Tuesday, 29 Sep 2026

Further and Higher Education

Questions (902)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

902. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which the estimated annual funding gap of €307 million identified in 'Funding the Future' May 2022 has been addressed; the reason for the full funding requirement has not yet been met; the total estimated annual funding shortall facing the higher education sector, taking into account the outstanding core funding gap and related commitments in respect of demographic growth, pension liabilities, pay and industrial relations cost pressures; the methodology for ascertaining same; and the projected timeline for addressing the remaining funding shortfall in full. [68379/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Funding the Future Framework published in May 2022, outlines the vision for how higher education will be funded and how this will support students, employers and wider society. The Framework identified an amount of €307 million as representing the quantum of increase in core funding required to deliver enhanced performance, strategic reforms and strengthened quality of outcomes.

Since the publication of Funding the Future, an additional €174 million has been secured in exchequer and employer funding with a commitment to deliver a further €100 million by 2030 from the National Training Fund (NTF). It is anticipated that further additional exchequer funding will be secured in future estimates to deliver on commitments, including on priorities such as healthcare places and tertiary programmes.

As part of its oversight role, the HEA meets annually with the seventeen core-funded higher education institutions. The annual Budget and Accountability meetings with senior management in these Institutions, together with the review of budget submissions, annual financial statements and regular reports, constitute key elements of the HEA’s financial oversight and monitoring of these Institutions. This engagement provides valuable information on the financial health and key issues and risks facing the sector.

My officials continue to work with the HEA and the higher education sector, to identify any emerging issues and to look at options to mitigate risks as they arise. This in turn enables me and my officials to build a case and advocate for additional funding for the higher education sector during the annual estimates process.

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. While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the upcoming Budget or the subsequent supplementary estimates process, 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.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (903, 926)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

903. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the growth in student enrolments across the higher education sector in each year since 2022; the number of additional student places funded by the State in each year since 2022; the total Exchequer funding allocated in respect of demographic growth in each year since 2022, in tabular form; and the proportion of additional enrolments for which funding was provided. [68377/26]

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Ivana Bacik

Question:

926. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide the growth in student enrolments across the higher education sector in each year since 2022, in tabular form; the number of additional student places funded by the State in each year since 2022, in tabular form; the total Exchequer funding allocated in respect of demographic growth in each year since 2022, in tabular form; and the proportion of additional enrolments for which funding was provided. [68972/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 903 and 926 together.

Thank you, Deputy, for your questions related to growth in student enrolments and funding for same by the State.

As requested, I have provided the most available data below in tabular format, which addresses the growth in student enrolments across the higher education sector since 2022 and the number of additional students supported by the Free Fees Scheme in the same period.

The growth in student enrolments across the higher education sector in each year since 2022

Academic Year

Total Enrolments

Annual Increase

% Change

2022/23

256,785

-4,225

-1.6%

2023/24

265,905

9,120

3.6%

2024/25

278,880

12,975

4.9%

As evident, Higher education enrolments have increased steadily since 2022/23. Overall, enrolments grew by 22,095 students (8.6%) between 2022/23 and 2024/25. The below report illustrates the annual data since 2022 on higher education enrolment growth, additional State-funded student places, funding provided to meet demographic growth and the proportion of additional enrolments supported through that funding.

Under the Free Fees Initiative, the State assumes responsibility for compensating higher education institutions for the tuition fee income that would otherwise be payable by students eligible for the scheme and enrolled on approved programmes. This funding does not include the student contribution charge.

Eligibility for the Free Fees Initiative is restricted to full-time undergraduate courses in public higher education institutions (HEIs) and a limited number of designated courses in private not for profit institutions. Costs and numbers of students are advised below:

Free Fees Initiative: Costs and Student Numbers 2022 - 2025

Year

€'000

Numbers

2022-2023

357,903

141,077

2023-2024

368,250

143,061

2024-2025

382,869

148,182

2025-2026

472,912

154,452

In respect to the second part of your question, the total Exchequer funding allocated in respect of demographic growth in each year since 2022, is presented below in tabular form. Please note that the impact of Exchequer funding for demographic growth is felt in the year following.

The total Exchequer funding allocated in respect of demographic growth in each year since 2022.

Year

Exchequer Funding Allocated for Demographic Growth (€m)

2022

€18,000,000

2023

€31,300,000

2024

–

2025

–

2026

€2,190,000

Third Level Education

Questions (904)

Paul Lawless

Question:

904. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department, the Higher Education Authority, or agencies under his remit have undertaken an assessment of whether the allocation of places to non-EU students in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy or veterinary medicine has reduced the number of places available to Irish students; if such assessments have been undertaken, to provide copies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68442/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My Department's policy focus, working in partnership with the Department of Health, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Higher Education Authority and higher education institutions, has been to expand educational capacity in priority healthcare and veterinary disciplines in order to meet growing student demand and national workforce needs.

