Emer Currie
Ceist:246. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on surgery for an individual (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35491/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (246)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. The Minister for Health is prohibited from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (247)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:247. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently address a matter regarding a carer (details supplied); to allow for a second carer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35535/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (248)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:248. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the date at which she expects the 24/7 cardiac care service at University Hospital Waterford to be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35628/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (249)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:249. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she will consider expanding the long-term illness scheme to include asthma; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35631/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions to be covered by the Scheme. Further information, including the list of conditions, can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/about/. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.Individuals and families in Ireland may be entitled to the following schemes:
• General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme (medical card). Eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, in accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.
• In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
• Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland.
• The issue of granting medical card eligibility based on having a particular disability or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (250)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:250. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1017 of 20 January 2026, to provide an update on the strategic review of the eligibility framework; if phase 1 has been completed; if not, the timeline being worked towards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35632/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Expanding Primary Care is at the heart of the Sláintecare vision. Notwithstanding the substantial progress made towards ‘Universal Health Coverage’ (UHC), the eligibility framework has not been subject to a holistic review since the publication of the Sláintecare report in 2017.
The Department recognises that, to achieve the goal of universal healthcare in line with the commitments made in Sláintecare, we must first review existing eligibility arrangements and see how they align with current population needs identifying gaps in the eligibility framework.
The Department has commenced a long-term strategic review of the eligibility framework, Phase 1 of which, includes a review of the existing eligibility arrangements for health services to see how they align with current population needs.
The work of the Strategic Review of the Eligibility Framework, Phase I is complete and the report is in the final drafting stage.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (251)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:251. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health the steps she is taking to avert the planned strike action in the National Ambulance Service; if she will commit to implementing the independent review of roles and responsibilities at the National Ambulance Service; the reason this has not been done to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35633/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government recognises the important work carried out by the national ambulance service and is committed to expanding the numbers of EMTs and Paramedics. This is reflected by the establishment of the Student Paramedic Grade in 2024 which funds hundreds of new paramedics each year to expand services.
The HSE and the Department of Health have engaged extensively, constructively and in good faith with staff representatives for more than two years to address the issues raised in the National Ambulance Service. That engagement has taken place through the State’s established industrial relations machinery, including the WRC and the Labour Court, and within the framework of the Public Service Agreement.
A comprehensive and independently brokered set of proposals emerged from that process. These included significant pay improvements for staff - between 3% and 14% - on top of the 9.25% pay increases already provided for under the Public Service Agreement. Crucially, those pay increases were linked to agreed reforms. The HSE and Departments of Health and Public Expenditure accepted the proposals, which included the full, immediate implementation of the proposed pay increases. It is difficult to understand why a resolution independently and fairly arrived at through the State’s industrial relations framework - a process the unions were party to - is now being rejected.
While union leadership initially endorsed the proposals and recommended them to members, they were subsequently rejected in a ballot. The difficulty is that they are now seeking to secure all the pay increases while resisting delivery of the associated reforms, which is not consistent with how these matters were independently resolved through the State’s industrial relations framework. Those reforms are essential because they deliver real benefits for patients and service delivery, including faster response times, more ambulances available through modern crewing arrangements, greater flexibility across the service, and the ability to treat more patients safely in the most appropriate setting.
The HSE and the Department of Health remain open to further engagement through the State’s industrial relations machinery to find a resolution to this matter. The HSE has requested both SIPTU and UNITE re-engage through dispute resolution mechanisms under the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026. In parallel with these engagements, contingency planning has been undertaken by the HSE to minimise disruption, prioritising patient safety and emergency ambulance service
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (252)
Pádraig Rice
Ceist:252. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health if she intends to prioritise HIV prevention during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU; if she plans to establish a renewed declaration following on from the Dublin Declaration in 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35634/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s Presidency Health Agenda will aim at positioning health and competitiveness as mutually reinforcing priorities.
