Aisling Dempsey
Ceist:895. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Health if a SCAN team can be delivered to Meath; and the timeframe for delivery. [28711/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services
Ceisteanna (895)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (896)
Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin
Ceist:896. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the primary care centre in Gorey, County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28723/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Legislative Process
Ceisteanna (897)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:897. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the sections of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 which have been commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28729/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 was signed into law by the President in July 2024, having passed all stages in both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The establishment of the Assisted Human Reproduction Regulatory Authority (AHRRA), as provided for in the legislation, is a vital component in the effective regulation of this sector.
The Deputy will be aware that I signed orders, the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 (Commencement) Order S.I. No. 468/2025 and the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 (Establishment Day) Order 2025 S.I. No. 469/2025, formally establishing the AHRRA and appointing a Board from 13 October 2025, thus commencing Part 1, other than section 6; Part 9, other than sections 124 and 151; and Schedule 1 of the 2024 Act.
I am pleased to announce that I signed the Order, Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024 (Commencement) Order 2026 S.I. No. 160/2026, to commence, as of 20 April 2026, three subsections of section 232 of the 2024 Act. This allows for the parentage of some donor-conceived children not covered by the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 to be recognised.
I am sure the Deputy will acknowledge that much progress has been made on our path to providing the necessary oversight and regulation of AHR.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (898)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:898. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current waiting list for CAMHS services per county; the average waiting time; and her plans to address this. [28730/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government makes several commitments relating to improving CAMHS, including providing additional resources to reduce waiting times for access to CAMHS.
As the Deputy will be aware, I visited 21 CAMHS teams nationwide last year to meet with the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) and their staff to focus on improvements to all aspects of Youth Mental Health care, including the specialist CAMHS service. I stressed the need to identify areas where increased activity is needed, and the potential for more innovative approaches to improve service delivery. I also highlighted the importance of filling all approved posts for each CAMHS team to ensure the most effective delivery of services.
I conveyed in my meeting with each Region that reducing waiting times for CAMHS is one of my main priorities as Minister for Mental Health. I subsequently wrote to each REO and to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE following my visits seeking a plan to improve access to CAMHS services. While significant improvement has been made on many fronts to enhance CAMHS care, particularly in the face of increasing demand (referrals are up 70% since 2020) and case complexity, the issues of improved access and regional variation need to be addressed as early as possible. This is particularly the case in light of the significant additional funding I have secured for youth mental health over recent years, including under Budget 2026, and the emphasis I have placed on better outcomes for mental health in the recent Letter of Determination and under the agreed HSE Service Plan 2026. The objective of improving access to care, and of reducing waiting lists, are core elements of the three year HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Action Plan published in February 2025.
As of end February 2026, the waiting list for CAMHS nationally was 4,613, with 611 of these children waiting in excess of 12 months to access CAMHS. I acknowledge that the ringfenced waiting list reduction funding of €3 million supported activity in excess of the targeted 1,250 removals across the six Regions. While this is positive overall, there is evidence that the funding allocated could have better targeted the removal of children and young people waiting for extended periods in some Regions.
I therefore recently sought a detailed plan, inclusive of both national and regional targets, to reduce CAMHS waiting lists. I requested that this plan be reported on, at a minimum on a quarterly basis, by the HSE to the Department, and should reflect core CAMHS resourcing and all additional waiting list funding that has been provided in recent years. I expect to receive this plan from the HSE shortly, reflecting both national and regional approaches.
I, and the Government, fully appreciate the very significant improvements that have been made by all CAMHS staff over recent times and the real difference that this has made and will continue to make to many vulnerable children and their families.
I have referred this PQ to the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the detailed operational information sought.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (899)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:899. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in recruiting additional dentists and improving public dental services In Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Investigations
Ceisteanna (900)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:900. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1026 of 24 March 2026, to clarify which body formally approved appointments to the external expert panel (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28740/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Disability Issues
Ceisteanna (901)
Maeve O'Connell
Ceist:901. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on his Department's work in the development of the designation by order process. [27893/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department continues to progress work in relation to the development of the designation by order provisions under the Higher Education Authority Act 2022.
Work is ongoing within the Department to develop the policy and framework required to support these provisions, including consideration of the conditions under which designation may be granted.
This is a complex area of policy development with implications for institutions that may seek designation, particularly in the context of existing statutory and regulatory obligations. It requires engagement with relevant stakeholders across the sector, including the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), as well as careful consideration of how any designation by order process would operate within the existing regulatory framework.
