Written Answers Nos. 1243-1263
1243. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the annual bill for agency staff in each acute hospital, per staff type; doctor, nursing, support grades and administration for 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35327/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1244. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the level of agency spending per model four hospital in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35330/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1245. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the number of management staff recruited or redeployed as part of the HSE health region/integrated healthcare area restructuring, broken down by health region and integrated healthcare area; whether each post is a new post, redeployment or re-titled existing post; the grade and salary scale attached to each post; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35332/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1246. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health the number of additional clinical staff recruited in each health region and integrated healthcare area in 2025 and 2026 so far, broken down by discipline, grade and service area, in tabular form. [35333/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1247. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to a case related to the provision of school for a child (details supplied); the actions he will take to ensure that this child is provided with the necessary school supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34688/26]
View answerThank you, Deputy, for drawing this case to my attention.
My officials are making enquiries with the Education and Training Board regarding the matter and a response will issue to the Deputy at the earliest opportunity.
1248. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the training model where nearly 50% of dental places at UCC and Trinity are sold to non-EU students for over €60,000 per year; to provide an update on the proposed Dental Outreach Centre for north Cork; and to confirm the funding for this project (details supplied). [34977/26]
View answerMy Department recognises the significant pressures being experienced in access to dental services and the clear need to increase the supply of dentists, particularly in underserved regions such as the south-west. Expanding dental education capacity is a shared priority under the Programme for Government and the workforce planning work led by the Department of Health and its dedicated Oral health Unit and policies.
In this context, my Department is progressing engagement with UCC and the Department of Health on the proposed community-based Dental Outreach Centre in North Cork, which would support both service delivery and training capacity. Officials met UCC in February 2026 regarding a capital request for refurbishment and specialist equipment. As with all health-linked capital projects, the proposal must proceed through the required capital appraisal processes, including assessment under the Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework which is underway. These processes are necessary to ensure value for money, patient safety and alignment with workforce need. Funding has not yet been confirmed and no ring-fencing can occur in advance of its completion.
My officials and the HEA have met UCC a number of times this year to examine maximising Irish/EU student intakes across the proposed new additional capacity. My officials are awaiting updated information and costings from UCC which will inform the assessment of this proposal.
These actions sit alongside the new Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme at RCSI, which commenced in September 2025 with 20 Irish/EU places with capacity to expand to 35 from 2027 subject to approval. Collectively, these measures demonstrate a sustained and focused commitment to prioritising Irish students, strengthening regional provision, and delivering on the objectives of Smile agus Sláinte.
It is important to clarify that while fee income from international students does form part of a mixed funding model that supports the sustainability of high-cost clinical programmes such as dentistry, over 60% of undergraduate dentistry places at UCC, are currently allocated to Irish and EU students.
My Department is actively engaging with the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Health to ensure that expansion efforts are clearly focused on increasing domestic graduate supply for the public system.
1249. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to review the SUSI threshold disregard for students working as the recent increase from €8,424 to €8,830 is not adequate. [35186/26]
View answerUnder the Student Grant Scheme, income from employment which represents holiday earnings outside of term time (Easter, summer and Christmas holidays) can be deducted when determining the reckonable income of an applicant. The holiday earnings exemption is being increased from €8,424 to €8,830 for the 2026/27 academic year. The reason for the limit is to mitigate against students working so much during their education that it negatively impacts on their ability to fully participate in their course.
There are also economic considerations. The Student Grant Scheme is reviewed on an annual basis and any improvements are subject to the overall estimates and budgetary process undertaken by all Government Departments having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands.
In recent years, my Department has published a number of annual options papers on measures to reduce the cost of education. The most recent paper included a costed option to remove the provision which limits the deduction of holiday earnings to “earnings outside of term time”. This option was costed in the last year’s paper at between €17m and €26m.
Removing this provision could allow a student’s income exemption limit to be increased in cases where the student earns up to the allowable limit over the course of the year. In effect this is akin to a very specific income threshold increase for one cohort, namely students with earnings.
