Tuesday, 30 Apr 2024

Written Answers Nos. 354-371

Special Educational Needs

Ceisteanna (354)

Joe Flaherty

Ceist:

354. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Education if she will examine changing the requirements to provide substitute teaching cover in special schools. [19376/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school authority, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012). 

The recruitment and appointment procedures to fill a substitute position is set out in Circular 0044/2019 and Information Note TC/IN 0005/2023.

As per 4.2 of Chapter 2 of Circular 0044/2019: 

“4.2 SUBSTITUTE APPOINTMENT (SHORT TERM EMPLOYMENT)

Where a substitute is required the employer must first seek to employ an appropriately qualified teacher who is not retired. This may be done by: 

1. contacting a person on the substitute list established by the employer, or

2. by using a national substitute service, or 

3. advertising 

Furthermore, section 2.2 of Information Note TC/IN 0005/2023 advises:

"2.2 The existing text at Chapter 2.4(3) is removed and replaced with the following text:

4.3 “A substitute list shall be maintained by each employer of appropriately qualified teachers who have notified the employer that they are available for substitute teaching work. A separate substitute list of registered retired teachers should be maintained to cover instances where an appropriately qualified non retired teacher is not available for substitute work.

Two or more employers may establish and maintain a common substitute list, a copy of which should be kept by each employer. The school/ETB also has the option to make use of national services such as Sub Seeker but, where those services fail to produce a registered teacher who is not retired, the school/ETB must revert to the list. The school/ETB has, of course, the option of using the list in the first instance.

Where a school/ETB receives notification from an appropriately qualified teacher who is, or will within one month of notification become available for substitution work, the school/ETB must, within 7 school days, update the list and issue an acknowledgement to the teacher concerned.”

There are no plans to review the current procedures for filling substitute positions.

School Textbooks

Ceisteanna (355)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

355. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Education if there are plans to include private schools under the free books scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19389/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

As Minister for Education, I believe it is crucially important that children and young people are actively supported to access education in its fullest forms. This Government recognises that the cost of preparing children for school each September can be a cause of financial difficulty and worry for many Irish families.

As you are aware, on the 5th of March, I announced details of a new ground-breaking scheme which provides free schoolbooks to Junior Cycle students in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. Special schools who have students enrolled in Junior Cycle programmes will also receive this funding.

More than 213,000 students enrolled in approximately 670 post-primary schools and over 65 special schools, will benefit from the new scheme. 

The investment of €68 million in 2024 significantly increases the funding that is currently provided for schoolbooks and introduces a schoolbooks scheme to Junior Cycle years in all post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. It reinforces the Government’s commitment to expand the free schoolbooks scheme to schools nationwide, as resources allow.  

The funding provided under Budget 2024 is specifically to provide free schoolbooks to students in Junior Cycle years in post-primary schools in the Free Education Scheme. Private fee-charging post-primary schools are not in the Free Education Scheme. 

Schools in the Free Education Scheme are paid a range of grants, payable on the basis of a school’s enrolment and may also apply for funding towards the cost of capital works. What differentiates fee charging schools from all other post-primary schools is their capacity to raise funds through mandatory fees, while in receipt of exchequer funding. The fees charged are mandatory in that initial admission to the fee charging school or ongoing participation is contingent on the payment of fees.

Fee-charging post-primary schools are not grant funded in relation to book schemes which are, therefore, a matter for the school’s board of management.

School Facilities

Ceisteanna (356)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

356. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education the action he plans to take to ensure that there is equity in standards of laboratory facilities and laboratory resources as well as access to laboratory technicians in those schools where no laboratory technicians are available and in which sub-standard laboratories and lack of laboratory resources exist (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19404/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

As the Deputy will be aware, in 2022 I set out an ambitious programme for the redevelopment of Senior Cycle, guided by the vision of a Senior Cycle that delivers “equity and excellence for all.” Under this redevelopment, specifications for all Leaving Certificate subjects will be revised, and will incorporate an Additional Assessment Component (AAC) worth a minimum of 40% of the available marks. 

