Written Answers Nos. 537-556
537. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will intervene in the case of a Ukrainian refugee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49720/22]
View answerSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 51,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 40,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted.
The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. Given arrival numbers, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to remain a challenge. Numbers seeking international protection have also increased adding to accommodation capacity issues.
The accommodation provided to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine by my Department is temporary in its nature, and given the number of people that are being accommodated it is not possible to develop tailored solutions for individuals or families. We understand and sympathise that people may wish to be accommodated in specific locations for a variety of reasons, but we cannot facilitate these requests given the number of people wishing to be accommodated by this Department.
Beneficiaries of temporary protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, and can avail of some supports to do so. To date, 4,398 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection have been placed in 1,718 properties and this number continues to increase weekly. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation should contact their local authority.
The Government is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine, and huge efforts are being made to source facilities that will provide those arriving in Ireland with safety and shelter.
More information on supports available to Ukrainian people while they are in Ireland and information on how people and community groups can help can be found at the Government website: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/bc537-irelands-response-to-the-situation-in-ukraine/.
538. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will intervene in the case of a Ukrainian refugee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49728/22]
View answerSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 51,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 40,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted.
The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. Given arrival numbers, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to remain a challenge. Numbers seeking international protection have also increased adding to accommodation capacity issues.
The accommodation provided to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine by my Department is temporary in its nature, and given the number of people that are being accommodated it is not possible to develop tailored solutions for individuals or families. We understand and sympathise that people may wish to be accommodated in specific locations for a variety of reasons, but we cannot facilitate these requests given the number of people wishing to be accommodated by this Department.
Beneficiaries of temporary protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, and can avail of some supports to do so. To date, 4,398 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection have been placed in 1,718 properties and this number continues to increase weekly. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in a given area should contact the local authority in that area for assistance.
The Government is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine, and huge efforts are being made to source facilities that will provide those arriving in Ireland with safety and shelter.
More information on supports available to Ukrainian people while they are in Ireland and information on how people and community groups can help can be found at the Government website: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/bc537-irelands-response-to-the-situation-in-ukraine/.
539. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding a timeline for decisions to issues on applications to his Department for funding programmes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49767/22]
View answerOfficials in my Department are currently reviewing applications for both Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund; and the Integration and Employment of Migrants funding. These applications require detailed review and assessment in line with the available budget. Officials in my Department are currently engaged in this process with a view to providing the outcome to applicants in the coming weeks.
540. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will establish a DNA database for families and survivors of mother and baby homes to enable extended family to identify relatives; when such a database could be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49771/22]
View answerThe Institutional Burials Act 2022, which came into effect on 15 July last, provides the underlying legislative basis for an intervention, whereby the remains of those who died in residential institutions in respect of which a public body has or had a relevant role, and who were buried in a manifestly inappropriate manner, may be recovered and re-interred in a respectful and appropriate way. It also provides for the identification of remains and their return to family members, where possible.
The Act allows the Government, by Order, to direct an intervention at a particular site where the criteria for manifestly inappropriate burials are met and to approve the appointment of a Director of Authorised Intervention to oversee and manage a phased, step-by-step approach to the excavation, recovery, analysis, identification (if possible) and re-interment of the remains.
On 4 October the Government made an order to establish an independent Office to lead an intervention at the site of the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam, Co. Galway, under the Institutional Burials Act 2022. The making of the Order follows on from Resolutions in the Dáil and Seanad last month approving the draft Order that was agreed by Government in July.
In line with the Government Order, the functions of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam will include carrying out a DNA Identification Programme, which involves taking DNA samples from eligible family members and human remains buried at a site and analysis of those samples by Forensic Science Ireland. The purpose of the analysis is to compare DNA profiles to establish if there is a familial link between people who believe they have family members buried at the site and the human remains that are recovered.
The Act defines an eligible family member as a person who has reasonable grounds to believe that he/she is a child, parent, sibling, half-sibling, grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew (whether of the whole blood or the half-blood), grandniece or grandnephew of the person who is buried at an intervention site.
The Act provides that Forensic Science Ireland can establish the Databases that will allow for DNA profile comparison following receipt of a notification from the Director that an Identification Programme is continuing. A decision to continue with an Identification Programme is taken by a Director where he or she is satisfied that there are family members of deceased persons still alive who may wish to participate in the Programme and where Forensic Science Ireland has determined that the quality of samples tested are sufficient to enable DNA profile comparison.
