Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will comment on his future plans for the expansion of further and higher education in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9115/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this issue.
With respect to the area of Higher Education, as she will be aware the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest has a campus in Ennis serving County Clare. Previously, County Clare had lacked a university presence of its own, being instead traditionally served by higher education institutions such as the University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College and the University of Galway. However, with the creation of TUS on 1st October 2021, that has now changed. The TUS Ennis campus offers two courses in Social Care Work, with around 50 students enrolled.
In 2023, my Department introduced the new tertiary degree programmes, which see students begin their degree in a Further Education institution, and then progress to complete it in a Higher Education institution. In September 2023 a Bachelor of Business (Hons) tertiary degree was offered in Ennis College of FET, with students due to progress onwards to their second year, in TUS Limerick, in September 2024. This transition from Further Education to Higher Education will be completely seamless, through the development of shared curriculum, teaching collaboration, programme co-design and co-delivery within shared space and shared student experience. This programme will be run again this September and an additional programme, a Bachelor of Business in Business and Computing, will also be available at Ennis College of FET.
Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) provides a diverse range of further education and training (FET) options in County Clare. This includes full-time and part-time courses including courses for the employed and unemployed, adult and Community Education, Post Leaving Certificate courses, Youthreach, Apprenticeships and Traineeships.
FET provision in County Clare has recently been expanded to cater for additional Electrical Apprenticeship training located in Ennis Campus and additional English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses across the county.
The FET provision in County Clare, as across the country, is being supported and expanded by the investment under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, the Adult Literacy for Life Strategy and Future FET: Transforming Learning, the FET Strategy 2020-2024. All 16 ETBs, including LCETB, have a Strategic Performance Agreement in place with SOLAS covering 2022-2024. In all agreements each ETB sets out their local ambition for achievement across 12 agreed national targets.
32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on the delayed actions his Department is leading on as part of the Climate Action Plan 2023; the proportion that have been completed and delayed, respectively; if any are still outstanding from the Climate Action Plan 2021; the expected timeline for delivery for all delayed actions; the estimated emissions impact of delayed actions; the impact on carbon budgets; the measures he is taking to mitigate these impacts and make up any possible shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8987/24]
View answerMy Department has delivered all of its actions for Climate Action Plan 2023 and therefore has no delayed action in 2023 to report.
With regard to Climate Action Plan 2021, there are no Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science actions outstanding.
My Department remains committed to actively contributing to the overall delivery of Climate Action objectives.
33. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to encourage persons from disadvantaged backgrounds and ethnic minorities into third level education. [8775/24]
View answerI published the fourth National Access Plan to Higher Education in August 2022. The plan aligns with and builds on the wider ambitions of the Programme for Government to provide accessible, affordable education to all citizens. While a full midterm review of the plan will take place in 2025, I am pleased to say that we have made progress on a number of areas which support students who are socio-economically disadvantaged and/or from ethnic minority groups.
One of the goals in the plan has been to expand funding to address the cost of going to college and I have made significant improvements to the student grant scheme over the past number of budgets:-
• From September 2024 all non-adjacent maintenance rates will increase by €615 and all adjacent maintenance grant rates will increase by 10%. Students this year will have seen a pro-rata increase effective from January 2024.
• Maintenance for Postgraduate Students is being restored on a similar basis to undergraduate students in September 2024. Students in this academic year will have seen a pro-rata increase effective from January 2024.
• From September 2024 the threshold to receive Band 4 maintenance is increasing to €50,840. This means that more students can avail of maintenance grant support.
• From September 2024 the threshold for the 100% Student Contribution Grant is increasing by 10% to €55924.
• In addition I have increased the Student Assistance Fund bringing this year’s budget to over €19 million.
• Budget 2024 will also see the removal of Post Leaving Cert (PLC) fees from September 2024
Another objective is to enable part-time study for socioeconomically disadvantaged students from priority groups. From September 2024 a part-time fee grant scheme will provide support for eligible students who are undertaking specified undergraduate part-time programmes leading to a major award, both in-person, blended and online. This means that eligible students will avail of free fees for the first time ever if their household income is below €55,924.