Through the introduction of AACs, I am broadening the range of skills being assessed, recognising different types of learning, and reducing the emphasis on terminal written examinations. For the three new science curricula, these AACs – called “science in practice” investigations - involve students completing a piece of work as evidence of their ability to conduct scientific research on a particular issue and to use appropriate primary data to investigate aspects of that issue. It is not intended that these investigations are solely restricted to laboratory-based work.  

I acknowledge that hands-on experience and access to appropriate facilities and time in laboratories is an important part of the science curriculum. My Department and I will continue to examine how schools can be supported in the introduction of the new science curricula. This will include considering any resource and facilities’ needs ahead of the introduction of revised specifications for those entering fifth year in 2025.  

More generally, my Department provides Science Laboratories with the construction of all new post-primary schools and such facilities may also be provided where a major building or refurbishment project is being delivered for an existing school.  My Department provides funding toward the provision of furniture and equipment for the Science Labs. 

In addition, the number of Science Laboratories provided in a project varies with the size of school.  For example, a new 1,000 pupil post primary school is provided with 6 Science Laboratories plus 3 preparation areas, whilst a new 500 pupil post primary school is provided with 4 Science Laboratories plus 2 preparation areas. 

It is open to a school authority to make an application for additional accommodation through the 'Additional School Accommodation (ASA ) scheme' for Science Laboratory provision.  

The NCCA is currently reviewing the feedback that was received during the public consultation period for the three revised science subjects as part of Senior Cycle Redevelopment. This feedback will inform the work of the Development Groups in finalising the specifications, including the AACs. 

Furthermore, support is available for Teacher Professional Learning through a concurrent, comprehensive programme for teachers provided by Oide. the integrated support service for teachers and school leaders. The State Examinations Commission will also provide a range of sample assessment materials supporting the rollout of new and revised curricula, including that of the three science subjects, and the associated teacher professional learning. 

School Staff

Ceisteanna (357)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

357. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education when a psychologist will be appointed by the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS, to a school (details supplied); and if she can provide an update to the school. [19411/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

NEPS is a school-based service, which provides educational psychological support to all primary and post-primary schools.

While the school referred to by the Deputy currently does not have an assigned psychologist, due to a vacancy, a psychologist from the local NEPS team undertakes the role of advisory psychologist to respond to queries that the school may have. The schools continue to have access to support and development work delivered by the local team, critical incident response, advisory support and pupil casework via the Scheme for the Commissioning of Psychological Assessments (SCPA).

In relation to the recruitment of educational psychologists the Department has been examining the matter of how NEPS can increase the numbers of suitably qualified staff to strengthen the response to the educational psychological needs of children in recognised primary and post-primary schools across the country. Since January 2023 NEPS is supporting bursaries for students who are enrolled in the University College Dublin (UCD) Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology and the Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick’s Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology for Trainee Educational Psychologists. Those in receipt of a bursary commit to joining NEPS upon graduation. As of April 2024 there are 60 Trainee Educational Psychologists in receipt of a bursary from NEPS who are expected will fill a vacancy in NEPS upon graduation, over the next three years.

The Public Appointments Service commenced a recruitment campaign for Educational Psychologists at the end of 2023.  Interviews have taken place and panels now established.  The Department is actively engaging with PAS to maximise the numbers of psychologists being recruited.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (358)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

358. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education to provide an update on school extension plans that were submitted to her Department for a school in County Kilkenny (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19416/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question has been granted funding through my Department's Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme to establish 3 General classrooms,1 Textiles room, 2 DCG rooms, 1 Science lab/Prep area, 1 Art room with project store and 1 Home Economics room.

The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority. A Stage 2A report has been submitted and is currently being reviewed from both a technical and cost perspective in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code.  All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the public Infrastructure Guidelines. 

Once this report has been reviewed My Department officials will communicate with the school authority regarding the next steps to advance this significant project.

School Costs

Ceisteanna (359, 360)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

359. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if consideration will be given to supporting schools with rising insurance costs as a result of the construction of modular buildings as in the case of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19432/24]

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

360. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education if funding streams are available to a school struggling with increased insurance costs (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19433/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.

My 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 two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs such as heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, general up-keep etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff. Schools have the flexibility to use capitation funding provided for general running costs and ancillary funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities.

The current standard rate of Capitation grant is €183 per pupil at Primary level and this year's grant is being paid, as usual, in 2 instalments, - the first in January and the second in June, for the 2023/24 academic year. Enhanced rates of capitation are also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Traveller pupils.

