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Monday, 9 Sep 2024

Written Answers Nos. 2009-2023

Research Funding

Questions (2010)

Carol Nolan

Question:

2010. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will seek information from the Higher Education Authority on the number of higher education institutions that were ineligible for research funding based on the fact that they did not achieve Athena SWAN awards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35773/24]

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Written answers

In Ireland, academic freedom, including matters related to research funding, is strongly protected by legislation, such as the Technological Universities Act 2018 and the Universities Act 1997. The Higher Education Authority Act 2022 (HEAA 2022) further supports this by including provisions to:

• Advance equality of opportunity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education.

• Respect the academic freedom of higher education providers and their academic staff.

All Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are bound by statutory duties under the relevant sectoral legislation to uphold and promote academic freedom. The Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Ireland Charter aligns with this framework, reflecting national policies that promote equality in higher education.

HEIs that participate in the Athena SWAN Ireland Charter commit to its principles. These institutions recognize that their equality challenges and development priorities vary and should be informed by local evidence as well as national and global equality challenges in higher education.

Athena SWAN Ireland is managed by dedicated staff based in Ireland, and award recommendations are made by panels of peer reviewers from the Irish higher education sector. Following a national consultation, the Athena SWAN Ireland Charter was updated in 2021 to offer a framework tailored to advancing equality in higher education and research in Ireland.

There are no higher education institutions with whom the HEA works under statute or who are in receipt of core funding from the HEA that are ineligible for research funding based on the fact that they did not achieve Athena Swan awards.

I trust this clarifies this matter for the Deputy.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (2011)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

2011. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the development of the new veterinary training course; whether the location has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35810/24]

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Written answers

Expansion of provision of Veterinary Medicine programmes is a key priority for Government. However, these programmes are complex to deliver and require appropriate equipment, laboratory facilities, and appropriately qualified academic staff, to meet the requirements of the regulator.

As you are aware, the HEA Expression of Interest process brought to Government in June last year identified a number of options to expand third level places. The options identified through the HEA's process have the potential to transform the numbers of students who can take up places in these key areas. This would be an expansion at a scale rarely seen and is a significant investment of public funding in our Higher Education Institutions.

I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on this matter in the coming weeks. 

Further and Higher Education

Questions (2012)

Richard Bruton

Question:

2012. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the basis on which persons undertaking part-time or online study can avail of student support; whether the means test takes into account parental income or only the part-time earnings of the student themselves; and the number of students likely to be eligible under these provisions, in tabular form. [35849/24]

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Written answers

I was delighted to launch the new Part Time Fee Scheme for Specified Undergraduate Courses recently, which came into effect from September 1st, 2024.    

This is the first time, under the Student Support Act, that fee support will be available for students studying part-time. Fee support will be provided to eligible part-time students attending specified publicly funded undergraduate courses leading to a major award.  

There are 62 part-time courses identified as being eligible for this scheme for the 2024/25 academic year, encompassing both in-person and hybrid (part in-person, part online) provision. Eligible courses must have an average of between 30 and 50 credits (ECTS) per year.  

Eligibility will be subject to meeting nationality, progression and residency criteria, similar to the existing Student Grant Scheme.

This Scheme is means tested and a student’s total reckonable household income must fall below specific income thresholds. The threshold for the 2024/25 academic year is €55,924.

For student grants purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents/ legal guardian or as independent mature students. 

A student may be assessed as an independent mature student if they have reached the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course or of re-entry following a break in studies of at least three years and is not ordinarily resident with their parents from the previous October. Otherwise, they would continue to be assessed on the basis of parental income. 

As an independent student, the student’s income and that of their spouse, civil partner or co-habitant is included in the income calculation.

A deduction of up to a maximum amount of €7,925 of student earnings during the previous calendar year can be deducted from reckonable income.

The data which the deputy is requesting for the 2024/25 academic year is currently not available. However, the most recent data available show that SUSI have received 262 applications. The current average processing time for part-time applications is 2 weeks.

My Department, is committed to monitoring and evaluating the scheme during the pilot stage of this new initiative. It is expected that the number of students studying part time will increase over time because of the greater flexibility it offers. This is an important new initiative which will open the doors of higher education to many groups who cannot participate in full time programmes. 

