Written Answers Nos. 205-219
205. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will cut college fees for third level students before September 2026. [34732/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains several commitments which are intended to reduce the financial burden on students and families. One of these commitments is to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government in a financially sustainable manner.
In my first budget as Minister for Higher Education, I have delivered on this commitment. I have reduced the student contribution by €500, and I have done so in a manner that is financially sustainable. This flat rate reduction has reduced the student contribution fee from €3,000 to €2,500; the first permanent reduction since the Free Fees Initiative was introduced in 1995.
In considering the student contribution it is important to also note that tens of thousands of students have their student contribution paid in full or part by SUSI, with over 65,000 students receiving fee grant supports last year.
As part of Budget 2027, I will consider options to make further improvements to student supports, such as the student contribution, SUSI grants, student assistance fund, mental health and disability supports, apprenticeship funding and many other areas.
In looking at future options to improve the student support framework, I must have regard to the Government’s overall expenditure management and budgetary policy. Whilst the recent Government decision to levy Departments to cover expenditure pressures in the Department of Education may limit the options available to me in this year’s budget, it won't diminish my resolve to deliver for students and their families.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in Budget 2027, I can assure the Deputy that options to reduce the cost of education for students and their families, will remain a primary objective for me.
206. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the proposed major building project at Cavan Institute will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34848/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe FET College Major Capital Programme is a key commitment of the Programme for Government which aims to address shortfalls in existing FET infrastructure, support projects that drive reform across the sector by consolidating provision and integrating further education and training. This programme will deliver the largest-ever capital investment in Further Education and Training.
There are 12 projects including the project proposed by Cavan Monaghan ETB progressing under the FET College Major Capital Programme. The Cavan and Monaghan ETBs proposal provides for a new integrated state-of-the-art education and training facility on their Cathedral Road campus. This proposal is at the Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy Stage of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
In order to provide for consistency of approach and to ensure timely delivery of projects under this programme, an integrated design team framework has been advertised to suppliers in April this year. This framework will be in place for all ETBs who are ready to draw down services from it later this year. Therefore, with this framework in place, I expect to see a number of design team appointments under this programme before the end of the year.
This programme is a key priority for me. It invests in people by expanding choices for young people and helping adults gain new skills, thus making education accessible to everyone.
207. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to update the SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34829/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am conscious of reducing the cost of education for students and have consistently outlined my commitment to improving student supports in a way that is equitable, funded and fair, and providing certainty for families.
That is why I prioritised funding for students in Budget 2026 and introduced real and permanent changes that support students from all backgrounds and help reduce the cost of education.
I increased all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates under the Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI by at least €200 effective from September 2026 with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year. This measure will ease the financial burden on students and will benefit approximately 30,000 PLC, Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students whose normal residence is 30 kilometres or more from their institution who may have to pay rent or higher transport costs.
In addition, I reduced the Student Contribution Charge for free fees eligible students permanently by €500, supporting around 108,000 undergraduate students. I have also increased the Postgraduate Contribution Grant by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500 for eligible students.
I have also increased the income threshold for the €500 student contribution from €115,000 to €120,000, effective from September 2026. Combined with the permanent fee reduction, this means that eligible undergraduate students whose households earning are under €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 2026/27 academic year.
I provided €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund which is more than a quarter of a million euro up on the previous year. It is available to all students who have an emergency financial need and supports approximately 22,000 students each year.
I am committed to further expanding and enhancing supports that directly address the affordability pressures facing students, especially for those who need it most.
I wish publish, in the autumn, this year's Annual Options Paper, which will help inform decision-making ahead of Budget 2027, and will consider a range of options to enhance student supports, including potential changes to maintenance grant rates.
My Department is committed to reviewing the Student Grant Scheme and the delivery of student supports throughout this year, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to reform SUSI to better meet the needs of students. The focus of the Review is to examine any issues that relate to the operation of the scheme and consider how the delivery of student supports could be improved into the future.
208. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made to date by the Government in reducing the student contribution fee; to confirm that it remains Government policy to continue reducing the fee over the lifetime of the current Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34690/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains several commitments which are intended to reduce the financial burden on students and families. One of these commitments is to reduce the Student Contribution Fee over the lifetime of the Government in a financially sustainable manner.
In my first budget as Minister for Higher Education, I have delivered on this commitment. I have reduced the student contribution by €500, and I have done so in a manner that is financially sustainable. This flat rate reduction has reduced the student contribution fee from €3,000 to €2,500; the first permanent reduction since the Free Fees Initiative was introduced in 1995.
In considering the student contribution it is important to also note that tens of thousands of students have their student contribution paid in full or part by SUSI, with over 65,000 students receiving fee grant supports last year.
As part of Budget 2027, I will consider options to make further improvements to student supports this will include the student contribution, SUSI grants, student assistance fund, mental health and disability supports, apprenticeship funding and many other areas.
In looking at future options to improve the student support framework, I must have regard to the Government’s overall expenditure management and budgetary policy. Whilst the recent Government decision to levy Departments to cover expenditure pressures in the Department of Education may limit the options available to me in this year’s budget, it won't diminish my resolve to deliver for students and their families.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in Budget 2027 or subsequent budgets, I can assure the Deputy that options to reduce the cost of education for students and their families, will remain a primary objective for me.
209. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are any planned large-scale investments in higher education infrastructure at Maynooth University; the predicted benefits of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34851/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department works collaboratively with all higher education institutions and education and training boards on the development of capital projects in line with their established masterplans. While there is currently no major new large scale infrastructure development planned specifically for Maynooth University, significant capital investment has been provided by my Department to support the university’s development in recent years.
Under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Programme, €25m was provided to support a major new teaching and learning facility together with the refurbishment of existing academic buildings, with the project completed in December 2024.
In addition, over €9.1m was provided to Maynooth University between 2022 and 2025 under the Devolved Capital Grant, alongside almost €2.4m under the Research Equipment Grant between 2023 and 2024.
In the area of student accommodation, 116 purpose-built student accommodation beds were delivered at Buckley House, Maynooth, with State support of €4.2m. This development was officially opened in September 2025.
Following publication of the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026 – 2035, my Department has been focused on activation. The existing Technological University focused programme has been expanded to include other publicly funded universities, and Maynooth University will have the opportunity to submit a proposal under this programme.
Maynooth University has also recently expanded educational capacity in priority areas through the establishment of a new undergraduate nursing programme. The programme offered 30 places in its first year and is expected to expand to up to 100 places annually as it matures. The programme also has a strong widening-access focus, supporting participation by mature learners and graduates of further education.
210. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline proposals to introduce a loan scheme for those undertaking graduate entry medicine courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34809/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the significant financial pressures facing students pursuing healthcare programmes, particularly those undertaking Graduate Entry Medicine, and I am very conscious of the importance of ensuring that cost is not a barrier to accessing or completing medical education.
The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to improving the affordability of Graduate Entry Medicine. In that context, my Department is working closely with the Department of Health to examine a range of potential support and incentive models, including financial supports that could also contribute to the retention of graduates within the Irish public health system. This work is being progressed at cross-Government level, reflecting both affordability considerations and wider workforce planning priorities.
My officials along with colleagues across government are actively examining different approaches, including the potential role of loan-type or incentive-based supports and how these might, if pursued, align with service and retention objectives following graduation. Any proposal involving loans, including the possibility of debt write-off linked to service in Ireland, would require careful policy design, detailed consideration of fairness and sustainability, and Government and budgetary approval.
It is also important to note that substantial State support for Graduate Entry Medicine is already in place. The Exchequer part-subsidises tuition fees for all Graduate Entry Medicine places across institutions. Recent Budget measures have significantly enhanced this support, increasing the per-student subsidy from €11,950 in 2021/22 to €16,930 for all graduate entrants currently, in 2026. This represents approximately €13 million in annual public funding and significantly reduces the costs faced by students, with remaining fee levels set by autonomous higher education institutions.
