Written Answers Nos. 991-1008
991. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that less than 5% of adults with Down's syndrome secure meaningful employment due to barriers in accessing further education; the measures he is taking to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32965/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that further education and training (FET) is inclusive and accessible for all, including for people with Down Syndrome, is a key priority of my Department.
Earlier this year, myself and Minister Harris launched the second FET Strategy: Future FET: Transforming Learning , which covers the period 2020-2024. Fostering Inclusion is one of the three core pillars around which this strategy is built. The FET sector is committed to increasing levels of inclusion through the provision of high quality, more accessible and flexible education and training programmes and supports suited to the identified needs of individuals, with the aim of enabling every citizen to participate fully in society.
Addressing the education and training needs of people with a disability, including those with Down Syndrome, will be a primary focus of this Strategy. Over the period of this Strategy, SOLAS commits to expanding on the approach of the fund for students with disabilities which currently only covers PLC provision. This work will be driven through reform of the funding system and the roll-out of good practice guidelines, including those in relation to universal design for learning.
The Specialist Training Provider programme is also being reviewed at present and recomemndations arising will be implemented. This includes measures to increase inclusion of people with disabilities in mainstream FET rather than separate dedicated provision.
The strategic aims of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017–2021 and the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015 –2024 are embedded with the SOLAS / Education Training Board strategic funding arrangements. This ensures a whole of system approach leading to better outcomes and a requirement on the 16 ETBs to implement measures to increase access and inclusion.
This year over €900 million will be invested in the FET sector. Over 200,000 people start FET courses each year. I would encourage people considering availing of opportunities in the FET sector to contact their local Education and Training Board Adult Education Guidance Service to avail of information and guidance on education and training options and relevant supports that are available to potential learners.
992. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is developing a strategy for re-engagement of learners unable to participate in further and higher education during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32968/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the beginning of the Covid-19 public health emergency, my Department has been working with the key stakeholders across further and higher education to put in place systems to support continuity of teaching and learning in further and higher education.
As part of its overall engagement structures on Covid planning, my Department established the Mitigating Educational Disadvantage (Working Group. The key purpose of the Group is to scope out main issues impacting on learning and engagement by disadvantaged students across all aspects of further and higher education arising from the Covid-19 public health emergency. The advice of this Group has been important in guiding interventions to support students and institutions in sustaining learning.
€8million in funding is being provided in 2020 to enable SOLAS establish a Mitigating Educational Disadvantage Fund in the further education and training sector. The fund is designed to increase the capacity of Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and community education providers to tackle any fall off in participation by and certification of disadvantaged learners, particularly those on literacy and basic skills programmes at levels 1-3 of the National Framework of Qualifications. The fund places a strong focus on community education as a tool to continue to support and engage with these learners. The fund is also investing in building the digital infrastructure of ETBs and community education providers and the capacity of educators to ensure that online learning can be delivered in a way that meets the complex needs of all FET learners.
With regard to supports for postgraduate students I have announced an increase in the fee grant from €2,000 to €3,500. This increase will allay some of the costs for postgraduate study and will give greater certainty for students in terms of supports. I have also decided to increase the fee income threshold to €54,240 from €31,500. These changes will take effect from September 2021.
I have secured an additional €1.5 million to increase the 1916 Bursary Fund (also known as the PATH 2 programme) to €5 million per annum, providing an additional 200 places which will allow the fund to support up to 1,000 of the most disadvantaged students to access higher education. The allocation will also provide for the development of a centralised application system for the bursary scheme.
The Government has also allocated €50 million to provide once-off assistance to third level students in recognition of the challenging circumstances of the Covid-19 public health emergency. The details of this package are currently being worked through and a proposal will shortly be brought back to Government.
A fund for student devices worth €15 million was provided for further and higher education to deal with the impacts of the Covid-19 public health emergency on learners. Funding of €10 million has been provided to the higher education sector and €5m to the further education and training sector. The funding is being provided to eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and ETBs (plus a number of other SOLAS-funded FET providers) in accordance with allocation models agreed with the HEA and SOLAS.
There is also ongoing work between my Department and other Departments to resolve the connectivity issues that present for students and learners, particularly those in remote locations.
