Written Answers Nos. 1860-1874
1860. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures undertaken by his Department to assist students accessing graduate-entry medicine courses with the costs of fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1484/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, graduate entry medicine (GEM) is a pathway for degree holders who want to pursue a medical career on an accelerated four year programme.Students pursuing GEM programmes do so as second degree courses and consequently are not eligible for free fees funding. They are also not eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme as they do not meet the progression criteria of the Scheme.Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies and are responsible for their own day-to-day management and operational affairs, including the management of academic affairs. They retain the right to determine their own policies and procedures. The total level of fees to be charged in the case of GEM fees are therefore solely a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria.As the Deputy may know, the cost of GEM 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 GEM. It is important to note that unlike other second undergraduate degree programmes, the State does provide a subsidy to HEIs towards the cost of provision for EU graduate entry student places.The State subsidy to Higher Education Institutions towards the cost of provision for EU graduate entry medicine places has increased. Budget 2023 and Budget 2024 saw a significant increase in the amount the State pays for medicine places, including graduate entry. In the academic year 2022/23 the State contribution was €12,100 per student with the balance of fees payable by the student. 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 1916 bursaries that are provided to the most socio-economically disadvantaged students under the National Access Plan can be retained throughout their GEM programme. In terms of other financial assistance available, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.I want to reassure the Deputy that it is my priority to continue to try and make improvements for all students, including GEM students. I will continue to engage with Minister Donnelly on these matters.
1861. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views in relation to student accommodation providers that are only offering year-long contracts; if he will consider intervention in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1755/24]
View answerI have been made aware that a small number of private purpose built student accommodation operators are moving toward a 51 week occupancy model. Unfortunately as these are privately owned and operated accommodation facilities, it is outside of my remit or that of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, to directly intervene. Whilst I recognise that these longer term contracts may suit some students this is not the case for the majority of undergraduate students attending higher education. I have concerns that a move to annual contracts by some private operators would further increase the cost and barriers to higher education for our students and do not support this divergence away from the intention and planning conditions of specific student accommodation which is based on the academic year.
I discussed this matter with USI last week and I share their concerns. It is advised that students (and their parents) should make themselves aware of the implications of signing any contract and its terms and conditions; in particular if there is a requirement to pay rent for the remaining term of the contract / agreement, should they wish to exit the lease earlier than originally intended.
Student specific accommodation is within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). I would encourage students to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of their lease agreements before entering into same, and to make contact with the RTB in the first instance with any complaints or disputes regarding their accommodation. The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service. This service offers a choice of resolution types to parties – Telephone Mediation or Adjudication – and the option to appeal through a tenancy tribunal. The RTB has powers to investigate and sanction landlords who engage in certain breaches of rental law called improper conduct. Investigations can commence on the basis of information received from a member of the public.
1862. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in relation to his recent comments (details supplied) that he has “created all-island apprenticeships”, he can explain what this refers to; when it was introduced; what funding has been allocated towards this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1791/24]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for her question. We have an all-island apprenticeship programme, the Accounting Technician Apprenticeship, with a second programme, for Accounting Technologists, in development. They are Levels 6 and 8, respectively, on the National Framework of Qualifications. This was a key commitment under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship and I am delighted that we have been able to deliver it in partnership with the programme’s consortium.
Accounting Technician Apprenticeship Programme
At present, Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI) operates the Level 6 Accounting Technician Apprenticeship Programme. ATI is the leading professional body for Accounting Technicians on the island of Ireland, with offices in Dublin and Belfast.
Accounting Technologist Apprenticeship Programme
In addition, there is a Level 8 Accounting Technologist Apprenticeship Programme currently in development. The Accounting Technologist Apprenticeship Programme has been completed up to Step 4 and has submitted its Occupational Profile for approval, which is Step 5. The initial proposal that was approved for development by the National Apprenticeship Alliance (NAA) included development funding of €80,000.
Further Work on Other Key Areas
This year, my Department will do further work on other key areas. We will also work to ensure all institutions on the island of Ireland are helping to contribute to the skills needs of our island.
