Written Answers Nos. 231-255
231. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to address projected construction-sector labour shortages over the coming years, in order to ensure that national housing and infrastructure delivery targets remain achievable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17540/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra232. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to make the cost of third level education more affordable for families. [22103/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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.
I was therefore delighted in Budget 2026 to be in a position to introduce tangible and permanent changes that support students from all backgrounds and help reduce the cost of education.
All non-adjacent maintenance grant rates under the Student Grant Scheme, will increase by at least €200 effective from September 2026 with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution.
For this academic year, I permanently reduced the Student Contribution Charge for free fees eligible students and permanently increased the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant increased by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500.
Effective from September 2026,
• eligible students with household earnings under €120,000 will avail of the €500 student contribution grant. These students will therefore pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 2026/27 academic year.
• The income threshold for the Special Rate of Grant will increase from €27,400 to €28,600 in line with Social Welfare increases.
I provided €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund which is €260k up on the previous year.
In Further Education & Training, courses are free or heavily subsidised and eligible learners can receive financial supports which are linked to social welfare payments.
The Student Accommodation Strategy, which was launched last month, 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.
I will, later this year, publish an options paper which will identify costs and potential impacts of various policy options aimed at reducing the cost of higher education. This paper will inform decision-making ahead of Budget 2027.
233. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase delivery of student accommodation in Thurles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22077/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026–2035, which sets out a clear pathway to making higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges: accommodation supply and viability, and affordability.
The emerging demand for Student Accommodation is substantial with an estimated need of 42,000 student beds by 2035.
To address supply and viability the strategy sets out a balanced approach including: -
• The development of a framework, in line with relevant Departmental consents, to enable Technological Universities to enter into nomination agreements in a practical, scalable way that has already been proven internationally.
• Expansion of the Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme (TSSAP) to Traditional Universities to grow the existing pipeline of proposals under development on a phased basis in partnership with private developers.
• Unlocking and preparation of strategic sites for development of PBSA will also be considered subject to State Aid Clearance.
• Rent a Room options will be promoted to enhance supply as a flexible and valuable source of additional accommodation for students.
The Higher Education Institutions Student Accommodation Programme (HSAP) has been launched and the programme board established. HEI's are gathering the required information to form their Preliminary Business Cases which are due for completion throughout 2026.
By working with key public and private stakeholders the Strategy aims to support the development of sufficient purpose built Student accommodation, expansion of supply via Rent - a Room options and advancement of HEI led sustainable commuting strategies with the aim of meeting student needs in the medium and long term.
234. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made in expanding apprenticeship programmes beyond traditional sectors; the targets set for new apprenticeship registrations over the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22107/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am firmly committed to expanding apprenticeship opportunities, and I am supporting that expansion with significant investment. Having secured an additional €79 million in Budget 2026 the total apprenticeship budget is now over €410 million - more than double the level in 2020.
A key focus over recent years has been the development of apprenticeships in new occupations. In addition to 25 traditional craft and construction apprenticeships, the consortia-led model was introduced in 2016 and has expanded to 56 programmes across a wide range of new and emerging sectors ranging from ICT to Social Work.
To date in 2026, three new apprenticeships have been launched in Software Testing, Road Surfacing Technology, and Business and Operations which I launched earlier this week with Ministers Chambers, Calleary and Harkin. Further programmes, including Paramedicine and Social Care, are scheduled to launch later this year.
The Government has been clear that momentum to grow apprenticeships must continue. Annual apprenticeship registrations are targeted to rise from 9,461 in 2025 to 12,500 by 2030, with at least two-thirds in traditional craft and construction sectors and the remainder in new and emerging fields.
The 2026-2030 Apprenticeship Action Plan will be launched this year, and this provides a valuable opportunity to refine and strengthen the consortia-led model. State agencies are reviewing the consortia-led model to support alignment with national skills needs, complement existing education routes, streamline processes and deliver value for money.
Together, these efforts will ensure that Ireland’s apprenticeship system remains responsive and equipped to meet the skills needs of a modern and growing economy.
235. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to consider introducing additional educational supports for learners with special educational needs within Youthreach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22076/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Youthreach programme provides a two-year model of education and training for young people who leave school with limited qualifications. Crucially, Youthreach is deliberately structured as an alternative to mainstream post-primary education, and this makes it particularly well-suited to learners with additional and special educational needs. Its flexible curriculum, enhanced staffing ratios and learner-centred teaching approaches allow programmes to be tailored to the individual circumstances of each learner.
The programme is specifically designed to respond to social, emotional, mental-health and educational challenges, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Evidence consistently shows strong outcomes, not only in certification, but also in confidence, resilience, and personal and social development. At the heart of Youthreach is a learner-centred ethos, which ensures that each young person’s learning profile, strengths and support needs are recognised and addressed. This approach is of particular value to learners with special educational needs.
This focus is further strengthened through the Special Educational Needs Initiative, introduced in 2007 for centres with a high prevalence of learners with additional needs. Nineteen centres currently participate, each receiving a dedicated annual allocation of €52,000.
This funding supports additional staffing, specialist training, mentoring, needs assessment, targeted interventions and, where appropriate, inter-agency collaboration, ensuring centres have the capacity to respond effectively to complex needs.
I remain committed to ensuring that learners across the further education system are provided with the supports they need to reach their full potential.
236. 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 students find themselves in this situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29087/26]
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.
237. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement that has taken place between his Department and the Department of Health regarding workforce planning for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy; whether projected higher education training places are aligned with workforce demand identified by the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21732/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is engaged in ongoing and intensive collaboration with the Department of Health, Department of Children, Disability, and Equality and Department of Education and Youth along with the HSE and the Higher Education Authority to ensure that workforce planning for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy is fully aligned with national service needs.
This engagement is structured through a coordinated, cross-Government approach, including an Inter-Departmental Working Group and joint workforce modelling and gap analysis. This work has identified significant shortages across these therapy professions, particularly in the growth of complex needs across disability services, Children’s Disability Network Teams, the new National Education Therapy Service and broader community-based care.
In response, Government has already delivered substantial expansion in these specific disciplines. Since 2023, this has included an additional:
167 Physiotherapy• training places, representing approximately 80% growth
80 Occupational Therapy• , representing approximately 62% growth
25 Speech and Language Therapy• places, representing approximately 21% growth
These increases form part of a wider expansion of 461 places across the Health and Social Care Professions and demonstrate a clear alignment between higher education provision and workforce demand identified by the HSE.
Expansion decisions are informed by detailed workforce projections, regional service needs, and ongoing engagement across Government. The Higher Education Authority has also completed a national clinical placement mapping exercise, which plays a critical role in aligning education capacity with health service delivery.
While alignment is strong, clinical placement capacity remains the primary constraint on further expansion, as placements are a regulated requirement for qualification. A recent national clinical placement mapping exercise has been completed by the HEA with the relevant HEIs and currently is being reviewed by the HSE. Once completed this will help inform future expansion.
Looking ahead, a new Expression of Interest is being finalised for activation by my Department and the HEA, which will support further targeted expansion in these disciplines, ensuring that additional places continue to reflect workforce demand and are delivered sustainably, particularly in disability and community care services.
238. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has concerns about negative impacts of AI on further and higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20375/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra239. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has engaged with the Department of Health regarding a universal GP visit card for third-level students in order that more students particularly those experiencing mental-health and wellbeing challenges can access medical and primary care without financial barriers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21753/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraStudent Mental Health and Wellbeing is a key priority area for the Government and this is reflected in the Programme for Government commitment to support students mental health and wellbeing.
I am pleased to tell you that as a part of Budget 2026 I secured an additional €1 million which represents a 20% increase, in ringfenced funding, to support mental health initiatives, in addition to funding other institutional supports through core funding.
This means that I am allocating €6 million for Mental Health and Wellbeing initiatives in Higher Education for 2026 and future years. Since 2020, cumulative dedicated funding provided for mental health and well-being initiatives in Higher Education has been €37.9m.
