Written Answers Nos. 711-731
711. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the uptake of apprenticeships across the country in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67820/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2026, I secured a record investment of €79 million in apprenticeship delivery, which is the largest since the formation of my department. This brings the total current budget for apprenticeship delivery to over €410 million, which is more than double what it was in 2020. This is a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to growing and developing the apprenticeship system.
This record investment has delivered clear results. Annual apprenticeship registrations have grown strongly in recent years from 6,177 in 2019 to 9,352 in 2024. This increase provides a strong foundation for achieving the Government's target of 12,500 new apprentice registrations annually by 2030, with two-thirds of these in craft and construction-related programmes.
In 2025 to end-October, there have been a total of 7,853 apprenticeship registrations. Of these, 5,842 were craft apprenticeship registrations and 2,011 were consortia-led apprenticeship registrations.
Building on this positive momentum, the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026-2030 will be launched next year, delivering on a key commitment in the Programme for Government. Stakeholder consultations on the new Plan are scheduled to commence shortly.
712. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the commitments his Department can give to increasing investment in research, supporting early-career researchers, and ensuring Ireland remains competitive in EU and global innovation programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67821/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is leading the implementation of the ambitious suite of actions laid out in Impact 2030 – Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy. To maximise our central role in Ireland’s knowledge-based economy, I have allocated €2.45bn towards research and innovation from the €4.55bn overall capital allocation my Department secured under the NDP review process, reflecting the importance that I attach to this area.
This has enabled my launch on 26 November of our flagship research infrastructure package INSPIRE. This €750m research investment package represents the largest single commitment to research infrastructure and talent in the history of the State, delivering cutting-edge equipment to universities across the country that will cement Ireland’s position as a global leader in research and innovation.
The funding that I am prioritising for research and innovation is also strengthening the suite of Research Ireland programmes. In 2026, the agency will establish new, cutting-edge Research Centres which will play a crucial role in keeping Ireland internationally competitive. These centres will drive research and innovation in areas of national strategic importance, provide PhD training aligned with future skills needs, support regional development and smart specialisation, compete for European Union funding, and collaborate with industry to ensure knowledge transfer from our Higher Education Institutes to the wider economy and society.
With regard to early-career researchers, in September 2025 the Government of Ireland postgraduate scholarship and postdoctoral fellowship programmes call was launched. This is supporting exceptional early-career researchers to pursue cutting-edge research with world-class potential in any discipline. In June 2025 I announced €23 million to support 36 projects for early-career researchers, through Research Ireland’s Pathway programme. This investment will support emerging researchers in their journey from postdoctoral work towards establishing themselves as independent investigators.
My department is also developing a High-Performance Computing Strategy on a cross-Government basis, encompassing Quantum, High Performance Computing, AI and data infrastructures to enhance Ireland’s competitiveness in deep tech and support innovative start-ups.
713. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the implications of a recent decision (details supplied); if the cost of construction is the barrier to the delivery of affordable student accommodation; the steps the Government is taking to support the construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65785/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Short-Term Activation Programme, 609 beds have been delivered or are progressing following value-for-money assessments. These include Maynooth University’s completed 116-bed project, UCD’s 493 bed project now approved for construction, a further 358 bed project at Trinity College Dublin is progressing through the development cycle. The proposed 405-bed project at DCU project will not proceed at this time due to cost and value for money considerations.
The Short-Term Activation Programme was never designed to resolve all of the wider challenges within the student accommodation sector. Because of the programme’s cost-per-bed model, and our focus on achieving strong value for money, some projects simply did not proceed.
The Short Term Activation Programme made real progress, however it did not fully address the broader affordability issues faced by the general student population. Nor did it expand support for housing options outside of purpose-built student accommodation.
The National Student Accommodation Strategy 2025–2035, is a more comprehensive and long-term approach to the issue. Through this Strategy, we will increase supply using a mix of public PBSA, private PBSA, and rent a room. We are also putting in place targeted financial supports that will be available to students regardless of the type of accommodation they live in to assist with affordability.
We are taking further steps to encourage greater private sector involvement, to strengthen the capacity of our higher education institutions to manage accommodation, and to improve affordability through coordinated government action and dedicated student supports.
And importantly, a structured monitoring framework will track progress and delivery across multiyear milestones. This is a long-term commitment, and we will continue to review and adapt our approach as the Strategy develops.
