Thursday, 23 Apr 2026

Written Answers Nos. 256-283

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Third Level Admissions

Ceisteanna (256)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

256. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has carried out any analysis of university courses in which maximum Leaving Certificate points did not guarantee admission due to demand; if he will list the courses where this applied alongside the number of places available through the CAO for these courses and the number of places available for International students in those courses, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29007/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous and manage their own academic affairs including admissions procedures. The Central Applications Office (CAO) is an independent body whose function is to process applications for undergraduate courses on behalf of the HEIs. Decisions on admissions to undergraduate courses are made by the HEIs who instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the operation of the CAO, and my Department does not hold the requested course-level breakdown of CAO places or international student places.

The CAO publishes annual points tables and indicates where random selection was required at a given points score. This information is publicly available and can be accessed by the Deputy on the CAO's website.

The Deputy may be aware that my Department has invested significantly to expand capacity in recent years, with around 1,000 additional permanent places added in high-demand courses, particularly in health and social care. This has seen some moderation in points requirements for certain high-demand courses. Further expansion is planned for this academic year, including in Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy.

Further and Higher Education

Ceisteanna (257)

James Geoghegan

Ceist:

257. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeline for the establishment of the National Skills Observatory committed to in the National Digital and AI Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22069/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I am establishing a National Skills Observatory to help enhance Ireland’s future skills pipeline and provide education and training responses with greater precision and foresight.

The National Skills Observatory will strengthen our skills intelligence landscape, providing a more joined up approach. The Observatory will act as a central repository for labour market and skills information in Ireland, facilitating clearer, data-driven insights into current and emerging skills needs, enabling more responsive planning across education, training and the labour market.

The establishment of the Observatory follows my Department’s detailed consideration of the National Skills Council’s inaugural advice to Government last year and specific recommendations from the OECD’s review of Ireland’s Skills Strategy (2023). Those recommendations centred on improving our range and level of skills data, strengthening information on training outcomes, improving skills forecasting, enabling better exchange and use of existing data and promoting systematic skills policy evaluation to support evidence-informed policy.

I provided an update to my Cabinet colleagues on the matter in January, and my officials are advancing plans to deliver the Observatory in the second half of this year.

Funding has been ringfenced from my Department’s allocation for the Observatory. It will build upon the Skills and Labour Market Unit in SOLAS, harnessing the Unit’s existing strengths and expertise.

It is my intention that a cross government and agency steering committee will oversee the establishment, and support the scoping of the Observatory.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Ceisteanna (258)

Maeve O'Connell

Ceist:

258. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the work of his Department in establishing new apprenticeships. [29115/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Government’s commitment to expanding apprenticeship is underpinned by substantial financial investment and clear growth targets. €79 million secured in Budget 2026 for apprenticeship delivery has brought the total funding for apprenticeship to over €410 million, more than double the level in 2020. This increased investment helps support the Government’s target of reaching 12,500 annual apprenticeship registrations by 2030, with at least two-thirds in traditional craft and construction sectors and the remainder in new and emerging fields.

A key focus in recent years has been the development of apprenticeships in new occupations. Alongside 25 traditional craft and construction apprenticeships there is now a choice of 56 consortia led apprenticeship across a broad range of new and emerging sectors, including ICT and Social Work. To date in 2026, three new apprenticeships have been launched in Software Testing, Road Surfacing Technology, and Business and Operations. Further programmes, including Paramedicine and Social Care, are scheduled to launch later this year.

All new apprenticeships since 2016 are managed by industry led-consortia. The 2026-2030 Apprenticeship Action Plan will be launched this year, and 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.

Question No. 259 answered orally.

Further and Higher Education

Ceisteanna (260)

Grace Boland

Ceist:

260. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the projected number of additional training places planned between 2026 and 2027 and 2027 and 2028 for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21731/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

As set out in the Programme for Government, my Department in collaboration with the Higher Education Authority and higher education sector are working to support the Department of Health, the HSE, Department of Disability, Children and Quality and Department of Education and Youth in addressing their work force planning needs. This is being achieved through the implementation of a coordinated, multi-annual expansion of training places across the therapy professions, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

My department has delivered very substantial growth in these disciplines. Between 2023 and 2026, training capacity in our universities and colleges will have increased by approximately 80% in physiotherapy, 62% in occupational therapy and 21% in speech and language therapy. I recently announced that over 1,100 additional annual places have been created across a range of medicine, veterinary, pharmacy, health and social care professions in 2025 and 2026.

In terms of the specific years referenced by the Deputy, precise numbers of further additional places for 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 are not yet finalised. Additional expansion will be determined through a new Expression of Interest process which will issue in the coming weeks. This process which will be led by the HEA will support both the expansion of existing programmes and the development of new programmes.

This next phase will prioritise occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy and related professions in response to clear and persistent workforce shortages, particularly in disability services, Children’s Disability Network Teams and the new National Education Therapy Service.

