€1.5m of funding has been announced to advance access and opportunity in Further and Higher Education for Care Leavers and members of the Traveller and Roma Communities.
The announcement was made by Minister for Further and Higher Education, James Lawless and comes as part of the wider Dormant Account Action Plan which provides almost €47m to 56 Government measures aimed at eliminating economic disadvantage.
The largest portion of the funding of €602,500 has been allocate to the Financial Supports for Learners on the P-TECH Digital and Business Skills (DABs) Tertiary Degree Programme.
€500,000 has been given to the Student Accommodation Bursary for Traveller and Roma Communities and Care Leavers.
And the Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme Apprenticeship will be in receipt of €360,000.
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(Release in Full)
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, James Lawless, has announced the roll-out of €1.46 million in funding to support targeted measures administered by his Department, furthering Government commitments to educational access, equity, and student success.
This funding forms part of the wider Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2026, which provides €46.97 million to 56 measures across Government to tackle economic, social, and educational disadvantage. The funding will support three targeted measures designed to reduce educational disadvantage, widen participation in apprenticeships and higher education, and strengthen pathways to skills and employment for under-represented learners from the Traveller and Roma communities and young people transitioning from the State care system.
Speaking today, Minister Lawless said: “I am really pleased to announce the funding for these critically important initiatives.
“This Dormant Accounts funding will support practical, targeted interventions that help people overcome real barriers to participation in education and training. By investing in apprenticeships, student accommodation supports, and access to industry aligned degree programmes, we are strengthening pathways to opportunity and ensuring that further and higher education works for everyone.”
The 2026 Department allocation will support the following initiatives:
- Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme
- Student Accommodation Bursary for Traveller and Roma Communities and Care Leavers
- Financial Supports for Learners on the P-TECH Digital and Business Skills (DABs) Tertiary Degree Programme.
Students benefiting from these schemes have said:
“I think this fund is an absolutely brilliant resource, and I’m so thankful it exists. It’s not just financial support — it gave me stability and peace of mind.”
“It has been a special feeling knowing that I no longer have to worry about money, especially while living alone with no additional support. The relief and happiness I felt after receiving the funds have made a significant difference in my life.”
“The funding helped cover my accommodation costs, which eased a major financial burden. Before this, I was working night shifts and full-time hours just to stay on top of rent, all while managing a heavy academic workload and completing my thesis. The support allowed me to cut back on work, focus more on my studies, and take better care of my mental and physical well-being.”
Minister Lawless added: “These initiatives reflect our commitment to equity of access and learner success, and they align closely with the objectives of the National Access Plan and our broader skills agenda. Dormant Accounts funding allows us to pilot and sustain innovative supports that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Dara Calleary and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer for including these very important initiatives in the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan for 2026.”
The Minister also acknowledged the role of community organisations, education and training providers, and employers in delivering these measures and ensuring they reach those who need them most.
