Written Answers Nos. 141-160
141. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated cost of implementing the recommendations of the McIver report of the steering group to the PLC review of 2003 on further education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32157/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe McIver Report, which was a review of the PLC programme, contained 21 over-arching recommendations, which incorporated 91 sub-recommendations. It was estimated at the time, in consultation with management and staff interests, that the recommendations for staffing would involve at a minimum the creation of at least 800 new posts at a cost of over €48 million.
However, it should be noted that in the publication “Towards 2016 Ten Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015”, it stated that "having regard to developments in the PLC sector, including the McIver Report, concrete prioritised proposals in relation to PLC provision and focussed in particular on the larger PLC providers will be prepared and will be subject of further negotiations between management and unions. The level of resources for the PLC sector will be determined in the light of resources generally and the implications for other areas of education. The union side will engage positively in relation to commitments on future working arrangement and developments in the sector. Student numbers will be subject to audit on an on-going basis. The scope for rationalisation of provision will also be examined having due regard to ensuring appropriate provision on a geographic basis and the necessary critical mass for delivery of a quality education service.”
The Further and Education and Training sector has been reformed significantly since this time with the establishment of SOLAS and the restructuring of the 33 Vocational Education Centres (VECs) into 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs).
The Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2014-2020, which was published in April 2014, sets out the direction of FET for this period on both a national and regional basis. This Strategy has led to changes to provision in the FET sector with improved quality, a focus on employment focused programmes and basic skills. There is also a greater emphasis on employer engagement, planning and the promotion of the standing of FET. The strategy also aims to improve access and to support learners of all abilities across FET programmes.
In January 2018, the Department published the ESRI report, along with the SOLAS response, on the evaluation of the PLC programme. The ESRI report provides a solid evidence base to inform future policy development for the programme. It will ensure that provision is planned to meet the needs of learners and employers, taking into account the changed context, particularly in the labour market, since the PLC programme was established in the mid 80s.
The evaluation confirms the positive role played by PLC courses in providing education for a diverse range of learners, highlighting that on average PLC learners are 16% more likely to be employed and 27% more likely to have progressed to higher education, than those who left education with the Leaving Certificate alone. It also points to a greater need to develop systems to ensure that PLC courses focused on the labour market are aligned with employer requirements and are responsive to changing labour market needs.
Arising from the evaluation, SOLAS has established the PLC Programme Improvement Advisory Committee, comprised of PLC partners, to oversee development and implementation of a three year programme improvement plan. Based on the recommendations set out in the SOLAS response, implementation of the plan will ensure delivery of high quality education and training supporting learners to achieve their progression and employment goals.
142. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost per annum of maintaining third level charges at their current rate for each year of the next five years; the cost of abolishing all such fees for each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32158/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under my Department’s free fees schemes, the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible students with students paying the student contribution currently stands at €3,000. To maintain this system at current rates, and taking into account the expected increase in student numbers over the next five years, the amount of funding required for free fees in each of the next five years is estimated as follows:
2018/19 - €300m
2019/20 - €303m
2020/21 - €307m
2021/22 - €311m
2022/23 - €316m
Again taking into account expected increases in student numbers, it is estimated that the net additional cost to my Department of abolishing the Student Contribution in each of the following five years is as follows:
2018/19 - €203m
2019/20 - €205m
2020/21 - €208m
2021/22 - €211m
2022/23 - €214m
It should be noted that the figures presented incorporate the resulting reduction to my Department's Student Grant Scheme budget based on the assumption of 49% of students who may be in receipt of 100% of the SUSI grant including the student contribution.
While the Student Contribution now stands at €3,000, it is important to recognise that there has been no increase in the Student Contribution since 2015. The exchequer pays this contribution (or part of it) on behalf of almost 50% of undergraduate students who are in receipt of student grant assistance.
Tax relief provisions are also available so that second and subsequent siblings do not have to bear the full cost. In addition, higher education institutions have provisions in place to allow students to pay the contribution in two moieties.
143. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if funding will be provided for a project to be included in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools, DEIS, scheme for funding (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31639/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDEIS – Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools, is my Department’s main policy initiative to tackle educational disadvantage. I wish to advise the Deputy that the DEIS Programme is only available in primary and post-primary schools.
