Written Answers Nos. 51-72
51. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to ensure that our workforce has the skills and education for our green energy transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14570/25]
View answerGreen skills are essential for ensuring Ireland achieves our targets set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024. My Department has been working with the tertiary sector to develop the skills required to support the green transition – from developing transferable green skills for life to specific requirement for emerging key green sectors such as Nearly Zero Energy Buildings/ Retrofit, eMobility, and renewable energy and offshore wind.
Last October, SOLAS launched Green Skills 2030: The First National Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy for the Green Transition . Green Skills 2030 identifies key skills gaps impacting Ireland’s ability to transition to a climate neutral society across critical sectors of the economy. This marks an important milestone in setting out the direction for the Irish FET sector’s response to emerging green skills needs. This strategy will guide the FET sector in addressing emerging green skills needs and meeting the demands of new occupations within the green economy.
The FET sector is already delivering a range of courses aimed at addressing green skills needs. Upskilling and reskilling courses in Nearly Zero Energy Buildings/ Retrofit for construction workers are offered in a network of six Centres of Excellence operated by ETBs across the country. These centres provide training and certification to learners to boost the skills and training needs of the sustainable construction sector and to help reach our climate goals. There has been significant interest in this space, with the number of enrolments increasing year on year. There have been over 14,000 enrolments in NZEB/ Retrofit courses since the first centre opened in 2020. 2024 saw a record-breaking number of 7,166 enrolments. NZEB/ Retrofit skills are also being incorporated into the curricula of relevant construction apprenticeships through the revalidation process.
The skills requirements for electric vehicle maintenance include the development of upskilling and reskilling opportunities and progressing EV skills through existing motor mechanic apprenticeship programmes. The first step towards the development of a National eMobility Capability Centre was announced in 2023, with the launch of a project office within Longford Westmeath ETB. A technical feasibility study is due to be submitted to the Department in Q2 and will inform policy decision for this skills area.
Alongside the development of the Centre, SOLAS are actively working to consider how e-mobility skills can be most effectively delivered by the FET sector. SOLAS and DFHERIS have developed a skills oversight group which includes representatives from industry to progress this. As part of this process SOLAS is reviewing and redeveloping apprenticeship programmes in the motor family of trades to include EV modules.
My Department, SOLAS and other stakeholders in the FET sector are working to address emerging requirements associated with Ireland’s aim to deliver at least 5 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, with an additional 2 GW in development for non-grid uses, including green hydrogen.
A cross-Departmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce is driving delivery and working to capture the economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables. It includes skills and workforce responses, with DFHERIS leading, in collaboration with DECC, on a dedicated Skills and Workforce Workstream.
The main goal of the workstream is to identify the skills and workforce requirements for the development of offshore wind and establish a sustainable workforce and skills pipeline. A key output of this workstream was the publication by this Department of the Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan in October 2024.
This Skills Action Plan addresses identified skills shortages in 33 roles required for the development of offshore wind and provides recommendations on how to address these gaps. The plan is designed to guide future activities in the Further and Higher Education sectors for offshore wind in Ireland.
A wide range of short, targeted, and industry-aligned upskilling and reskilling programmes for the renewable energy sector are offered by Green Tech Skillnet including a suite of microcredentials through the newly established Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy.
In recent years, the Irish government has been emphasising the importance of Green Skills in higher education to meet the demands of the modern workforce. Existing Government Initiatives for Higher Education such as Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) are in place to promote these skills and build the capacity of the Irish workforce.
Springboard+ 2024 launched in May 2024, and offers 18 courses in Green Skills-related areas, offering 543 places at NFQ Levels 6 to 9. Courses are part-time, they include but are not limited to Postgraduate Diploma in Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture; Certificate in BIM and Construction Project Management; Certificate in Energy Sustainability and Professional Diploma in Innovation for Sustainability.
