Written Answers Nos. 163-179
163. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average waiting time for apprentices to access off-the-job training in counties Longford and Westmeath. [36629/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Minister on the average waiting time for apprentices to access off-the-job training in counties Longford and Westmeath has been requested from SOLAS, which is collating the data.
The information will be sent on to the Minister as soon as it is available.
164. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of former county managers and CEOs of local authorities who are currently working within his Department and any agency or body under the remit of his Department, including details for persons employed in any format such as on a contract or advisory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36300/22]
View answerMy Department is not aware of any former county managers or CEOs of local authorities currently working in the Department. However, such information regarding the employment history of employees of the Department is not collated, or reported on, by my Department.
The requested information in respect of persons working in the Department’s aegis bodies is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with this query.
Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
|
Name of Body |
Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireachtas |
Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members |
|
Higher Education Authority |
Oireachtas@hea.ie |
Padraic Mellett* |
|
Irish Research Council( Note 1) |
Oireachtas@research.ie |
Padraic Mellett* |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
Communications@ggda.ie |
nora.rahill@ggda.ie |
|
SOLAS |
Communications@solas.ie |
Maria Walsh maria.walshe@solas.ie |
|
Skillnets Ltd |
oireachtas@skillnets.com |
t.donnery@skillnets.com |
|
Quality and Qualifications Ireland |
ceo@qqi.ie |
ceo@qqi.ie |
|
Léargas – The Exchange Bureau |
oireachtas@leargas.ie |
fbroughan@leargas.ie |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
ciara.cotter@sfi.ie |
Ciara Cotter |
Note 1 – In regard to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Irish Research Council (IRC) as the IRC operates under the auspices of the HEA. Mr Mellett will address Oireachtas queries for both the HEA and IRC. Please use Oireachtas@hea.ie and Oireachtas@research.ie respectively to contact Mr Mellett.
165. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if assistance will be given to a person (details supplied) from County Tipperary in obtaining their electrical phase 2 stage placement earlier than the current target issue date of January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36322/22]
View answerUnder the Further Education and Training Act (2013), SOLAS has statutory responsibility for planning, funding, and co-ordinating Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland.
My officials have referred your query to SOLAS for direct reply on this individual matter. If you do not receive a response from SOLAS within 30 days, please do come back to my office for further follow-up.
166. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 166 of 18 May 2022, the status of the working group within his Department to support lifelong learning and explore the extension of financial supports to include part-time students; if the working group will produce a final report; the expected timeline for same; the number of times that the working group has met to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36529/22]
View answerOn the 4th May, I published Funding the Future - a landmark policy on the future of higher education. Government has identified a core funding gap of €307 million, and an ambition to target investment at improving the quality of programmes, their outcomes, and providing a third-level education system which is accessible to everyone in society.
An oversight group has been established to drive reform I co-chair alongside Professor Tom Collins and Professor Anne Looney. This group has met twice, on 25th May and 29th June with further meetings scheduled in September and December 2022.
Two working groups have also been established, Working Group One is chaired by Professor Looney and Working Group Two by Professor Collins.
Working Group One has met twice on 13th June and 4th July. This group will progress recommendations in respect of a funding and reform framework for higher education in relation to:
- Enhance quality and international standing of the higher education system across the three missions of teaching and learning, research and engagement.
- Create a unified knowledge and skills system composed of complementary further and higher education, research and innovation sectors
Working Group Two has also met twice, on the 13th June and 1st July.
This group will progress recommendations in respect of a funding and reform framework for higher education in relation to:
- Driving skills and engagement – with a particular focus on essential public services
- Enhancing student participation and success with a focus on under-represented groups
- Addressing cost as a barrier to higher education and improve student supports
The working groups will be meeting again to further explore matters arising from their meetings and the two chairs will update the oversight group throughout the process.
The output from these structures will be policy advice to me as Minister.
167. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review the qualifying conditions for SUSI grants from mature students particularly the condition of having to live independently from one's parents from October of the year prior to first point of entry, in view of a case (details supplied) in which a student now in year four of study still cannot qualify for SUSI aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36589/22]
View answerFor student grant purposes, students are categorized according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if he/she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous 1st October. Otherwise, he/she would be assessed as a dependent student, i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address.
A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved further or higher education course or at their point of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and continues to apply for the duration of their studies.
However, there are points at which a student may reclassify from a dependent student to an independent student. These are where he/she:
- Progresses from further education to higher education.
- Is returning following a 3 year break in studies.
- Is returning as a "second chance" student after a five year break in studies.
