Written Answers Nos. 279-294
279. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason funding to an organisation was cut (details supplied); if he will review the allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36257/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to assure the Deputy that first-year learners enrolled in the Traineeship in Visual Effects, Video and Animation Post-Production (VFA) at City of Dublin FET College Ballyfermot Road will progress to the second year of their programme in September 2025. City of Dublin ETB has advised my officials that a communication was issued in error to first year learners on the Traineeship in VFA. The centre has communicated directly with all affected learners to clarify the previous communication error and to reassure them of their continued enrolment in year two of the programme.
280. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason external authenticators for Further and Higher Education are subject to tax on travel and subsistence fees (details supplied), unlike those examiners carrying out similar work from the State Examinations Commission, who are not subject to this tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36273/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I want to acknowledge the vital role that External Authenticators (EAs) play in ensuring the integrity and fairness of assessments in the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. I am pleased to advise that my Department secured an increase in the daily rate for EAs as part of Budget 2025. With effect from 1 January 2025, the daily rate for EAs increased from €250 to €325.
Education and Training Board Ireland (ETBI) and officials from my Department engaged with Revenue last year in relation to this issue of taxation of travel and subsistence for EAs. Revenue set out the threshold required for an exemption from the requirements set out in Section 195C. On review of the role of EAs, it was agreed that the role did not meet the requirements set out in Section 195C.
While it is understandable to compare the work of EAs with that of examiners engaged by the State Examinations Commission (SEC), as both are responsible for ensuring fair and consistent assessments, their functions differ in scope, responsibilities, and the legal frameworks under which they operate.
The role of an EA is to independently verify the fairness, consistency, and validity of assessments in FET, ensuring they align with QQI standards and national requirements. EAs are responsible for reviewing assessment evidence, confirming that it meets the required standards, and conducting site visits to assess the assessment process. They provide feedback to the provider, compile reports on their findings and ensure that internal verification processes are adhered to.
In contrast, examiners for the SEC primarily focus on the direct assessment of students through the state examination process, which is typically a final assessment for certification, either the Junior Certificate or Leaving Certificate. Their role involves setting, administering, and marking exams to assess student knowledge and skills in specific subjects.
Ultimately, EAs in FET independently verify the fairness and consistency of assessments to ensure compliance with QQI standards, whereas SEC examiners primarily focus on setting, administering, and marking state exams for certification purposes, such as the Junior and Leaving Certificates.
Section 195C of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 contains a specific tax exemption for travel and subsistence payments paid by the SEC to examiners in relation to the State examinations. This section exempts from income tax certain expenses of travel and subsistence of a SEC examiner. Section 195C (1) sets out that the exemption applies for “examination purposes” which means the development of examination papers or material, the marking of these papers or materials and the undertaking invigilator duties at an examination. An ‘examination’ means any examination standing specified in Schedule 2 to the Education Act 1998 including the Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations.
Any specific exemption for EAs and/or extension of section 195C must be legislated for and matters of tax policy or any changes to the current scheme of tax relief would be a matter for the Department of Finance in the first instance.
281. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the means by which a SUSI grant applicant (details supplied), who is being accommodated through the rent-a-room scheme, can satisfy the requirement to confirm their independent residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36274/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn general, for student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if they have attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved further or higher education course, and is not ordinarily resident with their parents from the 1st of October of the year before their first point of entry to an approved course and where it is established to the satisfaction or the awarding authority that they are eligible on that basis. Otherwise, they would be assessed as a dependent student i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address.
A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved further or higher education course or at their point of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and continues to apply for the duration of their studies.
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
An official from my Department has advised that the awarding authority SUSI does not require Rent a Room applicants to be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). However, letters from private landlords confirming residency, Revenue letters, bank statements, and proof of income are not accepted by SUSI as proof of independent residence. Documentary evidence of your independent residence may be in the form of utility bills which must be in the applicant’s name.
