Written Answers Nos. 1159-1175
1159. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when construction apprentices can expect to complete their apprenticeships (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1149/22]
View answerSOLAS, the HEA and education and training providers are continuing to work to ensure that craft apprentices are facilitated to complete their apprenticeship in as rapid a manner as is possible.
The COVID-related delays in off-the-job training places for craft apprentices is being addressed, underpinned by a Government investment of €37 million (€20M capital investment in 2021 supported by a €17M allocation in Budget 2022).
There were 8,797 apprentices waiting for assignment to off-the-job training at the end of December 2021, down from 12,000 in August 2021. When assigning places, those who have been waiting the longest are being prioritised.
In addition to investment in increased capacity across providers of craft apprentice off-the-job training, a number of reform measures have been agreed and are being implemented to help clear the backlogs. These include changed delivery structures for Phase 2 off-the-job training which is facilitating a third intake of apprentices per annum and an opt-in rapid employer assessment which is being piloted at Phase 7 (on-the-job) for apprentices who have completed Phase 6 and spent more than four years in their apprenticeship.
Further measures are being explored within the context of ensuring that all learning outcomes and quality assurance procedures remain in place to ensure that the integrity of the end qualification is maintained.
Subject to continued access to workshops and training facilities in addition to the rollout of additional places, it is expected that the majority of craft apprentices waiting for off-the-job training for phases 4 and 6 will be cleared by Easter 2022, with the phase 2 backlog cleared by year-end 2022.
The State pays training allowances directly to apprentices in the 25 craft apprenticeships while they are attending Phases 2, 4 and 6 off-the-job training. These allowances are appropriate to the training phase, are paid by the ETBs through the Department of Education’s Shared Business Services and are funded through the NTF.
Accommodation or travel allowances are also payable. Where there has been a delay in placement due to a lack of available training places, apprentices may be entitled to payment of one phase rate higher.
Any shortfall in the take-home pay of an apprentice on a training allowance while attending a Phase 2, Phase 4 or Phase 6 arising from the payment by an employer of more than the gross-wage norm for the industry sector concerned, is a matter solely for the employer and the apprentice.
Apprentices are primarily employees and as such eligible apprentices are also entitled to access general employment supports such as the Working Family Payment and other relevant schemes.
Regarding class sizes since September 2021 classes have been scheduled at full capacity (14-16 per class) whereas prior to this they have been scheduled on the basis of 7-8 per class to comply with prevailing public health advice. Due to the highly practical nature of craft apprenticeship training and the facilities needed for this, it is not possible to have class sizes equivalent to theory-based courses.
1160. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to extend the additional college places into the 2022-2023 academic year given the leaving certificate points inflation; if additional places will be secured for 2022-2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1309/22]
View answerI am very conscious of the pressures faced by students who are due to take their Leaving Certificate examinations in 2022, and the concerns they have around access to third level education. In relation to entry to higher education, my Department will be closely monitoring any potential impact that the level of CAO applications or Leaving Certificate grades may have on entry to further and higher education in 2022.
A key goal of mine is to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to pursue educational pathways which allow them to achieve their full potential. Budget 2022 included funding for additional capacity in the higher education sector, as demographics will continue to drive expansion in that area.
We are also working to promote a broader view of third level education, and to enhance the visibility of further education and training, and apprenticeship options for school leavers. To help them make the most informed choice possible, school leavers are now able to explore all of the options across the third level system, whether in higher education, further education or apprenticeship options, from the CAO website – www.cao.ie/options. I encourage this year's Leaving Certificate students to consider all the paths available to them.
1161. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if CAO applications for 2022 and beyond will seamlessly facilitate students whose names may be presented in Irish even if names are presented in English in other State systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1311/22]
View answerThe Central Applications Office (CAO) is a not-for-profit company created by the Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It processes applications for undergraduate, and some postgraduate, courses on the behalf of HEIs. Decisions on admissions are made by the HEIs who then instruct the CAO to make offers to successful candidates. My Department does not have a role in the operation of the CAO, and queries on how the CAO system operates can be best answered by the organisation itself. The CAO can be contacted via the portal on its website www.cao.ie.