I see merit in this approach, however, prioritising such an option may limit the potential to increase overall SUSI income thresholds which would benefit all applicants, including students who are earning.
Budget 2025 increased all thresholds with all standard rate income thresholds increasing by at least 15% in the current academic year. To put this in context: for a family with fewer than four children, standard rate thresholds increased within a range of €6,135 to €15,000. This threshold increase has provided a universal increase for all household earnings regardless of the source of income (e.g. student earnings and/or income from a parent(s)/spouse(s) where applicable) and benefited families where a parent or spouses income has increased.
I am conscious of reducing the cost of education for students and I was pleased to be in a position in Budget 2026 to permanently reduce the Student Contribution by €500 for free fees eligible students and to increase maintenance grants for non-adjacent grant holders. In addition to this, from September 2026, the income threshold to avail of a €500 Student Contribution Grant will also increase to €120,000.
1250. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including further and higher education campus, ETB and research infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time and within budget in the Wicklow Wexford Constituency in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33974/26]
View answerResponsibility for capital project delivery is devolved to individual Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs). In that context, responsibility for the planning and procurement processes, as well as project delivery timelines and cost management, all fall within the remit of the HEIs/ETBs and not DFHERIS.
HEIs and ETBs are autonomous institutions with responsibility for the oversight, planning and management of their capital development plans.
My Department does not hold information on a constituency basis. However, for the Deputies convenience, I have attached a list of the major capital projects completed by higher and further education institutions since 2020 which serve the area(s) referred to.
https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2026-05-12_pq-1250-12-05-2026_en.docx
1251. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for assistance with a DARE scheme application (details supplied). [33986/26]
View answerThank you for raising this matter Deputy and I would like to take this opportunity to wish the student well in his studies and exams.
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) scheme is operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA), on behalf of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and my Department has no remit for this scheme. Under both HEAR & DARE, each institution determines its own admissions policy, the number of places to be reserved and the the allocation of those places.
I facilitated a HEAR & DARE briefing session delivered by the IUA in the AV room, in Leinster House this month, for all public reps so that they have the correct details on how to make appeals on behalf of constituents.
The IUA advised at this briefing that the most effective way to get a response to any queries regarding the HEAR and DARE schemes, is through the college website [www.accesscollege.ie] and by contacting the individual institution to which the student has applied through the contact details on the website.
However, I understand that this can be a stressful time for students and therefore I asked officials from my Department to make contact with the IUA in reference to the personal statement, and they have provided the following information:
The section to provide a personal statement outlining how the student's disability has impacted their educational experience is supplementary in nature, and is primarily intended to support Disability Support Staff within Higher Education Institutions in understanding the potential supports a student may require should they progress to higher education.
While an applicant may include a personal statement in their Supplementary Information Form, it does not form part of the DARE assessment process. Applicants are not penalised for omitting this personal statement as part of the DARE eligibility assessment process.
As the application process is currently in the assessment stage, additional documentation cannot be accepted at this point. However, applicants who are dissatisfied with the outcome of their application may avail of the DARE Review and Appeals process following the release of eligibility outcomes at the end of June ([https://accesscollege.ie/dare/review-appeals/])
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1252. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the minimum wage for apprenticeships; whether he will increase the minimum wage for apprentices to encourage participation in light of the rising cost-of-living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34006/26]
View answerI am conscious of financial challenges facing learners and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to attending tertiary education.?As part of Budget 2026, I announced a permanent reduction in the free?fees?initiative Student Contribution charge. This flat rate reduction has reduced the rate from €3,000 to €2,500 for undergraduate students eligible for the free fees initiative and, applied on a pro-rata basis, has lowered the student contribution by 17% for apprentices attending Higher Education.?In regard to?apprentices, €2.5 million was?allocated?for this purpose and, over the 2025/26 academic year, this will benefit approximately 14,000 apprentices.
