Written Answers Nos. 1-30
2. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the introduction of mandatory 51-week leases by private student accommodation providers; the actions he intends to take on these leases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9077/24]
View answerI have been working with Minister O’Brien on this matter and I really want to thank him for his continued support. We both agree the actions of these providers is unacceptable. While it may suit some specific third level students, it is not desirable or affordable for the majority of the student population and we intend to take a number of actions to mitigate this barrier to accessing higher education.
I will be writing to Dublin City Council and other relevant local authorities seeking an urgent assessment to ascertain if providers are operating in compliance with specific planning permissions for the developments.
Minister O'Brien and I are examining legislative amendments to ensure contracts are prioritised for students in the academic year under the Residential Tenancies Act.
I also encourage students to contact providers directly to ascertain the availability of accommodation for the academic year. Under the Residential Tenancies Act (2016) landlords cannot ask anyone to pay more than the equivalent of two months’ rent to secure a tenancy.
I ask students to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of their lease agreements before entering into same. Student accommodation is within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service. A student can contact the RTB with complaints or disputes regarding their accommodation.
7. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the up-to-date position regarding the development of a facility in Killarney (details supplied) as a new training centre of excellence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9011/24]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that over the course of 2023, Kerry ETB (KETB) were supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Killarney under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund. The development of a robust PBC is fundamental to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
KETB submitted their business case for their FET College of the Future major project to SOLAS in January of this year. Their proposal plans to take a derelict site in the town and re-purpose and transform it into a state-of-the-art campus. The proposal is to develop the site into a Specialist Centre of Skills Development in Hospitality Training, while supporting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Green Technologies.
The Kerry proposal is one of twelve FET College of the Future major project proposals that a re now being considered by SOLAS and my Department under criteria such as value for money, affordability and strategic policy and priority alignment. These business cases will also need to be evaluated in line with the requirements of the infrastructure guidelines.
SOLAS will work closely with relevant ETBs including KETB in progressing their FET College of the Future Major Project fund proposals to achieve the development of required infrastructure that meet the needs of their FET learners.
Capital investment in the FET Sector remains a key priority for me. In this regard, Kerry ETB have also being successful under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund (SIUF) for two proposals which will see the refurbishment and upgrade of existing accommodation at their Listowel Campus and provision of additional accommodation at their Monavalley Campus in Tralee.
9. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking in 2024, the European Year of Skills, to increase the uptake of lifelong learning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9084/24]
View answerAs highlighted in the OECD Review there is a substantial provision of lifelong learning opportunities across all of the tertiary education system offered, for example, through such initiatives as Springboard+, the Human Capital Initiative, Skills to Advance and the work of Skillnet Ireland.
The OECD Review confirmed that although Ireland’s lifelong learning performance exceeds EU average levels, significant progress is required to reach our ambition of being a top EU performer.
My Department is, therefore, prioritising a number of key recommendations set out in the Review to enhance Ireland’s lifelong learning performance. These include:-
The reform of the National Skills Council, which I plan to announce shortly, to build a national partnership across all key stakeholders to drive a stronger national lifelong learning performance.
The implementation of a pilot SME incentivisation scheme to help SMEs with the cost of upskilling and reskilling of their workforce.
The development of a single portal for Career Guidance and Information to more effectively support workers and employers in navigating the multiple lifelong learning opportunities available.
Increased investment will be central to the delivery of our ambitions.
Minister Donohoe stated in his Budget 2024 Statement that he was keen to ensure that the National Training Fund is used in an effective and sustainable way in view of its vital role to ensure that workers can access lifelong learning.
An examination of the options to meet these objectives involving my Department and DPENDPDR is currently underway.
11. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on his Department's work on the borrowing framework for technological universities; the proposed timeline for when such a framework will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9079/24]
View answerIt is anticipated that any borrowing framework for TUs would in the first instance prioritise the provision of student accommodation in line with commitments in the Government's Housing for All plan.
