Parliamentary questions

Apprenticeship Programmes

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

659. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the situation for those who have passed the screening process for the fast-track to information technology, FIT, tech apprenticeship programme; the reason many of these young persons have not been given access to the classroom-based modules of the course; and if he will consider whether they can be given this access. [1060/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Seán Crowe

660. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of individual laptops purchased as part of the laptop scheme for third level students announced in August 2020; the total cost of purchasing those laptops; the form of needs assessment carried out prior to purchase; if colleges or universities were consulted as part of the needs assessment; the specific colleges or universities; the number of laptops issued to each third level institution; and the number of laptops issued to students per third level institution in tabular form. [1072/21]

Erasmus+ Programme

Neale Richmond

661. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a full report on the inclusion of Northern Ireland in the Erasmus+ scheme will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1097/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Seán Crowe

662. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the specific guidance issued to education and training boards, ETBs, ahead of the scheduled reopening of Youthreach programmes in January 2021. [1150/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

663. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if on-campus facilities for third level institutions such as libraries and study spaces can remain open during level 5 restrictions. [1155/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

664. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being considered to recognise the effect that high incidences of Covid-19 and new restrictions have had on third level students and their ability to perform in exams and coursework due in January 2021; and if he will work with third level institutions to bring about policies to mitigate same. [1156/21]

Third Level Staff

Darren O'Rourke

665. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost in a full year if the student to staff ratio in institutes of technology decreased from 23:1 to 21:9. [1201/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

666. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if practical classes at third level are still going ahead in level 5 given the high incidence and risk of Covid-19. [1244/21]

Third Level Admissions

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

667. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider extending the deadlines for CAO and disability access route to education, DARE, applications in 2021, given the closure of schools and the inability of students to access some essential documents within the school premises for these applications. [1318/21]

Erasmus+ Programme

David Stanton

668. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the scheme to allow for the continued participation in Erasmus+ mobilities for eligible students of higher education institutions in Northern Ireland; when he expects the scheme to be open for application; the way in which eligibility will be determined; the higher education institutions in Northern Ireland that will be recognised for the purposes of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1362/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Johnny Mythen

669. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the policy in place in terms of third level students who are required to complete a work placement as a part of their studies but are unable to do so due to Covid-19 public health guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1363/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Johnny Mythen

670. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students who are required to complete a work placement to obtain their qualifications but who cannot due to Covid-19 public health advice will have to repeat this work placement next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1364/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Louise O'Reilly

671. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if Youthreach centres will remain open during the new lockdown; and if not, if they will close in line with schools. [1440/21]

Shared Island Unit

Neale Richmond

672. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement he has had with his Northern Irish counterpart in relation to third level opportunities in the north-west region in the context of the new Shared Island Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1508/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Seán Sherlock

673. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of Youthreach under new public health restrictions. [1556/21]

Third Level Staff

Michael Ring

674. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of a review (details supplied); if the review was carried out; if it has, the stage of the review; if the review has been completed; when the details and the outcome of same will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1610/21]

Student Grant Scheme

Pádraig O'Sullivan

675. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the grants available to a student (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1682/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Catherine Connolly

676. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if third level students undertaking full-time level 5 courses in institutions that come under the remit of education and training boards are eligible for the €250 payment announced in November 2020; if they are not currently eligible, if he will extend eligibility to this cohort in view of the fact that these students have also been required to move to online learning and manage the costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1683/21]

Consultancy Contracts

Richard Boyd Barrett

677. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details in respect of his Department for outsourcing to consultancies of specifically Covid-19-related work, services or advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1793/21]

Telecommunications Services

Gary Gannon

678. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the newly announced expansion of Wi-Fi in 90 locations to aid online access for students in further and higher education institutions will be able to include secondary school students and provide access for them also; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1878/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Richard Boyd Barrett

460. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a no-detriment, no-disadvantage policy will be established in all third level institutions with regard to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic; if no student will disadvantaged educationally, mentally or financially; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44220/20]

Third Level Institutions

Richard Boyd Barrett

461. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has spoken to the governing authority of University College Dublin on an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44221/20]

Third Level Costs

Richard Boyd Barrett

462. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will work with third level institutions to ensure that persons pursuing a degree in art and design are not subject to materials levies for materials that are necessary for their degree work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44225/20]

Third Level Staff

Éamon Ó Cuív

463. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if former members of the Defence Forces who are currently in receipt of a Defence Forces pension and working in the institutes of technology will be subject to abatement of their pensions if they receive a promotion after the formation of the technological universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44358/20]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

464. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of registered employers in the apprenticeship programme; the number of active employers in the programme; the number of apprenticeship participants by type and county in each of the years 2017 to 2019, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44599/20]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

465. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of mature student apprentices currently enrolled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44600/20]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

466. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of new apprentices enrolled since the announcement of July stimulus; the way in which the number compares to the same time period in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44601/20]

Nursing Education

Rose Conway-Walsh

467. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if any decision taken by the HSE regarding remuneration for nursing students would have an impact on the degree status of nursing in higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44602/20]

Seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

252. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus
Eolaíochta cad iad na pleananna atá ag a Roinn chun seirbhísí faoina riar a chur ar fáil trí Ghaeilge, chun cur le líon na seirbhísí atá ar fáil trí Ghaeilge faoina riar, agus chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn, le linn 2021. [43899/20]

Seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

253. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus
Eolaíochta sonrú a dhéanamh ar gach post atá sainaitheanta mar phost a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge leis ina Roinn faoi láthair, líon na bhfostaithe ina Roinn a bhfuil cumas sa Ghaeilge acu, agus líon iomlán na bhfostaithe ina Roinn. [43900/20]

Seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

254. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus
Eolaíochta sainiú a dhéanamh ar na fadhbanna is práinní i leith seirbhísí faoi riar a Roinne a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge sna ceantair Ghaeltachta, agus cad atá beartaithe aige chun iad a réiteach. [43901/20]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

255. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated full-year cost if the budget for apprenticeship training increased by 8%. [43904/20]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Róisín Shortall

256. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when students who do not avail of the SUSI grant will receive the €250 Covid-19 payment; when arrangements for payment to students who do not avail of SUSI will be finalised; and if this cohort of students will receive it before Christmas. [44006/20]

Departmental Budgets

Seán Sherlock

257. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current budgets in his Department for social media advertising for 2021; and the campaigns behind each budget line in tabular form. [44023/20]

Third Level Institutions

Gary Gannon

258. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 483 of 8 December 2020, the way in which participation of students from low socio-economic backgrounds is facilitated for graduate medical programmes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44073/20]

Third Level Institutions

Gary Gannon

259. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a commitment will be given to creating a targeted strategy for medicine due to the high level of inequality within the courses following from data released recently from the HEA which showed that in 2018 and 2019 only 4% of enrolments of students in medicine were from disadvantaged areas versus 35% of students from affluent areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44074/20]

Third Level Institutions

Gary Gannon

260. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether the lack of payment for student nurses and midwives will result in nursing and midwifery studies becoming less desirable; his further views on whether healthcare courses should be made more attractive to study following from a global pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44075/20]

Student Accommodation

Rose Conway-Walsh

35. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if all public institutes of higher education have now agreed to provide refunds for unused accommodation; the actions his Department has taken to help students again battling with private accommodation providers for refunds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43159/20]

Third Level Education

Matt Shanahan

36. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that approximately €1.7 billion has been spent in the university sector and that less than 1% has been delivered to the south east, which accounts for 10% of the student population; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the south east has experienced a pronounced decline in that period; if he is satisfied with the current capital allocations process; his plans going forward to manage the process, ensuring it is delivering fair and equitable direct value equally to the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43567/20]

Student Support Schemes

Rose Conway-Walsh

37. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the €250 payment will be extended to include all students in full-time third level education; the way in which students in final year who have already paid their fees can avail of the support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43160/20]

Student Accommodation

Danny Healy-Rae

38. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the provision being made for third level students who paid accommodation fees before the announcement was made that the colleges would not reopen in view of the fact many have not been refunded the accommodation fees paid up to Christmas 2020; the advice for third level students for the 2021-2022 semester in relation to paying for accommodation up to summer 2021; if students will be refunded if colleges do not reopen for on campus lectures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43551/20]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Gerald Nash

39. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if student nurses who have been rejected for SUSI grants and who are unable to work outside of nursing due to Covid-19 can apply for their application to be assessed and reassessed given their changed circumstances; if this change of circumstances is being taken into account; the number of SUSI applicants who have had their application successfully reviewed on these grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41677/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Mairéad Farrell

40. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the €50 million scheme that grants €250 to Irish and EU higher-level students studying in Ireland who have been impacted by Covid-19 which excludes Irish students studying in other EU jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40234/20]

Education Policy

David Stanton

41. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to develop an action plan for education but with specific reference to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43150/20]

