Tuesday, 8 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 850-869

Further Education and Training Programmes

Questions (850)

David Stanton

Question:

850. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the local training initiatives in operation in 2019 and 2020; the location and number of participants in each; his views on further developing the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21734/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Local Training Initiatives (LTIs) are training and work experience programmes carried out in partnership with community and voluntary organisations. They provide a basis for the 16 Education and Training Boards to contract with community bodies to provide a service initiative in a locality where there are identified community needs. Training provision is intended to be sufficiently flexible to address the identified need for the initiative and is typically six to twelve months in duration. Training provision organised through this programme is not intended to be permanent and it is this aspect that gives Education and Training Boards the flexibility to use resources in the community in response to emerging needs.

LTI progammes enable local communities to carry out valuable and necessary projects of benefit to their communities, while training participants in areas related to the project work so that they can go on to gain employment or progress to further training. The LTI programme is focused on addressing the training needs of unemployed learners who are economically, socially, geographically or educationally disadvantaged. Learners are primarily between 18 and 35 years of age, with no formal qualifications or incomplete secondary level qualifications. LTIs provide participants with specific vocational skills, as well as broader general and ICT skills and work experience. The context of training delivery is focused on the progression of projects run by local community groups and for the benefit of the local community, which provides the opportunity for learners to apply their newly developed vocational skills in a work based context.

My Department is committed to the continuing development of Local Training Initiatives and the important services that they provide to learners within communities. I enclose attached details of locations relating to Local Training Initiatives delivered in 2019 and planned for 2020. In addition, the attached also contains details of the LTI reported number of beneficiaries for 2019 and the projected number for 2020.

Reported Beneficiary Numbers for Local Training Initiatives for 2019

ETB	Location	County/Postal District	Total Reported Beneficiaries for 2019
	Cavan Town	Cavan	12
	Bailieborough	Cavan	11
	Cavan Town	Cavan	31
	Cavan Town	Cavan	21
	Castleblaney	Monaghan	19
Cavan and Monaghan ETB	Monaghan Town	Monaghan	30
	Finglas	Dublin 11	3
	Christchurch	Dublin 8	31
	Great Strand Street	Dublin 1	19
	North Richmond Street	Dublin 1	50
	Beggars Bush Barricks	Dublin 4	23
	Lr Sherrif Street	Dublin 1	15
City of Dublin ETB	South Earl Street	Dublin 8	8
	Ballintemple	Cork City	7
	Mitchelstown	Cork	25
	Mardyke	Cork City	28
	Charleville	Cork	47
	North Monastery Road	Cork City	33
	Bishopstown	Cork City	31
	Youghal	Cork	22
	Midleton	Cork	38
	Mahon	Cork City	15
	Blarney	Cork	35
	Carrigaline	Cork	44
	Newmarket	Cork	22
	Macroom	Cork	24
	Ballyphehane	Cork City	12
	Mallow	Cork	21
	Farranferris	Cork City	23
	Blackrock	Cork City	11
Cork ETB	Gurranabraher	Cork City	14
	Baldoyle	Dublin 13	53
	Clondalkin	Dublin 22	61
	Irishtown	Dublin 4	62
	Lucan	Dublin	28
	Tallaght	Dublin 24	14
	Tallaght	Dublin 24	21
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB	Sandyford	Dublin 18	32
	Castlerea	Roscommon	32
	Ballaghaderreen	Roscommon	40
	Boyle	Roscommon	10
	Roscommon	Roscommon	4
	Portumna	Galway	31
	Castlerea	Roscommon	51
	Strokestown	Roscommon	31
Galway and Roscommon ETB	Mervue	Galway	2
Kerry ETB	Tralee	Kerry	10
	Arklow	Wicklow	14
	Athy	Kildare	25
	Lexlip	Kildare	8
	Celbridge	Kildare	27
	Newbridge	Kildare	30
Kildare and Wicklow ETB	Wicklow Town	Wicklow	42
	Kilkenny City	Kilkenny	42
	Kilkenny City	Kilkenny	32
	Kilkenny City	Kilkenny	16
	Carlow Town	Carlow	39
	Carlow Town	Carlow	36
	Ferrybank	Kilkenny	36
	Kilkenny City	Kilkenny	24
Kilkenny and Carlow ETB	Ferrybank	Kilkenny	30
	Birr	Offaly	25
	Mountmellick	Laois	9
	Portlaoise	Laois	10
Laois and Offaly ETB	Portlaoise	Laois	56
	Kilmeedy	Limerick	40
	Broadford	Limerick	23
	Clarecastle	Clare	18
	Limerick City	Limerick	48
	Liskennet	Limerick	13
Limerick Clare ETB	Ennis	Clare	18
	Athlone	Westmeath	15
	Longford	Longford	11
	Mullingar	Westmeath	43
	Longford	Longford	15
Longford and Westmeath ETB	Longford	Longford	2
	Dundalk	Louth	20
	Drogheda	Louth	11
	Dundalk	Louth	51
	Drogheda	Louth	27
	Drogheda	Louth	25
	Dundalk	Louth	34
	Dundalk	Louth	30
Louth and Meath ETB	Navan	Meath	65
	Ballymote	Sligo	41
	Drumshanbo	Leitrim	22
	Erris	Mayo	10
	Mayo Abbey	Mayo	27
	Castlebar	Mayo	41
	Mohill	Leitrim	29
	Rossinver	Leitrim	22
	Ballinrobe	Mayo	35
Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB	Drumshanbo	Leitrim	25
	Cahir	Tipperary	21
	Carrick on Suir	Tipperary	13
	Cashel	Tipperary	47
	Tipperary Town	Tipperary	29
	Littleton	Tipperary	30
	Clonmel	Tipperary	52
Tipperary ETB	Cashel	Tipperary	23
	Wexford Town	Wexford	32
	Ballybeg	Waterford	47
	Lisduggan	Waterford	43
	Waterford City	Waterford	34
	New Ross	Wexford	21
	Ballyphilip	Waterford	27
	Carriganore	Waterford	47
	Courtown	Wexford	18
	Gorey	Wexford	40
	Kilmuckridge	Waterford	26
	Lisduggan	Wexford	54
	Gorey	Waterford	15
	Waterford City	Waterford	24
	Waterford City	Waterford	21
	Dungarvan	Waterford	29
	Johnstown	Waterford	28
	Ballybeg	Waterford	23
Waterford and Wexford ETB	Dungarvan	Waterford	24

