Written Answers Nos. 734-756
734. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the work on increasing the number of craft apprenticeships, given how crucial these are in meeting our national and housing retrofit targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53507/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank Deputy Currie for raising this important question.
This Government is focused on equipping Ireland’s workforce with the skills needed to deliver new housing, drive retrofitting projects, and meet Ireland’s infrastructural priorities under the National Development Plan.
Workers are needed across different skills levels and the apprenticeship model is an invaluable part of the overall tertiary response to these requirements.
Since the Department’s establishment, investment in apprenticeship training has grown substantially. DFHERIS secured a significant investment of €77.4 million into the apprenticeship system in Budget 2025. This is the single largest investment in core apprenticeship funding since the formation of the Department in 2020, an increase of 84% since then.
Annual registrations in craft apprenticeships have risen by 63%, from 4,377 in 2020 to 7,113 in 2024. Over the same period, the total number of apprentices in construction and related fields has grown by 45%, from 17,183 to 24,974. This underpins the value of this training route at a time of near-full employment and high demand for construction skills.
Recognising the need to incentivise employers my Department’s investment into apprenticeships includes an employer grant of €2,000 per year for consortia-led apprenticeships, as well as a gender-based bursary of €2,666 that is available to employers who hire apprentices in programmes where there is greater than 80% representation of a single gender.
Next year will see the launch of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026-2030. A key commitment in the Programme for Government, it will have a headline target of 12,500 new apprentice registrations per year by 2030 and two-thirds of these will be in craft and construction-related programmes. Stakeholder consultations on the new Plan are to begin shortly.
To further support this momentum, a concerted effort is being made to attract more people into the craft trades through cross-partner campaigns.
The Building Heroes peer-to-peer social media campaign is changing perceptions of careers in construction among the 15–25-year-olds and features a number of trades, including a Plumber and Electrician. A Careers in Construction documentary has been produced and shared with second-level schools nationwide, while the National Apprenticeship Office’s Facts, Faces, Futures campaign is promoting apprenticeships to girls.
I remain committed to ensuring that the apprenticeship system is robust, responsive, and ready to meet the evolving skills needs of Ireland’s economy.
735. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to detail the take-up of the supports to help achieve a better gender balance in apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53508/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that Ireland’s apprenticeship population reflects the diversity of our society is a cornerstone of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025. A key objective within this plan is improving gender balance across all apprenticeship programmes.
In January 2022, as part of the implementation of the Action Plan, government introduced a targeted grant of €2,666 available to employers who employ apprentices from the minority gender on programmes which have over 80% representation of a single gender. This initiative was designed to encourage greater gender diversity in traditionally male or female dominated fields.
As of October 2025, ETBs, via the Apprenticeship Online portal, have reported that 240 employers have been paid the first instalment of this gender-based bursary since 2022. This is a €1,333 entitlement, which employers are due after an apprentice from the minority gender has been employed by them for longer than six months. During the same period, 89 employers have been paid the second instalment of €1,333 due after the apprentice has been employed by them for longer than 18 months.
Since the gender-based bursary’s introduction, we have seen an approximately 75% increase in female participation in apprenticeships, from 1,535 at the end of 2021 to 2,684 by the end of August this year. Women now represent approximately 9% of the overall apprentice population, up from approximately 6% in January 2022.
Of the 78 apprenticeship programmes currently available, 47 qualified for the gender bursary in 2024 and 2025. Notably, 46 of these relate to female participation, with the exception of hairdressing, where male apprentices qualify.
My department also launched the Careers in Construction Action Plan in August 2023 with initiatives to highlight opportunities in construction for women, including a Building Heroes social media peer to peer campaign to dispel the myths surrounding careers in construction which reached more than 3.5 million people in 2024.
The National Apprenticeship Office has also played a vital role in promoting female participation. In 2023, they launched the Facts, Faces, Futures campaign, directly engaging with all-girls schools across Ireland to promote apprenticeships.
Together, these efforts reflect government's commitment to build a more inclusive and representative apprenticeship system, one that offers equal opportunity to all.
736. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to reach the target of 750 apprenticeships in the Public and Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53509/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the Deputy’s question regarding the implementation of the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan, which was previously addressed in July.
The Plan, jointly published by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation remains a central commitment under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025. It sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the public service, with a target of 750 annual registrations by 2025.
