Written Answers Nos. 101-120
101. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans in place to expand the provision of apprenticeships through Irish; the supports being considered for Irish-medium delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50083/26]
View answerAithníonn mo Roinn an ról tábhachtach atá ag breisoideachas agus ardoideachas chun tacú le forbairt agus úsáid na Gaeilge ar fud na sochaí agus an lucht saothair i gcoitinne. Cuireann leathnú leanúnach chóras printíseachta na hÉireann leis an gcuspóir seo
My Department recognises the important role of further and higher education in supporting the development and use of the Irish language across society and the workforce more generally. The continued expansion of Ireland’s apprenticeship system contributes to this objective.
In April 2026, Minister Harkin and I launched a new two-year Level 6 Business and Operations Apprenticeship. This includes a dedicated Irish language pathway within the civil service stream, with five places in the initial cohort, enabling participants to achieve at least B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Training by Gaelchultúr is combined with workplace placements in the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, providing practical experience of using Irish at work. Graduates are eligible to apply for Executive Officer roles, creating a pathway into the civil service. I will soon update Government on apprenticeship programmes supporting public service skills needs including the new Business and Operations programme.
My Department also allocates funding to higher education institutions through the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to support Irish language provision. In addition to block grant funding, this includes €900,000 annually to promote Irish among students and staff, and €1.766 million to the University of Galway to support Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.
In addition, my department, with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, has established a sectoral working group under Action 4.3.3 of the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026–2028. The group will examine how the tertiary education system, including apprenticeships, can support the National Plan, particularly in increasing Irish language capability in the public service. It includes senior representatives from relevant Departments and agencies and held its first meeting on 30th June. Further policy measures will be informed by this work.
102. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures in place to improve retention of graduates in sectors such as nursing and teaching, particularly in light of ongoing workforce shortages. [50259/26]
View answerI recognise the importance of supporting graduates in key public service professions such as nursing and teaching to both enter and remain within the workforce, particularly in the context of ongoing workforce pressures.
Retention is principally a matter for employers and line Departments. In the health sector, the Department of Health and the HSE have adopted a strategic approach through the HSE Resourcing Strategy, which places a strong emphasis on retention, workforce wellbeing, career development and clear pathways from education into employment. Measures include the targeted recruitment of Irish-trained graduates into permanent roles, the rollout of a Retention Toolkit, and initiatives such as ‘Project Home’ to support the return of Irish graduates working abroad.
My Department’s role is primarily to support the provision of education and training places across the higher education system. Higher Education Institutions are autonomous in the delivery of their programmes; however, Government has significantly increased investment in priority areas. In nursing and midwifery, over 300 additional places have been introduced since 2022, with further expansion supported through recent Budget measures.
I am currently exploring whether there are potential ways of supporting greater retention of graduates, in return for State support of their higher education programme. My initial focus is on examining whether we could put in place a State-backed loan scheme which would support students undertaking graduate entry medicine, in return for obligatory service in the HSE post-graduation. My Department is currently engaging with other Departments, including the Departments of Health and Finance, to examine what would be required to enable the development of such a scheme.
Looking at the evidence available in the professions referenced by the Deputy, according to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland "State of the Register 2025", there were 5,136 registrants joining, including Irish and internationally educated nurses and midwives. While there has been a decrease in the number of new registrants who were educated abroad, the number of Irish graduates coming onto the Register is steadily increasing year-on-year.
In the education sector, the Department of Education and Youth has highlighted that teaching continues to be an attractive profession, with over 3,600 newly qualified teachers registering in 2025 and low attrition rates, with fewer than 3% leaving contracted posts annually. Measures to support retention include earlier access to permanency through revised Contract of Indefinite Duration arrangements, recognition of overseas experience, and targeted supports such as upskilling programmes and STEM bursaries.
My Department works with the Higher Education Authority and other stakeholders to ensure alignment between provision and workforce needs. Graduate outcomes data indicate strong progression into employment for both nursing and teaching graduates, supporting retention within the system.
103. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science given his comments quoted in a newspaper (details supplied) whether he proposes to introduce any additional regulations or enforcement measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49313/26]
View answerA new international education quality mark, TrustEd Ireland, is being introduced by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), an agency under the remit of my Department.