My Department continues to run an International Protection Scheme which allows students who have been in the International Protection for 3 years to avail of support similar to the Student Grant Scheme.
Ensuring that all students feel included is a big part of the National Access Plan and just last month I also announced that we will be providing funding to institutions for anti-racism measures – including challenging racism for members of the Traveller & Roma Communities.
At Further Education and Training (FET) level learners are diverse, and the FET Sector plays an important role in providing opportunities and pathways for individuals, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and ethnic minorities, to help take them to where they want to go.
Fostering Inclusion is one of the three core pillars around which the FET Strategy 2020-2024 is built. The FET sector is committed to increasing levels of inclusion through the provision of high quality, more accessible and flexible education and training programmes and supports suited to the identified needs of individuals with the aim of enabling every citizen, including those from disadvantage backgrounds and ethnic minorities, to participate fully in society.
SOLAS, working closely with my Department, has established multi-annual strategic performance agreements with the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). ETBs are measured on their performance across 12 National targets including ‘Widening Participation’ of marginalised groups in their provision.
The FET sector is developing inclusive learning environments to support those from priority groups, including those from disadvantage backgrounds and ethnic minorities. Work is ongoing to embed Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in the sector, increasing the opportunities for learners to successfully progress on their programmes. Furthermore, the Adult Educational Guidance and Information Service (AEIGS) available at each ETB can support learners on their journey, providing critical guidance on pathways.
34. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures he is taking to address the current shortcomings in the provision of mental health supports for third level institutions. [9112/24]
View answerThe mental health and wellbeing of students is a priority for me and my Department.
Institutions receive funding from a variety of sources that contribute to the expenditure associated with the full range of institutional activities. Funding includes recurrent funding allocated by my Department to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) for direct disbursement to HEA funded Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The HEA allocates this funding as a block grant to the institutions. As autonomous bodies the internal disbursement of funding, including the funding of student services and mental health supports, is a matter for the individual institution.
My Department has provided an additional €20.9 million through the HEA to HEIs since 2020 up to 2023.
This funding consists of a core allocation of €2m, as well as an additional €3m, annually to help alleviate pressures in the area of student mental health arising from COVID in 2020 and 2021, and was continued in 2022 and 2023.
This funding is to assist the HEIs in implementing the National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework (2020).
In 2022, the HEA formally took over the implementation of the Healthy Campus Charter and Framework. This Framework aims to embed health and wellbeing more broadly within institutions and provides strategic direction on developing a whole-campus approach to health and wellbeing.
HEIs in receipt of this funding are encouraged to distribute it in support of specific student-facing areas, such as:
• Recruitment of additional Student Counsellors
• Recruitment of additional Assistant Psychologists
• Head of Service posts
• Training of staff to enable them to support and refer students to appropriate services
• Raising awareness among students of mental health and wellbeing services available, including through student outreach activities
The majority of new posts created through this funding have been counsellors, reflecting the capacity building phase of the implementation of the Framework.
HEIs have reported a breadth of positive impacts, from a reduction in engagement times to an increase in the number of sessions provided.
In 2022 I also made €900,000 available for supporting Ukrainian students registered in Irish HEIs and who are in Ireland under a temporary Section 60 order.
The funding allocation in Higher Education for 2024 will also total €5m.
The Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020-2024 recognises the importance of supporting learners in relation to mental health and wellbeing, and commits to embedding it in professional development for staff and in the curriculum for learners. Mental health and wellbeing supports are a condition of funding within the annual funding requirements set by SOLAS for ETBs. When engaging with younger learners and in particular those most at risk of social exclusion, there can be an increased need for the availability of mental health supports.
In May 2023, Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) launched the Framework for Further Education and Training: Mental Health and Wellbeing which seeks to:
• generate a clear definition and understanding of mental health and wellbeing,
• review supports currently available to FET learners, and
• help provide guidance to FET institutions on how they can support learners and respond to mental health and wellbeing critical incidents in a consistent, planned, and structured way.
