Written Answers Nos. 200-230
200. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the work her Department is undertaking to deliver accessible and affordable community childcare for families living in north County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28422/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Phase 1 report of Shaping the Future: the Early Years Action Plan was published on 17 December. The report sets out the next steps in the delivery of the key commitments in the Programme for Government to improve affordability, quality, and access. The report focuses on short-term actions to be undertaken in 2026 within the budgetary resources available for the year.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment, a broad public consultation process is currently underway. Results of this consultation, as well as additional analysis, will inform Phase 2 of the Action Plan. Phase 2 actions will be published at the end of 2026 and will be undertaken from 2027 through to the end of 2029.
Core Funding is a grant designed to improve affordability and accessibility for families. Core Funding will increase to over €480 million in the next programme year, starting in September. This is a 23% increase on the current programme year. This will support a 4.2% increase in growth in the sector in year five of the scheme. This growth increase will be driven both by new services joining the sector and existing services offering more places and/or longer hours to families.
When contracting to Core Funding, service providers agree to abide by the Scheme’s fee management system, which includes a fee freeze at September 2021 levels and maximum fee caps.
€20.6 million in brand new full-year funding was secured in Budget 2026 to support providers in adhering to Core Funding fee management conditions, including further reductions in the maximum fee caps in the fifth year of the Scheme. This will guarantee that Core Funding’s monetary protections will continue to be passed on to families while ensuring sustainability and stability for the sector.
Funding of €135 million is being made available between 2026 and 2030 for the capital programme for State-led early learning and childcare services. The process will begin in 2026 with the acquisition of buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for the Department. Local City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) are supporting the development of projects in the State-led early learning and childcare programme and interested parties who might have a suitable premises or project, including in north County Dublin, should contact their local CCC.
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides both universal and income-assessed subsidies to help improve affordability for parents in meeting the cost of early learning and childcare. For children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years, a minimum subsidy rate of €2.14 per hour is available for up to 45 weekly hours.
As committed to in Shaping the Future: the Early Years Action Plan, Phase 1 Report, the income-assessed thresholds for the NCS will increase. This is expected to improve the affordability of childcare for up to 47,000 children from lower income families. This investment will support lower income households to access higher subsidies to offset the cost of early learning and childcare.
The lower income assessed threshold will increase from €26,000 to €34,000. While the higher income assessed threshold will increase from €60,000 to €68,000. The Multiple Child Discount will also be increasing to €5,500 for a family with two children or €11,000 for a family with three, or more, children.
Through increasing the NCS income-assessed thresholds, families whose reckonable income falls within the new thresholds may qualify for a higher subsidy, as they will move to a higher income-assessed rate, according to their individual circumstances. Increasing the Multiple Child Discount will further reduce the reckonable income for families with two or more children, enabling them to receive a higher subsidy and thereby reducing the cumulative burden of cost.
From 31 August 2026, most families currently receiving an income-assessed subsidy will see an increase in their rate, due to these changes. This investment will also support additional families to move from their existing universal rate to an income-assessed subsidy where it may be of more benefit.
201. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if priority will be given to sites with plenty of open space for the purchase of premises for State-led early years facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29218/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra€135 million will be made available between 2026 and 2030 for the State-led Early Learning and Childcare capital programme, providing high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare.
The process will begin this year with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements. The Department will work with not-for-profit providers to design, open and operate services.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year. The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan.
To assess potential sites, a forward planning model has been developed within the Department. The model seeks to identify the nature and volume of different types of early learning and childcare places across the country and how that aligns with the numbers of children in the corresponding age cohorts at local area level. An extensive data analysis and cleaning exercise has been undertaken to map available publicly-subsidised supply.
As well as the forward planning model, a suite of appraisal criteria and tools have been developed in order to assess the potential alignment of projects with Departmental goals of promoting quality, inclusion, accessibility and affordability.
A key objective of the capital programme is to ensure all supply delivered is inclusive and high quality. The Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning and Care Settings provide comprehensive recommendations and guidance as to how to create high quality and inclusive outdoor areas for children attending Early Learning and Childcare services. These Guidelines will be used in both the selection and development of all projects within the capital programme.
The Department is now assessing project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme. Up to eight capital projects will be selected under the programme in 2026. No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/
202. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department will examine the way to make the large number of unused childcare facilities built as part of housing developments viable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29188/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of buildings is a matter for building owners, subject to whatever planning conditions may be applied by planning authorities.
I recently announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this Government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements. The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan. The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government.
