Written Answers Nos. 669-693
669. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the recruitment restrictions, budgetary controls or staffing ceilings that are currently in place within the HSE that affect the ability of Riada House Community Nursing Unit, Tullamore, County Offaly, to recruit and retain sufficient nursing and care staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67210/26]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
670. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on an appointment for a scoliosis patient (details supplied). [67222/26]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
671. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health for an update on the consideration for medications (details supplied) to be included in the drugs payment scheme, specifically in relation to their usage for weight management in patients at risk of developing type two diabetes. [67224/26]
View answerThe Government is committed to investing in new medicines. Budgets 2021-2025 allocated €158 million for new drugs. This has facilitated the introduction of 250 new medicines/ new uses for existing medicines, including 101 for oncology and 70 for rare diseases.
Budget 2026 allocated €30 million of funding available for new drugs to be allocated from the overall additional €217 million in funding provided this for the medicines budget. This has enabled the funding of 40 new medicines/ new uses for existing medicines, including 17 for oncology and 9 for rare diseases, for the period from January 2026-3rd September 2026.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines.
There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and / or reimbursed. The HSE considers the criteria set out in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 prior to making any decision on pricing / reimbursement.
Further information on status of medicines undergoing pricing and reimbursement can be found at: www.sspcrs.ie/portal/rdt/pub/application/home.
672. Reply not received from Department.
675. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health whether she will request or support a Health Technology Assessment by HIQA examining the extension of continuous glucose monitoring access to people with other forms of diabetes, including Type 2 diabetes, cystic-fibrosis-related diabetes and Type 3c diabetes, with eligibility based on clinical need. [67241/26]
View answerContinuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems provide an alternative approach to self-monitoring of blood glucose (using blood glucose test strips with an associated blood glucose meter). These CGM systems comprise of sensors, transmitters and a mechanism to display the results (readers/receivers or smart device application).
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices. The HSE has advised that the HIQA Rapid HTA of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was published on 29th September 2023.
The HTA recommended the establishment of a single managed access programme for all CGM systems for all individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus regardless of age, noting that such a system would need clearly defined criteria for access. Following on from the recommendations in this HTA, the HSE-MMP, in conjunction with the HSE-PCRS, and with the support of the HSE Chief Clinical Officer, introduced an online reimbursement application system for all CGM sensors on 1st December 2023.
Reimbursement support for CGM sensors at this point in time is based on the HIQA HTA and is for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus regardless of age, who have required insulin from the outset.
To date, a HTA of CGM sensors for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus or other types of diabetes has not been undertaken in Ireland. Therefore, there is limited information to support the extension of reimbursement to these patient groups, including cost-effectiveness assessment and budget impact of same.
The HSE has identified preferred CGM products based on cost-effectiveness to manage this expenditure.
On the 21st of May, The Diabetes Policy and Services Review: A Strategy for Better Care was launched by the Minister for Health.
This is Ireland’s first national strategy for diabetes. It sets out recommendations for action in relation to type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy and paediatric diabetes. The strategy marks a major milestone in diabetes care in Ireland, representing the development of a unified approach to the delivery of diabetes care.
678. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the proportion of flour used in Ireland that is imported from the United Kingdom, distinguishing between imports from Great Britain and Northern Ireland; her Department’s assessment of the impact on the Irish market of the UK Bread and Flour (Amendment) Regulations 2024, under which folic acid fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour is required from 13 December 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66572/26]
View answer679. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether Ireland made any objection, observation or reservation in response to the notification of the United Kingdom’s folic acid fortification regulations to the World Trade Organization or, insofar as Northern Ireland is concerned, to the European Commission; if so, to provide details of any such submission, or if not, to explain her Department’s assessment of the implications of the regulations for the Irish market; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66573/26]
View answer681. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the engagement her Department has had with Irish millers, bakers and food producers regarding the sourcing, labelling, traceability and compliance implications arising from folic acid-fortified flour entering the Irish market from the United Kingdom; whether her Department has identified any compliance or consumer-information risks arising from the change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66575/26]
View answer682. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to provide the most recent estimate of the proportion and volume of flour used or placed on the Irish market that is imported from the United Kingdom; to set out the Department’s assessment of the impact on the Irish flour, milling, baking and food manufacturing sectors of the UK Bread and Flour (Amendment) Regulations 2024, under which the fortification of non-wholemeal wheat flour with folic acid will become mandatory from 13 December 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66551/26]
View answer683. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether Ireland made any objection, observation, comment or reservation through the World Trade Organization notification process or through the European Commission in relation to the United Kingdom’s Bread and Flour (Amendment) Regulations 2024 concerning mandatory folic acid fortification; and, if no such representation was made, the reason Ireland did not make such a representation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66553/26]
View answer684. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the engagement the Department has had with Irish millers, flour importers, bakers and food manufacturers concerning the implementation, labelling, traceability and compliance implications arising from folic acid fortified flour entering the Irish market from the United Kingdom from 13 December 2026; whether any guidance has been issued or is proposed for affected businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66564/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 678, 679, 681, 682, 683 and 684 together.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 66575/26, 66573/26, 66572/26, 66564/26, 66553/26 and 66551/26 together
The Department of Health is aware of the amendments made by the United Kingdom to its Bread and Flour Regulations, which provide for the mandatory addition of folic acid to non-wholemeal wheat flour from 13 December 2026 following a transition period.
The Department is aware that the introduction of UK-fortified flour may result in products containing folic acid becoming available on the Irish market, including breads, biscuits, cakes and pastries made using fortified flour.
The Department and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have engaged with industry on the implications of these changes, including representatives of the milling, baking and food manufacturing sectors and UK flour millers.
Food information requirements in Ireland are harmonised at EU level under Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers. Food business operators are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable food information, labelling and traceability requirements.
Products placed on the Irish market must continue to comply with all applicable food safety, compositional and labelling requirements, including the obligation to provide accurate ingredient information on food labels. Businesses sourcing flour and flour-containing products from the United Kingdom have been advised to engage with their suppliers and ensure continued compliance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters relating to food labelling, traceability, food business compliance and enforcement are within the remit of the relevant food regulatory authorities. The FSAI have engaged with relevant stakeholders regarding existing food law requirements and the application of food information, labelling and traceability rules and will continue to engage with affected businesses regarding the implications of the UK measures. The FSAI has published www.fsai.ie/consumer-advice/food-labelling/uk-flour-fortified-with-folic-acid-q-a.
regarding UK Flour Fortified with Folic Acid and www.fsai.ie/business-advice/labelling/labelling-%E2%80%93-guidance-for-sourcing-uk-flour-fortifi. for sourcing UK flour fortified with folic acid.
In relation to the notification of the Northern Ireland legislation, the UK Government notified the European Commission under the Windsor Framework on 8 February 2024, while the relevant UK and devolved administrations notified the World Trade Organization of the planned legislative changes on 9 February 2024. The European Commission's TRIS notification records the Northern Ireland measure and the subsequent regulatory process.
My Department has also engaged with the European Commission regarding the implications of the UK regulatory changes for Irish food business operators. In correspondence issued in September 2025, the Department drew the Commission’s attention to concerns raised by Irish stakeholders regarding the implications of the UK amendments, including issues relating to sourcing, implementation and compliance.
Ireland did not submit an objection, observation, comment or reservation through the World Trade Organization notification process or, insofar as Northern Ireland is concerned, through the relevant European Commission notification process in relation to the United Kingdom’s folic acid fortification measures. The Department’s focus has been on assessing the implications of the measures for Ireland and engaging with stakeholders and the European Commission regarding their potential impact on Irish food business operators and the Irish market.
According to the latest Central Statistics Office trade statistics provided by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland imported 176,883 tonnes of wheat flour from the United Kingdom in 2025, valued at approximately €103 million. These imports represented 69% of total Irish wheat flour imports by volume and 67% by value. Of these UK imports, 124,795 tonnes (€68 million) originated in Great Britain and 52,088 tonnes (€34 million) originated in Northern Ireland.
These figures relate to recorded wheat flour imports and should not be interpreted as a precise measure of the proportion of all flour used or placed on the Irish market.
In February 2026, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD and Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD announced an initiative to financially back new flour mills in Ireland. This initiative will support investment in modern and efficient processing facilities and reduce the reliance on international flour imports, thus improving supply chain resilience.