The Framework is grounded in, and consistent with, the principles of Universal Design for Learning in FET, and recommends, at its foundation level, the promotion of positive mental health for all learners, through more individualised supports and supports for dealing with critical incidents.
ETBI has collaborated with Jigsaw on the new ETBI FET Learner Mental Health & Wellbeing Framework – Level 1 Accreditation. This accreditation aims to recognise the work of staff and/or learners throughout FET, and celebrate, support and spotlight the projects and initiatives that promote the mental health and wellbeing of learners.
35. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science what actions he and his Department are taking to reduce staff-to-student ratios in higher education, given Ireland was decreed to have one of the worst ratios in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. [9089/24]
View answerIn May 2022, I published a policy framework on the future of funding for third level education in Ireland. The framework identifies priority strand of work, which increased core funding could advance. The strands are:
• Strand 1: Enhance quality and international standing of the higher education system across the three missions of teaching and learning, research and engagement
• Strand 2: Drive skills and engagement – with a particular focus on essential public services
• Strand 3: Enhancing student participation and success with a focus on under-represented groups
• Strand 4: Create a unified knowledge and skills system which is balanced and integrated
• Strand 5: Address cost as a barrier to higher education and improve student supports
Following engagement with stakeholders from across the higher education system, it was determined that the recruitment of additional staff is the key enabler for the advancement of these priority areas.
Budget 2023 saw €40 million allocated towards core higher education funding under Funding the Future, while Budget 2024 saw an additional €65 million in core funding secured. This brings the total additional core funding secured since the publication of Funding the Future in May 2022 to €105m. This additional core funding is to be directed towards priorities I have communicated to the sector, which include the recruitment of additional staff to enhance academic tutoring, engagement and support services for students. As well as contributing to an enhanced student experience, this will lower the staff to student ratio and help to bring Ireland closer to international norms in this area.
A significant uplift in the ceiling of core posts was approved for the sector in recent years aligned with additional this funding. For HEA designated institutions, the uplift in 2023 represented an increase of over 1,500 posts on the 2021 ceiling.
The additional investment through Budget 2024 will lead to another significant increase in the ceiling of core posts approved. My officials are engaging with the Higher Education Authority in relation to the allocation of ceiling approvals for individual higher education institutions. This process will be finalised in the coming weeks.
36. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his priorities for Kerry in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9012/24]
View answerI thank the Deputy for this important question.
With respect to Higher Education, my Department has formally established the Munster Technological University (MTU) which has a campus in Tralee, (formerly Institute of Technology Tralee), serving County Kerry. Previously, County Kerry had lacked a university presence of its own, being instead traditionally served by higher education institutions such as the IT Tralee or University College Cork. However, with the creation of MTU on 1st January 2021, my Department has ensured that the region's access to higher educational been significantly improved.
MTU’s Tralee Campus offers a wide range of courses between Level 6 and Level 10, as well as offering apprenticeship Certificates of Attendance via SOLAS for Agricultural Mechanics, Carpentry and Joinery, Electrical, and a Chef de Partie apprenticeship.
In 2023, my Department introduced the new tertiary degree programmes, which will see students begin their degree in a Further Education institution, and then progress to complete it in a Higher Education institution. This transition from Further Education to Higher Education will be completely seamless, through the development of shared curriculum, teaching collaboration, programme co-design and co-delivery within a shared space and shared student experience. Two of these programmes were offered in Kerry in 2023 as part of the first-ever tranche of tertiary programmes – a Bachelor of Business and a BA in Animation, Visual Effects and Motion Design. This year two additional programmes are being added, in General Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing.
The advancement of Further Education and Training (FET) in Kerry continues to be a priority for the Department. Regarding FET, there are a number of key strategic priorities for Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB). The implementation of the FET College of the Future continues, with ongoing harmonisation of programme management and provision structures. Kerry ETB also plans to synergise quality assurance processes across FET programmes. In terms of curriculum development, Kerry ETB plans to further the development of full time technical English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses and a NFQ Level 6 Commercial Scuba Diving course.
