Emer Higgins
Dublin Mid-West · Fine Gael · Ireland
“With regard to the background, and as the Senator has touched on, this project was designed on the basis of a 30-year operational lease, with the primary objective of delivering value for money over the lifetime of that lease.”
“Regarding the specific situation in Castlebar that the Senator has raised, Tusla has indicated that following careful consideration, including extensive negotiations, which he referred to, and legal mediation with the developers, it was unable to reach an agreement.”
“They came forward, often at enormous personal cost, and continued to seek answers and accountability when the very systems that should have protected them had failed. For many survivors of child sexual abuse, the abuse does not end when it stops.”
“The strongest projects are those that invest in feasibility studies, site assessments, stakeholder engagement and detailed design from the outset, because decisions made at the earliest stage often have the greatest impact on cost, quality and operational performance.”
“As a result, it made a significant uplift on its original offer. The additional increase sought could not be justified, however, when benchmarked against comparable projects across both Tusla and the HSE. That comes back to the value-for-money argument.”
“Justice Michael White for their significant work and acknowledge how deeply distressing the findings are. They reveal repeated missed opportunities, ignored warning signs and systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur over many years. Children who should have been protected were instead left vulnerable.”
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“I thank the Senator. The programme for Government committed to an expansion of AIM and to its extension to younger children. The current phase of expansion focuses on the development of a model for children under three years to meet the specific needs of that particular age cohort. It is intended that, over time, all children with additional needs who are registered in early learning and childcare services will have access to support under AIM, with consideration to be given at a later date to extending AIM to school-age children. That would benefit the twins the Senator is working to support. A tailored, evidence based model for this age group would also be required. It is critical that these policy responses are strongly evidence-based and reflective of the needs of the children.”
“Equal Start is a funding model and set of associated universal and targeted measures to support access and meaningful participation, including in school-age childcare, for children and their families who experience disadvantage. Since September 2024, 806 priority settings serving 38,000 children have been receiving funding to support reduced adult-child ratios, and greater engagement with families, as well as other child and family support services. Of these, over 450 settings provide school-age childcare services. As the Senator said in her contribution, a full extension of this to school-going children would need to be planned and would need systematic integration. That is something that we would be looking at on a longer-term basis.”
“The programme for Government commits to "examine and expand the Access and Inclusion Model and make it available to younger children". Officials in the Department are currently considering the policy implications and appropriate mechanisms to extend AIM to children aged under three. Consideration will be given at a later date to an extension of AIM for children attending school-age childcare. I know that is the cohort the Senator is particularly interested in today. Such an extension would also require a redesign of AIM to ensure that it meets the different needs of children in the older age cohort. Equal Start is another key policy model which focuses on inclusion.”
“A core feature and strength of AIM is that it does not require a diagnosis. Instead, resources are allocated based on a child's individual needs. Over the past ten years, more than 41,300 children in over 5,000 settings nationally have received AIM targeted supports and many more children have benefited from universal measures enhancing inclusion in their service. AIM is presently being extended on a phased basis as funding becomes available. As a first step in this extension, all AIM targeted supports are now, since the beginning of September 2024, available to ECCE children beyond the time that they spend in the ECCE programme, both in term and out of term. Children can now access these supports for up to six hours per day both inside and outside of the ECCE term.”
“The access and inclusion model, AIM, is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities or additional needs can fully participate in the early childhood care and education, ECCE, preschool programme, thereby reaping the benefits of quality early learning and care and realising the opportunity to reach their full potential. AIM provides a suite of universal and targeted supports across seven levels. Measures include: staff training; specialised equipment, appliances or capital grants towards minor building alterations; therapeutic supports; and the facilitation of a lower ratio of children to staff in preschool rooms, as the Senator mentioned, or funding for an extra staff member as a shared resource, where a child with additional needs is present.”
“I thank Senator Tully for raising this important issue and offering me the opportunity to respond. I, too, welcome the increase in overall after-school facilities. Many of our communities have benefited from them. I commend the work of the childcare provider in Monaghan that the Senator mentioned. I was not aware of them and it sounds like they are definitely doing a lot of innovative and proactive work in this space. It would be a great opportunity for other childcare providers and regions to learn from.”
