Parliamentary questions

Covid-19 Pandemic

Seán Canney

196. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to assist students in third-level education who cannot access placements due to Covid-19 restrictions; his plans to put alternative proposals in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4743/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Aindrias Moynihan

197. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of male and female apprentices, respectively in County Cork; the measures being examined to further increase the number of female participants; when the Action Plan on Apprenticeships will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4928/21]

Higher Education Institutions

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

579. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the chairpersons of HEA-funded Irish higher education institutions; the term of office of each; the number of terms served by each; the method of appointment, annual remuneration and expenses for each in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3772/21]

Technological Universities

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

580. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the terms of reference of the independent person he appointed on 28 July 2020 to accelerate plans for a technological university in the south east; if there was an advertisement or tender in respect of the appointment; if the appointment was made to a person or to a firm; the value of the contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3773/21]

Student Assistance Fund

Rose Conway-Walsh

581. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount received by each higher education institute under the student assistance fund; the amount distributed to students in each institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3835/21]

Student Accommodation

Rose Conway-Walsh

582. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science The number of additional purpose-built student accommodations beds that have been added since the launch of the National Student Accommodation Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3846/21]

Student Accommodation

Rose Conway-Walsh

583. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average rent per student in purpose-built student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3847/21]

Student Accommodation

Rose Conway-Walsh

584. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown between higher education institute-owned accommodation and private sector accommodation in terms of beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3848/21]

Third Level Fees

Gino Kenny

585. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on calls by students and student unions to reduce university fees by 30% given that students are under severe financial pressure with the current Covid-19 pandemic to afford their college course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3871/21]

Student Assistance Fund

Mattie McGrath

586. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to provide a financial support package to struggling families and students who cannot receive refunds from private accommodation providers excluding the student assistance fund. [3878/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

John Lahart

587. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the arrangements in place for students not in receipt of a SUSI grant residing in the State and studying in Northern Ireland to receive the €250 Covid-19 payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3917/21]

Third Level Admissions

Rose Conway-Walsh

588. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of applicants to the CAO that did not receive an offer in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3919/21]

Third Level Admissions

Rose Conway-Walsh

589. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the additional 2,000 undergraduate places secured in the budget for the academic year 2021-2022 are separate from and in addition to the maintenance of all places added in for the academic year 2020-2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3920/21]

Third Level Admissions

Rose Conway-Walsh

590. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide additional detail on the circa 5,000 additional places for higher education referenced in the Budget 2021 expenditure report; if this figure includes postgraduate and international students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3921/21]

Departmental Reports

Rose Conway-Walsh

591. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the demographic trend in the Department of Education report Projection of Demand for Full-Time Third-Level Education 2018 – 2040 published in November 2018 are the most up-to-date and the projections currently being used by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3922/21]

Third Level Admissions

Rose Conway-Walsh

592. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of additional third-level places at undergraduate and postgraduate level that have been added since the Department of Education published the Projection of Demand for Full-Time Third-Level Education 2018 – 2040 in November 2018; the breakdown based on Irish, EU, international non-EU and postgraduate students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3923/21]

Departmental Reports

Rose Conway-Walsh

593. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of additional third-level places that will be needed in the coming academic year to meet the demographic demand based on both scenario 1 and scenario 3 of the Department of Education report Projection of Demand for Full-Time Third-Level Education 2018 – 2040 published in November 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3924/21]

Third Level Fees

Jackie Cahill

594. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to reduce third-level fees for the 2020-2021 academic year or partly compensate students or their parents for this cost given that all learning is now online and families are financially stretched at the moment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3939/21]

Third Level Fees

Michael McNamara

595. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if third-level students who did not qualify for free fees will receive a refund of their student contribution fees in view of the fact that the majority of students have been forced to move to online learning following Covid-19 restrictions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3973/21]

Local Authority Funding

Catherine Murphy

596. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific funding streams available to local authorities to apply for; the amount that has been given by county; the amount awarded under each scheme in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4057/21]

Third Level Fees

David Cullinane

597. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if instruction has been given to higher education institutions on relaxing fee payment timelines with consideration to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on students and their families’ financial situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4091/21]

Third Level Education

Steven Matthews

598. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he will take to engage with course directors in third-level institutions to discuss ongoing concerns particularly in relation to practical aspects of course work that has either been restricted or completely cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. [4152/21]

Third Level Education

Fergus O'Dowd

599. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied) in respect of social care students and their ongoing difficulty fulfilling placements.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4200/21]

Third Level Admissions

Gary Gannon

600. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on the current number of CAO accounts to date; and the way in which this information compares to CAO accounts made in 2019 and 2020. [4216/21]

Student Support Schemes

Gary Gannon

601. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to support applicants to the HPAT who do not have access to dependable Wi-Fi or the necessary digital tools required to take part in the assessment which has moved online due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4217/21]

Third Level Education

Joan Collins

602. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the alternatives being put in place to give an alternative for placement in 2021 for social care for second and third year students or reduce the placement hours from 400 to 200 hours (details supplied). [4240/21]

Traveller Education

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

603. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which the ring-fenced funding of €300,000 announced on 12 November 2020 will be allocated and spent to ensure supports are available for Travellers seeking to progress in higher and further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4259/21]

Health and Social Care Professionals

Alan Dillon

604. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if partial refunds or reductions in placement hours are being considered for a cohort of students (details supplied) especially as a result of the current Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4278/21]

Third Level Education

Brendan Howlin

605. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to address the issue of social care students who are unable to complete their placement requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4317/21]

Third Level Education

Gino Kenny

606. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will work with CORU to provide alternatives to placement for social care students in 2021 only; if he will consider with CORU reducing the number of placement hours from 400 to 250 in 2021 to reduce the significant pressure on students and organisations that are finding it difficult to accommodate same in view of the Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4333/21]

Third Level Education

Michael Creed

607. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty facing third-level social care students with regard to securing the obligatory hours for course placement during Covid-19 restrictions; the intervention his Department is considering in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4356/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Thomas Pringle

608. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when he plans to publish the apprenticeship action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4463/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Thomas Pringle

609. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the apprenticeship action plan will include concrete targets and measures to increase participation by under-represented groups in apprenticeships such as young women, persons with disabilities, young Travellers and young persons from minority ethnic groups; if the plan will include a national access to apprenticeship programme to support these groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4464/21]

Third Level Education

Thomas Pringle

610. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that social care students are currently unable to complete the mandatory 400 hours of placement required to progress in their studies due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4467/21]

Third Level Education

Thomas Pringle

611. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to deal with the issue of social care students who are currently unable to complete the mandatory 400 hours of placement required to progress in their studies due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4468/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Seán Sherlock

612. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the budgetary analysis being carried out to plan for long Covid-19 impacts in his Department and each State agency under the remit of his Department in tabular form. [4488/21]

Student Support Schemes

Holly Cairns

613. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the discrepancy between the treatment of trainee educational psychologists and trainee clinical psychologist with the latter receiving a substantial payment of college fees by HSE and paid work throughout their programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4515/21]

Disability Act Employment Targets

Holly Cairns

614. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the absolute and relative number of persons with disabilities employed by his Department in each of the years 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020; if these persons are in full-time or part-time roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4528/21]

Appointments to State Boards

Mattie McGrath

615. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of State and semi-State board appointments that fall under the aegis of his Department made since this Government took office including the name of the board or agency and the remuneration level associated with the board position in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4554/21]

Appointments to State Boards

Mattie McGrath

616. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide a list of all State and semi-State boards that fall under the aegis of his Department; the level of remuneration being paid to each board member including chairpersons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4567/21]

Access to Higher Education

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

272. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to delays in some schools in completing school-based attainment testing due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which have led to a concern among parents that testing will not take place in time to apply for the disability access route to education, DARE, programme; and if he will extend the DARE deadline from 1 March 2021 to prevent the exclusion of candidates who might otherwise qualify. [3141/21]

Erasmus+ Programme

Robert Troy

273. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a UK citizen living in Ireland for the past 20 years can still participate in a course in Sweden under the reciprocal agreement between EU countries. [3015/21]

Third Level Fees

Michael McNamara

274. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to reduce college fees for third level students who are experiencing less on-campus time due to the current Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3155/21]

Further and Higher Education

Holly Cairns

275. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to expand a network (details supplied) to all towns and villages in County Cork. [3187/21]

Third Level Reform

Holly Cairns

276. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on working with third level institutions to amend the CAO system to allow students to use their best three grades to apply for courses in view of the challenges faced by the 2020-21 leaving certificate cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3188/21]

Research Funding

Holly Cairns

277. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on providing additional funding to the Irish Research Council for a scheme dedicated to working with survivors to research the mother and baby homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3189/21]

Erasmus+ Programme

David Stanton

278. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 668 of 13 January 2021, his plans to provide continued access to Erasmus+ higher education mobility opportunities for students from Northern Ireland in further education institutions; if a list of such further education institutions will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3234/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Neale Richmond

279. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to expand the SUSI scheme to include students of graduate-entry medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3319/21]

Third Level Fees

Neale Richmond

280. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the financial struggles faced by students of graduate-entry medicine due to fees increases; the measures he is considering to alleviating these struggles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3320/21]

Third Level Fees

Rose Conway-Walsh

281. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain higher education institutes, HEIs, are informing prospective students if they are residents in Northern Ireland that they may be subject to international fees; if a list of the HEIs taking this approach will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3352/21]

Higher Education Institutions

Rose Conway-Walsh

282. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason for including commercial premises in the roll-out of extended virtual campuses by a provider (details supplied); the selection criteria and process for commercial premises; if students will be able to assess the Wi-Fi without being paying customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3353/21]

Higher Education Institutions

Rose Conway-Walsh

283. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the anticipated cost of rolling out extended virtual campuses by a provider (details supplied) to 90 locations in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3354/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Rose Conway-Walsh

284. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps that have been take to engage with student unions outside of a group of unions (details supplied) particularly in relation to the Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3355/21]

Education Data

Rose Conway-Walsh

285. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of students enrolled in the first year in higher education at the beginning of 2020-21 academic year; and the way it compares to the same figure for the 2019-20 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3356/21]

Third Level Education

Rose Conway-Walsh

286. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions taken to expand in-demand third level course places for the 2021-22 academic year; the target number for increased places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3357/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Claire Kerrane

287. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the special payment of €250 for students will be paid to students who go to study in Northern Ireland; if discretion is made on individual cases for this payment; if there are other financial supports available to students here who move to Northern Ireland for third-level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3401/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Bríd Smith

288. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will clarify the situation in relation to SOLAS courses in which there is a requirement for a work placement, for example, for electricians and other apprenticeships; if his attention has been drawn to a significant backlog in placements which means many apprentices are not progressing through their education as they should but are also incurring huge costs and loss of income; his plans to address these backlogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3427/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Niamh Smyth

394. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an issue (details supplied) in relation to music classes will be reviewed; if clarity will be provided regarding these classes for education purposes under the current level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2643/21]

SOLAS Training and Education Programmes

Neale Richmond

395. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason SOLAS will not permit courses to be taken online for those in the building industry to renew or receive their licences to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2236/21]

Student Accommodation

Brendan Griffin

396. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when all the students who paid for private rented accommodation while attending third level education from March to June 2020 will be reimbursed (details supplied). [2284/21]

Third Level Education

Holly Cairns

397. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to a pledge by a union (details supplied). [2379/21]

Student Accommodation

Holly Cairns

398. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on working with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to develop a publicly financed student accommodation building strategy and charter for student tenant rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2380/21]

Student Accommodation

Holly Cairns

399. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on developing a publicly financed student accommodation building strategy and charter for student tenant rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2382/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Holly Cairns

400. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if employees of his Department have received Covid-19 vaccines due to their role in the Department; if so, the rationale for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2402/21]

Qualifications Recognition

David Cullinane

401. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, for employment purposes, there is a recognised difference between BA honours and higher diplomas; his views on whether they should be treated as equivalent, given they are both level 8 degrees under the national framework of qualifications, NFQ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2428/21]

Third Level Education

Noel Grealish

402. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider reducing the 800-hour practice placement requirement, given that the Covid-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for social care and other students to secure unpaid practice placements in social care and other appropriate settings; if he will consider a partial refund of fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2611/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Cormac Devlin

403. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review the SUSI arrangements in respect of orphans to allow them attend higher education programmes in private colleges in which some specialist programmes may not be listed by the Central Applications Office, CAO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2661/21]

Third Level Education

Michael Ring

404. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will introduce a partial refund of fees to students whose courses are 100% online and reduce the requirement for 800 placement hours for college courses during the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2701/21]

Third Level Fees

Michael Lowry

405. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if third level students who did not qualify for free fees will receive a refund of their student contribution fees in view of the fact that the majority of students have been forced to move to online learning since the start of the academic year due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2745/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Cian O'Callaghan

406. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the action he is taking to increase apprenticeships and expand the base of skilled construction workers to ensure that there will be a sufficient construction workforce to meet the need to construct at least 33,000 homes per year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2780/21]

Science Foundation Ireland

Mark Ward

407. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the location of each Science Foundation Ireland research centre; the amount of funding allocated to each such centre in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2808/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Denis Naughten

408. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will introduce a mechanism for fourth year student nurses not in receipt of SUSI to receive the €250 refund in view of the fact that they will not be on campus in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2875/21]

Student Accommodation

Denis Naughten

409. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if third level institutions will provide rent refunds to students in on-campus accommodation whose courses are now being delivered online for the 2020-21 academic year; if he has had discussions with the third-level institutions on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2876/21]

Institutes of Technology

Alan Dillon

410. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide information and clarity on a timeline and programme of engagement with personnel from the GMIT Mayo campus on the independent working group report. [2882/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ruairí Ó Murchú

156. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a centre (details supplied) will continue to operate under the current restrictions of the Plan for Living with Covid-19. [2015/21]

Institutes of Technology

Alan Dillon

157. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the terms of reference approved by the HEA and a company (details supplied) for the mid-term review report at GMIT County Mayo campus; the progress on the implementation of the working group’s recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2071/21]

Institutes of Technology

Alan Dillon

158. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the independent report by a company (details supplied) on the GMIT Mayo Campus working group’s plan will be presented to the HEAs finance and governance committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2072/21]

Departmental Strategies

Christopher O'Sullivan

159. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the main policy initiatives undertaken by his Department since 27 June 2020; and his main priorities for 2021. [2086/21]

Erasmus+ Programme

Róisín Shortall

160. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide information and clarity regarding the prospects of third-level students of studying abroad in the 2021-2022 academic year given the current Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2155/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Eoin Ó Broin

638. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students attending a college (details supplied) are eligible for the Covid-19 third level payment. [1009/21]

Third Level Admissions

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

639. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if those students who sat the leaving certificate exams in November 2020 and receive improved grades will be offered a deferred place for their courses when results are released in the coming weeks based on the 2020 Central Applications Office, CAO, points. [1625/21]

Third Level Admissions

Richard Bruton

640. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will make arrangements with the CAO to relax its deadlines due to the fact that access of leaving certificate students to guidance and to their teachers will now necessarily be restricted. [1652/21]

Third Level Fees

Martin Kenny

641. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn the fact that universities are charging students excessive penalties for late payment of fees; and if he will intervene to get a refund of this penalty or an explanation as to the reason these penalties are applied (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1704/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Paul Murphy

642. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, in the context of the closure of schools and colleges to reduce the spread of Covid-19 infection, he will instruct all education and training boards to close all Youthreach centres in line with the closure of the other educational establishments for the duration of the current Covid restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1780/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Neasa Hourigan

643. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for a reduction and-or rebate in fees for postgraduate students during the 2020-21 academic year due to Covid-19; the supports in place for postgraduate students undertaking remote learning during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44676/20]

Erasmus+ Programme

Thomas Gould

644. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration has been given to payment of the Erasmus grant to students who did not travel abroad in 2020. [44777/20]

Departmental Contracts

Louise O'Reilly

645. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department or State agencies under the aegis of his Department have awarded contracts to a company (details supplied); if so, the value of such contracts; if the contracts were tendered for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44787/20]

Departmental Contracts

Seán Canney

646. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of capital project contracts final accounts that have exceeded the tender value by more than 20% in each of the years 2010 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44813/20]

Third Level Reform

Brendan Griffin

647. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44827/20]

Third Level Costs

Brendan Griffin

648. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44842/20]

Third Level Costs

Marian Harkin

649. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the action he will take to ensure the return of accommodation fees that were paid in good faith at the start of the academic year in light of the fact that, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the majority of third level colleges are carrying out lectures online and students are no longer availing of the student accommodation cannot attend college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44845/20]

Third Level Staff

Jackie Cahill

650. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure that PhD candidates in third level institutions who are also teaching classes as part of their stipends are paid adequately for their work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44934/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

John Lahart

651. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to an anomaly in relation to the Covid-19 one-off emergency grant of €250 in cases in which students who are in their final year have paid their fees in full and are not going to be able to spend a credit note as they are not attending in person; his plans to address this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44943/20]

Third Level Costs

Mattie McGrath

652. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to provide a support package for struggling families and students who have paid significant accommodation costs to private providers and cannot receive refunds (details supplied). [44958/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Pádraig O'Sullivan

653. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the rationale for excluding post-leaving certificate students from a recently announced €250 payment for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44965/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Seán Sherlock

654. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the €250 refund for college students will be applied to SOLAS and further education students. [44983/20]

European Organization for Nuclear Research

James Lawless

655. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the negotiations and timeframe for Ireland to become a member of CERN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45102/20]

Third Level Costs

Michael Collins

656. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a matter regarding refunds for campus accommodation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45117/20]

Third Level Admissions

Emer Higgins

657. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the process by which a college application by a person (details supplied) can be appealed, given that the university has advised the prospective student to appeal through the Teaching Council but the Teaching Council has advised that it does not have any remit with regard to the appeals process. [1001/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Carol Nolan

658. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students will be able to attend third level institutions physically from 13 January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1041/21]