Regarding the Capital investment, the following projects are currently in train at KETB FET facilities:
1.1 Emergency Health & Safety Works (EHSW)
· Kerry College of Further Education
· Roof Works – Approved to proceed to tender for the works issued in Q4 2023
· Causeway Further Education Centre
· Mechanical Works – [On Site] since Sep 2023 – works expected to be completed soon
· Kerry College Listowel Campus
· Roof Works – July 2023 – This project is linked in with the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund project below and will be delivered in conjunction with same.
· Killorglin Outdoor Education Centre
· Life Safety/Roof/Electrical – New application currently being assessed by my Department
1.2 Capital Works:
· O’Connell Adult Education Centre – Caherciveen
· Roof Works – Works on-site since Q3 / 2023 – Project completion expected shortly
1.3 Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund:
· Monavalley
· The design team are working through the preliminary design for this project, finalising the schedule of accommodation and completing a master planning exercise of the site for potential future development. Initial proposals have been presented to the ETB for review. Costs for the wider project are currently in development.
· Listowel
· The design team are working through the preliminary design for this project, finalising the schedule of accommodation and a number of options have been presented to KETB for review. A review of these options has taken place and the Design Team are progressing the preferred option and presentation of the Stage 1 report.
1.4 Apprenticeship Funding Profile 2024:
· Kerry College Monavalley Campus
· Electrical Equipment purchased in 2023. The final drawdown of funding is expected in Q3 2024, in the amount of €1.7m.
1.5 Devolved Grant:
· Allocation for 2024 - €507,500
The following Higher Education Capital Projects are in train.
2.1 Higher Education Public Private Partnership Programme:
· There are eleven projects being progressed through the PPP programme divided into two bundles. Bundle 1 consists of six project and includes the MTU Kerry Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) Building. The development of the STEM building in Kerry consists of a new two/three story c.9,000m2 facility to include agri-machinery workshops, laboratories, classrooms and ancillary space. The project will be built on the North Campus at Dromtacker and represents an important step in the consolidation of the MTU Kerry Campus on that site. It will replace infrastructure on the South campus that is no longer fit for purpose and will increase the capacity at MTU Kerry by 440 students. The project is currently under construction and on programme with completion expected in Q2 2025.
2.2 Devolved Capital Grant:
The Devolved Capital Grant provides flexible capital funding to eligible further and higher education institutions to support small-scale building works (including health and safety works, access works, refurbishment, energy upgrades etc.) and equipment purchase or renewal, including ICT. It is a matter for individual further and higher education institutions to determine what works are prioritised. In June 2023 MTU Cork and Tralee received €3,279,431.00 for the devolved grant 2023/2024 and in November 2023 MTU received an advance payment of €3,197,459 for the 2024/2025 devolved grant. The total amount received by MTU is €6,476,890 which can be expended up to 31st August 2025.
37. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement he has had to date with private student accommodation providers to prevent the practice of full-year compulsory leases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9024/24]
View answerMinister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien and I 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 for the vast majority of third level students.
I will be writing to the relevant local authorities to ensure that student accommodation is operating in accordance with specific planning conditions.
Minister O'Brien and I are also examining legislative amendments to increase protections for students.
My officials will engage with the sectoral representatives to establish the rationale for this divergence away from the policy intent of student accommodation and to ensure that the needs of students are central to any solution presented.
Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions of their lease agreements before entering into same. I would encourage students to contact their provider directly to ascertain the availability of accommodation aligned to their HEIs academic year.
Student specific accommodation is within the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The RTB provides a confidential dispute resolution service. It is open to a student to make contact with the RTB with any complaints or disputes regarding their accommodation.
38. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider putting in place a scholarship programme for radiation therapy students with a signed agreement that they would work for two years in the HSE once qualified, given that University College Cork has a two-year master's programme costing students €12,000 per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9086/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, there has been extensive engagement between my Department and the Department of Health and the two education providers, Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork regarding expanding provision in Radiation Therapy programmes. These discussions are ongoing. For additional places to be made available on Radiation Therapy programmes it is essential to ensure the appropriate clinical placements and qualified practice tutors are in place.
