Written Answers Nos. 566-587
566. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 885 of 24 March 2026, if governance, supervision, MDT decision-making and system-wide variations are being examined under a different process (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28668/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra567. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the review by SOLAS of the motor mechanics and heavy vehicle mechanics apprenticeship curricula to incorporate the knowledge and skills required to service and repair electric vehicles; the expected timeline for completion of this review; the expected date on which revised curricula will be introduced; whether existing apprentices and recently qualified motor mechanics will be offered a pathway to upskill to the revised standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29544/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSOLAS is the State agency with responsibility currently for craft apprenticeship curricula. SOLAS has revalidated both the motor mechanic and heavy vehicle mechanic apprenticeships with QQI and are progressing with the roll-out of these revalidated programmes. Existing apprentices currently on these programmes would undertake skills gap bridging training until the new programmes are rolled-out, thereafter they will follow the training as prescribed in the new curricula.
Maintaining up-to-date curricula for apprenticeships that are responsive to changing industry needs is a key goal under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship and will remain so going forward. With the increasing electrification of the vehicle fleet across the country, there is a need to ensure that training provision responds. In the case of EVs this means ensuring the programme includes fully developed EV/Hybrid service and repair content.
I have set in motion a series of reforms which will see long term improvements in the quality of all craft apprenticeships by transferring the responsibility for craft curricula and assessment to education providers. Stakeholders, including apprentice representatives and the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, have been invited to a town hall information session on the reforms to take place shortly.
For recently qualified Motor Mechanics there are various providers for EV training/upskilling at present in Ireland. These range from private industry providers serving the motor industry and vehicle manufacturers/dealerships to ETB and TU providers serving industry.
In order to meet 2030 Climate Action Plan targets for passenger cars, a recent study sets out that an average of 345 motor mechanics and technicians will require EV specific training annually. This will include new motor mechanic apprentices as well as reskilling and upskilling of existing mechanics per year.
In the past five years there has been a steady intake of apprentices for the heavy vehicle and motor mechanic programmes:
|
Programme title: |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
194 |
162 |
232 |
226 |
220 |
|
Motor Mechanics |
502 |
431 |
482 |
577 |
508 |
|
Total apprentices registrations: |
696 |
593 |
714 |
803 |
728 |
568. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department has assessed the risk posed to the delivery of the Climate Action Plan EV deployment targets by the current shortage of qualified EV technicians in the State; whether this risk has been formally raised with the Department or with SOLAS; the interdepartmental coordination mechanisms in place to ensure that training capacity keeps pace with the projected growth of the national EV fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29549/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra581. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the National eMobility Capability Centre (NeMCC) announced for Mullingar in 2023; the current status of the project; the amount of funding allocated and drawn down to date; the reasons for any delay; the expected date on which the centre will become operational; the projected annual training capacity; the permanent premises identified for the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29551/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra582. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices currently registered with Solas in the motor mechanics and heavy vehicle mechanics apprenticeships, on a year-on-year basis for each of the past five years; the number of qualified motor mechanics in the State who have completed certified EV or high-voltage training to date; the Department's estimate of the EV technician workforce required to service the national EV fleet over the next five years; the projected shortfall, if any, between current training output and projected demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29546/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra583. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on engagement between his Department, SOLAS, the National Standards Authority of Ireland and the Health and Safety Authority in relation to the development of national standards and health and safety regulations governing work on high-voltage components in electric vehicles; the expected timeline for the agreement and publication of such standards and regulations; whether this work is on the critical path for the introduction of a revised motor mechanics apprenticeship curriculum and the operationalisation of the National eMobility Capability Centre in Mullingar; the extent to which the timeline is contingent on EU-level work on EV training standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29547/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 568, 581, 582 and 583 together.
With the increasing electrification of the vehicle fleet across the country, there is a need to ensure that training provision responds.
Recognising this my Department allocated €200,000 in Estimates 2024, through SOLAS, to progress the establishment of a strategic Project Office in Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) and for the completion of a Technical Feasibility Study.
This study, which was completed in 2025, identifies the emerging skills needs related to eMobility and assesses the extent to which a National eMobility Capability Centre (NeMCC) can equip professionals with the necessary skills to support the electrification of transport. The study also highlights that there are no national standards for electric vehicle (EV) technician training or direct health and safety regulation for working with EVs or high voltage components.
