Written Answers Nos. 1264-1284
1264. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding any mechanism in place within his Department that allows for civil servants to transfer on secondment to an equivalent role within the European Union, without negatively impacting their pension and other employment rights; his views on the merits of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34424/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) does not operate a specific mechanism that permits civil servants to transfer permanently to equivalent roles within EU institutions while retaining Irish Civil Service employment and pension rights.
However, if an officer leaves the Civil Service and takes up a permanent role with the EU, they may if they meet the minimum service requirements, receive an award under the Superannuation Acts on reaching the minimum pensionable age. Alternatively, subject to formal resignation from the Civil Service, the officer may opt to have a direct payment made to the EU in respect of their Civil Service superannuation entitlements. The service credit received in the EU in respect of such payment will be determined by the administrative authorities of the EU pension scheme.
Where a staff member undertakes a secondment to an EU institution, they remain employed by the Department, retain a right to return to their substantive post and continue to accrue pension service under their Irish public service pension scheme.
I recognise the value of EU experience and my Department continues to engage with relevant bodies on supporting mobility and career development opportunities for DFHERIS staff.
1265. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware that there is no bereavement leave as part of Research Ireland's post-graduate scholarships and that bereaved researchers must take unpaid leave; and if he will direct Research Ireland to put in place bereavement leave as part of the scholarship contract. [34707/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Budget 2025, further funding was secured to increase the PhD stipend provided by the research funding agency now under the Department’s remit, i.e., Research Ireland, to bring it up to €25,000 per student per annum. This represents an increase of over 30% in just two years.
Research Ireland’s policies include reference to specific statutory entitlements such as maternity, paternity and adoptive leave, and disability supplements.
Students in receipt of a funding award are registered with the HEIs, and are therefore not directly employed by Research Ireland. Research Ireland does not have a formal bereavement leave policy but would have an expectation that such situations are managed locally by the HEIs with care and compassion, whereby students are never deprived of their stipend in these scenarios and that the leave they need to take is accommodated.
Institutional scholarship supports received by PhD students from their higher education institution are funded primarily by the core funding provided to the sector. The use of core funding is at the discretion of each higher education institution whose autonomy in this respect is established in legislation.
1266. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including further and higher education campus, ETB and research infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Cork North-West in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for capital project delivery is devolved to individual Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs). In that context, responsibility for the planning and procurement processes, as well as project delivery timelines and cost management, all fall within the remit of the HEIs/ETBs and not DFHERIS.
HEIs and ETBs are autonomous institutions with responsibility for the oversight, planning and management of their capital development plans.
My Department does not hold information on a constituency basis. However, for the Deputies convenience, I have attached a list of the major capital projects completed by higher and further education institutions since 2020 which serve the area(s) referred to.Cork Project.
1267. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the Department last published an annual NTF evaluation report including counterfactual modelling of programme impacts, as recommended in the Indecon Review and repeatedly called for by an organisation (details supplied) since 2022; the reason no such report has appeared since 2019; and the date on which the next report will be published. [34740/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2024, my Department commissioned the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to develop a structured evaluation road map for the National Training Fund (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.
In line with section 2 (14) of the National Training Fund Act 2000, the Comptroller and Auditor-General (C&AG) audits the NTF accounts annually. The audited accounts are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year; the accounts for 2024 were laid before the Houses on 20 February 2026.
The annual accounts include a breakdown of expenditure under each programme and by recipient. The 2025 accounts have been drafted and are currently awaiting audit by the C&AG.
1268. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of times the NTF Advisory Group has met since July 2022; the number of employer representatives who attended each meeting; and the specific recommendations from an organisation (details supplied) on enhancing enterprise input into governance and prioritisation of NTF expenditure that have been implemented to date. [34741/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Training Fund (NTF) Advisory Group concluded its work in November 2024 at which point its mandate was subsumed into that of the restructured National Skills Council, reflecting the clear alignment between the functions of the two bodies. This conclusion, including the transfer of the Group’s mandate, was agreed with the enterprise representative members of the NTF Advisory Group. The National Skills Council now serves as the primary forum for optimising enterprise engagement in relation the NTF, in accordance with its agreed terms of reference. The objectives, strategic vision and meeting documents of the Council are available on gov.ie.
