Written Answers Nos. 1279-1301
1279. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if an application has been received by the HSE for pricing and reimbursement of baricitinib for the alopecia areata indication; if not, whether the HSE or her Department has engaged with the marketing authorisation holder regarding a submission (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30915/26]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1280. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health whether her Department, the HSE or the HPRA has engaged with the manufacturer of deuruxolitinib (leqselvi) regarding plans for EU submission and availability in Ireland; whether any named-patient or compassionate access requests have been received (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30916/26]
View answerThe medicines regulator, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has confirmed that an EU Centralised Procedure Marketing Authorisation Application for the evaluation of Deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi) for the treatment of alopecia areata in adults, commenced on 26th February 2026. The outcome of the procedure is expected in Q1 2027.
HPRA have advised that, to date, they have not received any named-patient or compassionate use access engagements from the manufacturer for Deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi) for the treatment of alopecia areata in adults. Compassionate access is provided directly by companies, with the agreement of a patients treating medical consultant.
The Deputy will wish to note, given the reference to HSE engagement, that this matter has also been referred to the HSE for direct response.
1281. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if she will outline whether JAK inhibitor treatments for severe alopecia areata, where reimbursed, will be provided via the High Tech Arrangement; the intended initiation and monitoring setting; the proposed stop rules; the estimated annual budget impact and eligible patient numbers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30917/26]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1282. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the number of patients treated for alopecia areata with JAK inhibitors in public hospitals in each of the past three years, by CHO and by medicine, including any named-patient access, and associated monitoring protocols; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30918/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1283. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if she will publish a national clinical pathway for alopecia areata within the HSE Model of Care for Dermatology, covering diagnostic criteria, severity thresholds (for example, SALT scoring), first- and second-line options (including intralesional steroids, topical immunotherapy and JAK inhibitors), vaccination guidance, monitoring schedules and stop rules; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30919/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1284. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the number of public dermatology centres providing topical immunotherapy (for example DPCP or SADBE) for extensive alopecia areata; the number treated in each of the past three years; the average waiting times; and whether capacity expansion is planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30920/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1285. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health to detail the availability of intralesional corticosteroid clinics for patchy alopecia areata, by hospital group; the average wait time from referral; and any actions to standardise access nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30921/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1286. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will establish a national registry to capture outcomes for alopecia areata (for example, SALT 20 at week 24, durability, relapse), adverse events and service activity; the proposed data controller and governance; and the expected start date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30922/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1287. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if she will issue guidance on vaccination including the shingles vaccination and infection-risk mitigation for patients commencing JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata, including funding and delivery arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30923/26]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is informed by the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.
The current NIAC guidelines state that the shingles vaccine may be considered for those aged 65 years and older, due to the greater burden and severity of disease in this age group and in those aged 18 years and older at increased risk of shingles.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. HIQA’s HTA examined the evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of shingles vaccines. The cost effectiveness and budget impact were also reviewed, along with the ethical, social and organisational implications of including the vaccine in the adult immunisation schedule.
HIQA published this HTA on 19 July 2024. The HTA found that adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule, at the vaccine price at the time, for all adults aged 65 years and over would not be cost effective and would be associated with a substantial budget impact.
While the vaccine is considered safe and effective, its protective effect diminishes over time. HIQA also noted the substantial budget impact associated with vaccination. If made available to everyone aged 65 and older, vaccination would cost €218 million over five years.
Whilst the HTA found that the introduction of the shingles vaccine was not cost effective based on the cost of the vaccine, it found that it could be cost effective for vaccination of those at 75 years and 80 years if the cost of the vaccine was reduced by 80%.
Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.
My Department considered the findings of this HTA in 2024 and determined that the introduction of the vaccine could be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness of the vaccine is confirmed as being more favourable.
I can confirm that the introduction of the shingles vaccine to the immunisation schedule in Ireland is again being actively considered for a cohort of immunocompromised individuals, in line with NIAC advice and cognisant of the cost effectiveness of market pricing and available funding.
Patients undergoing medical treatment should discuss their vaccination requirements with their medical consultant, in line with NIAC recommendations.
1288. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1677 of 18 March 2026, the progress to date in finalising a strategy; when same will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30940/26]
View answerSepsis is a patient safety priority for Ireland and is the focus of the work of the HSE’s National Clinical Programme for Sepsis.
