Skip to main content
Normal View

Wednesday, 21 Apr 2021

Written Answers Nos. 1308-1325

Technological Universities

Questions (1308)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1308. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a schedule of each project, description and funding he identified as having being already allocated a variety of projects in the south east as part of the technological university in his Dáil Éireann statement on 10 March 2021 (details supplied) in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19231/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am strongly committed to capital investment in the proposed technological university for the South East. Officials from my Department and the Higher Education Authority are in ongoing engagement with both Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow in relation to campus development plans across all proposed TU locations, including Wexford.

It is planned that over the lifetime of the National Development Plan substantial investment will be required across various locations to address under investment in facilities. This investment includes the vision of a larger campus footprint in the South East, including in Waterford, and provision of fit for purpose spaces to address skills and demographic demand issues.

A key recommendation of the 2019 Technological University Research Network (TURN) report which sets out the blueprint and requirements for successful TUs in the State, is the prioritisation of capital investment in TUs where they are exclusively dependent on Exchequer resourcing. Capital investment has been and will be associated with ongoing technological university progression.

Currently eleven building projects in the technological sector are being advanced as part of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme. The projects will play an important role in enabling projected increases in student enrolments, addressing severe constraints with regard to existing infrastructure and advancing the TU agenda. The programme will deliver some 70,000 square metres of additional space, generating an additional 8,000 student places, mainly in STEM-related areas.

Both Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow have significant capital projects within Bundle 2 of the Higher Education PPP Programme. In the case of WIT this is a new Engineering, Computing and General Teaching building to be located on the Cork Road campus. This is the largest project in the PPP programme and will be a flagship STEM related building targeting key skills areas such as engineering, architecture and computing. The building will also consolidate a number of faculties into one space. This will enable the cross pollination of concepts and ideas that are key to future innovation. The PPP programme also provides for the delivery of a new Science and Health Building in IT Carlow of over 6,000 square metres which will consist of science laboratories, learning resource, administration and ancillary spaces and will increase capacity for some 500 students across the campus.

The cost estimates in relation to the PPP Programme and any other projects, including new sites, which are in procurement or pre-procurement are commercially sensitive. I can assure the Deputy of my commitment to meaningful capital investment to underpin the ambitions of TUSE.

Third Level Institutions

Questions (1309)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1309. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a detailed schedule with respect to the €966 million provided in capital funding across the higher education sector in each of the years 2008 to 2019, in tabular form; the institution, location, description or purpose and quantum of funding provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19232/21]

View answer

Written answers

As the Deputy will appreciate, the detailed information sought spans a significant timeframe. In that regard, officials from my Department are currently compiling the data in the format requested and will respond directly to the Deputy shortly.

Third Level Institutions

Questions (1310)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1310. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a schedule of each institution, building name, size and funding requested under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund programme call issued in December 2018 and announced in August 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19233/21]

View answer

Written answers

I can advise the Deputy that 15 applications were received under the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund. Five major capital projects were approved for co-funding under the Fund. The total co-funding approved amounts to €96.6m.

The 15 projects are listed in the table with the approved projects highlighted in bold.

HEI Code

Project Title

Funding Requested (€)m

Total Area (m²)

NUIG

Learning Commons

15

10,382

UCC

Cork University Business School (CUBS) Project

25

17,000

UCD

Future Campus Project

25

22,500

MU

Maynooth University Technology Society and Innovation Building

25

16,224

ITS

Extension to Central Campus (E01)

6.6

4,550

TCD

Law School

9

2,500

UL

Future Skills Academy

22.6

7,866

LIT

LIT City Centre Campus - Clare Street

0.7

1,243

ITC

New Information Science and Technology Bld.