In order to meet 2030 Climate Action Plan targets for passenger cars alone, the study sets out that an average of 345 motor mechanics and technicians will require EV specific training annually. This will include new motor mechanic apprentices as well as reskilling and upskilling of existing mechanics per year.
In the past five years the FET sector alone has provided training to the following number of motor mechanic apprentices under existing programmes:
|
Programme title: |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
194 |
162 |
232 |
226 |
220 |
|
Motor Mechanics |
502 |
431 |
482 |
577 |
508 |
|
Total Apprentices: |
696 |
593 |
714 |
803 |
728 |
Drawing on the findings of the 2025 TFS, the focus of the Department and SOLAS then has been the development of curricula, certification and standards to ensure a safe transition to equip all individuals who are exposed to high voltages when working on or around electric vehicles across all sectors regarding transport.
With this in mind, work on Irish training standards for EVs is progressing in two strands:
Ireland is participating in an EU project to consider the matter and whether or not a recommendation/ standard for working on EVs is required at EU level. This would impact on training courses. Early indications of the preferred option are expected in approximately June or July of this year. Ireland is represented by SOLAS, which has engaged consultants to officially participate, as appropriate technical experts in this field.
Separately, Ireland is advancing work on developing a training standard for working on EVs, recognising the public interest in having such a standard in place. EV adoption is increasing, many first-generation cars are coming to the end of their battery warranty/lifetime periods, and public and private charging infrastructure is increasing. SOLAS is reviewing existing SOLAS-related courses (e.g. mechanical apprenticeships) to assess what training needs to be included in such courses.
On point one above, this work is underway in Ireland in SOLAS, with the guidance of NSAI, to support the development of a European standard for safe working on electric vehicles. SOLAS has nominated experts in eMobility to participate on a European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) Sub Committee to advance the development of an agreed European approach.
Other partners in this work include the NSAI and Health and Safety Authority. As the HSA has statutory responsibility for workplace safety, their participation in, and agreement with, this process is critical. For example, changes to secondary legislation may be required to implement any proposed changes on a sound legal footing.
While the rationale for the Centre has been accepted, the Department has decided that it is prudent to pause the development of the NeMCC at this time, pending the development of an agreed approach and Irish standards. This decision is based on the understanding that early results from the work of both SOLAS and at EU level will be available in the summer. At that point, SOLAS will re-engage with the NeMCC project office in LWETB to implement the agreed next phase of training adaptation.
569. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices registered to the construction sector in 2025. [22085/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith thanks to Deputy O’Connell for her interest in my Department’s work in the development of the national apprenticeship system, I can inform her that the number of new apprenticeship registrations in construction and construction-related fields for the full year 2025 was 6,428. This represents a growth rate of 69% since 2020.
I can add that the number of new craft apprenticeship registrations overall in 2025 was 7,147, which represents a growth of 78% on 2020.
This year will see the launch of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026-2030, which recently completed an extensive public consultation phase. A key commitment in the Programme for Government, it will have a headline target of 12,500 new apprentice registrations per year by 2030 and two-thirds of these will be in craft and construction-related programmes.
570. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he will publish his Department’s student accommodation strategy. [22086/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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.
571. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the percentage of those studying medicine in higher education institutions in the State at present who are non-EU students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22070/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to expanding the number of medicine and healthcare places across higher education in supporting government colleagues to address workforce shortages and ensure Ireland can meet our growing healthcare needs.
The Deputy may be aware of the landmark agreement with Irish Medical Schools in July 2022 to provide an additional 200 EU places on Medicine programmes at sustainable rates of funding; this agreement has positively moved the dial on the proportion of Irish/EU students studying medicine in Ireland. The most recent data available from the Higher Education Authority shows the overall proportion of EU students to non EU students on undergraduate Medicine programmes is 51% EU and 49% non EU. Graduate entry breakdown by domicile is 53% EU and 47% non EU.
A key priority for my Ministry is an expansion in places on medical programmes. In 2026, 20 further medicine places will be added to complete the 200-place expansion agreed in July 2022, while the University of Limerick will introduce its new direct-entry Medicine programme with 30 places, bringing the confirmed increase for 2026 to 50 places. Additional expansion will follow with the University of Galway’s new Rural & Remote Graduate Entry Medicine programme from 2027. Further more as stated in the programme for government I have asked my officials to engage with their counterparts across government to explore a range of options to support students undertaking graduate entry medicine which will inform my consideration for future estimates processes.