Some of the buildings acquired by the State-led early learning and childcare capital programme are likely to include buildings which have been developed as part of large scale housing developments.
Beyond the capital programme, the 2001 Planning Guidelines for Childcare Facilities support local authorities in planning matters related to early learning and childcare buildings, including in certain instances requiring the development of buildings as part of large scale housing developments.
While this has delivered a substantial amount of early learning and childcare infrastructure, there are challenges in implementing the guidelines and in some cases, buildings which have been required to be delivered remain vacant. There are many potential reasons for this. The price for the building sought by the developer may be too high for operators. Facilities tend to also require capital investment to fit out the building for use as a service. There may be instances where the design of the building is not conducive to its optimal use as an early learning and childcare service. There are some instances where the developer has sought permission for a change of use.
The Programme for Government commits to reviewing the 2001 Planning Guidelines. The 2024 Planning and Development Act, the new National Planning Framework and the ongoing work in the Department on Shaping the Future, the Action Plan for the development of the early learning and childcare sector all provide important context for considering what any future policy should reflect in this respect.
I can also advise that the Department of Children, Equality and Disability has been notified by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that it is to be included as a prescribed body in relation to planning applications which may be expected to generate significant additional demand for early learning and childcare.
204. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on progress in implementing the key commitments set out in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, including the actions currently underway and the planned next steps for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29065/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, published in September 2025, sets out a whole of government approach to disability over the next five years that will achieve further progressive realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Constituting an overarching framework, the Strategy will drive a step-change in the delivery of national disability policy. Strategy commitments and actions focus on five key thematic pillars that collectively capture the full range of issues impacting on the lives of disabled people:
• Inclusive Learning and Education
• Employment
• Independent Living and Active Participation in Society
• Wellbeing and Health
• Transport and Mobility
I was delighted to publish the First Programme Plan of Action in December of 2025. It is the first of a total of three two-year Programme Plans of Action which will guide the Strategy’s implementation, ensuring dynamic, agile and effective delivery of all commitments and priority actions.
Covering the period to the end of this year, the First Programme Plan of Action 2025-2026 clearly sets out how the priority actions under each commitment will be delivered by various lead government departments and public bodies, the timeframe for delivery, and the success indicators by which performance will be measured.
To ensure the commitments outlined in the Strategy are met, robust delivery and monitoring structures have been co-designed with stakeholders, providing for effective oversight and accountability throughout the lifetime of the Strategy. These structures continue to be established and developed.
In line with the Strategy’s overarching whole-of-government approach, delivery on the actions and commitments under the five pillars are being led by several Government departments and public bodies as befits their remits. Pillar Groupings are being established and meetings have been convened by many of the departments identified as co-leads for each pillar. Membership of Pillar Groupings also includes representatives from other relevant government departments and public bodies, as well as disability stakeholders.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is coordinating the publication of bi-annual reports to outline progress for each commitment, with the first report being due to be presented to the next Delivery and Monitoring Committee scheduled to take place in the coming months.
I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues across government and disability stakeholders to further advance full implementation of the Strategy to improve the lives of all disabled people nationwide.
205. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the waiting list in each area for residential care places for adults with disabilities; the average waiting times; and the plan in place to significantly increase availability. [17511/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
206. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide the number of Tusla staff who resigned, retired, or otherwise left employment, broken down by grade, for each year from 2020 to 2025 inclusive, in tabular form; the reasons recorded for their departure; and whether she has assessed the impact of staff churn on child protection and care outcomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29221/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the Department’s officials have asked Tusla to respond directly to you on this matter.
207. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures she will take to address the issue of staff turnover in childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29191/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role of the early years educator and school-age childcare practitioner are valuable ones, and they play an important part in supporting children's development, learning and care.
In a very competitive labour market and with low levels of unemployment, recruitment and retention is a challenge for all employers.
The current Annual Early Years Sector Profile data shows that the number of educators/practitioners working with children in the sector has increased by over 8% between 2024 and 2025 and has increased by over 33% since 2022.
However, it is acknowledged that many early learning and childcare services report recruitment and retention issues. In general, these challenges are not caused by insufficient supply of staff, but by high levels of turnover mainly due to low pay and conditions.
Although the Government is the primary funder of the sector, it is not the employer and cannot directly set wages or conditions.
The Joint Labour Committee is the formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate minimum pay rates, which are set down in Employment Regulation Orders, and is independent in its functions. Outcomes from the Joint Labour Committee process are supported by Government through Core Funding. In this programme year 2025/26 Core Funding has increased by 6% to approximately €350 million with an additional €45 million in ring-fenced Core Funding provided to support early learning and care services in meeting the increased cost of minimum pay rates in the sector.
