programme for those children who need it the most. These children can continue to be supported, nurtured and encouraged to engage in a fun and inclusive educational setting.
In response to the Deputy’s question regarding the consideration of a dedicated activity and inclusion grant for special classes participating in the Summer Programme, the programme already provides enhanced capitation funding. For participating mainstream schools, this amounts to €30 per child per week and for participating special schools, this amounts to €60 per child per week. This rate is cognisant of all costs associated with running a summer programme and is very favourably compared to the normal capitation during the school year. The allocation and use of this capitation is at the discretion of the school and would be in addition to the other supports already provided, such as the transport grant and the provision of school meals during the programme.
In previous years, substantial funding has been secured to ensure the continuance of the annual investment in the Summer Programme, rising from €40 million in 2021 to €62 million in 2025. All of the funding is utilised to meet the associated costs and to ensure a comprehensive programme is available.
Since 2019, the Summer Programme has gone from strength to strength. In 2025, almost 2,000 individual school-based programmes were delivered with almost 71,000 children having participated in both the school and home-based programmes. This is compared with the 300 schools and 13,000 children who took part in 2019.
The main priority of the Summer Programme has always been to ensure that children with complex special educational needs have access to a school-based programme.
My department’s ultimate goal remains to ensure that every child with special educational needs continues to be supported both in school and on the Summer Programme and we will continue to look at all possible measures to achieve this.
402. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she will provide an update to this Deputy in relation to application for an extension for a school building in County Cork (details supplied); whether her Department are using documents from a submission in April 2026 or otherwise; if she will provide a timeline on when the school management can expect a completion of the latest stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68558/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe school to which the Deputy refers was approved under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) Scheme for the provision of one Mainstream Classroom, one Special Education Teaching (SET) room and one Special Educational Needs (SEN) room. The project has been devolved to the school authority for delivery.
The school initially submitted a Stage 1/2a Report that extended beyond the scope of works approved by the Department. As a result, the school was requested to submit a revised report aligned with the approved project scope.
The revised Stage 1/2a Report has since been received and reviewed in accordance with the Department's Infrastructure Guidelines, taking into account the priorities and funding framework set out under the National Development Plan. Following this review, a further request for information and clarification issued to the school.
The school has responded to this request and the matters raised are currently being considered by the Department as part of the ongoing review process.
Progression of the project to the next stage will be considered as part of the Department's ongoing review and prioritisation of projects under the National Development Plan.
404. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige an líon páistí atá ag foghlaim ón mbaile i mbliana; an líon iarratas a rinneadh gach bliain le cúig bliana anuas; an líon iarratas atá comhlíonta, a shonrú i bhfoirm tábla [68490/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLeis an Scéim Deontais Teagasc Baile, cuirtear maoiniú ar fáil chun seirbhís chúiteach oideachais a sholáthar do leanaí nach bhfuil ábalta, ar roinnt cúiseanna sonracha, freastal ar scoil. De réir a chineáil, tá sé i gceist go mbeidh an teagasc baile ina idirghabháil ghearrthéarmach.
Is é is aidhm don Scéim Deontais Teagasc Baile (Comhpháirt Oideachais Speisialta) maoiniú a chur ar fáil chun seirbhís chúiteach oideachais a sholáthar do na grúpaí seo a leanas:
(a) Leanaí Réamhscoile a bhfuil uathachas orthu a chomhlíonann critéir incháilitheachta na scéime
(b) Leanaí a bhfuil socrúchán Scoile Speisialta nó Ranga Speisialta á lorg acu
(c) Daltaí atá cláraithe i scoileanna a bhfuil riocht sláinte suntasach orthu, a chuir isteach go mór ar a bhfreastal ar scoil, agus ar dócha go leanfaidh sé de bheith ina chúis leis sin
(d) Daltaí atá cláraithe i scoileanna a bhfuil fóibe scoile agus/nó dúlagar/imní gaolmhar orthu, a chuir isteach go mór ar a bhfreastal ar scoil, agus ar dócha go leanfaidh sí de bheith ina cúis leis sin.
Sa scoilbhliain reatha, tá beagnach 1,000 iarratas ar theagasc baile faighte, agus tá 622 acu sin ceadaithe. Is iad na hiarratais eile na hiarratais sin nár comhlíonadh na critéir incháilitheachta iontu, a fuarthas le déanaí, atá ag céimeanna éagsúla den phróiseáil nó a dteastaíonn tuilleadh faisnéise ina leith sular féidir iad a thabhairt chun críche.
Leagtar amach sa tábla seo a leanas leibhéal na n-iarratas a rinneadh gach bliain le cúig bliana anuas agus líon na n-iarratas a ceadaíodh:
|
Scoilbhliain |
Líon na n-iarratas a fuarthas |
Líon na n-iarratas a ceadaíodh |
|
2021/2022 |
1,821 |
1,463 |
|
2022/2023 |
1,796 |
1,473 |
|
2023/2024 |
1,877 |
1,461 |
|
2024/2025 |
2,001 |
1,592 |
|
2025/2026 |
2,262 |
1,781 |
