Written Answers Nos. 637-661
637. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if childcare providers who are operating for essential workers will be provided with a top-up on the shortfall in wages being paid with the support of the employment wage subsidy scheme, given that these services will be loss making due to the loss of fees for the duration of level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1776/21]
View answerUnder the current Covid19 restrictions, financial supports continue to be available to the Early Learning and Childcare (ELS) and School Age Care (SAC) sector, notably the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). EWSS is an economy-wide enterprise support for eligible businesses in respect of eligible employees. It provides a flat-rate subsidy to qualifying employers based on the numbers of eligible and paid employees on the employer’s payroll; and it charges a reduced rate of employer PRSI of 0.5% on wages paid that are eligible for the subsidy payment.
ELC and SAC services registered with Tusla received an exemption from the EWSS turnover requirements. This additional benefit exempts providers from demonstrating a decline of 30% turnover to be eligible for EWSS. Furthermore, the rate of subsidy the employer will receive per paid eligible employee under EWSS was enhanced on 20 October 2020 in response to nationwide level 5 restrictions and will continue to be made available during this period.
Under the enhanced rates, the average ELC and SAC service with EWSS will have approximately on average 80% of payroll costs covered. This equates to approximately 50% of the usual operating costs of the average service – allowing them to operate sustainably with lower occupancy rates and higher delivery costs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
My Department is continuing to provide all ELC and SAC subsidy schemes at existing capitation and subsidy rates during the current Level 5 restriction until the end of January. These include the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) Saver Programme, Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) Saver Programme and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme. My Department will continue to pay these subsidies in respect of children who can no longer attend while the current Level 5 measures are in effect, due to current restrictions where services are provided to children of essential workers and vulnerable children only.
Despite beneficiary schemes funding continuing to flow from the Department, along with access to the EWSS, some services may be left with short-term sustainability concerns due to lower income levels arising from current restrictions. Officials within my Department are currently developing a specific strand of funding to support sustainability issues arising out of the impact of full and part time early learning and care and school age childcare services opening only for the children of essential workers and vulnerable children. Further details will issue in due course.
My Department also oversees a case management support facility through which local CCCs and Pobal work together to assess and provide assistance to ELC and SAC services in difficulty. This support can include help with completing and interpreting analysis of staff ratios, fee setting, cash flow difficulties, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances. Any service that has concerns about their viability during the current Level 5 restrictions should contact their local CCC in the first instance.
638. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students attending a college (details supplied) are eligible for the Covid-19 third level payment. [1009/21]
View answerIn 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 was provided in Budget 2021, in recognition of the exceptional situation they have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial assistance will be provided to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions.
Dublin Business College is a private college outside the remit of my Department and students attending the college are not eligible for the scheme.
639. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if those students who sat the leaving certificate exams in November 2020 and receive improved grades will be offered a deferred place for their courses when results are released in the coming weeks based on the 2020 Central Applications Office, CAO, points. [1625/21]
View answerIt is my understanding that those who opted to sit the Leaving Certificate exams in November 2020 and receive an improved CAO offer on foot of these results will receive a deferred offer to start their course in the 2021/22 academic year. Such offers are part of the 2020 application cycle, and therefore will be based on the 2020 CAO points.
The CAO process applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on the behalf of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. The CAO are therefore best placed to provide answers to any queries in relation to third level offers. The CAO can be contacted through the contact form available on its website www.cao.ie
640. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will make arrangements with the CAO to relax its deadlines due to the fact that access of leaving certificate students to guidance and to their teachers will now necessarily be restricted. [1652/21]
View answer667. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider extending the deadlines for CAO and disability access route to education, DARE, applications in 2021, given the closure of schools and the inability of students to access some essential documents within the school premises for these applications. [1318/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 640 and 667 together.
The CAO process applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses behalf of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) Decisions on admissions, including deadlines for submissions of applications, are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO in this matter. The DARE scheme is operated by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) who set the criteria for the scheme, including application deadlines.
