To ask the Minister of Education for an update on (i) the action contained within his TransformED Delivery Plan to implement effective strategies to attract high quality graduates to subject shortage areas; and (ii) any cost incurred as a result of this action.

In September 2025, I announced the introduction of a pilot Bursary Scheme for Initial Teacher Education to address critical teacher shortages in key post-primary subjects: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Technology and Design and Irish-medium Education.

This substantial financial support, totalling £8.2 million over five years, will fund over 130 places annually and is a key commitment within my TransformED Strategy.

As the scheme will not commence until September 2026, no costs have been incurred to date.

Eligible Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students in the selected subjects will receive a combined bursary of £17,000 per annum, comprising £1,000 per month for living costs and full coverage of tuition fees. Bachelor of Education (BEd) undergraduate students will receive a tuition fee bursary covering the full cost of fees for each of the four years of study, totalling £20,000.

This investment will support teacher recruitment in these key subjects and safeguard the future of STEM education, ensuring our young people have access to the full breadth of learning opportunities.