Mental Health Services

Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Questions (1169, 1170)

Jen Cummins

Question:

1169. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to expand mental health supports in the further education and training sector. [71832/25]

View answer

Jen Cummins

Question:

1170. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the mental health supports in the further education and training sector available to students. [71833/25]

View answer

Written answers

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1169 and 1170 together.

I welcome the Deputy’s concern for the mental health and well-being of students in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector.

The “Framework for Further Education and Training: Mental Health and Wellbeing” is a key resource for mental health currently in use by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) for the FET sector. Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) developed the Framework in 2023. Its purpose is to provide clear guidance on how ETBs can support learners’ overall well-being and respond to mental health and wellbeing critical incidents in a consistent, planned, and structured manner.

Building on this Framework, ETBI also offers the FET Learner Mental Health & Wellbeing Accreditation Programme. This recognises the work of staff and learners and celebrates initiatives that promote positive mental health and wellbeing within FET. It aims to promote good practice. ETBI launched the fourth iteration, for the 2025/2026 academic year, on World Mental Health Day on 10th October.

Several ETBs have implemented additional supports. For example, City of Dublin ETB and Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB provide psychological services for FET learners. Whilst Cavan and Monaghan ETB has established a Learner Support Working Group and appointed a Wellbeing Champion. In addition, many Youthreach centres offer needs-based counselling service.

The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) also plays a vital role by providing funding to ETBs to deliver supports that enable students to participate on an equal basis to the peers in Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses. Learners with mental health conditions are identified as a priority group in SOLAS’ guidelines for the FSD. SOLAS has advised my officials that over €5 million was allocated for the FSD in 2025. Furthermore, in Budget 2026, I am pleased to report that I secured an additional €2 million for the Fund.

Question No. 1170 answered with Question No. 1169.