DEIS Plan 2017, published in February 2017, seeks to build on what has already been achieved by schools who have benefitted from the additional supports available under the initial DEIS programme introduced in 2005.
A number of recommendations in the DEIS Plan 2017 relate to early years provision. In terms of direct funding for pre-school provision, since 1994, my Department has funded Early Start classes in 40 DEIS schools. A proposal to expand this programme was set out in the DEIS Action Plan for Educational Inclusion 2005, however a decision not to proceed with this proposal was taken in light of the introduction of the universal Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme, which provides universal free pre-school to all children.
From September 2018, all children will be entitled to receive two full years of free pre-school provision under the ECCE programme. Resource allocation for pre-school services in disadvantage communities funded under the ECCE programme is a matter for my colleague, Minister Zappone, T.D, and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA). Since the introduction of the ECCE programme, Government investment in the early year’s sector has been primarily focussed on universal ECCE provision, and my Department works closely with the DCYA to build capacity in the ECCE sector, particularly around the quality of educational provision in ECCE centres.
144. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a new school to be built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31640/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a building project for the school referred to is included in my Department's Capital Programme.
In that regard a technical site visit was carried out by my Department at the school's current site with a view to developing the project brief. My Department will continue to liaise with the school authority in respect of the project.
145. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of an application by a school (details supplied). [31659/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under my Department's Emergency Works Grant Scheme was received this week from the school to which the Deputy refers. It will be assessed as quickly as possible and the school will be informed directly of the outcome.
146. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to recognise school secretaries as direct employees of his Department; the status of the latest negotiations that have taken place on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31663/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo answer the Deputy, the majority of primary and voluntary secondary schools in the Free Education Scheme now receive capitation grant assistance to provide for secretarial, caretaking and cleaning services. Within the capitation grant schemes, it is a matter for each individual school to decide how best to apply the grant funding to suit its particular needs. Where a school uses the capitation grant funding to employ a secretary, such staff are employees of individual schools. Though schemes were initiated in 1978 and 1979 for the employment of Clerical Officers and Caretakers in primary and secondary schools, where staff employed on these schemes are paid directly by the Department and not via grant funding, these schemes have been largely phased out and have been superseded by the more extensive capitation grant scheme. My Department has no plans to develop an alternative scheme for schools to employ secretaries separate to the current system of capitation grant assistance.
In terms of the latest negotiations that have taken place with regard to school secretaries; in 2015 my Department engaged with the Union side on negotiations in relation to the pay of school secretaries (and caretakers) who are employed using grant funding, and agreed to enter an arbitration process on that issue. The Arbitrator recommended a cumulative pay increase of 10% between 2016 and 2019 for school secretaries (and caretakers) comprehended by the terms of the arbitration process and that a minimum hourly pay rate of €13 for such staff be phased in over the period 2016 to 2019. Grant funding used by schools to fund the salaries of ancillary staff is also being improved on a phased basis between 2016 and 2019 following the arbitration process. These increases are in order to enable schools implement the arbitration outcome for grant funded secretaries (and caretakers).
In December 2017, my Department published circular letter 0078/2017 for primary schools and circular letter 0079/2017 for voluntary secondary schools, setting out the application of the third phase increases of the Arbitrator’s recommendations. The circulars are available at:
Circular 0078/2017: https://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0078_2017.pdf
Circular 0079/2017: http://www.education.ie/en/Circulars-and-Forms/Active-Circulars/cl0079_2017.pdf
The increases recommended by the Arbitrator are binding and must be applied by all schools who employ staff to whom the Arbitrator's recommendation applies.
147. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Skills if an application by a school (details supplied) for additional accommodation is still under consideration following partial approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31664/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department recently approved grant to the school for a mainstream classroom and 2 special needs rooms.
My Department is not in a position to provide funding to the school for a General Purpose Hall due to the necessity to prioritise funding for essential classroom accommodation to meet demographic need.
The Deputy will be aware that under the National Development Plan (NDP), increased funding has been provided for the school sector capital investment programme. This funding allows for a continued focus on the provision of new permanent school places to keep pace with demographic demand and also provides for an additional focus on the refurbishment of existing school buildings to include the building and modernisation of PE facilities in primary and post-primary schools.