My officials have met with representatives from the further and higher education sector to discuss the potential impact of COVID-19 on entry to further and higher education in 2021. The potential for the closing of schools to impact students' ability to submit supporting documentation was raised and the possibility of extending the deadlines for submitting such documents will be kept under review. I will encourage the further and higher education institutions to show flexibility where possible in order to minimise the impact of the current situation on students' ability to access further and higher education. However the final decision on these deadlines will be made by the HEIs, and it is not within my remit to instruct them in regard to this matter.
641. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn the fact that universities are charging students excessive penalties for late payment of fees; and if he will intervene to get a refund of this penalty or an explanation as to the reason these penalties are applied (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1704/21]
View answerHigher Education Institutions (HEIs) are governed by the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technologies Acts 1992 to 2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018. Within the meaning of these Acts, HEIs are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs including dealing with policy and procedure in relation to fee collection.
The full terms and conditions in relation to fee payment arrangements, including instalment plans and any late payment penalties or appeals, are available from the institute. The application or refund of any charges for late payment of fees are solely a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria. My Department therefore has no role in relation to such matters.
I am very aware of the difficulties facing students during this pandemic. In general there is a real requirement in these exceptional times to have a responsive approach to student needs wherever possible and it is important to acknowledge that HEIs have to date shown enormous willingness to be responsive in numerous ways. I would encourage all students to engage with their institution to discuss any issues in relation to their course including fees.
My Department is acutely aware of the needs of students. In recognition of the challenges facing full time third level students the Government has approved once off funding of up to €50m to provide additional financial assistance in this academic year.
A €250 payment for SUSI students or a €250 credit to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions will be allocated to students. This builds on the additional supports announced in July including a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, and a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education and an additional €3m provided for investment in supports for mental health services and well-being initiatives.
642. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in the context of the closure of schools and colleges to reduce the spread of Covid-19 infection, he will instruct all education and training boards to close all Youthreach centres in line with the closure of the other educational establishments for the duration of the current Covid restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1780/21]
View answer662. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific guidance issued to education and training boards, ETBs, ahead of the scheduled reopening of Youthreach programmes in January 2021. [1150/21]
View answer671. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if Youthreach centres will remain open during the new lockdown; and if not, if they will close in line with schools. [1440/21]
View answer673. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of Youthreach under new public health restrictions. [1556/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 642, 662, 671 and 673 together.
Following the most recent Government announcement on level 5 restrictions, renewed guidance was issued by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) to the Further Education and Training (FET) sector on 7th January 2021, following consultation with stakeholders. This guidance included the provision that Youthreach services will resume as scheduled with provision primarily online but with additional support onsite where necessary to meet the mental health and welfare needs of learners.
643. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for a reduction and-or rebate in fees for postgraduate students during the 2020-21 academic year due to Covid-19; the supports in place for postgraduate students undertaking remote learning during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44676/20]
View answerThe determination as to the level of postgraduate fees to be charged is a matter for each institution in accordance with its own particular operational conditions and circumstances in ensuring quality education provision. The cost of delivering such programmes has not reduced as a consequence of the pandemic indeed institutions have had a range of additional costs in continuing to deliver programmes despite the unique circumstances of the pandemic.
I am very conscious of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our students. In recognition of the challenges facing full time third level students the Government 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 offers €250 in financial assistance to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions.
This builds on the previously enhanced student supports provided in response to COVID-19, including the doubling of the Student Assistance Fund and the provision of €15m in funding for laptops and devices. In addition to the once off €250 funding for full time postgraduate students, the main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme. To qualify for grant support, a student has to meet various criteria such as means, residency, nationality and progression. Postgraduate students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme are eligible for a maintenance grant of up to €5,915. Qualifying postgraduate students may also be eligible to have their tuition fees paid up to a maximum fee limit of €6,270. Alternatively, a postgraduate student may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the cost of his/her fees.
