Written Answers Nos. 876-896
876. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on technological universities becoming providers of medical school education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57229/25]
View answerMeeting the workforce planning needs of the public health sector in a sustainable manner requires a whole-of-government approach. In response to this challenge, and following extensive engagement with the Department of Health, my Department requested the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to lead two Expression of Interest (EoI) processes aimed at identifying capacity for expansion in training places aligned to key public sector skills needs.
In 2022, the first EoI process was initiated in response to workforce demands articulated by both the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This process focused on identifying potential expansion in Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine. The outcome was transformative: an unprecedented investment in new programmes with broad geographic distribution. This included the establishment of a new Dentistry programme, two new Veterinary Medicine programmes, three new Pharmacy programmes, two new Medicine programmes, and a new Nursing programme.
Technological Universities have played a pivotal role in this expansion. The TU sector has long-standing provision in Nursing, with programmes delivered across multiple campuses. More recently, TUs have broadened their healthcare offerings, with a new Pharmacy programme now available in both Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and another due to launch next year in South East Technological University (SETU). Notably, ATU and SETU are also home to the newly announced Veterinary Medicine programmes, marking a significant milestone in the diversification of healthcare education within the TU sector.
Earlier this year a second EoI process was conducted, this time focusing on key health and social care professions, including the therapies. This resulted in the creation of 461 new places, 110 of which are within Technological Universities. These include the expansion of dietetics and medical science programmes at Technological University Dublin (TUD), and the launch of a new physiotherapy programme at ATU. These developments build on the TU sector’s existing strengths in medical science and social care education, and reflect its growing contribution to meeting national health workforce needs.
Looking ahead, it is my intention to continue this strategic approach to expansion, anchored in evidence, guided by stakeholder input, and coordinated through the HEA. This model ensures that growth is targeted, sustainable, and responsive to evolving public sector demands.
In parallel, my Department is exploring alternative pathways into tertiary education, including apprenticeships and tertiary degrees delivered outside the CAO system. These pathways offer opportunities for a more diverse student cohort and will be integral to our broader strategy to address public sector and economic skills needs.
I remain committed to working with my Government colleagues and the higher education sector, including the Technological Universities, to identify and address areas of skills shortage across the public service, ensuring that our education system continues to support the delivery of high-quality public services nationwide.
877. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine the case of a student who was unable to complete their SUSI grant application for a Professional Masters in Education due to not being registered in the programme at the time of application; if any flexibility or late application process could be considered in such instances, where registration status delayed eligibility for support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56532/25]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme, which is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), provides fee and maintenance grants to all students who meet the qualifying criteria such as means, residency, nationality and progression. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine.
Based on the information supplied by the Deputy it is important to note that an applicant does not need to be registered on a course to make an application for grant support to SUSI. They can simply supply details of the course which they intend on pursuing and update this choice later on the SUSI online system once they have registered on the course of study.
Students are advised to log on to www.susi.ie and check out the Eligibility Indicator. This is a quick and straightforward way to see if they may be eligible for funding.
I would encourage the student in question to contact the SUSI Support Desk directly and engage with their support services, as they will be able to advise on the steps of the application process and provide tailored advice and support.
The contact details are as follows:
• Phone: 0818 888 777.
• Outside of Ireland: +353 1 524 2257.
• Email: support@susi.ie.
• Facebook: SUSI | Facebook.
• X: @susihelpdesk.
If a student is dissatisfied with a decision in relation to their grant application they can appeal to a SUSI Appeals Officer. If they remain dissatisfied with the decision of the Appeals Officer, they can further appeal to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant).
Such appeals can be made by the appellant online via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
878. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine the case of students enrolled in the Bachelor in Science in Education Studies and Bachelor in Science in Early Childhood Education programmes at an institute (details supplied) who are excluded from the “free fees initiative” and therefore not eligible for the recent €500 reduction in the student contribution; if consideration can be given to extending eligibility for this reduction to these students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56603/25]
View answerThe institution to which the Deputy refers is a private higher education institution for which my Department has no governance or oversight role.
I have recently announced the details of a Budget 2026 decision to permanently reduce the student contribution charge from €3,000 to €2,500, starting from this academic year. This reduction applies to courses that are approved for funding under the Free Fees Initiative (FFI).
