Written Answers Nos. 120-134
120. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to comment on the take-up of apprenticeship schemes in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45080/23]
View answerThe ‘Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025’ sets out new ways of structuring, funding, and promoting apprenticeships to make apprenticeship more accessible to employers and learners. Expansion to date has widened the impact of apprenticeship to areas of skills shortage such as engineering, technology skills, logistics, and fintech. The ambition of the Plan is to reach 10,000 annual registrations by 2025. It will also support skills development in key areas, especially in construction skills, and assist with achieving delivery of Government commitments on Housing for All, and the Climate Action Plan.
2021 figures showed 8,607 registrations – an increase of 40% on figures for 2019 (the last full pre-Covid year). 2022 saw 8,286 registrations and a population of over 26,000. This strong growth in apprentice registrations is continuing into 2023, with over 6,000 registrations by end-September and almost 9,000 employers currently employing a population of over 26,200 apprentices.
The development of new apprenticeship programmes is intended to help deliver on the commitments made under the Programme for Government to support and drive the economy, while addressing the skills requirements identified across society. This is evidenced by the variety of programmes now available, with 73 in total. Of these, 47 have been developed since 2016 and more programmes continue to progress through the national development processes.
Since the launch of this Action Plan, more new programmes have come on stream. In 2021, Equipment services engineer, healthcare assistant and scaffolding came on stream. In 2022, Bar Manager, Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician, Transport Operations & Commercial Driving, and Cybersecurity Practitioner Level 8 were added to the offering. So far in 2023 we have seen launched a Sportsturf Technician Level 6, Farm Technician, Farm Manager, Horticulture, Civil Engineering Level 6, Civil Engineering Level 7 and Advanced Quantity Surveying Level 9.
Apprenticeship programmes are employer-led and the development of new apprenticeships is undertaken in accordance with published criteria and led by apprenticeship consortia comprising of employers, education and training providers and sectoral representatives. Timing and progress on the development of new apprenticeships is therefore generally under the control of the individual apprenticeship consortium and progress through the national qualification quality assurance processes (QQI).
Under the Action Plan, there will be increased online visibility regarding apprenticeship engagement and development processes for employers/sectors who wish to assess the potential for new apprenticeships. Applications for new apprenticeship development are open on an ongoing basis, allowing employers to progress the development of programmes in response to emerging skills needs on an as-needed basis in all sectors of the economy. Such is the dynamic nature of apprenticeship programme development, additional programmes are continually being proposed for assessment by the National Apprenticeship Alliance.
The increased diversity of new apprenticeships, many of which have off-the-job training delivered through online or blended learning, provides a significant opportunity for widening of access to apprenticeship for rural businesses and learners. In addition, Education and Training Boards, Institutes of Technology, and Technological Universities are spread throughout the country and play a very important role in ensuring apprenticeship provision has a strong regional dimension.
121. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the new Statement of Strategy for his Department; when he expects this to be completed and published; the outcome of the consultation period earlier this year; the specific areas that the strategy will build on following the previous 2021-2023 strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45531/23]
View answerMy Department is currently finalising work in relation to its new Statement of Strategy, which I expect to be published shortly.
During March and April of this year, my Department engaged in a public and stakeholder consultation exercise, where submissions and representations on the development of a new Statement of Strategy were invited. The Department received 84 such submissions through the public and stakeholder consultation processes, from a wide variety of respondents, including private individuals, further and higher education institutions, agencies of the Department and other public bodies, employers and representative groups.
