Written Answers Nos. 789-802
789. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of undergraduate places available in each physiotherapy programme for each of the years 2021 to 2025; the number of those places allocated to Irish, EU, and non-EU students respectively in each of those years; the fee charged to each category of student in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35850/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra[Attachment omitted]
790. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of undergraduate places available in the veterinary medicine programme for each of the years 2021 to 2025; the number of those places allocated to Irish, EU, and non-EU students respectively in each of those years; the fee charged to each category of student in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35851/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra[Attachment omitted]
791. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has assessed the cumulative impact of non-EU student intake across undergraduate medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, veterinary medicine programmes on the supply of these professionals in Ireland; if he has examined whether the allocation of places to higher-fee-paying non-EU students in contributing to skills shortages in these critical areas; if he has considered whether Irish students who meet the required academic entry standards are being disadvantaged in accessing these courses as result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35852/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncreasing education and training places in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, veterinary medicine and other key healthcare disciplines is a priority for my Department. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in expanding EU-funded places across these programmes, aligned with national workforce planning. This includes 200 additional EU undergraduate medicine places, 80 new EU veterinary medicine places from September 2026, new and expanded EU dentistry places, including 20 Irish/EU places at RCSI from 2025, 161 additional EU pharmacy places, and very significant growth in the therapy professions, with physiotherapy training capacity increasing by approximately 80% since 2023.
This expansion is informed by HEA data on enrolments, progression and graduate output, alongside workforce planning and demand information, and is delivered in close collaboration with higher education institutions, relevant Government Departments, and professional and regulatory bodies.
Under legislation, higher education institutions are autonomous in admissions decisions, including the balance of EU and non-EU students. Undergraduate places for EU applicants are allocated through the CAO on a competitive, merit-based basis, with random selection applied where demand exceeds supply in line with published procedures. The available evidence shows that EU-domiciled students, including Irish students, continue to form the majority of entrants and graduates across these programmes.
While non-EU students contribute to the financial sustainability of high-cost clinical programmes, the State has invested heavily in expanding domestic capacity. Around 1,000 permanent places have been added in high-demand CAO courses in recent years, and €28.5 million has been allocated to support the delivery of over 1,100 additional healthcare education places annually over the next three years.
Further expansion is now being progressed through a Higher Education Authority-led Expression of Interest process, which has commenced and is focused primarily on additional places in the therapy and disability-related disciplines, in response to persistent workforce shortages.
792. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department or any bodies and agencies under its aegis use, or have in the past used, software and or products from a company (details supplied); the duration and cost of the contract; and the services they avail of from the company. [35867/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra[Attachment omitted]
793. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding the status of payments between his Department and an investment account (details supplied); if he supports providing the US-Ireland Alliance with the balance needed for this endowment so that it may resume selections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35921/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra794. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding a scholarship (details supplied) and the funding for it; if he is supportive of the aims and continuation of this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35923/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 793 and 794 together.
The Deputy may be aware that since the unilateral decision of the US Ireland Alliance to pause the recruitment of scholars, Departmental officials have engaged and met with its President and representatives of the Board of the Alliance with a view to securing the restoration of the scholarship programme.
These discussions have not proved fruitful owing primarily to the the demand from the Alliance that the Scholarship Fund is endowed with $20 million by my Department, in respect of which no funding for this purpose is available and which would also require legislative change.
My Department is, therefore, examining further options in terms of next steps in this matter with the aim of securing the recruitment of US students to participate in scholarships programmes to higher education institutions on this island.
795. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason students undertaking a university degree (details supplied) that is fully delivered online are not receiving the €500 reduction in the student contribution, while students who do the exact same programme on campus do receive the €500 reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35956/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHigher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies responsible for their own academic affairs, including the development of relevant curriculum, determining tuition fees and student numbers on individual courses. Tuition fees can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of course and the method of provision. The level of tuition fee that applies to the course under reference is determined by the higher education institution itself as an autonomous body.