Stakeholders from the milling, baking and food manufacturing sectors have identified practical implications arising from the UK measures, including supplier transition timelines, sourcing arrangements, product reformulation, packaging and labelling updates and traceability considerations.
The Department and the FSAI will continue to engage with stakeholders and relevant authorities regarding the implications of the UK measures for the Irish market.
680. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health whether there are concerns that the policies and the bureaucratic burden placed on clinical staff operating within the CAMHS framework may be having an impact on staff retention and having an impact on the level of service. [66790/26]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond direct to the Deputy as soon as possible in relation to the detailed operational information sought.
685. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will remove the mature dependent category in SUSI and treat all those over the age of 23 as independent regardless of their living situation. [66408/26]
View answerIn general for student grant purposes students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on their parent(s) or legal guardian(s), or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student if:-
• they have attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry or re-entry to an approved further education course or an approved higher education course and;
• have not been ordinarily resident with their parent(s) from the previous 1st October.
Otherwise, they are assessed as a dependent student i.e. assessed with reference to parental income.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to the awarding authority SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student.
In examining changes to eligibility criteria for the Scheme, including changes to how applicants are classified, I have to consider how a change might impact on a particular cohort when compared against the impact of a wide range of other competing policy demands across the sector. I also have to have regard to the availability of resources in an Estimates process.
The Student Grant Scheme recognises the challenges faced by students in accessing education. In recognition of the additional costs for students who live further away from their institution Budget 2026 increased all non-adjacent maintenance grants by at least €200 from September 2026.
In addition, Budget 2026 saw:
• A permanent reduction to the student contribution charge by €500
• A permanent increase to the Post Graduate Fee Contribution Grant by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500
• An increase in the income threshold for the special rate of grant from €27,400 to €28,600 for the 2026/27 academic year
The income threshold for the €500 student contribution grant increased from €115,000 to €120,000. Combined with the permanent fee reduction, this means that eligible undergraduate students whose households earning are under €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 2026/27 academic year.
The Student Grant Scheme is kept under continuous review, and every year, my Department publishes an options paper setting out costed reforms and changes to the scheme.
I published this year's paper on 8th September, Funding the Future: An Annual Options Paper on reducing the Cost of Education (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-further-and-higher-education-research-innovation-and-science/publications/funding-the-future-an-annual-options-paper-on-reducing-the-cost-of-education/), in advance of Budget 2027 in order to inform public debate on what options should be prioritised in the context of the Estimates process.
686. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason there is no graduate degree orthotics course offered in Ireland. [66516/26]
View answerMy Department is working closely with the Department of Health to address critical skills needs and expand training places in crucial disciplines such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, therapies and other health and social care disciplines. When a need arises in a particular discipline, my Department consults with the relevant Department to determine the appropriate course of action. In the case of disciplines such as orthotics this would be the Department of Health.
To date, targeted expansion under the cross-government expression of interest processes, have supported additional capacity in areas such as disability therapies, health and social care professions, nursing, pharmacy and medicine. My Department will continue to work with the Department of Health to support responses to its identified critical needs and to continue to expand delivery of training to meet these needs.
As autonomous higher education institutions, universities and technological universities are responsible for determining their own academic portfolios and for the development, validation, accreditation and governance of programmes. The initiation and progression of a new programme is therefore a matter for the institution concerned, subject to compliance with relevant regulatory and quality assurance requirements. In that context, it is open to higher education institutions, to bring forward proposals for new programmes in response to identified educational, societal or workforce needs.
Any proposal a graduate orthotics programme would be subject to a University's own internal approval processes and would also need to satisfy all relevant regulatory, quality assurance and professional accreditation requirements. In addition, a new programme would need to demonstrate sustainable demand, appropriate clinical placement capacity, access to specialist academic and clinical expertise, and the availability of suitable teaching and clinical facilities.
While my Department recognises the workforce challenges identified across healthcare disciplines, any State-funded targeted expansion of training places would ordinarily arise through a request from the Department of Health identifying the discipline as a priority area for investment through future expression of interest processes.
My officials will continue to engage with the Department of Health and other relevant stakeholders in relation to any future developments or emerging critical skills areas to inform future skills responses.
687. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science If he will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will provide an update regarding their SUSI application. [66504/26]
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.
Article 22 of the Student Grant Scheme 2026 sets out for the awarding authority the determination of reckonable income. Reckonable income shall be determined by the awarding authority on the basis of information supplied in the application form and other relevant information and documentary evidence supplied. In calculating reckonable income, the awarding authority shall consider gross income from all sources.
Article 21 of the Student Grant Scheme 2026 sets out for the awarding authority the persons whose income is to be considered. When considering persons whose income is considered, the grant awarding authority (SUSI) are obliged to satisfy themselves beyond doubt that an acceptable degree of proof of marital status in the relevant period has been submitted by the grant applicant. SUSI provides a list of documents that are considered acceptable as evidence of separation. The onus is on the grant applicant to provide the necessary documentary evidence as proof of their circumstances.
An official from my Department has advised that SUSI received an application for grant funding from the student referred to by the Deputy on 14 August 2026.
SUSI issued letters to the student on 1 September and 2 September requesting the following documents:
• Employment Detail Summary for the applicant’s mother for the year 2025;
• Evidence of Separation for the applicant’s mother;
• Statement of Liability for the applicant’s mother for the year 2025.
On 1 September and 4 September 2026, your Office contacted SUSI on behalf of the student and was advised which documents SUSI could accept as confirmation of separation. SUSI advised that if the applicant’s mother did not have legal separation documents, separate utility bills for the separated parties covering the same time period may be accepted.
On 15 September 2026 your Office requested an update on the status of the application. SUSI advised that the required separation documents had not yet been received and provided a list of documents that they could accept as confirmation of separation:
• Separation agreement;
• Divorce decree;
• Court Ordered Maintenance Arrangement;
• Decree of dissolution for a civil partnership;
• Evidence from the Department of Social Protection confirming receipt of Deserted Wife's Allowance or a One-Parent Family Payment;
• If there is no legal agreement, a letter from your solicitor, in which your solicitor categorically confirms separation and/or that legal proceedings are pending;
• A letter/document from a Family Mediation Service, for example, the Legal Aid Board, that confirms you are participating in or have undergone family mediation;
• Proof of living separately, e.g. separate utility bills for the same time period in 2025. Please note that mobile phone bills and bank statements on their own are not accepted as proof of living separately.
Note: Affidavits are not accepted by SUSI for this purpose.
The student's application remains open and SUSI are awaiting documentary evidence as requested.
Please advise the student to submit the requested documentation as soon as possible and once SUSI receive these documents, they will be queued for review by SUSI’s assessment team.
I trust this clarifies the situation and I wish the student well in their studies.
688. Reply not received from Department.
689. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposals in conjunction with the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, to support employers and workers through training, retraining and upskilling initiatives in response to the rapidly changing nature of work; the measures being considered to address skills shortages and future workforce needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66671/26]
View answerDeputy, I believe, that to meet the demands of a fast-changing economy, people must be supported to continuously develop, update and apply new skills throughout their careers. Flexible learning opportunities are critical to enable individuals to upskill, reskill and adapt to changing workforce demands throughout their life course.
This ambition is reflected in the new FET Strategy; Creating Futures 2026-2030 and my Department’s Tertiary Education Strategy 2026-2031. I launched the Tertiary Education Strategy last week and I see it creating huge opportunities for a more connected and learner-centred education system. The Strategy, complemented by the FET Strategy, provides a clear roadmap for the role of further and higher education in delivering the skills, lifelong learning opportunities and inclusive growth essential to Ireland's future success.
That strategic direction is underpinned by significant state investment from the National Training Fund (NTF) and the Exchequer in programmes and supports for skills development and lifelong learning through targeted tertiary education initiatives.
For example, programmes such as Springboard+ fund flexible courses in areas of identified skills need, including digital, AI and other future-focused sectors. The Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy has played a big role in enabling higher education institutions to offer a range of micro-credential courses in an enterprise-focused flexible lifelong learning format.
Recognising that skills need vary across the economy, my Department is working across priority sectors to develop targeted responses to current and anticipated workforce challenges. Looking at the construction sector for example, we are focussing on upskilling the workforce in the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) and are implementing a comprehensive, cross-sector Action Plan to support its greater adoption.
