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Tuesday, 27 Jul 2021

Written Answers Nos. 1234-1253

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Questions (1237)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

1237. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the report of the interdepartmental group set up to develop detailed proposals for the restorative recognition scheme for survivors of mother and baby and county home institutions; if he has received the report to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41138/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy will be aware that, as part of its response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes (and Certain Related Matters), the Government committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. This Scheme will include a financial payment and a form of enhanced medical card.

An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was set up to develop detailed proposals for the Scheme, taking account of the recommendations of the Commission but not limited to those recommendations.  The work of the IDG was guided by a human rights focus and informed by consultation with survivors which took place during March and April, with a strong response received to that consultation process.

The work of the Interdepartmental Group is effectively complete, and I look forward to receiving its final report and bringing proposals to Cabinet for approval early in the next Dáil term. When Cabinet approval for a Scheme is received, my Department will then begin the significant work necessary to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications as soon as possible in 2022.

Youth Work Supports

Questions (1238)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

1238. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the average estimated cost of recruiting four youth workers, one team leader and an administration person in the youth work sector for one year. [41257/21]

View answer

Written answers

Funding from my Department in respect of funded youth organisations is designed as a contribution towards a particular service being provided.  My Department does not have a role in determining salaries or other related costs for a particular service, and there are no nationally recognised salary scales on which to draw.

The cost of setting up a service will vary depending on the nature of the service being provided and if it is a new service or an augmentation of an existing service.  In addition, other recruitment factors that would be taken into account include experience and relevant qualifications.

In preparation for the roll-out of the targeted youth funding scheme, UBU Your Place Your Space, a number of pilot projects were established.  Based on the experience of establishing these services, it would suggest a service of the type described by the Deputy in his question may cost in the region of €200,000 to €300,000 per annum.

Grant Payments

Questions (1239)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

1239. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost to increase student grants to their highest historical levels in real inflation-adjusted terms. [41228/21]

View answer

Written answers

It is not possible to definitively calculate the estimates costs as requested in light of the various adjustments that have been made to the student grant system since 2008, and in particularly the demographic changes that have taken place.

To put it in context, in 2008/09 there were 57,261 students who benefitted from grant support at a cost of €264m, whereas in 2020/21 there were over 74,000 students in receipt of grant support at a cost of €370m.

It is however, estimated that it would cost in excess of €100m to reverse all of the adjustments that have been made to the student grant scheme since 2008.

The Programme for Government contains commitments to, amongst other things, review SUSI eligibility criteria, adjacency rates and postgraduate grant supports. The review of the Student Grant Scheme is underway with over 250 submissions received via the public consultation process and over 9,000 survey responses were received through an online survey process. It is anticipated that the SUSI review will be completed later this year and will inform policy priorities for the next Estimates process and future considerations regarding the development of student grant policy. At this point I cannot pre-empt the outcome of the review to indicate when any proposed changes will come into effect.

Third Level Fees

Questions (1240)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

1240. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated full year cost of measures (details supplied). [41230/21]

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Written answers

In relation to tuition fees it is important to consider that the State currently provides very substantial financial support to undergraduate students in higher education towards the cost of their studies. This support has played a very significant role in facilitating access to and growth in higher education. What was previously the preserve of a relatively small proportion of the school leaving population is now much more widely available, as reflected in the current transfer rate from second to third level.

Through my Departments Free Fees Schemes the Exchequer currently contributes €340m to meeting the tuition fee costs of over 139,000 eligible undergraduate students in higher education. All students eligible for the scheme receive state support whereby the Exchequer pays the cost of tuition fees exclusive of the student contribution. In addition, the Exchequer pays the student contribution of €3,000 per annum in full or part, through SUSI, for approximately 44% of students eligible for free fees at a cost of over €180m.

The estimated net cost to the Exchequer of abolishing the student contribution charge is €245.5m in the academic year 2021/2022. This is the estimated net cost to the Exchequer factoring in the subsequent estimated reduction in the SUSI Student Grant budget, since the Exchequer would then no longer pay the Student Contribution on behalf of undergraduate students in receipt of student grant support. The costs for the Exchequer of reducing or abolishing the student contribution would increase in line with the demographic increases expected in the coming years up to 2030.

