Written Answers Nos. 696-715
696. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1244 of 14 June 2022, the estimated first-year and full-year cost of providing a new modern methods of construction apprenticeship training course. [36990/22]
View answerA key objective of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 is to ensure the apprenticeship system will increase its contribution to meeting Ireland’s skills and human capital requirements by delivering a target of 10,000 apprenticeship registrations per annum by 2025.
There are currently 65 apprenticeship programmes, 25 craft programmes and 40 programmes introduced since 2016. Construction related programmes include electrical, plumbing, carpentry and joinery, plastering, painting and decorating and the recently launched scaffolding apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are also in development in roofing and cladding (L5) and advanced quantity surveyor (L9).
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is used to describe a range of offsite manufacturing and onsite techniques that provide alternatives to traditional house building. Typical MMC systems include timber frame, steel frame, and precast concrete. The Construction Industry Federation’s report on Modern Methods of Construction can be found here: www.cif.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1271-CIF-Modern-Methods-of-Construction-Report-v4.pdf.
Currently there is no MMC statutory apprenticeship but rather several apprenticeships related to the construction sector would have similar content embedded in the programmes. The costs of apprenticeships are dependent on several variables including content, duration and delivery methodology. As there is currently no MMC apprenticeship programme and recognising these variables, it is not possible to provide any indicative costings.
697. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated first-year and full-year costs of establishing the courses identified in page 36 of a report (details supplied) in tabular form. [36991/22]
View answerThe Modern Methods of Construction: Defining MMC Business report was published in May 2022 by the Construction Industry Skillnet and Construction Industry Federation. This industry-led report represents the views of the construction sector. Skillnet Ireland and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) established the Construction Professionals Skillnet in 2020, the aim of the network is to address skills shortages in the industry.
In the main, the Report recommends the inclusion of modules in MMC solutions within existing training provision in relevant programmes in such areas as construction, architecture, engineering and quantity surveying. It also recommends some new CPD and other accredited programmes as MMC methods and technologies evolve.
SOLAS has confirmed that there is no MMC statutory apprenticeship, but rather several apprenticeships related to the construction sector would have similar content embedded in the programmes.
The Report does not provide any costings for its proposals and I understand that Construction Professionals Skillnet Ireland are currently engaging with a range of stakeholders on the findings of this recently published report.
698. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of €10 million Irish-led project to deliver more tailored treatment to those with motor neuron disease supported by the Government through Science Foundation Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37048/22]
View answerPrecision ALS, is an ambitious academic, clinical and industry research programme that will provide new insights in our understanding of Motor Neuron Disease (MND), also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Precision ALS, which is led by two SFI Research Centres – ADAPT and FutureNeuro – involves world class Irish-based researchers in clinical science, data science and artificial intelligence (AI). The researchers will work in partnership with TRICALS, an independent consortium of leading ALS experts, patients and patient advocacy groups across Europe. National and international industry partners and charities including patient organisations are also actively participating.
The research is supported by Science Foundation Ireland through an investment of €5 million, which will be leveraged with an additional €5 million from industry partners.
Precision ALS will provide an innovative and interactive platform for all clinical research in ALS across Europe that will then harness AI to analyse large amounts of data. As the largest international multimodal dataset aimed at precision medicine for this condition, Precision ALS will address the issues with gathering new data at scale in a timely and cost-effective manner across multiple international sites to present that data in real time to clinical scientists.
Irish researchers, along with their European collaborators in ALS/MND, have shown that the disease is caused by variable combinations of faulty genes that likely interact with lifestyle and environment. Using big data analysis, Precision ALS will provide the technology to improve our understanding of how these factors impact the development of the disease. This in turn will inform which treatments will work for each individual, instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Precision ALS is a unique programme that brings together Clinicians, Computer Scientists, Information Engineers, Technologists, and Data Scientists. The researchers will work together with a number of companies including Biogen, Novartis, Takeda, IQVIA, Roche and Accenture to generate a sustainable precision medicine-based approach towards new drug development that will have many benefits including better clinical outcomes for patients and reducing the economic cost of these diseases.
On completion, Precision ALS will be a first-in-kind modular transferable pan-European ICT framework for ALS that can be easily adapted to other diseases that face similar precision medicine-related challenges.
This research project began in December 2021 and will run for 48 months.
699. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the new international education strategy will be published; the timeline for introducing the International Education Mark; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37185/22]
View answerThe new International Education, Research and Innovation Strategy will be a high-level document setting ambitious yet achievable strategic goals and objectives to 2025 and will play a key role in the promotion of Ireland globally as a centre of excellence in education, research and innovation.