I understand that the Bachelor in Science in Education Studies and the Bachelor in Science in Early Childhood Education programmes, in the private institution referred to by the Deputy, are not FFI approved courses. As such, the Budget 2026 announcement does not affect the fees charged for these courses.
It remains open to private institutions, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, to review the fees they charge for these courses and adjust their fee schedule where appropriate.
879. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of funding given to any researchers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56616/25]
View answerTaighde Éireann - Research Ireland has no associations with the research group identified, and there is no reference to this group ever receiving funding within Taighde Eireann - Research Ireland’s Grants and Awards Management System, which also contains grants management data transferred from the previous funding agency prior to the establishment of the new agency in 2024.
The existing rigorous processes which protect funding awarded by the agency, and the policies in place to protect and uphold academic freedom and research integrity, are routinely being reviewed and updated to support Irish researchers and our well deserved national reputation for research excellence and integrity.
880. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the system in place to check whether researchers are legitimate before funding is handed out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56617/25]
View answerThe processes and provisions around the granting of a research funding award are defined in the Research and Innovation Act 2024. An application for funding can only be submitted to Taighde Éireann- Research Ireland by an Eligible Research Body (ERB) on behalf of a researcher. This ensures the legitimacy of the application, the researcher’s status, and confirms that all parties, if successful, will be required and able to comply with Taigdhe Éireann - Research Ireland’s Grant Terms & Conditions.
The Research & Innovation Act 2024 (Section 36), specifies that an organisation is the ‘applicant’ and any individual or individuals can only submit an application for funding where they are either employed by the applicant or are registered as a student or intend to register as a student of the applicant. A list of organisations recognised as a Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland Eligible Research Body (having applicant status) are listed on the agency website.
There are two policies which govern recognition as an Eligible Research Body. Core eligibility, which applies to most agency funding programme calls and strategic eligibility which is limited and only applies to certain programme calls, for example, the Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme and the Discover Programme.
To apply for Core Eligibility to be considered as an eligible research body, an organisation must meet the following criteria:
1. The organisation must be a designated institution of higher education as defined by Section 53 of the Higher Education Authority Act, 2022, and/or in receipt of public funding as approved by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for the purposes of the Free Fees Initiative,
OR
The organisation must be a public sector research performing organisation which is sponsored directly by a government department.
2. The organisation must be based in the Republic of Ireland. Organisations in Northern Ireland may apply if this is expressly called out as being permitted in a specific Research Ireland funding programme call.
3. The organisation must demonstrate solvency.
4. The organisation must warrant that they are able to comply with Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland’s Grant General Terms & Conditions, as specified.
5. The organisation must demonstrate the capacity to process applications and manage grants.
6. Organisations which fall under the definition of Higher Education Institutions must comply with the Athena SWAN accreditation requirements that are current at the time of their application. Organisations that do not hold Athena SWAN accreditation should provide evidence of a Gender Equality Plan.
7. The organisation must have the capacity to support research activities and be able to award post-graduate qualifications or be affiliated with a body which can award such qualifications.
8. The organisation must not be the target of international sanctions.
Some Research Ireland programmes will be open to a broader range of organisations. This will be clearly indicated in the programme call document when it applies. Such programmes may include organisations which are not involved in economic activities (e.g. public sector, public engagement with research).
To qualify for Strategic Eligibility the following criteria must be met:
1. The organisation must be engaged in research and innovation.
2. The organisation must be based in the Republic of Ireland. Organisations in Northern Ireland may apply if it is expressly called out as being permitted in a funding programme call.
3. The organisation must demonstrate solvency.
4. The organisation must warrant that they are able to comply with Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland’s Grant Terms & Conditions, as specified.
5. The organisation must demonstrate the capacity to process applications and manage grants.
6. The organisation must not be the target of international sanctions.
Following submission of a completed application to become an ERB, Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland assess whether the organisation meets the criteria as set out in policy. If an application is successful, the organisation will be added to the list of ERBs for a period aligning with the term of the policy. If the organisation fails to meet any of the criteria set out in the policy at any time during that period, Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland reserves the right to re-assess the organisation’s eligibility.
