Written Answers Nos. 1318-1338
1318. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the Donogh O'Malley scholarship scheme in his Department; the number of students who have benefitted from the scholarship in each year since it started; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37118/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Donogh O’Malley scholarship was established in 2007 by the Department of Education and Science to recognise the top-performing Leaving Certificate students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Approximately sixteen scholarships were awarded annually on a regional basis, with a minimum of three scholarships allocated in each of the following regions: Dublin City and County, Rest of Leinster, Munster, Connacht/Ulster. Additional awards were provided in the areas with greater numbers of eligible students.
In order to be eligible a candidate must have attended a DEIS school (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) and participated in a Leaving Certificate programme at that school and must be recognised to be from a socio-economically disadvantaged background. As evidence of this, applicants were required to have been exempted from the payment of the Leaving Certificate examination fee on foot of medical card eligibility.
Following the establishment of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in 2020, and the introduction of the calculated grades process for Leaving Certificate students during the COVID-19 pandemic, it became necessary to review and re-orientate a number of bursary schemes. The objective was to ensure that supports are aligned with target cohorts under the National Access Plan and reflect the increasingly diverse profile of first time applicants to higher education.
Since 2021, funding available through the Third Level Bursary Fund has been used to expand the 1916 Bursary Fund under the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH), which operates under the National Access Plan. As a result, no new Donogh O’Malley Scholarships have been awarded since that time. However, students who were already in receipt of the scholarship continue to be supported for the duration of their studies, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria under the Third Level Bursary Scheme.
I can confirm that the last Donogh O’Malley scholarship was paid to eligible students in 2021.
1319. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeships or traineeships in thatching that have been registered or completed in each of the past five years; the number of blocklaying apprenticeships registered or completed over the same period; the number of practising hedgelayers and hazel coppicing practitioners currently in the State; and the number of apprenticeships or traineeships in hedgelaying and hazel coppicing registered or completed in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1320. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the recognised guilds, associations or oversight bodies responsible for standards and training in traditional crafts such as thatching, hedgelaying and hazel coppicing; the steps his Department is taking to address the barriers faced by trainees in accessing insurance, comprehensive training and structured apprenticeships; and if he is prepared to take steps to safeguard these heritage skills in a country where they form an important part of our cultural identity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36737/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1321. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address the barriers faced by trainees in heritage crafts such as thatching in accessing insurance, comprehensive training, and structured apprenticeships; if he will review the adequacy of existing short duration training courses which practitioners state are insufficient to produce fully qualified thatchers; and if he will outline what actions he is prepared to take to ensure proper training pathways for these endangered crafts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1319 to 1321, inclusive, together.
My department does not play a direct role in the creation of individual apprenticeship programmes. Apprenticeships in Ireland are industry-led, and the development of a new programme requires an employer-led consortium to come together and submit a proposal to SOLAS through a structured approval process. SOLAS actively welcomes such proposals and provides guidance to groups seeking to develop apprenticeships. In this context, SOLAS, together with the Higher Education Authority (HEA), is currently undertaking a review of the apprenticeship development system. The aim is to streamline and improve the existing approval process, taking account of stakeholder feedback since the introduction of the current ten-step model.
Traineeships are developed and delivered by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) in close collaboration with employers and industry representatives. This ensures programmes are aligned with identified skills needs at local and regional level, while also providing employers with access to a pipeline of appropriately trained learners.
There are currently no apprenticeships or traineeships specifically available for thatching, hedgelaying or hazel coppicing, and therefore no registration or completion data exists for such programmes.
There is a thatching course at Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications that was developed by Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board and launched in 2025 in partnership with the Heritage Council. This programme, of 42 weeks duration and including a work placement, has supported 14 learners to date and aims to preserve and transmit traditional skills to future generations.
There is also an Arboriculture apprenticeship, which involves training in tree and shrub care, tree surgery work, and the management of tree pest and diseases among learning other skills.
While there is also no apprenticeship for block laying specifically, there is a ‘Brick & Stone laying’ apprenticeship programme. The table below outlines registrations and certifications since 2020.
Information on individuals practising hedgelaying or coppicing, including their ability to access insurance, does not fall within the remit of my Department, as it relates to activities outside the tertiary education and training system.
However, under the Programme for Government, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), has committed to developing an internship programme in areas such as traditional skills, ecology and conservation. In addition, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is exploring the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for Traditional Skills. In support of this objective, the Heritage Council, under the aegis of that Department, has established a dedicated Taskforce. This Taskforce has met regularly throughout 2025 and into early 2026 and has commissioned research on public attitudes, existing provision and labour market demand. I understand that upon completion of this work, a report will be submitted to Minister of State O'Sullivan.
