Written Answers Nos. 1684-1703
1684. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 27 February 2024, if there is an update on the updated proposal submitted by his Department and the Department of Education to the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform concerning the pay scale of tutors employed in ETBs to deliver FET programmes. [13709/24]
View answerFollowing discussions on aspects of the claim relating to incremental progression and the approach to implementation of the proposal, my Department and the Department of Education, which has regulatory responsibility for the ETB sector, issued an updated proposal to staff representatives.
It is proposed 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.
This proposal has been accepted by staff representatives and steps will be now be taken to support implementation of the proposal. Existing staff working as adult education tutors in ETBs will have the option of availing of the new arrangements and assimilating onto the new salary scale or remaining on their current 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.
1685. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13748/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware Higher Education Institutions are autonomous under legislation and can provide programmes in line with their academic autonomy. There are currently higher education options available in Music programmes in the University of Galway, the University of Limerick and Technological University of the Shannon.
Both Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB (MSLETB) and Galway Roscommon ETB (GRETB) provide music education courses as part of their FET offering. MSLETB provides music education as part of full-time FET courses and as part-time courses responding to identified needs, for example via community education. GRETB provides level 5 courses in Music Technology and Music Production in both the Galway Technical Institute and Galway Community College of Further Education. Further information on these courses can be found here Home - FET Course Hub (fetchcourses.ie)
The establishment of a new college of music has not been raised with my Department and any such proposal would have to be considered in the context of current and existing provision across the country.
1686. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount spent by his Department on travel and accommodation costs associated with Ministerial visits abroad to date in 2024, in tabular form. [13807/24]
View answerThe details sought by the Deputy are being compiled, and will be forwarded to the Deputy when complete.
1687. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of properties either owned or leased by his Department, which are currently vacant; the length of time the properties have been vacant for; and the location of the properties, in tabular form. [13825/24]
View answerMy Department has no properties either owned or leased that are currently vacant. Staff of my Department are accommodated in premises in Dublin (St Stephen's Green and Marlborough St) and Tullamore on a shared basis with other Departments and Offices. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the sourcing of office accommodation for my Department.
1689. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science how many planners are employed by his Department; and how many architects are employed by his Department. [13902/24]
View answerMy Department does not employ any specific planning staff. There are a number of Professional and Technical staff who undertake work associated with the capital planning and development needs of the tertiary sector. At present, these staff amount to one Architect, one Engineer and one Quantity Surveyor. The need to increase our Professional and Technical resources has been identified and consideration is being given to their recruitment. A new Technical Manager is joining the organisation in May.
1690. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider abolishing the financial threshold for the access to Access to Apprenticeship Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14040/24]
View answerThe Access to Apprenticeship Programme was introduced to support the transition of young people (16-24 years old) from disadvantaged backgrounds into an apprenticeship scheme. The initiative is run and delivered over 12 weeks by the Technological University Dublin and Technological University of the Shannon (Limerick campus) and is currently funded by the Higher Education Authority, with plans to roll out the programme in two further locations later this year – Munster Technological University’s Cork campus and Technological University of the Shannon’s Athlone campus.
The Access to Apprenticeship programme gives learners the opportunity to:
• Sample a range of apprenticeship occupations and training
• Prepare curriculum vitae (CV) and develop interview skills
• Undertake two weeks of work experience
• Obtain Health & Safety and Safe Pass Certificates
The Access and Inclusion Apprenticeship Bursary was launched in 2023 and is administered by the National Apprenticeship Office (NAO) and paid to eligible learners on the Access to Apprenticeship programme. Once the successful applicants meet the entry requirements as set out by the Higher Education Institution (HEI), they are eligible to apply for bursary support from the NAO. Up to €3000 per learner is available to support costs associated with travelling, accommodation, equipment, and preparation for training.
The qualifying criteria (including family income) for the Access to Apprenticeship programme is set by the relevant HEI and further queries can be directed to accesstoapprenticeship@tus.ie and accesstoapprenticeship@tudublin.ie respectively.
1691. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of Technological Universities that have the capacity to deliver student accommodation; the TUs that have proposals waiting on the new funding model to be approved and how many beds this will deliver; and when he anticipates this funding model to be approved. [14064/24]
View answerIn November 2022, funding was approved to assist the Technological Universities (TUs) in developing a student accommodation programme based on a regional needs and feasibility assessment. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) appointed consultants to oversee and assess the levels of supply and demand for student accommodation across our public higher education institutions (HEIs).
