Written Answers Nos. 274-283
275. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to support workers whose roles may be affected by the adoption of artificial intelligence technologies; and whether any national reskilling or workforce transition strategy is under development. [44277/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises that technological advancements will inevitably bring disruption. The impact of AI on future work remains uncertain; while it will undoubtedly create new opportunities, it also poses risks of jobs and skills displacement.
My Department, supports workers to navigate and mitigate the impacts of potential job displacement, including through responsive and accessible skilling and upskilling opportunities. Programmes already offered through the HEA, Skillnet and SOLAS provide a range of re-skilling and up-skilling opportunities to those most exposed to technological change.
The Springboard+ 2026 programme, launched in March offers more than 7,200 places across 244 courses.
Department officials, SOLAS, and the National Skills Council worked together to develop an online AI Skilling Platform, to enable free broad access to skills and training for an AI-enabled economy through short online modules. The platform called AIready.ie, which went live on the 31st of March, features four free, short and trusted courses designed to demystify AI.
By focusing on practical, everyday tasks, the aim is for Artificial Intelligence to be a helpful companion for everyone, rather than a challenge to be feared.
The establishment of a National Skills Observatory will help us to map out Ireland’s future skills pipeline, including AI, and provide education and training responses with precision and foresight.
Acting as a central repository for labour market and skills information in Ireland, the Observatory will facilitate improved workforce planning, stronger policy and decision-making, improved lifelong learning and workforce reskilling.
My officials are currently progressing the establishment of the Observatory, which will build on the work of the existing Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in SOLAS.
276. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the consultation process with the staff of Carlow College ahead of its closure in 2028; the reasons they are not being redesigned posts in SETU as part of the move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44201/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe framework announced on 19 May follows a period of extensive and detailed engagement between Carlow College St. Patrick’s and South East Technological University (SETU), in consultation with my Department.
At the outset, it is important to recognise that Carlow College is, and has always been, a privately owned and autonomous church-operated institution outside the State system. The arrangements recently announced have been necessitated by the College’s financial position, which has become increasingly unsustainable in recent years and ultimately led it to seek Government assistance.
By the end of 2024, it was clear that, without Government intervention, the College faced the very real prospect of ceasing operations. This would have had serious consequences for students, staff, and the future of higher education infrastructure in the region. It is also important to note that my Department has already provided more than €2.5 million in additional supports to Carlow College at its request, over and above funding provided through student supports and fee payments. This support was provided because protecting learners and sustaining higher education provision in Carlow remain overriding priorities for both my Department and the Government.
In the light of that extensive engagement and the due diligence reporting received in early 2026, the two institutions worked collaboratively to identify their preferred arrangements and advanced a framework agreement which was approved by their respective governing bodies.
This engagement has been guided by four primary objectives:
• to protect the interests of Carlow College students to ensure the completion of their programmes;
• to ensure clear, fair and transparent treatment of staff;
• to secure the future educational use of the campus in Carlow town;
• and to protect the heritage and legacy of Carlow College, recognising its contribution to education in the South East over many generations.
The overriding priority in this framework is to ensure that all current Carlow College students will be able to complete their studies and graduate as planned, without disadvantage. This is the central principle guiding the agreed approach, which provides for the delivery of all existing programmes through to their completion in August 2028.
During the teach-out period, Carlow College will remain the sole provider of academic delivery, retaining full responsibility for both its staffing matters and academic governance. As a private institution operating outside the publicly funded system, it will continue to retain its autonomy regarding all staff relations and employment matters.
Respect for the autonomy of both Carlow College and SETU has been a consistent principle throughout this engagement process. Given the status of Carlow College as private employer, outside the publicly funded system, it is recognised that neither my Department nor the Higher Education Authority have a role to play in decisions relating to staffing or employment matters at Carlow College. Similarly, with regard to the publicly-funded sector, which includes SETU, it is a key feature of our higher education system that higher education institutions are autonomous, which of course includes their approach to staffing and recruitment.
With regard to the staff of Carlow College, it is important to emphasise that, throughout this engagement, I have consistently highlighted the need for Carlow College, as an independent and private institution outside the public system, to prioritise meaningful staff engagement. This position was formally communicated in writing, and I was assured that such engagement was taking place.
It is also important to note that a significant level of State funding will be provided through the Department to Carlow College in consideration of the transfer of its campus to SETU. It is fully expected that this funding will play a central role in the restructuring process, particularly in addressing matters relating to staff. These issues will be progressed appropriately through representative bodies and trade unions. It is my understanding that formal discussions with staff and staff representatives have been commenced by Carlow College and that a detailed plan for the phased teach-out period is being progressed.
