Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to facilitate those in education namely cyber-security courses to progress to high-level apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49879/21]
View answerCurrently, cypersecurity related apprenticeships are available at QQI qualification level 6 and level 8. Apprenticeships are contracts of employment and persons seeking to become registered apprentices must meet specified criteria in relation to educational attainment and other areas as specified by employers.
Targeted supports to widen engagement with cybersecurity apprenticeships includes a Pre-Tech Apprenticeship programme which is aimed at candidates who wish to pursue a Level 6 Tech Apprenticeship but are unsure of which programme to choose or who may not currently satisfy the eligibility criteria.
For the Cybersecurity L6 apprenticeship, the minimum educational is a Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 5 passes at Ordinary Level (including Mathematics and English). Candidates with any other relevant qualification should refer to the FIT website for details on recognition of prior learning. In addition, all applicants must pass aptitude assessments which are administered by FastTrack into Technology (FIT).
The Level 8 Honours Degree Cyber Security Practitioner Apprenticeship is a two-year programme, which is under development in the University of Limerick in collaboration with Limerick for IT industry network and the Mid-West Regional Skills Forum. This programme will commence intake in September 2022 and offers an opportunity for academic and professional progression to learners who hold the Level 6 Cyber Security apprenticeship or other relvant qualifications or experience. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) will be in place to recognise candidates with a lower or a lack of qualification provided they have significant industrial experience, and evidence of the ability to study at undergraduate level, such as the completion of professional training and development courses.
Other work based opportunites for high-level Cybersecurity skills are available through Skillnet Ireland's L9 Masters programme in Cyber Security, delivered through the National College of Ireland. For employees wishing to undertake short courses and increase knowledge of issues relating to cybersecurity, Skillnet Ireland also provides a range of education and training options for industry.
42. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if arrangements have been made for students who continue to pay huge costs for accommodation that is not being used due to the fact certain third-level colleges are holding online lectures and classes. [49758/21]
View answerOfficials from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science worked with the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government on legislation to lower upfront payments required from students in securing accommodation, and protect against loss should accommodation be vacated.
The Residential Tenancies (No.2) Act 2021 was signed into law on 9th July this year. It restricts any upfront payment required to secure a tenancy or license (including rent, deposit and any other charges) to no more than the equivalent of two months’ rent, and limits payments thereafter to one month’s rent at a time.
This legislation also applies to students residing under license in student-specific accommodation, allowing students to pay monthly. Ending the previous practice of paying a lump sum each term (often in the range of €2,500 to €3,500) lowers a barrier to entry to higher education as the cost of accommodation represents a significant upfront expense for students attending institutions that are distant from their family home.
The provisions of the Act relating to upfront payments have taken effect for all tenancies created at least one month after the passing of the Act, and therefore have been in effect for the beginning of the 2021 academic year.
Where a landlord or accommodation provider seeks an unlawful payment of any deposit or advance rent, they can be investigated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Landlords engaging in this type of behaviour face a sanction of written caution and/or and sanction of up to €15,000. A further €15,000 in costs can be imposed. Details on how to information the RTB of such conduct is available on the RTB website.
The co-development of the Safe Return Plan by my Department and by sectoral stakeholders in June 2021 has facilitated the significant return to campus of staff and students. This is evidenced by an exercise recently conducted by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to establish presence rates across the higher education institutions using a reference point of the 4th October 2021. The data shows that the average daily student presence on campus at that point in time was 111,971 students or 48.7% of the student population. This represents an increase of 420% in the numbers of students on-site this time last year, in October 2020.
43. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the policy of his Department in relation to the provision of third-level education through the medium of Irish; the location in which details of this policy are published; the steps taken to implement the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49840/21]
View answerThe Department for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is committed to the implementation of the Official Languages Act and provision of Irish-language services, and the Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 2019 is of high importance to Ireland and the life of the language in this country. It will ensure that Irish speakers can interact with the Government and access public services through a high standard of Irish. Further information on this bill can be found in the following link www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a8eef-official-languages-bill-amendment-2019-before-the-dail/.
