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Thursday, 3 Dec 2020

Written Answers Nos. 282-301

Proposed Legislation

Questions (282)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

282. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the proposed changes he will make regarding outstanding issues in relation to the guardian ad litem service in the proposed scheme of Bill before it is introduced in the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41039/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2019 is an important piece of legislation which seeks to provide for much-needed reform of guardian ad litem (GAL) arrangements. Its objective is to regulate the existing system of GAL appointments and to extend the system so that GALs can be made available to a larger number of children on a more equitable basis. It provides a statutory basis for a nationally organised and managed service to ensure that a high quality and sustainable service is provided into the future.

The Bill fell with the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil in January.

I am pleased to note that the proposed reform enjoys broad support and I am determined to progress this legislation as quickly as possible. However, I also intend to take this opportunity to examine some issues raised by stakeholders and to ensure that I am fully satisfied with the proposed Bill before introducing it. My officials are currently seeking legal advice on matters that have been raised as part of this process. I intend to wait until this legal advice has been received and fully examined before making any final decisions on proposals.

National Childcare Scheme

Questions (283)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

283. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will disclose the research, often cited by Department officials that withholds access to any SAC hours during term-time unless the parents engages in employment and or education as a way of breaking the poverty cycle (details supplied); and if he will provide the source of the research that has caused a significant policy shift from a child centred approach to a work activation programme that withholds childcare service during term-time as a way to coerce parents into work, education by inflicting negative consequences on their children. [41043/20]

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Written answers

The basis for the design of the National Childcare Scheme is provided in the 2016 Policy Paper on the Development of a new Single Affordable Childcare Scheme, previously published and made available to the Deputy. This informed the Childcare Support Act which was debated and progressed through both Houses of the Oireachtas in 2018. The Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs also led very helpful discussion on the objectives and merit of the proposed scheme.

Better outcomes for children is the primary objective both in the 2016 policy paper and the scheme design. The schemes objectives are to promote (i) a reduction in child poverty, (ii) positive child development outcomes, (iii) labour market activation and (iv) improved quality. These objectives are inherently interrelated and sustain each other.

The policy was informed by national and international evidence and advocacy on measures to prevent poverty (including inter-generational poverty). The policy sought to strike the right balance between enabling early learning and care services, or indeed school age childcare services, to meet the needs of children in terms of their positive development, and, tackling a significant contributor to poverty and poorer outcomes for children that of non-work households.

There is strong evidence that growing up in poverty has negative impacts on child outcomes. For example, according to the ESRI study Understanding Childhood Deprivation in Ireland (Watson et al., 2012), the longer-term impacts of poverty among children include lower levels of educational achievement, emotional and behavioural problems, and poorer health outcomes.

The research evidence suggests that parental employment is a key factor in protecting children from poverty and deprivation. The ESRI / Watson study concluded that parental unemployment is a significant risk factor in determining deprivation rates among children, with particularly high deprivation rates where a parent has never worked, or in lone parent households, or where the mother has no educational qualifications.

Childcare costs in Ireland (prior to the NCS) have been found to be a significant factor in contributing to low levels of participation in employment, education and training for mothers, particularly for lone parents. The NCS makes childcare much more affordable, and in some instances free to parents.

The NCS policy paper highlighted the dangers of poverty traps in childcare schemes, particularly where there is a risk of steep rises in childcare costs where a parent returns to work. Such traps undermine the incentive to take-up or increase employment. Therefore the NCS was designed to counteract this disincentive effect, through a smooth taper rate across the income assessed subsidies, and also through a transition from unemployment to work/study which increases the number of hours available.

Also referenced in the NCS policy paper is research by Melhuish et al. (2015) and Sylva et al. (2004), which indicates that positive children’s outcomes are for the most part met through part-time participation. This research has been used internationally in the design of various interventions. (DCEDIY is extremely grateful to have one of those authors, Prof Melhuish from Oxford University, on the Funding Model Expert Group.)