A broad variety of themes can be identified in the responses to the consultation process. These include:
• Research, Innovation and Science Policy
• Access to Further and Higher Education and Training
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Governance and Quality
• Staffing
• Education Policy in areas such as the transition to a Unified Tertiary System, and the future development of Higher and Further Education and Training,
• The continuing development of Apprenticeships
• Skills Policy
• Capital Investment
• International Engagement
To recall, the existing Statement of Strategy is organised around 6 Strategic Goals:
• Talent
• Innovation
• Inclusion
• International
• Governance
• Capacity
Between the existing approaches represented by the current Statement of Strategy, the thinking which emerged from internal reflections and considerations, plus the inputs received through the public and stakeholder consultation process, it became clear that the new Strategy should build on the achievements of the first three years of the Department's existence and be designed on the basis of continuity of policy. It is therefore anticipated that the new Strategy will continue to focus on a number of key areas, such as the promotion of Research, Innovation and Science, prioritising policies of inclusion, and improving governance and performance while working to enhance Ireland's international profile.
122. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta an bhfuil cur chun cinn na litearthachta i nGaeilge mar chuid den Straitéis Litearthachta Fadsaoil do Dhaoine Fásta a sheol sé i mbliana agus ráiteas a thabhairt ar chur chuige an Rialtais maidir le litearthacht a spreagadh sa Ghaeilge. [45592/23]
View answerIs príomhchuid é cur chun cinn na litearthachta sa Ghaeilge den Litearthacht d’Aosaigh don Saol (ALL ) - straitéis 10 mbliana an rialtais do litearthacht, d’uimhearthacht agus do litearthacht dhigiteach d’aosaigh.
Tá sé luaite i Straitéis ALL nach mór freastal ar riachtanais litearthachta chainteoirí dúchais na Gaeilge agus gur cheart clár forbartha a chur i bhfeidhm go céimneach chun rochtain a fheabhsú ar sheirbhísí an Rialtais do chainteoirí dúchais na Gaeilge agus chun cumarsáid ó chomhlachtaí na hearnála poiblí sa Ghaeilge a leathnú. D’fhéadfadh an méid a leanas a bheith san áireamh leis sin:
• An Ghaeilge a chur san áireamh i bhfeachtais phoiblíochta uile ar fud na meán.
• Cláir oiliúna shainiúla d’fhoireann ó ghníomhaireachtaí éagsúla (lena n-áirítear cláir sa Ghaeltacht mar chuid den Fhorbairt Ghairmiúil Leanúnach (CPD)) d’fhonn inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge a fhorbairt.
• Ábhar tacaíochta a chruthú i nGaeilge nádúrtha, inrochtana sa trí phríomhchanúint;
• Úsáid “Gaeilge Simplí” agus foirmeacha atá inléite;
• Úsáid faisnéise dátheangaí, foirmeacha dátheangacha etc. agus an dá teanga “taobh le taobh” seachas i ndoiciméid ar leith;
• Infheictheacht ardleibhéil maidir le doiciméid sa Ghaeilge.
Cé go bhfuil an straitéis ina céim feidhmithe luath, go dtí seo, áirítear an méid a leanas le cur chuige an Rialtais maidir le litearthacht sa Ghaeilge a spreagadh, trí Oifig Cláir Náisiúnta ALL:
• Mhaoinigh Ciste Comhoibrithe agus Nuála ALL tionscadal chun cúrsa oiliúna teagascóirí ar líne a fhorbairt i dtrí phríomhchanúint na Gaeilge agus i nGaeilge shimplí. Tá an cúrsa seo dírithe ar chleachtóirí litearthachta d’aosaigh atá ag obair le cainteoirí dúchais na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht. Tá an cúrsa á fhorbairt ag BOO na Gaillimhe agus Ros Comáin agus ag Údarás na Gaeltachta. Leis an gcúrsa ar líne sin déanfar teagmháil le níos mó cleachtóirí litearthachta agus cuirfear oiliúint ar líon níos mó díobh a bheidh in ann tacú le cainteoirí dúchais na Gaeilge i measc dhaoine fásta na Gaeltachta ag a bhfuil riachtanais nár sásaíodh maidir le scileanna litearthachta ina dteanga dhúchais.
• Craoladh feachtas náisiúnta feasachta litearthachta i Mean Fómhair 2023 agus áiríodh fógra raidió sa Ghaeilge.