13.05

6,000

LYIT

LYIT National Fire Safety Engineering Centre

1.87

563

GMIT

GMIT Cluain Mhuire Campus

3.5

7,330

TU Dublin

Design & Construct

7.5

6,176

ITT

IT Tralee Student Facilities Hub (SFH)

6.1

3,550

RCSI

Academic Healthcare Centre

3.4

2,900

DIAS

Astronomy, Space Science & Technology Study Centre - Dunsink Observatory

0.1

111

Straitéisí Ranna

Questions (1311)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

1311. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag a Roinn go dáta le feidhm a thabhairt don gheallúint i gclár an Rialtais go mbeidh cur chuige uile rialtais á chur i bhfeidhm i leith na Gaeilge, ag tógáil san áireamh na geallúintí i leith an oideachais sa Straitéis Fiche Bliain don Ghaeilge agus sa bPolasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta; an bhfuil i gceist aige aithbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar Ráiteas Straitéise na Roinne agus an Plean Gníomhaiochta Straitéiseach atá ag a Roinn le cinntiú go mbeidh a Roinn ag comhlíonadh a dualgas, mar atá luaite thuas i leith na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [19234/21]

View answer

Written answers

Is colún lárnach de chur chuige an rialtais é an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 chun a chinntiú go ndéantar an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn agus a chothú ar fud an stáit. Tá cur chuige rialtais uile, faoi stiúir na Roinne Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus na Meán, deartha chun a chinntiú go gcomhlíontar na spriocanna faoin straitéis. Tuairiscíonn an Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta ar ghníomhartha atá faoina shainchúram, atá faoi stiúir an Údaráis um Ardoideachas, rogha d’institiúidí ardoideachais aonair, agus na Roinne Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltacht, Spórt agus na Meán. Áirítear leis na gníomhartha seo maoiniú a sholáthar don Údarás um Ardoideachas d’Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge (NUIG) i measc tionscnamh eile. Éascaíonn maoiniú den sórt sin cláir do dhaoine fásta i speisialtóireachtaí Gaeilge agus gairmiúla. Tá an Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta tiomanta dá oibleagáid leanúint de mhaoiniú a sholáthar do na tionscnaimh seo, atá ríthábhachtach do chur chun cinn agus do chothú na Gaeilge. Agus iad ag obair go dlúth leis an Roinn seo, cuireann na gníomhaireachtaí agus na hinstitiúidí seo go mór le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge san earnáil ardoideachais agus breisoideachais, agus tá mo Roinn ag tnúth le rannchuidiú le plean gníomhaíochta nua 5 bliana a fhorbairt, a thiocfaidh i bhfeidhm ó 2022 ar aghaidh.

Is príomhcháipéis é an Ráiteas Straitéise ina leagtar béim ar spriocanna ardleibhéil mar fhócas straitéiseach don Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta. Ag teacht leis an gcur chuige seo, ní thugtar sonraí mórchuid de ghníomhaíochtaí agus de thosaíochtaí na Roinne.

Question No. 1312 answered with Question No. 1271.

Third Level Institutions

Questions (1313, 1314)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1313. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the State expenditure per student in higher education in 2021 including Covid-19 related expenditure; the cost per student excluding Covid-19 related expenditure in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19361/21]

View answer

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1314. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the State expenditure per student in higher education in each of the years since 2007, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19362/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1313 and 1314 together.

As Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Skills, I am committed to continuing the process of investing in our higher education system and to the development and implementation of a sustainable funding model for the sector.

It is important to note that, in considering the total level of resource available to the sector, Universities are autonomous bodies under legislation and have significant income streams from activities pursued through academic freedom.

As the deputy is aware, Government investment in Higher Education is not specifically allocated against a per student metric and state investment in the sector is not limited to the recurrent grant funding of institutions. The provision of Higher Education funding on an annual basis is part of overall expenditure management and budgetary policy for Government.

In this regard, Government provides financial support to the higher education sector through direct recurrent grants, and indirectly through a number of specific parameters including free fees, policy initiatives, Springboard+, Human Capital Initiative, SUSI fee supports.

The student contribution, as paid annually by undergraduate students not in receipt of SUSI grants, is another element of the total resources available to the higher education sector.

