Written Answers Nos. 199-230
206. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps his Department is taking to ensure that the link between industry and the education and training sector is supported in order to facilitate the workforce in adapting to the changing needs of the economy. [67600/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to meeting the skills needs of enterprise by strengthening collaboration between the education and training sector and industry. Understanding workforce needs enables education providers to remain agile and innovative, while employers benefit from a pipeline of talent equipped with cutting-edge skills. This alignment fosters productivity, competitiveness, and resilience in a fast-changing economy.
I have advanced this agenda through strategic engagement with enterprise agencies, representative bodies, and businesses, and through partnership platforms such as the National Skills Council and Regional Skills Fora. These ensure policy and provision are guided by real-time intelligence from industry.
The apprenticeship system is an excellent example of employers and education and training providers working in tandem. Apprenticeship is qualification through direct employment, with new programmes developed through consortia of employers and providers, and over 70 programmes now available.
In quarter 1 2026, we will have a new AI Skilling Platform – a transformative initiative to support people upskilling and future-proof Ireland’s workforce for an AI driven economy.
The initiative will prioritise AI literacy and applied digital capability. By bringing together the best content from public and private sources, we will ensure Ireland’s workforce is equipped to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
It will help to support both Irish and foreign companies who have invested here, such as Microsoft. I recently attended its 40th Anniversary in Ireland. Recognising the highly skilled workforce we have here, Microsoft went from initial manufacturing operations with 100 people in 1985, to now employing more than 6,400 people across its multifunctional campus operation and with a strong focus research and development activities.
I was also delighted to recently welcome ATU and Vodafone Ireland's funding to develop next generation digital technologies for new apprenticeship programmes in engineering and construction.
All of these are examples of the close collaboration with my Department and education and training providers and enterprise.
Across the system, providers co-design programmes with enterprise to deliver relevant, future-focused learning. Initiatives such as Springboard+, Microcredentials, Microqualifications, and Skills to Advance offer flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities, empowering individuals to adapt throughout their careers.
Equally important are research and innovation partnerships between education providers and enterprise, which drive new knowledge, technologies, and solutions that strengthen Ireland’s position as a leader in innovation. Skillnet Ireland also works with industry to deliver tailored programmes and business supports, ensuring skills development and innovation go hand in hand.
My Department will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure education and training provision is responsive and forward-looking. This approach delivers benefits for learners, employers, and the wider economy—building a highly skilled, innovative workforce and positioning Ireland for sustainable growth in a global context.
207. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the expansion of apprenticeship and skills programmes in 2025, particularly in new and emerging sectors such as digital health, green technologies and advanced manufacturing. [67775/25]
View answerMy priority is to support the delivery of Government objectives on Housing, Climate, and Digital transformation by ensuring that tertiary education and training pathways support Ireland’s skills base to adapt to the profound changes driven by global megatrends.
The Government has invested significantly to grow apprenticeship opportunities for learners across the country, including in new and emerging sectors and occupations.
I’m pleased to say that in the recent Budget the Government secured a major investment of €79 million for apprenticeship delivery. This brings the total current apprenticeship budget to over €410 million, more than double what it was in 2020 when my Department was established.
In 2020, there were 54 national apprenticeship programmes. Today, that number has grown to 78, offering qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications from Level 5 right up to Level 10.
All new apprenticeships since 2016 are consortia-led. That means they are developed by employer-led groups and regularly reviewed to ensure that programmes respond to changing workforce needs. This approach keeps apprenticeships flexible and adaptable to new occupations. We now have programmes from emerging sectors such as Digital Marketing, Wind Turbine Maintenance, and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.
Most recently, in October, I launched the Level 8 Accounting Technologist apprenticeship alongside the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, Minister Lawless, and the Minister for the Economy in Northern Ireland. This is the first apprenticeship developed on an all-island basis, and it was designed specifically to respond to the impact of digitisation on the accounting profession.
Additionally, the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence under Louth Meath Education and Training Board provides training on advanced equipment and processes as well as specific skills programmes in Robotics, Collaborative Robotics, and Advanced Construction Technology.
209. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the success of Irish colleges, enterprises and other stakeholders in drawing down EU Horizon research funding; and the next steps for remaining rounds under current framework programme. [67597/25]
View answerIreland continues to perform strongly in Horizon Europe and remains firmly on track to exceed its national drawdown target. To date, Irish organisations have secured over €1.05 billion in funding, representing just over 2% of the EU funding allocated to date, indicating that we are in a strong position to achieve the Impact 2030 target of €1.5 billion.
Our Higher Educational Institutions are leading Ireland’s Horizon Europe drawdown, accounting for 57% of national success, equivalent to €607 million, across key areas including health, digital technologies, climate and agri-food.
They remain highly competitive in excellence programmes such as the European Research Council and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions.
Irish enterprises, particularly SMEs are also strong performers, drawing down over 29% of Ireland’s budget share which equates to € 309 million. Ireland ranks among the top EU countries for SME participation and has had notable success through the European Innovation Council Accelerator.
This strong national performance is supported by effective coordination across national agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, the Health Research Board, Research Ireland and Teagasc, working collectively through the National Support Network to support applicants and strengthen national competitiveness.
The European Commission and Member States are negotiating the work programme for 2026 and 2027. This final Work Programme is scheduled to be adopted in December 2025 and will distribute a further €13 billion in funding across its various thematic areas in 2026. Through the National Support Network, we will continue to work closely with Irish stakeholders to maximise Ireland’s drawdown under this final phase of Horizon Europe.
211. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress being made to address the disparity in pay being felt by some craft apprentices during their off-the-job phases of training, that is, engineering craft apprentices being paid according to outdated 2016 training allowance rates, while construction craft apprentices receive the updated 2025 rates for the very same level of skill and commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67787/25]
View answerFollowing the significant investment that the Government secured in Budget 2026 for apprenticeship delivery, Minister Lawless and I requested that the training allowance for apprentices working in the engineering sector be reviewed as a priority, given that these rates have not been updated since 2016.
Significant progress has been made on this review. SOLAS is in the final stages of preparing a proposal for increased training allowances in the engineering sector. The proposed new training allowance are expected to be introduced in January 2026, and I look forward to sharing further details in due course.
It is important to note that this is a complex area. When craft apprentices attend off-the-job training at Education and Training Boards (ETBs) or Higher Education Institutions, they receive a State training allowance. The allowance is aligned with industry minimum wage rates agreed through collective bargaining and varies depending on the apprentice’s training phase. In the construction sector, wage rates are further underpinned by a sectoral employment order.
Unlike other craft sectors, the engineering sector has not been able to set wage rates through collective bargaining. In the absence of collectively agreed wage rates in the engineering sector, the training allowance has remained unchanged since 2016.
In addition to the State training allowance, targeted financial supports are available to support learners from underrepresented groups, including members of the Traveller community and young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds entering apprenticeship schemes.
215. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progression pathways in place for disabled people who have completed their apprentices and are ready for employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67259/25]
View answerEuropean Commission data from 2022 shows that Ireland’s disability employment gap, at 38.6%, is the widest in the European Union. Closing this gap is a key Government priority. In September 2025, my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030, which commits to substantially reducing the employment gap between disabled people and others in work.
As Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, my focus is to ensure that disabled learners have access to quality tertiary education that equips them with the skills needed for employment.
Apprenticeships play an important role in achieving this because apprentices are employees as well as learners. At least 50% of training in all national apprenticeship programmes takes place in the workplace, combining practical, industry-relevant experience with formal education. This approach builds technical expertise while developing essential skills such as communication and teamwork.
Minister Lawless and I have prioritised investment in apprenticeships and the expansion of public service apprenticeship opportunities to create meaningful career pathways for people with disabilities in the workplace, including in the civil and public service.
Expanding access to apprenticeships is a core goal of the Apprenticeship Action Plan. To advance this, the Access and Inclusion Sub-Committee of the National Apprenticeship Alliance will finalise guidance in 2025 to help employers create disability-inclusive workplaces.
