Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)
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884. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she has completed her Department’s internal budgetary process for the Budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45992/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently progressing its internal budgetary process as part of the ongoing preparations for Budget 2026.

As part of this process, we are engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including contributions from education partners and organisations involved in broader areas of public policy. As in previous years, these submissions are being carefully considered and will help shape the specific priorities I will be advocating for in Budget 2026.

In recent years, the Government has made significant strides in strengthening the education system. This includes increased capitation funding for schools, the allocation of thousands of additional teaching and Special Needs Assistant posts, enhanced supports for school leadership, smaller class sizes, targeted measures to address teacher supply, and the provision of free schoolbooks at both primary and post-primary levels to ease financial pressure on families.

Looking ahead to Budget 2026, my priority remains to continue delivering on the commitments set out in the Programme for Government and to support students, staff, and families across the education sector.