Apprentices are employees and all apprenticeship programmes are undertaken under a contract of employment. In the case of craft apprentices, minimum rates of pay are typically determined through collective bargaining arrangements or underpinned by Sectoral Employment Orders. Apprentices are exempt from minimum wage legislation - responsibility for minimum wage legislation rests with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and neither my Department nor SOLAS has a role in setting apprentice wages.
During off-the-job training phases, craft apprentices receive a State training allowance. While this allowance is not a wage and does not constitute an employment relationship with SOLAS, it is aligned with industry minimum wage rates and increases as apprentices progress through their training. The below table outlines the fortnightly State training allowance applicable to craft apprentices.
|
|
Electrical |
Construction |
Mech Building |
Engineering |
Motor |
|
Phase2 (P2) |
€357.24 |
€298.97 |
€347.49 |
€313.79 |
€251.46 |
|
Phase 4 (P4) |
€459.42 |
€448.50 |
€521.04 |
€451.63 |
€377.57 |
|
Phase 6 (P6) |
€663.39 |
€672.75 |
€781.56 |
€671.01 |
€566.34 |
|
Year 4 |
€816.66 |
€807.30 |
€937.95 |
€810.38 |
€679.62 |
Additional targeted supports are also available. The Access to Apprenticeship Initiative provides financial assistance, including a €3,000 bursary, to support participation by learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme offers financial and practical supports to improve access, retention and completion.
It remains a priority for Government to ensure that apprentices are adequately incentivised and supported to engage in apprenticeship programmes, and that employers are likewise supported.
1253. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including further and higher education campus, ETB and research infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Fingal in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34061/26]
View answerResponsibility for capital project delivery is devolved to individual Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs). In that context, responsibility for the planning and procurement processes, as well as project delivery timelines and cost management, all fall within the remit of the HEIs/ETBs and not DFHERIS.
HEIs and ETBs are autonomous institutions with responsibility for the oversight, planning and management of their capital development plans.
My Department does not hold information on a constituency basis. However, for the Deputies convenience, I have attached a list of the major capital projects completed by higher and further education institutions since 2020 which serve the area(s) referred to.
1254. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including further and higher education campus, ETB and research infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Longford in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34091/26]
View answerResponsibility for capital project delivery is devolved to individual Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs). In that context, responsibility for the planning and procurement processes, as well as project delivery timelines and cost management, all fall within the remit of the HEIs/ETBs and not DFHERIS.
HEIs and ETBs are autonomous institutions with responsibility for the oversight, planning and management of their capital development plans.
My Department does not hold information on a constituency basis. However, for the Deputies convenience, I have attached a list of the major capital projects completed by higher and further education institutions since 2020 which serve the area(s) referred to.Longford & LWETB.
1255. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the ALL Oversight Group and National Literacy Coalition will be meeting again; and the plan for restructuring same. [34099/26]
View answerThe Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy is a ten-year national strategy launched in September 2021. Governance and oversight of the Strategy are supported through a Cross-Government Implementation Group, the ALL National Programme Office, the National Literacy Coalition, Regional Literacy Coordinators, and Regional Literacy Coalitions.As part of the independent mid-term review of the ALL Strategy, which is currently being commissioned by SOLAS, the effectiveness and appropriateness of these governance and oversight arrangements will be assessed.
Meetings of the Implementation Group and the National Literacy Coalition will recommence on completion of the review, and the learning arising from the review will be applied to the governance arrangements to enhance delivery of the Strategy for the remainder of its implementation period.
1256. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the ALL Strategy mid-term review; and the consultation that is planned. [34100/26]
View answerThe Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy is a ten-year national strategy launched in September 2021. As provided for in the Strategy, an independent mid-term review is currently being undertaken to assess progress to date and to inform the second half of its implementation.
SOLAS, through the ALL National Programme Office, issued a tender seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates interested in carrying out the mid-term review. The closing date for applications is 15 May, and the successful applicant will have four months to complete the review.
The review will assess governance and implementation arrangements, progress against actions, key achievements and challenges to date, and the ongoing relevance and appropriateness of the Strategy’s actions, targets, and measures of success.
