Written Answers Nos. 445-461
445. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to indicate, notwithstanding the recent replies in the case of a person (details supplied), the extent to which efforts are being made to grant a full medical card, given the need to issue a full medical card on hardship grounds given that they were the victim of hospital misadventure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31985/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
446. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to indicate, notwithstanding the recent replies in the case of a person (details supplied), the extent to which efforts are being made to grant a full medical card given their continued needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31986/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
447. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the progress he has made in expanding the national heel-prick test; what diseases/conditions are infants being tested for; when spinal muscular atrophy will also be tested for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31992/23]
View answerThe expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot (NBS) Programme is a priority for me, and the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) has been progressing work on this expansion.
This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms. As you will appreciate, these are lengthy and complex processes.
However, I am glad to note that significant progress has been made on expansion over the past year. Since May 2022, babies are now screened for nine conditions following a recommendation from the NSAC to add ADA-SCID to the Programme.
In January 2023, I approved a recommendation from the Committee for the addition of T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC)-based screening for all types of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) to the NBS programme. The Committee made its recommendation to me based on their consideration of a comprehensive Health Technology Assessment report from HIQA.
The HSE is now undertaking an extensive body of work to prepare for implementation. Provision for this addition will be included in the relevant HSE service planning processes in line with HSE budgeting procedures.
A Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the addition of an eleventh condition to the NBS programme, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is now underway by HIQA. I am advised that the NSAC expect HIQA to complete this process over the coming months and that the HTA will be presented to and considered by the Committee at a meeting before the end of this year.
I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee following their consideration of the HTA once it is available.
448. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address situations where GPs are not accepting new patients in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31993/23]
View answerGPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community.
Where a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept them as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign that person to a GP's GMS patient list. People who do not hold a medical card or a GP visit card access GP services on a private basis, in which the Minister has no role, and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with.
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas, and is working to ensure that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
Under the 2019 GP Agreement additional annual expenditure provided for general practice has been increased now by €211.6m. The Agreement provides for an increase in capitation fees for participating GPs, additional services, improved family arrangements as well as a targeted €2 million fund to support practices in deprived urban areas.
The number of doctors entering GP training has been increased approximately ten percent year on year from 2019, rising from 193 in 2019 to 258 in 2022, with 285 new entrants places made available for this year and 350 places now planned for next year.
In addition to the more general measures taken to increase the number of GPs in the State, specific supports are in place to attract GPs to rural areas.
The practice support package for rural GP practices which was introduced previously has been increased by 10% under the 2019 GP Agreement. Practices in receipt of rural practice supports attract the maximum allowable rates for practice staff support subsidies and locum contributions for leave taking. Specific fees are also in place for dispensing doctors (who operate in rural areas), these have been increased by 28% under the Agreement.
The HSE is currently working with the ICGP on a programme to bring 100 non-EU GPs to Ireland in 2023 to help improve access to GP services, particularly in areas with limited access. These new additional posts will work in general practice for a 2-year period following which they will be able to take up a General Medical Services contract. The programme commenced with 25 posts having started in January and is progressing to meet the target of 100 additional non-EU GPs placements by year end; this is to increase to up to 250 placements for 2024.
Furthermore, I recently published the Terms of Reference for a Strategic review of General Practice which will commence shortly. The review will examine the broad range of issues affecting general practice including issues around GP capacity, and will set out the measures necessary to deliver a better general practice. The provision of GP services in certain rural and urban deprived areas that are underserved, and the possible mechanisms to attract more GPs to these locations, is a specific issue that will be examined under the review.
449. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health to provide an updated timeline on the health technology assessment of a national immunisation programme against chickenpox given the 294% increase in the number of hospitalisations due to complications with chickenpox to date this year in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31996/23]
View answer450. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health when he intends to launch a national immunisation programme for chickenpox, subject to a positive HTA assessment by HIQA; whether it will be included in his Budget 2024 discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31997/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 449 and 450 together.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.
NIAC continue to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time. All vaccines administered through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge.
Varicella (chickenpox) is an acute infectious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Primary infection with varicella results in varicella (chickenpox). Recurrent infection results in herpes zoster (shingles). The Varicella vaccine is not currently included as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.
HIQA are undertaking a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and, on completion, the outcome of the HTA will form the basis of decision making in relation to the inclusion or otherwise of the varicella vaccine in the National Immunisation programme. It is expected that the HTA will be completed in the coming months.
451. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the total advertising budget allocated by his Department and agencies in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2023, respectively; the funding provided directly to RTÉ in each year; if he has sought and secured an assurance that none of this funding was rebated via the RTÉ advertising barter account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32010/23]
View answerDear Deputy Naughten,
I refer to your Parliamentary Question of Thursday 29 June 2023 (Reference: 32010/23).
‘To ask the Minister for Health the total advertising budget allocated by his Department and agencies in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2023, respectively; the funding provided directly to RTÉ in each year; if he has sought and secured an assurance that none of this funding was rebated via the RTÉ advertising barter account; and if he will make a statement on the matter.’
On the first query, please see below in tabular format total advertising media spend for the Department of Health from 2013 to 2021. My officials are working on collating information for 2022 and 2023 to date and will share with the Deputy as soon as is possible. A response from the 19 agencies under the aegis of the Department of Health will require the collection of information from each agency. My officials will collate this information and share with the Deputy as soon as is possible.
|
Year |
Total Media Spend – Department of Health |
|
2013 |
€ 10,716.68 |
|
2014 |
€ 40,430.63 |
|
2015 |
€ 93,793.89 |
|
2016 |
€ 21,876.38 |
|
2017 |
€ 22,079.52 |
|
2018 |
€ 1,045,504.11 |
|
2019 |
€ 523,754.84 |
|
2020 |
€ 1,946,671.56 |
|
2021 |
€ 2,179,569.19 |
On the second query, a response to the Deputy's questions will require the collection and analysis of a large number of documents for the Department of Health plus the 19 other bodies falling under the aegis of the Department of Health. My officials will collate this information and share with the Deputy as soon as is possible.
On the third query, please see below in tabular format assurance that none of this funding was rebated via the RTÉ advertising barter account for the Department of Health from 2018 to date. My officials are working on confirming information for 2013 and 2017 and will share with the Deputy as soon as is possible. A response from the 19 agencies under the aegis of the Department of Health will require the collection of information from each agency. My officials will collate this information and share with the Deputy as soon as is possible.
|
Year |
RTE Rebate Account – Department of Health |
|
2018 |
Nil - No funding rebated via RTE advertising barter account |
|
2019 |
Nil - No funding rebated via RTE advertising barter account |
|
2020 |
Nil - No funding rebated via RTE advertising barter account |
|
2021 |
Nil - No funding rebated via RTE advertising barter account |
|
2022 |
Nil - No funding rebated via RTE advertising barter account |
|
2023 (YTD) |
Nil - No funding rebated via RTE advertising barter account |
My officials will collate outstanding information and share with the Deputy as soon as is possible.
Kind regards
Stephen Donnelly, T.D.
Minister for Health
452. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an accommodation facility (details supplied) in Limerick will be available to house students in the coming 2023/2024 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31912/23]
View answerThe proposed Punches Cross Student Accommodation site is owned by Cloncaragh Investments Ltd. An application for the development of the site was granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanala in March 2023. The permission granted for this development includes 68 student apartments which will provide 318 beds and 30 build-to-rent apartments. Information on this development can be found here punchescrossstudentvillage.com/.
As this is a private development it is outside of my remit to comment further.
Adjacent to the above proposed development is Punchs Residence (formerly Patrick Punchs’ hotel). This accommodation was previously used as student accommodation for Mary Immaculate students during the academic year 2022/2023.
Officials in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) have confirmed that Punchs Residence has been contracted to provide accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection over the summer period 2023. My officials are liaising with the DCEDIY to receive confirmation it will be reverted for student use.
453. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount paid out to all consultancy firms for any services rendered; and the cost per contract for the year-to-date 2023, in tabular form. [31690/23]
View answerThe amount paid by my Department to consultancy firms to date in 2023 can be found in the table attached.
