Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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402. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her Department’s plans to improve pathways for Senior cycle students into higher and further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40164/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The development of diverse and progressive pathways for learners in further and higher education outside of the traditional CAO route is a key strategic goal of DFHERIS. The development of tertiary programmes, Further Education & Training routes to higher education such as the Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS), and supported part-time provision are some of the key areas which my department is focused on progressing.

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 2026, €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 are passionate about. The tertiary pathway also aims to increase access to higher education for those are excluded from the traditional pathway, particularly the priority access groups outlined in the National Access Plan.

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 running in the academic year 2025/26 including new courses in occupational therapy, nursing, social care and the creative arts.

My department is continuing to expand the Higher Education Links Scheme, which remains a key Further Education/Higher Education pathway. 14,093 students entered higher education with a further education award or equivalent in the academic year 2023/24, and 91% of higher education courses are now available through this route.

On the 1st August 2024, the details of a new part-time fee scheme for specified undergraduate courses was announced. This marked the first time any grant would be provided for part-time education under the Student Support Act 2011.

The scheme covers the fees of eligible part-time students attending specified undergraduate courses leading to a major award with a minimum average of 30 credits and maximum of 50 credits per academic year.

The part-time fee scheme was developed to provide support for more flexible forms of learning to students attending specified undergraduate courses who are considered underrepresented in Higher Education, in particular students who are socio-economically disadvantaged who may not be in a position to participate in full-time programmes.

In the 2024 Budget, €2 million per annum was secured to fund grants for approved students attending a part-time course eligible under this scheme. In the scheme’s first iteration, 62 part-time courses were included for the 2024/25 academic year. This number rose to 111 eligible courses for the 2025/26 academic year.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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403. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a student work placement was withdrawn (details supplied) despite medical confirmation from their neurologist that the student is fit for placement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56087/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Department notes that the student in question was unable to undertake her preferred work placement, having been refused on medical grounds.

Under the Universities Act 1997, higher education institutions such as University College Cork operate with autonomy in the management of their academic, administrative and student affairs. This includes responsibility for addressing student concerns and complaints through their established internal processes. As such, neither the Department or the Minister is in a position to comment or intervene directly in such individual cases.

Students who wish to raise a concern are advised to try to resolve the issue with the university in the first instance. Complaints regarding higher education institutions should be addressed by following the internal procedures as set out by the institution in question. These procedures are available on the university website: www.ucc.ie/en/policiesandprocedures/

Should the student remain dissatisfied after exhausting the university’s internal procedures, it is open to them to refer the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman, which provides a free, independent and impartial service for reviewing complaints about public bodies.

The best way to contact the Ombudsman is by:

Clicking on the 'Make A Complaint' link at www.ombudsman.ie

Or writing to: Office of the Ombudsman, 6 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, D02 W773

Or calling the Ombudsman on (01) 639 5600 if there are any queries or help is required in making the complaint.