1162. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [1554/22]
View answerThe information requested is as follows:
|
National survey of student experiences of sexual violence and sexual harassment |
Due January 2022 |
|
National survey of staff experiences of sexual violence and sexual harassment |
Due January 2022 |
|
OECD review of Technological University academic contracts, career paths and organisation. |
Due end Q1 2022 |
|
Survey of work-related experiences of higher education staff |
Due end Q1 2022 |
|
Review of Ireland's International Education Strategy 2016-2020 "Irish Educated, Globally Connected" |
Due Q1 2022 |
|
Development of a standardised classification scheme for public investment in research |
Due September 2022 |
|
OECD Skills Strategy Project for Ireland 2022 |
Q1 2023 |
|
Student Grant Scheme Review |
H1 2022 |
1163. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a matter regarding the issuing of safepass and construction skills certification scheme cards (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1609/22]
View answerUnder the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, craft and general construction workers, persons undertaking on-site security work and persons or classes of persons as may be prescribed by the relevant Minister are required to hold a safety awareness registration card (Safe Pass card).
Safe Pass training and assessment is delivered by SOLAS Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) and tutors. These are private providers and neither the Department nor SOLAS have a role in the setting of fees or in influencing pricing structure within the market place. There is a €32 fee payable to SOLAS for the processing, manufacturing and distribution of Safe Pass cards which is unchanged and is generally included in the overall price for attending a course.
SOLAS is continuing to work on the development of an alternative online training and assessment delivery model which is equitable with existing Safe Pass, CSCS and QSCS course delivery in being accessible to all eligible workers, providing real time course participant supports and ensuring assessment integrity.
First time applicants will be required to complete face to face training and assessment as per the current practice, with a choice of online or face-to-face delivery for those renewing their cards.
In keeping with procurement procedures and government guidelines SOLAS went to tender for this service in June 2021. Following the completion of the tender process, and in keeping with tender timelines, the appointment of a successful candidate or organisation is expected to be completed in January 2022.
1164. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide information in relation to public expenditure on a site (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1611/22]
View answerThe site referred to by the Deputy was puchased in 2018 by Laois Offfaly Education and Training Board (LOETB). The site, formerly in the ownership of Board Na Móna, was purchased for €240,000. The buildings on site were constructed by FÁS during their term of lease agreement and transferred to LOETB by means of statutory instrument.
Since acquiring the site, a new Scaffolding Apprenticeship Training Unit was completed in 2021 at a cost of €1.5 million.
LOETB have advised that the running cost of the training centre in 2021 was €512,000.
1165. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person (details supplied) will be compensated for the cost of a course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1612/22]
View answerThe PQ submitted by the Deputy unfortunately does not contain enough information for my Department at this stage to provide an answer. In order to aid in the process of helping the person to whom the Deputy refers, officials from my Department will be in touch directly with the Deputy's office in the coming days to seek the additional information they require.
1166. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount spent on social media by his Department and agencies under his remit in 2021; and the platforms the monies were spent on in tabular form. [1701/22]
View answerThe Department has spent €14,082.40 on social media advertising in 2021.
|
Platform |
Amount |
|
|
3507.58 |
|
Snapchat |
2125.99 |
|
Facebook/ Instagram |
8448.83 |
The Department does not hold records on social media advertising spend by agencies.
1167. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount spent on consultancy services by his Department in 2021; the reason for each consultancy; and the name of the consultancy in tabular form. [1719/22]
View answerInformation in relation to consultancy expenditure is compiled annually in respect of the previous year and published online.
Previously this data was managed and published by the Department of Education and is available at www.gov.ie/en/collection/department-of-education-and-skills-expenditure-on-consultancy/.