The figures above relate to full time undergraduate students who qualify for the Free Fees Initiative. They do not take account of fees charged by Higher Education Institutions such as fees for full-time undergraduate students who do not qualify for the Free Fees Initiative; part-time undergraduate tuition fees, post-graduate tuition fees students or other additional fees charged by HEIs.

As the Deputy is aware, Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs, including the management of academic affairs. They retain the right to determine their own policies and procedures. The total level of fees payable to the institution in the case of students not eligible for free fees funding (including postgraduate fees) or the charge of any ‘capitation’ type fees are therefore solely a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria. As estimated cost of the state fully supporting all such fees in not readily available.

In relation to student grants, it is not possible to definitively calculate the cost of the various adjustments that have been made to the student support system since 2008, particularly in light of the demographic changes that have taken place.

To put it in context, in 2008/09 there were 57,261 students who benefitted from grant support at a cost of €264m, whereas in 2020/21 there were over 74,000 students in receipt of grant support at a cost of €370m.

It is however, estimated that it would cost in excess of €100m to reverse all of the adjustments that have been made to the student grant scheme since 2008.

The Programme for Government contains commitments to, amongst other things, review SUSI eligibility criteria, adjacency rates and postgraduate grant supports. The review of the Student Grant Scheme is underway with over 250 submissions received via the public consultation process and over 9,000 survey responses were received through an online survey process. It is anticipated that the SUSI review will be completed later this year and will inform policy priorities for the next Estimates process and future considerations regarding the development of student grant policy. At this point I cannot pre-empt the outcome of the review to indicate when any proposed changes will come into effect.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (1241)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

1241. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the process to bring about the full integration of a college (details supplied) into the higher education framework in the south-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39066/21]

View answer

Written answers

I wish to reiterate that my key priority and that of my Department in terms of advancing higher education integration in the south-east region is the progression by the publicly funded Institutes of Technology that make up the TUSEI consortium of their proposals for a technological university to serve all parts of the region. In this context I appointed an expert advisory panel to assess the application that I received from the Institute of Technology Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology seeking an order under the Technological Universities Act for the applicant institutes to be dissolved and the establishment of a technological university. The assessment process is currently underway.

Carlow College St. Patrick's is a private institution operating in the region but standing outside the publicly funded higher education system. The college is understood to be facing financial challenges and in this context provided a copy of an independent governance and financial review which it commissioned to my Department seeking any relevant views or advice in relation to the broader higher education landscape of, and integration potentiality within, the region.

Senior officials in the Department subsequently met with the college principals on 13 July to discuss the review following which further detailed information was sought and obtained from the College. This latest information is under consideration. I intend to meet with the college in September.

Youth Services

Questions (1242)

Mark Ward

Question:

1242. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding that is available to the Youthreach programme to provide counselling for its clients with mental health issues and dual diagnosis; and the way that they can avail of such supports. [39071/21]

View answer

Written answers

Youthreach is part of a national programme of second-chance education and training designed for early school leavers. The aim of the programme is to help young people in the 16/21 age group to make the transition from school to work through the provision of co-ordinated foundation training, education and work experience. The programme includes a considerable amount of personal development and exploration, where participants needs, interests and capacities are fully taken into account. There is also a strong emphasis on the core skills of literacy/numeracy, communications and IT, along with a choice of vocational options and a work experience programme. The programme offers participants the opportunity to identify and pursue viable options within adult life, provides them with opportunities to acquire certification, and includes a work experience element to prepare participants for progression on to further study, training or working life.

Funding is not allocated separately to provide counselling for clients with mental health issues and dual diagnosis. The cost of such services, where required, would be comprehended under the funding allocated to Youthreach for Guidance, Counselling and Psychological services. The initial amount allocated for these purposes in 2021 is €1,209,812.

Where Youthreach learners require supports of this nature, they should in the first instance liaise with staff in their Youthreach centre.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (1243)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1243. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of the 50,000 further education and training places provided under the pathway to work policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39135/21]

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Written answers

The additional 50,000 education and training places referred to in Pathways to Work form part of the Government’s response to the labour market and skills effects of the pandemic. A range of measures were introduced as a response to upskilling and reskilling needs of individuals and businesses through the July Jobs Stimulus and Budget 2021. These measures are providing 35,000 education and training places to help those who were displaced by the effects of the pandemic. A further 15,000 places were announced as part of the skills package in Budget 2021. The additional 50,000 places will be provided in the following programmes:

Skills to Compete

The education and training under this initiative provides for additional full time and part time places focused on those who have lost their jobs as a result of Covid-19. Courses offered under the initiative are built around three key priorities: - delivering the essential skills required for modern workplaces;

- building strong digital skills; and

- developing the specific vocational skills to secure opportunities in growing sectors and occupations.