Under the Ireland Project 2040, we will invest €8.4 billion (compared to €4.9 billion in the previous decade) in primary and post primary school buildings. This will include the provision of 50 large scale school building projects and 20,000 school places in state of the art new buildings.
The immediate priority of my Department is providing 20,000 new and replacement school places each year, to ensure that every child has a school place. The government will focus in the medium term on the provision of PE facilities in schools.
148. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the ratio of men and women at each civil service grade within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31691/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
Staffing in the Department of Education and Skills by grade as of June 2018
Administrative Staff
|
M |
F |
||||
|
Grade |
Total (WTE) |
Male (M) WTE |
Female (F) WTE |
Ratio |
|
|
Secretary General |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Assistant Secretary General |
9 |
7 |
2 |
7 |
2 |
|
Principal Officer (PO)/ equivalents |
47 |
26 |
21 |
1 |
0.8 |
|
Assistant Principal Officer |
108 |
41 |
67 |
1 |
1.6 |
|
Higher Executive Officer |
181 |
77 |
104 |
1 |
1.4 |
|
Administrative Officer |
15 |
6 |
9 |
2 |
3 |
|
Executive Officer |
322 |
83 |
239 |
1 |
2.9 |
|
Clerical Officer |
326 |
56 |
270 |
1 |
4.8 |
|
Temporary Clerical Officer |
46 |
12 |
34 |
1 |
2.8 |
|
TOTAL Administrative Staff |
1055 |
309 |
746 |
1 |
2.4 |
Non-Administrative Staff
|
Grade |
Total |
Male |
Female |
M/F Ratio |
|
|
Chief Inspector |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Deputy Chief Inspector |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Assistant Chief Inspector |
10 |
4 |
6 |
2 |
3 |
|
Senior Inspector |
28 |
10 |
18 |
1 |
1.8 |
|
Post Primary Inspector |
29 |
6 |
23 |
1 |
3.8 |
|
District Inspector |
28 |
4 |
24 |
1 |
6 |
|
Divisional Inspector |
28 |
13 |
15 |
1 |
1.2 |
|
Early Years Inspector |
15 |
0 |
15 |
0 |
15 |
|
Technical Manager |
3 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
|
Senior Quantity Surveyor |
2 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
Quantity Surveyor |
3 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
Senior Architect |
5 |
4 |
1 |
4 |
1 |
|
Architect |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Architectural Assistant |
8 |
8 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
|
Engineer |
3 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
|
Senior Statistician |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Statistician |
4 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
|
Solicitor |
3 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
|
Advisory Council |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Accountant |
6 |
5 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
|
Siolta Co-ordinator |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Auditor |
3 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Service Officer |
27 |
16 |
11 |
1 |
0.7 |
|
Telephonist |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Civilian Driver |
7 |
7 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
|
Director of the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Regional Director (NEPS) |
7 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
2.5 |
|
Senior Psychologist |
39 |
9 |
30 |
1 |
1.3 |
|
Psychologist |
154 |
18 |
136 |
1 |
7.6 |
|
TOTAL Non-Administrative Staff |
424 |
121 |
303 |
1 |
2.5 |
Note
WTE = Whole Time Equivalent
149. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will intervene to bring the matter to an early resolution. [31732/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Education Act 1998, the school Board of Management (BOM) is the body charged with the direct governance of a school. Accordingly, whereas the Department provides funding and policy direction for schools, the Department does not have the power to instruct schools to follow a particular course of direction with regard to individual complaint cases. This Department's role is to clarify for parents and students how their grievances and complaints against schools can be progressed.
Under my Departments Action Plan on Bullying, new anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools were published at the beginning of the 2013/14 school year. The procedures are designed to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils.
All Boards of Management are required to adopt and implement an anti-bullying policy that fully complies with the requirements of these procedures. A template anti-bullying policy which must be used by all schools for this purpose is included in the procedures.
The procedures for schools outline key principles of best practice for both preventing and tackling bullying and require all schools to commit to these principles in their anti-bullying policy. In particular, they emphasise that a cornerstone in the prevention of bullying is a positive school culture and climate. In that regard, the procedures set out the need for schools to encourage and strengthen open dialogue between all school staff and pupils and to ensure that they provide appropriate opportunities for pupils to raise their concerns in an environment that is comfortable for the pupil.
