Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:274. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Youth when a new modular building will be delivered to a school (details supplied); and if this will be expedited. [70524/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSchool Accommodation
Ceisteanna (274)
Freagraí scríofa
The school to which the Deputy refers was granted approval for the provision of 1 x Mainstream classroom & 2 x Special Education Tuition rooms.
This project is being delivered under the Department ’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme. This approach supports accelerated delivery of the accommodation and maximizes assistance to the school for this brief, the project will be delivered from the Department ’s Procurement Frameworks.
KSN Project Management (KSNPM) has been appointed, from the Department ’s Framework, to design and tender the project. The School Authority has overall responsibility for delivery of the project.
The work to provide the modular accommodation is ongoing and the current timeline for installation of the accommodation is Q1 2027. However, KSN will endeavor to reduce the timeline where possible.
KSNPM will continue to work closely with the School authority in order to progress this project in a timely manner.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (275)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:275. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children that applied for the school transport scheme once the portal re-opened in July 2026. [70522/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. Applications received after the deadline date are late applications and are not guaranteed a seat on school transport services as many are operating at capacity. TAMs relate to Temporary Alleviation Measures and are not eligible for school transport as they are attending their second nearest school.
The information requested by the Deputy has been provided by Bus Eireann and is set out in the attachment.
Number of applications received from families since the portal re-opened in July 2026
|
Family |
Eligible |
Concessionary |
TAM |
Total |
|
Post Primary |
2479 |
1819 |
606 |
4904 |
|
Primary |
1318 |
2875 |
0 |
4193 |
|
Total |
3797 |
4694 |
606 |
9097 |
School Transport
Ceisteanna (276)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:276. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the average cost of contracts issued as part of the school transport scheme to provide a 8, 16, 32, 45, 53, 60 and a 70 seater bus. [70521/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
It is a demand led scheme based on the number of eligible children who apply. The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and private contractors.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contact management arrangements to include services provided by contractors. This includes the procurement tendering process to include services provided by contractors under the scheme. This is a competitive process conducted in accordance with the negotiated procedure under national and EU procurement legislation. Contracts are awarded in line with procurement guidelines.
Bus Éireann has advised that they unable to provide the information requested by the Deputy, as the disclosure of contract pricing by vehicle capacity could disclose commercially sensitive information relating to operators and the competitive procurement process under the Utilities Directive.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (277)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:277. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of bus routes that are operated directly by Bus Éireann buses and Bus Éireann drivers, by county, in tabular form. [70520/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Bus Éireann is responsible for the planning, timetabling of school transport routes and issuing of tickets on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
Bus Éireann has advised that they are preparing the data requested by the Deputy and that they will revert directly to the Deputy when this has been completed.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (278)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:278. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of contracts issued to private bus companies by Bus Éireann as part of the school transport scheme annually. [70519/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The School Transport Scheme is a demand led scheme based on the number of children who apply. Bus Éireann review all applications and payments after the closing date and assess the vehicle and contractor requirement based on the location of eligible applicants. The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and private contractor vehicles.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme.
Bus Éireann has advised that they are preparing the data requested by the Deputy and that they will revert directly to the Deputy when this has been completed.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (279)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:279. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the mechanisms in place with Bus Éireann to ensure children who have obtained a ticket for a bus are availing of the school transport scheme service on a frequent basis. [70518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth 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 in 2025.
The Department and Bus Éireann continue to explore and implement improved technology and work is advancing on a number of projects including e-Ticketing and digital mapping, by Bus Éireann. These technology improvements should improve efficiencies in the scheme subject to significant financial investment.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (280)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:280. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children approved for the school transport scheme that were eligible and the number that were concessionary, by county, in each of the years 2020 to 2025, in tabular form. [70517/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of the scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school. It is made up of the Mainstream scheme at Primary and Post Primary level, as well as the scheme for pupils with Special Educational Needs.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the attachement.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (281)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:281. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children that paid for tickets online and on time as part of the school transport scheme; and the number that were outside of the timeframe. [70516/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The closing date for applications and payments for the 2026/27 school year was 08 May 2026. Applications can still be made on the portal but are considered late. Where the application process is completed late, Bus Éireann may accommodate the pupil on a service if capacity is available on a service.