The assessment of future programmes will be aligned with workforce planning data and regional service needs, and critically, with the availability of clinical placements. This work is being progressed through a cross-Government approach, including oversight by an Inter-Departmental Working Group, which brings together key stakeholders to ensure that decisions on training capacity are informed by service demand and system priorities.

I can assure the Deputy that continued growth in these disciplines is planned and will build on the very significant increases already delivered as part of a sustained effort to strengthen Ireland’s health and disability workforce.

Student Accommodation

Ceisteanna (261)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Ceist:

261. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the new student accommodation strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22097/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The activation of supply for student beds is of the utmost priority for me, my Department and the Government. The new National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 was published in March.

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 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.

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 proposals have been developed 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.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (262)

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

262. 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 number who leave, from each faculty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22114/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I 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.

Student Accommodation

Ceisteanna (263)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

263. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will remove the barriers that prevent technological universities such a university (details supplied) from building student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21845/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The new National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, accommodation supply and viability and accommodation affordability.

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 Technological 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.

Education and Training Boards

Ceisteanna (264)

Donna McGettigan

Ceist:

264. 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; how the anomalies and inconsistencies uncovered by the EPS were allowed to happen; his views on whether the level of governance is appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29088/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

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.

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 are currently engaging with the ETBs on the optimal approach for the re tender with the aim of ensuring that the final procurement model is robust, workable and delivers value for money.

In the meantime, EPS issued the Prior Information Notice (PIN) on 1 April. A PIN is an early, non-binding notice used to alert the market to a planned procurement and, in some cases, to support more efficient competition later.

The objective remains to establish a national panel of suitably qualified providers capable of delivering high quality, flexible training provision across the ETB network.

Student Accommodation

Ceisteanna (265)

Maeve O'Connell

Ceist:

265. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on his Department’s work in implementing the national student accommodation strategy. [29114/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026 to 2035 on the 24th of March 2026. It sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, student accommodation affordability, and student accommodation supply and viability.

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. Initial Market soundings in relation the HSAP will shortly conclude.

Research into the Rent a Room scheme is ongoing and an advertisement campaign is due to launch prior to the start of coming academic year 2026/ 2027 to encourage an increase in the number of rooms available to students through this important accommodation stream.

Implementation will be overseen through an Inter Departmental Implementation Group, which will provide coordination and oversight across Government, higher education institutions and other stakeholders.

Each Higher Education Institution is required to prepare its own student accommodation strategy aligned with the national Strategy, and to report annually on progress and outcomes. Higher Education Institution’s will also establish dedicated accommodation functions, supported by the Department.

In respect of affordability the Strategy targets an increase in direct support for students. Funding secured in Budget 2026 will see non adjacent SUSI maintenance grants increase by €200-€430 from September 2026 with students this academic year seeing a pro-rata increase.

The Department will carry out a formal review of implementation of the Strategy every three years to assess progress and update actions where required.

Departmental Strategies

Ceisteanna (266)

Naoise Ó Muirí

Ceist:

266. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an outline of the key measures in the Careers in Construction Action Plan that will promote housing construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22094/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I would like to thank Deputy Ó Muirí for his interest in the Careers in Construction Action Plan. I was delighted to launch the update to the plan in January.

Delivering homes and infrastructure requires more than bricks and mortar, it requires people. It is clear we need to attract more people into the construction sector to meet our housing and infrastructural goals.

Following the publication of the original Careers in Construction Action Plan, we have seen increases in the construction workforce, more women in the sector and greater interest from second-level students via CAO First Preferences.

Although trends are moving in the right direction, more needs to be done to attract new entrants and converts to construction-related careers.

My Department has worked with industry partners, professional bodies, and training providers to develop the Updated Careers in Construction Action Plan. The Updated Plan focuses on

• Widening Participation

• Education, Training & Upskilling, and

• Promotional Activity.

A large part of the focus of this new plan continues to be on promotion and recruitment, including our highly successful Building Heroes campaign. But it is also about system change. We are embedding new pathways, mentoring programmes and inclusive practices to make construction a career of choice for all.

We are introducing taster courses, piloting prison-based training and growing Modern Methods of Construction pathways. We want the construction sector to be a modern, diverse and rewarding sector, and will continue to work with partners to achieve that.

Third Level Education

Ceisteanna (267)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

267. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the necessary funding will be provided to the dental school in UCC who have submitted proposed to the Department for the expansion of their training programme, which would involve the development of a new hub in which additional students could be trained and practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21758/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I am fully committed to increasing healthcare training places, including in dentistry, in line with the Programme for Government. In consultation with the Department of Health, dentistry has been identified as a priority area requiring additional graduates to meet growing demand, strengthen oral healthcare services, and support the objectives of both Sláintecare and the Smile agus Sláinte oral health policy.

