Written Answers Nos. 879-900
879. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in view of his Department's role in coordinating Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026, if the EU Presidency programme includes any citizen science initiative, in line with the role of citizen engagement in the EU missions. [52339/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, DFHERIS will host a series of open events in the coming months, aligned with OECD recommendations to embed citizen science as a mainstream, recognised and well-supported element of research policy:
• Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) Conference - Celebrating Mobility, Shaping Resilience
• Week of Innovative Regions in Europe (WIRE) - Future Regions: The Role of Sustainable Innovation in European Competitiveness
• European Innovation Council (EIC) Advance event - Advance: Progress and Future of EU's startup and Scale up Ecosystem
These events aim to foster broad engagement across researchers, policymakers and citizens, reflecting the OECD’s call for inclusive, participatory approaches to knowledge production and innovation.
Further and higher education also has a key role to play in advancing science-related fields amongst EU citizens. The Irish Presidency intends to advance work on Council Conclusions both on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and training and on AI-related skills and competences across education and training.
While the content of any such Conclusions will depend on the discussions at the EYCS Council, it is Ireland's intention that the Conclusions on STEM education and training would?establish?it as a priority area for the Council and the EU. In relation to the Council Conclusions in the area of AI-related skills and competences, Ireland’s intention is that they would focus on building AI literacy and responsible use across education, ensuring an ethical and evidence informed approach to AI in education, and strengthening governance and the readiness of education systems.
880. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the main policy achievements of his Department since 22 January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50803/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment, I have advanced a broad programme of work in my department across further and higher education, research, innovation, science, skills, apprenticeships, student supports and infrastructure.
Key achievements include:
• Secured the National Training Fund (Amendment) Act 2025, which commenced on 19 January 2026, enabling the deployment of a €1.485 billion package to support higher education, skills, apprenticeships, research and workforce development through to 2030. Budget 2025 also secured an additional €50 million in core funding for higher education from the National Training Fund, with plans to invest a further €100 million by the end of the decade.
• Secured €4.55 billion under the National Development Plan Review for research, innovation and tertiary infrastructure, including the €750 million INSPIRE Research Infrastructure Programme alongside wider investment of €2.1 billion in higher and further education infrastructure. This investment supports research capacity, including High-Performance Computing and the Tyndall National Institute, while also delivering new and upgraded facilities, modern equipment and additional capacity across the tertiary sector.
• Launched the first phase of the INSPIRE Research Infrastructure Programme, supporting research equipment and infrastructure across the higher education sector, while progressing major national research investments including the Tyndall National Institute expansion and procurement of Ireland's next national supercomputer, CASPIr.
• Supported Ireland's AI capability through the launch of AIReady.ie, development of the AI Factory Antenna, establishment of the Research Ireland Rinn Artificial Intelligence Centre, continued investment in AI skills and advanced computing infrastructure, and engagement with emerging European initiatives including AI Gigafactories.
• Launched the Research Ireland Strategy and the new Research Ireland Rinn Centres, backed by €460 million in Government investment together with significant industry co-investment, strengthening research excellence, talent and innovation across strategically important sectors.
• Progressed Ireland's international research engagement through associate membership of CERN, signature of the European Quantum Pact, expansion of the Talent and Innovation Attaché network and continued strong performance under Horizon Europe.
• Advanced governance and coordination in science policy through the establishment of the Government Science Advisor and the National Science Advice Forum, strengthening the role of scientific evidence in public policy.
• Delivered Budget 2026 measures including a permanent €500 reduction in the student contribution fee, increased SUSI supports, increased maintenance grants, over €19.3 million for the Student Assistance Fund, an additional €3 million for the Fund for Students with Disabilities and an additional €1 million for student mental health and wellbeing supports.
• Increased all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates under the Student Grant Scheme by at least €200 from September 2026, with a pro-rata increase applying during the current academic year. Approximately 30,000 PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate students are expected to benefit. I also increased the income threshold for the €500 student contribution support from €115,000 to €120,000, meaning eligible undergraduate students from households with incomes below €120,000 will pay no more than €2,000 towards the student contribution charge in the 2026/27 academic year.
• Published the National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035, setting out the Government's framework for increasing supply and improving affordability. The Strategy supports new delivery through the Higher Education Institutions Student Accommodation Programme, Rent-a-Room measures and better alignment of student accommodation leases with the academic year. It builds on the publication of the Design Guide for State-Sponsored Student Accommodation which supports the delivery of high-quality, sustainable accommodation.
