Written Answers Nos. 930-950
931. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide details of all grant schemes currently available through his Department for which individuals or community groups are eligible to apply; the purpose of each grant scheme; the eligibility criteria; the application process; the opening and closing dates for application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53418/26]
View answerMy department does not directly administer grant schemes for individuals or community groups. Funding is provided through a number of bodies and programmes under the Department's remit, such as the Higher Education Authority, SOLAS and SUSI. The Department also works with The Wheel in providing training and support for the charity and community sector.
At the link below is a list of the various grant schemes and programmes funded by my department, and available to individual learners and community groups. As responsibility for the administration of these funds and programmes, including eligibility criteria, application processes and funding calls where applicable, rests with the relevant bodies, the detailed information sought by the Deputy can be obtained directly from those organisations.
Contact details for DFHERIS aegis bodies are set out at the link below should the Deputy was to contact these bodies directly.
932. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to review the case of a person (details supplied); if he will provide an update on the SUSI application in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53446/26]
View answerThe main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme which is administered by SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to 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.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine.
An official from my Department has advised that the student referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for grant funding to SUSI on 20 May 2026. SUSI issued a letter to the student with an award of €500 Student Contribution rate of grant.
The student did not appeal the award or request a review of their application, however submitted some documents on their student portal without indicating their purpose. SUSI's have advised that their assessment unit will review these documents, and the student will be advised if these documents impact the rate of grant previously awarded.
I trust this clarifies the situation and I wish the student well in their studies.
933. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to support the higher education sector since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53481/26]
View answerThe higher education sector has been supported through a range of significant policy and funding measures since January 2025. These measures have focused on reducing financial barriers for students, strengthening institutions, expanding capacity in key skills areas, and investing in research and innovation. A set of achievements to date and priorities for the remainder of 2026 are set out below.
Supporting Students and Families
I secured a permanent €500 reduction in the student contribution fee, the first such permanent reduction since the introduction of the Free Fees Initiative in 1995. Eligible students with household incomes below €120,000 will benefit from a €500 student contribution grant from September 2026, ensuring that they pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 2026/27 academic year.
I have also increased support for students through:
• A €19.3 million Student Assistance Fund allocation;
• Increased SUSI non-adjacent rates by between €200 and €430 for students living 30km or more from their campus;
• An increase in the SUSI postgraduate fee contribution grant from €4,000 to €4,500; and
• An increase in the income threshold for the Special Rate of Grant from €27,400 to €28,600.
In addition, Budget 2026 provided:
• €1 million for student mental health and Healthy Campus initiatives; and
• €3 million in additional supports for students with disabilities across higher and further education.
Enhancing Teaching and Learning
My Department continues to support excellence in teaching and learning through the Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) Fund. Higher education institutions received €5 million under SATLE in the 2024/25 academic year to support initiatives relating to digital transformation, education for sustainable development and academic integrity.
The Department is also supporting the Higher Education Authority’s work on the development of a national policy framework on generative artificial intelligence in higher education.
Strengthening the Technological Sector
A major priority has been the continued development of the technological sector. I secured investment of up to €65.8 million over three years through the Technological Enhancement Fund, which supports Technological Universities, Institutes of Technology and specialist colleges.
A landmark achievement has been the introduction of professorship grades in the technological sector, with approval for 50 professorship posts, including an initial rollout of 25 positions under the Targeted Enhancement Fund.
The Government is also advancing legislation to enable Dundalk Institute of Technology to apply for designation as a technological university college and participate in an all-island university partnership with Queen’s University Belfast.
Expanding Capacity in Key Skills Areas
To address workforce needs, particularly in healthcare and disability services, significant new capacity is being created in higher education.
From September 2026, an additional pharmacy programme, two veterinary programmes and a new medicine programme will be available through the CAO process. Building on expansions already delivered in 2025, over 1,100 additional healthcare course places will be created through a €23.5 million investment, representing a 27% increase in training capacity across medicine, nursing, therapies, social care and disability-related disciplines.
Supporting Lifelong Learning and Skills Development
Springboard+ continues to provide flexible opportunities for learners to upskill and reskill in priority areas.
For the 2026/27 academic year, Springboard+ will provide 7,274 places across 244 courses through 36 education providers, supported by €34.4 million from the National Training Fund.