Turning to your question about the meetings of the NTF Advisory Group, it met six times between July 2022 and November 2024. Employer representative bodies participating in meetings included SAP Ireland, American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, Chambers Ireland, Construction Industry Federation, IBEC, ISME, Irish Exporters Association, Irish Hotels Federation and the Wheel.
For completeness, officials from my Department, SOLAS, Department of Social Protection and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, the Higher Education Authority and Skillnet Ireland also attended meetings.
1269. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether the National Training Fund has been leveraged to implement a dedicated Lifelong Learning Strategy to prepare workers for the digital and green twin transition, as recommended by an organisation (details supplied) in 2022; the total NTF expenditure on digital skills, green skills and lifelong learning programmes in 2024 and 2025; and his plans to address Ireland's below-EU-average lifelong learning participation rate. [34742/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPromoting the importance of lifelong learning has been a key focus of my Department since its establishment nearly six years ago. Skills have been positioned at the centre of policy development through sustained efforts to raise awareness about the importance of skills and creating reskilling and upskilling initiatives, ensuring opportunities are available to suit every type of learner.
Lifelong learning was one of the four priority areas examined by the 2023 OECD Review of Ireland’s National Skills Strategy, with the Review noting that a culture of lifelong learning needs to be further strengthened so that the adult participation rate in education and training in Ireland increases.
Ireland’s lifelong learning rate (in comparison to the EU average) is assessed through the Adult Education Survey, which is completed every five years. The most recent survey, conducted in 2022, indicates that Ireland’s participation rate is 48.3%, placing Ireland’s participation rate above the EU 27 average of 39.5%. For clarity, this figure corresponds to the EU-defined age group of 25–64 used for the purposes of measuring progress against the EU target.
Last July, the National Skills Council (NSC) published its first advice to government on skills development priorities, which included recommending the establishment of a new National Skills Observatory (NSO) to improve the coherence and availability of skills data across the skills system. In 2026, I allocated €0.4 million from the National Training Fund (NTF) to SOLAS for the establishment of the NSO. The Observatory will act as a central repository for labour market and skills information in Ireland, facilitating improved workforce planning, stronger policy and decision-making, and improved lifelong learning and workforce reskilling, among other benefits.
Furthermore, I recently launched AIReady.ie, a new national online AI skilling platform developed by SOLAS in partnership with the NSC. Initial content focuses on building foundational AI literacy and practical digital capability through four free short courses tailored to older people, small businesses such as sole traders and farmers, and individuals returning to the workforce. The platform is designed to make learning about AI more accessible and inclusive.
It is not possible to provide a precise breakdown of NTF expenditure attributable solely to digital skills, green skills and lifelong learning programmes, as they are embedded across a broader suite of digital skills, innovation and workforce development programmes as funding is generally allocated at programme rather than individual thematic level.
However, in 2026, specific initiatives being funded from the NTF Surplus Package include:
• €1.2 million to SOLAS, to deliver on outputs and outcomes to achieve the objectives of its Green Skills 2030 strategy.
• €0.4 million has been allocated to further build and scale “skills bootcamps”, specifically aimed at cohorts less likely to engage in Lifelong Learning, for example older workers.
• €1.7 million to Skillnet Ireland for Construction and Green Skills initiatives and Modern Methods of Construction. This funding will increase the functionality of Skillnet MMC Accelerate and showcase Modern Methods of Construction, as well as enable the continued development of Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy (SOWA) and the initiation of an Offshore Wind Training Hub.
My Department will continue to work in partnership with all stakeholders in the skills ecosystem to shape a more agile, inclusive and resilient approach to skills.
1270. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will introduce a national training voucher scheme, as proposed by an organisation (details supplied) in 2022 and supported by the Indecon Review, to reimburse employers (particularly SMEs) for accredited in-company training; and if not, why the €283 million unspent in the NTF in 2025 has not been used for this purpose. [34743/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Training Fund (NTF) is a critical resource for supporting skills development across the economy and is used to fund a wide range of further and higher education, training, reskilling and upskilling initiatives in line with national skills priorities.
The question of introducing a national training voucher scheme, including proposals to reimburse employers for undertaking training, has been considered in the context of the broader policy framework for employer-led and learner-centred skills provision.