Further and Higher Education

Questions (2013)

Richard Bruton

Question:

2013. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who will become eligible for maintenance payment for postgraduate study for the first time this year. [35852/24]

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Written answers

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. I have arranged for officials from my Department to forward the information directly to the Deputy's office once it is available.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (2014)

Richard Bruton

Question:

2014. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the various rates of maintenance grant; and the various rates of discount on student contribution which will apply in the coming academic year under the SUSI scheme and the income thresholds at which they take effect. [35853/24]

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Written answers

The annual rates of maintenance grant for undergraduate and postgraduate students, maximum tuition fee grant rates for undergraduate students, postgraduate fee grant rates, student contribution grant rates for undergraduate students and income limits for the student contribution grant for the 2024/25 academic year are all listed below.

Table 1

Annual rates of maintenance grant for undergraduate and postgraduate students

2024/25 academic year

-

Non-Adjacent Rate

Adjacent Rate

Special rate of maintenance

€7,586

€3,230

Standard rate—Full Maintenance Band 1

€4,292

€1,774

Standard rate—Part Maintenance Band 2

€3,332

€1,343

Standard rate—Part Maintenance Band 3

€2,502

€975

Standard rate—Part Maintenance Band 4

€1,666

€612

Table 2

Maximum tuition fee grant rate for undergraduate students for the 2024/25 academic year

In respect of the following courses

Maximum fee limit Full (100%) grant in

respect of tuition fees

Maximum fee limit Part (50%) grant in respect of tuition fees

Approved undergraduate courses to which the Free Fees Schemes applies.

100% of the EU rate of fee

50% of the EU rate of fee

Approved undergraduate courses provided in the State to which the Free Fees Schemes does not apply.

€6,270

€3,135

Table 3

Postgraduate Fee Grant Rates for the 2024/25 academic year

In respect of the following courses

Maximum fee

limit for grant

in respect of tuition fees

Postgraduate Fee Contribution

Approved postgraduate

courses provided in the State or Northern Ireland.

€6,270

€4,000

Table 4

Student Contribution Grant Rates for undergraduate students for the 2024/25 academic year

Rate

Full (100%) grant in respect of the student contribution charge

€3,000

Part (50%) grant in respect of the student contribution charge

€1,500

Part (€500) grant in respect of the student contribution charge

€500

Table 5

Income limits for the student contribution grant for the 2024/25 academic year

To qualify for:

Student Contribution 100%

Student Contribution 50%

Student Contribution €500

No. of dependent children

 

 

 

Less than 4

€55,924

€62,000

€100,000

4 to 7

€61,342

€68,014

€109,600

8 or more

€66,501

€73,727

€118,806

Additional increments that may be applied to the income limits in Table C for Student Contribution Grants**

 

 

 

+ increment for each additional relevant person

+ €4,950

+ €4,950

+ €4,950

The Deputy will be aware that in advance of Budget 2025 this autumn, I will be publishing an options paper which will set out various possible measures to reduce the cost of education. I am doing this in order to facilitate public discussion on the various choices available to improve student supports. I will have regard to these options when making proposals in the context of budget discussions.

Further and Higher Education

Questions (2015)

Richard Bruton

Question:

2015. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of courses and of total places available in the coming academic year under Springboard and under the human capital initiative; whether new general areas of skill shortage have been added to the range of courses being offered under these options; the payments to be made by students; and whether participants on these courses can be paid under SUSI or under the back-to-education allowance while participating. [35854/24]

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Written answers

The Irish Government is dedicated to enhancing the higher education system by providing funding through Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI). The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is the agency overseeing these initiatives on behalf of my Department. These initiatives are designed to address critical skill shortages in the economy and aim to bridge skill gaps by offering targeted educational programs in collaboration with industry partners.  

Springboard+ 2024 launched in May 2024 is providing 8,225 places on 248 courses. Springboard+ 2024 is the final year of a 3-year multi annual funding cycle. Courses funded under Springboard+ 2022 were renewed for funding in 2023 and 2024 subject to satisfactory fill rates. No new skills areas were included in 2024. The eligible skills areas under the 2022 call are set out at the link below.  Subject to approval in Budget 2025, it is planned that there will be a call for proposals for Springboard+ 2025, which will review the skills areas to be included.  

Under Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1, Graduate Conversion Programmes 2024, 3,350 places are being provided on 106 courses. HCI Pillar 1 2024 is in its second year of a 2-year multi-annual funding cycle. The broad eligible skills areas were defined in 2023 and are set out at the link below. 

Participants enrolled in Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 courses are typically not eligible for SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) grants.   

For Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 participants in employment pay a contribution of 10% of the course fee, directly to the course provider. Unemployed participants, in receipt of eligible Department of Social Protection (DSP) payments, are not liable for any fees with the course fee subsidised entirely by the state. The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) may be available for eligible participants, offering further financial support while studying. This cohort are advised to consult with their DSP personal employment advisor to establish which payment they are entitled to while participating on a Springboard+ course. Detailed information on courses, eligibility, and application procedures can be found on the Springboard+ website at www.springboardcourses.ie.  

HCI Pillar 3 Learner Fee Subsidy was introduced in 2024 to subsidise fees for 14,279 learners across 685 micro-credential courses. Learners can avail of a range of short micro credential courses in high skills needs areas. Courses are all accredited and can award between 1 and 30 ECTs. The learner fees are subsidised at 50%, however courses in identified priority areas, such as those relating to renewable energy, sustainability, construction and planning, artificial intelligence, cyber security ICT and electronic engineering are subsidised at 80%. The fees vary depending on the number of credits and the course discipline. The broad eligible skills areas are set out at the link below. For detailed information on approved micro-credential courses and application procedures, please see:hea.ie/skills-engagement/hci-pillar-3-micro-credentials-learner-fee-subsidy/

Overall, the funding provided under Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative provides vital support for upskilling and reskilling in key areas of skill shortage. While no new skill areas were introduced for Springboard+ 2024 or HCI Pillar 1, the Micro-Credential Learner Fee Subsidy courses includes high-demand areas such as renewable energy, sustainability, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Pending approval in Budget 2025, future courses may address additional skill needs.

Springboard + HCI PI 2024 and Learner Subsidy Fee Number of places

-

Courses

Places

Springboard+

248

8,225

HCI Pillar 1

106

3305

Learner Subsidy Fee Micro-Credentials

685

14279

HCI Pillar 1 2023

Springboard 2022 Eligible Discipline Areas

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (2016)

Richard Bruton

Question:

2016. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of apprenticeship options which will be available for enrolment in the coming academic year; and the level of respective enrolment in each of these options for the most recent period for which data is available. [35855/24]

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Written answers

There is a population of 27,548 learners in our apprenticeship system at 31st August 2024. This is an 8.4% increase on the same period in 2023.

Currently there are 77 apprenticeship programmes available in Ireland between NFQ level 5 and 10. The table at the link below shows the numbers enrolled on each programme as at August 2024.

It should be noted that Apprenticeship is demand driven in that employers are free to register new apprentices throughout the calendar year. The programmes do not follow the traditional academic year.

Apprentice population

Institutes of Technology

Questions (2017)

Brendan Smith

Question:

2017. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when a proposed building project will proceed to the next stage (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35985/24]

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Written answers

The 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. The proposal put forward by CMETB is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.

SOLAS and officials from my department met with all twelve ETBs including CMETB, in April and May of this year, to discuss their proposals in the context of affordability, value for money and relevant regional and national FET policy objectives.

On the 2nd of September, a number of ETBs including CMETB submitted their updated business cases for evaluation. These business cases are currently being evaluated and this process is expected to conclude in the coming weeks.

Following shortly after the evaluation process, proposals that meet the evaluation criteria will be announced to advance to the next stage of development, which is the Pre-Tender – Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage. 

I would like to add that my department in 2023 also provided significant investment in Cavan Institute. The Deputy will be aware that in order to address interim accommodation needs, my Department approved the acquisition and fit out of a substantial modular unit for CMETB, facilitating the opening of the new Education and Training Facility for Cavan Institute at its FET Campus in September 2023. This facility gives 300 students access to a range of PLC programmes which will offer state of the art facilities for students and staff and allow for the further growth of Cavan Institute.

Apprenticeship Programmes

Questions (2018)

Brendan Smith

Question:

2018. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress to date in increasing the number of persons taking up apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35986/24]

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Written answers

This Government's ambition to increase the number of persons taking up apprenticeships is reflected in my Department's Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 and the Public Service Apprentice Plan which seeks to significantly increase the footprint of apprenticeship within both the public service and the private sector, while ensuring that apprenticeships are open and accessible and seen as a viable and exciting career path.

A dedicated National Apprenticeship Office was established in 2022, tasked with the implementation of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship.

€67 million was invested in apprenticeship delivery in Budget 2024, making the total allocation in 2024 €298 million, up from €163 million in 2021.

At the end of 2023, there were 8,712 apprentice registrations. This compares to 5,326 in 2020, before The Action Plan commenced, and represents a 64% increase in registrations.

This year, at the end of August, there were 5,133 registrations. This compares to 4,706 at end of the same period in 2023, growth of 9%.

This year, at the end of August, the apprentice population was 27,548. This compares to 19,630 in 2020, before The Action Plan commenced, and represents a 40% increase in the apprentice population.

The number of national apprenticeship programmes continues to grow. In 2019, there were 53 national apprenticeship programmes. There are now 77 apprenticeship programmes available at NFQ Levels 5-10.

It is this Department's priority to grow the apprenticeship system and deliver current and future skills need for an economy facing demographic change and the twin green and digital transitions.

Departmental Funding

Questions (2019)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

2019. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional funding will be provided for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33872/24]

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Written answers

The Coláiste Íosagáin project is intended to repurpose a former residential school to provide a Regional Development Centre (RDC) to include enterprise development, training and research facilities.  In doing so, it will support economic development and facilitate the creation of jobs in the region.  Latest estimates provided to my department indicate a c. €8.7m overall capital cost associated with the development of the RDC.  Funding partners to the project include my Department, Enterprise Ireland, Cork County Council and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

The REDF funding of €2.7m referred to by the Deputy relates grant funding awarded in April 2022 under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund which is a scheme falling under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment and Enterprise Ireland.  This funding was provided to support the early stage development of the Coláiste Íosagáin Regional Development Centre (RDC) as well as for enterprise development programme supports.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), which falls under my remit as Minister for Rural and Community Development, provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. An RRDF application for funding was received from Údarás na Gaeltachta in February 2024 in relation to wider capital costs associated with the project.

I am happy confirm that, on the 13th May last, I announced RRDF funding approval of €3.27 million to support the delivery of the Coláiste Íosagáin project which has an estimated completion date of Quarter 4, 2025.

Departmental Funding

Questions (2020)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

2020. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made in discussions with the local authority in relation to proposed works at the Cappaghoosh trail near Doire Iorrais Bridge, which was to include the upgrade of a mountain bike trail and the replacement of two bridges, and which was to be funded by her Department; if the local authority has indicated to her Department when these ecological issues will be resolved in order that it can restore the funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33902/24]

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Written answers

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blue ways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of over €129 million has supported more than 1,700 projects across the country.

Under Measure 3 of the 2020 scheme, funding of €500,000 was approved for the Connemara Trails and Eurovelo Route project. The proposed works included the upgrading of an existing 10km walking trail at Cappahoosh through Coillte lands, replacement of two bridges along the route of the Western Way walking trail, upgrade of an existing mountain bike trail at Derroura Oughterard, and signage on the Eurovelo cycling route from the Mayo border at Leenane to the Clare border at Kinvara.

In July 2023, it was brought to the attention of my Department that the National Parks and Wildlife Service had concerns regarding the works carried out within the Connemara Bogs Complex Special Area of Conservation in Booheeshal in Connemara, Co Galway. Based on the circumstances outlined and in accordance with the funding agreement, the applicant was advised to cease works on site and the funding offer has been withdrawn until investigation of the matter has been concluded and the issues resolved. There are also additional concerns in respect of a forestry road at Cappaghoosh/Boheeshal, Recess, Co. Galway constructed as part of the project which are also under investigation at this time.

Officials in my Department are in ongoing consultation with the local authority in respect of these matters and are awaiting confirmation that the outstanding concerns have been resolved. 

Departmental Funding

Questions (2021)

John Lahart

Question:

2021. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the local groups in Dublin that were granted funding under the Community Recognition Fund in 2023 and 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33995/24]

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Written answers

The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.              

Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in providing support to cities, towns and villages nationwide who have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries. To further support communities, I announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund on March 15th last.

The additional funding is specifically targeted at projects which are located in cities, towns and villages who are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants.

Applications under the current round of funding can be submitted by local authorities across three phases, so as to allow flexibility and adequate engagement and collaboration on larger projects.  The phased closing dates for receipt of applications are May 31st, September 30th and January 31st, 2025.

Under this new round of funding, the local authorities in Dublin have been awarded funding of €6,694,307 which brings the total funding provided to them under the Community Recognition Fund to over €14.3 million.

A total of 111 projects worth over €8.7 million have been approved to date in Dublin under the Community Recognition Fund 2023 and 2024. A table of these projects is set out at the link below.  