My Department launched a public consultation process earlier this year to canvas the views of stakeholders to inform the development of the new strategy. The consultation process closed on 6th April 2022 and 54 submissions were received. My officials are continuing to analyse these responses and will further engage with key stakeholders in an iterative process to inform the work on drafting the strategy. It is expected that the new strategy will be completed by the end of the year
The International Education Mark (IEM) will be a key component of the new strategy. The IEM will be a quality mark awarded to higher education and English language education providers who have demonstrated that they meet national standards to ensure a high-quality experience for international students, from enrolment to completion of their programme of education and training. The IEM will be administered by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the national agency with responsibility for external quality assurance and qualifications across the further, higher and adult education sectors.
In March 2022 QQI hosted a webinar to share the roadmap to the launch of the IEM with the English language education sector. The presentations made at this webinar are available on QQI’s website at the following link: www.qqi.ie/events/roadmap-to-the-international-education-mark.
Codes of Practice for the Provision of Programmes of Education and Training to International Learners for both the English language and higher education sectors are currently being developed by QQI. In Quarter 4 2022 QQI will hold a formal public consultation process with all relevant stakeholders on the draft Codes of Practice and it is envisaged that the application process for the IEM will open in Quarter 1 2023.
700. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the policies that are in place in higher education institutions in relation to racism and the way that students can report racism they may experience while studying in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37186/22]
View answerMy Department is committed to taking a proactive approach to tackling all forms of racial and ethnic discrimination in higher education.
Diversity is a key strength of Irish higher education. In recent decades our universities, institutes of technology, and colleges have been transformed, from predominantly national institutions catering primarily for school-leavers, to internationally oriented institutions engaged with an increasingly diverse student body, of all ages, backgrounds and gender identities. It is therefore key, for the further development and internationalisation of the sector, that we stamp out all forms of racism within our HEIs and take a proactive approach to encouraging further diversity and inclusion in the higher education sector.
In this regard, the HEA conducted a National Race Equality Survey of all HEIs last year which was published in October 2021. The aim of the survey was to capture the lived experience of HEI staff in relation to race equality. For the purpose of the survey, race equality was defined as ‘equal representation, equal experiences and equal outcomes of staff from minority ethnic groups.’
The survey was conducted in late 2020/early 2021 and all staff working in HEIs in the Republic of Ireland – regardless of ethnic background or nationality – were invited to participate. A total of 3,323 staff, approximately 10% of the total number of HEI staff nationally, in Irish HEIs responded to the survey.
The recommendations made in the report were across eight thematic areas: supporting diversity in staff; supporting diversity in student recruitment; making race/equality policies transparent; reporting mechanisms; awareness and training; fostering diversity in HEIs; leadership; and data collection. The survey findings provide an evidence base which will facilitate a more proactive policy response to issues of racism in our HEIs.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have comprehensive policies to tackle harassment on campuses and reporting mechanisms for the same. These policies and procedures also cover incidents of racist discrimination and harassment.
Last year, the Irish Universities Association introduced an online training programme called ‘Let’s Talk About Race in the Higher Education Sector’. This course, which is available to both staff and students, is a key initiative in building the intercultural understanding and competence required to achieve systemic change within our HEIs. This training programme complements the existing race awareness and education activities of the universities, as well as other specific initiatives, such as curriculum reviews, Universities of Sanctuary initiatives, and intercultural events alongside new mechanisms for building cultures of dignity and respect which build a sense of inclusion for all members of university communities.
Funding has also been provided to develop the anonymous Speak Out reporting tool through which students can anonymously report incidents of harassment, including racist harassment. The online platform directs users towards support services and formal reporting processes.
My Department is also engaging with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Anti-Racism Committee; to develop tertiary education actions for the new National Action Plan Against Racism which my colleague Minister O’Gorman will be publishing shortly.
701. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has given any consideration to relaxing the residency requirements of being in the State, European Union, United Kingdom or Switzerland for three of the past five years for Irish citizens applying for a SUSI grant, given the international travel restrictions caused by Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37251/22]
View answerUnder the terms of the student grant scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
With regard to the residency criterion, in order to be eligible for a grant, a "student", as defined in Section 14 of the Student Support Act 2011, must demonstrate that he/she has been resident in the State for at least three years out of the five year period ending on the day before the start of his/her approved course of study. Similar and in some cases more restrictive residency criteria apply in other member States e.g. in the UK a student has to be resident for the three years immediately preceding his/her commencement in college.The three out of five year rule takes cognisance of students who wish to take time out to travel or work abroad. Such students can still meet the residency requirement if they have not been outside the State for more than two of the previous five years.It is also possible for students, who did not meet the residency requirement at the commencement of their studies, to have their eligibility reviewed if they meet the residency requirement during the course of their studies.
Alternatively a tuition student who meets the residency requirement in a Member State, the EEA or Switzerland and satisfies the nationality requirements may be eligible for a fee grant.
702. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department and bodies under the aegis of his Department have engaged the services of two organisations (details supplied) at any point from 1 January 2020 to date; the costs associated with or incurred by the provision of services from these organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37284/22]
View answerMy Department has not engaged the services of the two named organisations at any point, from my Department's inception in June 2020 to date.
The information in respect of aegis bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, 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 |
oireachtasinfo@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.
703. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost to the Exchequer of a 10% increase in the apprentice travel allowance and accommodation allowance for off-the-job training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37455/22]
View answer706. 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. [37792/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 703 and 706 together.
Apprentices are primarily employees and all of the 65 apprenticeships are subject to a contract of employment. For the majority of apprenticeships, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer. For the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes, the rates of pay applying under the employment contract are either agreed within the relevant sector, or are set out in legally binding Sectoral Employment Orders recommended by the Labour Court.
On that basis any review of those rates currently payable is a matter for negotiation and agreement under the appropriate industrial relations structures in place and it is not appropriate for there to be political involvement in these independent structures.
It is important to note that, while rates do vary between occupations and sectors, in all cases craft apprenticeship rates are expressed as a proportion of a qualified rate, increasing yearly from 33% of the qualified rate in year one to 90% in year four. Periods of off-the-job training are funded from the National Training Fund with payments of the agreed rate made directly to craft apprentices by the education and training boards during this time.
However, it is also important to note that as employees, eligible apprentices are also entitled to access general employment supports through the social welfare system. This option is open to any employee, apprentice or not, who finds themselves in difficulty. There are allowances paid to apprentices and we are examining these in the context of the upcoming Estimates process.
704. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount of funding that is being allocated to semiconductor manufacturing innovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37708/22]
View answerMy Department allocates specific funding for research through Science Foundation Ireland, the Irish Research Council and the Higher Education Authority. In 2021, SFI and the IRC spent €257 million on targeted research funding. Higher Education Institutions also fund research from their block grants from the HEA, in addition to other calls such as the North-South Research Programme.
Currently, the Irish Research Council is supporting 7 awards which relate to semiconductor manufacturing innovation, with a total value of €750,000.
Science Foundation Ireland funds a significant number of excellent research projects across its portfolio of individual led research to large scale SFI Research Centres that will have a potential impact on semiconductor manufacturing innovation, this includes support for research into areas such as materials science, photonics, telecommunications and advanced manufacturing.
Current investment in related areas includes:
- AMBER, the SFI Research Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research.
- IPIC, the SFI Research Centre for photonics
- Connect, the SFI Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications
- CONFIRM, the SFI Research Centre for Smart Manufacturing
- I-Form, the SFI Research Centre for Advanced Manufacturing
Specific funding levels are not readily available for semiconductor manufacturing innovation.
In addition, SFI has supported significant infrastructure upgrade at the Tyndall National Institute in UCC in the area of semiconductor fabrication.
I am advised by my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, that IDA Ireland as part of its suite of financial incentives approves Research & Development Grants as appropriate for clients based on the submission of investment and business plans.
These grants are applicable to clients across a wide range of sectors including the Technology sector which encompasses semi-conductor manufacturing. Enterprise Ireland provides funding to the Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland (based in Tyndall) Technology Centre.
In 2020, the Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland, was approved for a third phase of funding of €10m over the period 2020-2024. The two previous phases (2010-2019) of core support were €5m and €6.8m.
705. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has engaged with the higher education institutions on PHD stipends and the potential for an increase in such given the rising cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37728/22]
View answerA stipend is a well-established feature of funded postgraduate awards globally, providing an income to the awardee in recognition of the need to devote themselves on a full-time basis to their research.
In relation to PhD students, a number would be in receipt of grants from research funders, a number would be receiving institutional or other scholarships, while others would be self-funded. The majority of PhD students are in receipt of grants from either the Irish Research Council, Science Foundation Ireland, other research funders, as well as institutional funding.
My Department is monitoring the issue of stipends, in the context of the resources available to the competitive research funding agencies under the aegis of my Department and the competing needs to which they can be allocated. In that regard, I was pleased to be able to allocate additional funding to the IRC in 2021 to enable it to increase postgraduate scholarship by €2,500 per annum, or 16%, from €16,000 to €18,500. This was made effective from 1 January 2021 and, together with an increase to funding for postdoctoral salaries, benefited close to 1,300 early-career researchers in the system. The move also aligned the stipend level for both agencies within my Department, i.e. the IRC and SFI.
Under the Student Grant Scheme 2021, a student in receipt of a postgraduate research award where the stipend portion of the award does not exceed €18,500 may apply to the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) for financial assistance under the Student Grant Scheme 2021The recently announced Innovate for Ireland initiative, is a partnership between government and industry to recruit and retain research talent. It will offer an attractive package, including a stipend of €28,000, to be awarded through the programme to PhD students. This has been benchmarked against similar scholarship programmes internationally. The programme will be managed through Science Foundation Ireland, in partnership with the Irish Research Council and the Health Research Board.Other research funders in the system include the Health Research Board, Teagasc etc. There are also typically a number of PhDs funded through European Programmes and individual HEI schemes.
