Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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3378. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to report on the progress made in creating a website to give students comprehensive information on third level pathways, as committed to in the programme for Government. [42604/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise that some students and their families can face obstacles when navigating the third-level education system, particularly those accessing it for the first time or those who may require additional supports. The volume and fragmentation of information available can make it difficult to develop a clear and comprehensive understanding of the options on offer. Ensuring that students have access to accurate, joined-up information is essential to supporting informed choices and positive education outcomes.

As the Deputy has noted, the current programme for Government includes a commitment to create a single, accessible platform bringing together information on all third-level education pathways. This includes higher education, further education and training, and apprenticeships to support learners across the island of Ireland. This is an ambitious objective and one which my Department is pursuing through a phased and iterative approach.

Platforms such as Qualifax.ie, CAO.ie, SUSI.ie, Apprenticeship.ie, NTO.ie and the FET Course Hub each provide valuable content. However, these websites operate somewhat independently, which can present challenges for learners seeking to understand the full range of opportunities available to them.

To address this, my Department has engaged with the Central Applications Office, resulting in updates to CAO.ie. Now, in addition to higher education options, visitors to the website will also find links to further education and apprenticeship pathways. This marks an important first step towards a more integrated information landscape.

Building on this progress, officials in my Department are currently undertaking a preliminary mapping of existing information sources. This exercise is expected to identify any gaps in the availability of information that is fundamental to supporting students in making informed decisions about their educational journey.

My Department is also working in partnership with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on a programme of research to better understand decision-making in undertaking education and training. The findings will inform the development of future policy with respect to information for students.

I am confident that these initiatives will lead to improved supports for all learners, regardless of background, to navigate their options with confidence. This work forms a cornerstone of our broader effort to enhance the accessibility, transparency and inclusivity of the tertiary education system.