1322. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science with regard to English language schools, the enforcement powers the ILEP has with regard to ongoing cases where refunds have not been paid to students whose visa applications have been refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36749/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1323. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science with regard to English language schools, the number of breaches that have been identified with regard to ongoing cases where refunds have not been paid to students whose visa applications have been refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36750/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1322 and 1323 together.
English language providers can only recruit non-EEA students if their courses are on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP), which is administered by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. To qualify, providers must have clear refund policies for visa refusals and a student complaints procedure.
Providers must hold advance fees in a separate client visa account regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland until a visa decision is made. If refused, fees (minus any stated charge) must be refunded within 20 working days. These requirements do not apply where payments are made through third-party agents, many of which operate outside of the State.
The Department of Justice will investigate where there is evidence that a provider is not complying with its published policies. Complaints are first handled through the providers own grievance and complaints procedures; if these are exhausted, complaints can be escalated to the ILEP Unit.
Providers are subject to unannounced inspections, online monitoring, and spot checks to ensure compliance with ILEP criteria and failure to comply may result in removal from the ILEP. The request for the number of breaches should be directed to the ILEP Unit.
Following recent complaints about delayed refunds, the Department of Justice has written to all ILEP providers to remind them of their obligations.
A new international education quality mark, TrustEd Ireland, is being introduced by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), an agency under the remit of my Department.
The TrustEd Ireland mark will be awarded to higher education and English language education providers who have demonstrated that they meet new national standards to ensure a quality experience for international learners.
The new TrustEd Ireland scheme establishes, for the first time, a formal statutory quality assurance process for the English language education sector in Ireland.
To obtain the mark, providers must undergo due diligence assessing their capacity and capability to deliver quality-assured programmes, participate in the statutory Learner Protection Fund, and comply with an associated Code of Practice including key criteria on information provision, student welfare, and academic support. English language providers are required to undergo a site inspection as part of their assessment of Code compliance.
All English language providers holding the mark are subject to a statutorily required formal review at least once every three years. Providers must also submit a monitoring report every 18 months. QQI may withdraw a provider’s authorisation to use the mark where it considers that the provider no longer complies with the Code.
An announcement of the first group of 28 higher education institutions to be awarded the TrustEd Ireland statutory quality mark was made on 4th February 2026. Assessment is ongoing of the first window of TrustEd applications from English language providers, which is expected to be completed in the coming months.
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration will continue to monitor learner compliance with immigration law. Monitoring activities can include inspections of providers at any time, including monitoring attendance requirements.
1324. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether it is right for SUSI to refuse a grant to a student who is a member of the Reserve Defence Forces but is not employed by the RDF (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36881/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI to determine.
SUSI have advised my Department that they have received an application from the student in question and are awaiting the submission of supporting documentation to enable them to finalise their assessment. SUSI further advise that if the applicant has no income from the Reserve Defence Forces, then they should submit a Declaration of Documents not Provided form outlining this.
Once the relevant documentation is received by SUSI it will assess the application, and the student will receive a letter advising them of the outcome of the assessment.
1325. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the capital funding that has been allocated to support the development of pharmacy laboratory and clinical simulation facilities at South East Technological University following the establishment of its new department of pharmacy; whether similar investment is being considered to support pharmacy education infrastructure at University College Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36945/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recently announced Healthcare Education Activation Programme (HEAP) will fund new buildings and refurbishment projects in higher education institutions to:
1. Introduce new healthcare programmes.
2. Increase places on existing courses.
3. Address national workforce shortages in key healthcare discipline.
A capital project at South East Technological University (SETU) to support a new pharmacy programme has been approved in principle under this programme. The proposed new facility includes provision for both pharmacy and veterinary programmes. This combined Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy building will be one of the first buildings on the Glassworks Campus (Waterford Crystal) and will include the provision of undergraduate teaching spaces and laboratories, and staff accommodation supported by social and innovation flexible space along with ancillary and plant space.
In addition my Department is currently supporting a number of major capital projects at SETU which will aid in the delivery of pharmacy education capacity. Contracts were signed for the five buildings in Higher Education PPP Bundle 2, including Waterford, in June 2025 with construction commencing immediately thereafter. The construction period for the Waterford building is 36 months and is expected to be complete in Q2 2028.
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.
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.
