• 16 October 2026
  • Education, Further Education and Training, News
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City of Dublin ETB Welcomes Major Investment in Tuiscint Lifelong Learning Award

City of Dublin Education and Training Board (ETB) has welcomed the announcement in Budget 2027 of a €400,000 investment from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to support the Tuiscint Lifelong Learning Award.

Launched by City of Dublin ETB Educational Service to Prisons in 2025, Tuiscint is a personal development programme designed for adults. The programme focuses on building resilience, developing life skills, promoting wellbeing, and community participation. Written by Head Teacher at City of Dublin ETB's Educational Service to Prisons Dr Eoin Flood, the programme was supported and implemented by ETB colleagues around the country.

Tuiscint was developed in partnership with key stakeholders including Age Action, City of Dublin ETB, Gaisce, and the Irish Prison Service. Designed to complement existing initiatives such as the Gaisce Award, which primarily serves younger participants, Tuiscint provides a tailored pathway for adults to engage in personal development, lifelong learning and community participation.

The programme aims to create structured opportunities for participants to enhance their skills, improve their mental and physical wellbeing, and become active, contributing members of their communities.

Tuiscint award

Key areas of the programme include:

  • Personal Development - building life skills, self-esteem and resilience.
  • Lifelong Learning - encouraging continued education and tailored learning experiences.
  • Wellbeing - supporting mental, emotional and physical health.
  • Community Engagement - participation in community projects.

The Budget 2027 allocation marks a significant milestone in the continued development of the programme and will support its growth and reach in the years ahead.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Marion Harkin has been a strong champion of the Tuiscint Personal Development Programme since its inception. Her continued support for the initiative has helped highlight the value of lifelong learning and personal development opportunities for all adults across Ireland.

Most recently, Minister Harkin visited the City of Dublin ETB Educational Service to Prisons centre in Arbour Hill Prison, where she presented bronze and silver Tuiscint medals to students who successfully completed this personal development programme.

Dr Christy Duffy, Chief Executive of City of Dublin ETB, said:

"We are delighted by this investment in the Tuiscint Lifelong Learning Award, which recognises the transformative power of education and personal development at every stage of life. Since its launch in 2025, Tuiscint has provided adult learners with opportunities to build confidence, develop new skills, improve wellbeing and strengthen their connection to their communities.

Tuiscint demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared purpose. Through City of Dublin’s ETB partnership with Age Action, and the Irish Prison Service, we have created a pathway that empowers learners to realise their potential and make meaningful contributions to society."

Main image caption:

Pictured at the launch of the Tuiscint programme and first graduation ceremony in May 2025 from left to right: Head Teacher City of Dublin ETB Educational Service To Prisons, Dr Eoin Flood; Organiser of City of Dublin ETB Educational Service to Prisons Maria Ward; Head Teacher Training Unit Prison Education Centre, Educational Service to Prisons Anna Boyle; Chief Executive City of Dublin ETB Dr Christy Duffy.