A call was issued in January 2025 for higher education institutions to propose courses for inclusion in Springboard+ over the next three years. Under the call, courses providing green and sustainability-focused skills are encouraged as a priority area. In particular, courses submitted under this call are encouraged to enhance the contribution of higher education to the sustainable development agenda and course providers are encouraged to be mindful of the Sustainable Development Goals in their submissions. Furthermore, proposals for courses which contribute to Ireland’s offshore renewable energy targets are also highlighted as welcome on the call.
In the current academic year, HCI Pillar 1 is subsidising 24 courses in Green Skills with 657 places at NFQ Levels 7 to 9. Courses are full and part-time, they include but are not limited to: Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Energy Systems; Certificate in Leadership in Offshore Renewable Energy and Postgraduate Diploma in Energy Innovation for Zero Carbon.
Additionally, half of the 24 HCI Pillar 3 funded projects specifically focus on Green Skills, supporting the construction sector, climate action, and sustainability. These projects include but are not limited to:
• Sustainable Futures (UCC-led) – developing new courses to support a circular and clean economy transition.
• Resilient Design Curricula for 21st Century Professionals – refocusing architectural education on sustainability.
• Ireland’s Knowledge Centre for Carbon, Climate, and Community Action (IKC3) – a national platform for skills in decarbonisation.
• Digital Academy for Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE) – offering 27 new construction industry programmes.
• DCU Futures – introducing new undergraduate programmes such as BSc in Global Challenges and BA in Climate and Environmental Sustainability to prepare students for a sustainable future.
Finally, HCI Pillar 3 is also subsiding micro-credential courses fees in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 academic years. This scheme provides an 80% subsidy for key Green Skills courses and there are 81 courses in Green Skills-related areas, with 1,755 places available at NFQ Levels 6 to 9. Courses include Climate Change: Science, Policy & Global Impact, Clean Energy Futures, Sustainable Aviation and Green Innovation.
In addition to these key sectors, a national suite of green skills programmes has been developed by SOLAS in collaboration with enterprise partners in areas such as sustainability awareness and resource efficiency. Green skills modules developing transversal and specific green skills are available to all FET learners with new green skills micro-qualifications being rolled out by all 16 Education and Training Boards.
52. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the additional measures he is planning to introduce to make apprenticeship programmes more attractive given the urgent need to increase the number of people qualified in the trades to address capacity issues; the plans to remove financial barriers to increase take-up of apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14501/25]
View answer54. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the action that will be taken to address high dropout rates from apprenticeships, such as increasing pay, abolishing fees and ensuring access to off the job training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14352/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 54 together.
A key pillar in my department's Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 are to ensure that apprenticeships will be recognised and valued by employers across all sectors of the economy as a key mechanism for building a highly skilled workforce. To incentivise participation in apprenticeships, a grant of €2,000 per year per apprentice is available to employers of apprentices on one of the 50+ consortia led apprenticeships.
Another pillar of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship us to ensure that apprenticeships are available to prospective learners and recognised by learners and families as a vital work based learning opportunity.
No fees are charged to take up an apprenticeship programme. A student contribution fee is paid by all students, including apprentices, when attending Higher Education Institutions. A once-off reduction of up to 33% of this fee as a part of a cost-of-living package for students was announced in Budgets 2023, 2024 and 2025. My department will be publishing an annual options paper on reducing the cost of education later this year. This will include options in relation to potential adjustments to the student contribution fee and will inform Budget 2026 discussions.
My department provides targeted financial supports to apprentices through the Access to Apprenticeship Initiative which supports socio-economically disadvantaged young people into an apprenticeship scheme, and the Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme supporting those in the Traveller community to do an apprenticeship.
Neither SOLAS nor my department are involved in the setting of wages for apprentices. Craft apprentices are employees and are paid directly by their employer during the “on-the-job” training phases of their apprenticeship. Craft apprentice gross wage norms differ for different sectors, are set through collective bargaining, and may be underpinned by sectoral employment orders. In the case of the 52 consortia-led apprenticeship programmes wages are agreed between the apprentice and the employer in a contract of employment.