The data in respect of 2021 will be compiled in the 1st quarter of 2022 as part of the appropriation accounts information and will be published online as soon as it is available at www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-higher-education-innovation-and-science/.
1168. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the public bodies in counties Carlow and Kilkenny that will be included in his new proposals to develop public bodies apprenticeship schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1761/22]
View answerUnder the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, the Government has set an overall target of 10,000 new apprenticeship registrations per annum by 2025.
The number of apprenticeship places across the public service will also grow to reach 750 new apprentices every year by 2025. This represents in excess of a seven-fold increase on 2020 registrations and will support a long-term goal of 7% of the apprentice population being employed by public service employers.
The diversity of the public service in terms of service delivery provides a wide basis for involvement with the range of existing apprenticeships and those in development. Apprenticeship provides an opportunity to target and widen the recruitment pool for both generalist and specialist roles within the public service.
To achieve growth in public service apprenticeship registrations, my Department in late 2021 organised several information sessions on apprenticeship for public service bodies including local governments.
A working group has been established this month to devise a public service recruitment plan. The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) has nominated a member to join this group to represent local government.
The group will work to develop a plan on public service recruitment by summer 2022, based on surveying organisations in relation to their skills needs. The content, level and duration of public service apprenticeships will be determined by the identified skills needs.
There is already strong engagement amongst local authorities with apprenticeship programmes. As apprenticeship is employer-driven, I would encourage both Kilkenny and Carlow county councils to consider the range of 62 programmes currently available to see how any of their existing skills needs can be met through this method of training.
1169. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a schedule of all client and or customer-facing and or orientated services that his Department provide via a contracted service provider; the contractor that provides the service; and the cost of same for the past five years to date in 2022. [1801/22]
View answerThe Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science was formed in 2020.
Since its formation the following client and or customer-facing and or orientated services were provided via a contracted service provider.
|
Service Provided |
Provider |
Amount € |
Active Years |
|
Grant supporting delivery of a pilot programme to introduce the Integrity at Work (IAW) initiative to three third level institutes. The grant also provides for support of the Speak Up Helpline (run by TI Ireland) in providing free information and guidance on protected disclosures to workers in the education sector and referral to the Transparency Legal Advice Centre (TLAC) where appropriate. |
Transparency International Ireland |
€45,000 (annually) |
2020 & 2021 |
1170. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on and understanding of the prevalence of non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements in third-level education institutions in the context of bullying and sexual harassment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1915/22]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for raising the very important issue of combatting bullying and sexual harassment in our third level institutions and the use of non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements in third-level education institutions.
No country or institution is immune to the occurrence of sexual harassment. It can happen to anyone and it can happen anywhere. We know that sexual harassment affects both men and women. Let me say very clearly at the outset that sexual harassment and sexual violence against women and girls is an issue of gender equality. Without a sustained, consistent and ambitious effort to eradicate sexual violence and harassment, real gender equality remains elusive.
As for bullying, this act of aggression and dominance cuts to the very bone of the victim and, like cases of sexual violence and harassment, can have profound impacts on an individual’s life, livelihood, relationship and participation in the community.
It must be our collective aim to work together in partnership to build a society, culture and institutions where these behaviours are not tolerated. To protect victims and ensure accountability, we must:
- prevent - through information and awareness raising especially on matters such as consent;
- reduce - through structures, procedures and policies that severely limit the potential occurrence of sexual harassment and bullying; and
- support – by ensuring that each and every victim of sexual harassment and bullying is given the right supports and space to heal.
Tackling Sexual Harassment and Violence in third level institutions is a key commitment in the Programme for Government, and my Department and the Government as a whole remain firmly committed to addressing this issue.
It goes without saying that experiences of sexual violence or harassment have a hugely negative impact on each individual person, affecting overall wellbeing and academic or professional attainment.
