Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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986. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason his Department has significantly reduced digital and capital investment and IT expenses from his programme allocations budget by 80% from €1,750 in 2024 to €349 in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32614/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy, the variance from 2024 to 2025 you have outlined has arisen under the 2025 Estimates process. As part of the annual Estimates process, each expenditure line within my Department is critically evaluated, in collaboration with key stakeholders and colleagues in the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, to ensure appropriate and sufficient funding is allocated to meet requirements and commitments for the year ahead.

The 80% reduction in funding for Digital Capital Investment and IT Expenses in 2025 compared to 2024, arose following a period of significant investment by my Department, in 2022, 2023 & 2024. This investment was driven largely by the formation and growth of this Department during that period. As part of the annual Estimates process 2025, it was identified that no further capital IT expenditure was required in 2025 and current IT expenses were projected to be significantly lower than previously incurred as projects concluded. Both the capital (€1m) and current expenditure (€0.4m) reductions were reallocated within the Vote.