Where there is cause for complaint from a parent matters would normally be addressed to the individual teacher or school Principal as appropriate. If matters cannot be resolved at that level then a complaint can be addressed to the school BOM and / or Patron. A school may have a formal complaints process in which case this should be followed in pursuing any complaint.
The Office of the Ombudsman for Children may independently investigate complaints relating to the administrative actions of a school recognised by the Department of Education and Skills, provided the parent has firstly and fully followed the school’s complaints procedures. The key criterion for any intervention by the Ombudsman for Children is that the administrative actions of a school has, or may have, adversely affected the child. The office can be contacted at: Ombudsman for Children’s Office, Millennium House, 52-56 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1; tel. 1800 20 20 40 or (01) 865 6800 or email oco@oco.ie.
My Department also provides funding for a range of home tuition schemes for children who are without a school place or who cannot attend school for a variety of reasons.
150. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he will take to ensure that there will be a transparent initiative to attract international and national candidates of calibre and distinction for the post of president of the new university in view of the expected announcement on the establishment of Ireland’s first technological university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31784/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first application for designation as a technological university was submitted by The TU4Dublin consortium comprising Dublin Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and Institute of Technology Tallaght on 27 April 28.
Following consideration of the international advisory panels report and the views of the HEA, it is my intention to communicate my proposed decision to TU4Dublin by the end of July.
Section 13(5) of the Technological Universities Act requires that, in appointing a president, the established technological university will publish the selection criteria, including experience, training and expertise and procedures in respect of the appointment of a president.
TU4Dublin consortium have confirmed and I have agreed that the recruitment process for the appointment of the first president of a new technological university in Dublin will be a competitive process carried out in an open and transparent manner fully consistent with best practice to ensure the identification of a high calibre individual required for this role.
151. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a site has been identified for a new school building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31786/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a project to provide a new building for the school in question is included on my Department's Capital Programme.
Discussions with relevant parties regarding the potential acquisition of a preferred site option are currently in progress. Officials are working to progress matters as expeditiously as possible in order to facilitate the school building project at the earliest possible date.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is in regular communication with the school patron on the matter.
152. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education and Skills if further funding or grant aid is available to a person (details supplied) in order to complete a course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31798/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support to students attending higher education is the Student Grant Scheme. Under the Student Grant Scheme, eligible candidates may receive funding, provided they are attending an approved course at an approved institution and meet the prescribed conditions of funding, including those which relate to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
Under the scheme, students must be attending approved full-time courses at an approved institution. Part-time courses are not eligible for support.
There is no specific funding available for courses such as the one referred to by the Deputy.
153. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the same course, healthcare support certificate, offered by a company at a cost of €2,500, is also being offered to students at a different fee rate of €500 by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31850/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra154. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the healthcare support certificate in a company (details supplied) requires 300 hours of work experience when the same course in a group requires none; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31851/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the same course, that is, the healthcare support certificate, is offered by a company (details supplied) at a cost of €2,500 when it is also being offered to students at a different fee rate of €500 by a group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32207/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the healthcare support certificate at a company (details supplied) requires 300 hours of work experience when the same course by a group requires none; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32208/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 153, 154, 179 and 180 together.
Skillnets Ireland Ltd, established in 1999, is an enterprise-led body funded through the National Training Fund (NTF) to provide companies with new opportunities to develop relevant, effective answers to their training and development needs.
Skillnet Ireland is funded through the National Training Fund (NTF) to act as an enterprise-led support body dedicated to the promotion and facilitation of enterprise training and workforce development as key elements in sustaining national competitiveness. Its primary role is to increase participation in enterprise training by companies to upskill the workforce and provide greater access for workers to skills development.
Skillnet Ireland's networks arrange relevant, cost-effective and innovative training courses for member companies who operate on both a regional and sector-specific basis. Skillnet Ireland operates a joint funding model where training is funded by combining contributions from employers with Skillnet grants. Leading Healthcare Provider (LHC) Skillnet is one of the networks that is co-funded by Skillnet Ireland.