I recently announced, as part of launch of Shaping the Future: Early Years Action Plan in December, another allocation of up to €15m of ring-fenced funding from September 2026, which amounts up to €45m for the full programme year, to support service providers with costs associated with possible increases in minimum rates of pay negotiated via the independent Joint Labour Committee process.
Consequently, over 2 years, the Department has made an allocation of €90 million available to support possible increased rates of pay.
A longer-term workforce strategy for the sector is in place: "Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028". Nurturing Skills aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in the sector. One of the five "pillars" of Nurturing Skills comprises commitments aimed at supporting recruitment, retention and diversity in the workforce, and it includes actions to raise the profile of careers in the sector.
In December 2023, a Sub-Group of the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum was established to address recruitment and retention challenges. The group has advanced initiatives including:
• A Student Fast-track Process for recognition of studies to work in service out of term,
• The assessment of unfinished qualifications, where people who may have started a relevant qualification but did not get to finish it, can have what they completed assessed for meeting qualification requirements
• An agreement to promote careers in the sector.
To further support staff retention, the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund enables educators who continue to work within the sector to pursue Level 7 and 8 qualifications by funding up to 90% of their tuition costs. Over 700 staff are now supported through the Nurturing Stills Learner Fund.
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund demonstrates how we are already delivering on our Programme for Government commitment to ‘remove barriers in education and training for early years educators to broaden access to the profession.
Complementing wider Departmental policies to streamline administration and regulation, to reduce stress and to support wellbeing in the sector, the Department is committed to roll out an employee assistance programme nationally in the near future.
208. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports she plans to introduce to support those who want to open new childcare services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29113/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department supports the ongoing development of existing and new services in the sector through its range of funding schemes and support infrastructure including City and County Childcare Committees.In particular the Core Funding scheme, which has operated since 2022, offers supply side funding to services.
The Department continues to support the ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core Funding, which is in its fourth programme year, funds services based on the number of places available.
This provides stability to services, and reduces the risk associated with opening a new service or expanding an already existing service. For the third programme year (2024/25), the allocation for Core Funding allowed for a 6% increase in capacity. Budget 2025 secured funding for the fourth programme year (2025/6) to facilitate a further 3.5% increase from September 2025. Budget 2026 has made provision for the fifth programme year (2026/7) for a further expansion in supply of 4.2%.
This increased investment will allow increases in the natural growth of the sector driven both by new services joining the sector and existing services offering more places and/or longer hours to families.
The total allocation for Core Funding in 2026/2027 programme year will increase to €436.54 million, an additional €43.90 million on the current full year allocation.
The Government is also supporting the expansion of capacity through capital funding. The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme is designed to increase capacity in the 1–3-year-old, pre–Early Childhood Care and Education, age range for full day care. Core Funding Partner Services could apply for capital funding to physically extend their premises or to construct or purchase new premises. The Scheme will deliver up to 1,500 full-day care places for 1- to 3-year-olds. Just this week I have announced a further phase of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme.
Separately, in January I announced €135 million of capital investment over the coming five years for State-led services to provide high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year. The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030.
The Department also funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees, which provide support and assist families and early learning and childcare providers. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees across the country can assist in identifying vacant places in services for children and families who need them and engage proactively with services to explore possibilities for expansion among services, particularly where there is unmet need.
Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee for assistance. The contact details for the City/County Childcare Committees may be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/
209. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on CDNT waiting lists for assessments and therapies in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28156/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is committed to ensuring that children with disabilities and their families who need early intervention and therapy input can access that support in a timely way.
While clinical assessments take place regularly under Primary Care Services, through Children’s Disability Network Teams and other health providers, an Assessment of Need is a specific assessment process carried out by the Health Service Executive under the Disability Act 2005, to determine whether a child has a disability as defined within the Act. If it is determined that they do, assessments are arranged to identify the health and education needs of the person with a disability and the services required to meet those needs.It is important to note that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care Services, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services.
Demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and the number of families exploring all options to access services for their child. Unfortunately, this demand is outpacing the capacity of the system to respond, with the result that there were 20,209 applications overdue for completion nationwide at the end of 2025, according to the most recently available Health Service Executive data.
On a positive note, there has been continued improvement in the number of completed Assessment of Need reports, with 5,939 reports completed in 2025. This is a 43% increase nationally compared to the number completed in 2024.