The mental health of our students is a priority for my Department, particularly in light of the Covid-19 public health emergency, and the increased mental stress and pressure resulting from it. In this regard earlier this year, I secured an additional funding of €3m to underpin wellbeing and mental health and student services in our higher education institutions (HEIs). This 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 will enable institutions to enhance their student facing services. I understand that many institutions are already in the process of increasing their counselling service capacity and more to follow over the coming weeks. The increased capacity/resourcing of counselling services will allow for the development of active outreach to students, and deliver more support and training to campus staff to identify, support and refer students in difficulty.
993. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review the income thresholds and means test to qualify for the SUSI grant and increase the value of the maintenance grant levels to 2011 rates in recognition of the increase in the cost of living and loss of part-time work for students due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32972/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020, my Department will spend over €400m on access measures for students. This includes circa €350m on student grants and related activities, which is expected to benefit over 70,000 further and higher education students
I recently announced details of a €168m funding package for the return to education. This includes €15m in IT equipment grants for disadvantaged students in further and higher education and a €10m access support package for higher education students. An additional €3m has also been provided for investment in supports for mental health services and well-being initiatives.
The Student Grant Scheme contains a number of qualifying thresholds for various grant values. These gradations allow students just over a threshold margin, to remain in receipt of a grant, albeit at a reduced rate that reflects their relative income vis-à-vis other applicants.
The scheme provides for different levels of income thresholds where families have (i) less than 4 dependent children (ii) between 4 and 7 dependent children and (iii) 8 or more dependent children. In recognition of the additional cost to families where more than one person is attending college, income thresholds may also be increased by up to €4,830 for each additional family member attending college at the same time. In this way, the Student Grant Scheme is responsive to the individual circumstances of particular families.
With regard to the income threshold for the special rate of grant, this is adjusted in line with Budget increases to the State Contributory Pension plus the maximum Qualified Adult Allowance for a person over 66 years. For 2020, the threshold has been increased from €24,000 to €24,500. Last year over 21,000 students received the special rate of grant and it is anticipated that a similar number will qualify for supports in 2020.
Students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This 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. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
The Programme for Government contains an important commitment to review SUSI eligibility and I fully intend to fulfil this commitment so as to promote access to third level, particularly amongst families with low incomes and communities that are under-represented.
994. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider increasing the student assistance fund allocation by 20% to address the needs of students affected by Covid-19 income loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32973/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware of the recently announced €168m funding package for the return to education. This package includes a €10m access support package for higher education students. I have approved the allocation of €8.1m of this funding to top up the Student Assistance Fund (SAF). This is an increase in this fund of 100%.
The remaining €1.9m funding will be allocated to support the most vulnerable students through the access services in the higher education institutions. Part-time students can access the ring-fenced €1m under the overall Student Assistance Fund for 2020/21 and can apply to their HEIs for the laptop scheme and well-being and mental health support.
The SAF 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 situation. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
995. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will expand eligibility for the SUSI grant to part-time students studying in publicly funded further and higher education and training institutions to provide financial support to non-traditional, mature and part-time learners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32974/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI think it is important to note the range of additional supports which have been put in place for students as part of Budget 2021 and as part of the Government's Covid response earlier this year.
- I have doubled the level of funding available in the Student Assistance Fund for this academic year;
- I have increased the level of funding for the 1916 Bursary Fund (also known as PATH 2) to €5 million per annum, which will provide an additional 200 bursaries, bringing the total number for 2021 to 1,000 bursaries for the most disadvantaged students in the country;
- I have secured an additional €20 million in funding for SUSI next year to cover increased applications to the scheme;
- I have allocated €6 million to enhance SUSI support for postgraduates;
- I put in place a €15 million scheme to support access to laptops and digital devices;
- I have allocated €8m to enable SOLAS to establish a Mitigating Educational Disadvantage Fund to support providers in engaging with learners who are at the greatest risk of disconnection from the education and training system;
- I have secured €50 million to provide financial assistance to full time third level students in recognition of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on this group; and
- I have also allocated €3m for wellbeing and mental health.
