Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
45. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans or funding to support for ongoing education at Waterford Institute of Technology in view of the decision by the college to provide nearly all learning remotely due to the inability in capital facilities to provide social distancing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22599/20]
View answerSince the onset of Covid-19 in March, the Department, the Higher Education Authority and SOLAS have collaborated with key stakeholders from the sector to address 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.
To alleviate the financial impact I have allocated €168 million in funding to support further and higher education institutions open their doors again and additional resources to support students.
In relation to the preparation underway for the new academic year in the context of the Covid pandemic, Higher Education Institutions have been undertaking detailed planning and contingencies for re-opening and communicating these to students and learners in the interest of public health of students, staff and communities, this will entail blended learning, combining both online and onsite provision. The details of these arrangements are being finalised.
Higher Education Institutions have published their academic calendars, with information on the dates for orientation and the beginning of teaching for the autumn semester. Most have indicated in broad terms the balance of time for students between on-campus and online learning. I have highlighted the requirement for all HEIs to provide clarity to their students as soon as possible and to prioritise the overall student experience in line with public health advice.
My Department has been advised that Waterford Institute of Technology has increased on-line provision in a blended context with many activities taking place in-person and on-campus.