My Department and the Department of Health are also co-funding 50 direct entry medicine places for students who entered Queen’s University Belfast in 2024 and 2025. My officials have ongoing engagement with counterparts in Northern Ireland on further expansion across medicine, nursing and allied health disciplines.
This medical expansion sits within a broader, sustained increase in healthcare education capacity across the system. New programmes have been introduced in Nursing at Maynooth University, Dentistry at RCSI, Pharmacy at the University of Galway and ATU, and Physiotherapy at ATU.
Veterinary Medicine programmes at both SETU and ATU will open in 2026, providing 80 additional places and doubling national training capacity.
Pharmacy will also commence in SETU in 2026, adding 36 further places. These expansions, supported by significant investment I have assigned from my capital budget, aim to ensure a long-term, sustainable pipeline of domestically trained healthcare professionals.
572. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has taken any action in response to the repeated call in August 2025 by an association (details supplied) for a cap on the number of international students studying dentistry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22071/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to increasing healthcare training places, including dentistry, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government.
The Department of Health, has advised that dentistry is a priority area requiring additional supply of graduates. My officials and the HEA are working to support the Department of Health to expand opportunities for Irish students, particularly given the demand for oral healthcare and the need to reduce waiting lists for dental treatment in Ireland.
It is important to note that Higher Education Institutions are autonomous under the relevant legislation and manage their own administrative and academic affairs, including their enrolment policies. The inclusion of international students across programmes plays an important role in supporting programmes. However my officials are engaging to ensure an appropriate balance on programmes which are required to address specific public service skills needs including medicine and dentistry. The current proportion of Irish/EU students in undergraduate dentistry is over 60%.
My Department is actively engaging with UCC and the Department of Health on a proposal to establish a dental outreach centre in North Cork. My officials met with UCC again in February to progress this proposal, with a view to maximising the number of Irish/EU students on the proposed expanded programme. An update is awaited from UCC in this regard. It also follows a community-based model of education, giving students earlier clinical exposure in primary care settings, which enhances their readiness for practice.
These developments complement the new Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland which commenced last September with 20 places for Irish/EU students. The intake in this programme has capacity to increase to 35 from 2027, subject to approvals.
We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to maximise the number of dental training places available to Irish and EU students, and to ensure sustainable expansion of dental education to meet workforce needs. This approach aligns with the Smile agus Sláinte oral health policy and our broader commitment to a modern, accessible health system. I am open to a meeting with the association to discuss this and ask that they reach out to my office in this regard.
573. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions he is taking to ensure enforcement of regulations in a sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22101/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA 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.
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.
574. 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; the number of places available for International students in those courses, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHigher 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.
575. 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; if he is aware of the cuts to class provision and the cuts to adult education teaching positions as a result of this removal of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21754/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department allocates funding to SOLAS from the Exchequer and the National Training Fund (NTF) to deliver Further Education and Training (FET) programmes and services by the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and other agencies throughout the country.
All 16 Education and Training Boards (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, significant temporary funding was allocated to support ESOL provision for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. These temporary allocations enabled ETBs to meet urgent and exceptional levels of demand during the emergency phase of assisting displaced Ukrainians in Ireland.
In 2023, a temporary allocation of €25 million was provided for ESOL. In 2024, the allocation was €15 million, with a further €10 million allocated through the Supplementary Estimates. In 2025, €20 million was again provided on a temporary basis. I wish to acknowledge the fact that ETBs and their staff showed significant commitment, flexibility and creativity in responding to this unprecedented demand, and their efforts supported thousands of newly arrived individuals in integrating into Irish communities.
ESOL funding was always intended to be time-bound and, in line with the fiscal parameters for Budget 2026 and the ending of temporary funding, ESOL funding has now reverted to its pre-2022 core allocation of €4.2 million. While I acknowledge that that temporary ESOL funding has now concluded, there have been no cuts to overall funding.
It is also important to note that ESOL provision has not ceased. ESOL programmes continue to be delivered across all ETBs within their core allocations.
ESOL programmes are typically delivered by ETB staff employed under existing grades and terms. This includes tutor roles and the newly established Adult Educator grade. Many delivery staff in the FET sector, including some ESOL tutors and adult educators, are employed on fixed-term contracts. This supports an agile FET system that can respond to changing local education and training needs. 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.
