Written Answers Nos. 104-118
105. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of progress of refunds by universities to students who paid for student accommodation in full and up front before the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31336/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI appreciate that this year has been a difficult one for students, and my Department has been working with representatives from the higher education sector to address the challenges faced by students.
All seven universities have confirmed that students who vacated their university-owned student accommodation prior to the end of the 2019/2020 academic year due to Covid-19 will receive pro-rata refunds.
However under the Universities Act 1997 universities are autonomous bodies and manage their own administrative affairs, including in relation to student accommodation. Students should contact their institution directly with any queries on these refunds.
106. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the change of circumstances option on SUSI applications made in 2020 can have consideration for applicants whot are currently experiencing a significant reduction of income in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31312/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am conscious of the difficulties being experienced by students and their families as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and of the importance of the Student Grant Scheme and related supports, such as the Student Assistance Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities. These supports have a fundamental role in assisting students and families who are putting their children through further and higher education.
Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions of funding including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for SUSI to determine. For the 2020/21 academic year, student grant applications will be assessed based on gross income from all sources for the period 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019.
However, if a student or party to their application experiences a change in circumstances that is not a temporary change and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, they can apply to have their application assessed under the change in circumstances provision of the relevant Student Grant Scheme. The income of all parties to the application will be assessed or reassessed on the current year (2020) and they may also be asked to provide evidence of the current year’s (2020) income.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students can apply for supports under the Student Assistance Fund. The fund assists students in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Institutions have the autonomy to maximise the flexibility in the Student Assistance Fund to enable HEIs to support students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the higher education institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may be claimed in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and in non-EU countries. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax office or from the Revenue Commissioners website
www.revenue.ie
108. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will establish a science and technology policy fellowship within the Civil Service to provide opportunities to scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policy making and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in policy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30686/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraScience Foundation Ireland (SFI) is running a pilot programme which is designed to attain the objectives which the Deputy outlines. The SFI Public Service Fellowship, which was launched in 2019, offers researchers a unique opportunity to be seconded to Government Departments, Agencies and the Oireachtas Library and Research Services, to work on specific research projects. The Fellowships awarded will foster innovation within the Public Sector by supporting the development and implementation of data-driven and evidence-based approaches.
The projects offered by the hosts include a wide range of topics – including the economic, social and ethical implications of technological innovation; data analytics for signals of emerging food safety risks; the economic cost of discrimination and the benefits of diversity in the workplace, to name a few. Projects are due to commence in the coming weeks.
During the COVID-19 pandemic it became very clear to me the essential input, expertise and service that the academic research community can provide to bolster colleagues in Government Departments and agencies.
Equally, placements within Government Departments and Agencies will expose academic researchers to the mechanics of public service and policy making which will contribute greatly to their career development. The secondment model will also provide an opportunity for further dissemination of knowledge and learnings to a broader academic cohort on return of the Fellow to their academic institution. Thus, the Public Service Fellowship pilot programme will help in increasing the linkages between the research and civil service systems.
109. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the safety measures in place for students that are either on an Erasmus programme for the current academic year or those considering embarking on the programme for the 2021-22 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30834/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll higher education institutions that participate in the Erasmus+ programme must hold an Erasmus Charter. In signing this Charter, the HEI confirms that its participation in Erasmus+ is part of its own strategy for modernisation and internationalisation.
A key aspect to the Erasmus Charter is the promotion of measures that ensure the safety of outgoing and incoming mobile participants. Institutions must communicate to incoming and outgoing students and staff any potential risks or threats to their safety that could be encountered during their mobility and offer guidance on how to prevent them, as well as what to do in case of an emergency.
They must offer information on health, accident and theft insurance schemes and strongly encourage students to sign up for them. In addition, all students must have a European Health Insurance Card before they go on a mobility.
Higher education institutions, the Department and its Agencies will continue to take into consideration the public health advice available during these challenging times and will continue to work with students, their representatives and the European Commission to ensure a safe and continued Erasmus+ experience.
110. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the provisions being considered for third level cross-Border students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31379/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK, students from Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland, will continue to access higher education as currently applies. This means that they will continue to be treated the same as students in the other jurisdiction and they will continue to have access to SUSI grants, subject to the current eligibility requirements.
The higher education free fees scheme is an administrative scheme, and as such, it falls to the Minster for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make that decision. Eligibility conditions for SUSI grants, however, fall within scope of the Student Support Act 2011, and legislative amendments must be made to allow Irish students use their grants while studying in the UK, and for students from Northern Ireland to access SUSI supports while studying in Irish higher education institutions. These amendments are being managed through the forthcoming Omnibus Brexit Bill 2020.
111. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he plans to take to improve the interface between the broader research community and the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30687/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister, I believe that a key part of my role is to highlight the world leading research and innovation being carried out by our higher education institutions, and to ensure that both Government and my colleagues in the Oireachtas are informed by and engage with the research and the researchers. In recent years the Irish Research Council (IRC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) have launched a number of initiatives to bring researchers closer to Government.
In July 2018 the IRC launched its Oireachtas Shadowing Scheme. The scheme sees some of Ireland’s most prominent researchers ‘shadowing’ members of the Oireachtas for the day in Leinster House. The scheme was developed by the IRC to bridge the divide between policy-making and research and to ensure that elected representatives are supported to tap into publicly funded research. The scheme pairs an IRC funded researcher with a member of the Oireachtas. The scheme is an excellent opportunity for researchers to deepen their understanding of political engagement and the policy-making system and for members of the Oireachtas to engage directly with publicly funded researchers. I would encourage my colleagues in the Oireachtas to contact the Council and take advantage of this opportunity.
SFI places a particular priority on creating opportunities for the Houses of the Oireachtas staff and members to engage with SFI funded researchers over the past number of years. Many of these engagements have been arranged in close partnership with the Oireachtas and Library Research Services. The Oireachtas LRS is now a formal partner with SFI through the SFI Public Service Fellowship (launched in 2019) which will see academic researchers placed within the Oireachtas LRS (and other Government Departments) teams working side by side with colleagues there on critical areas such as climate change and the economic, social and ethical implications of technological innovation.
There have also been targeted talks by researchers, and science week events. In addition, SFI has also brought Oireachtas Committees on site visits to their research centres so that they can see, first hand, the research that is taking place in Ireland which is of relevance to the work of their Committees.
Both SFI and the IRC are creating engagement opportunities through a range of formats, and these engagements are created to expose members and staff of the Oireachtas to the excellent and impactful work research that is being carried out by academics and to create opportunities for dialogue and relationship building with that community.
Public and Government outreach by our scientists is more important than ever in the context of COVID-19, and my Department, in consultation with all other relevant Government departments and agencies, will consider how best to further engage publicly funded researchers in the wider context as part of the development of the next national strategy for research and innovation.
112. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the new initiatives in education and research his Department is planning in 2021 designed to accelerate capacity to deliver the infrastructures and the practices to underpin ambitions for reductions in emissions damaging to climate. [30681/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will be progressing a range of initiatives in education and research in 2021 to advance targets in relation to emissions reduction.
For example, in the further education sector, €8m has been allocated to support the development of retrofit-specific skills initiatives. This will provide up to 500 places on new specialist retrofitting training courses targeted towards unemployed persons. In the region of 400 additional places will also be provided to allow for the expansion of existing programmes targeted to the upskilling of persons already in employment – bringing the total number of learners in retrofit specific programmes to over 1,500 per annum.
The Regional Skills Fora are working with enterprise and education providers in their regions to identify and address the skills needed to transition to the green economy. For example, the Midlands and Mid East Regional Skills Fora continue to work with the Just Transitions team in their region in order to ensure a range of upskilling and reskilling opportunities to enable the workforce to meet the needs of the green economy.
As in other sectors, the upgrade and retrofit of the building stock to meet decarbonisation targets will be an important part of the overall climate response. In the higher education sector, my Department is co-funding an Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation Pathfinder Programme with SEAI. This initiative, which comprises eight projects and involves total Exchequer investment of €5.9 million, will test and demonstrate retrofit approaches, inform key stakeholders and provide an evidence base for larger scale investments in the future.
My Department has also convened a technical steering group to support the development of a decarbonisation pathways report for the higher education sector. This report, which will include a practical tool to be deployed by the higher education sector in assessing different retrofit approaches, is expected to be finalised this year.
Science Foundation Ireland continues to invest in research which underpins our ambitions for reductions in emissions. These multiannual investments will see new advancements in science, technology and innovation in 2021 and beyond, and will continue to attract industry and international partnerships. Examples of existing investments include large scale world leading SFI Research Centres such as MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine and BiOrbic, the SFI Bioeconomy Research Centre.
In addition to the existing investments, SFI will launch new calls for research proposals under its programmes – such as the Frontiers for the Future Programme – that support excellent research, foster diverse top talent and fund research that produces tangible benefits.