• Expanded tertiary education pathways to 78 programmes across 24 counties for the 2026/27 academic year, representing a 70% increase on the previous year and significantly expanding pathways outside the traditional CAO points system.
• Expanded high-demand healthcare education through the introduction of new programmes in Nursing (Maynooth University), Dentistry (RCSI), Physiotherapy (ATU) and Pharmacy (University of Galway). Additional programmes in Pharmacy (ATU), Medicine (University of Limerick) and Rural and Remote Medicine (University of Galway) are commencing during 2026. Two new veterinary schools at ATU and SETU will also admit students for the first time.
• Created additional places across high-demand healthcare disciplines, including Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy and Dietetics, with 320 additional places commencing during 2025 and a further 141 planned. Twenty additional medicine places were also created. In 2025, 80% of CAO Round One Level 8 offers were made within applicants' first three preferences, while points reduced across several high-demand healthcare disciplines.
• Continued expanding supports for students with disabilities, with funding for the Fund for Students with Disabilities increasing to over €10.5 million, supporting more than 22,000 students. The National Access Plan Mid-Term Review confirmed that the target of 16% participation by students with disabilities had been achieved two years ahead of schedule. PATH 4 continues to support 193 learners with intellectual disabilities, with funding extended until 2028.
• Expanded the Student Part-Time Fee Scheme, first introduced in 2024, with participating higher education institutions increasing from seven to nine for the 2026/27 academic year following the addition of Maynooth University and the National College of Art and Design.
• Supported the continued development of the technological university sector, including Government approval for the introduction of a Professorship grade, supported by €65.8 million under the Targeted Enhancement Fund. This landmark reform strengthens academic leadership, research capacity and international competitiveness across the sector.
• Progressed the Higher Education Public Private Partnership Programme, with six buildings completed and operational and five further projects under construction. Collectively these developments will deliver approximately 72,800 square metres of additional teaching and research space and capacity for around 8,500 additional student places.
• Progressed the FET College Major Capital Programme, advancing projects across the country including Castlebar, Drogheda and other regional developments to modernise Further Education and Training infrastructure and expand capacity.
• Secured Government approval to draft legislation establishing the first All-Island University Group between Dundalk Institute of Technology and Queen's University Belfast, representing a significant milestone in cross-border higher education collaboration.
• Increased apprenticeship investment to over €410 million in Budget 2026, including an additional €79 million to support Programme for Government commitments.
• Increased apprenticeship registrations from 29,772 at the end of 2024 to 31,165 by the end of 2025, representing growth of approximately 5%. The first all-island apprenticeship, Accounting Technologist, was launched in October 2025, while work continues on the Apprenticeship Action Plan 2026-2030.
• Established the National Skills Roundtable, bringing together Government, employers and education providers through sectoral roundtables. Four meetings have been convened to date including an inaugural session followed by sector-specific roundtables on construction, artificial intelligence and professional services. The Skills Roundtable will continue to expand across additional sectors to help ensure education provision remains aligned with evolving labour market needs.
• Progressing Ireland's priorities during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union across further and higher education, research and innovation, including Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, STEM education and skills and competencies for AI.
881. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to examine a written report on a scholarship programme, together with an independent auditor’s report, thus ensuring that this report is brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50916/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the documentation assessed, on the basis of legal advice, to constitute the relevant statutory reports in this instance have been laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas in accordance with the governing legislation for this programme.
882. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the National College of Ireland achieving full Higher Education Authority designation status. [51020/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the designation by order provisions under the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 have yet to be commenced, it is not possible for institutions such as the National College of Ireland to seek designation under this process at this point in time.
Work is ongoing within my Department to develop the policy and supporting framework required to underpin the designation by order provisions, including consideration of the conditions under which designation may be granted.
This is a complex area of policy development with implications for institutions that may seek designation, including the National College of Ireland, particularly in the context of existing statutory and regulatory obligations. It requires engagement with relevant stakeholders across the sector, including the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), as well as careful consideration of how any designation by order process would operate within the existing regulatory framework.
My Department is considering how designation could support appropriate oversight arrangements within the higher education system, while ensuring that any such approach is necessary and proportionate.
Once the relevant provisions of the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 have been commenced and the necessary regulations are in place, it will be open to the National College of Ireland to apply for designation by order. Any application will be considered in accordance with the statutory process and the conditions prescribed under the Act.
883. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students from County Cork in receipt of SUSI maintenance grants in the 2025-2026 academic years; the average processing time for applications; the measures being taken to ensure timely grant payments to students at the beginning of the academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51104/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support available to assist students with the cost of attending higher education is:
• The Student Grant Scheme which provides grant assistance to eligible 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.
• A Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses which provides fee support to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award. This includes specified in person and blended/hybrid courses and its aim is to provide additional flexibility in respect of course provision to students who are socio-economically disadvantaged.
It is important to note that the decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine.
I can provide the Deputy with the requested information as follows:
The number of students with a home address Co. Cork in receipt of SUSI maintenance grants for 2025/2026 academic year were 5,948. This data is as of 1 July 2026. Please note that this figure is likely to change as SUSI continues to process applications for academic year 2025/26.
SUSI is now accepting applications for academic year 2026/27. The mean time for the initial assessment of an application in academic year 2026/27 is just over one week with the time being just over two and a half weeks for the assessment of returned documentation. This information is based on applications received by the end of May.
To receive a maintenance grant payment, awarded students must be registered with their college and their college must confirm this registration with SUSI. The awarded student must provide their bank account details through their SUSI student portal where they can also track the status of their payment.
Prior to the first scheduled maintenance grant payment, SUSI runs a direct information campaign to inform students awarded a maintenance grant of the payment arrangements. A payment schedule outlining the monthly payment dates for the upcoming academic year is published on SUSI’s website.
To ensure students receive their first payment as soon as possible, SUSI makes weekly payments from the first scheduled payment date and continues to do so throughout the academic year.
To ensure the efficient return of registration details between SUSI and the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), SUSI hosts a series of Technical Working Group meetings with staff from each of the HEIs in advance of the first scheduled payment.
884. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprenticeship registrations in County Cork in each of the past three years, broken down by apprenticeship programme; the steps being taken to expand apprenticeship opportunities in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51105/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraApprenticeship programmes in Ireland operate as part of a national system. Apprentices are registered to the relevant Education and Training Board (ETB) based on their employer’s location, rather than where an apprentice is from, lives, or attends training. This means that an apprentice living in Co. Cork may be registered with, and attending training at, any of Ireland's 16 ETBs.
Of the 30,346 apprentices currently active in the system as of 2 July 2026, 3,666 are registered with Cork Education and Training Board (CETB). A list of the number of apprentices who were registered with CETB in each of the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 broken down by programme is attached.
CETB offers training across a wide range of apprenticeship programmes, including Accounting Technician, Auctioneering, Brick & Stonelaying, Butcher, Carpentry & Joinery, Commis Chef, Cybersecurity, Electrical, Electrical Instrumentation, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Hairdressing, Metal Fabrication, Motor Mechanics, Pipefitting, Plumbing, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Sales, and Software Development Associate. Training for these programmes is delivered across a number of CETB training centres.
In addition, MTU Cork offers training for the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering, Carpentry & Joinery, Chef de Partie, Civil Engineering Technologist, Construction Plant Fitting, Electrical, Electrical Instrumentation, Engineering Services Management, Laboratory Analyst, Logistics Associate, MAMF, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Metal Fabrication, Motor Mechanics, Plastering, Plumbing, Pipefitting, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, and Sous Chef apprenticeship programmes. Of these programmes, MTU is the co-ordinating provider for Chef de Partie, Engineering Services Management and Sous Chef.
In May 2026, I launched, together with Minister Foley and Minister of State Harkin, a new CORU-approved Social Care apprenticeship programme delivered by UCC and Munster Technological University. The programme will provide 55 additional training places from September 2026. The three-year, Level 8 programme combines paid employment with academic study and was developed to help address growing demand for qualified social care professionals. This programme represents a significant expansion of apprenticeship opportunities in the Cork region and provides a new pathway into the social care profession.
I have prioritised investment in apprenticeship delivery, which has more than doubled since the establishment of my Department in 2020, with the annual budget reaching €415 million in 2026. This investment has supported substantial growth in the apprenticeship system. Since 2020, annual apprentice registrations have increased by 78%, from 5,326 in 2020 to 9,461 in 2025. At the same time, the number of apprenticeship programmes has expanded from 58 in 2020 to nearly 90 programmes currently, covering a broad range of occupations from ICT, to social care, as well as traditional crafts such as plumbing and electrical.
The Government remains committed to further growing the apprenticeship system, with a target of achieving 12,500 new registrations annually by 2030. My Department will publish the next Action Plan for Apprenticeship later this year, which will consider how best to grow apprenticeship and other work-based learning opportunities.
It is important to note that funding for apprenticeship delivery is determined through the annual Estimates process.
885. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the proportion of the National Training Fund that is used toward AI upskilling; the plans to further engage in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, I know you have a deep interest in AI and its implications for our economy and society, and I welcome your continued engagement on this important issue.
As you are aware, this 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. To that end, I launched AIReady.ie, a new national online AI skilling platform developed by SOLAS in partnership with the National Skills Council on 23 April. Initial content focuses on building foundational AI literacy and practical digital capability through four free short courses tailored to older people, small businesses such as sole traders and farmers, and individuals returning to the workforce. The platform was developed by SOLAS, in partnership with the National Skills Council, and is designed to make learning about AI more accessible and inclusive.
In late June, I held an “AI workforce readiness” roundtable to bring together leaders from industry, government and education to examine emerging skills gaps, system challenges and ongoing responses to help shape Ireland’s future in response to technological change. During the discussions, the need to go beyond AI awareness and literacy to develop AI implementation capabilities was outlined. It was clear that beyond the technical skills, users and adopters need to foster critical thinking and ethical judgement combined with communication, teamwork and problem solving. The implication is that, more than ever, our graduates need transversal skills. The roundtable discussion combined with research carried by the ESRI and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs is informing my Department's response. My officials are exploring the development of National Skills Academies. For the longer term, we are preparing a Statement of Ambition on Digital and AI Skills and a Roadmap for Technology Skills of the Future.
Through the National Training Fund (NTF), my Department supports workers to navigate and mitigate the impacts of potential job displacement, including through responsive and accessible skilling and upskilling opportunities.
In relation to AI upskilling, it is not possible to provide a precise breakdown of NTF expenditure attributable solely to AI, as AI related supports are embedded across a broader suite of digital skills, innovation and workforce development programmes, with funding generally allocated at programme rather than individual thematic level. Nevertheless, NTF funding supports a range of initiatives that contribute to AI upskilling and capability development, including enterprise-focused training, digital skills provision, workforce transformation programmes and targeted responses to emerging skills needs across the economy.
For example, earlier this year, I was pleased to support SOLAS’ rollout of a suite of AI-focused micro-qualifications at NFQ levels 4 to 6, available nationwide through the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Developed with enterprise partners and experts from the research and innovation ecosystem, including ADAPT and Microsoft, these programmes cover areas such as Enhancing Productivity with AI, machine-learning fundamentals, ethical AI, data analysis and practical SME use cases, with further expansion planned.
ETBs also deliver a broad range of FET upskilling and reskilling supports for SMEs in AI, digital and sustainability skills. Micro-qualifications were specifically designed to address barriers of time and relevance for employers: they are highly subsidised, flexibly delivered, and typically involve around 50 hours of combined tutor-led and self-directed learning.
There are currently 45 validated micro-qualifications being rolled out across the FET system, spanning digital and AI skills, robotics, productivity and business innovation, sustainability and circular-economy practices, sustainable finance and procurement, leadership and resilience, transversal and care-related skills, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including contamination control in cleanroom environments.
Skillnet Ireland continues to deliver AI upskilling at scale through its Business Networks, with more than 50 AI training programmes delivered in 2025, ranging from short introductory courses to an MSc in Artificial Intelligence developed with the University of Limerick, which now has over 400 graduates. Skillnet also delivers specialist AI supports through five dedicated technology-focused Networks and the Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet AI Capability Accelerator, a practical, coaching-led programme for senior leaders.
In addition, Skillnet Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are collaborating on a four-part AI Discovery Webinar Series for SME leaders, with over 350 companies registered, focused on ethical AI adoption, productivity and addressing digital skills gaps.
Eligible employees in the SME sector may also access Springboard+ provision. Springboard+ 2026 offers 7,274 places across 244 programmes, with 90% delivered online or in blended formats. Almost one quarter of places are in digital skills, including 428 places in AI-focused programmes from NFQ levels 6 to 9.
Finally, the NTF also supports skills development activity delivered by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. Information on NTF-funded supports is available through the National Enterprise Hub, the Government’s one-stop shop for business supports.
886. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which quantum computing is being integrated into Irish higher education and research; the measures to improve quantum literacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51187/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting excellent fundamental and applied quantum research and fostering top quantum science and engineering talent are keys pillars of the national quantum strategy, Quantum 2030. My department leads the Quantum 2030 implementation group dedicated to advancing these pillars and I have asked the group to finalise a plan to accelerate the delivery of the strategy.
Last month’s announcement of the new Research Ireland Centre for Research & Innovation in Quantum Information Science and Technology (Rinn Quantum) will deliver a significant boost to such capabilities. With a Research Ireland award of €39.6 million, Rinn Quantum aims to establish Ireland as a global leader in quantum science. The Centre will bridge fundamental research and real-world applications, addressing challenges in quantum computing, secure communication, future materials, and sustainable quantum technologies. Through strong academic–industry partnerships and alignment with national and EU strategies, the Rinn Quantum centre will accelerate innovation, foster public engagement, and ensure a sustained pipeline of graduates with transferable skills and expertise in quantum science and technology.
Additionally, the European Quantum Academy (EQA) is a major pan-European initiative designed to strengthen Europe’s quantum skills, education and workforce ecosystem. Ireland participates in the EQA through the involvement of ICHEC (Irish Centre for High-End Computing) at the University of Galway, Trinity College Dublin, and Walton Institute at SETU (South East Technological University). The EQA will create a coordinated framework for quantum education, training, mobility and professional upskilling spanning schools, secondary education, higher education, research and industry.
This will complement established higher education programmes and existing quantum upskilling and literacy initiatives.
In addition, the Tyndall Institute is participating in the Photonics for Quantum (P4Q) EU Pilot Line, a European initiative to help quantum photonics technologies transition from research laboratories into reliable, scalable industrial production.
887. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated full-year cost of doubling maintenance grants and restoring the grant adjacency rate to 24 km; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51351/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises third level education can be a significant cost for families and students.
In Budget 2022, the qualifying distance criterion for students to qualify for the non-adjacent rate of grant was reduced from 45 km to 30 km.
In the past four budgets I was able to provide further financial assistance to students most in need by increasing maintenance grant rates.
• Effective from September 2023, all maintenance grant holders received an increase in their grant rate of between 10% and 14% with a pro-rata increase for students in January 2023.
• Effective from September 2024, all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates increased by €615 and all adjacent maintenance grant rates increased by 10% with a pro-rata increase for students in January 2024.
• Also effective from September 2024, maintenance for postgraduate students was restored on a similar basis to undergraduate students with a pro-rata increase for students in January 2024.
• In Budget 2025, effective from September 2025 there was an Increase to all standard Maintenance and Student Contribution Grant Thresholds by 15%
• Budget 2026 increased all non-adjacent maintenance grant rates by at least €200 effective from September 2026 with a pro-rata benefit for students this academic year. This benefits PLC/Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students whose normal residence is 30km or more from their institution.
Other budget 2026 changes include an increase to?the postgraduate fee contribution, an increase in the special rate of maintenance grant threshold and increasing the income threshold?for the €500 student contribution grant to €120,000.??
The Student Grant Scheme is a demand led scheme and I am unable to provide definitive figures on how many students will apply for and receive a grant in the 2026/2027 academic year. However, based on 2025/2026 expenditure it is estimated that doubling maintenance grant payments would cost around €200m.
It is also estimated that reducing the adjacency rate from 30km to 24km would cost around €9m. This is based on 2025/26 expenditure.
To inform decision-making ahead of Budget 2027, I will publish an options paper, which will identify costs and potential impacts of various policy options aimed at reducing the cost of higher education.
While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, please be assured that options to support students and reduce financial barriers will be a key consideration as part of the negotiations.
888. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated total student contributions paid by all higher education students in 2024 and 2025; the expected contributions in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51352/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Free Fees Initiative (FFI), the State provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate higher education students with students paying the student contribution element.
The State pays the student contribution (in full or part) on behalf of students who qualify under the student grant scheme administered by SUSI.
The number of students availing of the free fees initiative and students availing of student contribution support varies from year to year.
In considering the student contribution charge it is important to note that as part of Budget 2026 I introduced a permanent reduction in the student contribution rate of €500, reducing the contribution rate to €2,500. To ensure the institutions continue to receive the full tuition fee rate I have increased the funding available to administer the FFI.
Based on student numbers in previous years and estimated student numbers in academic year 2025/26 the estimated value of the student contribution, as charged by the higher education institutions and paid by students and or the State, in the academic years 2023/24; 2024/25 and 2025/26 are as follows:
• 2023/24 : €429million
• 2024/25: €444.7million
• 2025/26: €380 million
As I look ahead to the next Budget it is a priority for me to again examine all options available to improve supports to students. While I cannot confirm specific items that will be included in the next Budget, I can assure the Deputy that options to support students, and reduce financial barriers, will be a key priority for me as part of Budget negotiations.
889. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated full-year cost of ensuring all postgraduate research students receive a full-year €30,000 stipend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51353/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNearly 11,000 students are enrolled annually in PhD programmes across Ireland. Of these, approximately 4,000 are privately funded, either by their employer or by themselves. The remainder receive public funding from a host of sources including this Department and the research funding agencies of other Government Departments. A small number are funded through the Horizon Europe Marie Curie-Sklodowska Actions programme under Horizon Europe, the EU’s umbrella research and innovation funding programme.
Based on the approximately 7,000 PhD students in receipt of public support, a €30,000 stipend would involve a budgetary requirement of €210 million per annum.
In Budget 2025, additional funding was announced for Research Ireland in order to increase the stipend to €25,000 per annum for the over 3,000 PhD students that its competitive programmes support. This in turn built on previously announced increases and equates to a cumulative increase of over 31% over a two-year period. This increase has come into effect as of 1 January 2025.
890. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware that an English language school (details supplied) has closed down recently; the action that can be taken to prevent these sudden closures of schools; and if he is aware if the school had learner protection insurance in place. [51412/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of the closure of the English language education provider in question.
As a private provider, it does not come under the remit of my Department. However, such a closure creates uncertainty which has a significant impact on the learners and staff of that provider.
My Department has called on the owners of the provider to engage with its learners and staff to provide clarity on the current situation as well as with key authorities such as the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
For a provider to be eligible to recruit students from non-EEA countries, the provider’s courses must be included on the Interim List of Eligible Programmes (ILEP). The ILEP is administered by the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in conjunction with my Department.
The provider in question was an ILEP listed provider. Under the ILEP, providers are obliged to comply with relevant criteria which includes requirements to have arrangements in place for the protection of enrolled learners. Providers are required to have these arrangements in place to protect learners in the event that they fail, close or are unable to deliver an ILEP-listed programme. In this case, the provider published that it has had arrangements in place via an insurance product provided by the insurance company Academy Plus.
My Department is currently working with QQI to introduce a robust regulatory framework for the English language education sector.
A new international education quality mark, TrustEd Ireland, is being implemented under the remit of QQI. 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 education 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 Ireland applications from English language education providers. This process is expected to be completed in the summer months and with the successful applicants announced shortly thereafter.
In parallel, 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.
891. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason an applicant (details supplied) was deemed ineligible for DARE on the basis of not having a diagnosis of dyslexia and therefore, not meeting the “evidence of disability criteria” specifically stated as “dyslexia/significant literacy difficulties, when the application included at least two references to the applicant’s dyslexia diagnosis; if this application can be reviewed on this basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51419/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) on behalf of the higher education institutions who set the policy criteria for the scheme. Admissions under the scheme are regulated by the higher education institutions themselves. Each institution determines its own admissions policy in relation to the scheme, the number of places they reserve and the allocation of those places.
As the Deputy will be aware and as outlined at the DARE briefing provided by the IUA which I hosted in Leinster House in May, this scheme does not fall within the remit of my Department. Therefore, I am not in a position to intervene on individual cases.
Applications to the scheme are submitted to the Central Applications Office (CAO) who coordinate the scheme for participating institutions, with information concerning appeals to be found at www.cao.ie.