The introduction of any sponsorship agreement and employment commitment in relation to any healthcare profession, and indeed more generally, would be matters for relevant employers, in this case the HSE.
39. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on plans for development of Longford Westmeath ETB further education campus in Longford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8777/24]
View answerMy Department works collaboratively with all Higher Education Institutions and Education and Training Boards on the development of capital projects in line with their established masterplans. Longford-Westmeath ETB recently prepared a first edition of their Estates Strategy which identifies Longford as one of 3 locations, alongside Mullingar and Athlone, for development of FET campuses. Longford College of Further Education offers a number of FET courses at NFQ levels 5 and 6. Some of the key areas include Business Studies, Beauty Therapy, Engineering Technology, and Nursing Studies. If people would like to progress to higher education, these courses can provide that pathway.
I am aware that SOLAS has been working with Longford-Westmeath ETB in respect of the development of the Longford FET campus across several capital project streams including:
• Utilisation of Devolved Capital Grant funding on the campus to support improvements in quality and alignment with Just Transition funding; Just Transition funding was granted to convert a building on the former Connolly Barracks site in Longford into a location for a variety of FET learning uses, including supporting former workers affected by the closures of Bord na Mona sites and associated activities to upskill and reskill in emerging sectors, including those aligned with the digital literacy intent of the Adult Literacy for All strategy. The building is in need of additional repairs and SOLAS and my Department are working with Longford Westmeath ETB to prioritise appropriate and targeted use of Devolved Grant and Emergency Health and Safety Works allocations to address this.
• Emergency Health & Safety works relating to learner mobility and movement on campus; and
• The expansion of apprenticeship provision in the region. A building on the Connolly Barracks site is being converted into four electrical workshops which will assist with the national effort to address the apprenticeship backlog while increasing utilisation of existing classrooms on the campus.
Regarding the FET Devolved Capital Grant, I wish to advise the Deputy that Longford Westmeath ETB received €553,159 in 2021, €725,947 in 2022 and over €1.5 million in 2023 across all its campus locations.
40. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the Irish Survey of Student Engagement; and if his Department has any input into the drafting of the questions asked in the survey. [8776/24]
View answerStudentSurvey.ie (formerly known as the Irish Survey of Student Engagement) collects responses from undergraduate and taught postgraduate students on their experience of higher education. Since 2019, a similar survey, PostGraduate Research (PGR) StudentSurvey.ie, has also been administered biennially to students enrolled on postgraduate research programmes. These surveys provide invaluable insight into the higher education student experience and, in doing so, ensure higher education institutions are able to support every individual in their learning journey in an informed manner.
In 2023, both surveys were undertaken and the detailed results of these were published on 29th November 2023, reflecting the experiences of over 39,000 taught and over 4,000 research students. The surveys are intended to be of particular use to the institutions who can examine their own results in detail. However, one heartening result was that over half of students in the primary survey responded that the quality of interactions with academic staff was ‘excellent’. Moreover, around 78% of these students evaluated their entire educational experience at their institution as good or excellent.
The project is managed as a collaborative partnership between the Higher Education Authority (HEA), The Irish Universities Association (IUA), the Technological Higher Education Association (THEA), and the Union of Students in Ireland. In accordance with the Steering Group’s decision, the surveys’ questions are reviewed on a regular basis. Most recently, a comprehensive review of the questions was conducted in 2021, the details of which have been published. My Department does not directly sit on the project Steering Group but works with the HEA to ensure that the survey remains a key pillar of the evidence base necessary to inform and guide our tertiary policy.
41. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an up-to-date report on the provision of student accommodation at University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University and the University of Limerick. [8902/24]
View answerIn November 2022 I secured Government approval for a new policy to provide State assistance to stimulate the supply of student accommodation for public higher education institutions. The Student Accommodation long-term policy was approved by Government on the 16th January 2024. This policy will inform future student accommodation strategies and schemes which will be developed throughout 2024.
