Written Answers Nos. 111-130
111. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that he intends to take to address the inequality in and the inadequacy of stipends across PhD research students which is now exacerbated by the recent Budget 2023 increase of €500 only to those in receipt of SFI and IRC stipends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51700/22]
View answer609. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department have examined the possibility of extending the €500 cost-of-living payment and stipend increase announced in Budget 2023 to PhDs funded outside of IRC and SFI. specifically, if a mechanism similar to the pandemic-related payments to students had been considered for this cohort. [51834/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 609 together.
It is important to note that my Department allocates recurrent funding to the HEA for direct disbursement to HEA designated higher education institutions. However, as autonomous bodies, the internal disbursement of this funding is a matter for the individual institution.
As is clear from the actions already taken in the cost of living measures outlined in Budget 2023, my Department is monitoring the issue of stipends and the views expressed by students and other stakeholders, in the context of the resources available and the competing needs to which they can be allocated.
With that in view, as an immediate and tangible relief against the challenges of the rising cost of living, I am introducing:
- a once off payment in 2022 of €500 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
- a €500 increase to the stipend baseline in 2023 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
PhD student recipients may also, in certain circumstances, qualify for support from SUSI.
I am commencing a review of current PhD training provision, including supports for students such as stipends. I have asked my Department to set out a scope for such a review, building on previous work in this area and with a view to framing practical actions that can be implemented within the resources available and competing needs.
112. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his engagement with the Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage concerning the shortage of accommodation for students attending third level courses. [51319/22]
View answerI meet frequently with students both through regular engagements with the USI and on visits around the country and I know the pressures they face, particularly in relation to securing affordable accommodation.
As part of Budget 2023, my colleague the Minister for Finance has introduced a new Rent Tax Credit for people who pay for private rented accommodation. I have spoken to Minister Donohoe and I understand that the Department of Finance are continuing to consider issues in relation to application of this tax credit. This is an area of significant complexity and careful consideration is required.
It is important to look at Budget measures in the round. This Budget has done lots to support people facing cost of living pressures, including increasing the standard tax income band. There is a substantial cost-of-living package for students including €1,000 state financial support towards the student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative this academic year.
I am also progressing significant work on a new student accommodation policy which would see, for the first time, state investment in the development of student accommodation. I secured Government support to develop a policy to assist with the cost of building student accommodation. I have established a dedicated Unit in the Department to lead on this work in consultation with the HEA, and we will be bringing proposals to Government next month on this.
113. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the implementation group for the delivery of the new further education and training funding model; the membership of the group; the terms of reference of the group; the number of times that the group has met to date; the dates of these meetings; if minutes are taken in respect of the meetings of the implementation group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51698/22]
View answerThe Final Report by the Independent Expert Panel on the Further Education and Training Funding Model Review was published in July 2022. SOLAS is in the process of establishing an Implementation Steering Group which will be chaired by the Chief Executive of SOLAS and will include representatives from my Department, SOLAS, Education and Training Boards Ireland, the Education and Training Boards and Quality and Qualifications Ireland. The proposed terms of reference for the group, which will be considered at its first meeting to take place in the near future, are to:
- oversee and monitor the full implementation of recommendations in the Funding Model review;
- input and provide advice on how these recommendations can be implemented most effectively and efficiently, taking account of the context, history and differing characteristics across the FET system;
- identify and communicate any external dependencies on the ultimate success of funding model reform, and propose actions to mitigate this;
- commission particular pieces of work, and establish sub-groups as appropriate, to respond to particular work streams required to implement the recommendations and
- ensure awareness of and alignment with funding model changes across policy-maker, funder, provider and quality assurer.
The key work streams around programme harmonisation, data, costing, and financial systems will be addressed by sub-groups which may involve other relevant stakeholders as required.
Implementation will require a phased and incremental approach, ensuring that ETBs can plan and respond to the new and evolving funding model.
114. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration is currently being given with respect to part-time students and their access to the SUSI grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51223/22]
View answerI have been consistent in my position that we need to develop our student support system over time to ensure that it supports more flexible forms of learning.