While higher education institutions are autonomous in their academic and enrolment decisions, my Department works closely with them, the Higher Education Authority, and the Department of Health to support sustainable expansion in priority areas.

In that context, my officials met with University College Cork in February of this year to discuss in detail its proposal to establish a community-based dental outreach centre in North Cork, and to advance this important project. Engagement has continued since that meeting and an update is awaited from UCC.

The proposal, which includes a request for capital investment from the Department of Health would support an increase in undergraduate dental training capacity and provide students with earlier clinical exposure in primary care settings.

The proposal is currently progressing through the necessary capital appraisal processes. The Department of Health has advised UCC to work with the HSE to formalise the project for evaluation. Until this process is complete, it is not possible to confirm funding or timelines. However, I can assure the Deputy that the proposal is being actively progressed with a view to maximising additional places for Irish and EU students.

This initiative complements the new dentistry programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, which commenced this year with an additional 20 student places and has capacity to expand by a further 15 places from 2027, subject to approvals.

I remain committed to working with all stakeholders to increase dental training capacity in a sustainable and strategic manner.

Third Level Education

Ceisteanna (268)

Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh

Ceist:

268. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans to introduce a third level course for childcare taught through the medium of Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29028/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The promotion and expansion of Irish language provision at third level is a priority for my Department. Universities however are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act, 1997 and as such, they retain responsibility for academic matters, including the development and introduction of new programmes, such as a third level childcare course taught through the medium of Irish.

That said, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Act 2022 places a statutory obligation on the HEA to support higher education institutions in teaching, promoting and using the Irish language. My Department provides support to higher education institutions through the HEA via core funding and targeted funding streams for Irish-language initiatives.

The HEA’s special provision for the support of the Irish language is an annual allocation of €900,000 aimed at supporting a greater use of the Irish language among students and staff of universities and smaller colleges. The University of Galway will also shortly commence a national research project on Irish language provision in further and higher education, funded by my Department via the HEA. Support for this research forms part of my Department's programme of work to further the objectives of the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services, and will help inform future developments in tertiary level education, including the skills required to meet identified Irish language service needs.

My Department is also working with other Departments to advance these objectives, including through the establishment of a sectoral working group, co-chaired with the Department of Rural and Community and Gaeltacht Development. This group will consider practical ways in which higher and further education, training, apprenticeships, upskilling, retraining and lifelong learning can contribute to meeting Irish language skills needs, including those of the public sector. The HEA will be represented on this group.

In addition, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) is developing a national plan for Irish language provision in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) sector, as committed to in the 5-Year Action Plan for the Irish Language. The national plan is expected to support the delivery of two commitments in First 5: the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families: “Introduce measures to ensure that children in Gaeltacht areas have access to Irish-medium ELC provision” and “Develop mechanisms to provide Irish-language supports to ELC provision where there are high proportions of children who are learning through the medium of Irish”. The plan is also expected to support the delivery of commitments in the Programme for Government to: “Support naíonraí and creches to ensure early education access in Gaeltacht communities and beyond” and “Plan the development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme, including Irish-medium naíonraí”.

Possible actions such as supporting the development of initial professional education programmes (QQI L5-7) in ELC that are conducted through the medium of Irish and supporting the development of elective modules in immersion education (QQI level 7) for those undertaking ELC degrees, will be considered during the process of developing the plan. It is intended that the plan will be published later in the coming months.

Question No. 269 answered orally.

Further and Higher Education

Ceisteanna (270)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

270. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of funding allocated to each institution as part of the Fund for Students with Disabilities in each of the years 2014 to 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21800/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

As requested by the Deputy, the allocation of the Fund for Students with Disabilities per Institution from 2014 up to 2026 to date, can be found in tabular format in the attached documents.

Please note that following a review of the FSD it was recommended that it should change from being administered on an academic years basis to a calendar year basis. This change took place in 2020.