If the student referred to by the deputy is unable to provide any of the accepted documentation and is refused a grant, he may lodge an appeal to the SUSI Appeals Officer if his application remains within the statutory timeframe allowed. The Appeals Officer may then request additional documentation from him, providing evidence of his address and the address that his parent(s) reside, as evidence of independent residence.
282. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total Government funding provided for third level research activities in each of the past five years; the Government’s target for increased funding level over coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36331/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Higher Education R&D (HERD) Survey examines expenditure on research and development activities within the higher education sector, comprising publicly funded higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ireland. The HERD Survey is completed on a biennial basis.
The most recent published detailed analysis relates to 2022-2023 and is available on the Department’s website at: assets.gov.ie/static/documents/higher-education-research-development-survey-2022-2023.pdf
Results from the 2024 survey are undergoing analysis and will be published in 2026.
In 2022, direct and indirect government spend on research and development in third level institutions amounted to €600m. A breakdown of research and development expenditure in the higher education sector in each of the past five years in the table below. Figures up to 2024 are included with odd year figures and those for 2024 estimated based on available data. The 2024 HERD survey is due to be finalised over the coming period with an expected publication date in 2026.
|
Expenditure |
2019 (est) |
2020 |
2021(est) |
2022 |
2023 (est) |
2024 (est) |
|
Total HERD |
715 |
742 |
773 |
854 |
917 |
984 |
|
Government sector Direct and indirect (€m) |
501 |
518 |
535 |
600 |
644 |
691 |
As part of Budget 2025, a National Training Fund funding package of nearly €1.5 billion over a six-year period was agreed for the tertiary sector. This additional investment will ensure that Ireland remains competitive on the global stage. I am currently progressing legislative changes to extend the scope of the NTF Act to facilitate this new investment.
My Department continues to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation around the National Development Plan, and with our colleagues in Europe on the successor programmes for Horizon Europe within the next Multiannual Financial Framework, to promote the essential role of research and innovation as an economic driver in our knowledge economy, and of research talent and excellence, in driving sustainable development and competitiveness for Ireland and for Europe.
283. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the Programme for Government commitment to create research fellowships to strengthen Ireland’s appeal to top-tier academic and research talent; the expected costs of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36332/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a comprehensive and ambitious set of commitments for research and innovation in the Programme for Government. This work will be progressed via a number of national policies and strategies, primarily under the national research and innovation strategy Impact 2030, including the commitment to create additional research fellowships to strengthen Ireland's appeal to top-tier academic and research talent.
The formation of Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland in August 2024 is designed to build a more effective and cohesive national research and innovation system. Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland is working with the Higher Education Authority (HEA), IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and others to ensure delivery of Ireland's knowledge economy objectives. Under Budget 2025, additional funding was announced for Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, with its total budget funding research in the Irish Third Level system now standing at €309.2 Million. This also includes funding to increase its PhD stipend level to €25,000.
Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland funds partnerships of all scales, from curiosity-driven research across all disciplines and career stages, including early-career researchers, to large-scale research and innovation mechanisms.
Research Ireland Centres link researchers in partnerships across academia and industry in areas of strategic focus, consistently delivering groundbreaking research. The Frontiers for the Future Programme enables independent investigators to conduct highly innovative, collaborative research. The Co-Centre Programme provides opportunities for researchers to build strategic collaborative partnerships across Ireland, Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The National Challenge Fund incentivises researchers to develop solutions to key challenges, particularly in the areas of Green Transition and Digital Transformation.
The ARC Hub Programme seeks to establish a new model for regional innovation and entrepreneurial training. The Pathway programme supports talented postdoctoral researchers from all research disciplines to develop their track record and transition to become independent research leaders.
Research Ireland Centres and Research Ireland Centres for Research Training have played an important role in supporting and developing industry collaboration and co-funding. Working with others in the sector (IDA, Enterprise Ireland, HEIs) and through the research programmes it supports, the agency plays a key role in building and maintaining a pipeline of highly skilled and talented individuals who will support local enterprises, continue to attract multinational companies, and drive innovation across all sectors in Ireland.