Leanfar le litearthacht sa Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn tríd an Straitéis ALL in 2024.
123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which provision is being made or will be made to meet the full requirement of student accommodation adjacent to schools or colleges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45640/23]
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 provision of funding to increase the supply of purpose-built 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 not been activated as a result of viability concerns linked to 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 National Development Plan 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.
Since 2016, over 14,000 purpose built student beds have been built, with further 7,029 under construction. Planning permission has been granted for an additional 11,008 beds, with 1,800 beds awaiting planning decision. The total stock of purpose built student accommodation equates to over 48,000 beds (Q2 2023). This year sees an additional 938 publicly funded beds available, with over 2,000 privately funded beds due for completion this autumn.
In the Kildare area for example, the most recent data provided by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) shows there are 260 purpose built student beds pending planning permission, with 241 beds granted permission and a further 583 beds are under construction.
In the immediate term, my Department has supported the increased usage of "digs" accommodation through the promotion of the Rent-a-Room Scheme. Recent Government changes to the scheme, has increased the number of those who can now participate. This summer, I launched a national media campaign in conjunction with the HEIs to promote awareness of and participation in the scheme, targeting both homeowners and students. The campaign which commenced in July, ran on radio, social media and national press with a second wave in August 2023. As of the 13th October there are approx. 198 rooms available in digs accommodation in the Maynooth area.
124. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Solas instructors that are available to provide pipe fitting training as part of in-class training phases on apprenticeship programmes; the measures that are being taken to address delays currently experienced on in-class training phases on all apprenticeship programmes for which apprentices are waiting over six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45707/23]
View answerCurrently, Phase 2 Pipe fitting training is delivered in Cork ETB and LMETB by two instructors. Phase 4 is currently delivered in LMETB and there is currently one workshop with one instructor delivering the training.
As the Co-ordinating Provider for the apprenticeship, the NAO and SOLAS are actively engaging with the Collaborating Providers and employers of pipe fitting apprentices to support increased capacity in the Pipefitting Apprenticeship going forward. It is envisioned that an increase in the number of Pipefitting Instructors will form part of this response.
The current strength of the construction sector is driving increased demand on the apprenticeship system, as well as impacting adversely on the system's ability to recruit additional instructors required to meet apprenticeship training need. A planned upcoming national recruitment campaign for Instructors will be central to the delivery by ETBs of this additional capacity including through a third intake of apprentices each year.
There is a crucial requirement to align training capacity in ETBs with the continued strong demand for apprenticeships, with particular focus on apprenticeships linked to the construction sector. My Department is working closely with SOLAS and the ETBs to continue to increase training capacity, from 13,000 in 2022 to over 16,000 places in 2024 - an increase approaching 25%.
SOLAS, the National Apprenticeship Office and the ETBs, together with staff representatives, are continuing to work intensively with my Department to deliver the required additional apprenticeship training capacity to secure the reductions in waiting time in particular for phase 2 training.
125. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures that will be introduced for the 2023/2024 academic year to reduce costs for students in further and higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45538/23]
View answerIn Budget 2024, I am once again providing a significant package of measures to support students and made it a priority to reduce the cost of third level education. I acknowledge that cost is a barrier to education and I am continuing to break down that barrier and make further and higher education more accessible for more people.
For the second year in a row, I have reduced the student contribution fee by €1,000 for free fees eligible students. This reduction will be applied automatically. If your household income is less than €100,000, you are eligible for a further €500 reduction in fees meaning the fee for college will be €1,500.
There will be a €1,000 increase to the postgraduate tuition fee contribution grant for student grant recipients to be paid by SUSI on behalf of the students.
€31 million has been provided to enhance the existing student support scheme which is administered by SUSI. These measures will see
- increases to all non-adjacent maintenance rates by €615 and all adjacent maintenance rates by 10%. This is a significant increase particularly for those who live further away from college and will help those who need it most.
