Parliamentary questions

Student Assistance Fund

Holly Cairns

640. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on making students attending private primary and post-primary school teaching colleges eligible to apply for the student assistance fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11591/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Pádraig O'Sullivan

641. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress being made on the review of the SUSI scheme; the changes that have been identified; if the new criteria for the scheme will be available to students making their applications in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11667/21]

Departmental Data

Rose Conway-Walsh

642. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of graduates each year from a college (details supplied) from a professional master's degree in education in primary initial teaching education since the college was founded in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11835/21]

Third Level Admissions

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

643. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of offers for places in third-level institutions given to students who sat the leaving certificate exams in November 2020 and received improved results; and the courses or subject areas in which these offers were given, that is, medicine, engineering, law, dentistry, arts and so on in tabular form. [11946/21]

Third Level Education

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

644. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the offers given out after results were issued to students who sat the leaving certificate exams in November 2020 constituted additional places in these third-level institutions; and if not, if they were within the general number of places available for entry in September 2021. [11947/21]

Student Accommodation

Robert Troy

645. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if refunds are available to third-level students for accommodations fees given they have been at home studying remotely for most of the academic year. [11963/21]

Freedom of Speech

Neale Richmond

646. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if action has been taken in relation to an incident regarding academic freedom (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12048/21]

National Broadband Plan

Seán Sherlock

647. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has engaged with National Broadband Ireland on any aspect of broadband provision in the past six months; and the outcome of any engagement. [12121/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Thomas Gould

208. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if Safepass courses are still operating. [10657/21]

Research and Development

Rose Conway-Walsh

209. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the public expenditure on research and development and as a percentage in each year since 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10604/21]

Health and Social Care Professionals

David Cullinane

210. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the categories and number of students by area of study and annual cohorts who undertake clinical or training placements in the health and social care services in each year, in tabular form; the number of placement hours in each year for each area of study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10641/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Michael Healy-Rae

211. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the return of third level students to campuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10704/21]

Third Level Admissions

Colm Burke

212. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the preparations being made by the CAO in advance of applications under a year of a non-traditional leaving certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10767/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Éamon Ó Cuív

213. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when it is planned to commence and to conclude the review of the SUSI higher education grants; if consideration will be given to include the course for graduate entry medicine as a course eligible for the full undergraduate grant in view of the fact that this is an entry point to medicine for many persons and operates on the basis that applicants already have a primary degree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10803/21]

EU Meetings

Denis Naughten

214. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of formal and informal Council of the European Union meetings that have been held since 27 June 2020 under the remit of his Department; and the number of formal and informal meetings, respectively held virtually. [10817/21]

Departmental Contracts

Mairéad Farrell

215. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number and value of procurement contracts for Covid-19-related spending in 2020 and 2021 that took place via negotiated procedure without prior publication in his Department. [11181/21]

Departmental Contracts

Mairéad Farrell

216. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of procurement contracts for Covid-19 related spending in 2020 and 2021 that took place via negotiated procedure without prior publication by his Department, by goods and service type in tabular form. [11211/21]

Education Data

Marc MacSharry

648. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of CAO applications submitted 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. [9837/21]

Health Professions Admission Test

Richard Bruton

649. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is an opportunity for students who sat the leaving certificate in November 2020 to undertake the HPAT assessment, which is needed for access to certain courses and without which a further loss of a year before enrolment would arise. [10098/21]

Departmental Offices

Jennifer Whitmore

650. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the facilities available in his Department to facilitate breastfeeding breaks in accordance with WHO guidelines of two years for women in the workplace and as part of the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2017-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9373/21]

Technological Universities

David Cullinane

651. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that has been made to advance the technological university for the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9510/21]

Technological Universities

David Cullinane

652. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase the physical footprint of campuses in counties Waterford and Carlow as part of the technological university for the south east process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9511/21]

Technological Universities

David Cullinane

653. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which the location of the headquarters for the new technological university of the south east will be decided; the criteria that will be used in making a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9512/21]

Technological Universities

David Cullinane

654. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students attending Waterford Institute of Technology, WIT, and IT Carlow in each of the years 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, by institute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9513/21]

Technological Universities

David Cullinane

655. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the capital funding provided to each institute of technology and technological university in each of the years 2010 to 2020; the allocation earmarked for 2021, by institute, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9514/21]

Technological Universities

Rose Conway-Walsh

656. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an application for the Connacht-Ulster Alliance of GMIT, LYIT and IT Sligo has been submitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9537/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Rose Conway-Walsh

657. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students who have already paid their fees for the 2020-2021 academic year will effectively be unable to access the €250 Covid support until September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9540/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Rose Conway-Walsh

658. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if PhD students who have scholarships that cover their fees will be unable to access €250 Covid support until they graduate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9541/21]

Third Level Admissions

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

659. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if assurances will be provided that any potential delay in the issuing of the 2021 A level results will not disadvantage students in Northern Ireland from accessing third-level places here; and the ongoing engagement between the two jurisdictions on these issues. [9547/21]

Third Level Examinations

Ruairí Ó Murchú

660. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his engagements with Dundalk Institute of Technology regarding exam results not being delivered to students; the steps he has taken to resolve the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9571/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Rose Conway-Walsh

661. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has completed its consultation with the Department of Finance and the necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure there are no tax implications, particularly in terms of tax relief, for the recipients of the €250 support or their families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9575/21]

Third Level Examinations

Matt Carthy

662. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it will be ensured that the issues that have resulted in students at Dundalk Institute of Technology not receiving exam results will be resolved as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9578/21]

Ministerial Advisers

Seán Sherlock

663. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the names and contact details for each special adviser requested for appointment by him, in tabular form. [9598/21]

Departmental Staff

Mary Lou McDonald

664. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of staff employed in his Department by gender and by civil service salary scale, in tabular form. [9663/21]

Departmental Reviews

Mary Lou McDonald

665. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current number of live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research project is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9685/21]

Education Data

Rose Conway-Walsh

666. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of further education students who received each level of SUSI support, such as full maintenance grants, full fees, 50% fees and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9751/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Rose Conway-Walsh

667. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 556 of 15 September 2020, if the same figure will be provided for all academic years from 2015 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9752/21]

Technological Universities

David Cullinane

668. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way the board of a technological university for the south east will be selected; the apportionment of appointments; the method for same; the representativeness of the board as it relates to constituent institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9791/21]

Technological Universities

David Cullinane

669. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way the structure of a technological university and locations for campuses will be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9792/21]

Technological Universities

David Cullinane

670. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the process for selecting the courses on offer and the way in which such courses will be funded for a new technological university in order to have an expanded range of courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9793/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Peadar Tóibín

671. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of persons who initially qualified for a SUSI grant in 2020 and subsequently had the grant withdrawn. [9828/21]

Education Data

Peadar Tóibín

672. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to an increase in the number of third-level students either opting to defer their year of studies or to drop out of college completely by comparison with previous years. [9829/21]

Departmental Correspondence

Peadar Tóibín

673. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has been contacted by a student or college representative who have expressed a concern regarding the mental health of students and young persons during the pandemic; the dates on which he received such correspondence; the persons or bodies the correspondence was received from; the nature of the correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9830/21]

Third Level Costs

Brendan Griffin

674. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the parents of a person (details supplied) can be reimbursed in view of their circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9933/21]

Education Policy

Holly Cairns

675. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Question No. 139 of 4 February 2021, the status of the implementation of the recommendations in Framework for Consent in Higher Education Institutions: Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive - Ending Sexual Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9975/21]

Education Policy

Holly Cairns

676. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Question No. 139 of 4 February 2021, the higher education institutions that have developed and published specific institutional action plans on tackling sexual violence and harassment in accordance with the guidelines in Framework for Consent in Higher Education Institutions: Safe, Respectful, Supportive and Positive - Ending Sexual Harassment in Irish Higher Education Institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9976/21]

Third Level Education

Holly Cairns

677. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on working with higher education institutions to ensure that online classes and virtual learning environments are made as accessible as possible for students living in areas with poor broadband connectivity, including recording lectures and workshops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9977/21]

Brexit Issues

Rose Conway-Walsh

678. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there have been changes to the way that Irish students studying in Scotland will be treated as a result of Brexit; if will they continue to be treated as home students and eligible for support with fees for the 2021-22 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9984/21]

Third Level Examinations

Catherine Murphy

679. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to a petition by students (details supplied); if clarity will be provided in respect of the way in which apprentice trades will take exams in 2021; and his plans in respect of the practical elements of education they have not been able to undertake in the context of public health advice and the ongoing pandemic. [9987/21]

Third Level Fees

Louise O'Reilly

680. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if funding is available under the funding allocated for third level courses through the July stimulus package for a course (details supplied). [10001/21]