We will promote population health and wellbeing as a vital foundation for European security and competitiveness and highlight how innovation in health systems delivers better health outcomes for European citizens. We will advance the EU Life Sciences agenda and promote innovative and proactive healthcare that focusses on prevention and the roll out of digital health across the EU.
Ireland's Presidency will drive progress on critical EU legislation that advances our health agenda.
The Biotech Act I (published in December 2025) is a strategic priority for EU competitiveness and sovereignty. The Act streamlines regulations across clinical trials, advanced therapy medicinal products, and biomanufacturing. It mobilises €10 billion in investment funding (2026–27) via the Biotech EU initiative with the European Investment Bank. Key measures include simplified clinical trial procedures, innovation support mechanisms, and biosecurity safeguards. This flagship legislation will dominate health policy discussions during our Presidency.
The Medical Devices Regulation & In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (amendments published in December 2025) will simplify and modernise device approval while maintaining patient safety. Expected outcomes include €3–5 billion in annual cost savings for manufacturers, faster patient access to innovative devices, and reduced shortages of critical medical equipment.
The EU Safe Heart Plan aims to reduce premature cardiovascular deaths by 25% by 2035 through improved prevention, screening, and treatment across all Member States. The plan emphasises shifting from treatment to prevention, and among other things calls for stronger action against tobacco and smoking. We will aim to use our Presidency to accelerate work to update the EU tobacco legislation – to include vapes and other nicotine products which have been strongly promoted by the industry over recent years.
Other ongoing files expected to progress during our Presidency include the Critical Medicines Act, the WHO Pandemic Agreement Annex on Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing, and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism reform, if not completed during the Cyprus Presidency.
While Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency will encompass a broad range of priorities, the Government and the Department of Health remain firmly committed to advancing sexual health, including efforts to address HIV transmission and support progress toward the EU’s 2030 objectives.
The Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, 2025, commits to developing an HIV Action Plan, increasing the availability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and reduce waiting times for access to it, in addition to the publication of a new Sexual Health Strategy, a process that was completed in 2025.
The new National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025-2035 (NSHS) and National Sexual Health Action Plan, 2025-2038 (NSHAP), commit to developing Models of Care for sexual health and for HIV, to develop an HIV Action Plan, as per the Programme for Government commitment, and to expand community options for the delivery of PrEP, including widening access through primary care and exploring digital options.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (253, 264)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:253. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if she has plans to provide funding in the upcoming budget to fund the provision of the Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System to people with diabetes over 21 years-of -age based on clinical need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35643/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMattie McGrath
Ceist:264. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if she will ringfence some of the anticipated 2021 cost savings from the recent HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) Preferred Blood Glucose Strips for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes evaluation to fund the provision of the Freestyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System to people with diabetes over 21 years-of-age based on clinical need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35801/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 264 together.
The Government is committed to supporting new medicines. Budget 2026 has allocated €30 million of funding available for new drugs to be allocated from the overall additional €217 million in funding allocated for medicines.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, I have asked the HSE for an update on this matter.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Rapid Health Technology Assessment (HTA) of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus was published on 29th September 2023. The published document can be found at: [s]
www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/health-technology-assessment/rapid-health-technology-assessment-continuous
In line with the advice from HIQA and due to the budget impact associated with CGM sensors, the HSE established a single national reimbursement application system for all CGM sensors on the reimbursement list on 01/12/2023.
Reimbursement support for CGM sensors at this point in time is based on the HIQA HTA and is for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus regardless of age, who have required insulin from the outset. Reimbursement does not extend to other cohorts such as people with type 2 diabetes who require insulin, or patients previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes which is now classified as type 1 diabetes based on laboratory investigations such as C-peptide measurement or diabetes-specific autoantibodies. To date, a HTA of CGM sensors for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus or other types of diabetes excluded from the HTA referenced above, such as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), type 3c diabetes, monogenic forms of diabetes etc. has not been undertaken. Therefore, there is limited information to support the extension of reimbursement to this cohort, including cost-effectiveness assessment and budget impact of same.
