Written Answers Nos. 360-379
363. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide the Cork University Dental Hospital with a GMS panel number to enable them to make claims for medical card patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70795/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy should note in respect of the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS), it is currently not possible for Cork University Dental School and Hospital (CUDSH) to hold a DTSS contract directly. The DTSS contract is similar to the General Practitioner contract and is a contract between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and an individual registered dentist. It is not a corporate/company/entity-based contract.
That said, if there was an identified service/patient access need, along with supporting training, education, and graduate capacity, it is possible to explore with the HSE the potential for an expansion of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) already in place to include DTSS type services, with similar fee arrangements.
My Department is in favour of any proposal that expands oral healthcare services. In relative terms, I am aware that Cork has a high number of DTSS contractors compared to other parts of Ireland. An assessment of local demand needs is required to support any proposal via an arrangement with CUDSH.
To commence the wider exploration of such a proposal, discussions are required with the local HSE Integrated Healthcare Area (South West). To progress with this proposal, CUDSH should engage with the HSE and the Department of Health in examining the feasibility and development of such a proposal, which would then ultimately be subject to the normal budgetary process.
Work is continuing through the appropriate processes to explore all options to support CUDSH to deliver on its remit regarding both education and healthcare service provision.
364. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the addition of the drug veozah to the free HRT scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70837/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
365. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have received Transitional Care Funding due to housing adaptation requirements in 2023, 2024, and to date in 2025. [71475/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
366. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a breakdown of all consultants engaged with his Department; the costs associated with their services, by year, and name of consultant, in each of the years 2012 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70439/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department was created in 2020 following a Government decision, and in this regard records of consultancy spend go back to the year 2020.
My Department publishes its annual consultancy spend on the Department website. Please find a copy of the link to the Department's consultancy spend, available here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-further-and-higher-education-research-innovation-and-science/organisation-information/department-consultancy-spending/.
The Deputy will note the names of companies whose services were procured and the costs spent in each year.
Consultancy spend is published in arrears annually, in line with the accounts process. We would plan to publish 2025 Consultancy Spend by the end of Q1 2026.
367. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the mechanisms for students who are taking the Baccalaureate in Ireland to access the CAO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70462/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHigher Education Institutions (HEIs) are administratively and academically independent, and have the right to determine their own criteria and procedures for admission. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the determination or review of these admissions processes.
The CAO is a non-profit private company jointly owned by a number of HEIs. Its function is to process applications for undergraduate and some postgraduate courses on behalf of these HEIs, which are themselves autonomous.
Students who are taking the International Baccalaureate in Ireland may apply to the CAO, like other EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting examinations other than the Irish Leaving Certificate. A comprehensive entry document outlining the criteria for EU/EFTA/UK applicants to the higher education institutions, presenting examinations other than Irish Leaving Certificate, including the International Baccalaureate, is updated annually and published by the CAO at www2.cao.ie/downloads/documents/2025/Guidelines-EU-EFTA-UK-2025.pdf.
A review of the Leaving Certificate and International Baccalaureate curriculum and examinations across a representative range of subjects was conducted in 2018 by the higher education sector, led by the IUA, TCD and NUI. As a result of this review the CAO points conversion for the International Baccalaureate applicants to Irish higher education institutions was adjusted. Since then, regular statistical equivalency exercises have been undertaken to maintain and review the set of CAO points equivalencies from other EU/EFTA/EEA systems, including the International Baccalaureate. This process is under the authority of the Registrars/VPs Academic of all participating HEIs, who formally approve such equivalencies on behalf of their respective institution.
368. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70525/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information in relation to PQ 70525/25 is being collated by my officials and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.
369. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider expanding the free fees initiative for college students studying a four year early childhood education courses at Marino Institute of Education (details supplied) considering it an associated college with Trinity College where students are eligible for the SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70543/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that Marino Institute of Education (MIE) is a private institution that is not funded by my Department. It does, however, receive some targeted funding from the Department of Education.
Private institutions play an important role in the overall higher education landscape. These institutions may be in receipt of some limited funding from the State for certain courses that are approved for funding under specific initiatives. These include the Free Fees Initiative, Apprenticeships and Springboard+. Under the respective arrangements, the State has agreed to provide funding for specific courses in line with specific agreements made between the relevant funding body and the private institution.
Budget 2026 contains a package of measures to support households with the cost of education. These measures include a €500 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students that are eligible for the Free Fees Initiative (FFI) for academic year 2025/2026. To avail of this measure students must be eligible for free fees and attending a free fees approved course.
Independent institutions operating in the private sector, like MIE, can establish courses which operate outside of the FFI, as is the case in this situation. Where such a course is established, the tuition fee payable is entirely a matter for the college as an autonomous institution. The Budget 2026 measure to reduce the student contribution by €500 does not apply to such courses. However, it is open to the institution in question, as a private autonomous institute, to apply a similar fee reduction, if it so chooses.
370. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure that tutors who are long-term employed in Further education (details supplied) and who hold existing contracts of indefinite duration are offered additional hours before new appointments are given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70567/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThank you, Deputy, for this question.
By way of background, the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) are autonomous statutory bodies that were established under the Education and Training Boards Act 2013. As such, they are required to have appropriate policies and procedures in place to manage any issues that may arise, which are in line with employment legislation, where relevant. As ETBs are independent employers, responsibility for staffing matters lies with them, with Ministerial approvals as may be determined from time to time. As such, any human resources-related queries should be directed to the ETB’s Human Resources Division. It would not be appropriate for the Minister or Departmental officials to comment on or otherwise become directly involved with an individual case.
371. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there have been any communications between his Department and a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70789/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of the Universities Act 1997, the Institutions of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018, higher education institutions in Ireland have been afforded the status of autonomous bodies by the Oireachtas consistent with the key democratic principle of academic freedom.
As such, higher education institutions are academically independent and are responsible for regulating their own internal affairs, including decisions relating to research collaborations with external companies and institutions.
As Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, it would not be appropriate for me to take any action that might limit or undermine, or be perceived to seek to limit or undermine, this autonomy which, along with the principle of academic freedom, are key pillars of a democratic society that must be respected and protected.
372. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the necessary funding will be provided to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70790/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is firmly committed to ensuring that our healthcare system is supported by a steady and sustainable pipeline of highly skilled graduates.
I understand that the Department of Health has received a proposal from University College Cork seeking €4.7 million in capital funding to establish a dental outreach centre. This would enable training of an additional 10 undergraduate dental students annually. UCC currently admits approximately 50 dentistry students annually (25 EU, 25 non-EU). Outreach would increase this to approximately 60 and allow for additional dental hygienist and dental nursing places.
As the proposal in question was submitted to the Department of Health, the decision on capital funding will be made by that Department. Discussions are ongoing between the Department of Health, my Department and UCC to progress this proposal and maximise Irish/EU places to ensure value for money.
Separately, UCC is refurbishing its Dental School and Hospital at a cost of €15 million, co-funded by the Department of Health and UCC. This aligns with Smile agus Sláinte oral health policy and Programme for Government commitments.
The Government is committed to expanding dental training capacity to meet growing oral healthcare needs. Until recently, only about 55 places were available annually for Irish and EU dentistry students. Targeted expansion of training in key healthcare areas has resulted in the establishment of a new Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), starting in 2025. This programme commenced with 20 places in 2025, which will rise to 28 in 2026 and 35 in 2027. This represents a landmark 60% increase in dental training places for Irish and EU students.
373. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will establish a priority system for allocations under the national training fund following the enactment of the National Training Fund (Amendment) 2025 Bill. [70845/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 is essential to unlocking the significant investment set out in the NTF Surplus Package, allocating an additional €1.485 billion to the tertiary education sector over six years from 2025 to 2030. The National Training Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025, which passed Report and Final Stage in the Dáil on 3 December, proposes a minor amendment change to facilitate capital investment from the Fund.
Following the enactment of the National Training Fund (Amendment) Act 2025, funding allocations will continue to be made strictly in accordance with the purposes set out in the Act. The legislation provides a clear framework to ensure that resources are directed towards supporting skills development, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives that meet the needs of learners, employers, and the economy.
My Department will maintain ongoing engagement with stakeholders to ensure that the Fund is utilised effectively, delivers value for money, and remains responsive to evolving skills needs, within the parameters established by the Act.
374. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the work of his Department towards enabling the delivery of student accommodation. [70846/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn advance of the new Student Accommodation Strategy, my immediate priority has been to increase the supply of purpose-built student accommodation and ensure affordability for students from priority groups. Under the Short-Term Activation Programme, the initial target was to deliver circa 1,000 additional student beds. Following due diligence and value-for-money assessments, the revised total now stands at 967 beds that have either been delivered or are progressing.
Maynooth University has successfully completed its 116-bed project. University College Dublin is advancing its 493-bed development, with approval to proceed to construction given in September 2025. Trinity College Dublin’s 358-bed project is also progressing this year. These developments will provide additional capacity in the short term. The Dublin City University 405-bed project will not be progressed at this time, reflecting cost and value-for-money considerations.
In parallel, the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme, or TSSAP, is supporting technological universities to expand student accommodation. Phase 1, completed in 2025, generated 53 strategic proposals for future developments, while Phase 2, starting in early 2026, will develop preliminary business cases, including financial and operational models. This will ensure that future projects are strategically aligned, financially viable, and responsive to local demand.