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralized grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. The relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student. I have asked SUSI to correspond directly with you on this case.
168. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of approved PLC places in counties Longford and Westmeath in the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. [36630/22]
View answerDetails of the approved PLC places in the Longford and Westmeath Education and Training Board, along with the numbers of learner enrolled for the years concerned are set out in the attached table which was provided by SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority.
Approved PLC places and enrolments Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board
|
ETB |
Approved Places* |
|||
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
|
LWETB |
386 |
262 |
319 |
319 |
|
Enrolments Starters** |
||||
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
||
|
Longford |
192 |
145 |
150 |
|
|
Westmeath |
72 |
72 |
67 |
|
*Approved places are allocated at ETB level
** Source: Reported by LWETB through PLSS
169. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of third level students in counties Longford and Westmeath in receipt of SUSI support in the academic year 2021/2022. [36631/22]
View answerThe number of awards to date by SUSI for 2021/22 for Longford are 777 and 1,435 for Westmeath.
Please note as processing for 2021/22 is ongoing these figures may change.
170. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will reconsider the decision that in the near future Solas will not be looking for a QQI certificate for the construction skills certificate scheme courses done through approved training organisations; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36688/22]
View answerUnder the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2013, and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Quarries) Regulations, 2008, construction and quarrying workers undergo training, assessment, certification and registration for their roles. Additionally under the 2013 Regulations, 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).
The Construction Skills Certificate Scheme and Quarrying Skills Certificate Scheme went through a detailed review and following consultation with public sector bodies (Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Health and Safety Authority) industry (Construction Industry Federation, Concrete Federation of Ireland, Electrical Contractors etc) and staff representatives (SIPTU, Building & Allied Trades' Union, Technical Engineering & Electrical Union, etc). All stakeholders agreed that the recommendations of the review would be adopted including moving to a licence system (similar to the EU) with an assessment event every 5 years and a move away from the Certificate approach.
The main purpose of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and Quarrying Skills Certification Schemes is to ensure that people competently operate machinery and conduct tasks in a safe and competent manner. This requires appropriate monitoring and inspection. The current certification arrangements through QQI do not include such monitoring and inspection.
In recognition of this, and supported by research undertaken by SOLAS and outlined in the Bearing Point report, the current certification (QQI) approach will transition to a licensing model for both programmes. A draft Memo for Government setting out the new approach will be brought to Cabinet shortly.
171. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has issued memos and or circulars to boards of management, school managers and college presidents in respect of the use of CCTV cameras on their properties and facilities. [36775/22]
View answerI am not aware of any memos or circulars having issued in respect of the matter raised by the Deputy.
172. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the number of former county managers and CEOs of local authorities who are currently working within her Department and any agency or body under the remit of her Department, including details for persons employed in any format such as on a contract or advisory basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36303/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate it is not possible for me to provide the information sought as the records may not exist. Applications received for recruitment purposes either by the Department or its agencies , which might contain details of previous employment history, are only held for an appropriate period of time. The information provided by applicants is required for the specific purpose of recruitment and in line with GDPR cannot be maintained for other purposes with the exception of public service pension compliance and membership.
173. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if she plans to increase the regulation of handgun licences; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36313/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the issuing authority for firearms certificates is An Garda Síochána.
The State currently has stringent legislative controls for the issuing of firearm certificates and the conditions under which firearms can be held. The Firearms Acts also provide for severe penalties for offences outlined therein.
With the safety of our community in mind, the Government continues to keep firearms issues under review. My Department’s new Justice Plan, 2022, contains a commitment to undertake an expansive review to modernise firearms and explosives legislation. My Department will in due consult with all relevant stakeholders and this review will proceed in tandem with the establishment of a non-statutory Firearms Expert Committee which will bring forward recommendations on which type of firearms should be licensable in the State and for what purposes.
174. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice the process by which a person (details supplied) can obtain a re-entry visa in order to be able to travel freely with their family. [36315/22]
View answerAll non-EEA nationals resident long term in the State must register once they reach the age of 16 years. As the person referred to by the Deputy is under the age of 16 years, they do not need to register and receive an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card in their own right at this time. They will be classified as a dependent on their parent's permission.
Ordinarily, parents will need to apply for a re-entry visa for their child, aged under 16 years, if they are travelling using a passport issued by a visa required country. However, re-entry visa requirements for children under the age of 16 have been suspended until further notice.
Therefore, children under the age of 16 who are currently residing in the State and who wish to re-enter the State must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian who holds an in date permission to reside in the State. The adult accompanying the child must also provide appropriate documentation to prove they are the legal parent or guardian of the child in question.