Primary schools with less than 60 pupils are paid the Capitation and the Ancillary grants on the basis of having 60 pupils. 

In addition to these grants, €20 million in funding was issued in October 2023, to support all recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme. This funding is the first tranche of an overall additional €60 million funding announced as part of Budget 2024 measures designed to assist schools with increased day-to-day running costs such as heating and electricity. A further €40 million in funding was delivered in early 2024.

As part of the capitation package in Budget 2024 I am pleased to have secured €21 million as a permanent increase in capitation funding to assist schools now and longer term with increased day-to-day running costs. This will support a permanent restoration of funding for all primary and post-primary schools from September 2024. This will bring the basic rate of capitation grant to the pre-2011 level of €200 per student in primary schools. Enhanced rates of capitation will also be paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Traveller pupils. This represents an increase of circa 9.2% of current standard and enhanced capitation rates

The school may wish to make contact with the National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education (NABMSE) in relation to insurance. NABMSE facilitate a group insurance scheme on behalf of special schools. NABMSE can be contacted at [e-mail]. The school can also contact the Special Education section within my Department at [e-mail] for further information, if required.

Question No. 360 answered with Question No. 359.

School Textbooks

Ceisteanna (361)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

361. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Education the reason schools under the education and training boards, ETB, will be required to purchase junior cycle text books directly from the central national framework leaving small/medium sized book shops in the local areas unable to quote and win business having previously supplied families in the past; if she will consider allowing these small/medium businesses to quote for these schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19435/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for the supply of learner books & exam papers for the Education & Training Boards (ETBs) was established in November 2021 by the Education Procurement Service on instruction of the Education & Training Boards. This was following a competition process where all national and local bookshops were encouraged to participate and every effort was made to ensure full SME participation on a local level.

All suppliers who submitted a tender response were admitted to the Framework.

The Framework Agreement is divided into sixteen (16) lots mirroring the ETB geographical structure. A mixture of both national and SME book providers are admitted across all the 16 lots.

Schools and centres under each local ETB have been utilising this Framework since 2021 for their school book and exam paper requirements.

It is recognised that the procurement of goods and services using centrally available national arrangements is the most efficient and compliant process for contracting authorities, such as ETBs, to procure their requirements including books. This framework was established with consideration of both the interests of ETBs and local suppliers.  

This national framework will run for 4 years and will expire in Oct 2025, and a new tender competition will then be run in advance of this, where again all bookshops both local and national will have an opportunity to tender for the required goods.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (362)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

362. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education if a recently approved school building project (details supplied) can be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19437/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that this school was recently granted approval for the provision of two general classrooms and two SET rooms under my Department's Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.

This Programme involves the use of Project Management supports which is designed to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and help ease the administrative workload for school authorities in relation to the management and delivery of projects. The use of the Department’s Modular Accommodation Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of modular accommodation are minimised to the greatest extent possible. To date, this has worked very well in the education sector and has seen delivery of large scale, high quality modular accommodation to meet the needs of children, particularly those with special educational needs.

However, the overall construction sector environment is challenging and the Department and the Project Management company are doing everything possible to ensure that modular accommodation is delivered as quickly as possible.  My Department is fully aware of the urgency in respect of same and will be working with the School Authority, as Client, to keep it updated on overall project delivery and timelines.

School Funding

Ceisteanna (363)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

363. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if she will review the decision not to grant a school (details supplied) funding under the emergency works scheme. [19462/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The school to which the Deputy refers applied for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) to repair its boundary wall. The EWS is intended for smaller projects with the minimum works carried out to enable the school to remain open. As the scope of the works were outside the remit of the scheme, the application was refused. The school was advised to submit a revised scope of works with an accompanying Itemised Cost Breakdown to address only the immediate emergency. The EWS team will review the revised application when it is received and the school will be kept informed throughout the process.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (364)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Ceist:

364. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if she will meet with the board of management of a school (details supplied) to discuss their serious concerns at the failure of her Department to consider inclusion of the school in the forthcoming school capital building programme. [19463/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I can confirm to the Deputy, that the school in question has been approved for a building project under the Department’s Additional School Accommodation (ASA) scheme, which will provide for 2x Mainstream Classrooms and 2x Special Education Tuition rooms. This project has been devolved to the school authorities for delivery and is currently at stage 3 with our delivery team.