I will publish new National Student Accommodation Strategy in coming weeks.
714. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he will take to upskill workers as part of Ireland's renewable energy transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66531/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of green skills is key to delivering on cross-government climate policy and the broader green transition and our renewable energy transition. My Department is working with SOLAS to ensure workers are equipped with the skills required to support Ireland’s green transition, from developing transferable green skills for life to specific requirements for emerging green sectors such as Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) / Retrofit and renewable energy.
Green Skills 2030 – The First National Further Education & Training Strategy for the Green Transitionidentified the demand for skills related to the shift to renewable energy in sectors such as Construction and Built Environment, Engineering, Energy, and Manufacturing. The Green Skills 2030 Implementation Plan outlines specific objectives and actions to be progressed by FET in collaboration with key partners.
The FET sector is already delivering a range of courses aimed at addressing green skills needs. Upskilling courses in NZEB / retrofit for construction workers are offered through a network of six Centres of Excellence operated by ETBs. These centres offer free, fast, and flexible courses, which are available to all, to boost the skills and training needs of the sustainable construction sector and help reach our climate goals. There have been over 20,200 enrolments in NZEB/ Retrofit courses since the first centre opened in 2020.
I am also happy to inform the Deputy that my Department, SOLAS and other stakeholders in the FET sector are working to address emerging requirements associated with Ireland’s aim to deliver at least 5 GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030.
A cross-Departmental Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce is driving delivery and working to capture the economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables. It includes skills and workforce responses, with DFHERIS leading, in collaboration with Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, on a dedicated Skills and Workforce Workstream.
The main goal of the workstream is to identify the skills and workforce requirements for the development of offshore wind and establish a sustainable workforce and skills pipeline. A key output of this workstream was the publication by this Department of the Offshore Wind Skills Action Planin October 2024.
This Skills Action Plan addresses identified skills shortages in 33 roles required for the development of offshore wind and provides recommendations on how to address these gaps. The plan is designed to guide future activities in the Further and Higher Education sectors for offshore wind in Ireland.
A wide range of short, targeted, and industry-aligned upskilling and reskilling programmes for the renewable energy sector are offered by Green Tech Skillnet including a suite of micro-credentials through the newly established Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy. New micro-credentials will be launched in 2026 to expand the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy offering.
DFHERIS, alongside SOLAS and Skillnet, is developing a National Offshore Wind Skills Training Hub in order to ensure coordination of ongoing planning, development, and delivery of offshore wind skills training. The Hub will be delivered by Skillnet in the first, 2026, iteration and will be modelled on the existing successful Skillnet MMC Accelerate platform and the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy. The Hub is envisaged as a tertiary coordinating facility to lead on new programme delivery, existing programme expansion and to serve as a point of contact for industry seeking to engage with the skills system.
My Department is focussed on working with SOLAS and Education and Training Boards to deliver on tangible outputs and outcomes to achieve the Strategy’s objectives.
In addition to these key sectors, a national suite of green skills programmes has been developed by SOLAS in collaboration with enterprise partners in areas such as sustainability awareness and resource efficiency. Green skills modules developing transversal and specific green skills are available to all FET learners with new green skills micro-qualifications being rolled out by all 16 Education and Training Boards.
715. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures he is taking to improve access to graduate entry medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67899/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGraduate Entry Medicine (GEM) is an accelerated four-year programme designed for individuals who already hold a degree and wish to pursue a medical career. As GEM is considered a second degree, students are not eligible for support under the Free Fees Initiative or the Student Grant Scheme due to progression criteria. I am aware that this can present a significant financial challenge for many students.
My Department provides support for broadening access to GEM programmes through the part-subsidy of fees for eligible EU students. This subsidy is paid to higher education institutions via the Higher Education Authority, with the balance being paid by the student. For the 2024/25 academic year, the subsidy per EU GEM student was €16,250 for additional places created under the 2022 agreement to expand medical places, and €14,220 for pre-existing places. In total, €13 million was paid out in tuition fee subsidies for GEM students in 2024/25.
In terms of student supports, my Department has taken steps to improve access and affordability for GEM students. Under the National Access Plan, socioeconomically disadvantaged students who receive bursaries will now be allowed to retain them if they choose to enter GEM programmes. This is a positive development that supports diversity in the medical profession. Additionally, GEM students may apply to the Student Assistance Fund, which provides financial support for students experiencing hardship, including help with rent, childcare, transport, and academic materials. Applications are made through the Access Office of the student’s institution.