It is a key policy objective of my Department to support sustained, regional investment in higher education provision and allow for strong access to high-quality education in all regions of Ireland. The decisions made by Carlow College St. Patrick’s and SETU in developing this framework support that objective. As a publicly funded university operating under the oversight and governance of the Higher Education Authority, SETU is well placed to deepen its presence in the region and continue its contribution to the development of a truly world-class higher education system.
277. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of significant challenges facing general nursing students from County Louth attending Trinity College Dublin, who face huge additional costs for hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation in Dublin as their placements are not scheduled on consecutive days; and if he will engage directly with Trinity College Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44233/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very mindful of the significant demands placed on student nurses, including those undertaking clinical placements from County Louth, and the financial and personal pressures that can arise where placements are not located close to a student’s usual residence or scheduled consecutively.
Practice placement forms a core part of nursing education, accounting for approximately 50% of undergraduate programmes. These placements are an integral part of the student learning experience and are designed to support the achievement of the competencies and learning outcomes required for safe and effective professional practice, in line with the standards and requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
The organisation and scheduling of clinical placements, including the distribution of placement days within a given week, is determined locally by clinical partners in collaboration with higher education institutions. These arrangements are designed to support appropriate supervision, access to learning opportunities, and the overall quality of the clinical learning environment. Higher education institutions operate within a framework of statutory academic autonomy, and as Minister I do not have a role in directing specific placement arrangements.
The delivery of clinical placements is undertaken in close partnership with the health service. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has primary responsibility for the organisation and provision of clinical placements across healthcare settings. My Department does not have a direct role in the operational management of placements.
There are a range of supports available to undergraduate nursing and midwifery students during their practice placements, including the provision of travel and subsistence allowances under Department of Health Circular 4/2023: Payment of Clinical Placement Allowances to Undergraduate Supernumerary Nursing and Midwifery Students. These supports recognise the additional costs associated with undertaking mandatory placements, particularly where these are located at a distance from a student’s usual residence or college. Eligible students may avail of travel, subsistence and, where appropriate, accommodation supports, which are administered locally in line with agreed national guidelines.
Students also have access to broader financial supports through the higher education system. A limited Student Assistance Fund pilot placement project is currently in draft stage and will be rolled out in 2026/27 to support students who are struggling with the costs of fulfilling a placement as part of their higher education course.
Students make a significant contribution during their clinical placements as valued members of the healthcare team, supporting patient care while developing their clinical competencies. As placements are primarily educational in nature, they are not salaried. An exception applies in the final year of the programme, where students undertake a structured internship and receive remuneration reflecting their contribution and advanced stage of training.
My Department will continue to engage closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and higher education institutions to support improved alignment between education provision and workforce planning, including in relation to clinical placement capacity and the student experience. The Government remains committed to strengthening supports for healthcare students, recognising their vital role in the future healthcare workforce.
278. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of courses, training programmes or apprenticeships that specifically address artificial intelligence skills currently supported by his Department; the number of participants enrolled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44278/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe adoption of AI is one of the largest structural forces that is shaping our country. Digital Ireland – Connecting our People, Securing our Future, the national digital and AI strategy, outlines the need to strengthen the pipeline of digital specialists with AI skills and to develop a comprehensive range of re-skilling and upskilling opportunities for those most exposed to technological change. We are also developing AI literacy for those in education, in the workplace and outside the workplace.
Examples of provision available to support people with the transformation of education, training and the world of work due to AI include:
• The Springboard+ 2026 programme launched in March offers 15 courses in AI (e.g. Computing -AI and Machine Learning - Higher Diploma in NCI and more than 30 micro-credentials on AI and related technologies (e.g. AI in food and health). They are eligible for the learner fee subsidy.
• The HEA has also developed a suite of freely available Open Courses at opencourses.ie, covering topics such as AI fluency, academic integrity and digital leadership. Education institutions are also embedding AI in domain specific subject matter.
• An online platform, AIready.ie, offering AI learning opportunities for several different user profiles, went live in March. It seeks to provide foundational levels of information, to dispel fears about using AI and how it can benefit people in their everyday lives.