The review will also include structured engagement with key stakeholders, including officials from my Department, members of the National Literacy Coalition, the Literacy Provision Expert Group, Regional Literacy Coordinators, and Education and Training Boards.
The final report will inform future priorities and any realignment of actions under the ALL Strategy.
1257. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to increase the number of craft apprenticeship meetings from six per year held; to issue the national craft certificates to ensure much needed recently qualified tradespeople can receive their certification without unnecessary delay allowing them to get started working after years of hard work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34109/26]
View answerSOLAS the further education and training agency oversees the craft apprentice journey through to the completion of the seven training phases. Once an apprentice completes these phases, their details are forwarded to QQI the state agency responsible for promoting the quality, integrity and reputation of Ireland’s further and higher education system, which serves as the awarding body.
All certificates are issued directly by QQI. QQI operates six certification cycles each year across the full calendar year. These cycles apply to all QQI awards across further and higher education, and include craft apprenticeship awards. This certification model was designed by QQI to support the planning and assurance of certification activity for both learners and providers of education and training.
Regular, scheduled certification points allow providers to align assessment, quality assurance and approval processes in a structured way, supporting the timely issuing of craft apprenticeship awards while ensuring that appropriate oversight is maintained.
1258. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to assist the Ukrainian community across the county with educational opportunities, (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34168/26]
View answerIreland’s 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) provide free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programmes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced or professional levels. Some ESOL provision is aligned with specific employment sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, and childcare.
ESOL provision is currently delivered primarily on a face-to-face basis through ETB centres, outreach and community locations, and accommodation centres. Information about local courses can be found at www.fetchcourses.ie. Information can also be obtained from Adult Education Guidance Services, which operate in every ETB area and which are free of charge. Contact details are available at: www.etbi.ie/fet-guidance/contact-a-local-adult-guidance-service-2/.
Education and Training Board Ireland’s FET Digital Library, which is available at [https://library.etbi.ie/ESOLResources], hosts and links to a range of ESOL resources, including materials suitable for independent learning.
SOLAS, the statutory authority responsible for Further Education and Training, is currently exploring options for online ESOL delivery to complement existing in-person ETB provision.
1259. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to prioritise and accelerate the delivery of purpose built student accommodation in Kerry, Cork and Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34255/26]
View answerI published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026 to 2035 in March 2026. It sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, student accommodation affordability, and student accommodation supply and viability.
The Higher Education Institutions Student Accommodation Programme (HSAP) has been launched and the programme board established. HEI's are gathering the required information to form their Preliminary Business Cases which are due for completion throughout 2026. Initial Market soundings in relation the HSAP will shortly conclude. Delivery will be phased, beginning in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Implementation will be overseen through an Inter Departmental Implementation Group, which will provide coordination and oversight across Government, higher education institutions and other stakeholders.
Each Higher Education Institution is required to prepare its own student accommodation strategy aligned with the national Strategy, and to report annually on progress and outcomes. Higher Education Institution’s will also establish dedicated accommodation functions, supported by the Department
As of the April 2026, over 4,700 rent a room student beds were advertised through higher education institutions nationwide, with 998 of these beds being advertised in Cork, 540 of these beds being advertised in Limerick and 559 beds being advertised in Kerry.
Since 2017, 16,266 PBSA beds have been completed nationwide, bringing total stock to over 49,200. As of the end of April 2026, commencement notice has issued for 2,935 Student beds while a further 14,449 beds have planning permission granted. Additionally, planning permission has been applied for another 1,246 student beds.
Since 2017 3,684 beds have been completed in Cork. Planning has been granted for 1,704 beds. Commencement notices have issued for 206 beds at Victoria Cross Road and planning has also been applied for 503 beds.
In respect of Limerick, since 2017 159 beds have completed. Planning has been granted for 2,225 beds, Commencement notices have issued for 511 beds in total.
1260. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to establish a Funding Programme to activate derelict sites identified in Local Authority registers for student accommodation development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34257/26]
View answerI recently published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035, which sets out a clear pathway to improve access to higher education by addressing two core challenges: accommodation supply and viability, and affordability.