Melhuish and Sylva's research points to the fact that young children do not need to be in early learning and care for full time hours to meet their child development needs. As such, many schemes around the world are based on 15 to 20 hours per week. In Ireland's case, the State is now providing two years of free pre-school to all children before they start school for 15 hours per week. The NCS provides 20 hours of subsidised early learning and care per week where a parent is available at home, for children aged from six months, or 20 hours of school age childcare in non- term/ non ECCE time.

The OECD’s 2017 study Faces of Joblessness in Ireland, which included an ex ante analysis of the impact of the National Childcare Scheme, stressed the impact of work incentives on joblessness. It reported positively on the likely impact of the NCS. The study noted

For those with low earnings…who need to purchase childcare in order to work full time, a large proportion of potential earnings would be lost to higher taxes, withdrawn benefits or childcare costs…. A new childcare support scheme will be introduced shortly to provide subsidies to lower-income families where both adults work. This scheme will strengthen work incentives for those in low-income families, particularly for lone parents with lower earnings…

Dominic Richardson and Jonathan Bradshaw in Family Orientated Anti-Poverty Measures in Developed Countries note that:

Children in families with low work intensity have a much higher risk of

income poverty – an unsurprising finding given the important role of employment

and earned income in the protection from income poverty. For both income

poverty and deprivation, low work intensity presents the highest risk factor of all.

With the exception of Bulgaria, Greece and Romania child deprivation rates are

at least double the average in families with adults working very little.

Households on incomes of less than €26,000 NET can access full subsidies of up to €225 per child, per week, covering up to 45 hours week. To access 45 hours rather than 20 hours, the parent must be in some type of employment or be engaged in training. The training can be as little as 2 hours per week on a recognised Level 1 NFQ course. In this way, the NCS encourages parents to exit poverty and deliver better outcomes for their children.

For children living in exceptional circumstances of disadvantage or need, the NCS sponsorship arrangement is designed so that they can access free early learning and care or school age childcare for longer or full time hours where required. More information is available on NCS.gov.ie

The DCEDIY is committed to keeping the scheme under review and to assess whether it is meeting its objectives. A 12 month review will begin shortly.

Childcare Services

Questions (284)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

284. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of SAC children granted zero hours term-time since September 2020; and the number under NCS. [41044/20]

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Written answers

For this question, ‘school aged children’ has been defined as any child aged 4 years or more on 1st September 2020. It should be noted a a proportion of these may opt to continue in ECCE for a second year or move junior infants.

Since 1st September 2020, 1,913 school aged children have received a standard hours award under the NCS.

Standard hours subsidies are awarded where one of the parents is not in work or study. In this way, stay at home parents can have a continuum of access to external child development supports through the school and through childcare provision.

The 20 hours are available all year round for children who have not started school, and in non-term time for school age children. This latter rule is based on evidence that where a parent is available to care for a child, the child's development needs are generally met through school participation. There are some exceptions to this, which I will deal with momentarily.

Where parents are working or studying, they can access 45 hours of subsidies.

As the Deputy is aware the definition of work under the NCS is extremely broad, covering all forms of work arrangement: full-time, part-time, week-on/ week-off and zero hour contracts. The study rule is also a generous one and allows parents to access up to 45 hours of childcare when completing any NFQ qualification, from level 1, for even a small number of hours per week.

The DCEDIY and Solas are working to increase awareness of NCS supports for parents considering further study and to highlight the availability of accessible courses, which would grant eligibility for up to 45 hours of childcare. The NCS will be advertised shortly through the further education and training course hub (www.fetchcourses.ie).

My Department will also be re-engaging with Intreo Offices and ETBs to promote awareness of the NCS.

Where children and families have extra needs that general NCS subsidies or rules do not meet, special sponsorship arrangements are available. With sponsorship, families can avail of up to 45 hours free childcare, with no work or study rule. Sponsorship referrals can be made by a number of designated bodies. Already over 700 children are accessing these supports.