In 2024 I announced funding of €26 million of funding for 40 research projects funded under the Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Frontiers for the Future Programme. These projects address key areas such as environmental sustainability, new EV battery technologies, breast cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and currently untreatable childhood neurological disorders.
In October 2024 I announced €27.5 million in funding for 290 projects under the Government of Ireland postgraduate scholarship and postdoctoral fellowship programmes. The Government of Ireland schemes support exceptional early-career researchers to pursue cutting-edge research with world-class potential in any discipline across the sciences, engineering, arts and humanities. The highly-competitive programme enables the development of high-level skills and knowledge for current and future challenges across a variety of settings, including industry, the public sector, civil society and academia. All awardees are based in Ireland’s higher education and research-performing organisations. The scheme is a unique facet of the Research Ireland portfolio, facilitating early-career researchers to lead on the development and implementation of their research idea. The investment this year will fund 210 postgraduate scholars and 80 postdoctoral fellows.
In June 2025 I announced €23 million Research Ireland funding to support 36 projects for early-career researchers. This investment, through Research Ireland’s Pathway programme, will support emerging researchers in their journey from postdoctoral work towards establishing themselves as independent investigators. The projects receiving funding span a broad range of disciplines, ensuring a broad impact on scientific discovery and societal progress. By aligning with Ireland’s national research priorities, these projects will help drive advancements in key sectors such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, history and education
The Research Ireland Fellowship Programme will see early career researchers be based full-time in Research Ireland for up to two years. Research Ireland will select and develop candidates who are open to taking on new projects outside their current experience and have ongoing flexibility and interest in career progression and development. Research Ireland Fellows will rotate within or across Teams in Research Ireland to gain wide experience, spending one year in each of two different Teams. Research Ireland Fellowship placements will commence during October 2025.
As Research Ireland works towards developing new enterprise facing fellowship programmes to support collaboration with enterprise, this year the original Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme will run one last time under a Placement Stream and the Enterprise Fellowship Scheme (Postdoctoral) will run one final time under a Partnership Stream of the 2025 Research Ireland Enterprise Programme. The placement stream will support academic researchers (at faculty, postdoctoral and late-stage PhD level) wishing to spend time based in industry worldwide. Fellowships can be between 1 and 24 months in duration and can be taken on a full or part-time basis. The partnership stream supports suitably qualified postdoctoral fellows or late-stage PhD students pursuing, or intending to pursue, full-time research for a period of 12 or 24 months based in an eligible research body while partnering with enterprise.
On 13th May, the Government approved the establishment of a Global Talent Initiative, a programme to attract international research talent to Ireland. Research Ireland is now finalising the details of the call for applications, and I expect that I will be in a position to launch the programme shortly. Initial planning is focused on attracting approximately 45 researchers in the coming 3-year period, consisting of both early career high potential researchers as well as established researchers. The initiative will have a preliminary budget of €8 million per annum. The investment required to attract such individuals will not only facilitate the projects they are investigating, it will also attract further high-calibre talent and add to the knowledge and skills base within the Irish University landscape, adding a significant multiplier effect. Seasoned researchers bring immediate credibility as well as a reputation which can have a relatively immediate impact on the group they join and the broader ecosystem, while rising stars inject fresh perspectives and demonstrate long term growth potential.
284. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of participants in apprenticeships in each of the past five years; the Government funding provided towards apprenticeships in each year; the Government’s targets and plans to increase the number participating in apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36333/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, published in April 2021, aims to deliver an apprenticeship system that is flexible and responsive, providing a strong value proposition for employers and potential apprentices, embedding apprenticeship as a preferred route to skills development.
Government has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to apprenticeships. Since the formation of DFHERIS, investment in apprenticeship training has increased substantially.