Within this package of measures there are supports which apply to part-time students:
- Students awarded a 1916 bursary can study on either a full-time or a part-time basis. The Fund provides financial support through bursaries to new entrants to higher education who are identified by regional clusters of HEIs as meeting the eligibility criteria for the Fund. To be considered for a bursary students must be socio-economically disadvantaged and from one of the target groups identified in the National Access Plan. Target groups include entrants from under-represented socio-economic groups and communities; entrants with disabilities; first time mature entrants; members of the Irish Traveller community; students entering on the basis of a further education award; part-time flexible learners, Lone parents and ethnic minorities;
- All students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This 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. Information on the fund is available through the Access Officer in the third level institution attended. This fund is administered on a confidential, discretionary basis.
- Part-time students can apply to their institutions for the laptop scheme and to access well-being and mental health support.
I do think it is important to look more widely and how we can facilitate learners in different circumstances. That is why I have announced a review of SUSI to guide the future strategic direction of the scheme. This review will include a focus on examining the future role of the student grant system in supporting different forms of provision in line with national priorities, including part-time provision. This review will report back to me next year.
Also in relation to mature students, consultants have been appointed by the HEA to undertake research on the issues and challenges associated with first-time mature student participation in higher education and to make recommendations for how access to, and participation in, higher education by mature students can be supported in the future. The report is expected to be published early next year.
996. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if music or drama schools are included in the education exemption for level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33024/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra998. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide clarity to private music school operators in relation to the Covid-19 restrictions (details supplied). [33218/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 996 and 998 together.
A detailed and comprehensive three-pillar guidance framework has been put in place to underpin a blended model of provision in higher and further education for the 2020/21 academic year.
The approach is strongly aligned with the public health requirements and for shaping the work of institutions and providers in a manner which is adaptive and responsive to changes in the trajectory and seriousness of the COVID19 pandemic.
These three pillars of the framework are:
- A high level Further and Higher Education Roadmap which provides an overview of the phased return across further and higher education.
- A COVID19 Adaptation Framework which provides a structure, guidance and support for further and higher education institutions and providers that does not end with re-opening. This is to assist them in consistently and collaboratively continuing to adapt to meeting the challenges posed by this pandemic.
- Practical Guidance for Further and Higher Education for Returning to On-Site Activity in 2020. This guide was prepared on a consultative basis with sector stakeholders and with the assistance of public health expertise. It is intended to provide advice and guidance to the higher and further education sectors as they move to crystallise their return to campus plans, while safeguarding the health and safety of students, learners, visitors and staff.
This suite is also supplemented by more detailed further and higher education implementation guidelines, developed by the sectors working closely with public health experts.
The extensive work summarised above undertaken to underpin the operation of the higher and further education system has been based on detailed planning and contingencies by higher and further education institutions, ongoing reporting and more recently the development of Outbreaks Protocols, and their implementation and communication to staff, students and learners. The scope for continuity of practical skills provision at more restrictive levels is afforded on the basis of this strong sectoral engagement, planning and reporting, ensuring ongoing close alignment with the framework.
In devising and implementing the framework we have been mindful of being as inclusive as possible. Accordingly all publicly funded higher education, private higher education (through HECA members) and education and training offered through ETBs, including that offered on a contracted basis is comprehended within the Guidance and therefore can take place within the current restrictions . Given the statutory remit of SOLAS, Safepass and CSCS/QSCS training are comprehended. Community based education is also in scope.
Outside of this, there is a diverse continuum of education and training of varying degrees of duration and formality. Our basis for engagement with such providers across this spectrum of diverse sectors is very limited and it would be a major undertaking on the Department’s part to oversee the work required to give the necessary confidence in their processes and their implementation, sufficient to provide confidence in the provision of practical skills at more restrictive levels. However, it is the Department’s view that such education and training taking place outside of the sectors outlined above, falls within the provisions of general Government advice and the HSA Protocols for Returning to Work.
997. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if a person (details supplied) is entitled to full or part payment of registration fees. [33052/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the fee payable by a student can vary depending on a variety factors including the type of course and the student's access route including previous education. Students should confirm the fees position with the fees office in the institution attending.
Under the Department’s free fees schemes, the Exchequer provides funding toward the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate Higher Education students with students paying the student contribution. The student contribution fee is currently set at €3,000 per annum and can be paid in instalments. The assessment of eligibility under the Free Fees Initiative in individual cases is a matter for each higher education institution to determine within the terms of the scheme.