Significant progress has been made in recent years in increasing the number of places available across a range of healthcare programmes. This includes the implementation of the 2022 Medicine Expansion Agreement, under which 200 additional Irish/EU medicine places are being introduced on a phased basis, together with additional opportunities for Irish students to study medicine in Northern Ireland. The Government has also supported substantial growth in student places in dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, nursing and other health and social care professions. These measures are contributing to a larger pipeline of graduates to support health service requirements.

More broadly, higher education institutions have expanded capacity in response to increasing student demand arising from demographic growth and rising participation in higher education. Further expansion is planned across the sector as larger school-leaver cohorts continue to progress to third-level education.

The admission and recruitment of students is a matter for individual higher education institutions, which are autonomous bodies under the Universities Act 1997 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. Institutions are responsible for their admissions policies and student recruitment strategies, within the relevant legislative and regulatory framework.

International students make an important contribution to Ireland's higher education system, enriching the academic environment, strengthening international engagement and supporting research and institutional development and operations. Government policy has therefore focused on increasing overall educational capacity, particularly in strategically important healthcare disciplines, to ensure that growing demand can be accommodated and workforce objectives are addressed.

Third Level Education

Questions (905)

Paul Lawless

Question:

905. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Irish/EU and non-EU students enrolled in graduate entry veterinary medicine at University College Dublin in each academic year since 2017/2018; the annual tuition fee charged to each category; whether additional publicly funded EU places have been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68446/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to enrolments on the Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine programme at University College Dublin (UCD) is set out in the table below. Data provided by UCD indicates that the number of students enrolled on the programme has increased from 145 in 2017/18 to 230 in 2024/25.

Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine (UCD) - Enrolments by Domiciliary Origin

Academic Year	Irish/EU (including Northern Ireland & Great Britain)	Non-EU	Total
2017/18	35	110	145
2018/19	35	125	155
2019/20	30	130	160
2020/21	30	150	180
2021/22	30	165	200
2022/23	40	175	210
2023/24	35	185	220
2024/25	35	195	230

Source: UCD enrolment data, HEA

In relation to tuition fees, the Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine programme at University College Dublin is a fee-paying programme. As an autonomous higher education institution, UCD determines the fee levels applicable to the programme and publishes fee schedules annually. UCD's published fee information notes that both EU and non-EU students entering Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine (DN301) from 2019/20 onwards are subject to annual fee increases. The current published fee for entrants to the Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine programme in academic year 2026/27 is €31,680 per annum, exclusive of the Student Centre Levy. This fee applies irrespective of domicile status and reflects the programme's position as a graduate-entry professional course.

In relation to veterinary education more generally, currently there are approximately 90 places provided on UCD's direct entry veterinary medicine programme each year and this figure has remained broadly consistent in recent years. More than 90% of these places are taken by Irish and EU students.

More broadly, Ireland's higher education system has experienced sustained growth in student demand in recent years, driven by increasing demographics and strong participation rates in higher education. The sector has continued to expand capacity to accommodate increasing numbers of students and is planning for further growth in the years ahead as larger school-leaver cohorts continue to progress into higher education. Government policy has been focused on increasing overall higher education capacity, including in priority areas such as healthcare and veterinary education, to ensure that demographic growth can be accommodated.

As you are aware, Government approval was granted in October 2025 for the capital programme underpinning the Veterinary Places Activation Programme (VPAP). This is supporting the establishment from this year of two new veterinary schools at South East Technological University and Atlantic Technological University. Together, these schools will provide 80 additional veterinary places annually from 2026, significantly strengthening veterinary education and training capacity in Ireland.

While there are currently no plans to provide additional publicly funded places specifically within UCD's Graduate Entry Veterinary Medicine programme, the Government is substantially expanding overall veterinary education capacity through the Veterinary Places Activation Programme. This expansion is designed to support Ireland's future veterinary workforce needs and increase opportunities for students to access veterinary education. It also forms part of the broader approach being taken across higher education to provide additional capacity in response to continued demographic growth and increasing demand for places.

Medical Research and Training

Questions (906)

Paul Lawless

Question:

906. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he is satisfied that the current balance between EU and non-EU undergraduate medical students at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland aligns with national workforce planning objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68445/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Government has made healthcare workforce expansion a key priority in support of the delivery of Sláintecare, the Programme for Government and wider health service reform objectives. Expansion decisions are informed by workforce projections and service needs identified by the Department of Health, the HSE and other Government partners, ensuring that investment in healthcare education capacity is aligned with national workforce requirements.

A key element of this approach has been the implementation of the 2022 Medicine Expansion Agreement, which is providing 200 additional annual medicine places across Irish medical schools. This is complemented by a range of other approved healthcare workforce expansion measures designed to increase the supply of Irish and EU healthcare graduates and support the long-term workforce needs of the Irish health service.