Bus Éireann have advised that payments and inputting of medical card information was received for close to 150,000 pupils up to and including 08/05/2026. To date, over 9,000 late payments were received for pupils. It is important to note that not all payments will result in tickets being issued, if there are no services available or no capacity on existing services available, families will receive a full refund.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (282)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:282. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the cost of the school transport scheme for children with special educational needs from 2020 to 2025. [70515/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme is demand led based on the number of children who apply and 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.
In relation to the cost of the school transport scheme for children with special educational needs, the attached table outlines this cost from 2020 to 2025. It is important to note that this figure includes contractor cost, school bus escort costs and special transport grants paid within that year.
Cost of School Transport Scheme relating to SEN services
|
Year |
SEN cost |
|
2020 |
€117,848,363 |
|
2021 |
€150,897,624 |
|
2022 |
€188,384,796 |
|
2023 |
€217,570,546 |
|
2024 |
€263,983,592 |
|
2025 |
€310,164,249 |
School Transport
Ceisteanna (283)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:283. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children with special educational needs benefitting from the school transport scheme, by county; and the type of transport used in these cases. [70514/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The purpose of the Department's School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote from their nearest school.
The National Council for Special Education acts in an advisory role to the Department on the suitability of placements for children with special educational needs. Under the terms of the School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs, the Department will consider the report of the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO). School transport is provided to children with special educational needs who are attending the nearest school to their place of residence that is or can be resourced to meet their educational needs, as identified by the SENO.
The information pertaining to the number of children with Special Education Needs furnished with tickets to avail of School Transport Scheme is set out in the attachment. It is not possible to provide the level of detail in relation to the type of vehicle used on each route. Children can travel in all types of vehicles depending on their individual requirements.
Number of Children with Special Education Needs furnished with tickets to avail of School Transport Scheme
|
County |
Number of Children |
|
Carlow |
505 |
|
Cavan |
484 |
|
Clare |
503 |
|
Cork |
2,731 |
|
Donegal |
943 |
|
Dublin |
5,631 |
|
Galway |
1,023 |
|
Kerry |
694 |
|
Kildare |
995 |
|
Kilkenny |
582 |
|
Laois |
599 |
|
Leitrim |
108 |
|
Limerick |
1,085 |
|
Longford |
259 |
|
Louth |
1,191 |
|
Mayo |
494 |
|
Meath |
1,222 |
|
Monaghan |
289 |
|
Offaly |
692 |
|
Roscommon |
332 |
|
Sligo |
316 |
|
Tipperary |
1,019 |
|
Waterford |
571 |
|
Westmeath |
603 |
|
Wexford |
886 |
|
Wicklow |
422 |
|
Total |
24,179 |
*SEN figures provided from Bus Eireann P4 (May 2026)
Schools Administration
Ceisteanna (284)
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:284. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Youth the latest date during the calendar year by which schools are sent details of in-service dates for the following school year; whether there is any requirement for schools to inform parents of such dates well in advance so as to plan ahead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70496/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My department provides a range of high-quality models of teacher professional learning to teachers and school leaders through Oide, the national network of Education Support Centres and appropriate groups, bodies and institutions who design, develop and deliver programmes.
The volume and nature of professional learning provision in any academic year is dependent upon needs identified in relation to curricular reform, implementation of priority educational policies/strategies, and the target cohorts of teachers involved.
School closure is approved where it is considered necessary and where it is intended that all relevant teachers will attend, such as professional learning for the national implementation of new or revised curricula or specifications, for example the redeveloped primary curriculum and senior cycle redevelopment. This professional learning is provided during school time.
The sanction of whole school closure days is carefully considered by my Department to ensure that the benefits to pupils and students from teachers receiving the professional learning outweighs any disruption to their time in school.
There may also be benefits to the quality of education provided in a school when teachers and school leaders can engage in professional learning as a whole school team and subsequently translate their learnings into their everyday practice in that school.
Primary schools were notified of their closure dates for Child Protection training and Language Awareness training taking place in the 2026/2027 school year, in June 2026. Details of closure dates for Curricular Enactment Training were provided by Oide to schools in Sept 2026, with the rollout of that training starting in October 2026 and continuing to year end.