Tax relief at the standard rate may also be available for tuition fees paid for approved courses, and a rent tax credit may apply. Further details are available at www.revenue.ie.
Higher Education Institutions as autonomous bodies determine their own fee structures for GEM programmes. However, the subsidy provided by my Department assists students in promotes the accessing of GEM courses at lower fee rates than would otherwise be required by an institution to deliver the programme.
The Student Grant Scheme is reviewed annually, but the Deputy will appreciate that the funding allocation for student supports is determined in the context of the overall estimates and budgetary process undertaken by all Government Departments, having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands.
I remain committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that access to Graduate Entry Medicine is improved and that financial barriers are reduced wherever possible. I have asked my officials to examine options in relation to continued expansion of supports, which will be considered in the context of the annual budgetary cycle.
716. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider extending SUSI grant to part-time postgraduate students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67900/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses was introduced for the first time in September 2024 to provides fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This Scheme was developed with the aim of providing support for more flexible forms of learning to students who are considered under-represented in Higher Education (lone parents, carers, people with a disability etc.). The Scheme was launched in August 2024.
Prior to this students pursuing part-time courses did not have access to fee support through SUSI grants. The introduction of this new initiative has opened the doors of higher education to many groups who are unable to participate in full-time programmes.
The Student Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses is currently limited to undergraduate courses. Section 8(3) of the Student Support Act 2011, which provides for the approval of part-time courses, only allows for undergraduate part-time courses to be approved. Any future extension to postgraduate courses would require a change to primary legislation and would need to be informed by the future development of this pilot scheme.
In addition to this, and in the context of limited public funding and competing priorities, student support funding is currently prioritised towards full-time students undertaking study on approved courses in publicly funded institutions and part-time fee supports for specified undergraduate courses.
As part of Budget 2026 I was delighted to be in a position to boost Postgraduate supports with an increase from €4,000 to €4,500 in the Postgraduate fee contribution backed by a €1million investment in Student Supports.
Student Grant Schemes are reviewed on an annual basis. Any expansion to a scheme would require consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The Deputy will appreciate that the funding allocation for student supports is determined in the context of the overall estimates and budgetary process undertaken by all Government Departments having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands.
717. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is pursuing any strategy to ring fence funding to attract skilled workers back from abroad to fill the shortfall in skills needed to meet the housing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67933/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland needs more construction workers to help meet targets contained in the national housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities and infrastructural priorities in the National Development Plan.
Research undertaken by my Department found a lack of knowledge and understanding about the industry and the roles available, a poor perception of the working environment as well as a perception that construction is not suitable for women. In response, the Department is implementing the Careers in Construction Action Plan, which comprises 20 actions that relate to structural, promotional, and training activities to minimise barriers, promote career opportunities, and make construction jobs more attractive to women.
Among the actions are several campaign initiatives supported by the 2024 and 2025 Housing for All Implementation Fund. These include the Building Heroes peer-to-peer social media campaign, a documentary on careers in construction for second-level schools, and the Build Back Home campaign focused on Irish construction workers abroad.
It is well known that there are many opportunities for Irish construction workers who have moved abroad and are considering returning. The Updated Report on the Analysis of Skills for Residential Construction & Retrofitting estimates that Ireland needs between 69,000 - 79,000 additional construction workers to help deliver on residential targets alone. The National Development Plan outlines a record €275.4 billion in public capital investment, aiming to secure Ireland's future, to transform the country, unlock housing, upgrade water and energy infrastructure, deliver more roads, and provide better public transport.
However, research shows that many Irish currently abroad believe that the skills they developed may not be valued at home.
In response, my Department developed the Build Back Home campaign in 2024 to address this misconception by reassuring these workers that their skills are needed and welcomed and providing links to websites offering further information. This targeted international social media campaign, which utilised a mix of social media, digital audio, and digital out-of-home (OOH) advertising, focused on Irish diaspora communities in Australia and Canada, two countries with large populations of skilled Irish workers.