An application for reimbursement support of CGM sensors can be submitted for any patient, and each application is reviewed centrally by the HSE-Medicines Management Programme (MMP) on a case-by-case basis.
Wind Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (254)
Richard O'Donoghue
Ceist:254. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health whether the Health Service Executive, and specifically the relevant Public Health Unit, has been notified of the planning appeal (details supplied) relating to a proposed wind farm development located approximately 750 metres from a national school, which the HSE identified during the pre-planning process as a health-sensitive receptor; whether the HSE has undertaken, or intends to undertake, any assessment of the potential health impacts of wind turbine noise and shadow flicker on children and school staff; whether the HSE has provided, or intends to provide, any guidance or submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála at appeal stage; if the HSE does not intend to make a submission, the grounds on which that decision is based; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35644/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Reply not received from Department.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (255)
Peter Roche
Ceist:255. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a list of all capital projects, including hospital, primary care centre and other health infrastructure works delivered by her Department or the HSE, which have been completed on time and within budget in Galway in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35658/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare estate, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (256)
William Aird
Ceist:256. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if she will consider the retention of the free RSV vaccination programme for newborns, in view of the demonstrated benefits of the scheme for infant health and hospital admission prevention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35663/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland's Immunisation Programme is informed by the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice.
My Department has agreed the scope of a national RSV Infant Immunisation Pathfinder Programme for 2026/2027, which will be the same as for last season. That is, RSV immunisation will be offered to babies born in-season and infants aged 6 months old or younger at the start of the RSV season, in line with NIAC advice.
My Department is currently giving consideration to the findings and options set out in HIQA's recently published HTA on RSV immunisation for infant and adults, including operational and budgetary impacts, ahead of making a policy decision on a longer-term RSV Immunisation Strategy.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (257)
William Aird
Ceist:257. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the inclusion of the medical condition asthma in the long term illness scheme, given that it is a chronic condition requiring ongoing management and medication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35664/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions to be covered by the Scheme. Further information, including the list of conditions, can be found at:
www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/lti/about/.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. While there are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions, it is important to remember that the LTI Scheme exists within a wider eligibility framework.
Individuals and families in Ireland may be entitled to the following schemes:
• General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme (medical card). Eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, in accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness.
• In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
• Under the Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS), no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland.
The issue of granting medical card eligibility based on having a particular disability or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (258)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:258. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health to urgently meet with and meaningfully engage with, the National Ambulance Services on issues (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35724/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government recognises the important work carried out by the national ambulance service and is committed to expanding the numbers of EMTs and Paramedics. This is reflected by the establishment of the Student Paramedic Grade in 2024 which funds hundreds of new paramedics each year to expand services.
The HSE and the Department of Health have engaged extensively, constructively and in good faith with staff representatives for more than two years to address the issues raised in the National Ambulance Service. That engagement has taken place through the State’s established industrial relations machinery, including the WRC and the Labour Court, and within the framework of the Public Service Agreement.
A comprehensive and independently brokered set of proposals emerged from that process. These included significant pay improvements for staff - between 3% and 14% - on top of the 9.25% pay increases already provided for under the Public Service Agreement. Crucially, those pay increases were linked to agreed reforms. The HSE and Departments of Health and Public Expenditure accepted the proposals, which included the full, immediate implementation of the proposed pay increases. It is difficult to understand why a resolution independently and fairly arrived at through the State’s industrial relations framework - a process the unions were party to - is now being rejected.
While union leadership initially endorsed the proposals and recommended them to members, they were subsequently rejected in a ballot. The difficulty is that they are now seeking to secure all the pay increases while resisting delivery of the associated reforms, which is not consistent with how these matters were independently resolved through the State’s industrial relations framework. Those reforms are essential because they deliver real benefits for patients and service delivery, including faster response times, more ambulances available through modern crewing arrangements, greater flexibility across the service, and the ability to treat more patients safely in the most appropriate setting.
