Tuesday, 22 Nov 2022

Written Answers Nos. 504-523

Student Accommodation

Questions (505)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

505. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details on the proposals recently supported by the Cabinet to increase the supply of student accommodation, including proposals for the State to assist directly in bridging the gap between development costs and rental affordability in relation to the provision of additional student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57707/22]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

In October the Minister updated the Cabinet Committee on Housing and received support on initial plans for policy development for the provision of student accommodation. The Minister and his officials are actively progressing a new policy that bridges the challenging gap between the viability of delivering purpose-built student accommodation and subsequent rental affordability for students.

This will include for the first time the State assisting with the cost of building student accommodation beds and unlocking projects which have been postponed in return for affordable rents for target students. Detailed work is currently being advanced with a section dedicated to student accommodation having been established in the Department. It is my intention to bring a memo to Government by the end of November setting out our policy objectives. Further details regarding the provision of additional student accommodation will be available after this is approved by Government.

Student Accommodation

Questions (506)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

506. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he anticipates the student accommodation unit will bring forward a new student accommodation policy for Cabinet approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57708/22]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The difficulties faced by students with regard to student accommodation are an issue of which my Department and I are actively pursuing, and their resolution is a high priority for my Department as a whole.

In October the Minister updated the Cabinet Committee on Housing and received support on initial plans for policy development for the provision of student accommodation. The Minister and his officials are actively progressing a new policy that bridges the challenging gap between the viability of delivering purpose-built student accommodation and subsequent rental affordability for students.

This will include for the first time the State assisting with the cost of building student accommodation beds and unlocking projects which have been postponed in return for affordable rents for target students. Detailed work is currently being advanced with a section dedicated to student accommodation having been established in the Department. It is my intention to bring a memo to Government by the end of November setting out our policy objectives.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (507, 508, 513, 514)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

507. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices working across the public sector; the percentage this is of the total number of registered apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57709/22]

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

508. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices employed across the public sector in each of the years since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57710/22]

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

513. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices employed by each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57715/22]

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

514. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices employed by each State and semi-State body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57716/22]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 507, 508, 513 and 514 together.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of apprentices employed by each State and semi-State body; the number of apprentices employed by each local authority; the number of apprentices that have been employed across the public sector in each of the years since 2011 and the number of apprentices working across the public sector; the percentage that this has on the total number of registered apprentices, is being compiled by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Question No. 508 answered with Question No. 507.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (509, 512)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

509. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of registered apprentices; the number of registered craft apprentices; the number of craft apprentices who have been registered for more than two or four years in the cases of those registered on two-year apprenticeships, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57711/22]

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

512. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices on each programme, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57714/22]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 512 together.

The number of registered apprentices on each programme, including craft apprentices, as per the end of October in tabular form is set out at the link. The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of craft apprentices who have been registered for over two or four years, in the cases of those registered on two-year apprenticeships is being compiled by SOLAS. An answer will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Apprentice Numbers

Question No. 510 answered with Question No. 500.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (511)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Question:

511. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of craft apprentices waiting to access off-the-job training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57713/22]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Apprenticeships are employer led demand driven educational and training programmes that aim to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. As apprentices are employees, the demand for and number of apprentices is primarily dictated by the employers in any area or sector.

As per the end of October 4,937 apprentices were waiting over six months to access off-the-job training. SOLAS are working to provide further places across the system to address the high numbers of apprentices who need to undertake their off-the-job learning phases. With the commitment of a further €17.2m in capital investment into 2023, this need for increased capacity continues to be actively managed. The funding means that SOLAS are able to continue the progress already made to address those programmes with the highest numbers of apprentices waiting to be placed.

Question No. 512 answered with Question No. 509.

Question No. 513 answered with Question No. 507.

Question No. 514 answered with Question No. 507.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (515)

Alan Dillon

Question:

515. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which SOLAS and the ETBs support an organisation (details supplied) to develop a craft apprentice programme that will help generate the next generation of woodturners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57800/22]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Apprenticeship is a demand driven educational and training programme which aims to develop the skills of an apprentice in order to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. The development of new apprenticeships is employer-led, with consortia comprising employer groups and educational providers coming together to identify a skills need and appropriate apprenticeship response in their sector. Officials in my Department are not aware of any apprenticeship in woodturning in development or being considered.

A defined process and structure for employers to become engaged in the apprenticeship process is in place. It is open to any industry that wishes to explore options for developing an apprenticeship to bring a proposal forward. The SOLAS Guidance Document for Submitting an Initial Proposal for a New National Apprenticeship together with their Handbook on Developing a National Apprenticeship provide an explanation of the process and an overview of the key features of new apprenticeships, including sectoral engagement and collaboration among enterprises and other stakeholders in the relevant industry. These publications are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

There are currently 66 apprenticeship programmes on offer: 25 craft programmes and 41 programmes introduced since 2016. Eight new 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 recent months, four further programmes have been launched: Bar Manager, Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician, Transport Operations & Commercial Driving and Cybersecurity Practitioner.

