Written Answers Nos. 877-892
877. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is it intended to continue with the William C. Campbell bursary (details supplied) following its introduction in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34047/23]
View answerPrior to the establishment of DFHERIS and the transfer of functions from DES to DFHERIS, the then Department of Education and Skills annually awarded a number of bursaries to Leaving Certificate students who were progressing to higher education. The bursary schemes that were in operation since 2012, targeted students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and these included the The William C. Campbell Bursary. One student is currently in receipt of this bursary and will continue to receive it until their studies are completed.
Prospective beneficiaries of the Department administered bursary schemes were required to be first time Leaving Certificate students and from a DEIS school (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools). Students who were awarded Department of Education and Skills bursaries also qualify for SUSI grants.
The changes brought about by the calculated grades process and the establishment of a new Department for Further and Higher Education in 2020 created an opportunity to review and re-orientate the various bursary schemes to ensure that they are supporting the most disadvantaged students, such as those belonging to the target groups under the National Access Plan (NAP) and are more reflective of the diverse nature of first time applicants to higher education. Therefore, effective from 2021, all students who were in receipt of a third level bursary continued to receive their bursary for the duration of their course. There were no new third level bursary recipients from that point onwards.
The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) was established in 2016 and one of its strands, Strand 2, allocated bursaries known as the 1916 Bursary to 200 students identified by their HEIs as being the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the NAP. In 2021 we moved to expand on the PATH 2 bursary scheme and in 2022/23 academic year the following were allocated:-
• 253 Tier 1 bursaries worth €5,000 per annum
• 120 Tier 2 bursaries worth €2,000 per annum
• A number of once-off bursaries (Tier 3) worth €1,500 payable for the 2022/23 academic year only
Details of the bursary can be found on www.1916bursary.ie and www.studentfinance.ie.
878. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students expected to enrol in Cork universities in September 2023. [34078/23]
View answerMy Department does not currently produce specific projections regarding third level enrolments, by county or by Higher Education Institution. Work is ongoing on an updated set of enrolment projections for higher education, which will assist in capacity-building programme of work across all disciplines with skills shortages. Further information regarding projections for higher education enrolment is available here:
gov.ie - Projections (www.gov.ie)
Data sourced from the HEA website details undergraduate new entrants to University College Cork and Munster Technological University for the last five academic years available, is outlined in the table below.
|
Institute |
2017/2018 |
2018/2019 |
2019/2020 |
2020/2021 |
2021/2022 |
|
Munster Technological University |
2,795 |
2,490 |
2,640 |
2,875 |
2,820 |
|
University College Cork |
3,575 |
3,610 |
3,700 |
3,895 |
3,840 |
|
Grand Total |
6,370 |
6,100 |
6,340 |
6,770 |
6,660 |
880. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department or any agency under the aegis of his Department operates a ‘barter account’ for the provision of goods or services; if so, if payments have been directed to be made to a barter account during the period 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34149/23]
View answerI can advise the Deputy that neither my Department nor any agency under its aegis operates a 'barter account' for the provision of goods or services.
881. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students enrolled in Level 5 pre-nursing courses in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34226/23]
View answerSOLAS has provided details of the enrolments on level 5 pre-nursing courses for the academic years 2021-22 and 2022-23 as set out in the following table:
Student Enrolment in level 5 Pre-nursing Courses
|
Provider |
2021-22 Enrolments |
2022-23 Enrolments |
|
Cavan and Monaghan ETB |
89 |
61 |
|
City of Dublin ETB |
377 |
296 |
|
Cork ETB |
147 |
131 |
|
Donegal ETB |
11 |
6 |
|
Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB |
152 |
147 |
|
Galway and Roscommon ETB |
116 |
100 |
|
Kerry ETB |
59 |
59 |
|
Kildare and Wicklow ETB |
51 |
56 |
|
Kilkenny and Carlow ETB |
66 |
34 |
|
Laois and Offaly ETB |
50 |
49 |
|
Limerick Clare ETB |
154 |
128 |
|
Longford and Westmeath ETB |
17 |
12 |
|
Louth and Meath ETB |
204 |
180 |
|
Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB |
80 |
80 |
|
Tipperary ETB |
42 |
36 |
|
Waterford and Wexford ETB |
90 |
64 |
|
VSCSS Providers |
89 |
68 |
|
Total |
1,794 |
1,507 |
882. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a course (details supplied) is deemed suitable for a grant under SUSI but not the free fees scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34304/23]
View answerThe respective Student Grant Scheme and the Free Fees Initiative (FFI) are separate schemes operated in line with their respective operating parameters. It is important to note that the inclusion of a course under reference for the student grant scheme does not give rise to approval for funding under the FFI or other funding initiatives such as Springboard+.
In relation to the Student Grant Scheme, under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding. The process for determining the inclusion of an institution or course of study under the student grant scheme is operated in accordance with the provisions of the relevant primary legislation, namely the Student Support Act 2011. The college to which the Deputy refers is an approved institution under Section 7 (1)(F) of the Student Support Act 2011 and all courses in that institution, which meet the conditions of an approved course, are deemed approved courses for student grant purposes.