“It should be noted that the year 1 cost of a new drug comes from the allocation for new medicines but once these medicines are approved for reimbursement the full cost of providing them can reach multiples of this initial cost as their uptake increases. That is the budgetary constraints within which we operate Ireland is among the highest spenders on health across the EU, according to the OECD and has the third highest rate of State coverage of pharmaceutical expenditure in Europe. That is down to a lot of our healthcare workers and, indeed, pharmacists who deliver a fantastic service to the population. I thank them and I thank the Senator for raising this issue.”
“As noted earlier, we have a brand new suite of measures to support this approach, helping to ensure affordable to quality healthcare and social care services while operating within budgetary constraints. Any adjustment to these measures, including the lowering of the drugs payment scheme, as has been proposed, needs to be carefully considered taking into account the finite resources available and the potential impact on wider healthcare service provision. The State has heavily invested in medicines. State expenditure on medicines has grown substantially since 2021. It now accounts for almost €1 in every €8 of public health spending. Budget 2026 allocated €217 million in additional funding for medicines, and €30 million of this is available for new drugs funding.”
“I pay tribute to Councillor Ben Ward who, as the Senator said, has been an advocate for this, not just in Carlow but at a national level. I will bring the Senator's feedback and his constructive idea to the attention of the Minister for Health and the Minister for Finance. It is important that it is discussed in the context of upcoming budgetary negotiations. I would like to take this opportunity to thank healthcare workers across the country who deliver exceptional care to the population when they need it the very most. The Minister fully appreciates the importance of improving both affordability and accessibility to healthcare and medicines by patients in Ireland.”
“I hope the Senator will agree that the HSE, the Minister and the Department of Health are investing heavily in making medicines more affordable and accessible for our population across the country, including in Mayo.”
“In accordance with the Health Act 1970, as amended, eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Senator mentioned a number of families he is dealing with who have difficult medical situations and long-term illnesses. I assure them that, in certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion to grant a medical card where an applicant exceeds the income guidelines but faces difficult financial circumstances, such as additional costs arising from illness. Where an applicant does not qualify for a medical card, they can also be assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles them to free GP services. Individuals may also be eligible to claim tax relief at 20% on qualifying medical expenses, including prescribed medicines.”
“The Senator estimated that the measure could cost around €45 million. In that context, any adjustment to the threshold will need to be carefully considered, taking account of the finite resources available. As the Senator is aware, the DPS forms part of a wider range of measures to support affordable access to healthcare and medicines. These measures include community drug schemes, expanded access to free GP care and the abolishment of public inpatient hospital charges for children and adults, all of which continue to support affordable access to quality healthcare. People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services scheme.”
“Currently, the DPS threshold is €80, meaning that no individual or family pays more than €80 a month on approved prescribed medicines or medical appliances. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for people with ongoing expenditure on medicines, with the State covering the complete cost of medicines, which can cost many thousands of euro once the monthly household cost is above the €80 threshold. Consideration of further changes to the DPS threshold, including the proposal to reduce it to €60, will be made in the context of current healthcare priorities and the budget available. It is important to note that any significant reduction in the DPS threshold, as proposed by the Senator, would have cost implications for the State and could, therefore, place additional pressures on other areas of the health service.”
“I thank Senator Duffy for raising this important issue on behalf of the people he represents in County Mayo. I am answering on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. In line with the commitments set out in the programme for Government, this Government will continue to prioritise improving the affordability of healthcare and medicines. This work will continue over the lifetime of this Government. As the Senator is aware, the drugs payment scheme ensures that expenditure on approved prescribed medicines or medical appliances does not exceed a named threshold in a particular calendar month. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland.”
“The tertiary education campus is just one component of an overall master plan for the area, which will include a range of other different uses, namely, housing, schools, sports facilities and transport links. Wexford County Council will lead out on the development of this overall master plan for the area. It is these kinds of innovative, visionary projects that we need to back, both financially and from a resource perspective, to ensure that we can deliver the balanced geographical growth we want in this country. I thank the Senator for championing this project, which the Minister supports.”
“I thank the Senator for being such a passionate advocate for this. It is really important that our politicians are champions of key local issues. This is a key local issue for his area, not only for the people he represents in Wexford but also for the region as a whole. I fully accept the Senator's point in relation to the census figures he cited earlier. According to the 2022 census, 37% of people in Wexford have third level degrees, which is substantially below the 46% average across Ireland. The second point the Senator made, which is particularly interesting, was that many of those people then go on to live in Dublin or somewhere else. It is important that we are investing in our educational facilities in areas like Wexford. It is also important that we continue to invest in job creation and in job-growing innovations locally.”