In relation to mental health services, higher education institutions provide counselling services, which are free to registered students. They also provide on-campus student health services to students, including GP and nurse consultations. Most services are free-of-charge or heavily subsidised for registered students.
On a related matter, making an application for a GP Visit Card has been identified as one of the key public services for individuals making the transition from secondary to tertiary education, under the Life Event approach set out in the Digital Public Services Plan 2030. The Digital Public Services Plan is a Government initiative to digitise and reorganise public services around major life events, with the objective of making them more integrated and intuitive for the public to access.
My Department is leading the development of the Life Event covering the transition from secondary to further or higher education and has been in contact with the Health Service Executive on associated aspects of the plan.
In respect of GP services for students it is important to note that healthcare and counselling services are typically made available to higher education students through their institutions, therefore the availability of a universal GP visit card for third-level students has not been a matter for discussion between my Department and the Department of Health.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
240. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the action that will be taken to increase the percentage of places available on the dental training course in UCC given that less than half are currently occupied by Irish students, that there is a need for more dentists to reduce public waiting list in the south-west region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21759/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to increasing healthcare training places, including dentistry, in line with the Programme for Government and workforce needs identified by the Department of Health. Dentistry has been clearly identified as an area requiring additional graduate supply, including to address waiting lists and regional service needs, particularly in the south-west.
Higher Education Institutions, including University College Cork (UCC), are autonomous under the relevant legislation and manage their own academic and administrative affairs, including admissions policies. The inclusion of international students plays an important role in supporting programme sustainability. Nevertheless, my officials, in conjunction with the Higher Education Authority and the Department of Health, are actively engaging to ensure an appropriate balance of Irish and EU students, particularly on programmes critical to meeting public service needs such as dentistry. The current proportion of Irish/EU students in undergraduate dentistry at UCC is over 60%.
To expand Irish/EU training capacity, my Department is actively engaging with UCC and the Department of Health on a proposal to establish a community-based dental outreach centre in North Cork. This model will allow students to gain earlier clinical exposure in primary care settings and enhance graduate readiness. My officials met with UCC in February 2026 to progress this proposal, which includes a request for €4.7 million in capital funding. Engagement is ongoing, and we await further updates from UCC. I am informed that the proposal is undergoing the necessary capital appraisal processes, including HSE assessment under the Strategic Healthcare Investment Framework (SHIF). While funding and timelines cannot yet be confirmed, a key objective is to maximise the number of Irish and EU students trained, ensure value for money, and align with workforce needs.
These initiatives complement the new Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which commenced in September 2025 with 20 Irish/EU places and has capacity to increase to 35 by 2027, subject to approvals.
Through these measures, alongside wider national expansions in healthcare training, my Department remains committed to sustainable growth of dental education to meet workforce needs, reduce waiting lists, and support accessible oral healthcare, consistent with the Smile agus Sláinte oral health policy.
242. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the next phase of the development of the College of the Future project at a location (details supplied) which was given the green light in October 2024, in particular a timeline; the expected impact of this pioneering co-located campus for both further and higher education on learners, businesses and the wider community in Tipperary and beyond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25219/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe FET College Major Capital Programme (FCMCP) was devised to address existing deficits in current FET infrastructure and to support projects that drive reform of the FET sector through consolidation of provision and integration of further education and training. Twelve project proposals are currently being progressed under this programme. Eight of the proposals have been approved to move to the Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy Stage, one of which is the proposal by Tipperary ETB (TETB) at the Kickham Barracks site in Clonmel.
TETBs proposal is to develop a co-located and integrated Tertiary FET/HE Campus in partnership with Technological University of the Shannon on the Kickham Barracks site in Clonmel town centre. It will consolidate services in the region and reduce the need for leased accommodation. The proposed project will support diverse learning pathways from levels 1-10 and is uniquely positioned to realise the vision of a unified tertiary education system in Ireland. The proposed development will have a strong workforce development focus and advanced digital infrastructure centred on a digital learning hub.