In relation to the student contribution, the position is that first time undergraduate students undertaking a full-time undergraduate course may be eligible to have their tuition fees, exclusive of the student contribution, paid on their behalf via the Free Fees Initiative (FFI). The student contribution applies in circumstances where a student is eligible for free fees; it is the student’s contribution towards their tuition fee within the terms of the FFI.
Where a course is not part of the FFI, including any flexible, part-time or online courses offered outside the scheme, the student contribution towards free fees does not apply and instead students pay the applicable tuition fee to the higher education institution attended. In this regard, the student contribution reduction announced in Budget 2026 does not apply to courses offered outside the Free Fees Initiative.
Higher Education students experiencing exceptional financial need may be eligible to apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students in need of support, can apply to the Access Office in their higher education institution. This Fund assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances.
796. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a copy of the recent correspondence issued by the Minister for Public Expenditure; National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to his Department referred to in media reports (details supplied); if he will provide details of the percentage reduction(s) in spending in his Department referenced in the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36407/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy,
The Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation wrote to my officials setting out the quantum of levy applicable to my Department.
My Department will continue to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in relation to this matter.
797. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will establish a national apprenticeship or traineeship programme for thatching, given the urgent need to preserve this endangered heritage craft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36465/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present, there is no thatching apprenticeship programme. My department does not play a direct role in creating apprenticeship programmes. As apprenticeships in Ireland are industry-led, the development of a new apprenticeship programme involves forming a consortium and making an application with SOLAS through a structured process.
SOLAS welcomes proposals from industry-led groups and can provide guidance for those interested in developing an apprenticeship. SOLAS and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) are currently undertaking a review of the apprenticeship development process. The goal of the review is to develop more efficient and effective processes to develop and approve new apprenticeships, taking on board stakeholder feedback gathered since the inception of the current 10-step process
There are other options outside of apprenticeship available for those wishing to learn thatching. Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) have recently developed a Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Level 5 training course for individuals wishing to pursue a career as a thatcher in Ireland. This course was launched in January 2025 in partnership with the Heritage Council.
The programme aims to support the preservation of traditional thatching techniques and ensure these skills are passed on to future generations. To date, KCETB has advised that 14 learners have participated in the programme. The course is delivered on a full-time basis over 42 weeks and, in addition to developing core thatching skills, includes a six-week work placement with thatchers across Ireland.
799. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on a grant application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35896/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) (formally the Community Enhancement Programme, CEP) is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage, as identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) of the relevant local authority. It provides small capital grants to community and voluntary groups for the improvement/refurbishment of their facilities and/or the purchase of equipment. In general, support under the LEP is available to a wide variety of not-for-profit organisations including Community Childcare services.
The Local Enhancement Programme for 2026 was announced on 5 December 2025 and provides €7 million in capital supports to many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas. The closing date for community groups to submit applications for LEP 2026 was 27 February 2026. The fund is administered locally on behalf of the Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority.
Each LCDC is responsible for deciding the projects that are funded under LEP 2026 and they were required to submit the list of successful projects to my Department by 22 April 2026. These are currently being reviewed by my Department and I expect to announce the full list of successful projects in the coming weeks. The full list of successful applicants will also be published on my Department's website [www.gov.ie/drcdg].
800. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department or any bodies and agencies under its aegis use, or have in the past used, software and or products from a company (details supplied); the duration and cost of the contract; and the services they avail of from the company. [35872/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that no products or software from the company referred to are utilised within my Department.
With regard to the agencies of my Department, there are currently eight agencies under the remit of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht: Pobal, Western Development Commission, Charities Regulatory Authority, Water Safety Ireland, Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge, and the Ulster-Scots Agency. These are independent entities, responsible for managing their own corporate arrangements, including ICT services provision. However, I am informed by the agencies that none have utilised the company referred to.
801. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide a copy of the recent correspondence issued by the Minister for Public Expenditure; National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to his Department referred to in media reports (details supplied); if he will provide details of the percentage reduction(s) in spending in his Department referenced in the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36412/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation wrote to the Secretary General of my Department on the 23rd of April with regard to a proposed levy on current expenditure for 2027. While the letter indicates a proposed levy, as it is for 2027, it does not impact on expenditure for this year. As such, and as the letter notes, this issue will form a key element of the Estimates engagement for Budget 2027, and managing any such levy will, therefore, depend on the outcome of those negotiations.
802. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a breakdown of spending on advertising which was funded or overseen by his Department, and bodies under its aegis, in each of the past five, including a breakdown by medium that is radio, television, social media, in tabular form y; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36496/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe majority of advertising campaigns undertaken by my Department relate to public consultation processes and notifications to the public. These usually involve public information notices in print media. These are required to ensure awareness and engagement on the issues in question, and required expenditure is kept to a minimum.
My Department has also undertaken some public awareness campaigns covering issues such as Responsible Dog Ownership and the XL Bully Regulations. Such campaigns are more extensive than the campaigns noted above, as they are nationwide campaigns that last four to six weeks and are delivered through multiple channels including online, print, broadcast and digital audio. The Department ensures all such expenditure represents value for money and closely monitors the impact of such campaigns which relate to important public policy issues. It should be noted that some such expenditure, including those dog controls related campaigns, relate to functions have have since transferred out of the Department.
The table below details the information requested by the Deputy with regard to my Department.
There are eight agencies under the remit of my Department and it should be noted that each agency is an independent corporate entity responsible for managing its own corporate affairs. Nonetheless, my Department has collated information provided by the agencies and it is provided in tabular format below. One agency, Foras na Gaeilge, requires further time to collate the requested information and that information will be forwarded to the Deputy by my Department within 10 working days.
Breakdown of relevant expenditure by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht:
|
Media Channel |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 to date |
|
Radio |
0 |
0 |
€35,056 |
€250,354 |
€225,797 |
0 |
|
Television |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Social Media |
€4,798 |
0 |
€622 |
€40,967 |
€22,577 |
0 |
Breakdown of relevant expenditure by agencies of the Department:
An Coimisineir Teanga
|
Media Channel |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 to date |
|
Radio |
|
|
|
|
€861 |
nil return |
|
Television |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
|
Social media |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
Charities Regulator
|
Media Channel |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 to date |
|
Radio |
€88,546 |
€44,126 |
€45,742 |
€63,610 |
€97,984 |
€33,134 |
|
Television |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
|
Social media |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
€4,000 |
€14,000 |
€5,000 |
Pobal
|
Media Channel |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
Radio |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
€27,165 |
nil return |
nil return |
|
Television |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
|
Social media |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
Údarás na Gaeltachta
|
Media Channel |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 to date |
|
Radio |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
€1,119 |
€2,411 |
€2,583 |
|
Television |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
|
Social media |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
€1,087 |
€3,246 |
€3,113 |
Ulster Scots Agency
|
Media Channel (figures in pounds sterling) |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 to date |
|
Radio |
£11,482 |
£11,794 |
£12,240 |
nil return |
£12,859 |
nil return |
|
Television |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
|
Social media |
£941 |
£1,038 |
£1,012 |
£3,151 |
£1,281 |
£598 |
Water Safety Ireland
|
Media Channel |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 - to date |
|
Radio |
€304,353 |
€286,999 |
€222,783 |
€201,633 |
€192,317 |
€38,780 |
|
Television |
€4,041 |
nil return |
€800 |
€3,584 |
€1,676 |
nil return |
|
Social Media |
€163,838 |
€135,685 |
€118,123 |
€129,367 |
€157,774 |
€50,696 |
Western Development Commission
|
Media Channel |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 to date |
|
Radio |
nil return |
nil return |
€25,928 |
nil return |
€7,995 |
€8,180 |
|
Television |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
nil return |
|
Social media |
nil return |
nil return |
€22,638 |
€27,911 |
€35,055 |
€9,685 |