The National Apprenticeship Office has commissioned an independent economic assessment of the mechanisms that the State has, to incentivise participation in national apprenticeships by both employers and apprentices, drawing on international practice. The study will help inform the work underway on growing participation in apprenticeship.
My department continues to oversee the implementation of a priority plan put in place in November 2023 by the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) to expand apprenticeship capacity and reduce apprentice waiting times for training.
Budget 2024 and Budget 2025 allocated an additional €67 million and €77 million respectively to apprenticeship delivery, bringing the total apprenticeship current budget to €339 million.
I am pleased to say that investment in the system has led to a 43% increase in craft training places in Education and Training Boards, rising from 5600 at the end of 2023 to some 8,000 in 2025. The number of craft apprentices waiting 6 months or longer for phase 2 off-the-job training has reduced by 79% since the implementation of the NAO plan – from 5,319 in October 2023 to 1,140 in February 2025 ensuring that craft training capacity meets skills needs now and into the future.
Non progression rates in the first year of apprenticeships are between 8% and 10%. The Higher Education rate for year one non progression is circa 12%. It is this Department's objective to continue to support learners attending further or higher education programmes and boost retention.
53. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on plans to provide additional student accommodation for the students of Galway; when the new national student accommodation strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/25]
View answerAs part of the Student Accommodation Short-Term Activation Programme, the University of Galway received approval to progress a proposed leasing project for approximately 242 additional beds over 15 years, subject to review.
An assessment was commenced by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) as part of the due diligence process, however during the ongoing assessment the proposal was withdrawn by the vendor.
The University of Galway subsequently submitted a potential project proposal for leasing of approximately 272 beds and The HEA commenced assessment of this alternative proposal. The HEA was informed in May 2024 by the University of Galway that the project will not progress as the developer/landlord advised that they can no longer commit to the proposal.
Separately, the University of Galway opened 674 new beds at Dunlin Village for the 2023/2024 academic year, and on Queen Street over 300 new beds are in development by the private sector supported by ISIF.
The Department will continue to engage with the University of Galway in relation to potential projects through the new Student Accommodation Strategy.
The strategy will include measures to increase the supply of student accommodation, reduce the cost of delivery through standardised design guidance and promote efficient use of existing building stock through refurbishment and an examination of vacancy, while supporting balanced regional development through a Technological University (TU) student accommodation programme.
The strategy will be published in Q2 2025.
55. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the work within his Department to prepare a new five-year apprenticeship action plan 2026-2030. [14613/25]
View answerAn apprenticeship system that delivers a highly skilled workforce which contributes to maintaining productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth in the economy is a priority for government.
The Action Plan for Apprenticeship published in 2021 has been, and remains, a key pillar in my department's workplan to achieve this goal. Significant progress has been made since 2021. This includes the establishment of the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) which has driven, at national level, the expansion of apprenticeship into 52 new occupations through the consortia-led model.
My department has overseen the introduction of the employer grant for consortia-led apprenticeship programmes as well as invested in a significant increase in craft apprentice numbers. Work is ongoing to promote and raise the profile of apprenticeship as a means of obtaining a valued qualification using the “earn while you learn” model. My department has also worked to remove barriers to underrepresented groups participating in apprenticeship through targeted grants.
Annual increase in new registrations and overall apprentice population over the lifetime of the Action Plan:
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
%Change |
|
Annual apprenticeship registrations |
8,607 |
6,717 |
8,712 |
9,352 |
9% |
|
Total apprenticeship population |
24,212 |
26,325 |
27,470 |
29,772 |
23% |
This Government is committed to growing apprenticeship registrations further to at least 12,500 per year by 2030 and developing and launching a new 5-year Apprenticeship Action Plan for 2026-2030 to set a strategic vision for the sector and expand the skills categories. This new Action Plan is set be developed during the course of this year with an expected launch in 2026. It will result from a collaborative and consultative process involving all stakeholders including employers who are at the heart of the apprenticeship system.
56. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board was requested to reduce its floor space from 25,000 metres squared to 10,000 metres squared in its revised business case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14546/25]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Galway Roscommon ETB (GRETB) have been supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Galway City under the Further Education and Training (FET) College of the Future Major Projects fund. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The proposal put forward by GRETB relates to the development of a new state-of-the-art FET campus on a site adjacent to its Mervue Training facility. Due to the close proximity of this training Centre to Atlantic Technological University and the University of Galway, the new development proposes to strengthen tertiary provision in Galway City and the wider region.
SOLAS and department officials met with all twelve ETBs who were progressing business cases under the Further Education and Training (FET) College of the Future Major Projects fund in April and May of 2024 where each ETB gave a presentation on their proposals. Following these meetings each ETB including GRETB was provided with feedback on its' proposals in the context of affordability, value for money and relevant regional and national FET policy objectives. All ETBs were asked to refine their business case proposals to ensure they delivered on their priority infrastructure requirements within the available funding parameters. ETBs were to submit their proposals to SOLAS for evaluation once this work was completed.
I understand that GRETB has now submitted its' business case proposal to SOLAS for evaluation, which is scheduled to take place during the first week of April. Following evaluation, PBCs which meet the relevant criteria will progress to the next stage of development as part of the Pre-tender – Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy Stage.
57. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress on achieving the target of 10,000 annual apprenticeship registrations by the end of 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13983/25]
View answerThere has been significant investment in the growth of apprenticeships since the creation of this Department in 2020 and we are on track to reach the target of 10,000 registrations per year by 2025.
One of the main objectives of the Apprenticeship action Plan 2021-2025 is for apprenticeships to be recognised and valued by employers across all sectors of the economy as a key mechanism for building a highly skilled workforce. There are now 77 national apprenticeship programmes, of which 25 are craft apprenticeships and 52 are consortia-led, across a diverse range of offerings from cybersecurity to hairdressing.
In Budget 2025 €77 million was allocated to apprenticeship, representing the single biggest increase in core funding for apprenticeships since the establishment of this Department. The total current budget for apprenticeship is €339 million, which is a 139% increase in apprenticeship funding since 2019.
This investment has supported a 51% increase in annual registrations on apprenticeship programmes from 6,177 in 2019 to 9,352 in 2024.
Craft apprenticeship registrations have increased by 35% from 5,271 in 2019 to 7,113 in 2024.
Consortia-led registrations have increased by 147% from 906 in 2019 to 2,239 in 2024.
It is this Government's priority to continue to invest in apprenticeships, with a target of 12,500 annual registrations by 2030.
58. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will commit to ensuring that technological universities are able to borrow funds in order to facilitate the building and purchasing of student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14566/25]
View answerA new student accommodation strategy is in development following Government approval of the long-term policy in January 2024. The strategy will include measures to increase the supply of student accommodation, reduce the cost of delivery through standardised design guidance and promote efficient use of existing building stock through refurbishment and an examination of vacancy, while supporting balanced regional development through a Technological University (TU) student accommodation programme.
The intention of the TU student accommodation programme is to assess proposals and potential opportunities to meet the future demand for accommodation. The programme, together with the ongoing standardised design study, will provide a framework of viable delivery models based on regional needs and feasibility assessments. Any potential funding options will be informed by this framework of delivery models and may require approval by Government.
59. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what role has the use of artificial intelligence in our education system and how it is delivered at third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14615/25]
View answerArtificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative opportunities to improve the accessibility, quality, and responsiveness of higher education and training. However, these opportunities also bring challenges that require targeted support, policy guidance and appropriate safeguards.
As an agency of my Department, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has appointed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy advisor with its National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. The role focuses on developing policy and providing practical guidelines on AI to institutions in consultation and collaboration with stakeholders across the higher education system.
The HEA is purposing its Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) fund to drive development in this space. Since 2022, €17.5 million has been allocated, including €5 million in 2024, to support over 365 projects across higher education institutions related to digital transformation, education for sustainable development and academic integrity. These themes are interconnected, particularly with AI, and are critical for HEIs to effectively manage the opportunities and challenges.