At present, the student grant scheme is targeted at full-time students in approved institutions. Courses that are part-time, less than two years in duration or leading to a special purpose or minor award, rather than a major award, are not approved for the purposes of the Student Grant Scheme. Online and Distance Learning Courses are regarded as part-time courses for student grant purposes and, as such, do not qualify for grant assistance.
I have recently published three significant policy documents which will shape the evolution of the student support scheme over the coming years.
The Review of the Student Grant Scheme contains a recommendation that the Government should consider extending supports to more flexible forms of learning including blended/online & part-time.
The National Access Plan, which I launched in August, contains five student centred goals, one of which is flexibility and a key objective in this regard is to better support priority group students who study on a flexible basis.
Finally Funding the Future sets out a multi-annual funding and reform framework for higher education, including the need to support more flexible forms of learning.
To take forward implementation of Funding the Future, I established a steering group which I chair alongside Professor Anne Looney and Professor Tom Collins. Two working groups have been established led by Professors Looney and Collins. The working group focused on skills, participation and cost is examining the potential to support students to avail of more flexible learning opportunities.
I will consider the product of this work, and also any engagement which will take place with the sector on managing delivery from an institutional perspective, in the context of future Estimates processes and alongside other priorities in the Funding the Future framework.
115. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who will benefit from the €1,000 reduction in student contribution fee per county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51162/22]
View answerAs part of Budget 2023, in recognition of the cost of living financial challenges facing full time third level students funded through my Department, I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
Under my Department’s Free Fees schemes the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate higher education students with students paying the student contribution. Undergraduate students eligible for SUSI supports have this contribution paid, in part or in full, on their behalf under my Departments Student Grant Scheme.
The once off reduction of €1,000 relates specifically to the student contribution payable by students eligible for free tuition fees under my Department's free fees schemes in academic year 22/23 and will reduce the student contribution payable from €3,000 to €2,000 in 22/23. In this regard all full time undergraduate students eligible for free fees and paying the student contribution will benefit from this measure.
As the 2022/23 academic year is only now getting underway, we do not have enrolment figures yet; however, I can advise the Deputy that in 22/23 it is estimated that over 149,000 Irish and EU full time undergraduate students will be eligible for free fees. This means that, in addition to the SUSI eligible students receiving a student contribution support, an estimated 94,000 free fees eligible students will benefit from this measure alone at a cost of c.€95.6million.
As part of the cost of living measures I secured additional supports for students including:
- A once-off reduction of up to 33% in the contribution fee for apprentices;
- A once-off extra payment for all student maintenance grant recipients;
- A once-off increase of €1,000 in the support to SUSI qualified Post Graduate students, increasing from €3,500 to €4,500;
- A further €8 million investment in the Student Assistance Fund for the 2022/23 academic year.
For any student experiencing difficulties currently, there is a significant allocation to the aforementioned Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The SAF assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis and I would encourage students to contact their access office to avail of these funds.
116. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to address the chronic shortage of affordable accommodation for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51703/22]
View answerMy Department officials and I have engaged and continue to engage on an ongoing basis with the Minister and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the wider higher education sector and relevant stakeholders on student accommodation issues including within the context of the advancement of the Government's Housing for All policy.
Accommodation shortages in the private rental market have impacted significantly on students this year.
Fundamentally, the challenge is one of supply. As a country, we need to dramatically increase the supply of all types of housing and accommodation, including student accommodation.
To increase supply, I am currently developing a new policy that supports the delivery of additional purpose-built student accommodation.
This will involve the State for the first time assisting with the cost of building student accommodation so as to ensure increased availability and promote greater access in particular for student groups in line with the National Access Plan. I have established a dedicated Student Accommodation Unit which will bring forward this new Student Accommodation policy as a matter of urgency.
I will be bringing this new policy to Government shortly.
Housing For All contains also contains a commitment to support technological universities (TUs) to develop purpose-built student accommodation where such a requirement exists.
117. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has engaged with SUSI about the possibility of raising the income threshold to ensure that middle income earners who are struggling financially will be able to avail of third level grants in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51495/22]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that I have made several changes to income thresholds, both in Budget 2022 and 2023.
For the academic year 2022/23, I increased the income threshold to qualify for the standard rate of student grant by €1,000.