The Department is considering how designation could support appropriate oversight arrangements within the higher education system, while ensuring that any such approach is necessary and proportionate.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (902, 907, 908)
Donna McGettigan
Ceist:902. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to confirm that adequate funding is in place for Research Irelands Postgraduate Scholarship Programme and Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme following reports from an organisation (details supplied) that staff have been informed of a cut to funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27970/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Jen Cummins
Ceist:907. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will confirm whether a decision has been taken to terminate the Postgraduate Scholarship Programme and the Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme administered by Research Ireland; the timeline for this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28088/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJen Cummins
Ceist:908. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the consultation undertaken with representative bodies, including organisations (details supplied) prior to the reported decision to end these programmes. [28089/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 902, 907 and 908 together.
The Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is a funding scheme administered through Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland that supports suitably qualified applicants to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at an eligible higher education institution in Ireland for either one or two years. The Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme complements other channels for funded postgraduate education in the Irish ecosystem, funding new and emerging fields of research or those introducing creative, innovative approaches.
The delivery mechanism by which this funding is allocated is the only element of potential future change that is under consultation at the moment, and there are no plans to reduce either the overall funding or the number of awards being funded.
In line with the Impact 2030 Strategy, Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland was established in 2024 as our new national competitive research and innovation funding agency. The agency's remit includes streamlining existing funding processes, reducing the administrative overhead, and the promotion of excellence in research across all disciplines.
As anticipated by the Impact 2030 Strategy and the establishment of the new agency, existing funding mechanisms are being reviewed on an ongoing basis.
The agency currently funds in the region of 38% of the estimated 10,000 PhD students through a range of programmes including Government of Ireland Programmes, Centres for Research Training, Research Centres and Individual-led programmes such as Investigator and Pathway. PhD funding will continue in line with current investment at a minimum, safeguarding and growing existing numbers, while maintaining the current level of stipend payment.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland has held eleven stakeholder consultation sessions this year to discuss proposed changes to these PhD funding models and to support HEIs in developing and implementing their institutional research and innovation strategies.
This engagement has reached across the country and our institutions, engaging with leadership teams including the vice presidents of research and also directly engaging with researchers and research offices. The representative bodies will be engaged as part of this ongoing consultation process. Further AHSS-specific consultation sessions are taking place and additional webinars will be run by the agency to provide wider research community engagement on an ongoing basis.
As such, the exact specifications and final terms of the future funding model are still under development. All consultations that have taken place to date have informed stakeholders that PhD funding will not be ending, and that this process simply involves the delivery mechanism being reviewed and repackaged. Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland will be holding webinars for the wider community over the next few weeks following the publication of the 2026 programme schedule, which will provide further opportunity for the agency to address any questions that may arise.
These proposed changes are aligned with commitments to the research community to increase stability and predictability through annual and regular calls, and to streamline and simplify the agency's programme offering. I am grateful for the ongoing engagement of individual researchers, HEI Research and Innovation leadership, and wider stakeholders, who continue to advise on and inform this process, which will vastly improve programme design and delivery, and the impact of this funding.
The successful 2026 Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland Government of Ireland postgraduate scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships will be announced in the coming weeks, and there is no reduction in funding or volume of awards for this upcoming 2026 programme.
Student Accommodation
Ceisteanna (903)
Jen Cummins
Ceist:903. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the short-term activation programme; the percentage of newly delivered beds that were reserved for priority groups identified under the national access plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27991/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Short-Term Activation Programme (STAP), a total of 967 student accommodation beds have either been delivered, on site or are currently progressing through the relevant approval gates.
The first Short-Term Activation Programme (STAP) project was completed at Maynooth University, delivering 116 new beds for the 2025/26 academic year. At University College Dublin, a major 493- bed development is now on site. Trinity College Dublin’s 358 -bed development at Dartry is advancing towards approval gate 1.
As part of the funding conditions by providing direct capital funding, the programme enabled these developments to proceed, 30% of the student beds will be ringfenced for students from target groups identified in the National Access Plan. These designated beds will be offered at a reduced rental rate to support access to higher education for underrepresented and disadvantaged students.
Student Accommodation
Ceisteanna (904)
Jen Cummins
Ceist:904. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the new supports that will be introduced to ensure that students from target groups can access affordable, student-specific accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27992/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The new National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, accommodation supply and viability and accommodation affordability.