Housing for All contains a number of key actions relating to the development of additional student accommodation supply supported by the State. It also identifies the need to examine financing options and mechanisms for the Technological Sector to provide student accommodation.
The Housing Finance Agency Act 1981, as amended, facilitates lending by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) to institutions of higher education. This now includes Technological Universities for the purposes of student accommodation specifically.
The development of a specific TU borrowing framework would require approval from Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform.
My Department and the HEA are working through a large scale programme of work with the TU sector to develop proposals for student accommodation. This work includes an assessment of a range of funding and delivery mechanisms for student accommodation with the sector. We are also in the process of progressing large teaching and learning capital developments with the sector through exchequer funding supports.
The impacts, risks and responsibilities arising from such funding and delivery mechanisms are key considerations in this context. Furthermore safeguards will be required to ensure that projects would not adversely impact the resources or financial position of TUs themselves or the wider public finances. Stated requisite oversight, risk evaluation, project management and attendant governance and regulatory processes also needs to be established.
My officials are continuing to work with relevant Government Departments and Agencies through this assessment process for the Technological University (TU) sector, as part of an assessment of a range of mechanisms for the delivery of student accommodation for the TU sector.
Phase two of the TU study has commenced with Universities due to make initial submissions to the HEA by mid March, with an evaluation and output report due from the HEA in mid-April. This will be followed by a final submission from the sectors in August of this year, and subject to approval at that stage.
Any framework proposal will require approval by Government, my Department will work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.
14. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the centre of excellence for electric vehicles in Mullingar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9075/24]
View answerI am strongly committed to meeting electro-mobility skills requirements in light of the role of electric vehicles in supporting the achievement of Government's climate action objectives. In this context, my Department is continuing to work closely with Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board (LWETB) to establish a national eMobility Capability Centre in Mullingar.
Last November in a key first step towards this goal, I announced the launch of a project office within LWETB, to drive the development of the Centre in a planned and phased manner. The project office will provide leadership and oversight, including in regard to a technical feasibility study to identify the full requirements of the eMobility Centre.
In light of the new technologies involved appropriately qualified technicians are essential across the full spectrum of skills needs. The establishment of the project office will enable work to commence in the detailed scoping out of the specific skill requirements to meet eMobility servicing needs. This will encompass not just electric cars but larger vehicles such as buses and lorries. The project office will also consider how education and training can provide appropriate qualifications, through a variety of accredited programmes, which will be developed over time, in response to both immediate and evolving needs.
I am delighted that, through Estimates 2024, LWETB received funding for appropriate staffing for the project office. I understand that, following a successful recruitment campaign, the project office will be operational next month which will enable the delivery of the feasibility study later this year. I look forward to this project proceeding at pace.
16. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to report on the Departmental subgroup on education in prisons that was proposed to be established; if it has been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8220/24]
View answerThe Prison Education Taskforce, which I co-chair with Minister for Law Reform, James Browne TD, was established last May. With representatives from both Departments, the Irish Prison Service, SOLAS, the National Apprenticeship Office, Education and Training Boards Ireland, the Probation Service, Maynooth University and former prisoners, the Taskforce aims to improve education and upskilling opportunities for prisoners to support their rehabilitation and employment post-release.
Working collaboratively, the Taskforce is driving new innovative approaches. A retrofit pilot programme commenced yesterday, initially in the Midlands Prison. This Retrofit Skills Course at QQI Level 5 was developed in partnership between the National Construction Training Campus under Laois Offaly ETB and the Irish Prison Service. On completion, participants will be qualified to carry out retrofitting work. Our goal is that post release, participants will be able to avail of the many employment opportunities arising in this expanding sector.
The Taskforce is also progressing the roll out of apprenticeships in prison, having identified the Commis-Chef Apprenticeship and the pilot new Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship as significant opportunities.
The first FET Information Day took place in Mountjoy Prison, advising prisoners on education and training options both pre and post release, last November. Similar events are scheduled for the Midlands and Wheatfield Prisons. NALA’s Peer to Peer Literacy ambassador programme has been rolled out across 7 locations and will expand its reach this year. The Irish Prison Service is progressing a digital transformation programme to ensure a joined up approach to the use of technology in Prisons.