Access to Higher Education

Cormac Devlin

681. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if the higher education access route application process will be reviewed to ensure applicants are given every opportunity to correct minor errors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10021/21]

Access to Higher Education

Cormac Devlin

682. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10022/21]

Education Data

Rose Conway-Walsh

683. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students enrolled in professional masters of education course by public and private colleges, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10082/21]

Brexit Issues

Thomas Pringle

684. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent decision by the Scottish Government to change the fees status of higher level Irish students in Scotland from home to rest of UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10120/21]

Brexit Issues

Thomas Pringle

685. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether the recent decision by the Scottish Government to change the fees status of higher level Irish students in Scotland from home to rest of UK is in breach of the Common Travel Area agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10121/21]

Brexit Issues

Thomas Pringle

686. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has raised the recent decision by the Scottish Government to change the fees status of higher level Irish students in Scotland from home to rest of UK with his counterpart in the UK Government in order to address the negative consequences this will have for Irish students studying in the UK regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10122/21]

Health and Safety Regulations

Maurice Quinlivan

687. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the issuing of Safepass registration cards under current restrictions is not being conducted and that some construction workers are unable to work as passes are out of date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10175/21]

Local Development Companies

Bríd Smith

688. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will intervene with the WWETB, Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board, to ensure that help is being provided to the new board of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10192/21]

Research Funding

Rose Conway-Walsh

689. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the development of a national public genomics programme given that €66 million in funding has already been given to a private company engaged in the collection and analysis of DNA without assurances of future access to the database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10246/21]

Student Accommodation

Rose Conway-Walsh

690. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the expenditure by higher education institutions on constructing student accommodation since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10247/21]

Third Level Examinations

Cian O'Callaghan

691. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will request SOLAS to provide clear information to phase 6 electrical students in TUD, Tallaght, on their upcoming exams; if these exams will take place online as opposed to in-house in view of the amount of learning time missed and lack of ability to conduct practical aspects of the course material; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10314/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Aindrias Moynihan

692. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress being made on the review of the SUSI scheme; the changes that have been identified; if the new criteria for the scheme will be available to students making their applications in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10410/21]

Departmental Expenditure

Sorca Clarke

693. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount his Department has expended to date regarding awareness raising campaigns of Covid-19 in national newspapers, regional newspapers, national radio, regional and local radio stations and across social media platforms; and the amount committed to expend under any current contracts or agreements with same in tabular form. [10474/21]

Education Data

Gary Gannon

694. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has data on the practice of higher education institutions running non-accredited courses; if so, if he will provide same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10578/21]

Higher Education Institutions

Gary Gannon

216. 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 charging gym fees for the current academic year despite the lack of access to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9009/21]

Further and Higher Education

Robert Troy

217. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if an additional 2,500 college course places will be provided in 2021, in addition to the 2,500 places provided in 2020. [9080/21]

Further and Higher Education

Seán Sherlock

218. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the contact details for the sections that deal with all ongoing and established grant funding in his Department and in each agency under the remit of his Department in tabular form. [9130/21]

Further and Higher Education

Richard Bruton

219. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if students who received results from the November 2020 leaving certificate will have the opportunity to qualify for courses in autumn 2021 which have a health professions admission test, HPAT, entry requirement or a CAO process; and if a necessary change in closing dates can be made to accommodate same. [9145/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peadar Tóibín

220. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the details of the outbreak of Covid-19 currently being experienced by the National University of Ireland Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9210/21]

Covid-19 Pandemic

Peadar Tóibín

221. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a list of colleges, universities and higher education institutions currently experiencing outbreaks of Covid-19 will be provided to this Deputy. [9211/21]

Youth Guarantee

Denise Mitchell

550. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount drawn down from the EU youth guarantee scheme in each of the years 2015 to 2020, respectively, in tabular form. [8619/21]

Student Accommodation

Rose Conway-Walsh

551. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the value of direct financial supports provided to purpose-built student accommodation providers since 2011, by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8709/21]

Third Level Fees

Dara Calleary

552. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if leaving certificate 2020 students who have been awarded an upgraded college course having received a higher leaving certificate after sitting the examination will be liable for the student contribution fee of €3,000 when they transfer to year one of their upgraded course in 2021; if such students are liable, his views on whether it is unfair to charge twice for year one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7873/21]

Third Level Admissions

Seán Haughey

553. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the CAO and HPAT closing dates can be extended for students who sat the leaving certificate in November 2020 in order that any improved grades obtained by them can be taken into account, which could allow them to commence undergraduate courses requiring higher points in September and October 2021; if their change of mind with regard to inclusion of courses can be facilitated given that they performed better than they expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7921/21]