Affordability of student accommodation is supported through a range of financial assistance schemes, including the SUSI Student Grant Scheme (with non-adjacent grants targeting students living 30 km or more from their HEI), the PATH 2 1916 Bursary, Student Accommodation Assistance, and the Student Assistance Fund.
The strategy commits to targeting these supports for increases in line with the annual estimates process. Combined, these supports provide €176 million annually, alongside the rent tax credit, which offers up to €2,000 per year for jointly assessed couples or €1,000 for single applicants.
I am pleased that Budget 2026 already made some improvements in this area with all non adjacent maintenance grant rates increasing by between €200-€430 from September 2026 with eligible students this academic year seeing a pro-rata increase.
Third Level Education
Ceisteanna (905)
Donna McGettigan
Ceist:905. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to encourage greater participation by Japanese students in third level institutions and continuing educational opportunities in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28062/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Currently, there are around 120 students from Japan enrolled in Ireland's publicly funded higher education institutions at undergraduate and postgraduate level. In 2024, Japanese students accounted for an estimated market value of €1.5million for the Irish higher education sector.
My Department engages Enterprise Ireland for the marketing and promotion of the Education in Ireland brand overseas and the development, promotion and marketing of international higher education markets, in line with overall government strategies.Last year, I visited Tokyo and Osaka, where Expo was taking place. While in Japan, I met with the Japanese Minister for Science and Technology Policy, as well as leaders in research institutions. It was an opportunity for me to highlight the many reforms undertaken which positions Ireland's tertiary education institutions as quality driven, with a strong focus on a welcoming and supportive framework for international students. Japan represents a strategic diversification market in Asia for Education in Ireland and while overall student volumes are modest, the market is stable, of a high quality, and Japanese students’ engagement with the Irish system is strongly supported by their governments student mobility policies. Ireland is well positioned to grow participation in this market through targeted institutional partnerships and, English-language and skills-focused programmes. Ongoing and planned actions by Education in Ireland include supporting our HEIs on a 1:1 basis, participation at Japanese government education fairs, and educational agent outreach programmes, which will provide a strong platform for incremental but sustainable growth.
Further and Higher Education
Ceisteanna (906)
Donna McGettigan
Ceist:906. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for capital investment in further education facilities in Leitrim over the next two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28063/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A key strategy priority for my Department is to promote balanced regional development. Through capital investment we are strengthening institutions, improving infrastructure, and supporting local communities across the country. In this regard, my Department works collaboratively, through SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) on the development and delivery of capital projects for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector.
FET capital funding programmes are continuously monitored to ensure they remain fit for purpose and aligned with national and regional strategic priorities. SOLAS continue to work with Mayo Sligo and Leitrim ETB (MSLETB), to ensure that appropriate infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of learners and staff across their entire estate.
The Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Programme (SIUP), was established to provide high-quality teaching and learning environments for FET learners and staff, aligned with the principles of the FET Major Capital Projects Programme.
Under this SIUP call, nineteen projects were approved across all ETB areas. MSLETB were one of the successful applicants under this call, for a project to provide for an extension and refurbishment of an ETB owned building in Mohill, Co Leitrim. When completed, this project will provide a state-of-the-art facility for Youthreach learners in the area. I can confirm to the Deputy, that planning permission has been obtained by MSLETB for the project, and that this project is expected to proceed to tender stage in the coming months.
In addition, my Department also provides Devolved and Green Devolved Grants to the ETB sector, with full autonomy on decisions relating to the deployment of the grant resting with the individual ETBs. This devolved funding supports small-scale building works, and equipment purchases, including renewal and flexible funding to enhance the operational sustainability of ETB-owned buildings within the FET estate, focusing on low energy. Over the past 5 years MSLETB has received c. €6m in Devolved and Green Devolved funding.
Question No. 907 answered with Question No. 902.
Question No. 908 answered with Question No. 902.
Further and Higher Education
Ceisteanna (909, 910, 911)
Jen Cummins
Ceist:909. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the assessment that has been carried out on the likely impact of ending the Postgraduate Scholarship Programme on PhD stipend levels across higher education institutions; and whether he is concerned that the removal of this benchmark may lead to downward pressure on PhD stipends. [28090/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJen Cummins
Ceist:910. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has considered the impact of the proposed funding changes on the working conditions and employment status of PhD researchers; and his plans to introduce employment rights or worker status for PhD candidates. [28091/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraJen Cummins
Ceist:911. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the 2023 review recommendation to increase PhD stipends to €25,000; and the way in which this recommendation will be upheld in the absence of the existing scholarship programme. [28092/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 909, 910 and 911 together.