The table below sets out the annual funding for apprenticeship from 2020-2025.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Revised Estimates Allocation |
€184m |
€163m |
€206m |
€257m |
€298m |
€339m |
|
Supplementary Estimates Allocation |
0 |
-€ 35m |
€ 9m |
€ 15m |
€ 39m |
n/a |
There has been a 76% increase in annual apprentice registrations, rising from 5,326 in 2020 to 9,352 in 2024, making good progress towards the Government target of 10,000 in 2025.
The table below sets out the total apprenticeship population at the end of each year from 2020-2024. 2025 end year population figures are not yet available.
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Total apprenticeship population |
19,630 |
24,212 |
26,325 |
27,470 |
29,772 |
The Programme for Government commits to a target of 12,500 annual apprentice registrations by 2030, and to "develop and launch a new 5-year Apprenticeship Action Plan for 2026-2030 to set a strategic vision for the sector and expand the skills categories". This is planned for publication in 2026.
Since 2020, there has been a 33% growth in the number of apprenticeship programmes available from 58 to 77 – resulting in qualifications ranging from levels NFQ levels 5 to 10. Four new apprenticeships were launched in 2024 - Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Level 8), Digital Marketing programme (Level 6), Social Work programme (Level 9) and Software Solutions programme (Level 9).
Expanding and modernising the apprenticeship system is a priority for my department, as we work to equip Ireland’s workforce for the future.
285. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of participants in Springboard+ programmes in each of the past five years; the Government funding provided to the programme in each year; the Government’s targets and plans to increase the numbers in Springboard+ programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36334/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpringboard+, 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, construction, cybersecurity, and green skills. The programme is free or heavily subsidised and offered in flexible formats including part-time, blended, and online, making higher education more accessible to all.
In May 2025, Springboard+ 2025 was launched which is providing almost 8,000 places on 249 courses, including Micro-credentials. Springboard+ is open to the unemployed, employed and those returning to the workforce, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. The programme has demonstrated strong outcomes in learner progression and graduate employability, with the majority of participants securing employment or progressing to further study upon completion. Tables showing enrolment numbers from 2020 to 2024 and application data for 2025 are set out below.
Government funding was increased between 2020 and 2022 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2023, the allocation returned to pre-COVID levels. The annual budget allocation for Springboard+ for the years 2019 to 2025 is also included in the tables.
Efforts are underway to ensure that enrolments are maximised within the available allocation. Application numbers for Springboard+ 2025 are very strong. As of 27 June, 12,796 applications have been received for 7,719 places. This marks an increase of approximately 50 percent in applications compared to the same date in 2024. Fill rates in the Higher Education Indicators show that Springboard+ courses filled over 100 percent in 2023 and 2024.
A comprehensive national marketing and communications strategy to promote Springboard+ 2025 has commenced, including radio, outdoor, social media and Irish language advertising. Higher education providers are also running their own campaigns to promote individual programmes.
As demand grows for a skilled and adaptable workforce, Springboard+ will continue to be an important driver of increased participation in higher education.
|
- |
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Springboard+ Annual Budget |
€ 34.3m |
€ 48.4m |
€ 41.4m |
€ 41.4m |
€ 34.4m |
€ 34.4m |
|
|
Springboard+ Enrolments |
HEA |
9,855 |
14,385 |
11,033 |
10,545 |
9,341 |
8,373 |
|
of which females as % |
HEA |
43.2% |
45.5% |
44.1% |
46.0% |
4,325 (46.3%) |
3,804 (45.4%) |
|
of which males as % |
HEA |
56.7% |
54.4% |
55.6% |
53.6% |
5,006 (53.5%) |
4,540 (54.2%) |
|
Springboard places available |
HEA |
NA |
11,074 |
11,257 |
11,765 |
9,245 |
8,225 |
|
Percentage of Springboard places taken up |
HEA |
NA |
129.9% |
98.0% |
89.6% |
101.0% |
101.8% |
|
- |
|
2025 |
|
Springboard+ Annual Budget |
€ 34.4m |
|
|
Springboard+ Unique Applicants |
HEA |
7,996 |
|
of which females as % |
HEA |
3,825 (47.8%) |
|
of which males as % |
HEA |
4,141 (51.8%) |
|
Springboard places available |
HEA |
7,719 |
|
Percentage of Springboard places taken up |
HEA |
NA |
Note: Applications for Springboard+ 2025 opened on 30 June 2025. Total of 12,796 applications submitted to date (max ten applications per applicant).
286. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the process of designation of institutes for higher education institutes will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36353/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HEA Act 2022 provides for the designation of additional institutions by ministerial order, however the provisions enabling this process have not yet been commenced. Work is underway to develop the designation by order process, including initial consideration of the conditions under which designation might occur.
This is a complex process and will involve liaison with the HEA, QQI and other sectoral stakeholders, including higher education representative bodies, to ensure the new designation process fits seamlessly within the higher education system.
Adequate time must be afforded to ensure the designation-by-order process is fit for purpose and aligns with its policy intent. The Department is committed to making substantial progress on this work in 2025, with a view to initiating the designation-by-order process as soon as practicable.
287. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a school (details supplied) is recognised as a ‘designated institute’ will it have access to funding streams like other HEIs within the Higher Education Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36354/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present Marino Institute of Education (MIE) is not a 'designated institution of higher education' as prescribed by the Higher Education Authority Act 2022. MIE receives funding from a mix of sources including government grants, student fees, and internal funding schemes.
When the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 was commenced, sixteen higher education institutions were automatically designated as “designated institutions of higher education”.
The automatically designated institutions of higher education are:
The seven traditional universities:
• Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
• University College Dublin (UCD)
• University College Cork (UCC)
• University of Galway (UG)
• Maynooth University (MU)
• University of Limerick (UL)
• Dublin City University (DCU)
The five technological universities:
• Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
• Munster Technological University (MTU)
• Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS)
• South East Technological University (SETU)
• Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
The remaining two institutes of technology:
• Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT)
• Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT)
and two further institutions that were also established or recognised under legislation and were previously designated under the Higher Education Authority Act 1971:
• the National College of Art and Design (NCAD), and
• the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).
It is important to note that being listed as a designated institution of higher education does not mean that an institution will receive exchequer funding. There is a specific provision in section 37 (6) of the HEA Act 2022 which provides “nothing in this section shall be taken to mean that a designated institution of higher education, any other higher education provider or any other education provider, body or person shall be allocated funding by An tÚdarás in any financial year.”
The Higher Education Authority Act 2022 also provides for a designation by order process which allows other higher education institutions, including private and not-for-profit higher education institutions to apply for designation. However, these provisions have not yet been commenced. Work is underway on developing the designation by order process, including consideration of the conditions for designation for inclusion in regulations to be prescribed by the Minister under the Act. Once these are enacted, it will then be open to MIE to apply for designation by order under the legislation.
288. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a school (details supplied) will be allocated capital development funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36355/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that Marino Institute of Education (MIE) is a private higher education institution who receive funding from a variety of sources, including I understand some limited funding for approved teacher training activities from the Department of Education. MIE is not in receipt of core funding from my Department and competes with other eligible institutions for capital programme calls. At present MIE does not have any successful capital funding proposals.
On the non-capital funding, MIE is an approved institution for SUSI grants purposes, along with some other access measures including the Student Assistance Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities. It is open to the MIE to apply for funding through competitive call processes such as Springboard+ or other HEA funding calls to provide courses in response to national skill needs.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
289. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures and strategies his Department undertakes in addressing the reasons behind a decline of HEI student numbers in 2023 and 2024 from certain institutes, primarily MTU’s and TU’s e.g. TU Dublin Blanchardstown saw a decline of 225 students in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36370/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra290. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures and strategies his Department undertakes in addressing the reasons behind certain programme or study types in 2023 and 2024 seeing a decline in student numbers, most notably a decrease from 16,085 of students taking up ordinary degrees to a decrease of 15,750 in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36371/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 290 together.