The objective of the feasibility study is to establish an accurate “as is” account of available student accommodation supply; project future supply and demand for accommodation; and to ascertain what opportunities are available to meet the future demand for student accommodation.
Phase one of this study, a supply and demand analysis, has involved extensive data-gathering across all TUs, Universities and Colleges, comprising of a data collection framework, one-to-one 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 (PBC) 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 to design and assess a framework for student accommodation for the TU sector has commenced. Following an extensive workshop with the HEA, the HEIs had until the 27th of March to make an initial submission under the TU study. The HEA is currently evaluating these proposals and will provide an output report in April.
The next stage of the process will see a detailed development of the initial HEI submissions with a deadline of mid-August. On receipt of the final submission, the HEA will conclude their process and submit a final report to the Department by the end of September. Timelines are contingent on all parties involved being in a position to resource and deliver work packages in an efficient and expedient manner.
The TU Feasibility Study will be progressed in tandem with the Standardised Design Study for student accommodation to ensure a value for money response. The outcomes of these studies will provide a framework of delivery models and funding options, which will require approval by Government.
My Department will continue to work within the parameters of the public spending code to deliver on state supported student accommodation provision.
1692. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department uses community radio for advertising and public awareness campaigns; if not, the reason, given the vital role community radio often plays in the dissemination of information to local communities; if his Department will consider using community radio for public awareness campaigns in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14172/24]
View answerMy Department works with a Government procured media buying agency to ensure we get the best reach and value for money for our information campaigns and use local radio to target local communities.
We recognise the important role of community radio and will continue to consider them in our plans for future campaigns.
1693. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress being made into the review of the provision of services to students with disabilities at further and higher education centres; the areas that are being reviewed; when the review is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14187/24]
View answerI have instructed my Department to undertake a review of the demand for, and response to, the provision of personal assistant services to students with disabilities across the Higher Education and Further Education and Training sectors. This work is in its early stages and further information on timelines and the full scope of the review can be provided once it is finalised.
1694. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason there is no movement on apprentices (details supplied) who are waiting on their next phase of training. [14331/24]
View answerIt is acknowledged that a backlog of craft apprentices has built up, due to continued high demand for this valuable work-based qualification opportunity. At a time of a buoyant construction and labour market, system capacity has not matched demand. The Department is overseeing a whole of sector response to addressing this pressing matter, with over 9,700 Phase 2 training places to be delivered in 2024. Those apprentices who have been waiting the longest are being prioritised for places.
Exercising its statutory functions in this regard, the National Apprenticeship Office is leading this work and I would encourage Mr. McHugh to maintain contact with his Authorising Officer, who will be able to advise on the increased provision being put in place through the NAO.
1695. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps his Department is taking to ensure that the funding bodies of SOLAS and Education and Training Boards ensure that funding is made available for employers to make agreed backdated payments to their staff under the Section 39 WRC Pay Agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14406/24]
View answer1697. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to ensure the back-dating of pay increases for Section 39 workers funded outside of the HSE, in particular those which come under the Department including education and training boards. [14627/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1695 and 1697 together.
Following conciliation at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in 2023, a pay agreement representing Section 39, Section 56 and Section 10 organisations was agreed with parties including the Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth and the Department of Health.
Officials in my Department are currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform regarding this pay award and the relevant Section 39 workers delivering training for the Education and Training Boards. It is hoped to provide an update on this matter at the earliest opportunity.
1696. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the Atlantic Technological University plans to, or will consider, opening a campus in Ballina. [14447/24]
View answerThe development of strategic plans, including the location of any campus are matters for ATU as an autonomous higher education institution, as per the TU Act 2018. Neither I as Minister nor my Department has a function in the matter.
I remain committed to supporting the Technological University agenda, and my Department and I continue to work to support our TUs in their post-establishment consolidation and growth. Between the HE Landscape Fund, the Technological Universities Transformation Fund (TUTF), and the Technological Sector Assistance Fund (TSAF), €171m has been made available to TUs to enable their development.
Additionally, under the TU RISE programme €83.68 million in technological university-oriented research funding has been secured over the period of the European Regional Development Fund to 2027. A further €40 million was also secured over the period 2022 – 2024 under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for TU Education and Training reforms programmes.
In relation to capital investment, the Technological Sector Strategic Projects Fund (TSSPF) was launched in February 2022 to enhance the Technological sector's capacity and infrastructure.
In December 2023, I announced that ATU Galway's Future Living Lab proposal under the TSSPF, which aims to construct a transformative teaching and learning space for students and staff, was granted permission to appoint a design team and progress through Approval Stage 1.
