1512. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the suspension of the Diploma in Apiculture programme at the University of Galway; whether any engagement has taken place between his Department and the university regarding the future provision of apiculture education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65477/26]

Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies with responsibility for determining the academic programmes they offer. Under the legislation governing the higher education sector, institutions are responsible for decisions concerning the development, modification, suspension or discontinuation of programmes. Neither I nor my Department has any role in, or oversight of, such decisions.

Institutions regularly review and adapt their programme offerings in response to a range of factors, including learner demand, available resources, identified skills needs and academic priorities.

In preparing this response, officials in my Department engaged with the University of Galway, which confirmed that there was no intake of students to the Diploma in Apiculture for the 2026/27 academic year. The University is reviewing the programme’s resourcing model with a view to ensuring its sustainable delivery and has advised that no decision has been taken on its long-term future.

The University further advised that, having reviewed its current resources, it has prioritised the allocation of staff to the delivery of a new full-time Bachelor of Science in Zoology, which commenced in the 2026/27 academic year in response to learner demand. A number of the academic staff who previously contributed to the Diploma in Apiculture, including researchers specialising in bee health and sustainable beekeeping, will also contribute to the new Zoology programme.