Parliamentary questions

371. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the decision making process behind the merger with Carlow College and SETU; the assessment that was undertaken on this decision to close Carlow College altogether and make the staff redundant; if other alternatives and options were considered as part of the merger; and if he will make a st…

372. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is satisfied that adequate protections are in place for staff affected by the planned closure of Carlow College, including redundancy arrangements, recognition of years of service, and access to future employment opportunities within the higher education sector; and if he will make a…

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]

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]

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 eng…

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]

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 tim…

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]

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]

2474. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of ESOL classes delivered through Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board ; if there are any specific courses for people who are seeking integration supports ; whether any classes have been discontinued; if so, the reason; the number of places available at the st…

2475. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he can assist a student's education funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41627/26]

2476. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department has reviewed the operation of SUSI dependency classification rules as they apply to mature students who subsequently become financially independent after commencing third-level education; whether any mechanism exists to permit reclassification during the course of a…

2477. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of mature students assessed as dependent applicants under SUSI in each academic year since 2020; the number of requests received seeking reclassification from dependent to independent status after course commencement; the number granted or refused; and if he will make a stateme…

2478. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department has considered amendments to SUSI eligibility criteria to ensure that mature students living independently and receiving no parental financial support are assessed based on their own financial circumstances rather than historic parental income; and if he will make a…

2479. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total amount spent by his Department on public procurement in 2025; to provide a breakdown, where available, by goods, services, works procurement expenditure, by expenditure procured directly by his Department and expenditure procured through central purchasing arrangements or frame…

2480. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department is fully compliant with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Model Publication Scheme Guidance, issued under section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, specifically the requirements under section D and section E (details supplied); to publish quart…

2481. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of bicycle shelters installed across the State by his Department on behalf of Government Departments, local authorities, and State agencies in each of the past five years; the total expenditure incurred in each year; the average cost per unit; and if he will provide a breakdo…

2482. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total amount spent on IT systems and related projects by his Department and agencies under its remit in each of the past five years; to provide a detailed breakdown of all such projects, including original budget, final cost, and delivery timelines; the number and value of projects …

2483. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); the status of the SUSI application for the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42315/26]

2484. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to appoint a talent and innovation attaché to Australia, Japan and Canada. [42338/26]

2485. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current status of the proposed National Guidelines on Research Security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42374/26]

2486. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when a National Contact Point for Research Security will be appointed in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42375/26]

2487. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the staff turnover rate in his Department in the years 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42426/26]

2488. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the long term plans for St Patricks College Carlow ; the plans for the building and site if the college closes; the courses that will be protected; the job protections can be given to the staff currently facing uncertainty. [42460/26]

2489. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding provided or committed for phase 2 apprenticeships under Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board; his plans to expand such provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42631/26]