Written Answers Nos. 90-104
90. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has engaged with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in regard to the need for regulation of digs-style accommodation arrangements. [45584/23]
View answerAll higher education institutions, continue to support their students to find accommodation in the private rental sector through, for example, the encouragement of room rental or ‘student digs’ in family homes. This summer I supported an advertising campaign which ran on radio, social media and national press. Central to the messaging is the ability to avail of tax relief under the rent-a-room scheme, which allows homeowners to receive up to €14,000 a year tax-free. The number of beds offered through digs in July was 1,225. This increased by over a thousand to 2,315 as of the 13th of October, including 410 rooms in Cork. This is in addition to the beds which have been secured by our students for the commencement of the academic year.
However I am very conscious of the need to safeguard our students in digs accommodations, noting that RTB tenancy protections are not applicable to this accommodation provision. My officials have been engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Department of Finance on the legal framework for this scheme. As an interim support, I published a Voluntary Regulatory Framework and sample licence agreement on the 21st of September. The guidance aims to highlight to homeowners and students the key issues to consider when entering into the scheme.
This year as an outcome of the ongoing engagement, Government has approved an extension of the rent-a-room relief scheme to disregard income earned up to €14,000 when determining medical card eligibility and SUSI eligibility. In addition, work is ongoing with the Department of Housing to allow local authority tenants to access the scheme.
91. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on his efforts to increase the number of graduate dentists into the health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45693/23]
View answerMy Department is strongly committed to supporting the health of the population through the provision of graduates with the key competencies and skills to be effective in the health workforce, and support a range of clinical teams in our health services.
My officials are actively engaging with the Department of Health on determining the longer term skills needs of the healthcare services, and the role which the further and higher education sector can play in meeting those skills needs. I understand that the Department of Health is commencing work on a workforce skills assessment scoping project across the oral healthcare sector.
There is no quota placed on dental courses by my Department, and therefore the places offered are a matter for the higher education institutions, in line with their autonomy. However due to the high level of practical work involved there can be material constraints on the number of students that can be accepted onto dentistry courses.
For this reason, the Higher Education Authority undertook an Expressions of Interest process to identify options for developing substantial medium term additional capacity in a range of priority healthcare disciplines including Dentistry. In June the Minister for Health and I announced details of the potential options identified under this process. I continue to engage closely on this matter with Government colleagues to advance the process with investment to be considered in the context of an expected upcoming review of Departmental National Development Plan allocations.
92. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the status and timeframe for a centre of excellence for electric vehicle management in Mullingar. [45800/23]
View answerThe expansion of Ireland’s electric vehicle fleet is a key objective in the Climate Action Plan 2023. We have an ambitious target of 30% of our private car fleet having made the switch to electric vehicles by 2030. This development will result in significant new skills requirements. The Expert Group for Future Skills Needs has estimated that the electrification of our private car fleet will create increased demand for EV technicians in particular as we approach the achievement of the 2030 objective.
We are acting quickly to address these requirements. Longford Westmeath ETB have committed to the establishment of an Electric Mobility Capability Centre in Mullingar. As the Deputy is aware, LWETB have a long history of delivering quality education provision and apprenticeship programmes in the midlands region, with a particular focus on skilled craft training in motor mechanics. As such they are a key partner in leading on the requirement for EV technicians.
Longford Westmeath ETB have now submitted to SOLAS a proposal for the development of an Electric Mobility Capability Centre in Mullingar. The proposal provides for a staged approach to development, beginning with the establishment of an eMobility project office within LWETB to drive development of the capability centre itself. Just last week, SOLAS submitted recommendations based on this business case to my Department. These recommendations are now under consideration by my Department.
On that basis, I expect to make an announcement regarding the Centre and its future development in Mullingar early next month which will be an important milestone on our climate action journey.
93. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta an bhfuil sé i gceist aige straitéis a fhorbairt, nó an cás reatha a fhiosrú, maidir le soláthar cúrsaí tríú leibhéal trí mheán na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [45593/23]
View answerTá ról ríthábhachtach ag an gcóras ardoideachais i gcur chun cinn na Gaeilge, le raon leathan cúrsaí ar fáil trí Ghaeilge.
