Written Answers Nos. 202-212
202. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide annual funding for an inclusive dance course (details supplied) which accommodates people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26525/23]
View answerMy officials made enquiries with Cork Education and Training Board (ETB) in relation to your query.
Cork ETB have confirmed that they have been engaging with this inclusive dance company to discuss their programme and possible grant application. They are in the process of completing an application for Community Education Grant funding to support the sub level 6 accredited part of the programme, which is due to start later this year. To date no funding has been provided for this programme by Cork ETB.
The position with regard to UCC is that my Department allocates recurrent funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to HEA designated higher education institutions, including UCC. The HEA allocates this funding as a block grant to the institutions. As autonomous bodies established under statute, the internal disbursement of this funding, along with its private funding streams, is a matter for the individual institution.
203. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26683/23]
View answerUnder the Further Education and Training Act (2013), SOLAS has statutory responsibility for planning, funding, and co-ordinating Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland.
My officials have referred your query to SOLAS for direct reply to the individual in this matter.
204. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a breakdown for the current and capital budget allocations for the Apprenticeship Employer Grant of the Revised Estimates for 2023; if there are plans to increase the grant amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26449/23]
View answerThe introduction of the Apprentice Employer Grant of €2,000 per apprentice per annum was a significant deliverable under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025. Its introduction meant that, for the first time, employers of all apprentices will now have access to financial support, either through direct payment of allowances to apprentices or through this employer grant. In this way, employers of all apprentices will have some of the cost of the apprenticeship defrayed, promoting engagement with the non-craft programmes and balancing Government priorities in terms of meeting strategic skills needs through targeted interventions. It will also encourage more employers to engage with a wider range of apprenticeships and help to encourage the development of new programmes. The grant provides financial support from the State to apprentice employers of one of the 42 apprenticeships that have been established since 2016 and do not attract payment of off-the-job training allowances. The grant was officially launched on the 26 May 2022, with eligible employers invited by email to apply for the grant via an online portal system. New apprenticeships introduced in 2023 and subsequent years will also be included in the grant scheme. From end of May 2022 to end April 2023 there have been 2000 new apprentice registrations on programmes eligible for the grant. As of the beginning of May 2023, 1338 applications had been received, 748 of these applications paid to date, in the sum of €1,605,000.
205. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update with regard to the technological university development fund, the proposed successor to the technological university transformation fund; if this fund will be made available in advance of the expiration of the TUT fund on 31 August 2023, specifically in relation to the position of IR facilitators, who are employed on a seconded basis under this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26514/23]
View answer207. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the technological university development fund, the successor to the technological university transformation (TUT) fund; if this fund will be made available in advance of the expiration of the TUT fund on 31 August 2023, specifically in relation to IR facilitators, who are employed on a seconded basis under this fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26572/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 207 together.
The Technological Universities Transformation Fund (TUTF) is a 3-year fund totalling €90 million, for the period 2020 – 2023. It will officially end on 31 August 2023, with all €90 million allocated to the seven technological higher education institutions (ATU, DkIT, IADT, MTU, SETU, TU Dublin and TUS). The fund assists and supports the development, establishment, and progression of technological universities. This multi-annual managed fund was distributed based on a consultative iterative process involving engagement with relevant HEIs to assess their individual requirements and their stage in the TU trajectory. The key objectives of the TUTF are to ensure that TUs will be enabled in terms of sustainability and self-sufficiency, with a focus on quality and excellence and capacity building.
The HEA is engaging with institutions on progress with this funding ahead of the August 31st end date for the TUTF, which includes a process to facilitate a 12-month no-cost extension for institutions that require additional time to compete elements of their TUTF projects.
My Department is working with the Higher Education Authority in assessing the requirement for further support for the sector in the context of the current position regarding the progression and finalisation of projects being funded by the Transformation Fund, the recent OECD report, and the ongoing operational and developmental needs of the sector in line with the 2018 Act and national strategy for higher education and research. Any future TU funding will also compliment the significant additional funding secured by Government for the progression of various elements of the TU agenda under the NRRP to 2024 and under the ERDF to 2027.
206. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of the student contribution charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26559/23]
View answerIn Budget 2023 the Government introduced a range of measures to support people with the cost of living. As part of this overall response, I introduced a significant package that has seen students and families directly benefit.
The package provided for adjustments to the level of funding available through existing supports provided by my Department, including once-off measures in academic year 2022/23.
This included a once-off reduction of €1,000 in the student contribution rate payable by students eligible for free tuition fees under the Department’s Free Fees Initiative for this academic year.
A key principle of the design of the Free Fees Initiative is to encourage progression, that is, to support students in progressing through a chosen course of study from year to year. As a result, students are not typically supported under the Free Fees Initiative for a repeat period of study or for a different course at the same level.