All post-primary school closure dates in respect of 2026/2027 were issued to all post-primary schools by Oide in April 2026.
Under the Education Act 1998 the Board of Management is the body charged with the direct governance of a school on behalf of the patron and the principal is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school. Section 9 of the Governance Manual for Primary Schools sets out how a board should communicate with the school community. The board, therefore, determines the information to be conveyed and the manner and terms in which it should be conveyed and by whom.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (285)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:285. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of children benefitting from the school transport scheme, by county. [70513/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth 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%.
Bus Éireann has provided information on the number of mainstream pupils furnished with tickets to avail of the school transport scheme, which is set out in the attachment.
Number of Mainstream Children furnished with tickets to avail of STS
|
SCHOOL_COUNTY |
PP Total |
PR Total |
Total |
|
Carlow |
2017 |
1008 |
3025 |
|
Cavan |
2731 |
1623 |
4354 |
|
Clare |
3412 |
1044 |
4456 |
|
Cork |
13724 |
6194 |
19918 |
|
Donegal |
7422 |
4070 |
11492 |
|
Dublin |
1646 |
1675 |
3321 |
|
Galway |
9901 |
3176 |
13077 |
|
Kerry |
5086 |
2255 |
7341 |
|
Kildare |
4401 |
2145 |
6546 |
|
Kilkenny |
2711 |
1887 |
4598 |
|
Laois |
1756 |
931 |
2687 |
|
Leitrim |
1455 |
997 |
2452 |
|
Limerick |
4996 |
1189 |
6185 |
|
Longford |
1977 |
634 |
2611 |
|
Louth |
4612 |
857 |
5469 |
|
Mayo |
4410 |
1989 |
6399 |
|
Meath |
4304 |
2125 |
6429 |
|
Monaghan |
3051 |
1276 |
4327 |
|
Offaly |
2416 |
897 |
3313 |
|
Roscommon |
1435 |
1159 |
2594 |
|
Sligo |
2088 |
1071 |
3159 |
|
Tipperary |
5033 |
1666 |
6699 |
|
Waterford |
2471 |
1035 |
3506 |
|
Westmeath |
2838 |
1063 |
3901 |
|
Wexford |
5967 |
2108 |
8075 |
|
Wicklow |
2822 |
1029 |
3851 |
|
Total |
104684 |
45110 |
149794 |
*Latest Mainstream ticket released numbers as at 29.09.26
School Transport
Ceisteanna (286)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:286. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Youth the rationale that contractors for school buses must physically visit schools to collect signatures that schools are operational; the reason the process cannot be done digitally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70488/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth.
The scheme is operated using a mix of Bus Éireann owned vehicles and private contractor vehicles.
As part of the operation of the scheme, Bus Éireann manages the procurement tender process and contract management arrangements to include services provided by contractors under the School Transport Scheme.
Bus Éireann has advised that they are preparing a response to the query raised by the Deputy and they will revert directly to the Deputy in this regard.
School Transport
Ceisteanna (287)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:287. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Youth the budget for the school transport scheme from 2020 to 2026. [70512/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth that has expanded significantly over the past six years. In that time, the numbers of children and young people using the service has grown from under 120,000 pupils in 2018 to over 181,000 pupils including over 24,000 pupils with Special Educational Needs in 2026 which equates to an increase of over 50%.
The attached table outlines the total expenditure of the school transport scheme for the period 2020-2025. The projected cost of the scheme for the year 2026 is expected to be in excess of €600m. 2024 includes a pre-payment of €58m for Cost-of-Living measures that were implemented in 2025.
Total Cost of School Transport Scheme 2020-2025
|
Year |
Total Expenditure (€) |
|
2020 |
224,780,076 |
|
2021 |
289,511,732 |
|
2022 |
338,903,932 |
|
2023 |
382,208,034 |
|
2024 |
512,153,443 |
|
2025 |
478,720,322 |
School Curriculum
Ceisteanna (288, 291)
Albert Dolan
Ceist:288. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth for her response to over 500 signatories (details supplied), including eminent mathematicians, teachers, technologists, and others, calling for the proposed mathematics Leaving Certificate specification to be scrapped and a new advisory group set up. [70588/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlbert Dolan
Ceist:291. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the concerns that have prompted a delay to introducing the reformed maths Leaving Certificate; and whether any changes will be made to the NCCA's process to address these concerns. [70582/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 291 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Leaving Certificate Mathematics curriculum is being updated through the Senior Cycle Redevelopment programme, under which specifications for all Leaving Certificate Established curricular subjects are currently scheduled to be redeveloped by 2029.