While the Indecon Review highlighted the importance of supporting in-work training, the approach taken with the NTF has been to prioritise the delivery of targeted, high-impact interventions through existing mechanisms that maximise the additional benefit of public investment, ensure strong quality assurance, and deliver value for money. These include Apprenticeships, Skillnet Ireland networks, Skills to Advance, micro-credentials, and a range of supports delivered through SOLAS, the Higher Education Authority, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.
This approach is designed to focus resources where they can have the greatest impact. At present, there are no plans to introduce a universal national training voucher scheme. Any new scheme would need to be carefully assessed in terms of its ability to complement existing provision, deliver measurable additional outcomes, and represent an effective use of public resources.
Regarding the reference to the annual surplus of €283 million in the NTF in 2025, it is important to clarify that NTF funding operates within the overall Government expenditure ceilings. For clarity, all Departmental expenditure, including expenditure from the NTF, is determined through the annual Estimates process. NTF funded expenditure is considered alongside broader Exchequer expenditure and is subject to the same collective Government decision making, budgetary constraints and approvals. Accordingly, the existence of the NTF surplus does not provide scope for additional spending outside the Estimates framework.
1271. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will introduce the time-limited National Training Fund rebate recommended by an organisation (details supplied) in 2022 to support businesses facing rising labour costs from auto-enrolment, living wage and pension changes; and whether he accepts that continued accumulation of surpluses while employers pay the full 1% levy constitutes an unfair burden on rural and domestic SMEs. [34744/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1272. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the additional funding allocated to employer-led Skillnet networks and Regional Skills Fora Managers since 2022 to boost SME engagement and regional capacity, as called for by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will provide a regional breakdown showing expenditure in rural and agri-food areas. [34745/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSkillnet Ireland supports 68 Skillnet Business Networks and several national talent initiatives that operate nationally. Of these, 23 multi-sector Skillnet Business Networks and three national initiatives are dedicated to supporting the regional skills development of businesses in Ireland. 93% of companies supported by Skillnet Ireland are SMEs with a wide range of upskilling supports available to development SME management capability, digital skills and technical skills across most sectors.
The Regional Skills Fora (RSF) support employers to address current and future skills needs by strengthening links with the education and training system. They help businesses access the right supports, influence training provision to build a skilled workforce. Funding is provided for nine regional skills managers, a regional skills co-ordinator and operating costs. The nine managers are the single contact point in each region to help employers connect with the range of services and supports available across the education and training ecosystem.
The RSF is a key element of the Irish skills ecosystem. They bring together higher and further education providers, enterprise agencies, employers and representatives from government departments to work together to promote lifelong learning, support enterprise and to drive innovation.
In 2025, the RSF engaged with over 2,100 businesses and over 60% of all engagements were with SMEs.
The RSF complements Skillnet Ireland’s delivery role by strengthening regional engagement and skills intelligence, ensuring that enterprise-led training is responsive, targeted, and aligned with both regional and national priorities. This engagement is supported through quarterly Regional Skills Fora meetings with Skillnet Ireland.
The table below outlines funding allocations to Skillnet Ireland and the RSF since 2022.
|
Year |
Skillnet Ireland Core Funding € |
Regional Skills Fora Funding € |
|
2022 |
36,898,000 |
1,767,000 |
|
2023 |
38,898,000 |
1,815,000 |
|
2024 |
41,498,000 |
2,265,000 |
|
2025 |
51,498,000 |
2,170,000 |
|
2026 |
51,498,000 |
2,170,000 |
In addition, between 2022-2024, Skillnet Ireland was allocated temporary funding for Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) and COVID measures. In 2026, temporary funding of €2.7 million is allocated to Skillnet Ireland, bringing their overall allocation to €54.198 million this year.
1273. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether all NTF-funded programmes now meet the core statutory objectives of close-to-labour-market skills, upskilling those in employment and preparing people for employment, as insisted upon by an organisation (details supplied); the amount of NTF money reallocated to non-employer-aligned programmes (including PLCs) since 2022; and his plans to discontinue or refund such programmes from the Exchequer. [34746/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do not accept the premise that National Training Fund (NTF)–funded programmes do not meet the core statutory objectives of the Fund. NTF-funded programmes have always complied with the statutory objectives set out in section 7 of the National Training Fund Act 2000, which provides that the Fund may be used to support schemes established to:
• raise the skills of those in employment,
• provide training to those who wish to acquire skills to take up employment, or
• provide information in relation to existing, or likely future, requirements for skills in the economy.