Research Ireland currently supports around 3,800 of the estimated 10,000 PhD students across public research bodies, through the Government of Ireland Scholarship Programme, Centres for Research Training, large scale Research Centres and initiatives such as the Investigator and Pathway programmes.
PhD students supported by Research Ireland currently receive a stipend of €25,000 per annum.
I wish to be clear that there are no plans to reduce this funding level for PhD students, nor to reduce the number of individual PhD students in receipt of supports.
Research Ireland recently published its first strategy, and one of its key actions is to review and improve existing PhD-funding programmes, in partnership with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the research community. The goal is to develop an enhanced suite of PhD programmes with the ambition to make Ireland the leading location in Europe for PhD training.
As such, I understand that Research Ireland have been engaging with individual researchers, HEI Research and Innovation leadership, and wider stakeholders on possible changes to the current model in operation with regard to the Government of Ireland Programme with the intention of improving programme design and delivery, and the impact of this funding.
These proposed changes are aligned with commitments to the research community to increase stability and predictability through annual and regular calls, and to streamline and simplify the agency's programme offering.
This improvement to programme design and delivery further complements the work of my Department in recent years to secure a substantial increase to the Research Ireland PhD stipend level, from an historic baseline of €16,000 to €25,000, representing an increase of over 50%.
Question No. 910 answered with Question No. 909.
Question No. 911 answered with Question No. 909.
Further and Higher Education
Ceisteanna (912)
Donna McGettigan
Ceist:912. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to introduce additional financial supports for students receiving the SUSI maintenance grant due to the increase in fuel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28248/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am conscious of reducing the cost of education for students,?and I have consistently outlined my commitment to improving student supports in a way that is equitable, funded and fair, and provides certainty for families.
That is why I prioritised funding for students in Budget 2026 and introduced real and permanent changes that support students from all backgrounds and help reduce the cost of education.
I increased all?non-adjacent?maintenance grant rates under the Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI by at least €200 effective from September 2026?with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year.? This measure will ease the financial burden on students and will benefit approximately 30,000 PLC, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students whose normal residence is 30 kilometres or more from their institution who may have to pay rent or higher transport costs.
In addition, I reduced the Student Contribution Charge for free fees eligible students permanently by €500, supporting around 108,000 undergraduate students. I have also increased the Postgraduate Contribution Grant by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500 for eligible students.
I have also increased the income threshold for the €500 student contribution from €115,000 to €120,000, effective from September 2026. Combined with the permanent fee reduction, this means that eligible undergraduate students whose households earning are under €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 2026/27 academic year.
I provided €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund which is more than a quarter of a million euro up on the previous year. It is available to all students who have an emergency financial need and supports approximately 22,000 students each year.
The recently published Student Accommodation Strategy sets out Ireland’s national policy to support access to appropriate housing for students. Under this Strategy, I am committed to further expanding and enhancing supports that directly address the affordability pressures facing students, especially for those who need it most.?
On 22 April I will meet with students and other stakeholders at a Cost of Education event, and the views from this consultation will feed into a cost of education paper which I will publish in the Summer. This will set out the full range of options on what interventions should be prioritised in the Budget to continue to make the greatest impact in addressing costs as a barrier to further and higher education.
In addition to the supports specifically aimed at students, last week the government announced a new package of fuel supports. Students who are travelling to college will benefit from the measures in the package, with the 10 cent further reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel now in place. Further details on this package can be found here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/press-releases/government-announces-new-package-of-fuel-supports/
Student Accommodation
Ceisteanna (913)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:913. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason student representatives were not present at the launch of the Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035; the engagement; his plans to include student representative bodies in the review and implementation process of same; and if opposition spokespersons were notified in advance of the launch on 24 March. [28481/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Student Accommodation Strategy was approved by Government and published on 24 March 2026. A formal launch did not take place.
I met with AMLÉ on 17th June 2025 and with fifteen other student union representatives on the following dates, 23rd June, 9th and 10th of September 2025.
I meet with student representatives on a regular basis and I intend to meet them again shortly to discuss a number of matters, including this new strategy.
As part of the consultation on the emerging strategy, my department officials met with student unions representative on 27th August 2025 as part of a broader programme of engagement on the emerging themes of the strategy.