The Government has also supported significant expansion across healthcare education more broadly, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and a range of Health and Social Care Professions. These investments are intended to strengthen the domestic education pipeline, reduce long-term reliance on international recruitment and ensure the State has the workforce required to meet future health and social care needs.

Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies with responsibility for decisions relating to admissions, programme delivery and student recruitment, including the admission of Irish/EU and international students, subject to the relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks.

RCSI as a private college plays an important role within Ireland's medical education system and makes a significant contribution to the training of both domestic and international medical students. First-year undergraduate medicine enrolment data indicate that Irish and EU students represented approximately two-thirds of the first-year undergraduate medicine intake at RCSI in recent years, with 120 Irish/EU students and 60 non-EU students enrolled in 2022/23, 115 Irish/EU students and 70 non-EU students enrolled in 2023/24, and 115 Irish/EU students and 70 non-EU students enrolled in 2024/25.

The position in relation to undergraduate medical education is being considered within a wider strategic framework focused on increasing Irish and EU training capacity and supporting future healthcare workforce requirements. While institutions retain responsibility for their admissions policies, the Government's priority is to continue expanding domestic healthcare education capacity through targeted investment and workforce planning measures, including the ongoing rollout of the 200 additional annual medicine places provided under the 2022 Medicine Expansion Agreement and other healthcare workforce expansion initiatives.

Medical Research and Training

Questions (907)

Paul Lawless

Question:

907. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether the 612 additional healthcare education places announced in August 2026 are restricted to Irish and EU students; if not, the number that may be allocated to non-EU students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68444/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The additional healthcare education places approved by Government in August 2026 form part of a broader programme of healthcare workforce expansion being delivered in support of national workforce planning priorities, including the implementation of Sláintecare and the Programme for Government. The additional healthcare education places approved by Government are intended to address identified workforce shortages and increase the supply of healthcare professionals available to work in Ireland's health, disability and social care services. As such, the Government-funded expansion measures are primarily targeted on increasing capacity for Irish and EU students.

Since 2022, Government has approved over 1,600 additional annual healthcare training places across medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine and a range of Health and Social Care Professions. This includes 612 places approved under the 2022 healthcare expansion measures, 200 additional annual medicine places under the 2022 Medicine Expansion Agreement, and a further 735 places approved through subsequent healthcare workforce expansion measures in 2025 and 2026. These investments are designed to increase domestic training capacity and support the long-term workforce needs identified by the Department of Health, the HSE and other Government partners.

The Government's objective in supporting these additional places is to strengthen Ireland's domestic healthcare workforce pipeline and ensure that sufficient numbers of healthcare professionals are trained to meet future service needs. While international students continue to make an important contribution to Irish higher education and the wider economy, these healthcare expansion measures are being delivered in response to national workforce planning requirements and are intended principally to support the education and training of healthcare professionals for the Irish health and social care system.

Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies with responsibility for admissions and student recruitment, including the admission of Irish, EU and international students, subject to relevant legislative, regulatory and funding arrangements.

Medical Research and Training

Questions (908)

Paul Lawless

Question:

908. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 788 of 14 May 2026 relating to pharmacy student numbers, to provide an update on the tabular data referred to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68441/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 788 of 14 May 2026, the updated information provided by the Higher Education Authority in respect of Year 1 students enrolled on undergraduate pharmacy programmes is set out in the table below.

HEI	2022/23 EU (incl. NI/UK)	2022/23 Non-EU	2022/23 Total	2023/24 EU (incl. NI/UK)	2023/24 Non-EU	2023/24 Total	2024/25 EU (incl. NI/UK)	2024/25 Non-EU	2024/25 Total
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland	50	35	85	65	25	90	95	35	130
Trinity College Dublin	80	5	85	75	5	80	75	15	90
University College Cork	65	10	75	70	5	75	75	10	85
Total	195	50	245	210	35	245	245	60	305

Source: Higher Education Authority.

The data show that the number of students enrolled in the first year of undergraduate pharmacy programmes increased from 245 in 2022/23 to 305 in 2024/25, an increase of approximately 24% over the period.

This increase reflects the Government's ongoing commitment to expanding healthcare education capacity in line with national workforce planning requirements. As outlined in my previous response, the Government secured a €28.5 million investment in 2026 to support the delivery of over 1,100 additional healthcare training places annually over the next three years, including 161 additional pharmacy places.

In addition to increasing capacity within existing programmes, pharmacy education provision has expanded significantly in recent years through the establishment of new pharmacy programmes at Atlantic Technological University and the University of Galway in 2025, with a further programme commencing at South East Technological University in 2026. These developments will support the continued growth in pharmacy student numbers and help meet future workforce needs across the health service.