Public service sectoral representatives have submitted workplans aimed at increasing apprentice registrations. While there is strong engagement and support for apprenticeships, challenges remain, particularly in terms of awareness and outdated perceptions that apprenticeships are less valuable than university degrees.
In June, I updated Government on the Plan’s implementation alongside my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. We are beginning to see momentum build: annual registrations increased from 67 in 2022 to 165 in 2024. This year at the end of September 2025 there are 225 registrations. Sectors are forecasting 554 registrations in 2025, an almost 240% increase from 2024. While this remains below the target, it reflects the growing impact of the Plan and the public service’s commitment to embedding apprenticeships.
New programmes have been launched, including a Level 8 Social Work apprenticeship and a Level 6 Digital Marketing apprenticeship, which offer new and exciting pathways into public service careers.
To support this work, my department and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation have introduced a range of employer engagement initiatives and published a Practical Guide to Employing Apprentices in the Public Service.
A strong foundation is now in place. Achieving the Government’s ambition will require continued leadership, collaboration and commitment across all public service bodies. With over 400,000 employees, the public service has a unique opportunity to mainstream apprenticeships as part of workforce strategy and to promote diversity and inclusion through apprentice recruitment.
737. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which his department is supporting the use and adoption of modern methods of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53510/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like thank Deputy Currie for her question and her interest in how our department is supporting the use and adoption of modern methods of construction (MMC).
Advancing MMC is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and my Department works with sectoral partners such as SOLAS, Education and Training Boards, the National Construction Training Campus, and Skillnet Ireland to increase MMC skills supply across the tertiary system.
Upskilling and reskilling workers is a priority for the construction industry and the sector is being supported by my Department to ensure the workforce has the appropriate skills to increase MMC adoption. €2.7 million was allocated through Budget 2025 for MMC training and promotion, while a further €760,000 was provided through the 2025 Housing for All Implementation Fund. This combined funding of over €3.4 million for MMC-related initiatives in 2025 reflects the Government’s commitment to a modern, skilled, and future-ready construction workforce.
We are actively progressing a suite of skills initiatives:
• The National Demonstration Park for MMC is under construction at the National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas. The Park will provide an accessible ‘flagship’ location for MMC demonstration in Ireland and specialist training towards emerging MMC skillsets. The breaking of the ground ceremony at the National Demonstration Park for MMC took place in June 2025. Groundworks are nearly complete, and the Park is to become operational in 2026.
• The Skillnet MMC Accelerate national digital platform was launched in May 2025. The platform highlights MMC projects, provides career pathways and new education and upskilling provision.
• Laois-Offaly ETB (LOETB) launched the MMC Skills Pathway Portfolio in February 2025. This is a suite of accredited MMC micro-credentials covering zero emissions buildings, sustainability, digital technologies, and local authority-focused training
• In response to the MMC skills requirements outlined by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) my Department published the MMC Action Plan in June this year. The Plan outlines 58 actions across eight themes to address skills shortages and support the successful transition to MMC across the construction supply chain.
The adoption of MMC is also an inter-departmental endeavour and my Department is represented on the MMC Leadership & Integration Group chaired by DETE, as well as the Timber in Construction Steering Group chaired by DECC.
Additional MMC training options in development through the National Construction Training Campus and LOETB include an MMC Training and Innovation Space, an MMC Traineeship, and the piloting of an MMC programme for public sector local authorities.
As part of its stakeholder collaboration process, the Department also held a workshop in March 2025 to hear directly from small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) about what supports would encourage them to adopt MMC. This workshop is informing what my Department can do in formulating a policy response to further assist SMEs.
My Department is also working to increase the number of people employed in the construction sector by highlighting diverse career opportunities, including new and emerging careers through MMC. A range of promotional activities include:
• the Building Heroes peer-to-peer social media campaign. One of the Building Heroes is an MMC Quality Assurance technician;
• A Careers in Construction documentary which has been distributed to second-level schools. One of the three participants works in the MMC space;
• a documentary on MMC is close to completion and will highlight the role MMC can play in tackling challenges around housing.
With the Government’s policy commitments and the various initiatives provided by my Department and its partners, there are clear pathways to the adoption of MMC.
I would once again like to thank the Deputy for her question and for her interest, in my Department’s work to support and advance MMC skills across Ireland.
738. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the national demonstration park for modern methods of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53511/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith thanks to Deputy Currie for her interest in the development of the National Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
Located at the National Construction Training Campus in Mount Lucas, the National Demonstration Park for MMC will serve as a national hub to showcase MMC housing and systems. The Park will be central to advancing the take-up of MMC in Ireland as a physical showcase for MMC technologies and processes.
The project is being led by the Laois–Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), who manage the National Construction Training Campus, and who will also deliver relevant MMC course provision to support skills development.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction of the Demonstration Park is progressing well, with the enabling groundworks for Phase 1 expected to be completed by the end of October. These initial construction activities have been carried out onsite to prepare for the MMC units and are essential to ensure that the site is safe, stable, and ready for further development.
I was delighted to see this work in person during the breaking of the ground ceremony at the Park on 9th June. This marked an important milestone for the project, and the presence of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne, also highlighted the cross-Departmental importance of the Park.
The first of the demonstration units are projected to be onsite in Q1 2026, with activity scaling throughout 2026.
The development of the Park is aligned with the Department’s broader MMC strategy. This includes the rollout of the Skillnet MMC Accelerate online platform in February 2025, and the launch of an MMC Action Plan in June 2025 to address the skills needs identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN).
I would once again like to thank the Deputy for her interest in my Department’s work to support and advance MMC across Ireland.
739. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the type and number of units planned at the national demonstration park for modern methods of construction; the number envisaged for completion this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53512/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for her interest in the National Demonstration Park for MMC in Mount Lucas, Co Offaly, which is a central plank in our strategy for advancing the take-up of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
The construction of the Demonstration Park is progressing well, with the enabling groundworks for Phase 1 expected to be completed by the end of October. These initial construction activities have been carried out onsite to prepare for the MMC units and are essential to ensure that the site is safe, stable, and ready for further development.
I was delighted to see this work in person during the breaking of the ground ceremony at the Park on 9th June. This marked an important milestone for the project, and the presence of the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Deputy Peter Burke, and the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne, also highlighted the importance of the Park.
Phase 1 will see the construction of a variety of certified MMC units, which will include:
• 3 x 1-Bed apartments over a retail unit using Insulated Precast Concrete Panels.
• 1 x 2-Bed 2-Storey terraced Modular Infill Building using Light Gauge Steel.
• 1 x 3-Bed 3-Storey terraced unit using 2D Panelised Light Gauge Steel.
• 1 x 2-Bed 2-Storey terraced unit using Light Gauge Steel, Timber Frame or Insulated Concrete Formwork.
• 1 x 1-bed 3D Volumetric module and/or 1 x 2-Storey 2D Light Gauge Steel Modular Infill Building.
• 2 x Affordable/Social 3-Bed semi-detached dwellings using Timber-Frame 3D Volumetric.
It is important to note that discussions are continuing with contractors regarding the final design and completion of the units and the above specifications may be subject to change.
The first demonstration units are expected to be onsite in the first quarter of 2026 with activity scaling throughout 2026.
I would once again like to thank the Deputy for her question and for her interest in my Department’s work to support and advance MMC across Ireland.
740. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how successful demonstrator projects from the modern methods of construction demonstration park will be scaled up and adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53513/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith thanks to Deputy Currie for her interest in the new National Demonstration Park for MMC which is being constructed in Mount Lucas, Co. Offaly.
It is important to reflect on the objectives of the National Demonstration Park for MMC, these include:
• To provide an accessible ‘flagship’ location for MMC demonstration in Ireland, and in so doing to facilitate the showcasing of innovative MMC products and systems particularly for the housing sector.
• To raise awareness, and to disseminate the knowledge and understanding of MMC innovation throughout Ireland by way of such a showcased facility.
• To build a national network around MMC of manufacturers, contractors, clients, designers and policymakers, and to support and contribute to related activities through this network.
• To identify and provide applicable specialist training towards emerging MMC skillset requirements.
• To facilitate experimentation and proof of concept activities, as well as established MMC operational processes.
With consideration to the above objectives, the purpose of the Park is not to give favour to any one particular MMC method or technology but rather to bring such methods and their accompanying technologies to life, showcasing innovations in residential construction in a more meaningful and tangible way.
Organisations of all sizes – from local authorities to SMEs - will benefit from visiting this experiential facility and understand how they can integrate more modern methods into their products and services.
Visitors to the park will also be able to access training information to address any upskilling or reskilling needs they may have.
Overall, the aim is to support the greater adoption of MMC throughout the sector via the promotion and utilisation of this experiential facility.
I would once again like to thank the Deputy for her question and for her interest in my Department’s work to support and advance MMC across Ireland.
741. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who benefited from the reduction in the student contribution charge in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53514/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Free Fees Initiative (FFI), the State provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate higher education students with students paying the student contribution element.
The State pays the student contribution (in full or part) on behalf of students who qualify under the student grant scheme administered by SUSI.
The cost-of-Living measures in recent years included temporary reductions that reduced the €3,000 student contribution down to €2,000 in the academic years 2022/23, 2023/24, and 2024/25.
Those students that were due to pay the full €3,000 student contribution received the full benefit of these temporary measures with other students receiving proportionate benefits, depending on their circumstances.
The number of students who directly benefitted from the temporary reductions in the student contribution were as follows:
• Circa 94,600 in academic year 2022/23;
• Circa 100,000 in academic year 2023/24; and
• Circa 104,000 in academic year 2024/25
742. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of additional students who qualified for SUSI assistance following the increase in income level thresholds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53515/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2025 saw a significant increase in income thresholds effective from 1st September 2025:
• The special rate of Maintenance Threshold increased from €26,200 to €27,400 in line with Social Welfare Increases.
• All standard rate Maintenance Thresholds, the Part-Time Fee Scheme threshold and the Student Contribution Thresholds increased by 15%;
• The Postgraduate Student Contribution threshold increased to a similar level as 100% Student Contribution (16.4%).
These changes mean that some students already receiving Maintenance Grants or Student Contribution Grants may now be eligible to receive a better rate and students who previously did not qualify for a grant may now be eligible under the revised thresholds.
As of 5th October 2025, over 104,000 applications (full and part time) have been received, which is an increase of 8,000 from the same time last year. 76,717 students have been awarded grants which is an increase of c3,700 year-on-year. These figures are subject to change as processing is ongoing. SUSI is on track to receive at least 110,000 applications for 2025/26 academic year.
Other Budget 2025 measures may have also contributed to this increase in numbers - measures such as
• an increase to the income deduction for student earnings outside of term time from €7,925 to €8,424 effective for the 2025/26 academic year.
• an expansion of the eligibility criteria to allow students who have certain immigration permissions to apply for grants.
743. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if grant assistance is available to part-time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53516/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main form of financial assistance available to higher education students is the Student Grant Scheme which is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
My Department does however recognise the need to offer support for more flexible forms of learning and last year, for the first time, a new Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses was introduced to provide fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This includes specified in person and blended/hybrid courses. Its aim is to provide additional flexibility in respect of course provision to students who are socio-economically disadvantaged. Details of eligible courses are available on SUSI's website. Students interested in these courses should contact the college involved for more details.
Fully Online and Distance Learning Courses do not qualify for grant assistance under the Student Grant Scheme or the Student Part-Time Fee Scheme.
However, Springboard+ co funded by the Government and the European Union, 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.
My Department is committed to supporting flexible forms of learning, and will keep the policies surrounding support for part-time students under review.
I am conscious that not all students are eligible for free fees or other supports such as SUSI grants. Students experiencing exceptional financial need may be eligible to apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) which assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Students in need of support should contact the Access Office in the Higher Education Institution they attend to see what supports may be available.
744. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the focus of Springboard in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53517/25]
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. It continues to play a role in increasing the rate of engagement in lifelong learning, reskilling those whose occupation may be at risk from technological advancement and the development of the workforce.
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.
A consultation process with stakeholders took place in advance of the Springboard+ 2025 call. As the programme had been in a multiannual funding cycle there had not been a call since 2022 so it was timely to review the types of programmes being funded to ensure that Springboard+ remains responsive to the needs of industry and people across the economy who wish to upskill or reskill. This consultation revealed that courses across a broader mix of skills areas would be required to meet the needs of industry both regionally and nationally.
New skills areas were prioritised where current and future skills needs have been identified.
Courses in renewable offshore wind energy have been funded under this call as this was identified as a critical skill area. Other courses available are in areas such as Infrastructure Planning; Sustainable Building; Digital Skills, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence.
Micro-credential courses were included for the first time in the 2025 call, with 26 courses funded. This gives people an opportunity to gain new skills in a shorter timeframe, usually around 12 weeks. The ‘stackability’ component of these courses makes them attractive to learners who may wish to build towards further qualifications.
As demand grows for a skilled and adaptable workforce, Springboard+ will continue to be an important driver of increased participation in higher education.
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.
746. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is satisfied that current communication methods are adequate to ensure employees are aware of the courses available to upskill or for continuous professional development given the increasing volatility of the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53519/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to address the increasing challenge of unpredictable shifts in the workplace, I want to ensure that opportunities and pathways are visible and flexible and align with the needs of enterprise.
My Department works with our stakeholders through key partnership platforms, the National Skills Council, and Regional Skills Fora, to embed lifelong learning and shape a system that enables career transitions, supports enterprise, and builds the human capital Ireland needs to thrive.
Providers including the Higher Education Institutions, Education and Training Boards, and Skillnet Ireland work closely with enterprise to ensure that this is the case. Offerings such as Springboard+, Microcredentials and Microqualifications, and Skills to Advance all have this aim.
My department will continue to work in partnership with all stakeholders in the skills ecosystem to shape a more agile, inclusive and resilient approach to skills development.
747. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the legislation to amend the National Training Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53520/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am delighted to inform the Deputy that I am bringing a Memorandum to Government the week commencing 6th of October seeking approval to publish the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025.
Subject to Government approval, the Bill is scheduled for publication on 11th of October. In line with standard legislative procedure, a mandatory two-week review period will follow publication to allow colleagues in the Opposition sufficient time to examine the legislation. Accordingly, the earliest feasible date for the Bill’s introduction in the Dáil is during the first week of November.
748. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is a detailed plan on how the National Training Fund will be expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53521/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor more than twenty years, the National Training Fund (NTF) has played a key role in Ireland’s workforce transformation, upskilling employees, preparing jobseekers, and supporting lifelong learning.
Budget 2025 delivered a significant investment through the NTF Funding Package, allocating an additional €1.485 billion to the tertiary education sector over six years from 2025 to 2030:
• €650m funding package for Higher Education, increasing funding by a further €150m per annum by 2030;
• €600m capital uplift to enable skills development, including facilities in the areas of healthcare and veterinary skills and further education skills; supporting universal access to skill provision; and the research sector (including an increase in the PhD stipend);
• €235m for the tertiary sector as one-off current funding including skills and apprenticeships.
This funding will provide key education and training facilities and opportunities for employees and for those seeking employment. The funding will also assist in meeting the existing and future skills needs for employers.
I am bringing a Memorandum to Government the week commencing 6th of October seeking approval to publish the National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025. This Bill makes minimal amendments to the NTF Act to provide for capital expenditure from the NTF. It will ensure that the new NTF expenditure announced in Budget 2025 can be provided from 2026 onwards.
I can assure the Deputy that expenditure under this package will continue to be in line with the purposes of the Act to raise the skills of those in employment; to provide training to those who wish to acquire skills for the purposes of taking up employment; or to provide information in relation to existing, or likely future requirements for skills in the economy.
749. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress of supporting higher education institutions in developing on campus student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53522/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the first time, the State is investing in student accommodation to help address the sector’s viability and housing shortage. Under my Department's Short-Term Activation Programme (STAP) €100 million in capital funding has been approved to support stalled university accommodation projects.
I officially opened Maynooth University’s 116-bed project on the 8th of September, with these beds available to students for the current academic year.
On the 5th of September, I announced the allocation of €67 million in state funding under the STAP to enable University College Dublin to enter contract for the delivery of 493 new student accommodation beds.
The Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme (TSSAP) is progressing in tandem with the STAP, the purpose of which is to assess Higher Education Institution proposals for student accommodation projects on, or near, each of their main campus locations.
Stage 1 of the TSSAP involved the submission of strategic assessment documents. Higher Education Institutions submitted proposals exploring a range delivery models including purpose-built student accommodation both on and off campus, leasing, joint ventures, and repurposing of vacant or derelict properties.
The second phase involves the development and assessment of the initial preliminary business cases (PBC) comprising of a PBC narrative, financial model, economic model and a multi-criteria analysis model.
The TSSAP will align with all criteria outlined within the Infrastructure Guidelines Process with regards evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects. Projects for progression under Stage 2 will align with this process, ensuring that locations are chosen based on strategic fit, feasibility, and alignment with national policy objectives.
In addition, my Department is developing the new student accommodation strategy which is due for completion in Q4 this year. The strategy will aim to enable viability measures to increase the supply of student accommodation and to provide measures to address affordability for students facing the greatest socioeconomic challenges.
750. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are statistics on the uptake of the rent-a-room scheme with particular reference to students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53523/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor the last two years, my Department has run a rent-a-room campaigns with the objective of increasing the number of digs beds available to students in advance of the academic year. The 2024 campaign resulted in an increase of approximately 1,800 digs beds advertised by our Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
I can confirm that 2025 rent-a-room campaign is now complete. It is expected that the results of the campaign will be available by the end of October.
As of 26th September there were approximately 5,300 digs beds advertised and available through our public Higher Education Institutions which is an increase of 1,500 digs beds comparing to the beginning of the campaign and at least 1,940 digs beds have been up taken by students during campaign to date.
The Rent a Room Relief Scheme which was introduced in 2014 allowed homeowners tax relief on income by renting out a room in their owner-occupied residence and the threshold was increased to €14,000 in 2017. In May 2022, the Department of Social Protection announced a new regulation allowing up to €14,000 per year in rental income to be disregarded for means tested. social welfare payments. This aligned the Social Welfare System with the existing Revenue Rent-a-Room Relief.
The Rent Tax Credit, introduced in Finance Act 2022, was increased from €750 to €1,000 for an individual claimant and from €1,500 to €2,000 for a jointly assessed couple for 2025.
These changes all have contributed to the increase of digs accommodation.
751. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is sufficient support in place to assist mature learners to attend further and higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53524/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to breaking down cost and other barriers, making Further Education and Training (FET) and Higher Education (HE) more accessible than ever before.
My Department provides direct financial supports to eligible learners.
In FET, courses are free or heavily subsidised. Learners in receipt of social welfare can transfer to a learner allowance when participating in certain courses. The rate depends on an individual’s social welfare payment. For example, a learner over 18 years old in receipt of Jobseekers' or Supplementary Welfare Allowances will transfer to an allowance of at least €244/week with additional payments for qualifying dependants. Those under 18 with no social welfare entitlement, may receive up to €45 per week. Learners with underlying social welfare entitlements may keep secondary benefits, such as medical cards. Supplementary allowances for food, travel or accommodation may also be available. Learners on Post Leaving Certificate courses will not receive training allowances but, if eligible, may qualify for SUSI maintenance grants of up to €7,586/year.
There are also non-financial supports in FET, aimed at supporting access for diverse learner groups. For example, there is a dedicated Adult Education Guidance and Information Service in each Education and Training Board (ETB). ETBs deliver courses in a variety of formats – hybrid, part-time, full-time, in the evenings, and at the weekends – so that learners can undertake courses and acquire certification at their own pace, around their work, family and other commitments and needs. Further, SOLAS’ eCollege offers flexible certified online learning.
In HE, the Student Grant Scheme provides financial support to eligible full-time students, based on prescribed criteria including nationality, residency, previous academic attainment, and means. In 2024, a new Part-Time Fee Scheme was introduced for eligible students on specified publicly funded undergraduate courses, offering greater flexibility. Students aged 23 or older on January 1 of their first course year, and not living with parents since the previous October, may be classified as independent. From September 2023, the required break for “second chance” students to reclassify as independent was reduced from five to three years, supporting mature student access under the National Access Plan.
In HE, the tuition fee payable by a student varies depending on factors including the type of course and the access route. In terms of tuition fee supports, first time students undertaking a full-time undergraduate course may be eligible to have their tuition fees, exclusive of the student contribution, paid on their behalf via the Free Fees Initiative. In addition, the State pays the student contribution (in full or part) on behalf of students who qualify under the student grant scheme as administered by SUSI.
753. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has considered freezing student contribution fees for students who are participating in an internship and do not avail of college facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53629/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHigher education institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs. This includes determining tuition fees for individual courses.