To date, as a short term measure the Government has approved in principle a total of up to €61m in funding to unlock the development of up to 1,000 beds across a number of higher education institutions. Both DCU (405 beds) and MU (116 beds) have progressed to tender stage and are expected to commence construction this year subject to the necessary approvals. A project at UL is under assessment by the Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
The Department is continuing to examine larger scale projects, including phasing options. UCD has permission to develop up to 1,254 beds, with an option of a phase 1 delivery of 493 beds. TCD has planning permission to deliver 358 beds on its Dartry campus. DCU has planning permission for a further 830 beds (Phase 2) on the Glasnevin campus. These projects are currently being assessed.
The Department continues to engage with DPENDR regarding funding for these larger scale projects under the NDP negotiations The Department and the HEA will work through the financial and governance due diligence process for these projects if State funding is approved by Government. For the current academic year, DCU had 1,455 beds, UCD had 4,154, UL had 2,934 and TCD had 1,843 plus an additional 639 beds under a nomination agreement.
|
Bed Numbers |
DCU |
TCD |
UCD |
UL |
|
Existing |
1,455 |
1,843* |
4,154 |
2,934 |
* Not including nomination agreements for 639 beds
42. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the plans to enhance disability supports for students at further and higher education centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8725/24]
View answerI published the fourth National Access Plan to Higher Education in August 2022. The plan aligns with and builds on the wider ambitions of the Programme for Government to provide accessible, affordable education to all citizens.
The plan identifies students with a disability including students with an intellectual disability as groups who are underrepresented in Higher Education. Since the launch of the plan I have made a number of key improvements including:-
• Providing €3m of funding to support universal design in higher educations with projects currently ongoing.
• Increasing the Fund for Students with a disability by 5% for 2024 bringing funding available to over €8millon.
• I have recently provided funding to 10 Higher Education Institutions who will provide courses for students with an intellectual disability across the country over the next 3 years. Course provision is due to commence in September 2024.
• On the 9th February I announced a further €1.8 million to support inclusion measures. Part of this funding will be prioritised to progress recommendations made by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism such as the roll out of sensory maps of college campuses. Some of the funding will also allow further Universal Design measures.
Further Education and Training (FET) learners are diverse, and the FET Sector plays an important role in providing opportunities and pathways for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and marginalised groups to help take them to where they want to go.
Fostering Inclusion is one of the three core pillars around which the Further Education and Training Strategy (FET) 2020-2024 is built. The FET sector is committed to increasing levels of inclusion through the provision of high quality, more accessible and flexible education and training programmes and supports suited to the identified needs of individuals with the aim of enabling every citizen, including those facing marginalisation and disadvantage, to participate fully in society.
SOLAS, working closely with the Department, has established multi-annual strategic performance agreements with the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). ETBs are measured on their performance across 12 National targets including ‘Widening Participation’ of marginalised groups in their provision. The specific target groups are:
• Travellers;
• Roma;
• Persons with a Disability;
• Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
As of end November 2023, there were 21,826 learners from these marginalised groups on FET programmes including those with a disability.
43. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason some of the craft apprenticeship curriculum course syllabuses are almost 15 years old; and the steps he will take to modernise them. [9108/24]
View answerCraft apprenticeships have a largely standardised delivery model. SOLAS serve as a central coordinating provider, setting curricula across programmes.
Craft apprenticeship programmes are continually monitored with the aim to keeping them up-to-date and in line with industry standards. Programme content is updated from time to time to allow for technical or legislative changes.
QQI will be involved in the revalidation of all craft programmes in the planned move towards a single integrated apprenticeship system which is one of the five overarching objectives under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025.
The table below summarises the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes, the date the curricula was first published, and the latest QQI revalidation date. Of the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes, 5 were revalidated in 2023, 13 were revalidated in 2017, and a further 3 revalidated in 2014. The remaining 4 programmes were last revalidated in 2006:
• The Painting and Decorating review is ongoing as part of the wet trade review, and is anticipated for completion in Q4 2024.
• The Plastering review is ongoing as part of the wet trade review and is anticipated for completion in Q4 2024.