Earlier this year, senior officials from my department met with all 12 of the ETB Chief Executives. At this meeting ETBs were informed that they need to prioritise the progression of these projects. To support this, work is progressing within my department in developing an Integrated Design Team Framework to facilitate this. It is envisaged that this framework will be in place by the end of the summer with design teams being appointed following this for those that are ready to do so in 2026
My department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the needs of FET learners and teaching staff in Tipperary and the wider region.
243. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to address the ongoing apprenticeship in-class training delays; the number of dropout rates in apprenticeship programmes at phases 2, 4 and 6 for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22105/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSOLAS is the State agency with responsibility for further education and training, including apprenticeships.
An apprentice may decide to stop progressing in their apprenticeship programme for many reasons, including a change in personal circumstances or a desire to change employer. In the last National Survey of Apprentices, 87% reported that they are enjoying their apprenticeship experience and 94% of apprentices believe their apprenticeship will lead to good employment opportunities. This positive experience is reflected in SOLAS data which shows that on average between 90% and 92% of first year apprentices progress to their second year, figures that compare positively to other tertiary education options. SOLAS has advised that progression data for craft apprenticeship by phase by year is not available.
As Minister, I have prioritised investment for apprenticeship delivery. In Budget 2026 I secured investment of €79 million, bringing total annual funding for apprenticeship delivery to over €410 million in 2026, more than double the €184 million invested in 2020, the year which my department was established. This continued investment and commitment to apprenticeships has delivered clear results. Annual apprenticeship registrations have grown by 78% in recent years, rising from 5,326 in 2020 to 9,461 in 2025.
The mandatory duration for a four year craft apprenticeship, from commencement of training to completion, is a minimum of 208 weeks, with a period of up to 12 weeks required for validation of craft certification. The median time to certification across the craft apprenticeship system was 239 weeks in 2024. This decreased to 227 weeks in 2025, indicating that the majority of apprentices are completing their apprenticeship programme in a timely fashion.
244. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to address skills shortages identified in the National Skills Strategy, particularly in the areas of green technologies and digital transformation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22108/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2016 publication 'Ireland's National Skills Strategy 2025' did not identify skills shortages in the areas of green technologies and digital transformation.
The report provided an overview of Ireland's education and training system and promoted the role of employer input, the use of regional structures and the importance of lifelong learning.
The Strategy ran to 2025 and work is underway to develop a successor framework which will assess provision for identified skills needs including in the areas of green tech and digital transformation.
However, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department already supports several initiatives to meet the challenges and skills needs of the green transition – from developing transferable green skills for life through to specific requirements for emerging green sectors such as Near Zero Energy Buildings/ Retrofit, eMobility, sustainability, renewable energy and offshore wind. Education and Training Boards provide NZEB/ Retrofit training in a network of six Centres of Excellence, including at the National Construction Training Campus in Co. Offaly. The Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy provides a wide range of short, targeted, and industry-aligned upskilling and reskilling programmes for the renewable energy sector.
I am keenly aware of the importance of digital skills for our economy and note the recent publication of Digital Ireland- the national digital and AI strategy. My Department is working on empowering people to thrive in a digital economy and society, through responsive, inclusive digital and AI skills and literacy opportunities. Micro-credentials are available through the 16 ETBS and today I launched AI Ready an AI Skilling Platform and a nationwide digital and AI skilling campaign. My Department will also be developing a digital Statement of Ambition and a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future to support individuals, businesses, NGOs and public sector organisations in their own digital transformations.
245. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to increase the accessibility of apprenticeships to the Traveller community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22087/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a priority for me that apprenticeship programmes are accessible to everyone in our society, and especially to groups that have been historically underrepresented, including the Travelling community.
The Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021–2025 aimed to ensure that the apprenticeship population better reflects the diversity of the general population.
An important measure in advancing this goal is the Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme (TAIP), launched in April 2023 and delivered by the Irish Traveller Movement. Funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund, this programme provides financial and practical support to help members of the Travelling community begin and complete an apprenticeship.