Projected Beneficiary Numbers for Local Training Initiatives Planned for 2020

ETB	Location	County/Postal District	Total Projected Beneficiaries for 2020
	Cavan Town	Cavan	27
	Balileborourgh	Cavan	21
	Cavan Town	Cavan	4
	Cavan Town	Cavan	22
	Castleblaney	Monaghan	8
Cavan and Monaghan ETB	Monaghan Town	Monaghan	13
	Christchurch	Dublin 8	40
	Great Strand Street	Dublin 1	12
	North Richmond Street	Dublin 1	59
	Beggars Bush Barricks	Dublin 4	24
	Lr Sherrif Street	Dublin 1	25
City of Dublin ETB	South Earl Street	Dublin 8	17
	Ballintemple	Cork City	25
	Mitchelstown	Cork	14
	Mardyke	Cork City	24
	Charleville	Cork	20
	North Monastery Road	Cork City	13
	Bishopstown	Cork	11
	Youghal	Cork	6
	Midleton	Cork	25
	Blarney	Cork	42
	Carrigaline	Cork	47
	Newmarket	Cork City	28
	Macroom	Cork	172
	Ballyphehane	Cork City	12
	Mallow	Cork	28
Cork ETB	Farranferris	Cork City	9
	Baldoyle	Dublin 13	46
	Clondalkin	Dublin 22	56
	Irishtown	Dublin 4	62
	Tallaght	Dublin 24	14
	Tallaght	Dublin 24	43
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB	Sandyford	Dublin 18	27
	Castlerea	Roscommon	28
	Ballaghaderreen	Roscommon	31
	Boyle	Roscommon	8
	Portumna	Galway	26
	Castllerea	Roscommon	32
	Strokestown	Roscommon	27
Galway and Roscommon ETB	Letterfrack	Galway	15
Kerry ETB	Tralee	Kerry	10
	Athy	Kildare	11
	Celbridge	Kildare	27
	Kilcullen	Kildare	32
Kildare and Wicklow ETB	Wicklow Town	Wicklow	51
	Kilkenny City	Kilkenny	40
	Kilkenny City	Kilkenny	35
	Kilkenny City	Kilkenny	27
	Carlow Town	Carlow	46
	Carlow Town	Carlow	19
	Ferrybank	Kilkenny	39
	Kilkenny City	Kilkenny	32
Kilkenny and Carlow ETB	Ferrybank	Kilkenny	32
	Banagher	Offaly	20
	Birr	Offaly	20
	Edenderry	Offaly	10
	Portarlington	Laois	24
	Portlaoise	Laois	12
Laois and Offaly ETB	Portlaoise	Laois	17
	Kilmeedy	Limerick	32
	Ballyhoura	Limerick	14
	Broadford	Limerick	26
	Limerick City	Limerick	42
	Liskennet	Limerick	14
Limerick Clare ETB	Ennis	Clare	14
	Athlone	Westmeath	13
	Longford	Longford	16
	Mullingar	Westmeath	30
Longford and Westmeath ETB	Longford	Longford	29
	Dundalk	Louth	24
	Dundalk	Louth	48
	Dundalk	Louth	29
	Drogheda	Louth	10
	Dundalk	Louth	37
	Dundalk	Louth	31
Louth and Meath ETB	Navan	Meath	56
	Ballymote	Sligo	23
	Drumshanbo	Leitrim	20
	Enniscoe	Mayo	14
	Erris	Mayo	10
	Mayo Abbey	Mayo	27
	Castlebar	Mayo	37
	Mohill	Leitrim	25
	Rossinver	Leitrim	19
	Ballinrobe	Mayo	25
Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB	Drumshanbo	Leitrim	22
	Cahir	Tipperary	19
	Cashel	Tipperary	46
	Tipperary Town	Tipperary	28
	Littleton	Tipperary	30
	Clonmel	Tipperary	43
Tipperary ETB	Cashel	Tipperary	23
	Wexford Town	Wexford	46
	Ballybeg	Waterford	30
	Lisduggan	Waterford	45
	Waterford City	Waterford	82
	New Ross	Wexford	14
	Ballyphilip	Waterford	42
	Carriganore	Waterford	72
	Courtown	Wexford	54
	Gorey	Wexford	60
	Ramsgrange	Waterford	14
	Kilmuckridge	Wexford	39
	Lisduggan	Waterford	34
	Waterford City	Waterford	24
	Dungarvan	Waterford	28
	Johnstown	Waterford	22
	Waterford City	Waterford	20
Waterford and Wexford ETB	Dungarvan	Waterford	14