1326. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures in place to ensure that pharmacy graduates from newly established programmes, including that at South East Technological University, can access sufficient supervised practice placements in hospital and community pharmacy settings across the south and south-east of Ireland; if his Department is engaging with the HSE and an organisation (details supplied) to map placement capacity against projected graduate output over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36946/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department officials have engaged extensively with both the Department of Health and the HSE and the HEA regarding the expansion of healthcare disciplines, including Pharmacy. There is currently a system in place for the organisation of practice placements in the discipline of Pharmacy, this is called APPEL.
APPEL (Affiliation for Pharmacy Practice Experiential Learning) manages the experiential learning placements of the integrated pharmacy programmes of the three Schools of Pharmacy in Ireland. APPEL is a collaboration between University College Cork (UCC), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), and Trinity College Dublin (Trinity).
Recent expansion in pharmacy education has focused on strengthening regional provision, including the introduction of new pharmacy programmes at the University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University in 2025, and a further programme at South East Technological University commencing in 2026, alongside continued delivery by existing providers.
Clinical placement capacity is a critical consideration in pharmacy education. Experiential learning placements for integrated pharmacy programmes are coordinated nationally through APPEL at UCC, RCSI and TCD. The recently accredited programmes at ATU, SETU and the University of Galway have indicated their intention to apply for inclusion in the APPEL consortium, supporting a coordinated national approach to placement provision.
Responsibility for the organisation and availability of placement settings within the health service lies primarily with the Department of Health and the HSE. A national clinical placement mapping exercise, undertaken by the Higher Education Authority in collaboration with institutions, is intended to support more strategic, regionally informed planning for future expansion. As the regulator of the profession of pharmacist the PSI determine the requirements, both educational and clinical placements, to enter the pharmacy profession and are an integral part of programme validation for new programmes.
My Department is advised by the Department of Health of their workforce planning needs regarding medical and HSCP disciplines, including pharmacy, and determine projections of workforce demands in the short and medium term for the health sector.
1327. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details on the number of pharmacy students currently enrolled across all Higher Education Institutions offering accredited pharmacy programmes in Ireland, broken down by institution; the projected number of pharmacy graduates expected to enter the workforce annually over the next five years; if he is satisfied that graduate output is aligned with national workforce planning requirements in the pharmacy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36947/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following tables, which was sourced from the statistics section of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and rounded to the nearest 5 (or multiple of) in line with their data policy.
The most recent data available from the HEA is from the last academic year and therefore does not include the new programmes from September 2025 in the University of Galway or the Atlantic Technological University. There is also another new programme which is due to commence in September 2026 in the South East Technological University.
My Department provides student data collected by the HEA to the Department of Health, who utilise this data for their workforce planning projections. The Department of Health then advise my Department regarding additional places required in the tertiary education system. It is worth noting that a significant amount of expansion has been achieved to date across all healthcare disciplines, including Pharmacy, and my Department will continue to work with the HEA, Department of Health and the HSE to continue this important work.
Pharamcy
|
Pharmacy Enrolments |
|
2022/2023 |
2022/2023 Total |
|
2023/2024 |
2023/2024 Total |
|
2024/2025 |
2024/2025 Total |
|
HEI |
EU including NI/UK |
Non-EU |
|
EU including NI/UK |
Non-EU |
|
EU including NI/UK |
Non-EU |
|
|
Royal College of Surgeons |
175 |
105 |
280 |
205 |
100 |
300 |
240 |
105 |
345 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
290 |
10 |
300 |
270 |
15 |
285 |
265 |
25 |
290 |
|
University College Cork |
260 |
25 |
285 |
250 |
30 |
280 |
260 |
30 |
290 |
|
Grand Total |
725 |
140 |
865 |
725 |
140 |
865 |
765 |
160 |
925 |
|
Pharmacy Graduates |
|
2022 |
2022 Total |
|
2023 |
2023 Total |
|
2024 |
2024 Total |
|
HEI |
EU including NI/UK |
Non-EU |
|
EU including NI/UK |
Non-EU |
|
EU including NI/UK |
Non-EU |
|
|
Royal College of Surgeons |
45 |
15 |
60 |
35 |
25 |
60 |
55 |
20 |
75 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
75 |
5 |
75 |
65 |
5 |
65 |
70 |
0 |
70 |
|
University College Cork |
65 |
5 |
70 |
65 |
0 |
65 |
55 |
5 |
65 |
|
Grand Total |
185 |
20 |
205 |
165 |
25 |
190 |
180 |
25 |
205 |
1328. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the research funding streams available to support the pharmacy research ambitions set out in the inaugural strategic plan of the department of pharmacy at South East Technological University, including its stated goal of driving impactful research for regional, national and global healthcare; if Cork-based pharmacy researchers at University College Cork can access equivalent research funding to support collaboration with regional hospitals such as Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36948/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have significantly expanded pharmacy education capacity to support health workforce needs, with 120 additional pharmacy places introduced nationally across 2025–2026 through new and expanded programmes.