The TrustEd Ireland mark will be awarded to higher education and English language education providers who have demonstrated that they meet new national standards to ensure a quality experience for international learners.
The new TrustEd Ireland scheme establishes, for the first time, a formal statutory quality assurance process for the English language education sector in Ireland.
To obtain the mark, English language providers must undergo a due diligence assessment process which examines the capacity and capability of private education providers to deliver quality assured education programmes. English language providers must also participate in the new statutory Learner Protection Fund.
In addition, providers must also demonstrate compliance with an associated Code of Practice. The Code includes key criteria surrounding information provision, student welfare, and academic support provisions. English language providers are required to undergo a site inspection as part of their assessment of Code compliance.
All English language providers holding the mark are subject to a review at least once every three years. Providers must also submit a monitoring report every 18 months. QQI may withdraw a provider’s authorisation to use the mark where it considers that the provider no longer complies with the Code.
An announcement of the first group of 28 higher education institutions to be awarded the TrustEd Ireland quality mark was made on 4th February 2026. Assessment is ongoing of the first window of TrustEd applications from English language providers, which is expected to be completed this summer.
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration will continue to monitor learner compliance with immigration law. Monitoring activities can include inspections of providers at any time, including monitoring attendance requirements. Further details on requirements are set out in the Policy Statement on the TrustEd Ireland Scheme and Immigration requirements at: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Policy-Statement-TrustEd-Ireland-and-Immigration-Requirements.pdf
104. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans to alleviate the costs on third level student families in budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50269/26]
View answerI am committed to making Further Education and Training and Higher Education more accessible than ever before. I want to make improvements to student supports that are permanent and which give certainty to families.
Budget 2026 offered me my first opportunity to make real and permanent changes in support of students, which included the first permanent reduction in the Student Contribution fee of €500. It is my intention to continue rolling outequitable, sustainably fundedand fair measures over the term of this Government and my officials have been tasked with examining the feasibility and costs that would be incurred in the implementation of additional and new measures.
Other budget 2026 changes include increases to all SUSI non-adjacent maintenance grant rates; an increase tothe postgraduate fee contribution; an increase in the special rate of maintenance grant threshold and increasing the income thresholdfor the €500 student contribution grant to €120,000.
In Further Education & Training, courses are free or heavily subsidised, and eligible learners can receive financial supports.
Learners on social welfare may transfer to a learner allowance while on certain courses and can usually keep secondary benefits, such as medical cards. I have also permanently reduced the contribution fee for 14,000 apprentices in higher education by up to 17%.
In addition to these measures, I provided €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund which is more than a quarter of a million euro up on the previous year. It is available to all students who have an emergency financial need and supports approximately 22,000 students each year.
To inform decision-making head of Budget 2027, I will publish anoptions paperwhich willidentifycosts and potential impacts of various policy options aimed at reducing the cost of higher education.
While I cannot confirm at this stage in the year the specific items that will be included in the next Budget, options to support students and reduce financial barriers will be key priorities for me as part of Budget negotiations.
105. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students from County Clare who applied for and received SUSI grants in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years; the average award value for Clare recipients; whether any applications from Clare students were refused on income grounds where the student subsequently appealed and was successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50189/26]
View answerThe main support available to assist students with the cost of attending higher education is:
• The Student Grant Scheme which provides grant assistance to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
• A Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses which provides fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This includes specified in person and blended/hybrid courses and its aim is to provide additional flexibility in respect of course provision to students who are socio-economically disadvantaged.
It is important to note that the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine.
I can provide the Deputy with the requested information as follows:
The number of students from County Clare who applied for and received SUSI grants in the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years are as follows:
In 2024/25, 2,870 applied, 2,393 were awarded and 2,286 were paid.
In 2025/26, 3,263 applied, 2,711 were awarded and 2,589 were paid. The Deputy should note that these figures are likely to change as SUSI continues to process applications for academic year 2025/26.