When a grant is awarded, a letter of offer is issued, typically to the President of the ERB, copying the successful researcher, and both parties must sign the grant acceptance certificate, denoting their acceptance of the grant, the associated budget, and confirming they will comply with the Grant Terms & Conditions. This includes specified reporting requirements and the capacity for the agency to cease, suspend, or require repayment of any award of funding, where the terms and conditions attached to the award have not been met to the satisfaction of the agency.
881. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the oversight being used to verify and ensure affiliations are legitimate and traceable in terms of research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56618/25]
View answerIn line with the Research and Innovation Act 2024, an application for funding can only be submitted to Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland by an Eligible Research Body (ERB) on behalf of a researcher (typically their higher education institution or employer). This helps ensure the legitimacy of the application and clarifies the researcher’s status and their affiliations. Moreover, this process confirms that all parties, if successful in their application for an award of funding from the agency, will be willing and able to comply with Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland’s Grant Terms & Conditions. These include clauses in relation to Research Integrity and requirements for compliance with the relevant national and European codes.
All applications for funding are subject to peer review by external subject matter experts. As part of their evaluation of a proposal for funding and an applicant’s track record, reviewers can raise any concerns, which may be addressed by the applicant and their Eligible Research Body, as required. Where concerns are not fully and satisfactorily addressed, the relevant details will inform the final funding decision.
When a grant is awarded, a letter of offer is issued, typically to the President of the Eligible Research Body. This is copied to the successful researcher and both parties must sign the grant acceptance certificate, denoting their acceptance of the grant, the associated budget and confirming they will comply with the Grant Terms & Conditions, which includes clauses relating to both financial and research governance.
882. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the transparency that is mandated through clearer author contribution statements and verified funding acknowledgements, to create a more reliable and accountable record of how research is conducted and supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56619/25]
View answerMy department works with our aegis bodies and the wider research and innovation ecosystem to support and promote the excellence and integrity of our national researchers and research output, and transparency and accountability of our publicly funded research.
Acknowledgement of Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland funding is mandated in the agency's Grant Terms & Conditions, which the grant recipients and their Research Bodies are required to agree to, prior to final confirmation of a grant of research funding.
Taighde Éireann- Research Ireland collects data concerning publications arising from the grants it funds, and these records are uploaded by each grant recipient in their Researcher Profile in the Taighde Éireann- Research Ireland's Grants and Awards Management System. The details of how these publications are attributed to Taighde Éireann- Research Ireland funding are recorded in the agency grant management system system. Applications made for funding, which include references to peer reviewed publications, are scrutinised by external subject matter expert peer reviewers, as part of the overall evaluation of an application for funding. During the term of a grant, the agency requires progress reports to be submitted by grant recipients and progress reviews are undertaken depending on the size and scale of grant.
Ireland enjoys extensive international research and innovation relationships with and beyond the European Union, grounded in shared values and principles of academic freedom and research integrity, the will to strengthen support for open access research and evolving measures to support research excellence and integrity. The HEA’s Principles of Good Practice in Research in Irish Higher Education Institutions was developed in 2019 to provide a clear and consistent framework for higher education institutions within which to situate such practices, with a revision in December 2022 to reflect changes in the research landscape.
Significant progress has been made in this regard since the establishment of my department in 2020, in particular on the open access research and research integrity agendas, primarily as a result of the dedication of associated working groups. My department will continue to support progress on these key policy agendas, and will continue to work with the HEA to monitor and develop the Principles of Good Practice to position Ireland as an international model of best practice, to help drive research excellence and continue to improve research outcomes, with the view to further enhancing the international reputation of the Irish research and innovation ecosystem.
883. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on plans to align CAO and UCAS results dates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56645/25]
View answerThe Central Applications Office (CAO) is a not-for-profit company created by the Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It processes applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on the behalf of HEIs. Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. The processing and issuing of Round 1 CAO offers is contingent on the availability of Leaving Certificate results. However, my Department does not have a role in the operation of the CAO, or the determination of offer dates.
884. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount that has been spent by his Department to conduct tendering processes for public infrastructure projects in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56694/25]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that the costs of the tendering process in respect of the Higher Education PPP Bundle 1 was as follows:
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
€347,530.00 |
€949,733.00 |
€227,072.00 |
€187,884.00 |
€43,551.00 |
The cost of the tendering process in relation to the Higher Education PPP Bundle 2 remains commercially sensitive at this time.