This is a SOLAS led initiative, with the training opportunities provided through the Education and Training Boards (ETBs).

Skillnet Ireland

Skillnet Ireland is an employer network that supports sector specific training.

Skillnet Ireland are providing additional places to help those seeking employment and to support SMEs to adapt and innovate in response to the Covid crisis, involving

- an employment activation scheme including career advice, upskilling and mandatory work placements;

- training support for SMEs; and

- an SME productivity scheme.

Over 1,200 companies are on board to provide places in a wide variety of sectors such as medtech, financial services and the sustainable economy. This has been packaged as the Skills Connect initiative which offers rapid reskilling, job placements and employer mentoring to help individuals take up new opportunities, and the schemes are being delivered fully online. A series of innovative programmes in a range of areas including medtech manufacturing, cyber security, wind energy, software programming, digital marketing, customer service and CX, and logistics and warehousing are rolling out in the coming weeks.

Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme

The Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme (AIS) provides for an employer grant of €3,000 which is paid over two years for each new apprentice recruited. Initially funded under the July Jobs Stimulus, Budget 2021 provided for an extension of the incentive to cover apprentices registered prior to 30th June 2021, and now extended to December 2021.

Retrofit Skills Training

A significant increase in the numbers of individuals skilled in retrofit and zero-energy building methods is required to meet the targets set out under the Climate Action Plan. Funding was allocated in 2020 to prepare for the rollout of housing retrofit education and training programmes in 2021. This funding is being deployed to support the development of three retrofit centres of excellence nationwide, in addition to the two centres already in place in Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board (ETB) and Laois Offaly ETB. Funding was also allocated in Budget 2021 to support the delivery of retrofit training through this network, including short courses for experienced craftspersons and longer programmes for new entrants, including unemployed people, and those seeking to upskill.

SOLAS is responsible for this programme to be delivered through ETBs country wide.

Springboard+ /Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1

Springboard+ 2020 and the Human Capital Initiative were launched June 2020, providing courses across the country in higher education (universities) . This included additional places as a response to Covid-19 related skills needs. Many courses have been oversubscribed, particularly in the ICT, Pharma and Business areas.

Postgraduate Skills Provision – Higher Education

Additional places have been provided on part-time and full-time postgraduate taught programmes in public and private higher education institutions. The places are available on courses in a wide range of skills areas, including Data Analytics, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Tourism and Hospitality, ICT, Health and Welfare and Medical Technology.

Their courses are complementary to, but broader than the Springboard+/HCI Pillar 1 offering, and support those heavily impacted by the pandemic, including recent graduates whose opportunities for employment or travel are now limited. Many courses also focus on future proofing the skills of those in employment, particularly in roles that may be impacted by digitalisation.

Modular Skills Provision

Modular Skills Provision will provide for places on modular courses in 32 higher education institutions.

Modular Skills Provision courses are shorter and more focused and are offered in a flexible manner, allowing people to gain important skills without taking a considerable period away from the labour market. They represent a new route into lifelong learning, and provide upskilling and reskilling opportunities for those who need it, while ensuring that they remain close to the labour market. Each module is stand-alone so that participants can gain skills and put them into practice immediately in the workplace, but modules are also accredited in such a way as to provide building blocks to a full qualification should the student so wish.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (1244)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1244. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of places funded by the human capital initiative; the details of all courses and institutions and the financial allocation to each institution per course and student in tabular form for each year for which the initiative has been operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39136/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Human Capital Initiative (HCI) was announced as part of Budget 2019. The HCI provides additional capacity across the Higher Education Sector to meet priority skill needs for enterprise, representing an additional investment of €300m (€60m per annum from 2020 to 2024) from the surplus in the NTF in line with recommendations contained in the independent review of the NTF on the use of the surplus and the development of labour market skills.

