Written Answers Nos. 547-562
547. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if she will urgently review the case of a person (details supplied); if she will provide an update on the supports available to the child concerned; if she will address the repeated delays in accessing assessment and therapy services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50741/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
548. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if belzutifan will be made available to people with Von Hippel-Lindau disease; the steps being taken to make this therapy available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50755/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to investing in new medicines. Budgets 2021-2025 allocated an additional €158 million for new drugs, which has facilitated the introduction of 270 new medicines, to date. Budget 2026 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 Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines.
To commence this process, a pharmaceutical company must submit an application for a new medicine or a new use of an existing medicine, which has been granted European Medicines Agency (EMA) or Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) authorisation, to the HSE’s Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit.
Applicants must continue to engage throughout the process to ensure that the necessary evidence is available for the HSE to carry out its statutory role as a decision-maker with respect to the reimbursement of new medicines, in accordance with the Act. The Act specifies nine criteria which must be considered. These include the health needs of the public and the clinical need for the medicine. All these factors, taken together, allow the HSE to make an informed decision on new medicines.
In terms of the specific details of the application for pricing and reimbursement of belzutifan (Welireg®):
The HSE has advised that it received an application for pricing and reimbursement on the 6th March 2025 from Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V (the applicant) for belzutifan (Welireg®) indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease who require therapy for associated, localised renal cell carcinoma (RCC), central nervous system (CNS) haemangioblastomas, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNET), and for whom localised procedures are unsuitable.
Following a Rapid Review conducted by the National Centre for Pharamacoeconomics (NCPE), a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) was commissioned by the HSE on the 30th April 2025.
MSD submitted the materials required for the HTA to the NCPE on the 13th of November 2025 and following ongoing engagement between the NCPE and MSD, the NCPE completed its assessment on the 25th May 2026 and submitted a HTA report with a recommendation to the HSE.
The HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit (CPU) is the interface between the HSE and the Pharmaceutical Industry in relation to medicine pricing and reimbursement applications. A meeting has been scheduled between the CPU and the applicant to discuss this application. These negotiations are commercially confidential.
Once the commercial negotiations are completed, the next steps in the process involve the HSE’s Drugs Group—the national expert committee, which includes public interest members. The HSE’s Drugs Group will consider all evidence, including outputs of commercial negotiations and recommendations of the NCPE, and issue a recommendation to the HSE Senior Management Team, which holds final decision-making authority on the reimbursement of a medicine.
This application remains under consideration with the HSE and the HSE cannot make any comment on possible outcomes from the ongoing process.
549. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to expedite a SUSI application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50357/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme which is administered by SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded 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, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI to determine.
An official from my Department has advised that the student referred to by the Deputy submitted a new application to SUSI on 29 June 2026. The application is currently queued for assessment and the applicant will be informed of any decision on their application in due course.
I trust this clarifies the situation and I wish the student well in their studies.
550. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure capacity across the further and higher education sector for the 19% increase of students he is projecting by 2034. [50686/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the deputy for her question, which I understand relates to my Department’s recently published report entitled “Projections of Demand for Higher Education 2025–2045”.
This report projects that full-time HE enrolment demand will increase over the coming decade by between 33,000 and 39,000, reaching a peak of between 244,347 and 250,857 in 2033/34. Enrolment demand is then projected to decline over the subsequent decade, to between approximately 225,000 and 231,000 by 2045.
These projections provide an important input to support policy development and investment planning for the higher education sector. However, it should be noted that projections are not predictions, they show what would happen, as long as clearly defined set of assumptions hold.
The HE sector adjusts to changing enrolment demand on an ongoing basis, and my Department supports the sector in accommodating changing demand though a number of measures.
The annual estimates process is an important process through which I seek to ensure that demographic pressures are addressed though increased HEA grant allocations.
The provision of demographic funding aligns to the Funding the Future policy framework to have sustainable core funding. This framework, published in 2022, outlines the Government’s vision for how HE will be funded, and how this will support students, employers and wider society.
There has been a significant improvement in the funding to the HE sector since 2022, with €174 million in additional funding secured through Budgets 2023 to 2026. This funding has enabled the approval of a significant uplift in the ceiling of core staff for the HE sector.
The estimates process for Budget 2027 has commenced and while I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in Budget 2027, I can assure the Deputy that I will be seeking the best possible outcome for the higher education sector.
In respect of capital planning, investment is supported where there is a clearly demonstrated need for increased capacity or specialised facilities, informed by learner growth, demographic trends, and skills and workforce requirements, and subject to the availability of funding. Capital investment is allocated through competitive processes, with projects progressing in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines. Funding is guided by the National Development Plan 2026–2030 and delivered through programme-based funding streams aligned to specific policy objectives.
The higher education sector is also proactive in adjusting to changing enrolment demand. Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) use a combination of historical and real-time data published by the Central Applications Office, to project enrolment intake. HEIs analyse data and trends in relation to first-preference choices, the overall application volume, as well as changes in student demographics to gauge demand and predict enrolment intake. This enables them to adjust their planning as needed to account for projected growth.