Deputy, you will note that the legislation makes no reference to the concept of “close-to-labour-market skills”. In this regard, I am satisfied that the NTF continues to operate fully within its legislative mandate and to meet its statutory objectives.
In relation to the question on the amount of NTF funding reallocated to so-called “non-employer-aligned” programmes, it is not immediately clear what is meant by that term. There is no category of provision within the NTF defined as “non-employer-aligned” in either legislation or funding governance arrangements. Accordingly, it would not be correct to state that NTF funding has been “reallocated” away from its statutory purpose.
With regard to Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) provision, funding for these programmes transferred from the Exchequer to the NTF from 2023. This reflects the role of PLC courses in supporting multiple routes to employment, including direct entry to the labour market as well as progression to higher education. Funding for PLC provision has increased from €155.36 million in 2023 to €168.15 million in 2025. This increase has facilitated measures to reduce costs for learners, including the abolition of the PLC levy and the phased reduction of other PLC-related fees.
1274. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he accepts the conclusion in the report of an organisation (details supplied) of July 2022 that the accumulation of NTF surpluses is not caused by EU fiscal rules but is instead a political choice on expenditure prioritisation; whether he will now increase the Department's expenditure ceiling to utilise the existing surplus and the further €283 million that remained unspent in 2025; and the timeline for delivering real skills investment rather than allowing employer contributions to continue accumulating unused. [34747/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am sure that the Deputy recognises that any adjustment to a Department’s expenditure ceiling is a matter for Government as part of the annual budgetary process and is not within my gift as Minister to unilaterally increase my Department's expenditure ceiling.
As a member of the European Union (EU), Ireland is subject to the EU fiscal framework. Government expenditure is determined annually through the Summer Economic Statement and is set out within the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, which was presented to the EU last September. This framework outlines how Government manages expenditure over a multiyear horizon and how departmental ceilings are determined. Both Vote and National Training Fund expenditure sit within these expenditure limits.
As I have advised previously, all NTF expenditure counts within my Department’s overall expenditure ceiling, in the same manner as Vote expenditure. Any increase in NTF-funded activity must therefore be accommodated either through reductions elsewhere within the Vote or through an increase in overall Government expenditure ceilings agreed by Government. For clarity, all Departmental expenditure, including expenditure from the NTF, is determined through the annual Estimates process.
1275. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total funding allocated from the National Training Fund to Farm Business Skillnet and other agriculture-focused Skillnet networks in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025; the number of farm businesses and participants supported by Farm Business Skillnet in those years; and whether he will now increase core funding to this employer-led network in light of the €283 million surplus that remained unspent in the National Training Fund in 2025. [34748/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1276. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he accepts that practical, sector-specific training delivered through Farm Business Skillnet in areas such as farm management, sustainability, leadership and rural skills is exactly the type of close-to-labour-market investment that an organisation (details supplied) called for in its 2022 report on the Future of the National Training Fund; and if he will outline his plans to significantly expand support for this network and other rural Skillnet programmes rather than allowing employer-levied contributions to continue accumulating unused. [34749/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1276 and 1275 together.
Skillnet Ireland provides extensive upskilling and workforce development supports to the agriculture sector. Skillnet Ireland has advised my officials that these supports benefit more than 9,500 learners from over 6,000 agri-businesses annually. Agriculture-focused Skillnet Business Networks include Farm Business Skillnet, ICOS Skillnet, Macra Agricultural Skillnet, National Organic Training Skillnet and XLVets Skillnet.
Farm Business Skillnet is an enterprise-led network delivering targeted training to farm businesses and smallholders nationwide, with a focus on improving productivity and efficiency. Its initiatives include the Ready to Lead programme, delivered in partnership with the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and FBD Insurance. This enterprise-led, sector-specific approach aligns with the objective of ensuring National Training Fund investments remain responsive to labour market needs, including within the agri-food sector.