The Initiative forms a key part of the strategic response to a changing world of work and the challenges the economy will face in the period ahead. With a strong focus on innovation and agility, the programmes being supported will ensure that graduates and the education system as a whole, are in a position to respond positively to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The HCI consists of 3 main pillars - graduate conversion and specialisation courses, additional places on undergraduate provision, and an innovation and agility fund. Attached is a list of all courses, institutions, the financial allocation to each institution per course and student in tabular form for each year for which the initiative has been operating.

Table:

Provider

Course Title

Places Allocated for

2020/2021

Unit Cost 

Max Total Allocation

Athlone Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Management

20

€8,328

€166,550

Athlone Institute of Technology

Post Graduate Diploma in Biopharmaceutical and MedDevice Systems (Level 9)

20

€8,583

€171,667

Athlone Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management 

20

€8,250

€165,000

Athlone Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Packaging, Innovation and Product Design

40

€8,250

€330,000

Athlone Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management and Validation(Level 9)

30

€8,250

€247,500

Athlone Institute of Technology

Higher Diploma in Business in Information Technology

20

€7,500

€150,000

Athlone Institute of Technology

Post Graduate Diploma in Data Analytics

15

€8,000

€120,000

CCT College Dublin

Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics for Business 

48

€7,100

€340,800

CCT College Dublin

Higher Diploma in Artificial Intelligence (Concepts and Application)

48

€7,400

€355,200

Dublin Business School

Higher Diploma in Science in Aviation Finance

30

€7,250

€217,500

Dublin Business School

Higher Diploma in Science in Digital Marketing

80

€7,250

€580,000

Dublin Business School

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Financial Analytics

40

€7,500

€300,000

Dublin City University

Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Energy Systems

15

€5,640

€84,600

Dublin City University

Higher Diploma in Engineering Analysis and Technologies

15

€5,640

€84,600

Dublin City University

Graduate Diploma in Web Technologies

30

€5,600

€168,000

Dublin City University

Graduate Diploma for Specialist Skills in Industrial BioPharmaceutical Analysis

25

€5,850

€146,250

Dublin City University

Graduate Diploma in Management (Business Analytics)

50

€5,550

€277,500

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Immersive Technology

20

€5,363

€107,250

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Data Analytics for Business

20

€4,900

€98,004

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Higher Diploma in Science in Networking and Systems (Full-time / 1 year)

20

€5,271

€105,417

Dundalk Institute of Technology

PgDIP Bio- Energy

12

€5,909

€70,904

Dundalk Institute of Technology

PgDIP Wind Energy

12

€5,909

€70,904

Dundalk Institute of Technology

PgDIP Solar Energy

12

€5,909

€70,904

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Higher Diploma in Science in Data Analytics (Full-time / 1 year)

20

€6,027

€120,542

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Data Analytics (Full-time / 1 year)

14

€7,857

€110,000

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Building Surveying 

16

€4,933

€78,933

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Biopharmaceutical Science

16

€6,000

€96,000

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

Higher Diploma in Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance

24

€6,000

€144,000

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

Higher Diploma in Advanced Analytical Chemistry

16

€6,000

€96,000

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

Higher Diploma in Business Analytics

30

€6,000

€180,000

IADT

Graduate Diploma in Digital Content Creation for Business

25

€3,825

€95,621

Ibec

Medical Technology Regulatory Affairs Professional

30

€6,900

€207,000

ICD Business School 

Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting and Financial Services

25

€6,000

€150,000

Innopharma College of Applied Sciences

Post Graduate Diploma in Science in Digital Transformation (Life Science)

60

€6,450

€387,000

Innopharma College of Applied Sciences

Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Device Technology and Business

93

€6,450

€599,850

Innopharma College of Applied Sciences

L8 BA (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Business Operations

70

€5,250

€367,500

Institute of Technology Carlow

Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Networks and Cybersecurity

32

€6,500

€208,000

Institute of Technology Carlow

Postgraduate Diploma in Contaminated Land Management and Remediation

32

€6,500

€208,000

Institute of Technology Carlow

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Materials 

32

€6,500

€208,000

Institute of Technology Carlow

Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis

30

€6,500

€195,000

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

BSc (Hons) in Construction Contracts Management

16

€7,000

€112,000

Limerick Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Process Validation and Regulatory Affairs (Medical)

24

€6,750

€162,000

Limerick Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Process Validation and Regulatory Affairs(Pharmaceutical)