The purpose of the ASA scheme is to ensure that essential mainstream and special education classroom accommodation is available to cater for pupils enrolled each year and where the need cannot be met by the school’s existing accommodation.

In addition, further funding was approved under the ASA scheme in 2022 for modular accommodation to provide 1x Mainstream Modular Classroom and 1x Modular Special Education Tuition rooms. In early 2023, the brief for the school was reviewed and increased to provide 1 x Special Education Needs Classrooms in addition to 1x Mainstream Classroom and 2x Special Education Tuition rooms. This project is currently on site under construction.

I can also confirm that the Department is in receipt of a letter dated the 28th  February 2024, from the Board of Management of the school in question, in relation to the acquisition of a greenfield site by the school.

The Department is required to manage the overall school building programme so that we target and prioritise areas that are under greatest pressure for additional school places.  This reflects the Department’s fundamental objective of ensuring the availability of a school place for every child. 

The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will be engaging with Departments on NDP allocations for the period 2026 to 2028 over the coming months, with allocation decisions expected during the first half of 2024.  In this context I can assure the Deputy that the contents of the Board of Management's letter has been noted.

Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested in the region of €4.5 billion in our schools throughout the country, involving the completion of over 800 school building projects with construction currently underway at approximately 300 other projects, which includes 31 new school buildings.  The 300 projects currently at construction involve a total State investment of over €1.2bn.   This is a record level of investment in our schools and highlights the Government’s very strong track record of delivery in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.

In Co Donegal alone, since 2020 my Department has invested €123.5m in our schools and completed 35 school building projects. 

At the present time there are:

• 25 projects under construction

• 8 projects at Stage 3 - Tender

• 8 projects at Stage 2b - Detailed Design 

I also recently announced that close to 90 projects currently at the tender stage, including a further 28 new school buildings, will be authorised to proceed to construction over the course of 2024 and early 2025. In total, around €800 million will be invested in these projects under the department’s Large Scale Capital Programme and Additional Accommodation Scheme for essential classroom accommodation.

The Department’s approach is to maximise the usage of existing capacity in the school estate and, in tandem with this, to manage the progression of the existing pipeline of projects within available budgets and in line with the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines. This allows the Department to keep a strong focus on the provision of additional capacity to cater for demographics, new housing developments and the rollout of additional special classes for children with additional needs. The Department’s Modular Accommodation Programme is also used to provide additional capacity in the school estate to meet urgent requirements.

The main focus of the Department’s capital funding over the last decade and for the coming period is on provision of critical additional capacity to cater for increasing demographics and children with special education needs. The overall position with regard to potential modernisation and replacement of existing school infrastructure will be kept under review as capital funding allocations for future years are clarified. 

My officials have been in touch with the school authorities to clarify the Department's position in this regard.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (365)

Brian Leddin

Ceist:

365. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Education the status of a project (details supplied) under the School Building Programme; the reason for delay; the expected timeframe for the next stages of the capital project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19464/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) for the provision of a new 32-classroom primary school and a 2-class SEN base.

Following receipt of a detailed design and planning report from LCETB's design team, my Department recommended enhancements to the project, which related principally to the proposed decarbonisation strategy and project phasing requirements for the school.

The Stage 2b addendum report requested, including an updated cost plan was recently received into my Department and is currently being reviewed by Department officials. Once this review is completed, Department officials will be in contact with LCETB in regards to the next appropriate steps to progress this significant project, which is tendering for a contractor and onwards to construction in due course.

My Department will continue to work closely with LCETB and its Design Team in this regard.

I can assure you that my Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in Monaleen NS and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that the Monaleen NS project - as for all projects on the school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the public Infrastructure guidelines.  It is a challenging construction environment across all sectors (Education, Housing, Transport etc.) and my Department is also required to manage the timing, scope and cost of individual projects to remain within budgetary parameters for the overall programme – this involves constant review throughout the project life cycle.  

 Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested around €4.5 billion in schools throughout the country. Around 800 school building projects have been completed and 300 other projects are under construction. School building projects under construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion with most of these projects due for completion in 2024 and 2025. This is a record level of investment and highlights my Department’s very strong track record in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.  

