Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I mentioned earlier, an extra €300 million in additional funding was given to the Department of Education in 2022. It was necessary to alleviate not just the normal pressures schools face but also accelerated delivery for children with special educational needs, which, as the Minister of State responsible for special education, I recognise as extremely important, the continued inflow of Ukrainian pupils and those seeking international protection, as well as the construction costs and inflation. More funding was required because there was an overrun at the Department for this year also. That is the real reason for it. In fairness, the Department has a strong track record. A total €4.4 billion was allocated in the National Development Plan 2021-2025. There are 1 million pupils and 100,000 staff. I am satisfied, based on conversations with the Minister and the Taoiseach, that this will be resolved in early course. These projects are on pause but will be resolved and will progress in due course.

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