The new five-year Master of Pharmacy programme at South East Technological University (SETU) will commence from September 2026, following accreditation by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, making this the first pharmacy degree in the South East. Applications are now open through the CAO, and SETU expect to have an initial intake for this course of around 35 students from 2026 at SETU Waterford campus. Pharmacy education expansion has been delivered on a nationally coordinated basis, with experiential learning placements and clinical placements managed through Affiliation for Pharmacy Practice Experiential Learning (APPEL), which currently manages placements for programmes at University College Cork, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin; and supported by ongoing engagement between my Department, the HEA, the Department of Health and the HSE.
In terms of funding , under Phase One of the new INSPIRE Research Infrastructure Programme, eligible higher education institutions can make a submission for research equipment that is used routinely within a higher education institution for both teaching and research purposes. The call for Phase One has opened. In building progressively and strategically on Phase One, it is intended that Phase Two will open in 2027 for shared advanced infrastructures, i.e., bigger-ticket equipment that is appropriately shared across a number of institutions and, critically, with external users. While funding research equipment, INSPIRE is a strategic investment in Ireland’s talent and innovation, and is open to all disciplines.
TU RISE will support research capacity building with a focus on enhancing engagement with regional enterprises. This includes increasing researcher human capital in research areas that have potential to facilitate stronger engagement with regional enterprises aligned to Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy and Regional Enterprise Plans. SETU have received €13.6 million through TU RISE for an agreed work programme, which includes the recruitment of 10 PhD and 10 Post-doctoral researchers over the lifetime of the project.
SETU and UCC have also each, and together as part of research consortia, had impressive success in winning competitive funding for research under the Horizon Europe and EU4Health Programmes. UCC has also won significant funding through ERC grants and awards.
Research Ireland invests across all disciplines including pharmacy and healthcare. The agency has many programmes which are accessible to SETU and UCC, as they are both Research Ireland eligible research bodies. A list of available programmes is in the recently published Research Ireland Programme Plan 2026. These programmes are well aligned with pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences researchers, including clinical research, health services, biopharma, and public health. These include individual-led programmes such as Investigators, Frontier for the Future and Pathway, all of which are open to individual pharmacy researchers, at early, mid and advanced researcher level which can involve collaborations with relevant stakeholders including hospitals. Encouraging collaborations is a key part of Research Ireland’s new strategy, strengthening connections between research excellence, academic engagement with enterprise and industry, and regional impact.
1329. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Oversight Group last met; when the National Literacy Coalition last met; the reasons for the apparent pause in meetings since summer 2024; and his timeline and plans for the restructuring of governance arrangements referenced in the Budget 2026 Expenditure Report. [36959/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1330. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether any interim governance or decision-making structures are currently in place for the ALL Strategy in the absence of regular meetings of the Oversight Group and National Literacy Coalition; and how stakeholder engagement is being maintained during this period. [36960/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1331. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current status of the independent mid-term review of the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy; when it is expected to commence and conclude; and whether the review will be published. [36961/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1332. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the consultation process that is planned as part of the mid-term review of the ALL Strategy; whether key stakeholders, including the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA), adult learners, and education and training providers, will be involved; and how the Oireachtas Committee will be enabled to contribute. [36962/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1333. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that has been made against the key targets of the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy since its launch in 2021; and whether updated performance indicators will be published alongside the mid-term review. [36963/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1334. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which his Department is ensuring cross Government accountability for delivery of the ALL Strategy, given its whole of government approach; and which Minister has overall responsibility for its implementation. [36964/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1329 to 1334, inclusive, together.
The Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy is a ten-year national strategy launched in September 2021. Implementation is coordinated through the National Programme Office in SOLAS, which manages annual work plans from the Regional Literacy Coalitions.
Implementation and stakeholder engagement, a key pillar of the Strategy, continues through national and regional structures, including:
• Regular meetings between the ALL National Programme Office, Regional Literacy Coordinators and their line managers to ensure alignment between national priorities and regional delivery.
• Sixteen Regional Adult Literacy Coalitions, with over 200 member organisations nationwide. These coalitions submit an annual plan to the ALL National Programme Office, which liaises directly with the Department.
Governance and oversight are supported by the Cross-Government Implementation Group, the ALL National Programme Office, the National Literacy Coalition, Regional Literacy Coordinators and Regional Literacy Coalitions.