• The review of the Motor Mechanics / Automotive Technology programme is anticipated for submission to QQI for validation in 2024.
• The review of the Construction Plant Fitting programme is anticipated for submission to QQI for validation in Q4 2024.
|
Apprenticeship |
Revision |
First Published (Revision) |
QQI Revalidation Date |
Notes |
|
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics |
5 |
2016 |
2023 |
Review & validation completed, rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Carpentry & Joinery |
5 |
2016 |
2023 |
Review & validation completed, rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Plumbing |
5 |
2016 |
2023 |
Review & validation completed, rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Metal Fabrication |
5 |
2016 |
2023 |
Review & validation completed, rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Electrical |
5 |
2016 |
2023 |
Review & validation completed, rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Vehicle Body Repair |
4 |
2019 |
2017 |
Revalidation work in progress |
|
Industrial Insulation |
2 |
2009 |
2017 |
Curriculum update & rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Agricultural Mechanics |
2 |
2006 |
2017 |
Curriculum update & rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Electronic Security Systems |
2 |
2010 |
2017 |
Curriculum update & rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Farriery |
2 |
2011 |
2017 |
Curriculum update & rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Pipefitting |
2 |
2014 |
- |
Propose submission to QQI 2024 |
|
Sheet Metal Work |
2 |
2006 |
2017 |
Curriculum update & rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Electrical Instrumentation |
2 |
2007 |
2017 |
Curriculum update & rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Instrumentation |
2 |
2007 |
2017 |
Curriculum update & rollout proposed 2024 |
|
MAMF |
2 |
2007 |
2017 |
Curriculum update & rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Toolmaking |
2 |
2007 |
2017 |
Curriculum update & rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Wood Manufacturing |
2 |
2010 |
2017 |
Curriculum update & rollout proposed 2024 |
|
Brick and Stone |
2 |
2013 |
2017 |
Wet Trade Review Pending |
|
Painting & Decorating |
2 |
2006 |
- |
Wet Trade Review Pending |
|
Plastering |
2 |
2006 |
- |
Wet Trade Review Pending |
|
Aircraft Mechanics |
3 |
2007 |
2017 |
QQI Re-submission 2024-25 |
|
Motor Mechanics/Automotive Technician |
2 |
2006 |
- |
QQI proposed submission date 2024 |
|
Construction Plant Fitting |
2 |
2006 |
- |
QQI proposed submission date 2024/2025 |
|
Stonecutting/Stonemasonry |
2 |
2014 |
- |
QQI for validation in Q4 2024. |
|
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning |
2 |
2014 |
- |
QQI for validation in Q4 2024. |
44. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on the funding allocation to date and the timeframe for the development of Cavan Institute as a hub for further education and training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8782/24]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that over the course of 2023, Cavan Monaghan ETB (CMETB) were supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Cavan town 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.
CMETB submitted their business case for their FET College of the Future major project to SOLAS in January of this year, and as part of this business case, CMETB have undertaken significant work in developing a proposal that outlines the infrastructure needs for their region.
The Cavan town proposal is one of twelve FET College of the Future major project proposals that are now being considered by SOLAS and my Department under criteria such as value for money, affordability, 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 CMETB 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. I will be meeting Solas this week to be briefed on the next steps.
To address interim accommodation needs, I approved the acquisition and fit out of a substantial modular unit for CMETB at a cost of €5.8m. This facilitated the opening of the new Education and Training Facility for Cavan Institute at CMETB FET Campus in 2023. This facility gives 300 students access to a range of PLC programmes and will allow for the further growth of Cavan Institute to offer state of the art facilities for students and staff.
45. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 103 of 18 January 2024, the status of the proposed new further education college in Galway city; if the preliminary business case has been completed and submitted to Solas to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8904/24]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that over the course of 2023, Galway Roscommon ETB (GRETB) were supported by SOLAS in developing their Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for their Mervue site in Galway city 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.
GRETB submitted their business case for their FET College of the Future major project to SOLAS in January of this year, and as part of this business case, GRETB have undertaken significant work in developing a proposal that outlines the infrastructure needs for their region.