My Department will continue to work closely with the Higher Education Authority, the Department of Health and higher education institutions to support the sustainable expansion of pharmacy education capacity as part of the Government's wider commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce in line with the objectives of Sláintecare and the Programme for Government.

Departmental Data

Questions (909)

Paul Lawless

Question:

909. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 787 of 14 May 2026, to provide an update on the dentistry enrolment table referenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68440/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Programme for Government commits to expanding healthcare education and training places, aligned with national workforce planning, to address staffing shortages across the health and social care system. Dentistry is a key component of this approach.

Further to Parliamentary Question No. 787 of 14 May 2026, the updated Year 1 dentistry enrolment data available to my Department is set out below. The figures include both undergraduate new entrants and continuing students in Year 1 where applicable. As noted in the table, the "new entrant" designation applies only to undergraduate entry routes.

Institution	2022/23 Total Year 1 Students	2023/24 Total Year 1 Students	2024/25 Total Year 1 Students
Trinity College Dublin	50	45	45
University College Cork	55	55	55
Total	105	100	100

The data indicates that Year 1 dentistry enrolment remained broadly stable across the period, with a total of 100 students enrolled in Year 1 nationally in 2024/25. The figures include both EU (including NI/UK) students and non-EU students.

In addition to existing provision, the Government has approved significant expansion in healthcare education capacity. Under the healthcare education expansion measures announced in 2026, additional dentistry places have been approved at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). These places form part of a wider package of healthcare education expansion across medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and allied health programmes, which is being delivered in collaboration with the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Health to support the long-term workforce needs of the health service.

My Department will continue to work closely with the Higher Education Authority, the Department of Health and higher education institutions to increase capacity in priority healthcare disciplines, including dentistry, in line with identified workforce requirements.

Medical Research and Training

Questions (910)

Paul Lawless

Question:

910. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the annual tuition fees charged to non-EU students in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine programmes in each higher education institution for each of the years from 2021-2022 to 2026-2027; whether this information has been sought from the institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68439/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies under the Universities Act 1997 and the Higher Education Authority Act 2022, with responsibility for managing their academic, administrative and financial affairs. This includes determining tuition fee levels for individual programmes, including those applicable to non-EU students. Institutions are therefore responsible for setting and publishing their own fee schedules, taking account of programme delivery costs, clinical training requirements, international recruitment strategies and broader institutional considerations.

My Department's role is to provide the policy and funding framework for higher education and to work collaboratively with the Higher Education Authority and institutions to support national priorities, including the expansion of capacity in key healthcare disciplines. In that context, there has been substantial engagement with institutions in recent years to increase the number of education and training opportunities available in areas such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, veterinary medicine and other health and social care professions.

As tuition fees for non-EU students are determined independently by each institution, my Department does not regulate, approve or maintain records of fee levels charged across individual programmes or institutions. Accordingly, my Department does not collect data on the annual tuition fee information requested for non-EU students in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine programmes.

Information on tuition fees is generally published by institutions as part of their admissions and international student information and is available directly from the relevant higher education institutions. Given the autonomy of institutions in this area, they remain the authoritative source for programme-specific fee information.

It is important to note that Ireland's universities and higher education institutions play a central role in supporting a high-quality, internationally connected higher education system. International students contribute to the diversity, global engagement and academic strength of institutions, while helping to sustain world-class teaching, research and innovation environments.

Separately, the Government has continued to invest significantly in expanding healthcare education capacity to support national workforce needs. Since 2022, approximately 1,697 additional annual healthcare and disability training places have been approved across disciplines including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physiotherapy and other health and social care professions. This reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring that higher education institutions have the capacity to support Ireland's future healthcare workforce requirements while maintaining the excellence and international standing of the sector

Medical Research and Training

Questions (911)

Paul Lawless

Question:

911. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the approved intake capacity and number of available first-year places, as distinct from actual enrolments, for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine programmes in each higher education institution in each academic year from 2021-2022 to 2026-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68438/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Government has significantly expanded healthcare education capacity in recent years to support healthcare workforce planning, the implementation of Sláintecare and the delivery of Programme for Government commitments. Since 2022, Government approvals have enabled capacity-building for approximately 1,697 additional annual healthcare and disability training places across medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physiotherapy and other health and social care professions.

This additional capacity includes:

• 200 additional annual medicine places delivered through the 2022 Medicine Expansion Agreement;

• 612 additional annual places across medicine, nursing, pharmacy and veterinary medicine approved through the 2022 healthcare education expansion process;

• the establishment of new pharmacy programmes at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), South East Technological University (SETU) and University of Galway;

• the establishment of a new dentistry programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI);

• the establishment of two new veterinary medicine programmes at ATU and SETU, providing an additional 80 veterinary medicine places annually and approximately doubling the number of veterinary medicine places available to Irish and EU students;

• 461 additional disability therapy places approved through the 2025 healthcare education expansion process, including significant expansion of physiotherapy capacity; and

• a further 274 healthcare training places approved by Government in July 2026 across a range of health and social care professions, including additional physiotherapy places.