National Childcare Scheme

Questions (285)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

285. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage increase and-or decrease in NCS registrations compared since September 2020 to 2019. [41045/20]

View answer

Written answers

The National Childcare Scheme commenced in November 2019. There is no comparable data as yet for the NCS to September 2019, and as such it is not possible yet to compare the NCS year on year. It should also be noted that the NCS was suspended from April to June while the Department established emergency schemes to support and sustain the Early Learning Care and School Aged Childcare sector in conjunction with the wider Government schemes such as the Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme during the pandemic

It is possible to show the uptake on the NCS since launch at particular points in time, as follows:

At the end of February, prior to the suspension of the NCS in March, there were 13,065 children registered with the NCS. Up to end of August, following the reopening of childcare services there were 22,500 registered children in receipt of a subsidy through the NCS. Up to the 23rd Nov 2020 there are 35,518 registered children in receipt of a subsidy through the NCS. The increase from February to November is approx. 170%.

Community Childcare Subvention Programme

Questions (286)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

286. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage increase and or decrease in CCSP registrations compared since September 2020 to 2019. [41046/20]

View answer

Written answers

The number of children registered on the Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) programme for the 2020-21 programme year up to 02 December 2020 is 15,248. This compares to 38,558 for the same period last year and represents a reduction of 60%.

A reduction in the numbers availing of CCSP was expected following the closure of the programme to new entrants on 15 November 2019, on the introduction of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). Children who were in receipt of CCSP funding prior to this date can remain as CCSP savers or their families can decide to transfer to the NCS. CCSP umbers will continue to reduce as children age out of the programme or transfer to the NCS.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Questions (287)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

287. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage increase and or decrease in ECCE registrations compared to 2019. [41047/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE) programme is a universal free two-year pre-school programme available to all children within the eligible age range of 2 years 8 months to 5 years 6 months.

The number of children registered on ECCE as of 2 December 2020 was 100, 800. This is a 2% reduction on the same period in 2019. This reduction in demand for ECCE places was expected due to demographic changes; Covid does not appear to have had an impact on demand for ECCE services.

Childcare Services

Questions (288)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

288. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of services, both early years and after-school that have changed the type of service they offer from full day to part-time sessional or part-time sessional to full day. [41048/20]

View answer

Written answers

As the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.

Childcare Services

Questions (289)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

289. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of SAC and ECEC services that have ceased offering SAC places. [41049/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department does not record data on the number of childcare services that have ceased offering school age childcare places. Providers of early learning and care and school aged childcare series are not required to inform my Department of the number of children in their services, with the exception of those children who receive subsidies under the various funding programmes operated by my Department, including ECCE and the NCS.

Early learning and care and school age childcare services are free to set their own policies with regard to the type of service offered and the age range it is offered to, provided it complies with their Tusla registration. Service providers are not required to inform my Department if they change their policy regarding the age range of service provision.

Childcare Services

Questions (290)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

290. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of SAC children that were registered in 2019-2020; and the increase and or decrease in 2020-2021. [41050/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department does not have information on the number of children attending school aged childcare as childcare providers are not required to provide data on the number of children who attend early learning and care or school aged childcare on a private fee paying basis. My Department does have data on the number of school aged children attending after school services who are receiving subsidies under various funding programmes run by my Department.

In relation to Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP), 10,555 school aged children were registered for the 2020/2021 programme year. This compares with 22,299 school aged children registered on CCSP in the 2019/2020 programme year, a reduction of 11,744 children.

In relation to the Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) programmes, 240 school aged children were registered for the 2020/2021 programme. This compares with 1, 234 children registered on TEC in the 2019/20 programme year, as reduction of 994 children.

The reductions in the numbers of school aged children on the CCSP and TEC programmes is due to a number of factors: CCSP closed to new entrants in November 2019, with TEC closing in February 2020 with the introduction of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS); children are ageing out of CCSP and TEC; children are transferring to the NCS; and there have been a reduction in demand for after school services due to changing working pattern due to Covid.

The NCS was launched in November 2019 and to date 13,227 school aged children are registered on the NCS.

Domestic Violence Refuges Provision

Questions (291)

Holly Cairns

Question:

291. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the capital grants for the provision of domestic violence and abuse refuges between 1 January 2016 and 1 January 2020 as a percentage of the annual budget on domestic violence and abuse services of Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41052/20]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV.

In 2020, I provided €25.3m to Tusla in core funding for DSGBV services. This supports some 60 organisations around the country. I am also providing additional resources to Tusla to support these services to cope with the complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. €2m will issue to DSGBV services for once-off additional costs by the end of the year. I have recently announced further increases in this core funding for services and a continuation of COVID-related supports in 2021.