ATU has also been given approval to proceed to the Preliminary Business Case stage of development for a proposal to support the integration of ATU and St. Angela's College under the TSSPF programme.
1698. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is aware of the progress of the EU Partnership in ‘Innovative Advanced Materials for Europe (IAM4EU)’ which is being discussed by AMI20230 and the European Commission, if they are aware of the exclusion of materials for health/biomedical devices and bioengineering as a priority sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14644/24]
View answerInnovative Advanced Materials for Europe (IAM4EU) is a new partnership under Horizon Europe, the current Research and Innovation Framework Programme. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has overall responsibility for Horizon Europe, which is European Commission’s largest research and innovation funding programme.
IAM4EU is one of a new group of partnerships under Horizon Europe which have just been agreed between the European Commission and member states for formal establishment during the 2025 - 2027 period.
Following consultation with all relevant Departments and Agencies here, Ireland strongly supported the establishment of IAM4EU as one of this additional group of Horizon Europe co-programmed partnerships. The negotiations for the management of IAM4EU are now underway.
In a related initiative, the European Commission has recently published a Communication on Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership which puts forward concrete steps to align research and innovation priorities and investments in the EU and ensure European leadership in this key area.
Four priority areas were identified in this Communication, namely Mobility, Electronics, Construction and Energy. These areas were selected for their importance to achieving the twin green and digital transitions. During the consultation process for this Communication, officials from my Department stressed the importance of advanced materials for health applications, including biomedical devices and bioengineering, as a priority for Ireland.
The extent to which the European Commission’s Communication on Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership will influence the agenda for the IAM4EU partnership is still to be determined. Nine sectors are currently earmarked in the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for IAM4EU, including advanced materials for health applications.
The European Commission has assured member states that the four areas identified in the Communication are preliminary areas and may not be the sole focus of IAM4EU. DFHERIS will continue to press for the inclusion of advanced materials for health applications, including biomedical devices, biomanufacturing and bioengineering in the ongoing negotiations for the establishment of IAM4EU and related Horizon Europe Partnerships.
1699. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of electrical, plumbing, stone laying and carpentry apprenticeships respectively waiting to progress their off-the-job training in phase 2, phase 4 and phase 6 respectively across SOLAS, in tabular form. [14785/24]
View answerThe number of Electrical, Plumbing, Stonelaying and Carpentry apprentices currently waiting to progress their off-the-job training in Phases 2, 4 and 6 is in tabular form below, as requested.
The figures are the latest recorded- March 31, 2024. The table is divided into those waiting 0-5 months and 6+ months for each phase, as well as overall totals. Those waiting 6+ months are considered to be the backlog.
|
Electrical, Plumbing, Stonelaying and Carpentry Apprentices Waiting to Progress Off-the-Job Training at Phases 2, 4 and 6, as of March 31, 2024 |
||||||||||
|
Apprenticeship |
Phase 2 (0-5 months) |
Phase 2 (6+ months) |
Phase 2 total |
Phase 4 (0-5 months) |
Phase 4 (6+ months) |
Phase 4 total |
Phase 6 (0-5 months) |
Phase 6 (6+ months) |
Phase 6 total |
Overall Total |
|
Electrical |
1,364 |
1,778 |
3,142 |
70 |
5 |
75 |
2 |
4 |
6 |
3,223 |
|
Plumbing |
327 |
381 |
708 |
221 |
1 |
222 |
103 |
4 |
107 |
1,037 |
|
Brick and Stonelaying |
22 |
10 |
32 |
8 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
40 |
|
Carpentry and Joinery |
299 |
268 |
567 |
32 |
1 |
33 |
2 |
5 |
7 |
607 |
|
Overall Total |
2,012 |
2,437 |
4,449 |
331 |
7 |
338 |
107 |
13 |
120 |
4,907 |
1700. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement he and the Higher Education Authority have had with the president of a university (details supplied) in respect of the existence of a financial deficit; and if the HEA or himself, on behalf of the Government, is satisfied by the seriousness, urgency and responsiveness of the governing body to address this matter in a timely and constructive manner. [14807/24]
View answerOn 20 December 2023, the university referred to by the deputy informed the Higher Education Authority (HEA) of an operating deficit in relation to its 2022/23 financial year. The HEA has since had a number of engagements with the President of the university in relation to the matter, with the most recent meeting held on 28 March 2024.