School Curriculum

Questions (851, 871)

Holly Cairns

Question:

851. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if guidance will be provided on when the new academic year will commence for colleges and universities in view of the delay of the leaving certificate results. [21736/20]

Joe McHugh

Question:

871. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if third level colleges and institutions are furnishing students with timetables to allow them to plan for their accommodation needs for the upcoming college term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22116/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 851 and 871 together.

I appreciate that students wish to know the details of the 2020/21 academic year in order to facilitate planning around accommodation, transportation and other commitments. I have been in contact with the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to request that this information be provided to students as soon as possible.

All HEIs have published their academic calendars, with information on the dates for orientation and the beginning of teaching for the autumn semester. The majority have indicated in broad terms the balance of time for students between on-campus and online learning.

However this balance between face to face and online learning will be different in each programme, and will depend on factors such as the teaching and learning needs of various disciplines, the size of student and learner groups and the practical/theoretical balance of learning outcomes

In many cases HEIs unable to provide exact timetables until student registration is complete, as this is when they select the modules they wish to study. Registration has begun and will continue on a rolling basis over the coming weeks.

Individual HEIs are the best source of information on their plans for the 2020/21 academic year, and I encourage students to engage directly with their HEI on specific queries.

Question No. 852 answered with Question No. 840.

Student Unions

Questions (853)

Holly Cairns

Question:

853. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to a document (details supplied) published by a group; and his views on the budgetary requests contained in same. [21738/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I would like to thank USI for their detailed submission and proposals on Higher Education. The recommendations outlined in the submission along with other relevant submissions received in advance of budget 2021 are being considered as part of the overall budgetary discussions on higher education provision for 2021.

To date significant progress has been made in increasing investment in Higher Education and putting in place a sustainable funding model for Higher Education. We currently invest €1.87 billion, before the Covid response funding, in our third level sector. Following the announcements in Budget 2020 Higher Education spending has increased in the order of €450 million compared to 2015.

I am focused on mitigating against the impacts of COVID 19 on vulnerable students. Covid-19 has disrupted many aspects of our lives. For students in third level, it has resulted in a changed college experience. The resumption of the academic year is our most pressing challenge and ensuring our students and staff are safe is my number one priority.

A substantial funding package of €168m was announced on 22 July for publically funded further and higher education providers under the remit of my Department and for students to mitigate against the impacts of Covid.

