1509. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether his Department has assessed the impact of funding pressures within the higher education sector on the viability of specialist or niche programmes, particularly those relating to biodiversity, environmental sustainability and rural skills development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65480/26]

1511. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding mechanisms that exist or are planned to support specialist educational programmes which contribute to national biodiversity, pollinator protection and environmental sustainability objectives, including programmes in apiculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65478/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1509 and 1511 together.

The allocation of higher education funding is administered by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) using the Recurrent Grant Allocation Model (RGAM) for distribution of core funding across the sector. Amounts for each higher education institution (HEI) are then further allocated to different departments and projects, depending on the internal organisational priorities identified by each HEI.

My Department does not keep records of specialist or niche programmes that operate across the higher education sector. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous bodies responsible for their own academic affairs, including the development of relevant curriculum and course provision. It is a matter for each HEI to determine the appropriate course provision from year to year. This is generally determined by demand, identified skills shortages, and engagement with relevant sectorial and employer organisations.

From time to time, a national funding call is undertaken by the HEA for provision of courses relating to national skills requirements. A number of calls have issued in recent years to address key skills shortages in healthcare and veterinary science. Under the national funding calls, higher education institutions can submit proposals to address these skills needs. Applications are then assessed with successful proposals receiving approval and targeted funding to increase provision. There are no immediate plans to issue a national funding call for the specialist or niche programmes that the Deputy has identified.

My Department will continue to work with the National Skills Council, Ministerial colleagues, and relevant employers' organisations to identify skills shortages in the economy. Where such shortages are identified, I will seek funding through the annual Estimates process and work with employers and higher and further education providers to determine the most appropriate measures to address them.