In addition, Graduate Entry Medicine students may access a range of existing supports where eligible, including the Student Assistance Fund for students experiencing financial hardship, National Access Plan bursaries, tax relief on tuition fees and rent, supports available through the Fund for Students with Disabilities, and the 1916 Bursary for eligible students progressing to postgraduate study.
This work on affordability complements a wider programme of reform and investment in medical education, including the expansion of medical training capacity, to strengthen the domestic supply of doctors, reduce reliance on international recruitment, and support the long-term sustainability of the Irish health workforce.
This issue remains an active priority for my Department. The examination of potential future supports, including whether financial measures could be linked to service in the Irish public health system, is ongoing, and any proposals emerging from this work will be brought to Government for consideration in due course.
211. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the merits of requiring all third level institutions to install solar panel installations to support the operation of the institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34392/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the installation of solar panels, where technically feasible and as part of a holistic approach to achieving greater energy efficiency in buildings operated by third level institutions. Solar panel installations generate renewable electricity which reduces total operational emissions and reduces energy costs.
All higher and further education institutions must operate in line with Government climate action frameworks and public sector energy efficiency obligations. However, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies under legislation and have responsibility for managing their own day-to-day affairs, including the refurbishment and upgrade of their buildings, in line with sustainable practices. Additionally, the sector's building stock is diverse and includes leased properties, which can limit what institutions can implement within their respective estates.
I can advise the Deputy that since 2020, energy-efficiency and decarbonisation initiatives have been underway across the Further and Higher Education sector, many of which include solar PV installations as part of the overall project. The Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programmes (EEDPP), co-funded with the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment, has to date ringfenced €100m for suitable Higher Education projects. In addition, through Devolved Grant 2026 funding, universities and ETBs may also choose, subject to defined expenditure limits, to directly invest in solar photovoltaic solutions.
I and my officials will continue to lead the tertiary sector in adopting sustainable practices, including solar panel installations.
212. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on plans to deliver new, permanent accommodation for Dunboyne College of Further Education, Dunboyne, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34339/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLouth Meath ETB’s FET College Major Capital proposal involves the construction of a new, fit-for-purpose facility on a greenfield site. This new facility is intended to replace the current rented accommodation in Dunboyne and is one of twelve projects currently being advanced under this programme.
LMETB submitted its preliminary business case to SOLAS for the proposed infrastructure it plans to deliver in Dunboyne. This is currently under evaluation and cannot be finalised until a site has been secured, as acquiring a suitable site capable of supporting the required infrastructure is a key determinant in assessing the business case. In this regard, LMETB have agreed the purchase price with the vendor of its preferred site option and is at an advance stage of completing the relevant legal and site due diligence.
SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support LMETB through the next stage of the development of its proposal and remain committed to the delivery of state of the art facilities to meet the needs of our learners and teaching staff in Meath and across the region.
213. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has had engagement in relation to policies in HEIs that allow for students who have suffered sexual violence or harassment to be supported in the continuation of their studies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34399/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo student or staff member should experience sexual violence or harassment at work or in their place of study, accommodation, or anywhere on campus. Everyone should be able to study and work in a safe, respectful and supportive environment. The safety and wellbeing of every student and staff member in higher education is a fundamental priority for the Government, for my Department, and for me personally.
The Programme for Government is very clear that tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is a major national priority. I know that the Higher Education Authority has considerable expertise in this area and my Department provides key supports in the form of funding support and coordination on implementation. In that context, my Department works closely with the HEA and is supportive of their work, including the work of the HEA Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, who work with higher education institutions across the sector to ensure that a culture of respect and safety is nurtured.
The HEA leads the sector’s response through the Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment Framework, which was introduced in 2019. That Framework sets out clear expectations for institutions in relation to campus culture, policies, reporting procedures, prevention initiatives, and supports for students and staff.
While higher education institutions are autonomous bodies, my Department and the HEA continue to engage extensively with them regarding policies and supports for students who have experienced sexual violence or harassment, including measures to support students in continuing their studies safely and appropriately.
Important initiatives supported by my Department include the Speak Out anonymous reporting tool, the Active* Consent programme, the Bystander Intervention initiative, and 16 dedicated Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response Manager posts across the sector.
