SETU Secures Increased Funding for Family Carers

Pictured from left to right are David Ryan, Associate VP for Sustainability, SETU; Rosemary Flynn, Director of Lifelong Learning, SETU; Sharon Foley, CEO, Family Carers Ireland; Prof. Veronica Campbell, President, SETU; Tim Conlon, Head of Policy and Strategic Planning, HEA; Leona Davey, family carer, and her son Alex; President Catherine Connolly, President of Ireland; Dr Helen Murphy, Head of Faculty Education and Lifelong Learning, SETU; Michael Kenny, family carer; Nicola McEntee, Project Coordinator, SETU; and Mr Brian McEnery, husband to President Connolly. Photo credit: Patrick Browne

Tuesday, 17th February 2026: SETU, in partnership with Family Carers Ireland (FCI), has been awarded additional funding through the Targeted Enhancement Fund (TEF) to continue its ‘Supporting Family Carers across Ireland’ project.

The family carers project forms part of a wider SETU project funded under TEF and managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), which supports a range of activities aligned with SETU’s strategic development priorities. 

Renewed funding was awarded following the successful project showcase hosted in December, which demonstrated the significant impact of the initiative on family carers. The showcase was attended by President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly.

In reference to the project, President Connolly stated, “This project shines a welcome spotlight on the vital, yet all-too-often unseen contribution that family carers across our country perform.” 

The showcase celebrated the project’s transformative effect on participants’ lives, highlighting not only the academic achievements of carers but also the community and peer networks formed through their shared experiences over the three-year period of the project.

To date, the project, originally funded by the HEA in 2022 by €1million, has made a significant impact, delivering accredited courses directly to family carers free of charge. Through the project, 791 family carers across Ireland have enrolled in programmes from NFQ levels 6 to 8 at SETU. This number exceeds original targets and is testament to the appetite for greater educational opportunities at third level. 

The additional funding will enable the project team at SETU to significantly increase the impact of the project. Over the coming year, SETU will build on work to date, and continue to open educational opportunities for family carers via a wide range of networks. The bespoke flexible nature of the courses will allow more participants to access education without financial or logistical barriers. 

“The extension of this funding recognises the exceptional achievements of family carers and the value of learning that respects both lived experience and academic excellence. We look forward to broadening participation and deepening the impact this project has on families and communities across Ireland.” Nicola McEntee, Project Coordinator at SETU.

“Family Carers Ireland are so grateful for this additional funding which allows us to continue the incredible partnership with SETU. We know how valuable returning to education can be for family carers not only from an academic viewpoint but also in providing opportunities to meet fellow carers and share their experience and wealth of knowledge whilst providing peer support to one another. Our sincere thanks to HEA for this additional funding and we look forward to working with SETU to reach many more family carers across the country.” Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland.

The ‘Supporting Family Carers Across Ireland’ initiative is a ‘first-of-its-kind’ collaboration between a higher education institution and a national carers organisation, providing free third-level education to family carers. It is a blueprint for inclusive lifelong learning and demonstrates the critical importance of supporting the educational and personal development needs of those in caring roles.

For more information, see www.familycarers.ie/carer-supports/learning-education/courses-at-setu.