While my Department provides funding to support the expansion of healthcare education capacity, it does not set or approve annual caps on the number of places offered on individual programmes. Under the Universities Act 1997 and the Higher Education Authority Act 2022, higher education institutions are autonomous bodies with responsibility for admissions policies, programme delivery and determining the number of places made available on individual programmes, subject to available resources, professional accreditation requirements and regulatory obligations.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) collects annual enrolment data from higher education institutions. As the number of places made available is a matter for individual institutions, the closest available centrally held measure is the number of first-year students enrolled on the relevant programmes. The available data are set out below.

Medicine - First-Year Enrolments Institution	2021/22	2022/23	2023/24	2024/25
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Undergraduate)	130	120	115	115
Trinity College Dublin	175	190	165	185
University College Cork	115	130	125	125
University College Dublin	125	135	160	165
University of Galway	205	210	210	215
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Graduate Entry)	75	80	90	80
University College Cork (Graduate Entry)	80	80	75	80
University College Dublin (Graduate Entry)	100	105	105	100
University of Limerick (Graduate Entry)	180	195	180	190
Total	1,185	1,245	1,225	1,255

Dentistry - First-Year Enrolments Institution	2021/22	2022/23	2023/24	2024/25
Trinity College Dublin	50	50	45	45
University College Cork	45	55	55	55
Total	95	105	100	100

Pharmacy - First-Year Enrolments Institution	2021/22	2022/23	2023/24	2024/25
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland	80	85	90	135
Trinity College Dublin	95	85	90	90
University College Cork	135	145	140	145
Total	335	310	325	370

Physiotherapy - First-Year Enrolments Institution	2021/22	2022/23	2023/24	2024/25
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland	25	30	40	50
Trinity College Dublin	40	40	35	45
University College Cork	35	35	30	35
University College Dublin	55	55	55	55
University of Limerick	30	30	30	35
Total	185	190	190	220

Veterinary Medicine - First-Year Enrolments

Institution

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

University College Dublin

85

90

85

Total

85

90

85

The HEA is currently collecting and validating enrolment data for the 2025/26 academic year. Accordingly, final enrolment data for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years are not yet available.

Third Level Admissions

Questions (912)

Paul Lawless

Question:

912. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Irish citizens, excluding other EU, UK and Northern Ireland students, enrolled in first year medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine programmes in each higher education institution in each academic year from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68437/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy James Lawless)

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) collects annual student enrolment data from higher education institutions. The table in the attachment sets out the number of Irish domiciled students across Higher Education Institutions enrolled in first year medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine programmes. In accordance with the Deputy's request, these figures exclude students from other EU Member States, Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Data for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet available, as the HEA is currently collecting and validating student enrolment returns from higher education institutions.

The Government has made significant investments in healthcare education capacity in recent years to support healthcare workforce planning, the implementation of Sláintecare and the delivery of Programme for Government commitments. Since 2022, Government approvals have enabled substantial expansion in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physiotherapy and other health and social care programmes, helping to increase opportunities for Irish students and strengthen the future supply of healthcare professionals required across the health system.

This additional capacity includes:

• 200 additional annual medicine places delivered through the 2022 Medicine Expansion Agreement;

• 612 additional annual places across medicine, nursing, pharmacy and veterinary medicine approved through the 2022 healthcare education expansion process;

• the establishment of new pharmacy programmes at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), South East Technological University (SETU) and University of Galway;

• the establishment of a new dentistry programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI);

• the establishment of two new veterinary medicine programmes at ATU and SETU, providing an additional 80 veterinary medicine places annually and approximately doubling the number of veterinary medicine places available to Irish and EU students;

• 461 additional disability therapy places approved through the 2025 healthcare education expansion process, including significant expansion of physiotherapy capacity; and

• a further 274 healthcare training places approved by Government in July 2026 across a range of health and social care professions, including additional physiotherapy place.

Attachments:

Year 1 Enrolments

Student Accommodation

Questions (913)

Donna McGettigan

Question:

913. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of money that has been spent since 2020 by his Department or by HEI's on procurement or consultancy on student accommodation that has not proceeded; and the reason the projects have not proceeded. [68482/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. We are working on compiling a response to the question raised and we will revert to the Deputy in due course.

Question No. 914 answered with Question No. 897.