New opportunities for all island cooperation in the area of climate action is a priority for SFI in 2021. The agency will also continue its important work on citizen and community engagement, with an increased focus on creating opportunities for dialogue and conversation with the people of Ireland on what the future looks like for them and the role of science and innovation in creating that future.
At the same time, work is underway in my Department to develop the successor strategy to Innovation 2020, Ireland's strategy for research and development, science and technology. I expect the strategy to set out a vision that will ensure we prioritise investing in RDI as key to addressing our economic and social challenges, including the challenge of climate change.
113. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the engagement he has had with colleges and third level institutions to ensure that the recent allocation for mental health funding is benefiting all students needing assistance in view of the fact that most are studying remotely and could be based anywhere countrywide; the way in which students are being identified by colleges for the assistance; the way in which the funding is being measured by his Department to ensure that all students in need of assistance are benefitting from the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31313/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mental health of our students is a priority for my Department, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increased mental stress and pressure resulting from it. In this regard earlier this year, I secured a comprehensive package of financial support in the amount of €168m for the Higher Education and Further Education and Training sector to mitigate against the direct financial impact of COVID-19 on our Universities, institutions, colleges and students in 2020.
This package includes additional funding of €3m to underpin wellbeing and mental health and student services in our higher education institutions (HEIs), and is in addition to the €2m that was allocated in Budget 2020. This overall funding of €5m comes at a time of great urgency in relation to student support and re-opening of our higher education institutions. This funding will enable institutions to enhance their student facing services, such as by employing additional student Counsellors, Assistant Psychologists etc.
I understand that many institutions are already in the process of increasing their counselling service capacity; there are a number of recruitments of additional counsellors and assistant psychologists live at the moment, and more to follow suit over the next few weeks. This increased capacity/resourcing will allow for development of further active outreach to students.
The Higher Education Authority, assisted by a broad range of stakeholders, including the HSE, the National Office for Suicide Prevention, USI, Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland, and my Department prepared a National Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework, which was published on 10 October 2020. The Framework recognises the many challenges students face, and sets out ways in which institutions can support and respond through working proactively to maximise mental health and wellbeing.
The increased capacity/resourcing of counselling will allow for development of active outreach to students, and deliver more support and training to campus staff to identify, support and refer students in difficulty. This whole of campus approach to student support is a central principle in the National Framework for Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. While specific services such as counselling provide the specialist response to mental health difficulties, all staff should be aware of how to engage and respond supportively to a student in distress, and how to make effective referrals to the services, and we will be working towards achieving that in line with the framework.
In recent weeks I also announced the new keyword partnership with 50808. This is a Free 24/7 anonymous text support service. Students text their institution's keyword to 50808 to begin a text conversation e.g. Text DKIT to 50808 for Dundalk IT students. Although this partnership with student counselling services was in train before the publication of USI National Report on Students and Covid-19, the 50808 partnership responds directly to the almost 27% of students in this report who said they would like to use a text service provided by their college service and 26% who said they would use a text service provided through an external service. The 50808 volunteers will also signpost student texters to their campus and local community supports, based on their location, in instances that where further support is required.
114. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department has contacted colleges regarding accommodation refund issues at various campuses for students; if his attention has been drawn to the issue; if so, his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31093/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra115. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will address the accommodation crisis regarding refunds that students are facing due to Covid-19 at various third level facilities nationally. [31094/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra480. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if colleges are providing flexibility to students renting accommodation on campus in terms of the early cessation of a lease due to the rise of remote learning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31199/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra485. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the steps he will take to ensure students will not have to pay rent or lose deposits for accommodation they no longer need due to the cancellation of in-person teaching in colleges and universities. [28324/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra504. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the actions he is taking in co-ordination with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide greater protections for student renters. [31773/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 114, 115, 480, 485 and 504 together.
On 25th September intensified protective measures in third level were announced, in line with public health advice. On-site activity in further and higher education will be reduced so long as these measures are in place. Campuses will remain open to facilitate learners and researchers attendance for laboratory, practical and apprenticeship training, scheduled library attendance and small group activity on a prioritised basis.
While I appreciate that this is disappointing for students who had hoped to have as much time on campus as possible, these measures are very important from a public health perspective in controlling the spread of the Coronavirus.
Responding to these issues is a significant matter of concern for myself and for my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and we are examining how accommodation providers can be encouraged to show greater flexibility to students during this challenging time.