As part of Budget 2023, I have secured a significant cost of living package for third level students including a once-off €1,000 state financial support towards the undergraduate student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for my Department’s free fees schemes.
The once off €1,000 support relates specifically to the student contribution payable by student’s eligible for free tuition fees under the Department free fees schemes in academic year 22/23. It will reduce the student contribution payable for free fees eligible students from €3,000 to €2,000 in 22/23.
In addition, I have made two changes to the income thresholds for the student contribution grant for the academic year 2023/24 which will reduce the cost of education for students and families. I have increased the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for students to avail of the 50% Undergraduate Student Contribution and introduced a new support to the value of €500 for families on qualifying incomes earning between €62,000 and €100,000. It is estimated that between 42,500 and 50,000 families could receive support under the Student Grant Scheme in 2023 for the first time as a result of these measures.
I have introduced two further measures whereby income up to €14,000 as declared to Revenue under the Government's Rent a Room Scheme will not be counted as reckonable income when calculating eligibility for the 2023/2024 academic year. In addition, the holiday earnings provision under the Student Grant Scheme will allow for a deduction up to a maximum amount of €6552 (an increase from €4500) to be applied to student earnings outside of term time within the reference period when calculating reckonable income for grant eligibility for the 2023/2024 academic year. As a result of both measures some students may find that they will receive a higher rate of grant and some new students may also find themselves eligible for a grant for the first time once these measures are introduced.
In addition, for the 2022/2023 Academic Year, a further €8 million of funding has been secured for the Student Assistance Fund for the current academic year. Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). The Fund provides financial support to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for SAF to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties and can be assisted towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. It is open to both full and part-time registered students on courses of not less than one year's duration leading to an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification. It is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a SUSI grant.
Applications can be made under the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) through the Access Office in the third level institution you are attending. They will have more information concerning their own HEI. More information on this fund and other supports are also available at www.studentfinance.ie.
118. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has examined the possibility of extending the €500 cost-of-living payment and stipend increase announced in Budget 2023 to PhDs funded outside of the IRC and SFI; and if a mechanism similar to the pandemic-related payments to students has been considered for this cohort. [51683/22]
View answer596. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department have examined the possibility of extending the €500 cost-of-living payment and stipend increase announced in Budget 2023 to PhDs funded outside of IRC and SFI specifically, if a mechanism similar to the pandemic-related payments to students had been considered for this cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51736/22]
View answer598. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has examined the possibility of extending the €500 cost-of-living payment and stipend increase announced in Budget 2023 to PhDs funded outside of IRC and SFI and if a mechanism similar to the pandemic related payments to students had been considered for this cohort. [51743/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 118, 596 and 598 together.
As is clear from the actions already taken in the cost of living measures outlined in Budget 2023, my Department is monitoring the issue of stipends and the views expressed by students and other stakeholders, in the context of the resources available and the competing needs to which they can be allocated.
With that in view, as an immediate and tangible relief against the challenges of the rising cost of living, I am introducing:
- a once off payment in 2022 of €500 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
- a €500 increase to the stipend baseline in 2023 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
PhD student recipients may also, in certain circumstances, qualify for support from SUSI.
I am commencing a review of current PhD training provision, including supports for students such as stipends. I have asked my Department to set out a scope for such a review, building on previous work in this area and with a view to framing practical actions that can be implemented within the resources available and competing needs.
119. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on student accommodation providers charging a full month’s rent to students where they have not spent a full initial month upon moving into their accommodation. [51607/22]
View answerThe duration, commencement dates and other terms of any accommodation arrangement should be set out in the license agreement signed at the beginning of the academic year.
Students facing issues should, in the first instance, engage with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached. If this is not possible, under the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
Restrictions have also been put in place to limit the amount that students can be required to pay up front for their accommodation, ending the practice whereby students were required to pay a lump sum up front each term. The total amount that anyone is required to pay to a landlord by way of a deposit or an advance rent payment to secure a tenancy to no more than the equivalent of 2 months’ rent- that is one month’s rent, and one month’s deposit. In addition, student accommodation is subject to Rent Pressure Zone caps.
120. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has met with universities in Cork to discuss the potential of a northside campus. [51643/22]
View answerI have not been made aware of any plans to develop a campus on the north side of Cork city. However, my Department is willing to work collaboratively with higher education institutions on the development of capital projects in line with their established masterplans.
My Department is currently supporting a number of key ongoing major capital projects in Cork city, including a new Learning Resource Centre on the MTU Cork Campus, which is part of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership Programme, and a major upgrade project to the 1970s Building on the MTU Cork Campus Bishopstown.
UCC is also approved in principle for funding of €25 million under the first phase of the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund to co-fund a custom-built Business School in Cork city centre.
Two new programme calls recently launched by my Department – the Higher Education Strategic Infrastructure Fund (HESIF II) and Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund (TSSPF) - will support additional capacity, upgrade and enhance current infrastructure across the higher education sector. Proposals received from MTU and UCC under both of these programme calls are currently under assessment.
121. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of PhD researchers who have dropped out of their studies in recent years; and if any research has been done on the reason they dropped out. [51673/22]
View answer601. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department possesses counts of PhD researchers who have dropped out of their studies in recent years. [51748/22]
View answer612. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department possesses counts of PhDs researchers who have dropped out of their studies every year for the past five years. [51839/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 601 and 612 together.
The information requested is not available.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is responsible for collecting, analysing and disseminating student and graduate enrolment data from higher education institutions and the HEA does not collect data for PhD completion rates.
The Department has not conducted research on the reason behind PhD researchers withdrawing from their programmes but will raise this issue at the next National Forum for Doctoral Education meeting which is scheduled for 14 December 2022.
122. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions he has taken to maximise the availability of accommodation for third-level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51336/22]
View answerMy Department officials and I have engaged and continue to engage on an ongoing basis with the Minister and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the wider higher education sector and relevant stakeholders on student accommodation issues including within the context of the advancement of the Government's Housing for All policy.
I have also engaged over the course of the year with higher education institutions in relation to identifying local solutions in the immediate term.
I will be bringing a paper outlining proposals to increase the supply of student accommodation before the Cabinet Committee on Housing shortly, including proposals relating to a new model whereby for the first time the State would assist directly in bridging the gap between development costs and rental affordability in relation to the provision of additional student accommodation. This could involve the State assisting with the cost of building student accommodation in return for affordability commitments on rent. My Department is also ready to work with any of the new technological universities to support them to borrow to build student accommodation.
I have established a dedicated Student Accommodation Unit which will bring forward this new Student Accommodation policy as a matter of urgency.
123. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on pathways to CORU registration for social care students studying in the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51729/22]
View answerSocial Care Programmes are provided across the tertiary system on a full and part time basis in both publicly funded institutes and by two private providers.
CORU is an independent Regulator. The Department of Health have advised my Department that to join the register existing professionals and current students will either need to:
1. have undertaken an approved education programme, or
2. to have obtained 2 years of professional practice in the 5-year period prior to 30 November 2025, in addition to passing a competency test.
Further information in relation to these “grand-parenting” provisions for existing practitioners, should be sought from the Department of Health or CORU directly, as these matters are not within the remit or responsibility of the Minister or the Department.
Earlier this year I wrote to all relevant publicly-funded HEIs and asked that full and transparent communications be made with all social care students regarding entry on to the Register.
124. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports that his Department provides for research for new antibiotics; his views on whether this is sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51005/22]
View answerAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge of our time, affecting people, animals and the environment. The concept of One Health has been developed to tackle AMR globally, based on the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR and the European One Health Action Plan against AMR. It advocates a multi-sectoral, whole of society response to AMR. In this context, the Departments of Health and of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have jointly published the Second One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2021-2025. Strategic Objective 5 of this plan will promote research and sustainable investment in new medicines, diagnostic tools, vaccines and other interventions.
A high-performing health service requires health research and innovation being embedded in service delivery, and clinicians and other health professionals being supported to undertake and utilise research. Earlier this year I launched Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy , which commits to putting research and innovation (R&I) at the heart of addressing Ireland’s social, economic and environmental challenges.
