Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

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.

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