24

€6,750

€162,000

Limerick Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics

16

€6,500

€104,000

Limerick Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Process Validation and Regulatory Affairs (Food and Drink)

24

€6,750

€162,000

Maynooth University

Design Innovation for Workplace 4.0 

25

€6,000

€150,000

Maynooth University

Higher Diploma in Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience

40

€6,000

€240,000

MTU (Cork Institute of Technology)

Post-Graduate Diploma in Analytical Sciences with Instrument Validation

20

€8,787

€175,741

MTU (Cork Institute of Technology)

Higher Diploma in Quality Systems Validation with Data Analytics for the BioPharmaChem industry

20

€6,788

€135,750

MTU (Cork Institute of Technology)

Post Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity Management 

20

€7,200

€144,000

MTU (Cork Institute of Technology)

PG Diploma Facilities Management & Building Information Management

20

€8,500

€170,000

MTU (Cork Institute of Technology)

PG Diploma Construction Project Management & Building Information Management

20

€8,500

€170,000

MTU (Cork Institute of Technology)

PG Diploma Mechanical and Electrical Quantity Surveying

20

€8,500

€170,000

MTU (Cork Institute of Technology)

PostGraduate Diploma in BIM and Digital AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction)

16

€9,000

€144,000

National College of Ireland

Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Blockchain) 1 Year Online

30

€5,400

€162,000

National College of Ireland

Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) 1 Year Online

54

€5,400

€291,600

National College of Ireland

Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning) 1 Year

26

€5,400

€140,400

National College of Ireland

Higher Diploma in Science in Computing (Blockchain) 1 Year Blended

50

€5,400

€270,000

National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training

Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Validation Technology

27

€12,000

€324,000

National University of Ireland Galway

Higher Diploma (Financial Analysis)

30

€6,000

€180,000

National University of Ireland Galway

Higher Diploma in Data Analytics and Visualisation

25

€6,500

€162,500

National University of Ireland Galway

Higher Diploma (Business Information Systems)

30

€6,000

€180,000

National University of Ireland Galway

Postgraduate Diploma (Digital Transformation)

30

€6,000

€180,000

Professional Accountancy Training 

ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business (Graduate Conversion)

85

€6,250

€531,250

The Institute of Banking

Graduate Diploma in Digital and Data Leadership in Financial Services

50

€10,500

€525,000

Trinity College Dublin

Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship Biotech and Pharma

15

€11,948

€179,213

University College Cork

Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation through Design Thinking

60

€8,000

€480,000

University College Cork

Higher Diploma in Languages and Global Software Business

52

€8,000

€416,000

University College Cork

Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences

30

€9,000

€270,000

University College Cork

Higher Diploma in Sustainability in Enterprise: Meeting the Challenges of the Future

50

€6,000

€300,000

University College Cork

Higher Diploma in Design and Manufacture of BioPharmaceuticals

32

€9,000

€288,000

University College Cork

Postgraduate Diploma in Bioanalytical Chemistry

30

€7,000

€210,000

University College Dublin

Graduate Diploma in Design Thinking for Sustainability

72

€6,300

€453,600

University College Dublin

Grad Diploma in Health Informatics

20

€5,845

€116,900

University College Dublin

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Environmental Science

10

€6,466

€64,660

University College Dublin

Graduate Diploma  in Localization

12

€6,105

€73,260

University of Limerick

DevOps and Data Analytics (Higher Diploma)

20

€7,500

€150,000

University of Limerick

Multilingual Software Development and Translation Technology (Graduate Diploma)

15

€7,500

€112,500

University of Limerick

Agile Business Analysis (Graduate Diploma)

30

€6,000

€180,000

University of Limerick

DevOps and Continuous Software Engineering (Graduate Diploma)

20

€7,500

€150,000

University of Limerick

Environmental Science (Higher Diploma) (Full-Time)

10

€7,500

€75,000

Waterford Institute of Technology

Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Business Analytics

25

€5,750

€143,750

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (1245, 1281)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1245. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider removing the requirement to complete 12 weeks of on-the-job training following the completion of phase six of an apprenticeship for the apprentices who have faced substantial delays due to waiting lists for off-the-job training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39251/21]

View answer

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1281. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices who are still awaiting their course training; the size of the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40351/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1245 and 1281 together.