Departmental Reviews

Questions (915)

Jen Cummins

Question:

915. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which the Government's strategy for the funding of higher education is predicated on continued growth in international student fee income; whether the Department has assessed the vulnerability of higher education institutions to a downturn in international student demand; and the findings of any such assessment. [68551/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Funding the Future Framework, published in May 2022, sets out a long-term vision for the funding of higher education and the manner in which it can support students, employers and wider society. The Framework identified a requirement for an additional €307 million in core funding to support enhanced performance, strategic reform and improved quality outcomes across the sector.

Since the publication of Funding the Future, an additional €174 million has been secured through Exchequer and employer funding. In addition, there is a commitment to provide a further €100 million by 2030 from the National Training Fund (NTF). It is anticipated that further Exchequer funding will be secured through future Estimates processes to support the delivery of Government commitments, including priority areas such as the expansion of healthcare places and the development of tertiary programmes.

With regard to international students, Global Citizens 2030: Ireland’s International Talent and Innovation Strategy, which was published in January 2024,sets a target of 10% growth in the number of international learners, researchers and innovators by 2030, relative to the baseline figure of circa 35,000 from the 2022/23 academic year.This growth is intended to be managed in a sustainable manner through greater alignment of planning for domestic and international cohorts, while maintaining an appropriate balance across disciplines, programme levels, modes of delivery, regions and source countries.

As part of its oversight role, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) engages annually with the seventeen publicly funded higher education institutions. These Budget and Accountability meetings, together with reviews of institutional budget submissions, annual financial statements and regular financial reports, form a key part of the HEA's financial oversight framework. This engagement provides valuable insights into the financial position of institutions and the key challenges and risks facing the sector.

My Department continues to work closely with the HEA and the higher education sector to identify emerging issues and consider appropriate measures to mitigate risks as they arise. This engagement informs the Department's assessment of funding needs and supports ongoing efforts to make the case for additional investment in higher education through the annual Estimates process.

International Students

Questions (916)

Jen Cummins

Question:

916. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide details in tabular form of total international non-EU students enrolled in Irish higher education institutions each year since 2021/22 and the related international fee income. [68550/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) collects and publishes student data annually from publicly funded higher education institutions. The table below shows the number of international students, including non-EEA students, enrolled in publicly funded Irish higher education institutions since the academic year 2021/22.

Year	Total	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
2021/22	22,545	12,535	10,010
2022/23	25,245	13,660	11,585
2023/24	29,560	14,460	15,100
2024/25	32,940	15,635	17,305

It should be noted student numbers for the academic year 2025/26 are not yet available and are expected to be published on the HEA website in the coming weeks.

Irish higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and as such are responsible for the management of their own financial affairs. Accordingly, my Department does not hold data on fee income received by institutions from international students.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (917)

Jen Cummins

Question:

917. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reasons the level of additional funding provided to address the Funding the Future funding gap has reduced in recent budgets; the reasons the multiannual funding commitments announced in Budget 2025 in respect of closing that funding gap were not fully reflected in Budget 2026; whether he remains committed to fully addressing the annual core funding requirement identified in Funding the Future; and the timeframe within which this is expected to be achieved. [68548/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Funding the Future Framework published in May 2022, outlines the vision for how higher education will be funded and how this will support students, employers and wider society.

The Framework identified an amount of €307 million as representing the quantum of increase in core funding required to deliver enhanced performance, strategic reforms and strengthened quality of outcomes.

Over a number of years, additional core funding is being prioritised through the Estimates process to deliver on the increased level of funding identified in the framework and to improve system capacity to respond to national priorities.

Since the publication of Funding the Future, an additional €174 million in Exchequer and employer funding has been secured, alongside a commitment to provide a further €100 million from the National Training Fund (NTF) by 2030. This aligns with the Programme for Government commitment to “Close the core funding gap by unlocking the National Training Fund”.

It is anticipated that further Exchequer funding will be secured through future Estimates processes to support the delivery of these commitments and to address key priorities, including the expansion of healthcare places and the development of tertiary programmes.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (918)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

918. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to review correspondence (details supplied) regarding students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68547/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (APAC) is a private institution based in the United Kingdom and does not fall within the remit or regulatory oversight of the Department. A number of private education providers operate in Ireland without State accreditation. Such providers may offer programmes accredited by overseas institutions or bodies, or indeed programmes that are not formally accredited. There is no legislative impediment to such arrangements. It is also important to note that play therapy is not a regulated profession in Ireland and there is no statutory regulator with responsibility for overseeing the profession. Play Therapy Ireland is an independent professional body and is not subject to State oversight.

Under Irish law, universities such as UCC are autonomous institutions. The Universities Act 1997 and the Technological Universities Act 2018 provide higher education institutions with responsibility for regulating their own academic affairs, including decisions relating to courses, awards and academic standards. As a result, neither the Minister nor the Department has a role in determining the academic arrangements of individual institutions.