As part of the package of Covid supports for the higher and further education sector I have allocated €15 million of capital funding for a once-off Covid 19 Grant to support disadvantaged students in accessing ICT devices. This grant is being made available to further and higher education institutions. The institutions are using the grant funding to purchase devices to support disadvantaged students who are encountering challenges in accessing devices for online and blended learning. The distribution of the devices, and the associated terms and conditions, will be a matter for each individual further or higher education provider.

The package of Covid 19 supports also includes a further €10m in access supports for students. Most of this money will be used to top up the Student Assistance Fund, with remaining funding used to support students via the access services in the higher education institutions.

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.

The future funding needs of the sector are currently under further review through the Departments engagement with the European Commission/DG Reform. The review is a comprehensive economic evaluation of the various funding options presented in the Cassells Expert Group Report and is being undertaken by an expert independent international consortium of consultants including Indecon and LE Europe.

Since taking up office in this Department and through the ongoing budgetary process, I am engaging closely and considering proposals from a wide range of stakeholders including USI. I will continue to work towards increased investment in Higher Education and supports for students for 2021 and beyond.

Further Education and Training Programmes

Questions (854)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

854. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the 35,000 further and higher education places announced in the July stimulus package; the estimated cost of each place; the breakdown of the number of places between further and higher education; when the first additional new place will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21739/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The package of funding for higher and further education and training announced as part of the July stimulus amounts to €100 million and will fund over 35,000 places to start in the current year. This includes a provision of €52.5m for additional 28,550 places in the Further Education and Training sector as follows:

- SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards developed an activation initiative in consultation with my Department and the Departments of Social Protection and Enterprise, Trade and Employment called Skills to Compete. Reflecting the needs of those displaced by the pandemic, it is built around delivering foundation skills for modern workplaces, a strong digital skills component and the specific vocational skills needed to compete for opportunities in growth areas. The framework will deliver full time courses but also substantial part time, online and blended learning elements. Skills to Compete will provide for 12,000 part time and 7,000 full time courses at a cost of €37 million.

- Skillnet Ireland, an employer-led training body predominantly serving SMEs, are also well-positioned to contribute to the response. €3 million has been provided to deliver a total of 3,550 places on Skillnet Ireland activation programmes and to support SMEs to adapt and innovate in response to the crisis. This includes supports for training the owners and managers who are critical to securing the futures of these companies.

- A €3,000 recruitment payment has been provided though the July Stimulus to any approved apprenticeship employer who takes on an apprentice between now and the end of the year. The employer will receive €2,000 on registration and a further €1,000 in 2021 to support retention. The incentive was costed to bring registrations back to the forecast level for 2020, which required €12 million in 2020 in respect of 6,000 places.

The Higher Education sector was awarded €47.5m in the stimulus package enabling an increase of 7,150 places as follows:

- The Stimulus package provided that a further additional 2,000 places are created in Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 programmes at a cost of €10 million.

- In addition to the expansion of these existing programmes the July Stimulus provided for two additional new programmes. Recognising the changing and increasing proportion of the workforce that are already graduates, and ensuring that the stimulus package provides opportunities as widely as possible, a new programme to create an additional 2,650 places across existing part-time and full-time postgraduate taught programmes is provided for at a cost of €22.5m in 2020.

- Funding of €15m has also been provided for an innovative new programme referred to as Modular Skills Provision. This programme will create up to 2,500 full time equivalant places on shorter, more focused courses offered in a flexible manner and through blended or online learning allowing students to gain important skills without taking a considerable period away from the labour market.

Departmental Functions

Questions (855)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

855. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the role his Department will play in terms of direct research funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21740/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The overarching vision in Innovation 2020, the current national strategy for research and development, science and technology, is for Ireland to become a Global Innovation Leader driving a strong sustainable economy and a better society. Within this, there is a focus on excellence, talent and impact. Innovation 2020 commits research funding Government Departments to ensure that research, development and innovation (RDI) expenditure is afforded a sufficiently high priority and to increase their RDI expenditure year on year.

Prior to the creation of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the highest proportion of the state’s funding for research was channelled through the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of Education and Skills. As outlined in the Research & Development Budget 2018-2019, these two departments spent €567 million on RDI in 2018, representing almost 75% of public research funding in Ireland which overall amounted to €765 million.

The transfer of functions to thisDepartment has yet to be concluded but it is anticipated that the budgets of major research funders such as Science Foundation Ireland, the Irish Research Council, the Higher Education Authority will be so transferred . These organisations represented almost €400 million of Ireland’s public investment in RDI in 2018.