It is worth stating that around 94% of awarded students will receive some form of a grant. SUSI seeks confirmation of registration from the relevant institutions before a student is paid a grant. Some students who are at awarded status will not take up their chosen course for various reasons, which explains the difference between awarded and paid status.
The average award value for Clare recipients was €4,104 in 2024/25 and €4,329 in 2025/26
The number of applications from Clare students were refused on income grounds where the student subsequently appealed and was successful was six in 2024/25 and eight in 2025/26
Budget 2026 provided significant improvements to student supports for the 2026/27 academic year. These enhancements include an increase in all non-adjacent maintenance rates and an increase of the SUSI threshold up to €120,000. I will continue to work to ensure that changes to the scheme benefit learners and their families in addressing costs of further and higher education.
108. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the measures being taken to increase the supply of affordable student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50242/26]
View answerI am very conscious of the impact both the supply and affordability of accommodation is having on students across the country. Earlier this year, I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy which is available on the government’s website. This sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges: accommodation supply and viability, and affordability.
Current projections indicate demand for approximately 42,000 additional student beds over the next decade, highlighting both the scale of need and the opportunity to respond effectively.
To increase supply and support viability, the Strategy adopts a balanced approach. This includes long-term State-backed measures to activate supply in collaboration with the private sector; a mechanism to enable technological universities to enter nomination agreements with private providers and further promotion of Rent-a-Room accommodation.
A new Higher Education Institution Student Accommodation Programme is being rolled out supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). This programme will enable Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to have access to increased PBSA beds by supporting private developers to build PBSA on or near campus through a combination of nomination agreements, licensed sites and site servicing.
The Government's Rent-a-Room Scheme continues to support short-term capacity, enabling homeowners to earn up to €14,000 tax-free annually. As of June 2026, over 5,000 student beds were advertised through our Higher Education Institutions. We are conducting further research in this regard which will feed into an advertising campaign later this year.
Affordability of student accommodation is supported through a range of financial assistance schemes, including the SUSI Student Grant Scheme non-adjacent grants targeting students living 30 km or more from their Higher Education Institute, the PATH 2 1916 Bursary, Student Accommodation Assistance, and the Student Assistance Fund. The strategy commits to targeting these supports for increases in line with the annual estimates process. Combined, these supports provide €176 million annually, alongside the rent tax credit, which offers up to €2,000 per year for jointly assessed couples or €1,000 for single applicants.
Taken together, this is a strategy focused on activation, acceleration, affordability and delivery ensuring we move from plans to accommodation for students across the country.
109. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current measures in place through his Department to support training and upskilling in EV technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50093/26]
View answerMy Department is progressing a range of measures to support training and upskilling in electric vehicle (EV) technologies.
A key initiative is the establishment of an eMobility Skills Coordination Centre, operating under Longford Westmeath ETB. Building on earlier work by a dedicated project office, the Centre will lead a national response in identifying skills gaps, aligning provision with emerging EU standards and supporting the development and rollout of relevant programmes across the FET Sector.
In addition to this work, existing apprenticeship programmes for vehicle mechanics including Automotive Technology, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics and Agricultural Mechanics are planned to be updated by end June 2026 to incorporate EV related content. Procurement of specialist equipment in further and higher education institutions is being progressed to support the rollout of these updated programmes to learners.
Targeted upskilling is being delivered through the Skills to Advance initiative, including IMI-certified EV and hybrid vehicle courses provided by ETBs such as Galway and Roscommon, Donegal, and Dublin and Dún Laoghaire, with plans to further expand this provision. In the Higher Education sector, the Technological University of the Shannon has developed specialised programmes to support technicians and transport professionals in building the knowledge and skills required to maintain and repair electric and hybrid vehicles.
Recognising the rapid electrification of the national fleet and the associated skills requirements the education and training system must respond in a timely and appropriate manner. SOLAS is hosting an “EMobility Exchange” with industry and providers on 7 July, to help inform this work and support the wider rollout of EV training.
Collectively, these measures are ensuring a coordinated, responsive and forward-looking approach to building EV skills capacity nationwide.
110. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035, the number of the 42,000 student accommodation beds projected by 2035 that are anticipated to be delivered in Cork; and the years in which those beds are expected to come on stream;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50293/26]
View answerI have met with the Presidents of both UCC and MTU and visited both campuses and I am very aware of how the supply and affordability of accommodation is impacting students in Cork and indeed across the country.
Since 2017, there have been 3,684 beds completed in Cork. University College Cork currently has 1,534 student accommodation beds and recent figures show that University College Cork and Munster Technological University are advertising 1,026 rent a room digs beds.
I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy in March which aims to support the viability of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) projects and increase the supply of student accommodation for full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions. It will address affordability separately by providing for targeted financial supports for those students who need it the most.
A key initiative of the Strategy is the Higher Education Institutions Student Accommodation Programme. The NDFA and the HEA are supporting my department in the development of this programme. This initiative will enable Higher Education Institutions including University College Cork and Munster Technological University to access additional PBSA capacity by facilitating private sector development on or adjacent to campus sites through a combination of nomination agreements, site licensing arrangements, and site servicing.
The Strategy also aims to enhance the supply of student beds through promotion of Rent-a-Room accommodation.In respect of Rent-A-Room/Digs Accommodation research is ongoing, the results of which will inform policy and feed into an advertising campaign during the summer with the aim of promoting an immediate increase in advertised beds.
I can confirm to the Deputy that Cork, Galway and Dublin are included in phase one of the new Higher Education Institution programme. The number of beds that will be delivered in Cork and the specific years in which they will come on stream, will depend on individual project proposals and institutional plans, which are currently being developed. As outlined, collaboration between institutions and the private sector will be of vital importance to increasing additionality.
111. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he has funded any innovation or research on Meanwhile Use. [49384/26]
View answerWhilst research related or connected to Meanwhile Use has taken place in several higher education institutions in recent years, and as an aspect of some Taighde Éireann- Research Ireland funded projects, my department has not directly funded or commissioned such research.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland is not currently funding a specific research award related to Meanwhile Use but currently funded projects with a focus on housing policy have links to the topic.
The Transforming Housing Policy and Democratic Governance through Responsive and Innovative Information Processing (THRIVE) project is being led by researchers at DCU via a Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland COALESCE 2025 award.
This project brings together researchers from the social sciences and technology to develop tools to support citizen voices being heard and engaged in shaping housing policy in Ireland. Through advanced data analysis and innovative information processing, THRIVE aims to transform how public feedback is processed, interpreted, and applied in relation to policy making.
Key to this research project is the development of the preliminary tool called the Citizen Insight Prioritization Framework (CIPF), an innovative tool that will be designed to help policymakers prioritise and interpret citizen feedback more effectively.
Using a custom-designed language model, the project will sift through extensive citizen contributions in housing consultations to highlight common concerns, public sentiment, and community-specific needs, bringing these to the fore in targeted data summaries. This study seeks to make public consultations more impactful by designing tools for citizen engagement with the potential to shape policy.
The THRIVE project will work to create tools that policymakers can avail of to inform decisions that are transparent, responsive, and better aligned with the needs of the public. Ultimately, THRIVE aims to help to build trust and public engagement by creating the tools to support an inclusive approach to housing policy that reflects the concerns and aspirations of Irish communities, and provide policymakers with novel and specific approaches to policy issues.
The Deputy may wish to engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who may be able to provide further information.
112. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he will respond to a recently published open letter with over 2,000 signatures, calling on Research Ireland to ringfence funding for non-commercial research at third level institutions. [50263/26]
View answer130. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to address concerns raised by over 2,000 academics about the future of research in Ireland following an open letter to him recently. [49640/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 130 together.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland published its five-year strategy in March 2026 following an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process carried out in 2025. This included stakeholder workshops held across the country, a national Research Forum, an open online consultation survey and engagement with research funding departments and An tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas, Enterprise Ireland, and the IDA.
I am satisfied that the Strategy is in keeping with the legislative remit of the agency as set out under the Research and Innovation Act 2024 which includes a requirement to support the undertaking of research and innovation in all fields of activity and disciplines by researchers with different levels of knowledge, experience and specialist skills in such fields or disciplines.