The campaign spend in 2024 was €167,000 and to date €277,000 from the 2025 Housing for All Implementation Fund has be allocated to this year’s campaign, which has evolved to feature testimonials from construction workers sharing their positive experiences of moving back home.
The latest data shows strong engagement with the current campaign, with more than 2 million views via social media. The campaign’s landing page on gov.ie has had more than 68,750 visits, 95% of which are from North America, Canada and Australia.
Under the 2026 National Housing Plan Implementation Fund €100,000 has been allocated towards the Build Back Home campaign and I am pleased to confirm that the campaign will form an important part of an updated Careers in Construction Action Plan, which is due to be published in the new year.
While definitive causal effects cannot be concluded, the range of actions undertaken through the Careers in Construction Action Plan will have had a contributory effect on the following key metrics:
• 18% increase in the construction workforce year on year (from 160,700 in Q2 2024 to 190,300 in Q2 2025).
• 52% increase in women in construction (from 11,400 in Q4 2023 to 17,300 in Q1 2025).
• 22% increase in first preference CAO choices for engineering and construction courses in 2025.
• 12% increase in construction and construction related apprenticeship registrations (from 5,628 in 2022 to 6,319 in 2024).
• 13% increase in craft apprenticeship registrations (from 6,299 in 2022 to 7,113 in 2024).
I trust this response clearly outlines my Department’s activities promoting careers in construction, which includes encouraging Irish construction workers abroad to avail of the many opportunities that exist at home.
718. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are grants available for the promotion and running of Irish night classes in adult education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68140/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSOLAS has advised my officials that there is no dedicated funding stream within the FET sector for the promotion and running of Irish night classes in adult education. However, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) assess the demand for FET programmes to be delivered through Irish within communities and, where practicable, deliver programmes to meet identified needs.
Several ETBs, particularly those servicing Gaeltacht areas, participate in the Breacadh Scheme. Breacadh assists ETBs by producing teaching, learning, and other resources through Irish, and by providing tutor training and curriculum development support. ETBs also offer Irish language classes across a variety of levels on a sessional, part-time and evening class basis. Provision that leads toward accreditation at National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ) Level 3 upwards is available.
In addition, charities and other organisations can apply to their ETB for the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Collaboration and Innovation and REACH Funds. This includes Irish language projects and organisations, subject to meeting eligibility criteria. The ALL Collaboration and Innovation Fund supports programmes addressing unmet literacy needs in adults, while REACH primarily seeks to engage disadvantaged learners in adult education. Coiste Forbartha Chnoc Fola and Meitheal Pleanala Teanga an Iarthuaiscirt (MPTIT), for example, received €6,820 this year to provide a nine-week course in digital skills for older adults integrating the Irish language with unmet digital literacy needs.
It is a matter for individual ETBs to make decisions on which providers to fund, through well-established grant application processes, and to programme FET services, in response to local need and within allocated budgets. In line with the functions set out in the Education and Training Board Act of 2013, as Minister, I have no role in such operational matters.
719. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Contracts of Indefinite Duration (CID) that have been awarded to staff at University College Galway from 2020 -2025; and the number of CID contracts currently under review, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68163/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Universities Act 1977, universities are autonomous bodies and, as such, are responsible for staff contracts and associated Terms and Conditions. My Department does not hold the information requested and does not have an oversight role in relation to the employment status of staff in University College Galway (UCG) or any other university.
However, in order to assist the Deputy, officials have contacted UCG who have advised that 156 Contracts of Indefinite Duration (CID) have been awarded to staff over the period 2020-2025, with a further six CID contracts currently under review. The more detailed breakdown of information requested is not currently available, but UCG have indicated that they are conducting a further review, and additional information will be supplied directly once this is complete.
720. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the establishment of Research Ireland and its role in strengthening Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem, including new programmes such as the Research Talent Call and New Frontiers Research Programme. [67814/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraResearch and innovation is a key economic and social enabler for Ireland, through its importance to national competitiveness, resilience and productivity.
The establishment of Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland marked a milestone in realising the ambitions of the Impact 2030 Strategy, giving Ireland a statutory competitive research funding body covering all disciplines for the first time.
The new agency supports my department in delivering on the Impact 2030 Strategy, Programme for Government commitments, and a number of other priorities including climate action, digital transition, and boosting innovation and competitiveness. Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland also has a significant role in strengthening cooperation and communication across a more cohesive national research and innovation ecosystem. 2025 has seen a national programme of stakeholder engagement to develop its first 5 year strategy for publication early next year.
