Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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32. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline his plans on the expansion of pathways to be introduced into higher education through tertiary programmes and new apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25650/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The development of diverse and progressive pathways for learners in further and higher education is a key strategic goal of myself and my Department.

Tertiary programmes, first launched in July 2023, are a new kind of educational provision which allows a student to begin a degree course in further education, before transitioning on to complete their degree in a higher education setting. As of Budget 2025, €4m per annum is allocated towards the development of tertiary programmes.

Entry to tertiary programmes is outside the CAO system, providing an alternate pathway to a degree for individuals who may not have received the requisite points for a course they’re passionate about. The tertiary pathway also aims to increase access to higher education for those are excluded from the traditional pathway.In September 2023 the first intake of tertiary programmes commenced, with 152 students enrolled on 13 programmes. 2024 saw an increased intake with more than 220 students embarking on 19 degree programmes. A total of 38 courses are now available for application for the academic year 2025/26 including new courses in occupational therapy, nursing, social care and the creative arts. This is double the amount of courses available the previous year.

I intend to continue to expand the offering of tertiary programmes, with a particular focus on areas of skills shortages such as healthcare.

At present there are tertiary degrees offered in Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Intellectual Disability Nursing, Social Care, Social Work and Occupational Therapy. Given the success of these programmes and the need for a sustainable pipeline of health and social care professionals, there will be a focus from 2025 onwards on the area of health and social care. The NTO is working closely with the HSE to implement a phased approach to assist in addressing workforce shortages.

In terms of apprenticeships, we now have 52 consortia-led programmes designed specifically to service industry with a diverse offering across multiple sectors such as construction, ICT, Hospitality, Health and Social care that support Ireland both economically and socially with a further 29 programmes in development.

The expansion of apprenticeship courses provides a fast-track route to employment while delivering valuable qualifications, including creating additional pathways to professions that previously were only available through attending university. This “earn while you learn” model in emerging skills areas significantly enhances both affordability and accessibility, particularly for a more diverse learner population.