The number of courses available for application via the CAO at level 7 (Ordinary Degree) is less than those available at level 8 (Honors Degree). The courses offered by higher education institutions (HEIs), and the level at which those courses are offered, are determined by the institution in line with their academic autonomy.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) collect student data on behalf of the Department and conduct analysis on participation and progression rates. Following a review of enrolment data from the HEA Student Records System (SRS), the HEA has established:
• The number of enrolments in NFQ Level 7 awards (ordinary degree) has declined annually from the 2017-2018 academic year to the 2023-2024 academic year. The rate of annual decline ranged from 2% to 9% year-on-year.
• In the 2023-2024 academic year, 15,745 students were enrolled in an ordinary degree, compared to 16,085 (a 2% decrease) the year before.
• There were annual increases in the number of students pursuing honours degrees (NFQ Level 8 awards), from 138,040 in the 2017/18 academic year to 156,880 in the 2023/24 year.
• There was also an increase in NFQ Level 6 enrolments, with 9,335 students in the 2017/18 year compared to 15,280 enrolled in the 2023/24 year
While the data does not allow the inference of a causal relationship, it may be that the decline in ordinary degree enrolment can be explained by increased enrolment in other programme types.
The establishment of technological universities has coincided with pandemic-related disruption to typical enrolment trends. The last four years have been marked by significant fluctuations in enrolments in the higher education sector in general, including the TU sector, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of these fluctuations in enrolment levels have been driven by changes in the students progression rate during and after the pandemic. The most recent data suggests that progression rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
While there may be fluctuations in some HEIs regarding student numbers, the overall student data suggests that there is an upward trend in those participating in third-level education. From 2017/18 to 2023/24, two Technological Universities (TU Dublin and SETU) experienced an overall decrease in enrolment numbers , one (MTU) saw no change, and two (TUS and ATU) saw increased enrolment. The total number of students across all TU's for this period increased by 4,565.
The most recent CAO application data shows an increase of 8.5% in overall applications, and an increase of 7.7% in applications for courses at level 6 and 7.
Tertiary Degrees are now also available to students, with 38 such programmes available to students in September 2025. This, coupled with Apprenticeship options leading to NFQ Awards from Level 5-Level 10, may also have had an impact on the enrolment numbers indicated above, as students have more options available to them.
291. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in what quarter of 2025 is the Sligo NZETB training centre, MSLETB set to be complete. [36408/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that refurbishment works at the Sligo NZEB Training Centre for Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB are expected to be completed by the end of Q3 / 2025.
292. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures in place to support the Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education Institutions; to list the institutions which received funding under Path 4 Phase 1 of the National Access Plan; and the amount of funding they received. [36409/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fourth National Access Plan, was published in August 2022.
One of the two overarching ambitions of this Plan is ‘that our higher education institutions are inclusive, universally designed environments which support student success and outcomes, equity and diversity’.
PATH 4 Phase 1 Universal Design and Inclusive Environment Funds:
In 2022, €3 million was allocated to higher education institutions (HEIs) by the HEA under the PATH 4 Phase 1 Universal Design Fund. The purpose of this funding was to support the embedding of Universal Design approaches and inclusive practices in HEIs to the benefit of all students, in particular neurodiverse students, and to enable building of capacity for greater participation by students with intellectual disabilities in higher education. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a core element of a Universal Design approach. This funding has been a key enabler in achieving progress towards the adoption of inclusive practices and more inclusive physical and digital environments in HEIs.
With the support of the PATH 4 Phase 1 Universal Design Fund, 25 education stakeholders collaborated extensively to develop a Universal Design framework for the tertiary sector, the ALTITUDE Charter, which was formally launched in March 2024. The project involved six national agencies, fifteen HEIs and six Education and Training Board (ETB) representatives, and culminated in the development of the ALTITUDE Charter and an accompanying technical report and toolkit. The Charter functions as a roadmap for institutions to guide the adoption of an effective, holistic and coherent approach to embedding a universal design approach across the sector. It recommends key strategic enablers that institutions should put in place over time, in addition to proposing actions towards goals under 4 key pillars: Learning, Teaching & Assessment; Supports, Services & Social Engagement; the Physical Environment; and the Digital Environment.