As previously outlined to the Deputy, the HSE has prepared an 'Action on Sepsis: Five Year Strategy 2026–2030' and associated implementation plan. My Officials are continuing to engage with the HSE on this matter and understand that the strategy is at the final stage of review and is expected to be published shortly.
1289. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1990 of 18 March 2026, if she will request a comprehensive report from the HSE, TUSLA and the Gardaí relative to the current urgent care needs of the person, as the response to the PQ is inadequate and does not address the dire circumstances faced by the family on a daily basis; if she will provide a name and contact details for service management referenced by the HSE in their reply so the parents can liaise as suggested; if a place in an ASD unit will be provided; if the full range of services will be made available based on their diagnosis of Autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30943/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1290. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 2231 of 18 March 2026, given that the HSE has not provided a reply, when a response will issue in relation to the matter. [30946/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1291. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to review a case (details supplied); to provide an update on the place requested by the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30959/26]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1292. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Health whether she is aware that the taxation of near-neighbour community payments arising from onshore wind farm developments affects eligibility for the means tested medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31559/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1293. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he and his Department are aware of the work and early outcomes of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency in the United Kingdom; whether consideration has been given to establishing a similar high-risk, high-reward research funding body in Ireland; and if he will outline any plans to develop comparable structures to support breakthrough innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29591/26]
View answerTaighde Éireann-Research Ireland was established in July 2024 and published its first 5-year strategy in March this year. The Strategy outlines a pathway towards greater connectivity of research and innovation capability across the State, strengthening connections between academia, enterprise, public policy, and society with the objective of increasing the impact of research for society and the economy. This activity will sit alongside IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland in supporting enterprise and innovation at a national level.
Following the publication of their strategy, Taighde Éireann are currently consulting with stakeholders on the appropriate suite of programmes to deliver on this aim. Minimum funding thresholds have been set as a proportion of spend and are aligned with historic levels across specialties. The emphasis on continuity of funding for discovery and blue skies research in the Programme for Government, the Impact 2030 Strategy, and the new Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland Strategy 2026-2030 all recognise and support the role of discovery research in a vibrant, competitive and innovative research environment.
Given the objects of the agency as set out in the Research and Innovation Act, 2024, the progress of the agency as set out in its 5-year plan and the active development set out above, I have no plans to establish an additional agency at this time.
1294. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for a detailed update in relation to any communications or engagements he or his Department officials have had in relation to the use of Mount Melleray as an educational campus (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29622/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question. I would like to preface my answer by saying that we warmly welcome the interest of education institutions from outside this jurisdiction to explore what Ireland may have to offer as a location. Our Higher Education Institutions are highly regarded, so I am sure there is much appeal in doing so. It should be noted that these colleges operate privately and independently and are not eligible for state supports within Ireland and are not under the direct remit of my Department.
In the case of this institution, my Department has not received any communications to date regarding their potential establishment in Ireland.
I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that under Irish law, the use of the title “university” is protected under the Universities Act 1997. What that law prescribes is that the term “university”, when used to describe an educational establishment or facility, may only be used with the approval of the Minister. I can assure the Deputy that in the case of this institution, I have not been contacted with any request to do so.
This provision is intended to ensure that the public can clearly distinguish between State-regulated universities and other providers that are not subject to the same regulatory framework. Any requests under this provision are subject to intense scrutiny by my Department in advance of a formal decision. My Department continues to review such requests as they arise.
1295. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he visited University of Sydney during his visit to Australia for the recent St. Patrick's Day. [30010/26]
View answerDue a busy programme focused on Irish diaspora and major political engagements, Minister Lawless did not have the opportunity to visit Sydney University on his recent St Patrick's Day trip to Australia.
However, while in Sydney, Minister Lawless engaged in several political meetings, including with his counterparts, Minister Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology and Minister Steve Whan MP, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education.
He visited the offices of Irish company Stripe where he met with their Australian and New Zealand managing director.
He also sat on an advisory panel for Enterprise Ireland (EI) where he heard business concepts from several EI client companies.