In line with the strategic direction set out for the Review of SUSI, Budget 2021 announced the following enhanced supports for postgraduate grants - increase the fee grant to €3,500 from €2,000 from September 2021. This increase will allay some of the costs for postgraduate study and would give greater certainty for students in terms of supports.
There are initiatives across a number of Government Departments to facilitate broadband connection through community-based broadband hubs and liaison with telecommunication providers on packages, including unlimited data. It is also worth noting that, HEAnet provides a WiFi solution - Eduroam - designed by and for the higher education community which operates across the education locations nationally. Eduroam allows a student to access WiFi wherever Eduroam is broadcast, enabling a student to seamlessly roam from one Eduroam location to another. On 5th January I announced the roll out of Wi-Fi roaming to further and higher education students in over 90 new locations across the country in 2021. This initiative will aim to create extended virtual campuses and offer students multiple options to go online.
644. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration has been given to payment of the Erasmus grant to students who did not travel abroad in 2020. [44777/20]
View answerIn cases where students had to cancel their Erasmus mobility due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they are entitled to receive the support covering their travel expenses if they were not able to cancel their travel booking and where reimbursement from the carrier company/insurance was not possible.
In any case, the student should provide evidence that a booking was made and that their efforts to recover the costs from the airline/insurance were unsuccessful. If a student had already paid a deposit for accommodation or had incurred additional costs in advance of their departure, this will also be accepted as eligible for reimbursement provided evidence is given which indicates that this expenditure cannot be recovered.
645. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department or State agencies under the aegis of his Department have awarded contracts to a company (details supplied); if so, the value of such contracts; if the contracts were tendered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44787/20]
View answerMy Department was recently established and has not undertaken a contractual relationship with the named company during the timeframe specified.
Enquiries have been made with the bodies under the aegis of my Department and I am advised by my officials that one aegis body, SOLAS, had contracts which fell within the scope of the Deputy’s query. The table attached contains the relevant details.
PQ - 44787-20 - To ask the Minister for FHERIS if his Department or State agencies under the aegis of his Department have awarded contracts to a company- Competence Assurance Solutions Ltd, trading as CAS; if so, the value of such contracts from 2016-2020; if the contracts were tendered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
|
Name of Aegis Body reporting to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. |
Details of tender process when contract was initially awarded. |
Value of contract in 2019 |
Value of contract to date 2020 |
|
An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna (SOLAS) |
Tender no. 136338 (OPEN) for QAS unit. Contract effective 4/3/2019 |
€115,440.00 |
€204,640.00 |
|
An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna (SOLAS) |
Tender no. 166636 (RESTRICTED) for eCollege. Contract effective 3/7/20 |
NIL |
€42,004.00 |
646. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of capital project contracts final accounts that have exceeded the tender value by more than 20% in each of the years 2010 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44813/20]
View answerHigher education institutions act as Contracting Authority for the majority of capital projects delivered in the higher education sector.
Based on information compiled by this Department, which relates to capital projects over €5 million only, there have been four projects co-funded by the Department and a further five projects completed without Department funding in the higher education sector since 2010 where there was a difference of 20% or more between the contract sum and the final account.
It is important to note that there are a number of factors that can lead to a difference between the contract sum and final account, including contract variations that are introduced by the Authority and that are of benefit to the Authority. While every effort is made to keep variations to a minimum, there will be circumstances – particularly on large, complex projects – in which a contract variation is necessary.
647. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44827/20]
View answerThe USI Education for All Campaign covers a wide range of issues including public financing of higher education and student accommodation on which I as Minister and my Department have been actively engaging with USI and relevant stakeholders in higher education.
Throughout the last number of months my Department has been engaging with sectoral representatives including the USI to address the challenges faced by students in this difficult time. I will continue to liaise with the USI and have met regularly with the President of the USI including on one occasion in 2020 specifically in relation to the USI's Education for All Campaign and most recently on 11th January to discuss a range of issues of concern to students.
