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Thursday, 8 Jul 2021

Written Answers Nos. 1-25

Technological Universities

Questions (11)

Brian Stanley

Question:

11. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the role his Department played in the appointment of a person (details supplied) to a position. [36551/21]

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Written answers

By late 2019 there was considerable concern at the pace of progress in relation to the proposals of the TUSEI consortium comprising IT Carlow and Waterford IT to establish a technological university (TU). The South East is the only region in the country without a university presence. Addressing this situation has been a priority objective for the Department not just in educational terms but because of its wider significance in accelerating regional development..

In this context the Department encouraged the TUSEI consortium to work effectively to achieve TU designation including through the establishment of appropriate governance structures. The Department’s considered view was there was a persuasive case to be made, based on previous successful TU applications in Dublin and Munster, for securing the services of a programme executive director with a strong mandate under the joint governance structures put in place by the consortium. The creation of a project-specific senior executive leadership role, either a person or team of high standing operating across both institutions, would accelerate project momentum and, crucially, expedite the TU application. This person or persons would be ceded sufficient devolved authority from the institutions’ governing bodies to speak authoritatively on its progress, manage and deliver the finalised application, and lead project delivery in advance of any legal establishment of the TU and recruitment of its leadership team.

The consortium proceeded to explore the possibilities of such a role in early 2020, keeping the Department informed of developments. I understand the consortium compiled a specification for the role of programme executive director and then drew up shortlists of potentially suitable individuals. In this regard the consortium was supported by the Department in engaging with a number of experienced senior leaders, mainly in the university sector, to sound out whether there would be interest in the role. This did not yield a successful outcome with none of these candidates the person subsequently appointed to the role by the consortium.

In July 2020 the consortium ultimately appointed Mr. Tom Boland, a former and long-serving Chief Executive of the HEA who is highly regarded within the Irish higher education sector with significant experience and expertise in higher education, to the role of programme executive director.

The Department was advised of the proposed appointment and agreed that it would meet the requirements identified for independent senior executive leadership to accelerate the delivery of the TUSEI project. A project that up to that point had been ongoing for some nine years.

Given the importance attaching to the establishment of a TU in the South East in the Programme for Government, as Minister I welcomed Mr. Boland’s appointment on 28 July 2020 having briefed the Cabinet on the advancement of the TUSEI consortium proposals, including this appointment, on 22 July.

For the avoidance of doubt my Department, while supportive of the TUSEI consortium in the manner outlined, did not hold responsibility for the process of appointment and the agreement of contractual arrangements, as the consortium was the contracting party for the services of the programme executive director.

The Deputy will be aware that the project has achieved very significant progress with the Governing Bodies of IT Carlow and Waterford IT submitting their joint TU application on April 30th and arrangements underway for this application to be considered by an international expert advisory panel as provided for in the Technological Universities Act 2018.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (12)

Joe Carey

Question:

12. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he will take to ensure a greater regional aspect to the newly proposed national apprentice office among the new places being offered between now and 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36624/21]

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Written answers

Apprenticeship is an employer driven demand led educational and training programme which aims to ensure that qualified apprentices are fully skilled to act in an independent capacity in their respective industries. While apprenticeships are national programmes, it is the pattern of employer recruitment of apprentices that determines the availability of individual apprentice opportunities.

Apprenticeships are available in many sectors that have a strong regional presence such as manufacturing, hospitality, construction, and retail. The continued expansion of the apprenticeship system into new sectors of the economy such as agriculture and horticulture, together with the opportunity of online and blended learning, will bring real opportunities for learners and employers throughout the country.

Objectives such as balanced regional development will inform the manner in which the education and training system can support employers in planning and addressing their skills requirements. This is why a survey undertaken by the Regional Skills Fora Managers of 340 SMEs across the country formed part of the consultation process for the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021.