The 2026 Micro-Credential Learner Fee Subsidy is supporting 3,881 places across 179 micro-credential courses, with learner fees subsidised by 80%. More than half of these courses focus on digital skills, including artificial intelligence, cyber security and ICT.
Investment in Apprenticeships, Research and Innovation
Budget 2026 included a record €79 million investment in apprenticeships. Funding for apprenticeships has more than doubled since 2020, increasing from €184 million to over €400 million by 2026.
The Government also increased the Research and Development Tax Credit from 30% to 35%, strengthening collaboration between industry and academia and supporting Ireland’s position as a global innovation leader.
Funding Reform and Core Funding
Work is progressing on long-term higher education funding reform through a Higher Education Authority-led sectoral working group, which will provide interim recommendations in 2027.
Budget 2026 secured an additional €9.6 million in core Exchequer funding under the Funding the Future framework. Together with funding secured in previous budgets, this brings total additional core funding provided to date to €174 million, with a further €100 million to be delivered through the National Training Fund by the end of the decade.
Research and Higher Education Infrastructure
My Department is making unprecedented investments in higher education and research infrastructure.
Almost €255 million in capital funding was provided to the higher education sector during 2025. Through the National Development Plan review, I secured a capital allocation of €4.55 billion for the period 2026–2030, including €2.45 billion dedicated to strengthening research and innovation capacity.
In November 2025, I announced the INSPIRE programme, a landmark €750 million research infrastructure initiative which will support world-class research facilities, advanced equipment, high-performance computing and major national research infrastructure projects.
Building Confidence and Trust
Quality and Qualifications Ireland is rolling out TrustEd Ireland, a new international education quality mark that will provide assurance to international learners and support Ireland’s reputation as a high-quality destination for education.
From day one, I have been focused on reducing educational costs, improving access and strengthening the higher education system. This work was informed by the Cost of Education Conferences held in 2025 and 2026, which brought together stakeholders to examine the financial pressures facing students and families.
While I cannot pre-empt Budget 2027 decisions, I can assure the Deputy that reducing financial barriers to higher education and strengthening student supports will remain key priorities as part of the Estimates and Budget process.
There have been significant achievements across the higher education sector during 2025 and 2026. My priority has been to make higher education more affordable, accessible and responsive to Ireland’s future skills and research needs, while continuing to strengthen institutions and support students.
934. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to support the further education sector since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53482/26]
View answerMy Department is committed to supporting a Further Education and Training (FET) sector that helps individuals succeed, drives economic growth, and prepares our workforce for future challenges while strengthening communities across the country.
This commitment is reflected in the significant investment being made in FET in 2026. My Department allocates funding to SOLAS to support the delivery of FET programmes and services across the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and other agencies nationwide.
Overall investment of over €1.2 billion has been allocated for the FET sector in 2026, of which almost €1.1 billion has been distributed to ETBs to deliver a broad range of FET programmes.
Since 2020, overall investment in SOLAS has increased by €394 million, excluding capital funding, representing a 47% increase. SOLAS has advised that 224,676 learners participated in FET in 2025, with many undertaking more than one course. Almost 390,000 FET learner places were provided throughout the year, demonstrating the vital role FET plays in workforce upskilling, reskilling and lifelong learning.
Apprenticeships remain central to Ireland’s skills strategy and key Government priorities in housing and climate action. The Government is committed to developing an apprenticeship system that meets Ireland’s current and future skills needs. Nearly 90 apprenticeship programmes are now available, with more in development, to address emerging workforce demands and technological change.
Recent examples include the Social Care apprenticeship, developed by UCC and MTU, in response to growing demand in the care sector, and ATU’s new Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering by Apprenticeship, providing a progression pathway from Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, while also supporting national housing and infrastructure goals. A new Robotics and Automation apprenticeship that I recently launched at Louth Meath ETB, further demonstrates how apprenticeships are helping industry adapt to a rapidly changing industrial landscape.
The work to expand apprenticeship opportunities is underpinned by sustained Government investment. Since the formation of my Department in 2020, investment in apprenticeship delivery has more than doubled, from €184 million in 2020 to €415 million in 2026. In terms of apprentice registrations, by the end of 2025 there were 9,461 registrations, an increase of 78% from 5,326 in 2020. Building on this progress, the next Action Plan for Apprenticeship (2026-2030) will support further expansion of the system and delivery of the Programme for Government target of 12,500 annual registrations by 2030, with two-thirds in craft and construction-related areas. I look forward to publishing this new Action Plan later this year.