In the offshore wind sector, targeted skills initiatives are being advanced to ensure a pipeline of talent is available to support the delivery, operation and maintenance of future projects. Skillnet Ireland launched the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy (SOWA) in November 2024. Developed with industry and tertiary partners, SOWA focuses on areas highlighted as critical to the success of Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy ambitions. It provides flexible, stackable micro-credentials and mentoring in areas covering design, construction, and environmental considerations.
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the world of work, building AI literacy and digital skills is increasingly important. In support of this, I launched AIReady.ie last April, expanded AI-focused micro-qualifications through the 16 ETBs, and increased investment in micro-credentials. In addition, Skillnet Ireland recently launched the pilot SME AI Incentivisation Scheme, funded by my Department through the NTF. This innovative scheme will support SMEs to invest in AI upskilling and reskilling by contributing towards employee salary costs while participating in approved AI training programmes.
However, the Government cannot address these challenges alone. By working together, across Government, agencies and partnerships such as the Regional Skills Fora and National Skills Council, we can empower people across society with the skills and confidence to both navigate and help shape the future.
I chaired my fifth National Skills Roundtable in Limerick last week, joined by the Mid-West Regional Skills Fora, local representatives from industry, education and Government. Our discussion highlighted that we must continue to strengthen lifelong learning and flexible training opportunities to equip people with the transferable, critical thinking, leadership and adaptive skills needed to navigate future change.
To support this, I am strengthening our ability to anticipate workforce needs and inform targeted skills interventions, through the establishment of the National Skills Observatory. The Observatory will serve as our national centre for skills and labour market intelligence across the whole labour market, dedicated to improving the quality, timeliness, and range of data collection, and ensuring that information is accessible and aligns with stakeholder needs.
As regards measures under consideration, you will appreciate that Budget discussions are currently underway across Government and it is not appropriate for me to comment on specific proposals or measures at this stage. The Government remains committed to supporting workforce development, but decisions in relation to Budget allocations will be made as part of the ongoing Budget process.
690. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for a breakdown of the income and expenditure of the National Training Fund in 2025 [67020/26]
View answerMy officials have provided the information you requested in the table below, setting out the detailed breakdown of the National Training Fund (NTF) income and expenditure for 2025. However, it should be noted that the 2025 figures are provisional and remain subject to audit by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. Following completion of the audit process, the audited financial statements will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, in accordance with section 2 (14) of the NTF Act 2000.
|
National Training Fund |
2025 |
|
INCOME |
(€000) |
|
National Training Fund Levy |
1,248,250 |
|
Deposit Interest |
48,545 |
|
Other Income |
418 |
|
Total Income |
1,297,213 |
|
|
|
|
EXPENDITURE |
|
|
Programmes for those in Employment |
477,471 |
|
Apprenticeship |
363,759 |
|
Training Networks Programme |
51,777 |
|
Springboard |
27,550 |
|
Employee and Continuing Professional Development |
25,945 |
|
Training Grants to Industry |
6,500 |
|
Community & Voluntary Organisations |
1,940 |
|
|
|
|
Skills Acquisition for Employment |
533,610 |
|
Training People for Employment |
319,462 |
|
Enterprise Focused Higher Education |
198,352 |
|
Springboard |
6,888 |
|
Community Employment Training |
4,200 |
|
Training Networks Programme |
2,449 |
|
Technical Employment Support Grant |
2,259 |
|
|
|
|
Provision of Information on Skills Requirements |
3,153 |
|
|
|
|
Bank charges |
5 |
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditure |
1,014,239 |
691. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the next review of SUSI income thresholds is due to take place. [67018/26]
View answerI am very much aware that the rising cost of living continues to impact students, which is why the Government, through successive budgets, has sought to reduce the cost of higher education including through improvements to the student grant scheme.
Budget 2025 saw the largest ever increase to all standard Maintenance and Student Contribution Grant Thresholds by at least 15%. In addition, the special rate of maintenance threshold increased in line with Social Welfare increases and the postgraduate fee contribution threshold and the part-time fee scheme threshold increased to match the new 100% Student Contribution threshold.