Where students do not qualify for free fees funding, they pay the appropriate fee, either EU or Non-EU, as determined by each higher education institution. These institutions are autonomous bodies and the level of fee payable by students who do not meet the requirements of the free fees scheme is a matter for the relevant institution to determine in accordance with their own criteria.
999. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to situations in which persons have been informed that they have lost their SUSI grant entitlements due to the fact that they have been forced to receive Covid-19 payments due to losing their jobs due to the current restrictions; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that they have been told they have a choice between staying on the Covid-19 payment or applying for the back to education allowance; his views on the impact this has on the students concerned; if cognisance is being taken of this in terms of supports specifically designed for these persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33343/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is available to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the terms and conditions of funding, including those relating to residency, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.
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.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment was first implemented by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) in March for employees and self-employed people who had lost their employment due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The Social Welfare (Covid-19) (Amendment) Act 2020 establishes the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment as a social insurance benefit scheme separate from other social protection statutory schemes including the Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Jobseeker Allowance and Jobseeker Benefit schemes.
For student grant purposes the Covid-19 payment has been treated as reckonable income for the SUSI means assessment process since it was introduced in March. This means that the Covid-19 payment is treated in a similar fashion to other DEASP payments such as Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance, thus ensuring a consistency of approach and an equitable treatment of students and their families in the SUSI means assessment process.
All applications are assessed nationally with reference to the terms and conditions of the relevant student grant scheme. The terms and conditions of funding are applied impartially to all applicants.
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.
Students in receipt of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) are not eligible for maintenance support under the Student Grant Scheme, as this would result in a duplication of income support payments. However, students in receipt of BTEA may be considered for SUSI fee supports up to a maximum of €6,270. Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is administered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). Further enquiries in respect of the BTEA should be referred to DEASP.
The Programme for Government contains an important commitment to review SUSI eligibility and I fully intend to fulfil this commitment so as to promote access to third level, particularly amongst families with low incomes and communities that are under-represented.
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
1000. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that incomes from social protection, including the pandemic unemployment payment, PUP, are not included in the income disregard for the SUSI grant payment; and his plans to address this anomaly given that it puts students who were in receipt of a PUP in 2020 at a disadvantage when it comes to their SUSI grant assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33630/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is available to eligible students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the terms and conditions of funding, including those relating to residency, means, nationality and previous academic attainment.
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.
The Social Welfare (Covid-19) (Amendment) Act 2020 establishes the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment as a social insurance benefit scheme separate from other social protection statutory schemes including the Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Jobseeker Allowance and Jobseeker Benefit schemes.
For student grant purposes the Covid-19 payment has been treated as reckonable income for the SUSI means assessment process since it was introduced in March. This means that the Covid-19 payment is treated in a similar fashion to other Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection payments such as Jobseekers Benefit/Allowance, thus ensuring a consistency of approach and an equitable treatment of students and their families in the SUSI means assessment process.
All applications are assessed nationally with reference to the terms and conditions of the relevant student grant scheme. The terms and conditions of funding are applied impartially to all applicants.
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
1001. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if, following the announcement in budget 2021 of an extra €250 payment for third level students who have either paid their college fee or are in receipt of a SUSI grant, to assist with transfer to online learning, full-time post leaving certificate students who do not qualify for a SUSI grant but have paid their course fees will be eligible for this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32385/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1021. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide clarity in relation to the €250 to be provided to third level students announced in the budget; the way in which this will be administered; and if there is a timeframe for this to be rolled out. [33042/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1027. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which the €250 grant for third level students as announced in budget 2021 will be paid out; the likely timeframe relating to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33347/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1028. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding payments for third level students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33369/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1001, 1021, 1027 and 1028 together.
I am very conscious of the impact the pandemic has had on our students. To ensure the safety of our students and staff in further and higher education, the majority of college will be online for this semester. In recognition of the challenges facing full time third level students the Government has approved once off funding of €50m to provide additional financial assistance in this academic year. My Officials and I are developing the process on how this once-off funding will be utilised for submission to Government prior to commencement. Once finalised the details will be available for students.
Additionally Budget 2021 provides further funding to enhance SUSI grant supports for post-grads and increase support for the PATH access initiative, which seeks to increase participation in Higher Education from the most economically disadvantaged students.
This builds on the specific student supports in response to Covid, which I announced in July including the provision of additional student assistance including a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, and a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education to assist with difficulties in accessing technology to facilitate their course work in a blended capacity. These supports are being distributed through the colleges and further education providers.
1002. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if it will be ensured safe pass courses can be delivered online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32411/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1010. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of safe pass, construction skills certification scheme and quarrying skills certification scheme under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32897/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1011. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the criteria to become a safe pass trainer including any barriers for persons applying. [32898/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1012. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason for the price increases in safe pass courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32899/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1002, 1010, 1011 and 1012 together.
Safe Pass, Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and Quarrying Skills Certification Scheme (QSCS) courses were included in Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and restarted on 11th June 2020 under strictly controlled Covid-19 precaution measures (SOLAS’ Standard Operational Pandemic Containment Guidelines).
Given the continuation of construction services within the Level 5 restrictions announced on the 19th October 2020 the operation of Safe Pass training and assessment is continuing subject to the stringent operating procedures which permitted their re-opening in June 2020. 3,131 persons have undertaken CSCS and QSCS training and 34,034 Safe Pass cards have issued between the 11th June and 31st October.
To support the continued operation of the construction sector following the initial shutdown of the certification schemes in March to June 2020, The Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) introduced a legislative provision in March which extends the validity of Safe Pass cards(with an expiry date after the 1st March) to the end of the Covid-19 emergency period. This provision remains in force at the current time, however workers with expired cards are advised to renew their cards as soon as possible to prevent a significant backlog accruing with 43,466 cards with an expiry date after the 1st March not yet renewed.
The continued delivery of certification schemes to support health and safety in the construction sector during the Covid-19 period is vital and SOLAS is actively examining alternative delivery methods to identify a solution that is equitable with existing Safe Pass course delivery, in being accessible to all eligible workers, providing real time course participant supports and ensuring assessment integrity.
The criteria for Safe Pass tutor approval is determined by a tripartite collaborative arrangement comprising construction sector stakeholders and social partners in consultation with SOLAS. The Safe Pass tutor is open to anyone who wishes to apply, as long as they comply with the eligibility and approval criteria, as no deviation can be accommodated. A guide to the Safe Pass tutor application criteria and process is attached.
In respect of the price being charged for Safe Pass courses, course fees are determined by the Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) who are independent commercial entities. The maximum number of participants that can attend a Safe Pass course was reduced from twenty to ten participants in line with SOLAS’ Standard Operational Pandemic Containment Guidelines to allow for the re-opening of the sector. There is also a €32 fee payable to SOLAS for the processing, manufacturing and distribution of Safe Pass cards which is unchanged and is generally included in the overall price for attending a course.
1004. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on third level institutions failing to offer a reduction in fees to students at a time when classes are online and many of the on-campus services offered to students are no longer available; if his attention has been drawn to the financial pressure this is placing on third-level students and their families during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32571/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1016. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his views on a matter in relation to a reduction of fees (details supplied); the steps he is taking to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32960/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1004 and 1016 together.
It is important to note in relation to this issue that under the Free Fees Schemes the Exchequer currently makes a very substantial contribution amounting to €340m to meeting the tuition fee costs of eligible undergraduate Higher Education students with those students who are required to pay the student contribution paying €3,000 per annum towards the cost of their studies.
In addition, the Exchequer pays the contribution in full or part, through SUSI, for approximately 44% of students eligible for free fees.
As the Deputy will be aware as part of Budget 2021, I announced enhanced SUSI grant supports for post-grads and increased support for the PATH access initiative to increase participation in Higher Education from the most economically disadvantaged students and a review of SUSI to guide the future strategic direction of the scheme. An important objective will be to ensure access to and continued participation in higher education by students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
I am of course very conscious of the immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our students. Government has made available €50 million in funding to provide financial assistance to full time third level students in recognition of the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on this group was included in Budget 2021. My officials and I are developing proposals for the utilisation of this funding for submission to Government prior to commencement.