1863. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the development of a 'borrowing framework' for technological universities and a timeline for this framework, given that the absence of such a framework makes it impossible for TUs to borrow money on the financial market to build student accommodation. [1982/24]
View answerIn recognition of the need to stimulate supply of student accommodation, the Government has supported my Department to develop policy responses to stimulate the development of new and additional student accommodation for public higher education institutions. In November 2022, Government approved investment of €1m in 2023/2024 to support the TUs in conducting activation feasibility assessment to ascertain student accommodation needs in campus locations. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has appointed consultants BDO to undertake the first phase of this work which is nearing completion. The objective of the feasibility study is to; establish an accurate “as is” account of available student accommodation supply available in private rented units, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and rent a room schemes; project future supply and demand for accommodation in both PSBA and private rented on a national and regional level and within each Technological University (TU) catchment area; and to ascertain what opportunities are available to meet the future demand for student accommodation through either new-build PSBA, leasing, acquisition or refurbishing/redevelopment of existing sites. The study has involved extensive data-gathering across all TUs, Universities and Colleges, comprising a data collection framework, 1-to-1 meetings with HEI representatives, and a centralised student survey on student accommodation. Phase two of the feasibility study will commence shortly to design and assess a frame work for student accommodation for the TU sector and mechanisms for delivery of accommodation.This is informing the long term policy responses which I received government support for this week, and will be the foundation of discussions on a TU Borrowing Framework. It is anticipated that any borrowing framework would in the first instance prioritise the provision of student accommodation in line with commitments in the Government's Housing for All plan. My Department is working with relevant Government Departments to explore the development of a specific borrowing framework for TUs. The Housing Finance Agency Act 1981, as amended, facilitates lending by the HFA to institutions of higher education, including TUs. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) recently announced capacity for an additional financing investment of €434m student accommodation to support higher education institutions in the development of affordable student housing. The new scheme, backed by a forty-year €200m EIB loan, is expected to support the delivery of an estimated 2,700 new student beds across Ireland. The initiative provides a framework loan facility to the Irish Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to provide finance directly to Irish public higher education providers to develop student accommodation. This deal will further the Government’s priorities, as this new funding will form 25% of the Housing for All commitment made by the HFA. The funding is ring fenced for 5 years and is now open for applications.
1864. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is aware of an alleged €3.5 million euro deficit in the Barrow Blue Ways Fund, as per Kildare County Council Oireachtas AGM 8 December /2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2069/24]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. Funding is allocated to Local Authorities and other State-funded bodies.Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place, and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.To date, 215 projects have been approved for RRDF funding of €414 million for projects costing €567 million. The fifth call for Category 1 projects is currently open for applications and closes on the 8th of February 2024. The Deputy will be aware that I only recently approved additional funding of €2.5m for Kildare County Council so that they can proceed with construction work at a separate RRDF project in the county to develop the Shackleton Museum. The Deputy will be aware that I only recently approved additional funding of €2.5m for Kildare County Council so that they can proceed with construction work at a separate RRDF project in the county to develop the Shackleton Museum. The Barrow Blueway project was approved for funding of €5,067,941 from the second call for Category 1 applications to the RRDF. The cost of the project was €6,757,254. The project is led by Kildare County Council.The project aims to create a community recreation resource and develop a tourism facility of regional, national and international importance and will act as an economic driver for the area.Following a tender process for road crossing works and pedestrian bridge, a funding shortfall of €3,436,000 has been identified by Kildare County Council. The Council has sought additional RRDF funding of €2,577,000 towards this shortfall.My officials have engaged extensively with Kildare County Council in relation to this project. Our shared objective is to ensure the delivery of a high quality and value for money project for the local community. With this in mind, and given the fundamental and substantial changes to the scope and costing of this project my officials have advised Kildare County Council that consideration should be given to reapplying for funding for the revised scope of the project under the current round of Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
1865. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development whether there will be a second round of community recognition funding; if so, when the round will open; and the amount that will be provided. [56328/23]
View answerThe Community Recognition Fund recognises the huge efforts made by communities going to great lengths in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.Funding of €50 million for over 880 projects is supporting towns and villages nationwide that have shown such generosity in welcoming people from Ukraine and other countries.The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is important to note that this is separate from other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of new arrivals into Ireland.Through this initiative, communities are being assisted to develop projects such as large-scale multi-purpose sports facilities, walkways, cycle paths, playgrounds, equipment for sports clubs and community festivals. Vehicles have also been funded to address transport needs in communities.A key priority for me now is to ensure that the range of projects approved across the country are delivered in a timely manner. Once we see good progress in delivering these projects, we can then assess the potential for a further round of funding within the context of overall budgetary resources. I look forward to seeing projects coming to fruition across the country in the coming months.
1866. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an overview of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and how it works; the next deadline for applications in 2024; if further applications will be invited after February 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56613/23]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 215 projects have been approved for funding of €414 million for projects costing €566 million.Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place, and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.The fifth call for Category 1 projects is currently open for applications and closes on the 8thof February 2024. An application form and guidance document are available on my Department’s website for those seeking further information. Further iterations of funding calls have not yet been finalised.
