Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
745. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to report on the availability of courses in Springboard in expanding areas, such as AI and renewable energy technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53518/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpringboard+ 2025 was launched in May and is providing almost 8,000 places on 249 courses, including part-time Micro-credentials and full-time ICT Skills Conversion courses. Information and Communication Technologies continues to be a critical skills area for the programme with over 1,450 places on 50 courses funded for the 2025/26 academic year. Of these 395 places are on courses in Artificial Intelligence which are offered across 12 higher education providers, please see the link below for further information. 93% of these courses are offered in a blended or online format, making them accessible to learners across the country. There has been very strong demand for places across Springboard+ 2025, with applications for ICT courses particularly high. It is anticipated that these courses will continue to provide the skilled graduates in the ICT areas required for a rapidly evolving labour market in the Republic of Ireland.
In addition, courses in renewable offshore wind energy were particularly welcomed under the Springboard+ 2025 call, and nine courses, offering 219 places, were funded in the renewable energy area, which will contribute to skills in this growing industry.
My Department remains committed to ensuring that Springboard+ continues to align with national skills needs and to supporting learners in assessing opportunities in key sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and renewable energy technologies.