The Galway proposal is one of twelve FET College of the Future major project proposals that are 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 GRETB 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, funding has also being made available for the fit out and refurbishment of the Cambridge building in Mervue to provide extra apprenticeship training workshops and classrooms. This new facility will provide new craft workshops for Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry & Joinery, Metal Fabrication and Pipefitting, with associated classrooms and flexibility to deliver more FET fulltime/part-time programs in the future.
In addition to this, the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund (SIUF) TEL Hub project for Mervue is at the early stages of the design phase.
46. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the ability of technical universities to borrow funds to provide their own student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9076/24]
View answerHousing for All contains a commitment to support TUs to develop purpose-built student accommodation where such a requirement exists, through access to appropriate financing.
In November 2022, Government approved funding of €1m to assist the TU sector in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessment. The HEA appointed consultants, to undertake phase one of this work which commenced in June 2023.
Phase one 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. In parallel with the data collection, the HEA is overseeing the development of a standardised Preliminary Business Case process and templates. The intention of this work is to develop a programmatic approach to facilitate future TU student accommodation proposals. It is proposed that this will be achieved by using the demand analysis from the data collection process to inform a framework of delivery models and funding options as part of the second phase of the study.
Phase two of this study is to design and assess a framework for student accommodation for the TU sector. The phase two process has commenced and the deadline for return of proposals from the sector is the 15th of March 2024.
As part of this process, a number of delivery mechanisms are being assessed. This will include an examination of a borrowing framework for student accommodation. Any framework proposal will require approval by Government and the development of necessary safeguards to ensure that any capital programme of work will not impact the resources or financial position of the Technological Universities. We will work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.
47. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he and his Department are taking to support students who are being asked to pay for accommodation for 52 weeks of the year, despite only being in college for nine months of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8780/24]
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. Additionally 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.
49. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding progress on the public private partnership, bundle 2, specifically with reference to the funding of the engineering building in the Waterford Campus SETU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9083/24]
View answerThere are eleven projects being progressed through the PPP programme. Bundle one, consisting of six projects, has commenced construction. There are five projects in Bundle two, two of which are for South East Technological University (SETU) – one at Waterford campus and one at the Carlow campus
The project in Waterford is the largest at c. 13,000 sqm in the Higher Education PPP Programme and will be transformative for SETU. It will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories, general and specialised teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space. Student numbers catered for by the new building will be c. 3,443 students.
The Government through my Department remains fully committed to the delivery of the Engineering, Computing and General Teaching building at the South East Technological University (SETU) campus at Waterford. This commitment to the PPP programme has been carried through into the current National Development Plan 2018-2027.
The Bundle 2 procurement process is currently at tender stage and awaiting final tender.
50. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 18 January 2024, for an update on the plans to provide additional student accommodation units for students at the University of Galway; the timeline for the delivery of the additional units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8905/24]
View answerAs part of the Short-Term Activation Programme, the University of Galway (UG) received approval to progress a proposed lease approximately 242 additional beds over 15 years, subject to review. This proposal is currently being examined by the HEA as part of a due diligence assessment. A number of other potential developments in Galway may also be amenable to a leasing intervention or refurbishment intervention, and work is ongoing on these assessments by my officials and the HEA and are subject to the necessary approvals. The timeline for delivery of these proposals is subject to compliance and approvals under the public spending code.
The Department continues to engage with DPENDR regarding funding for these projects under the NDP process. The Department and the HEA will work through the financial and governance due diligence process for these projects if State funding is approved by Government.
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. In addition, as of the 31st of January, HEIs have indicated that there are approximately 137 rooms available in Galway for digs accommodation.
The most recent Building Information data (January 2024) supplied by the HEA indicate that since 2017, 1,739 new purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) beds have been built in Galway. Work is underway on site on an additional 403 bed spaces and planning permission has been obtained for a further 1,669 beds.
I secured Government support for the Student Accommodation Long Term Policy on the 16th of January 2024. This policy sets out a number of measures to increase the supply of accommodation, through all forms of tenure recognising the differing needs regionally.
