Written Answers Nos. 486-507
487. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeline for the publication of National Review of Emergency Domestic Violence accommodation carried out by Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54277/21]
View answerTusla’s ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ has been completed and is undergoing the final edit for publication. Once this process is completed, the Review will then be published by Tusla, which I anticipate will be over the coming weeks. The Review assesses the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation and has examined the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities.
The Review represents my commitment to prioritising and supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. My Department will continue to engage with Tusla, Non-Government Organisations that play a key role in this area, and other relevant Government Departments and Agencies (particularly the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Justice) to progress work in this area. It is important that the needs of those who experience domestic violence are met in the most appropriate way possible.
488. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the date he is working to for the publication of the disability (miscellaneous provisions) Bill; and when he expects to give legal effect to the commitment in the Programme for Government to double the target for employment of persons with disabilities in the public service to 6%. [54288/21]
View answerThe Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 lapsed with the dissolution of the last Dáil.
The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill is being used to advance a number of legislative provisions required by the UNCRPD that were previously included in the Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 including measures to bolster the public sector obligation to lead on providing pathways to work for people with disabilities by doubling the amount of people with disabilities to be employed by public bodies from 3% to 6% by 2024.
Work is actively taking place on the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill, which is expected to be published and enacted in the new year. It is intended that the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 would be amended and fully commenced by June 2022.
489. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when details of the restorative recognition scheme for survivors of mother and baby and county home institutions will be published; when the scheme will be open for applications; the total value of the scheme; the number of applications expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54305/21]
View answerAs part of its response to the Final Report of the Commission of Investigation, the Government committed to establishing a Restorative Recognition Scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. This Scheme will include a financial payment and a form of enhanced medical card.
An Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was set up to develop detailed proposals for the Scheme. The work of the IDG has been guided by a human rights focus and informed by consultation with survivors which took place during March and April, with a very strong response received to that consultation process.
I intend to bring proposals on the Scheme to Cabinet very soon. It is not possible to provide details on the potential cost of the Scheme or the number of applications expected in advance of proposals being agreed by Government.
Once proposals for the Scheme are approved by Government, I will publish them immediately. My Department will also continue with the significant work necessary and already in progress to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications as soon as possible in 2022.
490. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the membership and qualifications of the interdepartmental group established to develop the restorative recognition scheme for survivors of mother and baby and county home institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54306/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, an Interdepartmental Group (IDG) was set up to develop detailed proposals for a Restorative Recognition Scheme, taking account of the recommendations of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes but not limited to those recommendations.
The Group is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and composed of senior officials from:
- Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Department of Education
- Department of Health
- Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
- Department of the Taoiseach
- Office of the Attorney General
- State Claims Agency
Significant consultation with stakeholders has also been undertaken. A national and international consultation process took place with survivors and their advocates during March and April. Furthermore, I requested that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) make its independent expertise available to the IDG.
The work of the IDG is effectively complete, and I look forward to bringing proposals to Cabinet in the coming weeks. Once the Scheme is approved by Government, I will publish the proposals immediately. My Department will also continue with the significant work necessary and already in progress to establish this Scheme and make it available for applications as soon as possible in 2022.
491. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeline on the establishment of the proposed service for the parents of children in care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54492/21]
View answerThe Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.
492. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures his Department taking to ensure that, once health restrictions allow, children living in Dublin 12 will have access to after-school services in their community which are currently unavailable similar to those available to children in Dublin 8. [54504/21]
View answerSchool-Age Childcare (SAC) (after-school) services are provided by private enterprises, either privately owned or operated by community organisations. SAC service providers are responsible for establishing their own policies and procedures for the implementation of the public health guidance for the sector.
The guidance does not place a requirement on SAC service providers to limit operations. However, this may be a decision made by a provider in the context of their own setting and operational capabilities.
Support in implementing public health requirements is available to SAC services through their local City and County Childcare Committee.
There are a number of SAC services currently operating within the Dublin 12 area. Parents can access information in relation to SAC provision in the area through their local City and County Childcare Committee (CCC). Contact information for local CCCs can be found on www.myccc.ie.