The Minister has also sought to address that Australia is notably absent from the current DFHERIS scholarship portfolio, despite representing one of the most significant Irish diaspora communities in the world. Following an announcement in Australia, the Minister will shortly bring a proposal to Government to reserve five ringfenced annual places for high-calibre students from Australia who wish to pursue postgraduate study in Ireland. This scheme will be piloted for three years.
1296. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding streams available for institutions to implement universal design for learning; the amount of funding that was provided in the past five years; what that funding was spent on. [30109/26]
View answerThe fourth National Access Plan: A Strategic Action Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education 2022-2028, builds on the vision of previous plans and ambitions for a more inclusive and diverse student population in higher education.
In January 2021, DFHERIS approved a suite of strategic initiatives aimed at supporting students with disabilities. The initiatives encompassed 24 institutions with over €5.7m of funding provided, focused on the strategic development of disability support services in HEIs as well as enhancing support for students with a disability, improving college campuses and assisting HEI staff with training and development.
Included in this funding provided up to December 2022 was a commitment to the embedding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and mainstreaming principles in HEI teaching and learning practices through e.g. recruitment of staff, staff training, technological supports and other student supports.
The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) delivers five strands (PATH 1 – 5) that work together to widen participation and support student success. These interventions are increasing participation, improving student success, and embedding more inclusive practices across the higher education system.
During 2022, a total of €3 million was allocated (the PATH 4 Phase 1 Universal Design Fund, 2022-2024) to support the further embedding of Universal Design (UD) approaches and inclusive practices in HEIs to the benefit of all students, in particular neuro-diverse students, and to enable building of capacity for greater participation by students with intellectual disabilities in higher education.
Key initiatives funded under the Universal Design Fund: Teaching, Learning and Assessment; Staff Capacity and Institutional; Embedding Digital Environment; Built Environment; Student Supports and National Collaboration; and the adoption of the Altitude Charter.
In 2025, I announced that €2.8m was to be committed via the PATH 4 Phase 1 Inclusive Environment Fund, 2025-2026, to support institutions to continue to advance and build on progress towards embedding UD and inclusion, and to enhance a sense of belonging in higher education for the most under-represented groups.
Within the suite of planned activities in project plans, HEIs are encouraged to prioritise implementation of the findings and recommendations within the final report of the Joint Committee on Autism (2023), including in respect of the development of sensory maps and providing more autism-friendly tours of campuses throughout the year where these are not already in place.
The additional funding builds on the achievements of previous PATH 4 Phase 1 investment to further support enhanced participation and success for students, in particular those who may face additional barriers to engaging in higher education, such as students with disabilities and ethnic minority students.
Almost €450,000 of the Inclusive Environment Fund was specifically ringfenced to tackle prejudice and racism, in particular towards members of the Irish Traveller and Roma communities.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
1297. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide details on all open EU infringement proceedings where the subject of the infringement relates to the functions of his Department; the reason the infringement proceedings were initiated; the procedural stage of the infringement proceedings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30269/26]
View answerI can confirm for the Deputy that my Department is currently engaged in one open EU infringement proceeding, the requested details of which are set out in the attached document for the Deputy's attention.