The Health Service Executive provides Assessment of Need data on a quarterly basis. This data is not available by County but is available at Local Health Office level. The most recent available data shows that, in Galway Local Health Office, 488 Assessment of Need reports were overdue for completion at the end of 2025. This number includes all assessment reports that were not completed within 6 months of receipt of an application.
These numbers may reflect the notable increase in applications for Assessment of Need in Galway Local Health Office, with 447 applications received in 2025, compared to 113 applications in 2024.
Most children and young people with disabilities can have their needs met through mainstream services across a range of Government Departments and Agencies. However, children and young people with complex needs may require access to health and social care supports and services delivered by Children’s Disability Network Teams.
It is important to note that a diagnosis is not required to access a Children’s Disability Network Team.
Whilst recognising that there is more to do, real progress has been made in reducing the Children’s Disability Network Team waiting list. Health Service Executive preliminary data indicates that the national Children’s Disability Network Team waiting list has reduced by 48%, from 16,522 children awaiting an initial contact in 2023, to 8,648 children at the end of February 2026.
Preliminary data for February 2026 reports that Children’s Disability Network Teams are providing services and supports nationally for 45,141 children, and strategies and supports for waitlisted children with urgent needs, where staffing resources allow.
There are six Children’s Disability Network Teams providing services and supports for children and young people with complex needs and their families in Galway, and they are part of the Health Service Executive’s West and North West Health Region.
These six Children’s Disability Network Teams are West Galway, West Galway City, Central Galway East Galway City, North Galway, East Galway South Roscommon and Roscommon North East Galway.
Preliminary interim metrics reported by the Health Service Executive indicated that 470 children were waiting to access these six teams at the end of February last. Notwithstanding this, it should be noted that preliminary data from the Health Service Executive indicated that 3,344 children across these six teams were on an open caseload at the end of February.
This Government recognises that delays faced by families in accessing Assessments of Need and the Children’s Disability Network Teams are unacceptable. There has been intensive work by this Department and the Health Service Executive to address this.
The Government has provided funding for additional posts to enhance the capacity of Children’s Disability Network Teams and shorten the waiting times in recent years, with further investment in both Budgets 2025 and 2026 to fund additional therapy posts and clinical trainee places.
The overall Health Service Executive Disability Budget for 2026 has seen a growth to more than €3.8 billion, which equates to a nearly 20% increase from the previous year.
In December 2025, Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment. This reform includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
The proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They also will not alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. The Joint Committee on Disability Matters has published its report, following pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill, and the Department is considering its recommendations. An [FAQ document] www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/from-subject-received-size-categories-aoife-carragher-dcde-fw-dcde-website-aon-1532-1-mb/
has been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes for parents and any other interested stakeholders.
It is important to recognise that legislation is only a part of the response. The Department is working with the Health Service Executive to identify further opportunities to enhance processes, improve training, and increase administrative supports for Health Service Executive Assessment Officers who are responsible for the production of assessment reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
The Health Service Executive is also implementing actions to address the wider issue of access to services and supports for children with disabilities, including:
• Introduction of a Single Point of Access system by the Health Service Executive in 2026. This should make it easier for families to be referred to the right service or services, whether that is a Primary Care Service, or a Children’s Disability Network Teams and/or a Mental Health Service. It aims to streamline referrals and reduce duplication, so children do not end up on multiple waiting lists.
• Implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol by the Health Service Executive in early 2026. The Protocol will provide a standardised assessment process across Primary Care Services, Mental Health and Disability Services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism.
• The creation of eleven new Health Service Executive teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including Assessment of Need, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
• The Health Service Executive are currently developing a Service Improvement Plan 2026-2027-Disability Service for Children and Young People. This will build on improvement works started under the Roadmap for Service Improvement 2023-2026, Disability Services for Children and Young People.
• A dedicated Disability Workforce Strategy will be developed by the Health Service Executive in 2026, to meet growing service demands and address recruitment and retention challenges across specialist disability services, including Children’s Disability Network Teams.
• The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system and the timely provision of health and social care supports for children and young people with disabilities continues to be a priority for this Government.
210. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide greater legal protections to students living in digs accommodation as more and more students find themselves in this situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22252/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast month I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 following Government approval. The Strategy sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, accommodation supply and viability and accommodation affordability.
Current projections indicate an emerging demand for approximately 42,000 additional student accommodation beds over the next decade, underscoring the scale of the challenge and opportunity. The Strategy puts an emphasis on activating supply and increasing purpose built student accommodation. In addition, digs accommodation which plays an integral role as part of the housing solution for students will be an important competent in increasing overall supply.
As of March 2026, over 4,800 student beds were advertised through higher education institutions.