|
Title |
Consultant |
Amount |
|
Investigating the attractiveness of careers in construction through Conduct Focus Groups, facilitated through a Market Research Project. |
Accuracy Research |
€24,600 |
|
Market Research Project to Conduct a Survey to investigate the attractiveness of careers in construction. |
Accuracy Research |
€24,600 |
|
Consultancy fees – Grangegorman Development Agency (GDA) External Assurance Process |
Turner & Townsend |
€36,900 |
|
Provision of an independent audit in respect of the Erasmus+ Programme |
ASM |
€35,262.50( DCEDIY Refund €7,865.00)total paid €27,397.60 |
|
Facilitation of a workshop and production of a report as part of the work of the Oversight Group for a Single Portal for Career Guidance and Information |
H2 Learning Ltd. |
€7,195.50 |
|
Facilitation of a workshop and production of a report as part of the work of the Strategic Visioning Workshop |
Crowe |
€6119.25 |
|
Consultancy Services |
BDO Eaton Square |
€75,952.50* * Please note, included in above amount is €11,377.50 which was paid in 2023 but relates to services received in 2022. |
454. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that the number of students who received grants declined by 30% between 2021 (68,277) and 2022 (48,426), as outlined on page 40 of the public service performance report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31751/23]
View answerAt the time of publication of the Public Service Performance report it was noted that the 2022 figures were subject to change as the reconciliation was still underway - (footnote no 4. page 41 refers)
The current number of students that received student grants in 2022 is 60,907. This may be subject to change as reconciliation is still ongoing.
This is a demand led scheme and as such many factors may impact on grant application numbers including alternative options for employment/education.
I am acutely aware of the cost of living and how this effects students. In addition to once of measures for students in last year's academic year I have also made changes that will benefit students in the 2023/2024 academic year.
All maintenance grants were increased effective from January 2023 in order to provide further financial assistance to those students most in need. The special rate and Band 1 rate of maintenance increased by 14% and all other maintenance grant rates increased by 10%. The full benefit of this will be seen for the 2023/24 academic year.
Two changes to the income thresholds for the student contribution grant for the academic year 2023/24 have also been introduced which will reduce the cost of education for students and families by:-
• Increasing the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for students to avail of the 50% Undergraduate Student Contribution and
• Introducing a new Student Contribution grant to the value of €500 for qualifying families on incomes earning between €62,000 and €100,000.
The 2023 Student Grant Scheme sees an increase in the postgraduate fee grant of €500 on the 2022 levels from €3,500 to €4,000 for eligible Post Graduate students towards the cost of their Tuition Fees.
In addition, the holiday earnings provision under the Student Grant Scheme will now allow for a deduction up to a maximum amount of €6,552 (an increase from €4,500) 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. This will mean students can work and not lose eligibility for their grant.
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.
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.
455. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department purchased or produced any memorabilia such as pens, stationery, pins, badges, mugs or other types of souvenirs to mark or celebrate Pride 2023; if so, the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31811/23]
View answerMy Department purchased six ‘Proud to Work for Ireland’ t-shirts worn by staff members who participated in the Dublin Pride Parade 2023. The total cost of these t-shirts, including VAT, was €106.35.
456. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to his recent announcement regarding the €40 million capital grant for third-level universities, if this money can be used by third-level institutions to subsidise the cost of building new student accommodation (details supplied); if so, the number of beds it is likely to contribute towards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31843/23]
View answerThe Devolved Capital Grant provides flexible capital funding to eligible higher education institutions to support small-scale building works including energy efficiency and decarbonisation related upgrades, health and safety works, access works, refurbishment etc. and equipment purchase or renewal, including ICT.
The focus of the funding for minor capital works, refurbishment and renewal of equipment is essential if HEIs are to keep their capital stock fit-for-purpose and to operate sustainably. Adequate levels of maintenance funding are required across the third level sector to prevent deterioration of capital infrastructure and ensure that facilities remain up-to-date, fit for purpose and respond to climate objectives. Subsidising the cost of building new student accommodation therefore cannot be included in the existing allocation model within the Devolved Capital Grant.
My Department is progressing specific student accommodation actions under Housing for All, and examining measures to address challenges in the supply of affordable and appropriate student accommodation.
Housing for All contains a commitment to develop policy and methodology for potential short-term state support for proposals for the construction of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) by Higher Education Institutions where planning permission has already been secured. Government has approved funding to support the development of 1,065 beds for students of the University of Limerick, Dublin City University, Maynooth University and the University of Galway. My Department continues to examine proposals and financial projections from relevant HEI’s.
My Department and I are also engaged in the ongoing development of new longer term student accommodation policy responses. My Department is engaging with colleagues from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to work on the development of a supporting scheme for supply of student accommodation through refurbishment of vacant properties. Funding mechanisms to support this refurbishment are currently under consideration but could include some form of specific purpose capital grant.
457. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to his recent announcement regarding the €40 million capital grant for third-level universities, if this funding relates to new money, rather than a reannouncement (details supplied); if so, if this is an annual capital grant that it awarded; the amounts that were provided in 2020, and 2021 along with the total amounts drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31844/23]
View answerSince 2020, the Department has disbursed €120m in funding for the 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 academic years (€40m for each academic year) under the Devolved Capital Grant to 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.
On Monday 26th June, the Department announced a further €40m million in capital devolved funding for the higher education sector for the 2023/24 academic year bringing the total funding allocated since 2020 to €160m.
€25m is considered to be the appropriate baseline grant. However for the 4th year running, an expanded grant of €40 million has been approved for the higher education sector reflecting the additional capital costs arising in the sector due to labour shortages, supply chain issues and more particularly material price increases following the invasion of Ukraine, compounded by a difficult period impacted by both COVID 19 and Brexit.
The Devolved Capital Grant provides flexible capital funding to eligible higher education institutions to support small-scale building works. 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. It is a matter for individual higher education institutions to determine what works are prioritised.
I have attached a table of all allocations which have been fully drawn from 2020 to date below.
458. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the main policy achievements of his Department since 27 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31863/23]
View answerThere have been significant policy achievements made since the establishment of my Department in August 2020. The 2021 Annual Report for the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science provides a comprehensive overview of the Department's achievements in 2021. The link for the Annual Report can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/76993-annual-report-2021-department-of-further-and-higher-education-research-innovation-and-science/.
2022 and the first half of 2023 have seen a similar level of achievement and delivery in my Department, some of those key policies are listed below.
Higher Education
Funding the Future: Funding the Future was a landmark policy announced on May 3, 2022. After considerable consultation with stakeholders it set forward a long-term viable finance plan for higher education. With an approximate 25% increase in additional investment for each new student in the higher education system made accessible in Budget 2023, the work on Funding our Future to address basic funding needs also serves as a standard for the sustainable funding of additional spaces.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: In May 2022, I announced funding of €3 million a year to 2025 in order for higher education institutions to implement universal design and inclusive practices on their campuses in order to improve the opportunities for students in higher education with intellectual disabilities.
In October last, I launched the Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment Implementation Plan. This supports a zero tolerance approach already in place to issues of sexual violence and harassment in our Higher Education Institutions. The Plan has also secured funding of an additional €1.5 million in Budget 2023. This will support the appointment of Sexual Violence and Harassment (SVH) Prevention and Response Managers in our Higher Education Institutions.
National Access Plan : The fourth National Access Plan was launched in August 2022 - 'A strategic action plan for equity of access, participation and success in higher education'. The National Access Plan, which covers the period from 2022- 2028, is a national priority and a key commitment in the Programme for Government. Additional funding of €35 million will be provided by the Department to deliver the targets over the course of the 7 year plan.
Technological University Agenda: The South East Technological University, the fifth TU in Ireland, was officially opened in October 2022. It is the first University in the region and demonstrates both the regional impact and national reach of these institutions. It will remain a key focus for myself and my Department to support the TUs in achieving their goals over the coming years.
Higher Education Authority Act 2022: The HEA Act was commenced on November 10th 2022. This framework sees a significant strengthening of governance structures across the higher education sector and provides a robust framework in which agile higher education institutions can deliver on their mission.
Student Accommodation: Secure and affordable accommodation is essential for ensuring that students can focus on their studies and achieve at their highest level. To help deliver this, for the first time, the State will assist with the cost of building student accommodation to ensure increased availability and promote greater access, particularly for student groups in need of additional supports. My Department has recently established a dedicated unit to support student accommodation matters. The immediate focus will be to engage directly with Higher Education Institutes to activate those building projects which have already secured full planning permission.
PEACE PLUS: Since the establishment of my Department, there has been significant focus on our shared island. One major outcome of this is the PEACE PLUS Programme (2021-2027). This Programme is aimed at reinforcing progress towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous society in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. The total value of the PEACE PLUS programme will be €1.145bn. The Department, along with the Department for the Economy in NI, has been designated as an Accounting Department for one of the key investment areas under this heading, which focusses on up/ re-skilling for persons in the programme area i.e. Northern Ireland and the 6 border counties. A total of €50 million has be set aside for this proposal, over the lifetime of the programme.