This Government continues to invest significantly in workforce development to support housing delivery and climate action through Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and green skills initiatives. In 2025, funding provided to SOLAS and Skillnet Ireland was used to advance MMC adoption, enable new training programmes via the MMC Skills Pathway Portfolio and the roll out of the MMC Accelerate platform. The platform showcases MMC projects, career pathways and highlights education and upskilling provision. Budget 2026 continues this progress with an investment of €1.75 million for MMC skills development, supporting programme expansion, mobile training rigs and MMC Accelerate platform enhancements. This investment will ensure that the workforce is further equipped with the skills required to deliver Government priorities for residential construction.
Investment is also strengthening green skills development, which is essential to achieving Climate Action Plan targets. Funding in 2025 to SOLAS and Skillnet Ireland supported the expansion of skills training essential for the green transition. This included investment in areas such as offshore wind, retrofitting, electro-mobility and supporting the implementation of Green Skills 2030 - the first National FET Strategy for the Green Transition. Budget 2026 reinforces this focused approach with €2.05 million provided to deliver programmes in sectors highlighted by Green Skills 2030, a FET-version of the successful Springboard+ programme, the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy and the first iteration of the Offshore Wind Training hub.
Supporting learners with disabilities remains a key priority for my Department, in line with the Programme for Government. €5.7 million is allocated to the Fund for Students with Disabilities, which supports learners to participate in Post-Leaving Certificate courses. In Budget 2026, I secured an additional €2 million to support transport costs for students with intellectual disabilities participating across a range of FET courses.
Budget 2026 also ensures the continuation of specialist supports for students with disabilities in FET, including Specialist Training Provision delivered on behalf of ETBs through the National Learning Networks and other providers. Improving accessibility in mainstream FET for all learners is a key priority in 2026, with ETBs working with AHEAD to continue to expand their capacity to enact Universal Design for Learning and to make Reasonable Accommodations.
The recently launched FET Strategy 2026–2030 sets out a clear roadmap for a future-focused FET system that promotes economic prosperity, social inclusion, lifelong learning and career development. My Department is also progressing the development of the new FET College model and supporting broader sectoral reform.
Capital investment is continuing through the FET College of the Future Fund, with twelve major projects currently progressing to improve infrastructure and enhance learner facilities nationwide.
Finally, the Tertiary Education Strategy 2026–2031 will align FET, higher education, and research to tackle challenges such as climate change and digital transformation. Built around four pillars - Competitiveness, Equality, System Performance, and Lifelong Learning - it will ensure Ireland harnesses the full potential of its further and higher education and research systems.
Together, these investments and reforms demonstrate the Government's commitment to ensuring that the FET sector remains accessible, responsive and equipped to meet Ireland's evolving skills and workforce needs.
935. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to support and expand student accommodation since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53483/26]
View answerSince January 2025, the Government has introduced a range of measures to support the delivery of student accommodation and improve affordability. These include the publication of Standardised Design Guidelines for State-Supported Student Accommodation, updated planning guidance, a reduction in VAT on apartment sales (including purpose-built student accommodation) and rent regulation reforms to support the development of new purpose-built student accommodation.
I have strengthened affordability supports for students. Budget 2026 provides for increases of between €200 and €430 in non-adjacent SUSI maintenance grants from September 2026, while wider student support schemes and the Rent Tax Credit continue to assist with accommodation costs.
The Short-Term Activation Programme saw the delivery of 116 beds in Maynooth for the academic year 2025/2026. Furthermore, University College Dublin is currently on site with a 493 bed project with Trinity College Dublin developing its detailed business case for a 358 bed project.
The Government continues to support additional supply through the Rent-a-Room Scheme. As of June 2026, over 5,000 student beds were being advertised through higher education institutions.
In March 2026, I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035. A key priority under the Strategy is the implementation of the HEI Student Accommodation Programme which will support the delivery of PBSA on or near campuses through nomination agreements, licensed sites and site-servicing arrangements.
My priority for the remainder of 2026 is to progress delivery under the HEI Student Accommodation Programme, expand Rent-a-Room participation and continue measures that improve both the supply and affordability of student accommodation.
936. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to enhance and expand apprenticeships since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53484/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to having in place an apprenticeship system that supports Ireland’s current and future skills needs.
Since the formation of my Department in 2020, investment in apprenticeship delivery has more than doubled, from €184 million in 2020 to €415 million in 2026. This has been accompanied by a large growth in apprentice registrations, from 5,326 in 2020 to 9,461 by the end of 2025, an increase of 78%.
The choice of apprenticeships continues to expand also and ranges from skilled trades to ICT to Logistics. There are now nearly 90 apprenticeship programmes, with more in development.
Innovative programmes to support key government priorities have been launched this year such as the Social Care apprenticeship, at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications, and further launches are planned, for example Spatial Planning Level 8.
The new Civil Engineering apprenticeship Level 8 programme at Atlantic Technological University means that a clear progression pathway from NFQ level 6 to degree level via apprenticeship now exists for Civil Engineering which supports our national housing and infrastructure goals.
Louth and Meath Education and Training Board recently launched a new apprenticeship in Robotics and Automation, Level 6, demonstrating how new, agile learning pathways are helping industry respond to a rapidly changing industrial landscape.
All new apprenticeship programmes since 2016 follow the consortia-led apprenticeship model. The application and assessment process for these is currently under review by SOLAS and the HEA. The findings will help prioritise future programme development, ensure stronger alignment with national skills and workforce needs, while also confirming that the apprenticeship model remains the most appropriate delivery mechanism. The review is expected to conclude shortly with a revised process to be communicated to stakeholders in Quarter 3 2026.
In addition, my department is progressing reforms as committed to in the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. Central to this is strengthening craft apprenticeship provision by transferring curriculum development and programme validation from SOLAS and QQI to education providers.
Building on this momentum, the next Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026 - 2030 will focus on further developing and growing Ireland's apprenticeship system as we work towards the Programme for Government commitment to increase annual registrations to 12,500 by 2030. I look forward to publishing this new Action Plan later this year.
937. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to boost Ireland's research capacity since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53485/26]
View answerMy Department secured an overall capital allocation of €4.55bn under the National Development Plan, €2.45bn of which has been allocated to research to expand capacity, modernise infrastructure, and strengthen Ireland’s position in talent development, cutting edge research, and innovation.
In November 2025 I launched INSPIRE, a €750m research infrastructure investment package over the lifetime of the National Development Plan. As well as support for Ireland’s High-Performance Computing capability and Tyndall National Institute, at least €500m will be invested in two funding streams.
Firstly, for local institutional infrastructure, i.e. research equipment that is used routinely within a higher education institution for both teaching and research purposes and, secondly, for shared advanced infrastructures, i.e. bigger-ticket equipment shared across a number of institutions and with external users. Phase One is open and eligible institutions have until 29 July 2026 to make submissions.
A process to procure the next national supercomputer, CASPIr (Computational Analysis and Simulation Platform for Ireland), led by the Irish Centre for High-End Computing in 2027, is also underway. I also recently launched Ireland’s AI Factory Antenna, which will lower barriers to AI adoption and support Irish stakeholders in developing and scaling AI for real-world impact.
In February 2025, I launched the Accelerating Research to Commercialisation Hub Programme to fast-track the commercial potential of scientific research across Ireland. To date, it has enabled the launch of three individual ARC Hubs covering critical strategic areas, with an investment of over €98m.
In June, I launched the new Research Ireland Rinn Network, with seven new Rinn centres that will support 577 research positions, develop over 800 PhDs, and involve 17 research-performing organisations in a coordinated, collaborative national effort of unprecedented scale. The RINN centres will strengthen research excellence, talent and innovation across strategically important sectors.
938. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures taken to make higher education more affordable since January 2025; his priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53486/26]
View answerOver the past number of Budgets my Department has made significant enhancements to the Student Grant Scheme, including changes to income thresholds and maintenance rates, benefitting thousands of students.
From September 2025 all income threshold limits for Student Grants were increased
• The special rate of maintenance threshold has increased from €26,200 to €27,400 in line with Social Welfare increases.
• All other maintenance and student contribution grant thresholds increased by 15%.
• The postgraduate fee contribution threshold and the part-time fee scheme threshold have increased to match the new 100% Student Contribution threshold which is now €64,315.