• AI micro-qualifications developed by SOLAS were launched in February and are available through the 16 ETBs. They aim to upskill citizens and Irish businesses in AI technologies. The programmes were designed in collaboration with industry partners and will deliver targeted training in areas such as machine learning basics, ethical AI, data analysis, and practical use cases relevant to Irish businesses.
• Business networks (Skillnet Ireland) which are partially state-funded complement this provision by delivering enterprise-led upskilling aligned with industry needs, including for SMEs and non-ICT professionals
In many other instances, AI use and AI technology is incorporated or is being incorporated within existing curriculum (e.g. architecture programme in UCD or cybersecurity apprenticeship).
279. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 3471 of 14 April 2026, to provide assurance that students who cannot afford four years of GEM fees are safe to take up positions in GEM courses when offered in August, and do not have to decline out of uncertainty about Governmental intervention in time. [44324/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to removing barriers to participation in tertiary education, particularly in disciplines with acute skills shortages such as healthcare. I fully appreciate the significant financial pressures facing students and their families, particularly those who are considering a Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programme.
I have tasked officials in my Department to examine a range of options to support students undertaking GEM programmes including reducing the financial burden, as agreed under the Programme for Government which includes a commitment to introduce supports for students studying Graduate Entry Medicine.
My officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Health to progress this commitment in a constructive and practical way, with a focus on affordability, sustainability and the long-term medical workforce needs of the State.
It is important to note that substantial State support is already provided for Graduate Entry Medicine. The Exchequer part-subsidises tuition fees for GEM places across all institutions, and recent Budget measures have significantly increased the value of this subsidy - rising from €11,950 per student in 2021/22 to €16,930 for graduate entrants in 2026, representing approximately €13 million in annual public funding. This significantly reduces the costs faced by students, with the remaining fee levels determined by higher education institutions.
In addition, GEM students may access a range of existing supports, including the Student Assistance Fund, National Access Plan bursaries, tax relief on fees and rent, the Fund for Students with Disabilities where eligible, and the continued availability of the 1916 Bursary for eligible students progressing to GEM.
I have asked my officials to examine a range of potential future support models, including financial and incentive-based approaches, such as State-backed loans, as part of cross-Government work. This includes considering how any further measures might support both affordability and the retention of graduates within the Irish public health system. No decisions have yet been taken, and any proposal would require careful consideration and budgetary approval.
280. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who have withdrawn from higher education courses during their first year of study in each of the past five academic years; the reasons identified; and the measures being taken to improve retention rates. [44353/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Higher Education Authority (HEA) publishes data annually on the proportion of students who do not progress from first year to second year of higher education. According to the most recent data available, the rate of new entrants who did not progress to the second year of their programme was 11% in the 2022/2023 academic year.
The reasons for a student not progressing to their second year can vary. The full report is available on the HEA website here: https://hea.ie/statistics/data-for-download-and-visualisations/students/progression/report/non-progression-academic/.
This information is shared with the Higher Education Institutions providing insights to non-progression of students and how this can be mitigated by retention strategies and improving education supports available to students.
281. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason EU social funds are not being used to provide modular, machine-specific safety training for the thousands of self-employed and transitioning workers in the landscaping sector. [44447/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is a shared management programme between the European Union and the Member States. In Ireland the ESF+ Managing Authority in my Department holds responsibility for implementation of ESF+ nationally. ESF+ funding is allocated over seven-year programming periods aligned to the EU’s Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF).
Ireland’s ESF+ national programme for the 2021-27 period is entitled the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme. Actions included in the ESF+ EIST 2021-27 Programme are fully funded up-front by the Exchequer with the European Union co-funding claimed in arrears.
The EIST Programme has a total allocation of €1.08bn which is made up of €508.4m in EU funding and €572.6m in national co-financing. The EIST Programme funds a range of Actions in priority areas of employment, inclusion, skills, and training implemented by different Government Departments and Agencies.
The Education and Training Boards deliver a range of courses in the area of horticulture/landscaping, some of which are delivered under the Specific Skills Training or Traineeship programmes which are ESF+ funded under the ETB Training Action.
These courses can include the following modules which lead to QQI awards.
• Horticulture Tools and Equipment (4N0683)
• Workplace Safety (4N1124)
• Safe Horticultural Practice (4N0719)
Additionally, workers in horticulture/landscaping in a construction environment can avail of SafePass training which is a mandatory health and safety awareness course.
I trust this information is of assistance.
282. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Seán Kyne den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta faoi cén uair a bheas sé ag tabhairt cead do Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe plean gnó a réiteach do Céim III, An Caladh Mór, bunaithe ar mholadh na gcomhairleoirí [44253/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe freagrach as cothabháil agus forbairt bhonneagar na gcéanna ar na hOileáin Árann, lena n-áirítear Inis Meáin.
Thug mo Roinn cead do Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe i mí na Nollag 2024 dul ar aghaidh le ceapachán innealtóirí comhairleacha, mar thoradh ar chomórtas oscailte soláthair poiblí, chun an Réamhchás Gnó, lena n-áirítear Measúnú Straitéiseach, a fhorbairt do Roghanna Feabhsúcháin Infreastruchtúir Mhara ar Inis Meáin.
Bhuail oifigigh mo Roinne lena gcomhghleacaithe arís an mhí seo caite chun an dul chun cinn a phlé. Tuigim go bhfuil obair mhór déanta ag na hinnealtóirí comhairleacha chun roghanna éagsúla a fhorbairt, a thástáil agus a mheasúnú chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na hábhair éagsúla a ardaíodh leo mar chuid den phróiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí a reáchtáladh anuraidh le pobal an oileáin.
Is riachtanas don Mheasúnú Straitéiseach é go ndéanfaí anailís ar gach rogha chun réiteach a fháil ar aon fhadhb nó easnamh a aithnítear, lena n-áirítear infheistíocht chaipitil san infreastruchtúr, infheistíocht reatha sna seirbhís iompair, nó meascán d’infheistíocht chaipitil agus reatha go bhféadfaí a dhéanamh thar thréimhse.
Tuigim go bhfuil aiseolas agus soiléiriú tugtha ag mo Roinn do Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe le déanaí ina leith seo, le cinntiú go bhfuil an riachtanas sin á chomhlíonadh ag na hinnealtóirí comhairleacha neamhspleácha atá i mbun na hoibre seo.
I ndiaidh don phróiseas seo a bheith críochnaithe, cuirfear tuarascáil ar fáil don Roinn le breithniú agus le go bhféadfaí moladh a dhéanamh maidir leis an gcur chuige is tairbhí don oileán ina iomláine.
283. D'fhiafraigh Deputy John Connolly den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le tuarascáil RPS, an bhfuil an tuarascáil ag an Roinn agus muna bhfuil, an bhféadfaidh an tAire soiléiriú a thabhairt maidir le cén uair atá sé beartaithe an tuarascáil a fhoilsiú [44387/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe freagrach as cothabháil agus forbairt bhonneagar na gcéanna ar na hOileáin Árann, lena n-áirítear Inis Meáin.
Thug mo Roinn cead do Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe i mí na Nollag 2024 dul ar aghaidh le ceapachán innealtóirí comhairleacha, mar thoradh ar chomórtas oscailte soláthair poiblí, chun an Réamhchás Gnó, lena n-áirítear Measúnú Straitéiseach, a fhorbairt do Roghanna Feabhsúcháin Infreastruchtúir Mhara ar Inis Meáin.
Bhuail oifigigh mo Roinne lena gcomhghleacaithe arís an mhí seo caite chun an dul chun cinn a phlé. Tuigim go bhfuil obair mhór déanta ag na hinnealtóirí comhairleacha chun roghanna éagsúla a fhorbairt, a thástáil agus a mheasúnú chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar na hábhair éagsúla a ardaíodh leo mar chuid den phróiseas comhairliúcháin phoiblí a reáchtáladh anuraidh le pobal an oileáin.
Is riachtanas don Mheasúnú Straitéiseach é go ndéanfaí anailís ar gach rogha chun réiteach a fháil ar aon fhadhb nó easnamh a aithnítear, lena n-áirítear infheistíocht chaipitil san infreastruchtúr, infheistíocht reatha sna seirbhís iompair, nó meascán d’infheistíocht chaipitil agus reatha go bhféadfaí a dhéanamh thar thréimhse.
Tuigim go bhfuil aiseolas agus soiléiriú tugtha ag mo Roinn do Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe le déanaí ina leith seo, le cinntiú go bhfuil an riachtanas sin á chomhlíonadh ag na hinnealtóirí comhairleacha neamhspleácha atá i mbun na hoibre seo.
I ndiaidh don phróiseas seo a bheith críochnaithe, cuirfear tuarascáil ar fáil don Roinn le breithniú agus le go bhféadfaí moladh a dhéanamh maidir leis an gcur chuige is tairbhí don oileán ina iomláine.