Skillnet Ireland has advised that allocation to Farm Business Skillnet was €152,124 (2023), €155,389 (2024) and €160,000 (2025). It has provided the following data in relation to participation levels in that period, noting that 2025 figures are indicative and subject to validation:
|
Year |
Businesses Supported |
Learners Supported |
|
2023 |
2,112 |
2,147 |
|
2024 |
1,514 |
1,562 |
|
2025* |
1,199 |
1,205 |
Skillnet Ireland further advised that total funding across all agriculture-focused Skillnet Business Networks amounted to €2.94 million in 2023, €2.88 million in 2024 and €2.61 million in 2025. In addition, farmers and agri-businesses also benefit from training delivered through Skillnet Ireland’s regional networks, enhancing management capability, sustainability practices, and technology adoption.
Examples of agriculture-focused programmes include - Macra Agricultural Skillnet, ICOS Skillnet, National Organic Training Skillnet and XLVets Skillnet.
Skillnet Ireland is the national business support agency for workforce development and is funded through the NTF using a cost-sharing model with private enterprise investment. This model helps reduce financial barriers for businesses while ensuring that programmes remain closely aligned to enterprise needs. Skillnet Ireland plays a key role within Ireland’s skills ecosystem, by supporting the development of a competitive, adaptable and future-ready workforce through its enterprise-led approach.
For 2026, Skillnet Ireland has been allocated €54.2 million to carry out its functions. As an agency operating under the aegis of my Department, it is responsible for overseeing and funding the delivery of business supports through its nationwide network model, within its approved budget allocation.
The estimated €283 million surplus in 2025 reflects continued strong employment performance in the economy, the levy rate increase and the Government budgetary policy. All NTF expenditure counts within my Department’s overall expenditure ceiling, in the same way as Vote expenditure. Consequently, any increase in NTF funded activity must therefore be accommodated through reductions elsewhere within the Vote or through an increase in overall Government expenditure ceilings agreed by Government.
For clarity, all Departmental expenditure, including expenditure from the NTF, is determined through the annual Estimates process. NTF funded expenditure is considered alongside Vote expenditure and is subject to the same collective Government decision making, budgetary constraints and approvals. Accordingly, the existence of NTF resources does not provide scope for additional spending outside the Estimates framework.
1277. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the roll that the Grangegorman Development Agency will undertake in developing capital projects in the Further Education Sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34839/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast September, I received Government approval in principle, to expand the functions of the Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA) to allow it to undertake capital projects beyond the Grangegorman site. The next steps in the process is to prepare a General Scheme of a Bill to amend the GDA Act 2005 and this legislative process is being progressed as a priority by my Department.
If the Act is amended, it will enable the GDA to assist in the development and delivery of major capital projects, initially in the Further Education and Training sector, in line with Programme for Government commitments. The GDA has developed considerable expertise and experience in capital project development and delivery and would provide a consistent and professional resource to capital projects and programmes in the public sector.
In the interim, while the legislative changes are being progressed, the GDA is currently supporting my department, SOLAS and the ETBs in an advisory capacity on the FET College Major Capital Programme, providing technical expertise to inform its progression. This work is in addition to the current mandate of the agency in relation to its statutory responsibilities to regenerate the Grangegorman site.
1278. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding or grant supports that are available to students from Ireland who are travelling to the United Kingdom to study musical theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34840/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are several supports potentially available to Irish students who choose to study in the UK.
For Irish students studying within the EU or UK at undergraduate level the Student Grant Scheme provides maintenance grants to eligible undergraduate students pursuing approved courses. In general, an approved undergraduate course in this context is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU Member State or the UK.
The Scheme does not extend maintenance supports to PLC courses or postgraduate study pursued outside of the State nor does it extend to the payment of tuition fees to institutions outside the State, other than for exceptional provision in respect of postgraduate courses in Northern Ireland.
Erasmus grants are available for students enrolled in Irish Higher Education Institutions who wish to study abroad as part of their degree programme, or for Irish students who wish to pursue short or long term vocational education and training opportunities.
Students seeking to pursue their studies in the UK are advised to contact the Student Finance agency in each of the Devolved Administration in the UK, as each jurisdiction may have variations in eligibility criteria. Students may also wish to contact the relevant Higher Education Institution in the UK for advice on the type and range of supports that may be available in any specific college.
Additionally, tax relief at the standard rate of tax is available for qualifying courses in qualifying institutions in both the UK and EU.
