Written Answers Nos. 899-913
899. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average length of time for the approval of new apprenticeship programmes from inception to commencement. [37815/25]
View answerBased on the experience of consortia-led apprenticeships to date, the journey from the inception to the commencement of a new apprenticeship can take approximately two years, although timelines may vary depending on multiple factors such as the nature of the proposal.
Employer-led consortiums proposing a new apprenticeship must follow a 10-step process which is overseen by the National Apprenticeship Office. These steps are not necessarily linear and a number may be taken in parallel. Further information available on apprenticeship.ie.
900. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider retaining the €1,000 college-fee reduction introduced as part of the cost-of-living measures, in light of the ongoing financial pressures facing families due to the high cost of food, utilities and housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36984/25]
View answer919. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to retain the cost of living reduction of €1,000 for student fees in Budget 2026 and make this initiative a permanent feature going forward (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37547/25]
View answer921. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will ensure that student fees are not increased (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37558/25]
View answer922. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if urgent assistance can be provided to struggling families in the form of student fees and SUSI grants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37559/25]
View answer923. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will reconsider the recent announcement regarding the €1,000 cost-of-living support towards third level college fees not being continued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37576/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 900, 919, 921, 922 and 923 together.
I am acutely conscious of the financial challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to education. I am committed to easing this burden for students and their families in a financially sustainable way.
Almost all full-time undergraduate students have their tuition fees paid in full by the State through the Free Fees Initiative; additionally, almost half of all students have their Student Contribution Fee paid in full or in part by the State. In addition, a variety of supports are available through SUSI.
The base rate for the student contribution remains at €3,000 and this is paid by free fees eligible students when attending Higher Education Institutions, with many benefiting from a subvention in whole or in part from SUSI, depending on their eligibility, as set out above.
A once-off €1,000 reduction to this contribution has been provided for as part of cost-of-living packages for students over the last three budgets. I am keen to continue supporting measures however it has been confirmed in recent weeks that no “cost of living” ancillary package will be provided from central government in the current year. On that basis, I need to look at various policy options available to me ahead of Budget 2026.
I hosted a cost of education event in early April to better inform the decisions on this issue and to meet with representative groups. This event was attended by key stakeholders from the tertiary education sector. The event served as an opportunity for all to have their say on the key cost of education issues.
The Programme for Government commits to reducing the student contribution in a financially sustainable manner over the lifetime of this Government. I fully intend to progress this, starting from the base figure of €3,000 and advancing measures to reduce that over time in a way that is equitable, funded, and fair, and less reliant on temporary subventions which, whilst providing welcome relief, remain uncertain from year to year.
Ahead of Budget 2026, I will publish an options paper, which will identify costs and potential impacts of various policy options aimed at reducing the cost of higher education. This paper will inform decision-making ahead of Budget 2026.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, I can assure the Deputy that options to support students and reduce financial barriers will be a key consideration for me as part of Budget negotiations.
901. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his Department’s expenditure on hairstyling, make-up, personal grooming, and general cosmetic expenses, in each of the years 2015 to 2025, in tabular form. [36996/25]
View answer902. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his Department’s expenditure on beauticians, make-up artists or hairdressing professionals, stylists or personal shoppers, specifying if such expenditure was on a contract or retainer fee basis, in each of the years 2015 to 2025, in tabular form. [37015/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 901 and 902 together.
Since the creation of my Department in 2020, my Department has incurred no expenditure relating to external beauticians, make-up artists or hairdressing professionals, stylists or personal shoppers, personal grooming, and general cosmetic expenses.
903. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his Department's expenditure on media training in each of the years 2015 to 2025; the firms contracted to provide training; and the position or grade of those availing of training for example minister, secretary general, principal officer and so on. [37050/25]
View answerMy Department has not contracted any firms to provide media training for me or departmental staff since its establishment in August 2020.
904. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his Department's expenditure on media consultancy in each of the years 2015 to 2025; the consultancy firms involved; and the nature of each contract, in tabular form. [37068/25]
View answerMy Department has not incurred any costs on media consultancy since its establishment in August 2020.
905. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1654 of 10 June 2025, when a reply will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37081/25]
View answerPlease accept my apologies for the delayed response to your recent question. My officials were liaising with SOLAS and Louth and Meath ETB in respect of your question.
There has been no cut to the FET budget for Louth and Meath ETB in 2025.