Significant additional Exchequer funding of appropriate student supports has been a key feature of the Government‘s approach to date not least in the context of the current Covid-19 pandemic. In this context I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 41789 of 8 December 2020. For example, it is important to note in relation to this issue that under the Free Fees Schemes the Exchequer currently makes a very substantial contribution amounting to €340m to meeting the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate Higher Education students with those students who are required to pay the student contribution paying €3,000 per annum towards the cost of their studies.
In addition, the Exchequer pays the contribution in full or part, through SUSI, for approximately 44% of students eligible for free fees.
As the Deputy will be aware as part of Budget 2021, I announced enhanced SUSI grant supports for post-grads and increased support for the PATH access initiative to increase participation in Higher Education from the most economically disadvantaged students and a review of SUSI to guide the future strategic direction of the scheme. An important objective will be to ensure access to and continued participation in higher education by students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
While the balance of costs and benefits of Higher Education will be considered as part of the broader strategic reform of higher education funding, the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on students and families has been the subject of immediate attention.
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 an additional €250 payment before Christmas;
- Students who do not avail of the grant but attend publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the state 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 latter two options, as outlined above, are designed to ensure students who are not in receipt of SUSI benefit from the measure. It is also the intention that these address circumstances where students are in final year, have paid their contribution fee and may not be on campus.
A key administrative feature of the fund is that it is being implemented with the assistance of publicly funded institutions in the State under the remit of my Department. SUSI and Higher education institutions are in the process of communicating with students on the specific arrangements for disbursement of funds/credits. Information from SUSI is available here: https://susi.ie/covid-19-once-off-emergency-grant/
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.
In relation to the Student Grant and in line with the Programme for Government, I recently announced plans to review the SUSI scheme. The review will commence as soon as consultants are in place. The contract for an external consultant/researcher was published by the Office of Government Procurement on December 18th and the closing date for tender submissions is January 15th 2021. Stakeholders, including USI, will be consulted as part of the review process and it is intended that the future direction of the SUSI scheme will be guided by the outcome of the review.
The specific issues comprehended in the USI Education for All Campaign will continue to be considered by the Department and, where appropriate, advanced and resourced in the context of ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders in higher education and against the backdrop of significant cumulative pressures on the public finances at this time.
648. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44842/20]
View answer649. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the action he will take to ensure the return of accommodation fees that were paid in good faith at the start of the academic year in light of the fact that, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the majority of third level colleges are carrying out lectures online and students are no longer availing of the student accommodation cannot attend college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44845/20]
View answer652. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to provide a support package for struggling families and students who have paid significant accommodation costs to private providers and cannot receive refunds (details supplied). [44958/20]
View answer656. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a matter regarding refunds for campus accommodation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45117/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 648, 649, 652 and 656 together.
I am conscious of the challenges faced by students regarding student accommodation this year due to both financial pressures, and the blended learning format of the 2020/21 academic year.
The Deputy will be aware that the university sector has been actively engaging with these issues. As a result of the decision to minimise on-site teaching, all universities have confirmed that students who opted to leave their university-owned student accommodation as a result reduced on-campus activity will be offered refunds or rental credits. The processing of these refunds is a matter for the universities themselves, and any student who wishes to receive a refund for their on-campus accommodation should engage directly with their university’s accommodation office.
In relation to the University of Limerick specifically I have been informed that students were given until 31st October to cancel their accommodation and receive a full refund. Students who chose to leave their accommodation after 31st October due to the remote format of the academic year have been offered a rental fee credit. I will continue to liaise with the sector through the Irish Universities Association to encourage the availability of fair solutions to students in university-owned student accommodation.
However this applies only to accommodation owned by the universities themselves. In the case of privately-owned student accommodation, I am urging providers to be flexible in finding solutions given the circumstances that students find themselves. There are, however, no powers available to me under the current legal framework to direct any particular course of action. Refund or cancellation policies in student accommodation should be set out in the license agreement signed at the beginning of the academic year. In the first instance students should engage with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached. If this is not possible, students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services of the Residential Tenancies Board.