Established in 2019 by QQI, the National Academic Integrity Network (NAIN) is a peer-led network that also supports institutions to address the challenges of academic misconduct including those exacerbated by AI tools.
AI may offer opportunities for our further and higher education systems including research, through enhancing innovative and accessible techniques for teaching and learning to deliver a flexible future workforce with the skills required for the economy and society. It also has the potential to provide operational and administrative efficiencies and increased data analytics to enhance the policy responsiveness of the system to emerging student and industry needs.
As with all significant emerging innovations there are also challenges, which will be carefully considered by the sector including but not limited to; issues related to quality assurance and academic integrity, ethical and privacy issues, staff training and work planning. My officials and I will continue to engage with our and the sector to assess the emergence and impact of AI in third level education.
60. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the Higher Education Authority has reached agreement with third level institutions to increase the number of training places for dental students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14520/25]
View answerMy officials are working closely with the Department of Health to expand the healthcare workforce capacity of the country, including oral healthcare.
My Department does not place a quota on dental courses, and therefore the number of places offered is a matter for the higher education institutions, in line with their autonomy. However, I do acknowledge that due to a high level of practical work there can be material constraints on the number of students that can be accepted onto dentistry courses.
The provision of healthcare programmes is complex and involves many different parts of the system. It is important that any increases in places are done in a sustainable way with an evidence based understanding of the future needs of the health system.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) ran an exercise to identify options for the creation of additional capacity in a range of priority healthcare disciplines including Dentistry. A number of dentistry options were identified. Following recommendations received from the HEA, it was announced on 18th October 2024 that several universities will establish new programmes in areas of Dentistry, Medicine and Pharmacy. The programmes included support for a new Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), which will train students in a community-based model of dental education, significantly increasing the number of dentistry training places available nationally and expanding access to dental services. This programme will provide at least 20 new dentistry places per annum for Irish/EEA students from 2025 onwards.
It is worth emphasising that my Department is not in a position to specify the workforce planning demand requirements for any discipline – this must come from the relevant line Department. It is my understanding that the Department of Health is commencing work on a workforce scoping project and skills assessment across the oral healthcare sector.
62. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the projects for Further Education Colleges that will be progressed in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14302/25]
View answerThe Further Education and Training (FET) College of the Future Major Projects Fund was launched to address existing deficits in FET infrastructure, to support projects that drive reform of the FET sector and to facilitate consolidation and integration of further education and training.
In September 2024 following an evaluation process, six proposals met the relevant criteria and were approved to move to the next stage of development, the Pre-tender – Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy Stage. These were proposals from Cork ETB (Bishopstown), Cavan Monaghan ETB (Cavan Town), Kilkenny Carlow ETB (Kilkenny City), Kildare Wicklow ETB (Bray), Limerick Clare ETB (Newcastle West) & Tipperary ETB (Clonmel). SOLAS continues to engage with these six ETBs around further developing their proposals and associated schedules of accommodation. Work has also begun on the development of standardised procurement and tender documents as part of this stage of development.
The next round of evaluations under the FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund is scheduled to take place during the first week of April 2025, where a further number of submitted business cases will be evaluated. A further evaluation will be convened later in the year for those ETBs who are unable to meet the April deadline.
The FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund is the first ever significant major capital programme call for the FET sector and I and my department remain committed to delivering these key projects for the sector.
63. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will commit to establishing a minimum PhD stipend of €28,000 for all PhD students, as recommended by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14567/25]
View answerUnder Budget 2025, additional funding was announced for Research Ireland in order to increase its PhD stipend level to €25,000, i.e. an increase of over 31% in two years. This announcement builds on the increases secured under preceding Budgets, demonstrating my Department’s consistent focus and progress on this issue. It has come into effect from 1 January 2025.In doing so, my Department has now implemented the recommendation of the independent review of State Supports for PhD researchers for an optimum stipend level of €25,000, subject to funding availability. That review exercise, announced in October 2022, is the first time that PhD provision in Ireland was so comprehensively reviewed. For those PhD students in receipt of stipends from national competitive funding agencies outside the remit of my Department, the level of stipend awarded is at the discretion of each funder and its parent Department. Institutional scholarship supports received by PhD students from their higher education institution are funded primarily by the core funding provided to the sector. The use of core funding is at the discretion of each higher education institution whose autonomy in this respect is established in legislation.