My department provides resources for research through recurrent grant funding allocated to the higher education institutions via a grant to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to the Higher Education Institutions. It should be noted that as autonomous bodies, the internal disbursement of the HEA grant funding, including how much is allocated to individual areas including antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance research, is the remit and responsibility of each individual institution.
In addition, competitive research funding is allocated through calls managed by the Irish Research Council (IRC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). These funding programmes are available to researchers working the area of antibiotic development, subject to programme specific eligibility criteria.
The IRC is currently supporting a University of Galway researcher working on antimicrobial agents under the Laureate award programme, and 21 researchers under its early-career programmes concerned with this area, namely the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, the Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme, the Enterprise Partnership Scheme and the Employment-Based Postgraduate Programme.
The vast majority of SFI funding programmes do not run on a thematic basis – i.e., they are open to researchers from all disciplines operating within SFI’s legal remit. Examples of researchers that are availing of SFI supports to advance the area of antibiotic development include:
- Prof Martin Caffrey at TCD is investigating new approaches to antibiotic design through a SFI Investigator Programme award which will generate new knowledge and intellectual property in the form of tools, reagents and lead compounds for commercial exploitation.
- Prof Siobhan McClean and her team at UCD is using cystic fibrosis infections as models to understand how bacteria change to become chronic infections and how low-oxygen levels drive this process. Identifying these common routes of adaptation will help us stop this evolution and represent a target for development of new therapies for chronic infections.
Research into AMR is central to the development of future therapies. Many SFI funded teams are working in this area. APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre is conducting significant work in the area of the development of new natural antimicrobials (such as bacteriocins and bacteriophages) being important in the fight against AMR. A project with Janssen is particularly relevant - Bacteriophage have been shown to have tremendous promise as narrow spectrum antimicrobial agents that can replace or augment our current arsenal of antibiotics. A significant benefit of their narrow spectrum is that they will not generate resistance in non-target species, nor will they cause collateral damage to the human (or environmental) microbiome. This research aims to develop bacteriophage applications for the diagnosis or treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
APC also focuses on AMR as part of their Education and Public Engagement Programme. For instance, work they have done on nationwide professional development for teachers with JCT STE(A)M. To support secondary school teachers, APC invested significant time-resources to develop and deliver workshops in partnership with the Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) programme, JCT STEAM. The objectives of JCT STEAM align closely with those of the APC’s EPE programme – it aims to provide teachers with rich professional learning experiences that focus on equipping teachers and students with skills and knowledge needed to address global societal challenges. The workshops, which place a large emphasis on interdisciplinarity, are open to all teachers, not just those teaching STEM subjects. APC co-developed a workshop on the topic of Antimicrobial Resistance, with colleagues in the School of Pharmacy at UCC, to connect microbiome research with the SDGs in a classroom-ready format.
SSPC, SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals is also active in this space. Prof Martin Clynes is leading a project to develop new antimicrobial therapies. The project aims to will identify novel antimicrobial agents with modes of action distinct to those of existing agents and evaluate these for clinical use.
As part of the Impact 2030, my department has established strong governance and oversight structures to deliver its vision and ambition. The Impact 2030 Steering Group and Impact 2030 Implementation Forum bring together research funding departments and agencies to ensure that we deliver not only on Impact 2030 but that R&I makes a significant impact on key national and sectoral priorities, including maximising research and innovation contribution to sustaining and furthering the health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland.
Through these avenues the national R&I system will work together to address the many challenges outlined in Impact 2030 , including the health and wellbeing of the Irish people.
125. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagements that he has had recently with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to student accommodation. [51608/22]
View answer128. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that are being taken to unlock the 3,000 student accommodation beds in college-owned projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51725/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 128 together.
The student accommodation sector is facing many of the same challenges as other parts of the wider housing market, particularly in relation to construction inflation.
Accommodation shortages in the private rental market have impacted significantly on students this year.
Fundamentally, the challenge is one of supply. As a country, we need to dramatically increase the supply of all types of housing and accommodation, including student accommodation.
To increase supply, I am currently developing a new policy that supports the delivery of additional purpose-built student accommodation.
This will involve the State for the first time assisting with the cost of building student accommodation so as to ensure increased availability and promote greater access in particular for student groups in line with the National Access Plan. I have established a dedicated Student Accommodation Unit which will bring forward this new Student Accommodation policy as a matter of urgency.
