Written Answers Nos. 327-346
327. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether or not between the years 1994 to 2005, adult education officers were classed as teachers or otherwise, the number of hours per week such adult education officers were expected to work during that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28732/22]
View answerWhen first introduced in 1979, a candidate applying to be an Adult Education Officer (then known as Adult Education Organiser) would have been required to have a post-primary teaching qualification and the pay and other conditions for the role were aligned to that of a teacher. However, the post was not a teaching role and the duties included functions such as organising the programme of adult education for the area, identifying the need for adult education services and reviewing the existing provision.
Under the PCW Pay Agreement, new entrants from 1996 to the AEO grade were assimilated to a new specific salary scale. On assimilation to that scale AEOs appointed prior to the PCW Agreement could retain, on a personal basis, their existing annual leave and sick leave arrangements and were contracted to work a minimum of 30 hours per week. Newly appointed AEOs were required to work the same weekly working hours as applied to administrative grades in VECs and had 29 days annual leave and general civil service sick leave entitlements. Their attendance was required during normal VEC office hours and at such other times as necessary for the delivery of the adult education service.
In 2016, the qualification, experience and eligibility requirements appropriate to the post of the Adult Education Officer were revised to include having management experience at an appropriate senior level and having relevant experience in the leadership of teaching or learning or training in adult education or further education or training or community or voluntary sectors among other competencies. While no specific qualification is required, it is stated that a third level qualification in relevant discipline(s) commensurate with this role would be a decided advantage.
328. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement that his Department has had with the relevant stakeholders in relation to the refugees arriving from Ukraine and the coordination of services, supports and resources which are presently being delivered in an ad-hoc manner by volunteers attempting to meet the needs of those fleeing the Russian invasion. [28547/22]
View answerSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine I have tasked my officials with finding ways to facilitate the continued education of displaced Ukrainians coming to Ireland. I am determined these students will be given comprehensive and compassionate support.
I have been heartened to see this compassionate approach being widely reflected throughout Irish society through volunteer and other groups, and it it is important to commend their work. I wish to acknowledge the generosity of those working in the higher and further education sector, who have been assisting my Department to identify and respond to the needs of displaced students and staff.
The delivery of further and higher education supports to displaced Ukrainian persons is coordinated through the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) for the purposes of English Language supports and access to further education programmes, while higher education is coordinated the the recent establishment of the National Student and Research (NSR) helpdesk. The work of the latter is overseen by a National Steering Group, which is chaired by my Department and composed of experts from across the sector. This group, which meets weekly, sees my officials working proactively with the higher education sector to ensure alignment between our national policy and delivery of educational services on the ground.
In addition, at the request of the Ukrainian Ministry of Education, Ireland has committed to conducting the Ukrainian Higher Education Entrance Exams this summer for students looking to access higher education in Ukraine. As of 30 May, we are aware of 229 students that wish to take the undergraduate exam in Dublin in July this year. My officials are engaging with their counterparts in the Ukrainian Ministry and the members of the NSR Steering Group on how facilitate this.
My officials continue to monitor this complex and ever evolving situation. They, along with colleagues in further and higher education, are ready to put in place the necessary measures to ensure further and higher education opportunities are delivered in a structured and coordinated manner.
329. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of offices operated by his Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28576/22]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department operates one office in the centre of Dublin. This building was provided from existing State owned office space in September 2021 with staff beginning to move in thereafter. This office space has not been tested for Radon since my Department took up occupancy. I can confirm that having consulted previous maps and the updated Radon Risk Map provided on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website that my office falls within a low risk area for radon. As such there are no current plans to test for radon but this will be kept under review.
330. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to merge Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28596/22]
View answer331. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the public consultation that was carried out on proposals to merge Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28597/22]
View answer332. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the rationale for the merger of Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council; the origin of the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28598/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 330, 331 and 332 together.
The Programme for Government Our Shared Future includes a commitment to ensure that Ireland is a global leader in research and innovation across the arts, humanities, social sciences and STEM. Consequently, Impact 2030: Ireland's Research and Innovation Strategy was published recently and positions research and innovation at the heart of addressing Ireland's societal, economic and environmental challenges.
Impact 2030 is structured around five pillars.
- maximise the impact of research and innovation on the economy, society and the environment;
- impact, evidence and evaluation will be central to the alignment of research and innovation activity with national needs
- promote innovation driving enterprise success, particularly in the SME sector
- ensure that talent is at the heart of the research and innovation research system
- strengthening all- island, EU and global connectivity.
A wide-ranging consultation process informed development of the strategy, which included a public consultation process held in summer 2021. An online survey yielded 115 written submissions and an online stakeholder event and workshop attended by 120 participants from across Ireland’s R&I system. A clear message arising from the consultation process was the need to position research and innovation at the heart of responding to national challenges. Another was the need to improve how the R&I system itself works.
