Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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1395. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an update on timelines, budgets and the terms of reference for a review of disability issues across further and higher education settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47616/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Supporting learners with disabilities is a key priority for this Government and my Department.

A Disability Demonstration Project is being developed to help shape a more flexible, responsive, and tailored model of support for students with disabilities throughout their educational journey. This initiative is closely aligned with the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 and reflects Ireland’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The project will inform the development of a policy framework for students with disabilities in third level and will explore key transition points from second-level education to Further Education and Training, as well as Higher Education. It will consider supports and services provided to students during their third level educational journey. The project will also consider how to assist in developing meaningful opportunities for students to gain work experience and successfully transition into employment after completing their studies.

The terms of reference and project timelines are currently under active consideration and will be communicated once finalised. The project will be resourced from within my Department.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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1396. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the details of plans for capital investment in further and higher education facilities in Louth over the next number of years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47617/25]

Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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1398. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline any plans for a Colleges of the Future in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47619/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1396 and 1398 together.

My Department works in close collaboration with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) on the planning and development of capital projects. These projects are aligned with the institutions established master plans and strategic priorities.

Under the National Development Plan, capital investment is allocated to HEIs and ETBs through competitive, programmatic funding calls. These are managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and SOLAS respectively. Capital projects are considered where a clear and validated need has been identified. This assessment takes into account the existing infrastructure of the institution and demonstrable demand for expansion or enhancement. Institutions in both the Higher Education and Further Education and Training sectors are eligible to apply for funding when approved programmes are announced.

The Deputy may wish to know that six projects are currently in progress or planned for Louth over the next number of years. Details of these projects are provided in the attached table. In addition to these projects, the table also includes allocations to Louth Meath ETB under the Devolved Grant and Green Devolved Grant funding, as well as confirmation that there are currently no projects progressing under the FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund for Louth.