This builds on the specific student supports in response to Covid, which I announced in July including a doubling of the Student Assistance Fund, and a €15 million technology fund for devices for students in further and higher education.
Furthermore the development of a sustainable funding model for higher education is essential in light of the centrality of higher education. The future development of Ireland as an inclusive society and a knowledge economy against the backdrop of rapid technological change. In that context, a comprehensive economic evaluation of the funding options presented in the Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education is underway supported under the European Commission DG Reform Programme.
My Department is working closely with the European Commission and the independently appointed consultants. The key aim of this review is to investigate methods of increasing the sustainability of higher and further education provision in Ireland, including an examination of the funding options including the existing student contribution and other supports.
Completion of this work will allow for an informed debate on the appropriate policy approach to future funding which is fundamental to Ireland's economic and social sustainability.
All of the foregoing highlights my commitment and that of the Government to support students and learners in accessing and successfully participating in both higher and further education.
1005. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of increasing undergraduate placements for nursing by 250 places in a given year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32611/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated additional cost of an additional 250 student places for a one year intake is €1,875,000. The estimated cost for one cohort of the respective students for all years of a course (four years on average) is estimated at €7,500,000.
These are the estimated costs to my Department based an average of funding currently provided through the HEA (€7,500 per student) for grant and fees for nursing undergraduate places.
The estimate excludes:
- the €3,000 student contribution
- any additional costs for students eligible for SUSI grant supports
- any rostered placements salaries (the costs of this fall on the Dept Health /HSE).
- other costs that fall to the Dept. of Health/HSE.
In order to help mitigate the impact of the changes to the grading system, and following engagement with higher education institutions (HEIs) to identify where there was capacity in the system to create additional places, and the demand to justify them, 2,225 additional places were made available in advance of Round One CAO offers in 2020. These places were created in a broad range of courses across many disciplines, and include courses in areas of very high demand such as healthcare, science and teacher education. These included 134 additional places in nursing courses.
1006. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the measures being taken to ensure Travellers have greater access and opportunities to avail of third-level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32674/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe third National Access Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (2015 -2019) (NAP) identifies Irish Travellers as one of the target groups that are currently being under-represented in higher education. The vision of the National Access Plan is to ensure that the student body entering into, participating in and completing higher education at all levels reflects the diversity and social mix of Ireland's population.
A progress review of the National Access Plan, published in December 2018, acknowledges a number of significant positive developments and characterises the first phase of implementation of the NAP as a period of achievement and investment. A major element of both progress to date and the future implementation of the plan has been the increased investment in new access initiatives since the original publication of the National Access Plan (NAP).
While increases in participation in Irish Travellers are evident in the NAP, there remains a significant challenge in achieving the target in respect of the Traveller target group.
It is hoped that the numerous initiatives under the strands of The Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) funding aimed at increasing Traveller participation will assist in the realisation of the target and enhance understanding of the barriers that exist in respect of access to higher education by Traveller students. Even though the realisation of targets is proving difficult, evidence has shown that the number of Irish Travellers accessing higher education has increased from 35 (2012/2013) to 61 (2017/2018), a 74% increase, since the commencement of this National Access Plan.
Arising from the progress review published in 2018, the Department published priority actions in the Action Plan for Education 2019 and made a commitment to the development of an action plan for increasing Traveller participation in higher education.
While recognising the supports that are already in place to support Irish Traveller Participation in higher education across the education spectrum, the purpose of this action plan is to bring a particular focus of attention and afford particular priority to certain actions.
The overall objective of the Action Plan is to advance Traveller participation in higher education within the context of approaches across the education spectrum on retention and transitions of Travellers.
Reporting on the actions commenced in September 2020 and a recent report shows there are dedicated Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH) projects that focus on targeting increased Traveller participation in Higher Education.
Projects under the PATH strand 1 Initial Teacher Education focuses on targeting increased Traveller participation at primary level through engagement with Traveller community groups and targeted post primary schools, the provision of direct entry places and continuous support for Travellers who have been identified as aspiring to become a primary school teacher. 7 Traveller students registered on a PATH 1 programme as of 30 September 2019.
PATH Strand 2 the 1916 Bursary Fund has supported 39 Traveller students over the last three years. This strand reports a high success rate for students who are Travellers obtaining the bursary.