Arising from this context, a key initiative in Impact 2030 is to bring a landmark Research Bill to government to create a new competitive research and innovation funding agency, combining and building on the missions of the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland. The agency will not only support research across all disciplines, but it will enable greater interdisciplinary research activity in Ireland. This amalgamation will also improve coordination of funding activities, administrative efficiencies and it will simplify the suite of supports for researchers, while building on both funders’ respective existing track records and international reputations.
A critical first action toward the new agency’s establishment will be a mapping of existing supports in order to identify any duplication or gaps, as well as complementarity with other funding agencies that come under the remit of other Government Departments. Its creation will be based on extensive consultation and a due diligence process which will identify the optimal structure needed to give effect to the intended role, functions and activities of this new agency.
333. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department provides funding towards hardship funds administered by third-level colleges and universities to assist students facing financial difficulties; and, if so, if he will provide details of the way that this fund is managed by each institution. [28632/22]
View answerMy Department provides funding on an annual basis to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) to assist students who are unable to meet costs associated with day-to-day participation in higher education.
The core funding allocation for the SAF is €9.1m. This includes €1 million of ring-fenced core funding 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 2015-2021. Prior to that the fund supported full-time students only.
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.
Also in 2021 an additional €1.3m was allocated to the Fund to meet the additional demands identified by the Higher Education Institutions arising from COVID19.
It was recognised that COVID-19 had a major impact on the financial situation of students and their families. Therefore, the SAF was used to support students who found themselves in need of financial support due to COVID-19.
The total SAF allocation in 2020/2021 was €17.2m and in 2021/2022 was €18.5m.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) manage the SAF on behalf of the Department. SAF allocations are dispersed to eligible higher education institutions by the HEA.
The SAF provides financial assistance to students experiencing financial difficulties while attending third level. Students can be assisted towards the rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials, Heating/lighting bills, food and medical bills.
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.
Students who experience financial difficulty should contact the access or student services office in the institution they are attending for further information on how to apply for the SAF.
The HEA provide guidelines each year to institutions for the Student Assistance Fund.
These guidelines include details on
1. Criteria for the fund including details on eligible students, eligible costs, and ineligible costs
2. Best practice guidelines including information on publicising the fund, recommendations for - the application process, training and development of staff administering the fund, decision making and appeals process
3. Financial, data and reporting requirements for Institutions
While institutions are expected to adhere to these guidelines, they manage the fund, application process and funding awards within their own institution.
334. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has read the recent report by an organisation (details supplied) comparing the education systems North and South; and if his Department will take any actions on foot of same. [28635/22]
View answerThe main focus of the report to which the Deputy refers is on education in the context of primary and post-primary, although it does refer to the promotion of collaboration at further and higher education, as well as research and innovation. I was struck by its message of the common challenges facing systems North and South, and how the promotion of collaboration and shared practice is central to increasing opportunities for all on this island.
It is important to note that my Department has undertaken a series of measures to facilitate further the promotion of North-South collaboration, not least the signing last year of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Common Travel Area. This ensured that student mobility would continue to be protected after Brexit, through continued access to SUSI loans and Home Fee tuition.
I was also pleased to see SCoTENS and Universities Ireland referenced as positive forces for North South Collaboration. My Department funds both of these organisations, and their role has proved vital in the sharing of best practice, North and South, as the promotion of activities of mutual interest and benefit throughout the higher education system.
Reflective of this Government's commitment to maintain and enhance cross-border, the Taoiseach and I have collaborated closely through the Shared Island Unit on the North South Research Programme, in order to strengthen and formalise the commitment to research collaboration between Higher Education Institutes, which was mentioned in the report as being on “somewhat of an ad-hoc basis.” In March, we awarded a total of €37.3 million to fund collaborative research projects between academics and institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The report also referenced Further Education, and I am very committed to the development of stronger North-South links in Further Education and Training (FET), which continues to be a major focus for my Department under its Statement of Strategy.
There is good co-operation which currently exists between Education and Training Boards, and the Regional Colleges in Northern Ireland, of which my Department and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland are very supportive. The North West Strategic Growth Partnership is an example of this, where Donegal ETB and the North West Regional College in Northern Ireland ensure their programme complement, rather than compete with each other to ensure the FET needs of that region are addressed.
I also believe that there is further potential for strengthened collaboration in FET, through the forthcoming PEACE PLUS programme. This new programme will look to support area-based approaches, designed to address skills gaps, which will result in increased productivity and employment and higher levels of cross-border labour mobility.
335. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total cost to the Exchequer of abolishing apprenticeship registration fees broken down by consortia-led and craft; the average cost per apprentices broken down by craft and consortia-led apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28789/22]
View answerAn Annual Student Contribution (ASC) is levied on all students attending Institutes of Technology (IoTs) and Technological Universities. The amount of ASC charged to apprentices is calculated on a pro rata basis, according to the time which they spend in the institution during the academic year. In cases where training is delivered in an Education and Training Board there is no contribution required from the apprentice.
For craft apprenticeships, the ASC charged is typically one third of the €3,000 ASC paid by students attending for the full academic year and so amounts to approximately €1,000 per apprentice per period spent in the IoT. In the case of consortia-led apprenticeships the contribution varies for each programme as off-the-job training has a more flexible structure, ranging from periods of block release to one day per week or remote learning options.
Across both craft and consortia led apprenticeships, based on latest figures, if the ASC was removed, with the apprentice paying examination fees only, then the cost to the State is estimated at an average €267 per apprentice per annum.
The 2021 year-end population of craft apprentices was 20,956 representing a potential annual cost to the Exchequer of €5.6m, and 3,256 consortia-led apprentices representing a potential annual cost to the Exchequer of €0.87m.
336. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost to the Exchequer of providing a minimum allowance for off-the-job training of 294, 336, 378, and 420 respectively for all craft apprentices, increasing all allowance payments below this level while leaving higher allowances at their current rate; the average cost of allowances on a per craft apprentice based on the introduction of these four minimum allowance levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28790/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy on the the estimated cost to the Exchequer of providing defined minimum allowances for off-the-job training is currently being collated and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
337. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a ten percent increase in the apprentice travel allowance and accommodation allowance for off-the-job training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28791/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy on the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a ten percent increase in the apprentice travel allowance and accommodation allowance for off-the-job training is currently being collated and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
338. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average annual cost of craft apprentice allowances to the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28793/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy on the average annual cost of craft apprentice allowances to the Exchequer is currently being collated and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
339. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated capital expenditure in higher education broken down by project in 2022, in tabular form; if this figure includes public private partnerships; the estimated expenditure in 2022 on PPPs broken down by project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28820/22]
View answer340. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated capital expenditure in further education in 2022; if this figure includes public private partnerships; the estimated expenditure in 2022 on PPPs broken down by project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28821/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 339 and 340 together.
The revised National Development Plan (NDP) provides for Exchequer investment of nearly €2.9 billion in further and higher education infrastructure, research and innovation over the five-year period 2021–2025.
This is in addition to infrastructure to be delivered by way of Public Private Partnership (PPP), including the Higher Education PPP programme which is focused on Technological Universities/Institutes of Technology.
There are currently no PPP projects approved in the FET sector.
In respect of planned expenditure in 2022 in the higher and further education sectors, it is not possible to be specific with regard to the level of funding to be provided to each institution. This is because the budget is managed at an overall level, with profiles regularly updated to take account of the rate of progress of individual projects through design, planning, procurement and construction.
I can, however, advise that the overall 2022 higher education capital allocation is €166m and the further education capital allocation is €47.5m. These amounts do not include an allocation for PPP projects but do include the Devolved Capital Grant and the Apprenticeship Grant for the higher and further education sectors.
In addition, a further €46m allocation is available in 2022 for a number of operational higher education PPP projects including the National Maritime College of Ireland and Cork School of Music, which are part of Munster Technological University and the most recently delivered PPP project; the East and Central Quads at Grangegorman. This allocation also funds the higher education PPP bundle 1 & 2 Technical Advisor costs.
I have attached details of each approved project in the HE sector currently being funded by my Department including the 11 higher education PPP projects.
341. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost to the Exchequer of delivering all public private partnerships planned for the technological sector as direct capital investments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28822/22]
View answerThe Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme comprises eleven building projects in the Higher Education sector. The Programme is broken into two bundles with Bundle 1 comprising six projects, currently at preferred tenderer stage and Bundle 2 comprising five projects, currently at competitive dialogue (pre-tender submission) stage. These projects will play an important role in enabling projected increases in student enrolments, addressing severe constraints with regard to existing infrastructure and advancing the TU agenda. The programme will deliver some 70,000m2 of additional space, generating an additional 8,000 student places, mainly in STEM-related areas.
The cost estimates in relation to the Higher Education PPP Programme were published on e-tenders as part of the contract notice in 2019 and 2020 for Bundle 1 and 2 respectively. Bundle 1 had an estimated construction value of €150m (excluding VAT) whilst Bundle 2 had an estimated construction value of €140m (excluding VAT). Since these figures were published, there has been significant inflation in the construction sector; the exact cost of each bundle will be finalised prior to contract signing and subject to a Value for Money assessment prior to contract signing.
As is the case with all higher education PPP projects, the costs are reimbursed by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to the PPP Company, as part of the monthly Unitary Charge payments. These payments only commence once construction has been completed, the facilities are operational and continue over the 25 year period.
342. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average capital investment required per institution-owned student bed delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28823/22]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties faced by students in relation to obtaining affordable accommodation.
There are fundamental underlying issues with housing supply more generally and there is a need to increase the supply of all types of accommodation including student accommodation. That is why Government launched Housing for All led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage which sets out a series of actions which will be delivered to address the housing crisis backed by a transformative budget of €20 billion.
The precise information that you request is not held by the Department, but the information below is provided.
To date, university-owned student accommodation has largely been financed by institution borrowing. The recent Current market conditions have changed.
The student accommodation sector is impacted by the same factors impacting the broader housing market and construction costs are acting as a deterrent to institutions in proceeding with new developments.
Department officials are engaging with counterparts in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and through the Cabinet Committee on Housing to explore potential options and approaches on the delivery of an increased supply of affordable student accommodation.
343. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated full-time equivalent cost of each undergraduate medical student, nurse, occupational therapist and physiotherapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28824/22]
View answerThe university sector collects full economic costing data .The full economic cost of each student enrolled as an undergraduate student will vary depending on the discipline.
The estimated total cost per undergraduate nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy student is c.€10,000 – €11,000 per student per year.
The estimated total cost of educating an undergraduate medical student is c.€28,000 per student per year.
344. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice the reason that a person (details supplied) failed to get citizenship; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28710/22]
View answerThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed in line with the eligibility criteria as set out under the Irish Naturalisation and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.
The application for a certificate of naturalisation in respect of the first named person referred to by the Deputy was refused on 15 February 2022 and a copy of the submission prepared for my annotation was provided with the refusal letter. There is no appeals process provided under legislation. However, an applicant may re-apply for a grant of a certificate of naturalisation at any time.
In the case of the second named person, a decision on the application issued by post on 1 June 2022.
345. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Justice the engagement her Department has had with the relevant stakeholders in relation to the refugees arriving here from Ukraine and the co-ordination of services, supports and resources which are presently being delivered in an ad-hoc manner by volunteers attempting to meet the needs of those fleeing the Russian invasion. [28549/22]
View answerThere is a coordinated whole-of-Government response to support people arriving in Ireland who have fled the violence in Ukraine. Government Departments and services are working together to implement Ireland's commitments under the EU Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC), which has been activated for the first time to grant temporary protection to displaced persons from Ukraine.
My Department is primarily responsible for issuing temporary protection documents to those who are eligible. Over 33,000 people have now arrived seeking Temporary Protection. Those granted Temporary Protection have immediate access to the labour market, social welfare, accommodation and other State supports as needed.
Until 23 May, beneficiaries were being provided with their permission letter on arrival at Dublin Airport in the 'one-stop-shop' established by my Department for that purpose, to ensure early access to all necessary supports. While the ‘one-stop-shop’ facility has now moved its operations to the larger facility in Citywest, our support for people arriving from Ukraine remains.
Staff from the Border Management Unit of my Department staff continue to welcome and process new arrivals daily at Dublin Airport and other staff from my Department are onsite in Citywest to ensure that people receive their temporary protection permissions as quickly as possible. This is in addition to staff already operating from Rosslare Europort on sailing days and at the Ukraine Support Centres in Cork Street in Dublin and in Limerick City.
Responsibility for the coordination of the work of volunteers and the community response to the Ukraine crisis primarily falls under the remit of the Department of Rural and Community Development. The Deputy may wish to follow up directly with that Department in this regard.
346. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice the number of bench warrants issued in each of the past five years by Irish courts and the number of warrants executed for each of the years concerned in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28563/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Garda Commissioner is, by law, responsible for the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the allocation of Garda resources in respect of identified operational demands. As Minister, I have no direct role in these decisions.
As the Deputy will appreciate, difficulties in relation to the execution of warrants, including bench warrants, are a long-standing issue for many police services around the world; notably relating to persons actively seeking to evade detection and where limited identification information might be available to support enforcement. I am assured, however, that An Garda Síochána execute warrants as expeditiously as possible, giving priority to the execution of warrants relating to serious crimes.
The Deputy will also appreciate that the figure for outstanding bench warrants recorded by PULSE at any given time reflects an accumulation of old bench warrants which has arisen over the years and that therefore the total figure for outstanding bench warrants as shown on PULSE may not be a reliable indicator of the number of 'live' warrants which are actually enforceable.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of issued and executed bench warrant as recorded on PULSE for the years 2017 up to 2021 and at 31 May 2022.
|
Category |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Issued |
27,399 |
41,499 |
38,709 |
15,522 |
20,052 |
11,325 |
|
Executed |
23,697 |
29,480 |
34,625 |
19,566 |
16,004 |
8,838 |
Figures were collated based on data from PULSE as of 1:30am on 31 May 2022. They are operational and may be liable to change.