I intend to appoint a Director to head up the Office as soon as possible. My officials have been liaising with the Public Appointments Service on the recruitment process for the post and it is expected that once the post is advertised, the appointment of the Director will take a number of weeks. When appointed, the Director will make arrangements for a public information campaign to promote awareness of the Identification Programme, including how family members can notify the Director of his or her interest in participating in the Programme, in line with the provisions of the Act.
The abhorrent situation discovered in Tuam is, so far, unique. However, the legislation is not site specific and allows for interventions, including identification programmes, should manifestly inappropriate burials be discovered elsewhere.
541. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he recognises the outstanding contribution that foster carers make to Irish society; his plans, if any, to increase the rate paid for the fostering allowance, which has not been increased since 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49800/22]
View answerFoster care is the preferred option in Ireland for children who cannot live with their parents or guardians. Approximately 89% of children in care are currently being cared for by foster carers, enabling them to live in a safe, secure, and stable home environment. I fully recognise the contribution made by foster carers, in caring for some of the State's most vulnerable children.
Foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. It is paid in respect of the child and provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sports activities. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.
Myself and the CEO of Tusla met in the aftermath of the budget, and discussed the issues of supports to foster carers.
Following this engagement it has been agreed that a single additional once-off cost of living payment in respect of each child in foster care is to be paid as soon as practicable. The payment is to be made at the current foster care allowance rate of €325 for a child under 12 and €352 for a child over 12 and under 18, and is intended to assist in alleviating the financial pressures foster carers are currently facing.
It is the intention of Tusla and my Department that the payment should issue before the end of 2022, to all applicable cohorts of foster carers, including foster carers working with private providers.
I will continue to work with Tusla in the coming months to improve the supports available to foster carers. I will also pursue an increase in the current rate of the foster care allowance in future budgets.
542. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will increase the fostering allowance given that it has not changed since 2005; if an extra allowance can be given by Tusla for the fostering of children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49805/22]
View answerFoster care is the preferred option in Ireland for children who cannot live with their parents or guardians. Approximately 89% of children in care are currently being cared for by foster carers, enabling them to live in a safe, secure, and stable home environment.
Foster carers are paid a weekly allowance, which is a payment to meet the needs of the child in their care. The foster care allowance is currently €325 per week for a child under 12 years of age and €352 per week for a child aged 12 years and over. It is paid in respect of the child and provided in order to allow foster carers to meet all of the child's daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education costs and hobbies and sports activities. The allowance is not considered as means for social welfare purposes, and is not subject to tax.
In addition an enhanced allowance rate may be paid in respect of children aged between 0 -18 years if they require significant care over and above the needs of other children in foster care. This includes children who have been diagnosed with significant special needs and require a high level of personal care and supervision. The purpose of considering an enhanced allowance in these cases is to support foster carers in providing care to these children who have additional needs. A maximum of twice the weekly allowance may be paid to eligible foster carers in such circumstances.
Myself and the CEO of Tusla met in the aftermath of the budget, and discussed the issues of supports to foster carers.
Following this engagement it has been agreed that a single additional once-off cost of living payment in respect of each child in foster care is to be paid before the end of 2022. The payment is to be made at the current foster care allowance rate of €325 for a child under 12 and €352 for a child over 12, and is intended to assist in alleviating the financial pressures foster carers are currently facing.
It is the intention of Tusla and my Department that the payment should issue before the end of 2022, to all applicable cohorts of foster carers, including foster carers working with private providers.
I will continue to work with Tusla in the coming months to improve the supports available to foster carers. I will also pursue an increase in the current rate of the foster care allowance in future budgets.
543. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of all section 56 funded organisations in 2021 and 2022, respectively, in tabular form; the amount of funding awarded to each; the way that the funding allocation for each makes provision for pay, terms and conditions of the staff employed in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49934/22]
View answerThe commissioning of services under Section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 is an operational matter for Tusla. I have referred the question to Tusla for direct response to the Deputy.
In the meantime, the Deputy may wish to note that the Tusla Annual Financial Statements include a statement of funding to organisations commissioned to deliver services under Section 56 -59 of the Child and Family Agency Act. The appendices to the Annual Report 2021 provide certain details of payments to individual organisations in 2021. Note: some organisations receive funding through more than one scheme operated by Tusla: www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Tusla_Annual_Report_and_Financial_Statements_2021.pdf.
544. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the role that his Department has in the provision of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees; the guidelines his Department is operating from in terms of the standards of accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50021/22]
View answerSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 51,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 40,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted.
Officials in my Department set out a range of contractual requirements to accommodation providers including the explicit requirement that the accommodation provided must be of a high standard. Specific requirements vary by type of accommodation setting (such as hotel, self-catering or repurposed accommodation). Contractors must comply with fire safety standards.
My Department endeavours to ensure that health and safety requirements are met and that adequate arrangements are in place with respect to essential requirements such as catering, as applicable, and laundry.
My Department responds to complaints that may arise in a timely manner via independent inspection and subsequent contract enforcement as required.
545. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that he is taking to ensure that Ukrainians enrolled in third-level courses are provided accommodation within a reasonable commuting distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50046/22]
View answerSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 51,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 40,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted.
The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. Given arrival numbers, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to remain a challenge. Numbers seeking international protection have also increased adding to accommodation capacity issues.
The accommodation provided to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine by my Department is temporary in its nature, and given the number of people that are being accommodated it is not possible to develop tailored solutions for individuals or families. We understand and sympathise that people may wish to be accommodated in specific locations for a variety of reasons, including access to places of third-level study, but we cannot facilitate these requests given the number of people wishing to be accommodated by this Department.
Beneficiaries of temporary protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, and can avail of some supports to do so. To date, 4398 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection have been placed in 1,718 properties and this number continues to increase weekly. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in a given area can contact the local authority in that area for assistance.
The Government is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine, and huge efforts are being made to source facilities that will provide those arriving in Ireland with safety and shelter.
More information on supports available to Ukrainian people while they are in Ireland and information on how people and community groups can help can be found at the Government website: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/bc537-irelands-response-to-the-situation-in-ukraine/.
546. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a response will issue to a request from a Ukrainian family (detailed supplied) that wish to return to Limerick have spent time here after their arrival. [50179/22]
View answerSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 51,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 40,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted.
The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. Given arrival numbers, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to remain a challenge. Numbers seeking international protection have also increased adding to accommodation capacity issues.
The accommodation provided to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine by my Department is temporary in its nature, and given the number of people that are being accommodated it is not possible to develop tailored solutions for individuals or families. We understand and sympathise that people may wish to be accommodated in specific locations for a variety of reasons, but we cannot facilitate these requests given the number of people wishing to be accommodated by this Department.
Beneficiaries of temporary protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, and can avail of some supports to do so. To date, 4398 Beneficiaries have been placed in 1,718 properties and this number continues to increase weekly. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in a given area should contact the local authority in that area for assistance.
The Government is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine, and huge efforts are being made to source facilities that will provide those arriving in Ireland with safety and shelter.
More information on supports available to Ukrainian people while they are in Ireland and information on how people and community groups can help can be found at the Government website: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/bc537-irelands-response-to-the-situation-in-ukraine/.
547. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to educational psychology now being the only professional psychology training programme that is not in receipt of funding; if he will ensure that there is an extension of funding to include educational psychology (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50261/22]
View answerThis is a matter more appropriate for my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Education.
548. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that nine locations in Dublin, Louth, Bray, Limerick city and Cork were selected as pilots for the ABC programme administered by Tusla; the number that were offered a place in each location from 26 April 2021 to 26 April 2022; the uptake in each location; the year that these locations were chosen; the plans, if any, to expand the programme locations; the plans, if any, to put the programme online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50277/22]
View answerThe Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme is an area-based prevention and early intervention initiative delivered in twelve areas of significant socio-economic disadvantage across the country (locations below). It involves partnership with families, practitioners, communities and national stakeholders to deliver better outcomes for children and families living in areas where poverty is most deeply entrenched.
The ABC Programme was funded jointly by Atlantic Philanthropies and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs between 2013 and 2018. Nine new sites came on board over the period 2014/2015 following extensive evaluations across the three initial programmes in Darndale, Ballymun and Tallaght. The nine new areas were selected based on the levels of deprivation within their defined catchment areas, as well as evidence of inter-agency collaboration and implementation readiness.
Since 2018, my Department has funded the ABC Programme as part of Tulsa’s Prevention, Partnership and Family Support Service. In addition to the ABC Programme, Tusla funds a wide variety of family and parenting support services in all parts of the country.
