Written Answers Nos. 226-253
226. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if resources are in place to provide a primary healthcare centre in Collinstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; if he will provide an update on the provision of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51515/23]
View answer227. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the status of the disposal of land to provide a primary healthcare centre in Collinstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51516/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
228. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an urgent medical appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51518/23]
View answerI fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures. While every effort is made to avoid cancellation or postponement of planned procedures, the HSE has advised that planned procedures and operations can be postponed or cancelled for a variety of reasons including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result there may be a delay in the Deputy receiving a response from the HSE.
229. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health to set out the precise terms and conditions applying to the new HSE policy on discharging elderly patients from hospitals to nursing homes; and if the elderly person’s (and their family’s) wishes will be taken into account where the transfer place may be clinically appropriate, but may not be preferable or convenient to the elderly person or their family, or if the needs of the person on a trolley will supersede all the above. [51551/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from the Department.
230. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health to set out the precise terms and conditions applying to the new HSE policy on discharging elderly patients from hospitals to nursing homes; and if the elderly person’s (and their family’s) wishes will be taken into account where the transfer place may be clinically appropriate, but may not be preferable or convenient to the elderly person or their family, or if the needs of the person on a trolley will supersede all the above. [51552/23]
View answerOn 25 October 2023 a HSE memorandum on this topic was issued by Bernard Gloster (CEO) advising each Hospital Group that “it is simply not sustainable for us to continue to care for people in acute hospital settings when their acute care has finished.”
The memo instructs hospital officials to put interim nursing home bed options in place, where necessary, for eligible patients "in anticipation of their final care plan being fulfilled". It stressed the need to work compassionately with patients and families while equally ensuring that remaining in hospital post an acute phase of care is not an appropriate arrangement to continue or a choice to be exercised.”
A Delayed Transfer of Care occurs when a patient who has been deemed clinically fit for discharge from an acute bed, but whose discharge is delayed because he or she requires some form of ongoing support or care following their discharge and the support is not immediately available. Delayed transfers of care can occur for a variety of reasons, and across all age groups. Delayed discharges can occur when patients may require rehabilitation, may have complex and behavioral needs, legal complexity issues, or are awaiting residential care or home care supports.
Discharge coordinators across all acute hospitals work tirelessly with families and patients to find the best possible solution in each case. It is very important that flow through acute hospitals, from admittance to egress from the hospital, is streamlined to support patients with the care they need as they need it.
231. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health with regard to the saxenda injection and the prescription/testing process for same, to clarify what procedural/approval procedures are in place for GPs/primary care centres with regard to test analyses/approval of the suitability of possible candidates for injection of the drug saxenda; if a consultation process with all doctors in a GPs/primary care centre is required before approval/suitability for the injection is given (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51554/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
232. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on primary healthcare nursing staff levels and numbers of patients covered, including public health nurses, in the south Kildare area, with particular emphasis on rural areas, the distances required to be covered by each PHN, and the individual PHN’s ability to attend to rural patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51555/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
The Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
233. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his views on GP services in the south Kildare area, the availability of those services generally and the length of time it is taking for those people trying to source and secure GP services in south Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51556/23]
View answerGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Currently, there are 2,533 GPs contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. As of the 1st November, there are no GMS GP vacancies in County Kildare.
For GMS patients unable to locate a GP themselves, the Health Service Executive may assign an eligible person to be included on a medical practitioner's GMS list, in accordance with the GMS contract.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and is working to ensure that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has been increased now by €211.6m. This provides for significant increases in capitation fees for participating GMS GPs, and new fees and subsidies for additional services. Improvements to GP’s maternity and paternity leave arrangements and a support for GPs in disadvantaged urban areas, have also been provided for. In addition, the enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was increased by 10%.
The recent GP Agreement 2023 announced in July, which provides for the expansions of GP care without charges to those who earn up to the median household income and to children aged 6 & 7, includes additional capacity supports to enable the expansion and retention of staffing within general practice. It includes additional supports for GP Out of Hours services also.
These measures help make general practice in Ireland a more attractive career choice for doctors and will see an increase in the number of GPs working in the State, improving access to GP services for patients throughout the country. Figures recently released by the ICGP show that 1,311 medical graduates have applied for GP training in 2024, a notable increase on last year and higher than any previous years.