From September 2026, the income threshold for the €500 student contribution grant increased from €115,000 - €120,000. Combined with the permanent fee reduction, this means that eligible undergraduate students whose households earning are under €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 26/27 academic year.
Other Budget 2026 enhancements that took effect from 1st September 2026 include:
• The income threshold for the Special Rate of Grant increased from €27,400 to €28,600 in line with Social Welfare increases.
• All non-adjacent maintenance grant rates for students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution increased by between €200 - €430.
• Permanent increase in the Post Graduate Fee Contribution Grant by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500.
This year’s Annual Options Paper on reducing the cost of education was published on 8th September 2026. It sets out various measures and options to enhance student supports including options on further increasing income thresholds. This paper will help inform decision-making head of Budget 2027. It can be found at the following link: Funding the Future: An Annual Options Paper on reducing the Cost of Education
(www.gov.ie/en/department-of-further-and-higher-education-research-innovation-and-science/publications/funding-the-future-an-annual-options-paper-on-reducing-the-cost-of-education/)
While I cannot confirm at this stage the specific items that will be included in the upcoming Budget, options to support students and reduce financial barriers will be key priorities for me as part of Budget negotiations.
It is important to note however, that any amendments or extension to the student grant scheme has financial implications and are considered in the context of overall budgetary constraints and the substantial number of competing demands on available funding.
692. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he intends to reduce the student contribution fee as part of Budget 2027, given the Programme for Government commitment to reduce the fee over the lifetime of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67007/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains several commitments which are intended to reduce the financial burden on students and families. One of these commitments is to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government in a financially sustainable manner.
In my first budget as Minister for Higher Education, I delivered on this commitment. I have reduced the student contribution by €500, and I did so in a financially sustainable way. This flat rate reduction has reduced the student contribution fee from €3,000 to €2,500; the first permanent reduction since the Free Fees Initiative was introduced in 1995.
Previous temporary measures, whilst providing welcome relief for students and their families, remained uncertain from year to year. By implementing a permanent reduction, I have provided certainty for students on the student contribution for those who pay it. In this regard, it is important to also note that tens of thousands of students have their student contribution paid in full or part by SUSI, with over 71,000 students receiving supports last year. I have increased the SUSI income threshold for the €500 student fee grant to €120,000; so that even more students and families can qualify for additional grant supports.
These changes are meaningful steps toward a fairer, more affordable system and were cognisant of the need to support middle income families.
Looking ahead, I will continue to consider all options available to me to improve the overall student support framework and deliver on our Programme for Government commitments during this Budgetary cycle.
693. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is support with transport costs for a person starting out on a 1st year electrical apprenticeship. [67118/26]
View answerCraft apprentices attending phases of off-the-job training in an Education and Training Board training centre, an Institute of Technology or a Technological University may be entitled to supplementary allowances for travel, meals and accommodation. Either an accommodation allowance or a travel allowance is payable, but not both. These allowances are provided to help support apprentices with the additional costs associated with attending off-the-job training.
All apprentices are assigned a Training Advisor to provide help and information throughout their apprenticeship. For any apprentice seeking further information about supports available, or advice regarding their individual circumstances, I would encourage them to speak to their Training Advisor, who is best placed to advise them on their specific situation.
There are targeted initiatives in place to assist apprentices, and those wishing to become apprentices, financially. These include the Access to Apprenticeship Initiative, which supports the transition of 16–24 year olds from disadvantaged backgrounds into an apprenticeship scheme, with learners who participate in an Access to Apprenticeship programme being eligible to apply for a €3,000 bursary, and the Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme, which provides financial and practical support to members of the Travelling Community to help them access, start, and complete apprenticeships.
I am conscious of the financial challenges facing learners and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to attending tertiary education. As part of Budget 2026, I announced a permanent reduction in the free fees initiative Student Contribution charge. This flat rate reduction has reduced the rate from €3,000 to €2,500 for undergraduate students eligible for the free fees initiative and, applied on a pro rata basis, has lowered the student contribution by 17% for apprentices attending Higher Education. In regard to apprentices, €2.5 million was allocated for this purpose and, over the 2025/26 academic year, this has benefited approximately 14,000 apprentices.
