Written Answers Nos. 775-793
776. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1298 of 21 April 2021, if this is an exhaustive list of all quotas on intake numbers applied to third level courses by any Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22216/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccording to the information available to me, the quotas in relation to primary school teaching, nursing and medicine are the only quotas determined by government departments.
Higher Education Institutions are autonomous bodies, and, aside from where a quota has been set, can determine the places available in a given course. However even when there are no formal quotas imposed practical restrictions to expansion exist in many courses, including in relation to staffing ratios, laboratory space, or clinical and other professional placements.
778. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1298 of 21 April 2021, if his Department or the HEA collect or collate data on initiatives or mechanisms used by higher education institutes in relation to increasing and supporting cross-Border enrolment on the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22218/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn occasions, reports are jointly commissioned by key Government Departments, North and South on cross-Border enrolments - the last such report An Analysis of Existing Statistics on Student Flows between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in Higher Education was published in December 2018 jointly by the Higher Education Authority, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are autonomous and manage their own academic affairs including admissions procedures. The CAO manages applications for undergraduate courses on behalf of the HEIs.
779. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1302, 1340 and 1341 of 21 April 2021, if his Department or the HEA monitor or collate information on the revenue of institutes of higher education in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22219/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the Parliamentary Questions referenced the Deputy sought information in relation to the percentage share of public funding in the total revenue of Higher Education Institutions.
In my response I confirmed that my department does not compile the information requested by the deputy.
It is important to note that, in considering the total level of resource available to the sector, higher education institutions are autonomous bodies under legislation and have significant income streams from activities pursued through academic freedom. The accounts of HEA designated higher education institutions are audited by the C&AG annually and that the accounts are laid before the Oireachtas.
As the deputy will be aware the Higher Education Authority (HEA) monitors the overall financial position of higher education institutions designated under the authority. Officials in my department are engaging with the HEA to confirm the position and the details will be communicated to the Deputy as soon as possible.
780. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the breakdown of the funding of the Technological University Dublin pilot pre-apprenticeship programme between industry, the HEA and the Social Innovation Fund Ireland in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22220/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe TU Dublin Access to Apprenticeship Programme is an innovative close-to-the-labour market employability programme which is specifically set up to support young men and women from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to secure craft apprenticeship positions. The funding it has received since 2018 is set out in the attached table.
|
Access to Apprenticeship Funding |
|
|
Philanthropic sources |
€527,498.00 |
|
Rethink Ireland |
€44,000 |
|
HEA (up to 2020) |
€265,171.00 |
781. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of mainstreaming the Technological University Dublin pilot pre-apprenticeship programme to other institutes of technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22221/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe TU Dublin Access to Apprenticeship programme is part funded by the HEA, with one third of the cost over the past three years being met from HEA funding. The programme is highly innovative and targeted to local needs, supporting young people to gain skills and experience relevant to craft apprenticeship.
Under the recently published Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025, the impacts of and outcomes from the TU Dublin Access to Apprenticeship programme and other interventions across the sector such as the 500+ pre-apprenticeship places and the female apprentice bursary will be examined to provide an evidence base for best practice and future interventions.
782. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to parliamentary Question Nos. 1313 and 1314 of 21 April 2021, if the total planned Exchequer programme B and National Training Fund, NTF, funding of the higher education sector for 2021 is in the order of €1.98 billion; if not, the total planned expenditure once Covid-19 related expenditure is removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22222/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the revised estimates for 2021, and as previously advised, exclusive of further education (programme A) and research allocations (programme C) total planned exchequer (programme B) and NTF funding of the HE sector for 2021 is in the order of €1.98billion.
Within this allocation funding the following items are included in response to COVID 19 impacts:
- 20million for expected additional demand on student grant scheme
- €7m for Springboard+ and €12m for HEA apprenticeships under the NTF.
The details as outlined above reflect the current position.
In terms of ongoing COVID impacts, the provision of higher education funding is part of overall expenditure management and budgetary policy for Government. My Department and the HEA will continue to work with sector stakeholders to monitor the impact on HE provision and liaise with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as required.
783. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1318 of 21 April 2021, if his Department or any other State agency monitor or collects data in relation to apprenticeships wages governed under the consortia model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22223/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra785. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1318 of 21 April 2021, if there is no minimum wage for apprenticeships governed under the consortia model; the safeguards in place to protect the apprentices as workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22242/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 783 and 785 together.
Apprentices are employed under a Contract of Apprenticeship. All apprentices including those undertaking the new consortia led apprenticeships are excluded from the provisions of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000. All other general employment legislation applies to apprenticeship as contracts of employment.
In the case of the 35 apprenticeships established since 2016, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer. Neither the Department or any other State agency collect data in relation to apprenticeships wages.
In relation to the quality of the apprenticeship experience, the core regulatory standards for apprenticeship provided for in the 1967 Act have been enhanced through statutory rules and administrative guidance.