Education and Training Boards

Questions (516)

Seán Canney

Question:

516. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the creation of a new further education and training college in Galway to consolidate the provision by the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board of education in the city and to enable the board to deliver on the national Further Education and Training Strategy and on his Department’s policy mission to develop Ireland’s further and higher education and research and innovation system to ensure they are capable of meeting the diverse needs of all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57841/22]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I understand that Galway Roscommon ETB (GRETB) have submitted an application for the establishment of FET college in Galway city under the FET College of the Future funding programme, a new capital investment programme for the FET sector

This capital investment programme will support additional capacity, upgrading and enhancement of infrastructure in the FET sector, in line with the FET College of the Future principles as set out in the Future FET Strategy.

The proposal submitted by GRETB has been assessed alongside other proposals from the sector to determine the initial major projects that will proceed to the development of a detailed business case.

The first stage of the proposal evaluation phase of this programme call has been completed and an evaluation report submitted by SOLAS to my Department for approval. This report has now been considered, and the outcome of the assessment process will be communicated to each ETB, including GRETB.

Third Level Fees

Questions (517)

Mark Ward

Question:

517. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the €1,000 refund on the student contribution will be given to those who have started a new course and have already completed a year of a different course.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57966/22]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety factors including the type of course and the student's access route including previous education.

For full time undergraduate students, 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.

A key principle of the free fees schemes is to support students in progressing through a chosen course of study from year to year. Typically students are not supported for a repeat period of study or for a different course at the same level under the free fees schemes. However, once an equivalent period of study has been completed on the new course, the student may be eligible for free fees funding for the remainder of the course. An individual student's eligibility for the scheme, is assessed by the institution in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

Where undergraduate students do not meet the qualifying criteria of the free fees schemes they are required to pay tuition fees in full to their higher education institution. It is a matter for the higher education institution as an autonomous body to determine the applicable fee rate for students.

As part of Budget 2023 the Government has approved a once off reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution payable by students eligible for free tuition fees under the Department free fees schemes in academic year 2022/23.

In this regard, the once off student contribution support of €1,000 cannot apply to students undertaking a repeat period of study that were not deemed eligible for the free fees schemes in 2022/23 by the institution attended.

I am conscious that not all students are eligible for free fees or student grants and so, as part of the cost-of-living measures, I have allocated a further €8 million for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for the current academic year. This Fund provides financial support to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance 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. Applications can be made under the SAF through the Access Office in a student’s third level institution.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (518)

Paul Murphy

Question:

518. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will request SOLAS to ensure there is a placement in a Dublin-based college for an electrical apprentice; and if he will ensure they are given a place now and will not have to wait a further three months. [58068/22]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Under the Further Education and Training Act (2013), SOLAS has statutory responsibility for planning, funding, and co-ordinating Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland.

My officials have referred your query to SOLAS for direct reply on this individual matter. If you do not receive a response from SOLAS within 30 days, please do come back to my office for further follow-up.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems

Questions (519)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

519. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the amount of funding allocated to each local authority for CCTV schemes; and the amount of funding drawn down, in tabular form. [58043/22]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I understand that the Deputy is referring to community-based CCTV schemes. Since 2017, my Department has administered a grant aid scheme supporting groups wishing to establish a community-based CCTV system in their area.

Eligible groups, including community groups and local authorities nationwide, can apply for grant aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system, up to a maximum total of €40,000. Funding continues to be available for those wishing to make applications.

The CCTV grant scheme was extended in 2019 to cover not only new CCTV systems but to also provide funding for the extension or upgrade of existing CCTV systems which are incomplete or obsolete. Applicants may now also seek a once-off grant of up to €5,000 for minor maintenance costs.

Community-based CCTV is governed by Section 38(3)(c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the Garda Síochána (CCTV) Order 2006 (SI 289 of 2006). This legal framework requires that any proposed community CCTV scheme must:

- be approved by the local Joint Policing Committee,

- have the prior support of the relevant local authority, which must also act as data controller, and

- have the authorisation of the Garda Commissioner.

This is the legal basis for all community CCTV schemes, regardless of how they are funded. These key legal requirements have not changed since 2006.

To date 36 schemes have been approved for funding by my Department with a value of €958,689 committed to these projects.

The table below shows the funding breakdown by Local Authority including the funds drawn down.