Prioritising investment in research, development and innovation is critical to find solutions to our key societal and economic challenges. All research funding Government Departments have responsibility for setting their own RDI allocations, and it is a matter for each Department, this Department included,, to renew efforts in the annual Estimates process to ensure that RDI spending is afforded the priority required to deliver on our ambition in Innovation 2020.

The successor strategy to Innovation 2020 will be developed by this Department, in consultation with other relevant Government Departments and agencies, and will reaffirm the need for sustained and increased public and private investment in RDI to address the issues we face.

Third Level Reform

Questions (856)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

856. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the Cassells report has been sent to the European Commission for review; when he expects the Commission to respond; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21741/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The development of a sustainable funding model for higher education is essential in light of the centrality of higher education - both in terms of human capital development, research and innovation - to underpinning the future development of Ireland as a knowledge economy against the backdrop of rapid technological change.

In that context, a comprehensive economic evaluation of the funding options presented in the Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education is underway supported under the European Commission DG Reform Programme.

The Department is working closely with the European Commission and the independently appointed consultants. The key aim of this review is to investigate methods of increasing the sustainability of higher and further education provision in Ireland, including an examination of the funding options as set out in the Expert Group’s Report on the Future Funding of Higher Education. The review also will examine the appropriate balance across the tertiary system in meeting Ireland's future skill needs.

The detailed analysis of funding options for higher education and the assessment of the appropriate balance between provision across the tertiary education system is expected to play a very important role in informing Government decision-making in this critical area. It is intended to provide the basis for a national consensus on the appropriate policy approach to future funding which is fundamental to Ireland's economic and social sustainability and progress and the delivery of key policy objectives under key Government priorities set out in the Programme for Government.

Sustainable Development Goals

Questions (857)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

857. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which Ireland's commitment to the sustainable development goals will be reflected in the Strategy and Work Plan 2020-2025 of his Department; the way in which progress towards achieving the goals will be monitored and reported annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21742/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Programme for Government commits my Department to continuing to work towards the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aimed at ending poverty, reducing inequality, and tackling climate change.

As set out in the SDG National Implementation Plan, a range of Department strategies will contribute to delivering Agenda 2030 including the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, the National Skills Strategy 2025, the Further Education and Training Strategy and the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education.

In particular, I recognise the role of high-quality research emerging through national funding agencies and programmes, such as SFI, IRC, HRB and PRTLI, in addressing societal challenges and advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

An interim review of the National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development 2014- 2020 sets out the achievements to date including those under priority area 5 for Further Education and Training and under priority area 6 for Higher Education and Research: www.education.ie/en/Publications/Education-Reports/esd-interim-review-action-plan-2018-2020.pdf.

The Department of Climate Action and Communications Networks have responsibility for reporting to the United Nations on Ireland’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Ireland’s first Voluntary National Review was presented to the UNs High Level Political Forum in July 2018: www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/sustainable-development/sustainable-development-goals/Pages/Voluntary-National-Review-2018.aspx.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has a central role in the identification, management, and presentation of the data needed for reporting on Ireland’s progress towards meeting its targets under the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The fourth in its series of reports on indicators for the SDGs, SDG 4 – quality education, was published on 19th August 2020:

www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-sdg4/irelandsunsdgs2019-reportonindicatorsforgoal4qualityeducation/.

[DL1]Relevant sections may have input here.

[DL2]Commitment in the PfG

Third Level Costs

Questions (858)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

858. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost of each student enrolled as an undergraduate full-time, part-time, remote and FETAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21744/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The cost of each student enrolled as an undergraduate student will vary across institutes and disciplines. For example laboratory based disciplines ( science, engineering, etc ) will have a greater cost than non-lab disciplines (arts, business, etc). Health related disciplines (e.g. medicine and dentistry) will be significantly higher than non-lab disciplines.

An average cost for an undergraduate student (taking all disciplines into account) would be in the region of €9,000 - €10,000 per student per year.

My Department does not provide funding support for part-time or blended undergraduate courses through the free fees initiative.

In terms of funding, my Department allocates recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to the HEA designated higher education institutions.

My Department is working with the EU Commission to undertake a strategic review to develop a sustainable funding model for higher education, including an economic evaluation of the future funding options. The comprehensive review will assist us in our endeavour to secure the future of our higher education sector. A core feature of our consideration must be what is best for students and their families, the next steps we take must remove barriers to accessing third level education and help individuals reach their full potential whether it be through employment or education.