In addition, the HEA is currently progressing a revised Framework following an expert review published in 2025, informed by extensive engagement with students, staff representatives, institutions and stakeholders across the sector.
214. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the targeted reskilling or upskilling programmes that are currently being developed or expanded for workers in sectors most exposed to AI-driven automation; the way in which affected workers are being identified and supported to access these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34868/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe digitalisation of the economy and society and adoption of AI is one of the largest structural forces that is shaping our country today. The Government is committed to driving our digital agenda, and to Ireland remaining a digital leader at the heart of Europe, and globally.
Accordingly, Digital Ireland was published on the 18th of February. This is the National Digital and AI strategy which sets an ambition for Ireland to be a global hub for applied AI innovation. It also renews the Government's commitments to inclusion and accessibility to ensure that no one is left behind in this digital and AI revolution.
Research published by Department of Finance and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment showed that Ireland is relatively more exposed than other advanced economies. In line with this finding, Digital Ireland seeks to support workers to navigate and mitigate the impacts of potential job displacement, including through agile, responsive, and accessible skills supports.
For my part, I recently held the first National Skills Roundtable, marking the beginning of a national programme of high-level engagements focused on ensuring Ireland has the right skills for a rapidly changing economy. This will include a series of sector-specific meetings with employers and industry representative bodies to gain deeper insight into priority skills needs.
Officials within my Department are currently developing a Statement of Ambition, which will focus on digital skills, including AI skills, and a Roadmap for Technology Skills for the Future, which will be the successor to Technology Skills 2022.
My Department is developing a National Skills Observatory. It is intended to have the Observatory in place by the year end.
The Observatory will have a number of functions, including monitoring labour market trends and emerging skills needs, which will support Ireland’s responsiveness of Ireland’s education and training systems.
In terms of recent developments, last month I launched the AIready.ie platform. AI ready will support early inclusive skills development, an approach strongly reinforced by ESRI and Central Bank research on AI, skills and labour market disruption.
SOLAS and the Educational Training Boards have developed short flexible courses, including micro qualifications focused on AI awareness, applied skills and career transition opportunities. Higher education institutions continue to deliver a wide range of specialist and foundational digital skills programmes, including micro-credentials, through initiatives such as Springboard+.
These are complemented by the work of Skillnet Ireland, which continues to deliver enterprise led upskilling opportunities which are aligned with industry needs.
215. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the projects in the Further and Higher Education Sector that will progress under his Department's Capital Programme in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34849/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department developed and published a Sectoral Plan for the tertiary sector in December 2025 for the period 2026–2030. This plan provides the framework for capital investment planning across the further and higher education and research sectors, identifying priority projects already in progress and new initiatives commencing from 2026. The plan is designed as a "live document," allowing for periodic reviews to meet changing needs throughout the 2026-2030 period.
My Department will have a capital envelope of €841.1m in 2026, with funding allocated across the following areas:
• Research and Innovation (€525.1m–incorporates €38m provided through the National Training Fund (NTF) Surplus Package)
• Higher Education Capital (€134.5m–incorporates €21m allocated to Shared Services for Aseira)
• Higher Education Public Private Partnerships (€72m)
• Further Education and Training Capital (€107m–incorporates €37m provided through the NTF Surplus Package)
• Agency Capital–HEA & SOLAS (€2.5m)
In terms of projects progressing in 2026, the further and higher education capital budget is managed at an overall level in conjunction with the Department’s agencies. The progression of individual projects in any one year is determined by, among other factors, the pace of progress through design, planning, procurement and delivery and subject to NDP provision. Responsibility for capital project delivery is devolved to individual Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Accordingly, responsibility for the planning and procurement processes, project delivery timelines, and cost management, all fall within the remit of the ETBs/HEIs and not my Department.
