Budget 2026 represents the first real opportunity for the newly formed Government to demonstrate its commitment to delivering on its promises for Ireland’s education system and to properly resource that system via a range of targeted and improved supports to schools, management bodies and the education system.
The following changes need to be implemented as a matter of urgency to properly address ongoing challenges faced in the Irish education system:
- Fund school patronage transfers: provide reconfiguration grants to school patrons and schools transferring patronage
- Increase the primary capitation grant: increase the capitation grant to €275 per pupil
- Support voluntary initiative: increase primary management body grants by at least 50%
- Invest in inclusion: provide funding to develop a comprehensive plan to re-balance school provision
- Support all schools to adopt Nurture: establish a national Nurture Schools pilot so that more at-risk students can benefit
- Invest in school buildings: increase funding to avoid costly temporary accommodation solutions
- Invest in education in line with OECD average: increase the overall education budget to 4.5% of GDP
Education in Ireland must be properly resourced so that every child and young person can access an inclusive and quality education in their local area, no matter what their background or educational needs.