Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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269. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether only two institutions in the country providing the early childhood education degree, the Marino Institute and the National College of Ireland, are excluded from the free fees initiative (FFI) scheme, when in fact other courses provided by these institutions are included in the FFI scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14338/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware Marino Institute of Education and the National College of Ireland are private higher education institutions.

Private institutions play an important role in the overall higher education landscape. These institutions may be in receipt of some limited funding from the State for certain courses that are approved for funding under specific initiatives. These include the Free Fees Initiative, Apprenticeships and Springboard+. Under the respective arrangements, the State has agreed to provide funding for specific courses in line with specific agreements made between the relevant funding body and the private institution.

It remains open to private institutions to establish additional courses outside of those approved for State support. The establishment of such courses does not give rise to the provision of additional State funding.

In relation to the Free Fees Initiative (FFI), the State has assumed responsibility for compensating institutions for the income previously generated by student tuition fees payable by FFI eligible students, attending free fees approved courses, exclusive of the student contribution.

FFI approved courses are restricted to full-time undergraduate courses in the public higher education system and a limited number of designated courses in private, not for profit institutions.

It remains open to private colleges to apply for State funding through competitive call processes such as Springboard+, to provide courses in response to national skill needs.