It is also worth noting that the make up of the Institutions and allocations have changed considerably since the introduction of Technological Universities.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Higher Education Institution	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026
Athlone Institute of Technology	€ 139,652.86	€ 160,617.28	Part of TUS	-	-	-	-
Carlow College (St. Patricks)	€ 14,545.78	€ 21,437.28	€ 24,644.00	€ 45,038.35	€ 32,610.00	€ 39,338.00	€ 38,808.00
Cork Institute of Technology	€ 319,952.46	€ 396,532.07	Part of MTU	-	-	-	-
Dublin City University	€ 404,821.15	€ 487,226.68	€ 466,160.00	€ 456,356.05	€ 582,844.00	€ 533,352.00	€ 667,792.00
Dublin Institute of Technology	€ 550,257.60	Part of TUD	-	-	-	-	-
Dundalk Institute of Technology	€ 161,221.06	€ 163,481.02	€ 135,869.00	€ 181,743.41	€ 201,884.00	€ 138,073.00	€ 157,423.00
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology	€ 702,396.89	€ 627,049.85	€ 454,620.00	€ 380,644.33	Part of ATU	-	-
Institute of Art, Design & Technology	€ 130,730.90	€ 176,487.74	€ 133,697.00	€ 178,884.48	€ 116,772.00	€ 115,780.00	€ 106,643.00
Institute of Technology Blanchardstown	€ 96,888.98	Part of TUD	-	-	-	-	-
Institute of Technology Carlow	€ 127,701.37	€ 148,854.27	€ 137,543.00	€ 136,540.81	Part of SETU	-	-
Institute of Technology Sligo	€ 128,810.24	€ 250,200.75	€ 135,953.00	€ 185,725.49	Part of ATU	-	-
Institute of Technology Tallaght	€ 155,397.84	Part of TUD	-	-	-	-	-
Institute of Technology Tralee	€ 119,214.07	€ 142,265.59	Part of MTU	-	-	-	-
Law Society of Ireland	€ 13,620.49	€ 3,127.03	€ 4,085.00	€ 342.06	€ 3,692.00	€ 1,024.00	€ 2,717.00
Letterkenny Institute of Technology	€ 240,921.61	€ 241,840.66	€ 203,876.00	€ 304,857.79	Part of ATU	-	-
Limerick Institute of Technology	€ 229,401.33	€ 264,415.16	Part of TUS	-	-	-	-
Marino Institute of Education	€ 26,504.65	€ 87,047.00	€ 41,589.00	€ 40,598.00	€ 48,702.00	€ 60,698.00	€ 58,328.00
Mary Immaculate College	€ 32,384.44	€ 52,463.84	€ 39,238.00	€ 51,391.81	€ 82,649.00	€ 100,871.00	€ 108,529.00
Maynooth University	€ 508,684.37	€ 562,423.99	€ 490,631.00	€ 540,965.40	€ 560,160.00	€ 612,715.00	€ 646,409.00
National College of Art and Design	€ 53,301.98	€ 88,141.23	€ 75,504.00	€ 79,830.23	€ 69,132.00	€ 69,027.00	€ 75,101.00
National College of Ireland	€ 71,936.43	€ 81,983.40	€ 69,500.00	€ 95,080.04	€ 63,150.00	€ 66,087.00	€ 79,582.00
University of Galway	€ 469,661.47	€ 592,697.12	€ 495,035.00	€ 482,631.66	€ 534,303.00	€ 643,048.00	€ 713,779.00
Royal College of Surgeons	€ 24,913.49	€ 32,916.15	€ 32,560.00	€ 35,260.96	€ 46,817.00	€ 52,642.00	€ 43,413.00
Shannon College of Hotel Management	€ 17,314.55	Part of LIT	-	-	-	-	-
St. Angela's College	€ 19,713.86	€ 28,383.91	€ 42,085.00	€ 41,831.27	€ 44,643.00	Part of ATU	-
Trinity College Dublin	€ 537,883.32	€ 696,829.19	€ 642,836.00	€ 722,982.81	€ 666,500.00	€ 907,524.00	€ 925,864.00
University College Cork	€ 658,546.05	€ 870,392.51	€ 767,691.00	€ 695,691.95	€ 709,016.00	€ 803,226.00	€ 870,807.00
University College Dublin	€ 484,094.71	€ 617,670.27	€ 664,562.00	€ 647,592.60	€ 732,030.00	€ 953,535.00	€ 1,020,845.00
University of Limerick	€ 376,438.25	€ 444,592.43	€ 357,819.00	€ 433,104.58	€ 464,810.00	€ 495,668.00	€ 673,822.00
Waterford Institute of Technology	€ 268,187.81	€ 270,889.11	€ 229,832.00	€ 233,665.26	Part of SETU	-	-
Honorable Society of Kings Inns	-	€ 1,550.60	€ 2,418.00	€ 2,499.30	€ 926.00	-	-
TU Dublin	-	€ 909,395.88	€ 842,145.00	€ 819,873.97	€ 864,661.00	€ 901,035.00	€ 915,284.00
SPCM (MU)	-	-	€ 9,964.00	€ -	-	-	-
SMSI	-	-	€ 2,033.00	€ 3,663.90	-	-	-
TUS: Midlands Midwest	-	-	€ 379,819.00	€ 414,734.30	€ 400,108.00	€ 372,791.00	€ 440,504.00
Munster Technological University	-	-	€ 533,432.00	€ 526,345.06	€ 505,811.00	€ 506,973.00	€ 598,257.00
South East Technological University	-	-	-	-	€ 420,067.00	€ 438,451.00	€ 484,362.00
Atlantic Technological University	-	-	-	-	€ 825,962.00	€ 990,747.00	€ 1,076,836.00
St Nicholas Montessori	-	-	-	-	€ 7,191.00	-	-
Total	€7,085,100	€8,420,912	€7,415,140	€7,737,876	€ 7,984,440.00	€ 8,802,605.00	€ 9,705,105.00

