Tuesday, 7 Nov 2023

Official Travel

Questions (1372)

Pauline Tully

Question:

1372. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if he visited any health-related facility during his visit to New York during the recent UN week. [48845/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I did not visit any health related facilities during the UN General Assembly High Level Week in New York in September.

Student Accommodation

Questions (1373)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

1373. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans to upscale the provision of student accommodation for those who are coming to Ireland to study from abroad on a short-term basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47192/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I 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 in principle 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.

Investment of €1m in 2023/2024 was also approved to support the Technological Universities in conducting an activation feasibility assessment to ascertain student accommodation needs in regional and local campus locations.

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 higher education institutions (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 20th October there are over 2,300 rooms available in digs accommodation across the country. HEIs continue to support their students to find accommodation at a local level.

A new policy is being prepared by my officials with a view to bringing proposals to Government in Q4 this year.

The operation of student accommodation including allocation of available rooms is a matter for the University or accommodation operator. All students are advised to contact their registered institution regarding the availability of accommodation or for help in securing accommodation in the first instance.

Technological Universities

Questions (1374)

Alan Dillon

Question:

1374. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details regarding the process for technological universities (TUs) to apply for HEA capital infrastructure funding aimed at supporting the development of on-campus sporting facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47248/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Sports Capital Equipment Programme (SCEP) which is administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is the main channel of Government support for developing sports facilities and purchasing sports equipment for sports clubs and organisations across Ireland. Such projects include regional centres of excellence, Local Authority Projects and sports facilities at third level institutions.

Higher Education Institutions are eligible under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) which is again administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) receives its capital allocation from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and the objectives of any Fund for the sector are agreed with DFHERIS in advance. Typically, sport facilities have fallen outside the objective of funds by DFHERIS.

Third Level Education

Questions (1375)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

1375. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the cost to increase the number of places on social workers’ graduate programmes by 25%; how many additional places this equates to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47263/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

In considering matters raised it is important to note that the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science does not place a cap on the number of Social Work places and therefore the places offered are a matter for the higher education institutions (HEIs), in line with their autonomy.

Currently, six higher education institutes have accredited programmes providing professional qualifications in social work across undergraduate and post-graduate level programmes. The most recent student number data from the HEA indicates that the courses under reference, collectively, had circa 720 enrolments in 2022/23.

HEIs, as autonomous institutions, are responsible for their own academic affairs including the curriculum and student numbers on individual courses. The costs incurred by HEIs in increasing student places on a particular course can vary depending on a variety factors including the type of course and the individual circumstances of the relevant provider.Where the State seeks to see an increase in student numbers in a particular field of study, a specific engagement with the sector and external stakeholders is very often required to determine the feasibility of securing the provision of additional places. An engagement process allows for a deeper consideration of wider issues such as existing capacity; staffing requirements; availability of placements or capital investment in buildings and equipment. It is therefore, not possible to definitively calculate the costs sought in the absence of a specific engagement with the sector.

Technological Universities

Questions (1376)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

1376. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will support SETU’s bid for a new veterinary medicine school at its campus, given that there is only one veterinary school in the country presently, and given the proven track record SETU has in delivering land sciences education and related research in conjunction with regional stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47264/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

A number of institutions put forward proposals, following the recent HEA Expression of Interest process outlining options for the expansion of veterinary medicine provision.

As the Deputy is aware, there is a substantial capital cost associated with the provision of any new schools in veterinary. Detailed discussions need to take place about the ways and means to address capital costs for the provision of any new school, including in the context of an expected upcoming review of Departmental National Development Plan allocations.

Given the nature of the discussions and the significant costs associated with expansion and the provision of any new schools, it will naturally take some time for these discussions to reach a conclusion.

As these discussions are ongoing between the Departments, it is not possible at this time to determine where any new school will be located.

I am continuing to work with the Ministers for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the next steps.

Further and Higher Education

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1377, 1380, 1383, 1385, 1389, 1390, 1392, 1398, 1406, 1412 and 1441 together.

Following discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, approval for an offer to be made to the unions was agreed earlier this year. The proposal is that a grade of Adult Educator will be formally established with a standardised payscale aligned with the Youthreach Resource Person Scale. This grade will apply to tutors employed in ETBs to deliver FET programmes, who are currently employed under a variety of terms and conditions. The provision of a pay scale will allow for incremental progression and a career path for Tutors in the further education and training sector.

A number of meetings took place over the summer regarding the details and operational aspects of the offer. My Department, and the Department of Education which retains regulatory responsibility for the ETB sector, are considering the approaches suggested to a number of issues raised with a view to reverting to the unions as soon as possible.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (1378)

Robert Troy

Question:

1378. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the student reduction for SUSI grants announced in Budget 2024 will take effect. [47301/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

As the Deputy is aware, Budget 2024 contains a package of measures aimed at increasing the financial assistance available to students.