Léiríonn staitisticí tuairisceáin an HEA don bhliain acadúil seo caite 97 cúrsa a thairgeann Gaeilge mar mhórábhar nó mar mhionábhar, lena n-áirítear iad siúd a mhúintear trí mheán na Gaeilge, le 2,140 cláraithe. Go deimhin, b’fhéidir nach gcuimsítear an soláthar seo ar fad.
Chuir mé forálacha sonracha san áireamh san Acht an Údaráis um Ard-Oideachas le déanaí mar aitheantas ar phríomhról an chórais i leith na Gaeilge. Mar institiúidí uathrialacha a bhfuil saoirse acadúil acu, tá gach Institiúid Ardoideachais freagrach as a straitéis Ghaeilge, lena n-áirítear leathnú agus teagasc na gclár trí Ghaeilge laistigh den chomhthéacs reachtúil iomlán seo.
Cuirtear tacaíocht ar leith ar fáil tríd an HEA chun cur le forbairt na gaelscolaíochta in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, atá comhchistithe ag an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán.
Ina theannta sin, tá sé mar aidhm ag an Tionscnamh Ardscileanna Gaeilge, atá maoinithe ag an Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán, a chinntiú go mbíonn fáil ar dhaoine cáilithe le scileanna Gaeilge chun freastal ar riachtanais earcaíochta in Éirinn agus san AE. Faoin scéim seo, cuirtear maoiniú ar fáil do raon sainchúrsaí Gaeilge tríú leibhéal i réimsí ar nós an aistriúcháin, ateangaireachta agus dlí.
Ina theannta sin, d’oibrigh an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas le hAontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn chun úsáid na Gaeilge in Institiúidí Ardoideachais a chur chun cinn agus a mhéadú. Tá maoiniú de €150,000 ar feadh tréimhse trí bliana tacaithe aige seo.
I mBreisoideachas agus Oiliúint, breithníonn gach Bord Oideachais agus Oiliúna na tacaíochtaí atá ag teastáil do cheantair Ghaeltachta, agus cén soláthar trí Ghaeilge atá oiriúnach don riachtanas áitiúil. Cuirtear cúrsaí Gaeilge ar fáil go príomha i réimsí oideachas pobail agus litearthacht aosach. Tá BOOanna freagrach as a soláthar a struchtúrú i dtéarmaí éileamh agus riachtanas foghlaimeoirí, de réir tosaíochtaí scileanna áitiúla agus náisiúnta.
94. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason why the optimum target of €25,000 for the PhD stipend as recommended by the first report of the National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers, was not implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45541/23]
View answerSince the establishment of this Department, we have made a number of changes to help PhD researchers. The first was to increase the Irish Research Council stipend to match that of Science Foundation Ireland. Then, in Budget 2023, I was pleased to be able to increase the stipend to €19,000 for 2023 for PhD students currently supported by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council.
In this Budget, we have made significant and substantial change. I have secured funding to increase the PhD stipend provided by the competitive funding agencies under my Department – Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council to €22,000 per student per annum for their approximately 3,000 stipend awardees. This is an increase of approximately 16% and is more than our nearest neighbour in the United Kingdom.
It is important to clarify the independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers, recommended an increase towards an optimum stipend level of €25,000, but it also said this was subject to funding availability and cognisant of the impact of any stipend change on public finances. It recommended an increase take place no later than January 2024 and that has now happened.
I have always said this was Step One. We will continue to work with colleagues across Government to make further changes for PhD researchers.
95. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is a timeline for the publication of the final review report on supports for PhD researchers in Ireland that deals with the status of a PhD researcher and classification as either a student or an employee. [45539/23]
View answerIn November 2022, I appointed Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney to undertake an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers. This reflects the objective, under the dedicated Talent Pillar of Impact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy, for a consistent research student experience across funders, institutions and research disciplines. The Review Terms of Reference comprised examination of: Current financial supports for PhD researchers, The adequacy, consistency and equity of current arrangements, The status of PhD researchers (employee/ student) including a review of international comparators, Impact on the funding of research programmes of any adjustments to current supports, Graduate outcomes, including return on investment, Visa requirements and duration for non-EU students. The Co-Chairs’ first review report was published on 26 June 2023 and is available on www.gov.ie. The following element of the terms of reference required further analysis prior to recommendations being made due to its particular complexity. This includes the status of a PhD researcher, i.e. classification as either a student or an employee The Co-Chairs have now submitted their final review report and this is currently being considered by my officials, alongside a response from the Department. An 18-month work programme to implement appropriate recommendations is also under development. Consultation with other relevant Departments will be required.
96. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has any input into the types of questions posed by “Student Survey”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44896/23]
View answerI firmly believe that learners should be enabled to flourish, personally and professionally, during their studies and afterwards. Achievement of this vision requires hearing from learners themselves, a need first set out in the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 which recommended that institutions establish student feedback mechanisms.
The Student Survey collects information directly from students, through an annual undergraduate, taught postgraduate and, since 2019, a biennial research postgraduate survey. It provides valuable insight into how students experience higher education and how institutions support students in their learning journey.
The results of the survey are available to the individual institutions to provide direct feedback on student experience within and across the institution. At a national level, data are collated to provide key insights on student experience to inform decision making.
The survey is managed as a collaborative partnership between HEA, IUA, THEA and the Union of Students in Ireland, with significant input from institutions and students representatives. My Department does not sit on the project Steering Group, however it works closely with relevant aegis bodies - who are members – to ensure that the survey will continue to develop and contribute to the evidence base for broader tertiary policy.
A robust review process has been established with the last review of questions in 2021. A strategic reflection on both surveys is currently being finalised, marking 10 years since the first survey in 2013. The results of this reflection are expected to be published in November 2023.
97. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will commit to funding purpose built affordable accommodation for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45795/23]
View answerI am actively prioritising the supply and affordability of student accommodation, in recognition of the challenges our students are facing. Through “Housing for All”, the Government has approved development of policy and funding to increase the supply of student accommodation.
I have to date secured Government approval of up to €61m in funding to unlock the development of up to 1,000 additional student accommodation beds in partnership with our University sector. These projects which are being progressed under my Department’s Short Term Activation Plan, are developments that had planning permission but had stalled as a result of increased construction and financing costs.
My Officials are examining similar proposals with planning permission with UCD and TCD. Subject to approval, I will be seeking Government support in the coming weeks to progress these additional projects through the NDP review process.
Government approved investment of €1m in 2023/2024 to assist our TUs to undertake a needs assessment for student accommodation in key regional areas. Department officials and the HEA have been extensively engaging with the sector to progress this study. The HEA is currently finalising the first report of this study, which is a supply and demand analysis of student accommodation across each region. This report will inform long term policy development for state supported student accommodation for the TU sector.
The output of this study will inform the development of the long term student accommodation policy which I plan to bring to Government before the end of the year. The policy is expected to provide for a range of measures to address student accommodation challenges, including purpose-built student accommodation along with other measures such as the promotion of digs accommodation and identification of suitable refurbishment projects.
For this academic year there are an additional 938 beds in our Universities with 255 of these opened in UCC. In addition, over 700 privately funded beds are due for completion in Cork this Autumn. There are also 410 digs rooms available in Cork as of the 13th October.
98. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the total allocation of capital grants (devolved capital grant and the further education capital grants) to the Cork Education and Training Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45550/23]
View answerThe National Development Plan (NDP) published in 2021 provided clarity on Departmental capital ceilings for the period 2022 – 2025. A dedicated capital envelope was established for the Further Education and Training (FET) sector, amounting to €300m over the decade 2018-2027. Available funding has increased from €5.5 million in 2018 to €17.5 million in 2020 and a planned investment of €59.5 million in 2023.
Funding for FET capital works is distributed to the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) under a number of funding streams via established application processes, new programme calls announced in 2022 and through devolved funding programmes.
FET funding includes the Emergency Health and Safety Works Grant, to address emergency, health and safety works; the Devolved Capital Allocation which allows ETBs to address a range of small-scale projects at a local level and the Apprenticeship Fund with capital investment primarily for extensive equipment requirement for craft apprenticeships, to delivery off-the-job training in ETB training centres.
Regarding the FET Capital Grant I wish to advise the Deputy that the Cork Education and Training Board has received just over €1.5 million to date from the 2023 FET capital allocation.
99. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in light of his recent announcement to increase the stipend for SFI and IRC PhD Researchers if he will now commit to a minimum national stipend for all PhD Researchers, regardless of their current funding source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45685/23]
View answer106. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the justification for only raising PhD stipends to a meagre €22,000 per annum, when an independent national review of State support for PhD researchers last May recommended a figure of €25,000 per annum. [45748/23]
View answer111. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will make a commitment that other PhDs directly reliant on government funding outside of IRC or SFI will receive an increase in their PhD stipend. [45542/23]
View answer145. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will increase HEI block grants to facilitate an increase in university awarded PhD stipends in line with the stipends awarded through the Science Foundation of Ireland and the Irish Research Council. [45583/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 106, 111 and 145 together.
In November 2022, I commissioned an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers; the first time that this issue has been considered holistically in this manner.
In their first report, published in June, the Co-Chairs recommended an increase towards an optimum stipend level of €25,000, subject to funding availability and cognisant of the impact of any stipend change on public finances.
Under Budget 2024, I have secured funding to increase the PhD stipend provided by the competitive funding agencies under my Department – Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council to €22,000 per student per annum for their approximately 3,000 stipend awardees. This is an increase of approximately 16%. This builds on the increase that I secured in Budget 2023 and demonstrates strong and substantial progress on this issue.
There are approximately 2,000 PhD students who receive institutional scholarships of varying levels from their host higher education institution. These are financed primarily from the core funding provided to each institution by the Higher Education Authority. Under Budget 2024, I have secured an additional €60m in core funding for the higher education sector, in line with the Funding the Future policy, again building on the increase that I secured under Budget 2023. In keeping with institutional autonomy, the use of each institution's core funding allocation is at its discretion.
For those PhD students in receipt of stipends from funders outside my Department (estimated to be in the region of up to 1,000), the level of stipend awarded is at the discretion of each funder.
100. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for the up-to-date position on a new building for an adult education centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45706/23]
View answerIn February 2022, my Department launched the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund (SIUF), to support smaller-scale investments in existing FET infrastructure, ensuring that works are progressed within the context of an overall strategic plan for the building and aligned with FET College of the Future principles. ETBs were invited to submit up to two priority proposals under the scheme. Cork ETB submitted an application under the SIUF programme call relating to the purchase of a new site for a bespoke purpose-built Youthreach facility in Macroom. The SIUF Evaluation Panel agreed that the proposal fell outside the remit of the SIUF programme call and therefore it could not be progressed under this process. The ETB is working with Macroom on a solution but these discussions are ongoing. CETB's other SIUF proposal is proceeding to planning and design at present. This concerned a proposal for the development of a new facility on the existing Mallow College of Further Education.
101. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the supports available to graduate entry medicine students, and to clarify if he will extend existing supports to graduate entry medicine students. [45540/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may know, this is something my Department has been examining over a number of years and we have taken a number of steps to respond to the cost of Graduate Entry Medicine.
For example, the State subsidy to Higher Education Institutions towards the cost of provision for EU student places has increased. In the academic year 21/22, the state contribution was €11,950 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student. Budget 2023 and Budget 2024 saw a significant increase in the amount the State pays for medicine places, including graduate entry. The State contribution towards graduate entry places will be increased in phases so that by 2026, all graduate entry places will be funded by the state to the value of €14,500.
In addition, we have introduced a new system where bursaries that are provided to the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan can be retained throughout their GEM programme.
We have also worked with the Irish medical schools to increase the number of places available for EU students by 200 over the next five years. The agreement reached began with an additional 60 EU students in September 2022, climbing to 120 in September 2023, and up to 200 by 2026. The agreement included additional GEM places. This marks a significant expansion in the number of places available to students.
I want to reassure the Deputy that it is my priority to continue to try and make improvements for all students, including GEM students.
102. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 30 March 2023, if he will provide an update on the position regarding Ireland's application to join the CERN programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45803/23]
View answerIn November last year, I indicated in Dáil Éireann that my Department will prepare a proposal for Government to consider joining CERN. Since then, Officials from my Department have been working with CERN to prepare an application for Ireland's associate membership of CERN. I have significant progress to announce as last week funding for CERN associate membership was included in my Department's budget for 2024 and I will now bring a proposal to Cabinet regarding the next steps.
Central to the application process the Department, in collaboration with national stakeholders, has undertaken preparation of the country file required to make a formal application to CERN. This file establishes Ireland's compliance with the criteria for membership. It is envisaged that a formal proposal will then be put to CERN Council for vote at the end of 2023 allowing for time for the formal application to be complied.
