Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2025
982. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans his Department has to build on and expand the numbers of higher education students in the State, with the last figure from 2023 is at 202,450; if he will provide updated figures for 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32610/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent full-time student enrolment data from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) confirms a continued upward trend in participation in higher education. In 2023/2024, there were 202,450 full-time students enrolled (excluding National College of Ireland, newly included in HEA figures from this year), up from 198,970 in 2022/2023. When all modes of study are included, the figures for 2023/2024 and 2022/2023 are 265,905 and 256,785, respectively. This increase reflects growing student demand and the expanding capacity of the system. Figures for the 2024/2025 academic year will be published later in the year.
The Department for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) continues to prioritise the expansion and diversification of higher education opportunities in response to growing student demand, skills needs, and workforce shortages. Building on the 2023/2024 student enrolment figures, the Department is implementing a range of targeted initiatives and investments to increase participation, particularly in health and social care professions and through flexible access routes. My Department has made substantial progress in expanding higher education capacity to meet national skills needs.
The development of diverse and progressive pathways for learners in further and higher education is a key strategic goal of DFHERIS. Tertiary programmes, first launched in July 2023, are a new kind of educational provision which allows a student to begin a degree course in further education, before transitioning on to complete their degree in a higher education setting. In Budget 2025, €4m was allocated towards the development of tertiary programmes.
Entry to tertiary programmes is outside the CAO system, providing an alternate pathway to a degree for individuals who may not have received the requisite points for a course they are passionate about. The tertiary pathway also aims to increase access to higher education for those are excluded from the traditional pathway, particularly the priority access groups outlined in the National Access Plan.
In September 2023 the first intake of tertiary programmes commenced, with 152 students enrolled on 13 programmes. 2024 saw an increased intake with more than 220 students embarking on 19 degree programmes.
A total of 38 courses are now available for applications for the academic year 2025/26 including new courses in occupational therapy, nursing, social care and the creative arts. The most in-demand tertiary programmes are those offering an alternative route into key regulated professions. At present there are tertiary degrees offered in Occupational Therapy, Nursing, and Social Work. The NTO is working closely with the HSE to implement a phased approach to assist in addressing workforce shortages.
Springboard+, established in 2011 continues to play a vital role in expanding access to higher education by offering flexible, work-focused learning opportunities to adult learners across the country. Aligned with national skills priorities, Springboard+ supports individuals to upskill or reskill in high-demand areas such as ICT, cybersecurity and sustainability.
Springboard+ is free or heavily subsidised and offered in a flexible format (part-time, blended, and online) making higher education more accessible to all. Springboard+ 2025 launched in May 2025 is providing almost 8,000 places on 249 courses and includes micro-credentials.
Springboard+ is open to the unemployed, employed and those returning to the workforce, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. It has demonstrated strong outcomes in terms of learner progression and graduate employability, with the majority of participants securing employment or further study upon completion.
As demand grows for a skilled and adaptable workforce, Springboard+ will continue to be an important driver of increased participation in higher education.
In recent years nearly 1,000 additional places have been created in health and social care programmes in Irish universities.
Looking ahead, a further 461 places will be introduced by 2028, including 320 in 2025, supported by investment in staffing, infrastructure, and clinical placements. It was also announced last year that the University of Galway will launch a new Graduate Entry Medicine (Rural and Remote) stream, which will provide 48 additional places annually once fully rolled out, targeting GP shortages in rural Ireland. The University of Limerick will introduce a Direct Entry Medicine programme, building on its expertise in Graduate Entry Medicine to further expand capacity. Separately, a co-funded agreement with Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast has delivered 389 ringfenced healthcare places over 2024 and 2025, including 50 undergraduate medicine places annually for Irish students, who commit to applying for HSE internships upon graduation.
In addition, new pharmacy programmes will be established at Atlantic Technological University, South East Technological University, and University of Galway. This will double the number of pharmacy training programmes nationally, delivering over 150 additional pharmacy graduates per year at full roll-out.
Dental education is also being enhanced, with a new Bachelor of Dental Surgery at RCSI launching in 2025 to provide at least 20 new places per year through a community-based training model. Veterinary education will be expanded through new programmes at Atlantic Technological University and South East Technological University, expected to admit up to 40 students annually from 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
These coordinated expansions reflect the Department’s strategic commitment to addressing workforce shortages, while broadening access to high-quality professional education and creating more opportunities for students throughout the country.
The Government remains committed to ensuring that every learner has a viable pathway to fulfilling their potential in higher education. Through investment, innovation, and inclusive access strategies, my Department is supporting both national development and individual opportunity, as evidenced by the range of provision across the sector.