2015-2016	2016-2017	2017-2018	2018-2019	2019-2020
€           262,650.00	€         388,714.00	€            388,220.00	€          456,652.00	€              427,414.00
€           471,004.00	€         382,328.00	€            557,764.00	€          521,322.00	€              555,134.00
€           334,331.00	€         403,025.00	€            591,113.00	€          558,868.00	€              534,767.00
€           393,443.00	€         452,272.00	€            305,732.00	€          549,190.00	€              547,466.00
€           398,961.00	€         400,562.00	€            591,537.00	€          602,882.00	€              680,761.00
€           145,717.00	€         485,352.00	€            383,086.00	€          402,792.00	€              479,017.00
€           229,509.00	€         518,854.00	€            122,886.00	€          392,902.00	€              450,977.00
€             69,568.00	€         329,681.00	€            211,313.00	€          244,358.00	€              218,085.00
€           201,295.00	€         242,790.00	€            235,494.00	€          282,518.00	€              308,531.00
€           430,892.00	€         797,823.00	€            535,359.00	€          861,374.00	€              963,464.00
€           108,804.00	€         127,984.00	€            118,761.00	€          135,482.00	€              135,053.00
€           109,083.00	€         179,064.00	€            158,787.00	€          183,298.00	€              153,163.00
€           777,002.00	€         598,305.00	€            797,378.00	€          755,302.00	€              711,089.00
€             37,995.00	€         186,133.00	€            134,180.00	€          168,736.00	€              135,612.00
€             80,979.00	€           81,849.00	€              64,816.00	€          111,944.00	€              120,970.00
€             66,380.00	€           70,638.00	€              80,457.00	€            88,996.00	€              103,792.00
€           149,850.00	€           54,750.00	€              92,696.00	€          107,634.00	€                82,141.00
€             92,540.00	€           71,057.00	€              46,926.00	€          100,800.00	€                94,879.00
€           298,999.00	€         381,390.00	€            235,259.00	€          339,052.00	€              294,244.00
€           415,501.00	€         327,424.00	€            319,708.00	€          371,100.00	€              306,412.00
€           267,779.00	€         259,003.00	€            233,726.00	€          278,380.00	€              255,304.00
€             62,364.00	€           52,064.00	€              72,468.00	€            67,698.00	€                57,539.00
€-	€-	€-	€-	€-
€             40,129.00	€           65,447.00	€              95,329.00	€            81,540.00	€                70,059.00
€             10,650.00	€           14,884.00	€              17,911.00	€            24,532.00	€                23,895.00
€-	€-	€-	€-	€-
€             38,909.00	€           27,341.00	€              33,608.00	€            50,416.00	€                37,470.00
€-	€-	€-	€-
€             22,070.00	€           69,837.00	€              16,540.00	€            32,718.00	€                33,073.00
€             50,490.00	€           55,946.00	€              60,309.00	€            50,444.00	€                40,303.00
€           161,610.00	€         161,681.00	€              42,828.00	€          157,524.00	€              145,286.00
€             20,900.00	€           26,488.00	€              24,045.00	€-	€                21,296.00
€               2,556.00	€-	€-	€-
€-	€-	€-	€            12,904.00	€                12,802.00
€        5,751,960.00	€      7,212,686.00	€         6,568,236.00	€       7,991,358.00	€       7,999,998.00

Student Accommodation

Ceisteanna (271)

Maurice Quinlivan

Ceist:

271. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the efforts being made to address the chronic shortage of accommodation for students in Limerick. [29047/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The new National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 sets out a pathway to make higher education more accessible by addressing two critical challenges, accommodation supply and viability and accommodation affordability.

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 Technological 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 and these will be brought forward on a phased basis this year.

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, with 562 of rent a room beds being advertised in Limerick.

The University of Limerick provides 2,934 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds on-campus, while Mary Immaculate College offers 146 beds.

Student Accommodation

Ceisteanna (272)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

272. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22106/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The 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, 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.

Further and Higher Education

Ceisteanna (273)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

273. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to his comments (details supplied) in relation to courses where there would be two students present and a class of 100 on the roll and his comments that some English language schools are acting as tick box exercise to allow people to get work permits; the actions he is taking to ensure enforcement of regulations in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29006/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

A new international education quality mark, TrustEd Ireland, is being introduced by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), an agency under the remit of my Department.

The TrustEd Ireland mark will be awarded to higher education and English language education providers who have demonstrated that they meet new national standards to ensure a quality experience for international learners.

The new TrustEd Ireland scheme establishes, for the first time, a formal statutory quality assurance process for the English language education sector in Ireland.