My Department allocates recurrent funding to the HEA for direct disbursement to HEA designated higher education institutions. The HEA allocates this funding as a block grant to the institutions and as autonomous bodies, the internal disbursement of this funding, including stipend funding, is a matter for the individual institution.
707. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the proposal for the delivery of a new college in County Cavan; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37795/22]
View answerFollowing a call for proposals under the FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund, I understand that a Strategic Assessment Report in relation to the Cavan Institute proposal has now been submitted by Cavan Monaghan ETB to SOLAS. The Deputy will be aware that it was agreed that the Cavan Institute project, previously part of the Department of Education school building programme, would be advanced as part of the new FET capital funding programme.
As the Deputy is aware, I have already committed that funding will be made available to deliver this project, subject to compliance with Public Spending Code requirements. The Strategic Assessment Report is currently undergoing evaluation by the SOLAS-led assessment team, together with other proposals from the sector.
I have also granted approval for the purchase of a new modular unit for CMETB.
This is a strategic opportunity to address short and medium term accommodation needs for FET services in Cavan Town. The modular unit, c 1,700 sq.m., will be located at the FET campus at the former Dún Uí Neill Army barracks and will be operational by September. This modular accommodation is to address immediate accommodation needs. This development will enable the delivery of a range of PLC programmes, including but not limited to: music production, science, beauty, sports, animal care, sports therapy and general skills programmes. It will also provide canteen and sports facilities and office space. Works are well advanced on the delivery of this project for the new academic year.
708. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of applications that were made for the SUSI grant for the 2020-2021 academic year per county in tabular form; and the number of those applications that were successful. [37865/22]
View answerThe principal support provided by my Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The scheme is demand led and as such the numbers applying each year can change for reasons such as demographics, employment rates etc. The applications by county for the SUSI grant for the 2020/21 academic year and details of successful are in the below in tabular form.
Number of SUSI Applications and their current status for 2020-21 by Home Address County. Data as of 01 July 2022.
|
Home Address County |
Awarded |
Cancelled |
Refused |
Total |
|
Carlow |
1,205 |
52 |
237 |
1,494 |
|
Cavan |
1,565 |
47 |
376 |
1,988 |
|
Clare |
2,256 |
79 |
553 |
2,888 |
|
Cork |
8,161 |
312 |
1,905 |
10,378 |
|
Donegal |
3,885 |
93 |
628 |
4,606 |
|
Dublin |
15,913 |
736 |
4,367 |
21,016 |
|
Galway |
4,793 |
255 |
1,186 |
6,234 |
|
Kerry |
2,858 |
106 |
623 |
3,587 |
|
Kildare |
3,322 |
113 |
892 |
4,327 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,797 |
48 |
397 |
2,242 |
|
Laois |
1,644 |
61 |
410 |
2,115 |
|
Leitrim |
751 |
37 |
131 |
919 |
|
Limerick |
3,320 |
153 |
750 |
4,223 |
|
Longford |
902 |
25 |
166 |
1,093 |
|
Louth |
2,865 |
104 |
660 |
3,629 |
|
Mayo |
2,842 |
101 |
543 |
3,486 |
|
Meath |
3,134 |
106 |
775 |
4,015 |
|
Monaghan |
1,303 |
44 |
250 |
1,597 |
|
Offaly |
1,556 |
52 |
291 |
1,899 |
|
Roscommon |
1,339 |
33 |
252 |
1,624 |
|
Sligo |
1,279 |
48 |
312 |
1,639 |
|
Tipperary |
2,852 |
104 |
576 |
3,532 |
|
Waterford |
2,391 |
93 |
447 |
2,931 |
|
Westmeath |
1,797 |
74 |
387 |
2,258 |
|
Wexford |
2,966 |
75 |
573 |
3,614 |
|
Wicklow |
2,048 |
60 |
538 |
2,646 |
|
Out of State |
531 |
87 |
346 |
964 |
|
Grand Total |
79,275 |
3,098 |
18,571 |
100,944 |
709. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of applications that were made for the SUSI grant for the 2021-2022 academic year per county in tabular form; and the number of those applications that were successful. [37866/22]
View answerThe principal support provided by my Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The scheme is demand led and as such the numbers applying each year can change for reasons such as demographics, employment rates etc. The applications by county for the SUSI grant for the 2020/21 academic year and details of successful are in the below in tabular form.