In relation to all other major capital projects across the further and higher education sectors, these are generally identified through competitive processes, with successful projects progressing through the various stages of architectural planning, tender and construction in line with the provisions of the infrastructure Guidelines.
Under the Devolved Control Procedures, each institution is fully responsible for managing all phases of the design and delivery of a capital project within the parameters of the approval in principle provided by SOLAS or the HEA. The approval in principle includes the agreed outline project brief and agreed budget, including maximum Exchequer capital contribution.
As responsibility for each capital project is devolved to the institution, specific details in relation to the cost of conducting tendering processes sits with the institution(s) concerned. If there is a project(s) funded by the Department that the deputy requires further information on, it is open to the Deputy to contact the institution(s) in question directly.
885. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the work being done by his Department, and agencies under its remit, to facilitate, in line with the commitment under the Programme for Government, the easier return to Ireland for emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56789/25]
View answerMy Department oversees the implementation of Impact 2030, our national R&I strategy which highlights the crucial importance of people and talent to the Irish research and innovation ecosystem.
Under Impact 2030 my Department developed and published Global Citizens 2030 – which sets out Ireland’s strategic vision for talent and innovation to be at the heart of Ireland’s global footprint. As part of this work, two DFHERIS Talent and Innovation attachés have been appointed and are now working from the Irish Consulates in Boston and San Francisco. The Government has committed to appoint a total of six such attachés by 2030 who will co-ordinate and prioritise Ireland’s global talent and innovation activities.
Following on from Government approval in May 2025, our national R&I funding agency, Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, launched the Global Talent Initiative in July this year. The Global Talent Initiative is a recruitment programme that will provide the resources needed to establish or relocate world-class research teams to Ireland, enabling them to carry out globally competitive research.
Ireland also needs people with construction skills and experience to help deliver on ambitious targets for new housing and infrastructure. The National Development Plan outlines a record €275.4 billion in public capital investment, aiming to secure Ireland's future, to transform the country, unlock housing, upgrade water and energy infrastructure, deliver more roads, and provide better public transport.
Construction workers are in demand, and there are lots of opportunities for Irish construction workers who have moved abroad and are considering returning. Between now and 2030, Ireland needs between 69,000 -79,000 additional construction sector workers to help deliver on ambitious targets for residential construction and retrofitting targets alone.
My Department is leading on a number of initiatives to address the skills gap in construction, including a campaign aimed at Irish construction workers abroad who are considering returning home. The campaign was developed following feedback from Irish construction workers abroad, that skills they developed abroad may not be valued at home. The campaign ran for two weeks in October 2024 in Canada and Australia and will run for seven weeks this October and November, across Canada, Australia and the US, with anticipated spend of €277,055.
Analytics to date show strong engagement with the campaign with more than 2million views via social media. The Build Back Home website has more than 68,750 visits, 95% of which are from North America, Canada and Australia. While definitive causal effects cannot be concluded, the above initiatives will have had a contributory effect on the following key metrics:
• 18% increase in All Construction Workforce (Source: CSO)
• 31% increase in Housing Construction Workforce (Source: CSO)
In addition to this, my Department is also engaged with the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade on developing a new Diaspora Strategy, a further commitment contained in the Programme for Government.
886. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detailed breakdown of funding allocations for the Higher Education Authority for 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56830/25]
View answerEach year, my Department allocates a recurrent grant to meet the staffing and operating costs in the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The purpose of this grant is to enable the HEA to carry out its functions as provided for in relevant legislation including the Higher Education Authority Act 2022.
Details of the annual funding is published in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) each year. In 2024, €14.475m was provided for in the REV for current activities, with a further €1m provided for capital activities. In 2025, €16.162m was provided for in the REV for current activities, with a further €2m provided for capital activities.
The 2026 allocation has yet to be finalised. Details will be published in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume in due course.
887. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detailed breakdown of funding allocations for Hear and Dare for 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56831/25]
View answerThe Higher Education Route (HEAR) and the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) are operated by the Irish Universities Association, on behalf of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and my Department has no remit for this scheme. Under HEAR & DARE each institution determines its own admissions policy, the number of places to be reserved and the the allocation of those places.
My Department does not provide funding for the HEAR and DARE schemes and therefore the information that the Deputy has requested is not available.
888. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detailed breakdown of funding allocations for SUSI for 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56832/25]
View answerStudent Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is Ireland’s national awarding authority for further and higher education grants. SUSI offers funding to eligible students in approved courses at PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate levels in Ireland and in some cases, to students studying in the UK or EU.
My Department is also responsible for covering both the Pay and Non-Pay operational costs associated with SUSI.
The following table outlines the annual allocations for SUSI-related costs, including staff pay, operational expenses, and student grant funding for each of the years 2024 & 2025. The 2026 allocation has yet to be finalised.
|
Allocation at start of each annual year |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Student Support Funding allocation, includes all grant funding under the Student Grant Schemes**, Access initiatives and associated SUSI administration costs |
€403.1m* |
€409.7m* |
Subject to finalisation |
*Figures are in line with the published Revised Estimates in 2024 and 2025. Allocations were revised in Q4 to reflect the impact of supplementary estimates.
**c€351m allocated toward student grant funding each year.
889. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detailed breakdown of funding allocations for Youthreach for 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56833/25]
View answerThe Youthreach programme is of great importance to my Department as it provides early school leavers with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to participate fully in society and progress to further education, training and employment.
My Department allocates funding to SOLAS from the Exchequer and the National Training Fund (NTF) to deliver Further Education and Training programmes and services by the 16 Education and Training Boards and other agencies throughout the country.
SOLAS has advised that funding allocated to Youthreach in 2024 and 2025 was €74 million and €76 million respectively. Programme level allocations for 2026 are not available at this stage.
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]
View answerSpringboard+, 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.
891. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detailed breakdown of funding allocations for the FSD grant for 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56835/25]
View answerThe purpose of the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) is to assist higher education institutions in ensuring students with disabilities have the necessary assistance and equipment to enable them access, fully participate in and successfully complete their chosen course of study.
The FSD is one of the main funding sources supporting participation by students with disabilities in approved higher education courses in Ireland. It also supports students from Ireland to study on approved courses in other EU countries and in the UK, including Northern Ireland.
The Fund for Higher Education was increased in the recent budget by over 10% bringing it to €10.5m. This follows increases of 5% and 18% respectively in 2024 and 2025.
The extra funding announced will help students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels who require specific and tailored support such as non-medical helpers, transport and assistive technology.
I have attached below a table illustrating the allocation and spend as requested by the Deputy, however, for 2026, this allocation was announced in the Budget and the breakdown of 2026 figures will not be available until March 2026 when modelling is complete.
It should be noted for 2025 - FSD EEA/UK applications have 2 closing dates – 17th October and 21st November 2025. Applications are processed on an ongoing basis and payments usually made in February the following year.
The FSD Contingency Fund (calculated at 5% of the allocation minus the UK/EEA amount) is usually allocated in late October based on reports from HEIs.
892. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detailed breakdown of funding allocations for the 1916 Bursary for 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56836/25]
View answerOne of my key priorities and indeed one of the Governments is to support the participation and success for all students in third level education in our country. The 1916 Bursary is an award made to eligible Students from the most disadvantaged background who are new entrants to higher education.
The table below outlines the breakdown of new bursaries awarded to eligible students for the last 3 academic years:
|
Academic Year |
2022/23 |
2023/24 |
2024/25 |
|
New Bursaries |
1178 |
1433 |
1392 |
|
Value |
€3,267,000 |
€3,654,000 |
€3,588,000 |
The figures for 2025/2026 are not yet available, as the 1916 Bursary application deadline was October 10th 2025 and the evaluation process is still underway.
893. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detailed breakdown of funding allocations for student accommodation for 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56837/25]
View answerFor the first time, the State is investing in student accommodation to help address the sector’s viability and housing shortage.
Under the Short-Term Activation Programme (STAP) €100 million in capital funding has been approved to support stalled university accommodation projects, unlocking about 1,000 new student beds.
The first project of STAP delivered 116 Beds for Maynooth University which were opened to students this academic year. On 5 September, Minister Lawless announced the allocation of €67 million in state funding to enable University College Dublin enter contract for the delivery of 493 new student on-campus accommodation beds under STAP. DCU has planning permission for 1,235 beds; its 405-bed project under STAP is in active procurement and a decision is due shortly.
In 2022, €1m was approved to assist the TU sector to develop a student accommodation programme.