There are also many scholarship opportunities available for Irish citizens wishing to study in the EU through the EU Scholarships. For students wishing to study outside of the EU or UK, many private scholarships exist, and I would encourage students to research these opportunities, whether they be through universities or separate privately sponsored scholarships.
1279. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has considered excluding students' own income from summer employment/weekend work as part of the means test for SUSI grants; if he will examine the cost of removing it to better support families who have to pay fees in full, without support, due to the part-time work of the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34930/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Student Grant Scheme, income from employment which represents holiday earnings outside of term time (Easter, summer and Christmas holidays) can be deducted when determining the reckonable income of an applicant. The holiday earnings exemption is being increased from €8,424 to €8,830 for the 2026/27 academic year. The reason for the limit is to mitigate against students working so much during their education that it negatively impacts on their ability to fully participate in their course.
There is also an economic consideration. The Student Grant Scheme is reviewed on an annual basis and any improvements are subject to the overall estimates and budgetary process undertaken by all Government Departments having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands.
In recent years, my Department has published a number of annual options papers on measures to reduce the cost of education. The most recent paper included a costed option to remove the provision which limits the deduction of holiday earnings to “earnings outside of term time”. This option was costed in the last year’s paper at between €17m and €26m.
Removing this provision could allow a student’s income exemption limit to be increased in cases where the student earns up to the allowable limit over the course of the year. In effect this is akin to a very specific income threshold increase for one cohort, namely students with earnings. However, prioritising such an option may limit the potential to increase overall SUSI income thresholds which would benefit all applicants, including students who are earning.
Budget 2025 increased all thresholds with all standard rate income thresholds increasing by at least 15% in the current academic year. To put this in context: for a family with fewer than four children, standard rate thresholds increased within a range of €6,135 to €15,000. This threshold increase has provided a universal increase for all household earnings regardless of the source of income (e.g. student earnings and/or income from a parent(s)/spouse(s) where applicable) and benefited families where a parent or spouses income has increased.
I am conscious of reducing the cost of education for students and I was pleased to be in a position in Budget 2026 to permanently reduce the Student Contribution by €500 for free fees eligible students and to increase maintenance grants for non-adjacent grant holders. In addition to this, from September 2026, the income threshold to avail of a €500 Student Contribution Grant will also increase to €120,000.
1280. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including further and higher education campus, ETB and research infrastructure projects, delivered under the remit of his Department which have been completed on time and within budget in Kildare in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35026/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for capital project delivery is devolved to individual Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs). In that context, responsibility for the planning and procurement processes, as well as project delivery timelines and cost management, all fall within the remit of the HEIs/ETBs and not DFHERIS.
HEIs and ETBs are autonomous institutions with responsibility for the oversight, planning and management of their capital development plans.
My Department does not hold information on a constituency basis. However, for the Deputies convenience, I have attached a list of the major capital projects completed by higher and further education institutions since 2020 which serve the area(s) referred to.https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-12/supportingDoc/2026-05-12_pq-1280-12-05-2026_en.docx
1281. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the basis on which the current levy arising from public expenditure overruns is being calculated and applied to his Department’s Vote; whether any categories of expenditure, including pay, pensions or staffing-related costs, are exempt from the levy within his Department; and if he will provide a breakdown of the areas against which the levy is being applied. [35082/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation advised my Department of the levy to be applied to the Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science vote through the estimates process. I understand only pension costs are exempt from the levy within my Department. The areas against which the levy will be applied is currently under review within the Department and will form part of the 2027 Estimates process.
1282. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline what additional pharmacy training places are expected to be made available at University College Cork as part of the Government's €28.5 million investment in healthcare education announced as part of recent Dáil debates on cancer services; if he will provide a breakdown of how the 1,100 additional healthcare training places are distributed across disciplines and institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35171/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1283. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps being taken to ensure that the new pharmacy programme established at South East Technological University is supported by adequate clinical placement infrastructure across all regions, including Munster; whether the model of collaboration formalised through the recent Memorandum of Understanding between SETU and University Hospital Waterford is being considered as a template for similar arrangements with Cork University Hospital and other regional teaching hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35173/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1282 and 1283 together.
The Programme for Government commits to expanding healthcare education and training places, aligned with workforce planning, to help address staffing shortages across the health, disability and wider social care system. In that context, the Government has secured a €28.5 million investment in 2026 to support higher education institutions in delivering capacity for over 1,100 additional healthcare training places annually over the next three years across medicine, nursing, therapies and allied health, pharmacy, dentistry, social care and veterinary medicine.