I will be bringing this new policy to Government shortly.
Housing For All contains also contains a commitment to support technological universities (TUs) to develop purpose-built student accommodation where such a requirement exists.
My Department officials and I have engaged and continue to engage on an ongoing basis with the Minister and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on student accommodation issues including within the context of the advancement of the Government's Housing for All policy.I have also engaged over the course of the year with higher education institutions in relation to identifying local solutions in the immediate term.
126. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that his Department is taking in order to ensure that there is an available and sufficient workforce with the requisite skills and expertise for the new green economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51631/22]
View answerA number of renewable energy programmes are funded under the Human Capital Initiative and Springboard+. They include a Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Energy Systems at DCU, a Postgraduate Diploma in Wind Energy at Dundalk Institute of Technology, a Certificate in Energy Sustainability at South East Technological University; and an MEng in Energy Infrastructure at Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest.
Skillnet Ireland provides subsidised training to business through learning networks operating nationwide and across all sectors. It is a direct response to skills needs as identified by employers. The Green Tech Skillnet is an enterprise-led network facilitating the workforce and development needs of the Irish renewable energy industry. It is promoted by Wind Energy Ireland (WEI), the representative body for the Irish wind industry, working to promote wind energy as an essential, economical and environmentally friendly part of the country’s low-carbon energy future.
Sustainable green skills are embedded in the Further Education and Training Strategy, which provides that climate change and sustainable development are key components of Further Education and Training (FET) processes. FET will continue to contribute to the Government’s call of action to prioritise energy, building and the environment in its processes.
It is envisaged that the SOLAS Green Skills Action Plan will contribute to clean technologies and the acceleration of the use of renewables. It will contribute to a greater awareness of energy efficiency and the benefits of retrofitting both public and private buildings.
In May 2021, an agreement was reached on a pilot project to be launched between the Campus des métiers et des qualifications d’excellence international normand des énergies (CEINE) in Normandy, Dublin & Dun Laoghaire ETB, Kerry ETB, Laois Offaly ETB, Limerick & Clare ETB and Cavan & Monaghan ETB. These organisations will seek to build on their shared expertise in the field of Green Technologies Skills.
The Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician (WTMT) Apprenticeship was launched in March 2022. Kerry ETB is the coordinating provider for this Level 6 three year apprenticeship. It is estimated that there will be in the region of 18 registrations by year end. This Apprenticeship is for people who wish to pursue a career in the maintenance of large scale commercial wind turbines. It is designed to meet the needs of the growing Irish renewable and sustainable energy sector. This apprenticeship will create a pathway into this career for school leavers or those who do not currently possess any relevant qualifications.
A dynamic and evolving economy will always have skills demands and challenges. Our imperative is to ensure agility and responsiveness in the skills ecosystem. To help this approach, we commissioned a comprehensive skills review with the OECD. We are more than halfway through this and clear areas of focus are emerging. These include having more dynamic, granular, real-time data to inform how we respond rapidly to industry's needs. We want to do more on short, flexible and blended skilling options for individuals entering or transitioning in the workforce, and we are progressing ease of navigability through options for skilling.
Embedding this approach will significantly enhance and future-proof provision in the broader green skills area.
127. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will abolish the fees for graduate entry medicine programmes, given the chronic shortage of doctors across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51701/22]
View answerThe total level of fees charged to Graduate Entry Medicine students is a matter for the higher education institutions, consistent with the principle of their institutional autonomy. However, the State does provide support to institutions for Graduate Entry Medicine programmes in order to widen access and assist the students pursuing these programmes.
In this context, the fees of EU students enrolled in graduate entry medicine are partly subsidised by the state via the Higher Education Authority. As of the 2021/2022 academic year, the State contribution is €11,950 per student per year. The balance of fees is payable by the student.
In July 2022, Government approved a proposal from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department of Health to increase the number of medicine places per annum by 200 by 2026, and move the funding of medicine places to a more sustainable basis. This has included an increase of 60 in 2022. 55 of these places are on direct entry programmes, and 5 are Graduate Entry Medicine.