In the event of a positive vote, CERN will establish a fact-finding taskforce to examine the application and to visit and engage with the relevant stakeholders in Ireland. The taskforce will submit a report on Ireland's suitability for associate membership to the Director-General and the President of the CERN Council.
Allowing some months for the taskforce process, it is envisaged that the council could make a further vote in mid-2024 on whether to admit Ireland as an associate member. Admission to CERN must be by consensus. An agreement will be brought to Dáil Éireann for ratification, along with the required international protocol. My Department continues to prepare for all of the above steps in the application process.
103. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to expand the availability of accommodation for students at South East Technological University; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45582/23]
View answerMy Department and I are actively working to address the supply of affordable student accommodation through the development of a number of Government supported policy responses as outlined under Housing for All.
As the Deputy is aware, SETU Waterford campus is the only on-campus provision of purpose built student accommodation in the Technological University (TU) sector, providing 426 beds. To date students in TUs have relied almost completely on private rental market for accommodation.
Latest data from the Higher Education Authority shows there are 221 beds granted planning permission with a further 38 beds awaiting decision for in the SETU region. As of the 13th October there are 19 beds available in digs accommodation in the region.
Investment of €1 million in 2023/2024 is being provided through the HEA to assist our TUs, including SETU to undertake a needs assessment for student accommodation in key regional areas. This will include data led projections of demand for accommodation and a framework to respond to needs in each area. Department officials and I have had continuous engagement with the sector in relation to the feasibility study. Feasibility studies in respect of SETU Carlow and SETU Waterford, which were conducted independently by SETU are being reviewed in the context of the overall TU Feasibility Study.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is currently undertaking this study as part of the Governments’ commitment to support TUs in the development of student accommodation strategies. Work programme one of this study is nearing completion (supply and demand analysis) and the final report is due by the end of October. Work programme two and three will commence imminently to design and assess a frame work for student accommodation for the TU sector. I would like to thank the TU sector for their work to date and recognise the importance of their continued co-operation in ensuring the success of this response framework. The output of this will inform long term policy for student accommodation. I intend to bring this long term policy approach to Government in Q4, 2023.
The Housing Finance Agency Act 1981, as amended, facilitates lending by the HFA to institutions of higher education, including TUs. My Department and I are working with relevant Government Departments and Agencies to explore the development of a specific borrowing framework for the Technological University (TU) sector as one of a range of possible mechanisms to address increased supply of student accommodation.
104. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether post-graduate students studying medicine on dedicated courses in third level institutions to become medical practitioners are or will be able to avail of SUSI grant-aid while attending university on these courses, in view of the need to urgently increase the supply of doctors in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45687/23]
View answerI am assuming that the Deputy is referring to Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM). Graduate entry courses require applicants to hold a level 8 qualification prior to entry and completion of a graduate entry medicine degree confers a further level 8 qualification.
The Student Grant Scheme provides funding support for eligible first time undergraduate students. Students pursuing a second level 8 degree course, including graduate entry programmes, are not eligible for a grant as they do not meet the progression criteria of the Scheme.
As the Deputy may know, the cost of Graduate Entry Medicine is something my Department has been examining over a number of years and we have taken a number of steps to respond to this.
For example, the State subsidy to Higher Education Institutions towards the cost of provision for EU student places has increased.
In the academic year 2021/22 the state contribution was €11,950 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student.
Budget 2023 and Budget 2024 saw a significant increase in the amount the State pays for medicine places, including graduate entry. The State contribution towards graduate entry places will be increased in phases so that by 2026 all graduate entry places will be funded by the state at €14,500.
In addition, we introduced a new system where bursaries that are provided to the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan can retain those bursaries throughout their GEM programme.
We have also worked with the Irish medical schools to increase the number of places available for EU students by 200 over the next five years.
The agreement reached with the medical schools began with an additional 60 EU students in September 2022, climbing to 120 in September 2023, and up to 200 by 2026. The agreement included Graduate Entry Medicine additional places.
To date, an additional 10 graduate entry places, 5 in 2022 and another 5 in 2023 have been created, with further additional places planned up to 2026. This marks a significant expansion in the number of places available to students.
My officials are working with the Department of Health on the funding of GEM, and it is my priority to continue to try and make improvements for all students.