None of the funding from my Department to Tusla from 2016 to 2020 involved capital grants for the provision of refuges to support victims.

The provision of capital funding for domestic violence refuges is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I am informed that capital development costs for new domestic violence refuges are supported through the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), which is overseen by the Department of Housing and is managed by local authorities. Those seeking Capital funding for domestic violence accommodation through the CAS are advised to engage with their local authority and with Tusla, at the beginning stages of planning.

I have engaged with the office of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who is happy to respond to the Deputy with more detail on this matter, should a Parliamentary Question be addressed to his Department on this matter.

Domestic Violence Services

Questions (292)

Holly Cairns

Question:

292. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that staff in domestic violence and abuse services are on different pay scales and working conditions; if such funding originates from Tusla or HSE funding streams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41053/20]

View answer

Written answers

The specific pay and conditions of staff in domestic violence and abuse services has not been raised with me.

Tusla supports some 60 domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) organisations in the provision of front line services throughout the country. Funded service providers operate independently of Tusla and are responsible for the recruitment of employees and the terms and conditions under which they are employed.

The Commissioning of DSGBV services, and the terms of individual Service Level Agreements, is an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (293)

Michael Creed

Question:

293. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports made available from his Department to students as a consequence of Covid-19, its impact on their studies and additional costs incurred as a consequence. [40794/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am conscious of the difficulties being experienced by students and their families as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and of the importance of the Student Grant Scheme and related supports, such as the Student Assistance Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities. These supports have a fundamental role in assisting students and families who are putting their children through further and higher education.

Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.

The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine. For the 2020/21 academic year, student grant applications will be assessed based on gross income from all sources for the period 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019.

However, if a student or party to their application experiences a change in circumstances that is not a temporary change and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, they can apply to have their application assessed under the change in circumstances provision of the relevant Student Grant Scheme. The income of all parties to the application will be assessed or reassessed on the current year (2020) and they may also be asked to provide evidence of the current year’s (2020) income.

I think it is important to note the range of additional supports which have been put in place for students as part of Budget 2021 and as part of the Government's Covid response earlier this year.

- I have doubled the level of funding available in the Student Assistance Fund for this academic year;

- I have increased the level of funding for the 1916 Bursary Fund (also known as PATH 2) to €5 million per annum, which will provide an additional 200 bursaries, bringing the total number for 2021 to 1,000 bursaries for the most disadvantaged students in the country;

- I have secured an additional €20 million in funding for SUSI next year to cover increased applications to the scheme;

- I have allocated €6 million to enhance SUSI support for postgraduates;

- I put in place a €15 million scheme to support access to laptops and digital devices;

- I have allocated €8m to enable SOLAS to establish a Mitigating Educational Disadvantage Fund to support providers in engaging with learners who are at the greatest risk of disconnection from the education and training system;

- I have secured €50 million to provide financial assistance to full time third level students in recognition of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on this group. This funding will offer financial assistance to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions (HEI).

The scheme will ensure students;

- Who avail of the SUSI grant will receive €250 top-up in their grant;

- Students who do not avail of the grant can reduce by €250 any outstanding contribution fee payments or receive a €250 credit note for their institution;

- In a small number of cases, alternative arrangements will be made for the payment of the monies to students.

SUSI and institutions will be communicating directly with students on arrangements and information from SUSI is available here: https://susi.ie/covid-19-once-off-emergency-grant/

- I have also allocated €3m for wellbeing, mental health and student services in our higher education institutions (HEIs), and is in addition to the €2m that was allocated in Budget 2020. This overall funding of €5m comes at a time of great urgency in relation to student support and re-opening of our higher education institutions. This funding will enable institutions to enhance their student facing services, such as by employing additional student Counsellors, Assistant Psychologists etc.

The increased capacity/resourcing of counselling will allow for development of active outreach to students and deliver more support and training to campus staff to identify, support and refer students in difficulty. This whole of campus approach to student support is a central principle in the National Framework for Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. While specific services such as counselling provide the specialist response to mental health difficulties, all staff should be aware of how to engage and respond supportively to a student in distress, and how to make effective referrals to the services, and we will be working towards achieving that in line with the framework.