I have asked my officials to continue to engage with the sector and to keep me updated on relevant developments in this important area.
650. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure that PhD candidates in third level institutions who are also teaching classes as part of their stipends are paid adequately for their work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44934/20]
View answerPostgraduate programmes are comprised of a range of elements designed to further the training and development of these students. In particular PhD students, in addition to conducting research, participate in other activities to develop generic and transferable skills. These activities are regarded as an integral part of their training and typically include teaching.
Development of these skills is important in equipping the students for their future careers, including those who wish to compete for academic positions. Teaching contribution assists in the acquisition of generic and transferable skills, as described in the National Framework for Doctoral Education and the PhD Graduate Skills statement provided by the Irish Universities Association.
PhD students may contribute to teaching, often at a level of up to 5 hours per week over the course of their studies, without extra payment. Such duties are commonly part of their terms and constitute an important element of their skills development programme. A range of activities can be included under the teaching contribution, such as taking tutorial groups, demonstrating at practical classes, co-supervising undergraduate projects and student mentoring. Hours may be included that are spent in class preparation, advising, monitoring student projects, and correcting projects, notebooks or essays and will vary according to School/Discipline. Where postgraduate students are in receipt of funding awards, participation in such activities can be considered a valuable activity within the award holder’s career.
While contributing to teaching is an integral part of the training of a research Master’s or PhD student the core component of research programmes across all universities is the advancement of knowledge through original research, which must remain the primary focus of the activity of research students.
The delivery of teaching duties by graduate students in a higher education institution is a matter for the institution concerned reflecting their independent self-governed status. However, it is important that the allocation and conduct of such work is undertaken in accordance with the objectives of the National Framework for Doctoral Education and the PhD Graduate Skills Statement in enabling the development of key skills and competencies for postgraduate students.
Where individual issues arise these fall to individual institutions to address consistent with the terms of the Framework and Skills Statement. However given the wide range of potential situations reflecting the diversity of institutions, disciplines, course fees, the relationship in some cases with research funding awards and stipends and other factors, I have asked my Department to engage with the Higher Education Authority, research funders and relevant stakeholders to seek advice on this matter and consider any issues arising.
651. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to an anomaly in relation to the Covid-19 one-off emergency grant of €250 in cases in which students who are in their final year have paid their fees in full and are not going to be able to spend a credit note as they are not attending in person; his plans to address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44943/20]
View answerIn 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 was provided in Budget 2021, in recognition of the exceptional situation they have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial assistance will be provided to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions.
The scheme will ensure students;
- Who avail of the SUSI grant, including students abroad, will receive €250 top-up in their grant;
- Students who do not avail of the grant but attend publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the state can reduce by €250 any outstanding student 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 at the discretion of institutions.
The latter two options, as outlined above, are designed to ensure students who are not in receipt of SUSI benefit from the measure. It is also the intention that these address circumstances where students are in final year, have paid their contribution fee and may not be on campus.
A key administrative feature of the fund is that it is being implemented with the assistance of publicly funded institutions in the State under the remit of my Department. SUSI and Higher education institutions are in the process of communicating with students on the specific arrangements for disbursement of funds/credits.
Additionally Budget 2021 provides further funding to enhance SUSI grant supports for post-grads and increase support for the PATH access initiative.
This builds on the additional supports announced in July including a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, and a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education.
653. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the rationale for excluding post-leaving certificate students from a recently announced €250 payment for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44965/20]
View answer654. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the €250 refund for college students will be applied to SOLAS and further education students. [44983/20]
View answer676. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if third level students undertaking full-time level 5 courses in institutions that come under the remit of education and training boards are eligible for the €250 payment announced in November 2020; if they are not currently eligible, if he will extend eligibility to this cohort in view of the fact that these students have also been required to move to online learning and manage the costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1683/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 653, 654 and 676 together.
