Written Answers Nos. 914-927
914. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if funding will be provided to the ETB as they are currently not in the position to continue local training initiatives for the remainder of 2025 in Littleton, Cahir, Cashel and Tipperary town, as funding for the shortfall would ensure that these classes are not lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37212/25]
View answerSOLAS have not reduced funding to Tipperary ETB for 2025 - its allocation from SOLAS has increased by €1.1 million from its 2024 allocation to €35.5 million by SOLAS in 2025.
SOLAS, the state agency responsible for the further education and training sector, allocates funding to 16 ETBs to deliver their programmes within the allocation agreed by Government at the Budget.
In Tipperary, this funding supports over 9,600 learner enrolments across various programmes, including PLC, Youthreach, apprenticeships, upskilling, and adult literacy.
Education and Training Boards support community groups by funding training projects aimed at helping individuals facing exclusion or labour market disadvantage.
One such initiative is the Local Training Initiative (LTI). LTIs are funded annually, tailored to meet specific community needs, and subject to an annual review. I have been advised that following a comprehensive review to align services with its annual budget, Tipperary ETB made the difficult decision not to continue funding four of its LTIs in Littleton, Cahir, Cashel and Tipperary town, due to high costs and low learner numbers.
Tipperary ETB has advised my officials that it is actively exploring alternative provision options to support the learner cohort typically served by LTIs. The Deputy will appreciate that, as Minister, I have no role in the operational decisions of ETBs, which are independent statutory bodies. Tipperary ETB will continue to assess community needs and funding priorities going forward.
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.
915. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of purchase orders processed by his Department in 2023 that were not included in the published reports of purchase orders over €20,000; the number of purchase orders excluded due to their value falling below the €20,000 threshold, and the total combined value of those purchase orders; and the number of purchase orders excluded because they related to transactions other than goods or services (for example, grants-in-aid, reimbursements), in line with reporting conventions. [37233/25]
View answerMy Department does not hold the information requested by the Deputy in a readily accessible format. As a result, it has not been possible to compile the necessary details within the timeframe available to respond to these questions. Following clarification provided by your office, my officials are now working to gather the relevant information which I will ensure is conveyed directly to the Deputy once available.
916. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to intervene with a particular college (details supplied) to ensure that students are able to finish the final year of their course that has been cancelled due to budget issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37251/25]
View answerI am pleased to assure the Deputy that first-year learners enrolled in the Traineeship in Visual Effects, Video and Animation Post-Production (VFA) at City of Dublin FET College Ballyfermot Road will progress to the second year of their programme in September 2025. City of Dublin ETB has advised my officials that a communication was issued in error to first year learners on the Traineeship in VFA. The centre has communicated directly with all affected learners to clarify the previous communication error and to reassure them of their continued enrolment in year two of the programme.
917. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on progress in relation to the Kilkenny College of Further Education and Training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37280/25]
View answerThe Kilkenny and Carlow ETB's (KCETB) proposal for a new FET College in Kilkenny city has been successful in moving forward to the next stage of development - the Pre-tender, Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage. This is following the evaluation process which was undertaken in September 2024.
KCETB’s proposal is to construct a new integrated Further Education and Training College of the Future (CotF) on the newly purchased site at Joinersfolly to the south of Kilkenny City. The proposed facility would address critical needs, including providing a state-of-the-art education and training facility.
The project aims to consolidate existing provision, incorporate new training programmes and specialisms, and develop support services at one location with convenient transport access, including bus services to main towns in multiple counties.
SOLAS continues to engage with KCETB around it's project scope and associated schedules of accommodation. Initial work has also begun on the development of standardised tender documents.
918. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will immediately review the cuts to the local training Initiative programmes in south Tipperary as a result of funding cuts by Tipperary ETB; if he will work with Tipperary ETB to ensure it has sufficient funding for these vital programmes catering to early school leavers; if he will comment on the importance of the local training initiatives and their importance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37426/25]
View answerSOLAS have not reduced funding to Tipperary ETB for 2025 - its allocation from SOLAS has increased by €1.1 million from its 2024 allocation to €35.5 million by SOLAS in 2025.
SOLAS, the state agency responsible for the further education and training sector, allocates funding to 16 ETBs to deliver their programmes within the allocation agreed by Government at the Budget.
In Tipperary, this funding supports over 9,600 learner enrolments across various programmes, including PLC, Youthreach, apprenticeships, upskilling, and adult literacy.
Education and Training Boards support community groups by funding training projects aimed at helping individuals facing exclusion or labour market disadvantage.
One such initiative is the Local Training Initiative (LTI). LTIs are funded annually, tailored to meet specific community needs, and subject to an annual review. I have been advised that following a comprehensive review to align services with its annual budget, Tipperary ETB made the difficult decision not to continue funding four of its LTIs due to high costs and low learner numbers.
Tipperary ETB has advised my officials that is actively exploring alternative provision options to support the learner cohort typically served by LTIs.
The Deputy will appreciate that, as Minister, I have no role in the operational decisions of ETBs, which are independent statutory bodies. Tipperary ETB will continue to assess community needs and funding priorities going forward.
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.
920. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to expedite work on a site (details supplied) in Killarney, County Kerry by developing a state-of-the-art campus focussing on skills development in hospitality training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37548/25]
View answerSOLAS continue to support Kerry ETB (KETB) in the development of its Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Killarney under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund. The proposal is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.
The proposal put forward by KETB under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund aims to transform FET provision in Killarney in a state-of-the-art campus focusing on skills development in Hospitality Training, while supporting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Green Technologies.
I understand that KETB are at an advanced stage in terms of the development of their submission to support the purchase of a suitable site for this project. This submission is expected to be received by SOLAS shortly.