Under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship, the new National Apprenticeship Office will drive promotional activities to heighten public awareness and that of employers of the range of apprenticeship offerings throughout the country. Visibility of programmes will be supported through the national Generation Apprenticeship campaign and continued engagement with regional vocational skills showcases. The Regional Skills Fora, with their in-depth knowledge of the local and regional landscape, will support the National Apprenticeship Office to ensure that there is a strong regional focus to the future development of apprenticeships. Education and Training Boards, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities are spread throughout the country and play a very important role in ensuring apprenticeship provision has a strong regional dimension.

Under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship prospective apprentices from all geographical locations will be able to find out information about apprenticeship opportunities and will receive more support and clearer communication throughout their entire learning journey.

Question No. 13 answered orally.

Technological Universities

Questions (14)

David Cullinane

Question:

14. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the application for a technological university for the south-east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35501/21]

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Written answers

On 30 April 2021, I received an application under section 29 of the Technological Universities Act 2018 from the Institute of Technology Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology. The application is seeking an order under section 36 of the Act for the applicant institutes to be dissolved and the establishment of a technological university (TU). On 25 May 2021 in accordance with my obligations as Minister under section 31(3) of the Act, I appointed an advisory panel of four persons to assess the application.

This experienced and expert international panel, whom I met late last month as a matter of courtesy, is the same panel that assessed the application for TU designation made by the Athlone and Limerick Institutes of Technology in late 2020. In meeting with the panel my officials also took the opportunity to emphasise the continuing Government and Department support and commitment to the creation and development of TUs in Ireland in line with the 2019 TURN report. I pointed out that Government has allocated significant Exchequer funding for TU progression under the Transformation Fund. This support reflects the priority regional objectives of higher education access, research expansion, skills creation and retention and regional development including for the South-East region.

Department officials understand that the panel commenced its virtual assessment interactions with the applicant institutes on Monday this week 5 July 2021.

I await the furnishing of the panel’s report, the views of the Higher Education Authority on it, and any other information the Authority considers relevant in accordance with the timeframes prescribed under the 2018 Act before making my proposed decision on the application.

Question No. 15 answered orally.

Technological Universities

Questions (16)

Brian Stanley

Question:

16. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there was a compliant appointment process for the appointment of a person (details supplied) to a position. [36550/21]

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Written answers

The appointment of the TUSEI consortium’s Programme Executive Director was made by the TUSEI consortium comprising IT Carlow and Wateford IT in the context of accelerating their proposals to submit an application seeking TU designation under the prescribed legislative process set out in the Technological Universities Act 2018.

Following engagement between the TUSEI consortium and the Department on both the importance and urgency of appointing senior executive leadership to the consortium, the consoritum undertook the filling of the role of programme executive director. This urgency reflected the essential contribution to the preparation of an application for TU designation of such a role, and the priority that the Minister and Government afforded to the establishment of a TU for the South East in light of broader national and regional strategic objectives.

The Department was advised of the proposed appointment and agreed that it would meet the urgent requirements which the Department and institution Presidents had identified for independent senior executive leadership to accelerate the delivery of the TUSEI project, that up to that point had been ongoing for some 9 years.

The responsibility for the appointment process and agreeing the specific contractual arrangements were matters for the TUSEI consortium. The Department did recognise that urgency and the specific requirements of the role were relevant in finalising this temporary, project-specific appointment.

As Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, I welcomed the appointment of Mr. Tom Boland as the TUSEI consortium programme executive director on 28 July 2020 in the context of the importance Government attaches to the establishment of a TU in the South East. The successful submission of a joint application for TU status by the Governing Bodies of the two institutions in April underscores the importance of the work undertaken.

Question No. 17 answered orally.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (18)

Mark Ward

Question:

18. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the proposed SOLAS FET funding model of the future for the Youthreach programme will be funded based on the number of students completing the programme with QQI certification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36508/21]

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Written answers

Youthreach is one of a broad suite of 34 Further Education and Training (FET) programmes that are currently funded through the FET System Funding process. This process is essentially a full cost model where each programme initially receives a set amount of funding commensurate to the estimated costs of delivery. Ultimately, the funding provided corresponds to the full costs of delivery.