The number of doctors entering GP training has been increased in recent years, with 286 new entrants for this year and 350 places for new entrants planned for next year. Annual intake to the GP training scheme has been increased by over 80% since 2015. Furthermore, the joint HSE and ICGP programme underway to bring up to 100 non-EU GPs to Ireland in 2023 will help to quickly improve access to GP services, particularly in areas with limited access. It is planned to bring to Ireland up to 250 more non-EU GPs by the end of 2024.
Lastly, my Department and the HSE have commenced a Strategic Review of General Practice. The review, with input from key stakeholders, will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice, including issues related to GP capacity, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a more sustainable general practice into the future.
234. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the matter of a young person (details supplied). [51557/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
235. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of job offers which have been withdrawn as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for Naas General Hospital, County Kildare, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts; and the WTE to which these relate. [51559/23]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
236. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of posts removed from profile as a result of memorandums (details supplied), by grade, for CHO7, in tabular form; the number of headcount posts and the WTE to which these relate; the number which were new posts; the number which were replacement posts or vacant posts; and the number which were related to absence/leave cover. [51560/23]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
237. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the proposed transfer of 68 elderly residents from units in Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin, to Bartra nursing home in Clondalkin, he will clarify the reason 68 vulnerable elderly residents in Cherry Orchard Hospital (many in receipt of palliative/end of life care or with advanced cognitive issues) have, in November last, received urgent notice they are being relocated en masse to another nursing home facility In Clondalkin by 20 November 2023, that that notice was given inconsistently or in some cases not at all, and the decision taken by the HSE without consultation with residents’ families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51561/23]
View answer238. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the HSE’s proposed moving of 68 very vulnerable residents with complex care needs from Cherry Orchard Hospital to an alternative nursing home in Clondalkin, he will clarify how the decision to transfer them was made, in the absence of consultation with either residents affected or their families; if any consideration was taken to establish whether any other, less distressing/disruptive alternative was available on the hospital campus, to minimise the stress and trauma this move would cause to these very vulnerable people, many of whom suffer from cognitive difficulties, have very complex care needs and/or are in receipt of palliative/end-of-life care. [51562/23]
View answer239. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the transfer of 68 very vulnerable elderly and frail residents from Cherry Orchard Hospital on foot of an ‘urgent evacuation’, he will clarify if he or his Department were aware that the HSE was made fully aware by HIQA of the issues surrounding the current ‘urgent evacuation’, at the end of June 2021, yet no works were commenced/undertaken in the intervening two-and-a-half years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51563/23]
View answer240. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the ‘urgent evacuation’ of 68 vulnerable residents from Cherry Orchard Hospital, he will explain in detail, giving dates, of when the agreement between the HSE and Bartra to accept transfer of the 68 residents, specifically with reference to the date of the notice of that transfer as given, inconsistently, to the affected residents and their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51564/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 237 to 240, inclusive, together.
Cherry Orchard Hospital is a designated centre for the care of older people located on the Hospital campus in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. The Centre comprises five units: Beech, Aspen, Hazel, Willow and Sycamore, housing 95 residents in total. There are 67 residents in the Willow and Sycamore Units and 118 staff.
In May 2023, a HIQA inspection identified concerns in relation to the flooring in both the Sycamore and Willow Units at Cherry Orchard Hospital. These presented a significant potential health and safety risk. A subsequent HSE review indicated that the flooring has underlying structural issues which require immediate remedial work.
The HSE has decided to close both Units and relocate the residents to Clondalkin Lodge, which is a private nursing home, on a temporary basis while the necessary structural works are completed. It is expected that the works will take a minimum of 1 year to complete. This decision was made to ensure the timely completion of the works and, ultimately, to be less intrusive and inconvenient to residents.
In consultation with HIQA, the HSE has considered several plans to address the works required that would have allowed residents to remain on-site during completion of works. However, it was agreed that to ensure health and safety of residents the units would close while the works were being carried out. This is in order to minimise disruption to residents and to comply with the HIQA requirement for a shorter timeline for the completion of works. The safety and wellbeing of residents and staff is the primary concern.
The HSE is working in consultation with residents, their families and staff while giving full consideration to health and safety concerns and regulatory compliance. There is on-going monitoring and risk assessment to ensure that there is no immediate hazard to residents.
