Parliamentary questions

Third Level Costs

Richard Boyd Barrett

106. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine the challenges facing students of psychology who need to study for up to eight years before they are fully qualified for many disciplines within psychology; if he will consider a particular subvention for these students considering the urgent need for psychologists in both the health and education systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58589/21]

State Examinations

James O'Connor

107. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to reform the CAO process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58635/21]

Departmental Strategies

Cathal Crowe

108. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made under the Future FET: Transforming Learning 2020-2024 strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58638/21]

Grant Payments

Mick Barry

109. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will increase the SUSI grants to take account of the increase in rents and living expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58654/21]

Third Level Fees

Mick Barry

110. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider the demands raised by a union (details supplied) in its recent demonstrations in relation to the abolition of the student contribution charge given the increase in living costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58653/21]

Third Level Education

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

111. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made regarding the Framework for Consent in Higher Education Institutions: Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive: Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58622/21]

Further and Higher Education

Richard Boyd Barrett

112. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase access to further education; if he is considering increasing places to have an open access model that would eliminate the need for CAO and leaving certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58586/21]

Legislative Measures

Éamon Ó Cuív

113. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the discussions he has had with the Minister with responsibility for introducing the Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) into the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to the additional requirements that will arise out of this Bill for graduates with a capability of doing their business through Irish; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58579/21]

Gender Equality

Neasa Hourigan

114. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his progress in continuing the initiatives in the Gender Action Plan towards tackling gender inequality in our education sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58641/21]

Technological Universities

Pádraig O'Sullivan

115. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of plans to upgrade the 1970's building in Munster Technological University, Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58502/21]

Third Level Education

Steven Matthews

116. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if recent assessments have been carried out by his Department into the capacity of counselling services offered by third level institutions, particularly given the mental health challenges posed by the extended period of home learning as a result of the pandemic. [58639/21]

Third Level Fees

Rose Conway-Walsh

117. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if reducing fees for students will be considered as part of sustainable funding model brought forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58642/21]

Education Schemes

James O'Connor

118. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the planned measures under the €121 million skills package announced as part of Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58636/21]

Commissions of Investigation

Peadar Tóibín

119. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of commissions of investigation currently ongoing; the duration of each commission of investigation; the deadline for each commission of investigation; and the actual and projected cost of each commission of investigation. [54098/21]

Third Level Education

Peter Fitzpatrick

120. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans he has in place over the next five years for student nurses who wish to study to fill the vacant positions in the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58615/21]

Departmental Strategies

Joe Flaherty

121. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made under the Adult Literacy for Life 10-year adult literacy strategy including the announcement of planned measures under Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58634/21]

Further and Higher Education

Michael Moynihan

122. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his strategy to improve access to further and higher education and training learners with disabilities including the measures announced as part of Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58631/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Michael Moynihan

123. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made to date under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58632/21]

Technological Universities

Ruairí Ó Murchú

124. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the technological university status bid of Dundalk IT given the developments in regard to the Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Letterkenny ITs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58645/21]

Further and Higher Education

John Lahart

125. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the mental health supports and strategies in place to support students in further and higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58628/21]

Further and Higher Education

Holly Cairns

126. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to ensure that people with disabilities and persons with low incomes can attend higher and further education. [58610/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Richard Boyd Barrett

127. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will abolish all fees for apprenticeship courses in view of the skills shortage in many trades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58588/21]

Third Level Education

David Stanton

128. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on third level institutions developing outreach satellite centres in provincial towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58658/21]

Departmental Funding

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

129. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding that has been provided to support the mental health and wellbeing of students in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58537/21]

Cross-Border Co-operation

Peter Fitzpatrick

130. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans that are in place with allocating the €50 million under the Peace Plus to skills development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58613/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Steven Matthews

131. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on the initiatives that he has facilitated to encourage the recruitment of mature apprentices; if he is considering additional measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58618/21]

Student Accommodation

Joe Flaherty

132. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of his strategy to increase the supply and affordability of student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58633/21]

Youth Services

Thomas Gould

439. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties facing a training centre (details supplied) in renewing its lease; and if his Department will provide assistance to the organisation in this regard. [58365/21]

Third Level Admissions

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

440. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans that will be put in place to address difficulties that sixth-year students may face when trying to gain access to college in September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58765/21]

Third Level Examinations

Thomas Gould

441. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if provision will be made for a person (details supplied) to take their exams. [58274/21]

Departmental Meetings

Patrick Costello

442. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the anticipated timeline for the stakeholder meetings taking place for the national access plan for 2022-2026. [58327/21]

Education and Training Provision

Robert Troy

443. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if bricklaying instructors are needed by Solas at present or in the near future. [58364/21]

Grant Payments

Robert Troy

444. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will ensure a SUSI grant is issued to a person (details supplied) on appeal. [58469/21]

Grant Payments

Robert Troy

445. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will urgently review the SUSI rate of a student (details supplied). [58470/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

446. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the percentage of apprentices registering on both craft and consortia-led apprenticeships had already attained a level 8 qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58478/21]

Departmental Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

447. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the energy efficiency and decarbonisation pathfinder programme in the higher education sector and plan to develop a similar programme for the further education and training sector as outlined in the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58479/21]

Third Level Admissions

Catherine Connolly

448. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has conducted an analysis in relation to the number of college places available in the context of grade inflation. [58492/21]

Third Level Admissions

Catherine Connolly

449. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has conducted an analysis in relation to the number of college places available in the context of grade inflation; and if she has consulted with the State Examinations Committee and or the CAO on this matter. [58493/21]

Research Funding

Louise O'Reilly

450. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the report (details supplied) which outlined the way the State is lagging in the global research race due to scares public spending on research, development and innovation over the past decade. [58498/21]

Youth Services

Mick Barry

451. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he can provide assurances that Youthreach staff and their employers and boards of management are not in breach of legislation in circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58711/21]

Education Schemes

Neasa Hourigan

452. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the means-testing requirements for Irish Research Council PhD scholarships; his plans to review these requirements in relation to how they apply to lone parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57111/21]

Research and Development

Christopher O'Sullivan

453. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the next national research and innovation strategy including the key priority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58630/21]

Qualifications Recognition

Matt Carthy

454. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the Baccalauréat Professionnel level 4 on the European Qualifications Framework is considered a comparable qualification to the Green Certificate level 5 Quality and Qualifications Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58910/21]

Research and Development

Bernard Durkan

455. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he sees research playing a major role in competitiveness in the future; the likelihood of meeting the demand in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59054/21]

Education Policy

Bernard Durkan

456. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which he expects science to play an increased role in the higher education sector with particular reference to ensuring an adequate number of graduates to meet the demands of the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59055/21]

Third Level Education

Bernard Durkan

457. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he and his Department propose to broaden further the higher education opportunities for undergraduates here with a view to maximisation of their opportunities in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59056/21]

Education Standards

Bernard Durkan

458. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the degree to which his Department continuously evaluates the performance of third and fourth level education with a view to identifying the greatest possible opportunities and the minimisation of any weaknesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59057/21]

Education Standards

Bernard Durkan

459. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he remains satisfied that the second and third level education system in this country remains sufficiently open to encouraging the highest possible level of expertise, efficiency and competitiveness in the global context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59058/21]

Third Level Education

Bernard Durkan

460. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which additional provision is being made to expand third and fourth level education with particular reference to the ongoing requirements of the jobs market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59059/21]

Third Level Education

Bernard Durkan

461. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which the number of graduates specialising in innovation, research and the sciences is likely to increase on an annual basis in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59060/21]

Third Level Education

Bernard Durkan

462. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to include innovation as a means of enhancing capability and reputation globally of Irish graduates on the global stage; the areas he plans to do this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59061/21]

Education Standards

Bernard Durkan

463. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he remains satisfied that third and fourth level education here have adequate access to research as a means of determining future qualifications and standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59062/21]

Third Level Education

Bernard Durkan

464. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which he is satisfied that there is an adequate number of places for students wishing to pursue courses of an academic or technical nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59063/21]

Research and Development

Bernard Durkan

465. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the extent to which his Department is upgrading the research sector with a view to maximising the benefit for Irish students and ultimately the economy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59064/21]

Third Level Education

Bernard Durkan

466. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure continued access to third-level for all students seeking to avail of education at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59065/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Gary Gannon

467. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to higher education institutions holding in-person examinations at the end of term some in large venues to accommodate large number of students despite the growing number of Covid-19 cases; if his Department will work with public health to ensure guidelines are provided to institutions to ensure the health and well-being of staff and students are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59107/21]

Programme for Government

Gary Gannon

468. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the commitment in the Programme for Government for addressing the gap in postgraduate grants particularly in relation to part-time postgraduate grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59108/21]

Departmental Funding

Rose Conway-Walsh

297. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number and detail of all completed, ongoing and planned projects under the higher education strategic infrastructure fund; the level of co-financing being provided through the fund; the total cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58087/21]

Departmental Funding

Rose Conway-Walsh

298. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the higher education strategic infrastructure fund is exclusively for traditional universities with independent borrowing power therefore excluding technological universities and institutes of technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58088/21]

Departmental Funding

Rose Conway-Walsh

299. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total available funding under the higher education strategic infrastructure fund; the criteria used for allocating funding under the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58089/21]

Third Level Education

Mary Lou McDonald

300. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans in place to ensure third level institutions are prepared for, and capable of providing, alternative assessments for students who are deemed medically vulnerable and cannot attend on-site examinations, students who are living with a medically vulnerable family member and cannot attend on-site exams and students who are required to restrict their movements as close contacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58093/21]

Education and Training Provision

Paul Murphy

301. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 164 and 165 of 17 November 2021, if the final proposal referred to in his answer will be published; and when this criterion was adopted by Solas. [58131/21]

Education and Training Provision

Rose Conway-Walsh

135. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will outline all current nearly zero energy building courses such as NZEB, the fundamental awareness course; the number of persons currently enrolled on such courses; the total who graduated from each course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57752/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

136. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current drop-out rate from craft apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57754/21]

Third Level Examinations

Rose Conway-Walsh

137. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the plans that are in place to ensure that third ##level institutions are prepared for, and capable of providing, alternative assessments for students who do not wish to sit in-person examinations, or for students who are unable to attend due to a requirement to restrict their movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57755/21]

Departmental Funding

Rose Conway-Walsh

138. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the level of direct Exchequer funding being provided to deliver the new building to expand Dublin City University capacity in key STEM areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57778/21]

Departmental Funding

Rose Conway-Walsh

139. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the level of direct Exchequer funding that is being provided to deliver the upgrading of the Tyndall National Institute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57779/21]

Third Level Education

Alan Kelly

140. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the need to incentivise Irish universities and institutes of technology to offer physician associate courses in view of the plan in the UK to have 6,000 physician associate graduates by 2023 to meet demand in its primary care system and its offer of £5,000 grants to students taking the courses as an incentive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57785/21]

Departmental Staff

Carol Nolan

141. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if personnel in his Department have been removed from their positions, have been transferred to another role or had their employment terminated from 2011 to date due to breaches of Departmental standards or professional misconduct or incompetence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57900/21]

Ministerial Appointments

Michael Collins

450. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will meet with fifth year students when he is visiting a school (details supplied); if so, the date he plans to visit the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56904/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

451. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of persons who completed an apprenticeship and became fully qualified tradespersons in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56974/21]

Technological Universities

Rose Conway-Walsh

452. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the provision of a borrowing framework for the technological universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56975/21]

Grant Payments

Rose Conway-Walsh

453. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider continuing to extend the SUSI maintenance grant to persons being transferred from the jobseeker's transition payment to the back to education allowance as a result their child turning 14 years of age and instead continue to provide a maintenance grant even though typically the back to education allowance would not be a compatible payment until the recipient completes their education course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56976/21]

Grant Payments

Rose Conway-Walsh

454. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of parents who lose the SUSI maintenance grant as a result of being transferred from the jobseeker's transition payment to the back to education allowance due to their child turning 14 years of age; if his Department has conducted research into the effect this has or will have on the completion rate of education courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56977/21]

Third Level Reform

Rose Conway-Walsh

455. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will bring forward an updated Higher Education System Performance Framework given the current framework was only intended to continue until the end of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56979/21]

Institutes of Technology

Matt Carthy

456. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that tutors in institutes of technology are not eligible for the single public service pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56992/21]

Institutes of Technology

Matt Carthy

457. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if lecturers in universities are eligible for the single public service pension scheme; if so, the conditions of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56993/21]

Institutes of Technology

Matt Carthy

458. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a change from institute of technology status to technological university status affects pension entitlements for tutors in those universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56994/21]

Technological Universities

Peter Fitzpatrick

459. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the suggestion that Dundalk Institute of Technology can achieve university designation as a standalone institute outside the framework of the Technological Universities Act 2018 given that the institute is not partnered with another institute of technology or technological university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57033/21]

Nursing Education

Catherine Murphy

460. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has engaged with Trinity College in respect of the return to in-class lessons for nursing students (details supplied). [57078/21]

Third Level Examinations

Seán Sherlock

461. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it is planned to proceed with in-person exams in December 2021 in third-level institutions. [57444/21]

Third Level Admissions

Brendan Griffin

462. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason a mature student grant applicant (details supplied) in County Kerry who has established independent residency has had their application disallowed; if this decision will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57516/21]

Research Funding

Rose Conway-Walsh

275. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the recently concluded agreement to include Israel in Horizon Europe until 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56530/21]

Legislative Measures

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

276. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the higher education governance Bill; when the Bill is expected to be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56612/21]

Departmental Data

Rose Conway-Walsh

277. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of enrolments and graduates from paramedic courses in each year since 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56614/21]

Departmental Reports

Rose Conway-Walsh

278. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he will publish the economic evaluation of the Cassells report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56615/21]

Departmental Data

Rose Conway-Walsh

279. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of part-time students in public higher education institutes not including non-EU international students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56616/21]

Departmental Schemes

Jackie Cahill

280. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider amending Article 23 of the student grant scheme 2021 (details supplied) in order that capital allowances can be taken into account when calculating means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56689/21]

Third Level Education

Michael Ring

281. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the advice that has issued from his Department to third-level colleges in relation to student placements at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56692/21]

Third Level Admissions

David Cullinane

146. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a matter raised in correspondence in relation to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56460/21]

Pension Provisions

Niamh Smyth

147. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of a pension review for a person (details supplied); if clarity will be provided in this regard; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there has not been an update given to this person since 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56195/21]

Institutes of Technology

Rose Conway-Walsh

148. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to address the situation in which tutors at institutes of technology on contracts of indefinite duration are unable to join the public service pension scheme; the impact technological university status will have on the ability of tutors to access the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56260/21]

Departmental Data

Rose Conway-Walsh

149. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 10 November 2021, if he will provide a further breakdown of Higher Education Authority operational spending including between pay and non-pay spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56261/21]

Education Schemes

Rose Conway-Walsh

150. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 10 November 2021, the reason all retrofitting centre of excellence courses are non-NFQ aligned and instead accredited by private companies; if this model will be used in the other three centres of excellence currently being developed; the estimated cost of using private accreditation companies in 2021 for the retrofitting centres of excellence; the estimated cost in 2021 of using private accreditation companies for green skills and retrofitting courses across the whole further education and training sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56262/21]

Departmental Data

Rose Conway-Walsh

151. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total enrolments on all green skill and sustainability programmes running across the tertiary system in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56263/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

152. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 10 November 2021, if the single apprenticeship system that both consortia-led and craft apprenticeships will be migrated to by 2025 will most closely resemble the craft or consortia-led model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56264/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mary Lou McDonald

153. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider ending the exemption of apprenticeships from the minimum wage legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56321/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mary Lou McDonald

154. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason all apprenticeships are being migrated to a consortia-led model when the success of consortia-led model has not yet been demonstrated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56322/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mary Lou McDonald

155. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps his Department is taking to begin monitoring the wages paid to apprentices in the consortia-led model given that apprentices are exempt from the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 and SOLAS only monitors the wages paid to craft apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56323/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Mary Lou McDonald

156. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide complete lists of all consortia-led apprenticeships including the details of the education providers and accrediting agency, duration and total enrolment figures in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56324/21]