Finally, my Department is proactive in identifying and addressing critical skills gaps. My officials are leading a working group across government to respond to growing demands through a targeted programme of expansion for prioritised critical skills needs across the health, education and disability services. In Budget 2026 I announced an additional 1,100 annual places for students across these programmes. A new Expression of Interest (EOI) has been recently launched, which targets expansion and new programmes to address workforce demand and service capacity. It is my intention to bring a memo to government on this process in the coming weeks.
551. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider locating the proposed physical national skills training hub for offshore wind in Cahersiveen, south Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44565/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is leading a multi-faceted approach to build the skills base needed for a successful Offshore Renewable Energy Sector. The Offshore Wind Skills Action Plan, (The Plan) (2024) identified skills shortages in 33 roles required for the development of offshore wind and the measures to address these.
To actively drive this Plan forward and encourage careers in this sector, my Department has established an Expert Advisory Group (EAG) comprising industry and tertiary sector representatives to advise on these needs. Working with this group and with ongoing input from the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Enterprise Ireland, my officials are working on the development of a National Skills Hub for Offshore Wind.
Its first phase, an Online Career Pathway Platform is due for delivery in Q4 2026 and will focus on making career routes and the skills needed clearer for both industry and individual workers.
Given the impending scaling-up of the offshore wind energy industry and associated skills and workforce need, the second iteration of the National Skills Hub for Offshore wind will be a single point of contact within a physically staffed office. Recognising the location of existing training provision and commercial and state infrastructural investment in the region, it is proposed to situate the National Offshore Wind Training Hub in the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. NMCI will work in partnership with Cork Education and Training Board, Munster Technological University and University College Cork. Satellite partners will be located throughout the country, building on existing program delivery. This location and partnership was outlined in an announcement by An Taoiseach Micheal Martin in July 2025.
552. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the delays affecting apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; and the reasons for those delays. [50531/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra553. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average length of time it is currently taking to complete the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship, compared with the intended duration of the programme. [50532/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra554. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that are currently in place to address delays in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; and to ensure that apprentices can progress through each phase within the expected timeframe. [50533/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra555. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices that are currently awaiting progression to the next phase of the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship, and the average waiting time involved. [50534/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra556. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the ongoing delays affecting apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; the reasons for those delays; the actions being taken to restore normal progression through the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50535/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra557. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps in place to address delays in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship; the additional measures that are planned; and when those measures are expected to reduce waiting times. [50537/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra558. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship that are awaiting progression to the next phase; the average waiting time involved; and the number who have been waiting longer than the expected timeframe. [50538/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra559. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when an apprentice who completed phase two in February 2025 (details supplied) and has remained in phase three for well over a year can expect to be called to the next phase of the refrigeration and air conditioning apprenticeship. [50539/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 552 to 559, inclusive, together.
SOLAS is the State agency with responsibility for further education and training, including apprenticeships, and monitors scheduling across all trades to support efficient delivery and minimise delays.
SOLAS data indicates that the current expected median completion time for the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprenticeship is approximately 258 weeks, including the certification validation period. For context, the mandatory minimum duration of a typical craft apprenticeship is 208 weeks, with a further period of up to 12 weeks for certification.
On-the-job training occurs at Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7, and off-the-job training at Phases 2, 4 and 6. Within the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning apprenticeship, the current projected median durations for the on-the-job phases, indicative of the time to progression to the next off-the-job phase, are approximately 76 weeks for Phase 1, 79 weeks for Phase 3 and 56 weeks for Phase 5. There are currently 180 apprentices eligible for Phase 2 training; 151 apprentices eligible for Phase 4 training and 42 apprentices eligible for Phase 6 training.
SOLAS is engaging with training providers to increase capacity across all phases of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning programme. There has been a significant reduction in progression timelines compared to December 2025, when the estimated duration for Phase 1 stood at 94 weeks. SOLAS is continuing to engage with ETBs to identify opportunities to increase capacity at Phase 2.
SOLAS has also engaged with the Higher Education Authority regarding expanding capacity at Phases 4 and 6 of the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning programme. Additional capacity in these phases was introduced in January 2026, with further expansion planned for January 2027. These measures will provide an additional 144 training places per annum compared to 2025. This increase in training capacity will support improved programme timelines.
The apprenticeship system operates on a continuous intake basis, and maintaining a steady pipeline of apprentices is essential to ensure full classes and maximise value for money. Classes are scheduled on a rolling basis throughout the year, while smaller trades may require longer on-the-job phases to optimise workshop capacity. Training delivered in Higher Education Institutions, typically Phases 4 and 6, follows the academic calendar, which also impacts scheduling. Across the craft apprenticeship system overall, the median time to certification was 239 weeks in 2024, reducing to 227 weeks in 2025, indicating that the majority of apprentices are completing their apprenticeship in a timely manner.