To support the implementation of the student accommodation strategy, the Department will establish an Inter-Departmental Implementation Group. This group will serve as a central coordinating body, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders, including government Departments, higher education institutions, housing providers, and student representatives, have timely access to detailed information on student accommodation initiatives and progress.
Further and Higher Education
Ceisteanna (914)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:914. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports that are available to third level students who are attending private colleges and will there be an expansion to those supports. [28547/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The main support available to assist students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The definition of an approved institution is set out in Section 7 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 3 of the Student Support Regulations. Private colleges operated on a for-profit basis, such as the Portobello College, are not listed as approved institutions for student grant purposes. A student attending a private college which is not listed in the Student Support Regulations would not be eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme.
However, it is open to higher education institutions that operate on a 'for profit' basis to use their own resources to provide financial supports to any of their students that they consider to be in particular need.
I would advise any student to make direct contact with the institution that they plan to attend to consider what supports may be available.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website [www.revenue.ie]
Any future expansion of the parameters of the scheme can only be considered in the context of the budgetary allocation, having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the further and higher education sector.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (915)
John Paul O'Shea
Ceist:915. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made on each of the individual Programme for Government commitments assigned to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28659/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My officials are preparing the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the progress made on each of the individual Programme for Government commitments assigned to my Department. I will arrange to have the material forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
Veterinary Services
Ceisteanna (916)
Barry Heneghan
Ceist:916. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider the introduction of paid clinical placements for student veterinary nurses, in line with other healthcare training programmes, in recognition of the significant financial and workload pressures they face; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28685/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am very mindful of the significant demands placed on student veterinary nurses during clinical placements, including the financial pressures associated with undertaking supervised practice as a core requirement of their training. I recognise that these pressures can be challenging, particularly given the essential role that clinical placements play in developing professional competence in this field.
Higher education institutions operate within a framework of statutory academic autonomy. This autonomy extends to the design and delivery of programmes, including the structure of clinical placements and any associated arrangements. As such, it is not open to me, as Minister, to direct individual institutions to introduce paid clinical placements as part of specific programmes.
Arrangements for clinical placements in veterinary nursing are also shaped by professional and regulatory requirements. The content, duration and supervision of placements are determined by higher education institutions in conjunction with the Veterinary Council of Ireland, which sets the standards required for qualification and registration as a veterinary nurse. My Department does not have a direct role in organising, approving or funding individual clinical placements.
More broadly, the provision of paid clinical placements varies across healthcare and healthcare-related disciplines, reflecting differences in professional regulation, funding models and the role of the health or agricultural sectors in service delivery. In the case of veterinary nursing, placements are typically delivered in private veterinary practices rather than within the publicly funded health system, which presents distinct structural and funding considerations.
While I cannot mandate changes to placement remuneration models, I fully accept the importance of keeping these issues under review. My Department continues to engage with the higher education sector and relevant stakeholders on matters of access, affordability and student supports, and I would expect institutions to be mindful of the financial and workload pressures faced by students when designing and reviewing programme requirements.
In a wider context, my Department is actively supporting the expansion and strengthening of veterinary education capacity to meet identified workforce needs. Through the Veterinary Places Activation Programme (VPAP), new veterinary medicine degree programmes are being established at Atlantic Technological University and South East Technological University, working in partnership with agricultural colleges such as Mountbellew and Kildalton. These initiatives are designed to increase the domestic supply of veterinary professionals and support regional access to veterinary education.
I will continue to work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the higher education sector and the Veterinary Council of Ireland to ensure that veterinary education pathways are sustainable, accessible and aligned with workforce and regulatory requirements, while also being responsive to the experiences of students undertaking these programmes.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (917)
Donna McGettigan
Ceist:917. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of applications for CLÁR funding under measures 1 and measures 2 in 2025 from County Clare; the number of successful applications under each measure, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28061/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
[Attachment omitted]
Tourism Industry
Ceisteanna (918)
Johnny Guirke
Ceist:918. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the engagement that has taken place with other Government Departments and State agencies to support hotels and the hospitality sector in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28078/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Within my department’s Rural Development Investment Programme, there is a range of schemes providing capital funding with a focus on the economic and social development of our rural areas. These schemes do not, however, include a specific focus on the provision of hotel accommodation and the hospitality sector.