The overall package provides for additional capacity across disciplines as follows:
• 146 in Medicine
• 269 in Nursing and Midwifery
• 35 in Dentistry
• 161 in Pharmacy
• 80 in Veterinary Medicine
• 463 in Health and Social Care Professions (including therapy disciplines supporting disability and education services)
This represents one of the largest expansions of healthcare education capacity ever undertaken and is being delivered through a coordinated, cross-Government approach.
Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies in respect of academic provision, within the parameters of national policy, regulatory requirements and available funding. The expansion of pharmacy education capacity to date has focused on broadening regional provision, including new pharmacy programmes in the University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University in 2025, and a further programme in South East Technological University commencing in 2026, alongside continued delivery by existing providers.
Any future decisions regarding the distribution of additional pharmacy places, including at University College Cork, will be considered through Higher Education Authority-led processes and will be informed by workforce planning data and identification of need by the Department of Health, regulatory requirements and, critically, the availability of suitable clinical placements.
Clinical placement infrastructure, including the organisation and availability of practice education settings within the health service, falls primarily within the remit of the Department of Health and the HSE.
To support evidence-based planning, a national clinical placement mapping exercise was recently undertaken by the Higher Education Authority, in collaboration with higher education institutions. This mapping work is currently under consideration by the HSE and is intended to support more strategic, regionally-informed planning for future expansion, including identifying pressures, opportunities and constraints within existing placement arrangements.
In relation to the new pharmacy programme at South East Technological University, structured engagement between higher education institutions and health service partners is essential to underpin high-quality clinical education and placement experiences. While my Department supports strong collaboration between institutions and the health sector, the detailed operational arrangements for clinical placements, including any formal agreements or memoranda of understanding with individual hospitals, are matters for the relevant institutions and the appropriate health service bodies, operating within the overall health system framework.
Further expansion of training capacity is being progressed through a new Higher Education Authority Expression of Interest process, which has recently commenced. This next phase will focus in particular on Health and Social Care Professions including therapy disciplines, in response to well-established workforce needs in areas such as disability services, Children’s Disability Network Teams and the National Education Therapy Service.
The assessment of proposals under this process will be informed by workforce planning data, regulatory requirements and the findings of the clinical placement mapping work, to ensure that any additional places are sustainable and deliverable.
The Government will continue to work closely across Departments, agencies, with higher education institutions and the health sector to build on this significant expansion, while ensuring that training capacity growth is aligned with service needs and supported by appropriate clinical placement infrastructure.
1284. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department provides any financial support or incentives to encourage practising pharmacists to undertake postgraduate clinical pharmacy qualifications such as the part-time MSc in Clinical Pharmacy offered by University College Cork; if he will outline whether places on such programmes are supported through any State funding mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35174/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses was introduced for the first time in September 2024 to provide fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This Scheme was developed with the aim of providing support for more flexible forms of learning to students who are considered underrepresented in Higher Education (lone parents, carers, people with a disability etc.). The Scheme was launched in August 2024.
Prior to this students pursuing part-time courses did not have access to fee support through SUSI grants. The introduction of this new initiative has opened the doors of higher education to many groups who are unable to participate in full-time programmes.
The Student Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses is currently limited to undergraduate courses. Section 8(3) of the Student Support Act 2011, which provides for the approval of part-time courses, only allows for undergraduate part-time courses to be approved. Any future extension to postgraduate courses would require a change to primary legislation and would need to be informed by the future development of this pilot scheme.
In addition to this, and in the context of limited public funding and competing priorities, student support funding is currently prioritised towards full-time students undertaking study on approved courses in publicly funded institutions and part-time fee supports for specified undergraduate courses.
As part of Budget 2026 I was delighted to be in a position to boost Postgraduate supports with an increase from €4,000 to €4,500 in the Postgraduate fee contribution backed by a €1million investment in Student Supports.
My Department is committed to supporting flexible forms of learning and will keep the policies surrounding support for part-time students under review. Any expansion to a scheme would require consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The Deputy will appreciate that the funding allocation for student supports is determined in the context of the overall estimates and budgetary process undertaken by all Government Departments having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands.