When travelling they may rely on the published notice on my Department's website, which is available at: www.irishimmigration.ie/suspension-of-re-entry-visa-requirements-for-children-under-the-age-of-16-years/
Entry into the State is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The onus is on the individual to have all documentation relating to their reasons for entering Ireland ready for presentation to the Immigration Officer to gain entry.
175. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice if she will consider matters (details supplied) in relation to the Firearms Expert Committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36323/22]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the members of the Firearms Expert Committee were appointed following a public call for expressions of interest.
On 31 March, 2022, I sought expressions of interests from suitably qualified candidates for appointment to the Firearms Expert Committee. This call was published on the website of my Department and shared with various stakeholder organisations.
The Firearms Expert Committee is made up of five members: an independent Chairperson, a representative of An Garda Síochána, a representative of the Department and two non-governmental Ordinary Members having experience of firearms.
As advised in the expression of interest document, the Ordinary Members of the Committee have been appointed on a personal basis only and not as formal representatives of a particular body or group. This structure was chosen to give balanced representation to both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, and it is not intended to appoint any additional members at this time. I would point out, however, that both of the Ordinary Members appointed are, or have been, members of national firearms organisations.
The call for expressions of interest was administered by officials in my Department, who will also act as the Secretariat to the Committee. In total, 14 applications were received for the position of Chairperson and 34 for the positions of Ordinary Member.
Given the number of well-qualified applicants, I requested that shortlists of candidates be prepared for final consideration. As referenced in the expression of interest document, these shortlists were prepared by assessing applications against the suitability indicators listed in Annex Two. After careful consideration, I then selected the candidates for appointment from these shortlists.
The Firearms Expert Committee will serve in a Ministerial advisory capacity and bring together the expertise necessary to carry out an assessment of all types of firearms to determine their current use under the existing licensing system and their suitability for future licensing. In doing so, it will give consideration to areas that can be the source of inconsistency in licensing decisions, and it is intended that its report will provide authoritative guidance for use by the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána in future licensing matters. In line with its terms of reference, the Committee is tasked with making recommendations on these matters for subsequent consideration by the Minister.
The Firearms Expert Committee will not be the only consultation with firearms stakeholders in the coming period. The Justice Plan 2022 contains a commitment to undertake an extensive review aimed at modernising the firearms legislation. Within the plan, Action 34.3 outlines a commitment to identify all outstanding issues requiring reform in the management and processing of firearms licensing, the register of firearms dealers and inspections. In advance of any new or amending measures being introduced, I will be seeking to consult all relevant stakeholders.
176. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Justice if she will provide support for a person (details supplied) in obtaining their Irish residence permit card given the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36376/22]
View answerI can confirm that an application for a Stamp 3 permission from the person referred to by the Deputy has been approved. They can expect to receive their new Irish Residence Permit (IRP) card within the next 10 working days.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
177. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application especially given the very urgent need for care workers in the nursing home in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36378/22]
View answerThe visa application for the person referred to by the Deputy was created on 18 May 2022. The supporting documentation was received in the Manila office on 25 May 2022.
All applications are processed as speedily as possible. However, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of their receipt in Dublin. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
The Dublin Visa Office is currently processing employment visas applications received, in Dublin, on 23 May 2022. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following webpage on my Department's immigration website, which is updated each Tuesday:
www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application especially given the very urgent need for care workers in the nursing home in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36379/22]
View answerThe visa application for the person referred to by the Deputy was created on 20 May 2022. The supporting documentation was received in the Manila office on 4 July 2022.
All applications are processed as speedily as possible. However, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of their receipt in Dublin. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
The Dublin Visa Office is currently processing employment visas applications received, in Dublin, on 23 May 2022. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following webpage on my Department's immigration website, which is updated each Tuesday: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
179. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice when a decision will be made in relation to an application for a visa submitted by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in making a decision on the application especially given the very urgent need for care workers in the nursing home in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36380/22]
View answerThe visa application for the person referred to by the Deputy was created on 12 May 2022. The supporting documentation was received in the Manila office on 25 May 2022.
All applications are processed as speedily as possible. However, it is not possible to give a definitive date as to when this application will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of their receipt in Dublin. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The applicant will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
The Dublin Visa Office is currently processing employment visas applications received, in Dublin, on 23 May 2022. Processing times and decisions at the Dublin Visa Office can be checked at the following webpage on my Department's immigration website, which is updated each Tuesday: www.irishimmigration.ie/visa-decisions/.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie), which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