I am aware that this type of accommodation is not covered by the Residential Tenancy Acts, and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) does not have any jurisdiction or function on these types of licences. Rather it is a private contractual matter between the parties as to the type of agreement to be put in place. I do understand the reasons why people call for increased regulations. I also understand that increased regulations may have unintended consequences for example impacting negatively on the supply of student accommodation.
While the regulation of this area is not under my remit as Minister, my Department has published a voluntary regulatory framework and sample licence agreement to guide both homeowners and students using the Rent-a-Room scheme. These resources provide advice on safeguarding against scams, formalising arrangements where parties choose to enter into Rent-a-Room agreements, and promoting transparency in accommodation sharing arrangements.
I also work with higher education institutions (HEIs), whose student accommodation offices maintain trusted lists of providers, provide guidance on tenancy rights, and offer one-to-one advice. I have asked my officials to discuss with HEIs whether more can be done in the area of encouraging the use of licenses, in particular for accommodation being offered on HEI supported websites.
212. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to confirm that there will be no job losses or loss of courses/classes in education training boards due to changes in the tendering process; the way in which the anomalies and inconsistencies uncovered by the EPS were allowed to happen; and his views on whether the level of governance is appropriate.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22253/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, I want to assure you that the cessation of this tender process will not result in any job losses in ETBs. ETB staff are not involved in the delivery of contracted training, which is provided by external training providers using their own staff. It has no impact on business as usual. This is a procurement framework for provision of future services
Contracted Training is a long-established element of FET provision, allowing ETBs to access specialist expertise and flexible capacity to meet learner and employer needs. The tender process sought to put in place a multi-supplier framework for the provision of future contracted training. This doesn't impact existing provision. Multi-supplier frameworks are widely used across the public sector to ensure compliance, efficiency, and value for money. It is in the nature of contracted training that course provision can change in line with demand, but the tender process to which the Deputy refers is not expected to have any implications for courses provided.
In relation to the recent tender, I want to be clear that EPS did not uncover any impropriety. Rather, certain issues emerged which, in the view of EPS and following legal advice, warranted discontinuing the process purely as a precaution to uphold fairness and transparency. To protect the competitive integrity of the re-tender, I cannot comment further on the specific issues identified.
EPS and ETBI acted with an abundance of caution. This early intervention was taken to prevent potential legal challenges which could otherwise jeopardise course delivery. These steps were taken to protect public money. The published tender amount was an indicative value only and no contracts had been awarded.
The role of EPS is to support educational bodies in procurement activities in order to achieve value-for-money and to enhance procurement compliance. Accountability for expenditure under multi-supplier frameworks rests with the ETB who awards services procured under the framework.
Interim arrangements are in place, and EPS is engaging with ETBs to determine the optimal approach to the re-tender. A Prior Information Notice issued on 1 April to alert the market to the planned procurement. The objective remains to establish a national panel of suitably qualified providers to deliver high-quality, flexible training across the ETB network.
213. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department collects or monitors data on the rate of youth emigration; the number of post-graduates who remain in the country after achieving their degree; and the numbers who leave, from each faculty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22144/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for his question.
For clarity, the information I am providing refers to the outcomes of postgraduates (that is, people who have completed postgraduate qualifications).
Information on the destination of postgraduates is contained in the Graduate Outcomes Survey. This is a nationally representative survey of graduates across the higher education system, which is conducted annually by the HEA, and takes place nine months after graduation. The most recent report covers the Class of 2024, with results published in November 2025.
Overall, the most recent Survey found that 86.9% of respondents were employed, with 2.9% in further study, and the remaining 10.3% seeking employment or engaged in other activities.
Regarding the location of postgraduates, 87.4% of those in employment were employed on the island of Ireland.
The survey further breaks down employment location by field of study. For those employed from education related courses, 95.5% were employed on the island of Ireland, the highest across all fields of study. For those employed from arts and humanities related courses, this figure was 77.0%, the lowest across all fields of study.
Regarding Youth emigration, the CSO’s annual Population and Migration Estimates publication provides the total number of people emigrating, broken down by age group.
In its most recent publication, covering the period May 2024 to April 2025, the CSO estimated that 21,500 people between the ages of 15 and 24 emigrated during that period. This was a reduction from 24,600 the previous year.
214. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding his work to make higher education and higher education institutions more accessible for those coming from communities with higher levels of disadvantage. [22300/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting Inclusion is our higher education system is a key priority of the Department and this is clearly reflected in the Statement of Strategy.