“The Minister has always been fully supportive of the need to expand the tertiary education footprint in the south east and the need for the stakeholders - SETU, Waterford and Wexford ETB and the local authority - to continue to work collaboratively to advance this ambition. The Senator stated that this will be a flagship campus and he would like us to work together. To reiterate, the Minister is very happy to work with him and other stakeholders in the area, whether that is SETU, the ETB or the local authority, to ensure this project can develop as quickly as possible. I thank the Senator for his efforts in leading this drive.”
“Wexford County Council is now progressing the acquisition of a site totalling 48.5 acres by way of compulsory purchase order. The intention is that a proportion of this site will be used to facilitate a new Wexford campus for SETU and the remainder of the site will then be developed by Wexford County Council. Work on the CPO process remains ongoing by the council. Funding requirements for the proposal will be informed by the relevant evaluation processes and funding availability in the context of the Department's overall capital budget. Specific funding has been set aside within the Department's budget towards the cost of the site.”
“This project is being progressed under the Department's technological sector strategic projects programme. If the preliminary business case is successfully evaluated, it will then move on to the next stage of the process, which is pre-tender - project design, planning and procurement strategy stage. This is a key stage of development, where the proposal will be further refined, the design will be further advanced, and the procurement strategy and project execution plan will be developed. I acknowledge the work done by Wexford County Council over recent years to identify an appropriate site for a permanent home for this fantastic Wexford campus. As part of this engagement, a preferred site was identified. Following a lengthy negotiation process between Wexford County Council and the vendor, agreement could not be reached on price.”
“As the Senator said, this is an exciting educational opportunity. It will be transformative for learners in Wexford and marks an important step in a collaborative journey for SETU and Waterford and Wexford ETB. This tertiary campus will support learners to reach their full potential by creating pathways and removing barriers to access. It will give learners of all ages, as the Senator said when he spoke about a co-located facility, a place where they can progress, upskill, reskill and innovate without having to leave County Wexford. I understand that a number of engagements have taken place between SETU and Waterford and Wexford ETB and work is ongoing on developing a business case proposal, which is expected to be submitted to the Higher Education Authority later this year for evaluation.”
“I thank Senator Cathal Byrne for raising this important matter on behalf of his fellow constituents in Wexford and for requesting an update on the proposed new campus for South East Technological University in Wexford. The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Lawless, as the Senator noted, has previously acknowledged that the SETU campus infrastructure in Wexford is not suitable and that there is a need for a campus that will meet the needs of learners and teaching staff. On the recent visit to the SETU campus to which the Senator referred, where the Minister was welcomed, he announced that he had instructed SETU and Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board to work together to develop a new, innovative proposal which will deliver a new tertiary campus in Wexford town.”
“I am not saying it cannot be done; I am saying it requires careful thought and preparation, as well as securing a positive result in a referendum. The Government is focused on what is attainable - the art of the possible. We want to hold a referendum that we can win. We believe that if you hold a referendum, you need to be in a position to win it. That is why it is imperative that we continue to maintain cross-party dialogue on this topic and that we continue to be respectful of people when it comes to it. I wish to reassure the Dáil that the Government takes this matter seriously. We are not opposing this Bill for that reason. We are, as I said earlier, reflecting on it and on how best to work on it going forward.”
“This Government and all governments since 1998 have advocated for and defended that right, and we must do so as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement and will continue to do so. However, the issue of extending the franchise for voting in presidential elections is not straightforward. The work undertaken by the Convention on the Constitution and voting rights and other matters was important, and the detailed 2017 options paper on the matter prepared by the Department of housing, planning, community and local government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, considered a range of policy, legal and logistical matters that need consideration. As I said earlier, these include the register of electors and postal voting, for example.”
“Ultimately, the issue of expanding the right to vote in presidential elections for Irish citizens resident outside of the State and those in Northern Ireland is a sensitive topic and requires thorough and respectful dialogue across this House. I commend Members this evening on their contributions and note that until recently, it was mature and constructive debate, which is a debate I want to engage in. On the specifics of this Bill, namely, expanding the franchise to Irish citizens in Northern Ireland, the Good Friday Agreement makes clear the people of Northern Ireland can, as we all appreciate and respect, identify as British, Irish or both. Article 2 of the Constitution, as amended, forms a key part of the agreement and ensures the entitlement and birthright of every person born on the island of Ireland to be part of the Irish nation.”