Building on the Prison Education and Work and Training Services operated across the prisons, these innovations demonstrate the significant impact of the work of the Taskforce to date.
17. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the legislative programme. [3496/24]
View answerMy Department is currently prioritising two pieces of legislation, the Research and Innovation Bill and the Construction Safety Licensing Bill 2023.
As part of Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy, the Government has approved the creation of a new statutory research funding agency “Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland”, under the aegis of my Department. This will be driven by way of the new Research and Innovation Bill. It will involve amalgamating the functions and activities of the Irish Research Council (IRC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) in this new body under the aegis of my Department.
The General Scheme of the Bill was approved by Government on 5th April 2023. A Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Report was published by the Joint Oireachtas Committee in July last, and has been carefully considered in the drafting process. The Department responded in writing to the Committee on the 28th of December.
The Research and Innovation Bill was published on January 8th 2024 and is progressing through the houses.
Turning now to the Construction Safety Licensing Bill 2023 - the purpose of this Bill is to provide a new and comprehensive framework for the licensing of construction, quarrying and related activities in Ireland. A single body will be designated as the licensing authority for the sector. The objective is to improve health and safety practices in construction and quarrying with the intention of reducing workplace accidents, work related injuries and fatalities.
The General Scheme of the Bill was approved on 27th September 2022 and published on 6th October 2022. The Construction Safety Licensing Bill was initiated in the Dáil and published on 24th March 2023, with Second Stage taking place on 3rd May 2023. Committee Stage then took place on 27th June 2023, and I look forward to taking the Bill to Report Stage in the coming months.
19. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of recent reports (details supplied) that highlight critical skills and labour gaps in order to meet our 2030 targets as part of Ireland's energy transition; the corrective measures he will take in order to fill these gaps; the timeline for delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8986/24]
View answerMy Department co-leads with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications a dedicated "skills and workforce workstream" as part of the cross-government Offshore Wind Energy Programme to meet Government's ambitious targets for offshore wind capacity.
The recently launched report, Building our Potential: Ireland’s Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs, is a key deliverable of this workstream. Commissioned by Wind Energy Ireland who also participate in the workstream and funded by Skillnet Ireland, the Government's designated workforce development agency, the report was conducted in close collaboration with my officials.
It details the skills and workforce requirements to deliver Ireland’s offshore wind targets. The report assesses both the skills opportunities for Ireland associated with offshore wind, and the challenges we face when it comes to developing these skills. It makes a number of recommendations to meet the projected workforce need. The analysis in the report significantly complements the recent ESRI report The National Development Plan in 2023: Priorities and Capacity by providing a granular and comprehensive assessment of specific skill requirements for the development of Ireland's offshore wind industry.
Following the recent publication of the report, my Department has been further examining this significant and valuable report. It is clear that the report will play a very important role in advising and guiding ongoing work in this area of critical strategic importance to meeting Ireland's future sustainable energy needs.
I plan to bring forward shortly a Memorandum for the Information of the Government, with proposals outlining the next steps in meeting offshore wind energy workforce and skills needs.
20. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on his Department’s plans to expand the provision of education in veterinary medicine in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8629/24]
View answerEnsuring a supply of qualified vets to meet the demands of Ireland's agri-food sector is an important issue for my Department.
My Department does not place a quota on the number of places on veterinary medicine courses offered by higher education institutions. The number of places provided each year is determined by the institutions themselves in line with their capacity.
There are, however, material limits on the number of places that can be created on courses which have significant practical elements and placement requirements, such as veterinary medicine.
A number of institutions put forward proposals following the recent HEA Expression of Interest process outlining options for the expansion of existing veterinary medicine provision. The options identified have the potential to transform the numbers of students who would be able to take up places on veterinary medicine programmes.
However, it is important to say that there would be substantial capital costs associated with the provision of any new veterinary school, which require the commitment of new resources.