I also recently launched a partnership between PCHEI and Text 50808, a free 24-hour text service designed to allow individuals who are suffering from distress or mental issues to be able to rapidly speak with counsellors and gain immediate support for their difficulties.

- All students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis. Since 2017, an additional €1 million per year has been allocated to the SAF with HEIs asked to prioritise and ring-fence this element of funding for the support of part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups identified in the

National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education.

Since 2019, additional funding has also been allocated to the SAF in respect of students studying for a Professional Master of Education (PME). This is intended to address a teacher supply issue. This funding will continue for the 2020/21 academic year.

The baseline SAF funding for 2020 is €8.1m. A further €8.1m was made available by the Government under a July Stimulus Package. When these figures are added to the above two measure, the total funding available in 2020 is €18.2m.

For 2020, SAF may be used to support students who find themselves in need of financial support due to COVID-19 provided that such support aligns with the overall purpose of the SAF and the eligible costs identified above.

Third Level Fees

Questions (294)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

294. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the restrictions that exist to prevent universities unilaterally without prior notice or agreement increasing fees for students who have already commenced a course of study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40795/20]

View answer

Written answers

Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies as set out in legislation and are responsible for the day-to-day management and operational affairs of the institution. They retain the right to determine their own policies and procedures. The level of fees to be charged are therefore a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria.

Data Protection

Questions (295)

Alan Kelly

Question:

295. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has been the subject of an investigation by the Data Protection Commission from 2016 to date; the number of specific investigations underway or completed; the dates on which his Department was first notified of the investigation; the details of the investigation; the nature of the complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40812/20]

View answer

Written answers

Since my Department was established in July 2020, it has not been the subject of any formal statutory investigation by the DPC under the Data Protection Acts. There is an ongoing formal investigation relating to SUSI, a body under the aegis of my Department, which is a joint controller of data with my Department, in response to a breach reported by SUSI in 2018, prior to the establishment of my Department. As a data controller my Department engages with the Data Protection Commission as appropriate in relation to consultations and queries on an ongoing basis with regard to issues raised with them.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (296)

Gerald Nash

Question:

296. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason students who do not receive a SUSI grant will not receive an immediate €250 payment before Christmas similar to SUSI students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40825/20]

View answer

Written answers

In recognition of the challenges facing full time third level students the Government has approved once off funding of €50m to provide additional financial assistance in this academic year.

The funding, which was provided in Budget 2021, in recognition of the significant upheaval they have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic will offer financial assistance to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions (HEI).

The scheme will ensure students;

- Who avail of the SUSI grant will receive €250 top-up in their grant;

- Students who do not avail of the grant can reduce by €250 any outstanding contribution fee payments or receive a €250 credit note for their institution;

- In a small number of cases, alternative arrangements will be made for the payment of the monies to students.

The provision of a support package of this scale requires an appropriate process which must adhere to rigorous audit and robust financial controls. There is no singular process which can facilitate these payments within the required timeframe. Accordingly a number of approaches have been developed to ensure all eligible students receive the allocation.

In this regard I must thank the HEA, IUA, THEA, TU Dublin and SUSI for all their assistance in bringing this much-needed support to students in line with these requirements through existing mechanisms. SUSI and institutions will be communicating directly with students on arrangements and information from SUSI is available here: https://susi.ie/covid-19-once-off-emergency-grant/

Additionally Budget 2021 provides further funding to enhance SUSI grant supports for post-grads and increase support for the PATH access initiative, which seeks to increase participation in Higher Education from the most economically disadvantaged students.

This builds on the specific student supports in response to Covid, which I announced in July including the provision of additional student assistance including a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, and a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education to assist with difficulties in accessing technology to facilitate their course work in a blended capacity. These supports are being distributed through the colleges and further education providers.