“Our focus through the shared island initiative is in working towards a shared future underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement. That approach is necessary, regardless of whatever shape, future or constitutional change may take on this island or between these groups. I am talking about constitutional change because, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, the Bill would require constitutional change. The Deputy's Bill would require a referendum. The issue of voting rights in the Irish presidential elections, as I said earlier, was debated in the Northern Ireland Assembly last year and we have been supportive of the work undertaken by the Convention on the Constitution. This is not without its challenges and Deputies Crowe, Ó Murchú and Tóibín had specific queries and comments regarding those challenges I mentioned.”
“In addition to the rights regarding identity, the principle of consent and the possibility of change in the constitutional status of Northern Ireland are fundamental elements of the Good Friday Agreement endorsed by the people of this island, the island of Ireland, both North and South. The approach of any Irish Government regarding Irish unity is guided by Article 3 of the Constitution, as amended by the people in 1998, as the Deputy will be aware. The Government firmly respects and affirms everyone's right on the island to make the case for the constitutional future they wish to see, whether they are nationalist, unionist or neither. The Good Friday Agreement and the two sovereign Governments explicitly recognise and validate the legitimacy of views on these constitutional positions.”
“The Government recognises that conversations on issues like this lead to more specific discussion and engagement, North and South, about constitutional change more broadly, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement. That is why we are not opposing this Bill and why we want to have this debate in this Chamber. However, I do not appreciate some of the comments the Deputy has made in his remarks. These are extremely important issues and they naturally require very careful and serious consideration. We have taken careful note of the reports published by the last Oireachtas on these issues. The full implementation and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement is an absolute priority for this Government.”
“Like all here this evening, I am a democrat, I was democratically elected and I would not support approaching the matter in an undemocratic way, but we have to be clear as to what is possible. Holding a referendum is a political decision that needs to be taken by the government of the day. I assure the Dáil that this Government is reflecting on this issue for that exact reason. I have a number of speaking points in relation to deepening ties with the global Irish but I appreciate the Deputy's comments that he would like the debate to focus on the specifics of the Bill, which concern citizens resident on the island of Ireland. While those comments have been circulated, I will take the Deputy's feedback on board and leave it at that.”
“Before that, we are all aware that extending the franchise will require constitutional change. It is important, as we have this discussion, that we do not underestimate the challenge constitutional change brings. In the course of the last Government we held two referendums and both were defeated. I believe in expanding the presidential franchise to all Irish citizens, regardless of where they live on this island or around the world, but to get to that point we have to win that debate. When you hold a referendum, you need to be, as we found out, in a position to win, and preferably to win strongly. If you do not, then the chance to extend the franchise will be lost for a generation. When this debate arises, the Government is often accused of not supporting an extension because we would not like the result.”
“Given my portfolio, I welcome the commitment to open doors for those from under-represented groups to engage with Ireland. I will deal with the substance of the Deputy's Bill, which is votes for citizens outside our jurisdiction. As I understand it, the Bill seeks to extend the presidential franchise to citizens resident in Northern Ireland. The issue of voting rights in Irish presidential elections was debated in the Northern Ireland Assembly last year. We have also been supportive of the work undertaken by the Convention on the Constitution. This matter is not without challenges. At an operational level, a number of implementation issues will have to be addressed, including the establishment of an online-based voter registration and the extension of postal voting.”
“The in-person consultations were supplemented by the Global Irish Survey, our first ever online survey of the Irish abroad. That consultation launched on 7 July 2025 and ran for seven weeks throughout the summer of 2025. Over 10,000 responses were received. The overall response to this open and expansive approach in person and online was very positive. In a changing and complex world, building an enduring relationship with the diaspora remains as significant as ever to our national identity. Our new strategy reflects the commitment of the Government to work with the diaspora on a new and unprecedented chapter in diaspora relations. There are 23 commitments and they focus directly on the challenges and opportunities identified by the Irish abroad during the consultation process.”