Budget 2025 included €7.5m to activate 1,200 regional student beds through leasing and to strengthen TU support services for accommodation and transport. The next phase of the Technological University Student Accommodation Programme will involve Preliminary business cases submitted and reviewed by the HEA and DFHERIS which will form the basis for a framework for delivery models and funding options.
The Student Assistance Fund is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a SUSI grant. In the academic year 2023/2024, the fund supported over 9,000 students with support for rent/ accommodation to the value of €6.1 million.
In 2023, €600,000 in Dormant Accounts Funding was allocated to support accommodation costs for Traveller and Roma students, and students with care experience. This scheme has supported 85 students to date and will continue with an €500,000 in funding for the 2025/26 academic year. Separately, an additional €440,000 has been added to the Student Assistance Fund to help students facing emergency housing issues during 2024/25, including transport costs where accommodation is unavailable.
894. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the detailed breakdown of funding allocations for Leargas for 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56838/25]
View answerIreland is designated as a programme country under the Erasmus+ and European Solidary Corps (ESC) programmes. As part of the programme, each programme country must nominate a national authority to monitor and supervise the management of the programme at national level. Ireland’s nominated national authority is based in my Department.
As national authority, my Department has designated Léargas as the national agency in the fields of education, youth and community work, vocational education and training.
The Erasmus+ programme is founded on Regulation (EU) 2021/817, which establishes the Erasmus+ programme for education, training, youth, and sport. The ESC programme operations are governed by Regulation (EU) 2021/888, which defines the programmes objectives and scope.
Under the Erasmus+ regulation the national authority is obliged to provide adequate co-financing for the operations of its national agency to ensure that the Programme is managed in compliance with the applicable Union rules.
On this basis my Department provides Léargas with annual funding of €1.295m towards its operational costs.
The Department of Education and Youth, provided annual funding of €712,289 in 2024 and €819,132 in 2025 to Léargas to support its role in the implementation of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes. The Department of Education and Youth further provided €28,519 in 2024 and €85,281.70 in 2025 towards e-Twinning, an online space where schools can collaborate.
In addition to the funding allocated by the Exchequer Léargas receive funding directly from the European Commission by way of a management fee. In 2024 Léargas received €2.419m, in 2025 €2.589m and are due to receive €2.580m in 2026.
In line with standard practice, the final allocation of funding for both my Department and the Department of Education and Youth for 2026 will be set out in the 2026 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is due to be published later this year. Further details on the 2026 allocations will be available after the 2026 REV process is complete.
895. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for a detailed breakdown of funding allocations for SOLAS in 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56842/25]
View answerMy Department allocates funding to SOLAS from the Exchequer and the National Training Fund (NTF) to deliver Further Education and Training programmes and services by the 16 Education and Training Boards and other agencies throughout the country.
The table below sets out the allocation to SOLAS in 2024 and 2025. The allocation for 2026 will be available after the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which is expected by the end of 2025. The Deputy may be aware that the annual allocation to aegis bodies is included in the Agency Statements as part of the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Services.
SOLAS' annual Financial Statements, incorporating the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, together with the Annual Report are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in line with the statutory requirements of the Further Education and Training Act, 2013 and the procedures set out in Circular 24 of 2021.
896. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for a detailed breakdown of funding allocations for CERN in 2024, 2025 and 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56843/25]
View answerIreland will officially join CERN as an Associate Member State on 22 October 2025. From this date Irish researchers, entrepreneurs, and educators will be able to access a broad range of opportunities at CERN.
Ireland's financial obligations to CERN as an Associate Member State will also come into effect on 22 October 2025. No payment is due to CERN before accession and fees for 2025 will be charged pro-rata on a quarterly basis. My Department agreed to pay the 2025 fee from within its existing envelope and to seek funding for future years under the National Development Plan. As a result, no formal allocation was made for CERN in 2024 or 2025.
The payment to CERN for 2025 is approximately €425,000 because Ireland is only paying pro-rata for one quarter. While we are awaiting confirmation from CERN of Ireland's fee for 2026, it is estimated at approximately €2.2 million. This cost will be met from my Department's allocations under the National Development Plan. This is the cost of one full year of Associate Membership.
I greatly look forward to what Ireland will achieve working with CERN in years to come.