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DFHERIS EU Infringement Procedures Status |
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Title |
[INFR(2024)2110], ‘Failure by Ireland to comply with the freedom to provide services due to unjustified prior checks of professional qualifications’. |
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Background |
The Irish National Co-ordinator which is based within DFHERIS is responsible for the implementation of Directive 2005/36/EC, the Professional Qualifications Directive and maintains regular contact with the relevant competent authorities on an ongoing basis, providing information and advice on their responsibilities under the directive. |
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Letter of Formal Notice |
The European Commission issued a Letter of formal notice (LFN) of infringement to Ireland, on the 16th of December 2024, regarding non-compliance with certain provisions of Directive 2005/36/EC, the Professional Qualifications Directive in relation to eight specified professions. A formal response providing full detail was sent to the commission in February 2025. |
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Current Status Update |
The DFHERIS National Co-ordinator with responsibility for this Directive, engaged with the Competent Authorities with responsibility for the seven professions named in the Letter of Formal Notice (LFN) and reviewed the information available on the Internal Market Information System, for the period within which the LFN referred. In response to the LFN, my officials identified that five of the professions named in the LFN did not actually require prior checks in cases of temporary provision of services. The entries for these professions were revised on the Internal Market Information System to more accurately reflect their status. Two of the professions named in the LFN, it was noted that the relevant Competent Authorities, invoked their right to check the professional qualifications of the service provider prior to the first provision of services on an occasional or temporary basis, as provided for in Article 7(4) of Directive 2005/36/EC (the Professional Qualifications Directive). The respective Competent Authorities attested that their requirements for prior checks meet the standard outlined under Article 7(4): Such a prior check shall be possible only where the purpose of the check is to avoid serious damage to the health or safety of the service recipient due to a lack of professional qualification of the service provider and where this does not go beyond what is necessary for that purpose. The Competent Authorities provided their rationale for retaining the prior checks due to health and safety concerns for citizens availing of a service from a citizen who is occasionally or temporarily working in Ireland.The remaining one remaining profession listed in the LFN was not a regulated profession in Ireland at that time of the LFN issued and a decision on whether to require a prior check had not yet been taken.A full and detailed response, with the rationale from competent authorities, was sent by my Department to the European Commission in February 2025. The National Coordinator in DFHERIS has sought an update on the closure of this infringement proceeding and our formal response to the LFN and has been advised that it forms part of a process covering several Member States and will take some time for the Commission to provide further updates. |
1298. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the comprehensive and disaggregated breakdown of the National Training Fund (NTF) expenditure for the 2025 fiscal year and planned allocations for 2026 across the specific categories of Higher Education, Further Education and Training (FET), apprenticeships, Skillnet Ireland, and other workplace training distinct from the aforementioned categories; the specific intended capital expenditure to be funded by the NTF levy for the years 2025 and 2026 respectively; and the details of any major infrastructural projects or equipment grants sanctioned under the National Training Fund (Amendment) Act 2025. [30295/26]
View answerThe National Training Fund (NTF) was established by the National Training Fund Act 2000, as a dedicated fund to raise the skills of those in employment; provide training to those who wish to acquire skills to take up employment and provide information in relation to skills requirements in the economy. Full details of planned NTF expenditure are published annually through the budgetary and Estimates process. Estimated expenditure for NTF is published in the Budget Book on Budget Day and in the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Services (REV) presented to the Houses of the Oireachtas, where NTF expenditure is presented as an appendix.
For ease of reference, the attached spreadsheet presents the full expenditure of the NTF across all three of its statutory purposes, with expenditure disaggregated by scheme and grantee, and by current and capital funding.
In January, I was delighted to sign the Commencement Order for the National Training Fund (Amendment) Act 2025 unlocking €1.5 billion from the NTF surplus over six years to 2030 including €650?million in capital investment to supported expanded healthcare and veterinary training facilities, increased PhD stipends and research support and modern infrastructures to deliver world-class skills.
I was very clear during the passage of the Act in both Houses that our aim is to provide high-quality skills training through modern flexible spaces and, where necessary, specialised facilities with fit-for-purpose equipment. More importantly, I provided assurances that any capital funding will be used in accordance with statutory purposes of the NTF: to raise skills levels, support lifelong learning, and enable individuals to acquire the skills needed to access and progress in employment.
This investment enables the tertiary sector to respond more effectively to workforce and skills needs, ensuring that learners develop their skills in settings that reflect real-world industry standards.
In 2026, I am allocating €75 million for the following capital initiatives.
• €37 million to SOLAS for innovative equipment to position the Further Education and Training sector as a driver of workforce transformation, concentrating on six priority areas: construction; manufacturing (including biopharma); technology and digital; healthcare; hospitality and the experience economy; and the green transition.
• €38 million to Research Ireland to strengthen research capacity and talent development in strategically important areas for the State, including AI, data science, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, energy and cellular therapeutics. This allocation includes €18 million to meet the increase in the stipend level for Research Ireland funded PhD students.
1299. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific proportion of the €1.5 billion National Training Fund surplus package which will be used to support businesses and particularly SMEs to participate in upskilling and reskilling staff in areas such as AI, the programmes funded by the NTF supporting workforce upskilling, future plans to support workforce development in AI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30296/26]
View answerFor over 25 years, the National Training Fund (NTF) has played a central role in Ireland’s workforce transformation, supporting upskilling of those in employment, preparing jobseekers, and enabling lifelong learning.