Craft apprenticeships account for 25 of the 61 existing available apprenticeship programmes. The off-the-job training for these programmes is delivered in Training Centres or Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities. It is these programmes which were those most impacted by the shutdown of on-site learning activity in 2020 and 2021 given the practical nature of the apprenticeships; training centres and workshops having been closed for 9 of the past 14 months. End of June figures indicated that over 11,000 apprentices were waiting for access to Phase 2, 4 and 6 off-the-job training.

Craft apprentices were prioritised for a return to on-site learning on 8 March 2021. Delivery of off-the-job phases is proceeding, and will continue over the summer, subject to public health advice and with restricted numbers. This approach will assist institutions and providers in preparing and organising the safe return of larger numbers in the autumn.

The Government has committed to a significant increase in onsite attendance in the tertiary education sector in the next academic year. Following consultation with sectoral stakeholders and following Government approval, I published A Safe Return: Plan for a safe return to on-site Further and Higher Education and Research in 2021/22.

The Plan reflects the essential nature of higher and further education and training including apprenticeships. It provides for comprehensive on-site activity for the next academic year, with almost full scale on-site activities.

To support the Plan, the sector has developed a Pact of actions and commitments to ensure that the return is safe. With specific reference to the issue of backlogs, under this Pact, institutions and providers have committed to addressing backlogs and deferred learning outcomes. Similarly, stakeholder bodies have committed to engaging with institutions and providers to achieve significant increases to on-site teaching, learning, assessment and research, to progress mitigating actions and to address backlogs.

A three-step plan to tackle the backlog in craft apprenticeship off-the-job training over the next 12 to 15 months is currently being worked on between SOLAS and further and higher education providers. Step 1 of the plan includes an increase in the number of training workshops available across further and higher education from September 2021 onwards. Steps 2 and 3 involve tailored emergency approaches to accelerate the throughput of apprentices. All options are being explored including a competency-based assessment to help fast-track those waiting longest for phases 4 and 6.

I have provided €20 million in additional capital expenditure to SOLAS and the HEA to facilitate an additional 4,000 craft apprenticeship places across the system in the coming period and into the future. This is in addition to €12 million which had already been allocated to support additional classes and teaching capacity to ameliorate COVID-19 measures.

Grant Payments

Questions (1246)

Carol Nolan

Question:

1246. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the departmental steering group review of the student grant scheme; if the review will include a change to the current cap on earnings in order to access SUSI grants, specifically in cases in which an applicant will be enabled to earn more than €4,500 in holiday earnings while in education, without any effect on grant eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39262/21]

View answer

Written answers

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. It is being conducted by Indecon Economic Consultants under the direction of a steering group chaired by my Department and comprising a number of stakeholders.

Membership of the steering group includes: the Union of Students of Ireland (USI); Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), SOLAS, the HEA; Irish University Association (IUA); Technological Higher Education Association (THEA); Technological University Dublin (TUD), the Department of Social Protection and officials from my Department. The next steering group meeting is scheduled to take place on 26th August.

As part of the review, over 280 submissions were received via the public consultation process and over 9,000 survey responses were received through an online survey process.

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. At this point, the outcome of the review cannot be pre-empted to indicate when any proposed changes will come into effect.

The assessment of means under the student grant scheme is based on gross income from all sources, with certain social welfare and health service executive payments being exempt. In the assessment of means, a deduction can be made for holiday earnings made by the applicant from employment outside of term time but within the reference period. The value of this income disregard was increased from €3,809 to €4,500 in the 2016 scheme.

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, are considered in the context of the annual budgetary process. Any proposal to further increase this threshold must be considered in the context of not adversely impacting upon retention rates/the student’s ability to primarily focus on successfully completing his/her studies.

The student grant scheme contains a number of qualifying thresholds for various grant values. These gradations allow students just over a threshold margin, to remain in receipt of a grant, albeit at a reduced rate that reflects their relative income vis-à-vis other applicants.

Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists full-time and part-time students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to enable HEIs to support students during the COVID-19 situation.

In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie

Science Foundation Ireland

Questions (1247)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1247. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of funding available under Science Foundation Ireland research call SFI Research Infrastructure Programme 2021; the value of the call; the proposed number of preferred successful candidates; the closeout date; the award date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39409/21]

View answer

Written answers

Science Foundation Ireland have committed €5 million towards the SFI Research Infrastructure programme in 2021. The programme is also supported by SEAI who have committed €1 million towards proposals within their remit. The current available funding under the programme is therefore €6 million.