The Department continues to monitor public health measures with the HSE including impacts that may arise as a result of implementation of public health guidance.
493. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide information on any large-scale capital investment in childcare proposed for 2023. [54507/21]
View answerCapital investment in early learning and childcare will be delivered through the National Development Plan (NDP) during 2021-2030. Investment under the NDP will consist of three pillars: Modernisation, New Capacity and First 5 Initiatives. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare during the lifetime of the NDP as follows:
(1) Modernisation: Much of the existing early learning and childcare infrastructure that was previously delivered by large scale capital programmes is now in need of upgrading and modernisation in order to be fully compliant with new regulations and more recent guidelines, as well as to maximise energy efficiency. This investment will prioritise follow-up funding for buildings that were funded through the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), with funding also available for previously non-funded infrastructure.
(2) New Capacity: Ireland is approaching the limits of capacity, with shortfalls for early learning and childcare places already evident in some areas and for some cohorts. The rates of participation in early learning and childcare are also lower than European averages. As investment in subsidisation grows in the coming years as committed to in First 5 and the Programme for Government, demand from parents will also increase.
In the coming years, NDP capital funding allocated to early learning and childcare will be used to increase the stock of early learning and childcare infrastructure, in order to address capacity challenges including the undersupply for certain types of provision and in specific areas of the country.
(3) First 5 Initiatives: First 5 (Government Strategy for babies, young children and their families 2019 -2028) was launched in 2018 and was re-committed to in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. First 5 envisages a range of innovative initiatives for the early learning and childcare sector, including piloting Family and Early Childhood Centres and piloting outdoor early learning and childcare provision, piloting meal provision. Each of these initiatives have capital requirements.
As outlined in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, access to affordable early learning and childcare is inherently linked to creating an equitable society, sustainable communities and a thriving economy. Early learning and childcare provision is therefore considered under the National Development Plan, along with housing, schools and health facilities as an integral part of national infrastructure.
Further information on the Department’s NDP allocation and the application process will be communicated to the sector in the near future.
494. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if funding is available to purchase a prefab to start an after-school service at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54553/21]
View answerCapital investment in early learning and childcare will be delivered through the National Development Plan (NDP) during 2021-2030. Investment under the NDP will consist of three pillars : Modernisation, New Capacity and First 5 Initiatives. This will enable significant capital investment in early learning and childcare during the lifetime of the NDP as follows:
(1) Modernisation: Much of the existing early learning and childcare infrastructure that was previously delivered by large scale capital programmes is now in need of upgrading and modernisation in order to be fully compliant with new regulations and more recent guidelines, as well as to maximise energy efficiency. This investment will prioritise follow-up funding for buildings that were funded through the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), with funding also available for previously non-funded infrastructure.
(2) New Capacity: Ireland is approaching the limits of capacity, with shortfalls for early learning and childcare places already evident in some areas and for some cohorts. The rates of participation in early learning and childcare are also lower than European averages. As investment in subsidisation grows in the coming years as committed to in First 5 and the Programme for Government, demand from parents will also increase.
In the coming years, NDP capital funding allocated to early learning and childcare will be used to increase the stock of early learning and childcare infrastructure, in order to address capacity challenges including the undersupply for certain types of provision and in specific areas of the country.
(3) First 5 Initiatives: First 5 (Government Strategy for babies, young children and their families 2019 -2028) was launched in 2018 and was re-committed to in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. First 5 envisages a range of innovative initiatives for the early learning and childcare sector, including piloting Family and Early Childhood Centres and piloting outdoor early learning and childcare provision, piloting meal provision. Each of these initiatives have capital requirements.
As outlined in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, access to affordable early learning and childcare is inherently linked to creating an equitable society, sustainable communities and a thriving economy. Early learning and childcare provision is therefore considered under the National Development Plan, along with housing, schools and health facilities as an integral part of national infrastructure.
Further information on the Department’s NDP allocation and the application process will be communicated to the sector in the near future.
495. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the audit of domestic violence accommodation by Tusla which was due to be published earlier in 2021 will be published. [54632/21]
View answerTusla’s ‘Review of the Provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence’ has been completed and is undergoing the final edit for publication. Once this process is completed, the Review will then be published by Tusla, which I anticipate will be over the coming weeks. The Review assesses the current and requisite distribution of safe emergency accommodation and has examined the current level of refuge provision, evidence of demand for services and unmet need, and analysis of proximity to refuge by local communities.
The Review represents my commitment to prioritising and supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. My Department will continue to engage with Tusla, Non-Government Organisations that play a key role in this area, and other relevant Government Departments and Agencies (particularly the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Justice) to progress work in this area. It is important that the needs of those who experience domestic violence are met in the most appropriate way possible.
496. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 651 of 10 March 2021, if correspondence will be made available to this Deputy which was forwarded to his Department in 1996 by the Adoption Board after the Department inquired from adoption authorities if their attention had been drawn to or were they involved in cases of illegal birth registration. [54633/21]
View answerI can confirm that, since replying to Parliamentary Question No. 651 of 10 March 2021, my Department has obtained a record that broadly resembles the Deputy's description. However, the letter from the Department to adoption authorities, which is included in the record, does not make specific reference to illegal birth registration.
My Department is arranging for this record to be released to the Deputy in a manner that protects the privacy of individuals and respects their rights under the General Data Protection Regulation.
497. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are supports in place for families who may be called into a meeting with Tusla, but who may not be familiar with process and who require some non-judgmental advice and advocacy before attending such a meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54641/21]
View answerThe Deputy refers to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have referred the matter to Tusla and asked that a direct reply be provided to the Deputy.
498. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his knowledge of the concerns surrounding health and safety of a direct provision centre (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to complaints regarding the standards of care shown in the centre including from residents and advocacy groups such as an organisation (details supplied); and his views on recent internet footage that show residents having to use plastic bags if they did not wish to eat the food in the canteen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54773/21]
View answerFirst of all, I can assure the Deputy that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by my Department is of the highest priority to both myself and my officials.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), which is responsible for the provision of accommodation and related services to people in the International Protection process, became aware of the video that is circulating on social media in regard to the centre mentioned on Tuesday 2 November.
In response to this, staff of the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS), which manages the contract with the Direct Provision accommodation centre mentioned, immediately arranged to visit the centre on 3 November to investigate the matter, including a review of CCTV in the area. Staff did not find evidence that food is being served in plastic bags in the manner shown in the video.
QTS, an independent inspectorate company that undertakes inspections on behalf of IPPS, also visited the centre on 3 November, to ensure that it is complying with the terms of its contract with regard to food provision to residents.
To ensure residents could voice any concerns they have directly with IPAS officials, IPAS also conducted a residents' clinic on site at the centre on Friday last, 5 November.
Accommodation centres are currently subject to regular unannounced inspections by both Department officials in IPAS and QTS Limited. It is expected that each accommodation centre will be inspected three times in 2021, twice by QTS and once by IPAS officials.
In addition, accommodation centres are contractually bound to provide menus that reasonably meet the dietary needs of the different ethnic groups accommodated at the centre and the reasonable prescribed dietary needs of any person accommodated at the centre. Menus must include a vegetarian option and all food products provided must have a traceability system that complies with food safety requirements. All accommodation centres that offer catered options must provide three meals per day and must have a range of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages readily available.
IPAS is always available to deal with any complaints from residents and residents are encouraged to engage with IPAS if they are unhappy with any aspect of their accommodation. Where a complaint is significant in nature or a resident is not comfortable raising a complaint with a centre manager, they may make the complaint directly, or through a representative authorised to act on their behalf, to the IPAS Customer Service Team.
All residents have access to an independent support helpline operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service and funded by the Department. IPAS is working to facilitate clinics at centres, in line with public health restrictions. IPAS has no role in determining a resident’s claim for international protection. Decisions on claims for international protection are matters for the Department of Justice. Residents can freely make complaints without any implications for their claims for international protection.
As I mentioned above, accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by IPAS/IPPS and by an independent inspections company. Inspection reports are published on: www.gov.ie/en/publication/534c2-ipas-inspection-reports/.