In January, I signed the Commencement Order for the National Training Fund (Amendment) Act 2025, unlocking €1.5 billion from the NTF surplus over six years to 2030. This includes €650 million in capital investment to expand healthcare and veterinary training capacity, increase PhD stipends and research supports, and modernise infrastructure to deliver world-class skills.
The package also includes a €235 million ring-fenced skills programme, with €35 million allocated in Budget 2026 for upskilling and reskilling initiatives to meet the needs of individual learners, the construction sector and SMEs nationwide. Funding is allocated through a range of organisations including SOLAS, Skillnet Ireland, the Higher Education Authority and The Wheel, which in turn support delivery through their respective networks.
Overall, approximately €564 million will be allocated from the NTF in 2026 to programmes supporting those in employment, including €37 million in capital expenditure. This capital funding, allocated to SOLAS, supports innovative equipment and facilities across six priority areas: construction; manufacturing (including biopharma); technology and digital; healthcare; hospitality and the experience economy; and the green transition.
In relation to digital transformation and AI, it is not possible to provide a precise breakdown of NTF expenditure attributable solely to AI, as AI-related supports are embedded across a broader suite of digital skills, innovation and workforce development programmes, with funding generally allocated at programme rather than individual thematic level.
Earlier this year, I was pleased to support SOLAS’ rollout of a suite of AI-focused micro-qualifications at NFQ levels 4 to 6, available nationwide through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Developed with enterprise partners and experts from the research and innovation ecosystem, including ADAPT and Microsoft, these programmes cover areas such as Enhancing Productivity with AI, machine-learning fundamentals, ethical AI, data analysis and practical SME use cases, with further expansion planned.
ETBs also deliver a broad range of FET upskilling and reskilling supports for SMEs in AI, digital and sustainability skills. Micro-qualifications were specifically designed to address barriers of time and relevance for employers: they are highly subsidised, flexibly delivered, and typically involve around 50 hours of combined tutor-led and self-directed learning.
There are currently 45 validated micro-qualifications being rolled out across the FET system, spanning digital and AI skills, robotics, productivity and business innovation, sustainability and circular-economy practices, sustainable finance and procurement, leadership and resilience, transversal and care-related skills, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including contamination control in cleanroom environments.
ETBs also provide a suite of leadership and management upskilling programmes under Skills to Advance, delivered locally and flexibly at little or no cost to employers.
On 23 April, I launched AIReady.ie, a new national online AI skilling platform developed by SOLAS in partnership with the National Skills Council. Initial content focuses on building foundational AI literacy and practical digital capability through four free short courses tailored to older people, small businesses such as sole traders and farmers, and individuals returning to the workforce. The platform was developed by SOLAS, in partnership with the National Skills Council, and is designed to make learning about AI more accessible and inclusive.
Skillnet Ireland continues to deliver AI upskilling at scale through its Business Networks, with more than 50 AI training programmes delivered in 2025, ranging from short introductory courses to an MSc in Artificial Intelligence developed with the University of Limerick, which now has over 400 graduates. Skillnet also delivers specialist AI supports through five dedicated technology-focused Networks and the Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet AI Capability Accelerator, a practical, coaching-led programme for senior leaders.
In addition, Skillnet Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are collaborating on a four-part AI Discovery Webinar Series for SME leaders, with over 350 companies registered, focused on ethical AI adoption, productivity and addressing digital skills gaps.
Eligible employees in the SME sector may also access Springboard+ provision. Springboard+ 2026 offers 7,274 places across 244 programmes, with 90% delivered online or in blended formats. Almost one quarter of places are in digital skills, including 428 places in AI-focused programmes from NFQ levels 6 to 9.
Finally, the NTF also supports skills development activity delivered by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. Information on NTF-funded supports is available through the National Enterprise Hub, the Government’s one-stop shop for business supports.
1300. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average time it took from phase 1 to completion for each apprenticeship, by trade, in County Kildare in 2025, in tabular form. [30441/26]
View answerApprenticeships are national programmes. The mandatory duration for a craft apprenticeship, from commencement of training to completion, is a minimum of 208 weeks, with a further period of up to 12 weeks required to process the apprenticeship certificate. The median time to certification across the craft apprenticeship system was 227 weeks in 2025, down from 239 weeks in 2024.