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 challenges they have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic offered financial assistance to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions. There are currently no plans to extend this scheme further.
The scheme ensures students;
- Who avail of the SUSI grant, including in Post Leaving Certificate (PLC), receive a €250 top-up in their grant;
- Students who do not avail of the grant but attend publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the State can reduce by €250 any outstanding student contribution fee payments or receive a €250 credit note for their institution;
The latter option is designed to ensure students who pay the standard €3,000 in registration fees but are not in receipt of SUSI will benefit from the measure. Students on PLC courses do not pay the €3,000 student contribution fee. The only centrally determined payment for the PLC programme is the €200 PLC participant contribution. This amount is not payable by persons with a medical card, as well as a number of other categories.
There are other supports available to PLC students including through the Back to Education Allowance provided by the Department of Social Protection, and the Fund for Student Disabilities. PLC and other Further Education and Training students also benefited from additional Covid supports announced in July, in particular the €15 million technology fund for devices. In addition Budget 2021 provided for a Mitigating Educational Disadvantage Fund worth €8 million managed by SOLAS. This fund provided funds to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in further education and training (FET) including in PLC.
655. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the negotiations and timeframe for Ireland to become a member of CERN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45102/20]
View answerInnovation 2020, the national strategy for research and innovation, recognises that for Ireland to become a Global Innovation Leader, our research and innovation system must be open with strong international collaboration links. Membership of leading international research organisations is an important mechanism for facilitating this engagement.
For this reason, the Government gave a specific commitment in Innovation 2020 to initiate discussions with several international research organisations. Four organisations were identified – CERN, the European Southern Observatory, ELIXIR and LOFAR - and membership of three of these organisations has been completed. Ireland continues its consideration of CERN membership.
Under the National Development Plan 2018-2027, as part of Project Ireland 2040, the Government outlined its intention to review Ireland's membership of CERN. This would generate opportunities not only for Irish enterprise but also for its research community. While the benefits of CERN membership are recognised as significant, the cost is also significant and must be assessed in the context of other Departmental and national investment priorities.
Following the recent establishment of my new Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, CERN membership will be considered in the context of the programme for government, national investment priorities and the evolving COVID-19 situation. Ireland continues its consideration of full and associate CERN membership and my Department will remain in contact with CERN officials.
657. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the process by which a college application by a person (details supplied) can be appealed, given that the university has advised the prospective student to appeal through the Teaching Council but the Teaching Council has advised that it does not have any remit with regard to the appeals process. [1001/21]
View answerThe University of Limerick is an autonomous institution within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997. It is therefore academically independent and entitled to regulate its own academic affairs and administrative processes, including in relation to admissions. Neither I nor my Department have a role in these internal processes.
Admission to the post-primary PME is contingent on the applicant's primary degree meeting the requirements of the Teaching Council of Ireland for the purposes of teaching their chosen subject(s). If an applicant's primary degree does not fulfil these requirements they would be unable to register with the Teaching Council even upon completion of the PME.
The University of Limerick operates an applicant appeals process, which any applicant who is dissatisfied with the university's decision In relation to their admission to a programme may avail of. Details of this process can be found on UL's website at the following link: https://www.ul.ie/gps/admission-appeals-process
658. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students will be able to attend third level institutions physically from 13 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1041/21]
View answer663. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if on-campus facilities for third level institutions such as libraries and study spaces can remain open during level 5 restrictions. [1155/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 658 and 663 together.
With the deterioration of the COVID-19 situation in Ireland in recent weeks, HE and FET providers have been required to adapt again and carefully restrict the number of staff and students coming on-site.
Institutions and providers are using their discretion to restrict onsite attendance, only allowing the most essential work to take place onsite. Local assessments of what can be offered onsite are focussed on activities that are not capable of being delivered through alternative means and are time-critical for students and learners during this period.
Institutions and providers have been very careful and adaptable in using this discretion in planning onsite activities, taking account of the public health situation nationally and locally including the most recent deterioration, and are communicating directly with their students and learners about the activities that will be provided onsite and online, and the supports that are available to them. Providers and institutions are also cognisant of the need to facilitate students and learners who do not have accommodation arrangements near their institutions and are not in a position to travel or who have specific health considerations.
659. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the situation for those who have passed the screening process for the fast-track to information technology, FIT, tech apprenticeship programme; the reason many of these young persons have not been given access to the classroom-based modules of the course; and if he will consider whether they can be given this access. [1060/21]
View answerApprenticeships are primarily a contract of employment and it is only once employment has been obtained that an individual may formally register as an apprentice with SOLAS and progress through the programme.
FastTrack to Information Technology (FIT) is responsible for coordinating three ICT apprenticeships: ICT Associate Software Developer, Network Engineer, and Cybersecurity. The consortium for these national apprenticeships have incorporated an advance screening approach to determine an individual's overall suitability for the programme prior to presenting candidates to employers. Once the pre-screening has been completed, a final decision to employ an apprentice rests with individual employers.
660. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of individual laptops purchased as part of the laptop scheme for third level students announced in August 2020; the total cost of purchasing those laptops; the form of needs assessment carried out prior to purchase; if colleges or universities were consulted as part of the needs assessment; the specific colleges or universities; the number of laptops issued to each third level institution; and the number of laptops issued to students per third level institution in tabular form. [1072/21]
View answerAs part of a package of COVID-19 supports for the higher and further education sectors, my Department allocated a total of €15 million to higher and further education providers for a once-off COVID-19 grant to support disadvantaged students in accessing ICT devices.
This initiative addresses concerns regarding the digital divide in the context of the shift to online and blended models of learning and the importance of supporting disadvantaged students to adapt to these new models.
Devices procured using the grant have been, and are still being, distributed by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Education and Training Boards (ETBs) to disadvantaged students via lending schemes. The attached table shows the number of laptops procured by providers and the number distributed to students as at mid-December 2020, which is the most recent data compiled by the Department. It is important to note that applications are still open and distribution by many providers is still continuing - including to learners commencing courses this month and later this year. As this is a once-off grant, institutions have been given the flexibility to hold some of the devices for students commencing their studies in the 2021/22 academic year.
The decision to support access to laptops for disadvantaged students was made in response to issues identified by the Tertiary Education Steering Group and the associated Connectivity Sub-group. These structures were established in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to coordinate responses across the sector, and included participation from the representative bodies in the higher and further education sector, including the IUA representing the university sector, THEA representing the technological sector, TU Dublin, ETBI and the Union of Students of Ireland (USI).
The once-off grant for devices was approved by Government on 22 July as part of a package of COVID-19 measures for the sector. Funding was allocated among HEIs and ETBs based on enrolment figures. In the higher education sector, a weighting was also applied based on the number of disadvantaged students in the institution. The criteria and application process for the allocation of laptops to students were determined by each individual institution, within the overall terms and conditions of the grant.
661. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a full report on the inclusion of Northern Ireland in the Erasmus+ scheme will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1097/21]
View answerIn the context of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union, representatives of civic society from all communities in Northern Ireland expressed concern over the loss of access to the EU's Erasmus Mobility Programme for students in higher education.
In responding to these concerns, the Irish Government has committed to providing continued access to Erasmus + higher education mobilities for students in NI institutions, now that the future partnership between the EU and the UK does not provide for this. In implementing this commitment, Ireland will seek to ensure compliance with Erasmus + programme regulations.
With this in mind, eligible NI students will be able to register with Irish higher education institutions that hold the Erasmus Mobility Charter for the duration of their planned mobility.
Officials in my Department have been engaging with the HEA, with representatives from our higher education institutions and with NI institutions to develop operational procedures for the scheme, with further meetings planned between NI and Irish higher education representatives in near future.
As I understand that current Erasmus mobilities in NI are funded by the British Council until the end of the current academic year, this scheme is planned to come into operation at the start of the next academic year in September 2021.