There is already a broad range of courses available in Irish in higher education institutions.
The objective of the Advanced Irish Language Skills Initiative, funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, is to ensure the availability of qualified persons with Irish language skills to meet recruitment needs in Ireland and the EU. Under this scheme the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht provides funding for a range of specialised third level Irish language courses in areas such as translation, interpretation and law. Further information on this Initiative can be found in the following link www.gov.ie/en/publication/7c05c-third-level-education/.
Under the Advanced Irish Language Strategic there are 8 courses available in 5 different institutions. There were 73 students enrolled in these courses in 2019/2020.
Since 2015, around 7,800 students have been enrolled in courses with Irish-language. The number of students enrolled has increased by over 25% since 2015, in 2019/2020 84 courses were available with 1,631 students enrolled in courses with Irish-language
Ultimately, however, Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are autonomous, and determine themselves which Irish-language courses will be offered. While my Department will continue to be committed to the implementation of the Official Languages Act, it is not within my remit to direct a HEI as to the courses they offer.
44. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made on the reform of the SUSI grant; the expected date for any changes to come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49808/21]
View answerThe principal support provided by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
SUSI opened its online grant application process for the 2021/22 academic year on 31st March and to date has received over 94,000 applications.
This year’s scheme includes enhanced supports for postgraduate students which I secured in Budget 2021. This is an initial step in meeting part of the Government’s commitments regarding SUSI grant support. I also secured an additional €20m in Budget 2021 to meet anticipated demands on the scheme as a consequence of the Covid pandemic.
The student grant is an absolutely critical support for the students who receive it. That is why, following taking up my Ministerial appointment, I initiated a Review of the Student Grant Scheme to see where improvements would be most effective. The importance of this Review has been underlined by the rise in the costs of living across society. This has impacted students who have been affected by the increasing costs of accommodation and a range of other costs.
I am happy also to give an update on the Programme for Government’s commitment to review the student grant scheme. The review is at an advanced stage, and is in the process of finalisation by the consultations and the steering group. There was significant public interest in the Review, with around 280 submissions and over 9,000 survey responses from students. The final Report will be presented to me later this year and I intend bringing it to Government for approval. It is the intention that this review will inform policy priorities and future considerations regarding the development of student grant policy.
In the context of Budget 2022 I am currently giving consideration to the scope, to commence the process of making prioritised improvements to the student grant scheme for the academic year 2022-2023. This would allow early progress in addressing key themes emerging from the Review's consultations and research and recent trends in the cost of living.
45. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the Erasmus Plus programme for the current academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49455/21]
View answerBoth National Agencies for Erasmus in Ireland - Léargas and the Higher Education Authority which manage the further and higher education sectors respectively - have reported a satisfactory response from the institutions within their specific remit. The response is boosted by the knowledge once again that participants can once again travel in line with public health advice.
There are high demands to participate, particularly in the higher education sector, and my officials are engaging with the sector on the issues which arise in this context. I hope to make positive announcement on additional funds for Erasmus shortly.
46. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the technological university application with respect to Waterford IT and IT Carlow; when he expects a decision to be finalised; the subsequent timeline for designation of technological university status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49847/21]
View answerOn 30 April 2021 the TUSEI consortium, comprising IT Carlow and Waterford IT, submitted an application to me under Section 29 of the Technological Universities Act 2018 seeking the making of an order to dissolve both Institutes of Technology and to establish in their place of a technological university to serve the South East region.
I subsequently appointed an expert advisory panel to assess the application in accordance with section 31(3) of the 2018 Act. The panel has forwarded its report to the Board of the HEA in accordance with Section 32(1) of the 2018 Act.
I am now in receipt of the panel’s report, the Board’s views thereon and any other information considered relevant and I am considering all information with a view to making a decision on the application shortly.
47. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress to foster inclusion as provided for in the Further Education and Training Strategy 2020-2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49824/21]
View answerFostering Inclusion is one of the three core pillars of Future FET:Transforming Learning, the National FET Strategy 2020-2024 launched in July 2020. Work is continuing across the sector to enhance the inclusivity, accessibility and flexibility of FET provision. Within their annual service planning processes, the Education and Training Boards consider the needs of the most marginalised groups and how these are being addressed within their provision.
SOLAS collaborated successfully with Education and Training Boards Ireland and AHEAD on the development and publication of a conceptual framework for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for the FET Sector. A UDL approach aims to reduce obstacles to learning by taking into account the needs of learners such as their age or the levels of their ability. Guidance on UDL for FET Practitioners was published in 2021 with accompanying reflective tools and an online resource hub.
The Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund was introduced in 2020 to provide funding to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in community education. Over 500 community education projects were funded through the ETBs. The varied projects aimed to help support online leaning, connect communities and provide social supports to the most disadvantaged.
The expansion in eCollege courses also enhances the flexibility of FET in responding to the specific skills needs of individuals including those requiring basic digital skills.
Finally, the publication of the 10 year Adult Literacy for Life Strategy in September is a major development to foster inclusion. This 10 year adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy taking a whole of Government action orientated approach has the potential to be transformative in reaching all citizens. Work on the implementation of the strategy is underway and remains a priority for my Department.
48. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a commitment will be given to provide the necessary capital expenditure required to ensure the expansion of the existing WIT footprint to enable a seamless move to a technical university status in Waterford; his views on whether this expansion will be sufficient to cater for the increased demand; the expected measures to be taken to facilitate the planned population increase in Waterford city and surrounding areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49589/21]
View answerI have been clear in my commitment to expanding the imprint of higher education across the south east region. This includes a larger footprint for higher education in Waterford - a city which is targeted for a compact and sustainable population growth under Project Ireland 2040.
In this regard, officials from my Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) continue to work closely with Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in relation to options for expanded campus provision. Part of the appraisal process that is currently being undertaken by WIT, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, is the demand analysis that will underpin the case for investment. This analysis takes account of factors such as the planned population growth in Waterford, regional and national skills needs, and existing campus capacity.
The Deputy is also aware of the new engineering, ICT and teaching building which is planned for the WIT campus as part of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership Programme. This building will add significant capacity to the Waterford campus to help address the increased demand. At almost 13,000 sqm, this is by far the largest of all projects under Programme and is expected to add space for in excess of 1,000 additional students.
49. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason pension contributions are disregarded for one student’s application but not the other student of the same family when applying for a SUSI grant (details supplied). [49761/21]
View answerThe principal support provided by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
The Deputy will appreciate that in the absence of all of the relevant details that would be contained in an individual's application form, including those relating to reckonable income, it would not be possible for me to say whether or not a student would qualify for a grant. This is solely a matter for SUSI to determine.
However, students may contact SUSI’s Helpdesk with any queries in relation to their grant application or the appeals process, or to request a review of their student grant application, by calling 0761 087 874 or email: support@susi.ie. Information in relation to student grant assistance is also available from SUSI’s website, www.susi.ie.
If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in his/her case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant). Such appeals can be made by the appellant on line via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
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 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. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
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, including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from the student’s local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
50. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the SUSI review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49756/21]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Programme for Government contains commitments to review SUSI eligibility criteria, adjacency rates and postgraduate grant supports. On foot of these commitments I gave approval to commence a review of the Student Grant Scheme, which is close to finalisation.
My Department is overseeing the implementation of the review. A Steering Committee has been established to provide direction for the external consultants undertaking the review. Its membership includes: the Union of Students of Ireland; 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 final Report will be presented to me later this year and I would intend bringing it to Government before publication.
51. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current and planned developments regarding implementation of the Framework for Consent in Higher Education Institutions: Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49812/21]
View answerOur higher education institutions have a responsibility to their students and staff to foster a campus culture that is clear in the condemnation of unwanted and unacceptable behaviours, which act as barriers to their safety and their active participation in college life.
In April 2019 the Framework for Consent in Higher Education Institutions: “Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive – Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions” was launched and to assist institutions with its implementation funding of over €400,000 has been provided to a number of initiatives. In addition, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) has allocated over €500,000 towards such areas as consent workshops, the development of the anonymous report and support tool, and the UCC Bystander intervention programme. Prior to and since the launch of the Framework, our institutions have undertaken activities in this area as part of their student services remit from within their overall funding allocations.
Last year I wrote to the Presidents of the publicly funded higher education institutions, as I wanted to strengthen institutional action in this area. I requested our institutions to produce individual action plans on tackling sexual violence and harassment. These action plans were completed earlier this year, and institutions must report annually on their progress in implementing the Framework.
In April 2021, I launched surveys into staff and student experiences of sexual violence and sexual harassment in our higher education institutions. The surveys, which were conducted by the HEA, were sent to all students and staff by their higher education institution, and a report on the surveys will be submitted to my Department shortly.
In July this year, together with Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Hildegarde Naughton, I launched a new online learning hub to provide an integrated, publicly available resource on sexual consent awareness and consent learning resources. At the heart of this partnership will be a dedicated website, with resources that the Active Consent research team in NUI Galway has already developed for the third-level sector, as well as newly-designed resources supported by this project. This online learning hub will provide an important resource not only for our higher education institutions, but also for a wider community. This initiative builds on the work of the pioneering Active Consent team and is part of a government initiative to improve the understanding on the meaning of, and importance of, consent in sexual activity.
In addition, Speak Out, an Online Anonymous Reporting Tool for Sexual Harassment and Violence across higher education institutions will shortly be launched. This project is led by the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education in Ireland, with the support of the HEA.
I want to ensure that our higher education institutions embed the Framework for Consent into their policies and procedures, so as to ensure their long-lasting impact. This is a priority for my Department and we will be closely following progress in this area.
52. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review the income criteria for the SUSI grant with a view to removing the income of students who defer a year to work and save for college, work part-time or during their holiday periods and not consider this as reckonable income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49176/21]
View answerThe decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine. For the 2021/22 academic year, student grant applications will be assessed based on gross income from all sources for the period 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020.
All applications are assessed nationally with reference to the terms and conditions of the relevant student grant scheme. The terms and conditions of funding are applied impartially to all applicants.
However, if a student or party to their application experiences a change in circumstances that is not a temporary change and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, such as a termination of employment, they can apply to have their application assessed under the change in circumstances provision of the relevant Student Grant Scheme. The income of all parties to the application will be assessed or reassessed on current income and applicants may also be asked to provide evidence of same.
Also under Article 22(5)(b) of the Student Grant Scheme 2021, income from an applicant’s employment which represents "holiday earnings" outside of term time but within the reference period, subject to a maximum of €4,500 can be deducted from the total reckonable income assessed. (This relates to the student's earnings from employment outside of term time i.e. the holiday periods of Christmas, Easter and the summer months).
53. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the efforts that are being made to provide student accommodation for those attending the Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands Midwest; the plans in place to deal with the limited capacity of technological universities to borrow in order to build their own student accommodation; if a study to determine the capacity and capacity needs of Clonmel and Thurles to accommodate students of the Technological University of the Shannon has been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49844/21]
View answerI was delighted to see Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest open its doors at the start of the month to become the third technological university in the State. The communities in areas where there are campuses of the new TU will benefit from a range of benefits over time. The universities will attract more students, they will help communities create and retain skills and employment, and they will act as a catalyst for research, innovation and enterprise. This will be critical to fostering our SME sector as well attracting increasing levels of investment, including Foreign Direct Investment, and so will contribute to regional and socio-economic development.
As a country, we need to dramatically increase the supply of all types of housing and accommodation, including student accommodation.
That is why the Government has launched Housing for All, led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This sets out a series of actions which will be delivered to fix the housing crisis. The plan is backed by the largest ever housing budget in the history of the State to transform our housing system, in excess of €20bn
The development of purpose built student accommodation is an important part of increasing the attractiveness of the new TU to prospective students, as well as contributing to the overall supply of housing and accommodation.