The higher education tuition fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety of factors including the type of course and the student's access route. The assessment of a student’s application and the determination of the appropriate fee rate is a function of the institution attended.
I have been advised that students are required to pay the student contribution fee while on placement because they remain registered students of their institution. While on placement, student services remain available, such as library access, online resources, administrative support, and student welfare services. The student contribution fee also contributes to the costs associated with administering examinations and assessing students, even if their practical assessment is a placement rather than a traditional exam.
The Deputy may be aware that I recently published the “Annual Options Paper on Reducing the Cost of Education” www.gov.ie/en/department-of-further-and-higher-education-research-innovation-and-science/publications/funding-the-future-an-annual-options-paper-on-the-cost-of-higher-education-2025/. This paper presents a range of evidence-based policy options to inform decision making for Budget 2026 in respect of reducing the cost of education. I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no proposals contained in this paper which are aimed at “freezing student contribution fees for students who are participating in an internship and do not avail of college facilities”.
754. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his views on the vital work that Cuntóir Teanga do within the education system under the Cúntóirí Teanga scheme; and if he has plans to ensure that these staff are paid during mid-term and all other school holidays as well as access to a pension. [52987/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has funded Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga in Gaeltacht Schools for many years. In recent years, the scheme has been extended to Gaelscoileanna in Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks outside of the Gaeltacht areas.
There are approximately 120 Cúntóirí Teanga (Language Assistants) currently working in schools within and outside the Gaeltacht areas in the context of the language planning process. The Department recognises the importance and value of the work carried out by the Cúntóirí Teanga in schools, and in recognition of this, has implemented a number of changes to the Scheme over the last number of years to improve the working conditions of the Assistants.
Work is currently underway to form a new agreement for the next 3 school years. The three organisations who administer the scheme on behalf of the Department will be consulted during this process to determine ways to strengthen and develop the scheme as part of the new agreement.
It should also be noted that there has been pay increases of 20% approved by me and my predecessors over the last 4 years to the Cúntóirí Teanga, with hourly rates rising from €21.20 in the 2021/2022 school year to €25.52 for the 2025/2026 school year.
755. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the estimated cost of providing payment to Cuntóir Teanga during the school holidays including mid-term, Easter, summer, Halloween and Christmas breaks. [52988/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has funded Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga in Gaeltacht Schools for many years. In recent years, the scheme has been extended to Gaelscoileanna in Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks outside of the Gaeltacht areas.
The scheme has been extended for the current school year and work is currently underway on drafting a new 3 year agreement with the organisations administering the scheme on my department's behalf. The organisations who administer the scheme on behalf of the Department will be consulted during this process to determine ways to strengthen and develop the scheme as part of the new agreement.
It is conservatively estimated that an additional cost of approximately €1.2m per annum would be required to provide payments to the Cuntóirí Teanga during the school holidays which includes mid-term, Easter, Summer, Halloween and Christmas breaks.
It should also be noted that there has been pay increases of 20% approved by me and my predecessors over the last 4 years to the Cúntóirí Teanga, with hourly rates rising from €21.20 in the 2021/2022 school year to €25.52 for the 2025/2026 school year.
756. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether funding schemes exist to support the development of gym facilities on rugby club grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53063/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department implements a number of schemes which support the development of gyms and other community sporting facilities that are not privately owned and are widely available for community use. This includes support through the CLÁR Programme, LEADER, the Local Enhancement Programme and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Measure 1 of the CLÁR programme provides funding for community recreation facilities and amenities, including gyms. The CLÁR 2025 is now closed and my officials are currently assessing the applications submitted under measure 1. I hope to announce the successful projects shortly. A new iteration of the scheme will open again next year.
The LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities under a range of themes, including rural infrastructure and social inclusion themes. For many years it has supported projects submitted by clubs and community groups relating to sporting facilities.
The Local Enhancement Programme provides funding to community groups in disadvantaged areas nationwide. Gyms and sporting facilities may be eligible to apply under the programme. The programme is administered by Local Community Development Committees across the country, with support from their local authority
Gyms and other community sporting infrastructure can also be funded through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) as part of larger projects aimed at the rejuvenation of our towns and villages. The 2025 TVRS closed to applications on 25 July 2025 and the assessment process is ongoing.
Details of all funding available can be found on my Departments website.