Currently, my Department is supporting Tusla to scale up proven prevention and early intervention models from the ABC Programme including the Preparing for Life home visiting programme, Early Talkboost language programme and muti-disciplinary Infant Mental Health Networks.
Over the past number of years, all ABC areas had to adapt their service delivery model to ensure continuity of support to the children and families they work with. Many of the parenting programmes were delivered online and home visits, where possible, took place in outdoor settings ensuring public health guidelines were adhered to. Most of the ABC work has now returned to in-person delivery, but some services may maintain a hybrid model of delivery, where this is deemed to best the needs of parents and families.
In the six months from Jan to June 2022, the 12 ABC sites engaged 10,127 parents and 27,274 children in various interventions and 4,474 professionals in training and capacity building work. Tusla has advised that the statistics requested for April 2021 to December 2021 are currently unavailable.
ABC Locations
|
NAME |
LEAD AGENT |
GEOGRAPHIC AREA |
WEBSITE |
|
Family Matters |
Ballyfermot Partnership |
Ballyfermot, Dublin |
www.bcpartnership.ie/ |
|
Youngballymun |
Young Ballymun |
Ballymun, Dublin |
youngballymun.org/ |
|
Grangegorman ABC Programme |
Technological University, Dublin |
Grangegorman, Dublin |
www.dit.ie/ace/grangegormanabcprogramme/ |
|
Supporting Parents and Early Childhood Services (SPECS) |
Bray Area Partnership |
Bray, Wicklow |
www.specsbray.com/ |
|
Blue Skies Initiative |
Archways |
Clondalkin, Dublin |
blueskiesinitiative.ie/ |
|
Early Learning initiative |
National College of Ireland |
Dublin Docklands and East Inner City |
www.ncirl.ie |
|
ABC Start Right |
Paul Partnership |
Limerick |
www.paulpartnership.ie/abc-start-right/ |
|
Childhood Development Initiative |
CDI Tallaght |
Tallaght, Dublin |
www.cdi.ie/ |
|
Let’s Grow Together! Infant and Childhood Partnership |
Let’s Grow Together! Infant & Childhood Partnership |
North West Cork City |
www.letsgrowtogether.ie |
|
Preparing for Life |
Northside Partnership |
Dublin 5 and Dublin 17 |
www.preparingforlife.ie/ |
|
Better Finglas |
Barnardo’s |
Finglas, Dublin |
betterfinglas.org/ |
|
The Genesis Programme |
Louth Leader Partnership |
Louth |
louthleaderpartnership.ie/service/genesis-programme/ |
549. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breastmilk in workplaces within his Department and the workplaces of public bodies, and agencies, under his remit, including a list of said buildings which do and do not have these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50335/22]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that my Department operates from two building locations:
1. Block 1 Miesian Plaza, 50 – 58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin. D02 XW14. (Floors 2 and 3) and
2. Montague Court, 7 – 11 Montague Street, Dublin. D02 FT96. (Floors 2 and 3).
My Department also runs a Ukrainian Refugee Transit Centre in Citywest, Garter Lane, Saggart, Co. Dublin, D24 KF8A.
The Miesian Plaza building and the Montague Court building have dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk. The Citywest Ukrainian Refugee Transit Centre also has a dedicated space for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk.
In respect of bodies under the aegis of my Department, I can advise the Deputy as follows:
|
Body |
Location |
|
Child and Family Agency (Tusla) |
Tusla will reply directly to the Deputy |
|
Adoption Authority of Ireland (AAI) |
The AAI will reply directly to the Deputy. |
|
Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) |
The OCO will reply directly to the Deputy |
|
Children Detention School (Oberstown) |
Oberstown will reply directly to the Deputy. |
|
Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) |
The IHREC will reply directly to the Deputy |
|
National Disability Authority (NDA) |
The NDA will reply directly to the Deputy |
|
An Gaisce |
An Gaisce will reply directly to the Deputy |
550. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is a policy regarding the appropriate use of domestic flights in his Department and bodies under the aegis of the Department. [50120/22]
View answerThe Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science applies best value practices when sourcing travel arrangements, either domestic or international. The usage of domestic flights is exceedingly rare. We do not believe the requirement for a specific Department policy exists at the present time. Should that situation alter, the Department would of course review the matter and take any appropriate steps that may be necessary.
Attached are the contact details for the non-commercial aegis bodies of this Department, who can be directly contacted regarding their policy on the appropriate use of domestic flights.
551. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports that are available to apprentices facing economic hardship; and if there are plans to raise the apprentice rates of pay. [49460/22]
View answer557. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the Government intends to introduce a minimum wage for the apprenticeship sector in line with national minimum wage guidelines given that some first-year apprentices can earn on average only €7 per hour or approximately €274 for a full working week (details supplied); the measures that are being taken to alleviate these income irregularities in the apprenticeship sector compared with the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49607/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 551 and 557 together.
Apprentices are primarily employees and all of the 66 available apprenticeships are undertaken under a contract of employment. For the majority of apprenticeships, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer with the employer paying the apprentice during both on-the-job and off-the-job training elements of the apprenticeship.
For the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes, the minimum rates of pay applying under the employment contract are either agreed within the relevant sector, or are set out in legally binding Sectoral Employment Orders recommended by the Labour Court. These minimum rates vary between occupations and sectors but in all cases craft apprenticeship rates are expressed as a proportion of the qualified rate, increasing yearly from 33% of the qualified rate in year one to 90% in year four.
Periods of off-the-job training are funded from the National Training Fund with payments of the agreed rate made directly to craft apprentices by the education and training boards during this time.
Training allowances for apprentices are calculated with reference to gross-wage norms payable in industry for the different trade sectors. The actual allowance received will generally be less as it is based on the net take home pay calculated based on the gross wage norm. The gross-wage norm is per week and the norm to be used will be determined by the industry in which the employer is engaged.
On that basis any review of those rates currently payable is a matter for negotiation and agreement under the appropriate industrial relations structures in place and it would not be appropriate for me to be involved in the determination of apprenticeship pay or training rates.
While attending off-the-job training, craft apprentices are paid a training allowance appropriate to their training phase. In addition to training allowances, craft apprentices attending phases of off-the-job training in an Education and Training Board (ETB) training centre, Institute of Technology, or a Technological University are entitled to make an application for either travel or accommodation allowances for the duration of the period of off-the-job training.
As part of Budget 2023 I announced a cost-of-living package for students, and investment in third level education for 2023. Included in this was a once-off reduction of up to 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices and additional funding for social inclusion measures in apprenticeship, such as a bursary for apprentices from under-represented groups.
As employees, apprentices who find themselves in difficulty are correspondingly entitled to access general employment supports through the social welfare system. I would also advise any apprentice to discuss the matter with their Authorised Officer who may be in a position to provide guidance.
552. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline his progress to date in developing an education stream and-or awareness campaigns in third level education settings that addresses gender based violence and related matters [49500/22]
View answerTackling sexual violence and harassment has been and will continue to a particular policy priority for me and my Department. In fact, one of the very first actions I took after my appointment as Minister in 2020 was to write to all publicly funded higher education institutions outlining my commitment to tackling sexual violence and harassment in higher education and requesting that institutions take a number of actions in this area, including the development of institutional action plans on tackling sexual violence and harassment. All publicly-funded institutions now have such action plans in place.
Significant progress has been made regarding the Framework for Consent in Higher Education, since it was first launched in 2019. The Framework aims to ensure the creation of an institutional campus culture which is safe, respectful and supportive. As part of monitoring requirements moving forward, the HEA requires that institutions, in respect of both staff and students, report progress annually on implementation of the Framework for Consent.
My Department has provided support for a number of consent awareness raising and training initiatives in the HEIs, including the:
- NUIG Active Consent Programme;
- UCC Bystander Training;
- Speak Out report and support online platform; and
- The ESHTE Toolkit and It Stops Now Campaign led by the NWC in conjunction with USI.
My Department is also partnering with the Department of Justice and the NUIG Active Consent programme to support the development of an online hub that will provide, for the first time, an integrated, publicly available resource on sexual consent awareness and learning, which will be an important resource for our further and higher education institutions and the wider community.
My Department continues to work closely with the Department of Justice in this key policy area and has provided a number of actions for inclusion in the Third Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Strategy which my colleague Minister McEntee published in June.
I fully support the core principle underpinning the new strategy that we must take a zero tolerance approach. Everyone is entitled to a safe environment to study and work free from violence and harassment, and that informs the policy approaches and interventions that have been adopted across the sector.
The Deputy will be aware that I launched the reports on the National Surveys of Student and Staff Experiences of Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment in Higher Education back in January. A total of 11,417 responses were analysed (7,901 students and 3,516 staff) and inform the findings. My officials have been working in recent months with the HEA and key stakeholders to review the recommendations contained in these reports and I intend to make a further announcement on the plans to implement these recommendations shortly.
