Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
157. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration is being given to expanding employer placement opportunities as a formal component of university programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37563/25]
View answerHigher education institutions are, under legislation, autonomous in their academic affairs. This means it is up to each institution to decide whether to include work placements in their programmes. Any decision to expand the number of courses offering placements is a matter for each individual institution. As Minister, I do not have a direct role on course developments.
However, I recognise that employer placements can be hugely valuable for students. They offer real-world experience for students, help build confidence, and can play a key role in shaping future career paths. Placements also benefit employers, giving them early access to emerging talent and helping to develop the skills pipeline for their sector.
We are seeing very positive developments in this space. I recently launched the new Immersive Bioscience and Biotherapeutics programme – or iBio – at the University of Limerick. In this course, students spend half their time learning on campus and the other half in paid residencies within the biotech industry. This kind of blended model is very welcome. It recognises that a great deal of learning happens outside the lecture hall, in labs, in workplaces, and through practical experience.
We also have formal placement and employment-readiness requirements built into certain government-funded initiatives. For example, placements are a feature of many Springboard+ courses and are compulsory for full-time, one-year ICT Skills Conversion programmes. These courses often also provide job-readiness supports, particularly for unemployed participants and those returning to the workforce.
Springboard+ providers are expected to put strong supports in place to help learners progress their careers. This includes an integrated careers module, and for eligible returners or those in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment, a credited work placement or project-based module must always be offered.
I know how important it is for students to feel confident and career-ready when they complete their studies. That is why my department and I are committed to supporting flexible and inclusive pathways, to strengthening the connection between education and employment, and to ensuring that real-world, practical learning opportunities are embedded across the system wherever possible.