The HSE has assured me that all residents will remain under the overall care of the HSE and that all supports that residents receive in Cherry Orchard will be provided at no additional cost to the residents transferred to Clondalkin Lodge.
As parts of the Deputy’s questions are an operational matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 237.
Question No. 239 answered with Question No. 237.
Question No. 240 answered with Question No. 237.
241. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the HSE workforce targets for 2023 across each discipline; and the progress to date on each target, in tabular form. [51568/23]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
242. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of employment offers made by the HSE that have been withdrawn as a result of the recruitment freeze; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51569/23]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible.
243. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the disciplines excluded from the HSE recruitment freeze; the number recruited in each of these disciplines to date in 2023; the total number of staff in each of these disciplines; the expected workforce targets for each of these disciplines in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51570/23]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
244. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his views on the HSE recruitment freeze across almost all disciplines; the steps he is taking to ensure that patient care is not compromised as a result of this decision; to outline the impact of this decision on workforce planning taking place in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51571/23]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible
245. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the impact of the HSE recruitment freeze on recommendations one, three, four and 12 of the Strategic Workforce Advisory Group on Home Carers and Nursing Home Healthcare Assistants, respectively, given that each of these recommendations relates to recruitment and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51572/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
246. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the impact of the HSE recruitment freeze on the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix and the 854 additional nursing posts announced in May 2023 to fully implement the framework in all acute hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51576/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware he Framework for Safe Staffing is an evidence-based approach to determine safe staffing and skill mix for nursing that is fully supported by Government and being implemented by the HSE. It is determined by patient need and demonstrates impact through the measurement of a range of outcomes.
Since 2018, two safe staffing policy documents have been published, Phase 1 focused on Adult General and Specialist Medical and Surgical Care Settings. Phase 2 focused on Adult Emergency Care Settings.
The Government has invested €31 million from 2020 to 2022 for national implementation of the Framework. In 2023 I allocated additional funding of €25 million to support implementation across all acute hospitals nationally based on the HSE’s implementation plan.
To date this year there is an additional 1398 WTE into the Nursing and midwifery workforce. This is data up to the end of September 2023. Implementation of the Framework continues.
247. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will invest in additional home care, outreach care and mental health supports for people living with epidermolysis bullosa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51586/23]
View answerAs the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
248. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to promote divestment in the gambling industry by third-level institutions; and, in particular, his views on the practice of organisations in the sector sponsoring academic programmes and sports events. [51192/23]
View answerGambling behaviours of young people are of concern, particularly regarding the negative impacts that are associated with gambling addiction. It is important to note that supports are available to students who are struggling with gambling and gambling addiction, for example spunout.ie.
My Department is not aware of any sports events in Higher Education Institutions being sponsored by the gambling industry. The gambling bill proposed by my colleague Minister Browne is to prohibit sponsorship of an event or any part of one where the majority of persons are children, or of an organisation, club or team in which children are members.
249. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current number of Youthreach centres in Tipperary; and the number of students attending Youthreach centres within Tipperary. [51323/23]
View answerTipperary Education Training Board currently operates the Youthreach Programme in three Youthreach Centres and four Community Training Centres (CTCs). The numbers of Youthreach and CTC learners in attendance at end October 2023 across these settings in Tipperary is set out below:
|
Centre |
Learners in attendance at end October 2023 |
|
Cappawhite |
21 |
|
Roscrea |
23 |
|
Templemore |
22 |
|
Thurles CTC |
29 |
|
Nenagh CTC |
35 |
|
Clonmel CYTE |
50 |
|
Cahir Business and Training Centre |
1 |
|
Total |
181 |
250. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in line with recommendation 56 of the Autism Committee’s recent report (details supplied), what would be the first-year and full-year cost of establishing a scholarship scheme to fund students in third-level courses in disciplines relevant to disability services with a commitment from graduates to work in Ireland for a set number of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51542/23]
View answerThe cost of any scholarship scheme would depend on the parameters of such a scheme primarily the level of funding and the number of students supported.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is working closely with the Department of Health and Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration and Youth to increase the number of places across a range of health and social care disciplines. In July 2022 an agreement was reached with the medical schools which will see the phased introduction of a further 200 places for EU students. As of September 2023, 120 of these places have been introduced. 2022 and 2023 saw permanent expansion in the number of nursing places with 135 nursing places in 2022 and a further 255 places in 2023. There has also been expansion in the allied health professions. In 2023, 147 places were added across a range of prioritised allied health disciplines including Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Clinical Measurement Science. This was on top of 126 places in 2022.