I trust that this information can provide the necessary reassurance to you that the Government is committed to the welfare of all residents of our accommodation centres.
499. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he or his officials have requested a copy of the McHugh Report into the pay of student nurses and midwives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54031/21]
View answerI can confirm that my officials have requested a copy of McHugh report on student nurse and midwife clinical placement allowances.
501. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he anticipates that further education and training options will be fully integrated within the CAO application system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54159/21]
View answerI was delighted to launch the enhanced CAO website for the 2022 CAO application process on Friday 5th November 2021.
A key goal of my Department is to enhance the visibility of further education and training, or FET, and apprenticeship options for school leavers. To progress this key goal, from 2022, school leavers will be able to explore options across the third level system, whether in higher education, further education or apprenticeship options, from the CAO website.
This initiative comes from the collaboration of a working group comprising representatives of SOLAS, the CAO, ETBI and the ETBs. Within the FET sector, a central portal has been developed to enable learners to apply for their chosen courses, which have been updated in terms of course naming conventions and learner requirements. This is being managed through FETCH / PLSS (which is a central application system for FET courses delivered through Education and Training Boards throughout the country).? Technical experts from SOLAS and the CAO are working together to ensure that technology developed for FET in the short-term aligns with CAO systems to enable integration over time.
The further development and expansion of the CAO FET offers to include wider options will build on the experience of the 2022 application process.
For apprenticeship options, students must first be hired by an approved apprentice employer. There will be a link to a dedicated page on the apprenticeship website which will provide information on how to find an apprenticeship and links to available apprenticeship employment opportunities. There will also be a freephone number available for guidance on apprenticeships which is 1800 794 487 and will be open 12pm-6pm Monday-Friday.
502. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of students in pre-law in the further education system each year since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54161/21]
View answerDetails in relation to the number of enrolments in Law and Legal Studies courses in further education and training (FET) from 2017 - 2021 are attached. Please note this includes data up to the end of October 2021. Data in relation to enrolment figures for 2016 is being collated by SOLAS from each of the 16 Education and Training Boards and will issue to the Deputy shortly.
|
Enrolments |
|
|
2017 |
277 |
|
Legal Studies |
17 |
|
Pre-University Business with Law |
39 |
|
Pre-University Law |
221 |
|
2018 |
786 |
|
Law & Politics |
22 |
|
Legal Administration |
147 |
|
Legal and Medical Administration |
122 |
|
Legal and Medical Secretarial Studies |
71 |
|
Legal Secretary |
15 |
|
Legal Studies |
127 |
|
Pre-University Law |
282 |
|
2019 |
811 |
|
Legal Administration |
136 |
|
Legal and Medical Administration |
159 |
|
Legal Studies |
102 |
|
Pre-University Business Law |
20 |
|
Pre-University Law |
359 |
|
Security, Criminology & Legal Studies |
35 |
|
2020 |
880 |
|
Legal Administration |
151 |
|
Legal and Medical Administration |
104 |
|
Legal and Medical Secretarial Studies |
48 |
|
Legal Studies |
112 |
|
Pre-University Business Law |
41 |
|
Pre-University Law |
393 |
|
Security, Criminology & Legal Studies |
31 |
|
2021 |
1127 |
|
Business - Legal |
74 |
|
Business Administration with Legal Studies |
14 |
|
Business Studies with Law |
12 |
|
Financial and Legal Services |
26 |
|
Law and Criminology |
22 |
|
Legal Administration |
296 |
|
Legal and Medical Administration |
35 |
|
Legal and Medical Secretarial Studies |
19 |
|
Legal Studies |
144 |
|
Legal Studies and Criminal Law |
22 |
|
Pre-University Business with Law |
64 |
|
Pre-University Law |
289 |
|
Pre-University Law with Criminology |
79 |
|
Security, Criminology & Legal Studies |
31 |
503. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of students accepted from further education and training pre-law courses into undergraduate law programmes in public higher education institutions each year since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54162/21]
View answerThis information is not held by my Department. The majority of our statistics on higher education enrolments are drawn from the Student Records System (SRS) of the HEA, and the basis of entry into higher education is not recorded on the SRS.