A review of the funding model operated by SOLAS for FET is currently underway. The proposed alternative funding model, which is being considered by SOLAS for all FET provision, seeks to align available funding directly with learner activity by apportioning it with regard to the previous year’s completion returns. The model aims to improve upon the existing funding system by reflecting both the unique nature and characteristics of different types of FET provision and the learner outcomes that are produced. In this respect, it is important to emphasise that this would not be a Youthreach funding model but rather a FET funding model. The envisaged benefits of such an approach include increases in transparency, efficiency and value for money.

The funding review is ongoing and no conclusions have been reached with regard to the funding of Youthreach or any other aspect of FET provision. The future funding approach for Youthreach will reflect its particular characteristics and the intensive learner support required in its delivery – it is not planned to fund Youthreach on the basis of number of students completing the programme with QQI certification.

I wish to assure the Deputy that it is a priority for my Department that the final funding model adopted will ensure that the Youthreach programme maintains the crucial contribution it makes to providing a safe, structured and supportive environment of learning for early school leavers.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (19)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

19. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the apprenticeship incentivisation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36850/21]

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Written answers

The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme comprises a €2,000 payment when employers register a new apprentice, followed by an additional €1,000 payment one year later where that apprentice is retained. The intention of the scheme is to ensure that apprenticeship will play a key part in supporting economic recovery following COVID-19.

The Scheme was initially approved under the July Jobs Stimulus for employers registering apprentices after the 1st March 2020. It had been anticipated that the initial duration and subsequent expansion of the Scheme to mid-2021 would cover the re-opening period. However this has not transpired meaning that employers have not had the opportunity to avail of the benefits of the Scheme to the extent envisaged during the re-opening phase.

I have provided for the extension of the scheme on two occasions and the scheme will now include all apprentices registered to the end of this year. Employers are sent an electronic application form once they have registered an apprentice. As of 1st July employers will be requested to confirm that they have advertised the apprentice role on www.apprenticeshipjobs.ie or else provide a rationale why they have not advertised the post.

The scheme has supported a significant recovery of apprentice registrations in 2020 and into 2021 and has enabled apprentice registrations to remain on a par with registrations for 2019. By end May 2021 there were 2,296 new registrations compared to 1,493 at end May 2020 and 2,329 by end May 2019.

Since the launch of the Scheme, payments in respect of 4,307 apprentice registrations have been made to date with a current spend of €8.614m.

The establishment, funding and success of the scheme is a strong demonstration of my and the Government's commitment to the development and growth of apprenticeship in Ireland, which will be sustained and intensified through the implementation of the Action Plan on Apprenticeship.

Grant Payments

Questions (20)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

20. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if SUSI qualification thresholds will be increased; the other initiatives he plans to assist students and their families meet the financial challenges of higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36763/21]

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Written answers

I am acutely conscious of the difficulties which are experienced by students and their families on low incomes and the critical role of the Student Grant Scheme in supporting access and participation in higher education.

The eligibility criteria for student grants are reviewed annually by my Department and approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. All proposals made in relation to higher education expenditure, including student grants for the 2021/22 academic year, are considered in the context of the annual budgetary process.

I secured approval in Budget 2021 to enhance postgraduate grant supports from this September. This year the postgraduate fee grant will increase from €2,000 to €3,500 and the income threshold for eligibility for these grants will increase from €31,500 to €54,240. This is an initial step in implementing the Government’s commitments regarding SUSI grant support. In addition an extra €20m is being made available to meet additional demands on the SUSI scheme due to the pandemic.

The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government contains a commitment to review SUSI eligibility criteria, adjacency rates and postgraduate grant supports. To take forward this commitment I established a review of the Student Grant Scheme. This review is currently underway, and being conducted by Indecon Economic Consultants, under the direction of a steering group chaired by my Department and comprising a number of stakeholders.

It is anticipated that the review will be completed later this year and will inform future priorities regarding the development of student grant policy, including in the context of forthcoming Estimates process for 2022.