The Research Ireland New Frontiers Programme supports high-risk, high-reward research and collaborative projects, innovative research and programmes that aim to deliver impactful and innovative solutions to significant national challenges. This is an investment of €34.5million, with 39 awards across 12 higher education institutions, which will be co-funded for next year by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Geological Survey of Ireland, Children’s Health Foundation, and Breakthrough Cancer Research.
New programmes for the new agency remit already launched this year include the Global Talent Ireland Call, which is designed to attract top-tier academic and research talent to Ireland, with funding for Rising Stars and Research Leaders in strategic research areas aligned with Impact 2030 and our national priorities.
721. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding applications from Cork County Council for Rural Regeneration and Development Fund support for towns and villages in Cork north-west and if he will ensure that shovel ready projects in these areas receive priority consideration in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67278/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major programme, which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. The focus of the RRDF is on rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people. To date, the RRDF has allocated over €613 million for 273 projects across Ireland.
Calls for Proposals to the RRDF are sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to large scale capital works projects with all necessary planning and consents in place and are ready to proceed. Category 2, which typically provides funding of up to €1m per project, relates to projects which may planning permissions and statutory consents and further development to become ready for Category 1 status. Each Call for Proposals details the objective of the Call and the eligibility criteria applying to project applications. This information, together with the scoring system upon which a competitive assessment process will be undertaken, is made available to potential applications at the outset of each call.
RRDF project proposals are developed, and successful projects delivered, by eligible ‘Lead Bodies’ including our local authorities, local development companies and other State agencies. This includes those operating in the Cork region and’ to date, 27 projects in Cork have been allocated over €43 million from the RRDF fund. Of these, 12 projects are situated in Cork North-West, having being allocated over €24 million in RRDF funding. Details of all RRDF projects can be found on my Departments website.
Following the assessment process undertaken as part of a Category 2 Call for Proposals, I was delighted to recently announce the allocation of €20.5 million in funding for 30 landmark regeneration projects in rural communities across the country, including four projects in County Cork.
It is my intention to launch a Call for Proposals for larger scale Category 1 RRDF projects in the near future and I can confirm it will be open to Lead Bodies to submit applications in respect of proposed projects in the Cork North West region.
I am committed to ensuring that the RRDF can continue to support high quality and transformational projects across rural Ireland in line with the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy.
722. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his Department’s strategy to expand connected hubs and remote-working infrastructure, including the potential for new hubs in Cork north-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67279/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by the end of 2025.
I was delighted to announce at the National Hub Summit recently that we have reached that key target. As of the 24th of November, there are 401 hubs on-boarded to the Connected Hubs platform. In Cork North-West there are currently ten hubs on the platform while across County Cork there are 41 hubs on-boarded, increasing from 13 when the platform was launched in 2021.
My Department has also funded the Broadband Connection Points (BCP) initiative which provides free high-speed broadband WiFi access at 300 locations around the country. Over 60 of these BCPs have established remote working facilities and are on-boarded to the Connected Hubs platform. Details of all the on-boarded hubs are available at www.connectedhubs.ie.
My Department has invested significantly in the establishment and development of remote working hubs through the range of schemes which make up my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme. This includes funding for the development of hubs under schemes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and LEADER. It is envisaged that this capital funding will continue as part of these schemes with a continued strategic focus for this investment.
In 2021 and 2022, a new targeted scheme was implemented to support the development of facilities in hubs across Ireland including additional desk space, privacy booths, technical equipment, meeting facilities and access control. Almost €14 million in funding to some 200 projects was allocated via the 'Connected Hub Calls'. In 2021 €425,456 was allocated in County Cork from this fund, with €515,971 allocated to the county in 2022.
A new national strategy for the hubs sector is now nearing completion and will present a coherent approach to the future development of digital hubs. Developed jointly with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Western Development Commission and, following consultation with key stakeholders, the strategy will include measures to underpin the sustainable development of the Connected Hubs network, support balanced regional economic development and enable access to digital services for rural communities.
723. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding funding for the implementation of language plans in the Múscraí gaeltacht; the progress to date on supporting local Údarás projects; and whether additional resources will be allocated to strengthen Irish-language use in Gaeltacht areas, schools and community settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67280/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gaeltacht Act 2012 provides the statutory framework for undertaking the language planning process on a coordinated basis. It is expected that the public, the voluntary sector, the public sector and the private sector will work together to support the Irish language in the various geographical areas recognised under the Act. In order to achieve this, the language will be supported as the community language of the Gaeltacht through the preparation and implementation of language plans at community level. Údarás na Gaeltachta is responsible under the Act for supporting organisations with regard to the preparation and implementation of these plans.
The language plan for Gaeltacht Múscraí was approved in 2017, with an annual allocation of €120,000 available for its implementation. This funding enables the employment of a full-time Language Planning Officer whose work underpins a wide range of community-led initiatives aimed at strengthening the use of Irish in the region and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the language in daily life.
To further support the language planning process, my Department provides funding to three separate organisations operating in the Gaeltacht. These are Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta and Ealaín na Gaeltachta. These organisations provide supports to families who wish to raise their children through Irish, to the early years sector and to the traditional arts respectively.
In addition to language-planning supports, substantial resources have been directed toward enterprise and community development. To date this year, approximately €500,000 has been approved by the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta to assist a variety of enterprise and community projects in the Múscraí Gaeltacht. This investment is contributing to enhanced employment opportunities, stimulating innovation and supporting essential community infrastructure.
Furthermore, circa €850,000 has been approved by the Board for a number of construction projects in the Múscraí Gaeltacht, thus ensuring the availability of high-quality facilities to meet the needs of local businesses and community groups. Currently, around 700 people are employed full-time in Údarás-assisted businesses in the region, demonstrating the strong economic impact of this ongoing support.
Significant progress has also been achieved on the Campás Íosagáin project, a key strategic development for the area. Phase 1 of the repurposing of the former De La Salle secondary school into a modern business and innovation hub is now nearing completion, representing an investment of approximately €9 million. This development will provide state-of-the-art facilities to support enterprise, entrepreneurship and job creation at the heart of the Gaeltacht.
In the sports arena, Clár na gCluichí Gaeltacha has been developed by my department in partnership with the GAA in order to promote the Irish Language through the medium of sport in local schools in the area that are participating in the Recognition Scheme for Gaeltacht Schools.
Also in local schools, the Language Assistants Scheme has been funded by my Department for many years within the Gaeltacht regions. Under this scheme, additional language acquisition and enrichment opportunities are provided to those attending Gaeltacht schools by employing language assistants. In this case, Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne is responsible for administering the Scheme in Gaeltacht Mhúscraí and has been awarded a grant for the 25/26 school year worth up to €392,986 to do so. As it applies to Gaeltacht Mhúscraí, all seven schools in the language planning area participating in the Recognition Scheme for Gaeltacht Schools benefit from the scheme.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the Language Assistants Scheme has recently been extended to Gaeltacht service towns located outside the Gaeltacht and that Irish-medium schools in Cork City's, as a Gaeltacht Service Town, will be able to avail of the scheme in the new year.
724. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if changes can be made to the payment for Mná Tí to expand to other items as required by Mná Tí rather than only those outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67444/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government 2025: Securing Ireland's Future contains a commitment to 'maintain and where possible enhance support for Mná Tí at Gaeltacht summer colleges'. In this regard, my Department provides a number of supports for households providing accommodation for learners. The Department offers targeted support to the sector to ensure that the costs associated with necessary works and items are reduced.
Newly-recognised families may avail of a once-off starter grant. This grant supports households with the cost of works required to comply with fire safety requirements, including the installation of alarms and fire suppression systems, and the purchase of bed frames and mattresses as required. The grant is worth up to €6,000 or 80% of costs, whichever is the lesser.
My Department recently launched a short-term capital scheme for households recognised as accommodation providers for a number of years but who were unable to avail of the once-off starter grant. This upgrade grant provided targeted support to long-established households of up to €2,000 or 80% of costs, whichever is the lesser, against the cost of purchasing new bedframes and mattresses. As established households are required to routinely maintain compliance with fire safety requirements, and obtain engineer's certificates for their properties, these routine running costs were not qualifiable under the conditions of the upgrade grant.
Over 200 established households applied for this upgrade grant and my officials hope to process the vast majority of payments to qualified applicants before year-end.
725. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the type of training provided to staff within his Department in the use of, or understanding of artificial intelligence; if a programme is planned for all staff on their obligations under the EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67469/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department follows the guidance issued by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The guidance recommends that new AI technology should only be adopted based on a clearly defined business need following an appropriate risk assessment.
OneLearning is the learning and development platform available to all staff across the Civil Service. It recently began to offer short courses on AI, and these are recommended for all staff to complete. The Learning and Development unit in my Department plans to prioritise the uptake of such training in 2026, as well as related courses within the Institute of Public Administration for staff who may be more directly involved in the area in the future.
726. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if Ros Muc and Ceantar na nOileáin will be considered for funding through the empowering communities programme, given that they are both categorised as 'disadvantaged' or 'very disadvantaged' by the Pobal HP Deprivation Index; if the Minister will outline when decisions will be made on funding for the upcoming year; and the number of areas in the state which will be selected as part of the programme in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67507/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) is funded by my Department and commenced in 2022 initially providing funding for 14 projects. At present, there are 17 projects supported under the programme.
The programme, with the support of the relevant Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and Local Development Company (LDC), aims to enhance community access to key services and empower local communities to develop their own responses to area-based poverty, social exclusion and the resulting consequences.
As part of this programme, the local development company is supported to engage a Community Engagement Worker in each of the selected areas, to develop and facilitate relationships between community stakeholders, community groups and statutory agencies and structures.
Community Engagement Workers engage with the supported community and reinforce community development values and principles. They assist the community to take ownership of, and address the issues that are most important to them and facilitate and create positive change.
The areas selected for funding under the ECP are ones that are experiencing significant disadvantage, identified using the Pobal HP deprivation index.
My Department has engaged an external consultant to undertake an evaluation of the impact of the ECP and the final report is due in early 2026. Any decisions with regard to the expansion of the ECP will be made based on the outcome of the evaluation and subject to available resources.
I would encourage all persons or groups seeking funding to check my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcdg, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of relevant funding opportunities as they become available.
727. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the capital funding programmes under his Department, including the Community Centres Investment Fund, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the LEADER Programme, that are open to applications from family resource centres seeking to acquire, construct, or refurbish permanent buildings; the typical levels of funding available; the application requirements for each scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67550/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development and enhancement of multi-use community facilities is a priority for me and this Government. Full details of the supports available within my Department, including those for community centres, which may include family resource centres, can be accessed at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development/services/available-funding-and-supports/.
This information also outlines the eligibility criteria for each scheme. With respect to my department’s rural remit, this includes the geographic coverage of each scheme as well as type of organisations who can apply for funds.
The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), which is open to applications from within city areas, has provided €110 million since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres as well the construction of new centres. Under the 2024 iteration of the fund, over €33 million has now been approved to support refurbishment works on over 770 projects nationwide. Under CCIF, a community facility which provides a range of uses and services which are open to all of the community, and which may includes a family resource centre, may be eligible under the scheme.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme provides of funding for projects designed to combat vacancy and dereliction and rejuvenate town and village centres. TVRS does not fund the construction of new community facilities but can include projects which renovate and refurbish multipurpose community spaces. Since its launch, almost €184 million has been allocated to over 1,800 projects across Ireland.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. Funding is made available under the scheme for community facilities. Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies who work in close co-operation with local communities and organisations to being projects forward. Since 2018, over €613 million has been allocated to 273 projects.
Finally, the development of community facilities can also be funded under the LEADER programme. The current LEADER Programme is operational across the country, with total funding of €180 million allocated across Local Action Groups at the start of the programming period to cover the years from 2023 to 2027. Depending on the nature of the project, Family Resource Centres can be eligible to apply for LEADER funding. Information on the programme is available on www.gov.ie/LEADER, and prospective applicants are advised to contact their Local Action Group for details on how to apply in their area.
I am committed to delivering further iterations of my department’s schemes in the coming years in line with the commitments made in the Programme for Government.
728. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the interim review of the current LEADER programme cycle will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67596/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department strives to ensure that programmes under its remit are operating effectively and efficiently, which includes participating in evaluations and review mechanisms.
As a core element of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) framework, the LEADER programme is subject to a range of ongoing evaluation and monitoring arrangements at EU level. For example, the programme is part of the Monitoring Committee structure in place to monitor progress across CAP measures in each member state as part of the national CAP Strategic Plan.