Our policy intent on inclusion in Higher Education is articulated in the current National Access Plan which aims to support inclusion and diversity in our student body, address the wider struggles and challenges for students, and deliver sustainable progress.
The Plan identifies priority groups who are underrepresented in Higher Education including students who are socio-economically disadvantaged, students with a disability including an intellectual disability and students who are members of the Traveller & Roma Communities.
Recently a number of measures have been taken to support access to Higher Education for socio- economic groups identified including:-
• Improving the Student Grant Scheme including increases in maintenance rates and a permanent reduction in fees, which will support around 140,000 students
• Increasing the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) in higher education which brings it to over €10.5 million. FSD supports over 19,500 students.
• In further education and training, I recently announced, together with Minister Lawless, an increase in the Fund for Students with Disabilities in that sector, increasing the allocation from €5.7 million to €7.7 million, with the specific am of extending transport supports for learners with disabilities across all further education and training courses.
• Increasing the Student Assistance Fund funding to over €19.3m for the 2025/2026 academic year, this fund supports over 22,000 students each year
• Progressing work on Universal Design measures with 19 institutions receiving a total of €5.8m in funding up to 2026 to support projects.
• 193 students with intellectual disabilities are now enrolled in PATH 4 courses in 11 HEIs throughout the country. This is a ground breaking programme and to provide surety for it's continuation the funding was extended up to 2028 for the programmes
• Mainstreaming funding for the Initial Teacher Education programme and the Higher Education Access Fund known as PATH 3, both of which are programmes under the National Access Plan
• The Department provides a student accommodation scheme for Traveller and Roma students and students who have experience of the care system, this scheme supported 142 students in the 25/26 academic year
• Continuing to support flexible and part-time courses which are now eligible for SUSI support
• There are now 38 tertiary courses in the academic year 2025/26 which increases access and provides opportunities to study in higher education for those are excluded from the traditional pathways. There will be 43 courses available for application in September 2026.
It is a priority of this Government to support disadvantaged students to enter and succeed in higher education and we will continue to drive forward with this work to make a tangible difference to students who experience educational disadvantage.
215. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the way his student accommodation plan will address the question of affordability in the short and medium term to relieve overburdened families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29029/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast month I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035 following Government Approval. The Strategy sets out a clear pathway to improve access to higher education by addressing two key challenges: the supply and viability of student accommodation, and its affordability.
Affordability is supported through a comprehensive suite of financial supports. These include the SUSI Student Grant Scheme, with non-adjacent maintenance grants specifically targeted at students living 30 kilometres or more from their higher education institution; the PATH 2 1916 Bursary; Student Accommodation Assistance; and the Student Assistance Fund.
Taken together, these measures provide approximately €176 million annually to support students. The strategy commits to continuing to target these supports for increases through the annual Estimates process. Importantly, I was in a position to deliver improvements in this area already through the Budget 2026 process.
From September 2026:-
• all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates will increase by between €200 and €430, with eligible students in the current academic year receiving a pro-rata increase.
• The income limit to avail of the €500 Student Contribution Grant will rise to €120,000. This is in addition to the €500 permanent reduction in Student Contribution Charge that I introduced this academic year.
In addition, students benefit from the rent tax credit, which provides up to €1,000 per year for single applicants and up to €2,000 for jointly assessed couples.
The Strategy and the measures already implemented under Budget 2026 underline my determination to reduce the cost of education to support students to achieve their educational ambitions.
216. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which his Department plans to address construction labour force shortfalls and the impact that will have on housing delivery; if he will consider a State construction company to increase investment in training and apprenticeships, attract skilled labour home from abroad and an expand of the use of modern methods of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17834/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra218. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current and projected demand for student accommodation in the Dublin region, as identified by his Department and higher education institutions; the actions being taken by his Department to support the provision of student accommodation, including engagement with relevant Departments and agencies; the supports available to students who are unable to secure accommodation and may be at risk of deferring or discontinuing their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22110/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 has been published. The Strategy, which is available on the government’s website, sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, accommodation supply and viability and accommodation affordability.
Over 16,000 new student beds have been delivered since the first strategy was published in 2017, demonstrating a significant expansion of purpose-built student accommodation. Current Total Public and Private supply in the Dublin region is circa 29,100. As of March 2026, over 4,800 student beds were advertised through higher education institutions, 921 of these are within the Dublin region.
Through the Short Term Activation Programme, €67 million in Exchequer funding was allocated to University College Dublin to facilitate the delivery of 493 student beds at its Belfield campus. Furthermore, approval has been granted for €40.5 million in Exchequer funding to support the provision of 358 student beds at Trinity College Dublin’s Dartry campus.