There is no maximum budget request for research infrastructure proposals, therefore there is no preferable number of candidates, rather the top ranking proposals will be funded within the available budget.

The review process is currently underway and the awards will be made before the end of the 2021. SFI will operate a reserve list for projects should further funding be available.

Language Schools

Questions (1248, 1262)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

1248. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the English language regulated industry in Ireland can expect to reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39439/21]

View answer

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1262. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for continued productive engagement with English language students and English language education schools given the ongoing Covid-19 emergency with a view to ensuring that classes will only resume when it is proven safe to do so with the agreement of students and schools; if it will be ensured that supports will remain in place for students and schools until such time as classes can safely resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39786/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1248 and 1262 together.

Following the publication of COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead and in keeping with the Government’s objective of moving to a return to safe onsite provision in higher and further education, extensive planning has been undertaken by the sectoral stakeholders of the Covid-19 Working Group for the English language education (ELE) sector to prepare for the safe resumption of limited, small group, in-person provision to cater for the needs of this sector’s existing cohort of students.

On the basis of these plans and subject to the conditions of the notice published by my Department (link below), in-person activity could begin to resume from 19th July 2021 where it is safe to do so.

When resuming in-person activity, ELE providers should particularly be aware of and take account of the following key factors:

- There is no deterioration in the public health situation nor changes to public health advice/measures that would impact on this activity.

- The resumption of this activity is exclusively to cater for the needs of the existing cohort of ELE students currently in the State.

- This step should be taken in consultation with each provider’s staff and students.

- Subject to conditions, providers may opt to remain closed, to provide blended learning or to continue operating wholly online.

- There continues to be no basis for the recruitment of new international students that may seek to travel to the State at this time.

All existing restrictions and public health guidance with appropriate protective measures and limited congregation will need to be followed, supported by the sectoral reopening protocols and adaptation framework, to facilitate and ensure the safe return to some classroom-based activity for this cohort of students.

The resumption of in-person activity is a key stepping stone on the pathway to recovery for the ELE sector in Ireland. The Department looks forward to continued productive engagement with stakeholders to support the development of further plans which will enable the return of international student recruitment and the full re-opening of the sector in due course.

Further information is available here:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/3b8e5-notice-resumption-of-in-person-provision-for-the-english-language-education-sector/

EU Funding

Questions (1249, 1250, 1251)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1249. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of ESF/YEI funding being claimed in arrears in each year since 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39581/21]

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Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1250. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science of the 552.661 million allocated from the EU budget for Ireland operational programme for ESF/YEI 2014-2020 the amount that has been received on foot of payment applications to date; the last possible date for receiving payment from the 2014 – 2020 ESF/YEI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39582/21]

View answer

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1251. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the programmes the Government will avail of the 100% EU co-financing rate for ESF/YEI payment applications made during the 2020-2021 financial year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39583/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1249, 1250 and 1251 together.

The 2014-20 ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) was approved by the European Commission in February 2015 and subsequently launched in April 2015. Following the allocation of an additional €2m funding as part of the mid-term Review of the Multi-Annual Financial Framework, the PEIL OP had a total budget of €1,157 million. This budget comprises ESF and Exchequer contributions of €544.516m each and an EU Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) budget contribution of €68.145m. Following the exceptional measures introduced by the Commission in the context of the pandemic, the PEIL OP was revised in December 2020 to transfer €60m of the ESF allocation to the ERDF Operational Programme to support the cost of supplying essential Personal Protective Equipment for the Health Services. This reduced the overall Programme to €1,037m (a reduction of €120m combining the loss of €60m ESF and the complementary €60m national contribution) and the EU contribution to €552.661m. All ESF/YEI co-financed activities are fully funded from the Exchequer/NTF with the EU receipts being claimed in arrears.

The ESF authorities must be designated in accordance with the EU regulations prior to making the first payment application. Following the designation of the Irish authorities in 2018, the payment applications (net of any audit adjustments) made each financial year (from 1 July to 30 June) and the associated receipts, are set out in the following table. The Commission pays 90% of the value of payment application, with any remainder due, less prefinancing issued, being paid on acceptance of the annual accounts for the financial year.