As part of Budget 2025, a National Training Fund funding package of nearly €1.5 billion over a six-year period was agreed for the tertiary sector. This includes €650m in a core funding package for the higher education institutions, to utilise as they deem appropriate consistent with the need to secure the most beneficial, effective and efficient use of those resources.
64. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the new strategy for the further education and training sector includes a review of infrastructure capacity so as to cater for the continued growth in demand for further education and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13980/25]
View answerSOLAS, in collaboration with my Department, is currently developing the new FET Strategy for 2025-2029, which will build on the growth of the sector to date, further empowering individuals, communities and businesses to achieve their full potential.
Since its establishment, my Department has taken steps to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the sector’s development.
The FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund was launched in February 2022 to address existing deficits in FET infrastructure, to support projects that drive reform of the FET sector and to facilitate consolidation and integration of FET. It is the first ever significant major capital programme call for the sector and 12 ETBs throughout the Country are progressing significant capital infrastructure projects under this fund.
In January, my Department, along with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications announced €60m in co-funding to drive energy efficiency and decarbonisation in FET buildings. This will directly contribute to the implementation of energy retrofit works and decarbonisation measures.
Additionally, as part of Budget 2025, my Department secured €150m investment from the six year NTF surplus package to fund innovative equipment for the FET sector. This funding will position FET as a driver of workforce transformation. My officials are working with SOLAS to progress this significant investment.
65. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the importance of the hospitality sector to Killarney, County Kerry and to Ireland will be acknowledged by supporting and expediting the proposed training college for the hospitality industry at a location (details supplied). [6847/25]
View answerI would like to advise the Deputy that Kerry ETB are currently being supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Killarney under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. The proposal put forward by KETB is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.
KETB’s proposal is expected to encompass the transformation of FET provision in the area by developing a state-of-the-art campus focussing on skills development in Hospitality Training, while supporting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Green Technologies.
KETB is also currently working on its' business case proposal and will have the opportunity to submit this proposal for evaluation once it is completed. Following evaluation, business cases that meet the evaluation criteria will advance to the next stage of development: Pre-Tender – Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy.
SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support KETB in the development of its' proposal. My department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the needs of FET learners and teaching staff in Kerry and the wider south east region.
66. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to report on the work of his Department in encouraging SMEs to avail of further education and training for their staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13981/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to driving a skills ecosystem and skills agenda in Ireland which is agile and responsive to priority skills needs, to ensure Ireland has a skilled and productive workforce across businesses of all sizes and to encourage enterprises to avail of opportunities for their employees.
I am focused on working with the skills ecosystem, to ensure an adequate pipeline of skills to match business and enterprise needs and requirements in the workplace. The effectiveness and impact of the whole of the tertiary education system is enhanced when education and training provision, as well as broader upskilling and reskilling opportunities, are informed by the experience, insights and expertise of the enterprise sector. My department continues to engage with industry including through Skillnet Ireland, the National Skills Council and the Regional Skills Fora network.
I know that SMEs face particular challenges when it comes to availing of upskilling and reskilling opportunities, including around time and cost, and around the navigability of the skills ecosystem. I want to ensure that opportunities and pathways are visible and flexible. Providers work closely with enterprise to ensure that this is the case. Offerings such as Springboard+, Microcredentials and Microqualifications, and Skills to Advance all have this aim.
This year, my Department will work with Skillnet Ireland to roll out an SME Training Incentivisation Fund. This scheme will enable employers to mitigate many of the costs associated with upskilling their workforce.
