Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
89. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is ensuring that the National Maritime College of Ireland has the required level of funding to continue providing the essential training in green technology and skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45697/23]
View answerI was down at the National Maritime College of Ireland, NMCI, which is a fantastic facility. If we are looking to create jobs for the future and the green agenda, the NMCI has so much potential. It is already delivering a great deal but it needs investment. It has always been ahead of the game compared to other colleges around Europe but we must ensure that it has investment. The amount of investment needed is not massive but some increase is necessary to ensure the college can remain ahead of the game.
The National Maritime College of Ireland comprises part of Munster Technological University, which is an autonomous body. The application of funding to specific programmes or for particular purposes provided by the HEA is a matter for the technological university. The Deputy may wish to note that core funding allocated to the higher education sector increased in 2023 and, following last week's budget day announcements, is set to increase further by €60 million in 2024.
The NMCI, through the delivery of courses in areas including marine safety training and marine engineering, plays a crucial role in delivering the green skills required to meet the Government’s ambitious climate targets, particularly the skills required for offshore renewable energy. I join the Deputy in expressing positive and kind words about its work. The college is a key member of the expert advisory group convened by my Department to support the provision of the skills required for offshore wind delivery. Against this backdrop, my Department is not aware of any funding issue that is impacting on the college's ability to continue to provide training in the areas referred to in the Deputy's question but I am happy to discuss the matter with her.
