Ireland: Budget allocates funding for education and youth services
Budget 2026 includes funding increases for Ireland’s education system, following the objectives outlined in the Education Plan 2025. The plan aims to address barriers to education and support pupil achievement. The budget introduces measures in areas such as staffing, school funding, and infrastructure.
Core current funding for education and youth will rise by €845 million compared to 2025, with an additional €1.6 billion allocated under the National Development Plan 2026–2030. These figures reflect government spending priorities as set out in the Programme for Government.
Budget 2026 allocations
Funding is distributed across the following areas:
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Additional special education teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs)
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School building projects, school operations and transport
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Increased per-pupil funding (capitation grants) for primary, post-primary, and special schools
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Curricular development and related teacher education
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Introduction of a DEIS Plus scheme to support pupils at risk of educational disadvantage in DEIS and non-DEIS schools.
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Continuation of school therapy in special education schools and extension to mainstream schools
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Youth services
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Increased school leadership support
For more information: Department of Education and Youth - Key feature of Budget 2026
Source: Eurydice Unit Ireland