The Student Accommodation Strategy 2025–2035 will prioritise increasing supply and improving affordability for students facing the greatest financial challenges.
The Strategy will provide a clear framework to expand provision nationwide and ensure student housing is sustainable, accessible, and responsive to need over the next decade. It will separately address affordability through supports such as Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) and targeted bursaries, and viability through private investment and state support to deliver high-quality, purpose-built accommodation at scale.
375. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide a breakdown of all consultants engaged with his Department; the costs associated with their services, by year, and name of consultant, in each of the years 2012 to 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70444/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department publishes details of consultancy payments made in a given year following the close of the financial year. The published information comprises details of the nature of the consultancy work undertaken and the costs incurred.
My Department was established in July 2017, information on consultancies from that date to end 2024 is available on our website at the following link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/organisation-information/financial-information/#consultancies
Details of consultancy payments made in 2025 will published in early 2026 once the present financial year is complete. In the meantime the following table provides details of payments made to external consultants to date in 2025.
|
Company / Organisation |
Nature of the Work Conducted |
Cost (including VAT) |
|
Governance Ireland |
Review of the Public Participation Network National Advisory Group terms of reference. |
€18,081 |
|
Risk and Resilience Ltd. |
External Review of Risk Management within the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. |
€10,320 |
|
Social Justice Ireland |
Public Participation Network, compilation of the Annual Report 2024. |
€10,800 |
|
TASC - Think Tank for Action on social Change |
Evaluation of the Empowering Communities Pilot Programme. |
€21,835 |
|
National University Maynooth |
Review of the eligibility for the CLÁR programme. |
€16,083 |
376. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70530/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 22 January 2025, my Department has delivered significant policy and programme achievements across rural development, community development, an Ghaeltacht and the Islands.
This year, my Department has developed a new Statement of Strategy which is available here: Statement of Strategy (https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/collections/statement-of-strategy/). This document reflects the policies in place and the breadth of work being delivered by my Department, and how we plan to progress these areas over the period to 2028. My Department will also produce its annual report on 2025 next year, and this will provide a comprehensive report on all progress during 2025.
Of particular importance this year has been the funding secured for the Department through both the review of the National Development Plan, and Budget 2026. My Department has secured capital funding totalling €1.3 billion over the period 2026 to 2030 and this will ensure continued strong delivery across the range of capital schemes, along with the delivery of a number of specific capital projects relating to the Gaeltacht and the Irish Language.
Through Budget 2026, a record €611 million was secured for the Department, consisting of:
• €192 million for continued delivery of rural development schemes, with increased funding for the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), CLÁR, Outdoor Recreation, and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
• €260 million for community development schemes, with increased funding for the Community Services Programme (CSP); and funding for a new RAPID-style scheme to commence in 2026.
• €159 million for the Gaeltacht, Irish Language, and the Islands. This represents the highest increase for the Gaeltacht in years (29%), allowing enhanced supports across a range of schemes and for delivery of key capital projects.
With regard to rural development, delivery by my Department is centred on Our Rural Future, my Department’s national Rural Development Policy. Since its launch, Our Rural Future, has delivered real and measurable progress across its core objectives to further the economic, social, cultural and environmental development of rural areas. It has supported policies and programmes across Government which have enhanced the wellbeing and quality of life of people living, working and learning in rural areas. Achievements include -
• The National Broadband Plan has transformed digital connectivity, making it possible for over 440,000 homes, farms and businesses to access gigabit broadband services. This has enabled remote and hybrid working while driving diversification of rural economies though digital jobs and enterprises and reducing isolation for those in remote locations.
• The target of establishing a network of 400 Connected Hubs has been exceeded this year, giving people access to flexible, digitally enabled workspaces across the country.
• Our Rural Future has prioritised regional employment and enterprise growth by fostering an environment that supports entrepreneurship and business development. 64% of the new jobs created in Enterprise Ireland client companies last year were located outside the Dublin region with all nine enterprise regions recording jobs growth, while 59% of IDA client investments last year were also in regional locations outside Dublin.
• Access to high-quality public services in rural areas has improved. Digital connectivity has enabled greater delivery of online public services, while initiatives such as the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan have expanded rural transport links with over 150 new and enhanced bus routes introduced since 2021, enabling better connections between towns and villages and ensuring services are inclusive and accessible to all. These improvements are reducing isolation, improving access to jobs, education and healthcare, and supporting more sustainable travel choices.
A full report on 2025 achievements under Our Rural Future will be published in 2026.