As such, the strategy includes a number of key commitments. These include:
• Maintaining a balance between investigator- led and thematically defined research and innovation calls;
• Ensuring minimum thresholds of investment in discipline domains;
• Implementing annual calls on a regular predictable schedule;
• Streamline and simplify processes and offerings by end 2026 in consultation with the research community.
In reviewing the programmes of the former funding bodies, IRC and SFI, Research Ireland has conducted more than 20 engagement sessions since February 2026, including seven in-person AHSS-focused events across the country and two national webinars attended by more than 700 participants. Senior leadership from the agency have met with research leaders and researchers across the country, and with the representative bodies.
Last week I facilitated a conversation between Taighde Éireann, representatives of the higher education institutions and representatives of the signatories of the open letter to examine the concerns raised.
This is a continuation of the ongoing engagement which will ensure that the design of new programmes are informed by stakeholders across all research areas while protecting research excellence, transparency, mobility and disciplinary diversity. The positive and constructive engagement of researchers, research leadership, representative groups and wider stakeholder provides key insights to ensure that Research Ireland are enabled to deliver effective funding programmes into the future.
113. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the outcomes and next steps arising from the recent AI workforce readiness national skills roundtable; the way in which these findings will inform measures to address AI-related skills needs and strengthen co-ordination across the education and training system, industry, and Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49822/26]
View answerI convened the third in my series of National Skills Roundtables last week to bring together representatives from industry, education and Government to discuss preparing our workforce for the age of AI - one of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing Ireland.
It was evident from the roundtable engagement on the morning that Ireland has a strong foundation and clear ambition regarding Artificial Intelligence skills, however, we need to act with greater speed, coordination, and a focus on building capabilities across the entire workforce to fully realise AI’s economic and societal potential.
Flexible learning is key to helping people across Ireland access the skills needed to benefit from technological change. I launched AIReady.ie in April to complement existing ETB micro-qualifications. At last week's Roundtable event I asked the NSC to work with industry and education on Phase 2, bringing together AI tools and learning resources already developed by those organisations and making them freely available on the platform, with a focus on graduates and SMEs. I have also expanded investment in micro-credentials.
My Department is developing a Statement of Ambition to set priorities for the tertiary sector and the wider skills ecosystem in digital and AI, and a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future.
Government cannot address these challenges alone; we need to work with industry to ensure that people across our society are equipped with the skills and confidence to shape the changes ahead. That is the approach I am embedding with the National Skills Roundtable format and I intend to continue with this valuable method of collaboration.
114. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science given student numbers are projected to rise significantly over the next decade increasing by up to 19% from current levels his plans to prepare for this increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50205/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question, which I understand relates to my Department’s recently published report entitled “Projections of Demand for Higher Education 2025–2045”.
This report outlines a set of updated projections of enrolment demand for Higher Education (HE). It estimates that full-time HE enrolment demand will increase over the coming decade by between 33,000 and 39,000, reaching a peak of between 244,347 and 250,857 in 2033/34 . Enrolment demand is then projected to decline over the subsequent decade, to between approximately 225,000 and 231,000 by 2045.
These projections provide an important input to support policy development and investment planning for the HE sector. However, it should be noted that projections are not predictions, they show what would happen, as long as clearly defined set of assumptions hold.
The higher education sector adjusts to changing enrolment demand annually based on CAO data. Furthermore, my Department supports demographic growth and resourcing to accommodate increases though a number of key measures.
The annual estimates process is an important mechanism through which I seek to ensure that demographic pressures are addressed through increased HEA grant allocations.
The provision of demographic funding aligns to the Funding the Future policy framework to have sustainable core funding. This framework, published in 2022, outlines the Government’s vision for how HE will be funded, and how this will support students, employers and wider society.
There has been a significant improvement in the funding to the HE sector since 2022, with €174 million in additional funding secured through Budgets 2023 to 2026. This has enabled the approval of a significant uplift in the ceiling of core staff for the HE sector.
The estimates process for Budget 2027 has commenced and while I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in Budget 2027, I can assure the Deputy that I will be seeking the best possible outcome for the higher education sector.
