Minister for Education and Youth presents 2026 Estimates for Vote 26 to Select Committee on Education and Youth (data.oireachtas.ie)

• Net budget for education and youth in 2026: €13.6 billion, up €1.9 billion from 2025, with €10.7 billion for pay and pensions for 114,500+ staff.
• IMF report finds Ireland's education spending is highly efficient globally.
• Additional resources include 3,000 new SNAs, 1,500 special education teachers, €1.6 billion in school building, and expanded DEIS and school transport schemes.

"Minister Hildegarde Naughton presented the 2026 Estimates for Vote 26 (Education and Youth) to the Oireachtas Select Committee on Education and Youth. The net allocation is €13.6 billion, gross €14.1 billion, an increase of €1.9 billion over 2025. Of this, €10.7 billion covers pay and pensions for over 114,500 staff, including teachers and SNAs. An IMF report praised Ireland's education spending efficiency. Key measures include 3,000 additional SNAs, 1,500 special education teachers, school building investment of €1.6 billion, expanded school transport, and a new DEIS Plan."