My Department is engaging with other relevant Departments about the capital costs for the provision of any new school.
I am continuing to work with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the next steps.
22. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the review of the status of PhD researchers, that is, their classification as either students or employees, will be published. [9078/24]
View answerIn November 2022, I appointed Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney to undertake an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers. This is the first time that State supports for PhD students have been considered holistically in this manner. During their exercise they met with over 35 stakeholder organisations, including an all-day workshop with student groups, and they received over 750 online submissions.
In their reporting, I requested that the Co-Chairs prioritise consideration of a number of issues, including stipend levels. Their first review report was published in June 2023 in which they recommended an increase toward an optimum stipend level of €25,000, subject to funding availability. Under Budget 2024, I secured funding to increase the competitive PhD stipend awards provided by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council from €19,000 to €22,000 per annum, building on the additional funding that I secured under Budget 2023 and demonstrating my consistent commitment to this issue. My officials and I will continue to engage with the budgetary processes in order to continue our progress on this.
The final report of the Co-Chairs will encompass their examination of the two outstanding elements of their terms of reference: PhD researcher status and issues particularly relevant to underrepresented groups. For each of these elements, the Co-Chairs will present their analysis and findings, based on their extensive consultation process and desk review. The report will be published on my Department's web site in the first quarter of this year.
23. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of the University of Limerick's recent purchase of social housing units in Rhebogue, County Limerick. [8903/24]
View answerUniversities, including the University of Limerick are autonomous bodies established under statute. Universities are required to comply with all relevant Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines including as appropriate, the Public Spending Code and relevant circulars.
As autonomous bodies, the expenditure of a University’s income (public and private) is a matter for the individual institution and this includes responsibility for ensuring appropriate policies and procedures are in place to oversee the use of its resources.
The President of a University, as the Accountable Person for the institution, is accountable to the Oireachtas in respect of the expenditure of Exchequer funding and their financial statements are audited independently by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The acquisition process for the development referred to was undertaken independently by the University and outside of any supported or exchequer schemes under my remit.
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has recently commenced a review of capital acquisitions procedures with the University of Limerick. It is intended that this review will be undertaken in an expedient manner. The HEA will provide my Department with an update once this process is concluded.
26. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the work that has been carried out to fast track the delivery of the proposed new veterinary school. [9111/24]
View answerEnsuring an appropriate supply of qualified vets to meet the demands of Ireland's agri-food sector is an important issue for my Department.
My Department does not place a quota on the number of places on veterinary medicine courses offered by higher education institutions. The number of places provided each year is determined by the institutions themselves in line with their capacity. There are real, material limits on the number of places that can be created on courses with significant practical elements and placement requirements, such as veterinary medicine.
As you are aware, a number of institutions put forward proposals following the recent HEA Expression of Interest process outlining options for the expansion of existing veterinary medicine provision.
There is a substantial capital cost associated with the provision of any new school in veterinary. It is important that the scale of costs is fully understood and planned for. The options identified have the potential to transform the numbers of students who can take up places on veterinary medicine programmes and would represent a significant investment of public funding in our higher education institutions.
Detailed discussions are continuing to take place about the ways and means to address capital costs for the provision of any new school, including in the context of the ongoing review of Departmental National Development Plan allocations.
I am continuing to work with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the next steps.
27. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which he has engaged with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to restrictive 51-week tenancies for the 2024-25 academic year announced by some operators of student accommodation in Dublin. [9090/24]
View answerI am concerned that a move to annual contracts by some private operators will further increase the cost and barriers to higher education for students. I do not support this divergence away from the policy intention to facilitate students with accommodation during the academic year, and any planning conditions of specific student accommodation.
Accordingly, I along with the Minister Darragh O’Brien have asked our officials to engage on the decision of private student accommodation providers to move to 51-week leases. We recognise that while there may be a market for 51 week leases among some members of the student population, it is not desirable or affordable for the vast majority of third level students and their families.