Education and Training Boards also partner with Specialist Training Providers to offer training to disabled learners who are experiencing exclusion and labour market disadvantage.
Supporting people with disabilities remains a priority. Building on learnings from my Department's National Disability Symposium last October, we will launch a Disability Demonstration Project to explore education transitions, student supports, and work experience opportunities for disabled people.
216. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase delivery of student accommodation in Thurles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67823/25]
View answerThe forthcoming National Student Accommodation Strategy 2025-2035 aims to increase the supply of student accommodation beds for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions.
The Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme is underway to support the planning and development of HEI student accommodation across regional campuses. Feasibility studies were completed in 2023 and 2024 to assess supply and demand trends.
Under Phase 1, the Technological Sector submitted strategic proposals to the Higher Education Authority outlining potential delivery models.? The Technological University of the Shannon submitted two proposals for Thurles under the this programme. Preliminary Business Cases for selected projects are expected to be submitted in 2026.??? This programme will ensure that projects are evidence-based, regionally targeted, and provide sustainable, additional accommodation for our Technological Sector.
My Department will continue to work closely with the entire sector to develop and implement accommodation initiatives under this strategy.
217. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions being taken to strengthen mental health supports in higher education institutions, given the increasing demand for counselling services and the implementation of the National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework; and if he will provide details of funding allocations and timelines for full rollout across all campuses. [67841/25]
View answerMental health is a key priority area for my Department and this is reflected in the Programme for Government commitment to continue to support students experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges.
I am pleased to tell you that as a part of Budget 2026 I am providing a 20% increase, representing an additional €1 million ringfenced funding, for mental health and wellbeing supports. This will bring ringfenced funding to €6 million per year to support mental health initiatives. This funding is in addition to other supports which are provided by institutions through the support of core funding.
The new funding will assist the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the higher education institutions (HEIs) in the implementation of the National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework and the Healthy Campus Charter and Framework.
All publicly funded higher education institutions implement, progress and report to the HEA on the National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework. In 2022, each institution officially signed up to the Healthy Campus Charter and Framework.
As autonomous bodies the internal disbursement of funding, including the funding and expansion of student services and mental health supports, is a matter for the individual institution so that they can best tailor their services to the needs of their students.
In line with national policy, institutions in receipt of the funding are encouraged to distribute it in support of specific student-facing areas, such as:
• Recruitment of additional Student Counsellors
• Recruitment of additional Assistant Psychologists
• Head of Service posts
• Training of staff to enable them to support and refer students to appropriate services
• Raising awareness among students of mental health and wellbeing services available, including through student outreach activities
The majority of new posts created through the funding have been counsellors, reflecting the capacity building phase of the implementation of the Framework. HEIs have reported a breadth of positive impacts, from a reduction in engagement times to an increase in the number of sessions provided.
I have asked my officials to provide the Deputy with the detailed breakdown of allocation per Institutions.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
218. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to address the severe shortage of affordable student accommodation, given that demand for beds is projected to reach 90,000 this year while supply remains at approximately 50,000, and only 116 of the 3,700 promised beds have been delivered since 2022; and if he will commit to a timeline for delivering the remaining units and consider alternative models such as co-operative housing to alleviate the crisis. [67838/25]
View answerThe National Student Accommodation Strategy (NSAS) 2017–2024 was developed to address rising demand for student housing and ease pressure on the wider rental market. It set eight targets, including construction of 7,000 additional Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) beds by 2019, which was exceeded with more than 8,000 delivered. A further target sought at least 21,000 new PBSA beds by 2024, above the 2017 baseline of 33,441. Despite challenges including Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation, and supply chain disruption, total PBSA reached approximately 49,000 beds by June 2025, representing 15,559 new beds.
Addressing the continuing shortage of affordable student accommodation remains a key priority for my Department. Under the Short-Term Activation Programme, 609 beds have been delivered or are progressing. These include Maynooth University’s completed 116-bed project, UCD’s 493-bed project now approved for construction. A 358-bed development at Trinity College Dublin is also under consideration. The proposed 405-bed project at DCU will not proceed due to cost considerations.