Through the FFI the State has assumed responsibility for compensating institutions for the income previously generated by student tuition fees payable by FFI eligible students exclusive of the student contribution. Free Fees Initiative (FFI) eligibility is restricted to full-time undergraduate courses in public higher education institutions (HEIs), as well as a limited number of designated courses in private not for profit institutions. In general, the extension of Free Fees funding to additional courses in private institutions only applies where a specific teaching and learning need has been identified by the Department, another Department or the HEA. It is open to private institutions, like the college in question, to offer additional undergraduate courses outside those approved for free fees.
With respect to the Deputy’s specific question, I can confirm that the college in question applied to my Department to have additional undergraduate courses, including the course under reference, approved for funding through the FFI. While the request was not submitted in response to a Department or HEA call for provision, my Department agreed to consider the request in its own merits with regard to; skills needs and existing provision in the public higher education system; cost to the Exchequer; and the current funding and policy reform context.
In May my Department wrote to the college to inform it that the FFI would not be extended at this time to additional courses. The college was also advised that its separate request for an increase in the current limit of full-time undergraduate places funded under the Free Fees Initiative had been approved. The increased limit will apply for the next academic year (2023/24).
It remains open to the college to apply for funding through competitive call processes such as Springboard+ or other HEA calls for expression of interest to provide courses in response to national skill needs.
883. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a full list of the projects/schemes a full list of the individual projects funded under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund spend of €37.3 million by his Department; the amount of funding allocated in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34370/23]
View answerThe information that the Deputy is seeking is not readily available. I am currently collecting and collating the data required and will come back to the Deputy as soon as possible.
884. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the CLÁR measure 1 funding for community facilities and amenities will be announced. [33460/23]
View answerThe CLÁR Programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. Since the Programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures.
The CLÁR 2022 Programme awarded a record €12.2 million with 292 projects supported.
I launched the 2023 Programme in March this year and the measures to be funded are:
• Developing Community Facilities and Amenities (Measure 1)
• Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport (Measure 2)
• ‘Our Islands’ (Measure 3)
Some 330 applications have been received across all the measures with total funding requested of in excess of €14 million.
The assessment process is now underway and I expect to be in a position to make a decision on the Measure 2 projects in the coming weeks and on the Measure 1 and 3 projects in September.
885. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if support will be provided to an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33514/23]
View answerMy Department provides a range of supports which are available to Men's Sheds, depending on the works being completed.
Last November, I was delighted to announce funding of €800,000 to support Men’s Sheds throughout the country with running costs, such as electricity and insurance bills. The individual grants were distributed to the Men’s Sheds via its representative body, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA).
Separately, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) has provided supports to 275 Men’s Sheds since 2018, with small grants totalling over €191,000 awarded to 117 Men’s Sheds. This support is still available through SICAP.
My Department also funded the Irish Men’s Sheds Association under the COVID-19 Stability Funding in 2020. They distributed €70,424 equally among their member sheds to support the organisations to continue to deliver services despite the challenges brought by COVID-19.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current iteration commenced on 1 July 2022 and will operate until 30 June 2025. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association has been allocated total funding of €243,158 over the three year period of the scheme.
And finally, Men's Sheds were eligible to apply for funding under the Community Support Fund (CSF) that was announced last November under the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). The €10 million CSF was set up to help small community groups with their energy/running costs but also to provide funding for small capital works projects. The CSF is now closed and details of successful Men’s Sheds is available at www.gov.ie/DRCD. Since 2018, over €2 million in funding was allocated to Men’s Sheds under the CEP.
While there is likely to be a new iteration of the CEP in late 2023, the exact scope is yet to be determined. Groups are encouraged to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
886. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide the names and contact information of all special advisers to Ministers and Ministers of State within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33589/23]
View answerThe appointment of special advisers is made in line with the provisions of Section 11 of the Public Services Management Act, 1997 and subject to the Government approval.
The special advisers employed in the Department of Rural and Community Development are outlined below:
Minister Special Adviser Name
Minister Heather Humphreys Niall O’Connor
Email: Niall.O'Connor@drcd.gov.ie
Minister of State Joe O'Brien Anne-Marie McNally
Email: Anne-Marie.McNally@drcd.gov.ie.
887. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will ringfence dedicated funding for the establishment of an annual Men's Shed sustainability grant, in light of the essential role such sheds play in promoting health and providing social support within our communities (estimated cost €3,000 per shed); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33654/23]
View answer888. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will give due consideration to the provision of a grant directly payable to the Men's Sheds Association to enable them to best target individual sheds which are in danger of closure (estimated cost €250,000 per annum); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33655/23]
View answer889. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will set aside dedicated funding for the provision of a 'once off grant' for each newly established Men's Shed, in light of the essential role such groups play in promoting health and providing social support within our communities (€10,000 per shed), such a grant would ensure that sheds would have the funds to 'get off the ground'; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33656/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 887 to 889, inclusive, together.