Where students do not qualify for the Department’s Free Fees Initiative, the student contribution does not apply and instead an appropriate tuition fee is charged, as determined by the higher education institution as an autonomous body. The reduction in the student contribution therefore does not apply to students who are not eligible for free fees.
However, recognising the financial difficulties also faced by students who may not be eligible for other supports, I have significantly increased the allocation to the Student Assistance Fund. The Fund can provide assistance towards rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials for students experiencing financial difficulty. The Fund guidelines provide that students with a previous higher education qualification at the same 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.
Information on the Fund is available through the Access Office in the higher education institution attended.
208. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in relation to SI (No. 94 of 2023) and the issue of postgraduate funding, there is any derogation from the rules whereby, for example, someone may have had their fees paid for one year through a scholarship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26619/23]
View answerThe main support available to assist postgraduate students with the cost of attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to eligible students attending an approved full-time course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
Grant aid for postgraduate study is limited to a maximum of four years in total. Account is taken of all previous attendance and attainment at postgraduate level when considering grant aid entitlement for postgraduate study, regardless of whether a person previously received a grant or not. Under the Student Grant Scheme 2023, grant aid for postgraduate study shall be limited to a maximum of four years in total. This does not preclude a student from studying for more than four years at postgraduate level, however they are only eligible to receive grant aid in respect of four years.
Under the Student Grant Scheme 2023, a student is not eligible for a grant if they have been awarded or hold a scholarship from public funds. There are a number of exceptions to this, where a student may still be eligible for a grant (as listed in Article 14(3) of the Scheme), but a student will not be eligible for a fee grant or a postgraduate fee contribution if in receipt of any award mentioned in Article 14(3) which includes a provision for fees.
A student may be eligible for a grant if they have been awarded a scholarship from other sources. However, it should be noted that a student or tuition student in receipt of full assistance towards the tuition fee element from any other source, including sponsorship or an award, shall not be eligible for the postgraduate fee contribution and where a student or tuition student receives part assistance towards the tuition fee from any other source, the postgraduate fee contribution is subject to a reduction.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed 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.
209. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the childcare support that students are eligible for who are undertaking FET courses in Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26702/23]
View answerOfficials in my Department have contacted the Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB), in relation to this matter.
LCETB has confirmed that there are currently no crèche services available through any of its Further Education and Training (FET) colleges. However, all learners are entitled to apply for the Affordable Childcare Scheme, which is funded by the National Childcare Scheme.
210. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the distribution of the devolved capital grant; the amount that has been allocated to the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26717/23]
View answerSince 2021, the Department has disbursed just over €96m in funding for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years under the Devolved Capital Grant to Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and eligible Higher Education Institutions. The Devolved Capital Grant is allocated in accordance with a model based primarily on student numbers, weighted by course type and mode of study.
In April this year I announced €8 million in capital devolved funding for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector and I will be shortly announcing the funding available for the Higher Education Institutions.
The Devolved Capital Grant provides flexible capital funding to ETBs and eligible higher education institutions to support small-scale building works (including health and safety works, access works, refurbishment, energy upgrades etc.) and equipment purchase or renewal, including ICT. It is a matter for individual ETBs and higher education institutions to determine what works are prioritised.
In deployment of the grant, each ETB and higher education institution must ensure value for money, clear prioritisation and demonstrable impact on the capacity to deliver on its strategic goals.
Our third level sector faces significant challenges in responding to climate objectives and these funds will assist with making energy upgrades. It will also ensure our campuses are inclusive and accessible. The funding can be used to make the necessary upgrades to make campuses accessible for people with disabilities.
The 2023 FET Devolved Capital Grant issued to SOLAS in April, for onward distribution to the ETBs, and I can confirm to the Deputy that Cavan and Monaghan ETB were allocated €435,000 for 2023.
211. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will confirm that the grant offer of €200,000 to an organisation (details supplied) under the town and village scheme in January 2021 will remain in place, as the project has been delayed but is now almost ready to be commenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26432/23]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme is part of a range of measures to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland. The programme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 and supports the objectives of Our Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development policy, as well as the Town Centre First policy.
Since the introduction of the Scheme in 2016, over €149 million has been approved for more than 1,600 projects across the country.
Under the 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme Galway County Council was allocated funding of €690,000 for 6 projects. Of this, Claregalway was allocated €200,000 for the construction of an extension to the Community Centre to develop a 10-desk digital innovation hub. The completion date for projects funded under the 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was 31 August 2022.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is administered by local authorities on behalf of my Department. Officials from my Department have engaged with Galway County Council over the last number of months on this project and have acknowledged the hard work of the local authority in seeking to progress a viable project for the community. However, as project costs have increased substantially since the proposal was submitted in October 2020 and it is more than a year beyond the deadline for completion but building work has yet to commence, it would be prudent for Galway County Council to decommit this project and consider preparing a revised proposal for submission under a future call. The 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme is due to be announced in June.