I have been informed that under an agreement between UCC and the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy (Ireland) Limited, which concluded in March 2026, the following UCC-accredited programmes were offered, with APAC Ireland delivering elements of the courses:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills; and

• Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy.

I understand that APAC was also involved in arrangements with its UK partner institution, the University of Chichester, regarding pathways to further study and that some graduates of the UCC-accredited Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills entered into private arrangements with APAC and paid fees in advance with a view to commencing a Postgraduate Diploma programme in September 2026.

UCC has advised that it did not register any students to commence studies on the Postgraduate Diploma programme in September 2026. Accordingly, those arrangements were entered into directly between the individuals concerned and APAC and did not form part of the programmes delivered by APAC under its agreement with UCC. UCC has indicated that its priority remains supporting students who are currently registered on UCC programmes. The University has communicated directly with affected students and has stated its intention to take all reasonable steps to enable those students to complete their studies and, where possible, achieve the relevant UCC qualification.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the independent State agency responsible for the external quality assurance of higher and further education and training providers. QQI has responsibility for oversight of providers operating within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), including matters relating to access, transfer and progression arrangements for learners. QQI is actively engaging with UCC on matters arising.

Currently, the Department is monitoring the situation closely and students have been encouraged to keep in contact with UCC for any developments.

Disability Issues

Questions (919)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

919. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a DARE application (details supplied) was refused. [68546/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) on behalf of the higher education institutions who set the policy criteria for the scheme. Further information on IUA is available here: www.iua.ie.

Admissions under the scheme are regulated by the higher education institutions themselves. Each institution determines its own admissions policy in relation to the scheme, the number of places they reserve and the allocation of those places.

Applications to the scheme are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme on behalf of participating institutions.

As the DARE is not a Departmental scheme my Department has no responsibility or remit over the administration or the eligibility criteria, and I am not in a position to intervene on individual cases.

In a recent briefing I held in Government buildings on the HEAR and DARE schemes, representatives of the IUA advised that the most effective and timely way for students to obtain information regarding the DARE scheme is to contact the Access Office of the institution to which they are applying.

I would advise the student to contact the Access Office at the higher education institution they are hoping to attend for information on options that may be available to them under the DARE scheme.

I hope this information is of assistance and wish the student well on their educational journey.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (920)

Donna McGettigan

Question:

920. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for capital investment in higher education facilities in county Leitrim over the next three years. [68644/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My Department works in close collaboration with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) on the planning and development of capital projects in line with their?established masterplans.

Under the National Development Plan, capital investment is allocated to HEIs and ETBs through competitive, programmatic funding calls. These are managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and SOLAS respectively. Capital projects are considered where a clear and validated need has been identified. This assessment takes into account the existing infrastructure of the institution and demonstrable demand for expansion or enhancement. Institutions in both the Higher Education and Further Education and Training sectors are eligible to apply for funding when approved programmes are announced.

My Department has not been made aware of any plans to develop higher education facilities in County Leitrim, however, the Deputy may wish to note that my Department is supporting capital investment in Further Education and Training (FET) infrastructure in County Leitrim, in conjunction with Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB (MSLETB). This includes the proposed refurbishment of the Mohill FET Centre in County Leitrim, under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Programme. It is planned that the former Vocational School in Mohill will be redeveloped as a FET campus and will include Mohill Youthreach, which is currently accommodated in a temporary premises.

In addition, MSLETB received in 2026 an allocation of €761,250 under the annual Devolved Capital Grant and a further allocation of €761,250 under the Green Devolved Capital Grant. These grants support capital investment across the Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim FET estates, including a range of small-scale projects such as ongoing maintenance, planned preventative maintenance works, health and safety needs, and measures to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of ETB owned property. ETBs have full autonomy of decision-making in relation to deployment of these grants.

Third Level Education

Questions (921)

Donna McGettigan

Question:

921. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total amount detailed in HEI's 2025 annual accounts for non-compliant procurement, revenue payments and write-offs; and if he is concerned by this amount. [68641/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Note: The 2025 annual financial statements for University College Cork, South East Technological University and Atlantic Technological University have not yet been received and, accordingly, the figures set out below do not represent a final sector-wide total.

Institution	Non-compliant procurement	Revenue payment	Write-off
Dublin City University	€283,000	€0	€4,380,000
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology	€413,000	€0	€0
Dundalk Institute of Technology	€0	€0	€0
Mary Immaculate College	€477,000	€0	€0
Maynooth University	€655,000	€719,000	€0
Munster Technological University	€182,000	€0	€0
National College of Art and Design	€0	€0	€0
Royal Irish Academy	€0	€29,000	€0
Technological University Dublin	€29,000	€0	€0
Technological University of the Shannon	€79,000	€0	€0
Trinity College Dublin	€177,000	€999,000	€0
University College Dublin	€1,480,000	€1,315,000	€0
University of Galway	€846,000	€0	€1,600,000
University of Limerick	€272,000	€910,000	€0
Total	€4,893,000	€3,972,000	€5,980,000

Figures are rounded to the nearest €1,000.