I will bring the second National Student Accommodation Strategy to Government in the coming weeks. It will include ambitious multi-annual targets and directly support commitments in the Programme for Government to deliver new student accommodation, including state-financed PBSA on public or private lands.
To support implementation, €1 million in funding is available to build capacity within publicly funded HEIs. The Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme is also progressing, with 53 strategic proposals submitted and preliminary business cases expected in 2026.
The Rent a Room Relief Scheme which was introduced in 2014 allowed homeowners tax relief on income by renting out a room in their owner-occupied residence and the threshold was increased to €14,000 in 2017. In May 2022, the Department of Social Protection announced a new regulation allowing up to €14,000 per year in rental income to be disregarded for means tested. social welfare payments. This aligned the Social Welfare System with the existing Revenue Rent-a-Room Relief.
The Rent Tax Credit, introduced in Finance Act 2022, was increased from €750 to €1,000 for an individual claimant and from €1,500 to €2,000 for a jointly assessed couple for 2025.
These changes all have attributed in the update of digs accommodation.
219. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made on the provision of the personal assistants initiative for persons with a disability in third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67834/25]
View answerSupporting learners with disabilities is a core priority for my Department. Last year, my Department hosted a national Disability Symposium in Dublin, bringing together students, families, educators, Disabled Persons Organisation's and key stakeholders to share their experiences and shape future action.
Following this engagement, the Department has commenced a project focused on better supporting students with disabilities. This project will examine transitions into further and higher education, map the supports and services available to students with disabilities within the further and higher education system, and develop new approaches to supporting students as they move into employment following college.
The work of the Project forms one of my Department’s key commitments under the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025–2030 and supports Ireland’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
A key element of the project is to map and identify the supports available for disabled students across further and higher education. This is the first step in ensuring they have the right resources, as identified by them, to fully participate and succeed. The mapping phase is expected to commence as part of the project in 2026.
In addition, the Department already provides support to students with disabilities through the National Access Plan, which aims to promote inclusion and participation for underrepresented groups, including students with disabilities.
This includes the Fund for Students with Disabilities in Higher Education. As part of Budget 2026 I was pleased to increase the Fund's allocation in both further and higher education. In higher education the budget was increased by over 10% bringing it to €10.5 million in 2026. FSD funding is provided as a block grant to HEIs for the purposes eligible under the Fund. The extra funding will help students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels who require specific and tailored supports. These include non medical helpers such as personal assistants and notetakers, as well as transport and assistive technology.
The Deputy may also be aware that the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People commits to developing a national policy regarding Personal Assistance. A HSE-led Review Group’s work will inform the development a policy approach that ensures a focus on the ethos of self-directed care and promotes a coordinated approach to Personal Assistance service provision across different sectors.
My Department will engage fully with any recommendations that relate to further or higher education and support their implementation.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
220. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which recent budget reforms to student supports, including the SUSI system and cost-of-education measures, reflect his approach to targeted support for learners from all backgrounds. [67827/25]
View answerI have outlined on several occasions that I want to make improvements to student supports that are equitable, funded and fair, and which bring certainty to families.
I was, therefore, delighted in Budget 2026 to be in a position to make real, permanent changes to support students from all backgrounds and to reduce the cost of education.
• I increased all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates under the Student Grant Scheme, (administered by SUSI) by at least €200 effective from September 2026 with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year. This benefits PLC/Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution.
• I reduced the Student Contribution Charge for free fees eligible students permanently by €500 supporting around 108,000 undergraduate students.
• I also permanently reduced the contribution fee for 14,000 apprentices in higher education by 17%, recognising their unique role in Ireland’s economic future.
• I permanently increased the Post Graduate Fee Contribution Grant by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500 for eligible students.
• From January 2026, I am increasing FET learner allowances in line with social welfare rates.
In addition, students in the 2026/27 academic year will benefit from the following improvements: -
• The Special Rate of Maintenance Threshold will increase from €27,400 to €28,600 in line with Social Welfare increases supporting students who are from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• The income threshold for the €500 student contribution will increase from €115,000 to €120,000 effective from September 2026. Combined with the permanent fee reduction, this means that eligible undergraduate students whose households earning are under €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 26/27 academic year.
