89. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the total level of funding that has been provided to the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) programme, broken down by year, in tabular form. [65554/26]

90. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the total level of funding that has been provided to the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) programme, broken down by year, in tabular form. [65553/26]

91. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the importance of Ireland’s continued support for the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) programme. [65552/26]

92. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade her views on the importance of Ireland’s continued support for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) programme. [65551/26]

94. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding any plans to continue Ireland’s support for the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) programme. [65556/26]

95. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding any plans to continue Ireland’s support for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) programme. [65555/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 90, 91, 92, 94 and 95 together.

The Government's clear commitment to support for global education is based on our recognition that quality education as a key driver of poverty reduction, gender equality and stability. It is also an economic imperative. It increases earnings, drives job creation and broadens the tax base. In turn, this creates fiscal space for partner governments to invest in public services and resilience, helping countries strengthen self-reliance and reduce dependence on international assistance.

Ireland's continued support for global education remains important at a time when progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, 'Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all', is off track and significant numbers of children remain out of school or unable to achieve basic learning outcomes. Through support for global education initiatives, Ireland contributes to strengthening education systems, promoting gender equality and improving opportunities for the most marginalised children.

In 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided €52.6 million in support of inclusive and equitable quality education, with a particular focus on girls and those furthest behind. Support was delivered through a range of complementary channels. These included direct funding for education programmes implemented by civil society and faith-based organisations and United Nations agencies; contributions to multilateral education funds, including Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE); and support for the Ireland Fellows Programme. We intend to continue supporting global education through a mix of bilateral programmes, multilateral partnerships and scholarship initiatives, including ECW and GPE.

Officials are currently engaging with ECW and GPE regarding their upcoming financing and replenishment events. However, decisions regarding the allocation of Ireland's global education funding beyond 2026 have not yet been finalised. All allocations are informed by evidence of impact, assessments of partner performance, value-for-money considerations, strategic priorities and the overall level of resources available for international development cooperation. This approach will help ensure that Irish resources continue to be directed towards the most effective global education interventions. Our funding to ECW and GPW since 2017 is set out below: