I thank the Deputy. My Department has secured a gross allocation of almost €5 billion in budget 2026. That will support the delivery of inclusive high-quality learning opportunities across the entire tertiary education system. In 2026, we secured an additional investment of €79 million for apprenticeship delivery, as well as €2.5 million to permanently reduce student fees for apprenticeships. This is not a once-off. This is the largest single investment since the Department was formed in 2020. The total investment for apprenticeships will be over €400 million, more than double what it was in 2020. I have also secured investment of €2 million to expand the fund for students with disabilities, ensuring that learners with intellectual disabilities are supported across all levels of study. This will increase that fund from €5.7 million to €7.7 million in 2026. In addition, a funding uplift of over €30 million was allocated, which includes public sector and other pay increases and supports the retention of staff in the FET sector. Community education, Youthreach and community training centres, CTCs, are valued pillars of the further education and training sector. While no specific additional funding was acquired in budget 2026, SOLAS has advised that the allocation for this cohort increased from nearly €123 million in 2024 to €126 million in 2025. On the last part of the Deputy's question, the capital allocation for the tertiary sector for 2026 is €810 million, representing a significant increase from the 2025 allocation of €677 million. Finally, the allocation for the FET sector will be finalised in the coming weeks.
Sentiment score: 0.28
To specifically answer the Deputy's question around capital, the allocation for the tertiary sector in 2026 is €810 million. Last year, the allocation was €677 million, so we can see that represents an increase of €133 million, which is quite significant. That will help to deliver research capacity and a pipeline of transformative projects, which will support a thriving, inclusive - that is a really important word - and future-focused education and research ecosystem. The allocation to the further education and training sector will be finalised in the coming period, and it is important to say it will support infrastructure projects through the minor capital works emergency health and safety works, small- and medium-scale projects under the strategic infrastructure upgrade fund and large-scale projects under the FET College of the Future, which, as the Deputy knows, is a major project fund.
Sentiment score: 0.46
I will deal with two issues the Deputy raised, one of which is funding to community education, Youthreach and CTCs. I did say there is no specific additional funding in 2026. SOLAS has advised that the investment in community education increased by 55% from 2018 to 2024, from nearly €11 million to over €70 million now. Therefore, we can see that the funding is increasing. We also introduced the reach fund in 2020. The Deputy knows what that fund does and the importance of it. We are pleased to announce that over €4.5 million from that fund will benefit more than 700 community education providers. SOLAS has advised that in regard to Youthreach, the allocation has increased from €74 million in 2024 to €76 million this year. Finally, in regard to public sector pay grades and pay and conditions, the community training centres were established in 1977. They are grant aided by the education and training boards. In response to the Deputy's query, the Department has no role in the employment of CTC staff, including terms and conditions for the pay. As the Deputy knows, because she is a member of the board, it is the responsibility of the independent board of directors.
Sentiment score: 0.09
I hear the Deputy's question because this is an issue that has come to my attention, especially in more rural counties. Apprenticeships are national programmes. As much as possible, SOLAS schedules craft apprentices to an available training location near to the home of the apprentice. If a placement is not available near an apprentice's home, SOLAS will endeavour to schedule him or her to attend the nearest available location. As with every other post-secondary education route, not all programmes are available in every location. During their induction, apprentices are advised that they may be required to travel to other counties for training. Apprentices are assigned a training adviser in their employer's region, who provides ongoing support throughout the programme. Craft apprentices required to travel outside their home region may qualify for an accommodation allowance. Travel and meal allowances are also available, although it is important to say that only one type of allowance is payable per training phase. In the national survey of apprenticeships which was published last month, 87% of apprentices reported that they are enjoying their apprenticeship experience and 84% have developed confidence in their ability to learn. A total of 85% are glad they chose the apprenticeship route and feel part of their organisation, and, crucially, 94% believe their apprenticeship will provide good employment opportunities. This positive experience is reflected in the relatively low non-progression rates. That is something we should look at where apprenticeships are concerned. There are very low non-progression rates. Between 90% and 92% of first-year apprentices progress to their second year.
Sentiment score: 0.18
I thank the Deputy. I absolutely agree. That is why an extra €79 million was acquired in this budget for apprenticeships, bringing the overall investment to nearly €411 million. That is clear evidence of the Government's determination to fund the apprentice system. It is more than just funding. It is also ensuring that more and more people see apprenticeships as a viable and exciting educational pathway. Much work is going into that. I know the Deputy is concerned about this issue of apprentices receiving training closer to their home location. I fully understand that but it is important to say that every effort is made by SOLAS to try to ensure that can happen. Where learners are travelling outside of their home region, certain allowances are available. They can decline a call to a location up to three times. The system is as flexible as it can be.
Sentiment score: 0.27
I fully appreciate what the Deputy is saying. Accommodation is a significant issue for all third level students. We are talking about apprenticeships in particular. I just had a look at the apprenticeships that are available in Galway-Roscommon ETB. I see that it offers training in various locations. For example, Galway Technical Institute offers training as an accounting technician, auctioneering and commis chef are offered in Athenry, hairdressing is offered in Galway Technical Institute, and software development is offered in the Mervue training centre. The Deputy can see from that that a real effort is being made. I have just a few locations here. The Deputy will be aware of all of them in his own county. Every effort is being made to try to ensure that the courses available for apprenticeships are in locations that are as suitable as possible for them to attend.
Sentiment score: 0.10