The programme offers a €3,000 bursary for learners across three streams: new apprentices, existing apprentices, and those taking part in pre-apprenticeship courses. To support recruitment, employers can also access a €2,000 grant when they take on a Traveller apprentice. In 2025, the programme supported 83 individuals, including 12 women.
In addition, a Traveller pre-apprenticeship programme was launched by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board in July 2024, in partnership with the Offaly Traveller Movement. As of February 2026, eight learners were enrolled. Pre-apprenticeship courses help widen access by providing core skills and early exposure to vocational learning, supporting learners to progress into full apprenticeships.
Looking ahead, a new Action Plan for 2026–2030 is being developed and will be published later this year. A core objective of this Plan will be to further strengthen access to apprenticeships, including for the Traveller community and other underrepresented groups.
246. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has sought, or will seek, clarification from Research Ireland regarding the rationale behind the decision to discontinue the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme and move to a block-grant funding model administered through higher education institutions; and the specific protections that will be put in place for the cohort of PhD researchers who would previously have been funded under the scheme, particularly in relation to maintaining consistent, well-funded stipends, ensuring access to leave entitlements and other rights currently provided under Research Ireland’s HR policies, and safeguarding consistent national standards for postgraduate researcher support. [29089/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 255 together.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland published its first strategy in March of this year. One of the key actions within the strategy is to review and improve existing Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland 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.
This improvement to programme design and delivery further complements the work of my Department in recent years to secure a substantial increase to the PhD stipend level for Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland funded students from an historic baseline of €16,000 to €25,000. This represents an increase of over 50% in funding to an individual student, impacting on the approximately 3,800 Research Ireland funded PhD students through the Government of Ireland Programmes, Centres for Research Training, large scale Research Centres, and initiatives such as the Investigator and Pathway programmes.
I wish to be clear that there are no plans to reduce this funding level for Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland funded PhD students, nor to reduce the number of individual PhD students in receipt of its supports.
Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland are engaging in ongoing consultation 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. Indeed, an indicative programme plan was published by Taighde Éireann on 21 April as part of this move towards greater predictability in the availability of funding opportunities under the agency.
My department will be working with Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland as this programme development continues, to ensure that Ireland remains competitive and to bring additional PhD-training capacity into the system over the lifetime of the strategy, to meet the needs of our researchers, our society, and the economy.
247. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding the imminent loss of employment facing a number of adult educators in east Galway, despite ongoing learner demand and available funded work in GRETB centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22093/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new grade of Adult Educator was created in 2024. This was the culmination of many years of work by the Department, in close collaboration with the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Public Expenditure, Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), and with the strong support of the unions SIPTU and TUI.
This new grade provides a standardised pay scale, delivering incremental progression for Adult Educators. Progress has been made in the regularisation of these posts with the introduction of a consistent method for awarding Contracts of Indefinite Duration across ETBs and the provision of access to leave schemes, paid leave and access to the appropriate public sector pension scheme. Tutors who choose to assimilate onto the new contract will benefit from these standardised terms. Those who do not will remain on their existing contractual arrangements.
With respect to individuals employed at this grade, ETBs are the employers and, as such, are responsible for staffing matters. They are required to have appropriate policies and procedures in place to manage any issues that may arise, which are in line with employment legislation, where relevant.
This being the case, it would not be appropriate for me, as Minister to comment on or otherwise become directly involved in individual cases.
248. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount being spent on STEM for the coming academic year in all third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22014/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupport for STEM is a key priority for me, and my Department's work in this area is essential to adding value to our economy, growing future job opportunities, and strengthening our competitiveness.
As the Deputy will be aware, last November, I launched the INSPIRE research infrastructure programme with my colleague Minister Chambers. This is a landmark moment for Ireland’s research and innovation system and a critical enabler to the system's capabilities in STEM.