The status of all projects in the pipeline, including those at tender stage, is set out by County at (www.gov.ie) and is updated on a regular basis.

Question No. 366 answered with Question No. 323.

Question No. 367 answered with Question No. 324.

Question No. 368 answered with Question No. 324.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (369)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

369. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education for an update on school building plans (details supplied). [19501/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school in question has been granted funding through my Department's Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) Scheme to establish a special educational needs base with one classroom.

The project has been devolved for delivery to the school authority. A Stage 3 (tender report) has been received by my Department which is currently being reviewed.  All projects, including this one, will undergo the necessary due diligence outlined in the Public Infrastructure Guidelines.  Managing timing, scope, and cost is crucial to staying within budgetary limits for the overall ASA program.

Upon completion of this review process, my Department officials will communicate with the school authority regarding the next steps to advance this significant project. As outlined in the article this authorisation may be given over the course of 2024 and early 2025.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (370)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

370. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education what progress has been made in the construction of a new school building for a school (details supplied) with new school building funding approved in 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19514/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) for the provision of a new 32-classroom primary school and a 2-class SEN base.

Following receipt of a detailed design and planning report from LCETB's design team, my Department recommended enhancements to the project, which related principally to the proposed decarbonisation strategy and project phasing requirements for the school.

The Stage 2b addendum report requested, including an updated cost plan was recently received into my Department and is currently being reviewed by Department officials. Once this review is completed, Department officials will be in contact with LCETB in regard to the next appropriate steps to progress this significant project, which is tendering for a contractor and onwards to construction in due course.

My Department will continue to work closely with LCETB and its Design Team in this regard.

I can assure you that my Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in Monaleen NS and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that the Monaleen NS project - as for all projects on the school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the public Infrastructure guidelines.  It is a challenging construction environment across all sectors (Education, Housing, Transport etc.) and my Department is also required to manage the timing, scope and cost of individual projects to remain within budgetary parameters for the overall programme – this involves constant review throughout the project life cycle.  

 Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested around €4.5 billion in schools throughout the country. Around 800 school building projects have been completed and 300 other projects are under construction. School building projects under construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion with most of these projects due for completion in 2024 and 2025. This is a record level of investment and highlights my Department’s very strong track record in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.  

The status of all projects in the pipeline, including those at tender stage, is set out by County at (www.gov.ie) and is updated on a regular basis.

Schools Building Projects

Ceisteanna (371)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

371. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Education when construction will begin on a new school building for a school (details supplied) with the current school and prefabricated buildings unfit for purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19515/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education

The project to which the Deputy refers has been devolved for delivery to Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) for the provision of a new 32-classroom primary school and a 2-class SEN base.

Following receipt of a detailed design and planning report from LCETB's design team, my Department recommended enhancements to the project, which related principally to the proposed decarbonisation strategy and project phasing requirements for the school.

The Stage 2b addendum report requested, including an updated cost plan was recently received into my Department and is currently being reviewed by Department officials. Once this review is completed, Department officials will be in contact with LCETB in regards to the next appropriate steps to progress this significant project, which is tendering for a contractor and onwards to construction in due course.

My Department will continue to work closely with LCETB and its Design Team in this regard.

I can assure you that my Department is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodation is available for the pupils in Monaleen NS and will in the wider context outlined, ensure that the Monaleen NS project - as for all projects on the school building programme - is subject to the due diligence required under the public Infrastructure guidelines.  It is a challenging construction environment across all sectors (Education, Housing, Transport etc.) and my Department is also required to manage the timing, scope and cost of individual projects to remain within budgetary parameters for the overall programme – this involves constant review throughout the project life cycle.  

Since 2020, the Department of Education has invested around €4.5 billion in schools throughout the country. Around 800 school building projects have been completed and 300 other projects are under construction. School building projects under construction involve an overall State investment of over €1.2 billion with most of these projects due for completion in 2024 and 2025. This is a record level of investment and highlights my Department’s very strong track record in providing additional capacity and modern facilities for our school communities.  

The status of all projects in the pipeline, including those at tender stage, is set out by County at (www.gov.ie) and is updated on a regular basis.