Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
116. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of leaving certificate holders who accepted a university place in each of the past ten years; the number of persons who graduated from university in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37510/25]
View answerOver the past decade, access to higher education in Ireland has expanded significantly. Full-time enrolments have grown by 17% in the last 10 years from 173,000 to 202,000. CAO acceptances are up from 47,000 in 2014, to over 51,500, in 2024, a 10% increase. Acceptances at honours degree level have gone from 35,000 to 45,000, a 29% increase. Graduate numbers have risen by 31% from from 67,000 to almost 88,000.
The Irish higher education system has proactively responded to growing student demand. This growth has helped make Ireland one of the most educated countries in the world. Today, 63% of people aged 25 to 34 hold a third-level qualification, well above the EU average of 43%. Our highly educated workforce has been a key driver of our economic success, and I remain committed to ensuring our education system continues to produce the skilled graduates our country needs.
But while the progress is remarkable, challenges remain. A growing population is entering the third-level system, and we must ensure that access to tertiary education remains open to all. Current pathways work well for the majority of students but I acknowledge that there are potential learners who struggle to participate in higher education.
To meet future demand and to increase accessibility, we need a whole-of-system approach- one that includes further education and training, apprenticeships, tertiary degrees, supported part-time programmes and traditional higher education. A balanced system offers multiple pathways for learners. New tertiary programmes outside the CAO system now provide alternative routes to a degree, especially for those who didn’t get the points for their preferred course.
My Department continues to prioritise expanding and diversifying tertiary education to meet student demand, address skills gaps, and support our workforce.