The HSE and the Department of Health remain open to further engagement through the State’s industrial relations machinery to find a resolution to this matter. The HSE has requested both SIPTU and UNITE re-engage through dispute resolution mechanisms under the Public Service Agreement 2024–2026.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (259)
Conor Sheehan
Ceist:259. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health whether she intends to expand the use of robotic exoskeletons in the national healthcare system and fund the expansion of wearable robotics for neuromotor rehab; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35725/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To Conor Sheehan TD,
Thank you for your corresspondence.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (260)
Ciarán Ahern
Ceist:260. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health the public hospitals in which new car parking facilities were constructed or installed in the past ten years; the number of new parking spaces provided and cost of works for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35727/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Pharmacy Services
Ceisteanna (261)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:261. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if her Department is aware of pharmacies unable to fulfil prescriptions to patients due to external factors such as supply chain issues; if her Department records such instances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35748/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is aware of the stress that shortages of medicines can cause for patients and healthcare professionals alike, and mitigating medicine shortages and strengthening security of supply is the subject of several workstreams in my Department, the wider health service and across Europe.
To address these challenges in Ireland, a Medicines Shortages Framework, operated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) on behalf of the Department of Health, has been established. This aims to help prevent potential shortages from occurring and to reduce the impact of shortages on patients by co-ordinating the management of potential or actual shortages across the health service as they arise. The HPRA maintains a list of current and resolved shortages on its website. The webpage is updated daily as the HPRA receives new information. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, can also assist by reporting possible shortages not currently included on the?HPRA shortages list.
Additionally, the Strategic Medicines Access and Availability Group (SMAAG) is a working group established by the Department of Health in November 2025 to help shape national policy on medicines shortages, access and availability. The group is examining appropriate measures that could improve the availability of medicines in Ireland by strategically addressing medicines shortages and gaps in availability, encouraging an increase in the number of authorised and marketed medicines in Ireland and reducing our national reliance on Exempt Medicinal Products (EMPs). The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) are members of this working group, along with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Irish Medicines Verification Organisation (IMVO), and the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
It is acknowledged that medicine shortages, when they occur, present significant challenges for patients and healthcare professionals. My department remains committed to managing these situations effectively so as to minimise their impact on patients and on healthcare professionals, including hospital and community pharmacists.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (263)
Réada Cronin
Ceist:263. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health for an update on the new portal system regarding the summer education programme for children with additional needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35755/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
We advise Deputy to seek such answer from the Department of Education and Youth affairs
Question No. 264 answered with Question No. 253.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (265)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:265. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for Freestyle Libre were submitted by individual hospitals for people with diabetes over 21 years-of-age; the number that were approved; the number that were refused were refused in each of the years 2017-2021, in tabular form; are there plans to remove the age restriction on Freestyle Libre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35802/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Third Level Education
Ceisteanna (266)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:266. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a student who remained registered as a full-time student until the end of February 2026, following an official extension of their course by their institution, has been refused SUSI maintenance payments for January and February 2026 despite providing documentation from the college confirming continued full-time attendance and an updated course end date; the reason other students on the same course received payment for this period while this student did not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35385/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine.
SUSI provide an appeals process for applicants who may feel that they have been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one.
I understand from SUSI that the applicant in question appealed the decision to SUSI but was advised by the SUSI Appeals Officer that their appeal was unsuccessful.
If the applicant remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in their case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board (SGAB) within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the applicant on-line via [www.studentgrantappeals.ie ]
You will appreciate that the student grant appeals process has been established to investigate and address any issues concerning student grant applications, and my Department has no role in reviewing, or overturning individual grant or appeal decisions, nor can I intervene in the independent processes outlined above.
Artificial Intelligence
Ceisteanna (267)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Ceist:267. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether universities have been asked to report on the prevalence of generative AI use among students and staff; the risks have been identified for academic integrity and research quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35521/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department takes the potential threat that artificial intelligence (AI) may pose to academic integrity very seriously.