As committed to in the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Implementation Support Measures published in May 2025 following extensive negotiations with the teacher unions, the implementation of individual subjects may vary from the current published schedule where it is considered appropriate and necessary for development or implementation reasons. This will be done respecting existing structures and processes for specification or module development.
The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is a statutory body established under Part VII of the Education Act 1998. The role of the NCCA set out in statute sees the Council advising me as the Minister for Education and Youth on matters relating to the curriculum and the assessment procedures employed in schools and examinations on subjects which are part of the curriculum. This advice is informed by research, engagement with students, practitioners, teachers, parents and school leaders, holding public consultation, and collaboration with members of its Council, Board for Senior Cycle and Subject Development Groups (SDGs).
The NCCA’s structures and agreed curriculum development processes inform education debate within the organisation, within the agencies represented in its structures, and in the education community in general.
The redevelopment of Leaving Certificate Mathematics began two years ago in September 2024 and is following the established NCCA curriculum development process, which includes the opportunity for public consultation and submissions at key stages throughout the process.
SDGs provide a strong, representative, and responsive basis for curriculum development work and are comprised of nominees from relevant stakeholder organisations and co-opted members with specific expertise relevant to the subject development work. Co-option enables the NCCA to bring additional expertise to a group, where required. Curriculum specifications are developed by each SDG through an iterative process of discussion, deliberation and consensus-building. Members contribute their expertise, perspectives and suggestions throughout the development process and these contributions are considered collectively alongside research evidence, consultation feedback and relevant policy considerations.
The Mathematics SDG had 16 members prior to the recent resignation and has an independent Chair drawn from the higher education sector with three further members coming from a similar background; as well members drawn from the teaching profession. The management of the membership nomination and co-option processes are matters for the NCCA.
It is important to note that the NCCA has already met with Professor Mellon and intends to meet with Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin shortly. The NCCA has advised me that the Mathematics SDG has already met on 20 occasions, and it publishes short descriptions of the meetings on their website. A number of the concerns raised publicly were also raised and discussed during the Development Group's deliberations. It is, however, important to distinguish between a mathematical error and a professional difference of opinion regarding curriculum structure, sequencing, terminology or pedagogical approach.
I have also recently met with the NCCA in regard to the development process concerning Mathematics and will continue to engage with them as the consultation underway progresses and development work on the draft specifications continues.
At present, the draft specifications for Leaving Certificate Mathematics Higher, Ordinary Level and Foundation Level are available for public consultation until 18 November 2026. It is important to state that these draft specifications are not final specifications. As with all Leaving Certificate subjects being redeveloped by the NCCA, the drafts have been published so that their rationale, aims, structure, content and assessment arrangements can be considered by many more teachers, school leaders and students; by parents, those working in further and higher education, employers, in this case mathematicians and wider stakeholders. The consultation provides an opportunity for subject experts and the wider mathematics education community to identify and scrutinise these issues.
In the consultation, the NCCA is inviting wide public engagement with the draft specifications which will help to identify areas requiring further work or refinement. This is a normal step in the development process. The consultation feedback will play an important role in finalising the draft specifications. This will help to ensure that we have mathematically accurate, coherent, rigorous, inclusive and manageable mathematics specifications that prepare students appropriately for life, work, and further and higher education. Full details on making a submission or applying to attend the consultation event can be found on the NCCA website.
Following the consultation period, the SDG will reconvene to consider the feedback received. A finalised draft of the specification is then prepared and submitted for discussion by the NCCA’s Board for Senior Cycle. The Board has responsibility to ensure that curriculum and assessment development progresses in accordance with the terms of the agreed briefs and to discuss significant issues as they arise. The membership of the Board, Development Groups and the NCCA Council itself is drawn from a range of educational organisations who bring relevant expertise and experience to the process and curriculum under consideration.