I recognise that students also need support beyond financial assistance and importantly I secured in Budget 2026:-
• €1 million for student mental health and healthy campus initiatives - supporting wellbeing across higher education institutions; and
• €3 million in additional funding for students with disabilities supporting over 22,000 further and higher education students and building a more inclusive education system.
I am also very happy to announce that I am increasing the Student Assistance Fund for 2025/26 by over €10.2million, bringing the fund to over €19.3 million for this academic year, which exceeds the amount allocated last year.
I am committed to ensuring that cost is never a barrier to education and this increase in funding will benefit the most vulnerable students who may be struggling with the cost of attending Higher Education. I encourage any student experiencing financial hardship to contact their college’s Access Office to learn more about this important support.
221. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the further actions he will take to increase craft apprenticeship participation given the additional funding allocated in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66416/25]
View answerMinister Lawless and I have prioritised the growth of craft apprenticeships to support critical trades like plumbing and electrical which are key to delivering the National Development Plan.
In Budget 2026, an additional investment of €79 million was secured to expand apprenticeship delivery.
€2.5 million investment was also secured to reduce higher education costs for apprentices. This means fees will be permanently lowered by 17% for more than 11,000 craft apprentices in the 2025/26 academic year, making participation more accessible.
I have also prioritised the promotion of apprenticeships as a valued tertiary education option. My department sponsors WorldSkills Ireland, and when I attended it this September, I saw strong engagement from schools nationwide. It showcases skills based occupations and raises awareness of the opportunities that skills based careers and apprenticeships offer.
The Apprentice of the Year and Apprentice Employer of the Year awards celebrate excellence and highlight how apprenticeships address skills needs across sectors. These efforts, combined with strong government investment, have delivered real results. Annual craft apprenticeship registrations have grown by 63%, from 4,377 in 2020 - the year my department was formed - to 7,113 in 2024.
Building on this progress, the Government will launch the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026 - 2030 next year, targeting 12,500 annual registrations by 2030 of which two thirds are in craft and construction. With the investment in Budget 2026 bringing the total apprenticeship current funding to over €410 million in 2026, there is a strong foundation to achieve this goal and continue growing the craft apprenticeship system.
222. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the investment that will be delivered under the INSPIRE Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67785/25]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this important and timely question. I am delighted to advise the House that, on 26 November last, I launched the INSPIRE research infrastructure programme with my colleague Minister Chambers. This is a landmark moment for Ireland’s national research and innovation system.
It implements the Programme for Government commitment on this issue and the report of the expert Working Group that I established for this purpose earlier this year. To coincide with the launch, I published the Working Group’s report.
Their analysis and findings underpinned the proposal for a major research infrastructure investment programme that was a core component of my Department’s submission to the National Development Plan review this year. I secured an overall capital allocation of €4.55bn through that review process, €2.45bn of which I am allocating to research and innovation, reflecting the priority that I place on it as a driver of Ireland’s economic performance.
INSPIRE is a €750m research infrastructure investment package over the lifetime of the NDP. As well as support for Ireland’s High-Performance Computing capability and Tyndall National Institute, at least €500m will be invested in two funding streams: firstly, local institutional infrastructure, i.e. research equipment that is used routinely within a higher education institution for both teaching and research purposes and, secondly, shared advanced infrastructures, i.e. bigger-ticket equipment that is appropriately shared across a number of institutions and, critically, with external users. A central access portal will be built to maximise accessibility and utilisation.
The Programme will be implemented in two Phases, Phase Two building progressively and strategically on Phase One. It will be administered by the Higher Education Authority and Research Ireland, under the coordination of my Department. The process for applications from the higher education institutions will be opened by the agencies in the first quarter of next year.
223. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which the €750 million INSPIRE programme for research infrastructure will be distributed across universities; and if additional measures will be introduced to expand postgraduate scholarship opportunities under the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, given its current success rate of only 18%. [67842/25]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this important and timely question. I am delighted to advise the House that, on 26 November last, I launched the INSPIRE research infrastructure programme with my colleague Minister Chambers. This is a landmark moment for Ireland’s national research and innovation system.
It implements the Programme for Government commitment on this issue and the report of the expert Working Group that I established for this purpose earlier this year. To coincide with the launch, I published the Working Group’s report.
Their analysis and findings underpinned the proposal for a major research infrastructure investment programme that was a core component of my Department’s submission to the National Development Plan review this year. I secured an overall capital allocation of €4.55bn through that review process, €2.45bn of which I am allocating to research and innovation, reflecting the priority that I place on it as a driver of Ireland’s economic performance.
INSPIRE is a €750m research infrastructure investment package over the lifetime of the NDP. As well as support for Ireland’s High-Performance Computing capability and Tyndall National Institute, at least €500m will be invested in two funding streams: firstly, local institutional infrastructure, i.e. research equipment that is used routinely within a higher education institution for both teaching and research purposes and, secondly, shared advanced infrastructures, i.e. bigger-ticket equipment that is appropriately shared across a number of institutions and, critically, with external users. A central access portal will be built to maximise accessibility and utilisation.
The Programme will be implemented in two Phases, Phase Two building progressively and strategically on Phase One. It will be administered by the Higher Education Authority and Research Ireland, under the coordination of my Department. The process for applications from the higher education institutions will be opened by the agencies in the first quarter of next year.
Having regard to postgraduate scholarships, I am also utilising the funding that I secured through the NDP review to strengthen the budget for Research Ireland. Support for research talent, including postgraduate students, is a core element of their programme provision and will be a key pillar in their forthcoming five-year strategy. However, it is important to note that the figure referred to by the Deputy is a function of the high standards which are applied to this particular programme, rather than purely a reflection of the resources dedicated to it.
224. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the date for the publication of the updated National Student Accommodation Strategy (2025-2035), which he committed to publish in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67789/25]
View answerThe National Student Accommodation Strategy 2025–2035 is now expected to be submitted to Government in the coming weeks, with publication anticipated shortly afterwards. The Strategy sets out a vision to make higher education more accessible and sustainable by addressing accommodation affordability and viability.
By providing targeted financial supports and accelerating the development of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), the Strategy aims to remove barriers that prevent students from pursuing their academic goals. It aims to deliver additional student beds by 2035, using a combination of On and Off Campus Purpose Built Student Accommodation and Rent-a-Room accommodation, without increasing reliance on the broader rental market.
The Strategy enables private sector investment by reforming rental legislation, reducing VAT, and introducing streamlined design standards under the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2025, creating a stable, attractive environment for investment. On campus development will be supported by the provision of a new envelope of National Development Plan funding for 2026-2030 to enable site servicing and private investment. Previous National Development Plans did not provide funding for student accommodation.
Affordability is supported through strengthened financial assistance, including through the Student Non-Adjacent Maintenance Grant, enabling equitable access for students from disadvantaged and remote backgrounds.
By providing targeted financial supports for students and supporting the acceleration of the development of purpose-built student accommodation, the Government removes barriers that prevent talented individuals from pursuing their academic goals. The measures in the Strategy support students to achieve their aspirations but also strengthen Ireland’s knowledge economy, which in turn supports our long-term economic growth.
225. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress his Department is making in supporting research that assists in meeting climate goals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67786/25]
View answerMy department is working with government to support national ambition on Climate Action activity. This work is being led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
In terms of my remit and research that supports our climate goals, Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland is completing actions under the Government Climate Action Plan.
In 2024, Research Ireland Centres BiOrbic10 and VistaMilk were successful in securing a second phase of government investment of approximately €44 million, supporting sustainable development and more efficient food systems.
Three Co-Centres have been established in the last year, the first research centres to bring researchers from across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK together at scale. The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and the Co-Centre for Climate and Biodiversity and Water will each facilitate multi-disciplinary programmes which support sustainable development, biodiversity, and climate goals.