Technological Universities

Questions (297, 298)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

297. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a further eligibility criteria sample process review report was prepared by auditors for the Munster Technological University consortium after 28 May 2019 (details supplied); if so, if he will make the report available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40882/20]

View answer

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

298. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if Cork Institute of Technology’s Department of Construction, Centre of Craft Studies, Department of Fine Art, at CIT Crawford College of Art and Design and CIT Cork School of Music were included in the computation of the eligibility criteria set out in section 28 of the Technological Universities Act 2018; and if on foot of his moving of the section 36 order these divisions will be entitled to use the name Munster Technological University. [40883/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 298 together.

The application for TU designation under the Technological Universities Act 2018 by the MTU TU development consortium, comprising Cork Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Tralee, on 12 February 2019 was subject to a comprehensive assessment process including an advisory panel review and the views of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland (QQI) to inform the Minister’s decision on the application.

The HEA commissioned an independent external assessment of the mainly quantitative eligibility criteria required under the relevant provisions of the 2018 Act. The assessment encompassed the entirety of both Institutes’ staff, students and appropriate provision. The assessment report dated 28 May 2019 is available on the HEA website at:

https://hea.ie/assets/uploads/2017/04/8.-MTU-Deloitte-Report-for-publication.pdf.

In reviewing the Institutes’ joint compliance with conditions subsequently set under sections 35(1) and 35(2) of the 2018 Act by the Minister on 30 September 2019 before making his final decision on the application, the HEA engaged an advisory panel to provide a third party independent review though this is not required under the Act. In addition, in order to ensure no obvious bias occurred and relevant criteria were applied, the HEA engaged a process auditor. The views of the advisory panel, HEA, QQI and the process auditor were provided to the Minister to inform his final decision-making on the consortium’s application under the 2018 Act.

In this context and given the specific conditions set by the Minister in September 2019 the independent external assessment of eligibility criteria of May 2019 was deemed sufficient and no further assessment was sought.

The establishment of Munster Technological University on 1 January 2021 following the approval by both Houses of the Oireachtas on 25 November 2002 of the draft order required under section 36 of the 2018 Act and its signing into law by the Minister in due course will simultaneously dissolve both Institutes of Technology and establish the technological university title across the entirety of the new higher education institution’s provision, irrespective of location.

Third Level Staff

Questions (299)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

299. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of staff members of UCD, TCD and DCU who availed of fee waivers remissions for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in their respective institutions in each of the years 2016 to 2019, in tabular form. [40975/20]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy is not available.

UCD, TCD and DCU are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997 and under this legislation they are entitled to regulate their own administrative processes. Neither I nor my Department have a role in the administration of fee waivers for staff within these institutions, and information on them is not held by my Department.

Third Level Fees

Questions (300)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

300. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40982/20]

View answer

Written answers

In line with the Common Travel Area, I can assure the Deputy that Irish students, unlike students from other EU Member States, will not be treated as International Students for fee purposes.

Officials in my Department are currently engaged in intensive discussion with their counterparts in the Devolved Administrations in the UK with a view to finalising the fees to be charged to Irish Students, reflective of the overall architecture of the Common Travel Area.

A final position has not yet been reached for 2021/ 2022 onwards, but I am very conscious of the need to provide certainty as soon as possible to Irish students considering their options and my officials are working with their UK counterparts on that basis.

Citizenship Applications

Questions (301)

John Brady

Question:

301. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice if it would be possible to waiver or reduce the fee applicable for those seeking to achieve Irish citizenship if applicants, specifically from the UK met certain requirements, such as length of residence or marriage to an Irish citizen. [41034/20]

View answer

Written answers

The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.

The fees to be paid by an applicant for a certificate of naturalisation are governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 569 of 2011). The application fee, stipulated at €175, is payable on application for a certificate of naturalisation and a certification fee is payable on the issue of a certificate of naturalisation.

The standard certification fee is set at €950, while a reduced fee of €200 applies in the case of an application made on behalf of a minor or in certain cases where the application is made by a widow, widower or surviving civil partner of an Irish citizen. In the case of recognised refugees and stateless persons, there is no certification fee.

There is no provision in the Regulations for the discretionary waiver or reduction of fees, or for differing fees to apply to different nationalities or classes of applicant. All of the fees payable under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended are kept under ongoing review by my Department. However, there are no current plans to amend the fees.

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