Further and Higher Education

Pádraig O'Sullivan

42. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the work of the European Commission and the consultants appointed by the Directorate General for Structural Reform Support that are aiming to investigate methods of increasing the sustainability of higher and further education provision in Ireland. [41757/20]

Third Level Education

Gerald Nash

43. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to address the proliferation of precarious and unpaid work in the academic sector as highlighted in a recent report (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some postgraduate students in a university were expected to teach as part of their postgraduate studies with no remuneration; his plans to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41673/20]

Technological Universities

Brendan Griffin

44. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the way in which the new Munster technological university will benefit the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43310/20]

Higher Education Institutions

Paul Murphy

45. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the practice of postgraduate students being expected to do unpaid teaching hours. [41659/20]

Departmental Data

Bernard Durkan

46. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated number of academic and apprentice graduates expected to be available for employment annually over the next five years; the degree to which these numbers can increase in line with demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43198/20]

Research and Development

Bernard Durkan

47. 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 science is likely to increase annually in the future with particular reference to increased skills in their respective areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43199/20]

Third Level Fees

Darren O'Rourke

48. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether third level fees should be reduced to reflect the reality of students not physically attending college in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41645/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Gerald Nash

49. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has met with NPHET regarding the way to manage the return to campus-based learning in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41674/20]

Third Level Costs

Rose Conway-Walsh

50. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures he has taken to urge universities to compensate postgraduate students for the move to online teaching and the much-reduced student experience promised in their prospectus and marketing campaigns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43162/20]

Third Level Education

Catherine Connolly

51. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 177 and 178 of 11 November 2020 and 663 of 24 November 2020, if he has requested a copy of the report from the University of Limerick; if he has requested a copy of the high level outcomes and recommendations from the report; his views on the recommendations of the report; the action he plans to take in response to the findings of the report; if the outcomes of the review have now been shared with the Higher Education Authority; if so, the response of the Authority to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43312/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Paul McAuliffe

52. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason post-leaving certificate students do not qualify for the €250 additional payment in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43153/20]

Technological Universities

Colm Burke

53. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the development of the Munster technological university; his views on the areas in which technological universities will fit in the further and higher education landscape in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43219/20]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Bríd Smith

54. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to review the administration of the SUSI grant system to ensure the criteria used in allocating grants is fit for purpose in ensuring vulnerable low income students can avail of proper supports, specifically the use of criteria around qualifying payments for the special rate grant and the interpretation of 391 days and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43217/20]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Rose Conway-Walsh

55. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide additional information on the €20 million in budget 2021 for SUSI that will see the funding returned to 2019 levels; the projections on demand upon which this is based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43163/20]

Student Accommodation

Denis Naughten

56. 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 2020-2021 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. [43177/20]

Higher Education Institutions

Eoghan Murphy

57. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has had discussions with the higher education sector regarding their landbanks and plans for available land within their control; and if he has a role in the way in which State-funded universities, colleges and institutes develop their land. [41269/20]

Third Level Staff

Holly Cairns

58. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the 440 academic staff in universities and institutes of technology were in continuous employment in excess of two years but not on a contract of indefinite duration. [43300/20]

Science Foundation Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

59. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the priorities of his Department in relation to scientific research funded by Science Foundation Ireland; the emphasis in this strategy on blue skies research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41109/20]

Third Level Admissions

Mick Barry

60. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures he will take to further increase places in third level courses should there be indications of significant CAO point inflation for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43315/20]

SOLAS Funding

Matt Carthy

61. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the capital projects his Department will fund in County Monaghan over the years 2020 to 2025. [43175/20]

Student Accommodation

Pa Daly

62. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the interactions his Department has had with student accommodation providers during the Covid-19 pandemic. [41663/20]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Smith

63. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to enhance co-operation between colleges of further education and colleges of a similar status in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43181/20]

Technological Universities

Ruairí Ó Murchú

64. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagements his Department has had with Dundalk IT regarding its pathway to technological university status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41792/20]

Third Level Examinations

Mick Barry

65. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the practice in some third level institutions of withholding exam results for exams taken during the year for those students who have not fully paid their fees; if he will consider instructing institutions to stop the practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43316/20]

Student Accommodation

Pa Daly

66. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on refunds for student accommodation in which universities have switched to all or mostly online learning in which large deposits were paid by those students. [41664/20]

Further and Higher Education

Brendan Smith

67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the discussions he has had with his counterpart in Northern Ireland in relation to the opportunities to enhance and intensify co-operation on an all-Ireland basis in further and higher education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43182/20]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Brian Stanley

68. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will examine the way in which the anomaly in the SUSI grant criteria can be corrected by which applicants who started third level education living with their parents as a dependent but are now married are still being assessed as a dependent child. [41285/20]

Further and Higher Education

Ciaran Cannon

69. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on building links with further and higher education institutions with schools to further develop an interest in computer science and build on successful initiatives (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43306/20]

Nursing Education

Pearse Doherty

70. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if funding will be made available to fund a bursary scheme for student nurses who have worked during the pandemic. [43309/20]

Technological Universities

Pádraig O'Sullivan

71. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to support the development of Munster Technological University following its establishment. [41758/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Neale Richmond

72. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for a return to campus to allow students to enjoy a full third level experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43158/20]

Third Level Education

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

73. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has received allegations of sexual harassment at third level; his plans to extend consent information across third level institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43152/20]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Peadar Tóibín

74. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students who were initially awarded SUSI grants that have since had the grants withdrawn from them by SUSI. [43307/20]

Student Accommodation

Niamh Smyth

75. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has contacted colleges regarding the failure by some accommodation quarters to issue refunds to students due to Covid-19; if his attention has been drawn to the issue; if so, the steps he is taking to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43146/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peadar Tóibín

76. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when universities and colleges will be permitted to reopen. [43308/20]

Further Education and Training Colleges

Matt Carthy

77. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding allocated to Monaghan Institute in 2020; and the proposed allocation in 2021. [43174/20]

Third Level Staff

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

78. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number and or proportion of academics and researchers employed in third level institutions in Ireland who hold short-term contracts and rely on social welfare to supplement their income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43303/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

79. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding and other supports that have been given to universities and colleges to support their students to engage with their studies online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43304/20]

Third Level Education

David Cullinane

80. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans for reforming pay for students on work placements as part of their education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42536/20]

Education Policy

David Stanton

81. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to promote and further develop the lifelong learning sector and increase participation numbers in the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43149/20]

Further Education and Training Colleges

Gerald Nash

82. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a college (details supplied) will be provided with the necessary funds to secure a permanent building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41676/20]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Duncan Smith

83. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of plans to overhaul existing apprenticeships, traineeships and education programmes as promised in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35066/20]

Technological Universities

Alan Dillon

84. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the need to ensure that Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology and associated institutions continue their multi-campus format as the Connacht Ulster Alliance Technological University progresses given their importance to communities in the west and north-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43147/20]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Gary Gannon

85. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if SUSI will issue an amnesty on all repayments due to grant overpayments arising from the 2020-2021 academic year considering the extreme effects on Covid-19 on student employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42788/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Martin Browne

86. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the impacts that the Covid-19 restrictions have had on the mental health of third level students; the measures he has taken to ease their introduction to third-level in the current environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43336/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Darren O'Rourke

87. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which he plans to support students enrolled in third level institutions to get back to college campuses in 2021 after Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41644/20]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Brian Stanley

88. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has carried out reviews of the criteria for SUSI grants regarding the definition of a dependent child and when they become an independent adult with their own home during the same third level course. [41286/20]

Third Level Fees

Rose Conway-Walsh

89. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if universities are in a position to assure students applying from Northern Ireland that under no circumstance will they be charged international fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43164/20]

Further and Higher Education

Fergus O'Dowd

90. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when retrofitting centres of excellence will open in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43155/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Rose Conway-Walsh

91. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which he will provide clarity to students in terms of on-campus time in the next semester given the experience of the last semester; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43161/20]

Third Level Education

Holly Cairns

92. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on supporting the establishment of units similar to a facility (details supplied) in all universities and institutes of technology. [43302/20]

Third Level Staff

Holly Cairns

93. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he is taking to address workers’ rights for postgraduate researchers in universities and institutes of technology. [43298/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Michael Moynihan

94. Deputy Michael Moynihan 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. [41756/20]

Further and Higher Education

Alan Farrell

95. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it will be investigated if Fingal would benefit from the development of a training centre under the training centre program offered by the Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43172/20]

Third Level Staff

Paul Murphy

96. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he plans to review the employment status of postgraduate students who also work for third level education institutions as part of their degree. [41658/20]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Michael Moynihan

97. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to provide supports to post-leaving certificate students who are not eligible for a €250 payment which has been made available to third-level students. [41755/20]