Dublin City Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have not submitted any applications under the first phase of Community Recognition Fund 2024  but are expected to submit applications under windows 2 and 3.

I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding will have on the ground in communities all across Ireland. 

CRF Projects

Programme for Government

Questions (2022)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

2022. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the implementation of the programme for Government commitments under the remit of her Department. [34015/24]

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Written answers

I am pleased to report that my Department has been consistently working to deliver the commitments and priorities set out in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future. 

Through the implementation of these commitments, the work of my Department continues to make positive impacts across our economy and society. Through leading on Government policies supporting rural Ireland and communities, and investing strategically, we are enabling our communities in rural and urban areas to develop sustainably, emerge stronger from challenges, and to thrive.

Since 2020 my Department has provided unprecedented investment in our rural areas and our communities. Targeted measures are supporting rural regeneration, facilitating new working opportunities, fostering regional enterprise growth and enhancing community structures.   

A report on the delivery of key commitments is outlined below.  A full report on the implementation on all the Programme for Government commitments under the remit of my Department is included in the Appendix set out at the link below.

Our Rural Future (2021-2025) is the most ambitious rural development policy in Ireland for decades, with over 150 commitments aimed at transforming rural areas. Key initiatives include the expansion of broadband and digital hubs to support remote working; support for local enterprises and tourism; revitalisation of rural towns and villages and enhanced funding for community projects Implementation of this policy brings huge benefits to rural areas, including:

• the expansion of the Town and Village Scheme to include a Buildings Acquisition Measure aimed at tackling dereliction and underuse,

• the publication of Our Living Islands, a milestone policy in the revitalisation of our Island communities, and

• the launch of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the first national outdoor recreation strategy in Ireland.

Departments and State agencies have been progressing the implementation of these commitments, with updates on this work being detailed in the series of six-monthly Progress Reports which can be found on the Our Rural Future website .

• The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) continues to be a key capital investment programme that provides funding for the development and construction of projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. This Scheme directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy. Since the launch of the RRDF, funding of €577 million has been allocated to 245 projects worth €768 million. The detail in relation to the projects awarded funding in each county is available on my Department’s website gov - Rural Regeneration and Development Fund Approved Projects (www.gov.ie)

• The implementation of Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities (2019-2024) continues to support the community and voluntary sector, helping them to create vibrant and active communities. Key actions include capacity building supports for community groups; support for volunteers; strengthened participatory structures and supports to underpin meaningful engagement and autonomous community development. Significant achievements include the publication of the first National Volunteering Strategy, the first National Philanthropy Policy and the Charities Amendment Act 2024.

• The new National Social Enterprise Policy (2024-2027) “Trading for Impact” aims to cultivate and sustain impactful social enterprises in Ireland, enhancing social, environmental, and economic well-being of people living in our communities.

• Building on the range of programmes to support communities including CLÁR, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Community Service Programme (CSP) and Community Enhancement Programme (CEP); I have been delighted to establish the new Community Centres Investment Fund, the Community Recognition Fund and tailored supports responding emerging needs like the Empowering Communities Programme, and supports for new arrivals. I have provided record investment and targeted measures to enable communities to flourish.

I am proud of the funding and policies provided by my Department as part of the Programme for Government commitments. My Department continues to deliver tangible benefits for both urban and rural communities, supporting economic development and enabling the local development, community and voluntary sector to thrive.

Programme for Government Update

Control of Dogs

Questions (2023)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

2023. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to reduce dog bite incidents in the community; if her attention has been drawn to research which suggests legislation banning a specific breed has little effect on the total number of dog bites and that a multifactorial approach is needed instead; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34098/24]

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Written answers

My Department has policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. 

In March 2024 I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation these issues. The group is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr John Twomey and is comprised of members with a broad range of expertise. 

The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. This includes but is not limited to how to address issues such as dog bites. However, the issues raised are wide ranging and complex and require in depth analysis and consultation to ensure amendments are not just robust, fit for purpose and implementable, but that they also deliver the best outcomes for communities and for dogs themselves. This work will progress throughout 2024.

I recently announced a ban on XL Bully dogs in the interest of public safety following a number of recent horrific attacks. It is critically important that we take action now so that Ireland is not out of step with neighbouring jurisdictions in Northern Ireland and the UK on this important matter.

I acknowledge that some people will not agree with the ban, however, my overriding priority in making this decision is to keep people safe. 

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