Third Level Admissions

Kathleen Funchion

554. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to deal with the high number of CAO applications. [7939/21]

Student Accommodation

Rose Conway-Walsh

555. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the most recent data his Department has on the breakdown between purpose-built student accommodation in the private market and on campus are from 2014; his plans to update this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7981/21]

Third Level Admissions

Rose Conway-Walsh

556. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of persons who accepted an offer of a place through the CAO in 2019 and 2020, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7982/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

557. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices working across the public sector; the percentage this has on the total number of registered apprentices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8026/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

558. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices that have been employed across the public sector for each year since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8033/21]

SOLAS Training and Education Programmes

Eoghan Murphy

559. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there is an opportunity for Safepass courses to be run online during level 5 restrictions. [8072/21]

International Students

Sorca Clarke

560. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if international travel for foreign third level students is deemed essential travel. [8205/21]

International Students

Sorca Clarke

561. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of international students arriving for study that have entered Ireland in each week since the beginning of the year in tabular form. [8206/21]

Third Level Fees

Paul McAuliffe

562. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if courses of a facility (details supplied) will be included on the list of approved courses for tax relief on tuition fees; and the criteria for private colleges to be included on the approved list. [8220/21]

Third Level Institutions

Neale Richmond

563. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has engaged with third level institutions to ensure that they are providing sufficient mental health supports to students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8251/21]

Third Level Institutions

Neale Richmond

564. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has taken steps to ensure that all third level students have access to mental health supports in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8255/21]

Third Level Institutions

Neale Richmond

565. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on whether mental health facilities in third level education are sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8256/21]

Third Level Admissions

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

566. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure fair competition for college places due to a record number of CAO applications from the 2021 cohort, deferred students from 2020 and those students who were awarded higher points on review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8284/21]

Third Level Admissions

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

567. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure place availability for the leaving certificate class of 2021 at higher education; if his attention has been drawn to the record number of CAO applications; the engagement his Department has had with higher level institutions to ensure sufficient places for such record demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8287/21]

International Students

Rose Conway-Walsh

568. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has instructed higher education institutes not to encourage international student to travel into the State for the second semester of the 2020-2021 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8305/21]

Departmental Strategy Statements

Holly Cairns

569. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on the short length of time for the public consultation on the Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 for his Department given both the time of year and Covid-19 context; if he will consider extending the consultation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8365/21]

Departmental Strategy Statements

Holly Cairns

570. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of submissions made to the public consultation on the Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8366/21]

Student Universal Support Ireland

Robert Troy

571. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to direct SUSI to change its guidelines regarding course progression (details supplied). [8374/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

572. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number and percentage of craft apprentices who have been temporarily laid-off at some stage throughout the pandemic; the current figures for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8403/21]

Apprenticeship Programmes

Rose Conway-Walsh

573. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number and percentage of craft apprentices have had their off-the-job training postponed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8406/21]

Third Level Education

Steven Matthews

574. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions he will take with regard to one-year masters courses that have practical laboratory work at their core that have not held in-person classes; if these classes will be facilitated outside the formal academic year when it is safe to do so; and if the inability to complete essential aspects of these courses will be acknowledged. [8412/21]

Third Level Institutions

Rose Conway-Walsh

575. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the funding in third-level institutions by student; the way it compares to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8453/21]

Education and Training Provision

Rose Conway-Walsh

576. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown between expenditure on training for those seeking employment and in employment training; the way in which apprenticeships are categorised; the percentage spent on funding apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8462/21]

Erasmus+ Programme

Rose Conway-Walsh

577. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 589 of 10 February 2021, if by taking the step to support students from Northern Ireland and maintain the number of students accessing Erasmus+ from the island of Ireland while simultaneously losing the capacity of universities in Northern Ireland to host incoming students from across the EU will require higher education institutions in this jurisdiction to host additional Erasmus students from elsewhere in the EU; if this will have financial implication for HEIs; if so, the funding that will be available to ensure HEIs can facilitate this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8634/21]

Education and Training Provision

James Lawless

578. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if consideration will be given to matters raised (details supplied) concerning unemployment and skills upgrading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8679/21]

Institutes of Technology

Joe McHugh

579. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of progress of capital works at Letterkenny Institute of Technology which were secured under the previous Government; the progress in relation to university status for the institute which also received a commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8722/21]