155. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the proportion of HEA or SOLAS-funded programmes that incorporate sustainability, green approaches or green skills in their delivery; the way in which this is being tracked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50084/26]

My Department recognises that skills are a cornerstone of delivering a successful green transition and of ensuring that Ireland meets its climate and energy security objectives. In this context, green skills have been placed at the centre of policy development. This includes priority areas such as near zero energy buildings and retrofit, e-mobility, sustainability, renewable energy and offshore wind.

To provide a strategic focus to this space, SOLAS launched Green Skills 2030: The First National Further Education & Training (FET) Strategy for the Green Transition. This outlines how the FET sector can ensure that the challenges and skills needs associated with the green transition are met. An Implementation Plan translating the strategy’s recommendations into 24 strategic and 71 sectoral actions was launched in September 2025. This sets out a clear roadmap for action and aims to integrate green and transversal skills across all FET offerings and expand programme design and delivery.

Progress under the Strategy and Implementation Plan is monitored through a structured quarterly reporting process involving SOLAS and the ETBs. This reporting measures performance against key indicators and is fed back to my Department through the Green Skills Oversight Committee. In addition, SOLAS is developing a centralised data platform, scheduled for rollout in Q4 2026, to systematically capture quantitative data on green skills provision, including course delivery, learner enrolments and completions. This will support continued alignment with the objectives set out in Green Skills 2030.

Springboard+ plays a key role in addressing priority skills gaps through targeted, evidence-based course provision that complements the core State-funded education and training system. It offers free, 50% and 90% funded higher education opportunities to support upskilling and reskilling in areas of identified skills need.

Springboard+2026 was launched in March 2026. Of the 244 courses to be delivered under the initiative for the 2026/27 academic year, 27 courses relate to green skills and green skills-related areas, offering 624 places. This includes 4 micro-credentials offering 69 places.

The 2026 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy was launched in May 2026. 179 micro-credentials have been made available, subsidised at 80%. Of these, courses, 24 courses are in green skills and green skills-related areas, offering 466 places.

Springboard+ and Micro-Credentials Learner Fee Subsidy courses are open to people based on either being: Employed, a Returner or Unemployed, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

The provision is tracked by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department. Information is submitted by providers to the HEA as part of the programme approval and funding processes. This supports centralised oversight and ensures that public investment aligns with national policy priorities and identified skills needs.