These measures include a €1,000 reduction in the student contribution fee for higher education students eligible for the free fees initiative in academic year 2023/24. The reduction will apply in 2023 and the HEI attended will revise the fee payable by eligible students.

There will also be an increase to all non-adjacent maintenance rates by €615 and adjacent maintenance rates by 10% from September 2024. Eligible students will see a pro-rata increase effective from January 2024. In addition, maintenance grants for postgraduates are being fully restored from September 2024 for the first time since the financial crash, and again a pro-rata increase will be effective from January 2024.

Artificial Intelligence

Questions (1379)

Holly Cairns

Question:

1379. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to detail any ongoing or previous use of artificial intelligence within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47337/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

My Department and its officials do not presently use ChatGPT or any other form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate official text and no such software is installed on my official's devices.

In accordance with “AI – Here for Good”, the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Ireland, my Department's ICT service, which is provided by the Department of Education on a shared services basis, has investigated the potential for AI to assist in improving the delivery of customer services. A proof of concept to examine if AI technologies could support staff in responding to customer queries has been completed. The proof of concept focused on the potential for using AI technologies to analyse large volumes of publicly available information. An external service provider assisted with this at no cost to the Exchequer. Officials will continue to review and follow guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre on the use of Artificial Intelligence for the future.

Question No. 1380 answered with Question No. 1377.

Third Level Education

Questions (1381)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

1381. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it is possible for an Irish student with two years of study done in veterinary medicine in a university in Budapest to transfer to University College Dublin to complete their degree; how they might apply for such a transfer; the requirements needed to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47369/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997, the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006, and the Technological Universities Act 2018. As such they are autonomous in relation to their administrative and academic affairs, including their admission procedures and policies. I would encourage the student to make contact with University College Dublin directly.

As the student in question has previously been studying veterinary medicine in a different university, they would need to apply for recognition of prior learning. The procedure for this is on the UCD website here:

RPL Applications | UCD Registry

The procedure to transfer to UCD is outlined on their website here:

Transfer and Re-Admission | UCD Registry

Further and Higher Education

Questions (1382)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

1382. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the meaning of 'irreconcilably estranged' in the context of proof of independence from parents for a SUSI grant application; and what proof will be accepted in the absence of involvement of Tusla, a social worker or the courts; whether an affidavit from a solicitor will be accepted as proof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47422/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Only in exceptional cases can candidates who are under 23 be assessed without reference to their parents/guardians income or address, Article 21(3)(b) of the Scheme refers.

The assessment of a case of estrangement is carefully considered to ensure there is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the exceptional circumstances pertaining in such cases genuinely exists. The scheme does not stipulate precisely how the awarding authority satisfies itself that such circumstances prevail. This is to allow the awarding authority sufficient flexibility to assess the evidence of irrevocable estrangement in each individual case. The type of documentary evidence required is dependent on the applicant's individual circumstances.

While an affidavit, if accompanied by other supporting documentation, may be considered as part of supporting evidence of estrangement, an affidavit in isolation is not considered acceptable as sole proof of estrangement.

If an applicant considers they have been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, they may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI. If they have had an appeal turned down in writing by an appeals officer in SUSI and remain of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in their case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe (i.e. not later than 30 days after the notification of the determination of the appeals officer to the applicant).

Question No. 1383 answered with Question No. 1377.

Third Level Education

Questions (1384)

David Stanton

Question:

1384. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way his Department is supporting students with severe disabilities to access and attend third level education and further education colleges; the specific funding that he has provided to support students in this regard; if this includes the provision of an appropriate personal assistant service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47472/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Inclusion is a core goal for my Department across the tertiary education system and equity of access to Further & Higher Education continues to be a national priority for the Government and my Department. While higher education institutions are autonomous, the approach of my Department has been to offer a range of supports which enable them to meet national objectives, including those related to inclusion and supports for people with disabilities. The Fund for Students with Disabilities is a critical intervention which supports participation by students with a disability in further and higher education. The fund is an important driver for equity of access to education for students with a disability. Over €7.6million is allocated to support students in Higher Education and Solas allocated €2.5 million to this fund in 2022 to support students in Further Education & Training. In January 2021, I announced approval for €5.8 million towards strategic initiatives aimed at supporting students with disabilities to access and engage with higher education funded under the Fund for Students with a Disability (FSD). In 2022, €3 million of funding was provided by my Department for Universal Design Measures in Higher Education Institutions. Institutions have provided their proposed project plans and work is ongoing. In support of our National Access Plan objective to improve opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to engage in higher education I have issued a competitive call for proposals which asked Higher Education Institutions to consider how they can enhance provision for students with an intellectual disabilities. A fund of €3 million per year over three years is available to support enhanced provision. Proposals have recently been received and the process of assessment is ongoing. There are a range of supports available in the FET sector for learners with a disability, including through the Fund for Students with a Disability (FSD). In addition, there is provision of specific programmes for learners with a disability who may require more intensive supports through the Specialist Training Provision (STP) programme. The STP programme addresses the identified training high support needs of people with both physical and intellectual disabilities who are experiencing exclusion and labour market disadvantage in the form of vocational training programmes. Courses are generally one to two years in duration, are delivered all year round and lead to accreditation at levels 1-6 on the NFQ. Course examples include ICT and vocational multi-skills. STPs can provide a number of enhanced services for its learners including additional training duration; adapted equipment; transport arrangements; enhanced programme content which may be required for a person with a disability to achieve their potential. An enhanced trainer-learner ratio is available on these programmes. SOLAS allocated almost €43 million to the STP programme in 2022. SOLAS is also currently overseeing an independent evaluation of STP programme, which provides training for persons with a disability with higher support needs. This independent evaluation is due to be finalised by the end of the year.