The Deputy will be aware that the university sector is already engaging with these issues. As a result of the decision to minimise on-site teaching, five of the seven universities have confirmed that students who do not wish to proceed with their booking in university-owned student accommodation can cancel it without charge, and those who opt to leave their accommodation will receive refunds. I am awaiting confirmation of the policies in the remaining two - Trinity College and DCU. I am aware that DCU has adopted a flexible model where students can book and pay for accommodation for a number of days and nights, rather than the full semester. I also understand at DCU where a student paid a deposit but chose not to take up the accommodation they will have the deposit refunded in full. I will be continuing to liaise with the sector through the Irish Universities Association to encourage the availability of fair solutions to students in university-owned student accommodation.
For students in the private rental market, I am urging providers to be flexible in finding solutions given the circumstances in which students find themselves. There are, however, no powers available to me under the current legal framework to direct any particular course of action. Refund or cancellation policies in student accommodation should be set out in the license agreement signed at the beginning of the academic year. In the first instance students should engage with their accommodation provider to see if an arrangement can be reached. If this is not possible, students have access to the Dispute Resolution Services of the Residential Tenancies Board.
I have asked my Department to continue to engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to monitor and report to me on developments on student accommodation issues in order to ascertain whether any further policy response is feasible.
116. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures, protections and oversights that will be in place for those taking up apprenticeships and training to ensure the quality of the training and the protection of their rights in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31322/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a central principle of the apprenticeship system in Ireland that both apprentices and their employers are assured of a high-quality apprenticeship experience leading to recognised awards. There are a number of processes in place to support this, underpinned by statute under the Industrial Training Act 1967 and the Quality Assurance and Qualifications Act 2012, including:
- ‘The Apprenticeship Code of Practice’, published by SOLAS, covers the key obligations of employers and apprentices participating in apprenticeship. Employers are required to sign up to this code prior to engaging apprentices. Companies seeking to recruit apprentices are also required to undertake the SOLAS ‘Suitability to Train Assessment’ prior to being admitted onto the register of approved employers.
- The network of Authorised Officers (AOs) of the Education and Training Boards (ETBs), working on behalf of SOLAS, continually engage with employers and individual apprentices throughout their apprenticeship programme, ensuring adherence to the Code of Practice as well as providing ongoing supports.
- All SOLAS approved training organisations and tutors are subject to independent scheduled process monitoring and/or unscheduled assessment event monitoring to ensure adherence with both Quality Qualifications Ireland (QQI) accreditation and SOLAS requirements.
- A comprehensive quality assurance process for apprenticeships covers the quality of delivery on and off the job training and is overseen by QQI through co-ordinating providers.
118. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to address concerns regarding CAO points inflation in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29947/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is closely monitoring any potential impact that the events of this year may have on entry to further and higher education in 2021.
This year more students than ever before were offered a place in higher education, with 52% of these students being offered their first preference Level 8 course in Round One. As of the end of Round Two, more than 49,000 students have accepted a place. There is no indication that a higher number of students than usual are opting to defer their place to the 2021 academic year, and given the large numbers of students who have been accommodated in higher education this year it is feasible that the numbers of students reapplying to the CAO next year on the basis of Leaving Certificate results from prior years will be lower in 2021 than previously.
€18 million has been provided in Budget 2021 to deliver an additional 2,700 new undergraduate student places from September 2021. This increase will address demographic growth pressures and equates to an overall investment of nearly €80 million to address the demographic increases since 2018. These places are in addition to the 1,330 additional places commencing in 2021, funded through the Human Capital Initiative Pillar 2, which will be on undergraduate courses in areas of identified skills needs.
I am satisfied that very considerable progress has been made in the 2020/2021 academic year on the necessary increase in third level places to meet current and projected demographic demand, and Budget 2021 will greatly facilitate us in continuing this progress in the 2021/2022 academic year.
However, CAO points will nonetheless fluctuate next year as they do every year. Changes in CAO points depend on the volume of applications, the number of places available and the grades received by applicants. As we are in the midst of a global pandemic and economic flux, there is more volatility than usual this year due to factors such as reduced opportunities in the economy, students seeking to defer or re-apply in subsequent years and uncertainty around students travelling internationally both to and from Ireland. Given this uncertainty, it is impossible to predict what the impact will be on CAO points for 2021.
My Department will monitor the situation as it develops and take action as necessary to ensure the availability of a full range of further and higher education options for the class of 2021.
