Written Answers Nos. 121-126
121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which skill requirements in this workplace continue to be met by jobseekers; if particular initiatives are contemplated to address any deficiencies or emerging issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28627/15]
View answerMy Department has a number of strategies and initiatives in place to ensure that education and training meets the skills requirements of the workplace. SOLAS, with the assistance of relevant experts such as the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), employers and local and national organisations, have published a five year strategy for the further education and training sector which provides us with a strategic roadmap for this crucial element of the education and training system. The strategy includes a vision of a flexible, quality-driven, labour market-relevant, integrated and responsive sector that supports learner progression, transitions into employment and personal development. The higher education system is also going through a process of transformation through structural change arising from the Higher Education Strategy.
The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), which is funded by my Department, advises the Government on current and future skills needs of the economy. It has a central role in ensuring that labour market needs for skilled workers are anticipated and met. The expert group's membership is broad and specifically includes representation from enterprise. Its research provides an input to the development of course curricula and informs the selection of new targeted programmes designed to tackle the skills shortages in particular elements of the economy, such as Momentum, Springboard and the ICT skills conversion programme.
As part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2015, my Department has committed to review the National Skills Strategy. The review will provide an opportunity to determine the volume, type and mix of skills required to meet the Government's goal of full employment by 2018 and the challenges to be addressed to achieve this.
Direct engagement between employers and education and training providers is also critical to ensuring that programmes are aligned to changing skills needs. As well as the actions that are being implemented across the education and training system as part of the Further Education and Training and Higher Education reform programmes to enhance links with enterprise and prepare learners for the different roles they will have over their working lives work is also underway in the context of the Skills Strategy review to develop the regional and national infrastructure for engagement between education providers, employers and other enterprise stakeholders, in communicating and addressing skills needs.
You will also be aware of the increase in apprenticeship registrations in existing trades and the progress we are making in introducing new apprenticeships, focusing initially on the 25 priority proposals identified by the Apprenticeship Council through their public call.
122. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to reverse the reductions in the family income thresholds to qualify for the Student Universal Support Ireland grant scheme. [32401/15]
View answerThe eligibility criteria for student grants including the income thresholds is reviewed annually in my Department and approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. No changes to the thresholds were included in Budget 2015. As the Deputy will be aware, all proposals made in relation to education expenditure, including changes to income thresholds, will be considered in the context of the Budget 2016.
123. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to make changes to the adjacency rates for the Student Universal Support Ireland grant scheme to reduce the burden of attending third level institutions 24 to 45 km from home. [32402/15]
View answerThe current qualifying distance for the higher non-adjacent rate of student grant, at 45 km, takes into account a reasonable radius within which students may commute on a daily basis. There are no plans at present to revise the distance criteria.
124. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans reintroduce grant supports for students engaged in postgraduate studies. [32403/15]
View answerIn the context of the necessary but difficult expenditure reduction measures announced in Budget 2012, new students entering postgraduate courses from the 2012/13 academic year onwards are not entitled to maintenance payments under the Student Grant Scheme.
Those who do meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme are eligible to have their post-graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270. Alternatively, a postgraduate student may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the cost of their fees. The income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2015/16 academic year, increasing relative to the number of family dependents.
Tax relief is also available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners (www.revenue.ie). In addition to this, the Student Assistance Fund will continue to be made available through the access offices of third-level institutions to assist students in exceptional financial need.
125. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to increase the funds for the student assistance fund given the SAF funds in many third level colleges are exhausted by Christmas. [32404/15]
View answer126. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Education and Skills her plans to extend the student assistance fund to further education and post leaving certificate colleges. [32405/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
The Student Assistance Fund is a component of the Third Level Access Measure which is managed on behalf of my Department by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and comprises two sub-priorities: the Student Assistance Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities.
The determination of the allocation of this fund between the two sub-priorities is a matter for the HEA and involves balancing the needs of students with disabilities with that of students in more general, financial need.
The HEA has commissioned an independent review of policy, guidelines and practice in relation to the Student Assistance Fund and any changes to the administration of the Fund will be considered when the review is completed.
