Parliamentary questions

239. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education if she will meet with survivors and advocates for industrial school survivors, (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14813/25]

240. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Education the funding provided for capital projects for schools in counties Carlow and Kilkenny from 2021 to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14826/25]

241. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Education the number of special classes each primary and post-primary school has in Carlow and Kilkenny; if they have requested a new special class or classes; the number children that have applied for special classes in each school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14827/25]

242. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Education for an update on plans to reform the school transport system, particularly the eligibility criteria regarding nearest school; the likely timeframe for the implementation of changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14831/25]

243. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education the supports and services now in place nationwide for survivors of industrial schools since funding was allocated in November 2023 of €275,246 and again in 2024 of €275,246 (total funding to date of €550,492) to an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14834/25]

244. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education to expedite the long-delayed Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 through the Oireachtas, as quickly as possible in order that survivors of industrial schools will at long last have access to the 'enhanced' medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14835/25]

245. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Education to expedite the issuing of the Health Amendment Act card, as it offers far more supports and benefits to survivors of industrial schools than the 'enhanced' medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14836/25]

246. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Education the ongoing discussions taking place regarding the current assault leave policy for teachers and SNAs; if there are considerations of extending the duration of assault leave cover to match the full duration of a teachers medically certified recovery period; if there are plans to implement a structured support scheme for teachers affected by …

247. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Education the reason the mainstream classes in a school (details supplied) are excluded from SEN support by the special education section within her Department; the reason the pupils there cannot access SNAs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14846/25]

248. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Education if the special class in a school (details supplied) opened in 2016, has temporary or permanent status; and if her Department will support this class into the future. [14847/25]

249. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education the options available to an individual (details supplied) who has not been successful in obtaining a placement in fourth year in their current school for the coming year, but who wishes to undertake the transition year course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14880/25]

250. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Education when the new transition year programme statement comes into effect; if it references and provides guidance around refusal of applications for the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14896/25]

251. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if specific training will be provided for teachers of children with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14901/25]

252. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Education if additional training and additional supports will be provided for teachers in special classes and for teachers working with children with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14906/25]

253. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the specific measures she will take to address the ongoing challenges in implementing the new Junior Cycle curriculum, particularly in terms of teacher workload and resource allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14907/25]

254. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the means by which she plans to ensure that the Senior Cycle reform addresses both academic and vocational pathways to better prepare students for future careers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14908/25]

255. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to promote the teaching of STEM subjects, particularly among underrepresented groups such as girls and students from disadvantaged backgrounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14909/25]

256. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the chronic underfunding of primary and secondary schools, particularly in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14910/25]

257. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the means by which she will ensure that schools have adequate funding for special education needs; that resources are distributed equitably; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14911/25]

258. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the measures she will take to reduce the financial burden on parents, particularly regarding school uniforms, books, and voluntary contributions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14912/25]

259. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education her plans to address the shortage of school transport services, particularly in rural and remote areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14913/25]

260. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education her plan to address the shortage of school places, particularly at primary level in rapidly growing urban areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14914/25]

261. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the means by which she will ensure that school buildings are modernised and fit for purpose, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and accessibility for students with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14915/25]

262. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the steps she will take to address the delays in delivering school building projects under the National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14920/25]

263. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education the measures she will take to address the ongoing issue of teacher shortages, particularly in key subjects such as Irish, mathematics, and modern languages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14921/25]