However, there are a limited number of projects which have been supported by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which have seen short stay accommodation or café facilities included as part of wider multi-functional projects.
Similarly, while the LEADER programme does not generally support hotel based projects, it has supported projects related to tourist accommodation and the hospitality sector, for example, through support for glamping projects and other tourism focused initiatives.
More widely, the sustainability of our rural businesses, including the tourism and hospitality sector, is clearly enhanced by the provision of public and community infrastructure. The funding made available by my Department, through the range of schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is clearly having positive impacts in this regard.
At a cross governmental level, responsibility for business and enterprise supports and tourism resides with my colleague Peter Burke, as Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. This includes responsibility for the National Tourism Policy Statement, A New Era for Irish Tourism, which was published in December 2025 and which sets out the Government’s long-term approach to the development of Irish tourism.
I can confirm that, as part of my Department's ongoing work developing the successor policy to Our Rural Future, my officials have been engaging with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in respect of its remit. This will include a focus on both rural tourism and rural enterprise generally. Work on the development of the policy is ongoing and has drawn on a wide ranging consultation process over recent months.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (919)
Johnny Guirke
Ceist:919. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount of funding that has been allocated to County Meath under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund for each of the years from 2020 to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) 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 for RRDF projects is provided to successful applicants following periodic Calls for Proposals. Proposals are sought under two categories, Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to larger scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides grant funding of up to €1m to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
Since 2020, the RRDF has allocated almost €449 million to 164 projects across the country. Of this, over €3.6 million has been allocated to five projects located in County Meath. This includes c. €620k in Category 2 funding awarded in October 2025 to Meath County Council, the Lead Body for the 'Clonkeehan House' project in Slane. Details of Meath projects can be found in the table below. Details of all projects funded under RRDF and other Departmental schemes can be found on the Department’s website.
I was delighted to open a Call for Proposals for Category 1 applications in February 2026. This Call, which will close on 28 July 2026, will focus on strategically important, large-scale projects that are ready to commence and have full planning and other consents in place. Full details are available on my department's website.
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.
Table: RRDF Projects in Co. Meath
|
Year Funding |
Category |
Project Name |
Location |
Lead Body |
Total RRDF Allocation |
|
2020 |
2 |
Athboy Town Centre |
Athboy |
Meath County Council |
€608,250 |
|
2021 |
1 |
Enfield Community and Enterprise Hub |
Enfield |
Meath County Council |
€587,071 |
|
2022 |
2 |
Dunshaughlin Courthouse and Town Centre |
Dunshaughlin |
Meath County Council |
€952,600 |
|
2022 |
2 |
Oldcastle Town Centre |
Oldcastle |
Meath County Council |
€854,502 |
|
2025 |
2 |
Clonkeehan House |
Slane |
Meath County Council |
€620,317 |
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (920)
Johnny Guirke
Ceist:920. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the total investment in Offaly projects since the introduction of the LEADER programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28080/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
LEADER is a community-led approach to local development that has been operating in Ireland since its commencement as a pilot initiative between 1991 and 1993.
The programme has evolved through successive programming periods, and in 2007 it was mainstreamed into the Common Agricultural Policy, becoming a key intervention within Ireland’s Rural Development Programme.
The LEADER programme allocation for Offaly in each programming period since 1994 is outlined in the below table.
This total allocation is broken down over a number of programming periods, with the most recent allocation in Offaly totalling €6.2 million in respect of the current 2023-27 LEADER programme.
Generally, the funding is allocated to the LEADER Local Action Groups at the outset of the programme to provide them with greater flexibility to manage their budgets over the programming period. As some initiatives, such as the LEADER food initiative and co-operation measures, had standalone processes and were not allocated in advance, these are not captured in the table below.
It is clear that LEADER has a commendable track record in delivering locally driven projects that have delivered real benefits in Offaly and all across the country.
I will continue to advocate for a strong and well funded LEADER programme, and I am confident that the bottom up approach of LEADER can continue to support valuable projects in Offaly for years to come.
Table 1: LEADER Programme allocation for Offaly since 1994
|
Programming Period |
Allocation |
|
1994-1999 (LEADER II) |
£2,804,000 |
|
2000-2006 (LEADER +) |
€4,318,000 |
|
2007-2013 (Revised) |
€10,856,445 |
|
2014-2020 |
€8,036,764 |
|
2021-2022 Transitional |
€2,374,498 |
|
2023-2027 |
€6,252,673 |