- maintenance to postgraduates restored on a similar basis to undergraduates building on the positive changes to the Postgraduate Fee Contribution in the last two budgets and a really important step in helping students continue their educational journey. Postgraduate students who already get a maintenance grant at the special rate will also benefit from the maintenance grant increases from January.
- Increasing student grant income thresholds with Band 4 maintenance grant threshold going from €46,790 to €50,840 so that more students will be eligible for a maintenance grant. This will be a benefit of €612 for adjacent students and €1,666 for non-adjacent students.
- Increases to the 100% Student Contribution threshold by 10% to €55,924. This means eligible families under this income will no longer have to pay a student contribution fee from September 2024.
For the first time ever, the student grant scheme will be extended to part-time students. I believe that this has the potential to be seismic in the context of opening up opportunities for people and is a major step in the reform of the education system.
There is additional funding to support students at a time of increased strain from cost of living, through the Student Assistance Fund.
In Further Education & Training, I have again recognised the vital role Apprentices play in our society and in our communities and I’ve announced a once-off reduction of 33% in the contribution fee for the 11,000 apprentices in higher education. I am also providing additional funding for bursaries to increase access to apprenticeships for under-represented groups. Budget 2024 has abolished all fees for Post-Leaving Certificate courses including exam fees and equipment for students. This builds on our decision to abolish the €200 Levy in 2022. This additional funding will ensure all 24,000 learners across the country do not face charges fee, when pursuing a PLC course from September next.
I believe these will make a substantive difference to third level students and their families.
126. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the funding for the construction of affordable student accommodation in Galway, announced in November 2022; to clarify if the State will own or partially own the units, once built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45734/23]
View answerSince last November I have secured Government approval of up to €61m in funding to unlock the development of approximately 1,000 new and additional student accommodation beds across four universities. These projects are being progressed as immediate response measures to unlock supply of affordable accommodation in partnership with our University sector. This measure is being implemented pending the development of a long term sustainable model for State supported student accommodation.
Under this programme, Higher Education Institutions were invited to submit project proposals for feasibility assessment. These were projects that had planning permission already in place but had not been developed due to viability concerns linked to rising construction and financing costs.
Subject to compliance and approvals, funding will be allocated to the Universities through the HEA in accordance with agreed procedures. The funding is provided specifically to address the viability gap and to ensure that an agreed number of beds are provided at affordable rates for target group students. These buildings developed under the short term activation measures will remain in the ownership of the Universities.
The University of Galway (UG) received approval to progress a proposed lease of 242 additional beds over 15 years, subject to review. Long-term leasing of new student accommodation can aid the response to demographic growth pressures being faced by the sector for a fixed period of time to mitigate medium term supply issues. This proposal is currently nearing the end of the due diligence process.
For the current academic year there are an additional 938 beds available in publicly funded Higher Education Institutions with 674 of these in University of Galway. HEIs have reported that there are c. 134 digs properties available in Galway as of the 13th October.
Since 2016, 14,079 purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) beds have been built with 1,739 built in Galway. Work is underway on site on an additional 7,023 bed spaces. Planning permission has been obtained for a further 11,008 with 2,014 of these beds planned for Galway. A further 1,712 have applied for planning permission. The total level of PBSA stock is over 48,000 as of Q3 2023.
127. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor 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 Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45581/23]
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 Devolved Capital Grant I wish to advice of my announcement earlier this month of €5.4 million. This followed an Expression of Interest process, approved by my Department in early summer, with over 120 suitable projects identified. This approval was in addition to the annual allocation of €8 million distributed in April to the ETBs.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board has received €2.03 million to date from the 2023 FET capital allocation.
128. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to address precarious work in third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45702/23]
View answerThe issue of academic career precarity is and will remain an important element of the work of my Department.
