Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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68. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the percentage of students from County Offaly that progress to third-level education; how this compares to the national average; the measures being taken to improve access to higher education for students in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14549/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not calculate progression rate data on a county level, and as such the requested information is not available.

I am committed to improving access to higher education for students throughout the country. That is why my Department has introduced a range of targeted initiatives, from financial supports to institutional investment, all aimed at breaking down barriers and ensuring that students - regardless of background or location - can pursue their ambitions in higher education.

My Department is committed to the continued development of the five Technological Universities established under the TU Act (2018), and this is reflected in the Programme for Government. Technological Universities have a statutory responsibility to increase research capacity, drive research-informed innovation and development and to ensure balanced regional development.

The Technological University of the Shannon was the third TU to be established in the state, and the first cross-regional TU. Since its establishment, it has aided in higher education access, growing regional development and providing students, staff, business and enterprise, and local communities more opportunities, serving as it does communities in counties including Westmeath, Limerick, Tipperary, Clare. and Offaly.

The Fourth National Access Plan (NAP), a Strategic Action Plan for Equity of Access, Participation and Success in Higher Education 2022-2028, was launched on 31 August 2022. This sets out our ambition to support inclusion and diversity in our student body, addresses the wider struggles and challenges for students, and delivers sustainable progress across the higher education sector.

Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, which is the main source of funding to assist students in attending third level education, students can apply for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need, can apply for support under the SAF. The SAF is a critical support which is allocated by this Department to the Higher Education Authority (HEA), who manage the fund on behalf of the Department, and distribute the fund to the higher education institutions (HEIs).

The fund has a dual focus. It is designed to support students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds with ongoing needs for financial support, and also to provide emergency financial assistance for other students.

My Department is committed to providing diverse and flexible education pathways that meet the needs of individuals, employers, and society. This includes expanding options for individuals to avail of learning outside of typical full-time degrees. Some of the initiatives to support this include Springboard+, Micro-credentials, tertiary programmes and the Student Part-Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses.

I will continue to work to ensure that learners all over the country are able to access third level education in a way that works for them.