Details of capital projects in construction in 2026, for both Further and Higher Education are provided in the attached table.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING BOARDS - PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION IN 2026
|
Programme |
ETB |
Facility - Institute |
Project |
|
Minor Capital Works |
CDETB |
Inchicore College of Further Education |
Roof repair |
|
Minor Capital Works |
CDETB |
Coláiste Dhulaigh |
Disability access (lift, ramped access & carpark). |
|
Minor Capital Works |
KETB |
O'Connell Adult Ed' Ctr, Caherciveen |
Roof replacement |
|
Minor Capital Works |
MSLETB |
Sligo NZEB Training Centre |
NZEB Training Centre |
|
Minor Capital Works |
LCETB |
Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre |
Staff Modular Accommodation |
|
Minor Capital Works |
LCETB |
Organic Campus - Dromcollogher |
Refurbishment Works |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
KETB |
Kerry College of FE |
Roof Works |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
MSLETB |
Ballina FET Centre |
Life Safety System |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
LMETB |
Further Ed Admin Offices, Dundalk |
Mechanical Works |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
LCETB |
Croom Campus - FET |
Roof Works |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
MSLETB |
Kiltimagh FET Centre |
Electrical Works |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
CETB |
Cork CFE - Morrissons Island Campus |
Roof Works |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
LWETB |
Connolly Barracks - Longford |
Roof, Windows/Doors & Access |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
LCETB |
College of FET - Newcastlewest Campus |
Prefab Replacement |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
CETB |
Cork Training Centre |
Mechanical Works |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
DETB |
Gartan Education Centre, Belville, Letterkenny |
Life Safety System |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
MSLETB |
Ballina FET Centre - |
Electrical |
|
Emergency Health & Safety Works |
MSLETB |
North Connaught College , Tubbercurry |
Access Works |
HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS - PROJECTS IN CONSTRUCTION IN 2026
|
Programme |
County |
Facility - Institute |
Project |
|
GDA |
Dublin |
Grangegorman Campus |
Programme 3 Academic Hub |
|
HE PPP - Bundle 2 |
Galway |
Atlantic Technological University Galway |
STEM Facility |
|
HE PPP - Bundle 2 |
Donegal |
Atlantic Technological University Letterkenny |
Library, IT and Teaching |
|
HE PPP - Bundle 2 |
Carlow |
South East Technological University Carlow |
Science Facility |
|
HE PPP - Bundle 2 |
Waterford |
South East Technological University Waterford |
Engineering, Architecture, Computing and General Teaching Building |
|
HE PPP - Bundle 2 |
Limerick |
Technological University of the Shannon Limerick |
Applied Science & IT Building |
|
Infrastructure Upgrade and Refurbishment Programme |
Louth |
Dundalk Institute of Technology |
North & South Block Project and STEM Extension |
|
Infrastructure Upgrade and Refurbishment Programme |
Cork |
Munster Technological University Cork |
1974 Building Upgrade |
|
Other HE Capital Projects - Co-Funded |
Dublin |
Trinity College Dublin |
E3 Learning Foundry - Phase 1 |
|
HESIP 1 |
Galway |
University of Galway |
Learning Commons Project |
|
HESIP II |
Dublin |
University College Dublin |
UCD O Brien Centre for Science Phase III |
|
Student Accommodation |
Dublin |
University College Dublin |
UCD Student Accommodation Project (Phase 1, 493 beds) |
216. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on student accommodation in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34710/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
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. The programme will be run on a phased basis, Galway is in the first phase together with Dublin and Cork.
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.
The homeowner room-rental campaign ran again in advance of academic year 2025/26. As of April 2026, over 4,700 rent a room beds were advertised nationwide, including 137 beds in Galway.
The University of Galway opened 674 new student beds at Dunlin Village for the 2023–2024 academic year.
Since 2017, 16,266 PBSA beds have been completed nationwide, bringing total stock to over 49,200. As of April 2026, commencement notices have issued for 2,935 student beds and 14,233 student beds have planning permission.
As of the end of April, 898 privately owned student beds in Galway have planning permission granted. Commencement notices have also issued for 922 Private beds which includes 345 beds under development on Queen Street through private sector investment supported by the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.
217. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to improve pay and working conditions for apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34854/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprentices are employees and all apprenticeship programmes are undertaken under a contract of employment. For the majority of apprenticeships, the rate of pay is generally agreed between the apprentice and the employer, with the employer paying the apprentice during both on-the-job and off-the-job training elements. For the majority of craft apprentices, the minimum rates of pay are agreed through collective bargaining or underpinned by a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO). Neither my Department nor SOLAS has any role in the setting of apprentice wages.
Employers must be approved by SOLAS before employing apprentices and are required to comply with the SOLAS Apprenticeship Code of Practice. If an apprentice is facing difficulties in their workplace and believe that their employer is not acting in compliance with their obligations under the Code of Practice they should speak with their training adviser and make a complaint to SOLAS who will look into the matter.
There are targeted initiatives in place to assist apprentices financially. These include the Access to Apprenticeship Initiative, which supports the transition of 16–24-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds into an apprenticeship scheme, with learners who participate in an Access to Apprenticeship programme being eligible to apply for a €3,000 bursary, and the Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme, which provides financial and practical support to members of the Travelling Community to help them access, start, and complete apprenticeships.
Additionally, craft apprentices attending phases of off-the-job training in an Education and Training Board training centre, an Institute of Technology or a Technological University are entitled to supplementary allowances for travel, meals and accommodation. Either an accommodation allowance or travel allowance is payable, but not both.
It remains a priority for Government to support apprentice participation in apprenticeship programmes, while maintaining a focus on apprentice welfare. This will be a key aspect of the next Action Plan for Apprenticeship, which will consider how best to support and promote participation for apprentices and employers alike. I look forward to publishing this new Action Plan later this year.
218. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science given his comments (details supplied), the steps he is taking to ensure enforcement of regulations in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34561/26]
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.
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. Further details on requirements are set out in the Policy Statement on the TrustEd Ireland Scheme and Immigration requirements at: www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Policy-Statement-TrustEd-Ireland-and-Immigration-Requirements.pdf.
219. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on his plans for a new funding scheme for students on graduate entry medicine programmes. [34390/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recognise the significant financial pressures facing students pursuing healthcare programmes, particularly those undertaking Graduate Entry Medicine, and I am very conscious of the importance of ensuring that cost is not a barrier to accessing or completing medical education.
The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to improving the affordability of Graduate Entry Medicine. In that context, my Department is working closely with the Department of Health to examine a range of potential support and incentive models, including financial supports that could also contribute to the retention of graduates within the Irish public health system. This work is being progressed at cross-Government level, reflecting both affordability considerations and wider workforce planning priorities.
My officials are actively examining different approaches with the support of colleagues in the relevant departments, including the potential role of loan-type or incentive-based supports and how these might, if pursued, align with service and retention objectives following graduation. Any proposal involving loans, including the possibility of debt write-off linked to service in Ireland, would require careful policy design, detailed consideration of fairness and sustainability, and Government and budgetary approval.
It is also important to note that substantial State support for Graduate Entry Medicine is already in place. The Exchequer part-subsidises tuition fees for all Graduate Entry Medicine places across institutions. Recent Budget measures have significantly enhanced this support, increasing the per-student subsidy from €11,950 in 2021/22 to €16,930 for all graduate entrants from 2026. This represents approximately €13 million in annual public funding and significantly reduces the costs faced by students, with remaining fee levels set by autonomous higher education institutions.
In addition, Graduate Entry Medicine students may access a range of existing supports where eligible, including the Student Assistance Fund for students experiencing financial hardship, National Access Plan bursaries, tax relief on tuition fees and rent, supports available through the Fund for Students with Disabilities, and the 1916 Bursary for eligible students progressing to postgraduate study.
This work on affordability complements a wider programme of reform and investment in medical education, including the expansion of medical training capacity, to strengthen the domestic supply of doctors, reduce reliance on international recruitment, and support the long-term sustainability of the Irish health workforce.
This issue remains an active priority for my Department. The examination of potential future supports, including whether financial measures could be linked to service in the Irish public health system, is ongoing, and any proposals emerging from this work will be brought to Government for consideration in due course.