The agreed final draft specification is subsequently submitted for approval by the NCCA Council and then submitted to me as Minister for final consideration and approval. It is only at this point that a specification becomes the formal curriculum.
I would encourage all stakeholders, including those who contributed to the online petition referenced by the Deputy; to actively engage with the public consultation options available to ensure that their views and insights can inform the redevelopment process.
School Accommodation
Ceisteanna (289)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:289. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she has viewed a television documentary (details supplied); and the status of the additional school accommodation application submitted by a school. [70592/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm to the Deputy, that my department is aware of the accommodation requirements of the school he refers to. The school submitted an application to my department seeking capital funding for modular accommodation to facilitate the provision of two additional special classes.
In 2023, my department completed delivery of a new school building with 16 mainstream classrooms and a 2 special education needs classroom base which includes purpose-built facilities of two large special education classrooms, an 80 sqm central activity room, a sensory room, and two quiet rooms. The school also has a large range of ancillary accommodation including 3 special education tuition rooms, a Library and combined resource area, storage area, a multi-purpose room, a 390 sqm general-purpose room (which is double-sized as a future-proofing measure) plus two 20 sqm PE Stores, a Kitchen and 2 servery areas. Library accommodation is designed to support the delivery of Special Education Teaching. SET support can be one-to-one or in small groups, and either on a withdrawal or in-class basis.
While decisions on how rooms are used are a matter for the school, the department considers that a modern, purpose-built school building with these facilities should be sufficient to meet the current needs of the school. The department does not support the use of inappropriate accommodation spaces for teaching and supporting pupils. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is the statutory body responsible for the provision of special education and allocating supports for students with special educational needs. To date, no additional special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE for the school in question.
The department has commenced advance planning with the NCSE on the requirements for specialist placements for the 2027/2028 school year with a particular focus on medium to large-primary schools, including the school referred to. If the NCSE deems the establishment of an additional special class necessary in the school, the appropriate solution to facilitate additional provision will be considered further by my department.
Where there is a requirement for special class accommodation in an area, the Department’s approach is to firstly maximise opportunities to repurpose existing classroom accommodation for the establishment of new special classes in schools which have spare capacity. Inclusive classes, which were introduced in 2026, provide a further opportunity to make optimal use of special class accommodation while providing the appropriate teacher and SNA resources. This supports existing good practices in integration across special class and mainstream provision and can be especially relevant where children eligible for special class places are already supported in a mainstream class in a school.
I can assure the Deputy that my department will continue to engage with the school and its patron regarding its accommodation in conjunction with the ongoing consideration by the NCSE of special class requirements in the area for 2027.
Schools Building Projects
Ceisteanna (290)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:290. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the standalone extension project at a school (details supplied). [70506/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The school referred to by the Deputy was approved to enter my department's pipeline of projects under the Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme. The project will provide four mainstream classrooms, eight Special Education Tuition (SET) rooms and a four classroom Special Education Needs (SEN) base. The project is devolved for delivery to the school authority.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that this project received approval to Stage 2b planning from my department on 30 September 2026. This is now with the school authority to progress.
Question No. 291 answered with Question No. 288.
Trade Unions
Ceisteanna (292, 294)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Ceist:292. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige [70644/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraShónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Ceist:294. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh den Aire Oideachais agus Óige her Department's engagements with the teachers' trade unions to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute. [70629/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 292 and 294 together.
The Department notes that members of Fórsa, SIPTU and the AHCPS commenced industrial action on 30 September 2026, and that members of INTO and ASTI commenced industrial action from Monday, 5 October 2026. The department also notes that TUI will commence industrial action from Monday 12 October 2026.
The Department regrets this outcome, given officials in the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER), who centrally negotiate the pay agreement, remain available to engage intensively towards an agreement following the early withdrawal of the ICTU Public Services Committee from preliminary talks on a pay agreement earlier this summer.
It is important that both sides get around the table to work through the issues in dispute. Meaningful progress can only be achieved where both parties are open to constructive and sustained engagement, without preconditions on either side.
The Department is liaising with the relevant school management bodies to ensure schools are kept informed of developments, as well as planning for the operation of its own key services and those of its aegis bodies with the advice of DPER.