The Clean Energy Transition Partnership 2023 transnational funding call closed in March 2024, with funding commitments from Sustainable Energy Authority, Research Ireland and Geological Survey of Ireland across a range of clean energy topics. These projects commenced in 2025.
Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland has partnered with Impact Laboratories/My Green
Lab to implement a Sustainable Laboratory Certification Programme, positioning Ireland as leader in sustainability in research.
Research and Innovation is playing a critical role in informing our understanding of climate change, identifying mitigants and solutions to support a transition to a new climate reality into the future. My department also drives innovation to support modern methods of construction and the green transition.
226. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to detail the planned operation of the new veterinary colleges, and what it will mean for Irish students and for regional growth and activity. [67771/25]
View answerThe Government is committed to expanding capacity in veterinary education to meet Ireland’s growing demand for veterinary professionals and to support key sectors such as agri-food, public health, and animal health services. In this context, the Veterinary Places Activation Programme (VPAP), approved in September 2024, is delivering two new veterinary schools—one at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and one at South East Technological University (SETU).
Alongside Minister McConalogue, I was delighted to launch the ATU Veterinary School at ATU Letterkenny last week. This marks a significant milestone for the West and North West, with ATU set to welcome its first cohort of 40 veterinary medicine students in September 2026. ATU’s model will feature a full on-campus clinical training facility, ensuring high-quality, modern clinical education and strong regional engagement.
SETU is working with the regulator to finalise the programme development and will also commence its veterinary medicine programme as soon as this process is completed, enrolling 30–40 students initially. Its delivery model will use a distributed, community-based clinical training network, supported by new facilities at the Glassworks site and Teagasc Kildalton College. This approach reflects international best practice and will broaden the diversity of Ireland’s veterinary training landscape.
At full rollout, ATU and SETU together will provide 80 additional veterinary graduates annually, reducing reliance on overseas universities and strengthening Ireland’s domestic veterinary pipeline. These developments form part of a wider Government investment in healthcare and veterinary education and will contribute significantly to regional development, talent retention, and the One Health research agenda.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank both SETU and ATU and the Veterinary Council of Ireland for the ambition and commitment to delivering this expansion of veterinary medicine across Ireland.
227. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to report on progress in securing and deploying the €4.55 billion capital envelope under the National Development Plan 2026–2030, including delivery of both a new research infrastructure programme and new higher and further education infrastructure projects nationwide. [67813/25]
View answerAs part of the National Development Plan 2025 review, I secured a capital allocation for my Department amounting to €4.55bn over the next 5-year period.
Over half of this allocation €2.45 billion is targeted at strengthening Ireland’s research and Innovation capacity; this investment will support world-class research facilities, new research centres, advanced equipment and major international collaborations, while also enabling the continued delivery of significant investment in higher and further education. I recently announced INSPIRE, a landmark €750m research infrastructure programme for Ireland’s research and innovation system. It will support Ireland’s High-Performance Computing capacity and Tyndall National Institute. At least €500m will be invested over the lifetime of the NDP in two funding streams:
• Local institutional infrastructure, routine research equipment used within higher education institution for both teaching and research purposes, and
• Shared advanced infrastructures, major equipment that is appropriately shared across a number of institutions and is accessible to external users.
This programme will be administered by the HEA and Research Ireland, and it will open for applications in Q1 next year.
In addition, €2.1 billion will be provided for the development and enhancement of higher and further education infrastructure. A programmatic approach to capital investment ensures strategic delivery of multiple projects as cohesive programmes, aligned with Infrastructure Guidelines. This approach maximises efficiency, mitigates risk, and enables the sector to respond to the following national priorities.
This investment will deliver new and upgraded facilities, modernised campuses with modern equipment and additional capacity to meet growing regional and national demand, focusing on a range of key higher and further education programmes. The principle capital programmes, under which capital projects will be supported include;
• The Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Programme,
• The FET College of the Future Programmes
• The Infrastructure Upgrade and Refurbishment Programme
• The Technological Sector Strategic Projects Programme
• The Public Private Partnership Programme
Capital funds will also be provided for:
- Investment in new Healthcare and Veterinary programmes,
- A new programme for specialist equipment in Further Education and Training,
- Student Accommodation,
- the Apprenticeship Expansion Programme,
- Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Initiatives and a range of smaller programmes.