Further Education and Training
Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy: In January 2022 I announced that €3 million will be allocated for the implementation of the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy. This investment made it possible to build the resources needed to meet the adult literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy goals, such as the recruitment of regional literacy coordinators. An additional €2 million was allocated in Budget 2023 to support the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy.
Apprenticeship: My Department introduced the National Apprenticeship Alliance (NAA) in March 2022. The NAA has an advisory role in the development of the apprenticeship system and is entrusted with monitoring and approving the growth of new apprenticeships over the next years.
In April 2022, I launched a new gender-based bursary for apprenticeship employers. This bursary covers all new apprentice registrations from that date on the eligible programmes. The bursary, which is worth €2,666, is available to employers who employ apprentices on any national apprenticeship programme in which there is more than 80% representation of a single gender.
Employers who hire apprentices on post-2016 programmes now qualify for a new award of €2,000. This removes a significant barrier to employer involvement in apprenticeship by providing financial support to all apprentice employers for the first time. Budget 2023 included €400,000 for the Access to Apprenticeship initiative's expansion and the creation of an apprenticeship bursary for underrepresented groups.
The ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025’ sets out a five-year strategy to deliver on the Programme for Government commitment to reach 10,000 new apprentice registrations per year by 2025. In 2022, there were 8,286 registrations, an indication that the addition of FET options to the CAO in 2021, meaning the full range of options was visible to school leavers for the first time, had a positive impact.
Ukraine: 2022 saw large numbers of displaced students coming from Ukraine to Ireland. My Department has worked tirelessly to facilitate these students to pursue Higher Education in Ireland. The majority of Irish students who lived in Ukraine were studying medicine or dentistry. The Irish Universities Association (IUA) has put in place a working group to allow Irish students returning from Ukraine to continue their education and integrate into the relevant programme at the correct level. My Department has also introduced Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses for Ukrainian people to allow them to progress their education and skills while in Ireland. This will greatly benefit Ukrainian people gaining Temporary Protection in Ireland.
Further Education: Following on from the findings of a review conducted by an independent expert panel, I announced plans to switch to an outcome-based funding model for further education and training (FET) in July. This will allow for a simplified approach to funding education and training boards (ETBs), while new funding models will allow more flexible spending and learner-driven education. There is now also the '5-pot' structure which provides students with more autonomy and flexibility.
In August 2022, my Department announced 13 projects to be funded around the country under the Further Education and Training Strategic Infrastructure investment Fund. SOLAS and the HEA have been allocated a total of €17.2m in additional capital investment which will allow for the development of further training capacity, including the development of two large training hubs dedicated to electrical training for the next three years; expansion of electrical, plumbing and carpentry programmes across further and higher education; the construction of electrical workshops at Kilkenny and Carlow ETB and the development of a training facility in Donegal, along with the expansion of electrical apprenticeships in ATU Donegal and MTU Kerry.
Research and Innovation
Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy: In May 2022, the Government approved Impact 2030. The main purpose of this national strategy is to guarantee that Ireland's investment in research and innovation has the greatest impact on the broadest range of people as possible.
Innovate for Ireland: In July last, I, along with Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced Innovate for Ireland, an ambitious partnership between industry and government. The State will invest several million euros over a number of years, subject to matching funds from private investors, to attract and keep research talent. The Innovate for Ireland initiative's initial phase aims to draw up to 400 PhD students of the highest calibre to Ireland to conduct research on important national and international issues like climate change and adaptation, global health and pandemics, water scarcity, the digital society, and cyber-security.
Other Research Projects: The past year has also seen strong investments in Ireland’s research landscape, such as undertaking preliminary work on the new Research Bill, for which the General Scheme has been published, progressing Irish projects under EuroHPC and creating the National Grand Challenges Programme, to name but a few.
459. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total advertising budget allocated by his Department and agencies in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2023, respectively; the funding provided directly to RTÉ in each year; if he has sought and secured an assurance that none of this funding was rebated via the RTÉ advertising barter account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32009/23]
View answerThe Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science was formed in August 2020.
Please see table 1.1 below which outlines the amount spent by my Department on advertising in each year since its formation.