As such, it is subject to the EU's Common Monitoring and Evaluation Framework on an ongoing basis which requires, inter alia, the submission of Annual Performance Reports to the EU Commission. This process is subject to the opinion of the Monitoring Committee, which includes stakeholders from across the agricultural sector, environmental NGOs and representatives of rural areas. In addition, LEADER formed part of the interim review of the CAP Rural Development Programme and will also be included in the ex-post evaluation to be completed by the end of 2026. While a similar evaluation framework is in place for the CAP Strategic Plan (the successor to the Rural Development Programme), given the 5 year duration of the programme and the ongoing monitoring being completed, this is likely to focus on ex-post evaluation, rather than an interim review.
Finally, the LEADER programme is also subject to the range of inspection and audit requirements that are set out in the governing EU regulations and are undertaken throughout the programming period.
In respect of the post 2027 LEADER programme, the development of the future CAP is a matter of significant importance for my Department. My officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine to ensure that the LEADER programme remains a core element of the new CAP framework. I will continue to engage with my colleagues nationally and at EU level to advocate for a ring-fenced and well funded post 2027 LEADER programme.
729. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will clarify whether any conditions under the community centres investment fund restrict a successful applicant group from applying for other funding streams, including LEADER, within a two-year period; if he will confirm whether any such restriction applies only to reapplying to the community centres investment fund itself or whether it precludes a group from seeking funding for separate and unrelated projects under different programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67729/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince becoming Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I have prioritised investment in community infrastructure to support our communities. The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities in both rural and urban areas. Some €110 million has been allocated since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres.
Successful applicants under the fund are not permitted to utilise any other EU or Government funding for the same specified works being supported under the CCIF. While duplicate funding for such works is not permitted, successful applicants are free at any time to apply to other schemes for funding for separate work not funded under CCIF. In addition, successful applicants under CCIF are also free to apply for funding under future rounds of CCIF once any outstanding CCIF projects have been completed.
730. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht considering the reduction of regeneration funding in Limerick with the completion of the programme and specifically the phasing out of Economic Social Intervention Funding, if he will allocate additional funding for a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68096/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Economic Social Intervention Fund is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
At the same time, my Department continues to prioritise investment in community infrastructure across the country. The Community Centre Investment Fund was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities in both rural and urban areas. Some €110 million has been allocated since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and for the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified.
I am committed to delivering further iterations of the fund in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. A new iteration of the scheme is expected to be in place next year to further support community centres such as the one referred to by the deputy.
My Department also supports community facilities with enhancement works through a range of other funding streams including through the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. I would encourage any interested organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements.
731. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the current total value of the Dormant Accounts Fund; the projected size of the Dormant Accounts Fund for each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68132/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main purpose of the Dormant Accounts Acts is to reunite account holders with their funds. Unclaimed funds are transferred to the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is managed by the National Treasury Management Agency. The beneficial owner has a right to reclaim their money at any time.
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has responsibility for the overall administration of the Dormant Accounts Fund, with individual Government Departments responsible for the delivery and administration of their own measures. All measures funded must be in line with the objectives set out in the legislation, that is, to address economic, social or educational disadvantage or to support persons with a disability.
With regard to the current value of funding available for the Dormant Accounts Fund, at the end of October 2025 there was €217 million in the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is held and managed by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). Of this, €138 million is held in reserve by the NTMA, for future reclaims. This leaves €79 million available for disbursement to measures. This will be supplemented by inflows in April 2026, the level of which depends on the number of accounts becoming dormant.
My Department published the 2026 Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan in November 2025. It outlines measures and funding across 11 Departments, with total funding of €46.97 million to support 56 measures. These measures will be funded from the above available funding, and the future inflows in April 2026.
Ensuring a sustainable use of this funding is central to the work of my Department, and future levels of funding are dependant on the levels of inflow into the fund. It is envisaged that, to sustain the Fund, expenditure will need to be gradually reduced to €40 million per year going forward. As the fund is made up of monies from dormant accounts, and the funds can be reclaimed at any time by the beneficial owner, it is difficult to predict future net transfers into the fund - and therefore final decision need to made based on actual levels of inflows each year.
Further information on the Dormant Accounts Fund, including all published Action Plans and Annual reports, is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/policy-information/dormant-accounts-fund/.