In addition, initiatives across government, such as the Regional Skills Fora, and the National Enterprise Hub, aim to signpost SMEs to the supports they need.
67. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the demands by an organisation (details supplied) for protections for staff on precarious contracts in the tertiary education sector. [14650/25]
View answerI fully agree that our third level institutions should be able to offer the career opportunities, pay and terms and conditions that serve to attract and retain quality staff.
It is important to recognise the autonomy of our third level institutions and the legitimate need for an appropriate staffing mix that supports a high-performing sector. Notwithstanding this, my Department is already implementing a number of measures to help address the issues raised by IFUT and other representatives bodies in the sector.
In particular, a significant uplift in the ceiling of core staff has been approved for the sector aligned with the substantial additional funding provided in recent Budgets under the Funding the Future framework. Since 2020, the ceiling has increased by over 4,300 posts, bringing the total approved ceiling for core-funded posts in higher education to over 23,800 for 2025. This includes an uplift of 715 posts in respect of the Budget 2025 investment.
It is only through such planned and sustained investment that our universities and other higher education institutions will be able to recruit the permanent staff they need.
68. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the percentage of students from County Offaly that progress to third-level education; how this compares to the national average; the measures being taken to improve access to higher education for students in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14549/25]
View answerThe Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not calculate progression rate data on a county level, and as such the requested information is not available.
I am committed to improving access to higher education for students throughout the country. That is why my Department has introduced a range of targeted initiatives, from financial supports to institutional investment, all aimed at breaking down barriers and ensuring that students - regardless of background or location - can pursue their ambitions in higher education.
My Department is committed to the continued development of the five Technological Universities established under the TU Act (2018), and this is reflected in the Programme for Government. Technological Universities have a statutory responsibility to increase research capacity, drive research-informed innovation and development and to ensure balanced regional development.
The Technological University of the Shannon was the third TU to be established in the state, and the first cross-regional TU. Since its establishment, it has aided in higher education access, growing regional development and providing students, staff, business and enterprise, and local communities more opportunities, serving as it does communities in counties including Westmeath, Limerick, Tipperary, Clare. and Offaly.
The Fourth National Access Plan (NAP), a Strategic Action Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education 2022-2028, was launched on 31 August 2022. This sets out our ambition to support inclusion and diversity in our student body, addresses the wider struggles and challenges for students, and delivers sustainable progress across the higher education sector.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, which is the main source of funding to assist students in attending third level education, students can apply for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need, can apply for support under the SAF. The SAF is a critical support which is allocated by this Department to the Higher Education Authority (HEA), who manage the fund on behalf of the Department, and distribute the fund to the higher education institutions (HEIs).
The fund has a dual focus. It is designed to support students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds with ongoing needs for financial support, and also to provide emergency financial assistance for other students.
My Department is committed to providing diverse and flexible education pathways that meet the needs of individuals, employers, and society. This includes expanding options for individuals to avail of learning outside of typical full-time degrees. Some of the initiatives to support this include Springboard+, Micro-credentials, tertiary programmes and the Student Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses.
I will continue to work to ensure that learners all over the country are able to access third level education in a way that works for them.
69. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to address the delays with apprentices, including pipefitter apprentices, completing their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14104/25]
View answerCraft apprenticeships are a vital route to qualification and employment for the construction sector, and strong employer demand has led to a 34% increase in craft apprenticeship registrations since 2019, increasing from 5,300 in 2019 to 7,100 in 2024.
My Department continues to oversee the implementation of a priority plan put in place in November 2023 by the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) to expand apprenticeship capacity and reduce apprentice waiting times for training.
As a result, I pleased to say that the number of craft apprentices waiting six months or longer for phase 2 off-the-job training has fallen by 79% since the implementation of the NAO plan – from 5,319 in October 2023 to 1,140 in February 2025.
To successfully remedy the issue, significant resources were invested in expanding the apprenticeship system.
Budget 2024 and Budget 2025 allocated an additional €67 million and €77 million respectively to apprenticeship delivery, bringing the total apprenticeship current budget to €339 million.