For new Graduate Entry Medicine places, the State contribution will increase to €14,500 per student per year. For existing places, the State’s contribution will also be increased to this level on a phased basis.
The Student Grant Scheme Review comments on the issue of Graduate Entry Medicine and states that a wider issue remains as to whether greater flexibility in the criteria for the student grant scheme could be considered in areas of critical skills shortage reflecting graduate entry routes. There are significant policy, legislative and funding considerations, as well as wider implications, if the current treatment of graduate entry medicine were to be amended. However, all elements of the review will be subject to consideration by my Department through the annual estimates processes.
The National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (NAP) identifies target groups that are currently under-represented in higher education. These include entrants from socio-economic groups that have low participation in higher education who would not have considered attending higher education without such supports. The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Fund is the funding mechanism established to implement the National Access Plan (NAP). There are three strands to the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH). Strand 2 provides bursaries (1916 Bursary) to students who have been identified by their higher education institution as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students in the target groups under the National Access Plan. I have recently changed the rules so that students who hold a 1916 Bursary may continue their bursary if they wish to participate in Graduate Entry Medicine.
Students on Graduate Entry Medicine courses may also be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. The SAF guidelines provide that students with a previous higher education qualification at the same NFQ level, or who, in the past, attended higher education without ultimately obtaining a qualification, may be considered for support on a case-by-case basis and subject to available funding. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
129. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his engagement with third level student accommodation providers to ensure that the €600 electric credits announced in Budget 2023 are passed onto students in form of reduction of rent which includes their utilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51646/22]
View answerBudget 2023 introduced a major package of supports to mitigate against the significant impact that the large increase in energy prices is having.
The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA) regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the private rented sector and set out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Acts to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 extended protections to student accommodation arrangements under both lease and licence.
These protections include a capping of annual rental increases in line with the provisions for Rent Pressure Zones and extends access to the RTB’s Dispute Resolution Services to students.
While the vast majority of people who rent their homes have their own Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN), some have arrangements whereby their landlord holds the MPRN and energy costs are paid to the landlord. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the RTB has worked with the Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications to make people aware of the RTB mediation services available to tenants in the event landlords do not pass on credits to tenants. The RTB has reported that contacts with them on this matter were extremely low with regard to the first Electricity Account Credit Scheme.
130. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to further reduce student contributions in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51363/22]
View answer133. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students can expect their student contribution fees to be further reduced beyond 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51625/22]
View answer141. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if those who are currently preparing to sit their Leaving Certificate in the next two years expect their student contribution fees to be further reduced beyond 2024 given the cost-of-living crisis and the increasing rates of rent being experienced by current third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51677/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 133 and 141 together.
Under the Department’s Free Fees schemes, the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible Irish and EU undergraduate higher education students who are pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses of study in an approved higher education institution. All students eligible for the free fees schemes receive State support whereby the State pays the cost of tuition fees exclusive of the student contribution.
The student contribution applies annually to all free fees eligible students and the current rate is €3,000 per annum. The State pays the student contribution, in full or part, on behalf of students who qualify under the student grant scheme.
In Budget 2023, in recognition of the cost of living challenges faced by students paying the full student contribution fee, we have introduced a once off reduction of €1,000 in academic year 2022/23. This additional level of support towards tuition fees will benefit almost 94,000 students at a cost to the State of c.€95.6million net.
Furthermore, I have been clear and consistent in stating that I believe the value of the student contribution share, as paid by students and families, compared to the State's contribution, is too high.
As part of Budget 2023, I made two changes to student contribution thresholds to reduce the cost of education for students and families (for college year 2023/24):
- increased the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for students to avail of the 50% Undergraduate Student Contribution;
- new support to the value of €500 for families on qualifying incomes earning between €62,000 and €100,000.
In May this year, I convened the Funding the Future Implementation and Review Group. Comprised of members of the Department, higher education sector and union and industry partners, the FFIRG is committed to addressing the questions of pathways and access to higher education. Financial barriers are clearly a large part of these issues and form core considerations for the FFIRG and its Working Groups.
I will continue to examine all the levers I have to address the cost of education in a way that has impact for students and families and that applies broadly and fairly across society.