Current projections indicate an emerging demand for approximately 42,000 additional student beds nationwide over the next decade, underscoring the scale of the challenge and opportunity.
The strategy responds to this by removing the barriers that have prevented student accommodation development at the scale required to meet this level of demand.
To address supply and viability the strategy sets out a balanced approach including: -
• A commitment to long term State-backed measures to activate supply, working in partnership with the private sector.
• Support for the development of accommodation on public campuses as well as on private sites near to campus, subject to State Aid clearance.
• The development of a framework, in line with relevant Departmental consents, to support universities to develop nomination agreements with the private sector.
• The expansion of the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme to include traditional universities enabling the sector as a whole to meet demand; and
• The enhanced supply of student beds through promotion of Rent-a-Room accommodation.
We have already engaged extensively with the Technological Sector where multiple proposals have been put forward, with more to come, and these will be brought forward on a phased basis this year.
Viability is further enhanced through reductions in VAT on the sale of apartments, including PBSA, and through new rules on market level resetting of rent which also provide a three-year protection window in recognition of the unique circumstances faced by students.
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.
These measures, taken together, deliver a strategy that is focused on activation, acceleration, affordability and delivery, ensuring we move from plans to accommodation for students across the country.
224. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline what the fund for students with disabilities covers; the amount that is allocated to each category across all FETs; the amount that is allocated to transport across all FETs, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21799/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department places a priority on inclusion across further and higher education. This work is closely aligned with the Programme for Government, the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People for 2025 to 2030, and the forthcoming Further Education and Training Strategy.
A key support in this area is the Fund for Students with Disabilities. This fund provides resources to Education and Training Boards to help them deliver the supports and services students with disabilities need to participate on an equal basis with their peers. At present, the fund is mainly available to learners on Post-Leaving Certificate courses.
The supports available through the fund include assistive technology, non-medical supports such as personal assistants and note-takers, academic and examination supports, supports for learners who are deaf or hard of hearing, transport assistance, and supports related to work placements. In 2024, more than 3,500 learners benefited from this funding.
As part of Budget 2026, I secured an additional €2 million for the Fund for Students with Disabilities within further education and training. This brings the total allocation for 2026 to €7.7 million. Importantly, this increase includes new, dedicated funding for transport supports for learners with intellectual disabilities across a range of FET courses.
My Department officials have agreed an implementation mechanism with SOLAS, and guidelines have issued to the ETBs to allow them to enable delivery of the initiative.
Through targeted investment and close cooperation with ETBs and SOLAS, I will continue to work to ensure that learners with disabilities can access education on an equal basis, overcome barriers to participation, and realise their full potential.
225. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he has engaged with the Minister for Finance regarding the cost of college fees; the consideration being given, in the context of Budget 2027, to further reducing the student contribution in light of ongoing cost-of-living pressures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25220/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am acutely aware of the financial challenges facing students and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to education.
The Deputy will be aware that Programme for Government contains several commitments which are intended to reduce the financial burden on students and families. One of these commitments is to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government in a financially sustainable manner.
Ahead of last year’s budget, I engaged extensively with student representatives, and key stakeholders in the tertiary education sector, to help me understand what changes to our student support framework mattered most to students and their families.
As part of Budget 2026, I introduced a permanent reduction of €500 in the Student Contribution charge. This flat rate reduction has reduced the rate from €3,000 to €2,500. This is the first permanent cut since free fees were introduced in 1995. It has benefitted around 108,000 undergraduate students and circa 14,000 apprentices who have seen up to a 17% pro-rata reduction.
It is also important to say, because this can be forgotten, that the State already pays the full student contribution for tens of thousands of learners on maintenance grants. The State also pays between €500 and 50% of the amount for those households earning under €115,000. As part of the Budget 2026 measures, I am raising this threshold to €120,000 for the next academic year.
In Budget 2026, I have also increased the grant rates for those who have to travel further to college, which took effect in January. I have also put additional funding into the Fund for Students with Disabilities and I have increased student mental health funding.
The recent Government decision to levy departments to cover expenditure pressures in other Departments may necessitate limitations on new measures in Budget 2027. Notwithstanding this, I will again pursue options that are equitable, funded, fair, and that build upon the permanent improvements that were made for the 2025/26 academic year. I will engage with students and stakeholders to identify what are the key measures that can be implemented to reduce the cost of education, including at the annual cost of education event which took place this week.