In November 2022, my Department made an offer of €30,000 to Galway County Council towards the cost of pre-development works done to date, i.e. preparations of drawings, tenders etc. To date this offer has not been accepted by Galway County Council, but this still remains available if the local authority wishes to avail of it.
My Department also offers funding opportunities to support the refurbishment of buildings through the LEADER Programme and the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, subject to certain conditions. Galway County Council may consider pursuing a proposal under one of these schemes, if consistent with scheme terms and conditions, for the full works envisaged.
212. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide in detail the funding amounts that are allocated to various organisations (details supplied) and other charity groups working directly in suicide care in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26507/23]
View answerDetails regarding funding supplied by my Department to the organisations referred to by the Deputy and other charity groups working directly in suicide care in Ireland are set out below. Funding may be provided to these organisations by other Government Departments and this information is not included in this response.
Funding of €4,150 was provided by my Department to the Samaritans through the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) . This scheme provided for a once-off payment to eligible charities and community and voluntary sector organisations to help them meet their demonstrated increased energy costs for 2022. The scheme is now closed.
Funding was also provided through the COVID-19 Stability Fund for community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises. This fund provided support to qualifying organisations who found themselves in particular difficulty and projected their trading and/or fundraising income would drop significantly during the crisis due to the social restrictions introduced to counter the spread of COVID19. The Stability Fund is now closed. Details of this funding provided to the type of organisations referred to by the Deputy are provided below.
Stability Fund 2021
|
Samaritans |
€6,600 |
|
|
East Clare Community Co-Operative Society Limited |
Clare |
€48,232 |
|
Clare Suicide Bereavement Support |
Clare |
€8,353 |
|
West Clare Mental Health Association Company Limited By Guarantee |
Clare |
€3,313 |
|
Cork Counselling Services Company Limited By Guarantee |
Cork |
€63,583 |
|
Sli Eile Housing Association CLG |
Cork |
€26,126 |
|
Fight Against Suicide CLG |
Cork |
€79,437 |
|
Diadhuit Suicide Prevention Ireland |
Cork |
€3,010 |
|
Insight Inishowen |
Donegal |
€2,282 |
|
Beacon of Light Counselling Centre |
Dublin |
€33,556 |
|
Dublin Samaritans |
Dublin |
€2,000 |
|
Turn2Me Company Limited by Guarantee |
Dublin |
€45,292 |
|
Aspen Counselling Services (Lucan) Company Limited By Guarantee |
Dublin |
€25,368 |
|
Suicide Or Survive |
Dublin |
€114,865 |
|
Northside Counselling Service CLG |
Dublin |
€21,143 |
|
Is Maith É an Caint Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta |
Galway |
€46,493 |
|
Helplink Support Services Company Limited By Guarantee |
Galway |
€10,082 |
|
Cosain Company Limited By Guarantee |
Galway |
€4,575 |
|
Southwest Counselling Centre Company Limited By Guarantee |
Kerry |
€16,192 |
|
The Thomas Hayes Trust |
Kilkenny |
€54,790 |
|
GRASP Foundation Company Limited by Guarantee |
Leitrim |
€6,994 |
|
Community Crisis Response Team CLG |
Limerick |
€13,588 |
|
Dundalk Counselling Centre Company Limited by Guarantee |
Louth |
€60,149 |
|
SOSAD Ireland Company Limited By Guarantee |
Louth |
€104,791 |
|
Mayo Mental Health Association CLG |
Mayo |
€57,801 |
|
Carmha Ireland |
Tipperary |
€8,692 |
|
It's Good to Talk Counselling Psychotherapy Support Services Westmeath CLG |
Westmeath |
€16,612 |
|
Its Good To Talk Counselling Psychotherapy Support Services CLG |
Wexford |
€18,851 |
|
Talk To Tom Company Limited By Guarantee |
Wexford |
€36,764 |
|
Living Life Voluntary Counselling Centre Company Limited By Guarantee |
Wicklow |
€35,550 |
|
Total |
€975,084 |
Stability Fund 2020
|
Samaritans |
€139,425 |
|
|
Cork Mental Health Foundation Company Limited by Guarantee |
Cork |
€2,000 |
|
Fight Against Suicide Company Limited by Guarantee |
Cork |
€100,000 |
|
Lisheens House |
Cork |
€36,143 |
|
Donal Walsh Livelife Foundation |
Kerry |
€30,313 |
|
The Thomas Hayes Trust |
Kilkenny |
€37,985 |
|
Total |
€345,866 |
