President Catherine Connolly has commended South East Technological University (SETU) for an initiative which has made higher education more accessible to family carers across the country.
The Higher Education Authority funded project in partnership with Family Carers Ireland has seen over 790 family carers complete a range of accredited programmes at SETU free of charge over the past three years.
Those behind the project have said that it is the first of its kind in which a higher education institution has delivered university courses directly to family carers.
They have also said that the initiative forms a blueprint for the increased support needed for family carers in Irish society, and it highlights "not only the ability of carers to engage in higher education, but how they enrich the learning landscape through their lived experience".
President Connolly will join family carers and community partners for the launch of the project report in Carlow town today.
Speaking about the initiative, she said, "This project shines a welcome spotlight on the vital, yet all-too-often unseen contribution that family carers across our country perform.
"Theirs is an extraordinary service, providing compassion, care and stability to loved ones without recognition or reward.
"I would also like to commend SETU on this important initiative, which highlights the support needs of carers, celebrates their remarkable commitment and dedication, and promotes a greater awareness of their invaluable work," President Connolly added.
The report shows that 791 family carers have completed 43 different accredited programmes between 2022 and 2025.
The original target set by the Higher Education Authority was for 490 carers to have taken part in the €1 million project.
Participants engaged in a range of Level 6 to Level 8 courses on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
These programmes spanned disciplines in communications, health and wellbeing, disability studies, advocacy, leadership, equality, and management.
Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, who will officially launch the report today, said the project reflects the technological university's "ongoing work to remove barriers to education for learners who face great challenges".
"We understand the immense contribution that carers make to our society and today we celebrate you.
"Your knowledge and experience are profoundly valuable, not only to those you care for, but to the wider community," she said.
"The report demonstrates a national model for inclusive, lifelong learning adapted to the realities of caregiving," she added.
Project Coordinator Nicola McEntee said, "Today is a wonderful celebration of the impact of higher education that is flexible, inclusive, and designed in partnership with those most in need.
"It has been an enormous privilege to work on this project alongside our partners at Family Carers Ireland and the Higher Education Authority. The work and support provided by family carers is invaluable to our society," she added.
According to Family Carers Ireland, there are 500,000 family carers across the country, who provide 19 million hours of unpaid care every week.