Number of SUSI Applications and their current status for 2021-22 by Home Address County. Data as of 01 July 2022
|
Home Address County |
Awarded |
Cancelled |
Refused |
*Other |
Total |
|
Carlow |
1,161 |
54 |
238 |
1 |
1,454 |
|
Cavan |
1,424 |
48 |
362 |
1,834 |
|
|
Clare |
2,244 |
61 |
477 |
3 |
2,785 |
|
Cork |
7,624 |
347 |
1,941 |
23 |
9,935 |
|
Donegal |
3,522 |
109 |
600 |
3 |
4,234 |
|
Dublin |
15,870 |
809 |
4,276 |
18 |
20,973 |
|
Galway |
4,591 |
252 |
1,088 |
10 |
5,941 |
|
Kerry |
2,697 |
103 |
568 |
3 |
3,371 |
|
Kildare |
3,290 |
128 |
870 |
4 |
4,292 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,704 |
66 |
369 |
4 |
2,143 |
|
Laois |
1,552 |
58 |
360 |
1 |
1,971 |
|
Leitrim |
674 |
17 |
115 |
2 |
808 |
|
Limerick |
3,152 |
149 |
701 |
3 |
4,005 |
|
Longford |
920 |
35 |
152 |
2 |
1,109 |
|
Louth |
2,845 |
113 |
647 |
3 |
3,608 |
|
Mayo |
2,745 |
79 |
499 |
3,323 |
|
|
Meath |
3,061 |
92 |
760 |
7 |
3,920 |
|
Monaghan |
1,244 |
31 |
253 |
2 |
1,530 |
|
Offaly |
1,527 |
41 |
282 |
4 |
1,854 |
|
Roscommon |
1,294 |
43 |
250 |
1 |
1,588 |
|
Sligo |
1,169 |
57 |
268 |
1 |
1,495 |
|
Tipperary |
2,725 |
110 |
502 |
4 |
3,341 |
|
Waterford |
2,267 |
91 |
476 |
2,834 |
|
|
Westmeath |
1,720 |
75 |
359 |
5 |
2,159 |
|
Wexford |
2,746 |
80 |
549 |
1 |
3,376 |
|
Wicklow |
1,961 |
62 |
495 |
4 |
2,522 |
|
Out of State |
697 |
100 |
383 |
10 |
1,190 |
|
Grand Total |
76,426 |
3,210 |
17,840 |
119 |
97,595 |
*Other includes late applications and applications currently in Appeals Process.
710. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of applications that were made for the SUSI grant for the 2022-2023 academic year per county in tabular form; and the number of those applications that were successful. [37867/22]
View answerThe principal support provided by my Department in financial terms is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the terms of the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The scheme is demand led and as such the numbers applying each year can change for reasons such as demographics, employment rates etc.
Number of SUSI Applications and their current status for 2022-23 by Home Address County. Data as of 01 July 2022
|
Home Address County |
Awarded |
Cancelled |
Refused |
*Other |
Total |
|
Carlow |
742 |
16 |
76 |
186 |
1,020 |
|
Cavan |
812 |
9 |
124 |
257 |
1,202 |
|
Clare |
1,322 |
13 |
177 |
353 |
1,865 |
|
Cork |
4,459 |
107 |
655 |
1,147 |
6,368 |
|
Donegal |
1,971 |
38 |
213 |
599 |
2,821 |
|
Dublin |
9,088 |
220 |
1,252 |
2,399 |
12,959 |
|
Galway |
2,448 |
79 |
388 |
783 |
3,698 |
|
Kerry |
1,603 |
19 |
233 |
375 |
2,230 |
|
Kildare |
1,892 |
26 |
331 |
506 |
2,755 |
|
Kilkenny |
1,000 |
21 |
141 |
249 |
1,411 |
|
Laois |
945 |
16 |
145 |
250 |
1,356 |
|
Leitrim |
352 |
4 |
47 |
124 |
527 |
|
Limerick |
1,944 |
44 |
250 |
505 |
2,743 |
|
Longford |
539 |
8 |
79 |
148 |
774 |
|
Louth |
1,687 |
36 |
237 |
470 |
2,430 |
|
Mayo |
1,502 |
29 |
170 |
383 |
2,084 |
|
Meath |
1,716 |
20 |
287 |
491 |
2,514 |
|
Monaghan |
696 |
16 |
89 |
230 |
1,031 |
|
Offaly |
919 |
15 |
121 |
207 |
1,262 |
|
Roscommon |
724 |
12 |
74 |
235 |
1,045 |
|
Sligo |
601 |
14 |
107 |
192 |
914 |
|
Tipperary |
1,614 |
26 |
200 |
371 |
2,211 |
|
Waterford |
1,336 |
21 |
188 |
334 |
1,879 |
|
Westmeath |
968 |
26 |
147 |
293 |
1,434 |
|
Wexford |
1,666 |
31 |
209 |
399 |
2,305 |
|
Wicklow |
1,093 |
15 |
169 |
319 |
1,596 |
|
Out of State |
271 |
28 |
74 |
324 |
697 |
|
Grand Total |
43,910 |
909 |
6,183 |
12,129 |
63,131 |
*Other incudes applications received and awaiting processing.
711. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of appeals that were made by applicants who were denied access to the SUSI grant for the 2021-2022 academic year per county in tabular form; and the number of those appeals that were successful. [37868/22]
View answerSUSI assesses grants under Student Grant Legislation set out by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. To be eligible for a grant, every applicant must fulfil the specific eligibility conditions of the Student Grant Scheme 2021 contained in articles 14 to 18 and must have a reckonable income within the limits and other requirements set out in articles 19 to 25.
If an application is refused by SUSI then it was determined that they did not meet one or more of the eligibility criteria.
Number of SUSI Applicants for the 2021-22 academic year who were once refused and have appealed, by current appeal status and County. Data as at 01 July 2022.
|
Home Address County |
Appeal Refused |
Appeal Upheld |
Appeal in progress |
Total |
|
Out of State |
49 |
39 |
88 |
|
|
Carlow |
42 |
21 |
63 |
|
|
Cavan |
46 |
28 |
74 |
|
|
Clare |
72 |
39 |
111 |
|
|
Cork |
244 |
158 |
402 |
|
|
Donegal |
66 |
48 |
114 |
|
|
Dublin |
474 |
315 |
789 |
|
|
Galway |
151 |
86 |
237 |
|
|
Kerry |
71 |
44 |
115 |
|
|
Kildare |
109 |
74 |
183 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
46 |
33 |
79 |
|
|
Laois |
44 |
37 |
81 |
|
|
Leitrim |
9 |
12 |
1 |
22 |
|
Limerick |
101 |
56 |
157 |
|
|
Longford |
21 |
15 |
36 |
|
|
Louth |
76 |
44 |
120 |
|
|
Mayo |
73 |
53 |
126 |
|
|
Meath |
101 |
64 |
1 |
166 |
|
Monaghan |
27 |
20 |
47 |
|
|
Offaly |
35 |
20 |
55 |
|
|
Roscommon |
39 |
21 |
60 |
|
|
Sligo |
31 |
19 |
50 |
|
|
Tipperary |
68 |
43 |
111 |
|
|
Waterford |
67 |
40 |
107 |
|
|
Westmeath |
53 |
25 |
78 |
|
|
Wexford |
66 |
48 |
114 |
|
|
Wicklow |
59 |
40 |
99 |
|
|
Grand Total |
2,240 |
1,442 |
2 |
3,684 |
In addition, while an applicant’s appeal to the SUSI Appeals Officer may have been unsuccessful, they can still appeal further to the Student Grants Appeal Board. There were 553 appeals for the 2021/22 academic year. A breakdown by county for those overturned are attached.
|
- |
21/22 |
|
Antrim |
0 |
|
Armagh |
0 |
|
Carlow |
4 |
|
Cavan |
4 |
|
Clare |
7 |
|
Cork |
19 |
|
Donegal |
6 |
|
Derry |
0 |
|
Down |
0 |
|
Dublin |
37 |
|
Fermanagh |
0 |
|
Galway |
11 |
|
Kerry |
4 |
|
Kildare |
5 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
|
Laois |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
|
Limerick |
6 |
|
Longford |
1 |
|
Louth |
7 |
|
Mayo |
8 |
|
Meath |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
3 |
|
Tyrone |
0 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
|
Westmeath |
8 |
|
Wexford |
8 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
712. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of appeals that were made by applicants who were denied access to the SUSI grant for the 2020-2021 academic year per county in tabular form; and the number of those appeals that were successful. [37869/22]
View answerSUSI assesses grants under Student Grant Legislation set out by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. To be eligible for a grant, every applicant must fulfil the specific eligibility conditions of the Student Grant Scheme 2021 contained in articles 14 to 18 and must have a reckonable income within the limits and other requirements set out in articles 19 to 25.
If an application is refused by SUSI then it was determined that they did not meet one or more of the eligibility criteria.