1867. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will list the ongoing research commissioned under the remit of her Department through the North-South Ministerial Council, Shared Island Initiative or through other all-island arrangements; if she will outline the research that has been completed; the date of publication of the research since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56920/23]
View answerAs Minister for Rural and Community Development I attend plenary meetings of the North-South Ministerial Council, the structure through which the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive work together across six areas of cooperation, including Agriculture and Rural Development, to agree common policies and approaches for the mutual benefit of all residents of the island. While my Department has not commissioned any research through the North-South Ministerial Council, my officials engage with Northern Ireland counterparts on an ongoing basis to progress specific initiatives or areas of work. A key forum for this engagement is the North-South Rural Policy Forum, which was established in 2021 arising from a commitment in Our Rural Future to enhance North-South cooperation in relation to issues that impact on rural areas and communities. The Forum meets twice yearly to share information and experiences and discuss areas of potential cooperation across the many areas of commonality between the two jurisdictions. Five meetings have been held to date.With regard to communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, I am particularly pleased that my Department is an accountable Department for various thematic areas under the PEACE programme which supports peace and reconciliation and promotes the social and economic stability of all communities. The Special EU Programme Body (SEUPB), a North South Implementation Body established under the Good Friday Agreement manages the EU co-funded cross border PEACE programmes.While my Department has not commissioned any research relating to the PEACE programme through any all-island arrangements, the SEUPB, In its capacity as Managing Authority , from time to time commissions research for the purposes of informing the development and evaluation of the programmes, most recently on the development of the PEACEPLUS programme 2021-2027. Further information on published reports are available on the SEUPB website as well as evaluations on the implementation and impact of previous PEACE programmes.The Shared Island initiative, led by the Department of the Taoiseach, is fostering new investment and development opportunities on a North/South basis. The investment is benefitting many rural communities North and South. My Department is funding a feasibility study on the development of a Connected Hubs Network on an all-island basis as an action under the Shared Island initiative. A successful tenderer was selected in the later part of 2023 and the work on the study will commence shortly.My Department remains committed to deepening collaboration with our colleagues in Northern Ireland to share information and identify areas for further co-operation.
1868. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the decision on the tender of local development strategy for the delivery LEADER 2023 to 2027 for the Connemara Municipal District area of County Galway submitted by an organisation (details supplied) will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57087/23]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It supports a broad range of activities which aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas.The process to select the Local Action Groups (LAGs) to deliver the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme is ongoing at present. The Local Development Strategies which were submitted by the applicant LAGs are currently being assessed by the Independent Selection Committee (ISC) established to adjudicate on the strategies. To date, LAGs have been appointed by my Department in sixteen sub-regional areas. Strategies in the remaining areas are being considered by the ISC on an ongoing basis with a view to completing the selection of the remaining LAGs at an early date. All applicant LAGs will be notified of the outcome of the selection process in their sub-regional area as they are approved. Once a LAG is approved it can commence the delivery of the programme in their area.While the process to select the LAGs is ongoing at the moment it should be noted that those bodies engaged in delivering the 2014-2020 LEADER programme will continue to do so in 2024 until the completion of that programme.My Department’s focus now is to complete the selection of the remaining LAGs to ensure a timely and smooth transition from the 2014-2020 programme.
1869. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the 2023 community centre investment fund grants will be announced. [57203/23]
View answerThis Government recognises the important role that community centres play in community life in Ireland, particularly their role in bringing people together.My Department has put in place an integrated programme of supports for the establishment and development of community centres across schemes such as CLÁR, LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and of course the new Community Centres Investment Fund.The focus of the 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was improving existing community centres across Ireland. Over €45.8 million in capital funding has been committed to this refurbishment work. This funding was very warmly received by communities all over Ireland. At the same time, the scheme also brought to light that there were a number of community groups striving to build their own new community centre, and that there is a need for new facilities in some areas. In response to this need, I announced a €20 million capital fund last year to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects to build new community centres.The minimum grant funding available is €1 million with the maximum being €6 million. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department and I expect to announce the successful projects in the coming months.
