Written Answers Nos. 662-679
662. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 246 of 27 May 2021, the details of each time the Higher Education Authority enlisted the services of consultants since 2016; the date and value of each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52149/21]
View answerDetails of the consultancy services engaged by the Higher Education Authority for each year from 2016 is set out in the attached document.
Details of Consultancy Contracts for 2020
|
Year |
Name |
Gross € |
Contract |
|
2020 |
Advance HE |
276,859 |
Gender Equality Charter for Irish Higher Education Institutions |
|
2020 |
Alice PR and Events Limited |
62,971 |
PR Consultancy |
|
2020 |
Alie Kwint |
8,843 |
Consultancy Services for European Research Grant Application |
|
2020 |
ASM (B) Ltd |
21,483 |
Internal Audit |
|
2020 |
BDO |
56,519 |
Review of Landscape funding |
|
2020 |
Byrne Actuaries |
3,075 |
Pension Actuary Services |
|
2020 |
CBRE Limited |
2,755 |
2020 Space Survey for Capital Programmes |
|
2020 |
CIS Construction Information Services |
5,699 |
Student Accommodation Research and Analysis |
|
2020 |
Claire Keane |
1,089 |
Communications Consultancy |
|
2020 |
Clever Cat Design |
66,710 |
Graphic Design and Printing |
|
2020 |
Conor O Carroll SciPol |
2,178 |
IRC Strategy Development |
|
2020 |
Crowleys DFK |
18,432 |
Committee membership |
|
2020 |
David Hudson |
2,645 |
Consultancy Finance System |
|
2020 |
Deloitte Ireland LLP |
107,309 |
Review of monitoring and oversight of Higher Education Institutions |
|
2020 |
Ernst & Young |
172,551 |
Business process review |
|
2020 |
Eversheds Sutherland |
34,423 |
Legal Services |
|
2020 |
Governance Ireland |
18,471 |
Governance Review of Board Performance |
|
2020 |
Graphite HRM Ltd |
1,845 |
Review of HR Policies and Procedures (Graphite HR) |
|
2020 |
Greenville Procurement Partners Ltd |
11,209 |
Procurement Consultancy |
|
2020 |
Indecon |
64,211 |
Mature Students Research Study |
|
2020 |
International Graduate Insight Group Ltd |
95,463 |
Student Survey and Statistical Consulting Services |
|
2020 |
Irish Universities Association (IUA) |
90,000 |
Marie Curie Office Postgraduate Support |
|
2020 |
Irish Universities Association (IUA) |
34,947 |
Review of Doctoral Degree Provision in Ireland |
|
2020 |
John Malone Consulting Limited |
3,872 |
Governance and Process Auditor |
|
2020 |
Karatas Consultants Limited |
9,529 |
Consultancy for International Programmes |
|
2020 |
KOS Ergonomic Solutions Ltd |
7,250 |
Ergonomic Assessments |
|
2020 |
Mary Kerr |
3,120 |
Review of Fund for Students with Disabilities |
|
2020 |
Mazars |
55,860 |
Data Protection Consultancy |
|
2020 |
Mazars |
19,502 |
Audits, External Reviews and Tax Advisory Services |
|
2020 |
Mazars |
41,685 |
Review of Landscape Funding for Higher Education Institutions |
|
2020 |
McCauley Daye O'Connell Architects Ltd |
16,239 |
Architect Fees |
|
2020 |
Michael O'Connell |
7,221 |
Committee membership |
|
2020 |
MKO Estates and Project Management Ltd |
8,627 |
Consultancy Services for Capital Programmes |
|
2020 |
Morrow Communications |
750 |
Event Management Consultancy |
|
2020 |
New Graphic |
3,241 |
Website Design and Maintenance |
|
2020 |
O'Brien Governance Design |
13,007 |
Governance and Process Auditor Services |
|
2020 |
O'Dowd Solicitors |
11,193 |
Data Protection Consultancy |
|
2020 |
Orbidal Group Ltd |
11,314 |
Procurement Consultancy |
|
2020 |
Ortus Economic Research Ltd |
17,493 |
Review of IRC Gender Strategy and Action Plan |
|
2020 |
Redacteurs |
4,235 |
Editorial Consultancy |
|
2020 |
Resonate Design |
738 |
Graphic Design and Printing |
|
2020 |
Siobhan Browne and Associates Ltd |
6,655 |
HR Consultancy Services |
|
2020 |
Technopolis Limited |
24,850 |
Review of IRC Laureate Programme |
|
2020 |
Vidatum Technologies |
68,735 |
Develop and Maintenance for Springboard Grant Application System |
|
1,494,799 |
663. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of first year enrolments and the number of graduates, respectively in mental health nursing in each higher education institution in each year since 2014 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52152/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is available in the attached spreadsheet. The numbers provided are those recorded on the HEA's Student Records System (SRS) and refer to first year enrolments and graduates from mental health nursing courses, by higher education institution.
664. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of first year enrolments and graduates in radiography in each year since 2014 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52153/21]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below. The numbers provided are those recorded on the HEA's Student Records System (SRS) and refer to first year enrolments and graduates from radiography and diagnostic radiography programs.
|
- |
First Year Enrolments |
Graduates |
|
2013/2014 |
56 |
|
|
2014/2015 |
100 |
92 |
|
2015/2016 |
94 |
83 |
|
2016/2017 |
86 |
90 |
|
2017/2018 |
127 |
99 |
|
2018/2019 |
129 |
96 |
|
2019/2020 |
139 |
80 |
|
2020/2021 |
149 |
0 |
665. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the timeline for the implementation of the recommendation outlined in the Higher Education Authority survey on race equality in the higher education sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52234/21]
View answerSince 2019, the HEA Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, has been working closely with the National Athena SWAN Ireland Intersectionality Working Group to advance work in the area of race equality. The group is open to staff members from HEIs with academic or professional expertise in this area as well as representatives from the Higher Education Authority.
In May 2020, the Intersectionality Working Group produced a statement
(hea.ie/assets/uploads/2020/07/Intersectionality-WG-Statement-on-Ethnicity-Categories-in-Irish-HE.pdf ) to provide staff in HEIs with information on the rationale for collecting ethnicity data and the complexities of categorisation. The statement also provides some context for race equality work in higher education, as well as recommended actions for HEIs to consider. The statement has been endorsed by 25 HEIs, as well as by the Irish Universities Association and the Technological Higher Education Association.
In late 2020/early 2021, the HEA conducted a national survey of HEI staff to develop a picture of race equality across the Irish higher education sector. For the purposes of the survey, race equality was defined as ‘equal representation, equal experiences and equal outcomes of staff from minority ethnic groups’. The survey was developed by the HEA Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Athena SWAN Ireland Intersectionality Working Group. The recently published HEA report, Race Equality in Higher Education , presents the findings of this survey.
This report is extremely important as it gives us, for the first time, data in relation to the experience of staff from minority ethnic groups in Irish higher education. It highlights that higher education institutions have an opportunity to play a critical role in relation to racial inequalities in wider society. There is an opportunity for higher education to become a beacon of good practice in this area. This report is the first of its kind in this area and will help HEIs to keep pace with wider demographic changes in Irish society.
The recommendations, many of which are already being implemented by HEIs through their ongoing work in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion, will now be considered by the HEA and the Intersectionality Working Group. This group will advise on a plan for the implementation of key recommendations, which is expected to be finalised in the new year. This is a new area of work for the higher education sector and any implementation plan will focus on short, medium and long-term goals to ensure that our HEIs offer an equality of opportunity for all students and staff, regardless of ethnicity.
666. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students from Northern Ireland will be able to avail of the Erasmus programme in the 2021-2022 academic year and the next academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52235/21]
View answerMy officials will be meeting very shortly with institutions, North and South to finalise proposals to enable the temporary registration of NI higher education students with Irish higher education institutions, which will facilitate their Erasmus mobilities. This will enable the institutions involved to communicate with their studdents.
The Irish Government will continue to fund this arrangement, until such time as circumstances change.
667. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if financial assistance will be provided for a person (details supplied); if financial supports will be provided to support the student due to the cultural benefit of these studies and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52246/21]
View answerThe main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme administered by SUSI. To qualify for grant support, a student has to meet various criteria such as means, residency, nationality and progression. Approved undergraduate courses for the Student Grant Scheme and approved institutions are prescribed in the Student Support Regulations 2021 and in the Student Support Act 2011.
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland), www.susi.ie.
Maintenance grants only are available for study on an approved course in an EU Member State. Fees are not paid for undergraduate study in an EU Member State.
The student the Deputy is referring to is attending a private college in an EU State which is not listed in Schedule 1, 2 or 3 of the Student Support Regulations 2021 and is therefore not eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme 2021.
668. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the expenditure items listed under selected measures in Budget 2022 expenditure report, indicating for each expenditure item listed the first year and whole year, cost values in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52251/21]
View answerTable below outlines selected measures in budget 2022 relevant to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
|
Estimate Options |
Description |
Amount |
|
Skills Development |
6,000 Skillnet places and 1,600 Skills to Advance places in key skills areas of the economy |
€9m |
|
Skills and EconomicRecovery |
Training to support jobseekers, address climate and low carbon economy issues - 8,900 places on skills to compete; - 35,000 learners to avail of green skills modules; and - 2650 additional places on Retrofit and NZEB expansion. - Up to 10,000 places on Work Placement Experience Programme |
€79m |
|
Apprenticeships |
€34 million to support and develop apprenticeship including €17 million to address the backlogs in delivery caused by COVID-19 including:- - Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme - SOLAS apprenticeship backlog - HEA apprenticeship backlog Apprenticeship Action Plan - Apprenticeship Employer Grant - The Employer grant will be introduced from January for employers of apprentices who do not already benefit from the payment of training allowances available for craft apprentices on off-the-job training - Set up cost of National Apprenticeship Office |
€34m |
|
Removal of PLC Fees |
Removal of Post Leaving Cert €200 levy for over 10,000 learners which will apply to every PLC course provided in ETBs nationally. |
€2m |
|
Delivery of keystrategic priorities in further education and training |
Adult Literacy Strategy The additional investment in 2022 will be used to establish a Programme Office, appoint 16 Regional Coordinators, and establish a Collaboration/Innovation Fund as part of the new integrated and collaborative structures to oversee and monitor the implementation of the ALL Strategy |
€3m |
|
Higher Education investment |
Higher Education investment including for increased capacity in the third level sector reflecting demographic pressures and funding for additional CAO places as a result of exceptional demand arising from this year’s leaving cert. |
€68m |
|
Springboard |
Provision of 1,500 places to meet the high level demands. This is a carryover measure from 2021 |
€7m |
|
Student Supports |
Student supports include: - Maintenance Grant will increase by €200 for over 62,000 students. - Eligibility cut off points will increase by €1,000 ensuring more students qualify and more families can access support. - Distance for the higher non-adjacent student grant will be reduced from 45km to 30km. This means more students who are living away from home or travelling to college will qualify for the higher grant. - Additional supports for students impacted by COVID |
€35m |
|
National Access Planand Intellectual Disabilities |
Funding for a new PATH programme targeting students on access/foundation courses and funding for a pilot project in HEIs for students with intellectual disabilities. |
€5m |
|
TU TransformationFund |
Support Education and Training reform for new and future Technological Universities |
€19m |
|
Grand Challenges |
Research, Innovation & Science; Support the National Grand Challenges Programme |
€4m |
The Estimates for Public Services 2022 were published on 12th October 2021 as part of the Budget 2022 Expenditure report. Additional information can be found on www.gov.ie/en/publication/cb7ac-expenditure-reports/.
Full details on the allocation of resources across spending areas and within each programme will be detailed, as usual, in the annual Revised Estimates Volume for the Public Service (REV) due to be published in Dec 2021.
Information pertaining to full year costs for above measures will be subject to 2023 Estimates discussions.
669. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when SOLAS anticipate publishing the strategy for construction services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52252/21]
View answerThe strategy for construction services refers to a scheduled reform programme within SOLAS. The overarching SOLAS strategy remains one of supporting the construction sector through on-going provision of safe pass training, training and assessment through the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and Quarrying Skills Certification Schemes in addition to skills development as relevant to the further education and training sector. The forthcoming legislation on the licensing of certain construction activity will play an important part in the delivery of this programme.
In addition, SOLAS are working to develop a strategy to support the Climate Action Plan and associated skills training. SOLAS’s strategy on green skills is in development and they are actively engaging across a very broad range of internal, external and industry stakeholders to ensure tangible and appropriate FET responses are devised.
670. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the details of objective 16.3 of the Housing for All plan that states his Department will bring forward a licensing system for certain specified construction activities to replace the existing qualification system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52253/21]
View answerIn March, Government approved the development of a licensing model for individuals working on certain construction and quarrying related activities, replacing the existing construction and quarrying skills certification schemes. Government also approved moving to preparation of the general scheme of a bill to establish the model.
Work is now underway and I plan in the coming weeks to initiate a stakeholder consultation process on the main features of the scheme. It is intended that a draft general scheme will be available by year end.
671. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of all retrofitting of centres of excellence; the site location for each centre; the anticipated opening date for each centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52254/21]
View answer672. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide all levels of training in environmental construction techniques including specific course such as retrofitting and modification of training within construction apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52348/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 671 and 672 together.
General provision in areas such as green skills and sustainability is ongoing across the Tertiary Education sector, with some 50+ programmes already running across the sector aimed at construction professionals at all stages of their career.
This includes on-site retrofit programmes in Waterford Wexford ETB and Laois Offaly ETB, targeted Near Zero Energy Building skills training for existing construction professionals, Skills to Advance programmes as part of the Just Transition response for Bord na Móna employees along with regular reviews of the craft apprenticeship curricula. By the end of 2021, there will be five retrofit centres of excellence - WWETB and LOETB (already in place) plus Cork, Limerick Clare, Mayo Sligo Leitrim.
A number of apprenticeships have developed and transitioned elements of their programmes include provisions for Green Skills. Curricula are updated on an ongoing basis to keep pace with changes in industry practices and regulations. In recent years new construction apprenticeship programmes have been developed in areas such as Geo-drilling (Level 6) and Scaffolding (Level 5). The Wind Turbine Maintenance Apprenticeship currently in development will include best practice in green technology. Five craft programmes are due for full revalidation (including a full review of the curriculum) during 2021; Electrical, Plumbing, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Metal Fabrication and Carpentry & Joinery. Work has commenced on the review of a further five craft programmes, four of which are construction activities - Painting and Decorating, Plastering, Construction Plant Fitting and Motor Mechanics. These reviews will not impact the standard four year duration of the existing craft programmes.
Across the Higher Education System, funding has been provided under Springboard and the Human Capital Initiative for programmes which support the development of professionals in areas such as Building Analysis and Climate Adaptation; Sustainable Building Technology and Retrofit, Conservation and Sustainability.
Springboard+ 2020/21 provided 19 courses in construction related areas with 1107 funded participants. Under Springboard+ 2021/22, there are 25 courses available (634 places) in construction related areas such as NZEB, Energy Management, BIM and Electric Vehicle Technology.
Two innovation projects have commenced under the Human Capital Initiative (Pillar 3). These projects are directly supporting increased availability of skills development in the construction sector through the Digital Academy for Sustainable Built Environment (DASBE) in Limerick IT and the REEdl project in IT Tralee which is based on a world leading model of self-directed, project centric learning using Virtual Reality and Augmented reality (VR/AR) in supporting the education of student engineers along with access to world class research centres. Both projects are developing new honours Bachelor of Engineering Degrees, as well as enhancing the delivery of the existing construction and engineering courses. It is expected over the lifetime of the two projects up to 2025 that over 2000 additional student places will be created.
673. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of places in medicine in each institution by undergraduate and graduate entry medicine for students from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Britain, other EU and non-EU international; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52349/21]
View answerThe current quota for EU entrants (including Irish entrants) to medicine stands at 708, divided between undergraduate entry (468) and graduate entry (240). The places made available each year to non-EU entrants are a matter for the universities and their medical schools. Information on first year enrolments in medicine by domicile and institution in 2020 - the most recent year for which data is available - can be found in the tables below.
Table 1: First year enrolments in undergraduate entry medicine, 2020
Table 2: First year enrolments in graduate entry medicine, 2020
674. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the manner in which the additional €1 million added to the Student Assistance Fund in 2018 as an exceptional basis to support teacher supply for professional master's in education courses was used including a breakdown by institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52382/21]
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 rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Students on full or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (NQF level 6-10) in the universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges can apply for the SAF. The core allocation for the SAF is €9.1 million per annum and 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.
An additional €1 million was added to the fund in 2018 for students attending Professional Masters of Education (PME) courses, who are experiencing financial difficulty. This additional funding was also made available for the 2019/20 year and again in 2020/21. The additional funding provided to students on PME programmes helped to alleviate some of the costs associated with undertaking a PME course. Students on PME courses face particular costs unique to their studies e.g. accommodation and travel costs associated with Gaeltacht placement, school placement costs and course materials.
Effective for the 2021 Student Grant Scheme I announced enhanced postgraduate supports which saw the fee grant amount rising from €2,000 to €3,500 and the income threshold for eligibility for these grants will also rise, up from €31,500, now €54,240. The increase in fee grant will allay some of the costs for postgraduate study and will give greater certainty for students in terms of supports. In addition to the increase in the fee grant, the income thresholds for postgraduate students were increased from a postgraduate threshold of €31,500 to €54,240 in 2021; which is currently the highest income threshold at undergraduate level. This measure removed the need to continue with the ring-fenced funding under SAF for PME courses in 2021.
Please find below the 2018/19 SAF allocation for PME students by HEI as provided by the HEA.
|
HEI |
2018/19 SAF allocation for PME students |
|
CIT |
17,326.73 |
|
DCU |
159,405.94 |
|
LIT |
9,900.99 |
|
Marino Institute |
62,871.29 |
|
MIC |
63,366.34 |
|
MU |
157,425.74 |
|
NCAD |
16,831.68 |
|
NUIG |
155,940.59 |
|
TCD |
58,415.84 |
|
UCC |
104,950.50 |
|
UCD |
126,237.62 |
|
UL |
67,326.73 |
|
Total |
€1,000,000 |
I have also attached a breakdown of the 2018/19 SAF recipient data for PME students by HEI for your information.
Below please find 2018/19 SAF recipient data for PME students by HEI:
|
2018-19 SAF recipient data |
PME breakdown |
||||
|
Full Time |
Part Time |
||||
|
BMW |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
Total |
|
Athlone Institute of Technology |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dundalk Institute of Technology |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Letterkenny Institute of Technology |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
National University of Ireland, Galway |
79 |
37 |
0 |
0 |
116 |
|
Institute of Technology, Sligo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
St Angelas College |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
BMW Total |
82 |
37 |
0 |
0 |
119 |
|
S&E |
Female |
Male |
Female |
Male |
|
|
Marino College |
11 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
14 |
|
Cork Institute of Technology |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
Dublin City University |
30 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
38 |
|
Dublin Institute of Technology |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Institute of Art, Design & Technology |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Institute of Technology Blanchardstown |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Institute of Technology Carlow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Institute of Technology Tallaght |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Institute of Technology Tralee |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Limerick Institute of Technology |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
|
Mary Immaculate College |
41 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
42 |
|
National College of Art and Design |
15 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
17 |
|
National College of Ireland |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Maynooth University |
48 |
15 |
0 |
0 |
63 |
|
Pontifical University, Maynooth |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
RCSI |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Trinity College Dublin |
7 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
9 |
|
University College Cork |
41 |
13 |
0 |
0 |
54 |
|
University College Dublin |
10 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
|
University of Limerick |
11 |
21 |
0 |
0 |
32 |
|
Waterford Institute of Technology |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
S&E Total |
227 |
69 |
1 |
0 |
297 |
|
Overall Totals |
309 |
106 |
1 |
0 |
416 |
675. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline all changes to the student grant scheme in 2021-2022 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52383/21]
View answerThe Student Grant Scheme, administered by SUSI, provides grant assistance to students pursuing 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. It assists over 70,000 students annually to access third level education.
