SETU set to receive funding of €1 million for SETU's defense force education pathways
It has been hailed as a win for regional education and public service reform by Carlow/Kilkenny TD
Carlow-Kilkenny Local TD and Fianna Fáil Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor has warmly welcomed today’s announcement by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, T.D., of €5 million in performance funding for higher education institutions, including €1 million for the South-East Technological University (SETU) to expand its pioneering education pathways for members of the Defence Forces.
The funding, awarded under the Higher Education Authority’s (HEA) Performance Funding Framework 2024, recognises SETU’s collaboration with the Defence Forces to develop tailored education programmes that address skills gaps, support public service reform, and provide enlisted personnel with access to higher education opportunities previously out of reach.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“This is a transformative investment in the lives of Defence Forces members and a testament to SETU’s leadership in creating inclusive education pathways. For too long, serving personnel faced barriers to upskilling due to the demands of their service. This initiative ensures they can balance duty with personal development, enhancing both their careers and Ireland’s public sector capabilities.”
She added: “As a Carlow-Kilkenny TD, I’m particularly proud to see SETU—a cornerstone of the southeast’s education landscape—recognised nationally for its innovation. This funding will further solidify the region’s reputation for delivering solutions to national challenges, from skills shortages to social mobility.”
Key Details of SETU’s Award:
- Partnership: SETU and the Defence Forces co-designed programmes to align military training with accredited higher education qualifications.
- Impact: Addresses retention challenges by offering career progression opportunities through flexible, blended learning.
- Regional Benefit: Strengthens SETU’s Carlow and Waterford campuses as hubs for public service education.
Background:
The €5 million fund rewards institutions for excellence in addressing national priorities, such as gender equality, digital safety, and socioeconomic inclusion. SETU’s case study highlighted its unique Defence Forces partnership, while other recipients included DCU’s Anti-Bullying Centre and TU Dublin’s computing diversity initiatives.
Minister Murnane O’Connor concluded:
“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking policy that Fianna Fáil in government is proud to support. I commend Minister Lawless and the HEA for prioritising projects with real societal impact, and I look forward to seeing SETU’s programmes empower more Defence Forces members in the years ahead.”