To obtain the mark, English language providers must undergo a due diligence assessment process which examines the capacity and capability of private education providers to deliver quality assured education programmes. English language providers must also participate in the new statutory Learner Protection Fund.

In addition, providers must also demonstrate compliance with an associated Code of Practice. The Code includes key criteria surrounding information provision, student welfare, and academic support provisions. English language providers are required to undergo a site inspection as part of their assessment of Code compliance.

All English language providers holding the mark are subject to a review at least once every three years. Providers must also submit a monitoring report every 18 months. QQI may withdraw a provider’s authorisation to use the mark where it considers that the provider no longer complies with the Code.

An announcement of the first group of 28 higher education institutions to be awarded the TrustEd Ireland statutory quality mark was made on 4th February 2026. Assessment is ongoing of the first window of TrustEd applications from English language providers, which is expected to be completed in the coming months.

The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration will continue to monitor learner compliance with immigration law. Monitoring activities can include inspections of providers at any time, including monitoring attendance requirements.

Student Accommodation

Ceisteanna (274)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

274. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase the number of student beds in Munster. [22104/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 has now 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.

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.

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 across the country, including in Munster, 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 developed 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.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Ceisteanna (275)

Joe Neville

Ceist:

275. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the work his Department is doing to expand the number of young people opting to take up an apprenticeship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22112/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

It is a priority for me that apprenticeships are a visible, valuable, and accessible option for young people and career changers as a route to skills development and employment.

The Government continues to invest in the expansion of apprenticeships. This has supported the growth of apprenticeship options, with 81 programmes now spanning both skilled trades, as well as routes previously only accessible from university such as social work, engineering, and accounting.

My department and its agencies have led on a range of actions to boost the visibility and understanding of apprenticeship. The objective is to ensure that the full range of options is visible and understood.

My department's Careers in Construction Action Plan includes peer to peer promotion campaigns such as Building Heroes, and campaigns aimed at women and girls, including the National Apprenticeship Office’s Facts, Faces, Futures campaign.

In collaboration with the Department of Education and Youth, to increase awareness of apprenticeship routes in schools, the Initial Vocational Education and Training (iVET) module is now offered to all Transition Year students, giving hands-on exposure to vocational pathways through taster courses, career talks and workshops.

My Department also sponsors WorldSkills Ireland, an event that drew over 30,000 students from more than 300 secondary schools in 2025, showcasing skills based occupations like apprenticeships and the importance of skills for a future-ready workforce.

Financial supports are available for apprentices. Craft apprentices receive State training allowances along with travel, meal and accommodation supports where eligible. In addition, targeted bursaries support increased participation by under-represented groups, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and the Travelling Community.

These measures have directly supported the growth of apprenticeship registrations from 6,177 in 2019 to 9,352 in 2024, laying a strong foundation for achieving the Government target of 12,500 annual registrations by 2030.

Artificial Intelligence

Ceisteanna (276)

James Geoghegan

Ceist:

276. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the grant agreement for Ireland’s first AI factory antenna has been signed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22068/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

With DFHERIS support and co-financing for the project, the AIF IRL-Antenna is being implemented by a national consortium, which includes ICHEC, the Irish Centre for High-End Computing and CeADAR, the National Technology Centre for Applied AI.

I have been advised that preparation of the Grant Agreement has been underway for the last number of months, and it is anticipated that a final version of the Grant Agreement will be available for signature shortly. The European Higher Performance Computing Joint Undertaking has indicated that it will work towards signing the Grant Agreement with a view to enabling the AIF IRL-Antenna Programme to commence in April 2026 as planned.

As the Deputy is aware, AI Factory Antennas connect to established European AI Factories to provide access to their dedicated supercomputing resources and support services.

Ireland’s Antenna will link primarily to France’s AI Factory, with a secondary link to the AI Factory in Luxembourg. Ireland’s involvement in this initiative will significantly boost national adoption of AI, supporting inclusive and affordable access for start-ups, SMEs, public-sector organisations, and researchers.

Education and Training Boards

Ceisteanna (277)

Louis O'Hara

Ceist:

277. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the rationale for removing the ringfenced allocation of €20 million for the provision of English language classes (ESOL) across the ETB network; whether he is aware of the cuts to class provision and the cuts to adult education teaching positions such as in GRETB as a result of this removal of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28999/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

This Government is committed to supporting a Further Education and Training (FET) system that helps individuals succeed, boosts economic growth, and prepares our workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead, while fostering stronger communities. This commitment is underpinned by a significant investment – overall investment in the FET sector remains strong, with almost €1.1 billion in core funding provided by my Department to the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to deliver a wide range of education and training programmes in 2026. Notwithstanding this commitment, responsibility for planning and delivering provision within the allocations agreed by Government rests with SOLAS and, subsequently, with the individual ETBs who are autonomous statutory bodies, accountable through their Boards for decisions on funding allocation and staffing within their approved budgets.

