Board of Education (R.O.I.)25 Sep 25

Leading education groups demand urgent increase in school funding ahead of Budget 2025

Ahead of Budget Day on Tuesday (7th October), a coalition of Ireland’s primary and special school management bodies, staff, parents, and children has issued an urgent appeal to Minister Helen McEntee and the Government to address a growing funding crisis in schools.

The Board of Education (Republic of Ireland) was among the signatories of a joint letter sent to the Minister for Education, Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Expenditure on Monday of this week on behalf of all stakeholders in primary education.

On Tuesday afternoon, Archbishop Michael Jackson, as Chair of the Board of Education (Republic of Ireland), and Board of Education staff Ken Fennelly and Susan Ellis met with the Minister and presented the Board’s Budget submission.

Dr Fennelly remarked: “For Church of Ireland primary schools, which tend to be smaller, the increased costs over the past number of years are a major challenge. Many schools are fundraising to pay basic bills and this is no way to run an education system. A significant funding investment in schools is needed now to keep pace with the reality of rising costs.”

The group welcomes recent positive steps, including the increase in the basic capitation rate and the introduction of free schoolbooks and meals. However, it warns that these measures are not enough to offset the dramatic rise in school running costs over recent years.

A comprehensive analysis of school accounts, commissioned by the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA), reveals:

• Heating costs have soared by 83% and water/refuse costs by 51% since 2018/19.
• Utility costs now account for 6.1% of school expenditure, up from 3.3% in 2019.
• Accounting, auditing, and management information system expenses have also risen sharply.
• The average primary school now faces a €17,000 deficit on capitation–related income and expenditure.

Despite cost–of–living supports, most schools are struggling to balance their books, with many facing the prospect of impossible financial decisions in the coming year.

The coalition is calling for:

• An immediate increase in the basic capitation rate from €224 to at least €299 per pupil.
• Substantial increases across all other grant categories, including minor works, ICT, and ancillary grants.
• A detailed analysis of the actual running costs for schools facing additional challenges, such as those in temporary accommodation or with special classes.

The signatory organisations stress that underfunding directly impacts children and families, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. They urge the Government to demonstrate its commitment to free, quality education by ensuring schools are adequately funded and families are not forced to make up the shortfall through voluntary contributions or fundraising.

Signatories on behalf of their respective organisations:

Caoimhín Ó hEaghra (An Foras Pátrúnachta)

Ken Fennelly (Church of Ireland Board of Education)

Seamus Mulconry (CPSMA)

Emer Nowlan (Educate Together)

Paddy Lavelle (Education and Training Boards Ireland)

Andy Pike (Fórsa)

Asiya Altawash (Muslim Primary Education Board)

Eileen O’Rourke (National Association of Boards of Management in Special Education)

Páiric Clerkin (Irish Primary Principals’ Network)

John Boyle (Irish National Teachers’ Organisation)

Niamh Dalziel (St. Vincent De Paul)