LHP Skillnet Healthcare Support programme is QQI validated to be delivered over 27 contact days at one day per week over a six month period. In this time the 5 core modules and 3 electives that lead to the major award in Healthcare support are covered. The cost for the full award is €1,080 (or €135 per module). Where a student only requires 1 – 4 modules to complete the award the cost is €150 per module. Any number of modules over 5 equates to €135 per module. Where a student comes from a place of employment within the private healthcare sector, their 300 hours work based learning is incorporated into their normal working hours. Where a student comes from a place of unemployment they are required to take 300 hours work experience in order to obtain the necessary skills, competence and confidence to gain employment as a Health Care Assistant .
However, where an Employment Activation Programme student gains employment during the course (30-40% of students) then their employed hours are considered as part of their hours and signed off by their employer.
155. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the breakdown of spending of the €3.75 million ring-fenced funding to secure the future of the Mayo campus of GMIT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31864/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra156. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of courses, the name of each course and the reason each course will be terminated or suspended at the Mayo GMIT campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31865/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of new courses being added to the GMIT Mayo campus for September 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31866/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills when the recommendations of the GMIT working group will be implemented in full; the timeline for each recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31867/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills the amount that has been allocated to the Galway campus of GMIT; the amount that has been allocated to the Mayo campus of GMIT in the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 academic years by each campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31868/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will report on the issues facing the sustainability of the Mayo campus of GMIT; his plans to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31869/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 to 160, inclusive, together.
I would again like to assure the Deputy that the Government is committed to the future sustainability of the Castlebar Campus of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT). For this reason the Working Group was established in order to develop a plan to safeguard the future of the campus. The Report of the Working Group was published in December 2017. It provides a wide-ranging assessment of the context within which the Campus is currently operating, and outlines a proposed vision for the future of the Mayo Campus, as well as a strategic and comprehensive plan to address the financial and sustainability issues which have been experienced by the GMIT Mayo Campus in recent years.
The plan includes 33 recommendations in total which will be implemented by the Governing Body and its Sub Committee. The sub-committee has been established to oversee and monitor the implementation of the working group report. The majority of the recommendations are for GMIT to implement including those with regard to course provision at Castlebar. I understand that GMIT has taken the decision to withdraw two courses for 2018/19 (BSc Hons in Digital Media and Society and the Higher Certificate in Construction Management) due to an insufficient number of applicants to make the programmes viable options for Castlebar. However, while GMIT took the decision to withdraw these courses, the institute has reinstated other programmes at the Castlebar campus for 2018/19 - Sustainable Building Technology and the Heritage related programmes of History & Geography and Culture & Environment - subject to a viable number of applicants.
I have prioritised the recommendations that relate specifically to my Department. This includes the allocation of €750,000 per annum for the next 5 years is to assist the sustainability of the campus for the duration of the implementation of the recommendations and measures of the working group report (in total €3.75m). The provision of this additional funding will be contingent on GMIT making progress on implementing the recommendations in this review, and will be subject to review by the HEA. I have also committed to the provision of the necessary capital funding for the replacement of the roof of the GMIT campus that is currently in need of repair.
My Department and the HEA are continuing to work closely with GMIT to ensure that the other recommendations of the Report are being progressed. The working group report acknowledged the complexities and the necessary implementation time required for a number of the recommendations. It therefore recommended that the plan should be implemented on a planned phased basis by the sub-committee for 5 years, over the period 2018-2022, with a review at the end of year 2 and formal progress reports to be submitted to the GMIT Governing Body and the HEA every four months.
My Department allocates recurrent funding to the HEA for direct disbursement to institutions under the HEA’s remit, including GMIT. The HEA allocates this as a block grant to institutions to cover teaching, research and administration. This funding is allocated on a calendar year basis. For 2017 and 2018 the core block grant allocated to GMIT was as follows:
2017 - €23.8m
2018 - €25.1m
In addition, GMIT like other institutions will receive funding in respect of free fees and other targeted initiatives e.g. skills, apprenticeships. These amounts have yet to be fully allocated by the HEA for 2018. The internal allocation of this grant, along with private funding received, is solely a matter for GMIT. I would like to again assure the Deputy that my Department and the HEA will continue to work with GMIT on ensuring that the recommendations of the Working Group are implemented as soon as possible, and with appropriate consultation with relevant stakeholders, to ensure the future sustainability of the Castlebar campus.