My Department provides a range of supports which are available to Men's Sheds, depending on the works being completed.
Last November, I was delighted to announce funding of €800,000 to support Men’s Sheds throughout the country with running costs, such as electricity and insurance bills. The individual grants were distributed to the Men’s Sheds via its representative body, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA).
Separately, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) has provided supports to 275 Men’s Sheds since 2018, with small grants totalling over €191,000 awarded to 117 Men’s Sheds. This support is still available through SICAP.
My Department also funded the Irish Men’s Sheds Association under the COVID-19 Stability Funding in 2020. They distributed €70,424 equally among their member sheds to support the organisations to continue to deliver services despite the challenges brought by COVID-19.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current iteration commenced on 1 July 2022 and will operate until 30 June 2025. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association has been allocated total funding of €243,158 over the three year period of the scheme.
And finally, Men's Sheds were eligible to apply for funding under the Community Support Fund (CSF) that was announced last November under the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). The €10 million CSF was set up to help small community groups with their energy/running costs but also to provide funding for small capital works projects. The CSF is now closed and details of successful Men’s Sheds is available at www.gov.ie/DRCD. Since 2018, over €2 million in funding was allocated to Men’s Sheds under the CEP.
While there is likely to be a new iteration of the CEP in late 2023, the exact scope is yet to be determined. Groups are encouraged to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
890. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will engage with the relevant authorities for the purposes of conducting an audit of all unused properties in their ownership which may be suitable for use as a Men's Shed, considering the essential role such sheds play in promoting health and providing social support within our communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33659/23]
View answerA key aim of my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), in line with Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy, is addressing vacancy and dereliction and bringing buildings back into use as multipurpose community spaces, including for such use as Men’s Sheds.
The 2022 scheme prioritised projects that brought buildings back into use, both under the main scheme through refurbishment and renovation, and also through the Building Acquisition Measure which allowed local authorities to buy vacant and derelict buildings to be brought back into community use.
The 2023 TVRS is currently under development and I hope to be in a position to announce the scheme very shortly. The 2023 scheme will continue to prioritise addressing vacancy and dereliction in line with the aims of the Town Centre First policy.
My Department also provides a range of supports which are available to Men's Sheds, depending on the works being completed.
Last November, I was delighted to announce funding of €800,000 to support Men’s Sheds throughout the country with running costs such as electricity and insurance bills. The individual grants were distributed to the Men’s Sheds via its representative body, the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA).
Men's Sheds were eligible to apply for funding under the Community Support Fund (CSF) that was announced last November under the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). The €10 million CSF was set up to help small community groups with their energy/running costs but also to provide funding for small capital works projects. The CSF is now closed and details of successful Men’s Sheds is available at www.gov.ie/DRCD. Since 2018, over €2 million in funding was allocated to Men’s Sheds under the CEP.
While there is likely to be a new iteration of the CEP in late 2023, the exact scope is yet to be determined. Groups are encouraged to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
891. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will sponsor a national awareness campaign for the purpose of increasing social inclusion for younger men and refugees, considering the essential role such groups play in promoting health and providing social support within our communities, such a campaign would further ensure sustainability and succession planning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33660/23]
View answerMy Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), overseen by my Department, is our country’s primary social inclusion programme which aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals.
SICAP is managed at a local level by 33 Local Community Development Committees, with support from local authorities. It is implemented nationally by 46 Local Development Companies across 51 Geographical areas (Lots).
SICAP has 2 programme goals. Goal one is supporting communities, which involves supporting local community groups representing disadvantaged communities and target groups so that they can work towards solving social exclusion issues that affect them. Goal two involves supporting individuals who have been identified as being in need to improve their life chances. This can be through lifelong learning and training, getting labour market supports to improve work readiness, or working with people in broader and more holistic ways so that they can improve their quality of life and general well-being.
SICAP’s objectives have a strong focus on at-risk groups such as Disadvantaged Young People & New Communities. There are three sub-categories within this target group: refugees, asylum seekers and migrants experiencing socio-economic disadvantage .
SICAP delivers targeted supports to Local Community Groups that represent and work with Disadvantaged Young People and members of New Communities. The programme also promotes collaborative work amongst agencies to address social exclusion issues and organises information and support events that target Disadvantaged Young People and members of New Communities across the country.
892. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total amount of funding allocated to respective local authorities for all rural schemes provided by her Department, including town and village renewal scheme, CLÁR, LEADER, LIS, outdoor recreation and rural regeneration since the formation of this Government by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33696/23]
View answerDetails requested by the Deputy, regarding funding provided by my Department for rural schemes, since the formation of this Government, are outlined in the attached tables.
Details include a breakdown of funding allocated to respective local authorities, for years 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (to date) in respect of the following rural schemes-
• CLÁR
• LEADER
• Local Improvement Scheme
• Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
• Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
• Town and Village Renewal