In addition to our work on Our Rural Future, implementation is ongoing across other policies, including:
• Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: a five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland (2019)
• Town Centre First Policy (2022)
• Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors (2023 – 2027)
• Ár nOileáin Bheo (2023 – 2033)
• Trading for Impact (2024 – 2027)
• The National Volunteering Strategy (2020 – 2025)
• The Library is the Place (2023 – 2027)
• The National Philanthropy Policy (2024 – 2028)
• The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language (2010 – 2030) and associated 5-Year Action Plan
• The Digital Plan for the Irish Language (2023 – 2027)
• The Strategy for Irish Language Based Arts (2024-2027)
• The National Plan for Irish Language Public Services (2024 – 2030)
The implementation of this framework of policies has seen the delivery of real improvements to communities across the country in 2025, including;
• In February I announced over €14 million to deliver 163 community-based projects across the country through the Community Recognition Fund
• In March I launched a public consultation survey for a new rural development policy 'Our Rural Future' with ongoing consultation throughout the year
• In April, following engagement at the North South Ministerial Council, I welcomed the approval of 2025 funding for both Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency.
• In May I announced €1.5 million to increase awareness among young people of Irish Language job opportunities
• In June I awarded over €17 million to 212 community projects nationwide through the Community Recognition Fund
• In July I announced €2 million in funding towards the teaching of Irish in universities in Europe
• In August, along with Minister Chambers, I announced an investment of €35.7 million for the development of Inis Oírr pier, made possible through the review of the National Development Plan, noted above
• In September I opened the 2025 National Rural Youth Assembly, an initiative to ensure the voices of young people in rural Ireland are heard in Government policy
• In October, I announced over €20.5 million in funding for 30 landmark rural regeneration projects across the country, under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF)
• Also in October, as noted above, through Budget 2026 I secured an increased allocation for the Department, including a rise of over €36 million for the Gaeltacht, Irish Language, and Islands programme. This funding will support major capital projects such as the pier development on Inis Oírr, the Irish Language and Cultural Centre in Harcourt Street, and the Educational and Youth Facility in Indreabhán, Co Galway.
• In November, I announced €12.3 million worth of funding under CLÁR for 206 community projects nationwide — including playgrounds, astro-turf pitches, walking tracks, refurbished community centres and supports especially targeted at Gaeltacht areas and islands, I also awarded €16.5 million to 63 projects under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme
• Earlier this month, following a North South Ministerial Council meeting, I confirmed that the business plans and budgets for the Foras Teanga agencies had been agreed, which included an additional €2 million for Foras na Gaeilge programmes and activities secured in Budget 2026. This ensures €20 million in joint funding for Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency for 2026
• This month, I also announced the new €7 million Local Enhancement Programme 2026, which will assist thousands of community groups across the country, including Men’s Sheds and Women’s Sheds
My Departments strong policy platform, and the funding schemes that support these policies, demonstrate my Department’s strong commitment to vibrant, sustainable rural and Gaeltacht communities, improved local services, and the long-term development of the Irish language and our island communities. I am pleased to report my Department is in the final stages of the development of the next iteration of Our Rural Future with a final call for written submissions closing 12 December. The new policy, coupled with the record investment secured, will continue to transform communities across Ireland in the years ahead.
377. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will report on the 2026 Community Centre Investment Fund; when the fund will be open; and if it will fund new builds. [70545/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
I am committed to delivering further iterations of the scheme in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. I expect to deliver the next round of CCIF next year, and the details in this regard are currently being finalised.
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 organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements.
378. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when allocations under the 2025 town and village renewal scheme will be announced; the number of projects submitted for Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70582/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Almost €184 million has been allocated to over 1,800 projects since the launch of the scheme.
The 2025 Scheme was launched in March 2025 and places particular emphasis on projects that have a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration.
The 2025 scheme includes three funding streams under which project applications could be made, the Building or Land Acquisition Measure (BLAM), the Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure (PDM).
Meath County Council submitted 2 applications under the BLAM. The BLAM closed for applications on 2 May 2025, and local authorities have been informed of successful applications. For reasons of commercial sensitivity, details of individual projects receiving support under this Measure will released only after the purchase of properties or lands in question have been completed.
The closing date for receipt of applications for the 2025 Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure was Friday 25 July 2025. I can confirm that 5 applications for the Main Scheme and 2 applications for the Project Development Measure were submitted by Meath County Council. The Scheme is heavily subscribed, and all applications received will be assessed for suitability against scheme criteria and objectives. Other factors such as the geographical spread of projects, the quality of the proposed projects, and the available budget will also be considered to maximise the impact of this funding.
The assessment process is nearing completion, and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects shortly.
379. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the next round of funding for RRDF will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70583/25]
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 applications 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.
I was delighted to recently announce successful projects under the Fourth Call for Category 2 applications, with funding of over €20.5 million being allocated to 30 landmark regeneration projects in rural communities across the country. I can confirm it is also my intention to launch a Call for Proposals for larger scale Category 1 RRDF projects in the near future.
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.