Other income available to the institutions includes fees collected from tuition fees, part-time courses, postgraduate course fees and other onsite/offsite commercial activities. My Department does not have oversight of these funding arrangements.

Since 2015 there has been a significant programme of re-investment in higher education. Funding and policy developments taken in recent Budgets have taken significant steps to address the funding needs of the sector. Most notably, and in line with the recommendation of the Cassells report, a new stream of employer funding was introduced upon a review of the National Training Fund. This level of investment responded to demographic pressures and underpinned a range of initiatives in the higher education sector, including a new research initiative, a substantial investment in the evolution of Technological Universities, significant skills-enhancing opportunities for individuals, sectors and regions most vulnerable to Brexit as well as updating skills more generally to prepare Ireland’s society and economy for a future world of work transformed by technology and automation.

Government funding has demonstrably increased in the period 2016 to 2021, funding and policy developments taken in recent Budgets have taken significant steps to address the funding needs of the sector.

In 2021, exclusive of further education (programme A) and research allocations (programme C) total planned exchequer (programme B) and NTF funding of the HE sector for 2021 is in the order of €1.98billion. This represents an increase on the previous the peak level of expenditure on higher education previously achieved in 2008 prior to the economic downturn. This is a substantial increase from the ‘low point’ of planned HE expenditure (€1.42 billion) in 2015.

In 2021, in line with the two distinct policy goals that will need to be addressed in budgetary decisions over the medium term, additional funding had been provided for the core budgetary programmes and funding for Covid-19 related policy responses.

In terms of COVID 19 responses 2021 HE funding includes:

- 20million for expected additional demand on student grant scheme

- €7m for Springboard+ and €12m for HEA apprenticeships under the NTF.

I am confident that the significant additional funding already committed is delivering real benefits on the ground. However there is always a need to look to the future. This is why I am progressing the development of a sustainable funding model for higher education. This is essential in light of the centrality of higher education - both in terms of human capital development, research and innovation - to underpinning the future development of Ireland as a knowledge economy against the backdrop of rapid technological change.

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

Department officials are working closely with the European Commission and the independently appointed consortia of consultants. The key aim of this review is to investigate methods of increasing the sustainability of higher and further education provision in Ireland, including an examination of the funding options. This review commenced in early 2020 and work is expected to be complete towards the latter part of Q2 2021.

Department officials will continue to work with stakeholders on this comprehensive analysis of funding options for higher education and the assessment of the appropriate balance in provision across the tertiary education system.

Completion of this work will allow for an informed debate on the appropriate policy approach to future planning and funding of higher and further education provision which is fundamental to Ireland's economic and social sustainability.

All of the foregoing highlights my commitment and that of Government to support students and learners in accessing and successfully participating in both higher and further

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (1315, 1316, 1317, 1322)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1315. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average cost associated with a craft apprenticeship excluding the 45% used for allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19364/21]

View answer

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1316. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average cost associated with a craft apprenticeship excluding the 36% used for consortia costs and set-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19365/21]

View answer

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1317. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of the 36% cost of new apprenticeships used for consortia costs and set-up, particularly the percentage that goes on set-up costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19366/21]

View answer

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1322. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the expenditure on consortia cost excluding set-up costs since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19409/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1315, 1316, 1317 and 1322 together.

The most recent figures for the total estimated annual cost per apprentice are from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Spending Review of Apprenticeships which was published in 2019. The figure for craft apprenticeship is €7,159 with an average cost of €9,877 per apprentice for those apprenticeships established since 2016.