The annual service plan referenced in your question is a requirement set out in the Education and Training Boards Act 2013 and it is submitted to the Minister for Education and Youth. It is not submitted to SOLAS for review and approval. Whilst Louth and Meath ETB set out an ambitious programme for FET provision in its annual service plan with an anticipated budget of €87 million, SOLAS had advised Louth and Meath ETB that its allocation for 2025 would be broadly in line with its 2024 allocation. Its funding allocation for 2025 is €73.759 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 5% on the 2024 allocation of €70.246 million. In comparison, Louth and Meath ETB’s projected allocation of €87 million would have required an uplift of some 24%.
Whilst SOLAS requests a certain level of funding as part of the Estimates process, all Estimates requests notwithstanding the potential benefit, value and impact, are subject to the constraints imposed by budgetary policy and expenditure priorities set by Government. It is the responsibility of SOLAS and the ETBs to plan their provision within the allocation agreed by Government.
My Department is committed to supporting a FET system that helps individuals succeed, boosts economic growth, and prepares our workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead, while fostering stronger communities. This commitment is underpinned by a significant investment of over €1 billion in 2025, representing a 36% increase since 2020.
906. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount spent to date by University College Cork on the UCC Group brand refresh project; the estimated total cost of the project; whether external consultants have been engaged in relation to the project; the amount they have been paid to date; the estimated total cost of external consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37100/25]
View answerA UCC Group brand refresh project has been underway since 2021. In line with the adoption of its Strategic Plan, Securing our Future 2023-2028, the university made the strategic decision to evaluate its impact and reputation in order to take steps to optimize the role that the university plays in the areas of recruitment and research.
This brand refresh is a practice regularly conducted by universities and is especially important at a time of increasing global competition. This was the first time since 2012 that such a review had been undertaken by University College Cork (UCC) which has changed and grown substantially in that time. The review was also prompted by the requirements of the Official Languages Act including, for instance, giving prominence to the Irish language in university signage and identity.
As this is specialist work, designed to further align the university brand with its strategy, brand agency Neworld were appointed, following a public tender, to work with the university to benchmark against peers and conduct extensive interviews and focus groups with national and international stakeholders. Taking this extensive feedback, input and professional expertise into account, the university marketing team worked to refresh their approach in order to ensure clarity and coherence from an external perspective.
This external review undertaken by Neworld between 2021 and 2024, was at a cost of €113,686.
Overall, it is expected that the brand refresh will strengthen the university’s reputation, improving their national and international profile in a way that has both financial and academic benefits. The institution is confident that the investment will generate a significant return over the coming years, with tangible financial impacts.
907. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the capital funding allocated to each technological university since creation, by year, in tabular form. [37178/25]
View answerMy Department has disbursed just over €223m in capital funding to the Technological University Sector since 2020 under a number of capital programmes including the Higher Education Strategic and Infrastructural Fund (HESIF), the Infrastructure and Refurbishment Fund (IURF), the Energy Efficiency Decarbonisation Pathway Programme (EEDPP), the Devolved Capital Grant, the Apprenticeship Programme Grant, the Higher Education Research and Equipment Grant (HEREG) etc.
Details of amounts disbursed to each Technological University since its establishment (with various establishment dates between 01/01/2020 and 01/05/2022) to date in 2025 are provided in the attached table.
In addition, significant capital investment is ongoing in relation to operational Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects delivered for Technological University Dublin at Grangegorman, the National Maritime College of Ireland, and Cork School of Music at Munster Technological University.
Under Bundle 1 of the Higher Education PPP programme, TU Dublin Blanchardstown Teaching Building, TU Dublin Tallaght Culinary Arts, Engineering & Science building, TUS Athlone STEM Facility and MTU Cork Learning Resource Centre and MTU Kerry STEM Facility have commenced service in recent months and days. Under Bundle 2 of the Higher Education PPP programme, contracts have been signed for the commencement of the construction of five new buildings across multiple TU campuses.
The new buildings once completed will be located in the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway and Letterkenny Campuses, South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford and Carlow Campuses and in the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Limerick Campus.
908. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of approval for the SETU one health building; when the preliminary business case was received; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37179/25]
View answerA proposal by South East Technological University to create a University and Enterprise Quarter on the former Waterford Crystal site is currently being progressed under my department’s Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund.
SETU have been working on developing a preliminary business case for the proposed infrastructure they would like to be delivered on the site. This preliminary business case has now been received and is currently being evaluated by the HEA, this evaluation is expected to be completed shortly.
My department and I remain committed to supporting SETU to ensure there is appropriate infrastructure to meet the needs of learners in this region.
909. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of approval for the SETU Wexford Campus; when the preliminary business case was received; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37180/25]
View answerA proposal by South East Technological University (SETU) to develop a Wexford Campus is currently being progressed under my department’s Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund.