As announced in the recent Budget, an additional €193 million in funding is being provided over 2023 and 2024 to the Higher Education sector. This includes some €60m under the Funding the Future policy framework to build capacity and to ensure the sector is funded on a sustainable basis. Among other things, this will allow more staff to be recruited and provide additional scope to help address the issue of precarious work.
In addition, my officials have already undertaken a considerable amount of work to develop a revised staffing framework to replace the current Employment Control Framework (ECF). Work is continuing on this new approach which will better align with the realities that the higher education sector now faces. In addition, an uplift of some 1,500 core-funded posts under the current ECF was announced in the summer which will facilitate Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in recruiting more permanent staff.
My officials will continue to engage with stakeholders, including trade unions and HEIs, with the aim of ensuring that there is optimal security and stability for staff. At the same time, the autonomy of HEIs must be recognised, while the legitimate need for an appropriate staffing mix that supports a high-performing higher education sector should also be acknowledged.
129. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the supports that have been made available for third level students, those attending further and higher education and apprentices in Budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45739/23]
View answerIn Budget 2024, I am once again providing a significant package of measures to support students. Cost should never be a barrier when it comes to education. It should never be a barrier to someone reaching their full potential or pursuing their goals and getting to where they want to in life.
For the second year in a row, I have reduced the student contribution fee by €1,000 for free fees eligible students. This reduction will be applied automatically. If your household income is less than €100,000, you are eligible for a further €500 reduction in fees meaning the fee for college will be €1,500.
There will be a €1,000 increase to the postgraduate tuition fee contribution grant for student grant recipients to be paid by SUSI on behalf of the students.
€31 million has been provided to enhance the existing student support scheme which is administered by SUSI. These measures will see;
- increases to all non-adjacent maintenance rates by €615 and all adjacent maintenance rates by 10%. This is a significant increase particularly for those who live further away from college and will help those who need it most.
- maintenance to postgraduates restored on a similar basis to undergraduates building on the positive changes to the Postgraduate Fee Contribution in the last two budgets and a really important step in helping students continue their educational journey. Postgraduate students who already get a maintenance grant at the special rate will also benefit from the maintenance grant increases from January.
- Increases to student grant income thresholds with Band 4 maintenance grant threshold going from €46,790 to €50,840 so that more students will be eligible for a maintenance grant. This will be a benefit of €612 for adjacent students and €1,666 for non-adjacent students.
- Increases to the 100% Student Contribution threshold by 10% to €55,924. This means eligible families under this income will no longer have to pay a student contribution fee from September 2024.
For the first time ever, the student grant scheme will be extended to part-time students. I believe that this has the potential to be seismic in the context of opening up opportunities for people and is a major step in the reform of the education system.
A further €8.1 million has been invested in the Student Assistance Fund for the 2023/24 academic year. This brings the total allocation to over €17 million. The Student Assistance Fund provides financial support to full or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Additionally, Budget 2024 provides €0.5m for free period products in further and higher education institutions under the period poverty initiative.
In Further Education & Training, I have again recognised the vital role Apprentices play in our society and in our communities and therefore I’m delighted to also announce a once-off reduction of 33% in the contribution fee for the 11,000 apprentices in higher education.
I am also providing additional funding for bursaries to increase access to apprenticeships for under-represented groups. Budget 2024 has allocated €3m to abolish PLC fees with effect from September 2024. This builds on our decision to abolish the €200 Levy in 2022. This additional funding will ensure all 24,000 learners across the country do not face charges fee, when pursuing a PLC course from September next.
We are providing an additional €2m to expand the Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD) to help students with disabilities access further education and training. This allocation will allow the progressive roll-out of the FSD across all FET programmes. This allocation will be complemented by the current roll out of universal design learning principles and practice across FET.
I secured funding to increase in the PhD stipend for researchers who are under the remit of agencies of my Department - Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council. This is the third increase that this Department has introduced for PhD researchers and it goes a significant way to addressing the challenges they face. Ireland wants to be an Innovation Island and an Island of Talent. To do that, we must support our researchers. This increase will bring the stipend to €22,000 a year and will be effective from January.