The changes to the Student Grant Scheme 2021, which relates to the 2021/22 academic year, were as follows:
- the income threshold for postgraduate students was increased from €31,500 to €54,250 and the fee grant contribution increased from €2,000 to €3,500;
- The following payments were included as income disregards therefore these additional payments will not be included in the calculation of reckonable income for 2021/22:
- Fuel Allowance; Living Alone Allowance; Dormant Account Funding for Traveller Participation in HE; Pandemic Placement Grant for Student Nurses and Midwives and the COVID-19 Once-off Emergency Grant.
- Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds was included as an eligible payment for the special rate of grant;
- Irish Research Council - Postgraduate Stipend Increase - the value of the stipend amount provided for in the student grant scheme was increased to €18,500 in order to align it with the increase announced in January 2021;
- Provision was made for those students affected by the Calculated Grades for Leaving Certificate Students 2020.
Apart from the student grant and dedicated access supports, it is important to note the range of additional supports which have been put in place for students as part of Budget 2021 and as part of the Government's COVID return to education packages in 2020 and 2021:
- The level of core funding available in the Student Assistance Fund for 2020 and 2021 was doubled;
- €1.9m in the form of a once-off COVID-19 contingency fund to enable HEIs deliver local COVID-19 responses to support disadvantaged students in 2020 and 2021;
- The level of funding for the 1916 Bursary Fund (also known as PATH 2) increased to €5.2 million per annum, which will provide bursaries for the most disadvantaged students within National Access Plan target groups in the country;
- An additional €20 million in funding for SUSI in 2021 to cover increased applications to the scheme;
- €6 million allocated to enhance SUSI support for postgraduates;
- €15 million scheme in 2020 to support access to laptops and digital devices
- Separate capital funding has issued to HEIs in the form of an IT equipment grant and minor works grants, these can be used to address laptop and digital device requirements for students in 2021.
- €50 million was provided financial assistance to full time third level students in recognition of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on this group.
- €300,000 has been secured through the Dormant Accounts Fund for targeted supports to address the implications of COVID-19 on Traveller participation in higher education.
676. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students in 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 for the years 2016 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52410/21]
View answerThe number of full-time and part-time enrolments in state-funded higher education institutions between 2016 and 2020 are in the table below.
|
Academic Year |
Full-Time |
Part-Time |
Total |
|
2016/2017 |
180,610 |
37,633 |
218,243 |
|
2017/2018 |
183,642 |
40,101 |
223,743 |
|
2018/2019 |
185,474 |
43,029 |
228,503 |
|
2019/2020 |
189,904 |
45,793 |
235,697 |
|
2020/2021 |
196,005 |
49,658 |
245,663 |
These figures are taken from the HEA's statistics from the Student Records System (SRS) which are published on their website at hea.ie/statistics/
Further breakdowns, including breakdowns by institution and course type, are available on the website.
677. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students in 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 received recurrent grants type funding from the Exchequer from the Department of Education, his Department or the HEA for the years 2016 to date; the average amount provided in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52411/21]
View answerStudents do not receive recurrent grant funding from the Exchequer, the Department of Education, the Department of Higher Education, Research, Innovation or Science or the HEA. Recurrent grant funding is for the running cost of approved institutions.
Student financial support is mainly provided through the Student Grant Scheme and the Student Assistance Funding and other targeted student support measures where a student is attending an approved institution and an approved course for a particular scheme and if they meet the terms and conditions of that scheme.
It has come my attention that there was an error in a response provided to the Deputy in respect of PQ 49540/21, in particular around wording relating to a recurrent grant funding. I will ask the PQ office to amend the record but for clarity for the Deputy, 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.