The Government’s Housing For All plan contains a specific commitment to support TUs in their ambitions to develop purpose built student accommodation, where such a requirement exists, through access to appropriate financing. Housing For All also includes a specific action to legislate for Technological Universities to be allowed borrow from the Housing Finance Agency.
The development of student accommodation by technological universities would lead to an increased supply of student accommodation and relieve pressures on the broader private rental market. My officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and with the technological sector, to progress these commitments.
55. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will increase the SUSI grant thresholds to reflect the increased cost of living. [49759/21]
View answerThe principal support provided by the Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
SUSI opened its online grant application process for the 2021/22 academic year on 31st March and to date has received over 94,000 applications.
This year’s scheme includes enhanced supports for postgraduate students which I secured in Budget 2021. This is an initial step in meeting part of the Government’s commitments regarding SUSI grant support. I also secured an additional €20m in Budget 2021 to meet anticipated demands on the scheme as a consequence of the Covid pandemic.
The student grant is an absolutely critical support for the students who receive it. That is why, following taking up my Ministerial appointment, I initiated a Review of the Student Grant Scheme to see where improvements would be most effective. The importance of this Review has been underlined by the rise in the costs of living across society. This has impacted students who have been affected by the increasing costs of accommodation and a range of other costs.
I am happy also to give an update on the Programme for Government’s commitment to review the student grant scheme. The review is at an advanced stage, and is in the process of finalisation by the consultations and the steering group. There was significant public interest in the Review, with around 280 submissions and over 9,000 survey responses from students. The final Report will be presented to me later this year and I intend bringing it to Government for approval. It is the intention that this review will inform policy priorities and future considerations regarding the development of student grant policy.
In the context of Budget 2022 I am currently giving consideration to the scope, to commence the process of making prioritised improvements to the student grant scheme for the academic year 2022-2023. This would allow early progress in addressing key themes emerging from the Review's consultations and research and recent trends in the cost of living.
56. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the determining factor that results in students of only some third-level educational institutes having access to the student hardship fund. [49540/21]
View answerThe Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards costs such as food, rent, heating and lighting bills and other utility bills, books/class materials and costs associated with childcare, transport and medical. In general, the SAF has a dual focus and is designed to support students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds with ongoing needs for financial support and provide emergency financial assistance for other students.
Students on full or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (NQF level 6-10) in the universities, technological universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges who receive recurrent grants type funding from the exchequer from the Department of Education, my Department or the HEA.
The following revised reply was received on 2 November 2021.
It has come my attention that there was an error in the response provided, in particular around wording relating to a recurrent grant funding. For clarity, the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is paid to Universities, Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology. A number of other Higher Education colleges that receive recurrent grants type funding from the exchequer are also approved institutions for the Student Assistance Fund. This correction is also contained in Question No. 677 of 2 November 2021.
A list of the institutions covered by Student Assistance Fund (SAF) is as follows:-
Dublin City University
University College Cork
University College Dublin
National University of Ireland, Galway (including Shannon College)
Maynooth University
Trinity College Dublin
University of Limerick
Technological University Dublin
Technological University of the Shannon
Institute of Technology Carlow
Munster Technological University
Dundalk Institute of Technology
Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Institute of Technology Sligo
Waterford Institute of Technology
Marino Institute of Education
National College of Art & Design
National College of Ireland
Mary Immaculate College
St Angela's College
St. Patrick’s College Pontifical University of Maynooth
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Medicine and Health Sciences
57. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the new proposed construction commencement date for two new PPP science buildings in the Waterford and Carlow campuses; if a commitment will be given to a de facto authorised commencement order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49590/21]
View answerConstruction on the new buildings proposed for delivery on the Waterford and Carlow campuses is due under the HEI PPP Programme, which at present is anticipated to commence in Q1 2023.
The new Engineering, Computing and General Teaching building in Waterford will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories, general and specialised teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space. This project is the largest in the Higher Education PPP Programme at almost 13,000 sqm.
The Science and Health Building for delivery in Carlow will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate science labs, general teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space. In conjunction with decanted space elsewhere on campus, the new building will increase capacity of the institution by 500 students.
As the Deputy will be aware Public Private Partnership projects are subject to their own guidance under the Public Spending Code and as such all steps laid out under the guidance have to be completed before the award of any contract or commencement of works.
58. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will establish a science and technology policy fellowship within the civil service to provide opportunities to scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policymaking and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in policy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49174/21]
View answerMy department is currently developing a new National Research and Innovation Strategy which is expected to be completed later this year. We acknowledge the opportunity to recognise the R&I system as a resource to provide evidence-based research to address key national policy questions. This is an issue which has gained momentum in the last number of years and consideration needs to be given to how this could be best articulated and supported through the national strategy.
Research is a strategic national asset. The engaged research–policy dialogue is an important agenda for Ireland as it seeks to utilise all of the resources available to it to meet current and future challenges to the best of its ability. This is also an area where, if we can get it right, Ireland can be a leader within the EU and beyond.
There are specific programmes in place which support this agenda. As Ireland’s national science and engineering funding agency with in depth knowledge of the capabilities available in our (publicly-funded) research institutions, Science Foundation Ireland is developing a portfolio of programmes that aim to broker the collaboration between the academic research community and government departments, agencies and local councils, to contribute to solving challenges of strategic national importance by providing researchers with support to work hand-in-hand with policy and decision makers.
A key goal for SFI is to promote and strengthen the engagement between public service bodies and science and engineering researchers based in Ireland, to promote effective collaboration in the pursuit of solutions to pressing global and national challenges. Science has a critical role to play in tackling the complex global problems we as a society are facing including, but not limited to, pandemic preparedness, climate change, energy supply, food sustainability, environmental pollution, increased prevalence of mental health, challenges facing an ageing population, housing shortages and equality and inclusion.
The SFI Public Service Fellowship, which was launched in 2019, is a pilot initiative which offers researchers a unique opportunity to be temporarily seconded to Government departments, agencies and the Library and Research Service of the Oireachtas, to work on specific projects where they can add value, resulting in mutually beneficial outcomes. The Fellowships awarded will foster innovation within the Public Sector by supporting the development and implementation of data-driven and evidence-based approaches.
A total of 12 Public Service Fellowships were awarded with placements in a number of hosts: Houses of the Oireachtas Library and Research Services (6 Fellows), the Department of Children, Disability, Equality and Integration (1 Fellow), Food Safety Authority of Ireland (2 Fellows), The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (2 Fellows) and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (1 Fellow). Of the 12 Fellowships 7 are due to end their placement in 2021. The remaining Fellows will carry out their placements until 2023.
It has become very clear the essential input, expertise and service that the academic research community can provide to bolster colleagues in Government Departments and agencies.
Equally, placements within Government Departments and Agencies will expose academic researchers to the mechanics of public service and policy making which will contribute greatly to their career development. The secondment model will also provide an opportunity for further dissemination of knowledge and learnings to a broader academic cohort on return of the Fellow to their academic institution. Thus, the SFI Public Service Fellowship pilot programme will help in increasing the linkages between the research and civil service systems.
59. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans that are being developed to increase student accommodations units for 2022-2023 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49414/21]
View answerI understand that this is a very difficult time for students seeking to secure accommodation. The Government recognises this as a critical issue.
Fundamentally, the challenge is one of supply. Approximately 40% of students who rent accommodation do so in purpose built student accommodation, with 60% in the wider private rental market. Accommodation shortages in the private rental market, which have been made worse by the effects of Covid, have impacted significantly on students this year.
As a country, we need to dramatically increase the supply of all types of housing and accommodation, including student accommodation.
That is why the Government has launched Housing for All, led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This sets out a series of actions which will be delivered to fix the housing crisis. The plan is backed by the largest ever housing budget in the history of the State to transform our housing system, in excess of €20bn.
