Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I certainly will take the Deputy's request to the Minister. At present, the Department supports a number of national extracurricular programmes through core funding, including €400,000 for the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, €200,000 for SciFest, €250,000 for ESB Science Blast and €43,000 for the Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme. That gives a total of €893,000. These programmes have broad national reach and strong alignment with curricular and strategic goals. However, I fully recognise the demand for broader support, particularly for schools wishing to participate in a growing number of local, national and international competitions. The Deputy mentioned the schools competing in Texas. The Minister has committed to reviewing the current approach to this area, including the potential for additional or more flexible funding models. While no dedicated fund has yet been established, this is a matter under active consideration and is subject to budgetary commitments. I have no doubt the Minister will consider this under the Estimates process for budget 2026. I will convey the Deputy's request to her. I congratulate all the schools that seem to be very high achievers in his area.

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