Funding Breakdown by Local Authority

Local Authority	Allocated amount	Drawn down	Balance
Carlow	€35,084	€35,084	€0
Kerry	€95,754	€47,877	€47,877
Kilkenny	€26,000	€15,500	€10,500
Laois	€86,495	€55,802	€30,694
Leitrim Co Co	€40,000	€40,000	€0
Limerick	€334,573	€167,288	€167,285
Longford	€40,000	€20,000	€20,000
Louth	€69,033	€69,033	€0
Mayo	€5,000	€5,000	€0
Monaghan	€45,000	€25,000	€20,000
Sligo	€13,835	€13,835	€0
Wexford	€82,915	€68,596	€14,318
Wicklow	€85,000	€65,000	€20,000
Total	€958,689	€628,015	€330,674

Support and assistance for those running CCTV schemes is available by contacting: [e-mail]

Travel Documents

Questions (520)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

520. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice the documents or proof that are required from Ukrainian refugees entering Ireland to demonstrate they are genuinely Ukrainians fleeing the war. [58177/22]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

On Friday the 25 February I announced the immediate lifting of visa requirements for Ukrainian nationals. Subsequently, the Temporary Protection Directive was activated, an emergency provision designed to quickly and humanely respond to the mass displacement of Ukrainian people by Russian aggression. Ireland participates in this EU measure, which has been given legal effect under Section 60 of the International Protection Act 2015. Applicants are required to have proof of identity and proof of residency in Ukraine prior to 24 February 2022 in order to meet the criteria for Temporary Protection (TP).

The following documents may be accepted in lieu of a national passport:

- National ID Card

- Birth Certificate

- Internal Passport

- Marriage certificates for applications from third country nationals seeking TP under the family reunification side of the directive.

Expired documents may also be accepted for travel to Ireland.

Travel Documents

Questions (521)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

521. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice if travel documents are required for a Ukrainian refugee staying in Ireland to travel to London or Belfast to sit an examination (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57297/22]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can advise the Deputy that it is open to any person to leave the State. However, they should check with the authorities of their intended destination as they may be subject to specific immigration requirements at their destination.

I have no role in the administration of immigration matters of any other jurisdiction. Any queries relating to immigration matters in another jurisdiction should be addressed to the immigration authorities of that jurisdiction. The website for the immigration service of the UK is: www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration

Residency Permits

Questions (522)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

522. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice the steps that must be taken for an American citizen who wants to come to live in Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57299/22]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

As a non-visa required national the person referred must apply for a preclearance letter of approval. A de facto partner of an Irish citizen may apply under De Facto partner of an Irish national scheme. The person concerned should apply before they travel to Ireland and must remain outside the State while their application is processed. The application must made from the persons home country or a country where they are a legal resident. Proof of residence outside the State may be requested.

Full details of the De Facto partner of an Irish national scheme and a link to the application form can be found at the following link:

www.irishimmigration.ie/coming-to-join-family-in-ireland/joining-an-irish-national/de-facto-partner-of-an-irish-national/

A preclearance letter does not give the holder a right to enter the State. Entry into the State, for both visa required and non-visa required nationals, is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The onus is on the individual to have all documentation relating to their reasons for entering Ireland for presentation to the Immigration Officer to gain entry. The Immigration Officer may grant leave to enter to a maximum period of three months. They may, depending on the documentation, the reasons for seeking entry to the State and/or a person’s previous Immigration history, refuse entry to the State or grant permission for a period of less than 3 months.

Persons looking to reside in the State, should prepare documentary evidence of private health insurance, along with details of finances to show how they will be able to maintain themselves, or be maintained, whilst in the State.

Visa Applications

Questions (523)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

523. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice the number of days within a calendar year an American citizen can spend in Ireland (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57300/22]

Written answers

Minister for Justice

I can inform the Deputy that non-EEA Nationals, whether visa required or not, may visit the State for up to a maximum of 90 days. The 90 day limit is not arbitrary but is linked with the provisions in the Immigration Act 2004 which requires any persons residing in Ireland for more than 90 days to register their permission to be in the State with the relevant Immigration Office. In effect, such persons who are in the State for longer than 90 days are considered to be residing in Ireland as opposed to merely on a visit.

Entry into the State, for both visa required and non-visa required nationals, is solely at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at the port of entry. The onus is on the individual to have all documentation relating to their reasons for entering Ireland for presentation to the Immigration Officer to gain entry. The Immigration Officer may grant leave to enter to a maximum period of three months. They may, depending on the documentation, the reasons for seeking entry to the State and/or a person’s previous Immigration history, refuse entry to the State or grant permission for a period of less than 3 months.

It is not possible to remain in Ireland for a period of 90 days and then seek to re-enter the country for a further period of up to 90 days.

Persons looking to reside in the State, should prepare documentary evidence of private health insurance, along with details of finances to show how they will be able to maintain themselves, or be maintained, whilst in the State. Any non EU/EEA nationals who wish to remain for longer than 90 days must register with their local immigration office and apply for further permission to remain before their initial permission to remain expires. Full details of the Registration process can be found at the link below:

www.irishimmigration.ie/registering-your-immigration-permission/how-to-register-your-immigration-permission-for-the-first-time/requirements-and-documents-needed/