The measures to increase the income thresholds recognise the increase in income growth over the past few years and the effect that this has had on student supports and the number of students eligible to receive a student grant. For the academic year 2025/26, Undergraduate students whose household reckonable income was under €115,000 may have been eligible for financial support through the Student Grant Scheme.
Other measures announced in Budget 2025 included:
• The Rent Tax Credit for students living in various accommodations increased from €750 to €1,000.
• The first €5,000 of any scholarship or bursary received by a student is not included in the income assessment for grants, making it easier for students to receive financial support.
On top of the measures implemented in 2025, I was delighted to announce a major Budget 2026 package that provides permanent changes to support students from all backgrounds and help reduce the cost of education.
Effective from September 2026, all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates under the Student Grant Scheme, will increase by at least €200 for students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution. A pro Rata increase was already introduced from January 2026.
I hvae permanently reduced the Student Contribution Charge for free fees eligible students from €3,000 to €2,500 and increased the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant 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’ve also provided €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund which is €260k up on the previous year.
The Student Accommodation Strategy, which was launched in March 2026, 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.
These measures reflect the government's commitment to reducing the financial burden on students and enhancing access to education in Ireland.
From day one, I’ve been focused on making education more affordable and accessible. I have hosted two ‘Cost of Education’ conferences in 2025 and 2026, which brought together a range stakeholders to examine key educational cost issues for students and their families. Budget 2026 follows through on that commitment, and delivers real, lasting change.
As I look ahead to the next Budget for 2027 it is a priority for me to again examine all options available to improve supports to students. 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 priority for me as part of Estimates and Budget negotiations.
939. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to comment on the HEA's 2026 budget & accountability report for higher education institutions, and in particular in relation to the reference to institutions reporting significantly heightened financial fragility (details supplied). [53568/26]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the functions of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) include powers to ensure the financial health and accountability of higher education institutions through annual meetings, financial statement reviews, and budget submissions. The HEA also holds in-person meetings with all 17 core-funded institutions annually to identify any potential sector-wide risks. Budget submissions include detailed outturns and financial projections, encompassing risk assessments, borrowing limits, and capital projects.
Under the Annual Oversight Agreements, institutions must plan for financial viability and promptly notify the HEA of any material adverse risks. Compliance with this agreement is a mandatory funding condition required to fulfil obligations under the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 and with the Department of Public Expenditure’s Circular 13/2014.
The HEA’s Budget and Accountability report is a snapshot in time which provides an indicator of the financial health of individual higher education institutions and of the wider sector.
I have received a copy of the 2026 report, and my officials are currently examining the contents in more detail so that it can inform considerations in the context of this year’s estimates process.
The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on matters relating to the estimates process. However, I can assure the Deputy that I will be looking to achieve the best possible outcome for the higher education sector in this year’s budget so that they can continue to grow to their full potential.
940. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his view on the sustainability of the HEIs to have borrowing levels in excess of €1.2bn in September 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53569/26]
View answerAs the deputy will be aware the borrowing levels referred to relate to borrowing in the seven traditional universities. Under section 38 of the Universities Act 1997, the seven traditional universities have legislative autonomy to borrow monies. Such borrowings are in accordance with an agreed borrowing framework.
The intent of this framework is to enable universities to undertake borrowing, underwriting and guarantee arrangements where these do not give rise to any risk to the Exchequer and do not compromise any particular university’s capacity to fulfil its functions. Universities are required to report details of their total borrowings to the Higher Education Authority on an annual basis.
I have been advised that universities continue to support the principle that they should have the ability to borrow as part of their legislative autonomy to manage their own affairs. Any such borrowing must, of course, be undertaken within an appropriate governance and accountability structure to ensure institutional sustainability and to protect the interest of the Exchequer.
The HEA ensures public confidence and value for money by overseeing governance and accountability frameworks at designated higher education institutions. While these institutions retain autonomy and responsibility for their own performance, they are further scrutinised by external lenders conducting due diligence and public audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
941. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to ensure that HEI's are adequately funded, on an annual basis, to cover nationally agreed pay awards, both currently and legacy pay awards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53570/26]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPER) have lead responsibility for managing public service pay and conditions, in the context of the overall management of the public finances and the budgetary process.
Where funding increases are required to meet the cost of public pay agreements, my Department is notified by DPER as part of the annual estimates process.