Question No. 1385 answered with Question No. 1377.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (1386)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

1386. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to accept that those over the age of 23 years are not living at home as independent of their parents, regardless of the type of accommodation or the length of time living way from home. [47521/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Student Grant Scheme is a critical financial support for students participating in further and higher education. As in any statutory scheme, a core principle of the scheme is that there is consistency of approach and an equitable treatment for applicants as part of the means assessment process. All applications are assessed nationally with reference to the terms and conditions of the relevant student grant scheme. The terms and conditions of funding are applied impartially to all applicants

A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if they have attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course, and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents from the previous 1st October. Otherwise, they would be assessed as a dependent student, i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address.

A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved further or higher education course or at their point of re-entry to an approved course following a break in studies of at least three years, and continues to apply for the duration of their studies.

However, there are points at which a student may reclassify from a dependent student to an independent student. These are where they:

• Progresses from further education to higher education.

• Is returning following a 3 year break in studies.

• Is returning as a "second chance" student after a three year break in studies.

The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).

When considering whether a student meets the conditions to be assessed independently of their parents, the grant awarding authority (SUSI) are obliged to satisfy themselves beyond doubt that an acceptable degree of proof of independent living in the relevant period has been submitted by the grant applicant. The onus is on the grant applicant to provide the necessary documentary evidence as requested by the grant awarding authority.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria to be assessed as an independent student for grant purposes, or who cannot supply the necessary documentation to establish independent living for the required period, may still apply to SUSI to have their grant eligibility assessed as a dependent student. The relevant information, including details of parental income, would be required by SUSI to determine grant eligibility as a dependent student.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (1387)

Martin Kenny

Question:

1387. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he intends to introduce a dedicated local transport link to service colleges of further or higher education in the Sligo or Leitrim area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47563/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science(DFHERIS) has no policy responsibility for transport links. However, we are acutely aware of the issues students have raised. This is a matter we are examining and we are consulting with the Department of Transport.

Ministerial Staff

Questions (1388)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1388. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of statements of interests for the purposes of Section 19 that have been filed by his special advisors in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023; and if he will provide a schedule of same. [47648/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy Simon Harris)

Oversight of special advisers and office holders under Section 19 of the Ethics in Public Acts 1995 and 2001 is the responsibility of the Standards in Public Office Commission. Accountable issues in relation to special advisers and office holders are defined in declarations to be made under the Acts. There is no obligation on a special adviser to furnish a nil statement where no interests exist, but where a statement is furnished, it is laid before the Oireachtas.

Question No. 1389 answered with Question No. 1377.

Question No. 1390 answered with Question No. 1377.

Departmental Advertising

Questions (1391)

Robert Troy

Question:

1391. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide a breakdown of the advertising spend of his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department, by national media outlet and local newspaper outlet, for each of the years 2020 to 2022, in tabular form. [47733/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The information in respect of the public bodies within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by the Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with this query.Attached is also a breakdown in tabular form of the advertising spend of my Department for each of the years 2020 to 2022. To note, there was no newspaper advertising spend during the period requested.

Advertising Spend 2022-2022

Campaign	Date	Media	Spend
The Right Course	January 2021	National & Regional Radio	€23,381.22
The Right Course	January 2021	Digital	€2,091.11
Adult Literacy for Life	November 2021	Regional Radio	€39,976.52
SUSI changes	April 2022	National & Regional Radio	€34,284.58
SUSI changes	April 2022	Digital	€3,810.91
Student Supports	November 2022	National & Regional Radio	€28,483.38
Student Supports	November 2022	Digital	€2,956.92

DFHERIS Oireachtas Contacts

Question No. 1392 answered with Question No. 1377.