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.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (21)

Pauline Tully

Question:

21. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions he has taken to ensure that the voice of persons with disabilities are heard in further and higher educational institutions by ensuring representation on university and college boards of management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36832/21]

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Written answers

Firstly, I would like to assure the Deputy that equity of participation in further and higher education continues to be a national priority for the Government and for my Department. I am very pleased to see that a progress review of the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education which was published in December 2018 showed considerable progress amongst those with disabilities. The target of 8% that was set for the lifetime of the Plan was exceeded with a new target of 12% set for 2021. Current data shows the percentage of full-time new entrants in higher education with a disability is 12.3% (2019/2020).

The process for the appointment of Governing Authority members of the Universities, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities is set out in the Universities Act, 1997; the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992-2006 and the Technological Universities Act 2018 respectively.

As set out in the Universities Act and the Technological Universities Act I, as Minister, am not involved in the process of appointments to the Governing Authorities of Universities or TUs, other than to provide the requisite number of Ministerial nominees as set out in the respective legislation. With regard to the Ministerial nominees onto Governing Authorities, my Department undertakes an open recruitment process and liaises with the relevant institution to identify any gaps in particular competencies or experiences that would be beneficial to the Governing Authority. The position with regard to the further education colleges is that it is the relevant Educational Training Board that is responsible for the appointment of the boards of management.

As part of the reform of the Higher Education Authority Act, it is planned to amend the Universities Act, 1997, the Technological Universities Act, 2018 and the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006 to provide that universities, technological universities and institutes of technology will be required to consult with relevant persons and bodies when developing their strategic development plan and equality policy. This consultation will include students, employees and any other appropriate bodies or persons thus ensuring that the perspective and views of people with disabilities are encompassed within strategic development plans and equality policies. It is also envisaged that the legislation with revise the membership and appointment processes to Governing Authorities, including to achieve smaller, competency based Governing Authorities that have regard to the diversity of communities served.

The reformed legislation also includes a provision that the HEA can issue policies, codes and guidelines to designated higher education institutions, including any policies, codes and guidelines related to disability issues. The institutions will be required to report to the HEA on a regular basis on the implementation of these policies, codes and guidelines.

Third Level Education

Questions (22)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

22. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he has taken to ensure that students in this jurisdiction looking to study outside of the CAO system are not disadvantaged by the late issuing of leaving certificate results in 2021; and the engagement he has had to ensure that students from Northern Ireland looking to study through CAO are similarly not disadvantaged. [36691/21]

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Written answers

I am working to ensure that we do everything we can to support students who wish to study outside the State.

Officials in my Department have been working closely on this matter with their colleagues in the Department of Education and the Department of Foreign Affairs, and liaising with administrations in the countries of interest to Irish students. This work has been informed by the experience of the 2020 Leaving Certificate.

The main countries of interest include the UK, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Denmark. My officials have contacted the Irish Embassies in these counties requesting that they engage with the main Higher Education Institutions of interest to Irish students in the countries in question. With respect to the UK, the UCAS deadline for acceptance of conditional offers is 8th September, which allows for Irish students wishing to study in the UK to submit their Leaving Certificate results in a timely manner. Furthermore, as the CAO First Round Offers will be available on 7th September, Irish students will be able to make an informed decision on their choices. There are a small number of courses where an earlier deadline applies, and I would urgent students to make early contact with those institutions.I do not anticipate any issues in respect of students from Northern Ireland in terms of their applications with the CAO. The publication of A Levels results takes place on 10th August, and in common with Leaving Certificate students, they will receive their First Round Offers from the CAO on 7th September 2021.

Not all countries have a centralised application system, and there are some institutions which operate to different deadlines to the centralised system, so early engagement by students and their families with their chosen higher education institution is important. From last year's experience, matters relating to the timing of the results can usually be resolved through such early contact, and I would encourage all students to make contact with their chosen higher education instiution in the first instance.

My Department will continue to monitor to situation to ensure that we do all we can to support students and their families, including where specific issues arise.