1870. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide a schedule of the personal and or person-specific data sets her Department holds that have been provided and/or shared with other Departments and/or Ministers and/or State bodies and/or agencies and/or local authorities in the past 20 years to date; if she will clarify if the transfer of data and/or records was in aggregated form or on an individual basis; and the reason the data and/or records were provided. [57217/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the sharing of data is covered by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which took effect from 25 May 2018, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 with the commencement of final sections of that Act coming into effect in December last year. With regard to personal and or person-specific data sets, my Department holds limited data of this nature, as data sets for our funding schemes are generally of a non-personal nature. The personal and or person-specific data sets would generally relate either to employee information, or where personal data of a limited nature is required for the administration and payment of grant funding. My Department shares data sets with other public bodies only where there is an explicit need for such sharing in order to carry out the performance of our functions. Where such data sharing is undertaken there are agreements in place setting out how personal data is used and the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties involved in the data sharing. Details of how we use personal data in the delivery of our remit, including a detailed Privacy Notice, are set out in Data Protection section of our website.I wish to assure the Deputy that my Department has an effective corporate governance framework in place to ensure that we meet our obligations under data protection laws, and the Data Sharing and Governance Act, in respect of our data processing and sharing activities. This includes having a Data Protection Officer and Data Officer in place to oversee compliance with data protection and data sharing obligations.
1871. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each individual project approved under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in County Meath in 2023; the current status of each project; and the completion date for each project, in tabular form. [1170/24]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blue ways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of almost €109 million has supported over 1,550 projects across the country. I launched the 2023 ORIS in June of last year with an allocation of €16 million, a €1 million increase on 2022. A range of applications have been submitted in respect of County Meath under Measures 1, 2 and 3 of the 2023 scheme. The assessment process is currently ongoing with approvals due to be announced in Quarter 1 of 2024. Last November, I approved funding of almost €2.3 million under the ORIS Project Development Measure for 2023. County Meath received an allocation of €50,000 to fund preparatory works for the provision of a boardwalk through the dunes from Mornington to Bettystown. All approved projects to date under ORIS in County Meath can be viewed on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/collection/90a66b-approved-funding-for-outdoor-recreation-projects/
1872. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how many dead-end private lanes across all local authorities, which have applied for the local improvement scheme and have been approved, but are awaiting funding to complete the works for each local authority, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1318/24]
View answerLocal Improvement Scheme 2024 Roads Outstanding
|
County |
Roads Outstanding |
|
Carlow |
10 |
|
Cavan |
211 |
|
Clare |
129 |
|
Cork |
121 |
|
Donegal |
1415 |
|
Galway |
77 |
|
Kerry |
665 |
|
Kildare |
8 |
|
Kilkenny |
30 |
|
Laois |
48 |
|
Leitrim |
166 |
|
Limerick |
24 |
|
Longford |
23 |
|
Louth |
11 |
|
Mayo |
150 |
|
Meath |
7 |
|
Monaghan |
35 |
|
Offaly |
20 |
|
Roscommon |
12 |
|
Sligo |
23 |
|
Tipperary |
41 |
|
Waterford |
47 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
|
Wexford |
110 |
|
Wicklow |
33 |
|
3417 |
1873. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application by an organisation (details supplied) to Pobal for funding for an additional full- time worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1328/24]
View answerMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 430 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager. A call for applications for additional staff support from organisations currently funded under the CSP programme was launched on 1st September 2023 with a closing date of 29th September. Pobal, who manage and administer the programme on behalf of my Department, provided organisations with application supports and hosted an online information session on 13th September.Applications received are currently being assessed by Pobal. I can confirm that the organisation in question submitted an application for an additional post.I refer the Deputy to PQ 45759/23 of 18th October 2023, which indicated that due to the volume of applications received for this additional funding call, the assessment process will take some time. It is expected that Pobal's recommendations will be submitted to my Department in the coming weeks and once reviewed by the Department, notifications will issue to organisations shortly thereafter. Funding for additional staff is dependent on the availability of funding.It is also suggested that the organisation should make contact with their Local Development Company or Local Authority who may be able to provide some guidance on other supports available at this time. Their local Intreo Office may be able to assist with the possibility of additional staff resources from activation programmes such as Community Employment or Tús.
1874. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a fund is available to assist in the procurement of C02 alarms for vulnerable people and people in isolated areas. [1672/24]
View answerIn 2019 my Department approved funding for a pilot initiative to support the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in the homes of elderly, isolated and vulnerable people throughout rural Ireland.The pilot initiative was funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund. The alarms were supplied through Muintir na Tíre groups who installed them in people’s homes on a voluntary basis. The project was completed in 2021 and there is currently no fund available through my Department for the provision or installation of C02 alarms.