“When I was abroad, I had the opportunity to meet very active Irish communities in Sweden and Denmark. I am pleased Irish politicians get the opportunity to engage with so many Irish living across the world. Throughout 2025, the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, led the most intensive consultation ever undertaken with the Irish abroad. The centrepiece of the process was a series of formal consultations led by Ministers in 27 cities across 17 countries, including Ireland. Just under 500 individuals attended these discussions, with over 250 organisations represented. In addition to the formal public consultations, the strategy was informed by engagements with a range of stakeholders from the Oireachtas, civil society, NGOs, community and cultural movements and groups, business networks and academic institutions at home and abroad.”
“It has brought together 250 people from 21 countries for two days of networking and discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing the Irish abroad.”
“First, there is hardly a town, village or community across Ireland that has not been impacted by emigration. Like many in the Chamber, I have direct experience of family and friends moving abroad and the strange gap that exists when someone who was always around is now in another country. Second, we all share a desire to deepen the ties between Ireland and the Irish abroad. Earlier today, in line with the commitment made in the programme for Government, my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for international development and diaspora, Deputy Richmond, launched the Government’s new diaspora strategy. The launch was one of the highlights of the fourth Global Irish Civic Forum, which takes place in Croke Park today and tomorrow. The forum is an integral element of the Government’s engagement with Irish communities abroad.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I can confirm the Government will not oppose the motion and will continue to keep the matter of extending the right to vote in presidential elections to citizens overseas outside the State under review. The story of emigration from our island is long and layered. For many years, the prevailing narrative rightly focused on the fact that economic challenges and social exclusion meant that, for many, emigration was seen as the only viable option. For others, particularly more recently, emigration was a choice made under more positive circumstances. In our work, we are fortunate to witness the role the diaspora plays in carrying Ireland’s voice and values around the world. From talking to colleagues across the Oireachtas, two things stand out.”
“In this instance, the OPW has clearly stated that it is not a fit for it in the here and now, but having Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council operate a successful museum in a very similar tower not far away does offer a roadmap for success. Ultimately, I know the Deputy's goal is to preserve this historic amenity and to bring to life its history and that would be a wonderful thing if he was able to partner with Dublin City Council to achieve.”
“In my constituency, we had a similar situation whereby Lucan House, which is the former residence of the Italian ambassador to Ireland, was going to be put up for sale on the open market. We have really benefited from the fact that South Dublin County Council, our local authority, was in a position to purchase the estate. While it is still not fully open to the public, it was open on Saturday and it was great to have so many people there enjoying the atmosphere and the stunning grounds. The house itself will soon be open to the public. There is precedent for local authorities taking the lead on this, obviously supported by national Government. There is the precedent for local authorities to take the lead in circumstances where the OPW does not necessarily see that something is a fit for it.”
“I thank the Deputy. I agree. The fact that this is a registered national monument that is located in a UNESCO biosphere on, as the Deputy put it, the oasis that is Dublin Bay, this does represent a unique opportunity now that it is for sale. To reiterate, the OPW does not have plans to acquire the tower, but it is standing ready to engage constructively with relevant stakeholders, where appropriate, and remains committed to the conservation and the promotion of Ireland's built heritage and its natural heritage more broadly. What the Deputy said regarding continuing engagement with Dublin City Council is very positive and is something I would actively encourage him to do.”
“In addition, local authorities are often best placed to bring forward proposals for the reuse and regeneration of heritage buildings where there is a clear community or civic function identified. I was really pleased to hear the Deputy say that it is his understanding that preliminary engagement has already begun between the seller and Dublin City Council as that may be a really good avenue to continue to explore. Any future proposal for the Martello tower at Sandymount Strand may be more appropriately considered at local authority level, in this instance Dublin City Council, and potentially in partnership with other stakeholders. I urge the Deputy to continue to engage with the city council on this matter. If the tower is up for sale, it is obviously now an opportunity for those discussions to happen in a serious context.”
“In relation to the specific property referred to, I understand that the Martello tower at Sandymount Strand is in private ownership and has, over time, been used as a private dwelling and for commercial purposes. I commend the fact that the Deputy has engaged with the private owner from his time as a councillor and recognise that the situation will change if, as he stated, the property is up for sale. While the OPW recognises its heritage value, it is the case that the State must carefully consider carefully its approach to acquiring historic properties. The assumption of ownership, as I am sure the Deputy understands, brings with it long-term obligations in terms of conservation, maintenance and public access. All of this must be carefully considered in the context of competing priorities across the heritage sector.”
