Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
456. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated amount required by the third level education sector to ensure the safe return of students in the 2020 and 2021 academic year; if she will provide a breakdown of the cost of planned expenses in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18300/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 22 July I announced a substantial package of supports in the amount of €168m for further and higher education institutions and students. Additionally I am aware that this pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on younger workers and those in lower paid occupations with lower level of educational qualifications. Accordingly, through the Government's July Stimulus package which has also been announced a programme of immediate investment in upskilling, reskilling and refreshing of skills need to be supported throughout working lives. This funding for higher and further education and training to address this situation amounts to €100m and will fund over 35,000 additional student places in the current year.
Since the onset of Covid-19 in March, my Department, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and SOLAS have collaborated with key stakeholders from the sector to identify, quantify and develop options to mitigate the financial impacts of Covid 19 on the sector, including costs associated with the safe commencement of the 2020/21 academic year in line with Public Health advice.
Additionally my Department recently provided specific guidance to the Further and Higher Education sectors about the return to on-site activity in 2020. The advice, which is not intended to be prescriptive, further acknowledges the varied individual requirements and individual circumstances within institutions.
The provision of additional financial support will assist the safe commencement of the 2020/21 academic year and in order that the sector can contribute fully to economic recovery and to meeting priority skill needs and provide assurance and confidence to students and their families as well as to staff and other key stakeholder regarding the capacity and capability of the sector in meeting critical teaching and learning and research objectives. My Department will continue to engage with key stakeholders to underpin the achievement of these objectives.
The distribution of the funding and eligibility criteria for student supports will be finalised over the coming days and weeks with key stakeholders. Additionally my Department will continue to work closely with our agencies and key stakeholders to monitor the recovery of the sector through this pandemic.