In July I announced a funding package of €168 million to support publically funded further and higher education providers and to support students. Through the Government's July Stimulus package a programme of immediate investment in upskilling, reskilling and refreshing of skills will commence. 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.

In addition to Covid support packages which I have recently announced, Budget 2020 provided for increased planned investment in Higher Education, an increase of 25% compared to 2016 – an amount in the order of an additional €370 million bringing the total funding for the sector in 2020 to €1.87 billion (up from €1.5 billion in 2016).

Reform of the National Training Fund has invested over €190million in Further Education and Training and Higher Education in the past 3 years since the levy increase was introduced.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (859)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

859. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the procedures in place for a pipe fitter and welder to obtain recognition of prior learning. [21745/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

Pipefitting is a recognised craft apprenticeship in Ireland leading to a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate. SOLAS has established Recognition of Prior Learning [RPL] mechanisms which enable an individual, with the appropriate work experience and/or qualifications, to gain access to an apprenticeship programme and/or provide exemptions from the respective craft apprenticeship.

To have prior learning recognised for the purposes of accessing the QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Pipefitting an individual must have three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity, accepted by SOLAS. The proposed apprentice must also have obtained employment with a recognised employer.

Once registered with an appropriate Education and Training Board (ETB), the apprentice can request the support of an Authorised Officer in the ETB to have their formal, non-formal and informal awards and work experience considered for exemptions from a programme through the submission of a portfolio of evidence relevant to the respective craft apprenticeship. On receipt of a portfolio SOLAS engages the services of a subject matter expert to map the portfolio to the precise requirements of the relevant craft apprenticeship.

Welding is not a designated apprenticeship. Welding courses are run in the ETB Training Centres countrywide and recognition of prior learning for the purposes of the course is a matter for each ETB.

English Language Training Organisations

Questions (860, 861)

John Lahart

Question:

860. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the English language education sector is a major employer and worth as much to the economy as the university sector; if a ring-fenced fund will be made available to the sector in view of the fact that universities received €100 million in assistance funding; when same will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21747/20]

John Lahart

Question:

861. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether the recently announced reduction in the wage subsidy scheme will put English language education providers in further difficulty. [21748/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 860 and 861 together.

English language education (ELE) in Ireland is a broad and diverse sector with the vast majority of activity undertaken by private sector providers. I am of course aware of the contribution made by the sector and of the challenges that are being encountered given the substantial impact that the Covid-19 outbreak has had on students, teachers and providers.

As part of the response to the pandemic, my Department established a specific Working Group for this sector. This group is comprised of representatives of relevant Government Departments and representatives of both students and English language education providers.

As part of this process, the representative bodies for English language education providers have engaged with the Working Group surrounding their proposals for supports to aid the recovery of this sector. In this forum, the providers have been advised of the measures introduced by Government, as part of the wider Covid-19 response, to support businesses at this time. These measures included the temporary wages subsidy scheme (TWSS) to facilitate employers to keep employees on the payroll during the initial period of the Covid-19 pandemic in order to retain this link for when business increases after the crisis. When announced, this temporary scheme was expected to be in place for a 12 week period. However, recognising the circumstances surrounding the re-opening of the economy as well as the need to avoid the risk of forcing otherwise viable firms to close, the Government agreed that the TWSS would remain in place until the end of August. Following the conclusion of the TWSS, it has been superseded by the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) which will continue to provide payroll support to businesses until 31 March 2021. The EWSS will allow employers to rely on the continuation of support over a longer period of 8 months while also ensuring such support is sustainable and affordable for the Exchequer. In addition to the subsidy that is being provided via the EWSS, this scheme also provides for a reduction in Employers PRSI.

Further to the above, the ELE provider representatives have been advised of the eligibility of businesses in this sector to apply, where appropriate, for further business supports made available by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation via Enterprise Ireland and through its network of Local Enterprise Offices. A full list of these supports and related information is available for providers here: https://dbei.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Supports-for-SMEs/COVID-19-supports/.

The funding package that I announced in July is dedicated to covering the costs incurred by third level institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic and to enable further and higher education institutions to return to activity. While the ELE sector was not included in this package, there are a range of Government supports available to providers in this sector.

My Department will continue to engage with ELE provider representatives as this sector moves towards its full re-opening and continues on a path to recovery.

Nursing Education

Questions (862)

David Cullinane

Question:

862. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of nurses that graduated in each of the years 2017 to 2019; the institutions from which they graduated; the number that entered jobs in the public health service in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21750/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Details of the number of nurses graduating on 2017 to 2019 are included in the attached table.

