Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
695. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education and Skills the supports that will be made available in higher education institutions to comply with the two metre social distancing requirements in view of the latest public health advice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20507/20]
View answerOn 22 July I announced a substantial package of supports in the amount of €168m for further and higher education institutions and students. Additionally I am aware that this pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on younger workers and those in lower paid occupations with lower level of educational qualifications. Accordingly, through the Government's July Stimulus package which has also been announced a programme of immediate investment in upskilling, reskilling and refreshing of skills need to be supported throughout working lives. This funding for higher and further education and training to address this situation amounts to €100m and will fund over 35,000 additional student places in the current year.
Since the onset of Covid-19 in March, my Department, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and SOLAS have collaborated with key stakeholders from the sector to identify, quantify and develop options to mitigate the financial impacts of Covid 19 on the sector, including costs associated with the safe commencement of the 2020/21 academic year in line with Public Health advice.
Additionally my Department recently provided specific guidance to the Further and Higher Education sectors about the return to on-site activity in 2020. In that guidance, higher education and further education facilities are advised that physical distancing of 2 metres be maintained. The impact of physical distancing on capacity of teaching areas is acknowledged, however, institutions are advised that this impact may be attenuated through staggered provision of classes/lectures, a widening of opening hours and other sectoral and context-specific measures approved by government within public health guidelines.
As the Department continues to engage with health authorities and as the public health advice evolves over the coming months, the guidance provided may require to be revised. Moreover, additional further and higher education-specific issues may be addressed which will require further clarification and guidance. In that context, it is anticipated that updated guidance will be provided to reflect the up-to-date public health advice.
The provision of additional financial support will assist the safe commencement of the 2020/21 academic year and in order that the sector can contribute fully to economic recovery and to meeting priority skill needs and provide assurance and confidence to students and their families as well as to staff and other key stakeholder regarding the capacity and capability of the sector in meeting critical teaching and learning and research objectives. My Department will continue to engage with key stakeholders to underpin the achievement of these objectives.
The distribution of the funding will be finalised over the coming days and weeks with key stakeholders. Additionally my Department will continue to work closely with our agencies and key stakeholders to monitor the recovery of the sector through this pandemic.
