Summary
The Department of Education progressed a consultation from 4 February to 3 April 2026 on the Minister's Five-Year Budget Strategy for Education. The report setting out the outcome was published on 18 May 2026.
Documents
- Five-Year Education Budget Strategy: Delivering a Stable, Sustainable and High-Quality Education System
- Summary Report - Responses to the Consultation on the 5-year Education Budget Strategy
Consultation description
The Five-Year Education Budget Strategy was developed in the context of an exceptionally challenging financial position, requiring the Department to consider significant changes to ensure the long-term sustainability of education services.
The Strategy outlined proposals to reduce earmarked budgets; reform home-to-school transport; reduce the net cost of school meals provision; overhaul the Special Educational Needs support model for statemented pupils in mainstream schools; restructure the school estate; and reform the model of financial delegation to schools.
The consultation sought stakeholder views on these proposals to inform priorities for the Minister, the Department and the new Structural Reform Programme Board.
Consultation Outcome
The Summary Report, published on 18 May 2026, summarises the 105 responses received from a range of stakeholders, including education professionals, representative bodies, trade unions and charities.
The report highlights a widespread view that the funding allocations proposed for education in the Department of Finance draft budget are insufficient, alongside a general recognition of the need for reform in light of the significant pressures facing the system. Respondents expressed mixed views on the proposed savings measures and identified a number of alternative reform options.
The Structural Reform Programme Board will commence implementation of the reform programme outlined in the Strategy.
The Department thanks all those who contributed to the consultation.
Ways to respond
Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.