Over the last number of years, SETU have been working closely with Wexford County Council to help identify an appropriate site for a permanent home for their Wexford Campus. As part of this engagement, a preferred site was identified. Following a lengthy negotiation process between Wexford County Council and the Vendor, agreement could not be reached on price.
Wexford County Council are now progressing the acquisition of this site by way of a compulsory purchase order (CPO). It is the intention that part of these lands would facilitate a new SETU Wexford Campus.
In parallel to work on the site, SETU have been working on developing a preliminary business case for the proposed infrastructure they would like to be delivered on the site. This preliminary business case has now been received and is currently being evaluated by the HEA. This evaluation cannot be finalised until the site has been secured following the CPO process. The acquisition of a suitable site that can support the required infrastructure is a key determinant when assessing a business case.
I am aware that it has been a long-term ambition of SETU to secure a suitable permanent campus site in Wexford and I am committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to advance this ambition of ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place for learners and staff in Wexford and surrounding regions
910. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of approval for the SETU veterinary and pharmacy buildings; when the preliminary business case was received; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37181/25]
View answerUnder the National Development Plan, my Department allocates capital investment to Higher Education Institutions (including SETU) through competitive programmatic funding calls managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). These funding calls invite applications from Universities and Technological Universities, which typically respond to these calls by submitting Preliminary Business Cases (PBCs). The HEA evaluates submissions based on strategic fit, value for money and alignment with national priorities before making recommendations to my Department. Any decision to allow a project to proceed through PBC stage is not considered a guarantee of capital investment.
All projects are subject to the approval process set out in the 2023 Infrastructure Guidelines, formerly known as the Public Spending Code, which require progression through a series of formal Approval Gates, namely, Approval Gate 1 Approval in Principle, Approval Gate 2 Pre-Tender Approval and Approval Gate 3 Approval to Proceed.
The South East Technological University (SETU) made a full submission of their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in May 2025. Further to a review of the PBC, the HEA is currently awaiting receipt of supplementary information from SETU before the proposal proceeds to the next stage of the approval process.
911. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of approval for the SETU student accommodation developments in Waterford and Carlow; when the preliminary business case was received; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37182/25]
View answerThe purpose of the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme (TSSAP) is to assess Higher Education Institution proposals for student accommodation projects on, or near, each of their main campus locations.
Stage 1 of the TSSAP involved the submission of strategic assessment documents. Higher Education Institutions, including the South-East Technological University (SETU), submitted proposals exploring a range delivery models. These proposals were jointly assessed by my Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) in Q2 2024. Initial proposals included purpose-built student accommodation both on and off campus, leasing, joint ventures, and repurposing of vacant or derelict properties.
The second phase involves the development and assessment of the initial preliminary business cases (PBC) comprising of a PBC narrative, financial model, economic model and a multi-criteria analysis model.
The TSSAP will align with all criteria outlined within the Infrastructure Guidelines Process with regards evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects. Projects for progression under Stage 2 will align with this process, ensuring that locations are chosen based on strategic fit, feasibility, and alignment with national policy objectives.
I can confirm that the HEA, on behalf of my Department, is actively progressing the TSSAP, definitive timelines are not available at this stage of the process.
912. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of approval for the SETU apprenticeship building; when the preliminary business case was received; when a decision will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37183/25]
View answerSouth East Technological University (SETU) submitted a Preliminary Business Case (PBC) in September 2024 to the Higher Education Authority (HEA), under the Apprenticeship Expansion Programme 2024 for a new apprenticeship building. All PBCs submitted under this programme went through an internal review process and subsequently an Evaluation Panel was convened to consider all applications under this Programme.
Engagement between the HEA and my Department, regarding demand projections for apprenticeships, extended over the period from submission of application to conclusion of the evaluation process. The evaluation report was submitted to my Department towards the end of last month. The report is currently under review and a response will issue to the HEA once that process has concluded.
913. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to examine the case, and explain the reasons, a person had their higher education access route application rejected under the grounds of criteria 4 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37203/25]
View answerThe Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) Scheme is managed and operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) on behalf of the higher education institutions who are autonomous bodies.
Admissions under the schemes are regulated by the higher education institutions themselves.
Each institution determines its own admissions policy in relation to the schemes, the number of places they reserve and the allocation of those places, therefore it is not within the Departments remit to intervene in individual cases. Queries should be directed to the IUA.
Further information on IUA is available here www.iua.ie
Applications to the scheme are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme for participating institutions.
Any applicant deemed ineligible for HEAR is informed in writing via email and via their CAO portal. They are also informed of the Review and Appeals process, and we would encourage all applicants to avail of this process, further information can be found here www.accesscollege.ie/hear/reviews-and-appeals/