It is also anticipated that a number of new programmes will also be advanced during the lifetime of the plan, including a Higher Education Building Upgrade and Optimisation Programme, and a Higher Education Universal Access Programme.
228. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding available to his Department in 2026 for capital development in the further education sector; the projects that will progress in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67811/25]
View answerAs part of the National Development Plan 2025 review, I secured a capital allocation for my Department amounting to €4.55 billion over the 2026-2030 period. Of this, my Department will have a total capital allocation of €810m in 2026, which will be allocated between research and innovation, higher education and further education and training (FET). €311m of this total has been allocated for further and higher education capital infrastructure investment.
This investment will deliver new and upgraded facilities, modernised campuses and additional capacity to meet growing regional and national demand. Specifically on the FET side, it will focus on key further education and training programmes, including: the?FET College Major Capital Programme, the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund, Apprenticeships, Emergency Health & Safety Works grants and the Minor Capital Works Grant.
Investment in cutting edge kit, equipment and technology to align with current and emerging industry developments is essential to facilitate FET taking the lead in six key areas, of: construction, hospitality, manufacturing, technology, healthcare and green economy. Significant capital investment is anticipated in this area in 2026.
My Department works collaboratively, through SOLAS with the Education Training Boards on the?development?and delivery of FET capital projects. The FET capital budget is managed at an overall level, with the allocation to each project in any one year determined by the pace of progress of its project(s) through design, planning, procurement and delivery.
229. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to accelerate delivery of new FET infrastructure given the growing demand for apprenticeships and upskilling opportunities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67802/25]
View answerMy Department is currently progressing 12 projects under the FET College Major Capital programme to provide fit-for-purpose, state of the art facilities to meet the needs of learners and staff, and address existing deficits in current FET infrastructure.
In addition, under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Programme 19 projects were approved to provide for high-quality teaching and learning environments, aligned with the principles of the FET College of the Future.
In 2024 expenditure of €27 million supported the provision of additional apprenticeship capacity, by way of essential building works, and significant investment in additional equipment needs, following a revalidation process carried out by QQI on a number of craft apprenticeships. Capital investment in apprenticeships in excess of €11 million has been expended in 2025.
230. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline Ireland's progress in international research collaboration during 2025, including developments on CERN and the EU Quantum Pact. [67776/25]
View answerImpact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy, launched in May 2022. With two years remaining in the current EU Research and Innovation Framework programme, Ireland is on track to meet or exceed the €1.5 billion target that was established in Impact 2030.
The first two Talent and Innovation attachés have been appointed under Global Citizens 2030, Ireland’s Talent and Innovation Strategy, and are placed in Irish Consulates in Boston and San Francisco to support connectivity between the US regions and higher education and research organisations in Ireland. It is intended that six attachés will be appointed by 2030.
In relation to developments in access to international research infrastructure, Ireland joined CERN as an Associate Member State on 22 October 2025 and Irish students, researchers and enterprise now have access to CERN opportunities. A National Advisory Committee to support and maximise the opportunities provided by Ireland's Associate Membership is being established. The group will include representatives from industry, education and research and will consider how to strategically maximise engagement with CERN. A National CERN Stakeholder Forum will also be established for businesses, researchers and institutions to keep up to date with the latest developments and to provide insight and feedback on existing supports and potential future measures.
Earlier this year I signed the European Quantum Pact, which represents a significant step forward in Ireland’s commitment to advancing quantum research and innovation. Officers from my Department are engaging in the relevant EU activities.
In support of its developing strategy, Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland is currently developing a new International Strategy, with a multi-faceted action plan involving business development and fostering new collaborative partnerships, the promotion of Ireland and Irish research, and deepening engagement within the European Research Area and with the European Centres of Excellence. In 2025, Research Ireland continued to build on Ireland’s success in securing funding from International and EU research programmes.