We have also been taking steps under the National Student Accommodation Strategy, published in 2017, to support increased supply. Eight key targets and 27 actions are outlined in the strategy. The target for new purpose built student accommodation beds was for the provision of 7,000 bed spaces by end 2019 and a total of 21,000 additional purpose built student accommodation beds by 2024.
The 2019 target was exceeded, with 8,300 bed spaces completed by the end of 2019.
As of Q2 2021, 10,700 bed spaces have been completed, work is underway on site on an additional 3,500, with planning permission granted on a further 11,300.
Actions under the strategy have also included ensuring that higher education institutions have access to low-cost financing. Since 2017, the Housing Finance Agency has approved a total of €157 million in loans, to support the provision of more than 1,400 new student bed spaces across three universities.
During the Summer, together with Minister Donohoe and Minister O’Brien, I announced that €75 million of financing had been successfully sourced for the Council of Europe Bank for the building of student accommodation in universities.
Housing For All also contains a commitment to support technological universities to develop purpose-built student accommodation, through access to appropriate financing, and a specific action in relation to legislating to allow for Technological Universities to borrow from the Housing Finance Agency. I will be working to progress this with colleagues across Government.
My Department has also been engaging with the higher education sector, together with the Department of Housing, to work through the range of issues identified by institutions to seek to develop a stronger pipeline of student accommodation.
60. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the full range of measures in place to help students in financial difficulty in third-level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49810/21]
View answerThe principal support provided by my Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means. The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine. The aim of the student grant scheme is to make a contribution to the cost of going to college.
The student grant is an absolutely critical support for the students who receive it. That is why, following taking up my Ministerial appointment, I initiated a Review of the Student Grant Scheme to see where improvements would be most effective. The importance of this Review has been underlined by the rise in the costs of living across society. This has impacted students who have been affected by the increasing costs of accommodation and a range of other costs.
I am happy also to give an update on the Programme for Government’s commitment to review the student grant scheme. The review is at an advanced stage, and is in the process of finalisation by the consultations and the steering group. There was significant public interest in the Review, with around 280 submissions and over 9,000 survey responses from students. The final Report will be presented to me later this year and I intend bringing it to Government for approval. It is the intention that this review will inform policy priorities and future considerations regarding the development of student grant policy.
In the context of Budget 2022 I am currently giving consideration to the scope, to commence the process of making prioritised improvements to the student grant scheme for the academic year 2022/2023. This would allow early progress in addressing key themes emerging from the Review of SUSI. it's consultations and research and recent trends in the cost of living.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in higher education 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. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. The core allocation for the SAF is €9.1 million per annum currently supports circa 14,000 students. This includes €1 million which was added to the fund in 2017 for part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups. Prior to that the fund supported full-time students only. As part of the package of COVID supports provided by Government again this year, €10 million was allocated to an Access Funding package of which €8.1 million was allocated to the Student Assistance Fund. €1.9m has been allocated to COVID19 Contingency Fund for Access Services. The total funding available in 2021 under the Student Assistance Fund to €17.2m.
The principal funding source for students with disabilities is the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD). The purpose of the Fund is to provide funding to higher and further education institutions to assist them in offering supports and services to eligible students with disabilities so that they can participate on an equal basis with their peers.
The FSD aims to support the personal, educational and professional development of the participating student and contribute to the achievement of their full potential. Eligible students can receive assistance from the FSD from further education level 5 up to doctoral level 10, and it can be applied for during any year of study. The FSD operates as a funding allocation to approved higher education institutions and PLC colleges. The actual level of support to be provided to individual students is decided by each HEI who carry out a needs assessment to determine the types of supports and accommodations needed. Funding can be used to provide supports and accommodations for assistive technology, equipment and software, non-medical helpers, academic or learning support, deaf supports and transport.
There are three strands to the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) with an overall funding envelope of €41m. Strand 1 supports access to initial teacher education from the target groups identified in the National Access Plan. Strand 2 provides bursaries to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students in the target groups under the National Access Plan. Strand 3 supports regional clusters of higher education institutions with the aim of attracting additional students from groups currently under-represented in higher education.