According to a survey of graduates carried out nine months after graduation, 89% of 2017 and 91% of 2018 nursing and midwifery graduates who were employed in Ireland went into employment in the Human Health and Social Work sector, which includes both private and public healthcare provision.

Survey data is not available for 2019 graduates, nor is it possible to differentiate between public and private healthcare workers.

Student Support Schemes

Questions (863)

Mark Ward

Question:

863. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a response will issue to matters raised in a media article (details supplied); the status of the promised €2 million directed in 2019 to mental health and well-being services in the higher education sector; the way in which the funding is drawn down; the amount that has been allocated; and the colleges that have received the funding. [21751/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The mental health and wellbeing of students is of paramount importance to my Department. The additional 2020 allocation of €2 million in support of mental health services and wellbeing was made available to higher education institutions via the HEA funding allocation model earlier this year. Each institution has received a share, based on the number of students registered, with the funding earmarked to assist institutions in supporting students with their mental health and wellbeing. The HEA will be following up with institutions on this funding allocation as part of the implementation of the new framework. The €2m was allocated in early 2020 as part of each institutions grant letter with the following line included: This includes an allocation of €2m to assist institutions in supporting students with their mental health and wellbeing.

International Students

Questions (864)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

864. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of overseas students that have enrolled in Irish universities for the autumn term; the provisions in place to ensure that students coming from abroad adhere to the two-week self-isolation period; the person or body responsible for overseeing these provisions and monitoring students’ compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21787/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Incoming international students are a matter for each institution. However, the sector has advised it has adopted a set of principles to manage the process of international students including managed arrivals at the airport and restricted movements for 14 days.

The higher education sector has developed a protocol of assurance, to support the protection of public health, to safely manage the process of all international students coming to Ireland. All 35 public and private Higher Education Institutions who intend on bringing international students into Ireland for the next academic year have signed up to a set of key principles contained in the protocol, at leadership level, and have agreed that they will not bring in students unless they are satisfied that they have assurance regarding the procedures they have in place.

The key principles contained in the protocol include provisions regarding:

- Pre-departure symptom tracking by students;

- Pre-departure briefing on public health issues for students;

- Managed arrival in airports, and transport to be provided to student accommodation so that incoming students do not have to take public ransport;

- Accommodation arrangements for students which allow for 14 day restriction of movement;

- Symptom tracking of students for the 14 day period after arrival in Ireland;

- Robust procedures and protocols that will be employed in the event of someone becoming symptomatic and testing positive during the 14 day period.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has also put in place an implementation and compliance framework, to ensure that the HEIs are in compliance with the agreed protocol. This has also been agreed by the senior leadership team in the HEIs and is reported on to the department weekly.

Student Accommodation

Questions (865)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

865. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of student accommodation across Ireland which would be considered a congregated setting according to the definition in which ten or more persons are accommodated in a single living unit or in which persons are placed in accommodation that is campus-based; the number of students housed in each setting; the control measures in place to prevent a spread of Covid-19 in these settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21788/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The details requested by the Deputy on the numbers of students housed in certain types of student accommodation are not collected or held by my Department.

The “Practical Guidance for Further and Higher Education for Returning to On-site Activity in 2020”, published by my Department in July contains some guidance for managing the risk of virus transmission in student accommodation settings. This was supplemented by “Implementation Guidelines for Public Health Measures in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)”, published in August, which were developed by public health experts from within the HEI sector and were endorsed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE.

Examples of the guidance provided include the provision of alternative accommodation for students who develop COVID-19 symptoms and need to self-isolate, and control of access to student accommodation, including restrictions on guests.

Ultimately however student accommodation providers are private entities and the exact measures put into place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be a matter for the individual provider. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous with regard to the management of their administrative affairs, including in relation to their on-campus accommodation, and it is not within my remit to issue instruction to private providers of student accommodation.

Student Universal Support Ireland

Questions (866)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

866. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated number of emails his Department received concerning students that had issues with their SUSI grant application and grant refusal. [21935/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Student Grant Scheme is administered by the centralised national grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), a business unit of CDETB (City of Dublin Education and Training Board), on behalf of the Department. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for SUSI to determine.

If an individual applicant considers that he/she has been unjustly refused a student grant, he/she may appeal, in the first instance, to his/her awarding body. Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by the awarding authority and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board.

Since the new Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science was established on 13 July 2020, I can confirm that my Department has received approximately 70 emails in relation to SUSI grant applications and appeals.