As set out in the Strategy, an independent mid-term review is underway to assess progress and inform the second half of implementation. SOLAS recently issued a tender for this review. Applications for this closed on 15 May. The review is expected to complete by Q4 2026.
The review will assess governance and implementation, progress against actions and targets, achievements, and challenges. It will also consider the continued relevance of the Strategy’s actions, targets and measures. It will include structured engagement with key stakeholders, including officials from my Department, the National Literacy Coalition, the Literacy Provision Expert Group, Regional Literacy Coordinators and Education and Training Boards. The review may also engage with the Joint Oireachtas Committee if requested.
Following completion, the final report will guide future priorities, any realignment of actions and inform governance improvements for the remainder of the Strategy.
1335. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he will provide an update on the SUSI grant application in question; if the records held by the HEA can be amended to accurately reflect the applicant's attendance history; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37097/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI to determine.
SUSI have advised my Department that the student referred to by the Deputy had an initial application for funding refused but has since submitted another application which is currently awaiting assessment. Once this application is assessed, the student will receive a letter advising them of the outcome of the assessment.
If a student disputes the HEA record related to their periods of study, they should contact the HEA directly to resolve this issue. It would not be appropriate for the Department to intervene on behalf a of student in such matters.
1336. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has any usage policy on or if it sanctions for official purposes the use of messaging apps (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37203/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCentral advice from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is that all official correspondence should issue through official channels only. Non-official messaging services, such as those referenced by the Deputy, should not be used for official business other than in exceptional circumstances. If such services are used for official business, anything which constitutes a department record must be moved to an official department system as soon as possible for preservation. A guidance note to that effect has issued to all staff in my Department.
1337. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of craft apprenticeship registrations in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37351/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1338. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of individuals undertaking craft apprenticeships currently in years one and two of their training, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37352/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1339. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for a nationwide breakdown of all craft apprenticeships in the construction sector, with details on the number of students who are in year one and year two, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37353/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1344. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which the process for registering as an apprentice works; when the application process opens; when do apprenticeships usually start; the length of time each phase lasts; the average total length of an apprenticeship before qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37358/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1345. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of employers currently registered as offering craft apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37359/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1337 to 1339, inclusive, 1344 and 1345 together.
Apprentices are employees, and all apprenticeship programmes are undertaken under a contract of employment. Within two weeks of an apprentice commencing employment, the employer must submit an application to an Education and Training Board for the registration of the apprentice with SOLAS. Registrations are ongoing throughout the year. Employers must be approved by SOLAS before employing apprentices. Both apprentices and employers must comply with the SOLAS Apprenticeship Code of Practice.
To become an apprentice in Ireland, you must be at least 16 years of age. The mandatory duration for a craft apprenticeship, from commencement of training to completion, is a minimum of 208 weeks, with a further period of up to 12 weeks required to process the apprenticeship certificate. The median time to certification across the craft apprenticeship system was 227 weeks in 2025, down from 239 weeks in 2024. This includes off-the-job training phases, 2, 4 and 6, which for most craft apprenticeships amount to 44 weeks in total.
At the end of 2025, there was a total of 10,359 apprentice employers. This represented a 16% increase in apprentice employers since 2022. As of 15 May 2026, the number of craft employers 7,834. It should be noted that the number of apprentice employers changes as apprentices leave and join the system so this figure is given at a point in time.
Annual apprenticeship registrations, including craft and consortia-led, have grown by 78% in recent years, rising from 5,326 in 2020 to 9,461 in 2025, while the apprenticeship population has grown 59%, from 19,630 in 2020 to 31,165 in 2025.
Craft apprenticeship registration figures for 2024-to date are set out, by year, in the below table.
|
Year |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 (to end-April) |
|
Craft Apprenticeship registrations |
7,113 |
7,147 |
2,343 |
As of 15 May 2026, the live apprentice population figures for craft apprentices in years one and two of their training are outlined in the below table. As apprenticeship is live employment, the data shown here is specific to the date it is extracted. It’s also important to note that the years of training do not necessarily align with off-the-job training phases.
|
Year of Training |
Current Live Apprentice Population Figures |
|
Year 1 |
8,856 |
|
Year 2 |
7,743 |
|
Total Number |
16,599 |
In regard to construction and construction related programmes, there are currently 11,150 apprentices in Year 1 and Year 2 of these programmes. The following link provides details on the number of students who are in year one and year two in each programme. To provide a more comprehensive view, this data covers both craft and consortia apprenticeships.
Both apprentices and employers must comply with the SOLAS Apprenticeship Code of Practice.