INSPIRE is a €750m research infrastructure investment package over the lifetime of the National Development Plan. As well as support for Ireland’s High-Performance Computing capability and Tyndall National Institute, at least €500m will be invested in two funding streams: firstly, for local institutional infrastructure, i.e. research equipment that is used routinely within a higher education institution for both teaching and research purposes and, secondly, for shared advanced infrastructures, i.e. bigger-ticket equipment that is appropriately shared across a number of institutions and, critically, with external users. A central access portal will be built to maximise accessibility and utilisation.
My agency Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland is a primary driver for innovation, education, and career development through several key activities that promote STEM based activities. These include work in the area of public engagement and education, funding and talent development, economic and industry collaboration, and infrastructure and research centres. Together with An Taoiseach, I launched their first 5-year strategy on the 2nd March. A key element of this strategy is in building public confidence in, and enhancing public awareness of, research activity, inclusive of STEM research. Key activities outlined within the strategy include science week, curious minds awards for schools, the Discover funding programme which provides funding for STEM linked public engagement activities and the enhancement of engaged research activity - providing the public and communities with the opportunity to influence research activity.
With respect to specific amounts spent by institutions on STEM, Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies that are funded in a variety of ways including funding from state grants, competitive funding, tuition fees, and commercial/private income streams. The internal allocation of funds across faculties and departments is a matter for each institution to determine and therefore the amount being spent on STEM for the coming academic year in all third level institutions is not available as it is not collated by my Department.
Looking ahead, I will continue to consider all options available to me to improve the uptake and investment in STEM based activities, and to deliver on our Programme for Government commitments in this key area.
249. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline any plans to increase student grants and stipends to meet increasing accommodation costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29076/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 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.
250. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on progress of the SETU Wexford campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22121/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December of last year I was delighted to visit the site for the new Wexford Campus and to meet with the key stakeholders involved in the Wexford Campus proposal. During this visit, I requested that SETU develop a Preliminary Business Case proposal in tandem with Waterford Wexford ETB to deliver a new tertiary campus encompassing Higher Education, Further Education and Research in Wexford town. A number of engagements have taken place between SETU and WWETB in this regard and I understand that a business case proposal will be developed and submitted in the coming months. Both the HEA and my Department stand ready to evaluate the proposal once it has been developed and submitted.
In parallel to the work that is ongoing in developing the business case proposal, Wexford County Council (WCC) are progressing the purchase of a 48.5-acre site by way of a compulsory purchase order (CPO). Wexford County Council issued the “Notice of Entry” under the compulsory purchase order process in November 2025 and have now taken active possession of the lands.
This is a key strategic acquisition which will hugely benefit Wexford and the South East. The Tertiary education campus is just one component of an overall masterplan for the area which will also include a range of other different uses including housing, schools, sports facilities and transport links. Wexford County Council are leading out on developing the overall masterplan for the area. I would like to thank Eddie Taaffe, the Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and his team for the work that has gone into this to date.
252. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposals to ensure adequate provision of accommodation for students. [29146/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 was published last month. 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.
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 student beds have 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.
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 proposals have been put forward and these will be brought forward on a phased basis this year, beginning in our main cities and then expanding nationwide.
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.
253. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans he has to reduce costs for students in light of the affordability crisis they are facing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20376/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 Student Accommodation Strategy, which was launched last month, 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.
254. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding the provision of additional student accommodation and costing strategy to ensure that it is affordable for families, particularly those who do not qualify for higher education grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22092/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was pleased to publish the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 last month. 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.
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 student beds have planning permission.
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.
Applicants who do not qualify for higher education grants can avail of the rent tax credit, which offers up to €2,000 per year for jointly assessed couples or €1,000 for single applicants. Budget 2026 significantly increased the SUSI non-adjacent maintenance supports for students whose home is 30km or more from their Higher Education Institution benefiting 30,000 eligible plc/undergraduate and postgraduate students. From September 2026 SUSI non-adjacent grant rates will increase by between €200-€430 with students this academic year seeing a pro-rata increase.
In addition, rent a room 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, circa 4,800 rent a room student beds were advertised through higher education institutions nationwide
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.