Further detail regarding the matters outlined above is available in the relevant annual financial statements.

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies and retain primary responsibility for their governance, financial management, compliance and systems of internal control. The Governing Bodies of higher education institutions are responsible for ensuring that effective governance, management and accountability arrangements are in place.

The HEA’s Governance Oversight Framework sets out the mechanisms through which the HEA oversees institutional governance and relies on assurances that effective systems and procedures are in place. The annual Oversight Agreement gives effect to this framework by setting out the respective responsibilities of the HEA and each institution, including requirements relating to governance, compliance, internal control, public funding and timely reporting of significant issues.

The Annual Governance Statement (AGS) is a central assurance mechanism within these arrangements. Through the AGS, Governing Bodies provide annual assurance on governance, internal control, compliance and stewardship of public resources, including actions taken to address identified matters. The HEA assesses these submissions for compliance, matters identified are followed up as necessary and institutions are provided with feedback. The HEA relies on assurances from the institutions that the systems and procedures in place are effective and ensure timely, responsive actions are taken to address issues identified. The Annual Financial Statements (AFS) complement these assurances by providing an audited account of each institution’s financial position, performance and use of public funds.

All HEIs are advised by the HEA that non-compliant procurement continues to raise concerns and that they should ensure quarterly Governing Body monitoring and reporting of non-compliant procurement, as relevant.

Instances of tax non-compliance highlight the importance of continued governing body assurance that appropriate tax controls and processes are operating effectively. Tax compliance confirmations should be supported by effective controls, timely reporting, remediation and oversight, and updates should be provided to the HEA until matters are resolved.

HEIs are required to keep the HEA informed, on a timely basis, of significant governance issues, financially significant events or major risks that may arise. HEIs that report write-offs are required to ensure that any matters arising in respect of these write-offs are notified to the HEA and that updates are provided until the matters are resolved.

In addition to the HEA's oversight arrangements, the financial statements of higher education institutions are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) and are subject to further external scrutiny through the Committee of Public Accounts, which is responsible for examining and reporting to the Oireachtas on the annual financial statements of higher education institutions.

Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Questions (922)

John Connolly

Question:

922. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department are implementing Action 11 of the ‘Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Higher Education Institutions Implementation Plan 2022 – 2024', which recommended to conduct a feasibility study in relation to the formation of a panel of trained and skilled external investigators to investigate cases of sexual violence and harassment against staff and students. [68711/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Action 11 of the ‘Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Higher Education Institutions Implementation Plan’ (ESVH Implementation Plan)’ published in 2022, developed with the support of the HEA Advisory Group on Ending Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutions, called for a feasibility study to be conducted in relation to the formation of a panel of trained and skilled external investigators to investigate cases of sexual violence and harassment against staff and students.

The HEA established a working group to undertake this feasibility study in January 2023. The report produced by this working group recommended the establishment, for and by the sector, of a shared service entity (SSE) investigations unit which would recruit a team of investigators which could be deployed by HEIs to investigate formal complaints of SVH arising in a HEI. The resulting report was shared with HEIs.

This completed action 11, however the Working Group report noted that in order to advance a more specific SSE proposal a separate piece of work was required to further develop the design options. The HEA subsequently established an Implementation Working Group, chaired by the IUA, to discuss the appropriate design and operational criteria for the shared service, and a process to advance its establishment. The report of the Implementation Working group was shared with HEIs in September 2024.

Following this feasibility study, an allocation of seed funding was made available in 2024 by DFHERIS and HEA to support an Expression of Interest process to identify a HEI or representative body to undertake the foundational work described in the Implementation Working Group’s report as prerequisites for the establishment of a Shared Service Entity for the advancement of the project. Thereafter it was expected that the institutions would manage and finance investigate services.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) call to establish a Shared Service Entity was launched by the HEA in October 2024 but no applications were received.

In the absence of the identification of a HEI or representative body to coordinate the development of central investigations unit, in September 2025 the HEA launched a call to support HEI collaboration to develop guidelines or standards for investigations of breaches of institutional sexual violence and harassment policy.

Following a competitive process, a proposal led by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), in collaboration with 15 other higher education institutions, was approved in December 2025 and formally commenced in February 2026. Its objective is to develop a robust framework of trauma-informed investigation guidelines. This collaborative initiative aims to develop consistent approaches across institutions to the investigation of breaches of institutional policies relating to SVH across higher education. The work is ongoing and is expected to result in the development of agreed guidance for the participating HEIs upon completion of the project.