This is a significant package of measures making a significant difference to students and their families in further and higher education.
130. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to outline the measures his Department is taking to deliver green skills, as outlined in the climate action plans annexe of actions 2023; to report on the progress to date to accelerate the delivery of green skills apprenticeships and to increase the number of courses and places across the six centres of excellence; what annual targets, if any, have been set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45221/23]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2023 provides for an actionable response to support and accelerate the design, development and implementation of apprenticeships meeting green skills needs for the future. Development of transferable green skills for life, through to specific skills requirements for emerging green sectors of the economy including Near Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB)/ retrofit, offshore wind, and electric vehicles are central to the work of this Department and in meeting commitments given in CAP23.
Important steps towards delivering on these skills include the increased numbers enrolling on NZEB/ retrofit courses offered through an expanding network of Centres of Excellence operated by Ireland’s Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and the establishment of a dedicated Skills and Workforce Workstream as part of the Offshore Wind Energy Programme, with the aim of building a sustainable pipeline of skills for the development of offshore wind.
In line with Action BE/23/17 of the Climate Action Plan Annexe of Actions 2023, NZEB Fundamentals have been included as a specific module in Phase 2 of the Plumbing and Electrical Apprenticeships which were revalidated by QQI on the 8th June 2023. NZEB is embedded in Technical Guidance Document L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy – Dwellings) and thus is embedded in the Carpentry & Joinery curriculum. NZEB awareness will be addressed in the following craft apprenticeship programmes when they are due to go through a re-validation process: Brick & Stone; Plastering; Refrigeration & Air Conditioning; Pipefitting; Sheet Metal (possible).
MMC provision has also been incorporated into the relevant recently revalidated Craft Apprenticeship Programmes where appropriate. The revised Electrical curriculum will incorporate modules on Alternative Electrical Energy Sources covering Solar PV Generation, Wind Generation, Energy Storage Technologies and EV Charging. The Plumbing Curriculum will incorporate a module on Renewable and Sustainable Energy covering Water Conservation Systems, Solar Heating Technology, Heat Pump Technology and Biomass Technology and Installation.
In relation to Consortia Led Apprenticeships, the Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician apprenticeship is up and running with 14 Apprentices registered to the programme in 2022 and a forecast of 18 Apprentices to register in 2023. The National Apprenticeship Office have also recently received three apprenticeship programme proposals in the occupations of Sustainability Practitioner, Potable, Wastewater & Drainage Maintenance Technician and Potable, Wastewater & Drainage Senior Technician. Engagement is underway with these groups in relation to these proposals.
There are currently 5 NZEB Centres of Excellence operational, Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB, Cork ETB, Laois Offaly ETB, Waterford Wexford ETB and Limerick Clare ETB. A 6th Centre, City of Dublin ETB is under development however CDETB are already delivering NZEB Fundamental Awareness training. These centres are delivering training in areas such as NZEB Ventilation Systems, NZEB Retrofit, NZEB Plumbing, NZEB Carpentry amongst others ensuring that the construction industry has the correct skills to deliver on our climate targets. In line with Action BE/23/18 of the Climate Action Plan Annex of Actions 2023, these centres are committed to expanding training programmes based on climate necessity and work together to ensure curricula are kept up-to-date and new programmes are developed where needed. Under the National Recover & Resilience Plan 2021, these Centres committed to 4,550 places for learners. This target was met in July 2023.
131. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of learners across the country will benefit from the removal of fees for PLC courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45579/23]
View answer144. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when PLC fees are to be abolished for further education students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45577/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 144 together.
A key focus in Budget 2024 is to further reduce the cost of third level education and put money back into people’s pockets. The package of measures announced will address cost barriers and make further and higher education more accessible for more people than ever before.
