Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

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.

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