This investment enabled the recruitment of over 110 new apprentice instructor staff, and the conversion of over 80 instructors from fixed term to permanent contracts to support retention.
These measures have led to a 43% increase in craft training places in Education and Training Boards, rising from 5600 at the end of 2023 to some 8,000 in 2025.
As at the end of February 2025 there were 414 pipefitting apprentices nationally. Of those 38 apprentices were eligible for phase 2 training following completion of phase 1, 17 apprentices were eligible for phase 4 training following completion of phase 3, and 2 apprentices were eligible for training at phase 6. SOLAS have advised that there is sufficient pipefitting training capacity in the national apprenticeship system to provide a training place in a timely manner based on current registration levels.
My priority is to ensure craft training capacity meets skills needs now and into the future, and my department has directed the NAO to implement a robust monitoring system for craft training capacity by trade.
70. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeline for the single phase delivery of Dunboyne College of Further Education and Training, County Meath, serving six counties, based on the February 2022 commitment of the then-Minister. [14512/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that Louth Meath ETB (LMETB) have been supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Dunboyne under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
The proposal put forward by LMETB relates to the development of a new fit for purpose facility on a green field site in Dunboyne, to replace the existing rented accommodation. It is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.
I understand that LMETB have now submitted their PBC proposal to SOLAS for evaluation, which is targeted to take place in early April. Following evaluation, PBCs which meet the relevant criteria will progress to the next stage of development as part of the Pre-tender – Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy Stage in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines.
My department and I remain committed to delivering these key projects for the sector which will deliver state of the art facilities to meet the needs of our learners and teaching staff in Meath and across the region.
71. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detail the plans to provide affordable student accommodation across the country to address the accommodation crisis. [14647/25]
View answerIn the new Student Accommodation Strategy, which is in development, my focus will be on increasing the supply of student accommodation to benefit both students, and to free up private rental homes.
I will focus on a combination of digs accommodation, an examination of vacant property, and the development and leasing of purpose-built student accommodation.
I will also examine sustainable transport alternatives to accommodation close to campus.
The objectives of the Strategy are to:
• increase the supply of state supported student accommodation
• reduce the cost of delivery through development of standardised design guidance
• promote efficient use of existing building stock through refurbishment and an examination of vacancy
• support balanced regional development through the Technological University (TU) Student Accommodation Programme
• promote digs accommodation
The outcome of the Standardised Design Study and the Technological University Student Accommodation Programme will provide a framework of delivery models and funding options to inform the new Strategy.
The reports from these studies are expected early this year and it is my intention to deliver the Strategy in Q2 2025.
72. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what measures are being taken to ensure sufficient capacity for in-class training for apprenticeships at all levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14614/25]
View answerCraft apprenticeships are a vital route to qualification and employment for the construction sector, and strong employer demand has led to a 34% increase in craft apprenticeship registrations since 2019, increasing from 5,300 in 2019 to 7,100 in 2024.
My Department continues to oversee the implementation of a priority plan put in place in November 2023 by the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) to expand apprenticeship capacity and reduce apprentice waiting times for training.
As a result, I pleased to say that the number of craft apprentices waiting six months or longer for phase 2 off-the-job training has fallen by 79% since the implementation of the NAO plan – from 5,319 in October 2023 to 1,140 in February 2025.
To successfully remedy the issue, significant resources were invested in expanding the apprenticeship system.
Budget 2024 and Budget 2025 allocated an additional €67 million and €77 million respectively to apprenticeship delivery, bringing the total apprenticeship current budget to €339 million.
This investment enabled the recruitment of over 110 new apprentice instructor staff, and the conversion of over 80 instructors from fixed term to permanent contracts to support retention.
These measures have led to a 43% increase in craft training places in Education and Training Boards, rising from 5600 at the end of 2023 to some 8,000 in 2025.
My priority is to ensure craft training capacity meets skills needs now and into the future, and my Department has directed the NAO to implement a robust monitoring system for craft training capacity by trade.