Many ETB staff who were hired 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. ETBs, as employers, are responsible for the management of staffing matters, including the issuance of CIDs, subject to Ministerial consents and approvals as may apply.
SOLAS and Education and Training Boards Ireland have been engaging with ETBs in recent months to assess the impact of the cessation of temporary funding supports. SOLAS has advised that ETBs are considering how best to adapt provision within their core allocation.
SOLAS has advised my officials that it is establishing a working group to examine the impacts of the transition away from temporary funding and to explore approaches to maximise ESOL provision within the annual allocation of €4.2 million. Provision for ESOL is relevant across several government departments, and several departments also fund community based ESOL programmes nationally. My officials have also been engaging with these departments since ESOL funding has reverted to the core annual allocation. Should a more coordinated cross departmental approach to ESOL provision emerge, my Department will work to support that process.
It is the responsibility of SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to plan their provision within the allocation agreed by Government. As the statutory authority for FET, SOLAS is responsible for determining how funding is distributed across the FET sector, including to individual ETBs. This function is carried out independently of my Department and my office. Each ETB then has the autonomy to use this funding, within its overall budget, in the way that best meets the needs of learners, communities, and local enterprise.
576. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the new student accommodation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21755/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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.
577. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the financial supports available to a student (details supplied) to undertake a one year course in London; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29296/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support available to assist students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The definition of an approved institution is set out in Section 7 of the Student Support Act 2011 and Regulation 2 of the Student Support Regulations 2026. Private colleges operated on a for-profit basis, such as the London School of Musical Theatre, are not listed as approved institutions for student grant purposes. A student attending a private college which is not listed in the Student Support Regulations 2026 would not be eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme 2026.
However, it is open to higher education institutions that operate on a 'for profit' basis to use their own resources to provide financial supports to any of their students that they consider to be in particular need.
I would advise any student to make direct contact with the institution that they plan to attend to consider what supports may be available.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website [www.revenue.ie]
579. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the proposal for the piloting of an incentivisation scheme by Skillnet Ireland to support business engagement in upskilling; the eligibility criteria for participating businesses; the specific budget earmarked for this pilot in 2026; the expected date of commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29354/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise that the pilot scheme in question seeks to incentivise Irish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all business sectors to upskill and reskill their employees in Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills.
Further to an allocation of €2m in Budget 2026, it is intended that the scheme will operate a cost recovery system for Irish SMEs, enabling business owners to reclaim labour costs incurred in staff attending AI-related training programmes. These recoverable costs comprise salary costs proportional to the time spent training alone.
The scheme will be open to Irish SMEs across all business sectors which have staff engaging in eligible training.
My Department is currently progressing the proposal with Government colleagues at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Funding was allocated in Budget 2026 and it is intended to commence the Scheme this year.
580. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the date on which the last comprehensive expenditure report on the National Training Fund was published; when his Department plans to publish the next report evaluating National Training Fund expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29355/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with section 2 (14) of the National Training Fund Act 2000, the Comptroller and Auditor-General audits the National Training Fund (NTF) accounts annually. The audited accounts are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year; the accounts for 2024 were laid on 20 February 2026.
In 2024, my Department commissioned the ESRI to develop a structured evaluation road map for the NTF to support systematic monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness of NTF-funded schemes. The research examined the extent to which individual NTF schemes can be robustly evaluated, identifying the most appropriate methodological approach for each scheme in light of its objectives, and assessing the adequacy of existing data infrastructure in meeting evaluation requirements. The resulting report, Roadmap for an Evaluation of the National Training Fund, was published by the ESRI on its website in December 2025. My officials are currently considering the report’s findings and recommendations.
584. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department will consider undertaking a body of research that will outline the socioeconomic impact and value of the Irish language to Gaeltacht Communities (details supplied) with a view to increasing awareness economic value of the Irish language to these communities. [29368/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, Údarás na Gaeltachta, is the state agency with responsibility for the linguistic, cultural, social, physical and economic development of the Gaeltacht.
An allocation of €41.157m has been made available to Údarás na Gaeltachta for 2026, This represents an increase of €2.5 million on the organisation’s 2025 allocation.
