Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which he plans to support students enrolled in third level institutions to get back to college campuses in 2021 after Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41644/20]
View answerContinuity for the most part of further and higher education and research has been maintained throughout the pandemic. The diversity and flexibility of higher education institutions has been key in driving responsive and adaptable approaches to the challenges created by the pandemic, ensuring that the sector has remained open and that continuity of high quality provision has been achieved.
For the remainder of the current academic term, and in line with the available public health advice, on campus activity is prioritised for essential learning and activities including mandatory skills, practical, mandatory training and assessment. Further and higher education institutions should continue to deliver the majority of their classes online.
Though dialogue is ongoing, there is a strong shared perspective on planning and communicating the arrangements for the remainder of the academic year 2020/21. I have agreed with the sector that, with the prospect of alleviation of restrictions to come, there will be scope, on a phased and discretionary basis, to incrementally expand onsite provision.
Since the onset of Covid-19 in March, my Department has collaborated with key stakeholders from the sector in order to establish a number of lines of action to support the safe return of third level students to on-site campus activity. These actions include the establishment of a structure to facilitate engagement and collaboration with sectoral stakeholders across the further and higher education sector, a series of financial supports aimed at mitigating the financial impacts of Covid-19 and a number of initiatives aimed at protecting and supporting the wellbeing of third level students.
These actions highlight my continued commitment and that of the Government to support students and learners in the further and higher education sector in their return to on campus activity.
