308. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether census data on Irish-speaking households is considered alongside actual enrolment trends in Irish-medium schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50451/26]

309. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth the way in which parents can formally demonstrate demand for additional Irish-medium secondary provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50452/26]

310. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether any assessment has been undertaken of the potential shortfall between Irish-medium primary and secondary school places in north Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50453/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 308, 309 and 310 together.

My department has invested over €500m over the last 6 years in building new school buildings and modernising existing facilities for Irish medium schools across the country. This investment has included the construction of 10 new school buildings for Irish medium schools during this period.?Currently, there are 9 new school buildings under construction for Irish medium schools and a further 4 new school buildings have been prioritised for delivery over 2026 and 2027 as part of NDP Rollout. My department will continue to support Irish medium provision as part of NDP rollout during the 2026 to 2030 period.

In order to plan for school provision and analyse the relevant demographic data, my department divides the country into 314 school planning areas and uses a geographical information system, using data from a range of sources, including CSO census data, along with child benefit and school enrolment data, to identify where the pressure for school places across the country will arise and where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level. While CSO Census data is considered, it reflects the population at a specific point in time. It does not by its nature therefore fully capture the ongoing and evolving nature of demographics. My department therefore uses data from a variety of sources to underpin its forward planning work.

The Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht was launched in November 2025. The policy sets out my department's vision that high-quality Irish-medium education will be available to all, in inclusive and multicultural educational settings. I am committed to my department working with stakeholders to achieve that vision, and to make progress towards delivering on the commitments of the Programme for Government.

The Taskforce on Models of Provision for Irish-Medium Education, which was established under the Policy for Irish-Medium Education outside of the Gaeltacht, is providing a platform for collaboration between my department and key stakeholders to identify a pathway to increase the provision of Irish-medium education. I look forward to the outcome of this taskforce to help strengthen and expand the provision of Irish-medium education.

Parental preferences from the primary school survey have now been published and this provides a comprehensive evidence base to underpin decision-making on the level of demand for Irish medium provision. Primary schools have been given an opportunity to reflect on the outcome of the survey and indicate to the Department by 31 October if, following local consultations, they are interested in change - including in relation to moving to Irish medium provision. These results will assist with forward planning for future provision. While this survey is at primary level it will also assist with providing a guide on post-primary requirements into the future.