Table 1.1 - spend on advertising 2021-year to date 2023
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 Year to date |
|
€102,369 |
€129,774 |
€47,730 |
In those years, my Department has not provided funding directly to RTÉ. However, RTÉ has received €37,563 indirectly from my Department in the form of advertising space procured through a media buying agency as outlined in table 1.2 below:
Table 1.2 - spend to RTÉ through media buying agency
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 Year to date |
|
€11,244 |
€12,947 |
€13,372 |
The information in respect of state bodies is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with this query.
|
Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
||
|
Name of Body |
Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireacthas |
Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members |
|
Higher Education Authority |
Oireachtas@hea.ie |
Padraic Mellett* |
|
Irish Research Council( Note 1) |
Oireachtas@research.ie |
Padraic Mellett* |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
Communications@ggda.ie |
nora.rahill@ggda.ie |
|
SOLAS |
oireachtasinfo@solas.ie |
Maria Walsh maria.walshe@solas.ie |
|
Skillnets Ltd |
oireachtas@skillnets.com |
t.donnery@skillnets.com |
|
Quality and Qualifications Ireland |
ceo@qqi.ie |
ceo@qqi.ie |
|
Léargas – The Exchange Bureau |
oireachtas@leargas.ie |
fbroughan@leargas.ie |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
ciara.cotter@sfi.ie |
Ciara Cotter |
Note 1 – In regard to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Irish Research Council (IRC) as the IRC operates under the auspices of the HEA. Mr Mellett will address Oireachtas queries for both the HEA and IRC. Please use Oireachtas@hea.ie and Oireachtas@research.ie respectively to contact Mr Mellett.
460. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cén dul chun cinn atá déanta ó 2020 maidir le forbairt na céibhe sa gChaladh Mór, in Inis Meáin; an bhfuil cead iarrtha ag an gComhairle Contae ar an Roinn le comhairleoirí a cheapadh le cabhrú leo staidéar féidearthachta a chur le chéile; má tá, cén uair a thabharfar an cead sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [31831/23]
View answerMar is eol don Teachta, is iad Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe atá freagrach as obair chothabhála agus forbartha ar na hOileáin Árainn. Bíonn cruinnithe rialta idir oifigigh ó mo Roinn agus Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe chun plé a dhéanamh ar an dul chun cinn i bhforbairt na gcéanna ar na hoileáin, an Caladh Mór ar Inis Meáin san áireamh. Reáchtáladh an cruinniú is deireanaí ar an 27ú Meitheamh.
Tá straitéis meastachán agus cás gnó dhá ullmhú ag Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe de réir an Cód Caiteachais Phoiblí. Beidh sé seo bunaithe ar thorthaí ón ionsamhlúchán digiteach a rinne an NMCI agus na staidéir mara agus comhshaoil atá déanta i mbéal an chuan mar aon leis na roghanna forbartha éagsúla.
Cuirfear an cás gnó agus straitéis meastachán faoi bhráid na Roinne nuair atá sé curtha i gcrích ag Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe, agus déanfar athbhreithniú air ag an tráth sin de réir an Cód Caiteachais Phoiblí.
461. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount paid out to all consultancy firms for any services rendered; and the cost per contract for the year-to-date 2023, in tabular form. [31695/23]
View answerThe total expenditure paid to consultancy firms by my Department in 2023 to date is €235,235 and details are set out below.
|
Consultant |
Consultancy Description |
Paid in 2023 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Staff training programme |
€65,472 |
|
Crowe Ireland |
Civic Forum Technical Support |
€14,311.05 |
|
Crowe Ireland |
Facilitation of a round table discussion with DRCD and Volunteer Centres |
€5,842.50 |
|
Alice PR & Events |
PPN communications & public awareness campaign |
€65,032.83 |
|
The Wheel |
PPN advisory supports contract |
€19,947.63 |
|
Greenville Procurement Partners |
Provision of procurement strategy, advice and support for SICAP 2024-2028 |
€5,684.45 |
|
Mason Hayes Curran |
Provision of legal advice regarding SICAP 2024-2028 |
€14,999.85 |
|
Amárach Research |
To conduct a Baseline Data Gathering Exercise of Social Enterprise in Ireland (Commenced 2022). |
€20,390 |
|
KPMG |
External review and broad national stakeholder consultation regarding SICAP 2018-2023 |
€23,554.50 |