The Apprenticeship Code of Practice which specifies the rights and responsibilities of apprentices and employers and is signed by both parties, forms the basis of each apprenticeship contract. In tandem with adherence to core regulatory standards, apprenticeships are underpinned by a strong framework of quality assurance to ensure programmes provide a high quality learning experience for apprentices.
Authorised Officers (AOs) provide a critical role in ensuring a high quality on-the-job experience in apprenticeship. AOs approve employers before they can register apprentices, progress the registration of apprentices and provide a point of contact for apprentices in addition to general monitoring of compliance with the Code of Practice.
A review of the application of the quality assurance framework to the craft apprenticeships was completed in December 2020. Building on this, and experience to date, a comprehensive review of the quality assurance, governance arrangements and processes for the existing consortia-led programmes will be undertaken and utilised to inform the development of a robust and future proofed quality assurance system for the future.
Under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 apprentices will be supported to complete their programmes through clearer communication, support networks and increased ownership of their learning journey. The voice of apprentices in shaping the future of the system will be formalised within the single system of apprenticeship, enhancing the existing apprentice feedback mechanism which is inherent in the QQI quality processes. Apprentices will be included both looking to the future through representation on the apprenticeship stakeholder oversight and advisory structures and also through an annual survey of apprentices which will provide a robust system view for the prior year.
786. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1326 of 21 April 2021, the annual and reserve surplus of the NTF by 2025 if expenditure remained stable but excluding Covid-19 emergency spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22243/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Training Fund (NTF) Act, 2000 provides for a levy on employers to be used to fund the development of and raising of skills amongst those in, or seeking, employment.
The reserve surplus of the NTF by 2025 if expenditure remained stable (excluding Covid emergency spending) is €1.8 billion. See table below for further details.
Table – NTF projected surplus (€’000)
|
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
|
NTF Levy A |
774,300 |
783,500 |
826,300 |
870,900 |
918,400 |
|
European Social Fund B |
27,750 |
27,750 |
27,750 |
27,750 |
27,750 |
|
Total Projected Income |
802,050 |
811,250 |
854,050 |
898,650 |
946,150 |
|
Expenditure held flat (excluding Covid from 2022 onwards) |
741,273 |
623,273 |
623,273 |
623,273 |
623,273 |
|
Projected Surplus/(Deficit) for the year |
60,777 |
187,977 |
230,777 |
275,377 |
322,877 |
|
Balance brought forward at 1 January 2021 C |
817,464 |
||||
|
Surplus carried forward as at 31 December 2025 (projected) |
1,895,249 |
A 2021 Levy is as per 2021 published Revised Estimates. Levy for 2022 onwards is as forecasted by the Department of Social Protection in April 2021.
B The level of ESF receipts to the NTF in any year depends on the amounts certified to and reimbursed by the Commission in that year in respect of NTF funded activities. For the purpose of this request ESF income continues to be shown at the 2021 published figure in the Revised Estimates.
C As per draft NTF 2020 Accounts.
The operation of the EU Fiscal Rules, prior to Covid-19, and the inclusion of the NTF in the Department's overall annual expenditure ceiling has meant that, in the absence of an increased rate of contribution or the availability of additional fiscal space, additional expenditure could not be sourced from the NTF without a corresponding drop in Exchequer expenditure. So while the surplus has built up over previous years due to improvements seen in the economic and labour market situation before Covid-19 started to impacted in 2020, it was not possible to increase expenditure beyond that generated by the increase in the levy.
There has been very substantial growth in NTF spending in recent years on the basis of the +0.1% increase in the Training Levy in both 2018 and 2019 with expenditure increasing by €58m (16%) and €69m (17%) respectively. This has supported a very significant expansion in NTF priorities. The Training Levy increased in Budget 2020 to 1% allowing a further increase in NTF spending of €77m.
The NTF Advisory Group continues to be the mechanism to inform and guide on investment from the Fund and the use of the surplus. The Group has set out a detailed work plan over the next two years to examine a range of themes that will ultimately guide upskilling and reskilling priorities for the NTF into the future.
787. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount spent by his Department on public relations advice and media advice since January 2020 to date in 2021; and the companies engaged for this advice in tabular form. [22275/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not incurred any expenditure on public relations advice or media advice.
788. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the amount spent by his Department on advertising and public messaging in print, broadcast and online since January 2020 to date in 2021; and the companies engaged to assist with placing the advertisements and the companies advertised with in tabular form. [22293/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has conducted three paid advertising campaigns in 2020 and 2021. There were two campaigns around COVID-19 safety messaging for young adults and students, and one to advertise The Right Course, a one-stop shop for training and learning opportunities for employers and employees.
|
Campaign |
Channels |
Company |
Amount |
Year |
|
COVID-19 Keep it Small, Keep it Safe, Keep your Distance |
|
PhD Media |
6,251.24 |
2020 |
|
The Right Course |
RTE Radio One; 98 FM; Media Central radio, Google adwords; Twitter |
PhD Media |
26,825.22 |
2021 |
|
How COVID-19 Spreads |
Twitter; Snapchat; Facebook |
PhD Media |
12,560.41 |
2021 |
789. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the percentage of core funding provided to public institutions that is ring-fenced for student supports, for example, counselling, access office, academic writing, mathematics supports centres and so on. [22352/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in my Department are liaising with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to confirm the position and the details will be communicated to the Deputy as soon as possible.
790. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the estimated cost of replacing State vehicles which are owned by his Department or agencies under his remit with hybrid or electric models; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22567/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department does not lease or own any vehicles.
The information in respect of state bodies within the scope of the Deputy’s question is not held by my Department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with his query.
Contact E-Mail Addresses for State Bodies under the Remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
|
Name of Body |
Dedicated Email address for the Members of the Oireachtas |
Designated Official Responsible for assisting Oireachtas Members |
|
Higher Education Authority |
Oireachtas@hea.ie |
Padraic Mellett* |
|
Irish Research Council( Note 1) |
Oireachtas@research.ie |
Padraic Mellett* |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
Communications@ggda.ie |
nora.rahill@ggda.ie |
|
SOLAS |
oireachtasinfo@solas.ie |
Nikki Gallagher |
|
Skillnets Ltd |
oireachtas@skillnets.com |
t.donnery@skillnets.com |
|
Quality and Qualifications Ireland |
ceo@qqi.ie |
ceo@qqi.ie |
|
Léargas – The Exchange Bureau |
oireachtas@leargas.ie |
fbroughan@leargas.ie |
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
ciara.cotter@sfi.ie |
Ciara Cotter |
Note 1 – In regard to the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Irish Research Council (IRC) as the IRC operates under the auspices of the HEA. Mr Mellett will address Oireachtas queries for both the HEA and IRC. Please use Oireachtas@hea.ie and Oireachtas@research.ie respectively to contact Mr Mellett.
791. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice if management companies are entitled to charge interest rates of 16% on management company fees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22026/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 was enacted with the primary purposes of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of owners' management companies (OMCs). These are companies registered under the Companies Acts, the members of which are the owners of residential units within the development, which are established for the purposes of ownership and management of such common areas.
In relation to annual service charges, it is a matter for each individual OMC to determine the amount of the service charge on an annual basis. Section 18 of the Act requires OMCs to establish and maintain a scheme of annual service charges from which they may discharge expenditure incurred on the provision of common or shared services to the owners and occupiers of residential units in the development, including insurance, waste management and security services. The Act sets out clearly that the service charge must be calculated on a transparent basis, and be equitably apportioned between the residential unit owners. In order to ensure transparency and accountability, both the annual service charge and the services to be provided must be approved by a general meeting of the members of the OMC.
Section 24 of the Act contains provisions for the resolution of disputes relating to multi-unit developments. It provides that a person, including any member of an OMC, may apply to the Circuit Court for an Order to enforce any rights conferred or obligations imposed by the Act. The Court, if satisfied that a right has been infringed or an obligation has not been discharged, may make such remedial order as it deems appropriate in the circumstances with a view to ensuring the effective enforcement of the right or the effective discharge of the obligation. The Act also contains provisions which encourage the resolution of disputes that may arise between parties by means of mediation rather than recourse to court proceedings.
This Act does not specify interest rates in relation to service charges. However, I would refer the Deputy to the Late Payments in Commercial Transactions Regulation, which comes under the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, for further information on this matter.
792. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the way in which funding from the community safety innovation fund will be allocated. [22067/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you will be aware, Minister McGrath and I have agreed, in principle, to establish the new Community Safety Innovation Fund. The scheme, when established, will consider applications to allocate funds to community safety projects and other policy initiatives in the area including the work of the new Local Community Safety Partnerships.
It will reflect the significant successes of An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau in disrupting criminal activity and seizing proceeds of crime, by providing additional funding for investment in community safety projects.
The details of how the fund will be allocated will be finalised as part of the budgetary process.
793. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which she can ensure a fair and even balance between the right to freedom of expression and the rejection of xenophobia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22336/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraJustice Plan 2021 commits to introducing new legislation to deal with hate crime and incitement to hatred by the end of this year.
As the Deputy may be aware, Minister Helen McEntee recently secured Government approval to publish the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill 2021.
The Bill will create new, aggravated forms of certain existing criminal offences, where those offences are motivated by prejudice against a protected characteristic.
The protected characteristics under the Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill 2021 are:
- Race
- Colour
- Nationality
- Religion
- Ethnic or national origin
- Sexual orientation
- Gender
- Disability
The proposed new Bill will repeal the 1989 Prohibition of Incitement to Hatred Act in its entirety.
It is important in considering changes to the 1989 Act to bear in mind the fundamental right, enshrined in our Constitution and in the European Convention on Human Rights, to freedom of expression.
Though fundamental, this right is not absolute and can be limited or restricted by law for compelling reasons, including protecting other fundamental human rights.
Any limitation on freedom of expression must, however be necessary, proportionate and explicitly provided for in law. Our new legislation must respect the essence of the right to free expression. We must ensure that the limitations we, as a society, choose to place on freedom of expression by prohibiting incitement to hatred are needed in order to protect the rights and freedoms of others, and are effective in doing so.