As part of the implementation of PATH 2 for the 2021/22 academic year, three tiers of bursaries will be available for awarding to the most socio economically disadvantaged students from National Access Plan Target groups across six clusters. Tier 1 is €5,000 per annum for the duration of studies awarded to a total of 203 students across the six clusters ; Tier 2 - €2,000 per annum for the duration of studies to a total of 120 students across the six clusters who met the criteria for the 1916 Bursary but who did not ultimately qualify for a Tier 1 bursary; Tier 3 – Once-off bursary of €1,500 payable for the 2021/22 academic year only to students who met the criteria for the 1916 Bursary but who did not ultimately qualify for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 bursary. The provision of this once-off bursary is in recognition of the exceptional circumstances that incoming students will experience when starting college in 2021/22 and the impact of Covid-19 on family incomes of students from target groups.
Ring-fenced funding of €300,000 is available in HEIs for targeted supports to address the implications of COVID-19 for Traveller transfer to and progression within higher education. The funding, which has been secured through the Dormant Accounts Fund, will help ensure expected increases in Traveller participation in higher education remain on track.
Students may also be eligible for Tax Relief at the standard rate of tax in respect of tuition fees paid for their course. Further information on this tax relief is available from the student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
The third National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (2015 – 2021) was launched in December 2015. The vision of the National Access Plan is to ensure that the student body entering into, participating in and completing higher education at all levels reflects the diversity and social mix of Ireland's population. The Plan identifies the target groups that are currently under-represented in higher education. These include entrants from socio-economic groups that have low participation in higher education, Irish Travellers, students with disabilities, first time mature student entrants, part-time/flexible learners and further education award holders. Lone parents are also included in this grouping. Work on the development of the next National Access Plan (NAP) 2022 - 2026 is currently underway. The consultation process, which closed on 18th June 2021, invited all interested parties to make their views known on this matter and other matters related to access to higher education particularly for groups who are underrepresented in the higher education population. One-to-one stakeholder meetings around the specific target groups to be supported for the period of the next NAP are currently underway. Colleagues in my Department are working closely with the HEA on the development of the new Plan with the intention of publishing the plan in the coming months.
FET provision is largely free or heavily subsidised. The only fees are PLC fees which are a nominal €200 per student (not including those entitled to a medical card or SUSI grant). About 40% of students pay the fee. Fees are collected at the start of the academic year.
Apprentices are paid an allowance equivalent to their on-the-job wages for periods spent in education and training institutions. In addition, unemployed participants on training courses are paid a training allowance by ETBs based on their DEASP payment. In the case of training for unemployed people, these allowances are integral parts of the programmes, as (i) they facilitate the participation of individuals who would not otherwise be in a position to take up training and (ii) they ensure that only individuals who are active participants in the training are in receipt of the allowances. Your local Intreo Office can advise if you are entitled to any allowances whilst on a training course.
In addition, accommodation, meal and travel allowances are paid to learners to assist them with the cost of actual attendance on some courses.
A Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage (MAED) fund worth €8 million was allocated in Budget 2021 to the FET sector. The MAED fund was managed by SOLAS and provided funds to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in FET. It also enabled investment in building the digital infrastructure of FET providers and their capability to ensure that online learning can be delivered in a way that meets the complex needs of all FET learners, and that these learners have the skills that will allow them to effectively participate.
In light of the great successes of the MAEDF and in recognition of the continuing challenges in this area, a further €10 million is being allocated to the fund for next year. The purpose of the second MAED fund is to assist Education and Training Boards to increase their capacity and that of community education providers to address the decline in participation of disadvantaged learners particularly those on literacy and basic skills programmes at NFQ levels 1 to 3. The Fund places a strong focus on community education as a mechanism to continue to support and engage with disadvantaged learners. In addition, there is a focus on enabling the investment in building the digital infrastructure of providers and their capability to ensure that online learning/blended learning can be delivered in a way that meets the complex needs of learners. The closing date for Round 1 applications was 24 September 2021 and a second round of funding has just been announced with a closing date for receipt of requests for funding of 31 October 2021.