Number of SUSI Applicants for the 2020-21 academic year who were once refused and have appealed, by current appeal status and County. Data as at 01 July 2022 .
|
Home Address County |
Appeal Refused |
Appeal Upheld |
Appeal in Progress |
Total |
|
Out of State |
64 |
19 |
83 |
|
|
Carlow |
35 |
26 |
61 |
|
|
Cavan |
49 |
31 |
80 |
|
|
Clare |
94 |
61 |
155 |
|
|
Cork |
275 |
203 |
478 |
|
|
Donegal |
84 |
61 |
145 |
|
|
Dublin |
602 |
287 |
889 |
|
|
Galway |
196 |
114 |
310 |
|
|
Kerry |
94 |
62 |
156 |
|
|
Kildare |
142 |
72 |
214 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
55 |
24 |
79 |
|
|
Laois |
72 |
33 |
105 |
|
|
Leitrim |
16 |
12 |
28 |
|
|
Limerick |
109 |
67 |
176 |
|
|
Longford |
25 |
19 |
44 |
|
|
Louth |
103 |
49 |
152 |
|
|
Mayo |
70 |
42 |
112 |
|
|
Meath |
114 |
78 |
192 |
|
|
Monaghan |
27 |
23 |
50 |
|
|
Offaly |
41 |
34 |
75 |
|
|
Roscommon |
32 |
25 |
57 |
|
|
Sligo |
41 |
32 |
73 |
|
|
Tipperary |
78 |
40 |
118 |
|
|
Waterford |
46 |
42 |
88 |
|
|
Westmeath |
52 |
29 |
81 |
|
|
Wexford |
82 |
54 |
136 |
|
|
Wicklow |
72 |
49 |
121 |
|
|
Grand Total |
2,670 |
1,588 |
- |
4,258 |
In addition, while an applicant’s appeal to the SUSI Appeals Officer may have been unsuccessful, they can still appeal further to the Student Grants Appeal Board. There were 775 appeals for the 2020/21 academic year. A breakdown by county for those overturned are attached.
20/21
|
Antrim |
2 |
|
Armagh |
0 |
|
Carlow |
6 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
|
Clare |
8 |
|
Cork |
21 |
|
Donegal |
10 |
|
Derry |
0 |
|
Down |
2 |
|
Dublin |
41 |
|
Fermanagh |
0 |
|
Galway |
22 |
|
Kerry |
8 |
|
Kildare |
14 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
|
Laois |
12 |
|
Leitrim |
3 |
|
Limerick |
11 |
|
Longford |
5 |
|
Louth |
8 |
|
Mayo |
11 |
|
Meath |
7 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
11 |
|
Sligo |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
6 |
|
Tyrone |
0 |
|
Waterford |
11 |
|
Westmeath |
6 |
|
Wexford |
14 |
|
Wicklow |
5 |
713. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of appeals that were made by applicants who were denied access to the SUSI grant for the 2022-2023 academic year per county in tabular form; and the number of those appeals that were successful. [37870/22]
View answerSUSI assesses grants under Student Grant Legislation set out by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. To be eligible for a grant, every applicant must fulfil the specific eligibility conditions of the Student Grant Scheme 2021 contained in articles 14 to 18 and must have a reckonable income within the limits and other requirements set out in articles 19 to 25.
If an application is refused by SUSI then it was determined that they did not meet one or more of the eligibility criteria.
As the 2022/23 academic year is still ongoing and we are currently still accepting and assessing 2022/23 applications the figures for the 2022/23 academic year are subject to change.
Number of SUSI Applicants for the 2022-23 academic year who were once refused and have appealed, by current appeal status and county. Data as at 01 July 2022.
|
Home Address County |
Appeal Refused |
Appeal Upheld |
Appeal in progress |
Total |
|
Out of State |
2 |
2 |
2 |
6 |
|
Carlow |
9 |
2 |
7 |
18 |
|
Cavan |
9 |
6 |
5 |
20 |
|
Clare |
9 |
10 |
8 |
27 |
|
Cork |
64 |
42 |
33 |
139 |
|
Donegal |
17 |
15 |
14 |
46 |
|
Dublin |
115 |
59 |
62 |
236 |
|
Galway |
32 |
25 |
12 |
69 |
|
Kerry |
15 |
13 |
7 |
35 |
|
Kildare |
33 |
12 |
19 |
64 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
6 |
4 |
16 |
|
Laois |
18 |
3 |
7 |
28 |
|
Leitrim |
4 |
4 |
1 |
9 |
|
Limerick |
25 |
10 |
14 |
49 |
|
Longford |
9 |
6 |
3 |
18 |
|
Louth |
13 |
10 |
10 |
33 |
|
Mayo |
20 |
7 |
6 |
33 |
|
Meath |
26 |
10 |
13 |
49 |
|
Monaghan |
5 |
3 |
8 |
16 |
|
Offaly |
10 |
7 |
8 |
25 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
6 |
4 |
13 |
|
Sligo |
11 |
4 |
6 |
21 |
|
Tipperary |
12 |
9 |
9 |
30 |
|
Waterford |
15 |
19 |
10 |
44 |
|
Westmeath |
16 |
7 |
9 |
32 |
|
Wexford |
19 |
8 |
10 |
37 |
|
Wicklow |
17 |
9 |
10 |
36 |
|
Grand Total |
534 |
314 |
301 |
1,149 |
In addition, while an applicant’s appeal to the SUSI Appeals Officer may have been unsuccessful, they can still appeal further to the Student Grants Appeal Board. There were 43 appeals for the 2022/23 academic year. A breakdown by county for those overturned are attached.