My officials continue to work with their counterparts in DPER, and with the HEA and the higher education sector, to ensure that the funding provided is consistent with the anticipated cost increases arising from public pay agreements.
As the Deputy will appreciate, decisions on budget allocations will be made in the context of Government decision-making on the fiscal and expenditure framework for 2027 and beyond. However, following a Government Decision on April 20 to levy Government Departments, my Department is required to put in place plans to deliver savings and efficiencies equal to maintaining expenditure at the levy limits set by the Department of Public Expenditure. This levy will impact on the quantum of funding available to me to deliver on key Government priorities for the higher education sector in the coming period.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, I can nevertheless assure the Deputy that I will continue to argue for further enhancements to the sustainable funding of higher education in the forthcoming Estimates process.
942. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide guidance regarding a query in relation to reimbursement of course fees from a language school (details supplied). [53624/26]
View answerMy Department is aware of the closure of the English language education provider in question.
As a private provider, it does not come under the remit of my Department. Nor does my Department have a role in issues arising from a private contract between a student and a provider.
However, such a closure creates uncertainty which has a significant impact on the learners, prospective students, and staff of that provider.
My Department has called on the owners of the provider to engage with its learners, staff and stakeholders to provide clarity on the current situation as well as with key authorities such as the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
For a provider to be eligible to recruit students from non-EEA countries, the provider’s courses must be included on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). The ILEP is administered by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in conjunction with my Department.
The provider in question was an ILEP listed provider. Under the ILEP, providers are obliged to have established policies and procedures for the refund of fees and a student complaints procedure. For the handling of advance payments dependent on the visa process, providers listed on the ILEP must operate an escrow/delayed payment account with a payments institution authorised by a designated competent authority under Directive (EU) 2015/2366 or a separate client visa/escrow account with a financial body regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Funds must remain in this account until the student’s visa application is determined. If the visa application is refused, the funds, less any pre-indicated handling charge, must be returned to the student within 20 working days of the decision being received by the provider.
The ILEP regulations concerning international payments holding service or a separate client visa account are not applicable in the case where a student engages the services of a third-party agent and where advanced payment(s) are paid to that agent. There is presently no national regulation of such agencies as many entities of this type are based in other jurisdictions and operate outside of the State.
In cases where the processes have been exhausted with the provider directly, complaints can be directly to the Immigration Delivery Service of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration by emailing: []mailto:internationaleducationproviders@justice.ie
ILEP listed providers are also required to have arrangements in place for the protection of enrolled learners. These arrangements are to protect learners in the event that a provider fails, closes or is unable to deliver an ILEP-listed programme. In this case, the provider published that it has had arrangements in place via an insurance product.
My Department is currently working with QQI to introduce a robust regulatory framework for the English language education sector.
A new international education quality mark, TrustEd Ireland, is being implemented under the remit of QQI. 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, providers must undergo due diligence assessing their capacity and capability to deliver quality-assured programmes, participate in the statutory Learner Protection Fund, and comply with an associated Code of Practice including key criteria on information provision, student welfare, and academic support. English language providers are required to undergo a site inspection as part of their assessment of Code compliance.
All English language education providers holding the mark are subject to a statutorily required formal 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 statutory quality mark was made on 4th February 2026. Assessment is ongoing of the first window of TrustEd Ireland applications from English language education providers. This process is expected to be completed in the summer months and with the successful applicants announced shortly thereafter.
In parallel, 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.
943. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding a CAO application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53654/26]
View answerHigher Education Institutions are fully autonomous in their admissions processes. The CAO is a private company limited by guarantee. Its function is to process applications for undergraduate courses and some postgraduate courses on behalf of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Enquiries or complaints regarding the CAO applications process should be addressed to the CAO directly. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the operation of the CAO.
The CAO has an Independent Appeals Commission (IAC), to which recourse may be had by applicants who believe that they have been treated unfairly by CAO, and whose complaints have not been resolved by CAO.