“Ultimately, the OPW is responsible for conservation, maintenance and management of what is in the State's control. Acquisitions are considered on a case-by-case basis, having regard to a range of factors, including national significance, strategic fit within the existing portfolio, public access potential and the availability of resources to conserve and manage the site into the future. As the Deputy said, the State already has a Martello tower in its care. It is managed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown local authority and operates successfully as the James Joyce Tower and Museum. This demonstrates that, where appropriate, such structures can be preserved and repurposed through collaborative arrangements at local level.”
“The OPW has responsibility for the care, management and presentation of a large portfolio of heritage sites across the State, as the Deputy will be aware. These include many of Ireland's most significant national monuments, currently numbering approximately 780 sites nationwide, which are under the ownership of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. In this context, it is important to note that the OPW does not have a general role in acquiring national monuments; rather, it is responsible for the conservation, maintenance and management of services of those sites where guiding services exist. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is a relevant decision maker when the State is considering taking a property or monument into the care of the State.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which provides an opportunity to outline the position of the Office of Public Works, OPW, in regard to the potential acquisition of the Martello tower at Sandymount Strand, although I would suggest that there are other State bodies, Departments and local authorities that will have an interest in this matter. At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the significant historical and cultural value that this tower represents as part of Ireland’s built heritage. These early 19th century defensive structures form an important element of our coastal landscape and are closely associated with our architectural, social and literary history, with approximately 50 located around the country.”
“It is important that they are aware that the Department is looking at this from a holistic perspective and is making sure that the Department is able to provide classes, classrooms and schools where demand exists. Scoil Mhuire and the Green Lane schools very clearly demonstrated that the demand is there, and the Department responded accordingly.”
“It is transacted with close to 4,000 schools across the country involving 140,000 pupils. In order to plan for school places and need, the Department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and utilises a geographical information system to anticipate school place demand. Information from a range of sources, including child benefit data, school enrolment data and data on residential development activities is used for this purpose. In addition, the Project Ireland 2040 population and housing targets inform the Department's projection of school place requirements. The Deputy mentioned constituents in Celbridge and other areas.”
“I thank the Deputy for outlining the steps he has taken and the positive and proactive engagement he has had with the Minister for Education and Youth and departmental officials and the collaborative way in which he has worked with the school community. That matters and doing that work matters. It is hard and tough work, but as the Deputy can see it gets results. It has got results in this instance. The message here is very simple. The Government has listened, engaged and delivered. A new junior infant class has now been approved for Scoil Mhuire. Critically, that class will be ready for September of this year. The Deputy mentioned other schools in similar situations. The annual enrolment process for new junior infants at primary level and new first years at post-primary level is a large-scale operation.”
“The criteria to be applied by schools and the order of priority are a matter for the schools. It is an important feature of the act that schools can only make a decision on an application for admission that is based on the school’s admission policy. I am pleased to be putting positive news on the record of the House today. I again thank the Deputy and the local school community in Leixlip who have engaged in a constructive and successful campaign.”
“For planning purposes, the Department examines urban areas as a whole and does not recognise parish boundaries in the review. Parents have the right to choose which school to apply to and, where the school has places available, the pupil should be admitted. However, in schools where there are more applicants than places available, a selection process may be necessary. This selection and enrolment processes must be non-discriminatory and applied fairly in respect of all applicants. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. In accordance with the provisions of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act 2018, schools are required to clearly set out their selection criteria in their admission policies.”
“Following direct engagement with Scoil Mhuire on Green Lane, the Department of education has, as the Deputy outlined, now approved the opening of a second junior infant class. This additional class will be in place for September 2026 to accommodate local children. I am sure the Deputy will agree that this is a real and tangible outcome that will make a difference for families in the area. It will mean more local children will now have access to a place in their community. While places are available across the wider Leixlip area, we recognise that families want to stay local, wherever possible. That is why targeted, local actions like this matter. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places in the area.”
“While we are seeing a general decline in enrolments nationally, we know that growing communities like Leixlip are facing real and immediate pressures. Behind every statistic are families who simply want a place for their child in a local school. While the Department is aware of enrolment pressures and demand for additional school places in some areas, it is important to note that enrolment pressures can be driven by duplications of applications, applications from outside an area and school-of-choice factors. In Leixlip, there has been particular pressure for junior infant places for September 2026. Department officials have been working closely with local schools, analysing the data and responding directly to the concerns raised by parents and the Deputy. Today, I am pleased to confirm a clear and practical step forward.”