In 2017/18, the most recent year for which this data is available, 7.3% of students entered higher education on the basis of a further education qualification. A breakdown by course area is not available.
Many courses, including law courses, reserve a number of places for entrants from further education. The number of places reserved on any course for FET entrants is a matter for each institution, in line with their autonomy. Details on the courses offering entry to applicants on the basis of FET qualifications, and the entry requirements, can be found on the CAO website at the following link: www.cao.ie/index.php?page=fetac_search
504. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of persons who have appealed a SUSI decision not to award them a SUSI grant in each of the past five years and to date in 2021; and the number of persons that have been successful in their appeal. [54164/21]
View answerThe decision on eligibility for student grant assistance is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
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 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.
The number of students who appealed a SUSI grant refusal in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021 is a follows.
|
- |
2016-17 |
2017-18 |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
2021-22* |
|
Refusal and Appealed to SUSI |
3,866 |
3,512 |
3,751 |
3,667 |
4,142 |
2,685 |
The number of students who were successful in their appeal of a SUSI initial grant refusal in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021:
|
- |
2016-17 |
2017-18 |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
2020-21 |
2021-22* |
|
Upheld after a Refusal |
1,871 |
1,527 |
1,733 |
1,472 |
1,540 |
813 |
*Please Note Current year (2021-22) may change as processing is ongoing.
Appeals to the Student Grant Appeals Board for the past five years as follows;
|
Academic Year |
2017/18 |
2018/19 |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
2021/22 as at 03/11/2021 |
|
No of Appeals* |
660 |
699 |
739 |
772 |
703 |
|
Successful** |
257 |
281 |
285 |
266 |
174*** |
*Does not include invalid, withdrawn or cancelled appeals.
** Does not include Refer back to AA
***Decision pending on 128 appeals
505. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of persons who have applied for a SUSI grant stating that they are estranged from their parents; the number that have been successful in their application; and the number that have been refused a grant in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [54165/21]
View answerThe information which the Deputy requested is currently being complied and will be forwarded to the Deputy's office directly by my officials in the coming days.
506. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that are being taken to prepare the third level education system to meet the demands that will be placed on it by the enactment of the Official Language (Amendment) Bill 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54204/21]
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 that will meet future demand.
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 Initiative there are 8 courses available in 5 different institutions. There were 73 students enrolled in these courses in 2019/2020 and 84 students enrolled in 2020/2021.
As of 2020/21, there were 67 courses in Higher Education delivering Irish language tuition or delivered through the medium of Irish, a total of 1,674 students (6,283 since 2016/17). This includes courses in Teacher Training colleges, but excludes courses in Irish Studies, Irish history, folklore, music/dance and the likes. A further 1,021 students are recorded as taking Irish language as a subject as part of a further 37 courses (5,618 students since 2016/17).
The Department distributes recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for disbursement directly to the HEA's designated higher education institutions. The HEA distributes this funding as a block grant to the institutions. As autonomous bodies, payment of this funding, including any expenditure on Irish-language education initiatives, falls to the individual institution.
In addition, specific support is provided for the development of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in NUIG. The Department has agreed to provide an allocation of €900,000 for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 academic years.
The Acadamh is a research and educational institution which is intended to promote and develop Irish-medium education. It is headquartered in NUIG’s main Galway City campus, but also has campuses in the Ceathrú Rua and Carna in Connemara, and in the Doirí Beaga in Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal.
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.
507. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider implementing the announced reforms of SUSI for this academic year to address the rising cost of living impacting students and families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54205/21]
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 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.
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.
The eligibility criteria for student grants are reviewed annually by the Department and approved by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. All proposals made in relation to education expenditure, including student grants, are considered in the context of the annual Budget.
For the current academic year of 2021/22, student grant applications are assessed with reference to the Student Grant Scheme 2021, with the means test based on gross income from all sources for the period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020.
As part of Budget 2022, I have secured an additional €15m to enhance the existing financial supports under the Student Grant Scheme for implementation in 2022.
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.
