We’re delighted to announce that INEW has published its Pre-Budget 2026 Submission and shared it with relevant ministers for consideration in the context of the forthcoming budget.
In our Pre-Budget 2026 Submission “Facing Global Crisis with Investment in Education – A Pre-Budget Appeal for Shaping the Future”, we urge the Government to significantly increase the proportion of ODA that is channelled into education in development and emergency contexts, including to and through civil society. We shared our submission with:
- Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe TD,
- Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris TD,
- Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond TD,
- Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD, and
- Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD.
Ireland has a longstanding commitment to education in its development cooperation and humanitarian responses, evidenced by its significant pledges and contributions in recent years. However, the percentage of ODA spending on education has dropped from 8% in 2020 to only 5% in 2023.
The commitments made in the Programme for Government 2025 and the DFAT Statement of Strategy 2025–2028 to significantly increase the ODA’s proportion going to education, must now be met with concrete action—and extended across both development cooperation and emergency response, with increased direct funding to and through civil society, including locally led organisations.
Today, in a time of rising inequality, escalating conflict, accelerating climate change, and the erosion of democratic ideals, education stands at the forefront of our response as a fundamental safeguard and driver of social justice, sustainable development, and humanistic and humanitarian principles.
Yet, worldwide, a staggering 251 million children are out of school (2024/25 GEM Report, Chapter 7), participation in lifelong learning opportunities remains at a 3% low globally (2024/25 GEM Report, Chapter 10), and low- and low-middle-income countries face a $97 billion financing gap per year (UNESCO).
This must be met with a compassionate and ambitious response. To do so, is not only right, it is based in the interests and values of the Irish people. Education ranks second after health under the most important priorities for the Irish government to support overseas (Dóchas Worldview Survey, p. 63).
Learn more about our recommendations on our dedicated page and in our Pre-Budget 2026 Submission.