In regard to the applicant referred to, I asked officials to seek contact details for the IUA and I wish to confirm that an email issued to the Deputy on 1 July, from officials in my Department, providing these details.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
892. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide the web link to his Department’s Q2 2026 published report of purchase orders/payments over €20,000, in line with the FOI model publication scheme requirements; to confirm the date on which this report was published; and, if it has not yet been published, the planned publication date. [51565/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Payments over €20,000 Report for Q2 2026 has not yet been published as my department is currently collating all information in relation to this quarter. I expect that the report will be published later this month.
The web link to the Departments over €20,000 payments reports are []www.gov.ie/en/department-of-further-and-higher-education-research-innovation-and-science/organisation-information/payments-for-goods-and-services-over-20-thousand/.
893. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused the SUSI grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51627/26]
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.
Article 22 of the Student Grant Scheme 2026 sets out for the awarding authority the determination of reckonable income. Reckonable income shall be determined by the awarding authority on the basis of information supplied in the application form and other relevant information and documentary evidence supplied. In calculating reckonable income, the awarding authority shall consider income from all sources.
An official from my Department has advised that SUSI received the student's application on the 15th March 2026. SUSI issued letters to the student on March 24th, April 30th and May 21st requesting a letter from Revenue confirming that the applicant’s father was exempt from filing a return in 2025, or a copy of his Statement of Liability for 2025 (whichever applies). These remain outstanding and once SUSI receive these documents, they will be queued for review by SUSI’s assessment team.
I trust this clarifies the situation and I wish the student well in their studies.
894. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he will consider taking mortgage or rental outgoings into account when calculating eligibility for SUSI payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51640/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), 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.
Student grant applications are means tested on gross income from all sources earned inside and outside the State within a specified reference period. Therefore, all income is assessed from the same starting point, eliminating any distortion which might arise from different spending decisions if outgoings were also to be assessed. This means test is applied nationally to all applicants. In the case of both employed and self-employed applicants, gross income, before deduction of income tax or universal social charge, is assessed.
Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme mortgage or rental payments are not considered as deductions when calculating reckonable income for any applicant. As is the case in any statutory scheme, a core principle is that there is consistency of approach for applicants as part of the means assessment process. The terms and conditions of funding are applied impartially to all applicants, and this approach ensures fairness to all applying for a student grant.
However, certain specified social welfare and support payments are excluded for income assessment purposes under Article 22(4) of the Student Grant Scheme. These include the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme, which are both local authority supports for individuals and families at risk of homelessness. In addition to this, income from Rent Supplement is not included in calculating reckonable income for SUSI purposes.
Many long-term payments from the Department of Social Protection are not disregarded. However, Schedule 2 of the 2026 Student Grant Scheme lists the Eligible Long-term payments for the highest rate of maintenance grant for the 2026/27 academic year.
It should be noted that any change or modification to the provisions which set out reckonable income, such as the disregard of any additional payments, or changes to how certain payments are treated under the scheme, would entail significant cost. The funding allocation for student supports is determined in the context of the estimates and budgetary process, having regard to overall resource constraints and multiple competing demands.
Budget 2026 provided significant improvements to existing supports under the Student Grant Scheme for the 2026/27 academic year. These enhancements include an increase in all non-adjacent maintenance rates and an increase of the SUSI threshold up to €120,000. I will continue to work to ensure that changes to the scheme benefit learners and their families in addressing costs of further and higher education.
895. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to list each funding instrument, PhD programme, fellowship, award, public engagement programme or research infrastructure programme under his Department or Research Ireland, that has supported citizen science, citizen-generated data, public participation in data collection, or open-source research infrastructure; the name of each such a scheme, by year, recipient, applicant body, amount awarded and the stated objective of each; if further information in relation to same will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51663/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe owner of the application referred to by the Deputy has been in correspondence with my Department, and has been referred to relevant funding sources, both for competitive research funding and potential enterprise supports.
Under the Research and Innovation Act 2024, Section 11, neither I nor my Department have any role concerning the assessment of any application, or the making of an award of funding, in any particular case or any direct role in evaluating research proposals. The publicly funded research bodies each have systems for evaluation in relation to different schemes of funding.
Criteria for individual funding calls is detailed on the Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland website. This process would be a peer reviewed evaluation in line with international best practice. Any application would need to meet the published criteria of a funding call, and provide the information required by the application in the approved format. It is therefore not possible to determine whether or not any application would be deemed eligible sight unseen, as funding calls each have specific parameters and requirements that would need to be met.