Academic integrity is a matter for individual higher education institutions in the first instance, with the support of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
QQI established the National Academic Integrity Network (NAIN) in 2019. The NAIN is a peer-led network that supports institutions to address the challenges of academic misconduct, including those exacerbated by AI tools.
To assist institutions, learners, and staff in supporting academic integrity, the NAIN has developed Academic Integrity Guidelines, and also Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Guidelines for Educators.
The aim of these Guidelines is to enable an understanding of what AI can and cannot offer, in this way ensuring an ethical basis for the use of AI tools, helping students to build their own self-awareness and knowledge, and avoiding breaches of academic integrity.
The Higher Education Authority leads on policy development on the use of Generative AI with regards to teaching and learning in higher education settings. In December 2025, the HEA published Generative AI in Higher Education Teaching & Learning: Policy Framework, a new national framework to guide the responsible, values-based adoption of generative artificial intelligence in Irish higher education.
The Policy Framework regards exam and assessment integrity as a core academic value that must be actively protected in an environment where generative AI is increasingly embedded. It recognises that AI has disrupted long-standing assumptions about authorship and written assessment, while making clear that students remain fully responsible for all work they submit.
The framework calls on each higher education institution to develop its own policies and procedures, aligned with shared national principles. It emphasises that integrity is best upheld through clarity, transparency, and appropriate assessment design, rather than through prohibition or surveillance.
The policy cautions against reliance on AI detection tools, noting their unreliability and stating that they should not be treated as determinative evidence of misconduct. It encourages institutions to redesign assessment to prioritise authentic engagement, learning process, and human judgement, including the use of oral assessment as a safeguard where appropriate. Overall, the HEA frames assessment integrity as a pedagogical and governance responsibility for institutions themselves, grounded in fairness, proportionality, academic freedom, and natural justice for students. The framework also calls for sustained reform of assessment practices to ensure that qualifications remain credible and trustworthy in the context of widespread use of generative AI tools.
Third Level Education
Ceisteanna (268)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Ceist:268. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he will consider exempting applicants for a Professional Master of Education from SUSI eligibility criteria that require applicants to be progressing to a higher level of qualification than they already hold, in light of the significant demand for teachers across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35586/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Student Grant Scheme, which is administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), provides fee and maintenance grants to all students who meet the qualifying criteria such as means, residency, nationality and progression. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine.
To satisfy the terms and conditions of the scheme in relation to progression, a student must be moving from year to year within a course, having successfully completed the previous year or be transferring from one course to another where the award for the subsequent course is of a higher level than the previous course.
Generally speaking, a grant will not be paid to a student for a repeat period of study on the same course, or for a different course at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. The objective of this policy is to help as many students as possible to obtain one qualification at each level of study and there are no current plans to make an exception to this long-standing principle of the Scheme.
Students undertaking a Professional Master of Education (PMEs) may apply for SUSI and may be eligible for the following supports:
• A student maintenance grant which was restored for postgraduate students in September 2024 for the first time since the financial crash. The annual rates and the income thresholds for maintenance grants are the same for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• A postgraduate fee contribution of €4,500 or a postgraduate fee grant, up to a maximum of €6,270 towards the cost of fees is available.
• To be eligible for the postgraduate fee contribution grant of up to €4,500 plus a maintenance grant, the total household income must be within the [income thresholds].
• To be eligible for the postgraduate fee grant up to a maximum of €6,270, the student must be eligible for a maintenance grant at the special rate.
This is dependent on the level of a student's reckonable income and meeting all other eligibility criteria including progression.
In Budget 2026 I was very pleased to increase the Post Graduate Fee Contribution Grant by €500 from €4,000 to €4,500. In addition to this, I have increased to all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates effective from September 2026 - with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year. This benefits Postgraduate Students, Undergraduate and PLC students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution.