Parliamentary questions

Further and Higher Education

Bernard Durkan

105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he continues to identify and meet the demand in the higher education sector, with particular reference to identification of the areas now most urgently requiring employees; if he is satisfied that a sufficient supply of appropriately qualified graduates continues to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59782/22]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Smith

106. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the new further education strategy will provide for increased and enhanced cross-border co-operation and collaboration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59815/22]

Technological Universities

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

107. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a report on the way in which IT Carlow is integrating into the South East Technological University. [59818/22]

Further and Higher Education

James O'Connor

108. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details of SUSI grants appeals; the number of appeals which are still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59868/22]

Further and Higher Education

Paul Donnelly

109. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a report has been done on the number of students not taking up college places due to the cost-of-living and housing crises; and the support that can be given to students who find themselves in this position. [59816/22]

Third Level Education

Colm Burke

110. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the National Access Plan 2022-2028; the progress that has been made to date since the plan was implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59856/22]

Technological Universities

Cathal Crowe

111. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the development of the new campus of the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest at Coonagh, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59486/22]

Further and Higher Education

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

112. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the level of cross-Departmental engagement that his Department is engaged in, particularly in respect of the critical skills occupation list, within the context of the OECD skills review that his Department has commissioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59616/22]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Smith

113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when it is proposed to publish a new further education strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59814/22]

Student Accommodation

Matt Carthy

114. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his proposed timeline to implement proposals relating to a new model whereby the State would assist in relation to the provision of student accommodation. [59759/22]

Student Accommodation

Alan Dillon

115. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline progress to address the student accommodation shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59839/22]

Further and Higher Education

Catherine Connolly

116. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the proposed new further education and training campus on the grounds of a location (details supplied) in Galway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59698/22]

Further and Higher Education

Aindrias Moynihan

117. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if one-off payments in Budget 2023 will be included as income in household income means testing for SUSI applications for 2023/2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59862/22]

Research and Development

Rose Conway-Walsh

118. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will commit to associate membership of CERN; if so, if he will outline a timeframe for joining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59806/22]

Further and Higher Education

David Stanton

119. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 18 October 2022, if the operational guidelines working group has presented its report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59831/22]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Griffin

120. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students and the sectors of the economy that will benefit from his excellent recent announcement of the redevelopment of the former Pretty Polly site in Killarney as a further educational campus and centre of excellence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59788/22]

Further and Higher Education

Peadar Tóibín

121. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department intends to calculate or record the number of students from ethnic minority groups such as the Travelling community who are entering further or higher education per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58974/22]

Further and Higher Education

Richard Boyd Barrett

122. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure that clinical, educational and counselling psychologists are all able to become fully qualified with funded MAs, PhDs and necessary placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59754/22]

Further and Higher Education

Emer Higgins

123. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that his Department is making to reduce third level fees for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59308/22]

Adult Education Provision

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

124. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress on an adult education tutors pay scale; and when the relevant trade unions (details supplied) can expect a Department of Public Expenditure and Reform sanctioned proposal from his Department. [59725/22]

Further and Higher Education

Holly Cairns

125. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline his engagement with the Minister for Health to increase the number of graduates from clinical therapies, including but not limited to, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and psychology, to address shortages in disability services. [59577/22]

Further and Higher Education

Rose Conway-Walsh

126. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that he is taking to provide supports for part-time students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59805/22]

Further and Higher Education

Ruairí Ó Murchú

127. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will detail the plans in relation to facilitating those with disabilities and special needs to access further and higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59173/22]

Further and Higher Education

Éamon Ó Cuív

128. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it is his intention to seek a specific budget line in next year's estimates process for third level and further education through the medium of Irish in view of the legal obligations on the State arising from the enactment of the Official Languages (Amendment Act) 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59618/22]

Further and Higher Education

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

129. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details in relation to the National Access Plan and the way that his Department plans to monitor participation and successful inclusion; if there will be specific targets for individual groups, people with disabilities, students who are socio-economically disadvantaged and students who are members of Irish Traveller and Roma communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59483/22]

Further and Higher Education

Richard Boyd Barrett

130. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will ensure that every undergraduate and post-graduate student, including those that are not on SFI and IRC funding, will receive the two €500 cost-of-living measures before the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59752/22]

Further and Higher Education

David Stanton

131. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has examined the role that the National Maritime College of Ireland can play training students and upskilling staff to service the emerging offshore wind industry in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59832/22]

Further and Higher Education

Peadar Tóibín

132. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department collates data on the number of students who drop out of third level education each year; and if so, if the data will be provided in tabular form. [58973/22]

Further and Higher Education

Alan Farrell

133. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an outline on future capital works relating to further education and training institutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59237/22]

Oideachas trí Ghaeilge

Éamon Ó Cuív

134. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta cad iad na céimeanna atá sé chun glacadh lena chinntiú go mbeidh soláthar dóthanach de chúrsaí rite trí mheán na Gaeilge i ngach cuid den chóras ardoideachais agus breisoideachais; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [59619/22]

Further and Higher Education

Fergus O'Dowd

135. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline his plans to further develop further and higher education and training for the hospitality sector to entice more persons to consider the sector as a long-term career opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59671/22]

Further and Higher Education

Niamh Smyth

136. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the development of Cavan Institute as a hub for further education and training. [59580/22]

Further and Higher Education

Michael Fitzmaurice

137. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that he has not instructed third level colleges to facilitate more online tutors which would eliminate a certain amount of students requiring accommodation in areas where housing is scarce and not available to rent or where rents are high given the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59849/22]

Further and Higher Education

Richard Boyd Barrett

138. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address the exorbitant costs of graduate entry medicine courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59755/22]

Further and Higher Education

Neale Richmond

139. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the uptake of the Erasmus programme for the 2022/2023 academic year among students in Irish third-level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59115/22]

Further and Higher Education

Richard Bruton

140. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that has been made regarding the efforts to move towards common entry to a range of college course to reduce the pressure of the points race on Leaving Certificate students; and if he will outline the other steps which his Department might take to facilitate Leaving Certificate reform. [58930/22]

Student Accommodation

Neale Richmond

141. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the work of his Department in supporting third-level institutions in their building of student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59114/22]

Further and Higher Education

Rose Conway-Walsh

142. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science The way in which he will address the chronic shortage of veterinary medicine places; if he will outline a timeframe for delivering additional places; if he will instruct the Higher Education Authority to include a criterion of regional balance as part of the expression of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59807/22]

Further and Higher Education

Brian Leddin

143. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to develop a policy to address the deficit in sustainable transport and spatial planning expertise, in particular to support level 8 and 9 study programmes in these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59860/22]

Further and Higher Education

Christopher O'Sullivan

144. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if special consideration will be given to SUSI grant applications in cases in which one of the parents or guardians of the applicant is being treated for or is recovering from a serious illness (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59695/22]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Richard Bruton

145. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider establishing a fund for which sectoral organisations should submit proposals to develop a coordinated approach to recruiting apprentices, which would make it easier for those contemplating an apprentice career to source a sponsoring employer. [58929/22]

Further and Higher Education

Bernard Durkan

146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science The extent to which he continues to identify and cater for the demand in terms of graduates in the academic or technical areas, with a view to ensuring the availability of sufficient qualified persons to meet the needs of the marketplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59781/22]

Further and Higher Education

Rose Conway-Walsh

147. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an estimated timeframe for the introduction of new contracts for academic staff working in technological universities in order to develop research capacity; if he will provide an update on his engagement with trade unions and other stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59808/22]

Further and Higher Education

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

148. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the online learning hub on sexual consent, launched in January 2022; if there will be stakeholder engagement and follow up with further and higher education institutions on the way that the hub could, if necessary, be further improved and continually updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59482/22]

Student Accommodation

Holly Cairns

149. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the details of any plans to increase the availability and affordability of student accommodation. [59578/22]

Further and Higher Education

Alan Farrell

150. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of his Department’s efforts to increase mental health supports in education settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59238/22]

Student Accommodation

Colm Burke

151. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on the proposal for the inclusion of a provision under the rent-a-room scheme to allow pensioners who are medical card holders to avail of the scheme without the possibility of losing their medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59857/22]

Student Accommodation

Cathal Crowe

152. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide details of plans for any additional on-campus student accommodation to be built at the University of Limerick, the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest and Mary Immaculate College, Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59487/22]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Paul McAuliffe

153. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase the number of apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59696/22]

Further and Higher Education

Rose Conway-Walsh

154. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on increasing transfer rates from FET to degree programmes; if he will outline in particular any progress made in increasing transfer rates from courses such as pre-nursing and pre-law into degree courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59809/22]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Griffin

155. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to his very positive recent announcement, if he will provide a timeline regarding the future redevelopment of the former Pretty Polly site in Killarney as a further educational campus and centre of excellence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59787/22]

Further and Higher Education

Matt Carthy

156. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has a target with regard to increasing the number of students enrolled in veterinary medicine. [59760/22]

Further and Higher Education

Steven Matthews

157. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding the long-term plan for the location of Bray Institute of Further Education; the timeline for this project to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59010/22]

Further and Higher Education

Louise O'Reilly

158. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will clarify the conditions under which a student can be deemed to be estranged from their parents for the purposes of the SUSI grant. [59726/22]

Student Accommodation

Paul McAuliffe

159. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase on-campus accommodation for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59697/22]

Industrial Relations

Róisín Shortall

292. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of work to address a range of industrial relations issues related to adult education tutors; the reason that this process has not been completed; the timeline that he is working towards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60113/22]

Student Accommodation

Matt Shanahan

293. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the activity that is being considered by his Department and the local authority to target vacant buildings in terms of providing additional student accommodation places in Waterford city given the student accommodation deficit in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60074/22]

Further and Higher Education

Paul Murphy

294. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that students who qualify for learning supports in primary, secondary and higher education, lose all these supports if they go to further education (details supplied); his views on whether marginalised students deserve the full suite of options that others can utilise to nurture their educational journey and navigate full lives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59976/22]

Teacher Training

Rose Conway-Walsh

295. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will engage with the Minister for Education on the issue of increasing the cap on primary teacher training places in public HEIs given that the Department of Education is currently in the process of determining the intake on the primary B.Ed. and PME programmes for the 2023-2024 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59999/22]

Further and Higher Education

Bernard Durkan

296. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he continues to pursue the objective of providing more academic and technical graduates in the future; if he has identified specific targets in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60045/22]

Further and Higher Education

Bernard Durkan

297. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the most obvious likely shortages of graduates in the future to meet the demands for the technical sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60046/22]

Further and Higher Education

Bernard Durkan

298. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the most obvious likely shortages of graduates in the future to meet the demands for the academic sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60047/22]

Further and Higher Education

Bernard Durkan

299. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which fourth level educational qualifications continue to be advanced in line with requirements with particular reference to availability of technical graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60048/22]

Further and Higher Education

Bernard Durkan

300. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which fourth level educational qualifications continue to be advanced in line with requirements with particular reference to availability of academic graduates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60049/22]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Bernard Durkan

301. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of apprentices currently available; the extent to which this is sufficient to meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60050/22]

Further and Higher Education

Bernard Durkan

302. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he continues to liaise with the technical sector in education with a view to ensuring adequate provision in respect of graduates in both areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60051/22]

Further and Higher Education

Bernard Durkan

303. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he continues to liaise with both the academic sector in education with a view to ensuring adequate provision in respect of graduates in both areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60052/22]

Further and Higher Education

Bernard Durkan

304. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he continues to research future requirements in the education sector with a view to ensuring an adequate supply of graduates throughout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60053/22]

Education and Training Provision

Bernard Durkan

305. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he is satisfied that adequate provision continues to be made arising from his discussions with the academic and technical sectors with a view to meeting demand and job specifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60054/22]

Departmental Contracts

Paul Kehoe

306. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the contracts that have been granted without having to go to public tender; the companies that were granted these contracts and nature of the work involved; the qualifying criteria that was applied to any company awarded such a contract in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60084/22]

Education and Training Provision

Seán Canney

307. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the creation of a new further education and training college in Galway to consolidate the provision by the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board of education in the city and to enable the Board to deliver on the national Further Education and Training Strategy and on his Department's policy mission to develop Ireland's further and higher education and research and innovation system to ensure that they are capable of meeting the diverse needs of all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60120/22]

Third Level Fees

Seán Canney

308. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that part-time students are excluded from the reduction in student fees outlined in Budget 2023; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many students are trying to progress their careers in difficult circumstances by pursuing part-time education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60121/22]

Departmental Schemes

Richard Bruton

150. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a list will be provided of all schemes and programmes under the remit of his Department for which a means test applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59657/22]

Departmental Meetings

Catherine Murphy

151. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide the attendance record of his Department at all joint policing committee and city and county development board meetings since 2015 to date, in tabular form. [59684/22]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Niamh Smyth

152. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the supports available to applicants for apprenticeships with learning difficulties; the types of supports available; if these are provided by SOLAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59702/22]

Departmental Funding

Róisín Shortall

153. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of funding for drug and alcohol addiction services from all sources for each county in each of the past five years to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59723/22]

Departmental Reviews

Catherine Murphy

154. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the review of State supports for PhD researchers; the terms of reference of the review; the expected timeline for the completion of the review; the membership of the review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59789/22]

Student Accommodation

Catherine Murphy

155. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of plans to provide assistance for the construction of student accommodation on identified public sites in return for affordable rates for priority groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59790/22]

Student Accommodation

Catherine Murphy

156. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the development of the policy on student housing and accommodation; the timeline for the completion of the new policy; the staffing allocation for the dedicated student accommodation unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59791/22]

Departmental Consultations

Catherine Murphy

157. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 18 October 2022, if he will provide a status update on the work of the working group focused on skills, participation and cost; the number of times the working group has met in 2022; the dates of all meetings; if the working group will produce a final report; the timeline for when the working group is expected to complete its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59792/22]

Departmental Consultations

Catherine Murphy

158. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 18 October 2022, if he will provide a status update on the steering group tasked with progressing the implementation of future funding; the dates of all meetings the steering group has held to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59793/22]

Capital Expenditure Programme

Brendan Smith

159. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he expects to finalise the capital expenditure plan for his Department for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59823/22]

Education Costs

Bríd Smith

525. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that students who have to repeat a year during their degree course will not be able to avail of the reduced registration fees when doing so; the rationale for discriminating against repeat students like this who already face the added expenses involved in having to repeat such years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58752/22]

Education and Training Boards

Fergus O'Dowd

526. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on concerns raised (details supplied); if he will arrange for the appropriate officials to progress a meeting request in respect of the role of Personal Assistants who are contracted through ETBs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58770/22]

Education Costs

Pauline Tully

527. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students studying graduate entry medicine at University College Dublin can apply and avail of scholarships; if not, the reason therefore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59084/22]

Education Costs

Pauline Tully

528. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review SUSI grant eligibility criteria for those studying graduate entry medicine to ensure that students can apply and avail of this grant and are not ineligible due to their course being viewed as not progressing on the National Framework of Qualifications due to the fact that the entry level for this course is level 8 and the qualification on successfully completing this course is also at level 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59085/22]

Education Costs

Joan Collins

529. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is any further education funding that a person (details supplied) can access. [59099/22]

Adult Education Provision

Marian Harkin

530. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 19 May 2022, if she will provide an update on a joint proposal (details supplied) aimed at resolving these outstanding issues for adult education tutors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59162/22]

Third Level Education

Rose Conway-Walsh

531. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students enrolled in level 5 pre-law courses in each year since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59168/22]

Third Level Admissions

Rose Conway-Walsh

532. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who were accepted onto undergraduate law courses following the completion of a level 5 pre-law course in each year since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59169/22]

Departmental Data

Rose Conway-Walsh

533. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide information on the anticipated increased administrative burden on SUSI in order to process the €500 fee reduction for the 2023-2024 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59170/22]

Legislative Process

Rose Conway-Walsh

534. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the working group will be established to examine the issues in relation to the legislative process, transitional arrangements and establishment of the new agency in advance of the publication of the research Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59174/22]

Legislative Process

Rose Conway-Walsh

535. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the research Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59175/22]

Departmental Projects

Rose Conway-Walsh

536. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of bundle 1 of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership Programme particularly in relation to the status of each project; if it has reached its financial closure; if construction has commenced; the total life-time cost and annual cost to the State of each of the six projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59176/22]

Departmental Data

Rose Conway-Walsh

537. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students enrolled in level 5 pre-nursing courses in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59177/22]

Third Level Admissions

Rose Conway-Walsh

538. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who were accepted onto undergraduate nursing courses following the completion of a level 5 pre-nursing course in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59178/22]

Departmental Staff

Pauline Tully

539. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of access officers responsible for providing or arranging for and co-ordinating assistance and guidance to people with disabilities accessing his Departments’ services who are employed in his Department as required by section 26 (2) of the Disability Act 2005; the way that his Department makes its customers aware of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59293/22]

Third Level Fees

Seán Sherlock

540. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline the process to obtain the €1,000 refund for college fees as recently announced in Budget 2023; if he will consider matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59337/22]

Research Funding

Richard Boyd Barrett

541. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update and the date on which all Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council PhDs will receive the promised Q4 €500 payment as specified in Budget 2023 (details supplied); if this date is not in Q4 of 2022 as promised; the reason that led to it being delayed; the reason that this information was not communicated sooner; the accountability mechanisms that exist within these organisations to ensure that these payments are provided; if the request for clarification from an organisation was received; when it will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59463/22]

Departmental Data

Sorca Clarke

542. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students with a disability who have begun third level education by county in the academic year 2022-2023, in tabular form. [59554/22]