Minister Lawless announces funding of almost €1.5 million to advance Access, Equity, and Opportunity in Further & Higher Education for Care Leavers and members of the Traveller and Roma communities
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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.
NOTES
Department allocation
Traveller Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme Apprenticeship Incentivisation Programme – €360,000
This funding is aimed at promoting apprenticeship uptake in the Traveller community. It supports members of the community to access and complete apprenticeships. In addition, there are also incentives available to encourage employer participation. These measures will greatly help address persistent Traveller under representation in skills-based careers.
Student Accommodation Bursary for Traveller and Roma Communities and Care Leavers – €500,000
The bursary provides targeted financial support to assist with accommodation costs for students from the Traveller and Roma communities and for care experienced students, helping to remove a significant barrier to access and retention in higher education.
Together, the outcomes and the student experience highlight the positive difference this assistance is making.
Financial Supports for Learners on the P TECH Digital and Business Skills (DABs) Tertiary Degree Programme – €602,500
This measure provides targeted financial support for learners enrolled in the P-TECH Digital and Business Skills (DABs) programme supporting the Government’s commitment to the North East Inner City (NEIC) initiative by creating opportunities for learners in communities facing socio-economic challenges.
Total: €1,462,500
Background
The Dormant Accounts Fund supports measures that promote the personal, social, and educational development of people who are economically, socially, or educationally disadvantaged, as well as supports for people with disabilities. Allocations are made through Government approved annual Action Plans.
The Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2026 provides funding for 56 measures across Government, supporting priorities including education, skills, social inclusion, youth services, disability supports, and community development. (Launched 24 Nov 2025; Minister Buttimer publishes the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2026)