In addition, and as earlier noted, the higher education sector is also proactive in adjusting to changing enrolment demand. Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) use a combination of historical and real-time data published by the Central Applications Office, to project enrolment intake. HEIs analyse data and trends in relation to first-preference choices, the overall application volume, as well as changes in student demographics to gauge demand and predict enrolment intake. This enables them to adjust their planning as needed to account for projected growth.
Finally, my Department is proactive in identifying and addressing critical skills gaps. My officials are leading a working group across government to respond to growing demands through a targeted programme of expansion for critical skills needs across the health, education and disability services. In Budget 2026 I announced an additional 1,100 annual places for students across these programmes. A new Expression of Interest (EOI) has been recently launched, which targets expansion and new programmes to address workforce demand and service capacity. It is my intention to bring a memo to government on this process in the coming weeks.
115. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is planning a reduction in college fees in budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50240/26]
View answerFinancial supports such as the Free Fees scheme and SUSI student grant scheme are critical to supporting learners. As the Deputy will be aware, potential adjustments to the current student support allocation require consideration as part of the budgetary and Estimates process.
For example, in Budget 2026, after considering a range of options I was pleased to introduce additional supports for students. These included a €500 permanent reduction to the Free Fees initiative student contribution charge. That flat-rate reduction has reduced the top rate from €3,000 to €2,500. That is the first permanent cut and it has benefited an estimated 108,000 undergraduate students and 14,000 apprentices in 2025/26. This reduction had a cost of €55.4m this year and is an ongoing cost.
As I look ahead to the next Budget it is a priority for me to again examine all options available to improve supports to students. I have engaged with students and key stakeholders at a recent cost of education event in Portlaoise and I will continue to engage with them in the coming weeks and months leading up to the budget in October. These discussions help to identify what are the key measures that can be implemented to reduce the cost of education for students and their families.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, I can assure the Deputy that options to support students, and reduce financial barriers, will be a key consideration for me as part of Budget negotiations.
116. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the targeted investment that is being provided by his Department to expand further education, apprenticeship, and skills training capacity in Cork North-West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37626/26]
View answerMy Department is committed to supporting a Further Education and Training (FET) sector that enables individuals to succeed, strengthens economic growth, and equips the workforce to meet future challenges, while supporting strong communities.
This commitment is underpinned by a significant investment in FET in 2026. SOLAS, as the statutory authority, is responsible for distributing funding across the sector, including allocations to individual Education and Training Boards (ETBs). In 2026, a total of over €1.236 billion (excluding capital) has been allocated to SOLAS. Of this, more than €1.077 billion of non-capital funding being distributed to ETBs, which deliver the majority of FET provision.
Neither my Department nor SOLAS allocate funding based on specific geographic areas, such as Cork North-West. Of relevance however is that SOLAS has allocated over €102 million to Cork ETB in 2026, representing an increase of more than €6 million compared to 2025. It is the responsibility of Cork ETB to allocate this funding across the county, in line with local needs and priorities.
Cork North-West is primarily served by Cork ETB’s campuses in Mallow and Charleville. Between these locations, almost 350 Post-Leaving Certificate places are available, offering QQI L5 and 6 qualifications in programmes such as Early Learning and Care, Healthcare, Pre-Paramedic studies, Nursing and Animal Care. In addition, the Mallow Campus provides apprenticeship training in Carpentry and Joinery (Phases 4 and 6) as well as Hairdressing.
Cork ETB also operates twelve Youthreach Centres, which provide education and training opportunities for young people, aged 15-21years, who are no longer engaged in mainstream education, offering a pathway to further education, training and or employment. Within the Cork North-West region, Mallow Youthreach offers 30 places, while Macroom Youthreach offers 20 places.
Under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund (SIUF) for the FET sector, the project for Mallow provides for the delivery of a new facility on the site of the existing Mallow College of Further Education site. The project is currently at the design stage with ongoing engagement between the Department and all other stakeholders
Finally, funding allocations, as agreed by Government through the Budget and set out in the Revised Estimates for Public Services, are clearly defined. It is the responsibility of SOLAS and the ETBs to manage and operate within these allocations.
118. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has assessed barriers faced by rural students in Mayo in accessing higher education, including transport, accommodation, and digital connectivity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49868/26]
View answerThank you, Deputy, for this important question. I want to acknowledge the very real challenges that students in Mayo, and indeed across the country, can face when seeking to access higher education. For many students, the decision to pursue further study is shaped not only by academic opportunity, but also by practical considerations such as accommodation, travel costs, and distance from home.
That is why I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy in March. The Strategy is designed to support greater equity of access, ensuring that where a student lives does not limit their ability to pursue higher education and achieve their full potential.
The overall Strategy aims to support the delivery of 42,000 additional beds by 2035 through an increase in purpose built student accommodation and Rent-a-Room accommodation options. This includes long-term State-backed measures to increase supply, delivered in partnership with the private sector through the HEI Student Accommodation Programme. This expansion accommodation supply will provide students with greater access to affordable, high-quality housing as well as reducing the need for lengthy commutes currently experienced by some students.
Affordability is being addressed by providing financial supports directly to students via the Student Grant Scheme (SUSI) non-adjacent grant which targets students whose primary residence is 30km or more from their chosen HEI as well as continued support for the Student Assistant Fund, Student Accommodation Assistance and the 1916 Bursary delivered by my department.
University of Galway has 1,882 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds on campus.
As of June 2026, Atlantic Technological University is advertising 531 digs accommodation beds across its campuses in the Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal while University of Galway is advertising 258 digs accommodation beds.
119. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the status of each of college of future FET projects proposed throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50243/26]
View answerThe objective of the FET College Major Capital Programme (FCMCP) is to address existing deficits in current FET infrastructure and support projects that drive reform of the FET sector through consolidation of provision and integration of further education and training.
Twelve project proposals are currently being progressed under the FCMCP. Nine of the proposals have been approved to move to the Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy Stage. These are proposals from Galway Roscommon ETB, Cork ETB, Cavan Monaghan FET, Kilkenny Carlow ETB, Kildare Wicklow ETB, Limerick Clare ETB, Tipperary ETB, City of Dublin ETB and Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB.
The remaining three which are located at DDLETB, KETB and LMETB require a site to support their proposal and are at varying stages of development as part of the Preliminary Business Case stage. An essential requirement for advancing a project through Approval Gate 1 is the confirmation of a site.
In order to provide for consistency of approach and to ensure timely delivery of projects under this programme, an integrated design team framework has been advertised to suppliers in April this year. This framework will be in place for all ETBs who are ready to draw down services from it this year.
This capital programme remains a priority for me and my department and I am committed to progressing these key projects for FET learners and teachers across the country.
120. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding available for a new registration system in TU Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48309/26]
View answerI thank the Deputy for her question regarding TU Dublin, who are transitioning to a new unified student records system. The project was part of a significant systems upgrade designed to enhance and streamline student services. My Department has no direct role or oversight in this, as it is being delivered by TU Dublin independently as an autonomous institution in conjunction with a third-party provider.
However, under the Technological Sector Advancement Fund (TSAF) launched in 2023, TU Dublin received funding of €9,500,000 for four workstreams, which included specific aspects of design and staff resourcing to support of the Student Records Management System (SRMS), but does not cover the project itself.
In the case of TU Dublin, its TSAF project consists of four work packages as follows:
• WP 1 - Integration and implementation of a University Education Model (UEM)
WP 2 - Design, configuration and deployment of a unified Student Record Management System (SRMS)
• WP 3 - Scoping of a University Digital Reporting System (UDRS)
• WP 4 - Management of Change to systematically transform the university’s processes and to effect sustainable business and cultural change
Examples of activities being funded under this work package include standards-based workflows and processes reflecting best practice e.g. cloud infrastructure, deployment of Banner 9, data migration.
An update on the project was provided by TU Dublin and its governing authority to the HEA in December 2025 and subsequent regular updates have been provided to the Department in 2026. TU Dublin has confirmed to the HEA that the TU Dublin Governing Body continue to maintain oversight of work to fully resolve the implementation issues experienced in the last academic year. The full cost of the systems upgrade project for TU Dublin is not yet finalised as I understand there is some ongoing remediation of functionality and data transfer which is being completed.