Projects under the PATH Strand 3 Higher Education Access Fund also support Irish Travellers in progressing to Higher Education.
I am delighted to report that the PATH fund has a current investment envelope of €33.9 million over the period 2016 to 2022, across the three strands. Approximately PATH Funding of €1.5m has already been targeted specifically to support Traveller participation in higher education over the first three years of the current National Access Plan.
1007. 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 case will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32678/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter for the centralised student grant awarding authority Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) to determine.
For student grants purposes, students are categorised according to their circumstances either as students dependent on parents or a legal guardian, or as independent mature students.
Being a dependent student means that your income and that of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s)’ income for the reference year will be taken into consideration in assessing you for grant purposes.
However, if neither parent is living, and in the absence of a court appointed legal guardian, the orphan will be assessed on their individual income only, if applicable.
If a legal Guardian has been appointed and they are in receipt of a Guardian’s payment or Orphan’s Pension from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, this income is not considered reckonable when assessing the grant application. It may also entitle the applicant to a special rate award, providing all other income received fall under the threshold of €24,500. If the Guardian’s payment is paid to someone else, such as a sibling or another family member, the income will not be reckonable, but the applicant will only be eligible for consideration for the ordinary rate of grant unless there is another qualifying payment as per Schedule 2 of the Student Grant Scheme 2020.
A student may be assessed as an independent mature student if he or she has attained the age of 23 on the 1st of January of the year of first entry to an approved course or of re-entry following a break in studies of at least three years and is not ordinarily resident with his/her parents/ legal guardian from the previous October. Otherwise he or she would continue to be assessed on the basis of parental/ legal Guardian income.
Only in exceptional cases, where compelling evidence of estrangement from parents/guardians is provided, can candidates who are under 23 be assessed without reference to their parents/guardians income or address, Article 21(3) (b) of the Scheme refers.
SUSI, the grant awarding authority, has advised that the student in question has made no grant application for the academic year 2020/21. SUSI’s online application process for student grant applications for the 2020/21 academic year opened on 23rd April, 2020. The closing date for receipt of late applications by SUSI is 5th November, 2020.
Further information regarding class of applicant (independent or dependent) and the types of documentation accepted as evidence of living independently from parents / legal Guardians is available from SUSI’s website: https://susi.ie/eligibility/applicant-class/. You may also wish to further discuss your particular circumstances by telephoning the SUSI Support Desk on 0761 087 874.
Apart from the Student Grant Scheme, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This 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. Information on the fund is available through the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
1008. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if both higher education institutions and third level institutions are moving all classes online for the next six weeks under level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32759/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1013. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when a decision will be made on whether third level institutions will be operating teaching and learning mainly online for the post-Christmas semesters to provide clarity for students and families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32903/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra1029. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans in place for colleges to resume in-person lectures once the current level 5 restrictions expire; if blended learning will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33429/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1008, 1013 and 1029 together.
In providing guidance for higher education providers to return to learning safely for the 2020/21 academic year, my Department published a three-pillar guidance framework, consistent with public health requirements. This included an adaptation framework to assist institutions to continuously adapt to meet the challenges posed by this pandemic.
When the framework was initially published the prevailing public health situation was one that supported a return to on-site learning. However as a result of recent developments the balance between on-site and online provision was adjusted.
As the Deputy will be aware, as of midnight on Wednesday 21 October all of Ireland has been placed on Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID for a period of six weeks.
The Level 5 measures designate higher and further education as essential insofar as onsite presence is required and such education activities cannot be held remotely. However, all further and higher education institutions should continue to deliver the majority of their classes online. Given the scale and diversity within third-level provision, the higher and further education institutions themselves are best equipped to determine in which circumstances onsite presence is required.
Examples of activities that may require an on-site presence include, but are not limited to, teaching and research in laboratories, practical and skills-based tuition, scheduled access to libraries and other on-site resources, and provision of necessary onsite support to meet the mental health and welfare needs of students.
Given the evolving nature of the public health environment, it is not yet possible to provide any guarantee as to the format of the second semester. It is planned to review the position with relevant institutions and stakeholders in the light of experience and the progress of the disease and communicate the position for next semester before the end of the year.