Appeals should be addressed to: The Secretary, CAO Independent Appeals Commission, c/o Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, Ireland. Further information is available on the CAO website at: www.cao.ie/index.php?page=appeal#:~:text=Appeals%20must%20be%20made%20in%20writing%2C%20be%20signed,Birth%20and%20Email%20address%20on%20the%20appeal%20letter
Should this outcome not be to the satisfaction of the student, they can seek the assistance of the Ombudsman, further details are available at: www.ombudsman.ie/en/
944. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if a €3,000 annual grant will be available to fund the 500 active men's sheds; if this grant will be included in Budget 2027 and each budget thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53662/26]
View answerI recognise the important work carried out by Men’s Sheds and remain committed to supporting their valuable work in communities across the country.
While I understand the desire for multi-annual funding, it would not be possible for my Department to provide multi-annual funding to individual Men's Sheds on an ongoing basis for a variety of reasons, including budgetary rules and accountability requirements.
My department provides funding to Men’s Sheds under various funding supports, including:
• The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP);
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028; and
• The LEADER programme.
Men’s Sheds can apply individually for all of these schemes.
In addition to these schemes, last May, I announced details of the individual Men’s Sheds who received funding from my department provided through the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA), to assist with their running costs.
Officials in my department have confirmed that they are currently reviewing a proposal received from the IMSA for further funding in 2026. It will be considered by my department in the context of the overall resources available for Men's Sheds.
My department also provides funding directly to the IMSA under the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO). The SSNO provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current iteration of the SSNO commenced on 1 July 2026, with funding of €297,766 over the three-years and 6 month period being provided to the IMSA.
I would encourage all Men's Sheds to check my department’s website: []www.gov.ie/drcdg
and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of relevant funding opportunities as they become available.
945. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an annual grant to (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53663/26]
View answerMy department operates a wide range of funding schemes aimed at ensuring all relevant organisations can access funding to support their work. I am fully committed to supporting a wide range of organisations, including the group referenced by the Deputy, in the valuable work they do.
The following are some of the funding schemes that are available to individual community groups including the organisation referenced by the Deputy:
• The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP);
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028; and
• The LEADER programme.
My department has sought to encourage the growth of new models of community engagement, in particular with a focus on helping to address social isolation. The schemes operated by my department are reviewed on a regular basis, and I will continue to ensure our schemes afford an opportunity for all relevant community groups to access resources, while also supporting new ways of promoting inclusion and participation in our communities.
Should a proposal for funding be made by the organisation referenced by the Deputy, it would be considered by my department in the context of available resources and within the framework of our annual budgetary estimates process.
I would urge all community organisations, including the organisation referenced by the Deputy, to check my department’s website: []www.gov.ie/drcdg
and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPNs), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
946. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to address the salaries of community workers and volunteers; if he is aware they do not currently earn a living wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53637/26]
View answerThe Government's five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector, Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, confirmed our commitment to provide sustainable funding to the sector. A successor strategy that will reaffirm that commitment, is currently being finalised and will be published in the coming months.
I am aware of the challenges currently facing organisations in the sector around employment costs. Community organisations are funded by a combination of funding sources including public funding, fundraising, philanthropy, donations and charges for services in some cases. The pay rates for staff in community development organisations are a matter for the Boards of each organisation, operating independently and prudently within the resources available to them.
While my Department provides funding to some community and voluntary organisations, it is not the primary funder for many of those organisations. Furthermore, my Department does not have a direct mandate to set the terms of the funding arrangements put in place for diverse programmes and schemes, many of which are funded by other Government Departments.
My Department is however, committed to providing sustainable funding to the sector, for schemes and programmes under our responsibility, subject to sufficient exchequer funding being made available. Most of our current funding schemes that include a contribution towards staff costs, operate on a multi-annual basis, including the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO), the Community Services Programme (CSP), SICAP, LEADER and the Community Development Programme (CDP). In this regard, a further €27.8m has been awarded up to 2029 to 92 national community and voluntary organisations under the SSNO, in recent weeks.
947. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the mechanisms his Department is utilising to develop robust rural intelligence that will be made available to other Departments to help tailor national policies to rural realities. [52687/26]
View answerAs part of the process to develop the new Our Rural Future policy, my department commissioned the OECD to undertake an independent review of rural policy in Ireland. This will ensure that the new policy is informed by objective, independent analysis and international best practice.
The OECD published its Review on 17 February 2026. It highlights the 'unique whole-of-government approach' taken under the first Our Rural Future policy, which has increased visibility of the impact of cross-Government policies and programmes in rural areas. It also recognises the significant status given to rural policy through the establishment of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in 2017.