I recently announced that a further €2.8 million has been committed to promote inclusion and support increased participation and success for students in higher education. The Inclusive Environment Fund will enable institutions to continue to advance and build on progress towards embedding universal design and inclusion up to the end of 2026.
The breakdown of funding provided under PATH 4 Phase 1 is provided in the table below.
|
PATH 4 Phase 1 Funding Allocations |
|
|
|
|
Higher Education Institution |
Universal Design Fund Allocation (2022-2024) |
Inclusive Environments Fund Allocation (2024-2026) |
Total PATH 4 Phase 1 Funding |
|
Dublin City University |
179,000 |
179,263 |
358,263 |
|
University of Galway |
213,000 |
202,095 |
415,095 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
213,000 |
208,662 |
421,662 |
|
University College Cork |
241,000 |
233,352 |
474,352 |
|
University College Dublin |
306,000 |
307,589 |
613,589 |
|
University of Limerick |
169,000 |
163,328 |
332,328 |
|
Maynooth University |
170,000 |
163,567 |
333,567 |
|
TU Dublin |
306,000 |
281,630 |
587,630 |
|
Munster Technological University |
180,000 |
167,088 |
347,088 |
|
TU Shannon |
160,000 |
162,761 |
322,761 |
|
Atlantic Technological University |
206,000 |
256,270 |
462,270 |
|
St Angela's College* |
52,000 |
52,000 |
|
|
South East Technological University |
202,000 |
181,984 |
383,984 |
|
Mary Immaculate College |
82,000 |
73,734 |
155,734 |
|
National College of Art & Design |
58,000 |
47,315 |
105,315 |
|
Institute of Art, Design and Technology |
65,000 |
57,216 |
122,216 |
|
Dundalk Institute of Technology |
85,000 |
74,229 |
159,229 |
|
Marino Institute of Education |
52,000 |
37,483 |
89,483 |
|
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
61,000 |
48,187 |
109,187 |
|
TOTAL |
3,000,000 |
2,845,750 |
5,845,750 |
*Please note that St Angela's was amalgamated into ATU in 2023 and received a joint allocation for the Inclusive Environments Fund Allocation (2024-2026).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
293. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to list the 11 institutions where students with disabilities can enrol in path 4 phase 2 courses under the national access plan. [36410/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs requested by the Deputy the list of eleven institutions where students with disabilities can enrol in Path 4 Phase 2 courses under the National Access Plan are as follows:
Technological University Dublin (TUD).
Trinity College Dublin (TCD).
Mary Immaculate College (MIC).
University of Galway (UoG).
Atlantic Technological University (ATU).
Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT).
Munster Technological University (MTU).
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
South East Technological University (SETU).
University College Cork (UCC).
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
294. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the number of currently vacant positions on boards of management of aegis bodies under his Department. [36411/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, there are four boards of management of Aegis Bodies under the remit of my Department which have vacancies. Further information can be found below:
Léargas
There are two vacancies on the board of Léargas which are currently being progressed via the Public Jobs process.
Higher Education Authority
There are currently two vacancies on the HEA Governing Board. One vacancy is for the Chairperson and the other is for an ordinary member of the HEA Board. Work is ongoing to fill these vacancies and an interim Chair has been appointed.
Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland
Taighde Éireann- Research Ireland was established on the 1st of January 2024. An interim CEO was appointed to support the transition and establishment of the new agency. A Board was appointed in 2024, and the Board is currently quorate. The two remaining vacancies on the Taighde Éireann- Research Ireland Board will be filled in the coming months.
Skillnet
The Board of Directors of Skillnet Ireland has a vacancy for a representative of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC).