The student grant scheme is a statutory based scheme and my Department has no role in awarding student grants it is a matter for the grant awarding authority.

Information in relation to student grant assistance is available from SUSI’s website, www.susi.ie. Students may contact SUSI’s Helpdesk with any queries in relation to their grant application or the appeals process by telephone [phone] or email [e-mail].

As part of a comprehensive customer service and communications strategy provided by SUSI, to ensure that all necessary avenues are open to applicants to receive the information they need, a dedicated email and phone line service is provided by SUSI for Oireachtas members. This was established to meet an identified need for applicants who choose to engage the assistance of their public representatives in making enquiries about their grant applications. Enquiries may be emailed direct to SUSI at [e-mail]. The telephone number for the Oireachtas Helpdesk is 0761 088922 or 0761 088909.

Student Support Schemes

Questions (867)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

867. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the qualifying criteria that applies to students and the definition of disadvantage being used further to the announcement of a €15 million fund to help disadvantaged students with the cost of information technology equipment. [21971/20]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Once-Off COVID-19 Grant to support disadvantaged students in accessing ICT devices is part of the package of COVID-19 supports for higher and further education institutions funded by my Department.

This initiative addresses concerns regarding the digital divide in the context of the shift to online and blended models of learning, which were identified by a range of stakeholders in the context of the COVID-19 structures put in place to co-ordinate responses among the further and higher education sectors.

The devices will be distributed by the relevant Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) via appropriate lending schemes. The education institutions are best placed to determine which individual students should be prioritised to receive a device on a needs basis and within the terms and conditions of the scheme.

In determining distribution of the devices, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are required to have regard to the target groups identified in the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2015-2021 i.e.:

- Students disadvantaged by socio-economic barriers

- First-time mature students

- Students with disabilities

- Part-time/flexible learning students

- Students who hold further education qualifications

- Students who are members of the Traveller and Roma communities

HEIs and ETBs must be satisfied that students who receive a device under this grant have demonstrated a verifiable need for such a device e.g. they or their family do not have the means to purchase such a device themselves.

Student Support Schemes

Questions (868)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

868. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the process for the way in which students in specialist training provision in the further education and training sector can access and apply for the fund further to the announcement of a €15 million fund to help disadvantaged students with the cost of information technology equipment; if he will further set out the process through which this funding is being distributed to universities, colleges and specialist training providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21972/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

A fund for student devices worth €15 million was part of a €168 million package for further and higher education sectors to deal with the impacts of Covid-19. Funding of €10 million has being provided to the higher education sector and €5m to the Further Education and Training sector.

The funding is being provided to eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and ETBs (plus a number of other SOLAS-funded FET providers) in accordance with allocation models agreed with the HEA and SOLAS.

Since approval of the Once-Off Covid-19 Grant to support disadvantaged students in HE and FET sectors in accessing ICT devices (‘the Grant’), my Department has worked intensively with the HEA, SOLAS, ETBI and HEANet (the entity providing connectivity and associated ICT services to education and research bodies across Ireland) to design and deliver the Grant support. This funding has already allowed higher education institutions and further education institutions place a bulk order of 16,700 devices for students.

The specific arrangements for the distribution of the devices to disadvantaged students are a matter for each individual institution / ETB. However, under the terms of the Grant, devices must remain the property of the HEI/ETB, be offered to students under appropriate lending schemes, and also comply with certain conditions of sanction set down by the Office of Government Chief Information Officer in relation to security and appropriate usage.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme

Questions (869)

Colm Burke

Question:

869. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if VTOS payments will continue past the initial extension date of August 2020 due to uncertainty in relation to the date on which students will return to college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21996/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills

The Department of Education and Skills circular letter 23 / 2020 was issued on 10th March 2020 regarding the payment of learner payments during the COVID-19 crisis. Regarding school and centre closures the circular states: “If, following HSE advice, a school or centre is closed as a result of COVID-19, the ETB will continue to pay learner payments as applicable.”

Clarification was issued to the sector on 18th March 2020 that stated: “In relation to learners in receipt of learner payments who are delayed on their further education and training programmes, they should continue to receive their current learner payment until the programme or course can be completed.”

This clarifcation still applies and learner payments, including training allowances for those enrolled on a VTOS course, will continue until the course the learner is currently enrolled on is fully completed. The completion of courses and assessments, which had been delayed due to Covid-19, has been prioritised as part of the reopening arrangements for further education and training facilities.