Financial Year

EU Contribution Payment Applications (net of audit adjustments)

EU Receipts from European Commission on Payment Applications

2018/19

€199,361,994

€180,781,047

2019/20

€93,237,514

€84,387,769

2020/21

€259,660,742^

€46,018,818

Total

€552,260,250

€311,187,634

2020/21 Receipts Expected

€187,675,850

These Payment Applications will be subject to audit before the 2020/21 accounts are lodged in February 2022.

The final payment applications in 2020/21 were submitted on 30th June. While these have yet to be processed by the Commission, receipts of €187,675,850 are expected. Expenditure declarations in respect of the following activities were included in payment applications in 2020/21, attracting a 100% cofinancing rate:

- ETB Training for the Unemployed;

- Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme;

- Youthreach;

- Garda Youth Diversion Programme;

- Young Persons Probation Projects;

- Tús Nua;

- Third Level Access;

- Back to Education Initiative;

- Adult Literacy;

- Back to Work Enterprise Allowance;

- JobsPlus;

- Community Training Centres;

- Defence Forces Employment Support Scheme; and

- Technical Assistance.

The effect of the 100% cofinancing of payment applications in 2020/21 has been to reduce the overall value of the OP from €1,037m to €798m. An EU contribution of €400,995 remains to be claimed in future payment applications.

The ESF rules provide for the payment of initial and annual pre-financing of EU support. To date prefinancing receipts and accounts adjustment receipts of €58,858,274 have been received, bringing the total receipts to date to €370m. Accordingly when the expected receipts of €187m are received, there will be an amount due to be repaid to the Commission on the closure of the 2020/21 accounts.

As the 2021 REACT EU allocation of €88m will be programmed under the PEIL, the OP will continue to operate and the end date of eligibility for the OP, including the REACT EU allocation and the outstanding amount of €400,000, is end 2023.

Question No. 1250 answered with Question No. 1249.
Question No. 1250 answered with Question No. 1249.
Question No. 1251 answered with Question No. 1249.

Education and Training Provision

Questions (1252)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1252. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total cost of education and training measures in the July 2020 Jobs Stimulus package; the components of the July education and training measures in the July 2020 Jobs Stimulus package which will be covered by Ireland’s REACT EU 2021 allocation of €88 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39584/21]

View answer

Written answers

The 2020 July Stimulus provided for total investment of €100m in education and training measures. The Further Education and Training measures included the Skills to Compete programme; the Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme and Skillnet Ireland activation programmes. The Higher Education measures included additional places on Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative Pillar 1 programmes; postgraduate skills provision and modular skills provision. This investment has been supplemented by the Budget measures announced last October.

The initial tranche of REACT EU funding of €88m will be allocated to the ESF Operational Programme, managed by the ESF Managing Authority in my Department. Discussions are ongoing with the European Commission and with relevant Agencies to finalise the specific measures to be funded. It is expected that REACT EU will support measures under the July Stimulus, as well as measures to assist the transition to online and blended learning in the Higher and Further Education Sector.

An amendment of the ESF Operational Programme is currently being prepared and will be submitted to the ESF Programme Monitoring Committee and to the European Commission, in the near future.

EU Funding

Questions (1253)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

1253. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he anticipates bringing the draft Partnership Agreement and the draft Operational Programmes for ESF+ 2021-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39585/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Partnership Agreement for 2021-2027 will cover a number of different EU Funds as provided for in the Common Provisions Regulation, including ESF+, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). The Partnership Agreement is a strategic document setting out the overall priorities across the Funds and will be submitted to the European Commission by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as the Member State Authority with overall responsibility for Cohesion Policy. Member States are required to submit their programmes to the Commission no later than 3 months after the submission of the Partnership Agreement.

The ESF+ programme for 2021-2027 is currently under development by the ESF Managing Authority in my Department. An independent Needs Analysis was conducted to provide the evidence base which will underpin the development of the Partnership Agreement and ESF+ and ERDF programmes. The drafting of the programme also draws upon the results of a public consultation process which took place from July to September of 2020. Discussions are ongoing with various Government Departments and Agencies regarding potential schemes for inclusion in the programme and with the European Commission in relation to the detailed drafting of the programme. It is expected that a draft ESF+ programme will be available for submission to the European Commission by the end of 2021.

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