A significant step is removing PLC fees with effect from September 2024. This builds on our decision to abolish the €200 PLC Levy with effect from the 2022/23 academic year. However, students continued to face various fees such as student services charges, application fees, exam fees and professional registration fees. The fees charged vary across the Education and Training Boards and while some ETBs have moved to reduce their fees, this additional funding will ensure all PLC learners across the country do not face fees, when pursuing a PLC course from September next.
While the numbers enrolled on PLC programmes in the current academic year are not available yet, there were some 24,000 students enrolled on PLC courses in the 2022/23 academic year.
This additional investment will have a real and positive impact on further education learners.
132. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices that will benefit from the once-off reduction of 33% in the contribution fee in higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45576/23]
View answerThe impact that the cost of living is having on our apprentices continues to be a concern. For my part, in addition to the more broad measures taken by this government, apprentices will specifically benefit from funding of €3.8m for a one-third reduction in the Apprenticeship Student Contribution Fee for those attending Higher Education Institutions in the 2023/24 academic year. This measure is targeted at relieving the immediate pressure associated with making this payment. It is anticipated that approximately 11,000 apprentices in higher education could benefit from this measure.
133. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason why the €1,000 reduction in student contribution fees in Budget 2024 has been deemed a once off measure by his Department. [45746/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that Budget 2024 contains a package of measures to support households with the cost of living. These include a number of measures targeted at further and higher education students and their families. These include:
• A €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative;
• An increase to the Postgraduate Fee Contribution Grant from €4000 to €5000;
• A once-off reduction of 33 per cent in the contribution fee for apprentices in higher education;
• A further €8.1 million investment in the Student Assistance Fund for the 2023/24 academic year bringing the total to over €17 million;
• Renters’ tax credit is being extended to parents who pay for student children’s rent in the case of Rent a *Room accommodation or “digs” -this change will also apply retrospectively for the years 2022 and 2023;
• The removal of Post Leaving Cert (PLC) fees from September 2024;
• An increase to all non-adjacent maintenance rates by €615 and adjacent maintenance rates by 10% from September 2024 -eligible PLC and Undergraduate students will see a pro-rata increase effective from January 2024; and
• The full restoration of student maintenance grants for post graduates from September 2024 for the first time since the financial crash. A pro-rata increase will also be effective from January 2024.
In framing this year’s budget, the Government was conscious of the cost of living challenges faced by students and their families. These challenges have primarily been driven by major external shocks such as the war in Ukraine and Covid.
Having peaked in October 2022, the downward trend in annual inflation has meant a slowing in the rate of additional pressures faced by families due to growing prices. At the same time, the continued strong performances of the labour market and domestic economy have enabled average incomes to rise. These factors have allowed the Government frame a budget, which includes a number of temporary and permanent supports, primarily aimed at offsetting the temporary effects of inflation on households and businesses. It is in this context that I was able to secure the once off €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students.
I have been clear that I want to see the student's contribution towards tuition fees in higher education reduce in a meaningful way and I have made significant progress in providing permanent additional student contribution supports for students.
Students may be eligible to receive supports towards paying the student contribution through the Student Grant Scheme as administered by SUSI. In in 2022/23 over 50,000 students received funding to pay the student contribution in full and paid no tuition fees.
As part of Budget 2024, with effect from September 2024, I am increasing the income threshold for students to avail of the 100% student contribution support to €55,924. This change will build on the significant changes introduced in Budget 2023 where I made changes to the Student Grant Scheme to introduce a permanent new rate of student contribution support through SUSI from September 2023.
For students whose families have incomes between €62,000 and €100,000, the new grant provides a €500 support towards the undergraduate student contribution payable by free fees eligible undergraduate students. I also increased the income limit for students to avail of the 50% student contribution grant.
These changes demonstrate my commitment to reducing the student contribution payable by students in a sustainable manner and I will continue to work through the annual Estimates process to further enhance student supports.