Officials from both Departments have been engaging extensively and held a meeting on the 19th of February to establish the circumstances of the 51 week leases and consider what action is available to ensure accommodation availability for students and address the issues raised. A number of options are being closely considered under the Residential Tenancies Act and the specific planning consents for these accommodation developments. This process will continue to work to a resolution of this matter.
My officials are also engaged with the Residential Tenancies Board regarding the 51-week occupancy model. The RTB is the independent regulator of the residential tenancies sector including specific student accommodation.
28. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the increases to the PhD stipend that he announced as part of budget 2024 will be operational; and when PhD researchers will see this change take place. [9080/24]
View answerThe National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers is the first time that the issue of state supports for this group has been considered holistically. In the first report from this Review which was published in June 2023, the Co-Chairs made an independent recommendation for an increase towards an optimum stipend level of €25,000, subject to funding availability.
Under Budget 2024, I secured funding to increase the PhD stipends provided by the competitive research funding agencies under my Department’s remit, i.e. Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC). The additional funding means that these stipends can be increased from €19,000 to €22,000 per student per annum.
This builds on the increase that I secured in Budget 2023 and my officials and I will continue to engage with the budgetary processes in order to continue our progress on this issue.
For those PhD students in receipt of stipends from national competitive funding agencies under the remit of other Government Departments, the level of stipend awarded and the timeline of its payment are at the discretion of that funder and their parent Department.
With regard to SFI and IRC PhD stipend awardees, the increases to €22,000 became effective from 1st January 2024, with the associated funds in the process of being transferred from the agencies to each relevant higher education institution which is then administering the payment to their students.
29. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the work his Department has carried out to promote the new guidelines in relation to student digs accommodation. [9110/24]
View answerIn line with Housing for All objectives to increase protections in private rental accommodation, my Department developed a Voluntary Regulatory Framework together with a sample license agreement to assist both homeowners and students who wish to participate in the Rent a Room scheme. The guidance aimed to highlight to homeowners and students the key issues to consider when entering into a Rent a Room license agreement. This guidance and licence agreement has been circulated to all Higher Education Institutions and is available at www.gov.ie/en/service/b1d3f-find-and-advertise-student-accommodation-and-digs/.
The guidance was published in advance of the 2023 academic year and followed a promotional media campaign which raised awareness of the scheme. This scheme was supplemented by localised campaigns from the higher education sector.
An individual can rent a room/rooms in their home, retain their social welfare entitlements where applicable, and earn up to €14,000 in rental income before having to pay tax. The Government also approved an extension of the rent-a-room relief scheme to disregard income earned when determining medical card eligibility and when examining reckonable income for support under the SUSI grant scheme. In addition, the scheme has been extended to allow local authority tenants to participate from the 1st December 2023. This will be on an administrative basis initially, targeting the provision of additional rooms for third level students.
My Government colleagues and I will continue our work to increase awareness and availability of the scheme which is an important provider of flexible and affordable accommodation for students and the wider renter market.
30. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will deliver decent public sector work contracts for the 3,500 adult education tutors who are employed by the education and training boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9132/24]
View answer48. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider all the issues outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9133/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 48 together.
A proposal issued to staff representatives last year to establish a new grade of adult educator, with a standardised pay scale 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.
This proposal follows the earlier Labour Court recommendation that the official side make an offer on the issue of a pay scale alignment, while accepting that any offer could not, having regard to the contrasting nature of the roles, qualification, flexibility and regulatory frameworks, involve an alignment with the teacher scale.
The implementation of the proposal has been the subject of further negotiations with staff representatives. A key issue raised related to incremental progression. My Department and the Department of Education, which has regulatory responsibility for the ETB sector, have submitted an updated proposal to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. The award of Building Momentum increases due to those tutors on SOLAS-funded programmes who are paid on self-financing rates will also be addressed as part of this process.
Officials are engaging on the updated proposal and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement on the matter this week. Each of the over 2,800 tutors employed across the ETBs will have the option to avail of the new arrangements and assimilate on to the proposed new adult educator pay scale or remain on his or her existing arrangements.
