Departmental Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025

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Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Questions (890)

Donna McGettigan

Question:

890. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detailed breakdown of funding allocations for Springboard for 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56834/25]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Springboard+, established in 2011, continues to play a vital role in expanding access to higher education by offering flexible, work-focused learning opportunities to adult learners across the country. Aligned with national skills priorities, Springboard+ supports individuals to upskill or reskill in high-demand areas such as ICT, construction, cybersecurity, and green skills. The programme is free or heavily subsidised and offered in flexible formats including part-time, blended, and online, making higher education more accessible to all.

In May 2025, I was delighted to launch Springboard+ 2025, which is providing almost 8,000 places on 249 courses and includes micro-credentials.

Springboard+ funding is allocated on a calendar year basis, while the programme operates on an academic year basis.

An increased budget allocation for Springboard+ was awarded as a temporary Government response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the years 2020-2022. Since returning to pre-COVID funding levels in 2023, the Springboard+ allocation has been set at €34.4m for the past three years. The Springboard+ allocation for 2026 has not yet been confirmed. The spreadsheet provided includes further information on on the Springboard+ funding allocations for 2024 and 2025.

It should be noted that while the Springboard+ funding allocation has remained stable, the cost of delivery of the successful proposals is on average 11% more expensive during the 2025 call than the previous call.

As demand grows for a skilled and adaptable workforce, Springboard+ will continue to be an important driver of increased participation in higher education.

-	2024	2025	2026
Springboard+ Annual Budget	€ 34.4m	€ 34.4m	n/a

Note: the 2026 budget has not yet been confirmed.

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