22/23
|
Antrim |
0 |
|
Armagh |
0 |
|
Carlow |
0 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
|
Clare |
0 |
|
Cork |
2 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
|
Derry |
0 |
|
Down |
0 |
|
Dublin |
1 |
|
Fermanagh |
0 |
|
Galway |
1 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
|
Laois |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
|
Limerick |
0 |
|
Longford |
0 |
|
Louth |
0 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
|
Meath |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
|
Tyrone |
0 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
|
Wexford |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
714. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposals to maximise capacity for students applying for green certs within the Education and Training Board sector in 2022-2023. [37923/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Green Cert relates to an approved agricultural-based course on completion of which a student is deemed to be a qualified farmer for the purposes of all Revenue and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) schemes. Green Certificate courses are available throughout 10 Education and Training Boards, covering agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and equine.
From enquiries made by my officials with SOLAS, I understand that there were some 600 participants on green certificate courses during 2021 and that there are no plans to significantly expand provision within the ETB sector. The main agency with responsibility for the Green Certificate and the substantive provider is Teagasc.
715. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the new action plan for apprenticeships which was promised under Our Rural Future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27666/22]
View answerSignificant progress is being made in realising the ambition for apprenticeship set out in the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 published in April last year. The further development and mainstreaming of apprenticeship in Ireland through the creation of a single unified apprenticeship system has a key role to play in meeting Ireland's skill needs in a manner that presents a valued proposition for apprentices and employers alike. Despite the challenges of Covid, significant progress has been made to date;
- The new employer grant of €2,000 will encourage more employers to engage with a wider range of apprenticeships and help to encourage the development of new programmes. It also means that, for the first time, all employers will receive a level of support towards the cost of apprentice training.
- The existing bursary for employers of female craft apprentices has been extended to all apprenticeships with over 80% representation of a single gender,
- Two new governance structures have been put in place: the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) will deliver practical supports and information for employers and apprentices seeking to engage with apprenticeship. The National Apprenticeship Alliance (NAA) brings together a wealth of knowledge and first-hand, practical experience from the worlds of education providers, learners, industry partners and trade unions, to help steer the evolution of the system.
- Over 100 civil and public service organisations have recently been surveyed for their views on apprenticeship and their skills needs. These insights will form the basis of the Public Service Apprenticeship Recruitment Plan, which is currently under development.
- With visits to apprenticeship.ie directly from CAO/options page up to over 32,000 since November 2021, the inclusion of information on apprenticeship as part of the CAO website is expected to make a significant contribution to highlighting the range of learning and qualification options for school leavers, providing learning options both for students who learn by doing as well as vocational and academic routes to a qualification.
- Information sessions and briefings were completed with guidance counsellors and others as part of the CAO initiative October-November 2021. A next phase of promotion is planned with guidance counsellors in 2022 and has been added to the Generation Apprenticeship campaigns.
- Eight new apprenticeship programmes were launched over 2020 and 2021, despite the pandemic; Arboriculture, Equipment Systems Engineer, Healthcare Assistant, Principal Engineer – Professional Doctorate, Recruitment Executive, Sales, Scaffolding , Supply Chain Associate. In 2022 more were added - Bar Manager, Wind Turbine Maintenance, and Transport Operations & Commercial Driving. Programme development has been approved for progression in areas such as farming, horticulture, finance, manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity and ICT, and a number of others at the initial proposal stage.
The increased diversity of new apprenticeships, many of which have off-the-job training delivered through online or blended learning provides a significant opportunity for widening of access to apprenticeship for rural businesses and learners. In addition, Education and Training Boards, Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities are spread throughout the country and play a very important role in ensuring apprenticeship provision has a strong regional dimension.
Teagasc received approval from the Apprenticeship Council (now the National Apprenticeship Alliance) to develop 5 apprenticeships; Farm Technician (Level 6), Farm Manager (Level 7), Sportsturf Management (Level 6), Horticulture (Level 6) and Stud Farm Assistant Management (Level 7).
Current legislation in relation to apprenticeship (The Industrial Training Act, 1967 as amended) prohibits statutory apprenticeships in an area of agriculture, horticulture or fishing, which is an activity of primary production, which impacts the Farm Technician, Farm Manager and Horticulture programmes. An amendment to the Act is due to be progressed alongside the Higher Education Authority Bill 2022.
Development work on the 5 apprenticeship programmes is ongoing and programme documentation will be submitted to QQI shortly to commence the validation process. Pending approval by QQI and the removal of the legislative restriction on areas of primary production it is aimed to have these apprenticeships launched by year end. Further details of the programmes, including locations where the training will be provided, will be available once the validation and legislative processes are finalised.