I will also engage with my Cabinet colleagues, including the Minister for Finance, to ensure that I have the necessary support to implement further improvements to the student support framework.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, I can assure the Deputy that options to support students and reduce financial barriers will be a key consideration for me as part of Budget negotiations.
226. 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 construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22109/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing the continuing shortage of affordable student accommodation remains a key priority for my department. As an immediate response to the shortage of student accommodation and in advance of the new Student Accommodation Strategy, the Short-Term Activation Programme was implemented. Under this programme, 967 beds have been delivered or are progressing. These include Maynooth University’s completed 116-bed project, UCD’s 493-bed project now approved for construction. A 358-bed development at Trinity College Dublin is being progressed through relevant approval gates.
The project referred to by the deputy did not proceed under the short term activation programme due to cost considerations However, I am pleased to confirm that the National Student Accommodation Strategy has been published and sets out a clear vision to make higher education more accessible by addressing two distinct challenges: accommodation affordability and accommodation supply and viability.
As part of this strategy we will be working with the sector to increase the activation of supply of beds. It is expected that recent Government Interventions may help viability. The strategy also sets out a clear pathway in the Higher Education Institutions Student Accommodation Programme.
227. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on student accommodation in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29000/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast month I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035 following Government Approval. The Strategy sets out a clear pathway to improve access to higher education by addressing two key challenges: the supply and viability of student accommodation, and its affordability.
To address supply and viability the strategy sets out a balanced approach including:
• A commitment to long term State-backed measures to activate supply, working in partnership with the private sector.
• Support for the development of accommodation on public campuses as well as on private sites near to campus, subject to State Aid clearance.
• The development of a framework, in line with relevant Departmental consents, to support to universities to develop nomination agreements with the private sector.
• The expansion of the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme to include traditional universities enabling the sector as a whole to meet demand; and
• The enhanced supply of student beds through promotion of Rent-a-Room accommodation.
We have already engaged extensively with the Technological Sector where multiple proposals have been developed including from Galway, and these will be brought forward on a phased basis this year, beginning in our main cities and then expanding nationwide.
Since 2017, 16,266 PBSA beds have been completed nationwide, bringing total stock to over 49,200. As of the end of March 2026, commencement notices have issued for 2,735 Student beds and 14,233 have planning permission. Additionally, planning permission has been applied for a further 1,684 student beds.
The University of Galway opened 674 new student beds at Dunlin Village for the 2023–2024 academic year. In addition, 345 beds are currently in development on Queen Street through private sector investment supported by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.
The homeowner room-rental campaign ran again in advance of academic year 2025/26. As of March 2026, over 4,800 rent a room beds were advertised nationwide, including 181 in Galway. As of the end of December, 898 privately owned student beds in Galway had planning permission, with a further 922 beds where a commencement notice has issued.
The new Student Accommodation Programme will be rolled out in phases. Galway is in the first phase together with Dublin and Cork. Engagement is already underway in respect of phase one and discussions have taken place with Institutions/DPER and the NDFA.
230. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the recently published National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29011/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 was published last month. The strategy sets out a clear, long-term pathway to improving access to higher education by tackling two key challenges: accommodation supply and viability, and affordability.
Since the first strategy was introduced in 2017, more than 16,000 purpose-built student accommodation beds have been delivered, bringing total national PBSA stock to over 49,000 beds. As of the end of March 2026, commencement notices have issued for over 2,700 beds, with a further 14,233 beds with planning permission.
Current projections indicate an emerging demand for approximately 42,000 additional student accommodation beds over the next decade, underscoring the scale of the challenge and opportunity.
The strategy responds to this by removing the barriers that have prevented student accommodation development at the scale required to meet this level of demand.
To address supply and viability the strategy sets out a balanced approach including: -
• A commitment to long term State-backed measures to activate supply, working in partnership with the private sector.
• Support for the development of accommodation on public campuses as well as on private sites near to campus, subject to State Aid clearance.
• The development of a framework, in line with relevant Departmental consents, to support universities to develop nomination agreements with the private sector.
• The expansion of the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme to include traditional universities enabling the sector as a whole to meet demand; and
• The enhanced supply of student beds through promotion of Rent-a-Room accommodation.
We have already engaged extensively with the Technological Sector where multiple proposals have been put forward, with more to come, and these will be brought forward on a phased basis this year.
Viability is further enhanced through reductions in VAT on the sale of apartments, including PBSA, and new rules on market level resetting of rent which also provide three-year protection window in recognition of the unique circumstances faced by students.
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.
These measures, taken together, deliver a strategy that is focused on activation, acceleration, affordability and delivery ensuring we move from plans to accommodation for students across the country.
