Written Answers Nos. 1302-1309
1302. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to reduce the third level contribution fees over the next number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30546/26]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to reducing the student contribution fee in a financially sustainable manner over the lifetime of this Government.
Budget 2026 was my first opportunity since taking up office, to deliver on this commitment. And I did deliver an immediate and permanent reduction of €500 to the Student Contribution fee paid by students. This flat rate reduction has reduced the fee from €3,000 to €2,500 in the current academic year. It is the first permanent reduction since the Free Fees Initiative was introduced in 1995.
The fee reduction is expected to benefit approximately 108,000 undergraduate students, with a further 14,000 apprentices in higher education expected to benefit from a pro rata fee reduction of up to 17%.
The State already pays the full student contribution or part of it, for tens of thousands of learners who qualify for SUSI supports every year. Over 65,000 students in the 24/25 college year received this support of which over 44,000 received a 100% Student contribution grant and paid no fees. I have increased the income threshold for the €500 student fee grant to €120,000; so that even more students and families can qualify for additional grant supports.
I have also increased the SUSI grant rates for those who are travelling further to college and secured additional funding for the Fund for Students with Disabilities and student mental health services.
These changes are meaningful steps toward a fairer, more affordable system and were cognisant of the need to support middle income families.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next budget or subsequent budgets, I can assure the Deputy that I will consider all options available to me to improve the overall student support framework and deliver on our Programme for Government commitments, balancing the costs and benefits of both universal and targeted measures as resources allow.
1303. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will increase the SUSI grant given current levels do not fully reflect the rising cost of living for students and families. [30547/26]
View answerI am conscious of reducing the cost of education for students and I have consistently outlined my commitment to improving student supports in a way that is equitable, funded and fair, and provides certainty for families.
I was therefore delighted in Budget 2026 to be in a position to introduce tangible and permanent changes that support students from all backgrounds and help reduce the cost of education.
All non-adjacent maintenance grant rates under the Student Grant Scheme, will increase by at least €200 effective from September 2026 with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution.
For this academic year, I permanently reduced the Student Contribution Charge for free fees eligible students and permanently increased the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant increased by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500.
Effective from September 2026,
• Eligible students with household earnings under €120,000 will avail of the €500 student contribution grant. These students will therefore pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 2026/27 academic year.
• The income threshold for the Special Rate of Grant will increase from €27,400 to €28,600 in line with Social Welfare increases.
I provided €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund which is €260k up on the previous year.
Just this week I met with students and stakeholders at our annual cost of education event in Portlaoise. Feedback from this event is especially important to me and my colleagues when considering what options should be included in this year’s Annual Options paper to reduce the cost of higher education. This paper will be published in the autumn and will inform decision making ahead of Budget 2027.
It is important to note however that any amendments or extension to the student grant scheme has financial implications and are considered in the context of overall budgetary constraints and the substantial number of competing demands on available funding.
The Student Accommodation Strategy, which was launched last month, sets out Ireland’s national policy to support access to appropriate housing for students. Under this Strategy, I am committed to further expanding and enhancing supports that directly address the affordability pressures facing students, especially for those who need it most.
1304. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it is the current policy of his private office/Department to formally invite or notify all local Oireachtas members of constituency events at which Ministers are in attendance in the course of performing their ministerial duties and functions; if he will provide the Department's current policy or protocol on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30599/26]
View answerIt has been the procedure of my office to issue a Public Representatives notice prior to my attendance at events in my role as Minister for FHERIS. This notice issued to the Deputy, Senator, MEP or Minister of Government parties in the respective constituency.
1305. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a list of all events across every constituency attended by the Minister in the course of his ministerial duties since 1 January 2026, where formal invitations/notifications to attend were not issued by his office to all local Oireachtas members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30617/26]
View answerIt has been the procedure of my office to issue a Public Representatives notice prior to my attendance at events in my role as Minister for FHERIS. This notice issued to the Deputy, Senator, MEP or Minister of Government parties in the respective constituency.
1306. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific budgetary allocation from the National Training Fund (NTF) surplus under the National Training Fund (Amendment) Act 2025, earmarked for capital expenditure on buildings, laboratory and equipment upgrades versus direct investment in work-based training, upskilling and reskilling; the projected expenditure for the 2026–2030 period specifically aimed at mitigating workforce exposure to the structural challenges of digitalisation, demographics and decarbonisation; the metrics utilised to ensure the balance of investment supports human capital development alongside physical infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30654/26]
View answerI welcome the opportunity to clarify the position regarding the allocation of funding from the National Training Fund (NTF) surplus under the National Training Fund (Amendment) Act 2025 and its contribution to addressing structural workforce challenges.
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 support expanded healthcare and veterinary training facilities, increased PhD stipends and research support and modern infrastructures to deliver world-class skills. This investment will enable 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.
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.
The remaining portion of the surplus package is directed towards current expenditure supporting upskilling and reskilling, including a €235 million ring-fenced skills package, of which €35 million was provided in Budget 2026. Funding under this package is allocated through bodies such as SOLAS, Skillnet Ireland, the Higher Education Authority and The Wheel, and supports initiatives including Skills to Advance, micro-qualifications, workforce reskilling programmes, and enterprise-aligned lifelong learning provision.
My Department is advancing initiatives to address AI and digital skills needs. 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.
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.
1307. Deputy Ivana Bacik 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. [30655/26]
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.
1308. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are solar panels in place on the rooftop or within the grounds of his Department building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30698/26]
View answerMy staff are based across four locations; 52 St Stephens Green, Marlborough Street, Tullamore, and St. Stephen’s Green House. These locations are owned and/or operated by the OPW, which oversees the installation and management of renewable energy systems, including solar panels.
DFHERIS continues to liaise closely with the OPW and colleagues across these locations to identify and implement measures to improve energy efficiency and advance the decarbonisation of our buildings.
1309. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has a solar panel policy in place in relation to the installation of solar panels on all buildings operated and owned by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30716/26]
View answerMy staff are based are based across four locations; 52 St Stephens Green, Marlborough Street, Tullamore, and St. Stephen’s Green House. These locations are owned and/or operated by the OPW, which oversees the installation and management of renewable energy systems, including solar panels.
The solar panel policy regarding the installation of solar panels on these locations would be a matter for the OPW.