It remains my priority to continue to grow the apprenticeship system, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to increase annual registrations to 12,500 by 2030, with two-thirds in craft and construction-related apprenticeships.
560. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the development of the new college (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50596/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe objective of the FET College Major Capital Programme (FCMCP) is to address existing deficits in current FET infrastructure and support projects that drive reform of the FET sector through consolidation of provision and integration of further education and training. The delivery of projects under this programme is a key priority for Government.
Twelve project proposals are currently being progressed under the Programme, including a project in Galway. The project was approved to move to the Pre-tender - Project Design, Planning, and Procurement Strategy Stage.
The project proposal will provide a state-of-the-art purpose-built College building, on a site owned by GRETB located adjacent to the existing Training Centre in Mervue. The development will provide a modern, sustainable, and highly visible education campus, consolidating GRETB’s FET provision within the city into a single, fit-for-purpose location.
This new development will facilitate the expansion of services in the city with additional full-time and part-time offerings including additional traineeships, apprenticeships, and programmes for enterprise provided on the campus.
In January, Department Officials met with all 12 of the Chief Executives who have projects under this programme. At this meeting ETBs were informed that they need to prioritise work on these projects so that design teams can be appointed in 2026 for those projects which are ready to do so.
In order to provide for consistency of approach and to ensure for the timely delivery of projects under this Programme, an integrated design team framework was advertised to suppliers in April of this year. Applications to be part of this framework are currently being evaluated and when in place will provide for a framework of pre-approved design team consultants, that ETBs will be in a position to draw down services from, when they are ready to so.
Overall, GRETB's proposal represents a significant strategic investment in the future of FET in Galway. By consolidating provision, increasing capacity, and delivering high-quality facilities in a sustainable and accessible environment, the College will enhance learning opportunities, support economic growth, and contribute to the social and cultural vibrancy of the city and region.
561. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the intention within his Department to implement the recommendation of the higher education authority advisory working group established under the HEA’s framework for ending sexual violence and harassment in higher education, that the best option for sourcing SVH investigators for the higher education sector is the establishment, for and by the sector, of a shared service entity (SSE) investigations unit which will recruit a team of investigators which can be deployed by HEIs to investigate formal complaints of SVH arising in a Higher Education Institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50597/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s Framework ‘Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions’ (2019), and its associated Implementation Plan (2022), continue to provide the basis for ongoing work across the higher education sector to strengthen responses to sexual violence and harassment, including investigative processes.
As part of this work, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) convened a working group that undertook a feasibility study in 2023 to examine options for strengthening investigation capacity across the sector, including the potential establishment of a shared service model. This study recommended the creation, for and by the sector, of a Shared Service Entity (SSE) investigations unit to provide access to trained investigators to support higher education institutions (HEIs) in the investigation of formal complaints.
Further work was undertaken in 2024 through an Implementation Working Group to develop design and operational options for such a shared service, including governance, funding, and operational arrangements. An Expression of Interest (EOI) process was subsequently launched in 2024 to identify a body to take forward the establishment of the SSE; however, no applications were received.
While recognising that investigations of complaints arising within institutions remains the responsibility of the HEIs, the Department and the HEA continue to support and facilitate sector-led collaboration to strengthen consistency and capacity in this area.
This includes a collaborative initiative, led by the Technological University of the Shannon with a group of participating higher education institutions, to develop trauma-informed investigation guidelines aimed at promoting greater consistency of practice. This work is ongoing.
The question of how best to ensure sustainable, expert, and independent investigation capacity across the sector, including the potential for shared or coordinated approaches, remains a matter for ongoing engagement with higher education institutions, recognising their autonomy and the voluntary, sector-led basis on which any shared approach would need to be developed.
562. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the institutions served by the annual funding provided by the HSA to support the establishment of 16 dedicated sexual violence and harassment prevention and response manager posts across higher education institutions; whether his Department intends to increase the resources provided for the expanded provision of role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50598/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that Deputy Connolly has clarified that the question relates to HEA (Higher Education Authority) funding. On this basis, I can advise that funding support for the 16 dedicated sexual violence and harassment prevention and response manager posts is allocated to the following 16 HEA funded higher education institutions (HEIs):
• Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
• Dublin City University (DCU)
• Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT)
• Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT)
• Mary Immaculate College (MIC)
• Maynooth University (MU)
• Munster Technological University (MTU)
• National College of Art and Design (NCAD)
• South East Technological University (SETU)
• Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)
• Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS)
• Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
• University College Cork (UCC)
• University College Dublin (UCD)
• University of Galway
• University of Limerick (UL)
This funding is ringfenced to enhance capacity in the system for addressing sexual violence and harassment and must be used for this purpose. It is expected that HEIs utilise the funding towards a position that is fully deployed to support the implementation of The Government’s Framework ‘Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions’ (2019), Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions and the Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Higher Education Institutions Implementation Plan.