Higher education institutions have a responsibility to their students and staff. They must foster a campus culture that is clear in the condemnation of unwanted and unacceptable behaviours.
They must set out their stall that every student and staff member is entitled to safety and active participation in college life.
In relation specifically to the issue of non-disclosure agreements or NDAs. I am not supportive of their use in cases of bullying or sexual harassment in the third level sector. Non-disclosure agreements have the effect of silencing victims and in doing so they can prevent healing and recovery, and damage the prospect of accountability for perpetrators.
My Department, through engagement with the representative bodies of the higher education institutions, the Irish Universities Association (IUA) and Technological Higher Education Association (THEA), has been advised that the institutions do not support the use of non-disclosure agreements, in their responses to incidences of bullying or sexual harassment. I have also recently written to the heads of our higher education institutions to highlight my objection to the use of NDAs and to seek their assurance that they are not used in cases of sexual harassment, bullying or discrimination at either institutional or college/department levels.
Individual complaints of sexual harassment or bullying should progress through the formal investigative, and if necessary, disciplinary procedures, within third level institutions.
It is so important that we as members of the Oireachtas and within broader society are reminded that women and girls in particular remain so uniquely vulnerable to sexual violence and harassment. We still have massive work to do as a society and in our higher education institutions. I would like to remember and thank all victims of bullying and sexual harassment who have ever shared their individual experience, memories and thoughts – be it in an anonymised survey or a message on social media.
I will continue to lead the way on institutional change, championing the changes required, listening to survivors and working in collaboration to achieve justice for victims and a cultural norm where bullying and sexual harassment are not tolerated.
1171. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that certain Youthreach services in County Kerry were ceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1980/22]
View answer1172. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Youthreach locations currently operational in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1981/22]
View answer1173. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will approve the reinstatement of Youthreach in Cahersiveen and Killorglin, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1982/22]
View answer1174. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Youthreach learners availing of the service in each location available in County Kerry in each of the years 2018 to 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2173/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1171, 1172, 1173 and 1174 together.
Kerry Education Training Board currently operates the Youthreach Programmes in four Youthreach Centres and one Community Training Centre. The numbers of Youthreach learners registered in County Kerry from 2018 to 2021 is as follows:
|
Centre |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
Killarney |
17 |
16 |
20 |
14 |
|
Listowel |
22 |
25 |
20 |
12 |
|
Tralee |
27 |
25 |
22 |
22 |
|
Tralee LCA |
30 |
28 |
23 |
24 |
|
Tralee CTC |
39 |
41 |
9 |
18 |
|
South Kerry VTOS/Youthreach |
14 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
|
Total Learners |
149 |
153 |
94 |
90 |
The Youthreach programme previously delivered in South Kerry was by way of a mixed delivery Youthreach and VTOS Programme in Caherciveen and Killorglin, however the demand had fallen to 3 eligible learners in 2020. These learners were accommodated on alternative provision and Kerry ETB has established a working group to determine whether a need exists in the Iveragh area for a Youthreach programme to accommodate young people who are no longer engaged in full-time education. The work of this group is ongoing and the ETB has assured my officials that the necessary provision will be made available if a further need is identified.
1175. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of public sector workers under his remit by sectors (details supplied) in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2349/22]
View answer1176. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2367/22]
View answer1177. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of public sector workers under his remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2387/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1175, 1176 and 1177 together.
While there are no Higher Education Institutions headquartered in County Clare, my Department has been informed by TU Shannon (formerly Limerick Institute of Technology) that it has a campus in Ennis since 2019. Information provided to my officials notes that TU Shannon staff are not primarily based in this campus but conduct a portion of their hours there in addition to other campuses.
The agencies under the aegis of my Department are not based in County Clare. I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Education, is reporting on ETB public sector staff working in the Further Education and Training Sector in Co Clare; and that my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, is reporting on numbers of civil service staff in Co. Clare.