In terms of the return on state investment, there is clear evidence year on year from the data provided in the annual reports published by Údarás na Gaeltachta, and reported on widely in both national and local media, that Gaeltacht areas are benefitting substantially from the various schemes, employment initiatives and community development programmes administered by the agency.
The following highlights were published in the agency's annual report for 2025;
- 681 new jobs created in Gaeltacht areas in 2025
- 9,716 people employed in Údarás client companies
- Sales exceeding €1 billion for the second consecutive year
- €697 million generated in exports and €570m in direct expenditure in the Irish Economy
- A record €38.1 million secured under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF)
- Investment of over €18 million approved for Gaeltacht capital projects
- 28 Language Plans supported with €3.9 million in funding
- 585 full-time equivalent jobs in social enterprises
- 436 people employed across 29 gteic digital hubs
- €1.4 million invested in training and skills development.
That said, it should be noted that the body also regularly commissions research and studies on topics that are relevant to its work. In this context, Údarás na Gaeltachta announced the findings of new research into the social economy of the Gaeltacht, undertaken in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast as part of the EmpowerUs Transition Coastal Lab (TCL) in December 2025. This research revealed that the social enterprise sector in the Gaeltacht generates a Gross Value Added of approximately €21.53 million, supports 585 Full-Time Equivalent jobs and contributes €15.96 million in salaries per annum. The sector holds significant assets, with a fixed asset base of €27.80 million and tangible assets of €25.50 million. The study focused on developing the social economy as a means of resisting external blue growth pressures and retaining investment, jobs, and supply chains within local Gaeltacht communities. Údarás na Gaeltachta is implementing key recommendations from the research, including:
• Developing a learning portal with resources specific to coastal Gaeltacht economies
• Supporting next-generation entrepreneurs through apprenticeships and educational partnerships
• Advocating for regulatory innovation, including community asset transfer legislation
• Investing in applied research on emerging opportunities in technology, climate change, and growth sectors
• Building a stronger network of social enterprises across the wider Gaeltacht.
It is my view, therefore, that Gaeltacht communities are acutely aware of the economic benefits associated with the work of Údarás na Gaeltachta and with the Irish language in general.
585. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the plans that are in place to ensure community services which rely on funding from the Creeslough Together Initiative will be funded past July 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29397/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Creeslough Together Initiative (CTI) was allocated funding for a three-year period (2023 to 2026) by my department. Since 2023, funding totalling €497,000 has been provided to support the Creeslough Together Initiative.
The aim of this funding was to provide a focused and collective emergency response in the aftermath of the Creeslough tragedy, by establishing a community hub, which now provides trauma-informed community support, youth services, and ongoing community activation initiatives.
The Creeslough Community Hub, located on Creeslough Main Street has employed a full time Community Links Worker and a part time Administrator over the past 3 years and has become a trusted focal point of the village of Creeslough following the tragic events of October 2022.
CTI is hosted by the Creeslough Community Association (CCA) and they are the contract holder and employer of the CTI team. CCA have made representations to the Department, requesting that the Creeslough Together Initiative be extended for a further 3 years, to 2029.
This proposal is currently under consideration in my department, and a decision in respect of any further funding will be considered in the context of available resources.
586. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to an application by a group (details supplied) for charitable status; the actions he will take to ensure that this application is progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29458/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Charities Regulator, under the aegis of my Department, is the statutory body responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with a mandate to promote good governance practice.
While the Regulator is under the aegis of my Department, it is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions. Neither I nor my Department have any role in the decision making process of the Regulator, including decisions regarding the registration of charities which are entirely a matter for the Regulator.
I am assured that the Charities Regulator assesses all applications received in order and works with applicants to process applications in a timely fashion.
587. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the average time it takes to assess and complete a formal application for charitable status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29459/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Charities Regulator, under the aegis of my Department, is the statutory body responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with a mandate to promote good governance practice. While the Regulator is under the aegis of my Department, it is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.
Under the Oversight Agreement in place between my department and the Charities Regulator, quarterly reports are provided on the average length of time it takes for a charity to be registered. As of the 31st of March 2026 this time was 103 working days. In the first quarter of 2026 the Charities Regulator received 66 applications and registered 66 charities.
The length of time it takes for an application to be processed depends on a number of factors, including if the Regulator has to engage with the applicant to request additional information or clarify any matters.