Technological Universities

Questions (23)

Alan Dillon

Question:

23. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress with the Connacht-Ulster Alliance following its application for a technological university; the likely timeline involved; if this can be accelerated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36833/21]

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Written answers

The CUA consortium's application seeking TU designation under the Technological Universities Act 2018 was submitted to me on 21st May. I then appointed the advisory panel to assess it on 2 July 2021. The maximum prescribed timeframes for the relevant assessment and decision making procedures are set out in sections 31 - 34 of the 2018 Act.

In line with all other applications assessed to date, every effort will be made to ensure the relevant processes are undertaken as expeditiously as possible. More importantly, it will also be done in the most comprehensive manner possible given the magnitude of the issues at stake for students, staff, external stakeholders and local communities in the West and North West, and for the strategic objectives for the progression of higher education access in the region.

In this context, without prejudice to the deliberations of the international panel, I am anticipating that I will receive the panel's report and the views of the Higher Education Authority on the report and any other information considered relevant in the Autumn of this year.

TUs will bring a range of benefits to their regions and hinterlands in term of increased investment including FDI and capital investment, research funding, international recognition, acting as catalysts for innovation and regional development and enabling students, staff, enterprise, business and the wider community to avail of increased opportunities within their own regions and to reap the rewards of socio-economic progress. I am pleased with the growing momentum underway in the establishment of TUs in key regions across the country.

Third Level Education

Questions (24)

David Cullinane

Question:

24. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for increasing university places which feed into the health sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35502/21]

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Written answers

My Department, the HEA and the higher education institutions are committed to supporting the provision of graduates for the health service through undergraduate and postgraduate provision. In this regard, my Department continues to engage with the Department of Health in relation to health workforce planning to ensure the effective delivery of skilled personnel into the future.

In 2020, in response to the extraordinary circumstances faced by Leaving Certificate students, and in order to offset the particular pressures faced by these students, I ensured that more than 2,225 additional places on high-demand higher education courses were made available in the higher education system. These included additional places in nursing, medicine, pharmacy and a number of other health-related courses.

In light of high number of CAO applications this year, and the pressures faced by the Leaving Certificate students of 2021, my officials are working with the HEA and the higher education institutions to identify where there is scope for additional places to be provided for the 2021/2022 academic year. However there are real, material limits on the number of places in healthcare courses that can be provided due to the need to facilitate clinical placements for these students. My officials are engaging with the Department of Health on this in order to determine where there is capacity for additional placements for healthcare students within the health services.

The Programme for Government commits the Department of Health to working with the education sectors, regulators, and professional bodies to improve the availability of health professionals and reform their training to support integrated care across the entire health service. My Department and I will continue to engage to ensure that we can continue to deliver graduates with the skills necessary to support our healthcare system and support the strategic workforce planning by the health sector.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (25)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

25. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, on the basis that one of Europe’s largest off-shore windfarms is planned for development off the Clare coast, he will give consideration to developing a centre of excellence for skills and training in the renewable energy sector in County Clare. [36589/21]

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Written answers

The growth of the renewable energy sector is critical to meeting our Climate Action targets and I am committed to ensuring that the education and training system is appropriately positioned to support the growth and the development of the skills required to support the sector into the future.

The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs is currently undertaking a study of the skills required to meet the demands of the Low Carbon Economy. This includes identifying the required skills and quantifying the demand for those workers involved in wind energy over the coming 10 year period. This study is expected to be published in late Q3 and will inform a structured skills response which will seek to meet the required demand over the coming decade.

In the interim, the education and training sector is already working collaboratively with the wind industry to ensure that their needs are being met. Kerry Education and Training Board (ETB) deliver a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering - Wind Turbine Operations and Maintenance. Kerry ETB is also the coordinating provider for the development of an apprenticeship in Wind Turbine Maintenance. The Green Tech Skillnet also provides training opportunities in wind energy both for those working in the industry and for people looking to enter the wind industry.

There is no doubt that this is a growth area and one which is vitally important to Ireland’s future. I want to make sure that we have the most appropriate structures in place to support industry and to offer opportunities to learners of all ages to enter into this exciting industry which is playing a very important role in ensuring that Ireland meets its renewable energy objectives.

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