William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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1014. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the rationale for excluding the BA (Hons) in psychology course at the National College of Ireland from eligibility under the free fees initiative (FFI), given that all other undergraduate courses at the institution are deemed eligible and that the psychology degree is accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland; and if he will consider extending FFI coverage to this programme in the interest of fairness and access to accredited psychology education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38766/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware the National College of Ireland (NCI) is a private higher education institution.

Private higher education institutions, including NCI may be eligible to receive funding from the State for limited 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 is open to private institutions to develop and operate courses outside of those approved for State funding. The establishment of such courses does not give rise to the provision of State funding to support delivery or free fees funding.

In relation to the Free Fees Initiative (FFI), the position is that approved course eligibility is restricted to full-time undergraduate courses in public higher education institutions (HEIs) as well as a limited number of designated courses in private, not for profit institutions. The National College Ireland, as an autonomous body, has established undergraduate courses outside those approved for funding under the FFI, including the Psychology course under reference.

The extension of free fees funding to additional courses in private institutions only applies where a specific teaching and learning need has been identified by my Department, another Department or the Higher Education Authority (HEA).

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