Any scheme including commitments for graduates to work with the HSE would be a matter for the Department of Health.
251. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in line with recommendation 58 of the Autism Committee’s recent report (details supplied), what would be the capital cost of compiling sensory maps to provide to all Higher Education Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51543/23]
View answerThe potential cost of procurement of sensory maps is not held by my Department and is likely to vary depending on institutions.
I fully support Universal Design Principals. It is an ambition of our National Access Plan that our Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are inclusive, universally designed environment which support and foster student success and outcomes, equity and diversity, and are responsible to the needs of students and wider communities.
To advance this ambition €3m was provided last year to improve Universal Design across HEIs. A significant number of projects are ongoing in this respect which will benefit all students including Students with Autism. Examples of the projects include training for staff, projects to improve accessibility, accessibility audits, toolkits including digital and physical wayfinding and sensory/quiet spaces.
In addition to this my Department has provided €40 million in capital funding for college campuses across the country for this year. The funding is provided through the Devolved Grant system and will allow universities make a number of important changes across their campuses. Categories of funding to be covered by the grant include universal access-related upgrades.
My Department’s new buildings are designed in line with Universal Design principles, which aim to provide all individuals with equal opportunities to learn without the need for adaptations.
252. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in line with recommendation 59 of the Autism Committee’s recent report (details supplied), what would be the cost of funding the rollout of the Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities across all Higher Education Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51544/23]
View answerTrinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID) aims to promote the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in education and society. The mission is to enable people with an intellectual disability to develop their potential by a combination of high quality research, dissemination of new knowledge, lifelong learning and professional training. The Centre provides people who have intellectual disabilities with the opportunity to participate in a higher education programme designed to enhance their capacity to fully participate in society as independent adults. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the students who have attended the Trinity Centre and hearing first hand how this has benefitted their lives.
I have been very clear that I want to see enhanced opportunities for students with an intellectual disability to attend our Higher Education Institutions. I launched a new strand of the Programme for Access to Higher Education PATH Strand 4 in 2022. The PATH fund supports the objectives of the National Access plan and PATH 4 is a dedicated €12 million of funding which will be invested between 2022-2025 in supporting Universal Design and enhancing opportunities for students with an intellectual disability to participate in Higher Education.
Path 4 Phase 1: Supporting Universal Design €3 million in funding has been provided for Universal Design measures. Projects are currently ongoing to improve accessibility for all students
Path 4 Phase 2's objective is to Enhance Provision for Students with an intellectual disability: A competitive call for proposals has recently closed. This call sought proposals on how institutions would enhance provision for students with an intellectual disability. Proposals have been received and are currently being assessed. A total of €3 million each year over 3 years will be available to support successful projects. PATH 4 is a new initiative for my Department and it will inform policy going forward. As outlined a dedicated fund is being provided for this initiative. The Reporting on PATH 4 Phase 2 during the course of the initiative will provide the Department with a better understanding of the cost of provision and we will be monitoring this.
As such, it is not possible to provide costing figure at this time.
253. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in line with recommendation 60 of the Autism Committee’s recent report (details supplied), what would be the first-and full-year cost of including an autism training module, as part of the following courses in tabular form, Initial Teacher Education (ITE), Nursing, Therapy and all other medical courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51545/23]
View answerThe content of higher education programmes is a matter for each higher education institution, and any relevant professional regulatory body. The Teaching Council accredits Initial Teacher Education programmes for the teaching profession, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland accredits Nursing programmes, and CORU accredits programmes across a range of health and social care disciplines.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. As autonomous bodies with academic and administrative freedom, each institution is responsible for its own policy and programme development, including in relation to any potential autism training modules.
The Department distributes recurrent funding to the HEA for disbursement directly to the HEA's designated higher education institutions. The HEA distributes this funding as a block grant to the institutions. As autonomous bodies, use of this funding, including in relation to particular components of programmes, falls to the individual institution. Neither I nor the Department have a role in the development of such policies.
As such, it is not possible to provide costing figures.