The Strategy responds to the supply challenge through a suite of targeted measures, including a commitment to long-term, State-backed interventions to activate supply in partnership with the private sector. It supports the development of student accommodation on public campuses and on private sites close to campuses, subject to State Aid clearance. It also provides for the development of a framework, in line with relevant Departmental consents, to enable universities to enter nomination agreements with private providers, alongside enhanced supply through promotion of Rent-a-Room accommodation.
My officials have already engaged extensively with the technological sector, where proposals have been developed and will be progressed on a phased basis this year, beginning in our main cities and subsequently expanding nationwide.
The Higher Education Institutions Student Accommodation Programme, funded under the National Development Plan, is the principal delivery mechanism for the Strategy. Progress to date includes the expansion of the existing programme, previously focused on technological universities, to incorporate traditional universities. HEI presidents have been briefed, and a sectoral advisory board has been established.
Phase One of the Programme is now underway in Cork, Dublin and Galway, supported by the National Development Finance Agency. NewERA and the Department of Public Expenditure are assisting in establishing parameters for nomination agreements, while the Higher Education Authority is supporting detailed site assessments.
Initial site plans for Phase One technological university proposals have been received, a number of which relate to the development of vacant or derelict sites and buildings. A list of Vacant Homes Officers in each local authority was shared with the technological universities as part of TSSAP and all have confirmed that they investigated the potential of derelict or vacant properties for reuse.
1261. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to engage with the Minister for Transport and improve transport links from rural areas to higher education campuses by identifying and addressing transport gaps where no viable public routes exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34258/26]
View answer1262. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to engage with the Minister for Transport and coordinate public transport scheduling with higher education timetables to ensure reliable access to campuses, including increased services during peak time hours and the provision of late evening services to support student participation, retention and engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34259/26]
View answerThe National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 was published last month. The Strategy, which is available on the government’s website, sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, accommodation supply and viability and accommodation affordability.
The Strategy aligns with wider transport demand management objectives and complements national mobility strategies by recognising the link between accommodation and commuting patterns. HEIs are encouraged to use data-driven insights to assess student mobility and support efficient commuting, while participating in sustainable transport initiatives and promoting active and public transport options.
As part of the Strategy a pilot project will strengthen collaboration between HEIs, transport authorities and local bodies to improve commuting options and monitor outcomes. Commutes exceeding three hours in total are considered excessive and are reflected in demand planning for student accommodation.
The Pilot programme will be developed to establish a framework for increased collaboration between HEIs, the national transport authority (NTA), local authorities, and transport operators to improve sustainable commuting options for students.
1263. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the policy rationale for excluding certain QQI validated undergraduate programmes delivered by private higher education institutions from eligibility under the free fees initiative and from SUSI grant support; whether he is aware that the BA (Hons) in Psychology at Carlow College is currently the only undergraduate programme at that institution not approved for State funding despite its QQI validation; whether this policy position has been reviewed in light of the objectives of the National Access Plan for Higher Education 2022-2028, particularly commitments to reducing financial barriers, supporting regional and place based access, and widening participation among socio economically disadvantaged and non traditional learners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34262/26]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that Carlow College, Saint Patrick’s (CCSP) is a private higher education institution. Private higher education institutions, like CCSP, may be eligible to receive funding from the State for limited courses that are approved for funding under specific initiatives. Under the respective arrangements, the State has agreed to provide funding for specific courses in line with specific agreements made between the relevant funding body and the private institution.
As the Deputy will appreciate, public funded schemes, such as the Free Fees Initiative and the Student Grant Scheme, must have cost controls to stay within available budgets and meet public spending requirements.
While private institutions play an important role in the overall higher education landscape, they are independent bodies that may choose to develop and operate courses outside of those approved for State funding. The establishment of such courses does not give rise to the provision of State funding to support delivery.
It remains open to private colleges to apply for funding through competitive call processes, such as Springboard+, to provide courses in response to national skill needs.