There are no consortia costs related to craft apprenticeship under the existing model. The percentage breakdown of the average cost associated with a craft apprenticeship excluding the 45% used for training allowances and as a whole of the craft expenditure is in the table.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the breakdown of the 36% cost of post-2016 apprenticeships used for consortia costs and set-up, particularly the percentage that goes on set-up costs and the expenditure on consortia cost excluding set-up costs since 2016 is currently being collated by SOLAS and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

2018 Expenditure on Craft Apprenticeship

% of cost excluding 45% on training allowance

% of total cost

SOLAS apprenticeship costs

4%

2%

Non Allowances

28%

15.5%

HEA Allocation

47%

26%

Apprenticeship Salary Costs

21%

11.5%

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (1318)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1318. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the minimum an employer is allowed to pay an apprentice under the new consortia led apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19367/21]

View answer

Written answers

The rates of pay for the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes are agreed by the partners within the relevant sector, or are set out in Sectoral Employment Orders (Construction Sector and Mechanical Engineering Building Services Contracting Sector). Rates vary between occupations and sectors but in all cases craft apprenticeship rates are expressed as a proportion of the qualified rate, increasing yearly from 33% of the qualified rate in year one to 90% in year four. Payment is also based on attainment of relevant skill, knowledge and competence achieved after successfully completing each phase of training. The most up to date rates are attached.

In the case of the 35 apprenticeships established since 2016, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer. Apprentices are excluded from the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.

SSHA

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (1319, 1320, 1345)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1319. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of removing the annual student contribution and examination fees for all apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19368/21]

View answer

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1320. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices by craft and new; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19369/21]

View answer

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1345. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost to cover the pro rata student contribution for students enrolled in apprenticeships within higher education institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20661/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1319, 1320 and 1345 together.

An Annual Student Contribution (ASC) is levied on all students attending Institutes of Technology (IoTs) and Technological Universities. The amount of ASC charged to apprentices is calculated on a pro rata basis of the time which they spend in the institution during the academic year. In cases where training is delivered in an Education and Training Board there is no contribution required from the apprentice.

For craft apprenticeships, the ASC charged is typically one third of the €3,000 ASC paid by students attending for the full academic year and so amounts to approximately €1,000 per apprentice per period spent in the IoT. In the case of consortia-led apprenticeships the contribution varies for each programme as off-the-job training has a more flexible structure, ranging from periods of block release to one day per week or remote learning options.

If the ASC was removed, with the apprentice paying examination fees only, then the cost to the State is estimated at an average €267 per apprentice per annum. Based on a current population of almost 20,000 registered apprentices, the estimated cost is €5.3M per annum.

The total number of registered apprentices as of the end of February 2021 is:

Craft programmes: 17,408

Consortia-led programmes: 2,566

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (1321)

Holly Cairns

Question:

1321. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress of all qualifying students in receiving the €250 refund on fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19391/21]

View answer

Written answers

In recognition of the challenges facing full time third level students, financial assistance will be provided in academic year 20/21 to all students who avail of SUSI grants and to all EU full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students attending publicly funded Higher Education Institutions in the state.

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 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 scheme will provide financial assistance to all eligible full time third level students in recognition of the significant upheaval they have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the options are designed to ensure students who are not in receipt of SUSI will benefit from the measure.

The first payments to SUSI grant holders were made on December 18th 2020 and by March 12th 2021, a total of €18.3m had been paid to 73,348 students (6,528 PLC and 66,820 HEI students). It is estimated that a further 754 students will receive the payment before the end of the academic year.

For non-SUSI students, a key administrative feature of the fund is that it is was implemented with the assistance of individual publicly funded institutions in the State under the remit of my Department with the credit distributed to students before the end of the 2020/2021 academic year.

It is estimated that in the order of 116,500 Non-SUSI students have received €250 COVID Student Support funding credits through their higher education institutions.

The department will be working with SUSI, the HEA and institutions in the coming weeks to confirm the final number of students that received this support.

Question No. 1322 answered with Question No. 1315.
Questions Nos. 1323 and 1324 answered with Question No. 1271.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (1325)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1325. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the expansion of a further education and training course hub with a new campus for a school (details supplied) will be delivered. [19572/21]

View answer

Written answers

I can confirm to the Deputy that plans are currently being advanced for interim temporary accommodation for the further education and training provision under reference.

In regard to the development of the campus, it is my understanding that the Department of Education intend to develop permanent accommodation for a school on the site also.

Top
Share