In setting out its recommendations, the OECD points to the benefits of improved use of 'rural intelligence'. This refers to wider and more effective use of data and evidence to better inform, evaluate and analyse policies and programmes that impact rural areas.
A key tool recognised by the OECD to support this is the Central Statistics Office's Six-Way Urban-Rural Classification, which is a set of typologies already in place and in use in Ireland. The classification captures variation within urban and rural areas and allows for a more nuanced understanding of rurality.
The OECD highlighted that, as the CSO classification is tailored to Ireland’s settlement patterns, it provides a more detailed and policy-relevant basis for understanding rurality than more general international frameworks. Using this approach, socio-economic data can be disaggregated by degree of rurality, supporting the development of more flexible and targeted interventions based on identified need.
The OECD Review highlighted the potential for broader integration of the CSO classification across policy. My Department is already working with the CSO in this regard and a key focus of the new Our Rural Future policy will be to strengthen the application of the classification and to develop our ‘rural intelligence’ capacity, supporting a more evidence-focused and placed-based approach to rural development.
Under Our Rural Future, my department has also sought to strengthen the role of rural proofing across government. Essentially, this approach seeks to ensure that the challenges and opportunities for rural communities in particular are expressly taken into account in the development of new policy initiatives. My department has published a guidance document for government departments in this regard and also continues to engage across government to ensure that the rural perspective remains central to policy development.
948. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if there is a specific policy within his Department that seeks to preclude those elected to local authorities from any boards that he may appoint; the rationale behind any such policy; the way in which it aligns with encouraging participation in local government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52861/26]
View answer949. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to commit to preparing legislation to not automatically exclude members of local authorities from consideration for appointment to State boards; and to set out the reasons such persons would be excluded. [52879/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 948 and 949 together.
There are a total of eight agencies under the remit of my Department to which appointments are made to State boards and in all cases, members of local authorities are not excluded from consideration for board membership.
The composition of the State boards of the Charities Regulator, the Charity Appeals Tribunal, the Western Development Commission, Water Safety Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta is set out in the respective establishing legislation for each agency. In each case there are no restrictions placed on the eligibility of members of local authorities to be considered for appointment to these boards, indeed, there are currently three local authority members serving on the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Pobal operates as a company limited by guarantee, and a registered charity, and its operation and board composition are structured under its Constitution and the Companies Act 2014. The Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards are followed in respect of the selection process and members of local authorities are not precluded from being members of the Pobal board.
The board of An Foras Teanga Thuaidh Theas, the North-South Language Body, which incorporates Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency, is appointed by the North-South Ministerial Council in accordance with the provisions of the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999. The Act does not preclude members of local authorities from being considered for board membership.
950. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are being applied, formally or informally, to community centres seeking capital or operational funding under schemes administered by her Department; if centres (details supplied) in County Offaly are expected to demonstrate ESG-aligned compliance in order to remain eligible for future funding streams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52996/26]
View answerEach funding scheme administered by my Department has its own objectives, eligibility criteria and assessment process, which are set out in the relevant scheme guidelines. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they meet the specific requirements of the scheme concerned and, where applicable, comply with standard requirements relating to governance, financial management, procurement, value for money and all relevant statutory and regulatory obligations. My Department does not apply a general Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) compliance requirement as a condition of eligibility for community centres seeking capital or operational funding under its programmes.
The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was established to support high-quality, accessible community facilities that are available to all groups in communities across both rural and urban Ireland. Since 2022, some €112 million has been allocated under the Fund to support the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and, where a need has been identified, the construction of new centres.
The facility referred to by the Deputy was allocated over €54,000 in funding under CCIF 22 to support energy efficiency improvements, roof repairs, and general upgrade works.
As part of the CCIF application process, community groups must provide details in respect of governance and the social utility of the facility. The level to which the facility will be used by a diverse range of community group is central to the appraisal process. As was the case with the facility referred to by the deputy, much of the investment relates to energy efficiency improvements to what are often older buildings.
The latest round of the Community Centre Investment Fund was launched on 26 March 2026 to support the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres. The Fund is being delivered across two categories, with maximum grant levels of €25,000 and €100,000 respectively. The closing date for applications has now passed, and I look forward to announcing the successful projects later this year.
My Department will continue to administer its funding programmes in a fair, transparent and consistent manner, in line with the published guidelines for each scheme.