The 16 ETBs provide free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes for those who needs support in developing English language proficiency. Courses range from beginner to intermediate levels, as well as advanced or professional ESOL. In some ETBs, ESOL courses are also linked to career areas such as healthcare, hospitality, and childcare.

Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, there was an unprecedented and immediate increase in demand for ESOL provision. In response, the Government made significant temporary funding available to meet urgent and exceptional levels of demand during the emergency phase of assisting displaced Ukrainians (Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection) in Ireland. This additional ESOL funding was always intended to be time-bound. In line with the fiscal parameters for Budget 2026, ESOL funding has now reverted to its core pre-2022 allocation of €4.2 million. This does not represent a reduction in the overall core FET budget, nor does it mean that ESOL provision has ceased. ESOL continues to be delivered nationally by all 16 ETBs including in Galway and Roscommon ETB as part of their core provision. Galway and Roscommon ETB forecasts that approximately 3,100 beneficiaries will access ESOL provision in 2026, according to its draft Annual Service Plan. However, I appreciate that the end of temporary supports is challenging for some ETBs. Furthermore, I recognise that this wider context is of little comfort to those whose livelihoods are affected.

The FET sector operates with a degree of flexibility in staffing, including the use of fixed-term contracts, to allow ETBs to respond to changing education and training needs. ETBs are the employers of their staff, and responsibility for staffing decisions - including recruitment, contract duration, and the granting of Contracts of Indefinite Duration (CIDs) - rests with each ETB, subject to employment legislation and any required consents or approvals. These contracts are managed in line with employment law, including the Fixed-Term Work Act 2003. Under Section 9 of the Act, an employer may not keep an employee on a fixed term contract for more than four years. Employment beyond this requires a Contract of Indefinite Duration, or CID. This applies to all ETB staff except those on teacher contracts. I understand that many staff who were hired by ETBs to meet the increased demand after the war in Ukraine have not yet reached the four-year threshold for eligibility for a CID under employment law.

Job Creation

Ceisteanna (278)

Joe Neville

Ceist:

278. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is working alongside multinationals and universities to enable job growth for graduating students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22113/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

This week I am conducting several meetings directly with industry to address such matters. On Wednesday I am convening an enterprise focussed Skills Roundtable and on Thursday I am meeting with the National Skills Council. Through both events, I will hear directly from representatives of key sectors regarding their identified skills needs.

I am keenly aware of the need to ensure alignment of the education and skills eco-system with labour-market needs, and the need to enable people to access the skills and opportunities required for sustainable employment.

Enterprise engagement is a central feature of this and involves identifying specific skills needs, co-designing programmes and courses, and planning and foresight to develop future skills capacity.

The National Skills Council is a key part of this work. The Council enables strategic engagement with industry and social partners so that a broader range of stakeholders can inform policy priorities.

The Regional Skills Fora network is another important structure. It is a conduit for industry to engage directly with education and training providers. This partnership approach has led to the creation of specific provision in direct response to industry needs, thereby providing for sustained employment growth.

I can inform the Deputy that we are also improving our planning and foresight capabilities through a National Skills Observatory. Being established this year, the Observatory will serve a single point of centralised skills and labour market data to inform policy and provision.

Finally, my officials work closely with SOLAS, the Higher Education Authority, Skillnet Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to inform cross-government policy and provision for employment growth.

Third Level Fees

Ceisteanna (279)

Cathy Bennett

Ceist:

279. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of third level fees in each of the years 2024, 2025, 2026; his plans to reduce fees; and the timeframe in which such will be delivered. [29147/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies responsible for their own academic affairs, including the development of relevant curriculum, determining tuition fees and student numbers on individual courses. Tuition fees can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of course and the method of provision.

My department does not maintain a schedule of the tuition fee rates that may apply for the thousands of courses that are offered across various higher education institutions each year. Therefore, the data requested by the Deputy is not available. The Deputy may however wish to note that each higher education institution maintains a schedule of the various fees that apply at individual course level. These schedules are available for review on their respective websites.

The Deputy will be aware that first time students undertaking a full-time undergraduate course may be eligible to have their tuition fees, exclusive of the student contribution, paid on their behalf via the Free Fees Initiative.

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 is expected to benefit around 108,000 undergraduate students with a further 14,000 apprentices benefiting from up to a 17% pro-rata reduction.

Students can also apply to SUSI to be assessed for fee grant supports. In 2024/25, approximately 65,000 students had their fees paid in full or in part by SUSI.

Looking ahead, I will continue to consider all options available to me to improve the overall student support framework and meet our Programme for Government commitments.

Further and Higher Education

Ceisteanna (280)

Edward Timmins

Ceist:

280. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to reinstate and develop in-person courses on the Clermont Campus in Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22111/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I wish to advise the deputy that the Clermont Campus, Co Wicklow is not a publicly funded higher education provider or campus within the remit of my Department.

It is my understanding that Clermont Campus, or more precisely Clermont Screen Hub, is supported by Wicklow County Council offering private and co-working spaces aimed at boosting job creation and supporting local businesses operating in the film and audio-visual sector. It provides support to the content creation sector and complements the film industry, with a particular focus on businesses servicing productions happening in County Wicklow.

Prior to the establishment of South East Technological University in 2022, one of SETU's constituent parts, Carlow Institute of Technology, rented collaboration space in Clermont Campus for the provision of part-time online life-long learning courses funded through the Springboard programme. SETU has advised my officials that post-pandemic enrolment numbers declined for this specific programme and were not sufficient to ensure the viability of this into the future. SETU independently continues to rent a small office within Clermont Campus and works with the Wicklow Skills Strategy Group towards sustainably meeting local needs.

Expansion of the services offered at Clermont are purely a matter for the local management committee and is not within my remit to develop or re-instate course provision for further or higher education for this Campus.

However I am very supportive of the important work being undertaken collaboratively in the Wicklow area by this committee supporting spaces to enable innovation and local businesses operating within the audio visual and film sectors which supports our recognised talent and excellence internationally within these creative professions.

Student Accommodation

Ceisteanna (281)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

281. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has engaged with the Minister for Transport on the question of student commutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22088/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 which has been published has a focus on increasing accommodation supply on or near campus and supporting HEIs to reduce travel demand for students.

The Strategy aligns with wider transport demand management objectives and complements national mobility strategies by recognising the link between accommodation and commuting patterns. HEIs will use data-driven insights to assess student mobility and support efficient commuting, while participating in sustainable transport initiatives and promoting active and public transport options.

As part of the Strategy a pilot project will strengthen collaboration between HEIs, transport authorities and local bodies to improve commuting options and monitor outcomes. Commutes exceeding three hours in total are considered excessive and are reflected in demand planning for student accommodation.

Officials will engage with National Transport Authority to align with HEI Transport needs with National mobility strategies.

Passport Services

Ceisteanna (282)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

282. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason the Passport Service does not recognise the Irish language when on photographic ID, required for passport application, where the applicant applies with their name in English, as per their birth certificate; the reason the passport office does not recognise our first language as being the same name in English, as it is in Irish; if he will examine this and seek a change within the passport service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29403/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

All passport applications are subject to the terms of the Passports Act, 2008 (“the Act”). The Act provides a legal basis for the various policies and practices that are applied by the Passport Service in the issuing of passports.

Section 10 of the Act provides that a passport will issue in the name of a citizen as it appears on their birth certificate or naturalisation certificate. However, a name change for a passport from that which appears on a person’s birth certificate is permitted under the Act in situations such as marriage, civil partnership etc. where civil, or legal documents are available to verify this change.

In cases where name change arises, other than by marriage or civil partnership etc., the Act requires evidence of the use of this new name over a two year period.

If a person requests issuance of a passport in the Irish version of their name, Passport Service policy allows for some flexibility and may facilitate the request if the applicant provides proof of a minimum period of six months usage of the Irish version of their name. In such cases, the Passport Service will include an observation on the passport recording the person’s birth certificate or previous name. This observation must remain on the passport until the condition of two years proof of usage can be satisfied. After the required two years and if the person wishes to do so, they may reapply for a passport, submitting the required two years proof of usage of their name in Irish, and a new passport may issue without the observation.

In order to protect the integrity and security of the Irish passport against passport and identity fraud, while allowing for genuine cases where name changes have occurred, it is important that a passport is issued in the name used by the applicant. The Irish passport has a strong international reputation due to the strength of security features within the book and the robust processes involved in its issuance. The Irish passport currently ranks fourth in the Henley Global Passport Index as it provides our citizens with visa-free access to 191 countries.

Consular Services

Ceisteanna (283)

Ruth Coppinger

Ceist:

283. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the State has advocated for a person in Germany (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29406/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I can confirm that officials in my Department, including in the Consulate General in Munich, are aware of this case and are providing ongoing consular assistance.

A dedicated consular officer in the Consulate has been assigned to support the family of this citizen and has provided support and advice to the citizen and his family in accordance with the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter. I can further confirm that staff in the Consulate General in Munich, including the Consul General and Deputy Consul General, have undertaken four consular visits to the citizen, the most recent on 10 April 2026. I understand that the conditions of detention of this citizen are the same as those of any other person in his situation.

I wish to assure the Deputy that officials in my Department will continue to provide all appropriate consular assistance to the citizen.

As laid out in the Consular Assistance Charter, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its Embassies and Consulates, are precluded from intervening in the judicial and legal processes of another country.

• Written Answers Nos. 231-255
• Written Answers Nos. 284-293