In parallel to the work on the site, SOLAS are also supporting KETB in developing their PBC for the proposed infrastructure they would like delivered on the site. Once KETB have completed this business case, it will be submitted to SOLAS for evaluation.
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 region.
924. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports in place to help apprentices and employers make the most of apprenticeship programmes as a route into skilled trades; if he has plans to improve apprenticeship pay to boost retention; how his Department is working to ensure apprenticeships are valued on a par with academic qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33158/25]
View answerGovernment is committed to maximising the number of apprentices who start and complete apprenticeship programmes, and an objective of the Action Plan is to have apprenticeship be recognised and valued by employers across all sectors of the economy.
While wages are a key factor for those considering apprenticeships, neither SOLAS nor my department are involved in the setting of wages. The wages of around three quarters of the overall apprentice population are guided by long-standing industrial relations mechanisms. For the remainder, wages are agreed between the employer and the apprentice on a case by case basis.
In craft programmes the apprentice receives a training allowance provided by the state during their off-the-job training phases. This ensures the apprentice continues to have an income while in full-time training. Apprentices on consortia-led schemes are paid by their employer throughout the apprenticeship. To support employers with training costs, a €2,000 consortia-led employer grant was launched in 2022. Since the introduction of the consortia-led employer grant employer grant, yearly registrations on consortia-led apprenticeships have risen from 1,652 in 2021 to 2,239 in 2024.
Targeted financial supports are also available to employers to encourage the employment of underrepresented groups. Apprentices may also avail of meal and travel, or accommodation, supplementary allowances.
To date in the lifetime of the current Action Plan for Apprenticeships, annual registrations in apprenticeships have risen by 75%, from 5,326 by the end of 2020 to 9,352 in 2024.
In a recent survey of apprentices undertaken by the National Apprenticeship Office 86% of all respondents indicated that they would recommend an apprenticeship to family and friends.
Maintaining apprenticeship as an attractive option for both employers and learners is essential to achieving the Government’s goal of 12,500 new apprentice registrations annually by 2030. This will be a central focus of the next Action Plan.
925. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware the leaving certificate class of 2025 will compete for college places against applicants from previous years who benefitted from inflated grades, putting this year's class at a disadvantage; if he will increase university capacity to offset this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30787/25]
View answer926. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science following the move to reduce grade inflation, the measures he will introduce to mitigate against the class of 2025 being disadvantaged when competing for college places against applicants with inflated results from previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30788/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 925 and 926 together.
I support the Minister for Education and Youth and her officials in their planned, phased approach to unwinding the temporary, Covid-era Leaving Certificate grade adjustments. It is widely accepted that a phased return to normal Leaving Certificate outcomes is appropriate. I support a return to pre-pandemic Leaving Certificate outcomes through a phased, multi-annual approach, ensuring no “cliff edge” for students. For the 2025 Leaving Certificate a post-marking adjustment will again be applied. In this instance, the aggregate grades are expected to be above 2019 levels by at least 5.5% on average compared to a 7% increase applied in recent years. This forms part of a carefully managed transition that balances fairness for the current cohort while addressing the legacy of the pandemic-era grading system.
While there have been suggestions for different approaches regarding CAO applicants with prior years' results, the principle remains that each year's Leaving Certificate stands on its own merits. This ensures fairness and consistency for all students. The Government is fully committed to ensuring fairness in the transition from second-level to higher education.
While most CAO applications will be made based on this year’s Leaving Certificate some applicants will present results from 2021 to 2024, where aggregate grades were slightly higher. However, each year’s Leaving Certificate stands on its own merits which remains the fairest and most consistent approach for all students.
It is also important to note that approximately 25% of CAO applicants each year hold previous Leaving Certificate results but not all rely solely on these results in their applications. Many applicants use alternative qualifications such as Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) results, access courses or apply as mature students. In addition, students who deferred a place in a Higher Education Institution do not compete with new CAO applicants for available places.
The CAO process remains fair, efficient and adaptable. Over 80% of applicants each year receive an offer within their top three preferences. I am confident that the system continues to respond to demographic shifts and evolving student needs.
To support students further, my Department has:
• Created nearly 1,000 permanent higher education places since 2022;
• Introduced new programmes in high-demand fields, including Dentistry and Pharmacy launching in 2025 and 2026.
• Expanded Tertiary Degree Programmes, part-time supports and apprenticeships, all aimed at diversifying access pathways and easing pressure on the traditional CAO system.
Returning to the standard timeline for the release of Leaving Certificate results also helps alleviate pressure on students, allowing for more timely decisions regarding accommodation and transport ahead of the academic year.
Finally, a review of the adjustments will take place after 2025 to guide the next phase of the transition back to normal pre-pandemic grading standards. Officials from my Department are working closely with the Department of Education and Youth to ensure this process remains student centred, equitable and evidence-based.
This approach is intended to provide reassurance to students and families across the country.
927. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to give detailed consideration to a document produced by a national organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37796/25]
View answerI welcome the publication of AONTAS’ pre-budget 2026 submission. AONTAS plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting adult and community education across the country and are a valued stakeholder for my Department and SOLAS. The Deputy may be interested to know that SOLAS is providing €1.6 million in funding to AONTAS in 2025 to support, amongst other things, the National FET Learner Forum. This Forum is a series of events taking place across Ireland, which facilitate adult learners to share their experiences of learning.
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.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions on budget allocations will be made in the context of Government decision-making on the fiscal and expenditure framework for 2026, consistent with the budgetary and Estimates process to be agreed by Government in the coming weeks.