For the aspect of this question where a large volume of data has been sought, this has been requested and will be provided to the Deputy in a follow up communication as soon as reasonably possible.
896. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the options available to a person (details supplied) to allow them to complete their education course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51667/26]
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 an application to SUSI for student grant funding via the International Protection Student Scheme on 10 June 2026. SUSI issued a letter to the student on 12 June 2026 requesting a number of documents relating to their application.
The student submitted these documents to SUSI on 1 July 2026, and they are currently queued for review by SUSI’s assessment team. The applicant will be informed of any decision on their application for student grant funding in due course.
In terms of other supports available, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students can apply for the SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs, medical costs and books/class materials. This Fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the Revenue Commissioners website www.revenue.ie
I trust this clarifies the situation and I wish the student well in their studies.
897. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 966 of 17 June 2025, the reason only 30 of the 45 SALI posts have been funded (details supplied); the steps his Department is taking to ensure that they are continued; the way in which the level of support provided to them will be monitored during and after the ten year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51692/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HEA has managed two national calls under the Senior Academic Leadership Initiative on behalf of DFHERIS. Following two competitive calls for applications, 20 posts were awarded to successful higher education institutions in 2020 and a further 10 posts were awarded in 2021. An additional seven posts were recommended for a reserve list under the second call in 2021 but were not funded due to government budgetary constraints in light of the COVID19 pandemic.
As per the Call document, funding will be provided by the HEA at the appropriate level for each post, for a period of 10 years after which time the higher education institution must incorporate them into the HEI pay budget. Higher education institutions that were awarded posts utilise their own recruitment and appointment processes so that these posts are subject to the same high standards of any HEI appointment at this level in the institution. The successful candidates recruited by each higher education institution are expected to be permanent employees of the HEI, under its normal terms and conditions. To date 25 of these posts have been recruited by higher education institutions in line with the requirements of the call.
At the request of the Minister, the HEA commissioned an independent evaluation of the Senior Academic Leadership Initiative in 2024. The evaluation report will be published shortly on the HEA website and includes recommendations for next steps and future improvements.
The question of funding is a matter for consideration as part of the wider Budget 2027 deliberations and will be announced in October in line with other budget decisions
898. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the 2025 and 2026 Capital Budget Allocation for SOLAS, in tabular form. [51712/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2025 review, I secured a capital allocation for my Department amounting to €4.55 billion over the 2026 to 2030 period.
Following the outcome of the 2025 NDP Review, my Department developed and published in December 2025, a Sectoral Plan for the tertiary sector for the period 2026 – 2030, aligned with the Department's capital ceiling and the objectives of the NDP.
This plan provides the framework for capital investment planning across the higher and further education and research sectors, including the identification of priority projects already in the pipeline as well as new initiatives commencing from 2026.
As requested, please find attached confirmation of the capital funding which issued to SOLAS in 2025 and the proposed 2026 capital budget allocation in tabular form.
899. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he last visited Letterkenny Atlantic Technological University; and the purpose of the visit. [51713/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI last visited the Letterkenny Campus of Atlantic Technological University on the 24th November 2025, to officially open the Atlantic Technological University’s Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Programme.
900. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 434 of 19 June 2025, if he will provide an update on the proposed Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund (SIUF) project; whether the Stage 1 Report submitted by the ETB design team and reviewed by SOLAS has now been approved by his Department; whether the project has progressed to the next stage of the approval process; whether funding has been allocated to allow the project to proceed; the current estimated timeline for the completion of the design, planning, tender and construction phases; whether the proposed new outreach facility remains part of the approved project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51749/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department announced the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Programme (SIUP) call, in February 2022, to support the upgrade of Further Education and Training (FET) infrastructure for Education and Training Boards. Its purpose is to provide for high-quality teaching and learning environments, aligned with the principles of the FET College of the Future.
This programme included a project for Cork Education and Training Board for Mallow Youthreach. The project proposes the delivery of a new facility on the site of the existing Mallow College of Further Education site, and I can confirm to the Deputy that the proposal still allows for the consolidation of FET services onto one site and to provide fit for purpose premises for the Youthreach provision in the area.
As previously advised, the Stage 1 report for the project was submitted to the Department and ongoing engagement continues with all stakeholders with the intention of progressing the project as soon as possible.
As the project is at an early stage of architectural planning, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for completion at this time.