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
678. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the allocation to the Student Assistance Fund for the years 2016 to date by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52412/21]
View answerThe allocation to the Student Assistance Fund for the years 2016 to 2021 is shown in the attached table.
The baseline funding allocation for the Student Assistance Fund is €8.1m. An additional €1 million of ring-fenced core funding was allocated in 2017 for the support of part-time students who are lone parents or members of the other access target groups identified in the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education.
An additional €1 million was added in 2018, 2019, and 2020 as an exceptional basis to support Teacher Supply for Professional Masters in Education Courses (PME) students pending changes to the postgraduate supports under the Student Grant Scheme in 2021/22 academic year.
As part of the package of COVID19 supports for 2020 and 2021 the level of baseline core funding was doubled by providing an additional €8.1m in each of those two years.
679. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports available for students facing financial hardship provided by his Department directly or through grants to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52413/21]
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. It assists over 70,000 students annually to access third level education.
A review of the Student Grant Scheme 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.
As part of Budget 2022, I have secured an additional €15m to enhance the existing financial supports under the Student Grant Scheme.
For the academic year 2022/23 this will mean:-
- An increase to all student grant maintenance payments, including the special rate of grant, of €200 per year which will benefit all students entitled to receive a maintenance Grant. There are currently circa 62,000 SUSI grant recipients receiving maintenance support.
- The income threshold to qualify for the standard rate of student grant has been increased by €1,000.
- The qualifying distance criterion for students to qualify for the non-adjacent rate of grant has been reduced from 45km to 30km, effective from the start of the 2022/23 academic year.
I have prioritised these changes for the 2022/23 academic year and they will benefit thousands of students building on the improvements that have already been made for postgraduate students through this year’s student grant scheme. These improvements to the student grant scheme have been a priority for me since taking up my Ministerial appointment.
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 is €17.2m.
The Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) supports participation by students with a disability in further and higher education. The FSD is one of the main funding sources supporting participation by students with disabilities in approved further and higher education courses in Ireland. It also supports students from Ireland to study on approved courses in Northern Ireland, the UK and other EU countries. 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. The 2020 allocation to the fund is €9.6m which is expected to support circa 14,000 students.
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 institute 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.
A significant development with this Fund has been the inclusion of students on part-time courses in 2018 and this continued into 2019 and 2020 also.
The transfer of the FE allocation of the Fund for Students with Disabilities from the Higher Education Authority to SOLAS was completed in July 2020. With effect from the 2020/21 academic year, SOLAS has assumed responsibility for the management of the FSD for the further education and training sector, including issuing of the guidelines.
There are three strands to the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) with an overall funding envelope of €42m.
- 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.
An additional €5m funding to support new pilot initiatives under the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Fund to address priority actions that will be identified in the new Strategic Action Plan for Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education 2022-2026 currently under development. 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.
Funding is provided to seven disadvantaged initiatives to support access to higher education. Six of these initiatives are community based projects located in areas of disadvantage and one is in respect of an access initiative in Trinity College. All of the projects target children and young people who are generally at risk of under achieving and not reaching their full academic potential. They also seek to direct further targeted activities at children and young people who demonstrate high academic potential but may be at risk of not progressing to further or higher education for a variety of reasons.
Ring-fenced funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund of €300,000 is available for targeted supports to address the implications of COVID-19 for Traveller transfer to and progression within higher education. The funding will help ensure expected increases in Traveller participation in higher education remain on track.
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. However, as provided for in Budget 2022, the €200 fee will no longer apply from the start of the 22/23 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 relevant training courses are paid a training allowance by ETBs based on their DSP 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 Fund (MAEDF) worth €8 million was allocated in Budget 2021 to the FET sector for 2020. The MAEDF was managed by SOLAS in 2020 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 relation to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions a further €10 million is being allocated to the MAEDF for this year. SOLAS issued two calls for proposals, the closing date for Round 1 applications was 24 September 2021, and closing date for Round 2 applications was 31 October 2021.