The Deputy will be aware that oversight powers are vested in the HEA in accordance with provisions in the Higher Education Authority Act, 2022. There is agreement between the HEA and the university on the process to be undertaken to identify the cause of the issue and on ensuring a sustainable financial position. The HEA sought a detailed report on matters relating to this deficit, including a clear plan setting out the actions to position the university onto a clear trajectory of financial stability. This report has now been received and actions are in progress.
My officials are in regular contact with the HEA on this matter. Although they are still in the early stages of the process, the HEA has advised my officials that good progress is being made towards the university’s financial stability.
It is important that time and space is afforded to allow the university and the HEA to comprehensively review the issue and to put in place appropriate arrangements to address this matter.
1701. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if evidence of independent residency provided to SUSI for a student grant application (details supplied) from a former HSE public health nurse's employer which is a State agency will be accepted as proof of independent living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14926/24]
View answerFor student grant purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
A student may be assessed as an independent student (i.e. assessed without reference to parental income and address) if they have attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course, and are not ordinarily resident with their parents from the previous 1st October. Otherwise, they would be assessed as a dependent student, i.e. assessed with reference to parental income and address.
A student’s status for grant purposes is defined at their first point of entry to an approved further or higher education course and continues to apply for the duration of their studies.
However, there are points at which a student may reclassify from a dependent student to an independent student. These are where they:
• Progress from further education to higher education.
• Are returning following a 3 year break in studies.
• Are returning as a "second chance" student after a 3 year break in studies.
The decision on eligibility for student grant applications is a matter for the centralised grant awarding authority, SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland).
Officials in my Department have advised me that the student referred to by the Deputy applied to SUSI for funding as an independent student and evidence of their independent residence for 2022 and 2023 was requested. As the letter submitted from the student’s employer is not one of the awarding authority’s listed accepted documents to confirm independent residency, their application was refused and a letter advising the student of this was sent on 21st March 2024. To date, SUSI has not received a request to appeal this decision from the student.
If an individual applicant considers that they have been unjustly refused a student grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, they may appeal, in the first instance, to SUSI.
Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down in writing by SUSI and remains of the view that the scheme has not been interpreted correctly in their case, an appeal may be submitted to the independent Student Grants Appeals Board within the required timeframe. Such appeals can be made by the appellant online via www.studentgrantappeals.ie.
1702. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person (details supplied) is getting the maximum grant; if not, the reason for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14940/24]
View answerUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
The qualifying criteria for the special rate of maintenance grant in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years as specified under the Student Grant Scheme 2023 and 2024 and are as follows:
1. Students must qualify for the standard rate of grant;
2. Total reckonable income (net of income disregards and Increase for Qualified Child) must not exceed €25,000 (2023/24) and €26,200 (2024/25), and
3. As at 31st December, 2022 and 2023 respectively, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term social welfare payments prescribed in the Student Grant Scheme.
With regard to the specific application, I have been advised by my officials that the student to whom the Deputy refers was awarded the Full Non-Adjacent Standard Rate Band 1 of Maintenance Grant, together with 100% Student Contribution/Tuition Fees, by the awarding authority (SUSI) in both the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic years.
As there was no income from an eligible payment on 31st December 2022 or 2023 respectively, the applicant was not eligible for the Special Rate of maintenance grant under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme 2023 and 2024.
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. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
1703. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a SUSI grant was refused for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14993/24]
View answerUnder the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
As per Article 13(3) of the Student Grant Scheme 2023, as an Independent Student the applicant must be:
• 23 years of age or over on 1st January of the year when they first enter/re-enter further or higher education, and
• They must have been living independently from their parents/legal guardians from the October in the year prior to their first point of entry/re-entry into further or higher education and will be required to provide evidence of this.
The student referred to by the Deputy first application as an independent student was cancelled by SUSI incorrectly on 31 October 2023. The student re-applied on 27 November 2023 , and was asked to submit evidence of their independent residency in 2022 (dated no later than October) and 2023 (dated no later than the start date of their course).
The documents that the applicant submitted in December 2023 were not accepted as evidence of independent residency by SUSI as it was unclear if the bills submitted were for a fixed utility. Further documents were requested on 15 December 2023. As these were not submitted to SUSI within the timeframe set out in the letter, the applicant was sent a refusal letter dated 7 March 2024. The applicant has the right to appeal this decision within 30 days of the date of the letter. This period can be extended for a further 30 days at SUSI’s discretion. To date, an appeal has not been submitted.
Alternatively, the applicant may cancel their application and re-apply as a dependent student. As per Section 21 of the Student Grant Scheme 2023, as a dependent student the applicant’s income and the income of their parents would be taken into consideration when calculating the total household reckonable income for grant purposes.