The creation of an institutional campus culture in each of our higher education institutions which is safe, respectful and supportive, is a key priority for me. I will continue to lead the way on institutional change, championing the changes required to achieve a cultural norm where bullying and sexual harassment are not tolerated.
553. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students from the North will be eligible for the €1,000 fee reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49522/22]
View answerUnder my Department’s Free Fees schemes the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible Irish/EU/EEA/Swiss and UK undergraduate higher education students who are pursuing an approved course of study at an approved higher education institution. All students eligible for the free fees schemes receive state support whereby the State pays the cost of tuition fees exclusive of the student contribution (currently €3,000 per annum).
As part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 State financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes. The reduction will only apply where students are attending approved undergraduate free fees courses and where the student is eligible for free fees.
In terms of students attending courses in Northern Ireland, courses provided in Northern Ireland are not approved courses under the Free Fees schemes and therefore the once off student contribution support of €1,000 in 22/23 cannot apply to students undertaking study in Northern Ireland.
The main support available to assist students with the cost of higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. The Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance to students pursuing an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. Students attending courses in Northern Ireland can determine their eligibility for available supports at susi.ie/eligibility/income/.
554. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if post-graduate students on special rate SUSI will be eligible for the €1,000 fee reduction in fees if their fees exceed the €6,270 fee limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49523/22]
View answerI was pleased to announce as part of Cost of Living measures in Budget 2023 a once off increase in the Post Graduate fee grant by €1,000 from €3,500 to €4,500. Postgraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria for a Postgraduate Fee Contribution will benefit from this measure. Postgraduate students who receive the Special Rate of grant will not receive this as they have their tuition fee contribution paid up to €6,270. Those students already receive the maximum support available to postgraduates and the €1,000 once-off increase is targeted at students who receive a lower level of support.
Postgraduate students on the Special Rate of Maintenance Grant will receive a once-off extra maintenance payment equivalent to one month’s maintenance, to be made by this December. The special rate of grant will also increase effective from January 2023.
I also announced a further investment of €8 million in the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year. This will help many students who continue to struggle financially.
555. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students undertaking a further education and training course (details supplied) at NFQ level 8 will benefit from the €1,000 fee reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49525/22]
View answerMy officials are making enquiries in relation to this matter and a response will issue to the Deputy once these enquiries are complete.
556. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to extend the reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution announced in budget 2023 to all postgraduate students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49604/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2023 I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students.
As part of the cost of living measures in Budget 2023, postgraduate Students who meet the eligibility criteria for a Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant will receive a once-off increase of €1,000 in the grant, which is increasing from €3,500 to €4,500 and is due to be paid by the end of 2022. This measure excludes postgraduate students who receive the Special Rate of grant as they have their tuition fee contribution paid up to €6,270. For these postgraduate students, they will receive the once-off extra maintenance payment for all student maintenance grant recipients, also to be paid by the end of 2022. Full time PhD student funded through an award by IRC or SFI will receive a once off increase in their stipend of €500.
Students can determine their eligibility for the Grant at susi.ie/eligibility/income/. This provides grant assistance to students pursuing an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
For postgraduate students experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.
Overall, the cost of living package, to take effect before the end of 2022, will include:
- A once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative;
- A once-off reduction of up to 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices;
- A once-off extra payment for all student maintenance grant recipients;
- A once-off increase of €1,000 in the support to SUSI qualified Post Graduate students, increasing from €3,500 to €4,500; and
- A further €8 million investment in the Student Assistance Fund for the 2022/23 academic year.
The state financial support of €1,000 in the student contribution relates to my Department’s Free Fees schemes where the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible Irish and EU undergraduate higher education students who are pursuing an approved course of study at an approved higher education institution. All students eligible for the free fees schemes receive state support whereby the State pays the cost of tuition fees exclusive of the student contribution (currently €3,000 per annum).
Students attending postgraduate courses are not eligible for the free fees schemes and pay tuition fees as determined by the institution attended. Therefore the once off student contribution reduction of €1,000 in 22/23 cannot apply to students undertaking a course of postgraduate study. Higher Education Institutions are autonomous institutions and therefore it is a matter for individual institutions to determine the rate of tuition fees for postgraduate academic programmes.