SOLAS, the State agency for further education and training, has advised that the requested data cannot be provided for apprentices in county Kildare specifically.
The attached table provides the median time to certification nationally for each of the 25 craft apprenticeships in 2025.
As Minister, I have prioritised investment for apprenticeship, and I secured an additional €79 million investment for apprenticeship delivery in Budget 2026. This brings total annual funding for apprenticeship delivery to over €410 million in 2026, more than double the €184 million invested in 2020, the year in which my department was established. This continued investment and commitment to apprenticeship delivery has delivered clear results. Annual apprenticeship registrations have grown by 78% in recent years, rising from 5,326 in 2020 to 9,461 in 2025.
1301. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30479/26]
View answerMy Department is responsible for more than 60 commitments under the Programme for Government. The following are key policy achievements announced since 22nd January 2025, which will go towards achieving those commitments.
Making Education More Affordable.
• Providing the first permanent €500 reduction in the student contribution fee since free fees were introduced in 1995.
• Securing a Budget 2026 allocation which will allow for the expansion of SUSI eligibility and increase maintenance supports.
Expanding Places in High-Demand Courses.
• Over 340 extra places added in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, physiotherapy, and veterinary medicine.
• 17 new tertiary degree programmes approved for 2025/26.
• Announcement of a €28.5 million investment in 2026, enabling higher education institutions to deliver over 1,100 new healthcare course places each year over the next three years.
Investing in Infrastructure.
• €4.55bn secured under the National Development Plan to strengthen research, innovation and education facilities nationwide.
• €100 million investment announced under the National Development Plan for a major expansion of Tyndall National Institute, significantly strengthen Ireland’s global position in cutting-edge semiconductor research and innovation.
Driving World-class Research.
• Ireland joined CERN and signed the European Quantum Pact.
• €1bn milestone reached in Horizon Europe funding.
• €750m INSPIRE Research Infrastructure Programme launched.
• Launch of a strengthened Horizon Europe Action Plan, with a renewed focus on boosting the participation of Irish SMEs in Europe’s €95.5 billion research and innovation programme.
Boosting Skills and apprenticeships.
• Secured the highest ever increase in investment in core funding since the establishment of the Department, with €79m in Budget 2026 bringing the total core investment to over €410 million.
• Apprentice numbers up 5% to more than 31,000 across 78 programmes.
• Ireland’s first All-Island Apprenticeship was launched jointly with Northern Ireland.
• Launch of ‘Updated Careers in Construction Action Plan’, building on the progress to date in boosting skills capacity to meet key housing, climate and infrastructural targets, under Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, the Climate Action Plan, and the National Development Plan.
Delivering Student Accommodation and Campus Capacity.
• Launched National Student Accommodation Strategy that sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, accommodation affordability and accommodation supply and viability.
• €67m was secured for new student accommodation at UCD.
• Six PPP buildings operational and five under construction, creating space for 8,500 additional students.
New €75million capital funding programme, under Project 2040, to expand healthcare education across Ireland.
Improving Inclusion and Access.
• Supported Path 4 provision for learners with intellectual disabilities.
• Student Assistance Fund increased to €19.3m.
• Increased funding for student mental health and wellbeing and for the Fund for Students with Disabilities which provides support to 22,000 students with disabilities.
• Launch of €2 million Transport Fund for learners with intellectual disabilities in further education and training (FET).
• Funding of almost €1.5 million to advance access, equity, and opportunity in Further & Higher Education for care leavers and members of the Traveller and Roma communities.
National Training Fund
• The National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill was signed into law on 23rd December 2025 unlocking the National Training?Fund?surplus package of €1.485 billion announced in Budget 2025. This will underpin the development of human capital and the delivery of the national economic, social and regional development objectives of the Act.
• Technological University Professorships.
• Landmark reform with the introduction of a full Professorship grade in Ireland’s Technological Universities (TUs) for the first time.
• The €65.8 million Targeted Enhancement Fund (TEF) announced late in 2025 will support delivery of the first 50 professorial posts across the TU system.
National Science Advice Forum.
• Appointment of 12 members to the new National Science Advice Forum under Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy.
My Department will continue to advance delivery on commitments made under the Programme for Government and I anticipate that further significant progress will be made in the coming year.
